Anything for Love
Chapter 18: The One with Phoebe's Tangled Web
Phoebe had been two months pregnant when she first found out she was pregnant. It was a month later, and she was now three months pregnant and ignoring Joey's texts and calls. She was both furious with him, and sad. She was mad that her had cheated on her (or so she thought), and she was sad because she had lost her best friend.
"Monica and Rachel were right. I never should have started dating him. It ruined everything," Phoebe muttered to herself as she looked in the mirror. She was wearing baggy clothes to cover up her pregnancy, thought she wasn't really showing much yet. She hadn't told Monica and Rachel about the pregnancy. She didn't need nor want their pity. She also had wanted to make sure that this pregnancy was going to stick before she told them. So far, so good.
She had an appointment that morning to see the baby again and make sure that everything was going all right. She was nervous. This was her first trimester checkup. She knew that making it through the first trimester was important. She didn't think she could handle it if she had a miscarriage.
She arrived at her OBGYN's, and was frustrated when she was alerted that the doctor was running behind.
"How can she be running behind already? The day just started for gosh sakes!" Phoebe snapped.
"So sorry. It shouldn't be too long of a wait," the secretary apologized.
"Yeah, doctor's hate when their patients are late, but they have no problem making their patients late!"
The secretary smiled to herself. She was used to cranky, hormone-driven mothers-to-be. Anyway, Phoebe kind of had a point, she knew.
A half hour later, Phoebe was finally called in. Another ten minutes later, the doctor finally showed up.
"Are you ready to see how the baby is doing?" the doctor asked with a smile.
Phoebe nodded, resisting the urge to give her a smart response. "I'm nervous, but ready."
Dr. Palmer smiled as she prepared Phoebe for the sonogram. "I'm sure everything will be just fine."
Once the special gel was on Phoebe's stomach, Dr. Palmer fired up the machine and soon they were looking at her baby.
After a bout of silence, Phoebe started to worry. "Is he or she all right?"
Dr. Palmer smiled at her. "Yes, I'm just a little surprised. There is something I haven't seen on the other sonograms for some reason."
"What?" Phoebe asked, dread in her voice, already expecting the worst.
Dr. Palmer grinned at her. "Congratulations, Phoebe! You're having twins!"
"I'm what?" Phoebe almost fainted.
You heard me right. You're having twins! And even better, they both are coming along nicely. You've made it through the first trimester, Phoebe! Congrats!"
Phoebe smiled weakly, still trying to process the news of twins. "What does that mean? Making it to my first trimester?"
"It means that you got through the danger zone, so to speak. Don't get me wrong, it's still a possibility you could miscarriage, but the most common trimester for miscarriages has passed, and right now, it doesn't look like you will have any problem bringing these twins to full term. Are you excited?" Dr. Palmer was grinning so big, Phoebe was afraid Dr. Palmer's face would crack. One would think she was the one pregnant, and not Phoebe by her reaction.
Phoebe smiled. It was bittersweet. She had wanted one baby, and now she was being blessed with two! And unlike her brother's children, she could keep these! Still, it was sad knowing that she would be raising them alone without their father.
"I'm so happy!" Phoebe started to cry then with both tears of happiness, and tears of sorrow.
Phoebe had lunch plans with Monica and Rachel, so after her appointment, in a daze, she headed over to their usual spot, The Olive Garden for lunch. They all loved it there, and Central Perk was more for coffee or pastries than for lunch.
When she arrived, she was the last to arrive, and Monica and Rachel already had a table. Monica had come back out to the lobby get her.
"Sorry I'm late," Phoebe said as she sat down. "The stupid Subway shut down for a good twenty minutes. I don't know why. I would have been on time otherwise." She was only late because of the OBGYN being late—not because of the subway. But of course, she couldn't tell them that.
"It's fine. I was running a little late myself. I literally only got her about five minutes ago," Monica said.
Rachel nodded. "We didn't even order our drinks yet. We decided to just wait for you."
