She—the girl—she'd dead?"
"I'm afraid so. Sir, we'd like आप to come with us—to identify the—to make an identification."
He felt bile rise up in his throat, and his vision grew fuzzy. He could hear voices, but they seemed far away...the tips of his fingers felt cold, then numb.
He shook his head, shook off the shock, and looked up at the men seated before him.
"It…can't be her," he finally rasped, so low the officers almost missed it.
"Sir, if आप could come with us—"
"It's not her!" Chandler screamed, and rose to his feet.
"Maybe it isn't" Officer Lewis replied, and stood, "but we need to make sure."
Chandler nodded shortly, but kept his eyes on the ground. The officers led him out of the house, and to a waiting vehicle.
His entire body had gone numb.
It wasn't her, he was sure of it—and yet he couldn't help the nausea—he couldn't stop the fear that was beginning to overwhelm him.
What if it was her? What would they do?
……
"Jack, stay close!" Monica called, as the boy ambled merrily toward the झूला, स्विंग set. Monica kept a sharp eye on her son, while trying to hold a conversation with Rachel.
"He's fine, Mon," Rachel कहा calmly, "Emma and Sam are right there."
"I just—" Monica shook her head and looked down at her hands, "I need to be sure."
"I know," Rachel smiled and took Monica's hand in her own, "I know."
"God, I just want to find her—I need to find her. I feel like I'm losing my mind," Monica laughed harshly, and shook her head, "I don't even know how to explain it."
"I wish there was और we could do, honey," Rachel sighed.
"I know," Monica nodded.
"How are things…with आप and Chandler?" Rachel asked tentatively.
Monica sighed deeply, and looked over at Jack, who was now being pushed on the swings द्वारा his older cousin. Emma giggled loudly, and pushed him again.
"Emma, not so high, honey!" Rachel yelled, her own fear of the playground device not fully resolved. She turned back to her friend, who was still watching the children blankly. "Mon? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine," Monica smiled sadly.
"But…?"
"But…nothing. We're fine!"
"Mon, आप forget how well I know you."
"Rach, can we let it go? I just…I don't know, ya know? Maybe when Erica comes back, everything will get better."
"And maybe it won't. Look, Monica, आप guys really need to talk about this."
"No, we need to focus on finding Erica," Monica stood and walked toward the playground, effectively ending the discussion.
….
"Right this way, Mr. Bing," Officer Lewis कहा gently, as he led Chandler down a flight of stairs, to a darkened corridor underneath the main station. At the end of the corridor was a door, and Officer Lewis knocked twice before swinging it open.
"Gus, this is Chandler Bing," Officer Lewis कहा as casually as he could, "He needs to…"
"Oh, right. Stacey called down about him. One second," Gus, a heavyweight, balding man in jeans, a white t-shirt and a white lab कोट that was clearly too small for him, turned and pulled at a hospital green curtain that was dividing the room in half.
Chandler felt dizzy. His entire body trembled, and his mouth felt dry. He clenched and unclenched his fists rhythmically, trying to regain his composure.
For there, behind the curtain, sat a large, metal table. On चोटी, शीर्ष of the तालिका, टेबल was a white sheet, and underneath the sheet, was clearly the body of a child.
"Mr. Bing, when you're ready, Gus will pull the sheet," Officer Lewis whispered slowly.
White noise filled his ears, and he barely heard what the officer had said. He took a deep breath, and approached the body slowly. Despite his fear, his shock, and his grief, he could not stop staring at the still form before him.
He gave Gus a slight nod, though he wasn't sure he was ready for what lay underneath the sheet. Deep down, he half-hoped that Gus had missed the nod, but as Gus took the चोटी, शीर्ष two corners of the sheet between his thumb and forefinger, Chandler realized that there was no going back. He held his breath, as the sheet was pulled.
A startling cry, and Chandler fell to his knees, his body wracked with sobs. Gus looked uncomfortably at Officer Lewis, and the officer shooed him back as he crouched down to comfort the distraught father.
"Sir, I—"
"It's not her," Chandler sobbed, his body trembling with real intensity, "it's not Erica."
…
"Chandler, we're back," Monica called to an empty house. Jack was sleeping soundly on her shoulder, and she looked around as she carried her son upstairs. "Chandler?"
Where could he be? Monica's mind whirled, as she mechanically changed Jack into his pajamas, and tucked him into bed. She walked back downstairs, and grabbed her पर्स off of the entryway table, before fumbling through her bag in खोजिए of her cell phone. She pulled it out, and noted that the phone had not registered any incoming calls.
The doorbell rang, and Monica moved to answer it, immediately wondering if it was Chandler.
"Hey, we got Chinese, hope that's okay," Rachel smiled, as she, Ross, and the kids walked into the house.
"Hey sis," Ross kissed his sister on the cheek quickly, "where's Chandler?"
"I…I honestly have no idea," Monica shrugged, and peered out onto the darkening horizon before closing the door, "He wasn't here when we got here."
"Maybe he went out to get food," Rachel suggested, "Did आप call and tell him that we were gonna come द्वारा with dinner?"
"No, I figured it was still early enough…"Monica sighed, "Guess I was wrong."
"I'm sure he's fine, Mon," Ross said.
"Yeah well…he was supposed to stay here in case…in case someone called," Monica replied, a hint of annoyance lining her voice.
"Maybe they did," Rachel said.
"No, he promised he'd call me," Monica shook her head, "He promised…"
A car pulled into the driveway, and the three adults turned toward the living room window.
"It's a police car," Ross कहा darkly, as Monica moved to open the door.
She watched, as Officer Lewis approached, with Chandler not far behind him.
"Mrs. Bing, I'm glad you're home," the officer said, as Monica ushered them into the house.
"What is it? Is it Erica?"
"No…we had what we thought might be a lead, but…" The officer looked at Chandler, "We asked your husband for some help—"
"Chandler, I wish आप would have called me," Monica कहा crossly, "I told आप I wanted to know as soon as—"
"You didn't want to know this," Chandler rasped, and walked slowly to the sofa, where he collapsed.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Monica turned and looked up at Officer Lewis.
"We…we found the body of a little girl, in New Jersey," the officer कहा slowly, "We needed to identify her…so we came here. It…it wasn't your daughter."
"Oh my God," Monica felt her stomach turn, and her hand shot up to cover her mouth.
"Mrs. Bing," Officer Lewis continued in a lower, quieter tone, "Your husband had a very hard time with this—it may be a good idea to keep a close eye on him tonight."
