Hey, thank you all for the reviews. Llew, I'll stop asking if I should continue and I'll will finish it…just for you!!!
Final Words
Ross slowly looked up from the paper in his hand and saw that none of the others had opened their letters, either and just stared at it. None of them wanting to believe that there might be chance they may never see their friend again.
He looked back down and carefully un-folded the paper to see Chandler's familiar writing. He gripped on to the note with shaky hands before glancing up for a second when he heard the others began to open theirs. He turned his attention back to the paper and slowly began to read the message from his best friend;
Dear Ross,
We've come through a lot over the years. First you were my college roommate, then you were my best friend, next my best man and then you were my brother-in-law. I can honestly say I could never wish for anyone better to be that person. You've always been there whenever I needed you, from helping me deal with losing Joey to giving advice about parenting and helping me prepare.
We've had so many good times, where we can look back and laugh, like when you wrote the list about Rachel (alright, that wasn't funny at the time but seeing you standing out on the balcony reading out your pro list was!!), how about the time we had that 'thanksgiving' football game? Even though you and Monica were both so damn competitive and refused to lose, it was probably one of the best thanksgivings I've ever had. The best thing I can remember is back in 1987 when you invited me back to your house for thanksgiving dinner, I know I acted a jerk but I'm so glad I went, because that was the first time I meet Mon. Who would have thought 12 years later we would be married. I really need to thank you for that and for being so cool about your 'best friend' and 'little sister' being together.
I know that we've didn't just have good times, like when you kissed my mom or when I left Ben on that bus but we've managed to come through that because we are great friends and nothing could come between that.
I'm going to tell you something that I you never knew but I used to so jealous of you. You had your dream job, while I was stuck in some dead-end job I hated. You had the perfect parents who loved you no matter what, you had an amazing son and you were with Rachel, the women you had loved your whole life. (You were so dumb to miss it up first time around!!!) Then I started to thinking about my life and knew I wouldn't change it for the world, I had 6 great friends! Life got a lot better later when I married Monica and then when the kids come along. I'm so glad you and Rachel finally show sense and got back together, as Phoebe would say, you're lobsters!! A few nights before Joey died, he told me that he wanted to survive because he had to go to yours and Rach's wedding and make sure you said the right name this time or that you wasn't drunk!! I know for one thing, when that day finally came, the first person there was Joey… being our Guardian Angel, making sure nothing went wrong.
I know that if anything happens to me, Monica will insist on being strong and dealing with everything on her own but promise me you won't let her. Promise me you'll help her and the kids through this, they're my life and soul. I will only die when they die…no matter what I'll always be there for all of you!!
Thanks for everything,
Love, your best friend, forever
Chandler
Ross choked back the tears as he finished reading, he couldn't believe this was happening. He looked at the others, to see them all reading their own, with tears striking down their faces, all except for Monica, who was still clinging onto the cushion. He reread the letter, letting his mind wonder, thinking about all their memoirs. He rubbed his eyes, when he thought about what Chandler had said about being jealous of him. He had never known about, he wished he had. Then he would have told him, how jealous he was him. He might have had the perfect job and family but we was always envious of Chandler's ability make anyone laugh or feel better no matter what kind of mood they were in and the strength he had to always come through the tough times, like his childhood or how he dealt with Joey's problem, alone.
He leant his head against the back of the couch and closed his eyes, letting his emotions sweep over him.
XxXxX
Chandler felt cold, he could feel himself shivering. He tried to move but pain shot through his entire body and when he opened his mouth to call out for help, no words came out.
He rolled his head slightly, trying to ignore the pounding inside his skull and opened his eyes slightly. His vision was blurred but he could just make out the shape of Joey's headstone.
'I think I'm coming, bud…' He said to himself silently, letting his eyes flutter shut again as the pain slowly faded away.
XxXxX
Rachel looked over when she heard paper rattling and saw that Ross was opening is letter. She took a deep breath and did the same. She brushed the tears out of her eyes as they hazed her vision and prevented her from reading; she let a few more tears slid down her face before she started.
