A/N: Well hello, children. :D I'm so glad you were greatly surprised by the last chapter. Mission Accomplished! Thank you for all your wonderful reviews and for those who tried to help me with the French words. :) So, without further ado, here's Chapter 3.
Chapter 3
CHANDLER'S POV
"Okay, so you've met almost everybody. Now, time to check out your new home!" Phoebe said eagerly. "Umm, new home? We're staying here? I thought we'll just treat Juliet's wounds." I said as we entered a little stone house while still carrying an unconscious Monica. "Oh, it's not a one-time thing mister. It's a process. It will take time for her to fully recover, and she needs to be here all the time. And besides, do you have anywhere else to go to?" She said as she opened the windows of the small house. "Not really. Thanks for letting us stay here and for treating Juliet." I said as I laid Monica down to the wooden bed. I looked around the place and saw that it was really meant for just two people; more specifically, a couple. There were no divisions, so there are no rooms. There is only a bathroom on one corner which contained a pail and a dipper. Thankfully though, one won't need to go to a well to fetch water. The kitchen was understandably small, with a single burner as a stove and a sink. The dining table had a small flower vase on top of it and two chairs.
"Okay then, that'll be $75 a week for the rent and the healing sessions will be all on me. She said. "Oh." I answered back. I didn't expect that I will have to rent the place. And, I wasn't really planning on staying here for long; just until Monica wakes up. Seeing the expression on my face, Phoebe thought that I was finding the rent too expensive. "Fine, I'll let it slide down to $60, but only until you get a job. Which reminds me, I'll have Mike help you find one. I hope you understand Chandler, it's just business. You gotta earn some to live." she said with a smile. "Oh, it wasn't about the rent; but yeah, thanks Phoebe." I said. I'm so lucky that I ended up with Phoebe. She's really very helpful and nice. Although, she did yell at me at first. "Okay, I'll head out now and you settle yourselves in. I'll come back later with Mike. I'll also bring some of my clothes for Juliet and my grandfather's old clothes for you coz' you won't fit in Mike's clothes. And, there's some food right there on the table." After Phoebe left, I took a bite of the croissant and the garden salad. I then went beside Monica and took a nap.
"Knock, knock!" I heard Phoebe which woke me up. "Oh, yeah please come in." I said groggily. "Oh, I'm sorry I woke you up. Aww, you guys look sweet." She entered with Mike following behind. She put down a bag and a small casserole. I woke up with my arm around Monica. I wasn't supposed to, but I guess my instincts got ahead of me. I sort of feel weird about it and I feel like I'm taking advantage at some level but I just feel more secure having her in my arms. It's been a momentous three days for both us; with the prospect of doom not far behind, and I can't let anything like that ever happen to her again. I got to keep Monica safe. I am also extremely worried about my brother whom I left in a dubious condition. I sure do hope he got out of that mess safely. Dad and Joey must also be wondering where I am.
"Thanks again for the food. I owe you guys so much already." I said as I checked out the what was inside the casserole. "Oh, not so much, just $60 for this week, remember?" Phoebe said half-jokingly. "I won't forget." I said. "By the way, here are the clothes I told you about. And I have some blankets too. I'll just put them in the cabinet." She said as she proceeded on the task. "So Mike, Phoebe told me you'd help me get a job." I said to her husband. "Yeah, there's an opening in the quarry I work for in the next town. Are you good to go?" he said. "Sure. I could really use any job right now. Thank you." I said while grabbing a glass of water. "Oh, he's not only a quarryman, he's a musician too." Phoebe said proudly. "That's nice. What do you play?" I asked. "I play the piano, and sometimes the guitar in that small pub at the city every other day." "I see." "Phoebe and I met there and we just hit it off right away. Never been happier." Mike said while now holding onto his wife's waist. "Aww, I love you." she said as she squeezed his nose playfully. "So, how did you and Juliet meet?" She asked and I smiled at the thought. Our first meeting was really nice. Well, it technically wasn't the first meeting because we had an encounter at the yacht. But then, that day we shared was phenomenal. When I saw her at the party, she was dressed up extravagantly and makeup was all over her. Honestly, that wasn't her best look. She was her most beautiful when her hair was all laid down in a rumple and her lips were the perfect shade of healthy red. Her eyes weren't covered by a pompous shadow which only made her eyes standout more. The most beautiful thing about her though, is the person that she is deep inside. I love her lively spirit and her honest and trusting heart. Oh God, I love her? Stop before it's too late Chandler.