"Thank you, I will," Monica चुरा लिया a glance at Chandler, who was now sitting up and facing forward. Ross and Rachel were sat nearby, attempting to talk to him.
"Call me, if आप need anything," Officer Lewis said, and made his way to the front door.
Monica stood rooted to her spot on the floor for a long minute, after Officer Lewis had left. The information he'd दिया her was dancing through her head, haunting her.
What if it had been Erica? What would they have done?
Monica turned and walked into the living room, then knelt before Chandler slowly. She turned to look at Ross and Rachel, who were seated across from Chandler, each holding a child on their lap, each looking remarkably uncomfortable.
"Can आप guys give us a minute? Um, go ahead and start eating if आप want to," Monica whispered.
Ross nodded, and he and Rachel and children made their way into the kitchen. Monica watched them leave, then looked back over at Chandler.
He looked pale and exhausted; as though his soul had been torn from him. Monica took his hands in hers.
"Chandler, I—"
"I'm sorry I didn't call, Mon," Chandler whispered, "I just…"
"Shh, it's okay. It's gonna be okay."
"Is it? That little girl could have easily been our little girl. And the thing is—"
"But it wasn't. Sweetie, she's gonna be okay—"
"All I kept thinking was—that girl…she's somebody's daughter. Somewhere tonight, there's a father who had to tell his wife that their little girl is…I can't imagine…I don't want to—"
Monica pulled herself up to the sofa, and enveloped Chandler in her arms.
"She'll be okay. She has to be."
-------------------------------
He followed the officer down the darkened corridor, his दिल racing wildly. He squinted, as his eyes adjusted to the darkness that seemed to grow around him with each step. His hands were clammy and shaking, and as he stopped at the large metal door before him, he took in a deep, sharp breath. He turned the cool, steel doorknob slowly, and pulled the door open.
Light flooded the hallway, and he shielded his eyes with his free hand. Unable to let go of the door just yet, he hovered in the doorway, as his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the room's light.
Erica lay on a cold metal table, her eyes closed to the world, her lips pursed into a small, angelic smile. Her hands were folded neatly on her stomach, and her blonde hair fanned around her, in perfect, tiny ringlets.
He walked toward her, but as he did, it seemed that Erica moved farther away. He began to run, but it only pushed her farther. He tried to scream, but no sound emerged. Suddenly, the door he had opened slammed shut, and he found himself back in the darkened corridor.
He screamed again, and this time, his cry echoed around him.
….
"Chandler? Chandler, wake up."
Chandler's eyes shot open, and he sat up suddenly, and tried to catch his breath.
"You were…screaming."
He looked over at Monica, who was looking back at him with a mixture of concern, and an emotion he couldn't quite recognize.
"S-sorry, I…what time is it?"
"8:30. आप fell asleep on the sofa last night…I didn't want to disturb you, so I just—" Monica explained hurriedly, as Chandler took in his surroundings.
"'S okay," Chandler yawned, "Is Jack still asleep?"
"Yes, but he should be getting up soon," Monica sighed, "What were आप dreaming about?"
"It was…about Erica," Chandler कहा softly.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there with आप yesterday," Monica replied, as she sat down अगला to him.
"I'm glad आप weren't," Chandler shook his head, "It was horrible."
"Still—I'm sorry आप had to go through that alone."
"We shouldn't be going through this at all—none of this," Chandler sighed.
"But we are. And there's nothing we can do about that now," Monica replied flatly.
"I don't know—" Chandler started, then shook his head.
"What?"
"I don't know how to make it better. How to make up for what happened."
After all that they had been through, Chandler had hoped that, on some level, Monica had been able to forgive him for what he had done, and that she would be able to tell him so. He gazed at her as she stared straight ahead, considering her reply. He held his breath, and waited, his eyes filled with as much hope as he could muster.
She कहा nothing in reply. She simply stood and crossed the room, her eyes never leaving the front window. And for Chandler, her silence was as condemning as any word she could have uttered.
"Someone's here," she कहा quietly, though Chandler hardly heard her at all.
….
To his utter dismay, the press and paparazzi had followed him from the airport to Chandler and Monica's. How they had heard about his arrival still escaped him, but he had his suspicions, and made a mental note to आग his new assistant when he got back to LA.
As the Town Car pulled up to the Bing home, Joey found himself filled with nostalgia for years past. Though he hadn't spent a lot of time in this house before moving to California, it still felt like घर to him, and he knew that it had और to do with the people inside of it than anything else. Chandler and Monica were like family to him, and the idea that they were going through this hell haunted him.
He remembered the last time he was here, almost one साल ago. Erica had followed him around the entire time he was here, and he remembered reveling in the fact that Erica had preferred him to any of her other aunts and uncles. Ross had jealously pointed out that it was because he was always on TV, and besides, she saw the rest of them almost every week; but regardless of the reason, he always felt like he and Erica had a special bond.
The driver opened his door, pulling him from his reverie. He hopped out of the car, and raced for the front door, hoping to get inside before anyone could stop him and ask him about Erica या her parents. He sighed in relief when Monica opened the door, and ushered him into the house hastily.
"Thanks, Mon. And—sorry about them," Joey motioned toward the front lawn, where several reporters had planted themselves already. Monica turned, and walked toward the window, silently scanning the situation, before abruptly shutting the drapes. She turned to look at Joey, a sad smile on her face.
"It's good to see you, Joey," she कहा softly, and walked back toward him. Joey pulled her into a hug.
"Where are Jack and Chandler?"
"Upstairs. Jack just woke up," Monica pulled away from Joey, "You want some coffee?"
"Sure. Um, have आप heard anything?" Joey knitted his brow in concern, as he followed Monica into the kitchen.
"No," Monica shook her head, "nothing."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"We don't even know what to do anymore," Monica laughed bitterly, "My parents want to form some kind of committee to go out and look for her—but it's New York City! I mean, where do we begin?"
"Yeah," Joey sighed.
"Who are all those people?" Chandler walked into the kitchen, carrying Jack, who was looking bleary-eyed and grouchy.
"Sorry, they're with me—apparently," Joey stood as Chandler put Jack down in a रसोई, रसोईघर chair, "Hey, man."
"Joey," Chandler smiled sadly, and the two फ्रेंड्स hugged.
"I'm so sorry, man," Joey whispered, and the two pulled apart. Chandler nodded, and glanced at Monica, who was fussing over Jack.
"You know, maybe we can use those people," Joey looked toward the front of the house, "maybe we can use them to help get the word out about Erica."
