When Monica emerged through the door, she could see that Ross and Chandler already occupied the front seat of the car and that they were deep in a conversation. By the looks of it, it seemed that the conversation was tense and she was certain of one thing. It had to be about her. And as she watched she was unable to keep her eyes from tearing up. She hated doing what she did just now, but Ross was right. If she did not get Chandler back on track and to the special work that they had all agreed to do, then life as they knew it would always and forever be under the tyranny of fear. The fear of the likes of Madame Book and Doctor End, villains who believed that they could do as they pleased no matter whom got hurt in the process. But, then there was Chandler, a man with a good heart. A man though he was able to keep his pain from the rest of the world was unable to keep it from the one person closest to himself – Himself. And even though he tried to hide his emotions, she knew. She was there that awful and fateful night. Not only her, but Ross too. And now as she stood just outside Central Perk, she again lapsed into the memory, and she became afraid:
Two years Prior: The place – Vegas. The day and time – Friday 11:00 pm. The year – Who cares… but it was a night which will haunt the trio for the rest of their lives. Chandler's father Charles Bing, or as the natives referred to him, Helena Handbasket had just opened his new show, Viva Queen Vegas and wanted to celebrate. He felt he had a lot to celebrate as not only was his show really great, but he was again friends with his ex-wife, Nora who by now had sold over twelve best sellers which rated in the top five on the New York Best Seller's List at various times, and his long-lost son, Chandler whom he at least could again talk civil with. He was more than deeply pleased when his son had asked if he could bring his two close friends, Ross and Monica. And how could he turn down their request to bring their parents, Jack and Judy Geller for their anniversary. He went so far as to insure that they would have the best seats in the house. He surprised Jack with a box of the best Cuban Cigars he could find, and he gave Judy the biggest bouquet of Director Roses he could find. On their table he made sure that their glasses were always filled with Don Perignon and that snack trays were never empty more than a few minutes. He even arranged it so that the out of town guests would be staying at Caesar's Palace Gambling Casino, a place where he had a private suite. Everything was going so well, or so he thought.
He had arranged for two horse-drawn carriages to pick up his guests at the airport, take them to Caesar's Palace so that they could unload their baggage, grab a quick lunch and then to be their transport for the afternoon as they toured the city of light and sound. He even paid top dollar for Madame Le Roche, the one person who knew the ins and outs of Vegas along with the knowledge of the most obscure places which were unknown even to those who called Vegas home. Returning later in the day back at Caesar's, they were given the best seven course banquet in their lives never realizing that it would be the last exquisite meal of their lives. So good was the meal that even Monica felt that she was in the presence of the masters of her craft, cooking. Ross and Chandler were in their glory that evening. Teasing Monica about how her meals now seemed like frozen dinners when compared to what they were eating that evening. Monica took in stride as she let the boys know that once they did return home that's all they would get from her for a month – frozen dinners. After the chuckling died down, the announcement came that the time had come for them to depart for the show. Judy asked the hostess if her flowers could be taken to her room. Before giving the box of cigars to the hostess, Jack grabbed a couple and shoved them into his jacket pocket. He had every intention of sharing a smoke with his gracious host later that evening during the midnight ride around Vegas which Charles Bing declared made even the Empire State Building seem like a mere pittance. He never would even get the pleasure of one single drag upon their smooth surface nor smell the rich fragrance that was sure to follow the initial light-up. As the carriage pulled up to the theatre, a lone figure swept out of the door in a sparkly and elegant evening gown which shimmered in the pale moon light. At first the travelers were startled until Chandler announced rather dramatically, 'And here's daddy'. Then they saw that indeed it was a man dressed as a woman. It was the giver of their gift. It was… Charles Bing. Behind him framed in the doorframe as if ready for an African Safari was none other than the notorious romance novelist… Nora Bing. She just tapped her watch and said, "Charles it is time." And with that the crew was quickly ushered inside with a slam of the door. In the shadow of the alley-way just out of site watched a lone figure. The figure was dressed as black as the alley but if one were to take a close look, one could barely make out the whites of the eyes. As the echo of the bang of the slamming door died out, the figure was on a cell phone making a call. After a brief space of time, the figure closed the cell and went back to the silent vigil. Waiting as it were the predator for its prey…
And then it happened, the show was over and the fat lady finally sang. Seeing the door again open the lone figure let out the sound of a wild bird. It was picked up and carried by two others in the distance. The lone figure watched as the seven people emerged and start to climb into the carriages. Continue to watch as the sound of screeching tires could be heard around a near corner. Watched as a black limo with six drag queens come screaming down the road hanging by one arm to its sides. Watched that as the limo passed six sub-machine guns blazed in the night ripping large chunks out of the carriages as well as its passengers. Watched as the limo tore away and then the figure disappeared into the night.
