Understanding (8.06)

(As Monk and Natalie were preparing to leave for the theatre)

Monk paced back and forth in the living room of Natalie's house. He was biding his time as Natalie was preparing herself for Julie's theatrical performance that evening. Monk's thoughts drifted to Natalie. She had been looking forward to the event for months, and as the days progressed, Monk could sense Natalie's growing, even restive, anticipation. Today, in fact, Natalie skipped to and from the police precinct where they had collected checks and received weekly briefings from Captain Stottlemeyer. It was a bit unnerving to Monk that crime in San Francisco had been unusually quiet lately, which led him to suspect something might happen soon. Even more evocative to Monk were the messy stacks on papers on every detective's desk despite the lack of recent crime. Natalie, on the other hand, hardly noticed. She even did not check her weekly paycheck today, which gave Monk the insidious idea of deducting her overtime the next week. But he was smart enough to dismiss the idea, lest she break off their new relationship or even quit him.

Upstairs, Natalie was finishing some light makeup and giving herself a final appraisal. It was a big night for her mainly because Julie was performing. Natalie remembered Julie's childhood dream and interest in the theatrical arts. It was an idea Natalie wholeheartedly supported, after both of them compromised that Julie would not be a model (especially following that Julian Hodge episode) or a lawyer either. Now, that very night, after years of practice and diligence, Julie would finally perform at a community theatre show in front of prime audience. Natalie was anticipating great reviews tonight. She wanted to look the part for Julie and the big occasion. Indeed, it was big for another reason as it was the one-month anniversary of her relationship with Adrian. Natalie smiled as she reminisced about their relationship, which was blooming and developing steadily. They were able to keep their professional life separate and even hide the development from Captain Stottlemeyer, for the time being at least. Tonight, Natalie wanted Adrian and her to enjoy each other's company and the chance to see Julie on stage.

After checking herself one final time, Natalie grabbed her purse and walked downstairs. She saw Monk standing in the living room touching random things. Her eyes gazed at Monk's attire for the evening, which was what he usually wore, nothing more and nothing less. Even so, Natalie found him handsome and had the urge to hug him. Having a prankish thought, she tiptoed as she entered the living room and approached Monk quietly with his back turned. Realizing that he had not sensed her approach, Natalie grabbed Monk by the waist.

"Gotcha!"

Monk panicked a bit and lost his concentration. His finger was touching the top of a stack of magazines he had straightened earlier. With a quick swerve and force of many heightened nerves, his hand knocked the magazine pile down in a mess. Monk groaned as he turned around.

"Natalie! What are you doing?"

Monk's question stopped midway as he looked at Natalie's attire. She wore a simple black dress that was perfect for her figure, and covered her just enough to not scare him. But it showed a fair bit of skin, which attracted Monk's attention. This time, as he realized, it did not scare him at all. He admitted that Natalie looked very beautiful in this dress. Her shoes and light makeup made her elegant and in Monk's eyes, perfect and symmetrical.

Natalie saw Monk looking at her. This time, his eyes were in appreciation, not apprehension. She did a small twirl and gave Monk a slightly seductive smile. She was enjoying his reaction and this new side of their relationship. Even though Monk was still reluctant to engage in a full "make out" with her, they had been touching each other more and stealing glances at each other in more intimate moments than before.

Natalie broke off the silence with a light and cordial question, "Well, Adrian, how do I look?"

Monk took a while to gather his thoughts. His mind, obsessed and focused as it usually was, thought only about Natalie's dress. He had hardly any time to give a thoughtful answer to Natalie's question. Instead, he spoke what was on his mind, "Perfect and symmetrical."

Natalie chuckled at Monk's response. She knew that he was trying hard in this relationship. While the words were not what a woman would expect from her beau, Monk's words were sweet and heartening on their own. Natalie approached Monk and looked him over from head to toe once more. "Adrian, you too, are perfect and symmetrical."

With that, Monk smiled and offered his arm for Natalie. She gladly accepted the gesture and comfort, and placed her arms on top of his. It was going to be an enjoyable evening for both of them.

(At Monk's apartment where Natalie was trying to persuade Monk to investigate)

Natalie sat down on the ottoman and compiled her thoughts. Monk was unusually adamant and continually ignored her. His refusals were frustrating and she was running out of patience. Unless he started thinking straight or commiserating with her, Natalie was preparing to hit him with the ottoman or do something else drastic. The lamp was just a couple of feet away and it wouldn't cost much to replace anyway.

"Adrian, please help me with this case. I know I might sound crazy and even delusional to you, but you've got to know that I'm doing this for my little girl. It's so different being a parent. You need to care for and look after your child first and foremost. I'm really concerned for Julie and what she's feeling. Even though she says she is fine at breakfast, I know that deep down, she must be doubting herself. She's been wanting to do theatre all along and this bad review may even discourage her from pursuing that study. Surely you should understand."

Even listening to Natalie, Monk did not look much convinced. "Natalie, as I said before. It's no big deal. She's a big girl. She bounced back from that incident with her basketball coach three years ago. She even wasn't affected by losing that championship game." Monk thought a bit more and added, "Even I wasn't affected…that much."

Natalie felt angrier at Monk for sidestepping the issue, "What are you talking about? You got 100 trophies at the end, so obviously you weren't disappointed. And it doesn't compare. That was three years ago, and basketball is like a sport or hobby for her. Theatre, on the other hand, it's serious. It's what Julie wants to do for her whole life. It's her future. How can you compare that to this? It's like oranges and apples."

"Apples and oranges," Monk corrected.

"Same thing," Natalie ended that discussion before it went off nowhere.

"Look Natalie," Monk pleaded as he sensed, too, that he had little chance of winning. "Let's look at this objectively. We have no physical evidence whatsoever linking John Hanagan to the murder. You are being too subjective and looking at all wrong."

"No, Adrian, I'm looking at it the way you usually do it. In fact, you do it all the time – looking at the crime scene subjectively and stepping back for the big picture. Why can't I do it, and why won't you trust me?"

"Natalie, I do trust you. But it's obvious you are being misled by your concern for your daughter and your anger at the critic. It's like me angry at that naked person Chance Singer long time ago. You are acting as irrational as I was, although I still believe I was quite rational then."

"Irrational? Who's the one irrational, Adrian." Natalie emphasized Monk's name. "I'm not being irrational. I'm caring for my little girl, a big girl and demanding teenager but still my daughter nonetheless. Don't you care for her the same way?"

Monk stopped himself from saying anything else and looked down. His thoughts turned to Julie and what Natalie had said. Did he care about Julie the same way? In many ways, he realized that he treated Julie as a daughter he had never had: that "talk" two years ago came to mind. Could he love Julie like a father loves his daughter? It was a question that worth many thoughtless nights.

Natalie saw Monk pensive in reflection. She got off the ottoman and rested herself next to him on the couch. His calming silence and presence dissipated her remaining frustration. While she had not yet gained his agreement to help her case, she realized that she had gained something else perhaps more valuable: Adrian's heart. Natalie hoped that Adrian could show the same love for Julie as he held for her. He was a thoughtful and careful person, yet feelings did not come easily for him. But this time, Monk could finally take the next step.

"Adrian," Natalie called him to attention. Monk turned to face Natalie, who chimed in, "I'm glad you are thinking of Julie. I love you so much for thinking of us."

Natalie gave Monk a light peck on the lips. She could feel his lips trembling slightly as he was still at thought. After drawing herself back, Natalie saw Monk's smile, which gave her all that she needed to know. His love was strong and held true for both mother and daughter.