"Maybe," Chandler nodded slowly.
"It's worth a shot," Monica added.
"I'll have my publicist come up with a press release. It'll be national news द्वारा the end of the day," Joey pulled his cell phone out of his pocket.
"Wait—I mean, do we want it to be national news? Do we want people camped out on our lawn all night?" Chandler asked tentatively.
"We don't have any other choice, do we?" Monica snapped, "we have to do something."
Chandler retreated with a nod, and Joey glanced back and forth at the couple, his eyes revealing his concern.
"She's right Joe. Make the call," Chandler कहा softly, then left the room. Monica followed him, as Joey dialed his publicist.
…
"Chandler," Monica called, and he paused, but didn't turn to look at her, "I'm sorry, for snapping like that. I don't want people on our front lawn either, but—"
Chandler turned to look at her, looking defeated and exhausted.
"It's okay. You're right, we should do everything we can."
"Still—" Monica started, as she closed the gap between them, "I'm sorry."
Chandler nodded, and looked at his shoes, before sighing deeply.
"And about earlier—I didn't mean to…not reply…I just…I'm as लॉस्ट as आप are."
Chandler looked up, his eyes glassy and wide.
"We will get through this," Monica continued.
"Will we?" Chandler asked, his voice raspy and unsure.
"We have to," Monica replied, her own tears spilling from her eyes.
Chandler nodded, and pulled Monica to him, and let her cry.
But despite her words of comfort, something told him that nothing would ever be the same again.
------------------------------
The small, rectangular window was the only स्रोत of light in the tiny room.
It was too high for her to reach, and when the sun went down, the room became very dark.
She hated it when the sun went down. She was all alone, and she couldn't see anything around her.
She wished her mom and dad would come and get her.
The woman that lived in the other room was nice, but she never let her outside to play, and she only gave her oatmeal, which she'd never liked, not even when her mom made it.
She really missed her mom.
At first, she thought that she was going to get into trouble. She knew that her dad didn't want to go shopping anymore, and she thought he would come after her when the Oatmeal woman pulled her out onto the street.
But he never came, and then the woman made her get into a car.
And she knew her dad would never find her in the car.
The door to the tiny room opened, and the woman came in with a bowl of oatmeal.
At first, the woman tried to make her eat, but now she just put the bowl on the floor, and left the room. When the door was closed, she looked over at the oatmeal, and then up at the little window.
The sun was going down.
…
"Jack, honey, आप have to go to sleep."
"No!"
"Sweetheart, it's late, and mommy is very tired. Please, Jack. Just close your eyes for a minute."
"No!"
"Jack!"
"I don't want to be here alone!"
"Honey, your dad and I are right अगला to you."
"It's too dark! Don't leave me here, Mommy!"
…
She had a dream that she was walking down the Yellow Brick Road from The Wizard of Oz. She was walking down the road, and she met a Scarecrow, but it wasn't the man from the movie. The man looked like her dad. He danced around and he made her laugh. Then they met Uncle Joey, who was dressed like the Tin Man, and Uncle Ross, who was dressed like the Cowardly Lion. They all walked on the Road together, until they met the Wicked Witch, who was really the Woman in the अगला Room.
The sound of a car, parking द्वारा her window, woke her up.
She sat up, and looked up at the window. She could see two sets of legs walk past the window, and she could hear them walk up the steps of the porch. She listened for the woman.
The people outside knocked on the door, and she heard the woman walk toward it, and open it.
She thought that maybe the people at the door were her parents. या maybe they were policemen. She wanted them to hear her, but they were talking to the woman. She wondered if they would hear her. She wondered if maybe she could go घर now.
She screamed, as loud as she could.
…
"What was that?"
"Oh, it's my daughter. She's just trying to get attention. She's in a bit of trouble right now," the woman laughed, and the officers nodded with a chuckle.
"My kid does the same thing," one of the officers offered.
"Anyway, if आप see anyone अभिनय suspicious, please let us know," the other officer said, as the two men turned to leave.
"I will, thank आप for the warning. I certainly hope आप catch whoever it is that आप are looking for."
"We will," the first officer turned and smiled, as the men walked
The woman closed and locked the front door, and stormed toward the girl's room. She threw open the door, and grabbed the girl द्वारा the hair, before pushing her hand over the girl's mouth.
"You are a very silly girl," the woman कहा darkly.
…
Her eyes flew open at the sound of the scream. Her दिल raced and she sat up with a start.
It was only then that she realized that Chandler was halfway across the room.
She scrambled out of बिस्तर and rushed after him.
The scream was…terrifying.
Chandler reached him first, pulling Jack into his arms without hesitation, letting the child scream and cry and thrash in his arms, holding him tightly, until he calmed down.
"Shh, it's okay, son," he whispered, when his cries reduced to whimpers.
"It's not," Jack whispered, "she needs me."
Monica felt her stomach turn, and she dropped अगला to them on the bed. She looked up to see that Chandler had gone pale—his jaw dropped in shock.
"Wh-who are आप talking about, Jack?" he finally rasped.
"Erica."
…
The woman was really mad—she tossed her across the room, and now her shoulder hurt. She heard a loud noise from the other room, and then there were men yelling. The woman grabbed her, and dragged her out of the room. The yelling men had guns. They were yelling at Oatmeal woman. She was yelling back. Everything was so crazy.
So she screamed, as loud as she could.
And then everything stopped.
-------------------------
All her life, all she had ever wanted, was a family.
She always considered herself to be a natural mother, a nurturer द्वारा nature.
As a child, she often played house—by herself, mostly—but in her imagination, she was always the perfect mother, to three perfect children, and a loving husband द्वारा her side.
After college, she was sure it would all come together—that once she found that perfect someone, she would live her happily ever after, in a perfect house, with her perfect family.
How had it all gone so horribly wrong?
How had she ended up here?
She stared blankly at the cold cement wall, her दिल hurting and her eyes stinging from unshed tears.
Her perfect family had been torn apart—and at that moment, she had felt herself torn apart as well.
She had met her perfect husband, and though it had taken some time, they eventually had a beautiful little girl of their own.
Her name was Sarah, and she had perfect blonde curls and bright blue eyes.
She was only five years old, when she was taken away.
Since Sarah's death, she had been in a fog—steeped deep inside a darkness that she couldn't explain—couldn't control—couldn't escape.
She wasn't sure what made her do what she did—why she took that little girl.
She looked so much like Sarah.
