REPRESENT

"Who's this?" Mike Hannigan asked.

"Chandler Bing. I only get one 20 minute phone call a week, and instead of calling my wife I'm calling you, so fingers crossed, this will amount to something," Chandler said.

"Um alright… What can I do for you, Chandler?" Mike asked perplexed.

"Monica fired my lawyer, with good reason too, and I'd like you to represent me."

"Me? I'm not a lawyer anymore, I'm a musician. I haven't practiced in years, you know that," Mike replied stunned.

"Monica told me your credentials, and I don't want to settle for any lesser lawyer," Chandler said matter-of-factly.

"It's awesome you think so highly of me, but-"

"C'mon, what will it take to get you back into the game?" Chandler insisted.

"You sound very… lively and spirited," Mike said, confused, "Not at all how Phoebe, Monica and Joey have been describing you… if you don't mind me saying, I got the impression you were suffering from a severe bout of…" Mike's voice faltered.

"Depression? Misery? Helplessness? Hopelessness? Self-Destruction?" Chandler finished impatiently.

"Well, yes, something like that," Mike mumbled uncomfortably.

"Mike, something happened to me recently. I won't go into details, but suffice to say, for the first time since Emma's accident, I feel empowered, angry and alive, all at the same time. I'm ready to fight these false allegations."

"It's fantastic you've come through this… depression, but I don't know, it's been ages since I've practiced, I'm not sure if I'd do you justice," Mike said reluctantly.

"Sure you would, I trust Mon's judgement. Please, as an old friend, take on one more case, then you're free to hang up the suit and tie for good," Chandler pressed.

"How about I talk to Pheobe and get back to you? I'm not sure how she'd feel about this, what with being friends with you, Ross and Rach... I'll take you on if Pheebs is happy for me to do so," Mike suggested.

"Works with me," Chandler agreed.

"Michael Hannigan. I thought you'd quit the game, didn't know you were still practicing!" Mike cringed at the awfully familiar voice behind him.

Attorney Olsen slapped Mike on the back with insincere friendliness. Mike and Olsen had always been arch rivals in the litigious world, ever since they attended law school together. Olsen had been secretly joyous when Mike quit practicing to become a musician.

"So did I, but I was persuaded into taking one more case before a call off my legal career," Mike chuckled.

"I see. And what is it you do these days? Last I heard, you were slumming it with a keyboard at an Old Folk's home. Still tinkering around on the piano? Still digging that tall hippy of yours?" Mike bristled at Olsen's condescension.

"I don't tinker around on my piano, it's my career now. And for your information, I married the tall hippy. Her name is Phoebe, and it would do for common courtesy if you would call her that," Mike said curtly.

Olsen whistled sarcastically. "Look at you, all fresh and happening. If you're looking for a challenge, you're in luck. The client is a depressed mute, and the wife is a demanding shrew. You'll certainly have your work cut out for you." Olsen remarked.

Mike shook his head, "Now c'mon, don't talk about Chandler and Monica like that. They're nice people under immense pressure."

"I take it you know the defendant personally, then?" Olsen asked, "Let me guess, your wife's friends? I'm not surprised she'd be mixing with that kind of folk," Olsen smirked.

"I'm beginning to see why they fired you," Mike shot back. Olsen shoved a thick manila folder with Chandler's name on it, into Mike's hands.

"See, truth be told, I don't understand why New York's best Defence Attorney would throw out his career like yesterday's garbage. I've always stood in your shadow, Hannigan. I've worked my whole life to match your talent. Why would you walk away from that? Why would anyone?" Olsen asked earnestly.

"Because I found the love of my life, because I found my calling," Hannigan said.