"Thanks," Phoebe said with a smile, her mind still on the twins. Twins! She was happy. She just wished she could have been happy with Joey. She wondered how he would react to news of her pregnancy. She wasn't ready to tell him yet, though she supposed she would have to eventually.
"So Ross and I are thinking of having one of those gender reveal parties. I'm really hoping for a boy this time. He says he doesn't care either way, but I think he wouldn't mind having a boy since we already have a girl together. Also, it's been so long since he's been a father to a boy," Rachel said as they looked over their menus.
Monica smirked. "He's still a father to a boy. He never stopped being one."
Rachel rolled her eyes at her. "You know what I mean! Ben is practically grown up now. Not really, but he soon will be. I think Ross misses when he was still young and full of wonder."
Phoebe just listened to their conversation, not contributing much. She hadn't thought of it, but if she carried this pregnancy to term, she and Rachel's children would be around the same age except for maybe a few months apart! She smiled thinking of their children growing up and forming their own friendship group together.
"What are you so happy about?" Monica asked.
"Does it matter? It's just good to see her smiling again," Rachel responded for Phoebe. She placed her hand over Phoebe's and gave it an affectionate pat.
Phoebe smiled more. "I'm just happy to have you guys. I know it sounds cheesy, but I'd be lost and lonely without you."
Rachel and Monica both looked at each other and awed.
"We love you, Phoebes," Rachel told her.
"And we couldn't be happier to have you as our friend. You're actually more like a sister," Monica said to her.
Phoebe started to cry then. "That's so sweet of you!"
"Aw, Phoebs! It was nice, but you're not usually one to get so choked up. Are you still sad about Joey?" Rachel asked her, rubbing her arm.
"We're here for you if you need us," Monica said, getting up to hug her.
Phoebe shook her head. "I am still sad, but I think it's the hormones that are making me cry so easily." She realized what she said and covered her mouth.
Rachel and Monica looked at each other and then at her. "Hormones?" they asked her in unison.
"I'm on my time of month. It always makes me crazy," Phoebe quickly covered.
Rachel seemed to buy the excuse, but Monica didn't.
"You wouldn't cover your mouth like that if that was all you meant," Monica said to her.
"I felt a burp coming on and I didn't want to be rude and burb in your face!" Phoebe tried.
Monica was too smart for her. She shook her head. "You're pregnant, aren't you?"
Phoebe turned red. "I think that's kind of insensitive to ask me when you know I can't have children. I would think you of all people would understand."
Monica was the one to turn red this time. "First off, you were never told you couldn't have children. You just assumed it when you couldn't get pregnant while with Mike."
"Well, doctors didn't seem to think it was likely that I'd get pregnant," Phoebe tried.
"They also said it could just be that you and Mike weren't genetically compatible. Anyway, I think you're the rude one for throwing the fact that I can't get pregnant back in my face," Monica said, starting to get a little annoyed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," Phoebe said gently.
"Phoebs, is Monica right? Are you pregnant?" Rachel asked quietly.
Phoebe looked at them and was going to deny it, but then she didn't have the heart to lie to her friends. She sighed, and nodded. "Yes. With twins. I just found out about the twins part before coming to see you. It's the real reason I was late. My doctor was running late."
Rachel and Monica squealed in happiness.
"Have you told Joey yet? I'm assuming it's his?" Monica asked, an eyebrow raised.
"Of course it's Joey's!" Phoebe snapped. "And no, I didn't tell him. I don't know if I want to."
"Phoebe, honey, he deserves to know. I know you two are at odds right now, but this isn't something you can keep from him," Rachel said gently.
Monica nodded. "She's right! You owe it to not only yourself, but Joey and your babies as well.
"Yeah, well, right now I don't think I owe anything to Joey," Phoebe grumbled.
"He'd find out eventually," Monica reminded her.
"Not necessarily. I could tell him it was someone else's. I already told him I've been seeing someone else," Phoebe said simply.