She knew that she was wrong—she knew that she could hardly afford to take care of herself, much less a small child.
Kevin had walked away after Sarah's death. He'd been driving the car that night, and had never forgiven himself for his mistake.
Neither had she.
Their marriage fell apart. And she was left with nothing.
She wanted the little girl to help make her life better—but the girl was afraid of her, and always wanted her mother.
This was not the future she had envisioned for herself—this was not the life she had imagined.
This was not what dreams were made of.
…..
Joey looked up from the morning paper, as Chandler walked into the kitchen, yawning.
"Morning," Joey said.
"Morning," Chandler mumbled, as he poured a cup of coffee.
"Long night?"
"You could say that, yeah," Chandler sighed, and plopped down into a रसोई, रसोईघर chair.
"I heard Jack. Is he okay?"
"I think so, yeah," Chandler sighed, "Sorry if he kept आप up."
"Hey, you're the one that looks like hell, man," Joey said, "I mean that in the nicest way possible."
"Uh huh," Chandler eyed Joey then stared down at his coffee. He sighed and looked back up at Joey, tears in his eyes.
"Jack can see her," he stated, matter-of-factly.
"Erica?"
"Yeah," Chandler nodded, "in his dreams."
"Oh my God! Can he see where she is?"
"No…I don't think so," Chandler sighed.
"What are आप gonna do? Are आप gonna tell the cops about it?"
"About what?" Monica asked, as she entered the kitchen, looking just as exhausted as Chandler.
"Jack's dream," Chandler replied slowly.
"I thought we talked about this last night," Monica कहा tightly, "It was just a dream."
"I know but—"
"I don't want anyone else involved with this—it's bad enough आप had to go and tell Joey!"
"He heard Jack last night!" Chandler argued, "What did आप want me to do, lie?"
"Can we just drop it? None of this is gonna help us find her!"
"You guys," Joey कहा shakily, "Come on—"
"Maybe it will! I still think we should talk to Phoebe about it—she's a twin and she still claims she's psychic—" Chandler started.
"Oh give me a break! आप never believed she was 'psychic' before!" Monica yelled.
"But she is a twin!"
"You guys!" Joey's eyes widened, and his दिल raced, the way it always had when Monica and Chandler fought in front of him—which wasn't often. But he hated it—he always had.
"What, Joey," Chandler snapped.
"This isn't gonna help anything! And all your yelling is gonna wake up Jack!"
Monica looked at Joey and nodded, then turned to glare at Chandler.
"Fine. Call Phoebe," she dared, then stormed from the kitchen.
Chandler sighed, and buried his head in his hands.
Joey felt his stomach turn, and pushed his coffee cup away from him.
…..
"Thanks for coming over, Pheebs," Chandler smiled and ushered his old friend into the house.
"I told आप I would do anything to help," Phoebe smiled and hugged Chandler tightly after he closed the door.
"How are आप guys holding up?"
"Not so well," Chandler कहा softly.
"She'll be okay," Phoebe said, "I can feel it."
"That's kind of what I wanted to talk to आप about. Um, do आप want something to drink?"
"No, I'm okay. I ate lunch with Mike and the kids before the dropped me off. Mike figured आप wouldn't want a bunch of kids running around making noise…" Phoebe laughed stiffly.
"They could have come over," Chandler led Phoebe into the living room. She paused in the doorway and let out a small gasp.
"What?" Chandler turned to look at her quizzically.
"You—you guys haven't um…" Phoebe gestured to the large क्रिस्मस पेड़ and pile of gifts that sat untouched underneath it.
"Oh," Chandler looked down at his hands and shrugged, "We don't…really talk about it…but it's just kind of an unspoken agreement. We're waiting to do it when…" Chandler shrugged.
"When Erica gets back," Phoebe muttered, realizing that क्रिस्मस had likely come and gone without notice in the Bing home.
Publicly, at least.
"You कहा on the phone that Jack had had some dreams?" Phoebe moved into the living room, and sat down on the sofa.
"Yeah," Chandler nodded, clearly relieved द्वारा the change in subject, "I was thinking they might be और like visions though. Do आप share…anything like that with Ursula?"
"Not anymore," Phoebe sighed, "But when we were kids, we always kind of—knew where the other one was."
"Really?" Chandler smiled slightly.
"Yeah. And this one time, the neighbor's dog bit Ursula, and before she had made a sound, I knew. I felt pain in my arm—and that's where the dog bit her."
"Wow," Chandler replied, "So do आप think—"
"I think anything's possible," Phoebe smiled.
"Thanks Phoebe."
"For what?"
"For believing."
Phoebe smiled, and pulled Chandler into a deep hug.
"Hey Phoebe," Monica कहा quietly, as she entered the living room.
"Hey Mon," Phoebe pulled away from Chandler, and stood to hug Monica.
"Did Chandler talk to आप about Jack?"
"Yeah. I was telling him about some things that happened with me and Ursula."
Monica nodded warily, and avoided Chandler's gaze.
"Maybe Jack can help," Phoebe shrugged.
"I don't want to pull him into this," Monica shook her head.
"He's already in it," Phoebe replied softly, "he knows, Monica."
The back door opened, and Joey walked in, Jack ambling behind him.
"Hey Chandler, I think आप might have a little ball player on your hands," he smiled, and ruffled his nephew's hair.
"Oh yeah?" Chandler smiled, happy to have some of the tension broken.
"Daddy, is Ewica coming घर today?" Jack asked, sending the room back into a tailspin.
Before Chandler could form a reply, the phone rang.
"I'll get it," Monica said, rushing into the kitchen.
Chandler approached Jack slowly, and struggled to keep his voice neutral.
"Son, we don't know—"
"Chandler!" Monica screamed, and Chandler darted into the kitchen, Phoebe and Joey close behind.
"What? What happened?" Chandler replied, his eyes filled with panic.
Monica looked up at her husband, shock lining her worn features. She was clutching the telephone receiver in her hand, and her face was flushed. After what seemed like hours, she spoke, her voice raspy.
"They found her."
…
She looked up, as the inspector walked into her cell, followed closely द्वारा a scrawny public defender.
"Mrs. Flynn, we understand you'd like to make a deal."
"Yes."
"The girl's parents are on their way to pick her up. Is there anything you'd like me to tell them?"
"Tell them…I'm sorry."
-----------------------------
"They found her."
The words had been echoing in his head since the moment his wife had कहा them. They had flown from the house, leaving hasty instructions to Joey and Phoebe on what to feed Jack; they'd run past the media that continued to camp out on their lawn, jumped into their car, and sped toward the hospital.
