Encore
An Alternate Universe Mondler Fan fiction
AN: Okay, so this is just pathetic. I feel so incredibly guilty…it is June 19, 2014 now and I am only just starting chapter 14. I am so sorry that I haven't been anywhere near consistently updating, unless you consider the consistent lapses of time between updates viable as consistent updating.
Chapter 14:
Previously:
"So, uh, Aiden, I was thinking I should probably fly out to LA soon to get to work. We don't want to fall behind."
"Glad to hear it Chandler, I'll get someone to book your ticket now and email it to you. When is the best time?"
Chandler swallowed thickly before he answered.
"The sooner the better."
"You'll be fine. Chandler's not the type of person to lash out because of jealousy." Monica said reassuringly, "Given some time I'm sure he'll warm up to you."
Jake smiled softly, kindly, before standing up slowly. "I should probably head home." He murmured.
Monica stood as well, looking up into his eyes before he planted a very short, gentle kiss on her lips before he walked out the door.
Monica sighed as she sat down on the couch, knowing she would not get much sleep tonight as she wrestled with her conflicting feelings for Jake and Chandler.
The next morning Chandler woke up with a throbbing headache, wondering whether this was becoming a theme in his life.
I could write a novel, a memoir maybe, he thought, "My Life: The Perpetual Hangover"…yeah, that seems about right.
Suddenly, a beep sounded next to his head, making it seem as though the apartment was crashing down around him. With the pounding in his skull only increasing Chandler shifted slightly to look at his nightstand, seeing a blinking light on his laptop indicating he had a new email.
With an overdramatic groan he lifted the computer onto his lap and flipped it open, thankful it was already turned on. Clicking on the icon to open his email, Chandler scanned the screen until he saw an email from Aiden.
To: ChandlerMBing
From: AidenSCalveli
Subject: Your Itinerary
Chandler, attached is your ticket and flight information from JFK to LAX. Your flight is at Seven o'clock PM your time which, if you do the math, which I know you won't, you should be landing at LAX at roughly Seven o'clock Pacific Time. I hope you had a nice few months with your friends, and hopefully this means you'll be less of a wet blanket whenever someone here suggests going out to a bar or restaurant. Anyway, you aren't expected back at the studio to start recording until Thursday, so that means you have about six days to get settled back into your routine. I will call you later to remind you, because the entire staff knows how well you remember where you have to be and at what time. I will see you tomorrow.
Best regards,
Aiden Calveli
Talent Manager
Agent
Chandler groaned, realizing that he would have to get up and ready for the day. He cast a glance around his room, the fact that he would have to pack all his suitcases again only just crossing his mind.
Misery weighed his every step as he trudged through his room, throwing any clothes he saw laying around into his suitcase that had been left open and unpacked since he had arrived.
After snagging one particular shirt he lifted it to his face, smelling whether it had an unpleasant odor. Satisfied with his find, he tossed it on the bed along with a pair of slate gray slacks as he finished throwing his dirty and discarded clothes in his suitcase.
Upon finishing he heaved a heavy exhale before grabbing the clothes he had put aside and walked towards the bathroom to shower, for once thankful for Joey's nightly escapades.
He turned the handle of the shower to his desired heat and disrobed quickly before moving under the hot stream of water. There was something soothing about the way the droplets fell rhythmically on him, the steadiness of the pattern offering a sense of security. The warmth enveloped him, allowing him to escape the harsh reality of his life.
Damn Monica and that boy toy of hers Chandler thought as he scrubbed himself furiously, was her prior misery just a show for me so she could draw me close just to break my heart again?
He stayed in the shower a good twenty minutes, trying to limit his free time before he would have to leave for JFK airport. He allowed himself to relax as the hot water soothingly washed the lather from his hair then watched as the suds were sucked down the drain.
As much as he hated it, Chandler knew he would have to avoid all of his friends, as they would convince him to stay. Unfortunately that meant him either writing a note to say goodbye or calling once as he was boarding the plane. Neither option seemed appealing, both seeming rather balls-less. He could just imagine Phoebe telling him to 'Grow a pair' if he did such a thing.
After another ten minutes in the bathroom Chandler sighed and made his way out, now fully dressed, his toiletries in hand. He strode into his room, tossing the items into his suitcase. He was about to reach for his guitar when his stomach voiced a complaint.
Realizing he had yet to eat today, Chandler made his way to the refrigerator, doubt that it would be stocked heavy on his mind. To his surprise he saw mayonnaise, cold cuts, lettuce, and deli cheeses. Grabbing what he could, he spread the ingredients on the counter, snatching two slices of bread from a pre-sliced loaf.
He quickly prepared himself a sandwich before returning the food to its place. The way he figured, it would be a 30 to 40 minute cab ride to JFK and he wanted to be at the airport by 5:00-5:30ish, so he figured he'd like to be in the cab, at the latest, by 4:50.
He was startled to see that the clock read 2:30 PM. How can it be that late already?! I swear I just got up! How long did I stay in bed?!
He was confused by the sadness that befell him upon realizing the time. He should have been happy that he only had about two and a half hours to kill before he had to leave, but instead the idea of leaving filled him with dread.
Now two hours had gone by, and Chandler found himself grabbing his gear and making his way downstairs to hail a cab. His bags felt as heavy as the last time he left, his movements just as weary and miserable.
It didn't take long for a cab to pull up and for Chandler to load his bags and guitars before getting in himself. He mumbled his destination the cabbie before slumping in his seat, the nearly hour-long drive giving him plenty of time with his thoughts.
He knew it wouldn't be long before one of his friends found the note he left on Joey's counter. He would call them later to say a proper goodbye, but given the circumstances, he saw the note as the only way to do so at the time.
It wasn't long after that Chandler stood before his gate, waiting for the plane to start boarding. He knew without a doubt that he would be heading back to LA. Even if he wanted to change his decision, which he didn't, he had too many people expecting him back at work on the west coast. While he felt guilty leaving his friends he knew within his heart that staying to watch Monica and that Jake fellow would kill him.
He heard his section mentioned over the intercom. He rose slowly from his seat, grabbed his carry on and walked towards the door. He was the final person to board.
At the entrance to the tunnel, he paused and turned look behind him. He turned back around and continued walking as the door closed behind him.
AN: Okay, it is officially August 31, 2014 at 4:55PM. Either way, this summer has been painful for me. My brother left for college earlier this month. Last night specifically was brutal and I don't see it getting any better soon. But I won't bore you all with the story of my loss. I hope you are continuing to enjoy this story and please, please, please review. I know my author's notes are not quite the caliber of Blueyes' but still, I hope my ANs don't distract from the story.