Rachel and Monica exchanged a look.
"This is news to us. Who is it?" Rachel asked Phoebe.
"I told him it was one of my clients who has been there for me since the breakup. I made him up, but whatever. Joey never has to know that," Phoebe grumbled.
"You can't lie to him, Phoebe. Not about something like this!" Monica insisted.
Rachel nodded. "Yeah, honey something like this is too important to lie about!"
"I don't want to talk about it right now. I'm under a lit of stress as it is and it's not good for the babies," Phoebe said.
"Fine. But let me say one more thing," Monica replied.
Phoebe sighed. "What?"
"If you lie to him about this, it may work at first, but eventually, you can count on it eventually coming back to bite you in the butt!" Monica warned her.
"I'll keep that in mind," Phoebe said, not really caring at the moment. Lucky for her, the waiter came then, and she told him her order, ending the baby conversation. Even so, Monica's words echoed in her mind.
Phoebe pushed the unwanted words out of her mind, and tried to enjoy the rest of the lunch without thinking of Joey or the babies. It wasn't an easy task, but she managed. She had enough time to worry about Joey later… or so she thought.
Joey's movie had finished filming the Los Angeles/Hollywood portion of the movie, and was now headed to Los Vegas for the final few months of filming. However, the cast and crew had a few days off before they resumed filming, so Joey planned on heading back to New York to try to smooth things over with Phoebe. He didn't know how, but he was going to get her to believe him that he hadn't cheated on her. If he had to, he was willing to drag George by the hair and force him to tell Phoebe that he had made everything up that he had insinuated about Joey and Summer on The Late show. He'd go to New York without him, but if he couldn't convince Phoebe on his own, then he would make George come down and insist that Joey was telling her the truth. Summer had offered to, but Joey didn't think brining her back to New York with him would help his case. He knew he could be stupid sometimes, but he wasn't that stupid!
He called Chandler that night to ask him how Phoebe was doing.
"Why don't you call her yourself?" Chandler asked.
"She won't return any of my calls or texts and hasn't for weeks!" Joey answered.
"She's doing okay. The girls see her more than I do, but they say she's holding up."
"Do you think she misses me? I hear she is dating someone else already, and that they are really in love." Joey wanted to puke just saying it.
"I haven't heard of any new guy, but then again, I sometimes don't pay attention when Monica tells me stuff, so she could have, but I just wasn't listening. Also, like I said, I haven't seen Phoebe in a while. Don't get me wrong, I love the twins, but they are killing my social life," Chandler said simply.
"Like you ever had one anyway," Joey said with a snicker.
"Oh shut up!" Chandler snapped. "I miss you, Man," he then said more seriously. "But don't take that the wrong way."
"It's all right." Joey grinned. "I miss you too. Don't worry. I'll be home for a few days. I hate taking the red eye, but I'm on The Early Show tomorrow, so I have to be there super early."
"I guess that's why they call it The Early Show," Chandler quipped.
"Haha… I think I get in at five in the morning. It sucks!" Joey grumbled.
"Do you need a ride?" Chandler asked. "I have to work tomorrow, but I suppose if I go to bed early, I can still wake up at four and be awake enough for work. It's only two and a half hours earlier than I'd usually wake up."
"I appreciate it, Man, but I wouldn't ask that of you. They're sending me a limo," Joey said. "The interview is live, so they want to make sure they get me there on time."
"I'll see you tomorrow evening then when I get out of work then," Chandler replied.
They talked for a bit longer, and then Joey had to go, so they hung up.
Joey looked at a picture of Phoebe he had on the table by his phone, and gently stroked her face with his thumb. "You gotta believe me, Phoebs. You're the only woman I could ever want," he said to her picture. He then put it down with a sigh, and headed to his bedroom to finish packing.
The next morning, Phoebe had a bout of morning sickness. She hated feeling sick, but she didn't mind, because she knew that it was because she was pregnant…with twins! She had thought she would never even get one baby, and now she was going to have two!
