In A Lifetime
Chapter Eleven: On My Way Home
A/N: Hee, another chapter already. See, told you I'd be quick, didn't I? Anyway, it's the long-awaited wedding chapter. I think this may be the longest chapter yet, which is only right, no? Anyway, on with the fic. Credit for the vows must go to both the writers of TOW Monica and Chandler's Wedding (whoever they may be), and which both helped in parts of the ceremony. A lot if it's mine, though, so credit to me too!
God, I'm sad. Major thanks to Chris for her meticulous proofing skills, and I'll try to get the next chapter up soon, okay? Okay.
A few notes to readers:
FlFriend: Monica told Rachel in Chapter 9, before she talked to Chandler in the park.
Becca: Already talked to you about it, but I totally understand. And your life is more important than my stupid fic, so… yeah.
Anyone pleading me to save Monica: I refuse to reveal any plot details, so you'll just have to wait and see. But I love Monica, so make your own assumptions. But then, I also love torture in fics… [ponders]
Okay, longest. A/N. ever. Moving on…
P.S. Why won't this stay in italics? Stupid machine.
The sun was all too suddenly there, blasting onto Monica's face intensely as it came clear of the horizon of buildings and shone brightly through the window. Monica groaned as her eyes met the light, and her hand flailed around, hitting Chandler square on the chest.
"Uhh," he moaned, stirring, as her eyes fluttered open. She sat up, putting a hand up against the sun, and smiled down at him, watching him squirm as he woke.
She leant down and kissed him softly on the lips, causing his eyes to open. He smiled at her. "Morning," he whispered, as she kissed him for a second time
"Good morning," she said, smiling once more. She held up a finger. "One week," she said.
"I know," he replied. "What time is the appointment?" he asked.
"One," she answered, resting her head on his bare chest. "Have you gotta go to work?"
He sighed. "Yeah. There's another big meeting." He rolled his eyes, and kissed her hair softly. "What're you going to do this morning, then?" he asked.
She shrugged as best she could, her shoulders rubbing against his skin. "I might clean the apartment again," she suggested.
He grinned, and put his arms around her, crossing over her belly. "You're starting to show," he murmured in her ear, smiling.
She smiled back. "You only just noticed?" she grinned, and he hit her arm lightly. "Five months to go," she said, echoing her earlier count until the wedding.
His smile faded. "And then you'll be gone," he whispered, his voice sounding lost.
She kissed his cheek softly. "Yeah," she breathed, not fighting his sadness, or denying anything. There was no point. They both knew it was the truth- and neither could, nor would, deny themselves the truth.
Monica glanced at Jennifer, who was swinging around on her chair in irritation and whistling to herself, with her feet propped up on the table. She looked back at Monica plainly, sighing.
"Monica… if he doesn't get here soon and we want to get this done today, we're going to have to start without him," she said, putting her feet back down and sitting up straight.
Monica sighed, flipping her cell phone open again and groaning when she saw there were no new messages. "Fine. Let's go," she instructed, leaning forward.
Jennifer smiled. "Right, everything's set for the day. The park is booked- or at least, a large section of it- the caterer is booked, food menus are done, the chairs and the stage will be there on the day… and Chandler has the rings, I assume?" she asked, looking up again.
Monica nodded. "He got them last week," she replied.
"Right, now-"
She was cut off as the door burst open, and they both looked around, seeing an exhausted-looking Chandler run in. Sweat was pouring down his face, and his shirt stuck to his body. He took deep breaths, leaning against the back of Monica's chair and clutching a stitch in his side.
"Oh my god, Chandler, where have you been?" exclaimed Monica, jumping up to help him into the chair next to her.
He took a few deep breaths before looking up at her. "There- were- no- cabs," he managed to say, throwing his head against the high-backed chair, which was covered in soft leather. He closed his eyes, wiping a hand over his face to wipe off his sweat, but Monica gently moved it and did it for him.
"What, so you ran all the way?" she asked, dabbing at his skin with a tissue. "You must be exhausted," she said, kissing him softly on the forehead.
