Friends does notbelong to me.
I am sorry I am late with this chapter. Computer is being very bad. Review folks. Thanks.
It all comes together…….
Jack arrived at the bar and proceeded to half drag half carry Chandler home. Since Chandler was drunk and hung over, he decided to keep him at his apartment.
He laid Chandler on his stomach and then put a bucket beside him. After which Jack picked up the phone.
He got a hold of Joey, via his cell phone. "Hey Joey, I just got Chandler…He is going to stay at my apartment until you arrive, ok. I think it would be best if I looked after him. At least until you or Gandolf arrive." After speaking for a few minutes more, Jack hung up the phone. He then sat down on a chair and picked up a book.
"Jack?"
"Hi, Chandler. You really worried Joey, Gandolf and me."
"I didn't mean to. I just…wait a minute! You?"
"Chandler I still care about you."
"But…"
"But I will never forgive you for hurting Monica."
"Jack you have got to understand. I never did anything to hurt her."
"You call lying to her not hurting her."
Chandler sat slowly up and groaned. "I didn't mean to. But the question you have to ask your self is would Monica have given me the time of day if she had found out about me from the very beginning?"
"Well, she might have."
"Bullshit, Jack. I know it and you know it. Monica has never liked any man that has some money."
"Some money meaning…"
"Head of a company and so forth."
"How rich are you anyway?"
"I leave that for my accountants to know." Chandler then sighed. "Jack, in my life, no one has ever looked at who I really am. They look at me and see dollar signs or something to try and get fro themselves. Monica, is my dream girl, she accepted me and my faults, she sees the real person in me. Not too many people try and see who I really am. I have very few REAL friends that I can trust. Monica…" Chandler sighed and looked down at his hands.
"Yes?" Jack asked looking at Chandler.
"Monica is quite possibly the only woman I will ever love. To me she is perfect. And I ruined it." Chandler sat with his hands rubbing his temples.
Jack went and sat next to Chandler. "I don't think so. She may be going out with Richard, but I know that she still has feelings for you."
"Yeah, she would like to ram my head into a wall. Then again, it would probably feel better than this pounding headache."
Jack chuckled. "No, she just is upset. Don't give up on her, ok? I have never seen her as happy as when she is with you." Jack patted his back.
"But will she still want me?"
"I think she ultimately will."
"How?"
"I will give you a hint of advice, sit down with her and tell her every thing about you. Deepest secrets and all."
"You think that will work?"
"Who knows. But if you goon too strong, you risk loosing her, if you don't try anything at all…"
"I risk loosing her." Chandler bit his bottom lip. "So I will have to find an even ground."
"That is right."
"And lay all of my cards out on the table."
"Now you are getting it."
"I think I understand what I have to do and how to do it."
"Good. Now do you feel like eating something?"
"I don't know."
"Eggs and bacon, fried fish…" Before Jack could go on, Chandler was off the sofa and in the bathroom emptying his stomach. "Revenge for a father is a dish best served subtly."
"HEY!"
"Sorry Chandler. But that was for what you did."
"Oh I see."
"But you are going to take my advice?"
"Of course."
"Good. The Knicks are on."
"I'm there!" Chandler almost ran over to the couch and started watching. Twenty minutes later Joey walked in.
"Gandolf is going home and….what's the score?" All three settled themselves on the couch to watch.
Forty Minutes later, Chandler was in a deep and peaceful sleep. The past events had kept him from sleeping at all. But now he had hope and he could sleep.
Joey had heard from a girl he had met earlier and with Jack's encouragement that he would watch Chandler, he went ahead and met her for a later night rendezvous.
Jack turned off the TV and was looking at his work. Anymore, it seemed that Pete Becker was having a sadistically enjoyment of giving him more work than usual.
That was what Monica found when she entered the apartment with Richard. "Uh, dad. What is HE doing here?"
"I am looking after a friend who had too much to drink."
"Richard, if you don't mind, I need to talk to my father."
"Well, goodnight." Richard then kissed her on the lips. "I will call you tomorrow night about another date."
"OK." Monica the said goodbye and shut and locked the door. "Alright, now what is HE doing here?"
"I said I am looking after a friend."
"Doesn't he have friends of his own? Or did he lie to them as well?"
"Monica, I have a question to ask you. Why did you break up with him?"
"He lied to me."