Oddly enough, once she was able to stop puking, she felt better and was actually hungry. She was craving a bagel with whipped cream. It was her first weird craving. Lucky for her, she had both in her fridge. She turned on the television to watch The Early Show, and then went into the kitchen to make her breakfast. While the bagel was in the toaster, she poured herself a glass of orange juice.
"Coming up after the commercial break is heartthrob Joey Tribbiani, telling us about his new movie, Sacred Ground…"
Phoebe nearly dropped her glass. He was in town? It was news to her! He hadn't called to tell her. Not that she would have picked up had he called her.
She quickly made her breakfast, and then headed into the main room to eat it while watching Joey's interview.
She hated herself for feeling flushed when he came on. She noted how he looked sexy in a tight black t-shirt, and boot cut denim blue jeans. He had on black motorcycle boots with silver rings on the outer sides. He even looked more built that the last time she had seen him.
The interview was a little boring, but she did pipe up when they asked him about the rumors of him and Summer.
"I'm going to clear that up right now. That was blown way out of proportion. She and I are nothing but co-workers and friends. I know my buddy George tried to make it sound like more than it was on The Late Show, but he was lying. He loves a good scandal. He likes messing with people," Joey said to the hostess.
"He sounds sincere," Phoebe muttered to herself. "He looks sincere too."
"What about that fiancé you had? Is it over?" the hostess asked next.
Joey instantly looked sad. "I don't want it to be, but I think it is. I don't really want to talk about it. Next question please."
Phoebe stopped eating. Her heart went out to Joey. Maybe he really was telling me the truth all this time after all. If it were true, then Phoebe knew she was going to be the one who had some major apologizing to do. She was also beginning to think that Monica and Rachel were right, and he deserved to know about her being pregnant with his babies.
They talked about the movie then, and Joey was charming and funny, and Phoebe couldn't help but laugh at the jokes he told. She was beginning to remember why she had fallen in love with him in the first place.
"Let's talk about you again. Do you have any children?" the hostess asked next.
Phoebe wondered why these television personalities thought nothing of being rude and obtrusive. It ticked her off.
Joey shook his head. "No, I don't."
"Not yet anyway," Phoebe said with a smile and she rubbed her stomach. "But soon."
"Do you want any?" the hostess asked him.
Joey blushed, and looked down at his lap. "Na. I don't think I'm dad material. I can't really picture myself wanting children with anyone."
Phoebe suddenly felt sick again, and this time, it wasn't because of the twins. She flipped the television off angrily.
"So much for that!" she said bitterly. He didn't see himself as father material and couldn't picture himself wanting children with anyone? It was such a slap in the face! "There's no way I'm telling him the babies are his now," she grumbled.
She then got up to put her dishes away, feed the cat, and shower. She had to get ready for work. She didn't have time to mourn the loss of Joey again.
Cliff was gay, but he wasn't flamboyant, and one wouldn't even know he was gay if he didn't volunteer the information. He was also hot as hell, so Phoebe knew he would be the perfect candidate to help her pull the wool over Joey's eyes. He actually was a client of hers and came in for weekly massages. He was a manager of a new gym that had opened up in the city, and he was one of the nicest guys anyone could have the pleasure of knowing. Lucky for Phoebe, she just happened to have him scheduled that day. It was as if fate was on her side.
"Cliff, how would you like free massages for a month?" Phoebe asked him.
"Heck yeah I'd like them! What's the catch?" Cliff asked as she massaged the oil into his back.
"I need you to be my boyfriend," Phoebe stated.
"Phoebs, I'm flattered. Really, I am, but I thought I already told you that I'm gay. I can't change my mind on that one. I kind of am what I am," he said gently.
Phoebe rolled her eyes. "Please! You're a great guy, but you're not my type."
"I'm confused," Cliff said.
