:tomorrow is going to be a bit daunting, I'm going down to the agencies to get myself a job. Doing IT you see, and since leaving college in June I haven't done a thing. So, I've been 'advised' by my family to get something. Should be ok, computers is a big industry out there.:
Second Chance
Chapter three – Causing Havoc
One week later, 17th July
"Jealous? Me?" Chandler muttered to himself as he walked to work through the busy streets of New York. "The only thing I've got to be jealous about with that guy is his bulging biceps...and they're nothing to be impressed by."
He stopped dead in the street and flexed his right arm. "I've still got it," he said, grinning.
"Study all the 'bulging biceps' you want, but please just let me by!" A woman yelled in his ear.
Chandler leaped to one side to let the irritable woman through and then he himself continued through the busy streets, still muttering about Pete.
He came to a stop outside his building and a slow smile crept across his face. What the hell was he doing going to work when he only had less than six months left on this Earth? As Monica seemed to be very much back together with Pete, his deal with Bob was very much not going to plan. He might as well start enjoying himself while he could.
He ran through the revolving doors and headed to the escalators, a plan beginning to form in his mind. He hated this job, especially the rules that went with it. The memories of his somewhat rebellious childhood went through his head – everything from smoking in the boys' bathrooms at school to causing havoc in lessons. The causing havoc he particularly enjoyed.
"Hey Toby!" a familiar voice called cheerfully as he arrived in his department.
Chandler smiled deviously and turned around. "Hey Bob," he said enthusiastically, "I think you've got the wrong guy here. I'm not Toby."
Bob's brow furrowed. "Yes you are…" he mumbled bewilderedly, "I see you everyday, although maybe not recently…have you been ill?"
"Well…" Chandler started.
"Of course, I know you must have been really ill," Bob interrupted, "Not like that guy who runs this department like a playhouse and then disappears for a week without so much as a phone call…what's his name? Chandler? What an idiot."
By using one swift movement with his fist, Chandler made contact with his colleague's jaw and sent him to the ground.
"Hey, pal, I think you should know that I'm Chandler!" he yelled at the stunned looking Bob, "And the reason why I've even let you call me Toby for the last year and a half is because I wanted that donut you offered me! So, if you excuse me, I'm going to my office, to work, after being in a coma for a week! Geez, are all the Bob's I know dorks?"
Chandler strode through the hallways, a broad grin spreading across his face. The next six months were going to be very interesting. It was time to look out for Number One for a change.
****
"Hey Bing!"
Chandler looked up from the pictures he was drawing on his PaintBrush software and saw his boss, Doug, walk in his office.
"Hey Doug," Chandler stood up and walked over closer to his boss.
"I've just got the monthly stats…the WENUS is definitely on the up!" Doug shouted triumphantly, "Our jobs are safe for another month…not that ours were ever unsafe! Haha!" he slapped Chandler's butt enthusiastically.
Chandler took several paces backward and laughed uncomfortably. "Good one Sir," he told him, "but…" he paused, wondering whether what he was about to say would be any good in the long run. Oh to hell with it… "The joke was a little mean Sir."
"What do you mean by that Bing?" Doug asked gruffly.
"You were implying that if the WENUS was bad, everyone would lose their jobs apart from us and I don't think that's very fair!" Chandler continued boldly.
"Oh you don't think that's fair, do you?" Doug asked dangerously, "Bing, I think you're forgetting who you're talking to."
"Yes I do know whom I'm talking to!" Chandler shot back, "and another thing…your jokes suck bad man! Do you get them out of a pamphlet or something? I swear, if I have to 'laugh' at another of them one more time, I'll go crazy!"
"Bing, control your temper!" Doug yelled.
"No, I won't control myself!"
"Then get out of this office!" Doug bellowed, turning a deep shade of red in the face.
"Oh don't worry, I'm going," Chandler told him, walking over to the door. He stopped and turned around. "By the way, I think you should keep your butt slapping for the gay guy down in Financial Services…Lowell would really appreciate them!" He slammed the door behind him.