"Was he cheating on you? An ex-con? Monica, if it is just something simple as his job, then I think you have made a mistake."
"WHAT? I thought that you were on my side."
"He never should have lied to you. But, he wanted you to love him for who he is, not for his job and the money he makes and his net worth."
"Dad, that is not it all. I did nothing wrong."
"He knew how you felt about CEO's and so forth. He honestly wanted to show you that he is different and that he is a person worth knowing."
"I don't want to know him."
"You already do. And you hating him because of his net worth and job is nothing short of prejudiced."
"DAD!"
"I love you, Monica. But you are. You are so sure that every CEO of a company is a tyrant, you will not even give Chandler a chance to explain himself." Before Monica could continue. "You are ready to pass judgment on them all. No matter if it is true or not."
"How can you defend him after what Pete Becker is doing to you?"
"For one thing he is not Pete Becker. He is a caring individual. Both with the people he employs and with People he meets. He puts so much time into charities and other organizations that it would make Phoebe dumbfounded. All I am going to say is if you judge him because of his job then you are just like Pete Becker." Jack then yawned.
"Dad, I know that you have to go to work tomorrow. Go ahead and get some sleep. I will watch Chandler."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes dad."
Jack got up and stretched. "Well, I do need my sleep. SO I am not going to refuse you. What about you? Don't you have to work tomorrow?"
"It is my day off."
"Ok."
"I think Chandler and I are going to have a long serious talk tomorrow."
"Good idea. Just do your old man a favor. Tell him what you want and listen to him wholeheartedly. I think that the both of you will reach an understanding. Night." Jack kissed her forehead and went to bed.
Chandler groaned and almost fell of the couch. "I had better get you into my bed so I can keep a better eye on you."
Monica somehow was able to get him to her room and on her bed. She then proceeded to remove his shoes and socks. After she took off hers and started to remove his shirt.
Chandler pulled her down level with him. "Monica, I will do anything to get you back. I will get rid of my company donate everything I own to any organizations that you want. I just need you in my life. Please." Chandler's eyes looked hopefully into Monica's eyes.
Monica ran her hand along his check. "We will talk about it tomorrow." Soon after with Chandler's help, she had him in his boxers. And she put on his old NYU t-shirt.
"I wondered where that got off to."
"It is mine now."
"No argument from me. Besides, you look far better in that shirt, then I ever will."
"I don't know, you look pretty cute in it yourself." Monica then nestled besides Chandler and they curled up around each other.
The next morning, Monica was making breakfast, Chandler was moving food on his plate and Jack was scurrying around, trying to get his work together.
"Well, I got everything. I better go."
"Dad, don't you want to eat?"
"No time."
"Sorry." Chandler mumbled looking down at his plate.
"Don't, Chandler. I got my work done last night."
"Why do you have to go into the office so early anymore?"
"Becker said he wanted…"
"Becker says this, Becker says that. Dad, Maybe you should try to look for another job."
"With me so close to retirement." Jack shook his head. "Besides I don't know of a job that will hire a man my age."
"I do." Chandler stated aloud. "My company is hiring interns to train for management positions."
"Thanks for the offer Chandler."
"No seriously. Just bring your resume on home and I will go over it tonight. OK?"
"Look, Chandler.."
"Guys. I am serious. My last aide, transferred to Denver. She is starting another part of the company. And I need to replace her." Seeing that Jack was about to argue. "No, I will not take no for an answer."
"But my retirement."
"My company has a better retirement plan than Becker Enterprises. The pay is more. It has better health insurance and you will have stock options."
"I don't know Chandler. An aide."
"You won't stay one for long. It is more of an internship."
"For what?"
"To become an eventual company executive. What do you say?"
"I'll think about it." Jack turned and left.
"I should have asked him that a long time ago."
"Are you doing this for him or for me?" Monica asked.
"Well, for him. Because he deserves it."
"You are sure?"
"Yes I am. Monica, I want you to know, I never would treat anyone like Becker treats people." Chandler stood up and put his hands on her shoulders.
"I know."
"Want to talk now?" Before they could, Joey ran through the door.
"What's to eat? I am hungry."
"Have a seat." Monica smiled at Chandler. Soon after, Phoebe and Ross joined them. Both very surprised to see Chandler eating with them.
They ate breakfast in silence. And soon after, they left to their various jobs. Everyone except for Chandler and Monica.