Hey Rach,
I'm sorry, I know reading this is going to make you cry but I have some things I have to say just in case I don't have chance. (That doesn't mine you'll never see me again, I won't give up without a fight, I promise.)
I can still see you running to the coffee house in that wedding dress, soaking wet!! I also remember you acting like you didn't know me!! Can't believe you forgot those very memorable Thanksgivings, the first one with my 'folk of seagulls' (I don't care what you say, that was cool!!) and then the second with Monica chopping off my toe. (Yeah that hurt.) Then the time I hit on you in the bar while you were in engaged to Barry, remember;
"Excuse me, I've seem to have dropped my ball."
Okay, lets forget about that!!
Anyway, I want to say thank you for everything you've done. From helping with my women problems too being there to goof around with…we'll always have cheesecake!!
You've become a good friend over the last few years; I've really appreciated how much you helped with Joey.
Also, well done for sorting out your problems with Ross, you two belong together. I know he's done some stupid things in the past but he does love you and would do anything for you. Like he had after he finished with Julie, 'it's always been you, Rach.'
I'm so glad you are happy; you deserve it, both you and Ross. You've got 3 wonderful children. I think Emma is more mature then me! Then Adam, so sarcastic, so great! And Kaydan the baby of the family, I love the way she cries just so she can get picked up…just wanting some comfort. Oh and FYI, you still are Fun Aunt Rachel to Ben.
Be happy in life (even if just for me!)
I'm so sorry,
Love, your best friend, forever
Chandler xXx
Rachel let the paper drop into her lap, letting his words sink in. She let a small smile play on her lips when she read about the Thanksgivings and the time in the bar. Trust Chandler, even when he was facing death he still had to make jokes. Her smile faded, she couldn't believe Chandler was facing death…. He may even be dead!
She looked over at Ross; he had his eyes closed, tears streaming down his face as he finally let go of his emotions. She reached over and placed a hand on his knee, reassuringly, causing him to look up and then pull her into his arms, letting them both try to comfort each other.
XxXxX
Fuzzy images past though his mind, to quickly for him to make them out. He could hear his heart beating loudly before it started rapidly slow. He noticed the images becoming clearer. Monica, Daniel, Becky, Hayley, Matt, Tom, Amy, Rachel, Ross, Phoebe and then Joey. Lying on the hospital, the day after he was pronounced dead. His face so peacefully and relaxed, it just seemed like he was asleep. Chandler tried to call him, tried to wake him up but it didn't work.
Suddenly everything started to spin then slowing started to fade into black.
XxXxX
Seeing Ross and Rachel starting to read their letters, gave Phoebe the courage to do the same. She reached out for Mike's hand before opening the paper and starting to read.
Dear Phoebe
Well, I can differently say that if anything does happen to me, you can be sure that I'll visit you and I'll bring Joey along with me. We'll have a great time, playing with you guys!
I know that might not be the kind thing you want to hear but I'm Chandler, I make jokes when I'm nervous!
I really don't know what I can say to you Pheebs; you're so…weird, in a good way though. I love all your wacky qualities, you are so unique, there cannot be another person like you out there (not even your twin sister.)
I admire you so much for what you've come from, you've probably had the worst childhood out of all of us, yet you've come through smiling and a wonderful person. I don't know if I could have done that!
Now you have Mike and I want to know when you're planning on starting a family? You'd get have the normal family life that you've always wanted and you really deserve it.
Mike is so lucky to have you and he better treat you right or he'll have me to deal with, even if I am dead. He wouldn't want a pissed off dead guy on his back!!
Promise that you'll carry on writing your songs, they're so great. Maybe you and Ross could do a duet together in Central Perk. (Don't tell Mon and Rachel I suggested that, they'll never forgive me!)
I'm sorry if I don't get to say goodbye in person and I'm sorry to getting you all involved in this. You all are my family, I never thought I could have some many people who I love and have them love me back. I know sometimes you felt left out because the rest of us were all related, even just by marriage but I don't care about blood, you are my family.