It had all happened so fast, he hardly remembered doing it.
Monica screeched into the parking lot, stopping a mere centimeters in front of a tiny red Honda Accord. She was out of the car before Chandler could unbuckle his belt.
द्वारा the time he reached the hospital lobby, Monica had already inquired about their daughter, and was being directed to the third floor. He managed to catch up with her in time to hop into the elevator.
He कहा nothing as the elevator ascended toward pediatrics. He simply studied his wife's expression; worry, exhaustion, elation and fear all lined her face, making her seem much older all of the sudden. After a long moment, she turned to look up at him, her expression unchanged.
"What?" she asked, as the elevator slowed.
"I…I can't believe we're here, is all," he managed to stutter, as the doors slid open.
Monica nodded, but कहा nothing. She stepped out of the elevator and scanned the area.
"Mr. and Mrs. Bing?"
The couple turned to face a short, balding man, wearing a white medical जैकेट and a sympathetic expression.
"Is she okay?" Monica asked, in lieu of greeting.
"She's going to be fine. Her shoulder was dislocated, so she'll have to keep it in a गोफन for a while. She was dehydrated, and a little malnourished, but she's responding well, and has been asking for you," the doctor smiled.
"Can we see her?" Chandler asked softly.
"Down the hall to the left, room 314."
Monica was gone in a heartbeat; Chandler paused, and extended his hand.
"Thank you, Doctor…?"
"Morgan. Doctor Morgan."
"Thank you, so much," Chandler shook the doctor's hand, then dashed down the hall after his wife.
……
She knew that the nervous trembling, and the knot in her stomach, wouldn't abate until she had her daughter in her arms. Until she knew, without question, that Erica was safe.
She threw open the door to room 314, startling the nurse that was standing just on the other side, clipboard in hand.
"Mommy!"
There were moments in Monica's life that she would always treasure; the दिन she and Chandler were married; the दिन they met their children for the first time…the memories of these days, these moments, warmed her, and she cherished each.
But the moment she heard her daughter call for her…the moment she saw her, sitting up in her hospital bed, good arm extended toward her…that moment, was one that would dwarf all other.
Relief, joy, and a profound sadness washed over her, as she rushed toward her daughter, and enveloped her in her arms.
"Oh God," she whispered tearfully, "Oh thank God."
……
He couldn't help but notice how tiny his daughter looked, in the giant hospital bed.
He paused, as Monica ran toward Erica, knowing instinctively that he needed to hold back—to let Monica have her to herself, if only for a moment.
Perhaps it was due to the overwhelming guilt coursing through him; perhaps his demons could not be conquered with his daughter's return.
Shaking away his dark thoughts, he made his way into the room, as Monica reluctantly pulled away from Erica.
"Daddy!" Erica smiled brightly.
"Hey, Jellybean," Chandler managed, as tears threatened. Monica stepped back, and allowed Chandler to pull Erica into a warm embrace.
"I'm so sorry, sweetie," Chandler whispered softly, as he buried his face in his daughter's hair. He felt Monica place her hand on his back.
"It's okay, Daddy," Erica patted Chandler on the arm, "Don't cry."
"Okay," Chandler smiled, and kissed Erica on the forehead.
"Daddy's crying because he's happy," Monica said.
"When you're happy, आप should smile, not cry, Daddy!" Erica scolded.
"Whatever आप say, Jellybean," Chandler laughed.
……
"I wanna go home," Erica whined.
"Soon, honey, very soon. I'll bet आप miss your brother, huh?" Monica smiled.
"And Bear," Erica nodded, and her parents laughed.
"And आप know what, Uncle Joey flew all the way out here from California just to see you!" Monica कहा brightly.
"Uncle Joey is here?" Erica squealed happily.
Chandler caught Monica's eye, and they both smiled.
She was going to be just fine.
….….
Jack was waiting in the entryway, when Monica, Chandler and Erica walked in. They were barely through the front door, before the twins disappeared, giggling as they ambled up the stairs.
"I guess she didn't miss us that much," Chandler laughed.
"I guess not," Monica shrugged.
"Jack has been sitting in that entryway for a half an घंटा at least," Phoebe laughed, and Joey silently nodded in agreement.
"Are आप guys hungry? We called Ross and Rachel, they're on their way over…"
"Yeah, baby!" Joey boomed, and the others chuckled.
"I guess that means yes," Monica said, as the group headed toward the kitchen.
"I…I'm just gonna go check up on the kids," Chandler कहा suddenly, and paused in the doorway.
Monica turned as he disappeared from sight. She looked over at Joey and Phoebe, and smiled.
"Phoebe, why don't आप call up Mike and we'll have everyone over. It'll be like old times," she कहा quickly, "I'll be right back."
She found him, leaned against the doorway of Erica's bedroom, watching the children play in the center of the room. She stood अगला to him, and placed her hand on his back.
"It's…like it's not real to me yet," Chandler whispered, "I just…had to come and make sure."
Monica looked up at her husband, and noted the shadows of worry still lining his face; the guilt and sorrow that still permeated his once-jovial features. She reached up, and ran her hand through his hair, causing him to turn and face her.
"I…I'm just so sorry I was so…I'm so sorry, Mon."
She sighed, and took his hands in hers. It was time to let her anger go. It was the only way they'd survive this.
"I don't blame you, Chandler," she whispered, and he looked up at her, doubt lining his face, "not anymore. It wasn't your fault…and there's no telling what would have happened had it been me, या even both of us there that day. It wasn't your fault," she repeated, with और conviction.
"I wouldn't…I don't know what would happen to me, if I didn't have you…and Jack and Erica. I don't know how I would live," Chandler sighed, and looked back at his children once more, "I don't think I could," he muttered sadly.
"Neither could I," Monica replied softly, and pulled her husband toward her. She placed a soft किस on his forehead, before turning to return to the kitchen.
He stayed behind, and watched over their future.
The End!
"I'm afraid so. Sir, we'd like आप to come with us—to identify the—to make an identification."
He felt bile rise up in his throat, and his vision grew fuzzy. He could hear voices, but they seemed far away...the tips of his fingers felt cold, then numb.
He shook his head, shook off the shock, and looked up at the men seated before him.
"It…can't be her," he finally rasped, so low the officers almost missed it.
"Sir, if आप could come with us—"
"It's not her!" Chandler screamed, and rose to his feet.
