I am sorry for the delay in posting. For some reason, I could not log onto the site for over 3 days -errr. But it is finally here. Just fair warning - for some strange reason I torture Chandler a fair amount in this part. However, I think Ross and Rachel fans will enjoy. Again, thanks to all of you who keeping faithfully reading and reviewing. And of course, none of the characters are mine (except medical personnel)...

Chandler knocked lightly on the door. Ross was expecting him so he entered without waiting for a response. He caught Ross mid-act, playing with his dinosaur toys. "Ross, how many times have I told you? Women generally do not like men who play with dinosaur toys." Chandler smirked.

Ross gave a nervous laugh, shoving the toys under the couch cushions. "Oh, um Chandler...yeah, I was just creating a lesson plan for my new honors class."

"On what? How to be a geek?" Chandler sat down on one of the dinosaurs and made a face. He pulled it out from underneath him and chucked it across the room. "So do you have the papers for me?"

Ross rose and retrieved his briefcase. He pulled out a stack of papers and handed them over to Chandler. Chandler perused them for quite some time. "So is everything in order," Ross asked, peering over Chandler's shoulder.

"It appears to be." Chandler flipped through a couple of pages. "You had your lawyer set up the trust and the life insurance policies like we discussed?"

"Yep." Ross pointed to a specific clause.

"And it's cross referenced in the will?"

"It's all there, Chandler. Everything you wanted."

Chandler wore a grave expression. His eyes rose to meet Ross's. "Thank you for doing this for me."

Ross clamped his hands together. "I wish I could say it was my pleasure..."

Chandler exhaled. His eyes flitted around the room and rested back on Ross. "I have one more favor to ask." Ross waited for Chandler to continue. "I've been doing some other planning to try to make it easier on everyone. When the time comes, could you um - could you take care of the rest of the arrangements..."

Chandler didn't need to finish his thought. Ross knew what he was driving at, and he felt sucker-punched by the unspoken word. Funeral. His best friend was asking him to see to carrying out his funeral arrangements. The thought alone knocked the wind out of him. Ross couldn't fathom the possibility of a life without Chandler. His friend looked at him expectantly, awaiting a response. At first he could only nod. "Yeah, man. I, uh - whatever you need me to do."

Ross got up and grabbed a pen. He wanted to talk to Chandler more, but he couldn't figure out how. He held the pen out. "You, uh need to sign the papers so I can get them to the lawyer tomorrow."

"Okay." Chandler reached for the pen with a slightly shaking hand. He wished Ross would come out and say what was on his mind, but he knew his friend better than that. "Where do I need to sign?"

Ross pointed out the places for his friend's signature. Chandler gripped the pen, and with some difficulty began signing his name in big slow strokes. Ross did not fail to notice this, and dutifully picked up the pen when, on more than one occasion, it slipped from between Chandler's fingers.

The pair finished the process silently. Chandler was too embarrassed to speak, and as Ross sat watching Chandler's increasingly failing attempts to hold onto the pen, he became too choked up to say anything. "So that's it then?"

"That's it."

A moment of awkward silence passed between them. Chandler scooted forward to get ready to stand. "Thanks, Ross."

"Yeah," was all Ross could reply. He was too busy watching Chandler struggle to get up. He was torn between offering him a hand, and allowing him to do it himself. Ross could clearly see Chandler was growing increasingly frustrated at his weakening body so he hooked his arm under Chandler's and pulled him up.

"Chandler-" Ross started.

"Just don't. Please..." Chandler's eyes shone with unshed tears. He turned and walked out of the apartment without another word. Ross just stood there, regretting he didn't say more. He should go after him, but his feet refused to move. Ross stared at the closed door.

He must have been there for several minutes by the time Rachel and Phoebe entered the apartment. "Come on. Let's go. You of all people don't want to be late to this movie you are dragging us to," Rachel urged.

"Huh? Oh, yeah...that. You know suddenly I don't feel like going."

