This is Mine, You Can't Take It
~Part 3~
[Okay, so it's gonna be this part, then one SHORT part after it, most likely. Maybe an epilogue type part. So yeah. I'm sure most of you know how it'll end anyway, yeah? LOL. I'm really having fun writing this, though! Back to school in three days. :( I shouldn't be whining, though, I had THREE weeks off, and I only have one class from 8:00-10:05 next semester, and not on Fridays. Not THAT bad, right? Right! By the way, this is my first fic in 2004! Happy New Year everyone! The other day my cat hit me and left a big cut right under my eye. It was so close to my eye it was scary! LOL. It wasn't his fault, though, he's been really sick. :( That was random, ay? Anyways, here's the story! I still don't own anyone!]
Halfway over, Lou said, once again appearing out of nowhere to talk to Chandler. He jumped when he heard the voice.
GOD, can you STOP sneaking up on me? he asked in a hushed whisper, looking to Monica who was asleep in their bed.
he said. But there's not much else I can do. What should I do, ring the doorbell?
Well, no, but you could, he looked at Lou. Oh, forget it.
So, you're halfway done, Lou said. How do you feel about your time now?
Really good, actually, he said. Hey, if it's over, I mean, if I've gotten her to fall in love with me all over again, would you tell me so I can rest easy?
Okay then! he paused, beaten. Hey, you never told me WHY I had to make her fall in love with me all over again. Is there some kind of reason to this?
We have to know that there's a reason to give her back to you. You know, to know you two really should be together for longer.
Chandler replied, not sure what else to say.
Okay, it's 12:00 AM on Sunday now, Lou said, gesturing towards the clock in the bedroom. 24 hours to go.
Can't you just give me a HINT on if I've done it or not?
I'd love to help you out, Chandler, Lou said. But I don't know. I'm just here to guide you.
Okay, okay, fine, Chandler said.
I'll check in with you at some point tomorrow, Lou told him. He paused when Monica started to stir. I better be on my way, he said. Good luck. And with that, he was gone.
Monica mumbled.
he asked, his mind still on his latest encounter with Lou.
Are you coming to bed? she asked.
he said, pulling the covers back and sliding under. He could see her smile as he put his arms around her. He couldn't smile, though; he was very aware that this could be the last time he did this.
*~*~*~*
Monica! Chandler! Joey's voice rang through the apartment a little after nine the next morning. Are you guys up?
Chandler mumbled, pulling the covers back over them. If we don't answer him, maybe he'll leave.
Chandler, it's Joey, Monica reminded him. He doesn't leave until he's eaten.
Well, let's just experiment and see what happens.
CHANDLER? MONICA? Joey called again. Monica sighed.
He's just getting louder.
Good, the next step is to go away, Chandler said. A minute later they heard a knock on their bedroom door.
No, the next step is to knock on our door, Monica realized.
Are you guys up!?! Joey asked, impatient.
Joe, it's early! Come back for breakfast in a little while, Chandler tried.
I have to go to work in a little while! We're shooting some scenes today! I need to eat.
Then go over to your place and get something to eat!
You're not supposed to have beer this early in the morning!
Don't you have anything else over there? Monica asked.
No! I'm gonna go hungry, you guys, his voice already laced with worry.
Okay, all right, Monica told Chandler. May as well get up.
It's EARLY, he said.
Who would've thought three years ago that Joey would EVER wake up this early, huh? Monica wondered.
Chandler agreed. He watched Monica get up and pull on her robe, then run a brush through her hair.
Okay Joey, I'm coming, she called to him. She smiled at Chandler. Duty calls, I guess.
Once she left the room, Chandler fell back on the bed and sighed. This was NOT a great start to the day, he thought. I have to do some damage control here, he decided. He got up and looked at the clock.
9:19.
He had fourteen hours and forty-one minutes left.
*~*~*~*
After Joey ate, he ran off to work. Apparently they were shooting some big story line for sweeps, and they had to get a head start on it, which is why they were shooting on Sunday.
Monica decided to leave the food out, aware the others would probably stroll over anytime. Then she went to take a shower.
Ross said, entering the apartment a few minutes after Monica had gotten into the shower.
Chandler greeted him back.
Oh, great, food, Ross said. I'm starving. He looked at Chandler and studied his expression for a moment. You okay, Man? he asked.
Yeah, I'm fine, just... thinking. About... stuff I have to do. TODAY.
Ross said, as if he knew the feeling all too well. Then he started eating his pancakes, leaving Chandler to his thoughts again.
