Strangers

EPILOGUE

A/N: First, I want to start off by saying how much I have appreciated the reviews! I loved writing this story, and I loved the fact that you guys reviewed for me! As promised, here is the epilogue to "Strangers." Look back at the last chapter to know what's going on now. (I posted it at the very end!) So, as always, please RnR! (PS – I don't know when Chandler's birthday is, so I am making it winter!)

Summary: A tragic loss for the gang sent them spiraling downwards, but now, exactly one year later, things seem much brighter, because even with death, soon came life.

ONE YEAR LATER

Chandler's birthday was on a cold, and dreary December day. It was softly snowing outside the coffee house, where Phoebe, Joey, Ross, Rachel, Emma and Chandler were drinking hot cocoa and telling stories. Although they tried to make them "kid-friendly," as Rachel called it, they couldn't seem to stop bringing up sex stories from all throughout the years. Emma just continued playing with the Barbie Doll in her lap, and tried not to listen.

Joey and Phoebe, married almost two months ago, were just now trying to get pregnant. Ross and Rachel on the other hand, were about 5 months pregnant with a baby boy. Emma always told everyone how excited she was to be a big sister, and everyone loved hearing it.

After a few moments of silence, after an extremely long giggle fit, (from pregnant, always happy Rachel) and after they were all done with their cocoa, a familiar face popped into Chandler's mind. He didn't know why all of a sudden he was thinking about her, but it eventually made him extremely sad.

"Yo, Chandler! You alright, man?" Joey asked. All four of his friends plus his goddaughter stared back at him, concerned. "You just had another one of those moments again, man…"

"Well, for some odd reason, I just started thinking about her. Do you guys remember? It was a year ago today…" The gang all looked down in their laps, and after a while Ross answered.

"I thought about her today too. I thought I was going crazy or something… But, I mean, today is her death date after all…" Everyone nodded.

"Is it just me, or am I crazy?" Phoebe asked all of a sudden. Chandler gave her a "do-you-want-me-to-answer-that?" kind of look. "No, I mean, I thought about her too! So did Joey and Rachel, they told me! I think it's some kind of sign or something…"

Chandler nodded. "Well, I don't think I believe in all that mumbo jumbo, but it is a really strange coincidence…"

Just then, they all heard a little jingle at the door, and turned to look who it was. Monica strolled over, carrying a very bundled up infant. Monica was dressed in a pair of jeans, and a long sleeved red shirt with a white coat. "Brr… It's absolutely FREEZING out there!" She handed Chandler the baby while she took off her coat, then resumed holding her once she was sitting on one of the chairs.

"Are you guys okay? You seem a little… dazed." Monica asked, curiously.

"We're fine, Mon… It's just… well, today is the day Miranda died," Chandler said softly. Monica sighed, and closed her eyes for a brief moment.

"So that's why your expressions are so glum… I had a dream about her last night. It was weird… I was in the hospital room where they were working on us, but I was like a fly on the wall. I couldn't bear to look at myself, so I stayed near her. All of a sudden, her vitals started crashing, and before I knew it she was… dead. They had just put her kidney into my body when she died… After that I woke up all sweaty, thanks to your daughter's crying. How did it happen again? How did she… pass?" Monica stared into space as she told this, but looked directly at Chandler when she asked.

Rachel then took Emma to the bathroom as Chandler thought for a moment. He thought he told her this before, but if he didn't she needed to know.

"I just… I feel so guilty! She died saving me! A complete stranger! She was young, she would have turned out to be a fine young woman… I just can't forgive myself, guys…" Monica immediately erupted. Phoebe, Joey, Ross and Chandler all sighed.

"Monica, she died of a brain aneurism. It wasn't your fault. We were just lucky they got her kidney out in time. She was destined to die that day. There wasn't anything anyone could do…" Monica snickered.

"I thought you told me you didn't believe in all that stuff? Like fate, and destiny…"

"Well, I usually don't. But if Miranda Whitmore hadn't have died, then I wouldn't have Monica and Miranda Bing, now would I? I have to believe she died for a reason. Well, more like she lived for a reason: to give me my 2nd chance… my family." Monica let a tear slide down her cheek, before she beckoned him to sit with her. They gazed upon their sleeping daughter, as Phoebe, Joey and Ross all gazed upon them in awe. Chandler tenderly placed a cheek on Miranda's cheek, before kissing Monica firmly on the lips.

Miranda Whitmore had served her purpose. She had brought a family together, just like she so desperately wanted to do to her own. She gave a complete stranger a second chance, and it cost her her life. And that, everyone, is just what this world needs.