"Oh my God, Ross. I am going to kill you." Rachel slung her purse on the couch. "Do you know what we had to go through to get here?"

"Yeah," Phoebe agreed. "Crossing the street is a bitch."

Rachel continued her tirade, but suddenly stopped short. Ross was not refuting anything she said which was totally unlike him. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Um, did you see Chandler on your way, uh out?" Ross was clearly distracted.

"Uh-uh," Phoebe answered for the both of them.

"What is your deal anyway? Why are you off in outer space? Did you smoke a dinosaur bone or something?" Rachel was getting frustrated.

"I did that once," Phoebe interjected.

"Has Chandler seemed different to you guys lately?"

"Yeah, Ross. He has. He's dying. I'd say he's a little different."

Rachel did not realize how callous her words sounded. Ross recoiled as if he had been struck. "Right."

Rachel switched to maternal mode. "So out with it. What's bothering you?"

Ross glanced briefly at the spot on the couch that Chandler had recently vacated. "Chandler, he um - I had to help him get up off the couch."

"What are you talking about," Phoebe exclaimed.

"It's starting to happen," Ross swallowed hard. "I believed it was going to happen, but I didn't believe it."

Rachel led him over to the couch. "Ross, honey, you're not making any sense..."

Ross hung his head between his knees and gripped the back of his neck. "Chandler's getting sicker. He uh, he asked me to have some papers drawn up for him. And he asked me to, uh..." Ross had trouble finishing his sentence. He didn't think he could say it out loud.

"What did he ask you to do," Rachel inquired.

"Whatever it is, I think you should do it," Phoebe stated.

Ross exhaled forcefully. "He wants me to uh, help with the uh, funeral arrangements. Of course I'm gonna do it. I just don't know how I'll get through it. It's a scary thought."

Rachel rubbed his arm. "I know," she said softly. "It's is scary," she added almost as an afterthought.

"If it were any one of us it would be scary. But this is beyond scary. It's downright mortifying. I mean, it's Chandler. We've been friends...forever. I don't know how not to be friends with him. He's my children's godfather for pete's sake."

Phoebe stepped forward. "Who said anything about not being friends with him anymore?"

"Well, it's kinda hard to be friends with someone that isn't here anymore."

"You don't think Chandler's gonna be around anymore? That he won't be...somewhere watching us laughing his ass off at us?" Phoebe knew her attempt to get Ross to see her point of view might be a lost cause, but she had to try.

"C'mon Pheebs. You know I don't believe in that kind of stuff." Ross shifted uncomfortably from his position on the couch.

"Why not? I don't understand you, Ross. Wouldn't it give you peace to know that your friend will go on to something else and not just be snuffed out like an old candle?"

Ross rose and began pacing. "Of course it would. But you're asking me to change my whole belief system in like five seconds. I just don't know what to think anymore."

Phoebe scoffed. "Maybe it is time to change your belief system, Ross. If it's making you this uncomfortable, than maybe a change is in order." Phoebe took a step closer to him. "Look, all's I'm saying is that for your whole life you put your faith in science, and now that same science is failing your - our best friend. Maybe it's time to reevaluate your thinking."

The girls could see the inner battle Ross was having with himself portrayed in his eyes. "I don't know what to think anymore," he reiterated. "I just know that this is messed up. It wasn't supposed to end like this."

Ross began tearing up and Rachel moved over to put her arm around him. "I know, honey. We're all sad. It just about broke my heart when Monica was telling me about Chandler and the twins."

"What about them?"

"She didn't mention it," Rachel asked. She hesitated for a second before continuing. "Obviously, he's getting weaker. You know that - you saw it. Um, how should I put this? He can't pick up the twins anymore. Monica has to literally put them in his arms for him to be able to hold them because he doesn't have the strength to pick them up. Monica said when Chandler first realized that, he was absolutely devastated."

Phoebe wasn't aware of that piece of information either. "Oh my God. That's horrible!"