He smiled. "I just needed to… to get here," he said, closing his eyes again.
Monica smiled. "There was no need to attempt suicide in the process, though," she joked, and he smiled sarcastically.
"How much did I miss?" he asked, and Monica sat back in her chair and looked to Jennifer.
"Not much, we only just started," replied Jennifer. "But there isn't really much to go through… it's all sorted. Monica told me you bought the rings?"
He nodded, still breathing deeply. "Last week."
"And all the invitations have been returned?"
"Every single one."
"Even from his father," Monica put in, smiling at Chandler. Amidst the distress of Monica's situation, Chandler had relented to Monica's insistence at inviting his father. He did not want the latter there, but neither did he want Monica to be upset. So they had sent the invitation, and it had actually been one of the first returned, much to Chandler's annoyance.
Chandler rolled his eyes. "Yes, they've all been returned, whether the people are coming or not," he said, forcing a smile.
"Right, then everything is sorted!" exclaimed Jennifer, standing up and smiling at them. She extended a hand, which Monica shook.
"Thank you for everything," said Monica, smiling and kissing Jennifer on the cheek.
Chandler took Jennifer's hand. "Yeah, you've been great," he praised her.
Her smile widened. "No problem. I'll see you on Wednesday at the wedding!" she called, as they walked out the door, which Chandler shut quickly behind them.
"I ran all the way for that?" he said incredulously, wiping the last drop of sweat from his forehead.
Monica hit him lightly. "No need to be so rude," she chastised, slipping her hand into his. "And you really ran all the way?" she asked, looking him over as they pushed the front doors of the building open and walked out into the sunshine.
He shrugged. "I didn't want to miss anything," he said.
She smiled at him in adoration. "That's so sweet, Chandler," she said softly.
He blushed. "Well… I'm a sweet guy," he replied, winking at her. She smiled, trying and failing to conceal it, and they headed off down the street.
"Taxi!" she yelled, sticking her hand out, and one drew up immediately. They stepped in, and Monica gave the address.
"Oh, now you come along," snipped Chandler, rolling his eyes at the driver.
"Monica! Chandler!"
They both awoke at once as yells rang out through the apartment, and the sun burst through the window once again. It had been brilliantly sunny all week long, and Monica smiled as she realized she had gotten her wish- it was a beautiful day for the best day of her life.
Her smile was gone in a flash as the yelling continued, and she looked down at Chandler. "What's that noise?" she groaned.
Chandler moaned. "Sounds like Satan's minions are back to haunt me," he said. She smiled and looked over as the door to their bedroom burst open.
"You guys!" said Rachel excitedly. "It's the big day!" she squealed.
Chandler looked up at her. "Yeah, it's our big day, so what's with you?" he asked quietly, head flopping back onto his pillow after he spoke.
Rachel's giant smile vanished. "What, I'm not allowed to be excited for you guys?" she said despondently, staring at him.
Monica laughed. "Sure you can," she said, sitting up. "Besides, you're going to help me with everything," she said, grinning.
Rachel's smile flitted back onto her face as quickly as it had disappeared. "Okay," she said. "Chandler, you have to leave," she said immediately, pulling the duvet off both of her friends. "Nice PJs," she said, smiling at him.
He blushed. "Why do I have to leave?" he asked, clueless.
Rachel gaped at him. "Chandler, the groom cannot see the bride! You shouldn't have even been here overnight, so be grateful for small mercies," she said, pushing him off the bed.
He fell with a loud thump. "Ow," he groaned, looking up at Rachel, who had taken his place on the bed.
"Sorry," she said, not even looking at him, and certainly not sounding as though she meant what she had said.
"Yeah," he said sullenly, rolling his eyes.
Monica leaned around Rachel, and her friend stopped for a minute, rolling her eyes as Monica smiled.
"Sorry, honey," she said. "But just grab some clothes for now, take your tux, and go over to Joey's, all right? You can use Rachel's room. I'll see you later, okay?" she said, kissing him as he leaned upward.