Some would say that a miracle happened that night for if Ross or she had been fully in the carriage, they too would be eternally resting with their parents. But she always wondered if that were true as she and Ross ended up with many bullet holes which sent them to the hospital for weeks of recovery and three cosmetic surgeries. The only miracle she saw before blackening out was Chandler who seemed mildly hurt running and screaming down the street.
She never did know what happened to Chandler since the night. He never came around to visit them, never sent any word. And when the devastating news came about what happened to their parents, he was nowhere to be seen. Never appeared during the whole investigation of the incident. Never appearing during the times when they were questioned about Charles Bing's involvement with the Mafia. Not once did they ever see him as Operation Restore was in progress. The Feds believed that Ross and Monica were victims of chance and in order to protect them, gave them stand-in parents so as to establish a ruse. And life was to go on as usual, but for them life would never go on. Life for them died the day they buried their parents… and from then on knew that they would have to live a lie. A lie they were ordered to live… all in the name of protection.
Returning home they found Chandler. He had returned home the next day and was trying to live his life as if nothing happened. If he was with the gang, it was as if the old Chandler had never left, but when he was with them, he was… someone else. He rarely if ever acted like a smartass and if they tried to broach the subject of that night, he would get all emotional and quickly leave the room. As the days dragged on, Monica became more and more concerned. She feared that if they didn't get Chandler to look at and talk about that day, she feared the worse would happen to him. So, when she saw that she couldn't get through to Chandler, she did the one thing she knew she could for him – pray. After one extreme and serious attempt, Chandler became furious and as he left, made it clear that they would never see him again. "Never" apparently only meant six months for as Monica and Ross were sitting on their beloved orange couch at Central Perk enjoying the warm and chocolaty flavor of Mocha they heard a rather shy and timid, "Hey… mind if I join you?"
Monica nearly dropped the cup as she was about to take a sip of latte, and Ross stopped the bite he was about to take on the poor and defenseless Madeline cookie. Both turned to see a rather lonely looking Chandler standing to one side of the couch. Monica quickly set the cup down, gave out a small squeal and quickly ran to embrace her long lost friend…
"Oh Chandler, I'm so, so sorry…"
"No Mon, it's me who is the sorry one. I should have let you guys help me way back when. It's been nothing but hell and I just couldn't take it anymore. I lost my parents and well… I can't lose the only other family I have. I hope you two will forgive me." In reply Monica kissed Chandler on the cheek gave him a big hug while laying her head on his shoulder and let the tears of happiness flow.
By this time, Ross had come around and hugged the couple, "Chandler, dude… sorry to be so insensitive. We really missed you man. Welcome home buddy." That said he joined in the group hug.
"Thanks my man and I too missed you guys." He said moving his head toward Monica kissed the top of her head and just bathed in the love that he was feeling from the only two people he cared about most in the world. And for the first time in six months a smile came to Chandler's face. The three would have stayed that way for awhile if they were not interrupted by a deep and rather charming voice,
"I really hate to break up such a rather big and emotional reunion, but Ross, Monica it's time for dinner and you know how Clancy hates to be kept waiting." It was Richard, Ross and Monica's father's best friend who had taken on the role of their father after the fateful shooting.
Monica rather embarrassed broke from Chandler's embrace and spoke, "Oh, hi Richard. THIS is Chandler, the one who we have been talking and worrying about for the past six months. He is the one whose parents also were killed when mom and dad…" she couldn't go on as her eyes were starting to tear up as the memory of that night again crossed her mind.