Rachel chewed on her lip. "Yeah, it is. Maybe we don't notice it as much because we haven't been around as often," she thought aloud.

Ross dropped his head. "Maybe we should start before it's too late."

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Monica had just finished putting Jack and Erica to bed when she heard a tremendous crash come from the living room. She went to investigate, and found Chandler on the floor in the midst of a seizure.

With each seizure he had, it became more and more horrifying. She was afraid that one of these times he would simply stop breathing. Or when he fell asleep afterwards, as he frequently did, that he would never wake. But the worst thing of all was having to watch him suffer through it.

The seizures only lasted a couple minutes, but for Monica it seemed an eternity. All she could do was watch helplessly as he writhed and moaned on the floor.

Jack and Erica woke up from the commotion. Both babies were crying. Monica did not have the strength to get up. She sobbed right along with them. That was how her friends found her, cradling her husband's head in her lap as he continued to seize, babies screaming in the background.

Rachel and Phoebe threw a concerned look Chandler's way, but both went in the other room to attend to the twins. Ross went to see to his sister. He held her close as the sobs quieted. Ross kept one eye on his best friend. Thankfully, the jerking movements were slowing and Chandler's breathing was becoming more regular.

Ross led Monica over to the couch and then kneeled next to Chandler. Chandler's eyes fluttered open. "Whu happened," he muttered. Ross could tell he was having trouble focusing his eyes.

Ross laid a hand on his shoulder. "You had a seizure, man. Let's get you off the floor." He placed a hand behind his back and gently lifted him until he was propped against the couch. Chandler was slowly coming around and taking in his surroundings, but he remained slightly confused.

"Sweetie?" Monica reached out a tentative hand and placed it on his arm. Chandler slowly turned his head to look at her, but he didn't respond. He blinked long and hard, wincing as he did so. "Is it your head again?"

Chandler nodded, still in a fog. He made a motion as to get up, but the effort was simply too much and he sagged back against the couch like a limp rag doll. Chandler pointed towards the bedroom, but couldn't quite put words to his request.

Monica immediately understood and grasped his hand with her own. She moved in front of him. "Okay, sweetie. Let's get you to the bedroom."

She slung his arm over her shoulder and started to stand, but Ross motioned her back. "It's okay, Mon. I got it. Just go check on the twins."

Ross waited until she disappeared into the other room and then scooped Chandler up in his arms. Ross was shocked at how light his friend was. He carried him carefully into the bedroom and lay him gently on the bed.

Ross studied his friend. He didn't seem to be aware of Ross's presence at all. His eyes were already drooping closed. Chandler's face was pale and drawn, and it was far from peaceful. Pain was etched in every line.

For the first time, he allowed himself to really look at the rest of his friend. Chandler's arms lay flaccid by his side. His shirt was slightly bunched up exposing the angry scar that ran diagonally from his back to his chest. Ross pulled his shirt down and went to pull the covers up. It was then that he noticed the wetness between Chandler's legs.

Ross felt a pang deep in his chest, realizing what had happened. He grabbed a fresh pair of boxers and sweat pants from the dresser and prepared to do what needed to be done. Ross hesitated, debating the best way to do it without waking Chandler. "Go ahead. He doesn't wake up," a voice said behind him. Monica was leaning against the doorframe. "On second thought, I'll do it." She moved to take the boxers and sweat pants from him.

"So this has happened before?"

Monica bit her lip and nodded. "A couple of times in the past few weeks. He doesn't even really remember any of it." She shrugged as if this were part of the normal routine. And in a way, Ross guessed it was. She moved next to the bed and began peeling off the layers of clothes. He looked away sheepishly.

Out of his peripheral vision he saw the prosthetic limb. He had never really gotten a good look at it, and he couldn't help but stare. "Um, should we uh...take that off?"

Monica gave a humorless chuckle that left Ross slightly confused. "No. I made that mistake the first time. Like I said, Chandler doesn't remember much. He went to get up and didn't know...well, anyway he fell pretty hard. Boy, did he cuss up a storm."