"Okay," he replied. "Have a nice time," he said, grabbing some clothes from his dresser, and his flawless tux from the closet.
"We will," called Monica, smiling again as Chandler shut the door behind him.
He sighed, smiling to himself. Today was it. The day. The day he'd been anticipating, waiting for, ever since he'd proposed under the craps table in Las Vegas. Ever since he'd professed his love for Monica, and felt like shouting it to the whole world. And ever since her head had popped up from under the covers after Ross left the hotel room in London. Chandler knew that his whole life was worth all the crap he'd gone through for Monica; and he knew she felt exactly the same way.
He slipped out into the hallway, and rapped on the door of number 19. It took a minute for the door to open, and a sleepy Joey rubbed his eyes and looked up at Chandler.
"Hey Chandler," he said quietly. "What're you doing he- oh." He realized what was going on, glancing at the clothes gathered in Chandler's arms.
"Yeah, Rachel kicked me out," he said, rolling his eyes as the door shut behind them. "Is she really Satan in disguise?" he asked, and Joey laughed.
"You can use the bathroom," Joey offered. "I'm going back to bed," he mumbled, wandering slowly back toward his room.
"Okay," said Chandler, mildly surprised. "When will you get up?"
"Sixth of never," replied Joey. "Rachel woke me up at seven," he said, and Chandler grinned.
"Sweet dreams," Chandler said, and Joey waved his arms in annoyance, closing the door.
Chandler grinned again as he grabbed his clothes from the couch and shut the bathroom door behind him.
Today was the day. The best day of his life.
The grass was packed, with friends and family members seemingly bursting forth from the trees, grandparents complaining about how small the seats were, cousins chatting to colleagues, children being directed by mothers. Chandler smiled, and looked back toward Ross.
"Okay, so this is it," said Ross, grinning at Chandler.
Chandler smiled back, swallowing. "Yeah."
"Nervous?" asked Ross.
Chandler sighed. "A bit," he admitted.
Ross grinned again. "Good."
Chandler frowned. "What?"
"It's good to be nervous," said Ross. "If you weren't, it'd mean you didn't care as much," he said, putting a hand on Chandler's shoulder as he craned his neck to look behind Chandler.
Chandler frowned, but faked a smile when Ross looked at him. "Well, great," he said. "Am I supposed to be up there yet?" he asked.
Ross frowned. "Er… I think Rachel's going to signal when you do. She and Joey are talking," he reported, raising his body up by standing on his toes. "Oh, they've stopped." Chandler sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he waited. "Oh, I think she's signalling," said Ross, and Chandler turned to see for himself. "Yeah. Oh, go, go!" he said, pushing Chandler toward the congregation with more force than he intended.
"Easy man," said Chandler, frowning at Ross over his shoulder as he walked away. He paused to give Rachel a smile as she rushed over, then turned back to Ross. "I'm not a dinosaur bone!" he yelled. Ross frowned at him, and opened his mouth to speak, but Chandler widened his eyes and ran the rest of the way.
He quickly linked arms with his mother and father, who stood waiting for him behind the crowd, and they slowly made their way up the centre aisle, with people smiling at him as he walked past. They reached the end, and he quickly kissed the cheeks of both his parents.
"I love you mom," he said quietly, and she smiled, releasing his arm with a silent nod. "I love you too, dad," he said, and Charles did the same, sitting down next to Nora.
Everyone was staring at him as he took his place on one side of Joey, who gave him a quick thumbs up, grinning. Chandler glanced at the giant crowd, all the guests now perched silently on chairs. Underneath, the green grass shone in the sunlight, leaves dancing in the trees behind. The gates to the park had been locked shut, and anyone who tried to enter could clearly see the wedding party. Passers-by smiled at the thought that two people were marrying in such a beautiful place on such a beautiful day.
Chandler looked out to the sky, which was a brilliant shade of blue. Birds made their way across the sky, vanishing as they passed over clouds, which were few and far between today. It was rather warm for a May day, and Chandler smiled. The day was perfect.
