I think I am going to work on a few more chapters after this one. Now remember everybody it is AU! So things are going to be different. The characters will bit a bit different. But for some of them I tried to keep them as close to character as I could get.
I DO NOT own Friends, etc….
Now please review.
The next day, Monica decided to visit her fiancé so they could go to lunch. Fiancé, she was smiling and it seemed that she was walking on air.
As soon as she arrived at the office, Helen smiled at her. She really liked Monica. She was not pretentious or snobby and most importantly was not marrying Chandler for the money. Which really made her look upon Monica favorably.
The rest around the office were not too fond of her. They were after Chandler one way or another. Two of them already put in their applications.
"Helen, is he busy? I have got lunch." Monica held up a full basket of food. "A picnic to be exact."
"Monica, I know that he will want to see you." She then buzzed him. "Chandler, Monica is here. With lunch."
"Great! Come on in, babe!" Chandler grinned like a fool. He had the best girlfriend in the world.
Monica walked in and kissed Chandler on the cheek. "Love ya."
"Ditto." Chandler then leaned on the desk and turned to Pete Becker. "Becker I think you know my fiancé, you used to employ her father. Who now works for me I might add. As a manager in training."
"Monica?" It appeared that Pete Becker was stunned speechless. "Monica, you and Chandler…"
"Are engaged." Monica then showed the ring off to Pete.
"But, how, why? I mean I-I…" Pete was trying to find the right words.
"Are not like Chandler at all." Monica provided for everyone in the room.
"Precisely. Why would you date him and not me?" Pete was still trying to make sense of everything.
"He has a heart." Stated out loud. Then mumbled, "Which is a lot more than I could say of you."
"Fine, then choose, Tyler. Working with my business or Monica." Pete grinned thinking that Chandler would give Monica up easily enough and he would still end up with her as soon as she saw that he would be a rock for her.
Chandler did not hesitate. "Easy enough. Monica."
"But, what about the technology? Without it, you will not get it. And you need it for your virtual reality game." Pete was dumfounded. Who would dare to say 'no' to him.
"There are other companies out there, Besides, even if there wasn't, I still would not do business with you. So there is the door." He then turned toward Monica. "You are right. He is a shark."
"You will regret this, Tyler." Pete was furious. He would get together with another toy company and they would market the game together and leave Tots of Toys in the dust. He would use all of his money to bankrupt the company.
"Yeah, I really don't think so. You see another difference between me and you is that I do not put my company ahead of a human being or human needs." With that, Pete stomped out.
"Chandler, I am sorry." Monica knew that she was the main cause of him blowing a multi million dollar deal.
"Nah, don't worry about it. I prefer to make educational toys instead of virtual reality games. They have gotten kind of old after a while. And I want to create something that will make the kids learn and think." Chandler brought out his best teacher like voice.
Monica gave a huge smile. "Not to mention something that they can play with."
Chandler then countered with, "Hey, toys are suppose to mean fun, ya know." He then kissed her forehead. "Now what can I do for you, babe?"
"Lunch." Monica told Chandler, he then put his hand in hers.
"And what restaurant would you like to go to. Pick anywhere in the city and it is yours babe. I can have Helen make the reservations ."
"I really don't want to go to a restaurant."
"Really?" They started walking out the door.
"Yeah, I want something simple. Not too stuffy."
"Like…"
"A surprise."
"Good or bad." With Monica's look on her face. "Just kidding."
"Good. That is if you like picnics."
"Love 'em."
"Well, since it is a beautiful fall day and probably the last warm day of the year, I thought that a picnic in the park would be a good idea." As he closed the door to his office.
"Sounds terrific. Hey, Helen, I will not be around for the rest of the day. If anything major comes up…"
"I know, Gandolf can handle it. Have fun being in love."
"Oh, we will." Chandler promised.
Monica then grabbed her picnic basket from Helen as they walked past. "Thanks, Helen."
"No problem, Monica. Have a nice lunch." Helen grinned with a knowing glint in her eye.
"You are starting to sound like Joey." Chandler returned with a grin.
"Keep saying that and I will call Janice and tell her that she is invited to both the engagement party and the wedding." Helen smiled merrily.