This elicited a small smile from Ross. "I bet. He probably muttered under his breath the whole day."

"You know it." She stepped back. "And we are done."

Ross turned to exit the bedroom. He looked over his shoulder. "So he's really gonna be okay?"

Monica looked longingly at Chandler. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "This time. But next time...who knows?"

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Chandler had fought everyone like mad - the doctors, his friends, and even Monica. Inevitably he had won out and they were now fast approaching the beach house. He knew it was the last trip he would ever take. Chandler wasn't fooling himself, but he wanted to see it one last time and see his children experience it for the very first time.

Phoebe walked ahead, keys in hand to open the front door as Ross balanced the luggage. Monica was placing the twins into their stroller as Rachel helped Chandler out of the car.

His gait was becoming increasingly unsteady, and Rachel had her arm hooked around his for stability. His movements were slow and purposeful, and she slowed to his pace. "How ya doing, sweetie?"

"Actually, really good," he replied. Chandler smiled at her with a twinkle in his eye.

"Ha ha. I know that look," Rachel teased. "So what are you up to?"

"Nothing. I was just thinking about the last time we were up here and you convinced that girl to shave her head."

Rachel laughed. "Yeah, that was a pretty good one, wasn't it?"

"You devious woman, you."

"Me? What about burying Joey and giving him fake boobs?" Chandler's face fell at the mention of Joey's name. "Oh, I'm sorry honey."

"No, it's okay. It's just hard sometimes, you know?"

"Yeah...no, wait. I've never had to do anything that difficult."

Chandler veered their direction off towards the beach and she did not protest. "It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, walking away from him...well, second hardest." Rachel gave him a quizzical look. "Leaving the twins and...well, that's gonna be hard."

"Monica will take good care of them. And we'll all help." Rachel knew her words were small consolation.

"I know. It's just, they need their father. I pretty much grew up without a dad, and I don't want them to go through that." He paused, resigned to his fate. "It's outta my hands I guess."

"Yeah." Rachel couldn't even begin to imagine what he was going through. If she had to leave Emma like that, she didn't know what she would do. Of course, Ross would take care of their daughter, but...

Chandler was growing weary and turned their direction back towards the beach house. "Too bad there's not a spare in the closet...Richard, or something."

"Huh?"

Chandler shook his head. "Nevermind."

It finally clicked what he meant. "Chandler, you're irreplaceable. There will never be another Chandler M -"

"Don't say it," he grinned at her, pointing a finger in her direction.

"Mmmmm," she teased. She knew how much Chandler hated his middle name. He had, after all, kept it a secret from them for years. "Alright, alright."

Chandler laughed and threw his arm around her shoulder as a big brother would. And it occurred to her that that's what she stood to lose - not only a best friend, but a brother.

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Everyone else was asleep as Rachel sat sipping a cup of tea. She couldn't sleep. Too many things were running around in her head. She barely heard the approaching footsteps.

"Hey. Can't sleep either," Ross asked.

"Nope. Thinking too much to sleep." Rachel straightened up from the counter. She traced the rim of her tea cup with her finger.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"How life's too short, I guess. About the twins. About Chandler and Monica. About us..." she trailed off letting the sentence hang in the air.

Ross was flabbergasted. He didn't know how to respond so instead he just repeated her words back to her. "About us?"

"Yeah. Do you ever think about...us?"

Ross gave a nervous chuckle. "Well uh, of course. You are the mother of my child."

Rachel came from behind the counter. "That's not what I mean and you know it. We both did a lot of things wrong. Well, you more than me -"

"We were on a break!"

Anger flashed through Rachel's eyes at that familiar statement of denial. But she relinquished her anger. It was time to let go of it. "Ross, that stuff doesn't matter any more."

Ross looked guiltily at the floor. Could he dare to hope that this was the conversation he had been waiting for for so long? "So what are you saying, Rach?"

