Chapter 2

Almost a month passed, a time Chandler endured fairly calmly since no one had appeared in Monica's life.

Monday morning, Chandler was in the middle of his chaotic workday, checking the team members' payrolls, when the Director's secretary, called him to ask to come to the boss's office; Douglas needed to see him.

Chandler walked in, intrigued but confident; he knew the job he was in charge of was well done, so there wouldn't be any problems on that front.

"Hi Chandler, how's everything going?" Douglas asked with a smile.

"Fine, everything's fine, unless you don't agree," Chandler said with a smile.

"Of course I agree. You're the best man I have on my team, which is why I wanted to talk to you..."

"I'm all ears," Chandler replied graciously.

"I know about your job, which is quite complicated, even though it doesn't seem that way to you. I know about your effort and the good leadership you show your team. That's why I proposed you for the position of Director of the Houston branch. That entails a lot of responsibility, which I have no doubt you'll fulfill with flying colors. And obviously, you'd have significant increases in your salary and other benefits." Douglas continued.

"I also thought about you since, being single, without a family, a transfer wouldn't be an issue that would hinder your decision..."

Chandler remained silent. A transfer... according to Douglas, he didn't have a family, but that wasn't correct. He did have a family, his friends were his family, the only one he's had, and was suggesting he leave?

"Look, Chandler, I know this is an important decision. You're probably rooted in New York, but it's also an opportunity for growth. You'd no longer be doing a specific task; your role would be to supervise and set directions. The leadership attitude you've demonstrated over the years is essential for this new position."

"Think about it and tell me in a few days..."

"Wow, this catches me off guard. The decision isn't easy at all. Although I don't have an established family, a wife or children, I have a group of friends who are truly my family. All I can tell you is that I'll think about it."

"Perfect, just let me know as soon as you can. There are other candidates I haven't spoken to yet until you decide, but consider this a great opportunity for growth in all aspects of the job."

"Okay, let you know as soon as possible, and thank you for your trust."

Chandler left Douglas's office quite dazed.

At the end of the day work, he went to Central Park, just a couple of blocks from his job, and sat down to think. It wasn't easy; a thousand things went through his head...

The pros were clear: a very important promotion that would put him on a path toward greater responsibilities and an increase in his income.

The price to pay was moving and leaving his friends... his family... Monica behind, and he didn't know if he could do it.

He had a lot to think about, so he decided to go back to his apartment and think carefully, but for now, he wouldn't say anything to the others; everyone would get upset and it would confuse him even more.

Over the next few days, Joey noticed him more serious and thoughtful... Ross was still immersed in his grief over the divorce, so he didn't pay attention to his friend's mood.

"Chandler, is something wrong with you? You seem strange..."

"No, just work issues to resolve... but I'm fine..."

He didn't really know what to do. On one hand, there were those feelings for Monica that had completely invaded him, but they had no future. Monica would soon find someone to make a life with.

There were also his other friends. For now, they had been a close group. He felt Joey like a brother he had to take care of. Ross was his first friend, an unconditional one. And the girls. He wasn't sure if they loved him or just tolerated him as part of the gang, but he felt a great attachment to them too, really to all of them...

In Houston, he would be alone. He would have to acclimate to the place, to the customs, meet people and trust them. And building that trust was the hardest thing for him. He had been disappointed and deceived many times since he was a child... For his part, his friends, the five of them, were the custodians of his complete trust. He believed in them, they were loyal, they would never let him down... So what to do...

On Friday, during breakfast in apartment 20, Rachel was very excited. She had scheduled a double date for that night, which she would attend with Monica. She told them that they were two guys who were working at Bloomingdale's . They were actually two section heads from the human resources department, super handsome and intelligent.

Monica also seemed excited and shared that she had switched from her night shift that day to the following night.

Chandler's stomach tightened again; now his dilemma was compounded by this one...

The next day, they shared that the date had been great. Rachel would go out that night with her date, and Monica would do so the following day, since she had to work that Saturday night due to the shift change.

After breakfast, Chandler accompanied Monica to the market, as he did every Saturday. It was a task they had shared and enjoyed for years, as they chatted, told each other about their jobs, and laughed at Chandler's funny antics.

But that Saturday, Chandler was a little quieter. Monica was the one who led the conversation, telling him about her date the day before. She said she liked it and thought it could have a future, so she was excited about this date. Chandler, when Monica commented, simply smiled and said, "That's great, I'm glad," and immediately tried to change the subject by making a joke. He needed to escape his frustration.

When they returned from the market, he helped Monica, as always, pack away all the groceries and went back to his apartment.

Luckily, neither Ross nor Joey were there; he didn't feel like talking; he had too much to think about.

He lay down on the bed, and for the first time in years, he felt alone again.

He didn't know how to handle his feelings for Monica, which had suddenly exploded in London. How to stop them from hurting.

He thought, "What would have happened if this morning at the market I had told Monica that I was still London time? She would surely have abandoned the shopping cart and fled the market." That thought made him smile, and at the same time, his eyes watered.

He didn't understand how Ross managed to cope with his feelings for Rachel. Because if there was one thing he was sure of throughout the Emily episode, it was that Ross didn't truly love her the way he loved Rachel. She was, is, and will forever be the love of his life. Emily had been nothing more than a lifeline he'd clung to because Rachel wouldn't forgive him and was apparently crazy about that guy, John or Jonas, or whatever his name was. And the most incomprehensible part of that whole story is that, even though Rachel knew she still loved Ross, they were still separated.