He wanted to ask Ross for some ideas, but he couldn't very well do that without telling him the whole story-- which he wasn't allowed to do. Not like he'd believe it anyway. He tried to think of some way to get it out of him without exactly telling the story, but he decided it was impossible. I need a plan, Chandler thought. I need a GOOD plan. Thoughts ran through his mind. Dinners, lunches, flowers, places to go, things to say. But none of it seemed right.
*~*~*~*
You're trying too hard, Lou told him.
Wow, you didn't even scare me that time, Chandler commented.
You get used to me over time, Lou explained.
What do you mean I'm trying too hard? Chandler asked.
This is consuming you--
Yeah, OF COURSE it's consuming me! If I don't do this successfully, I lose my wife, the single most important person in my life!
That's not what I mean, Lou said. If you would've let me finish.
That's okay, it happens a lot, Lou said with a knowing glance. Anyhow, you're letting this consume you. It's your every thought. Am I right? What to do, what to say, where to go?
Well... yeah.
You can't do that. You have to just go with the flow. Let your heart lead you. Don't think about it too much. That just stresses you out, and that doesn't help you in this situation.
Yeah, okay, I'll try, Chandler said. Then he thought about something. Are there like hundreds of other people you're doing this same thing to? Chandler wondered.
Nah, just a few dozen.
What are you making THEM do? The same thing?
A couple of them, yeah. I have one woman who has to get a picture of her husband with his mother.
Long story. They've been estranged, yada yada yada. She got three days. It's a little more challenging, he explained. Anyhow, I've gotta go check up on the others. Just remember. Don't try so hard. Go with the flow.
And he was gone again.
*~*~*~*
God, that REALLY hurt! Monica cursed, coming out of the bedroom.
What did? Rachel asked. She and Chandler were sitting on the couch.
Oh, nothing, I just stumbled over the bedpost and lost my balance and kinda hurt my ankle.
You okay? Chandler asked.
Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine in a few minutes. She fell into the chair.
They sat there watching TV until a commercial a few minutes later. Rachel turned to Monica.
Oh, Mon, do you have that sweater for me to borrow for tonight? she asked.
Yeah, it's in the bedroom. Hold on, I'll get it. She got up from the chair, and made a face, then limped into the bedroom.
Uh, Mon? Chandler asked, watching her limp back into the living room with the sweater for Rachel.
she asked, tossing it to Rachel. Here ya go.
Are you sure you're okay? Chandler asked her, gesturing towards her ankle.
Yeah. I just banged it really hard. It'll be sore for a little while.
Maybe you should stay off it, Rachel said.
No, I'm fine. I'll be fine, she told them.
If you're sure... Rachel said, not really convinced.
*~*~*~*
Nothing special is happening, Chandler realized, glancing at the clock. He noticed that it was after two. He was coming up short on time, and nothing special was happening. Actually, it was quite the opposite. First Joey had awakened them early. Then she hurt her ankle, which she insisted was fine, but everyone knew it wasn't. Now she was half limping everywhere, the only reason she wasn't fully limping was because she knew she wouldn't appear to be if she did that. Not to mention that Rachel had taken the sweater Monica had let her borrow and spilled something on it.
What am I gonna do? Chandler started to wonder. Then he remembered what Lou had told him the last time he appeared. Don't try so hard rang through his head. He sighed and looked up as Monica limped into the room.
I guess I'll start lunch, she said with a smile.
he started. Are you sure you're okay?
I'm fine, she said with a smile. She walked into the kitchen and started taking things out of the refrigerator. Dropping something onto her foot, she winced in pain.
I'm fine! she insisted. She bent down to pick up what she'd dropped, then limped over to the counter. Chandler sighed and watched her, trying to read in her face if she was really fine or not. He got up and decided to help her in the kitchen, maybe score some points, and keep her from moving around on her ankle too much. She walked over to the table, bumping lightly into one of the chairs on the way.
Oh my God, OW! she winced.
Chandler said gently, watching her scrunch her face up in pain from lightly bumping into the chair.
Okay, okay, you're right, it HURTS! she said, practically falling into his arms. But you know me, she said with a smile through her eyes that were clouding up with tears from pain.
Yeah, I do, he said with a light smile, rubbing her back. Let me see your ankle?
Okay, fine, she gave in, falling into one of the chairs. Chandler sat down in the one next to her, and took her ankle in his lap.
Monica, it's swollen like twice the size! Are you sure you just banged it?
