This fic is about what would have happened or what would have been changed if Judy and Jack got divorced. How would everyone's lives been different, particularly Monica and Jack's. I will include Ross and Rachel and Phoebe in with it. I am going to copy off of some TOW IT Could Have Been.
About the rating, it is 'R' For what is about to come. Let me just say it is a C& M fic.
**********
Jack arrived home before Monica again. He sat down on the couch. It was quiet and he could reflect on everything that had happened to them. And the repercussions of the divorce.
The apartment was nice and quiet, the middle of the after noon sun had started it's farewell march across the heavens and left a streak of final rays and light behind it on the floor. The rest of the apartment was quiet so that he could sit back and reflect on his life. The perfect mood was set.
He sat back and relaxed. How did everything turn out so bad? HE thought that the marriage was going great. He was a loyal husband and devoted father. He tried to be there for everything for his kids. From little league to plays, and to dance recitals and music performances.
Then one afternoon, he returned home from work and Judy met him at the front door, when his key would not work and told him she wanted a divorce.
He was in denial when she said that, he was shocked when he found out that she hit him with divorce papers while he was staying at his mother's. He was stunned and dazed during the trial, dazed when the final agreement was struck and he was dumfounded when Judy said she wanted nothing to do with Monica and angry when she made Monica cry.
He works at a job where the main boss wants to date Monica. He works long hard hours with what seems like all of his money going toward Ross and Judy.
Whenever he would get promoted or a raise, Judy would take him to court and they would order him to pay more in alimony. It went up from $2500 to $3500 a month. But while he was not paying any child support, he is still paying on the costs of Ross's college education at NYU.
And the bad thing was that Ross did not even try to get a grant or a scholarship. He did not even try to make good grades. And even flunked out of a few classes and had to retake them. So he had to pay for tuition, books, room and board, and extra money up to the doctor's level. So almost all of his pay went toward paying off Ross's college fees and even to Judy.
It was Monica that made up the rest. For paying for the apartment, utilities, bills, and the other everyday items. She had two jobs and was always tired. She wouldn't hardly eat and that left her with an anemic look to her that was starting to scare him. He could count her ribs and she was skin and bones.
She never made any time for herself. No saving up to go places like the beach, plays, the movies or skiing. She would always work. He was worried that she would have a burn out.
He knew that she was lonely. After the divorce, they moved to the city and started to live here. She left all of her friends and everything familiar behind. At a very young age, she was quiet, and would sit by herself at recess and read a book. She never went and played with the kids.
She was smarty enough to get scholarships and grants, but she decided to go straight into the work force. She worked at a meat packing plant for a bit, got laid off, then as a waitress at the Russian Tea Room, was fired when she tripped and spilled some soup on one of the costumers. Then got a part time job working at Central Perk. And then got another job working as a full time waitress at the 50's diner.
In short she has had it rough. But she would not leave him alone for a minute. She would spend all of her time with him or working. And that was scaring him. What would happen to him once he was gone?
She has been out with only a few guys, and the last one was almost a year ago. She happened to be beautiful, but would turn dates down right and left. That was why he was trying to set her and Pete Becker up. IF she got together with him, then she would not have to worry about money for the rest of her life.
That would be for the best. Her and Pete Becker. He knew that Becker would take care of her. So he would not worry.
IT was then that Monica entered. "Dad, did you try and set me and Becker up again?"
"Well, honey…"
"Dad, please do not do that again. Understand?"
"So you are going out with him?"
"No, I am going out tonight with Chandler."
"Chandler?"
"Our new neighbor from across the hall. We saw him last night. Remember going out for pizza?"
"Oh, I see. So what does he do?"
"He is a data processor. Now if you will excuse me, I have to get ready to go."
"Why are you going out with him?"
"Well, Pete came into Central Perk today and offered to take me out. Since I did not want to go, I told him that I am currently going out with Chandler. He came in a bit before Pete did and said hi." Monica then sighed as she sat down next to her dad. "I did not want to date Pete and asked Chandler to play along. So he did, after Pete left, we started talking and now we are going to see a play."
"Really, which one?"
"A View Like You. His roommate is the lead actor in the play." Monica explained. "But first we are going out to eat."
Jack smiled. "That sounds good. Where at?"
"He said he want3ed it to be a surprise."
"I hope it is a nice place."
"You and me both."