"Well, it was a pretty normal day and I was busy working at this sandwich store. Juliet came and bought a sandwich from me but then she checked her purse and it wasn't there. She was really sorry and adorable at the same time and I couldn't resist it. I told her that I'll let her off the hook in one condition. I told her I wanted to take her sightseeing. But the truth is, I just wanted a "date". She hesitated at first but I pulled on my charm and she agreed. So, we went to the park and she acted like a little kid who got out of the house for the first time. She was so cute! We got to know each other a little better and I found out that she's sensitive and caring too. That's when I knew. After that day, we hugged and I didn't ever want to let go. I called her right away that night, and the rest was history. I found the love of my life that day." I narrated to the happy couple.
I guess you already know that I didn't invent the story; that's what really happened between us. And yes; a call was made that night, which had the potential to change our lives forever. I wish it was that simple. I wish I could've have just called her that night, went on another series of dates, fall in love and live happily ever after. But no; it had to be this complicated. I just hope we'll still have that happy ending. Oh, stop dreaming Chandler. Like that could happen. "What a cute little story! I mean, there are so many people out there who she could've bought a sandwich from and not have money to pay for and you become that guy. The gods of fate gave you a chance to ask her out and you took it. Good for you! When you find your lobster, you just know." she said happily. "Uh, lobster?" I asked with my confused look on my face. "You know, lobsters. They mate for life. Totally meant to be with each other." she explained. "Okay, Phoebe." I said. "Now, we better get going. You enjoy the dinner and get some rest. Oh, I almost forgot. You should change the bandage on her forehead. I already prepared the herbal leaves for you to clean the wound and you just wrap it with new gauze. That's it then, we'll start our first session tomorrow morning. Good night, Chandler." She waved goodbye. "By the way Chandler, I'll just tell my boss and maybe you could start next Monday." Mike added. "Okay, thank you guys. Good night."
We were now alone. I looked at Monica once again, her face still from any hint of emotion. I held her hand and traced the lines on her palm. I then put her hand on my cheek. I felt myself welling up. "Monica, please wake up. I need to know you'll be alright." I whispered to her, hoping she could hear me. I also feel sorry for her family. They must be thinking of the worst about Monica's condition and I feel guilty. I hope they can forgive us for putting them through this misery. It's awful really, but at least it will all be over in time and everything will go back to normal. I now let go of Monica for a while because I needed to call Sam and Joey to know if they were okay.
I immediately dialed my brother's number impatiently waiting for the other line to pick up.
"Hello?" The person from the other line said. I felt my heart jump from joy. Sam was alive.
"Sam! Thank God you're alive!" I asked with tears running down my cheek.
"I promised, didn't I? Got out alive from that nightmare. I got so worried about you. How are you? Is Monica alright?" He asked and I could still sense the tension in his voice.
"Monica still hasn't woken up yet. And I did as you told me. I'm here in a small town at Canada. I might stay here a little longer."
"Okay, just hide there for now until the heat subsides. I told Jim and Danny that Monica got away and they believed it. And they're paranoid as hell. It's all messed up but at least we're all safe for now. You take care of yourself and Monica out there. And I promise I'll take care of dad, too. He misses you already but he understood that you needed to do what you're doing. Again Chandler, I couldn't thank you enough. This is all a big sacrifice. I am so sorry for putting you through all this. I hope I can give back everything you've done for me and our family. Take Care, Chandler."
"You don't have to thank me, I love you and dad so much that I'm willing to do anything for you. Please tell dad I love him."
"I will, I'll call you next time Chandler."
I then called Joey to tell him about my supposed job far away. At first, he got upset at me because I didn't ask him if he also wanted work. He said he could also use the extra money. I didn't want to tell him about everything that's happened because it's too risky. I trust Joey but he really can't keep a secret sometimes. And also, if he got involved in this, his life will also be put into danger. He wished me well and I requested for him to keep a look on my family sometimes which he willingly agreed to.
RACHEL'S POV
I looked around me and I couldn't help but feel extreme remorse. Everybody's weeping. Monica did not go home that night. I waited for hours and she never came. Her phone did not pick up. It's my fault. I knew it was a crazy idea and I didn't stop her. Best friends should stop their best friends from doing stupid mistakes! Especially the one's which could get you killed! No, I don't want to believe it. She's alive. She can't be gone. She can't be out of our lives forever. This is just one horrible dream which we'll all wake up from sooner. Monica's just playing one sick and elaborate prank on us and she'll come sneaking on our backs and surprise us, saying that it's all a big joke. I looked at the man seating on one of the chairs at the corner of the room. He was also crying. He stood up and I followed him.