She looked down at the floor. I might have twisted it. Then she looked up at Chandler and smiled in a I don't know what's the matter with me' type way.
I swear I'll never fully understand you, he said. He put her foot down on the chair and got up and got some ice. We're gonna hold this on there and try to get the swelling to go down on our way to the emergency room.
Do we HAVE to go to the emergency room? she asked, making a face. I mean, maybe it will just feel better in a few days.
In a few days. The phrase hit Chandler like a ton of bricks, realizing that she might not have a few days for it to get better. Especially not after how this day was going. Now, to add to it all, they were headed to the ER, which would eat up a few more hours at least. He sighed and looked at Monica, knowing he couldn't start pondering over what to do now.
We're going, he told her. You need to get that checked out. Now let's go, he said, grabbing their jackets off the hook. Doing a double take at her limping, he stopped her. Okay, here, hold the jackets? he asked, handing them to her. She took them, then gasped as he lifted her up into his arms. This is a better solution, I think, he joked.
I like it, she said with a giggle through her pain and smiled.
For you, anything.
*~*~*~*
What is this? Hurt Yourself Day or something? Monica asked as they sat in the emergency room. She had her ankle up on Chandler's lap and he was holding ice on it. It's PACKED in here!
Yeah, and after that last guy who came through, I can see why we're not a top priority.
Ewwww, I know, that's like something you'd see on ER.
Except it's FAKE on ER, he noted, moving the ice around.
she said with a smile.
How's the ankle doing? he asked.
It's feeling better. But I think it's just numb from all the ice. She flashed him a greatful smile. How long have we been here?
About two hours, he said, looking at his watch. Two hours! he realized and thought to himself. It's almost five o'clock! The day is almost OVER! he started to panic to himself. Oh my God, I've done NOTHING special. I've totally wasted this WHOLE day! And yesterday went SO well! If I could've just done as well today, he thought sadly, I might have just pulled it off! But no! I've failed her! he tried to calm himself down. This day isn't over yet, he glanced around the room and noticed how packed it was. Oh, God, we're gonna be here all night!
What's going on in that head of yours? Monica asked.
he asked, snapping back to reality. Oh, nothing, sorry.
she teased. You were just staring off into space for like, three minutes.
Okay, actually- he paused. Actually, I was thinking about you. It wasn't a complete lie.
She smiled. You're so cute, she said.
he said, putting her ankle down. Switch seats.
she asked.
Switch seats so I can hold the ice on the other side, he explained.
she said with a smile and switched with him. He took her ankle again and applied the ice.
How's it feel?
It's okay... although the numbness is starting to wear off, and I'm very aware of the sharp pain.
My poor Monica, he said with a smile. He patted the leg that was up in his lap. You'd think we should be at the top of the list by now.
Yeah, as long as gouging eye number two doesn't come in, she looked at him and they laughed.
I don't think I'll be able to look at eyes the same way for a long time, he said with a smile.
Me either!! she laughed.
He looked at her and grimaced.
Looking at my eye, aren't you? she laughed.
Yeah, sorry.
She smiled Don't worry- then she stopped and looked down.
Looked at MY eye now, didn't you? he asked.
Ummm, yeah, kinda, she admitted in a giggle. Okay, we need to get over this, it's not gonna work if we can never look each other in the eye again.
Or ANYONE for that matter, he realized.
Okay, on three look me in the eye, Monica proposed. One... two... three... On the count of three they both looked at each other. They held the gaze for a few seconds before they broke out in laughter.
For a few minutes there I forgot that my ankle was in agonizing pain, Monica stated.
Yeah, and you didn't want to come, Chandler said, playfully rolling his eyes.
she said with a guilty look.
You're so stubborn, he said, patting her leg. We're out of ice, he said, looking at the bag. It's just cold water now.
It's okay, Monica told him as he was about to get up to get more. I think I'm okay for a while.
You sure?
she told him with a smile.
she said with a smile.
Monica Bing?? a doctor came out with a clipboard and called.
Right here, Monica told him.
Right this way, the doctor said.
Chandler got up and helped Monica to her feet. Then he put his arm around her and helped her limp into the exam room. Just like that time that kid on the airplane kicked her, he remembered. One the way back from Vegas. All of a sudden that familiar knot in his stomach, that had been there for the past two days, tightened again. You have to do something. You can't lose her.
Okay, let's take a look at your ankle, the doctor told Monica. This may hurt a little bit, he warned.
She'll never let on, Chandler informed the doctor.