"Well, I better get cleaned up." Monica then went to the bathroom and got a shower.
Forty five minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Jack went over to answer it. He looked out the peephole and saw Chandler standing there holding a bouquet of different flowers. Jack shook his head and opened the door.
"You are a bit early. She is still getting dressed."
"Dad! Be nice!" Monica shouted from her room.
"Won't you please come in?" Jack asked.
"Uh thanks." He then stepped in and halfway smiled.
"nice flowers." Jack committed.
"Oh, these are for Monica." I would hope so. "And this is for you." Chandler then held out a carton of cigarettes.
"How did you know?" Jack asked in a whisper.
"I occasionally smoke as well. And from one smoker to another I know about the tell signs and smell." Chandler smiled.
"I had better hide these. Be right back. Uh, have a seat." Jack then quickly went and hide the carton on the balcony. HE then came back and went and sat on the couch next to Chandler.
"So Monica tells me you are in data processing…" Jack started.
Monica stepped out of the room wearing a nice cream colored blouse and brown pants. Her hair was up and she had a jacket and a purse. As she was entering she heard Chandler talking to her dad and he was laughing.
"Uh, hi." She called out.
Channel looked up and saw her. TO him she was gorgeous. "Uh these are for you." Chandler stated as he stood up, offering her flowers.
"Thanks." Monica then took them into the kitchen and put them in a vase. Chandler followed her.
"Hey, Monica, Joey gave me an extra ticket if Jack would like to go."
Monica looked up at him and smiled. "I see no problem with that. Hey, dad want to come?"
"Sure." After getting the flowers in the vase, they then all left.
Chandler's strategy was to get both father and daughter to like him. He talked to Gunther at the coffee house to find out a bit about Monica and Jack. In doing so, he found out that they both cared deeply about one another. And they both liked to do things together. In short they had real father/daughter bond going.
So in short to get on both of their good sides, he had to show that he actually thought greatly of them both. And just doing stuff with one of them was not going to cut it.
They went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. Then after a bit, they went to he play. It was a romance comedy. And they even got to go backstage and talk to the actors when the play was done. Monica and Jack loved it.
They met and talked with the actors and the rest of the crew. Finally, after the cast party, they all walked home, since Joey did not have a date that night.
Once arriving back t the apartments, Joey and Chandler got invited into the Geller's. They had some red wine and talked for a bit more that night.
Monica was finding Chandler very smart, insightful, funny, quick and a lot of fun to be around. Not to mention she loved his smile and his eyes.
Joey was a bit…well….a major flirt. But nothing ever came of it. He was very nice and easy going. So he was easy for them to get along with.
When Joey first met Monica, he tried a line on her. Chandler let him know very subtly not to try anything with her.
After Chandler and Joey being there for two hours, it was time to leave. Chandler noticed that the hosts were tired and he knew they had a long day tomorrow. And he felt that they were over staying their welcome. So he yawned and stretched a bit and nudged Joey a bit and looked toward the door. They then got up to leave.
"Well…it has been nice tonight, I hope we will see each other tomorrow." Chandler stated as he and Joey started out.
""You guys want to come over for breakfast?" Monica asked.
Joey and Chandler looked at each other and Joey called out. "I'm there."
Chandler smiled, "What time is it?"
"Eight." Jack replied.
"In the morning?"
"No Joe, eight at night." Chandler replied.
"Really?" Joey asked hoping.
Chandler rolled his eyes. "Yes light in the morning." He then started walking out the door with Joey following him.
"Awww man. Why did you say at night?" Joey whined walking after him.
"I was just kidding with you." Chandler replied as they were going out the door.
"You are mean, man. Totally and completely mean." Joey responded while they were out.
"Night, guys." Jack and Monica called.
"Night. " Chandler and Joey both replied back. Joey then continued to whine and Chandler continued to joke with him.
After they left, Monica turned towards Jack. "So dad, what did you think of them?"
"They remind me of Laurel and Hardy." Jack smiled. He liked them. They were really nice and had a good sense of humor. Plus he found out they were Knicks, Yankees, Red Wing and Jets fans. They could go to every major sporting event out there. If he made enough money, or if not they could watch It on TV. He could see them becoming really good friends.
"I meant…" Monica started.
"I liked them a lot." Jack replied.
"Yeah, because they like sports as much as you do." Monica teased.
"Well…not only that."
