Because I'm such a nice person I thought I'd give you this for your Christmas present! Only 3 more chapters after this one guys, so make my 2004 by reviewing while you can! Hehe.

Again, I hope you all have a happy/safe/holy Christmas. Pull a cracker for me!

Nina

While You Were Sleeping

Part 19

Chandler idly flicked on his TV set and settled back into his old sofa, in his soon to be old apartment. He knew he couldn't stay there anymore, if he was honest he'd known ever since he can out of hospital. He couldn't live in his and Monica's old apartment while he waited for her to die in prison. It just wasn't right. And as much as he hated the idea of that happening he knew he had to accept that it would. His story had been in the paper over a week ago and so far nothing had happened. The lawyers, the judge, the entire system had ignored it. No one cared about her. And he couldn't deal with that.

Watching the black and white images of the old film he began checking through the list in his head. He'd already sold most of the big furniture. The bed, sofa and fridge were all he was taking. Everything else would be brought there. His clothes were packed, and Monica's had been sold, except for the few items the judge had allowed her to keep. He hated this, it was like she was already dead. Moving out of her apartment, selling her clothes. Cutting her, his wife, his soul mate, from his life. But it had to be done, Chandler knew that. It was better to loose her now, all ties severed, then to build up a relationship only to have it smashed again.

As his eyelids dropped he yearned for her touch, the lightness of her skin as it grazed him as he slept. But he knew that was over. He'd never hold her again, but as long as his memories weren't all around him, that would be ok.

Right?

--------------------

The clerk answered the phone, not even caring who was on the other end anymore. All he could think was that in another 20 minutes his shift would be over, and then some other poor sap could deal with whatever trivial matter was about to be reported. Picking up the receiver, the same monotonous voice ringing out, he spoke,

"NYPD, how can I help?"

The woman's voice was shy, hesitant, as though she desperately wanted to say something, but was unsure about whether she should, "Hello? I'd like to speak to the detective involved in the Monica Geller case please"

The guard didn't really care who she spoke to, as long as it wasn't him, but protocol made him continue speaking, "May I ask what this is in reference to?"

He could hear her breathing, weighing up her options, "My names Amber McGarvy. I believe Monica Geller is innocent, and I think I can prove it"

He paged her through, suddenly wishing he could stay, find out what was happening. The Geller case had been closed for months, she'd been tried and sentenced. The death penalty was due to be handed down in a few months, the entire world knew that. Lord knows why the women had decided to come forward now. Guilty conscience probably, he dealt with enough of them everyday.

Reclining in his seat, the night now still young, he eagerly waited, desperate to know what this women was telling the detective.

A shout

A scream

A struggle

A life

Regained?

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Chandler settled back into his sofa, a dog lying idly at his feet. He glanced quickly around hi new home, he hardwood floors creaking uneasily under his weight. He knew Monica would have loved this house, maybe that's why he'd chosen it. Even he wasn't so sure anymore. All he did know was that he needed some time alone right now. Time away from the world. No TV, no radio, no newspapers. Time to walk his dog, read a book and try and get his life back together. Time for just him.

Reaching down he lazily stroked the dogs soft chestnut fur, as he began to fall into the first peaceful nights sleep he'd had since, since before IT had happened.

Across town, no one else slept. The conversations carried on burning into the night. Monica Geller, innocent? The evening papers had all carried the same story, the story Chandler had wanted.

New evidence, a new witness. Proof that it wasn't her. It wasn't his Monica.

Monica Geller – Retrial.

Would be see her again? Hold her in his arms? Feel the warmth of her body against his? The scent of her hair as he embraced her? In his old sofa, buried deep in the heart of Texas, none of these thoughts entered Chandler's head. To have a new life, he needed to leave the old one behind.