Never change, you' re perfect!!
Love, your best friend, forever
Chandler xXx
Phoebe looked up when she saw tears dropping onto the paper, smudging the ink. She saw Ross and Rachel hugging and comforting each other and Monica just staring ahead. Not ready to read what could be her husband's last words.
She glanced over at Mike, who was still reading silently. She brushed some of her tears away and leaned back, waiting for someone to break the silence.
XxXxX
Chandler could hear someone voice, he listened carefully but he didn't recognise it or work out what they were saying.
Pain shot down his right arm as he felt someone place a hand on it. He let a small moan escape from his lips but he failed to open his eyes. Fear crept over him when he sensed someone leaning down, close to his face. Worried that Hilton had returned to finish the job, he started to panic until he heard a sentence being whispered in his ear.
"The Ambulance is on its way…you're going to be okay."
XxXxX
When Mike felt Phoebe grab his hand, he glanced up to see her starting to open her letter. He looked back down at his own, he knew that he wasn't as close to Chandler as the others and was slightly surprised to receive a 'last goodbye' too. He curiously opened the paper;
Mike,
I may not know you very well but I know that you make Phoebe happier then she's ever been before and that all that matters.
As you probably noticed I had a lot of different thoughts about you when we first meet.
I couldn't help but like you when Phoebe introduced you to all of us and you instantly got on well with everyone and fitted in. Phoebe was so please and Ross even talked about the three us going to see the 'Nicks.' Then one day Phoebe made a comment about how happy we all were 'The 6 of us' and when she said 6 I admittedly thought about Joey but then she continued by saying me and Monica, Ross and Rachel and You and her. It suddenly felt like Joey was being replaced and I always knew that was your intention but I couldn't help it. I avoid going anywhere you'd be. Which meant most of the time I was left on my own. It was Monica who made me see sense, reminding me that no one could re-place Joey and that you or Phoebe would never want to. What I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for being so stupid. You're not Joey, you're Mike and I know even if Joey was still alive you would still be married to Phoebe and still be a good friend to the rest of us.
You just make sure you take care of Phoebe, she deserves the best and I know you'll do all you can.
Thanks for everything, Love Chandler.
As soon as Mike finished he looked instantly at Phoebe who was staring straight ahead, tears running down her face. He quickly reached out and pulled her into a tight hug.
XxXxX
'You're going to be okay…. you're going to be okay…. you're going to be okay…'
The words echoed around inside Chandler's head, he was fighting so hard to stay conscious but the pain that his whole body experience made it difficult. He tried to concentrate on his family but all he could hear was the sound of ambulance wailing through the streets and the voice telling him he'd be okay. When just 15 minutes ago he thought he was going to die alone…'I could still die.' he remembered himself but even if he did, at least he wouldn't be by himself in a dark and lonely graveyard.
XxXxX
Monica watched as her friends all clung to each other crying, after reading what could be her husband's last words. She let go of the cushion that she had held tightly to her chest and stared down at the paper in her lap.
Taking a deep breath, she began to open it. She was surprise to see another piece fold up inside but had no name on it. She frowned and opened that to, she realised who it was too when she read the first line.
Hi, Star
I'm your father and if you are reading this then it must mean I'm not around and I'm so sorry for that. I haven't known about you for long but I can tell you I already love you so much and I always will, no matter what.
Sometimes you may not think it but you are so lucky, you have an amazing Mom and some great brothers and sisters, who I know will look after you.
I may not be there but I'd still like to give you some fatherly advice;
1- always listen to your mom, aunts and uncles.
2- do well in school and don't do drugs or drink to much alcohol.
3- If Aunt Rachel or Uncle Ross mention something about 'A break' run for your life.
4- never get into Aunt Phoebe's cab.
5- never kiss a friend's girlfriend, you'd end up in a wooden box!
6- don't challenge your mom or Becky!
7- don't get stuck in a dead end job that was meant to be temporary.
