The weeks went on like that: Ross and Carol completely spoiled by his parents, Rachel off with her new boyfriend, Paul (there weren't many feelings there but Rachel considered the heat a nice change from her usually super sappy boyfriends). Only Carol and Chandler noticed how much Ross despised him. And with everyone off doing their own thing, Chandler and Monica were able to spend more and more time together. Neither of them had much relationship experience of their own, but anybody could've seen that what they had was special.
They had just returned from a day spent at the beach just them two, and as far as they knew, everyone else was home. Today was the day.
They let themselves in the front door and heard everyone talking in the living room. Monica told Chandler to wait outside in the hall and went in by herself. On one side, Rachel sat in Paul's lap, fully involved in the current conversation. On the other side, as far away from Paul as he could be, sat Ross; depressed and apparently the center of attention (typical, thought Monica). And in the middle sat her parents, concerned expressions on their faces. "Hah-hem" Monica cleared her throat, "Mom Dad-" " Oh there you are sweetheart," interrupted her mom, "Have you seen Carol recently by any chance?" she asked. "No… but-" she stopped when she noticed the identical looks of concern on everybody's face. "What's going on? Ross?" she looked towards her brother. "She's… gone." He said. "No note. Her bags are here, her passport, both cars…." He trailed off. She walked over and put her hand reassuringly on his back. "We'll find her okay? Chandler!" she called. He walked in, clearly feeling confused and awkward, he was watching her, his eyebrows raised in silent question. Not now she mouthed, to where only he could see it. "Chandler, have you seen Carol? She's gone. No note no nothing." A look of understanding washed over him, which immediately became one ofdeep concern. "No, last I saw her was at breakfast with all of you."