"Hey, I was only joking." Chandler looked terrified.
"So was I." Helen came back with.
"HAHA, Funny." Chandler called out.
"I thought it was." Helen dryly stated with a stoic look on her face.
"You have been spending way too much time around me." Chandler sarcastically spat.
"And the ironic thing is that you pay me to." Helen came back with.
"Bye Helen." Monica called out.
"Bye Monica, Chandler." They then left.
After they ate at the park and took a long stroll, they ended up at the Plaza. In one of the most expensive suites.
Once arriving at the room, they wasted no time in getting out of their clothes. Quickly, pushing the covers to the side, Chandler pushed Monica back.
He started at her neck and started working his tongue down. At the waist, he raised her up a bit and spread her legs and gave a cheeky grin at her and started in on her. For Monica, it was the first time that she had oral sex performed on her. Right before she came, he raised up and pushed himself inside and hammered her in and out for a while. Soon after she came.
"How many times have you done that before?" Monica panted. Coming down from those exercsions really got a lot out of her.
Chandler blushed and muttered.. "Well, I uh…this was my first time."
Monica then folded her arms. "Chandler!"
"I am not lying." Off her look. "Honest. The truth is that I did not want to do that with any of the others. Why, I did not have the same feelings toward them that I do you. And I really wanted to make you happy. So on my lunch hour I picked up a book."
Monica grinned. "And what would the name of that book be?" She then wrapped her arms around his neck.
His lips kissed her below her ear. Then answered her in a very sexy whisper, "Karma Sutra."
"You have got to let me see that book."
"We both will tonight."
"My life with you is never going to be hum drum."
"You name it, nope. Especially when it comes to our sex life. I promise. Now…"
Not done with her, Chandler grabbed her by her waist and pushed her up against the wall and started on her again. Even harder. Within a couple of minutes it was over. And they retreated to the bed.
They lay on the bed and made love. This time it was tender and slow. Each taking their time to sear in their brains everything they did to one another.
Chandler ordered some champagne. After it arrived, they lay together with the covers wrapped around them like a large towel. Caressing each other's hands and kissing each other. And telling each other secrets that no one else knew.
"What type of wedding would you like to have?" Monica asked.
"Preferably with you as the bride." Chandler grinned as he kissed her shoulder.
"Chandler be serious."
"I would prefer a small one. Intimate with only family and closest friends."
Monica turned toward him. "Why not a large one?"
"For how many people there would be to invite and everything that would be with it. It would be a circus. I mean think of all the press we would have to contend with." Chandler spoke from experience. Whenever he did anything big, the press would always try and follow through on it. Whether it be business or his last attempt at marriage. There was press everywhere. That was one of the reasons why he shaved off his beard.
"But I have always dreamed of a huge wedding." Monica had a far away, dreamy look in her eyes. "With ice sculptures, the church, the engagement party, the reception, poached salmon that could be served, champagne, a string quartet, perfect dress and a perfect four tiered wedding cake with little people on top." Monica started to cry. "And the most important thing above all of that is the perfect groom." Monica then hugged Chandler harder. "Which I have in you, but I want to make it perfect for you. Understand?"
Chandler then sighed. "Alright Monica. Your wish is my wish. Just as long as you say I do at the alter."
"Don't be so enthused about it."
"It is not that. I just don't like big productions. You are going to need almost an organization to get through with it."
"I will be fine. You see I have it all planned out…."
"How long have you been planning this wedding? Since we started going out?" The thought made Chandler feel very weird.
"Chandler, I have been planning my wedding ever since I knew what a wedding was. I even have a huge scrapbook."
"A scrapbook?" She and Helen ought to get along fine. Helen always ran that office in a way that would make a drill sergeant proud.
"Four actually."
"Four?" Chandler croaked.
"One for the engagement party, one for the wedding, one for the reception and the other one for the honeymoon. I keep them in my wedding box at the apartment in my closet."
"HUH?" Chandler got a frightened look on his face.
"I will make sure it is planned right. Everything from the food, pictures, invitations, music, everything. You will see, I will make you proud."
Chandler then shook his head, amazed. "Alright, Mon. Under one condition. I want you to have some help with it."