"Ah… so you are the prodigal child. I am glad to meet you Chandler" said Richard as he extended his hand for a shake.
"And you also, Sir." Replied Chandler as he shook Richard's hand with his own but still held on to Monica as a drowning person would to a life preserver.
Ross not wanting for this glorious reunion to end quickly shot in, "Richard, would it be ok if Chandler joined us for dinner? It's been so long and well…"
"Yes, I think that would be a very fine idea. I do not believe Clancy would mind as she usually makes above and beyond the needed amount. Chandler, have you eaten yet?"
"No, Sir I have not. And thanks…"
"Chandler, if you wish to be my friend and part of this family… I am not 'Sir". Just call me Richard."
"Did he just say I was part of the family?" thought Chandler not believing he heard right. "Did you just say part of the family?"
"Well, yes if that is alright with you."
"Yes it is alright, Sir, eh I mean Richard. Thank you, thank you." Chandler said as his eyes started to tear up and he gave Richard the biggest hug. This day had turned out to be the best thing that has happened to him since that night. The Night, which has plagued his thoughts and given him nightmares every time he closed his eyes. Not only had he reunited with his long lost friends but he gained a family. Although it felt odd, it also felt right. And as he hugged Richard, he hoped the others didn't see the tear as it slowly rolled down his face. The silent testimonial that he truly felt love. The first time since his parents had separated so long ago, and he wondered if he could return that love.
"Well come along gang. Let's not keep Clancy or her scrumptious meal waiting any longer. Hope you have a big appetite, Chandler because you will need it." And saying that led the group of youngsters out the door.
This little scene was not missed for sitting in the corner sipping a hot cup of tea and holding a very expensive French cigarette sat a rather prim and proper woman who seemed a bit upset. "So, Richard, playing the pied piper are we?" she thought as she took a long drag from her cigarette. "Always was the sentimental fool weren't we? And now you have added the last piece of the puzzle of the latest hair-brain scheme you have cooked up. What are you up to now Richard? I WILL find out. And when I do, I will make your last blunder seem like child's play…" and with that holding her cup began to simmer in her hate and anger. If one could look through all the makeup then one would see scars. Scars so well hidden but never will heal… scars from surgery. Scars from having dozens upon dozens of bullets removed from your body. Scars from the many hours of burn treatments and tanning heat at the tanning booth. Scars which fueled the hatred she had for the man as he left the door. And with this little reunion her hatred intensified. How dare he steal the one thing most precious to her. He would pay for this. But how… and taking a sip she thought, and stewed in anger for a very long time.
The meal that night was the best Chandler had ever eaten. It consisted of Roast beef, potatoes, a pre-dinner salad, home-made crescent rolls, three different kinds of vegetables on the side, and a generous portion of chocolate cake for desert. Compared to his usual fare of macaroni and cheese with hotdog this was a feast. And he ate like a half-starved man. Enjoying every bite and enjoying the banter around the table as they kidded each other with jokes and stories, but not once did they dare broach the subject. The subject which changed their lives, the subject which caused their separation, the subject which also was the beginning of their new adventure… but all in good time my sweeties, all in good time. Feeling rather bloated, Richard pushed back from the table, and suggested that they retire to the parlor for a bit of wine and relaxation. After handing out the glasses he made a toast. A toast to their health, a toast to their reuniting, a toast for better things to come. When they had settled in to watch some television, he pulled out a cigar and after lighting it lapsed into memory about the times he and his best friend Jack would be sitting in this very room. Smoking cigars and sharing stories of times gone by. And it saddened him, for now his friend was gone. Snuffed out like a half-smoked cigar because the smoker did not have the time to finish enjoying such a fine piece of artistic pageantry. Looking over at the three young friends he again began to feel the fury. The fury he vowed to bring to completion. How dare this person take the one thing that mattered most to him in this life next to his cigars, his best friend, Jack Geller. And not only Jack, but his dear and devoted wife, Judy. Yes, he vowed again as he took a drag, "You will pay coward. You were not even brave enough to show yourself to do the deed. You had to resort to the Drag Mafia of Vegas to do your work. Oh you will pay, you WILL pay…" and he was brought back to reality by a rather timid voice.