They sat the table and drank their coffee. "Monica, I know we have quite a few issues to work out. Number one is your trust in me. The only things I lied about was my job, the tickets and the cabin. I know that you may not want me back at all. But, I promise I never meant to hurt you."
Monica took his hand and held it. "I know. I think I am more upset than anything. Upset that you were right. I never would have looked twice at you if I had known. Hurt that I am prejudiced."
"Monica, you are not. You were just careful. I mean you should not that way at all. I mean, you met Becker and his treatment of Jack is plain horrific. It is no wonder that you didn't trust me. But, I should have been more open and honest with you."
"And I should have been more understanding. I guess we both have a lot to learn."
"What do you say we start over. Kay?"
Monica smiled. "Ok."
Chandler held out his hand. "Hi, Chandler Muriel Tyler Bing. CEO of Tot's o Toys. My mother is an erotic romance novelist and my dad headlines for a gay burlesque show in Las Vegas. They divorced when I was nine. They informed me of their decision at the Thanksgiving table."
"UH ok. Monica Geller. I live with my dad in a two bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village. My mom and dad divorced when I was a young girl. My brother stayed with our mom and I went with dad. I am working as a chef at an Italian restaurant." Monica took his hand and shook it.
"Nice to meet you Ms Geller."
"Please, call me Monica."
"As long as you call me Chandler."
Monica pulled Chandler up to her and kissed him hard. "Deal."
"Hey, what happened with us just meeting?"
"Well, anymore secrets?"
"No."
"Alright, I trust you. Now I say let's get back to dating."
"How serious?"
"Well, there is to be ground rules."
"Anything."
"You are to be incarcerated."
"Huh?"
"And will stay in your 'cell'."
"What?"
"You will wear a device."
"Tracking device."
"No, but it will be something you will wear proudly. And if you ever take it off, I will make your life very miserable. Understand."
"Not really."
"Chandler Bing the prison sentence will be marriage if you are up to it. And if you meant what you said three weeks ago."
"You are accepting my proposal?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Yes I am."
Chandler yelped and grabbed Monica, swung her around the room and kissed her hard.
"You know Monica, I think that only a fool will think of being married to you will be punishment."
"You see, you are a romantic."
Chandler smiled and held her closer. "I guess I am."
"Hey, want to celebrate?"
"Uh, sure."
"Well, the first thing you have to do is to put me down." Once she was put down on her feet, she took Chandler by the hand and led him in her bedroom. Where they stayed for the rest of the morning.
At noon, Jack walked in and sighed. Chandler and Monica were sitting on the couch in their robes and lightly making out.
"Should I come back later?"
"Dad! Guess what? We are engaged!"
"Wow! I guess you both worked out your differences. When is the wedding?"
"We decided on a long engagement."
"We want to get to know each other again."
"I see. Uh, Chandler here is my resume."
"Thanks Jack." Chandler scanned over it." When can you start working?" Chandler asked not even looking up.
"What? But…"
"Jack, you are more than qualified. I would hire you even if I was not engaged to Monica. You clearly know your stuff. And I think you will be an asset to the team."
"Uh, you are sure?"
"Yes, I am." Chandler looked up. "I will start you out at $45,000 a year. I know it does not seem like a lot, but you will eventually be making more once you get promoted. You will have insurance. For health which includes doctors, dental, eye and so forth. Two weeks a year vacation paid. When you get promoted to CEO you will get the use of the jet, the cabin and the yacht. If you have to work holidays, you will get reimbursed. But hopefully you will not. You will also have stock options after working for a year and 401-K. What ever you put in, the company will match. Understand?"
"But what will everyone say, hiring your future father-in-law? I mean there will probably be some hard feelings on the subject."
"Jack, everyone knows I hire only people that will be good for the company, one look at your resume or your accomplishments, will stop people from saying anything. Besides the whole company is like an extended family."
"Okay, I will put in my three weeks notice today."
"Great. Oh, by the way. You can wear two sets of clothes. Everybody does. The suit for important business meetings and such, casual clothes for being at the office. Or you can wear a casual suit and no tie. It is your choice."
"Ok. Thanks Chandler."
"No problem."
"By the way, what do the executives do?"
"Make decisions that effect the company. Like which businesses to use, which toy to manufacture and what ways to keep the workers happy. You know more like morale boosters."