He looked down again as the music started up once more, and he saw Phoebe, Ross and Rachel begin to walk down the aisle, all smiling. He noted happily that they were not fake, overly happy smiles, but quiet, genuine ones. And it meant the world to Chandler that his friends were so happy for him and Monica.
Rachel stood just behind Joey, and Ross took his place behind Chandler, smiling again as Chandler glanced at him. Chandler's head whipped around as the crowd began to whisper excitedly, and his breath caught in his throat when he saw her.
The white dress hung on her body perfectly, her curves more evident than ever, and her hair fell beautifully to the sides of her face, split with a wide smile, her eyes sparkling as she stared at him. A translucent veil hung from her head, flowing down her back like water down a rippling waterfall.
He felt like he was falling in love with her all over again.
And then he was going to lose her. Forever.
He wiped a stray tear from his eye as she kissed her parents on the cheek, whispering to them as he had done with his parents. As she stepped up onto the platform with her five friends, Judy Geller glanced at Chandler, and smiled, eyes darting to Monica for a moment before returning to Chandler. Simple, yes; but it held more meaning than Chandler had ever known.
Judy finally loved her daughter for who she was.
Joey coughed, and Chandler looked toward him, as did the rest of the congregation. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. I have known both Monica and Chandler for a long time, and I cannot imagine two people more perfect for one another. Their love is the most pure and wonderful I have ever known, and I know that they will be together forever, if not in body," he said, himself having to wipe a tear away as he thought of what was to come, "then in mind and spirit. It is a love based on giving and receiving, and a love that is evident in both from the moment you meet them. And now, we shall proceed to the vows. Monica?"
Monica sighed heavily, smiling at Chandler, and leant behind to take her notes from Rachel, who simply smiled.
"Chandler… for so long, I wondered if I would ever find my prince, my soul mate. Then three years ago, at another wedding, I turned to a friend for comfort. And instead, I found everything I'd ever been looking for my whole life. Over the years we've been together, you have been so supportive that I can't even begin to list the ways in which I love you. And I might not have that long left to be with you in body, but I know that we will always be bound together, because our love is stronger than anything. And I only want to be with you."
Chandler, Rachel, and Judy all simultaneously wiped tears from their eyes, and Chandler took his vows from Ross, staring into Monica's eyes for a moment before he began.
"Monica, I love you. And I feel that that is all I need to say, because it's the truth, and it's the most wonderful truth I've ever known. You have helped me and loved me in so many ways, and I can't believe that we're here now. Because I never thought I was good enough for someone like you. I still don't. But you are the most amazing person I've ever met, and my heart misses a beat every time I even look at you. And wherever you are, I know that I'll always love you."
Joey looked at him with a sad smile as Chandler silently handed the cards back to Ross, taking the rings into his hand without a word, and Joey glanced at his notes again.
"Do you Monica, knowing this man's love for you and returning it, realizing his strengths and learning from them, recognizing his weaknesses and helping him to overcome them, take Chandler to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Monica smiled. "I do."
"Place the ring on his finger," said Joey, and she did, sliding it onto his hand with the lightest touch, her skin sliding over his.
Joey smiled, and looked at his notes again. "Do you Chandler, knowing this woman's love for you and returning it, realizing her strengths and learning form them, recognizing her weaknesses and helping her to overcome them, take Monica to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," said Chandler softly.
"Place the ring on her finger. Let these rings serve not as locks, binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever." Chandler slid the ring silently onto Monica's finger, rubbing her skin as he retracted his hand again.
Joey grinned at them. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," he said, his voice brimming with excitement. Chandler moved forward, and caught Monica's lips in a deep kiss, which she returned, her hand clutching at his back. Everyone applauded, and they broke apart, smiling happily at each other.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," she responded, kissing his lips softly again. "And I'm sorry," she said sadly.
"For what?"
"For dying," she replied, and he let a tear fall. He swept her body into his arms and held her tight as everyone stood, heading through the trees toward the reception.