8- Listen to your Aunt Rachel about fashion and where to get the best cheesecake.
9- Stay away from women named Janice
10- never offer to listen to Uncle Ross playing any instrument, (Particularly Keyboard and Bag-pipes)
I could go on but I know you'll have loads of people with you to give you better advice.
Just remember that I love you and will always love you. My only regret is that I'm not going to there to be meet you or see your first steps, hear your first words, comfort you when you are scared or have hurt yourself and I'm so so so sorry about that!!
Love you loads, Dad XxX
Fresh tears sprung in Monica eyes as she read the letter, she had not thought about their un-born baby being to occupied with worrying about Chandler. She hated the fact that he had to write it but was glad that he had, just case something did happen.
She loved the way that he had addressed it to 'star.' He had a special nickname for all his children and no one else was allowed to call it them. Daniel was 'champ' he, insisted that he was to old for nicknames but she knew Chandler still called it him when no one else was around. Becky was 'Sweet Pea' while Hayley was 'Sweet Bean.' Matt was 'C.J' shorten down from Chandler Junior because he was the spiting image of his father and acted just like him. Tom was 'Rocky' because Chandler said that was the film he was watching the night he found out Mon was pregnant. By the time Amy arrived Chandler said that he had run out of ideas and settled for calling her 'kid' but Monica knew it was because that was his mom's nickname for him.
Now there was a 'Star' to add to the list of names but it killed her inside as she thought about how their baby may never get called that because it was only something Chandler could use.
She brushed away the rest of the tears and stuffing the letter into her pocket, ignoring the concern looks she was getting from the others, before opening up her own and starting to read.
XxXxX
Chandler cried out in pain as he was moved from the stretcher to a hospital bed.
"Can you hear me?" A doctor asked as he inspected the wounds on his body. When he heard a quiet moan escape Chandler's lips he continued. "Can you tell me, your name?"
"Chan--dler…." He stuttered out, quietly.
"Okay then Chandler…" The Doctor said, putting pressure on his chest and stomach causing to stream in agony. "Right, its looks like you have several broken ribs… can you tell me how is happened."
"Hilton… revenge.. For… Joey…" He managed to say. The doctor looked over at the nurse, who shrugged with confusion.
"Okay, Chandler…I'm going to give you a shot, it will make you sleep for a while and help with the pain," The doctor explain but he wasn't sure how much Chandler actually understood, "Okay, you may feel a little scratch…."
After few minutes Chandler could feel the pain deteriorating and his eyelids feeling like weights… few in seconds he was asleep.
XxXxX
Dearest Monica,
I don't know what to say, except Sorry. Sorry I got into his mess, sorry for not doing something about. I can't believe its come to this; I can't believe you let you and the kids down. I should be there with you, making sure you all are safe and celebrating the newest addition to the family.
I love you so much, I never thought it could be possible for me to care about some as much as I do you. You've given me so much, love, friendship and best of all a family. I sometimes think that this is all a dream, that one day I'll wake up and be living in apartment 19 and you'll be dating Richard (damn big tree!) I don't know what I've done you deserve you yet I can't imaging my life without you. My Nan use to tell me that an ocean is the biggest thing on earth, if that's true then I love you oceans and oceans…forever and always.
No matter what happens, no matter where I am, I'll always love and I'll always be right there next to you.
I had little life until I meet you, even before we got together; you changed my life by just being my best friend. You where there when I needed someone to talk to, you were there when I needed someone just to watch a movie with, you were there when I needed anything, even if it was just beer at 3 in the morning.
When Ross came running into my hotel room in London and I suddenly remembered you were there I was so scared… at first I thought it was because you were my best friend's little sister and there are rules but then later, when we were walking down that aisle I realised it was because I scared losing you, nothing has ever scared me more then that.
If something does happen to me, you've must be strong and carry on for the kids; you need to carry on in life. Always remember; my body maybe dead but my sprite lives on in you. You are my life, my soul, my world, and my universe. I love you more then anyone can, I'll love you forever because you are my heart and I'll only die when you die.
