Don't Tell My Heart
Chapter 6: Freckles


[I have like four fics halfway started. Then I get a new idea and move onto another one that I write halfway. I need to finish them all and get them up for you guys! So what do I do? Write another chapter of this one! LOL, but I guess that this one was ignored for so long that it's only fair, yeah? So here's the next part. I'm totally changing what was supposed to happen in this story right now as we speak lol. I think it will be a lot better this way. At least, I hope it will! A few more parts, I think, then it should be complete. Read and enjoy!]


Mommy? Daddy? Autumn asked, coming into the living room a few minutes later.

the both asked in unison. They figured she had more questions.

This says I was born at 1:14, she told them, showing them the paper that she had in her hand, which was her new birth certificate. Daddy told me that I was born at 1:22!

Monica and Chandler looked at each other, not sure what to tell her.

Well, uhhh, Chandler started, looking at Monica. She shrugged, not sure what to say, either. Well, yeah, you were born at 1:14, he told her. But I say that you're born at 1:22, because, well... he paused to think. That was the time when I first got to hold you! he said, proud of thinking up an answer to give her.

Autumn said with a smile, obviously accepting the answer. She skipped out of the room happily.

Chandler said. He looked at Monica. Was that the right thing to do? Lie to her?

she said. She won't be able to understand until she's older, anyway. She patted Chandler on the shoulder. Good thinking there, though, she said with a smile.

I don't even know HOW I came up with that, he realized.


*~*~*

How long until the baby is here? Autumn wanted to know. She was sitting at the kitchen counter eating slices of an apple.

Not long, Chandler told her. A few weeks. He was on the other side of the counter at the sink.

But how many weeks? Autumn asked.

We don't know, Chandler told her. The baby could come at any time.

I want it to be a girl, Autumn decided.

Chandler said, you've got a good chance it might be.

But a boy would be good, too, she said. It's just that girls can wear cute things like dresses, and when she gets bigger she can wear make-up.

Chandler said. But a boy won't be stealing all YOUR clothes and make-up when you get older.

Autumn said with a laugh. I didn't think of that.

You're really excited about the baby, aren't you? Chandler asked her. Autumn smiled. Chandler had been expecting jealousy and whining and all that stuff, but since they had told Autumn about the baby she had been nothing but excited and willing to help with the preparations.

I am! Autumn said. It's so boring being the only kid.

I'm gonna remember you said that in a few years, Chandler joked.

Daddy, what are you gonna name the baby? Autumn wanted to know.

We're not sure yet, he said. He lowered his voice. Mommy can't make up her mind on anything, this is no different, he whispered.

Autumn laughed. I want to name the baby Cinderella.

Chandler looked at her. he started. That's pretty, he said. I'll run that by Mommy later. But you know how picky Mommy is.

That might not be a good name, though, Autumn went on. Everyone might think of the story Cinderella.

Chandler said. I hadn't thought of that.

Name her Emma! If it's a girl, Autumn added. She'd already made up her mind that she was getting a sister.

Chandler said. Emma is your cousin's name.

I know! Autumn said. That's where I got it from.

Chandler sighed and handed her a glass of milk. All good suggestions, he told Autumn with a smile.

Wait! Name her Schuyler.

Schuyler, huh? he asked. Autumn and Schuyler had been playing together regularly since they had that first play date after meeting at the grocery store. They were practically inseparable now, which kind of scared Monica and Chandler. On the other hand, though, they and Allison both liked that they still got to see their biological children from time to time.

Yeah, cause she's my best friend, Autumn said. And that's her name.

Well, wouldn't that be confusing, though? Chandler countered. I mean, if you call out Schuyler and your sister and best friend think you're talking to them?

Autumn realized. So name her Grace.

Chandler asked. Why Grace?

That's Schuyler's middle name, Autumn explained. Actually she has two middle names. How come I only have one and she has two? Can we give the baby two middle names?? Autumn asked excitedly.

Ummm, we'll see, Chandler said. And you only have one because, well, Chandler shrugged, we didn't think to give you more than one. You know your middle name is after Mommy's grandma.

Daddy, how lucky is it that me and Schuyler are best friends and we have the same birthday? Autumn asked.

Very lucky, Chandler said with a sigh.

So can we name the baby Grace?

What if it's a boy?

Then we can name it Joey!

Did Uncle Joey tell you to say that? Chandler wondered. Autumn looked at Chandler leaned towards him.

she whispered. But don't tell I gave it away.

*~*~*

The baby is gonna be born soon! Autumn told Phoebe who had just arrived at the hospital. Autumn was in the waiting room with Joey.

Is it? Phoebe asked. Are you excited?

