Chapter Four: Going The Distance
Joey was on an audition when the cell phone Chandler got him rang. He pulled it out and answered it. ''Hello, Joey here.'' He was hoping it was Phoebe, he had an idea for a good date.
Phoebe's voice did indeed come back at him. ''Joey, I need to tell you something. I know that we've only been half-serious with this dating thing, but we need to get serious.''
Joey asked, ''What are you talking about? Pheebs, you and I have a good relationship. We have fun. Why should we change the arrangement now?''
Phoebe said, ''Joey, we're going to have a baby. I just took the test.'' She couldn't keep her excitement bridled.
Joey was actually happy about it, too. He loved kids. He even thought he might be able to settle down with Pheebs, too. ''That's so great! I'll be home as soon as I can, I've got to finish up this audition. Wish me luck.''
Phoebe did wish him luck. She also said something to him that they hadn't said to each other yet. ''Break a leg, Joey. Oh, and I think I might be falling in love with you.''
Joey grinned. ''Aw, Pheebs, that's so sweet. I might be falling in love with you back.'' After each making kissing noises to each other, they both hung up.
Phoebe left Monica's room and joined the rest of the gang in the kitchen. Monica had made breakfast for everyone. She smiled at everybody. ''So, guys, guess what?''
Everyone looked at her. ''What, Pheebs? What's going on?'' Ross asked her. He was finally over the Rachel/Chandler romance, and was able to hang out with them again.
Phoebe paused until everyone was looking at her and said, ''I'm pregnant. Joey and I going to have a baby!!!!!!!!!!''
Everyone squealed and surrounded her with hugs and kisses. Monica was welling up. ''I'm so glad that you're going to have a baby. Was Joey happy, too?''
Phoebe nodded. ''Yeah, he was. I was worried about what he might say, because we haven't been dating that long, and until today, we hadn't even told each other that we love each other.''
Rachel was making more eggs, Joey had been there earlier that morning. ''I'm glad everything's working out for you, Pheebs.'' She began to scramble the eggs in the bowl.
Chandler came back from the bathroom. ''I just love fall mornings.'' It was late September. They were having an unusual heat wave. It usually had gotten cooler by this time. It was still as hott as ever, however. Chandler kissed Rachel good morning. ''Hey, gorgeous.'' He said.
Rachel gave him the cold shoulder. She wasn't talking to him because he had told Monica that all he was having was fun with her. She had thought that they were trying to develop a deep, romantic relationship.
Chandler sensed her brushoff, and pulled Monica aside to find out why Rachel was angry at him. ''Hey, Mon. I have a question. Did I do something to make Rach mad at me? If I did, I didn't mean to.''
Monica hated herself for thinking that she could end their relationship right there and tell Chandler that he didn't do anything wrong. She actually almost did it. But she couldn't bring herself to actually do it. She said, ''Yeah, she heard that you told me that all you were having with her is fun. She thought you guys were trying to build a loving relationship.''
Chandler said, ''Oh no! Who told her that? I never said anything of the sort! I love Rachel. These past two months have been wonderful. The sex is the best I have ever had. I love her.''
He went to talk to Rachel. ''Honey, can I talk to you for a moment?''
Rachel nodded. ''I guess so, Chandler.'' She let Monica take over the eggs and followed her boyfriend to the living room. ''What's up?'' She asked.
Chandler took her hands in his. ''I heard from Monica that you think I'm just in this for fun. I love you, Rachel. This is the best and longest relationship I ever had. Well, except for Janice. I did love her.''
Rachel brightened. ''Really? I'm so glad. Phoebe told me that you told Monica that.''
Phoebe heard her name. ''Excuse me? I told Monica what?'' She had been staring at her stomach, amazed that there was actually a baby in there.
Rachel said, ''You told Monica that Chandler was just in this relationship for fun.'' She took one of Chandler's hands in her own.
Phoebe shook her head. ''No, I didn't.'' She gasped. ''It might have been my twin Ursela. She's mad at Joey, because he dated her friend and then broke up with her after they had sex. Since he and I are dating, that was a good way to get back at me and hurt you guys, too.''
Chandler said, ''Well, I'm glad that we got that settled before it got worse.''
Joey finished up his audition and left the studio. He was walking down the street, amazed at the fact that he was going to be a father. He wasn't sure about how he felt about it. He had told Phoebe that he was happy, and he was, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to settle down with Pheebs. He thought he might be falling for her, but their relationship had happened so fast, and he needed it to slow way down. He knew there was no way he could continue with it unless it did. Joey was aware of the fact that they were so close already, but they had rushed into the sex. Part of it was Phoebe wanting him. Joey was a sucker for women who wanted him.