We'll see about that, he said. Chandler took her hand, knowing that she wanted it, but that she wouldn't take it herself. That would be admitting she was weak or something. He was never really sure what was going on in her head. She smiled at him greatfully. The doctor gave her ankle a few squeezes, and Monica in turn gave Chandler's hand a few light squeezes.
I don't think it's broken, the doctor informed them. But I do think you've sprained or fractured it. I think we'll send you down for x-rays, then we'll know what to do. You'll probably just need something on it, but not as severe as a cast. I'll have Betty take you down to x-ray, then she'll bring you back here.
Okay, thanks, Monica said. She smiled at Chandler and held up their hands that were still entwined. He smiled.
I'll be waiting here, he told her.
I know you will, she responded with a smile.
*~*~*~*
Well, Mrs. Bing, it looks like my suspicions were right, you've sprained your ankle.
Monica said. So what do we do now?
We're just gonna wrap it in an ace bandage, and try to keep you off it for a few days. What will help you mostly is the painkillers I'm going to prescribe.
she said.
Mr. Bing, the doctor said, turning to Chandler. Your task is to keep her off her ankle as much as possible the next two or three days.
Sure thing, Chandler responded. Although it might be kinda tricky, she doesn't like to listen to me that much. She lightly hit his arm.
After a few days if the pain keeps up, or at least is not getting any better, come back to see me.
Great, thanks a lot, Monica said.
No problem. Take care of yourself, the doctor said, handing her the prescription and leaving the room.
You heard him, Chandler said. You're staying in bed.
But Chandler, I...
No buts, he told her. You're staying in bed. That's all there is to it.
she said. Then she broke into a grin. But only on one condition.
One condition. Chandler thought. Lou and his one condition. Which is?
YOU have to stay in bed WITH me, Monica said, giving him a wink.
We'll see, Chandler said with a smile. Now let's go.
And I'll pray that she HAS days to stay in bed, he thought. He looked at his watch. Six-thirty! he realized. By the time we get home, it's gonna be seven... and she can't do anything, anyway, she has to stay in bed. I've totally messed this up, haven't I? he sighed and put his arm around Monica, and used his other hand to steady her. I may as well enjoy the time we have left, then...
*~*~*~*
The food's here, Chandler announced, bringing in the Chinese the delivery man had just brought.
Great, I'm starving, Monica said from her place lying on the couch. Chandler had refused to let her get up to make anything for dinner.
How's the ankle now? Chandler asked as they sat down with the food.
It's okay, actually. Those pain killers are really starting to kick in!
he said.
Thanks for being great with me today, Monica told him. I really appreciate it.
Chandler told her. If only I could have done something to make the DAY great, he thought. What was this, come kind of trick to take her away from me? This bad day? I love you, Chandler decided to make sure to tell her.
I love you too, Monica said, smiling.
I love you more.
No way.
Yes way, Monica said with a laugh.
We're so sixth grade, he joked.
I like it that way, Monica said with a smile, and leaned in to give him a kiss. Better than those old married couples who never talk and can't stand to look at each other.
Well, our marriage isn't old enough yet. Give it time, he joked. Like there's gonna be any time to give it! That joke just came out of no where.
She smiled. Nah. I refuse to let it get like that. Ever. And you know how stubborn I am, she said with a smile.
*~*~*~*
That's it, Chandler realized. It's over. I've totally screwed it up. GOD, I'm such an idiot. This was my chance to save her, and I messed it up! I had that great day yesterday, and I let today go down the toilet. He sighed and put his face in his hands. He looked at Monica who had fallen asleep on the couch, then at the clock that said it was 10:39. By the time she gets up, it's gonna be too late. If I had thought of something to do today, she wouldn't have hurt her ankle in the bedroom, and she we wouldn't have spend all night in the ER and her on the couch, and maybe I would have succeeded. I can't believe I let this happen. He sighed and sat down on the table and watched her sleep. He brushed her hair back behind her ear.
I love you, he whispered to her. You mean more to me than anyone or anything. You know that, right? he sighed. I'm so sorry for letting you down.
He sat there, just watching her sleep, and cherishing the time he had left with her. Even though she was asleep, even though he wasn't talking to her, or kissing her, or laughing with her, he still had her.
He glanced at the clock again a while later and noticed it was 11:49.
Eleven minutes.
Part of him wanted to wake her up. But he couldn't do it. He sighed, and knew he had to go into their room. He couldn't sit there and prolong his agony anymore.
He kissed her on the head, and smiled. I love you, he whispered again, then slowly walked into their room.