Autumn said. Finally, I get to be a sister!

You know, I have a twin sister, Phoebe said.

Awww, no fair Aunt Phoebe, Autumn said. I want a twin sister!

Well, you can have mine, Phoebe joked. But she may not look as much like you as she does me, she added with a smile.

Can I really have her? Autumn asked.

Well, if you weren't getting your very OWN sister or brother, then yeah, I'd let you have her.

I want a sister, Autumn said.

What if it's a boy? Joey asked her.

A brother is okay, she said. But I really want a sister.

Good luck with that, Joey told her. Hey, if it's a girl, get them to name her Josephine!

Can I use that pay phone? Autumn asked, ignoring Joey's name request.

Who are you calling? Joey wondered.

I want to call Schuyler and tell her that I'm gonna be a sister soon!

Okay, here ya go, here's a quarter, Phoebe said, placing money in Autumn's hand.

Thanks Aunt Phoebe! she said before going to the phone.

I can't believe they came back to this hospital, Phoebe said hushed to Joey.

he agreed. But Monica was really far along in labor, it was going really fast, they didn't have time to go to another.

Well, I guess they can't mess up twice, Phoebe said optimistically.

We hope, Joey said.

***

Well, Monica, the doctor said. This shouldn't take very long at all. You're already nearly fully dilated.

she asked. I mean, I know they say your second comes faster, but wow.

The doctor laughed. Every pregnancy and labor is different. Your next baby could take a lot longer than even your first.

Let's hope not, Monica said. I kinda like this fast thing.

the doctor said. I'll be back in a few minutes, then we'll probably be ready to get this show on the road, he said before placing her file at the end of her bed and leaving the room.

Chandler commented, kissing Monica on the head. This is going really fast.

Tell me about it, Monica said with a light chuckle.

You okay? he asked her, brushing a loose strand of hair out of her eyes.

Yeah, I'm okay, I think, she said with a smile. I mean, it's going so fast it hasn't really hit me what's happening yet, she said.

Well, it's hit Autumn, he said with a laugh. She's beyond excited.

Monica smiled. she said. I'm glad she's so into this.

Me too, Chandler agreed, taking Monica's hand again.

Nothing's gonna happen, right? Monica asked him.

You mean, like...

she said. I mean, the baby I have inside of me right now is the one we're going to take home this time, right?

Nothing's going to happen, he told her. What are the odds it would happen twice? he added. She didn't look so convinced. Mon, I promise, I won't let them switch this baby with another this time.

Monica smiled at his promise, even though they both knew it was really out of his hands. It still made her feel better somehow. she told him, squeezing his hand. God, thank God this is going fast because it hurts, she added.

It's gonna be over soon, he assured her, kissing her on the forehead. They both looked at the door as the doctor entered.

Okay, you guys ready to get this show on the road? he asked.

Monica said with a smile.

Okay, then, lucky for you, because it's time to start pushing! he announced.

Monica said hesitantly all of a sudden scared.

You're gonna be fine, Chandler said, rubbing her arm, as if he had read her thoughts. She gave him a smile before looking back at the doctor.

Okay, Monica, on three I want the first big push. One... two... three, he said.

Wow, may be fast, but sure isn't any less painful, Monica stated once she was done with her first push.

You're one push closer now, the doctor said. On the next contraction I want you to push again, the doctor instructed.

Monica nodded.

After about ten minutes of pushing, just when Monica thought she couldn't take it anymore, the doctor looked at her and smiled.

Just one more small push and you'll be done, he told her. Chandler smiled and squeezed her hand.

Come on, Mon, you're almost there, he whispered in her ear. This is it.

It's a girl! the doctor said, holding up their new baby girl for them both to see.

Monica said. Oh my God, look at her! she added.

God, she's beautiful, Chandler said in a whisper.

I know, Monica replied in a whisper, her eyes filling with tears. Chandler put his arm around her and kissed her on the head.

You did it again. You're so amazing, he told her.

She smiled and tilted her head up to kiss him on his lips. I love you, she told him.

I love you too, he replied. He looked up at the nurse who had wrapped the baby in a blanket and was bringing her over to Monica.

Here she is, the nurse said, handing her to Monica.

Ooooh, hi, Monica said, sniffling. Then she looked at Chandler. God, she's so small!

He smiled. She really is, he said, playing with her hands.

Hi Sweetie, Monica said again. I'm your mommy, she added. And that guy over there is Daddy. We like him, he's okay, she added jokingly. She looked at Chandler and smiled.

She's got your eyes, Chandler decided. I can tell.

They don't even have color yet, Monica laughed. They're gray.

Mark my words, this girl is gonna have your eyes.