"Maybe it isn't" Officer Lewis replied, and stood, "but we need to make sure."
Chandler nodded shortly, but kept his eyes on the ground. The officers led him out of the house, and to a waiting vehicle.
His entire body had gone numb.
It wasn't her, he was sure of it—and yet he couldn't help the nausea—he couldn't stop the fear that was beginning to overwhelm him.
What if it was her? What would they do?
……
"Jack, stay close!" Monica called, as the boy ambled merrily toward the झूला, स्विंग set. Monica kept a sharp eye on her son, while trying to hold a conversation with Rachel.
"He's fine, Mon," Rachel कहा calmly, "Emma and Sam are right there."
"I just—" Monica shook her head and looked down at her hands, "I need to be sure."
"I know," Rachel smiled and took Monica's hand in her own, "I know."
"God, I just want to find her—I need to find her. I feel like I'm losing my mind," Monica laughed harshly, and shook her head, "I don't even know how to explain it."
"I wish there was और we could do, honey," Rachel sighed.
"I know," Monica nodded.
"How are things…with आप and Chandler?" Rachel asked tentatively.
Monica sighed deeply, and looked over at Jack, who was now being pushed on the swings द्वारा his older cousin. Emma giggled loudly, and pushed him again.
"Emma, not so high, honey!" Rachel yelled, her own fear of the playground device not fully resolved. She turned back to her friend, who was still watching the children blankly. "Mon? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine," Monica smiled sadly.
"But…?"
"But…nothing. We're fine!"
"Mon, आप forget how well I know you."
"Rach, can we let it go? I just…I don't know, ya know? Maybe when Erica comes back, everything will get better."
"And maybe it won't. Look, Monica, आप guys really need to talk about this."
"No, we need to focus on finding Erica," Monica stood and walked toward the playground, effectively ending the discussion.
….
"Right this way, Mr. Bing," Officer Lewis कहा gently, as he led Chandler down a flight of stairs, to a darkened corridor underneath the main station. At the end of the corridor was a door, and Officer Lewis knocked twice before swinging it open.
"Gus, this is Chandler Bing," Officer Lewis कहा as casually as he could, "He needs to…"
"Oh, right. Stacey called down about him. One second," Gus, a heavyweight, balding man in jeans, a white t-shirt and a white lab कोट that was clearly too small for him, turned and pulled at a hospital green curtain that was dividing the room in half.
Chandler felt dizzy. His entire body trembled, and his mouth felt dry. He clenched and unclenched his fists rhythmically, trying to regain his composure.
For there, behind the curtain, sat a large, metal table. On चोटी, शीर्ष of the तालिका, टेबल was a white sheet, and underneath the sheet, was clearly the body of a child.
"Mr. Bing, when you're ready, Gus will pull the sheet," Officer Lewis whispered slowly.
White noise filled his ears, and he barely heard what the officer had said. He took a deep breath, and approached the body slowly. Despite his fear, his shock, and his grief, he could not stop staring at the still form before him.
He gave Gus a slight nod, though he wasn't sure he was ready for what lay underneath the sheet. Deep down, he half-hoped that Gus had missed the nod, but as Gus took the चोटी, शीर्ष two corners of the sheet between his thumb and forefinger, Chandler realized that there was no going back. He held his breath, as the sheet was pulled.
A startling cry, and Chandler fell to his knees, his body wracked with sobs. Gus looked uncomfortably at Officer Lewis, and the officer shooed him back as he crouched down to comfort the distraught father.
"Sir, I—"
"It's not her," Chandler sobbed, his body trembling with real intensity, "it's not Erica."
…
"Chandler, we're back," Monica called to an empty house. Jack was sleeping soundly on her shoulder, and she looked around as she carried her son upstairs. "Chandler?"
Where could he be? Monica's mind whirled, as she mechanically changed Jack into his pajamas, and tucked him into bed. She walked back downstairs, and grabbed her पर्स off of the entryway table, before fumbling through her bag in खोजिए of her cell phone. She pulled it out, and noted that the phone had not registered any incoming calls.
The doorbell rang, and Monica moved to answer it, immediately wondering if it was Chandler.
"Hey, we got Chinese, hope that's okay," Rachel smiled, as she, Ross, and the kids walked into the house.
"Hey sis," Ross kissed his sister on the cheek quickly, "where's Chandler?"
"I…I honestly have no idea," Monica shrugged, and peered out onto the darkening horizon before closing the door, "He wasn't here when we got here."
"Maybe he went out to get food," Rachel suggested, "Did आप call and tell him that we were gonna come द्वारा with dinner?"
"No, I figured it was still early enough…"Monica sighed, "Guess I was wrong."
"I'm sure he's fine, Mon," Ross said.
"Yeah well…he was supposed to stay here in case…in case someone called," Monica replied, a hint of annoyance lining her voice.
"Maybe they did," Rachel said.
"No, he promised he'd call me," Monica shook her head, "He promised…"
A car pulled into the driveway, and the three adults turned toward the living room window.
"It's a police car," Ross कहा darkly, as Monica moved to open the door.
She watched, as Officer Lewis approached, with Chandler not far behind him.
"Mrs. Bing, I'm glad you're home," the officer said, as Monica ushered them into the house.
"What is it? Is it Erica?"
"No…we had what we thought might be a lead, but…" The officer looked at Chandler, "We asked your husband for some help—"
"Chandler, I wish आप would have called me," Monica कहा crossly, "I told आप I wanted to know as soon as—"
"You didn't want to know this," Chandler rasped, and walked slowly to the sofa, where he collapsed.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Monica turned and looked up at Officer Lewis.
"We…we found the body of a little girl, in New Jersey," the officer कहा slowly, "We needed to identify her…so we came here. It…it wasn't your daughter."
"Oh my God," Monica felt her stomach turn, and her hand shot up to cover her mouth.
"Mrs. Bing," Officer Lewis continued in a lower, quieter tone, "Your husband had a very hard time with this—it may be a good idea to keep a close eye on him tonight."
"Thank you, I will," Monica चुरा लिया a glance at Chandler, who was now sitting up and facing forward. Ross and Rachel were sat nearby, attempting to talk to him.
"Call me, if आप need anything," Officer Lewis said, and made his way to the front door.
Monica stood rooted to her spot on the floor for a long minute, after Officer Lewis had left. The information he'd दिया her was dancing through her head, haunting her.
What if it had been Erica? What would they have done?