"I kind of lied to my ex-fiancé and told him that I had a new boyfriend since late April, early May, who is a client of mine and who has been there for me since the breakup. I told him that we're madly in love. My ex is coming in to town today for dinner, and I need him to not know I was lying," Phoebe explained.
Cliff laughed. "I suppose I could manage to give up a night of Netflix and chilling with my homies. And by my homies, I mean my dogs."
Phoebe nodded. "Good! My friend Monica is making us dinner tonight at her apartment in the city. She texted me an hour ago. Dinner is right after work at six, so I really have no other option than you. If he doesn't see me with a man, he'll never believe I'm actually in love with someone else."
"But you're not," Cliff said with a smirk.
"Irrelevant!" Phoebe snapped.
"I'm kind of hurt you only want me because there is no other option," Cliff teased.
"Do you want the freaking massages or not?" Phoebe snapped. Between her desperation and her hormones, she was so not in the mood.
"Relax! I'll do it. I'll meet you here at five-thirty," Cliff assured her.
"Better make it five just in case," Phoebe said. She wanted time to rehearse with him who was who and what to say. After that, she just wanted to go to Monica's and get the night over with, and then hopefully not have to see Joey anymore—at least not for a long time.
"I'll be there," Cliff said.
Phoebe smiled. "Thank you. As an added bonus, this massage is on the house too."
Cliff grinned. "Sweet!"
That night at dinner, they all met at Monica and Chandler's New York apartment, and Monica cooked for them like the old days.
The table was set up immaculately, and Phoebe made sure to be the last to arrive.
She arrived a half hour late, and Monica was the first to scold her. "The food could have gotten cold, you know. It's a good thing I was running a little late myself."
Phoebe rolled her eyes. "Then quit bitching that I'm late! You weren't ready anyway."
Monica shot her an annoyed look, but let it drop since Phoebe had a guest. "Hello," she said walking over to him and shaking his hand after wiping her hands on her apron. "I'm Monica. You must be Cliff." Phoebe had warned the girls to play along. They had promised not to tell Ross or Chandler the truth since they would clearly blab to Joey if they knew that Phoebe wasn't really dating Cliff.
"Hello! It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Phoebe has told me so much about you guys," he said, kissing her hand. He then greeted Rachel, who came over to shake his hand as well. He kissed her hand too, and then turned to Phoebe. "You're right. They are both incredibly beautiful, but neither one can hold a candle to you."
Phoebe giggled, and he kissed her.
Ross and Chandler came over and introduced themselves then, and shook his hand, and then finally, Joey sauntered over.
"You must be Joey," Cliff said. He didn't offer his hand.
"Hello, Biff," Joey said, not offering his hand either. His tone wasn't welcoming.
"It's Cliff," Cliff corrected him.
Joey shrugged. "Whatever."
Dinner was tense on Joey's side, and he didn't even eat much, which shocked them all.
"What? You don't like mu cooking any more?" Monica teased him.
"It's great," Joey said to her. He then looked at Phoebe as he said, "I just don't have much of an appetite lately."
Phoebe ignored him and gently kissed Cliff. "Do you like Monica's cooking, Baby?"
Cliff smiled at her and kissed her back. "I do, and it tastes even better on you!"
Phoebe giggled.
Joey got up abruptly and headed to the bathroom without another word.
"Phoebs, don't you think you're laying it on a little thick?" Monica asked her.
Phoebe glared at her. "What? Joey and I aren't together anymore. I'm with Cliff now. He's going to have to accept that."
Monica shot her a disapproving look, but didn't say anything.
Joey came back and quietly sat down five minutes later.
Monica brought out the dessert then—a triple layer, Neapolitan cake with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cakes, separated by the corresponding chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry frostings.
"That looks so good!" Phoebe said. "Give me a big slice!"
Monica did as ordered, and shortly after, they were all chowing down on their cake except for Joey, who was just picking at his and not making eye contact with anyone.
"May I have another piece please?" Phoebe asked.
