Two Weeks Later

Joey saw the golden bracelet in the window and immediately thought of getting it for Chandler as a gift to show how much his friendship meant to him. Then he remembered. He bowed his head. He was never going to get used to Chandler being gone. He hovered outside the window, getting an idea.

...

Monica opened her eyes. She was getting tired of waking up dead. Also, nothing in that sentence made any sense. She sighed. She had no idea what she was going to do that day. She wasn't any closer to finding out what she had to do in order to pass on. She was starting to wonder if she ever would. That's when it happened.

Flashes of running.

Flashes of a car racing towards her.

Flashes of being thrown.

She sat up, gasping. Her heart was racing. She wasn't sure what had just happened. Had she just had a flashback of her accident? She went out into the living room and found Pop Pop sitting there. She was puzzled. What was he doing there?

"Hi, darling," he said, smiling at her.

"Aren't you supposed to be at Mom's?" she asked.

"I took the day off. Your Nana wanted a turn instead. I thought I'd stay here and spend time with you. Besides. Your mom was just here dropping off stuff that was yours for Rachel."

"Aw," Monica said. "I appreciate that. What stuff?"

"I'm not sure. It was a box. Anyway, you look bothered by something," he said, patting the seat beside him. "Come join me. Tell me all about it."

"Okay," she agreed. She'd look for the box later. She remembered he used to let her sit on his lap when she was sad and got her to talk. It had always been a comfort.

"I think I saw what happened to me," Monica said. She felt ill suddenly. Could ghosts still throw up?

"Ah yes. There does come a time where you will see your death," Pop Pop said.

"Did you see yours?"

"Vividly. Your Nana on the other hand, she didn't really. She did remember you screaming though when you had thought she was dead when she really wasn't."

"Oh that," Monica said. "Well, she scared me."

"Anyway, do you want to tell me what you saw?"

"I...I'm not sure. I saw myself running. I saw the car coming at me. I saw myself flying forward, and that's it. I don't think I saw Chandler, and I know he was with me, so I'm not even sure if anything I saw was real."

"Sounds scary, love," Pop Pop said, touching her hand. Monica was very grateful that ghosts could touch one another and feel it.

"It was. Will Chandler see his?"

"He might, and he might not. Not everyone does," he sighed.

"I don't know what my unfinished business is," Monica cried. "I don't know if I'll ever figure it out."

"Does it really matter?" he asked her. "Are you going to want to leave even if you do know what it is?" Monica paused at this. Did she want to leave? Did she want to stay and watch her friends and brother live their lives without her?

"What's beyond here?" Monica asked.

"I don't know, love. I never went," Pop Pop answered. "To be honest, I was afraid too. Your Nana stayed with me because she didn't want to go on without me."

"So...she wanted to?"

"She still wants to, but I...I am still afraid."

"Oh, Pop Pop," Monica said, hugging him. "I'm glad you're here, but maybe it's worth going to the other side. What if it's truly paradise?"

"What if it's not?" he challenged. They looked at one another wistfully for a moment.

"I think...I think I want to take that chance. When the time comes," Monica said slowly.

"Then you're already braver than me," he told her. Monica didn't feel brave. She felt scared. She didn't like all the unknown.

...

"What's this?" Rachel asked when Joey slid the box across the table to her. He smiled.

"Open it," he said. She obliged. Who was she to turn down gifts?

"Oh my God! Joey!" she cried, seeing the golden bracelet among the tissue paper. "It's beautiful!"

"You like it?" he asked.

"I love it!" she exclaimed, picking it up and examining it. "You even engraved it!" She read the words out loud.

Best Buds

"Aww," she said. "You think we're best buds?"

"Well, I didn't know what else to write," he admitted. "I do treasure your friendship, though." He sat there looking at her, wondering why he was feeling so warm suddenly. She reached out and touched his hand.

"Thank you," she smiled. "This is one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received."

"You're welcome," he said. He turned his hand so that they were holding instead of just touching.

"Hey, guys," Ross said, coming in. "What's up?" Rachel let go of Joey's hand quickly while Joey coughed.

"Just sitting here. You?" Rachel asked, rubbing her hand through her hair and acting casual.

"I have to show you this. I just got it today," Ross said, pulling out a ring box. Rachel felt her heart sink, but she was surprised to find that it didn't sink as low as she thought it would.

"Wow," Joey said. "You bought yourself a ring? That's...weird. And it looks a little girly."

"No. Not for me. For Julie!" Ross said. "This whole thing with Monica and Chandler being gone has made me realize that life is way too short. I love Julie, and I want to have a life with her."

"That's nice," Rachel said. She burned inside. Julie, Julie, Julie. Then she looked at Joey. He was looking at her. Something in his gaze made her feel suddenly calmer.

"I'm gonna ask her at dinner tonight. How do I look?" Ross asked.

"You look fine," Rachel answered, waving her hand.

"Outstanding," Joey said.