"Richard, are you alright?" asked a rather concerned looking Monica. Looking over he saw that the three had stopped talking and were staring right at him.
"Ah…hmm...yes, I am fine. Just getting tired. If you all will excuse me I shall retire for the night. And might I add that it has been a rather exhausting evening and you all should get some sleep. A big day tomorrow…" he said while rising from his chair.
"We will. Good night Daddy…" said Monica as she kissed him goodnight on the cheek.
"Good night, Richard" said Ross next as gave him a quick hug and sat back down.
"Good night, Richard" said Chandler as he got up and again gave Richard a big hug, "And thank you. Thank you for allowing me to come into your life…."
While hugging Chandler, Richard replied, "Good night my children. Sleep well… And Chandler, welcome home son" and with that swept from the room.
Sitting back down the three again chatted for awhile catching up with what's been going on n their lives. Never once mentioning that night or even referring to it. Just basking in the glow of happiness when the best of friends reunite after a long absence. Finishing their wine, the three shared hugs and Monica retired to her room and Ross showed Chandler to his new room before retiring to his own. After the initial shock of 'his' new room, Chandler changed for bed and within minutes was fast asleep. The Geller kids didn't quite go right the sleep. Both were just two excited to sleep. Ross was on his phone calling the only other true male friend he had next to Chandler… Joey Tribiani. Monica meanwhile had two calls to make. One to Rachel Green her best friend, and one to Phoebe Buffet. Both had become quite important to her since that awful and dreadful night. And both had said the same thing, Party time. Joey on his part suggested the one thing he knew to celebrate the resurrection of their long lost friend. Beer… and not only beer. But beer at Hooters. And if memory served him right, it would be "Bikini Night". When Ross heard that, his eyes lit up. Yes, he agreed it was just what the doctor ordered. After hanging up with the friends, Ross and Monica got ready for bed and lying down both were soon asleep. It was the best sleep the three of them had in such a long time and not only that, it was the first time since that night when all three slept without nightmares. Life was once again very good.
Richard on the other hand did not go to sleep. As he lay in his bed, he schemed and he planned. Yes he thought, tomorrow would be a big day. And not just a big day, but THE DAY. The day he would launch his vengeance. A vengeance he had spent a lot of money and time on. A vengeance which ate at his very soul. A vengeance which would only be sated if the one responsible for the death of his friend was avenged. Yes, the last piece of the puzzle would soon fall into place and he would have his revenge. And as he slowly fell asleep the last thing he did was mouth the oath he had prepared so long ago, "Prepare you scum of New York for unto you shall come the wrath of the Dark Avenger. For unto you shall come our greatest hope, our freedom from your grips of tyranny. For unto you shall come the Dynamic Duo of modern times. Beware scum, for unto you comes Captain Wuss and Boy Blunder…" Having thought those words, Richard fell into a deep and contented sleep.
Rising early the next day, Richard quietly made his way past the other doors to the rooms he knew to be occupied by those he referred to as "his children". Though none were of his making, he knew that it was the least he could do in memory of his former and dear friend, Jack Geller. And also, he did it because of his deep and dark secret. A secret that only one other person knew about; a secret so sick that if it was revealed would leave everyone involved with scars that never could be healed. Nearing the kitchen, he heard movement within, and thinking that Clancy was up and about, said as he entered, "Good morning Clan…"
But it wasn't Clancy standing before him. It was none other than Monica Geller, the girl…no, make that young woman that he had lusted after since she entered her teens. At that time, even though she was chubby, he always had a special feeling for her as well as a yearning somewhere else. And when she had lost the weight after high school, the yearning of somewhere else became more demanding, more needing. And to stem that need he hired, Clancy. The little French maid who looked like Monica, but unlike Monica was older, sexier and didn't mind the advances of her employer. In fact, she enjoyed the attention she received from Richard and even though when Monica was there she became jealous of her, deep down she was grateful Monica was there because it was at those times that Richard was super-charged which made the sex super exciting. But before him wasn't Clancy, it was Monica. And not just Monica, but Monica in a sexy little teddy that just ended below her fanny. When Richard entered the kitchen she was reaching above her head for a bowl thus causing the hem of the teddy to rise up her body a couple of inches above her cute little bottom. And he noticed two hot facts; one she wasn't wearing a robe and two, she wasn't wearing any panties. When he saw this it seemed his heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his throat. He not only noticed the rise of the hem of the teddy, but he noticed something else start to rise. Hearing the voice, Monica quickly lowered her arm as a blush started in her forehead and quickly spread throughout her trim and youthful body. To see her then one would think she had a bad sunburn. And as she turned to the voice she said, "Richard, I … I thought I was the only one up. I couldn't sleep so I thought I would make some coffee…" And it was then she noticed the effect she was having on the man she thought of as her second father, never realizing that he was also a man. A man who would, who could have certain feelings because he wasn't her true father. Catching his eyes, she again blushed furiously and dropped her head in shame.