A few minutes later, Chandler was running through the streets of New York, tie flapping in the breeze. "I'm free! I'm free!" he screamed, "New York, Chandler Bing has arrived!"
****
18th July
"So, do you all think this looks ok?" Monica asked worriedly, twirling around in her living room.
Ross rolled his eyes. "Mon, the dress looks fine; now just get out of here to meet Pete already!"
"Hey don't listen to him, take all the time you need Monica," Chandler jumped in, smiling supportively.
"Thank you!" Monica told him, staring at him in surprise, "It seems there can be men who know what a woman wants." She stuck her tongue out at her brother. Ross just rolled his eyes in return.
Chandler's heart jumped in satisfaction. He had just killed two birds with one stone. As well as delaying Monica's departure to meet Pete, he had also taken Joey's advice and gone for being the 'supportive' friend. It had worked a treat.
"You see, Chandler knows when to not hurt a woman's feelings," Monica continued, smiling over at him.
When ever Monica smiled at Chandler like that, it made his heart beat twice as fast.
"Funny that the first time Chandler broke up with Janice, he hit her in the eye." Ross commented, smirking.
"That was three years ago Ross," Rachel snapped, "Do you have to remember everything?"
"You're a one to talk!" Ross shot back.
"Oh that's it; throw your infidelity in my face!"
"Ok, that's it, time out!" Phoebe cut in, "You're giving out an unpleasant vibe in the room."
Chandler rolled his eyes. Had he really given up the peace of heaven for this?
"Oh Chandler, your boss called this morning," Joey said, changing the subject.
"Oh…right." Chandler swallowed hard.
"Why would Doug be calling your apartment when he could just see him at work?" Ross inquired.
"Maybe that's because I didn't go to work," Chandler mumbled.
"Really?" Joey asked in surprise, "where have you been all day?"
"Coffee House," Chandler replied, "So, what did Doug say?" he asked.
"He said he's willing to forgive you for your outburst yesterday and that maybe you should consider therapy." Joey replied, grinning.
"If he calls again, tell him I've considered the therapy but I would rather sit around listening to his jokes than listen to a total stranger telling me I'm a whack job." Chandler said airily.
"Whoa…what happened?" Ross asked, widening his eyes.
"I finally got some perspective and quit my job." Chandler explained.
"You…quit your job?" Monica gasped, "Just like that?"
"Pretty much," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"But…but how are we going to pay rent?!" Joey panicked.
"I've got that covered, don't worry." Chandler said. "I have some savings which will get us through for a while."
"This is crazy," Ross said, shaking his head, "I can't believe you've just quit your job."
A knock came from the door and the group turned to look at it. Monica sighed. "There is no way I can concentrate on this date now," she grumbled, walking over to answer it.
Chandler smiled secretly. The less Monica thought about Pete, the better.
"Hello Monica," Pete's voice drifted into the room from the hallway, "I'm really sorry about this but I got a call from my office about an hour ago, there's a bit of a crisis down there. I've been trying to sort it out and I haven't been able to tell you until now but I've got to call off the date."
"Oh…right," Monica said in disappointment, "well if you're busy, you're busy."
Chandler listened carefully to this conversation. Pete was standing Monica up! If it wasn't for the other four friends being in the room as well, he could've danced on the table at that very moment.
"Anyway, I will make it up to you, I promise." Pete continued.
"Ok, I'll call you tomorrow," Monica told him, "Don't work too hard!"
Pete left and Monica shut the door, sighing heavily. The group looked at her sympathetically.
"Too bad Mon," Rachel said comfortingly.
Ross checked his watch and let out a cry of dismay. "Damn!" he yelped, "I've got to go pick up Ben! He's staying over mine tonight." He patted Monica on the shoulder, "Sorry about this. Will you be ok?"
"I'm fine Ross," Monica assured him, "go pick up your son."
Ross grabbed his jacket and ran out of the apartment.
"Actually you guys, I'd better get going too," Joey admitted, looking around apologetically, "I need to get to bed, got an early audition tomorrow."