"Thanks! I'll swing by later with her answer," he grinned, tossing the box and catching it before going out the door.

"He's in full denial that Monica and Chandler are dead," Rachel said. "Have you seen him cry?"

"No," Joey shook his head.

"He's blocking it out. He's going to get hurt," Rachel groaned.

"Well, he can do what he wants. He is a grown man," Joey pointed out.

"Maybe, but he's acting without thinking. I should go talk to him," Rachel said, getting up.

"All right," Joey said. He felt bummed. He wished Rachel didn't worry so much about Ross. Ross had certainly stopped worrying about her, but Joey hadn't. He was right here.

...

Chandler was wandering the streets when he saw Rachel catch up to Ross. Intrigued, he went to eavesdrop.

"Ross! Wait," Rachel called, making him turn to face her.

"What?" he asked, concerned.

"I think you're making a big mistake," she said.

"With what? Asking Julie to marry me?" he asked.

"Yes! Ross, it's too soon. Your sister and best friend just died," she went on. "You're not processing it at all, and you're using this engagement as a distraction. Don't hurt Julie if you're not really into her."

"I am so into her," Ross said. "I love her. She loves me. She doesn't hurt me."

"What are you talking about?" Rachel asked.

"She doesn't get me excited to take her to prom when her date doesn't show up only to run out the door with him and leave me with a broken heart," Ross snapped.

"Ross, I don't know what you're talking about," Rachel said, confused.

"Of course you don't! It's one of those things that I did for you that you never knew about," Ross said angrily.

"One of the things?"

"I have a list...you know what? Never mind. I have a date with my future fiance. Excuse me," he said, pushing past her. Rachel was at a loss for words. So was Chandler. He followed Rachel back to the apartment where she went digging into Monica's room.

"What is she looking for?" Monica asked, making him jump.

"Don't sneak up on me," he accused.

"I was here the whole time. I said 'Hey, Chandler,' literally just now," Monica pointed out, crossing her arms.

"Sorry. This took up all my attention," Chandler said, gesturing. Rachel found a box that said Home Movies on it. She pulled one out that said Prom.

"What is she doing?" Monica demanded. Rachel stuck it into the VCR and pressed play.

"I think she's looking for an explanation of what Ross said earlier."

"What did he say?!"

"He went on about prom and how he was going to take her when her date didn't show up but then she went with the guy after all and it gutted him, or something to that effect," Chandler rambled.

"What?!"

They both turned to see Rachel sitting there with her hand over her mouth. She was crying.

"Oh," Monica said. "This is so sad."

"Rach?" Joey said, coming into the apartment. "What's wrong?"

"Ross," Rachel pointed. She had paused it on him standing on top of the stairs looking heartbroken. She filled him in on what happened.

"Aw man," Joey said, wincing.

"Am I really just blind to everything?" Rachel asked him.

"No. I don't think so," he shook his head.

"He should marry Julie. She'd never hurt him like this," Rachel said.

"Rach, you didn't know he was gonna do that for you," Joey gestured to the television. "This is not your fault."

"But he was so in love with me, and I missed it for so long. What else am I going to miss?" she asked.

"I don't know," he answered, looking at her.

"Oh my God," Monica said. She whipped her head to look at Chandler.

"I see it," he nodded.

"What are we gonna do?" she asked.

"Mon, we're dead. We can't do anything," Chandler reminded her. She opened her mouth and then closed it, turning back to Joey and Rachel. Chandler was right. Those two were just going to have to figure it out on their own.

...

Rachel could barely listen to Ross as he and Julie showed off the ring together. She didn't care. She wanted to be upset and angry, but she wasn't feeling anything. Everything felt so numb lately. Joey was the only person who seemed to understand or care. She caught his eyes and saw that he was giving her a sympathetic look. See? He even cared that she would be upset over Ross getting engaged. She caught sight of Phoebe muttering to herself in the corner. Rachel was getting concerned about her. She seemed different the past few weeks. Losing Monica and Chandler had really affected everyone, but Rachel didn't want Phoebe to start talking to herself or lose her mind. Maybe she should spend some one on one time with her. After all, she was the only girl friend she had left.

Two Weeks Later

Chandler rolled off his bed and sauntered out to the kitchen where Joey was sitting there and staring at his Captain Crunch. He looked pretty desolate. Chandler couldn't help but feel a little bad for the guy. He also enjoyed having this backstage access of his friend's life. Then he watched Joey lick the spoon and toss it back into the drawer.

"Ahhhah!" Chandler yelped. "You licked and you put! Y-you licked and you put!" He gestured, but of course Joey couldn't see him. Chandler felt extremely grossed out. How long has Joey been doing that?! Chandler wiped at his tongue with his hand. Joey germs. Awesome. He put his hand through Joey's head, making him sneeze so hard and loud that the bowl rattled on the counter. That would have to be payback enough.

"Hey, Joey," Rachel said, coming inside. She noticed his eyes watering. "What's wrong?"