"I'm saying what matters is those two little babies upstairs that will never now how wonderfully smart and funny their father is. What matters is that our best friend is dying. It could have been you or me, but thank God it's not because we never got past our petty bullshit and admitted how much we really love each other. Monica and Chandler found each other before it was too late. And I want that for us, too."

Rachel let the tears flow down her cheeks. Ten years of things said and done, and things not said and done spilled out. She was laying it out on the table for both of them. They were lucky, they had all the time in the world. But they had missed chance after chance, and she wasn't about to let this chance slip through her fingers. Who knew when it would be their last one?.

Ross attempted to speak, but no sound came out. He had waited and wished for this, but had resigned himself to the fact that it would never happen. He should be overjoyed, but it was bittersweet. It took his best friend facing his final days for them to realize their love for each other. He teared up right along with her. "Oh my God. I love you so much."

Ross and Rachel embraced. "I love you too. I never stopped," she whispered into his ear. "We should be together. Nothing else matters. Letting all the petty crap from the last ten years keep coming between us would be doing Chandler the greatest dishonor." She repeated herself. "Life's too short."

"You couldn't be more right. I want that too, so much." He buried his face in her hair. "Marry me, Rach. Marry me."

"I want that very much. It's all I've ever wanted - you."

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"I can't believe you guys are finally getting married," Phoebe exclaimed. "It's about time!"

"So what made you guys finally see the light?" Monica was beaming. Yes, her brother was getting married yet again, but it was to her best friend.

Ross and Rachel glanced at each other and turned to Chandler. "Chandler," they said in unison.

Chandler who had been quiet up until this point, grinned. "Me? I don't know if I should be honored or frightened. But please continue. "

Everyone laughed. Rachel recapped their conversation, leading up to the proposal. "And then I proposed," he finished.

"Wow, it's about frickin' time," Phoebe said. "I told you, you guys were lobsters."

Monica had finished feeding Jack and Erica, and was now in the process of cleaning up. "So do you have any idea when or where this is all going to happen?"

"Well, we didn't finalize anything, but we want it to be soon," Rachel informed them.

"And definitely back home so all our friends and family can be there," Ross added.

Chandler looked crestfallen. "How soon, man?"

Ross knew immediately what Chandler was thinking. He attempted to allay his fears. "Very. Like within days."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, seriously. Rachel and I are pretty much calling in every favor to make this happen."

"How come the rush? Why not a month from now," Phoebe asked innocently.

Ross cleared his throat. "Well, we want all our friends and family there." He looked directly at Chandler as he said this. He turned to face him more directly. "Dude, you have been with me since this all started. Since the crush, since the first time there ever was a Ross and Rachel. You listened to me bitch and moan for years. You were there through it all. I could not do this without you there."

Ross had to pause to catch his breath which gave Chandler the perfect opportunity to speak. "Sure you could, man. I think it's the bride that is absolutely necessary."

"No, Chandler I couldn't. I - we need you there. You deserve to be there, and we're going to make sure that's possible."

Chandler was touched. "I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll stand up for me. Say you'll be my best man."

"I don't know about the standing part..." Chandler offered his hand and Ross grabbed it and pulled Chandler into a hug. "Of course I'll do it. Thanks, man. It means a lot."

Ross pulled back from the embrace. "It means a lot to us too."

"Ooh, we should call Joey," Phoebe suggested. "He would so want to be here too."

Chandler's eyes widened at this. That thought had not crossed his mind. He didn't know if he could face Joey again. He would have a lot of explaining to do. The other three looked at him for a response. There was only one right answer. "Of course, we should. He'll be ecstatic."

"You sure, man?"

"Absolutely. Pheebs is right. He would wanna be here." Chandler silently prayed that Joey wouldn't be able to come. He did not have the strength to explain himself nor to say goodbye to him yet again.