"Oh yeah, is this for the antiseptic cream commercial?" Rachel asked, smirking slightly.
Joey rolled his eyes, "yes, ok, so it's going to be cheesy but I need the money…especially since somebody decided to quit his job." He glared at Chandler meaningfully.
"Good luck Joey," Phoebe said caringly as he left.
"Thanks Pheebs," Joey told her, winking.
Chandler exchanged looks with Monica and Rachel before looking at Phoebe, curiosity filling his mind. "Pheebs, what just happened there?" he asked.
"What…what do you mean?" Phoebe asked, blushing.
"Good luck Joey," Monica said in a sickly sweet tone. Chandler chuckled.
"So, Pheebs, how long has the crush been going on?" he asked now.
Phoebe turned a deeper shade of red, fiddling with the long locks of her blonde hair. "I don't know what you're talking about," she muttered. She stood up, grabbing her bag, "I'm going home now!" she rushed out of the apartment, leaving the other three staring after her with stunned looks.
"If Phoebe doesn't love Joey then Ross isn't a geek," Rachel commented, grinning knowingly. She yawned tiredly and walked over to her bedroom door. "I'm exhausted…see you both in the morning." She shut the door behind her.
There was silence for a while before Chandler finally decided to speak up. Monica looked so depressed; he almost felt guilty for being pleased that Pete had let her down. "Are you ok?" he asked softly.
Monica nodded. "Couldn't be better," she said quietly. She picked up the remote for the TV and pressed a switch. Images of a re-run of an old comedy came up on the screen. "You want to watch this?" she asked.
Chandler nodded. "Sure…whatever," he answered. Monica sat down next to him on the couch and he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sure Pete will come through for you," he said awkwardly.
Monica looked up at him. "You know what? I really don't care anymore," she told him dejectedly, "This isn't the first time Pete has let me down this week. He didn't even remember to meet me for lunch a couple of days ago."
"Oh Mon," Chandler sighed and kissed her forehead gently.
"Sometime I wonder what I do wrong for my boyfriend to not even remember dates with me."
"Mon, listen to me…" Chandler said firmly, "It's not your fault that Pete is unreliable. If he can't see that you should be the most important thing in his life then he's crazy…" he stopped and turned red slightly.
Monica smiled slightly and ruffled his hair, "You're sweet Chandler, but I know you're only saying that to make me feel better."
"No I'm not!" Chandler burst out, "I'm being serious. You're amazing…you don't deserve to be treated like that by anybody."
Monica gave Chandler a hug and stood up. "How the hell are you still single?" she asked softly, turning to walk into her bedroom. "Goodnight Chandler," she whispered, turning back around to give him a friendly kiss on the cheek. She walked into her bedroom and shut the door.
Chandler's fingers touched the place on the cheek where Monica had kissed it. He fell down on the couch and groaned passionately.
****
That night, once again, Chandler found himself in the Assessment Room.
Bob the spirit studied him carefully. Chandler felt exhausted and frustrated, and the signs were beginning to show.
"Chandler, are you getting enough sleep?" Bob asked, concerned.
"How can I when you keep waking me up?" Chandler asked grumpily.
"Actually, you're not really awake," Bob corrected him, "Your sub-conscious mind is what is here now."
"So, what do you want me for this time?" Chandler asked wearily.
"Your sleeping patterns are a little disturbing," Bob said seriously, "Your worries about Monica should not be affecting you like this…unless you're completely and utterly, hopelessly in love with her?"
"I don't know," Chandler said quietly.
"How can you not know?" Bob pressed.
"Because she doesn't like me in that way!" Chandler exclaimed, "She sees me as a friend. That is all. Tonight was evidence enough to know that our relationship is totally innocent…I'm not in love with her and she doesn't love me!"
"Oh you think so, do you?" Bob asked, smiling calmly.
"Yeah…" Chandler said hesitantly, gazing at Bob with curiosity.
"I think you need to see this…" Bob said, pointing downwards. Once again, the transparent bubble appeared on the desk and Chandler gazed into it.