"But I want to plan it out myself." Monica pouted.
"And you will. But I do not want you stressed out. So you are going to have a staff and among them are going to be three secretaries, one who is going to be your assistant and one a public relations and an extra just in case."
"Alright. Just as long as I get to run it."
"Great, and Monica, I will give you a bank account. So the sky is virtually the limit. Spend as much as you want. You are more than welcome about going to Paris and getting a designer wedding gown. And I insist that you do."
"Chandler, you are the sweetest."
"Get with Helen about the invitations to my family and friends"
"And don't forget business contacts." Monica added. The way she had it figured was that the bigger wedding the better.
"My God, Monica. Do you know how many there will be of them?"
"Bring them on. I like challenges." Monica had a look of determination on her face.
"I should have known, you are marrying me. And that is a challenge in itself."
Monica grinned. "Chandler, you are right up my alley." Chandler grinned and kissed her full on the lips.
The very next day, Chandler set Monica and her three assistants up in an extra office at the office building.
"Thanks Chandler, this is so great."
"No problem babe. Monica, you already know Helen. This is Susie Moss and Elizabeth Forester."
"Helen is your secretary, Susie is your assistant, and Elizabeth is your public relations reprehensive. Understand."
"Yes."
"These four rooms ought to be enough. If not, then tell me and we will get you some more."
"Ok."
"Need anything else?"
"Well, yes. We have something very important to discuss."
"What is it?"
"Are we going to stay in the apartment, move to another apartment or get a house?"
"Let's go into the next room to talk about it, k?"
"Sure." They both entered the room that would hold the bridal gifts, well one of the rooms anyway. They would probably need more rooms for what was coming.
"Well, since it is just me and you, I think an apartment would be great. For now, anyway" Monica stated.
"Ok. Fine by me. I guess we will have to go apartment hunting."
"And don't forget the furniture and then we have to register for gifts."
"Ok. When would you like to begin?"
"I think it would be a good idea to meet with a realtor and go on from there."
Chandler then continued. "I know the perfect person in the reality business to get an apartment."
"But, I would like to start looking as soon as possible. Like tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?"
"Is that a bad time?" Monica asked,
"No, uh, we had better sit down and discuss what we want and where we want to live at. So since I have nothing to do, why not now?" It took them a grand total of thirty five minutes to decide what they wanted in an apartment. And then they had Helen call for an appointment the very next business day.
When Monica and Chandler arrived home that night. They were very surprised to see Judy Geller in the living room with Ross Geller and a very mad Jack Geller sitting at the kitchen table.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Monica was furious.
"My, Monica, how you've changed. You've turned out to be a very beautiful young woman."
"Uh huh. Now state what you want and leave."
"Is that anyway to great the woman who gave birth to you?"
"You forgot to mention almost disowned me."
"I did no such thing."
"Wanna bet?" Jack and Monica both stated aloud.
Judy intentionally ignored Jack. "Monica, I did not come to argue with you."
"What do you want?'
"I came to bury the hatchet."
"Why?"
"I missed my daughter."
"Bullshit, mom."
"Monica, a real lady would never resort to that kind of language."
"I learned it from the best, namely you."
Seeing how badly it is turning out. "Monica, I want to put the past behind us. I mean there is nothing we can do about it now. I mean I think we can start a whole new mother/daughter relationship."
"I see what you want, Judy. You want to make nice with Monica and get invited to the wedding. Monica don't fall for it." Jack warned.
"I wasn't going to, dad. And the answer is no, why would I want you at my wedding when I haven't seen you since I was a young girl?"
"Now, Monica don't be hasty. She is after all our mom." Ross started.
"Who is not wanted here and will not be invited to the wedding. I don't want her in my life at all. Sort of like you not wanting me in your life all of those years ago. Now if you gentlemen will excuse me I have a headache." Monica then left the room, only to hear the living room door open and close.
Soon after Chandler went in and sat besides her. "You ok, Mon?" He then kissed her forehead and held her.
"I'm fine."
"Mon…"
"I got used to it when I was younger." She then held him tight and closed her eyes. Chandler sat there holding her determined that he was going to make her feel good. And he knew someone that could help. Maybe.