Lifting her head so that she looked in his eyes, Richard quietly spoke to her, "Morning, Pumpkin. You look so beautiful this morning." At these words, Monica became confused. Was she imagining it? Could Richard be having feelings for her? Was that hunger she saw in his eyes… a hunger for her? In reply to his words all she could do was blush again and she tried to lower her head to look away but he held her chin in his strong hands. And she got frightened. Not because she felt it was wrong as she considered this man to be her father. She was frightened because he was a man and she was practically naked, and she could feel the heat of his need which seemed to radiate from his touch. She would have bolted and ran from the kitchen to the safety of her bedroom, but at the sound of the soothing of his voice she lost the will to run. "Easy Monica. Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. Please don't go. I love you Monica, have always loved you. I need you…" and he slowly and gently pulled her close and with all the softness and gentleness he could muster, he placed his lips on hers which started out gentle but as he felt her softness, his passion started to take over and the kiss started to become more yearning; more needing. So needing in fact that he with a slow yet demanding urge parted her lips with his own and let his tongue start to explore her young and unexplored mouth. He knew he might be taking a chance, but as he kissed her he placed his hands tight against her back and while one held her in place his other one started to caress and work his hand lower along her back until at last he was at the hem of her teddy. Giving into his need he moved his hand off her the hem of the teddy; and touched the naked flesh of the backs of her legs. Her first reaction at this strange touch was an involuntary twitch of her leg muscles followed by a quick thrust forward of her hips which caused direct contact of her front to his manhood. Feeling the contact though not directly as he was wearing lounge pants and she her teddy only urged him to continue his play. And using light gentle caresses he worked his magic up her legs toward her unprotected rear. Reaching his target he started to tease, tickle, and play with her rear. At first Monica struggled, but with his hand holding her fast, his kiss melting her resistance, and that knowing hand wreaking havoc down below, her body seemed to act of its own and her legs soon parted slightly. When Richard felt this he knew that she was weakening by her own need. He knew that given just a few minutes more of his erotic play and Monica's need would be as hot as his own. And with this thought running through his mind, he decided it was time to take step number two, and his hand and fingers started their journey in and between her legs. Slowly and with skillful practice, the master started applying his erotic skills to the nerves surrounding the core to her passion. Knowing with each little touch and caress her will was about to break. At first, Monica was afraid. Every ounce of her being screamed that what was happening was wrong; that she should fight back and run away; that she should at least break the kiss and scream for help. But as the seconds ticked by something else took place. It was as if her body had awoken from some sort of sleep. Feelings were starting in the tips of her toes and quickly to radiate outward racing quickly and with a need all of their own throughout her body until at last they all seem to collide at the center of her being. She began to relax and feel the tension of the past year seem to fall from her body like ice from the branches of trees during the spring thaw. Oh the feelings that ran through her body. At first she felt tickling and all she wanted to do was laugh. But as soon as it started the tickling feeling gave way to a tingle. A tingle one got when one touched electricity. A brief second later that feeling changed to hunger. A hunger like one gets when one wants something but not quite sure what one is hungry for. Finally the true feeling came bursting forth like a flood when breaking through a dam. It was the feeling of yearning and of need. This feeling was just too great and she kissed him back. She didn't know what he was doing to her, but it was it was as if she was a great furnace and he was stoking the fire. At that point all logic and all reason left the building. All that remained was feeling and a hot fire of need which seemed to get hotter and hotter. A white, hot heat which seemed to be centered in one place. Monica was paralyzed as her whole body felt as if it would be consumed in wild blaze. The feelings were unbearable and she wanted it to end. But at the same time she never wanted this feeling to end. And just when she thought she couldn't take anymore and she would be consumed in unquenchable pleasure, it happened:
"Richard… what ARE you doing? GET OFF MY SISTER!"