Monica smiled and looked back at her daughter. If you say so, she said with a smile.

Chandler said. You're amazing.

Well, thanks, Monica said with a smile. She took her eyes away from Chandler to look back at the baby.

We're gonna take her down to the nursery now, a nurse said with a smile. Clean her up better, weigh her, then we'll bring her back.

Monica looked hesitant, but nodded. She handed the baby over to the nurse. Watch her! she whispered to Chandler, even though she knew they couldn't switch her with another baby while she was in the room.

Don't worry, Chandler assured her again, squeezing her hand lightly.

Are you gonna put a bracelet on her or something? Monica wondered.

Yeah, we'll get to that, the nurse said.

Could you maybe just do it now? Chandler asked.

Well, sure, the nurse said, confused. She wrote out a bracelet and fastened it to the baby. We'll take her to the nursery now, the nurse added as she placed their new daughter into her roll away crib.

Monica said with a smile as they left.

She's gonna be fine, Chandler said, kissing Monica on the head.

Monica said, relenting to what she hoped was true. I know, you're right.

I'm so proud of you, he said.

Monica smiled at him. God, I love you, she said with a smile.

Right back at ya, he told her. Can you believe this, huh? You and me. Happily married. Two kids.

She laughed. Hmm, I know, who would've thought like ten years ago, huh?

He brushed the loose strands of hair out of her face. She looked tired and her hair was a mess. Her face was still flushed, and she was sweaty. But he couldn't help but think that she had never looked more beautiful. You're so amazingly gorgeous, he said, kissing her on the cheek. God, you know I can't even say what I'm feeling right now.

She laughed and smiled. Thank you, she said. Cause I sure don't feel gorgeous, she added with a laugh.

***

Well, you're a big sister, Chandler announced to Autumn. She jumped out of her chair in the waiting room.

Is it a boy or a girl? she asked. Chandler could see her face light up.

he teased by dragging it out. I think that you might just maybe have a new little...

she yelled, exasperated.

It looks like you've got yourself a little sister, Autumn, he said with a smile.

It's a girl?? she asked, happily. Yay, I knew it!

She's in the nursery right now, and they're moving Mommy into her new room. So you want to come with me to the nursery and we can look in the window?

she said.

Phoebe said to Chandler, giving him a hug.

Thanks, Pheebs, he said. Joey followed suit and gave him a hug.

Congratulations. Two little girls, huh? My boy's growing up!

Thanks, Joe, he said, patting him on the back.

Ross and Rachel are on their way, Joey told him. They wanted to get someone to watch Emma since she has school tomorrow.

How's Mon? Phoebe asked.

She's fine, Chandler said. Tired, but she's okay.

Autumn whined. Can we go see my sister now?

If you really want, Chandler joked, picking her up. I'll see you guys, he said as he headed to the nursery with Autumn.

***

Which one is she? Autumn asked, looking into the nursery.

Chandler prompted.

Ummmm, that one? she asked, pointing at the one right near them.

Nope, but close, Chandler said.

The one next to her on the end? Autumn asked.

Yep, that's your little sister.

Autumn squealed. She's so cute!

I think so, Chandler agreed.

How do they know which baby belongs to who? Autumn wondered.

They have cards on their beds, Chandler said. And they give the baby a bracelet to wear that tells their last name.

What if the baby takes it off?

They can't, these can only come off if they're cut off.

she said. Well what if they got some babies mixed up and give them the wrong one?

Chandler said, then the parents probably don't know, and the end up loving the baby the get instead a lot and wouldn't want to trade back.

That would be weird, Autumn said. Good thing that doesn't happen.

Yeah. Good thing, Chandler repeated.

***

Ross and Rachel had arrived, and they took Autumn to the cafeteria to get something to eat. She wanted to meet her new sister, but she had a while before her new sister would be returned to her parents, and she was starving. So Ross and Rachel took her to get something to eat while Chandler went to check on Monica.

Chandler said softly as her entered Monica's room.

Hey there, she said with a smile.

How're you feeling? he asked.

I'm okay, she said. Tylenol helps, she added. He went over to her and kissed her on the cheek. Did you take Autumn to the nursery?

Yeah. She picked her sister out on the second try, he said with a laugh.

I guess her sister needs a name? Monica asked.

Chandler said with a laugh. Might help a little.

Any ideas? Monica asked. I mean, we talked about a few, but none of them really clicked yet.

Chandler said. Actually, Autumn said one the other day that kinda stuck with me.

Autumn did? Monica asked. Not Cinderella, is it? she asked with a smile.

No, although she did suggest that one to me, too.

Monica smiled. So? What is it?