"Hey, this is when Ross, Joey and I went to that Rangers game together!" Chandler said in realisation, "Monica, Rachel and Phoebe were having a slumber party or something…but this was four years ago."
"Correct," Bob confirmed, "while you boys were out, the girls were sitting on the balcony spying on their neighbour. I think you should pay attention to this conversation…"
"So, girls, who do you think is the sexiest between Ross, Chandler and Joey?" Rachel asked, taking another sip of her punch.
"Eww, Ross is my brother!" Monica grimaced.
"Ok, in your case, between Chandler and Joey," Rachel corrected herself.
"I'll go first," Phoebe interrupted, "And it's actually a tough one…"
"Really?" Rachel asked in surprise, "I thought you would pick Joey straight away."
"Well, that's where you're wrong," Phoebe said, smiling, "I happen to think Ross is quite sexy too!"
"What about Chandler?" Monica demanded, staring at her friend in shock. Phoebe and Rachel exchanged glances and giggled.
"Well, we know Monica's answer now," Rachel teased.
"Yeah…Monica loves Chandler!" Phoebe added, grinning.
"No I don't!" Monica said, blushing.
"If you don't, then why did you turn to Phoebe saying in a really girly voice, 'what about chandler?'" Rachel asked, smiling. "You never even mentioned Joey."
"I just happen to think that Chandler is cute too," Monica said, shrugging. "There's nothing wrong with saying that."
"Ohhh…Chandler is 'cute' now huh?" Phoebe teased, giggling. "We never asked if the boys were cute or not…"
"Pheebs…" Monica warned.
"Monica, we're only teasing," Rachel said in surprise, exchanging another glance with Phoebe, "don't let it get to you so much."
"Ok, lets ask another question," Phoebe said, shrugging, "what is the best part of the boys' bodies…Mon?" she grinned.
Monica rolled her eyes, "Fine…Joey's legs." She said indifferently.
"I don't think you mean that," Rachel said, smiling knowingly, "In fact, now that I think about it, I'm sure it was CHANDLER'S legs you liked."
"Oh really?" Phoebe asked, sitting up as Monica blushed again.
"Tell you what, let's just forget about Joey and Ross for now and concentrate on Chandler's assets." Rachel suggested, smiling wickedly. "I think his eyes are to die for!"
"Guys, why are you doing this?" Monica whined.
"Because it's so obvious from the way you look at him all the time that you're so in love with Chandler!"
"I am not!" Monica shrieked, though she turned a shade redder.
"Oh come on," Rachel scoffed. She turned to Phoebe. "You should have seen Mon when she first MET the guy. She practically collapsed on her feet when Ross brought him home for Thanksgiving."
"That was a long time ago Rachel," Monica said quietly.
"You still like him though, don't you?" Rachel asked her gently. "I was being serious when I said about you looking at him all the time…and I've seen the way he looks at YOU."
"What?" Monica asked, startled, "How does he look at me?"
"Like all his birthdays have just come at once," Phoebe told her, smiling knowingly.
"You...you think he likes me?" Monica whispered.
"He ADORES you Mon," Rachel said, exasperated.
"And we both know, and I think you do too, that you adore HIM." Phoebe told her.
Chandler looked up from the crystal ball, his eyes widening at Bob. "Oh…my…god," he uttered. "Monica had a crush on me back then?"
"She still has," Bob told him, "She still looks at you in the same way sometimes. Only problem is, she thinks you don't feel the same way."
"This is…incredible," Chandler whispered.
"You honestly didn't see this coming?" Bob asked incredulously. "You two have been friends a long time, but there was always something else there. I think you know that now."
"Monica's with Pete now," Chandler said dejectedly.
"She doesn't love him though."
"This is scary," Chandler stuttered, "Really scary. I'm not supposed to feel like this… no look, this is just a stupid crush. I'm not in love with Monica and she's not in love with me, do you hear me?" he stood up angrily. "I want to go back to bed," he said defiantly.
Bob sighed, "Sooner or later you've got to get shot of this commitment phobia crap and take a risk once in a while."
End of Chapter 3