Monica gave her another piece. "You're eating enough tonight to make up for what Joey isn't eating!" she told her. Phoebe had had two helpings of everything at dinner as well.
"Well she is eating for three now," Chandler said. He then quickly covered his mouth. "Crap! I wasn't suppose to know that, was I?"
"Nor were you supposed to say anything, Chandler!" Monica said, giving him the death glare.
"You told him?" Phoebe asked, instantly turning to look at Monica.
Monica blushed. "I'm sorry! You know it's hard for me to keep anything from Chandler for long. He's my husband!"
"You're pregnant?" Joey asked her. It was the first thing he had said in an hour other than a grunt of reply here and there.
Phoebe nodded. "With twins. But don't worry, they're not yours; they're Cliff's." Phoebe clung to Cliff's arm.
Cliff grinned at her, and nuzzled her nose. "I can hardly wait for our babies to be born!"
"How far along are you?" Joey asked.
"Three months. They were conceived the first time Cliff and I…" Phoebe blushed. "Well, you know."
"Are you getting married?" Joey asked.
Phoebe nodded. "We weren't going to say anything just yet, but yes. I know we just met, but we're already in love. We see no reason to wait—especially with the twins on the way. We're going to probably just elope. We just want to be married as soon as possible so that we can start our new lives together."
"Where's the ring?" Joey asked, as if he didn't believe her.
"It's at the jewelers being fitted. It took a week just to get the right gems imported. I wanted it to be special," Cliff answered for her. "I got her all rare gems."
"Well, congratulations you two! I'm happy for you," Ross said, wanting to keep the peace.
The others except for Joey wished their congrats as well.
"Aren't you happy for us, Joey?" Phoebe asked him. She didn't know why, but she was feeling super mean that night. She wanted to pay him back for all the hurt he had given her.
"I'm happy if you're happy," he said. He got up and kissed her cheek. "Congratulations on your dream coming true." He didn't say anything to Cliff. Then then looked away. "Well, I have another interview early tomorrow. I guess I better be headed to bed. Thanks, Mon, for the delicious food. Sorry I didn't have much of an appetite tonight."
"Bed at eight o'clock?" Monica asked.
"I'm really tired, and feeling a little off," Joey said.
"Do you need anything?" Chandler asked him.
"I'm fine, thanks. Goodnight everybody," Joey said.
Everyone wished him goodnight, and then he headed to the spare bedroom. He was staying there in Chandler and Monica's city apartment for the few days that he was there.
"I guess we better go too. The babysitter doesn't like staying past nine," Ross said.
"We should be getting back to the house and back to the twins as well," Chandler said.
So, they all helped Monica clean the dishes, and then they prepared to leave.
"You really should tell him the truth you know," Rachel whispered to Phoebe. "He looked so sad. It's not right to hide the truth from him."
"Butt out, Rachel! This is my decision to make—not yours!" Phoebe snapped. She then felt bad. "I'm sorry. It's the hormones. I'm just not ready to tell him yet, all right?"
Rachel rubbed her back. "Just think about it, all right?"
Phoebe nodded.
"Rachel hugged her then. "I love you."
I love you too," Phoebe said to her.
Rachel and Ross then left.
Cliff had to use the bathroom before he and Phoebe left.
"Just let yourselves out. We want to go before it gets any later," Monica said to her.
Phoebe nodded.
They hugged and said their goodbyes, and soon it was just Phoebe and Cliff, and of course Joey who was still in the bedroom.
Phoebe thought of how sad Joey seemed. She walked over to his closed door and placed her hand on it, thinking of Rachel telling her that he had the right to know the truth. She was tempted to tell him the truth and see how he reacted, but then his interview popped into her mind.
"Na. I don't think I'm dad material. I can't really picture myself wanting children with anyone."
Cliff came out of the bathroom then and smiled at her. "Are you ready to go?"
Phoebe gave one last look at the door, and then nodded at him and smiled too. "Let's go."
They then headed out the front door, locking it behind them.