Forever yours truly, lots of love,
Chandler xXxXxXxXx
Monica stood up and ran out the room, wanting to be alone. She heard Ross calling her name after her but she ignored him. She shut herself into the spare room where she had been sleeping the last couple of nights and let the tears pour down her face, silently.
"Mon?" She heard Rachel call softly from the other side of the door, "Mon, please come out."
Monica could tell from Rachel's voice that she was crying. She began to feel guilty; Chandler was their best friend. It wasn't only her who was offering.
She slowly opened the door and one look at Rachel made her break down emotionally collapsing in her arms.
"You think he's going to be okay?" Phoebe broke the silence that settled over her, Mike and Ross.
Ross looked up, tears in his eyes, "I really don't know."They all looked up when they saw Monica and Rachel re-enter, clinging onto each other. No one said anything, they just sat in a comfortable silence, deep in thoughts until they heard soft giggling coming from Rachel.
"What's funny?" Ross frowned.
"I was just about Coral's and Susanne's wedding when we all said Chandler would be last be to get married…" Rachel explained, "Who would have thought that he'd have 6 children and be married to Mon."
They all shared a smile, remembering the time.
"Oh yeah right," Ross said sarcastically.
"I did!!" Phoebe insisted, "It was so obvious he was in love with you!"
"Phoebe what are you talking about?!"
"Well, he offered to have baby with you if neither of you were married by the time you were 40..." Phoebe reminded them "and he spent the whole time offering to be your boyfriend when we were down the beech house."
The other looked at each other, wondering if there was anyway that it could be true.
"Nah…" Ross stated, "There's no way, we would have noticed!"
"Fine, don't believe me!" Phoebe replied, annoyed.
"I still can't believe I'm married to the guy who used to live with a duck and chick…" Monica smiled.
"Yeah just be lucky he hasn't brought any for the kids yet…" Rachel advised.
"If I'm not allowed to get them a dog, he isn't giving them birds!"
"I can't believe he's scared of dogs!" Mike laughed.
They all smiled at each other, remembering all the good times.
"Hey, Rach?" Monica started, "Can I ask you a question."
"Sure!" Rachel told her.
"Why the hell do you two keep going on about cheesecake?!" For years the two would talk about eating cheesecake but they never told anyone why and when she had asked Chandler, he'd told her it was a secrete.
Rachel looked confused for a second before grinning widely.
"Yeah, what's the deal with that?" Ross added.
"Should we be worried?" Phoebe joked.
"Alright… one day I walked into your apartment and Chandler was the only one there…" Rachel started but stood when she heard the door opening then closing.
They all turned to see Tony Groves, the police officer assigned to them. Rachel reached over and held Monica's hand as he began to talk.
"I've just got a call from my station…" He said slowly, "Chandler's been found…"
"Thank god!" Phoebe sighed with relief.
"How is he?" Ross said, knowing the others were to scared to ask, "is he okay."
"He's been beaten pretty badly…"
"But he'll be okay, right?" Rachel asked.
"I'm sorry, I don't know…" Tony told them, "all I was told was that he was found beaten badly at the graveyard."
"The Graveyard?"
"Yes, apparently Hilton dumped him onto of Joey Tribbiani's grave."
"Why would he do that?!" Monica cried, as Rachel wrapped her arms around her.
"I was there…" Phoebe admitted.
"What?"
"I was there…" She repeated, "earlier, I was there… I might have just missed them…."
"Lucky you left when you did then…" Ross said.
"What?" She asked, "I could have helped him, I should have stayed."
"No, Phoebe…If you'd been there, they would have killed you…" Monica told her.
"But what about Chandler…"
"Chandler would prefer to die himself then but any of us in danger…" She explained, "he wouldn't want you there."
"I'll ermm..I'll take you down the hospital…" Tony said, smiling slightly.
"Oh thank you…" Monica stood up heading towards the door, with the others right behind her.
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