Turning toward the sound it was hard to tell if Monica or Richard was more embarrassed. For standing in the doorway, was not only Ross, but also Chandler. Monica for her part just turned two shades of red and headed for the door. She scowled at Ross as she passed him, but as she passed by Chandler she saw that he was smiling. Not his smart ass I caught you smile, but a smile which seemed to say "Oh my God… I was SO turned on by that". And when she looked up and saw the twinkle in his eyes, her shame melted and she fell in love with him. He winked at her and mouthed "I'll see you later…alone". And then she smiled at him and was gone in a flash to her room. And as he watched her ascend the stairs he saw her nakedness and all he could do was quietly say "OH MY GOD I want her…"
Meanwhile Ross and Richard stared at each other. Ross with a look of seething rage and Richard who was none too happy about being caught with his hand in the cookie jar. As he headed toward the maid's entrance he said, "Morning boys, I will go and see what's keeping Clancy with breakfast. Help yourself to some coffee." And saying that he was gone through the door. Ross just stared at Richard as he left the room. He was shocked and inside his rage seethed as if to burn from within his stomach. He was speechless as he felt as if his whole world was torn asunder. Here was his father's best friend, a man with whom he had grown close to these past months because he needed the strength and assurance of an adult male who was old enough to be his father to help guide him through this loss. He trusted him as he trusted his own father, and now…with what he just witnessed, he didn't know if he could ever trust him to be alone with Monica ever again. He wanted to lash out, to cause pain. How dare this man do that to his little sister. And how could Monica be so stupid. Didn't she realize that she was parading around half-undressed? He wanted to shake her and scold her for her actions. He wanted to grab her and spank her and kiss…her. He wanted to love her. But wait a minute…Ross that was your sister. Not some hot young woman who was old enough to choose whomever she wanted for love…Or did she know the effect she would have on the men as she was dressed as she was…God, she was hot…
"Uh, Ross? Calling Captain Spacey…" said Chandler as he watched Ross's expression go from anger to deep thought.
"Huh? What? Oh Chandler. Sorry dude, what were you saying?" Ross said as he came back from his thoughts. Man did he need some loving soon…
"I just wanted to know where the coffee filters were…"
"Ze filters are where I know them to be. Now you boys out of ze kitchen. I have ze breakfast to make and I will not have you urchins disturbing my work. OUT…NOW" said one rather stern French maid as came through the maid's door. "Oh and Ross, ze master will see you in the den right away if you please."
Ross and Chandler just looked at each other as they noticed the smile which appeared on Clancy's face as she said the word 'master'. "Actually, Ross I think the man is a Big Tree myself. Now Monica… WOW"
"Dude she's my sister…"
"Yea so…" queried Chandler smirking as he knew such talk about Monica would get to him. "She does have a cute little butt there…"
"Dude…please…don't make me barf…" Ross sounded distraught which caused Chandler to chuckle, and as he watched Chandler head to the parlor, inside he did have to admit that the site of Monica in that teddy with no panties was a hot site to behold and it did make him more than a little bit horny to witness that little show. If not for the fact that she was his sister, Ross would have been very tempted by what he witnessed. Sighing mightily, Ross headed toward Richard's library. Reaching the door Ross knocked twice. When hearing the word 'Enter', Ross took a deep breath and opened the door…
Author's Note: As this chapter is getting quite long I see that I am going to have to continue this is the next chapter. I never thought the background would start to become its own mini-story. To all you Mondler's don't get upset. Just stick around and wait to see what happens. If you recall, in the show Monica did date Richard for a brief period. Well…fear not as that was the only fling you will ever see between Richard and Monica in this story. Send some comment's and let me know if you want to see the Chan Man with Monica…
So until the next installment I bid thee adieu…