He stepped off the curb and was about to hail a taxi, when he saw the hottest woman he'd ever seen. She'd actually hooked up with Chandler when he was trying to get over Rachel after they'd first met her. It was Aurora. Joey was actually glad to see her. He walked over, waving off the taxi. ''Hi, you don't know me, I'm Chandler Bing's best friend, and how you doin'?'' He gave his trademark line, which always worked.
It paid off for him today. Aurora smiled. ''Hello, I'm Aurora. I'm sure you know that. It's been a long time since I dated Chandler. I'm surprised you remember who I am.''
Joey smiled back at her. ''You'd remember a girl as hott as you who only wanted to have sex with you. Joey Tribbiani.'' He told her.
Aurora said, ''Well, Joey Tribbiani, let's go get some coffee or something.''
Joey nodded and decided to take her to his apartment, Chandler had gotten some great coffee mix to make when he had Rachel over. It was pretty good, and Joey thought maybe he'd get lucky.
The next morning, Joey awoke feeling really terrible. He knew why he had done this, but it still didn't make him feel any better. Phoebe was going to be devastated. There was no way to keep this from her. She was totally going to find out. Joey didn't see Aurora, just a note from her, telling him to call her if he was ever lonely. He got up and saw Rachel and Chandler sitting at the counter. Rachel pointed her butter knife at him. ''You are very bad, Joesph Francis Tribbiani.''
Joey nodded. ''I know, I feel horrible. There is no way that Phoebe is going to understand, is there? I feel really bad about it. I just, Pheebs and my relationship is going way too fast. I mean, she's pregnant. We rushed into all the sex, and I feel like that's all our relationship really is. I want to try to start over with her, and do it right this time.''
His friends' mouths were dropped open. Chandler asked, ''Are you Joey Tribbiani, or did you get bodysnatched in your sleep?''
Joey opened the fridge to find some juice. ''I wasn't bodysnatched, OK? I really want to try again with Phoebe. I want to be a stand up guy and go the distance.''
Ross entered the apartment, interrupting their discussion. ''Guys, Richard just called looking for Monica. She just got over him. What do I do? She was in the shower and didn't hear the phone. He left a message. Should I get rid of it?''
Rachel said, ''It's her privacy you'll be invading, Ross. I mean, what if Carol called you and told you she was going to leave Susan because she still loved you? I mean, you would totally take her up on the offer. If I got the message and didn't tell you, I would just feel really guilty.''
Joey had a difference of opinion. ''I think that you should erase the message. She just got over him. If she hears that, it'll just mess her up all over again. Ross, she wasn't sleeping, she went to work at a resturaunt that she didn't even work at, she saved his cigar butts. Please, erase the message.''
Chandler jumped up from his chair. ''She could be getting it right now while we're sitting here discussing it! Let's go!'' He opened the door and ran across the hall and opened Monica and Rachel's door. His girlfriend and best friends were right behind him. They all stopped as they saw Monica walking across the small space from the bathroom to her bedroom, wrapped in a towel.
Joey was the first to move. He casually sat down on the couch, and slid his hand over the machine. His finger casually slipped, and the voice said, ''Message deleted.'' He cracked up as he always did every time. ''That is such a cool job.'' He said.
Rachel said, ''Joesph Francis.'' She went to sit next to him on the couch. ''Monica should have gotten that message.''
Joey said, ''Stop middle-namin' me! I did what I thought was right. I don't want Monica to be Mopin' Over Richard Monica again.''
Before anyone could say anything else, Phoebe joined them. She was dressed casually in a light blue dress with a light blue jacket to match. ''Hi, everybody.'' She caught their weird glances. ''OK, what's going on?''
Joey looked at his friends, and they all left. Rachel and Chandler went into her bedroom, and Ross went in the bathroom. Joey said, ''Pheebs, we need to talk.''
Phoebe sat down next to him on the couch. ''What is it, Joey? Is this about the baby?'' She asked, hoping that if it was, it was good news.
Joey took a deep breath. It was just better to get it all out. ''Phoebe, I had sex last night with that hot girl that Chandler dated? Aurora? Had the husband and the boyfriend? I didn't mean to. I saw her yesterday when I was leaving my audition, and we ended up having sex the rest of the day and night. I was all confused about the baby, and our relationship, and it just happened. Please forgive me.''
Phoebe's eyes filled with tears. ''I can't believe you, Joesph Francis Tribbiani. You had sex? Last night I was thinking up names for our baby. I have to not be with you right now. We'll talk later about where this relationship is going.'' She got up and stormed out of the apartment, leaving Joey dejected on the couch.