Monica turned and walked into the living room, then knelt before Chandler slowly. She turned to look at Ross and Rachel, who were seated across from Chandler, each holding a child on their lap, each looking remarkably uncomfortable.
"Can आप guys give us a minute? Um, go ahead and start eating if आप want to," Monica whispered.
Ross nodded, and he and Rachel and children made their way into the kitchen. Monica watched them leave, then looked back over at Chandler.
He looked pale and exhausted; as though his soul had been torn from him. Monica took his hands in hers.
"Chandler, I—"
"I'm sorry I didn't call, Mon," Chandler whispered, "I just…"
"Shh, it's okay. It's gonna be okay."
"Is it? That little girl could have easily been our little girl. And the thing is—"
"But it wasn't. Sweetie, she's gonna be okay—"
"All I kept thinking was—that girl…she's somebody's daughter. Somewhere tonight, there's a father who had to tell his wife that their little girl is…I can't imagine…I don't want to—"
Monica pulled herself up to the sofa, and enveloped Chandler in her arms.
"She'll be okay. She has to be."
-------------------------------
He followed the officer down the darkened corridor, his दिल racing wildly. He squinted, as his eyes adjusted to the darkness that seemed to grow around him with each step. His hands were clammy and shaking, and as he stopped at the large metal door before him, he took in a deep, sharp breath. He turned the cool, steel doorknob slowly, and pulled the door open.
Light flooded the hallway, and he shielded his eyes with his free hand. Unable to let go of the door just yet, he hovered in the doorway, as his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the room's light.
Erica lay on a cold metal table, her eyes closed to the world, her lips pursed into a small, angelic smile. Her hands were folded neatly on her stomach, and her blonde hair fanned around her, in perfect, tiny ringlets.
He walked toward her, but as he did, it seemed that Erica moved farther away. He began to run, but it only pushed her farther. He tried to scream, but no sound emerged. Suddenly, the door he had opened slammed shut, and he found himself back in the darkened corridor.
He screamed again, and this time, his cry echoed around him.
….
"Chandler? Chandler, wake up."
Chandler's eyes shot open, and he sat up suddenly, and tried to catch his breath.
"You were…screaming."
He looked over at Monica, who was looking back at him with a mixture of concern, and an emotion he couldn't quite recognize.
"S-sorry, I…what time is it?"
"8:30. आप fell asleep on the sofa last night…I didn't want to disturb you, so I just—" Monica explained hurriedly, as Chandler took in his surroundings.
"'S okay," Chandler yawned, "Is Jack still asleep?"
"Yes, but he should be getting up soon," Monica sighed, "What were आप dreaming about?"
"It was…about Erica," Chandler कहा softly.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there with आप yesterday," Monica replied, as she sat down अगला to him.
"I'm glad आप weren't," Chandler shook his head, "It was horrible."
"Still—I'm sorry आप had to go through that alone."
"We shouldn't be going through this at all—none of this," Chandler sighed.
"But we are. And there's nothing we can do about that now," Monica replied flatly.
"I don't know—" Chandler started, then shook his head.
"What?"
"I don't know how to make it better. How to make up for what happened."
After all that they had been through, Chandler had hoped that, on some level, Monica had been able to forgive him for what he had done, and that she would be able to tell him so. He gazed at her as she stared straight ahead, considering her reply. He held his breath, and waited, his eyes filled with as much hope as he could muster.
She कहा nothing in reply. She simply stood and crossed the room, her eyes never leaving the front window. And for Chandler, her silence was as condemning as any word she could have uttered.
"Someone's here," she कहा quietly, though Chandler hardly heard her at all.
….
To his utter dismay, the press and paparazzi had followed him from the airport to Chandler and Monica's. How they had heard about his arrival still escaped him, but he had his suspicions, and made a mental note to आग his new assistant when he got back to LA.
As the Town Car pulled up to the Bing home, Joey found himself filled with nostalgia for years past. Though he hadn't spent a lot of time in this house before moving to California, it still felt like घर to him, and he knew that it had और to do with the people inside of it than anything else. Chandler and Monica were like family to him, and the idea that they were going through this hell haunted him.
He remembered the last time he was here, almost one साल ago. Erica had followed him around the entire time he was here, and he remembered reveling in the fact that Erica had preferred him to any of her other aunts and uncles. Ross had jealously pointed out that it was because he was always on TV, and besides, she saw the rest of them almost every week; but regardless of the reason, he always felt like he and Erica had a special bond.
The driver opened his door, pulling him from his reverie. He hopped out of the car, and raced for the front door, hoping to get inside before anyone could stop him and ask him about Erica या her parents. He sighed in relief when Monica opened the door, and ushered him into the house hastily.
"Thanks, Mon. And—sorry about them," Joey motioned toward the front lawn, where several reporters had planted themselves already. Monica turned, and walked toward the window, silently scanning the situation, before abruptly shutting the drapes. She turned to look at Joey, a sad smile on her face.
"It's good to see you, Joey," she कहा softly, and walked back toward him. Joey pulled her into a hug.
"Where are Jack and Chandler?"
"Upstairs. Jack just woke up," Monica pulled away from Joey, "You want some coffee?"
"Sure. Um, have आप heard anything?" Joey knitted his brow in concern, as he followed Monica into the kitchen.
"No," Monica shook her head, "nothing."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"We don't even know what to do anymore," Monica laughed bitterly, "My parents want to form some kind of committee to go out and look for her—but it's New York City! I mean, where do we begin?"
"Yeah," Joey sighed.
"Who are all those people?" Chandler walked into the kitchen, carrying Jack, who was looking bleary-eyed and grouchy.
"Sorry, they're with me—apparently," Joey stood as Chandler put Jack down in a रसोई, रसोईघर chair, "Hey, man."
"Joey," Chandler smiled sadly, and the two फ्रेंड्स hugged.
"I'm so sorry, man," Joey whispered, and the two pulled apart. Chandler nodded, and glanced at Monica, who was fussing over Jack.
"You know, maybe we can use those people," Joey looked toward the front of the house, "maybe we can use them to help get the word out about Erica."
"Maybe," Chandler nodded slowly.
"It's worth a shot," Monica added.
"I'll have my publicist come up with a press release. It'll be national news द्वारा the end of the day," Joey pulled his cell phone out of his pocket.
"Wait—I mean, do we want it to be national news? Do we want people camped out on our lawn all night?" Chandler asked tentatively.
"We don't have any other choice, do we?" Monica snapped, "we have to do something."