As for him, what would his future be with the gang? He had clung to his friends, but in reality, he was alone. Joey, for better or worse, has his parents who truly love him and will one day find a woman who will anchor him. Ross has Ben and his parents who idolize him. Monica has her brother, her nephew, her parents, and she will surely have the man of her dreams. Rachel will also find the man of her dreams who in reality, except for her stubbornness, is right before her eyes: Ross. And finally, Phoebe. She is also alone; like him, she had a painful childhood, but she is strong and will surely meet someone. Each one will take their own path, it's logical. Life will separate them. They will see each other from time to time, they will talk, but ultimately it won't be long before this conjunction of stars comes to an end and each one seeks their own galaxy.

Maybe he should be the one to step aside first. Maybe it's best, the least painful, to let go first before the others leave him alone along the way.

In the afternoon, Ross came to pick him up to watch a movie in Apartment 20. It would just be the four of them. Joey and Rachel had dates, so they would wait for Monica to get something to eat and watch the movie. At first, he hesitated, but now it was better to be with them, even if he had to listen to Phoebe question Monica about her date the next day.

On Sunday, he got up early and left Ross and Joey a note saying he was going to visit some friends who live in Long Islam and would be back late.

It was time to start distancing himself; besides, Monica was probably getting ready for her date that evening, and that was already too much for him.

The decision was made: he wouldn't go to breakfast with his friends on Monday; it was better not to hear about Monica's crush. As soon as he got to the office, he told Douglas's secretary that he wanted to see him.

When Douglas greeted him, he seemed eager to hear the decision.

"Hi Douglas, I've thought it over and I'm accepting the transfer."

"Fantastic, I'm very happy. I'm sure you'll be the best Director in the group..."

"Don't exaggerate. I have a lot to learn, and I'm worried about being accepted and being trusted by more experienced colleagues who will see a young, unknown man land in their field to lead them," Chandler explained sincerely.

"I understand, kid. I had those fears too when I started taking on more senior leadership positions, but someone gave me some advice that I now want to pass on to you. You'll have senior subordinates with a wealth of experience. Make them your partners. As Director, you set the pace and energy, but seek their advice, build personal relationships, show them you appreciate their knowledge, and they'll support you."

That afternoon, when he arrives at Central Perk, he finds all his friends chatting animatedly. He enters seriously, not giving them the funny and friendly initial greeting. He remains serious. Everyone notices. He sits on the armrest of the single-couch Phoebe is occupying.

"Something wrong?" Ross asks, while everyone looks at him questioningly.

Chandler lets out a sigh he didn't even know he was holding. How would they take his news?

"I've been promoted to Director of the Houston branch."

Everyone remained silent for a long moment as they assimilated the news. Monica fixed her gaze on his eyes. She hadn't done this since they returned from London.

Joey was the first to speak. "But they're forcing you to go…?"

"No, they asked me if I wanted to," Chandler replied.

"And what did you say?" Ross asked, startled.

"I just said yes today…"

Monica looked at him in surprise and then gave him her Geller look, clearly showing disapproval.

"And you didn't think of us? You're going to leave us," Joey chided.

"Guys, I thought of each and every one of you. You all have a family..." Chandler began, but Phoebe interrupted.

"I don't have one," she said.

"I know, Phoebe. We're the same in that respect, but you're stronger than me."

"But you have the strength to decide to walk away and leave us," Rachel chided.

"No, Rachel. I'm not strong, more like cowardice. You'll all start families, you'll drift apart, and I'll be left behind, so it's best to leave first."

"And since you know you won't start a family, all our families will be as close as we are now," Ross told him.

"Ross, maybe one day I'll start a family, but so far, all the women I've been interested in, and the one I'm interested in now, don't see me as boyfriend material. I admit I'm partly to blame for them thinking that way about me, but it's too late for she to change her mind. Maybe in another city, where don't know my flaws, some woman will think I am enough."

"But Chandler, you're enough. You're the best guy I know. ¿Who wouldn't want you?" Joey told him.

At that moment, upon hearing that phrase, Monica looked at Joey and then looked into Chandler's eyes. It was the phrase he had said to her in the London room just before she kissed him.

"There's one out there..." Chandler replied, lowering his head. Then he looked back at them. His eyes weren't shining as he continued... "My transfering doesn't mean we'll get lost. I'll come visit you as often as I can, and I'll keep in touch with all of you. We'll talk and share stories about our lives. To me, you're my family, and I'll never stop being there for you."

"But you're leaving," Joey said, almost with tears in his eyes.

"Dude, nothing is definitive. I might not be good enough for that job and they'll bring me back, or it might be temporary, they haven't told me that. Besides, I'll have to see if I adapt to the city, to the people, we'll have to see if I can live without you guys if I miss you too much. We'll see what time tells us."

During the entire conversation, Monica hadn't said a single word; the desolation that had invaded her wouldn't let her speak. Chandler couldn't leave; he was her best friend. Besides, after London, despite the effort she'd imposed on herself, she couldn't forget that night, the best of her life. Besides, now she couldn't look at Chandler as just her best friend. That night had transformed into something more inside her, which was frightening, since evidently none of her subsequent dates had gotten her anywhere. No one attracted her, no one excited her, and even though she put all her will into it, no one was like him.

That's why after London she'd tried to distance herself a bit, just as a precaution, and it was evident that he'd also restricted his displays of affection. Monica was sure that in her case it was out of fear of letting out feelings that had no future, and in Chandler's case it was because he didn't want to be misunderstood. For him, it had just been a wild night between two friends who'd had too many drinks.