After about a moment, Joey cried out, ''EVERYBODY STOP MIDDLE-NAMING ME!'' '
Joey was on an audition when the cell phone Chandler got him rang. He pulled it out and answered it. ''Hello, Joey here.'' He was hoping it was Phoebe, he had an idea for a good date.
Phoebe's voice did indeed come back at him. ''Joey, I need to tell you something. I know that we've only been half-serious with this dating thing, but we need to get serious.''
Joey asked, ''What are you talking about? Pheebs, you and I have a good relationship. We have fun. Why should we change the arrangement now?''
Phoebe said, ''Joey, we're going to have a baby. I just took the test.'' She couldn't keep her excitement bridled.
Joey was actually happy about it, too. He loved kids. He even thought he might be able to settle down with Pheebs, too. ''That's so great! I'll be home as soon as I can, I've got to finish up this audition. Wish me luck.''
Phoebe did wish him luck. She also said something to him that they hadn't said to each other yet. ''Break a leg, Joey. Oh, and I think I might be falling in love with you.''
Joey grinned. ''Aw, Pheebs, that's so sweet. I might be falling in love with you back.'' After each making kissing noises to each other, they both hung up.
Phoebe left Monica's room and joined the rest of the gang in the kitchen. Monica had made breakfast for everyone. She smiled at everybody. ''So, guys, guess what?''
Everyone looked at her. ''What, Pheebs? What's going on?'' Ross asked her. He was finally over the Rachel/Chandler romance, and was able to hang out with them again.
Phoebe paused until everyone was looking at her and said, ''I'm pregnant. Joey and I going to have a baby!!!!!!!!!!''
Everyone squealed and surrounded her with hugs and kisses. Monica was welling up. ''I'm so glad that you're going to have a baby. Was Joey happy, too?''
Phoebe nodded. ''Yeah, he was. I was worried about what he might say, because we haven't been dating that long, and until today, we hadn't even told each other that we love each other.''
Rachel was making more eggs, Joey had been there earlier that morning. ''I'm glad everything's working out for you, Pheebs.'' She began to scramble the eggs in the bowl.
Chandler came back from the bathroom. ''I just love fall mornings.'' It was late September. They were having an unusual heat wave. It usually had gotten cooler by this time. It was still as hott as ever, however. Chandler kissed Rachel good morning. ''Hey, gorgeous.'' He said.
Rachel gave him the cold shoulder. She wasn't talking to him because he had told Monica that all he was having was fun with her. She had thought that they were trying to develop a deep, romantic relationship.
Chandler sensed her brushoff, and pulled Monica aside to find out why Rachel was angry at him. ''Hey, Mon. I have a question. Did I do something to make Rach mad at me? If I did, I didn't mean to.''
Monica hated herself for thinking that she could end their relationship right there and tell Chandler that he didn't do anything wrong. She actually almost did it. But she couldn't bring herself to actually do it. She said, ''Yeah, she heard that you told me that all you were having with her is fun. She thought you guys were trying to build a loving relationship.''
Chandler said, ''Oh no! Who told her that? I never said anything of the sort! I love Rachel. These past two months have been wonderful. The sex is the best I have ever had. I love her.''
He went to talk to Rachel. ''Honey, can I talk to you for a moment?''
Rachel nodded. ''I guess so, Chandler.'' She let Monica take over the eggs and followed her boyfriend to the living room. ''What's up?'' She asked.
Chandler took her hands in his. ''I heard from Monica that you think I'm just in this for fun. I love you, Rachel. This is the best and longest relationship I ever had. Well, except for Janice. I did love her.''
Rachel brightened. ''Really? I'm so glad. Phoebe told me that you told Monica that.''
Phoebe heard her name. ''Excuse me? I told Monica what?'' She had been staring at her stomach, amazed that there was actually a baby in there.
Rachel said, ''You told Monica that Chandler was just in this relationship for fun.'' She took one of Chandler's hands in her own.
Phoebe shook her head. ''No, I didn't.'' She gasped. ''It might have been my twin Ursela. She's mad at Joey, because he dated her friend and then broke up with her after they had sex. Since he and I are dating, that was a good way to get back at me and hurt you guys, too.''
Chandler said, ''Well, I'm glad that we got that settled before it got worse.''
Joey finished up his audition and left the studio. He was walking down the street, amazed at the fact that he was going to be a father. He wasn't sure about how he felt about it. He had told Phoebe that he was happy, and he was, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to settle down with Pheebs. He thought he might be falling for her, but their relationship had happened so fast, and he needed it to slow way down. He knew there was no way he could continue with it unless it did. Joey was aware of the fact that they were so close already, but they had rushed into the sex. Part of it was Phoebe wanting him. Joey was a sucker for women who wanted him.