"Sounds reasonable enough. What is an intern like. "
"You will work with my main secretary, Helen, and keep me informed of what I should be doing and also taking notes and such. You know getting to know the business."
"I think I can do that."
"Oh yes. And the biggest and hardest job ever."
"What?"
Chandler's eyes had the look of trouble in them. "Testing out the merchandise to see that it is met with the company's strict standards."
"In short, you both get to play with the toys."
Chandler grinned and winked at Jack who also grinned back. "Well you say it like it is a bad thing."
Monica moaned and rolled her eyes heavenward. "Dad why do I have the feeling that you are going to love this job?"
"I have no clue, my little Harmonica." Both Jack and Chandler laughed.
When Jack came home two hours later, he had his stuff from his desk with him. "Jack, what happened?"
"Becker fired me."
"What?" Monica shrieked.
"I gave my notice and he fired me."
"I am sorry." Chandler stated in a moderate tone.
"Well, I am not. I am in a very good mood. Especially when I told him that you two were marring. But don't worry, I did not tell him that you were ahead of a company. I will leave that to you."
"Good. Now when would you like to start?"
"What? I thought you said in three weeks?"
"Jack you can start anytime you want."
"How about tomorrow?"
"Great, we can go to work at the same time and everything."
Later that evening, at the dinner table. Monica and Chandler told everyone else their decision to marry and Jack told them about his job change.
"Wow. Congratulations." Phoebe muttered. Who was amazed at this turn of events. From one day to I hate you to the next of I love you. She guessed they got tired of arguing.
"But isn't this a little fast?" Ross practically yelled out.
"Not really, considering that all we had was a little fight."
"What about all the lies he told you?"
"Ross, they were not life damaging. I can live with them and the truth now. I know he loves me and he knows that I love him and not his money."
"And that is it?"
"Yes Ross, we wasted enough time arguing."
"No Chandler, I wasted enough time being angry with you. It is time I grew up and was happy for a change. And I know that you can make me happy." Monica then kissed Chandler on the lips.
Joey ran over and hugged the both of them extra hard. "I knew that you guys were made for each other."
"Joey, thanks, buddy." Chandler made to shake hands with his long time friend.
"Nothing doing." Joey stated as he hugged Chandler.
"What about your company?" Phoebe asked.
"What about it?"
"Isn't it bad for the workers and environment."
"Alright, that is it. I take great pride in my company, whether it is for the fair treatment of the workers. Or the following of the guidelines of the environment. But since none of you believe me, we are all going down there. And I can show Jack his new office."
"Can I call a friend?" Phoebe asked innocently enough.
"Call away." Chandler shrugged.
"Great." Phoebe ran to the phone and called the great environmental lawyer, Mike Hannighan.
"Oh, Chandler, got any more new toys?" Joey asked.
"Yes., Joe. There are always new toys."
"OH, OH!!! Can I….?"
"Of course, Joe."
"Alright, let's get going." Joey was out the door before anyone else and ran back inside. "Come on time's a wasting." Everybody laughed and soon followed.
While they were there, Jack was shown to his new office and issued a security badge to get him through the major checkpoints as well as Monica. Joey already had his. The rest were given visitors passes.
Mike went over the papers and files with a fine toothed comb. And soon he was satisfied. "Phoebe, this company is above board, from what I can see here. IF I can get a chance to look at the other companies and their practices…I will learn more."
"Mike, you are more than welcomed to."
"Uh, thanks, Mr. Bing."
"Please Mike, don't call me that. I get a very bad flashback of my father."
Mike smiled. "Ok." He then u picked up his briefcase. "Well, from what I can see, you are honest and above board. I only wished more employers would treat both their employees and companys like how you treat this one. Well, it was nice meeting you," He extended his hand, which Chandler took.
"You too." Chandler smiled.
"You mind if I take you up on that offer?"
"Go right ahead."
"Goodnite." He then left.
Chandler went to look for the others. He found them in the gameroom. Monica was off to the side being refereee. It was Joey and Jack versus Phobe and Ross in a water game. Chandler went to stand besides Monica.
"Hey, who's winning?" The next thing was that Chandler was soaked from head to toe, curtesy of Monica.Chandler wasted no time in kissing Monica.
Alright, shouldI continue or should I stop? If ya review, I will know what to do.