"I know dad. They are both nice and fun to be around. So you don't mind if they come over more?" Monica asked.
"Nope. I do not." Jack was surprised that she even had to ask. He liked them and had a good feeling about them.
"Great." Monica replied with a small smile.
"So you think Chandler is going to ask you on another date?" Jack asked. He hoped that Chandler would. It would be great so that Monica would have someone around her own age to talk to and Chandler seemed a stable yet fun guy.
"He already did."
"When did he do that?" Jack was amazed, he did not recall any conversations about them going out yet again.
"During intermission. You were at the restroom." Monica explained.
"And you said?" Jack prompted her.
"Yes."
"YES!!!" Jack yelled out happily. Monica gave him a look. "What I am happy that my little girl found a nice guy to date. I mean it is not good to spend all of your life here in this apartment with me or at work. You need to get out more."
"Are ya done?"
"Yes."
"Good night, dad." Monica then kissed him on the check.
"Night, Monica."
After she went to bed, Jack walked across the hall and knocked on the door. Joey answered it. Chandler went and stood right beside him. "I am going to say this one time and one time only. Hurt my little girl and I kill you. Understand?"
"Perfectly sir. And if I do anything to her, I hope that you do knock some sense into me." Chandler replied back honestly. "But don't worry, I am going to go as slow as I can with her. Because I want for her and you to get to know well."
"Good! Make sure you do." Jack warned.
"And if you are not around or up for the job, I will do it sir." Joey responded. "Yu see, I have got seven sisters. And I think that Monica is going to be like a sister toward me."
"Good, now that we all have that straight. Good night." Jack then turned to walk back into his apartment.
"Night, Jack." Both Chandler and Joey responded.
Monica was waiting for him in the apartment. "Thanks for your concern dad. But I will be alright."
"You are my little girl, I would feel like that I let you down if I did not say anything." Jack grinned.
"Night dad."
"Night, my little harmonica." Jack smiled happily as he watched hi daughter and for all respects only child walk into her bedroom.
It may have been too early to tell, but he felt that Chandler was going to probably be the man that his little girl would end up with. It seemed to him that Chandler was a gentleman and a great guy. But that was only on the first meeting. He would wait and see. It seemed like Chandler wanted to take it slow and easy to let Monica and him get to really know him and that helped ease his conscious.
About the rating, it is 'R' For what is about to come. Let me just say it is a C& M fic.
**********
Jack arrived home before Monica again. He sat down on the couch. It was quiet and he could reflect on everything that had happened to them. And the repercussions of the divorce.
The apartment was nice and quiet, the middle of the after noon sun had started it's farewell march across the heavens and left a streak of final rays and light behind it on the floor. The rest of the apartment was quiet so that he could sit back and reflect on his life. The perfect mood was set.
He sat back and relaxed. How did everything turn out so bad? HE thought that the marriage was going great. He was a loyal husband and devoted father. He tried to be there for everything for his kids. From little league to plays, and to dance recitals and music performances.
Then one afternoon, he returned home from work and Judy met him at the front door, when his key would not work and told him she wanted a divorce.
He was in denial when she said that, he was shocked when he found out that she hit him with divorce papers while he was staying at his mother's. He was stunned and dazed during the trial, dazed when the final agreement was struck and he was dumfounded when Judy said she wanted nothing to do with Monica and angry when she made Monica cry.
He works at a job where the main boss wants to date Monica. He works long hard hours with what seems like all of his money going toward Ross and Judy.
Whenever he would get promoted or a raise, Judy would take him to court and they would order him to pay more in alimony. It went up from $2500 to $3500 a month. But while he was not paying any child support, he is still paying on the costs of Ross's college education at NYU.
And the bad thing was that Ross did not even try to get a grant or a scholarship. He did not even try to make good grades. And even flunked out of a few classes and had to retake them. So he had to pay for tuition, books, room and board, and extra money up to the doctor's level. So almost all of his pay went toward paying off Ross's college fees and even to Judy.
It was Monica that made up the rest. For paying for the apartment, utilities, bills, and the other everyday items. She had two jobs and was always tired. She wouldn't hardly eat and that left her with an anemic look to her that was starting to scare him. He could count her ribs and she was skin and bones.
She never made any time for herself. No saving up to go places like the beach, plays, the movies or skiing. She would always work. He was worried that she would have a burn out.
