Don't Tell My Heart
Epilogue/Chapter 10
Okay, so here ya go! LOL. I'm not sure about that last part at all, but I guess you guys liked it okay. It seemed better once I read it again later. I'm so critical of my own work, lol. As you may have noticed, I haven't been writing a lot lately, like usual around this time of the year. The only reason I wrote so much in January and the beginning of February is because I was only in one class at school and had a lot of free time. Now spring semester has started, and my goodness my classes are hard! I actually have to study and stuff! Like right now, I should be doing math homework and history reading lol. So that takes up time, and plus, I'm working now, so that takes up the weekends! But I have Sundays free (that is, if I'm all caught up with school) so I have a chance to at least write this. Sorry if this doesn't sound normal, I'm sick. ;) Haha okay, so that's just a good excuse in case you hate it. ;) Hope you enjoy. Thank you, everyone, for sticking with this series that took forever for me to update at one point! =D
Oops, edited bc Will's name was Julian at first mention lol.
This was way too fast, Chandler mumbled. They've been engaged like three months.
Yeah, but they've been together like 1000 years, Monica added. Chandler shrugged.
Yeah, but still, way too fast if you ask me!
she told him with a smile, patting his arm. You know they're gonna be happy.
You know they're like engaged? he asked. You know what engaged people do, right? You remember what we were doing when we were engaged, don't you?
Yeah, I do, she said with a smile. But I've decided the world is a lot less complicated if you don't think about your daughter and her fiancé doing stuff like that.
She's only twenty-three, he protested again.
Yeah, yeah, I know, you've told me that like, one hundred times. But look at us? I mean, wouldn't you have liked those extra seven years? she asked.
He rolled his eyes and sighed. And you've told me that like one hundred times, too.
Mom? Dad? Grace asked, coming out of the church and looking at them. Are you coming inside already?
Yeah, we're coming, Monica told her daughter, who looked just like her. Grace smiled and nodded and went back inside. Monica turned to Chandler and gave his arm a pull. Come on now, she said, pulling him inside the church.
Fine, fine, he said with a sigh.
***
She's like, married now, Chandler stated to Monica later at the wedding reception. He groaned. That's even worse than her being engaged!
Monica smiled and patted his arm. It's all gonna be okay. You'll see, she added.
I don't think it is, he pouted. I mean, now she's got her own family. She doesn't need us.
Monica smiled and patted his hand. Sure she will. When she and Will get in a big fight and she wants to spend the night at home with us.
Chandler groaned. Okay a, great, she only wants so have us when she's mad at her husband, and b, Mon, they never fight!
Sure they do.
Yeah, sure, but they never have fights that are so serious that she wants to come home for the night.
Well, they're married now. Newly married couples fight a lot.
We didn't! he pointed out. She frowned. I mean, we argued about stupid stuff, but did you ever go home to your parents? No! And you were the one who said they're just like us!
Monica said with a smile. She looked around the room and saw Autumn talking to some of her new husband's family. She smiled. She really looked beautiful today, didn't she? Monica asked Chandler with a smile.
Yeah, no kidding, he said. Remember that halloween when she was like, what, nine? he asked. Monica smiled and nodded. She dressed up as a bride, and I remember thinking I'd never be able to take the real thing.
Monica smiled. Well, you did, you made it.
He shrugged. I guess. Barely. The day's not over yet.
Grace said, coming up to them. This reception is so great, huh? she asked. The food is delicious, and the place is so pretty! she shot them a smile. And Autumn is gorgeous! Perfect wedding, if I do say so myself.
And when did she grow up? Chandler mumbled as Grace walked off towards the buffet table. You realize this? Our kids are gone. All we have now is Luke. And he's gonna leave soon, too. He's already sixteen!
Monica looked at him, amused. Yeah, but by then we'll probably be grandparents, so...
Ahhh ahh AH! he said, realizing.
Sorry, sorry sweetie, she said with a laugh, patting him on the shoulder.
a voice came from behind them. Monica and Chandler turned their heads to see dark haired, bright blue-eyed Schuyler, in her light blue bridesmaid, or more specifically, maid of honor, dress. Great wedding, huh? she asked with a smile. You must be so happy!
Some of us more than others, Monica said, nodding her head towards Chandler. Schuyler smiled.
Ahh. I see.
He'll be fine, Monica assured Schuyler. So? Where's that Jake guy you've been talking about so much?
Schuyler's smile faded. Oh, he couldn't make it! He had to work at the last minute. He's really, really close to being promoted to assistant manager! So he didn't want to ruin his chances at the last moment.