Well, first she wanted Cinderella, then Emma after Emma. Then she wanted Schuyler after Schuyler. Then she wanted Grace after Schuyler. Because that's her middle name. And I just thought that that was kinda pretty, and you know, kinda after Schuyler. I don't know, maybe I'm--

I love it, Monica stated.

Chandler asked.

Yes, really, Monica said with a smile. It's perfect.

Chandler said. That was easy. What about a middle name?

Well, Autumn has a family name, so maybe Grace should, too, Monica said, smiling as she said Grace's name for the first time.

Right, so family names for a girl... Chandler said.

We could always use Phoebe or Rachel, but we'd have to choose one or the other.

Not if Autumn had her way, Chandler laughed. She wants the baby to have two middle names like Schuyler.

Monica smiled. Well, we could do that, I guess. But Autumn only has one.

Yeah, but Grace Rachel Phoebe Bing? Chandler asked. Doesn't flow too well.

What about your mom? she asked.

Grace Nora Bing? Chandler asked. Not too bad. But, I dunno...

I like it, she said. That is, if you want to honor your mom.

Chandler said getting an idea. Grace Megan Bing.

she asked.

he said. I mean, your initials, using Geller, are MEG, or Meg, so...

Oh my God, she said. That is so clever.

And it flows. AND I think it's kinda cool to honor YOU in her name.

I like it, she said with a smile. I think that's it. What do you think?

I think so, too.

Hey, hey, a nurse said, entering the room with Grace. Her she is, back to visit Mommy and Daddy!

There she is, Chandler said, going over to see her.

She weighed in at 8lbs, 12 oz, the nurse said. Pretty good sized. And she was 18.5 inches, she added. I'll come back to check in with you in a little while, the nurse said before leaving the room.

So here she is, Chandler said, picking her up. he added.

It suits her, Monica said. Don't you think she looks like a Grace?

Yeah, she does, he said.

She's still the same baby, right? Monica asked in a hushed voice. Chandler looked at her and smile.

Yeah, she is. I know those eyes of yours anywhere, he said.

Those are so not my eyes! she laughed.

Trust me, he said. I've looked into those eyes enough times to know.

If you say so, she said. She watched Chandler hold his newborn daughter with a smile on her face. Just watching him with her made her start to get teary eyed.

Hi Mommy! Autumn's voice called out as she came in the room with Rachel.

Hi guys, Rachel said. We thought we'd come see if the baby was here yet.

Here she is, Monica said, gesturing towards Chandler.

Oh, wow, she's so beautiful! Rachel said. Makes me want another, she added with a smile.

Did you name her? Autumn asked quietly, peering at the baby in her father's arms.

Yeah, we did, Chandler said. We took your suggestion, and this is your new little sister, Grace.

You named her Grace? Autumn shrieked. This is so cool! I named her!

Monica smiled at her daughter's excitement. You want to hold her? she asked.

Can I do that?? she asked in amazement.

Chandler said. If you sit down here in this chair and be very careful.

Autumn said. But, but I don't know what to do... she said.

Don't worry, I'll show you, Chandler told her. Here, sit down, he said. Once she was seated in the chair, he continued. Now put your arms like mine are, he added.

Like this, Monica added, showing her. She copied their movements, and Chandler placed Grace in her arms.

Now just make sure to keep an arm under her head, he told her.

She's so small, Autumn said.

She is, Chandler agreed, watching the two of them together. He looked over at Monica who had tears in her eyes. She put her hand to her mouth to keep from crying.

Is Mommy crying? Autumn wanted to know.

She's just happy, Chandler said as he went over to Monica and patter her on the back. Right Mommy?

she said with a smile.

*~*~*

Mommy, does Grace look like I did when I was a baby? Autumn wanted to know as she watched Monica change Grace.

Monica said. Not very much.

You know what's funny? she asked her mother.

Monica asked.

Schuyler had that same freckle on the side of her neck, Autumn said. Isn't that weird?

Schuyler has a freckle on the side of her neck? Monica asked.

she said. It's right here, she said, going to point at it on Monica's neck. HEY! Mommy! You have it, too! Autumn said, shocked. That's so cool!

That's weird, Monica remarked, trying not to panic. For the most part she had been dealing well with the fact that Autumn and Schuyler had been switched, but sometimes it came and hit her and made her feel all weird again.

I'm gonna tell her that when she comes over tomorrow, she said. I can't wait for her to see Grace! Autumn added.

Oh boy, Monica said under her breath. Me either.

TBC...

Well, okay, this is kinda not really dealing with the issues of them being switched right now, but it's getting there, just go with me on this! LOL. Hope you liked this part. I need to go to bed now. LOL. And my eye just started hurting while typing this. OW! LOL.