Ross could see Chandler squirming as he dialed the phone. He knew what was going through Chandler's head. Ross was secretly relieved that he was okay with Joey coming. He never liked keeping Joey in the dark about Chandler's health. And to Ross, Joey being here for their wedding would solve that problem

Ross hung up. "Had to leave a message." The relief was apparent in Chandler's eyes. Ross still could not understand Chandler's reasoning, but he had made a promise.

"Yay! So okay. Let's go the beach!" Phoebe bounced around with excitement. The mood was generally light, and the beach seemed like a wonderful idea.

Monica got the twins ready while Rachel packed a picnic. The setting sun kissed their faces as they breathed in the sweet, salty air. A slight breeze coming off the ocean was riffling their hair.

Ross chose a spot and spread out the blanket. Rachel and Monica plopped down with the twins. Chandler continued past the blanket down to the shoreline. Monica watched him carefully. He stopped just as the water lapped the shore.

He stood there with hands in pockets, looking out to sea. The setting sun created an almost ethereal backdrop. Monica elbowed Rachel and Phoebe. It was a beautiful sight. Monica, always prepared, pulled out her digital camera. She took the picture and viewed the snapshot.

She inhaled sharply. "Wow," Rachel exclaimed. "That's amazing."

"He looks..." Phoebe trailed off.

Ross had returned with a lounge chair. "...almost angelic," he finished. .That was a statement so out of character for him, that it caused the other three to look up in shock.

"Definitely a Kodak moment," Monica agreed.

The moment was broken by the ringing of Ross's phone. "Hey, Joey!"

Ross listened for several minutes. "Yeah, I know. Finally. So do you think you can make it?" His face fell at Joey's answer. "So there's no way?" There was a long pause as Ross sat listening on the other line. "No, I understand. Totally. We'll miss you man."

Ross shook his head at the group. "No, Chandler's doing okay. You wanna talk to him?" Ross hesitated, torn. "He's uh, indisposed at the moment." He laughed "Yeah, you guessed it. See you later, man." Ross clicked the phone closed.

"So I take it Joey's not coming," Monica asked.

"No. He asked, but his director threatened to fire him if he left. Something about contractual obligations. He says he's super sorry and wishes us the best. I think he was more excited than me." Ross gave a nervous chuckle.

Rachel rubbed his arm soothingly. "I'm sorry, honey. I know you really wanted him there."

"We all did." No one had noticed that Chandler had crept up behind them. The four were surprised at his response, but secretly glad. They all held out hope that Chandler would change his mind. Chandler gave them a sad smile as if telling them his mind was still made up.

"You know, I was thinking. We should probably get back to the city tomorrow to start putting this thing together," Rachel mused.

"You're probably right," Ross concurred.

"Why don't we all go back? You two could use all the help you could get right now," Phoebe offered.

"That would be great! Ooh, Mon, you gotta help too."

Monica looked at Chandler doubtfully. "I would love to, but..."

"C'mon, Mon. Go ahead. You know you're dying to be the organizer of this shindig. Ross and I can hang out for awhile."

"What about the twins?"

"I'm sure your parents can watch them for a little while."

Monica looked deep into Chandler's eyes. "Are you sure?"

Chandler bobbed his head. "Yeah, definitely. You go have your neurotic fun."

Monica smiled at him and mouthed 'thanks.'

Chandler looked down and pointed. "Just one thing. Look out for those jellyfish."

"What! Where?" Monica jumped up and ran away. Chandler stood there laughing, eventually everyone joined in except Monica.

"Gotcha!"

Monica feigned anger. "You...ooh you are so dead."

"Just be glad I didn't try to pee on you again." This elicited a new round of laughter. Chandler laughed so hard he collapsed onto the lounge chair, pulling Monica down with him.

"Yeah, I will be eternally grateful for that." Monica snuggled up to him and finally gave a little chuckle. She didn't mind being the butt of his jokes as long as she had moments like these to cherish.

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"Dude, I can't believe you are finally marrying Rachel. It's about time."

"I know. I can't believe it myself." Ross finished tying Chandler's bow tie and then went to work on the boutonniere.

