Mason Park - Chapter Six

the next morning.....

Chandler rubbed the sleep from his eyes on the way out of his room. A blinking light on the answering machine caught his eye and he pressed the "messages" button as he headed to the fridge.

"You have one new message." The automated voice said.

"Hey Chandler, it's Ashley. Um, I wanted to talk to you about something pretty important. Don't worry, it's not what you think it is, I don't even think that's possible. Could you meet me at Mason Park at 2:00? You should know where it is, if not, just call my cell, I'm sure you have the number somewhere."

The message was followed by a high pitched beep and the machine shut off.

He couldn't remember being there, but he knew exactly where it was. His eyes darted to the clock on the microwave, 10:39. He had plenty of time. He could eat, shower, and stop by Monica's restaurant to apologize for last night, and still have time to spare.

Chandler pulled his jacket around him tighter and shoved his hands in his pockets. He had had a quick sandwich, showered, changed into a pair of jeans and a stripped button up shirt, and left an "I'm sorry" message on Monica's machine instead of interrupting her at work, all in an hour.

It was now just after quarter to two and he was on his way down the street, attempting to catch a taxi.

It wasn't an actual park, it was a small coffee shop with a very modern interior. Small square tables made of a heavy oak, surrounded by simple chairs that matched, covered the floor.

Pictures of random things from all walks of life covered the walls, and behind the counter were racks and racks of bagels, coffees, and other suck snacks. Large bay like windows made up the front of the shop, starting from three feet off the ground to the ceiling, they opened up to a view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

It was usually decently busy, it was also where Chandler and Ashley had gone on their first date after their initial plans had gone to hell.

He couldn't remember the date, but he knew the place something to Ashely.

He arrived at the small building, barely noticeable between the fancy, overpriced restaurant and a bookstore. The only thing that helped it stand out was that it was on a corner.

He rushed through the doors, away from the cold winter wind, and shook the snow off of his jacket. Ashley was nowhere in sight so he grabbed a table by the front windows and ordered a cup of coffee for each of them.

Just as the drinks were served, Ashley came through the door and immediately spotted him. He stood to give her a quick hug when she reached the table and helped her take her jacket off.

"Hey Ashley, I ordered you some coffee." He smiled and returned to his chair.

"Oh, thanks. Hey, you got rid of your crutch!"

"Yea, it wasn't helping me much, if anything, it was actually more painful." They both laughed uneasily and sipped their coffee.

"So, um, what did you want to talk to me about?" Chandler asked, looking down at his hands and playing with his fingers.

"Oh, yea. I wanted to tell you that--that I'm moving." Ashley stuttered, refusing to meet Chandler's gaze when he looked up at her.

"You're moving? Where? When?" He pressed his palms flat against the table and tried to sound calm. She was the key to his past. She could help, she was there for so much of it, she couldn't leave now.

"Yea, I'm moving. To California. In three days. I'm still keeping the apartment I have here though, in case I want to come back and visit from time to time. It'll be expensive but with all the hype this album is getting, my manager thinks I'll be just fine, money wise anyway." She stopped and looked back at Chandler, who now was leaning back in his chair with a puzzled look on his face.

"But why? What's in California?"

"Well, my manager said it would be better for my career. You know, I've worked with people here, now I need to work the other coast, it would give me a more broad range of people to possibly work with in the future that I could rely on. I'm not staying there forever. I'm thinking a year, maybe a little less, little more, I really don't know yet."

Chandler nodded and frustratingly whipped the tears that threatened to fall.

How can I cry over something like this? I've known her for less than 48 hours.

"I'm sorry, Chandler. I've been planning on moving for a few weeks now, but I never told you. And then you came to me with this new problem and--"

"New? Are you telling me there were old problems, other problems?" His frustration was growing, he couldn't handle all of this.

Why can't just one thing stay the same?

"Chandler, now is really not the time. I've got a meeting to get to and I just can't be late. Why don't you come over to my place tonight, 7:00? I'll make dinner and we can talk then." She got up, put her coat back on, and bent down to give him a kiss on the cheek before walking out the door.

Chandler angrily stood, hastily throwing his own coat on and throwing a few bills down on the table. He shoved the doors open and stood on the sidewalk for a few seconds, just watching all of the passing cars and people.

Whoever it was that said "life isn't fair" wasn't kidding.

He laughed bitterly and began the hunt for another taxi.

to be continued.....

OK, I got a decent amount of reviews, I'll live. I wasn't planning on updating this week, and that's why the chapter is so short. I think I've only got one more chapter that's ready to be posted, and I just can't afford to give it away yet. I might be skipping next weeks update, unless I get a lot of encouragement to write. My teachers have just been swamping us with homework this year, I don't understand why, is this universal? Oh well, mid-term is Wednesday (it's going so fast!), so I'm almost done with most of them.

Anyway, thanks to those who reviewed, and I'll be looking forward to more! Thanks!

-Jabes-