"I think I'm getting sick or something," Joey replied. "I keep sneezing."

"Might be allergies," Rachel suggested.

"Tribbiani's don't get allergic to stuff," Joey argued. Rachel rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"What are you doing today?" she asked.

"I have to be on set in an hour, but I just don't have the heart to do it," Joey replied sadly.

"Aw, honey. Why not?"

"It just doesn't feel the same. Plus, I don't have Chandler to go over lines with," he said.

"I could do lines with you," Rachel said.

"No it's not that," Joey corrected.

"But you just said..."

"I made that up. I'm really upset because all my life I always wanted to live alone. Here I am at 28 living with a roommate, you know? Then suddenly, I am alone, and I hate it. I can't help but feel that my thinking about wanting to live on my own got Chandler killed."

"What?! Why would you say that?" Rachel asked, shocked.

"I don't know...karma? Ask Phoebe. She's good with that stuff," Joey said, waving his hand.

"Joey, you are absolutely not at fault for Chandler and Monica dying," Rachel said sternly. She hugged him tightly.

"I hear what you're saying, but I don't believe it."

"Joey..."

"I should get to work," he said, getting up. Rachel bit her lip as he walked out the door. She really wanted to make him feel better, but she had no idea where to start.

"Ugh! Chandler! Why did you have to die?!" she shrieked suddenly, making Chandler fall off the countertop in fright.

"Because someone hit me with their car?!" he said back.

"Why did you both have to die?" Rachel sobbed, falling to her knees.

"Um...uh...MONICA!" Chandler bellowed. "MONICAAAAAA!"

"What, what, what?" she chanted, rushing through the door.

"That," Chandler said, pointing at Rachel on the floor.

"What did you do to her?" Monica cried, kneeling down in front of her friend.

"I didn't do anything!"

"Obviously you did something. Did you make her sneeze too much?"

"No! I died, that's what. She's upset that we're dead."

"Oh, right," Monica said. She closed her eyes suddenly as another flashback rolled through. She hadn't told Chandler about them. She didn't want to hear his jokes because it wasn't exactly funny.

"Oh God," Rachel moaned, sniffing hard and getting to her feet. She wiped at her face roughly. "Get a grip, Green."

"Wow, she's good at alliteration," Chandler noted.

"So not the time," Monica glared. Her point was made even further by this. Chandler was incapable of not making a joke, even when people were upset.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

"Rachel?" Phoebe called.

"In here," Rachel called back. Phoebe came into Joey's apartment.

"Are you okay?" she asked, seeing her face.

"She's upset that we're dead," Chandler filled her in.

"Oh, yay! You guys are here," Phoebe said cheerfully, making Rachel stare at her.

"What?" Rachel asked her.

"N-nothing," Phoebe stammered.

"Okay, Phoebs, what's going on? You've been acting really weird lately," Rachel said.

"I...I...uh..."

"I think you gotta tell her," Chandler said.

"No! Just say you're hearing spirits or something," Monica told Phoebe.

"She kinda is, Mon," Chandler snorted, giving her a pointed look.

"Okay, here's the truth," Phoebe said. "Chandler and Monica are still here."

"Okay, no. That's insane, and I'm not buying into that crap," Rachel said, holding her hands up. "I know you're different, but this is pushing it too far." She headed for the door.

"Tell her I saw her watch the prom tape," Monica said quickly. "She cried."

"Monica says you watched the prom tape and cried," Phoebe translated. Rachel stopped in her tracks.

"What?" she asked.

"She also dropped crumbs and hid them under the rug," Chandler said.

"You hid some crumbs under the rug?" Phoebe said as a question.

"How did you know that?" Rachel asked.

"Chandler told me. Rach, they're here. In this room."

"No way."

"Yes way. Rachel, I know I'm weird and different, but I'm not making this up," Phoebe argued. "They made me not tell you guys, and these past weeks have been so hard."

"You've been talking to them for weeks?" Rachel asked, incredulous. Explained the muttering then.

"Yea."

"I...I need to lie down," Rachel said, going over to her apartment.

"Guys, I don't think she believes me," Phoebe sighed.

"But...the crumbs..." Chandler spluttered. "Crumbs don't lie."

"Enough already," Monica said. "Look, Phoebs, you can either keep trying or drop it. I know Rachel, and she'll be back with more questions. Just tell her that in high school, I know she paid off a boy named Steve to buy me flowers on Valentine's Day."

"Okay. I hope that helps."

"It will," Monica promised. She and Chandler watched Phoebe go in to talk to Rachel.

"Do you think she'll believe her?" Chandler asked.

"I don't know," Monica answered. She looked at Chandler then. He looked tired. She wondered how much longer before either of them figured out what their unfinished business was.


I imagine you're realizing that I'm leaning towards a Rachoey story along with Mondler. I really want to try it out, so please don't stop reading. Besides, I am brewing up a pretty juicy Ross & Rachel story to make up for it, so stay tuned!