He stepped off the curb and was about to hail a taxi, when he saw the hottest woman he'd ever seen. She'd actually hooked up with Chandler when he was trying to get over Rachel after they'd first met her. It was Aurora. Joey was actually glad to see her. He walked over, waving off the taxi. ''Hi, you don't know me, I'm Chandler Bing's best friend, and how you doin'?'' He gave his trademark line, which always worked.
It paid off for him today. Aurora smiled. ''Hello, I'm Aurora. I'm sure you know that. It's been a long time since I dated Chandler. I'm surprised you remember who I am.''
Joey smiled back at her. ''You'd remember a girl as hott as you who only wanted to have sex with you. Joey Tribbiani.'' He told her.
Aurora said, ''Well, Joey Tribbiani, let's go get some coffee or something.''
Joey nodded and decided to take her to his apartment, Chandler had gotten some great coffee mix to make when he had Rachel over. It was pretty good, and Joey thought maybe he'd get lucky.
The next morning, Joey awoke feeling really terrible. He knew why he had done this, but it still didn't make him feel any better. Phoebe was going to be devastated. There was no way to keep this from her. She was totally going to find out. Joey didn't see Aurora, just a note from her, telling him to call her if he was ever lonely. He got up and saw Rachel and Chandler sitting at the counter. Rachel pointed her butter knife at him. ''You are very bad, Joesph Francis Tribbiani.''
Joey nodded. ''I know, I feel horrible. There is no way that Phoebe is going to understand, is there? I feel really bad about it. I just, Pheebs and my relationship is going way too fast. I mean, she's pregnant. We rushed into all the sex, and I feel like that's all our relationship really is. I want to try to start over with her, and do it right this time.''
His friends' mouths were dropped open. Chandler asked, ''Are you Joey Tribbiani, or did you get bodysnatched in your sleep?''
Joey opened the fridge to find some juice. ''I wasn't bodysnatched, OK? I really want to try again with Phoebe. I want to be a stand up guy and go the distance.''
Ross entered the apartment, interrupting their discussion. ''Guys, Richard just called looking for Monica. She just got over him. What do I do? She was in the shower and didn't hear the phone. He left a message. Should I get rid of it?''
Rachel said, ''It's her privacy you'll be invading, Ross. I mean, what if Carol called you and told you she was going to leave Susan because she still loved you? I mean, you would totally take her up on the offer. If I got the message and didn't tell you, I would just feel really guilty.''
Joey had a difference of opinion. ''I think that you should erase the message. She just got over him. If she hears that, it'll just mess her up all over again. Ross, she wasn't sleeping, she went to work at a resturaunt that she didn't even work at, she saved his cigar butts. Please, erase the message.''
Chandler jumped up from his chair. ''She could be getting it right now while we're sitting here discussing it! Let's go!'' He opened the door and ran across the hall and opened Monica and Rachel's door. His girlfriend and best friends were right behind him. They all stopped as they saw Monica walking across the small space from the bathroom to her bedroom, wrapped in a towel.
Joey was the first to move. He casually sat down on the couch, and slid his hand over the machine. His finger casually slipped, and the voice said, ''Message deleted.'' He cracked up as he always did every time. ''That is such a cool job.'' He said.
Rachel said, ''Joesph Francis.'' She went to sit next to him on the couch. ''Monica should have gotten that message.''
Joey said, ''Stop middle-namin' me! I did what I thought was right. I don't want Monica to be Mopin' Over Richard Monica again.''
Before anyone could say anything else, Phoebe joined them. She was dressed casually in a light blue dress with a light blue jacket to match. ''Hi, everybody.'' She caught their weird glances. ''OK, what's going on?''
Joey looked at his friends, and they all left. Rachel and Chandler went into her bedroom, and Ross went in the bathroom. Joey said, ''Pheebs, we need to talk.''
Phoebe sat down next to him on the couch. ''What is it, Joey? Is this about the baby?'' She asked, hoping that if it was, it was good news.
Joey took a deep breath. It was just better to get it all out. ''Phoebe, I had sex last night with that hot girl that Chandler dated? Aurora? Had the husband and the boyfriend? I didn't mean to. I saw her yesterday when I was leaving my audition, and we ended up having sex the rest of the day and night. I was all confused about the baby, and our relationship, and it just happened. Please forgive me.''
Phoebe's eyes filled with tears. ''I can't believe you, Joesph Francis Tribbiani. You had sex? Last night I was thinking up names for our baby. I have to not be with you right now. We'll talk later about where this relationship is going.'' She got up and stormed out of the apartment, leaving Joey dejected on the couch.
After about a moment, Joey cried out, ''EVERYBODY STOP MIDDLE-NAMING ME!'' '