Makes sense, Monica said.
Just, you know, move slowly, Chandler said. Just because Autumn is married doesn't mean you have to get married anytime soon.
Schuyler smiled at him. Don't worry. I'll be single for a long time still. The thought of commitment. Just, she paused, thinking about it,
Yeah, I know that feeling, Chandler replied. He could tell Monica was looking at him. I mean, not anymore I don't, he tried to cover off her look. I mean, I used to know that feeling. The it went away. I swear it did, he added.
Chandler, Chandler, Monica said, placing her hands on his shoulders. It's okay, relax. I know what you meant.
GOD this day just... GOD. He fell into his chair and put his head in his hands. Monica looked at Schuyler and shrugged.
I've gotta go see how long until I can make my toast, Schuyler said, making her exit.
They grow up so fast, Chandler stated as Monica sat down next to him.
I know, she said quietly, rubbing his arm. But look how happy she is, she gestured towards Autumn. Remember that feeling? Right after our wedding?
He sighed. Yeah. Yeah, I know. That's why this is so hard. I know she's happy. And I want her to be happy, but at the same time, I wish she was six again. And then Grace, well, Grace is in college, living in a dorm, not even doing anything bad, she's getting amazing grades... what's to be upset about her not being at home for? She's doing fine. And Luke, well, he's driving now, which is the beginning of it ALL, and next year is his senior year... then he's gonna be gone.
Yeah. But you know who won't ever be gone? she asked with a smile.
He looked over at her and smiled. I'm hoping the answer to that is you.
She laughed. Yeah. Me. I mean, I know it's hard that they're growing up, but look, it's like a job well done. And you and I are still gonna have each other. It's gonna be okay.
Chandler and Monica looked up to see Autumn standing before them. Are you okay? she asked. You've been kinda... quiet.
Yeah, I'm fine Sweetie, he said. It's just hard for me to see you all grown up.
She smiled. You know I'll always be your little girl, she said. Just, not so little anymore.
I know, he said. Autumn leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. I love you, she said. Thanks for being my dad. She smiled at Monica and kissed her on the cheek. And I love you, too. Thanks for being my mom.
You look beautiful! Autumn turned around to face the voice.
she said with a grin. She gave her a hug. Thank you.
Allison said, holding Autumn by the elbows to take in her dress and hair. I've never seen a prettier woman on her wedding day.
Stop, don't make me cry, Autumn said with a laugh. MOM already did, she said, shooting Monica a pretend glare. Before the ceremony. I had to retouch my make-up and everything.
Hey, I thought you'd have waterproof mascara on, Monica defended herself with a smile.
I hope you're having a good time, Autumn said to Allison. I gotta go see if Schuyler is ready for her toast, she was a few minutes ago. So sit down and listen for it! she said before hurrying off as fast as she could in her dress in heels.
Allison sat down and sighed. When did they grow up?
That's what I'm saying! Chandler said.
Everyone, everyone, Schuyler's voice came from the microphone as she tapped her glass with her spoon to indicate it was time for the toast. I'm gonna make my toast to the bride and groom. I've never seen two people more in love, and more ready for the challenge of marriage than these two who got married here today. Autumn and I have been best friends since we were, like, what, four? I can't even remember a time that Autumn wasn't a part of my life. Or her family. I'm so thankful I found her. We were in the same kindergarten class together, shared the same scary first day. We learned to ride our bikes together. We got our driver's licenses together on the same day-- our sixteenth birthday. Yes, we share a birthday. We had just about every birthday party that I can remember together. We've gone on double dates together. We graduated from high school together. And while we didn't go to the same college, we still stayed best friends. I introduced Autumn and Will to each other. I had no idea that it would end up like this, but I'm glad it did. I'm glad I can take a little credit for my best friend in the world being so happy. Because I couldn't have made it here without her. There's no way. She's been there through every step of my life, sharing in the milestones, battling the same demons. And now, I wish her the best of luck. She's found the greatest, most perfect guy for her, and they're so simple together. They love each other, and that's it. I've seen them together. I know they're the type to make it. To Autumn and Will!
Everyone clanged their glasses together. Monica looked at Chandler as she set her glass down.
That's why they were switched, she said.
he asked.
Autumn and Schuyler. Everything Schuyler just said. And you know as well as I do that Autumn never would've made it without Schuyler. Or met Will. That's why they were switched. They needed each other, and that was the only way for them to find each other.
he said. I guess that's true. It does seem that way, doesn't it?