The next morning, they met with a realtor and discussed what they wanted in an apartment.
"Ok, what you both want is at least a three bedroom…" She was then cut off by Monica.
"Four. One is a playroom for the baby.
"Four." Victoria changed around a number. "With a fireplace in the master bedroom. A kitchen that a gourmet would love. A big family and dining room. Anything else?"
"I want a huge pantry and a place for a deep freeze." Monica answered back.
"I think that can be arranged." She then punched in some more Then she scrunched up her nose. "I really don't see any apartments that match your criteria. But a nice brownstone would. And more."
"What do you think Mon? It would mean more room."
"You know, that sounds better."
"Ok." She then moved her mouse and right clicked it. "And location for a brownstone would be around Central Park."
"Uh, Central Park?" Monica asked weakly. She was used to seeing Jack every morning.
Chandler knew what she was thinking. "Uh, Victoria, could you print out the information you have on the houses and the apartments in the Village and Central Park. Please."
"No problem. And I have a book of listings that I can give you. Not to mention pamphlets on the different apartment buildings of the city." After all was gathered Monica and Chandler said their goodbyes and left.
"Chandler…"
"Let me guess why did we not go on any more." Monica nodded her head. "I think we need to talk a bit more about this and make some more decisions."
"Like what?"
"You have been with your father all of your life. I don't think that you are ready to move far away from him." Chandler stopped walking in front of her and put his finger on her lips. "You have been around your father so much, and have seen him everyday. I just think that you ought to live close by to Jack so you can get used to the idea of us moving. That is all." Monica wasted no time in hugging and kissing her husband.
"Thank you. Thank you." Monica stated in between kisses. After a bit they just held each other on the busy New York sidewalk. "Now, what do you say we go and start to register."
Register?"
"For gifts!"
"I know what that means."
"Sure you do."
"I do."
"So can we?"
"Of course. Where would you like to begin at?"
"Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, Tiffany's, Gucci."
"Uh, Mon, are you sure we can hit all of those places today?"
"If not today, then tomorrow."
"Ok."
"Which one would you like to go to first?"
"Bloomingdale's."
"Alright. Give me a minute." Chandler picked up his cell phone and hit speed dial. "Helen. Call Bloomingdale's and tell them that Monica and I are going to register. And it would be nice to have our own sales representative. We are going to eat first. So we will be there in about four hours. Thanks."
"Eat?"
"You are hungry, right?"
"I could eat a buffalo."
"Great! What are you in the mood for?"
"Surprise me."
"OK I really do hope that you are hungry." They ended up going to a Moroccan restaurant. Authentic Moroccan restaurant. And invited Joey, Jack, Ross and Phoebe along as well.
The restaurant was like a page from 1001 Arabian nights. It had arch ways, a fountain and so other reminders of the Arab world.
They were shown to a table. Well the table was as tall as a coffee table and had cushions on the floor to sit on. The waiter served them with some water to wash their hands in first and a towel to dry them off.
"Hey, where is the silverware?" Ross asked annoyed.
"It is authentic to eat with your hands." Chandler stated.
"Not to mention funner." Joey came back with.
"Joey, Funner is not even a real word. It is more fun." Ross corrected Joey.
"I think that whoever a word is said it is real." Phoebe replied sticking up for Joey. She and Ross had some serious arguments anymore. Ross was starting to be more rigid. And Phoebe was…well she was Phoebe. So it appeared as though that their relationship was about to go the way of the dodo.
Joey smiled at Phoebe. "Thanks, Phoebes."
"No problem, Joey." She really liked Joey. He was fun to be around and he was also a real sweetheart and did not put on airs of knowing more than everyone else. And unless it came to women and winning at foosball, he was modest.
Chandler excused himself and went to talk to the waiter. He then came back. "All taken care of."
"What?" Jack asked wondering what his future son-in-law was up to now.
"Nothing at all."
Jack learned not to be too surprised when he walked into his office this morning to see a couple of new toys and games in there. Chandler's expressed orders. Some of them were gifts that Chandler had given to him like the arcade games, a computer with computer games, and the basket ball hoop and such. While others were testing toys.
