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Love all of you!

The one where Ross got high

When Chandler had moved in a week earlier Monica didn't anticipate how much she was used to Rachel living with her. But she didn't want to have it any other way, she was the happiest she's ever been with Chandler, she felt that in every way possible. She was so happy she didn't want to destroy it by telling her mom. She knows her mom wouldn't stop asking her about everything and eventually kill everything she felt good about. Her mother had that effect on her. She always wanted her to have a boyfriend but it had to be to her standard. Normally her relationships wouldn't last this long, but the fact she had kept her relationship within their tight friend group made it easier to relax and let their love grow. The six of them spent everyday together but her fears of him getting tired of her after moving in subsided very quickly. As soon as he moved in it was like the two of them had formed their own little group, he was her future and it had never felt more true than right there and then.

When Thanksgiving got closer and Ross told her Judy had asked him what they were doing for the holiday. Their parents had asked to spend Thanksgiving in the city.

"But they have spent the last five years with the Blymens!" Monica exclaimed as Ross told her the news.

"Apparently their daughter had her first baby and they went to visit her." Ross started to lean against the table. Monica sighed.

She knew how much Chandler hates Thanksgiving, so she had prepared a big breakfast for him. It was the first Thanksgiving of the two of them living together and she wanted it to be extra special.

"I have put your Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen, honey." She kissed him and then pointed towards the tray she had presented to her boyfriend in bed "No crummies in the bed like last time, okay?"

"I told you I was being careful" He took a mouthful of the sandwich as he stood up holding a small plate. "I'll eat in the kitchen." Monica nodded.

Monica had the opportunity to tell Judy about Chandler when they spoke on the phone later that day. She still felt she couldn't do it as she listened.

"Will Ross bring Ben?" Monica walked around the apartment nervously as Judy talked to her.

"No, he's with Carol and Susan over at Carol's parents place."

"But Rachel and Phoebe will be there?" Monica could suddenly hear the change in her mom's voice "And the boy who hates Thanksgiving and his actor friend?" There was almost hatred in her voice and she scoffed when Monica corrected her with their names.

"Yes, yes. Joey and Chandler. They will be there?"

This was going to be a longer day than she anticipated.

"Yes, it's been the six of us for years now."

"Can you handle it all by yourself, honey? Should I bring something?" Monica could hear Judy in the kitchen like she was getting something out of the oven.

"Rachel is…. uh…. helping me with the dessert." Monica gestured to the empty place on the kitchen counter like she was pointing towards something Rachel had bought to prepare.

"Oh isn't that nice of her. Helping you out like that when Thanksgiving dinner is too much for you."

"Mom! I have been doing this all by myself the last five years. I'm fully capable of…."

"All I said was that Rachel is a good friend. "

Monica took a deep breath and nodded to herself. "I know mom. You really don't have to bring anything, When will you be here?"

"Me and dad will be there at 4?"

"Okay, great. "Bye."

When Rachel came over later that day Monica knew she would throw her off course by asking her to make the dessert. "Uh, Rach. I need you to pick up some ingredients for the dessert". Rachel had one arm out of her jacket as she stood opposite Monica.

"Oh, okay. Sure. Let me know what you need and…."

"Great! Pick something you'll like" Monica gestured to the pile of recipes as the continued to make the dinner.

Rachel slowly put her arm back into her jacket and looked like she got touched by Monica's comment. "Thank you, Mon, I can't believe I'll get to choose the dessert". She picked up the first one and gasped at the picture "I have always wanted to make my own Jam... Let me know if I can help you, okay."

"Yes, I kind of already told my mom you'll make the dessert"

"You're not going to help me?" Rachel pressed the recipe to her chest.

As soon as Jack and Judy arrived Monica could tell Chandler did his best to build a relationship with her parents. But everything he did fell through, it was like he couldn't say anything right. She was with him the entire afternoon and evening, her parents have to know how much he means to her. Why couldn't they try to like him for her? They might like him for Ross, Chandler is Ross's best friend too. She grabbed Chandler's arm as the got an idea! The two of them walked up to Jack.

Monica wanted today to go as smoothly as possible, that Ross had lied to their parents and blamed Chandler for his mistakes was not part of her plan. She remained as calm as possible as she watched Ross avoiding telling their parents what he had done. She couldn't stop herself from thinking about all those times he got away with things she definitely wouldn't. She met Chandler's eyes, he nodded to her in a subtle way and squeezed her tigh: "He will tell them". He gently moved his hand to her knee when she put her hand over his.

When all the guests had left for the evening, Monica and Chandler sat on the couch. "You know I think I'm starting to like Thanksgiving." Chandler turned to look at Monica. She smiled towards him and gave him a kiss. They stopped abruptly as they heard the door slammed open across the corridor, they heard female voices giggling. Monica and Chandler looked at each other and when they heard Joey's voice: "I knew vomit stories would be a great Thanksgiving story!" The two of them hurried to open the door and met Joey's smile. "Janine and her friends really can't cook".

"Uhh, maybe next Thanksgiving?" Monica watched Chandler close the door.