I like to think it is, Monica said. It makes it all seem worthwhile.
You wanna dance? he asked Monica as the music came back on.
Of course, she said with a smile as she took his hand and he led her to the dance floor.
Where is Luke, anyway? Chandler wondered.
Probably with Joey, searching for the cake.
Chandler smiled and kissed her on the side of the head. I love you.
I love you too, she told him.
If Autumn loves Will, like, one fourth as much as I love you, then fine, I can be nothing but happy for them, Chandler decided.
Monica smiled. Wow. So you must really love me then if it only takes on fourth.
Okay, fine, maybe two-thirds. She hit him lightly in the side.
You never change, do you? she asked.
Not so much.
Thank you. For everything. I mean, the whole thing with Autumn and Schuyler... we made it through that really well. And I think it was thanks to you.
Well the only reason we made it through Autumn's engagement and wedding was thanks to you, so we're even. She smiled and broke away from him as the song ended.
Oh Daaaad, Autumn said with a smile, approaching them. Time for the father-daughter dance! she said, pulling him back to the dance floor that he and Monica had just stepped off of.
Can't I get a moment's rest? he teased. Autumn smiled at him.
Are you okay with everything? You've been so quiet.
Yeah. I'm fine. It was just hard for me, you know? I mean, my little girl is all grown up and married. But I'm so happy for you two, don't get me wrong. I love you.
Thanks, Daddy, Autumn said.
You look beautiful today, by the way, he added. In case I haven't told you that.
You have, she giggled. A few times.
Well, I'm sure you don't tire of hearing it.
Not really, she said with a smile.
I can't believe this is the same little girl who used to wear that same Barbie nightgown over and over and over and never want to take it off.
If that thing still fit, I'd still be wearing it, she joked. They should make them in adult sizes!
As the song ended, Chandler kissed his daughter on the cheek. I love you. Congratulations. And if you or Will need anything, you know your mom and I are here.
I know. Thank you, she said with a grin. She and Chandler broke apart and headed back to their respective spouses, when Chandler passed Schuyler sitting at a table by herself.
Having fun? he wondered. You look awfully lonely.
Yeah. Well, Jake's not here, no one to dance with. And besides, that last one was a father-daughter dance, and only my mom is here, she said with a laugh.
Okay, then. May I have this dance? Chandler asked as the next song started.
Schuyler said with a bright smile.
Monica's smile.
So, was it hard for you today? she wondered as she and Chandler took their place on the dance floor.
Yeah, it was. It really was, he said. But I really am happy for her. For them.
Me too, Schuyler said. It's hard for me, too, kinda. I mean, now she has a new best friend basically.
Believe me, she's not gonna give you up, Chandler said with a laugh. You two and your friendship always amazed me. You never stopped being friends. We always thought you'd grow apart eventually, and you never did.
We were meant to be friends, I guess, she said with a laugh. Hey, thank you, she added.
For what? he wondered.
Everything. First off, bringing me into the world, and then, secondly, being there for me even though you weren't raising me. I never really saw my dad that much, especially after he remarried and had the twins. But you were always there. And Monica, too. I felt like I had a dad when mine was missing, and two moms. I felt really lucky.
Well, you're welcome. I'm glad I got the chance.
Sometimes I wonder what if Autumn and I had never been switched. I mean, it's so weird to think I'd be your daughter for real.
Yeah, but you know, then you'd have grown up hating me, and this was better. You always liked be this way.
She laughed. she said with a smile. When the song ended, he kissed her on the cheek.
Thanks for the dance, he said as the parted ways.
Having fun? he asked Monica, who was now the one sitting by herself.
Now I'm starting to be depressed, she realized. Don't let me do it.
He smiled. I was just talking to Schuyler, he said. And she, just... well... I never realized...
That she was still our daughter all along? Monica asked. He nodded. She talked to me earlier, she said. While we were helping Autumn get dressed.
It was a win-win situation in the end, he said. We ended up with four great kids, he realized.
Monica nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. We did, she agreed.
But Schuyler grew up too fast, too, he realized. Can I not win today?
Oh, you'll win. Later on. If you know what I mean.
He smiled. Depressed at a wedding, and resorting to sleeping with me. Now where have we done this before?
She grinned. We've come a long way since then.
He looked over at Autumn who was standing with Will, who had his arm around her waist. Grace was playing with Autumn's hair, and Schuyler was standing across from them, laughing. Luke, who had apparently given up on finding the cake, and the spitting image of his father, was trying to look cool by talking to Will.
Everything was okay.