The employees got to test them first hand and give Chandler their opinions about them. Man, he was really going to love his new job. After all it was not uncommon for a couple hours a day for Chandler and a few others to put on sensors and break up into teams and play laser tag. Or go into the gym and play dodge ball. So morale was kept high. And the cafeteria had everything in it. As well as a gourmet chef. With every type of food under the son for different reasons. Religious or otherwise. Like vegetarians, dieters, etc.
The different courses were broken up and served separately. First came the soup that they ate with dipping bread into it. Then the meat or in Phoebe's case a huge helping of vegetables. That was why Chandler spoke to the waiter, because Phoebe was a vegetarian. Then came the vegetables, and the desert which was fruit. And the waiter came around with some more water and towels for everyone to wipe their hands with.
After it was all done Joey asked. "Where is the belly dancer?"
"Oh she was fired this morning for slapping a customer. I do not care if it is her ex. She was not to treat our customer like that."
"What did he do to her?" Monica wanted to know.
"Yeah what?" Phoebe asked as well. With Monica and Phoebe there about ready to rumble.
"Uh, Mon, Phoebes…" Chandler tried to diffuse the situation. But of course, fate has a way of changing everything.
"Mr. Libra, I have come for my last check." A young woman's voice stated with authority.
"Very well, Mrs. Farber, wait here. I will retrieve it." He then left and went to his office.
"Thank you. And I have changed back to my maiden name of Greene."
"Fine Rachel Greene, it is."
Monica looked at her in astonishment. "Rachel? It is me, Monica. You know, Monica Geller."
"Monica?" Rachel looked confused for a bit. Then it hit her. "Monica! You have changed." They then hugged.
"Rachel, it is so good to see you." She then introduced her to everybody.
"I know you." When she introduced her to Joey. "You are the one who is always saying when I get a divorce, we should go out. You made me even promise."
"Yes, yes I did." Joey stated with a grin on his face. "And you are!" Joey started to get excited.
"Alright, fine. I did promise." Rachel agreed. Not to sure about what was going to happen.
"Great!" Then pushing Chandler over to a corner. "Hey Chandler, can I borrow a few bucks?"
"Ok, how much?" Chandler then reached for his wallet.
"Five hundred dollars." Joey seemed like it was nothing.
"FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS!" Everybody in the restaurant looked over toward them.
"Yeah, She is a classy lady and I want to show her a good time." Joey explained.
"But…" Seeing the hope in Joey's eyes. "Alright fine. But no more than one hundred."
"Chandler I want to take her out to a play and a good restaurant. Four."
"Not all of the restaurants are that pricey and I can get you tickets to any play out there. Two."
"But, I want to also buy her flowers, take her on a carriage ride, and everything. Three."
"Alright, fine. Three."
Rachel turned to Monica. "What is going on?"
"Oh. Joey is asking to borrow money from Chandler to take you out."
"Really? You act as though this is common place."
"It is. But he never asked to borrow this much money from him before. He must really like you."
"Well, he has been coming here at least twice a month and asking me out when I get a divorce. In a way it is kind of sweet yet scary."
"Oh, he won't hurt you." Jack stated. "He is too sweet to."
"Yeah, when he latches on to something, he stands by it whenever or wherever." Phoebe explained.
"Yeah, but the women, only this is the first time I have actually seen him go after a woman like that at all."
"Really?"
"Yup."
"I see. I guess there is nothing wrong with going out with him on a date. After all the other two where losers. One could not kiss worth anything. I mean so much slobber was on my mouth, my lip stick was all over my face or chin."
"Ewwww!" Everybody was shocked and not pleased. After a bit, Joey and Chandler came back and the group left after Chandler paid the bill.
Later that day, Chandler and Monica went to Bloomingdale's and picked out all the china they were going to use. The good china, the everyday dishes, bath towels, silverware, linens, and they also picked out appliances.
The night before, they made a list of everything they would need. And Monica kept it with her, just in case. But they didn't get everything on the list. They still had to register for other items as well.
A little bit of quick explaining about Ross and Rachel. Jack and Judy divorced when Ross was young and still thought that girls were yucky. So he did not develop feelings for her. As I said the divorce changes everything. And all about Rachel's life will be forthcoming in the next chapter.