"Rachel, I couldn't lose Monica. Wha-what if.." he said
"Pete, I know this is hard. But we'll just have to keep holding on and hope that she's alive and well. Everything will be fine in the end." I told him while rubbing his back for comfort. I was shocked at what I witnessed next.
"Wow, I must be a really good actor. Oh! Boohoo. Poor Monica may be dead. Phew, good riddance. That bitch didn't serve me well anyway aside from the fact that us dating got the good business rolling." He said while wiping away the supposedly fake tears.
"What?! But I-I thought you were gonna propose to her that night and-You bastard, you insensitive prick! I can't believe all this time you're just playing her! She really cared for you!" I said fuming.
"Well, that's why you 'just thought'. And aww, that's really sweet of her!" He said sarcastically and I swear I could see the evil horns forming on his head. I could just slap him but I resisted the urge. I hope Monica is alive; she needs to be the one to kick this guy hard in the nuts. I can't believe it, what is happening to this world? People can now be so heartless. Such a poor soul.
CHANDLER'S POV
I woke up early in the morning the next day. I took a bath then drank some coffee. I left Monica for awhile to go to Phoebe and Mike's house. I asked if Mike could accompany me to the city to buy some stuff and bring me to the quarry where I'm supposed to work. Phoebe scolded me for leaving Monica just like that and I apologized. Mike and I then went on our way.
When we got back we were welcomed by Phoebe's incessant screaming. "Chandler! Chandler!" she said. "Okay, hello again Phoebe! Please calm down. What's the matter? What happened to Juliet?" I asked. "Oh come inside, look!" I then went inside our house. Monica was now awake sitting on the side of the bed. Maybe awake wasn't the right term. Her eyes were open but she was just staring straight into open space. It freaked me out. "I and Nana were doing the routine earlier with the incense and the leaves and all of a sudden her eyes shot open. Gosh, Nana almost had a heart attack! But that was just it, I tried snapping my fingers in front of her but she wasn't responding. She's catatonic." Phoebe explained.
I got closer to Monica and stared at her for a moment. She's even prettier now that her blue eyes are in the view. And that's not what I should focus on. She's awake but she's oblivious to the world. That deadpan look really creeps me out. I also tried snapping my fingers to no avail. "Told you it doesn't work, Chandler." Phoebe said slightly annoyed. "Oh gosh, when do you think she'll fully gain her consciousness?" I asked with concern. "We don't really know, we'll just have to wait and see. Like with this one, it just happened. Don't worry, in fact be relieved. At least she's making progress." Phoebe reassured me. "Thanks again Phoebe, and Nana. I really hope that's soon."
It's now our fifth day here in the little town. Monica is still catatonic but the good thing is the wound in her forehead is almost healed. I started the quarry job yesterday and it was nice. It's very tiring but at least I'm earning a decent amount of money. It's actually decent enough that I could actually send some of it to my family. I was feeding Monica her breakfast when Phoebe knocked on the door. "Come in." I said. "Oh hi, just want to remind you to give Monica her bath today. I have somewhere else to go to. Make sure she's all freshened up before our session today! Okay, buh-bye then!" she said cheerfully. I panicked. This past few days I convinced Phoebe to be the one to give Monica a bath. I told her that it's too "tempting" and that I may not be able to "control myself" and take advantage of my wife when she's not in the right condition. "But wait, I thought we had a-" I tried to say but she stopped me. "Come on now Chandler, grow up. It's not weird. It's not like you haven't seen 'those' for like a thousand times already. You're her husband. And I know you're a good man, so I'm sure you can handle yourself. Now be a man, and give your wife a nice bath." she said as a resolve. I just shrugged in response.
There's no turning back. If I don't do this, I'll have to answer a lot of questions to explain myself. I sat Monica on a low plastic stool and took a deep breath. "You can do this Chandler. No malice. No malice. You can do it. So you'll see her breasts, no biggie. They are a normal part of every human being. They serve a good purpose. Yeah and they're really fun. Stupid Chandler, don't think like that! Okay, I'm gonna do this now. This is it." I picked up some water from the pail and set down the dipper to the side. I then proceeded to unbutton her shirt. Slowly, I did; and I can feel the beads of sweat dripping on my face. When I finished doing so, I removed her shirt and now her front was now all revealed to me." I froze as I felt my jaw dropping. I gulped yet I can't take my eyes off of them. I picked up the dipper meaning to soak Monica's head but I ended up throwing all the water over my face, shaking my head afterwards hoping that doing so will help make sense of everything. I guess Monica will have to wait for her nice bath until tomorrow.
A/N: What will happen when Monica gets back to normal? Please leave out your reviews guys! Thank you very much! :)