He knew that she was lonely. After the divorce, they moved to the city and started to live here. She left all of her friends and everything familiar behind. At a very young age, she was quiet, and would sit by herself at recess and read a book. She never went and played with the kids.
She was smarty enough to get scholarships and grants, but she decided to go straight into the work force. She worked at a meat packing plant for a bit, got laid off, then as a waitress at the Russian Tea Room, was fired when she tripped and spilled some soup on one of the costumers. Then got a part time job working at Central Perk. And then got another job working as a full time waitress at the 50's diner.
In short she has had it rough. But she would not leave him alone for a minute. She would spend all of her time with him or working. And that was scaring him. What would happen to him once he was gone?
She has been out with only a few guys, and the last one was almost a year ago. She happened to be beautiful, but would turn dates down right and left. That was why he was trying to set her and Pete Becker up. IF she got together with him, then she would not have to worry about money for the rest of her life.
That would be for the best. Her and Pete Becker. He knew that Becker would take care of her. So he would not worry.
IT was then that Monica entered. "Dad, did you try and set me and Becker up again?"
"Well, honey…"
"Dad, please do not do that again. Understand?"
"So you are going out with him?"
"No, I am going out tonight with Chandler."
"Chandler?"
"Our new neighbor from across the hall. We saw him last night. Remember going out for pizza?"
"Oh, I see. So what does he do?"
"He is a data processor. Now if you will excuse me, I have to get ready to go."
"Why are you going out with him?"
"Well, Pete came into Central Perk today and offered to take me out. Since I did not want to go, I told him that I am currently going out with Chandler. He came in a bit before Pete did and said hi." Monica then sighed as she sat down next to her dad. "I did not want to date Pete and asked Chandler to play along. So he did, after Pete left, we started talking and now we are going to see a play."
"Really, which one?"
"A View Like You. His roommate is the lead actor in the play." Monica explained. "But first we are going out to eat."
Jack smiled. "That sounds good. Where at?"
"He said he want3ed it to be a surprise."
"I hope it is a nice place."
"You and me both."
"Well, I better get cleaned up." Monica then went to the bathroom and got a shower.
Forty five minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Jack went over to answer it. He looked out the peephole and saw Chandler standing there holding a bouquet of different flowers. Jack shook his head and opened the door.
"You are a bit early. She is still getting dressed."
"Dad! Be nice!" Monica shouted from her room.
"Won't you please come in?" Jack asked.
"Uh thanks." He then stepped in and halfway smiled.
"nice flowers." Jack committed.
"Oh, these are for Monica." I would hope so. "And this is for you." Chandler then held out a carton of cigarettes.
"How did you know?" Jack asked in a whisper.
"I occasionally smoke as well. And from one smoker to another I know about the tell signs and smell." Chandler smiled.
"I had better hide these. Be right back. Uh, have a seat." Jack then quickly went and hide the carton on the balcony. HE then came back and went and sat on the couch next to Chandler.
"So Monica tells me you are in data processing…" Jack started.
Monica stepped out of the room wearing a nice cream colored blouse and brown pants. Her hair was up and she had a jacket and a purse. As she was entering she heard Chandler talking to her dad and he was laughing.
"Uh, hi." She called out.
Channel looked up and saw her. TO him she was gorgeous. "Uh these are for you." Chandler stated as he stood up, offering her flowers.
"Thanks." Monica then took them into the kitchen and put them in a vase. Chandler followed her.
"Hey, Monica, Joey gave me an extra ticket if Jack would like to go."
Monica looked up at him and smiled. "I see no problem with that. Hey, dad want to come?"
"Sure." After getting the flowers in the vase, they then all left.
Chandler's strategy was to get both father and daughter to like him. He talked to Gunther at the coffee house to find out a bit about Monica and Jack. In doing so, he found out that they both cared deeply about one another. And they both liked to do things together. In short they had real father/daughter bond going.
So in short to get on both of their good sides, he had to show that he actually thought greatly of them both. And just doing stuff with one of them was not going to cut it.
They went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. Then after a bit, they went to he play. It was a romance comedy. And they even got to go backstage and talk to the actors when the play was done. Monica and Jack loved it.
They met and talked with the actors and the rest of the crew. Finally, after the cast party, they all walked home, since Joey did not have a date that night.
Once arriving back t the apartments, Joey and Chandler got invited into the Geller's. They had some red wine and talked for a bit more that night.