Monica poked her head in. "It's time. We're ready."

"This is it." Ross knew he had nothing to be nervous about, but he was anyway. This was the love of his life, and he had blown it before. He was bound and determined that this day go smoothly.

Chandler walked along side him. "Can I tell you something?"

"Shoot."

"This time, it's okay to say Rachel's name." Chandler bumped Ross's shoulder with his own to show he was only joking.

"Thanks, man. I'll keep that in mind."

"Seriously, I am so happy for you guys."

"Seriously? Me too. This is like the best day of my life." They entered the front of the hall, awaiting Rachel's entrance. "I'm so glad you're here with me."

There was a sadness that briefly passed through Chandler's eyes. "Me too. Could I be any happier?"

The music swelled as Rachel made her entrance. She was absolutely breathtaking. Ross bounced on the balls of his feet anticipating the moment when they would become man and wife. Finally, she arrived by his side.

The minister began talking, but Monica could not hear his words. She looked past Rachel to Chandler, reliving their wedding day. He met her eyes and smiled. Monica knew he was thinking about the same thing. If she had it all to do over again, she would in a heartbeat. Even if she had known it was going to end the way it was, she would still not hesitate to be with him. She was reminded of that old song. I could have missed the pain, but I would've had to miss The Dance, or something to that effect Chandler was her everything.

The days behind them had been difficult and challenging, but the ones to come would be even more so. Monica tried to mentally prepare herself for the day she would have to say goodbye to the love of her life, but realistically she would never be ready to let him go. The worst day of her life was yet to come, but right here right now, she was the luckiest woman in the world.

Monica was broken out of her reverie by the minister. "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

As Ross and Rachel preceded them down the aisle, Monica hooked her arm in Chandler's and strolled down the aisle by his side. He seemed to put a bit of his weight on her as they made it towards the back of the hall. She tried to chalk it up to him just being tired, but in the back of her head alarm bells were going off.

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As soon as the couple arrived home they collapsed onto the bed. Chandler hadn't even undressed, but was out like a light. Monica took off his shoes and socks, and then got herself ready for bed. She dozed off quickly.

Monica was awakened by an unusual sound. Her first thought was to go check on Jack and Erica, but as she slowly came into consciousness, she realized the sound was coming from within the bedroom.

Monica listened closer to the ragged, coarse breathing next to her. She rolled Chandler off his side and flipped the lamp on. His complexion had a bluish tinge to it, and a thin film of sweat covered his face. He felt warm, but not alarmingly so. "Chandler," she quietly called

He did not respond. She gave his shoulder a firm shake which elicited a groan from his lips. "What is it, Chandler?"

It took him several seconds to answer. "Can't breathe," was all he could manage to get out between breaths.

Monica propped him up with pillows and went to call the doctor while simultaneously getting herself ready. She already knew that they would be taking a trip to the hospital tonight. Just hours ago they had seen Ross and Rachel off on their honeymoon. How quickly things changed.

She hung up with the doctor and called the ambulance at his suggestion. She woke Phoebe up so she could come be with the twins. Luckily Phoebe arrived as the EMTs were loading Chandler into the ambulance.

"Phoebe.."

"Don't worry about it. Just go. Go!" Phoebe waved her on.

The ambulance ride seemed to take an eternity. Monica grasped his hand as he went in and out of consciousness. His breathing was somewhat alleviated by the oxygen mask. But a few minutes into the ride he went into a grand mal seizure.

Monica never let go of his hand until he was whisked through the double doors. As they swung shut, she was isolated. She was cut off. She had never been surrounded by so many people and felt so alone at the same time. Once again, all she could do was sit down and wait.

Time passed like molasses. The doctor came through the doors in slow motion. She tried to read his face, but couldn't. It was a blank slate. He finally reached her and sat down next to her. Monica took a shaky breath as he turned to face her. "Monica, I'm sorry..."

TBC

Okay, okay. I know that was evil. We are nearing the end (no pun intended). I will try to update soon.