The Right Kind of Friend (5.11)
(Natalie, Monk and Julie readying for Monk's 'date' at the hockey game with Hal)
Monk paced frantically back and forth. He was worrying about remembering all the hockey terminology (what was icing, again?) while trying to spruce up his house so Hal wouldn't think of him as a freak. He was glad that Natalie and Julie were there helping him with the house. Julie even gave him some 'tips' for the occasion, such as high-fiving fellow fans when the home team scored a goal, something Monk would decided wasn't a tip after all. As a basketball player, Julie had some experience in sporting events, which she happily shared with Monk.
"Mr. Monk, please stop worrying. Just relax. It's just two guys having fun, not hard," Natalie said as she tried to console Monk.
"Of course that's not true. Hal's normal, but I'm not. I have to be like a regular guy, at the least. Or else he'll think of me like a freak, and then I'll be back to zero friends," Monk responded with a groan. How come social occasions were so hard?
"Mr. Monk, don't say that. I'm your friend. So is Julie. Leland, Randy, Dr. Kroger. Plus, you're a likable guy, and you'll make more friends. Although, I'd be careful and take the time to know Hal better."
Monk hesitated. He was caught up in the euphoria of having one friend that he neglected his usual prudence. He remembered how Sharona always brought home dates who ended up being criminals or married, or defective in some other character, while he tried warning her to no avail. Still, Monk found nothing wrong with Hal. He was a modest antiques dealer, and showed no suspicious behavior at all. Natalie was worked up for no reason.
"Natalie, don't worry. It's just Hal and Adrian, two ordinary guys, doing ordinary things, at the hockey rink. We'll be, what's the word…chilling…that's right. Chilling at the hockey rink. Hey, that's a good one. Chilling at the hockey rink, get it?"
"Yea. Mr. Monk, I just want you to be happy, and make friends who trust you and whom you can trust. I'm happy that you made a friend, and will have time to have fun. I have never seen you so excited," Natalie said happily and patted Monk's back.
Monk appreciated Natalie's support. He knew he had few friends, and liked when others praised him for wanting to be more social. As for Natalie, what did he consider her? Nurse, no way. Assistant, yes. Partner, maybe (he'd rather not think about the Private Eye venture). But friend? Monk pondered for a while, as he remembered the times they shared outside work or official duties. The trip to Julie's field hockey game; Halloween at Ambrose's; his anniversary at wine country; their first Christmas, and a White one; coaches of Julie's basketball team; and his class reunion. Whenever he needed a friend, for whatever reason, she was there, not as an assistant, but as a friend. In fact, with Natalie, he felt as close as family. The moments with her and Julie stood out to Monk, something he would cherish for a long time. He missed Trudy and the feeling of being a family, but Natalie and Julie provide an escape. Could Hal beat that?
Natalie and Julie watched Monk think from afar. Before, he looked like a teenager eager for his first date. Now, he looked as if he were reluctant to go. They noted Monk with interest, and smiled. Maybe there was hope for the obsessive, eccentric detective. Now, if only his taste in music wasn't just Haydn's 100th Symphony…
(Monk and Natalie going to Disney on Ice)
More than a week after Hal was caught, the Disney on Ice event was due. At Natalie's insistence, Monk agreed to go see it with her. She pointed out that their seats were in a private box, which allayed some of his fears of other people. Being a Saturday evening, Natalie dressed up for the occasion. She took out a dress that resembled Princess Aurora, and put on some makeup. Even though she was going with her boss, she wanted it to be an enjoyable and relaxing time. It was her first time seeing anything Disney since her honeymoon, and was excited for the memories.
When Natalie picked Monk up, she was surprised to find him dressed in something other than a brown suit with shirt buttoned all the way. He was wearing an informal (by his standards, anyway) jacket with the top button from his shirt open. In her opinion, he looked different but still presentable, even handsome. Banishing that brief thought, Natalie invited Monk into the car.
"Natalie, thank you for this. And you look absolutely perfect," Monk complimented.
Natalie blushed. That's the first time Monk complimented her that way, and she enjoyed the attention. She patted him gently on the arm, and started driving toward the venue.
"You look like a Disney Princess. I just cannot figure out whom," Monk added.
"Oh, I do? Guess, Mr. Detective," Natalie replied challenging him.
"Actually I hardly know Disney. I grew up wanting to see Disney, but my parents did not buy any films or take Ambrose or me to the movies. When I was five, my dad promised to buy Snow White, but before he did, he left us. We never saw a single Disney film," Monk explained wistfully. He also did not want guessing – that exercise was too hard.
Natalie was saddened by Monk's tale. She stopped the car to console Monk. "Adrian, I'm sorry for that. I just wish you had a more normal childhood. Tonight won't make up for what you missed, but I promise that you'll enjoy the show. That's a promise, from me to you, friend to friend." She rubbed his shoulders again, enjoying the touch and the comfort.
Monk nodded and turned to his thoughts for the rest of the trip. Once they arrived at the venue and parked the car, Natalie grabbed Monk by the elbow, lest he wandered back after seeing all the people. She smiled often and tried to allay Monk's fears of the crowd and the ticket collector dressed as Mickey Mouse. Monk appreciated her beside him, and for once, stayed calm enough not to wander off. He was happy to see Natalie so excited about the show, and tried hard not to ruin the occasion.
They were led to their seats, which composed a semi-private box area removed from the crowd but still close to the rink. Monk immediately thought about his hockey game with Hal, but this time it seemed different. He wasn't necessarily excited, but he felt equally content. Being with Natalie meant more than being with Hal – for one, she wasn't plotting to kill him – and he could talk to her about anything. He fixed his hair a bit, and gave his undivided attention to the woman next to him.
"Adrian, what are you smiling at?" Natalie asked.
"Nothing much. Just having you around, it's a blessing."
Natalie was happy that Monk called it a gift and not a curse in addition. Even though Hal scarred his trust in others, she was glad to see him take a step forward in a social occasion. This Adrian Monk must have been the shy yet confident man who wooed Trudy back at Berkeley. Maybe he could be her Prince Phillip tonight. With that thought, Natalie settled in, lying next to Monk, as they enjoyed the show.