Monica was finding Chandler very smart, insightful, funny, quick and a lot of fun to be around. Not to mention she loved his smile and his eyes.
Joey was a bit…well….a major flirt. But nothing ever came of it. He was very nice and easy going. So he was easy for them to get along with.
When Joey first met Monica, he tried a line on her. Chandler let him know very subtly not to try anything with her.
After Chandler and Joey being there for two hours, it was time to leave. Chandler noticed that the hosts were tired and he knew they had a long day tomorrow. And he felt that they were over staying their welcome. So he yawned and stretched a bit and nudged Joey a bit and looked toward the door. They then got up to leave.
"Well…it has been nice tonight, I hope we will see each other tomorrow." Chandler stated as he and Joey started out.
""You guys want to come over for breakfast?" Monica asked.
Joey and Chandler looked at each other and Joey called out. "I'm there."
Chandler smiled, "What time is it?"
"Eight." Jack replied.
"In the morning?"
"No Joe, eight at night." Chandler replied.
"Really?" Joey asked hoping.
Chandler rolled his eyes. "Yes light in the morning." He then started walking out the door with Joey following him.
"Awww man. Why did you say at night?" Joey whined walking after him.
"I was just kidding with you." Chandler replied as they were going out the door.
"You are mean, man. Totally and completely mean." Joey responded while they were out.
"Night, guys." Jack and Monica called.
"Night. " Chandler and Joey both replied back. Joey then continued to whine and Chandler continued to joke with him.
After they left, Monica turned towards Jack. "So dad, what did you think of them?"
"They remind me of Laurel and Hardy." Jack smiled. He liked them. They were really nice and had a good sense of humor. Plus he found out they were Knicks, Yankees, Red Wing and Jets fans. They could go to every major sporting event out there. If he made enough money, or if not they could watch It on TV. He could see them becoming really good friends.
"I meant…" Monica started.
"I liked them a lot." Jack replied.
"Yeah, because they like sports as much as you do." Monica teased.
"Well…not only that."
"I know dad. They are both nice and fun to be around. So you don't mind if they come over more?" Monica asked.
"Nope. I do not." Jack was surprised that she even had to ask. He liked them and had a good feeling about them.
"Great." Monica replied with a small smile.
"So you think Chandler is going to ask you on another date?" Jack asked. He hoped that Chandler would. It would be great so that Monica would have someone around her own age to talk to and Chandler seemed a stable yet fun guy.
"He already did."
"When did he do that?" Jack was amazed, he did not recall any conversations about them going out yet again.
"During intermission. You were at the restroom." Monica explained.
"And you said?" Jack prompted her.
"Yes."
"YES!!!" Jack yelled out happily. Monica gave him a look. "What I am happy that my little girl found a nice guy to date. I mean it is not good to spend all of your life here in this apartment with me or at work. You need to get out more."
"Are ya done?"
"Yes."
"Good night, dad." Monica then kissed him on the check.
"Night, Monica."
After she went to bed, Jack walked across the hall and knocked on the door. Joey answered it. Chandler went and stood right beside him. "I am going to say this one time and one time only. Hurt my little girl and I kill you. Understand?"
"Perfectly sir. And if I do anything to her, I hope that you do knock some sense into me." Chandler replied back honestly. "But don't worry, I am going to go as slow as I can with her. Because I want for her and you to get to know well."
"Good! Make sure you do." Jack warned.
"And if you are not around or up for the job, I will do it sir." Joey responded. "Yu see, I have got seven sisters. And I think that Monica is going to be like a sister toward me."
"Good, now that we all have that straight. Good night." Jack then turned to walk back into his apartment.
"Night, Jack." Both Chandler and Joey responded.
Monica was waiting for him in the apartment. "Thanks for your concern dad. But I will be alright."
"You are my little girl, I would feel like that I let you down if I did not say anything." Jack grinned.
"Night dad."
"Night, my little harmonica." Jack smiled happily as he watched hi daughter and for all respects only child walk into her bedroom.
It may have been too early to tell, but he felt that Chandler was going to probably be the man that his little girl would end up with. It seemed to him that Chandler was a gentleman and a great guy. But that was only on the first meeting. He would wait and see. It seemed like Chandler wanted to take it slow and easy to let Monica and him get to really know him and that helped ease his conscious.