Chandler retreated with a nod, and Joey glanced back and forth at the couple, his eyes revealing his concern.
"She's right Joe. Make the call," Chandler कहा softly, then left the room. Monica followed him, as Joey dialed his publicist.
…
"Chandler," Monica called, and he paused, but didn't turn to look at her, "I'm sorry, for snapping like that. I don't want people on our front lawn either, but—"
Chandler turned to look at her, looking defeated and exhausted.
"It's okay. You're right, we should do everything we can."
"Still—" Monica started, as she closed the gap between them, "I'm sorry."
Chandler nodded, and looked at his shoes, before sighing deeply.
"And about earlier—I didn't mean to…not reply…I just…I'm as लॉस्ट as आप are."
Chandler looked up, his eyes glassy and wide.
"We will get through this," Monica continued.
"Will we?" Chandler asked, his voice raspy and unsure.
"We have to," Monica replied, her own tears spilling from her eyes.
Chandler nodded, and pulled Monica to him, and let her cry.
But despite her words of comfort, something told him that nothing would ever be the same again.
------------------------------
The small, rectangular window was the only स्रोत of light in the tiny room.
It was too high for her to reach, and when the sun went down, the room became very dark.
She hated it when the sun went down. She was all alone, and she couldn't see anything around her.
She wished her mom and dad would come and get her.
The woman that lived in the other room was nice, but she never let her outside to play, and she only gave her oatmeal, which she'd never liked, not even when her mom made it.
She really missed her mom.
At first, she thought that she was going to get into trouble. She knew that her dad didn't want to go shopping anymore, and she thought he would come after her when the Oatmeal woman pulled her out onto the street.
But he never came, and then the woman made her get into a car.
And she knew her dad would never find her in the car.
The door to the tiny room opened, and the woman came in with a bowl of oatmeal.
At first, the woman tried to make her eat, but now she just put the bowl on the floor, and left the room. When the door was closed, she looked over at the oatmeal, and then up at the little window.
The sun was going down.
…
"Jack, honey, आप have to go to sleep."
"No!"
"Sweetheart, it's late, and mommy is very tired. Please, Jack. Just close your eyes for a minute."
"No!"
"Jack!"
"I don't want to be here alone!"
"Honey, your dad and I are right अगला to you."
"It's too dark! Don't leave me here, Mommy!"
…
She had a dream that she was walking down the Yellow Brick Road from The Wizard of Oz. She was walking down the road, and she met a Scarecrow, but it wasn't the man from the movie. The man looked like her dad. He danced around and he made her laugh. Then they met Uncle Joey, who was dressed like the Tin Man, and Uncle Ross, who was dressed like the Cowardly Lion. They all walked on the Road together, until they met the Wicked Witch, who was really the Woman in the अगला Room.
The sound of a car, parking द्वारा her window, woke her up.
She sat up, and looked up at the window. She could see two sets of legs walk past the window, and she could hear them walk up the steps of the porch. She listened for the woman.
The people outside knocked on the door, and she heard the woman walk toward it, and open it.
She thought that maybe the people at the door were her parents. या maybe they were policemen. She wanted them to hear her, but they were talking to the woman. She wondered if they would hear her. She wondered if maybe she could go घर now.
She screamed, as loud as she could.
…
"What was that?"
"Oh, it's my daughter. She's just trying to get attention. She's in a bit of trouble right now," the woman laughed, and the officers nodded with a chuckle.
"My kid does the same thing," one of the officers offered.
"Anyway, if आप see anyone अभिनय suspicious, please let us know," the other officer said, as the two men turned to leave.
"I will, thank आप for the warning. I certainly hope आप catch whoever it is that आप are looking for."
"We will," the first officer turned and smiled, as the men walked
The woman closed and locked the front door, and stormed toward the girl's room. She threw open the door, and grabbed the girl द्वारा the hair, before pushing her hand over the girl's mouth.
"You are a very silly girl," the woman कहा darkly.
…
Her eyes flew open at the sound of the scream. Her दिल raced and she sat up with a start.
It was only then that she realized that Chandler was halfway across the room.
She scrambled out of बिस्तर and rushed after him.
The scream was…terrifying.
Chandler reached him first, pulling Jack into his arms without hesitation, letting the child scream and cry and thrash in his arms, holding him tightly, until he calmed down.
"Shh, it's okay, son," he whispered, when his cries reduced to whimpers.
"It's not," Jack whispered, "she needs me."
Monica felt her stomach turn, and she dropped अगला to them on the bed. She looked up to see that Chandler had gone pale—his jaw dropped in shock.
"Wh-who are आप talking about, Jack?" he finally rasped.
"Erica."
…
The woman was really mad—she tossed her across the room, and now her shoulder hurt. She heard a loud noise from the other room, and then there were men yelling. The woman grabbed her, and dragged her out of the room. The yelling men had guns. They were yelling at Oatmeal woman. She was yelling back. Everything was so crazy.
So she screamed, as loud as she could.
And then everything stopped.
-------------------------
All her life, all she had ever wanted, was a family.
She always considered herself to be a natural mother, a nurturer द्वारा nature.
As a child, she often played house—by herself, mostly—but in her imagination, she was always the perfect mother, to three perfect children, and a loving husband द्वारा her side.
After college, she was sure it would all come together—that once she found that perfect someone, she would live her happily ever after, in a perfect house, with her perfect family.
How had it all gone so horribly wrong?
How had she ended up here?
She stared blankly at the cold cement wall, her दिल hurting and her eyes stinging from unshed tears.
Her perfect family had been torn apart—and at that moment, she had felt herself torn apart as well.
She had met her perfect husband, and though it had taken some time, they eventually had a beautiful little girl of their own.
Her name was Sarah, and she had perfect blonde curls and bright blue eyes.
She was only five years old, when she was taken away.
Since Sarah's death, she had been in a fog—steeped deep inside a darkness that she couldn't explain—couldn't control—couldn't escape.
She wasn't sure what made her do what she did—why she took that little girl.
She looked so much like Sarah.
She knew that she was wrong—she knew that she could hardly afford to take care of herself, much less a small child.
Kevin had walked away after Sarah's death. He'd been driving the car that night, and had never forgiven himself for his mistake.
Neither had she.
Their marriage fell apart. And she was left with nothing.
She wanted the little girl to help make her life better—but the girl was afraid of her, and always wanted her mother.
This was not the future she had envisioned for herself—this was not the life she had imagined.
This was not what dreams were made of.
…..
Joey looked up from the morning paper, as Chandler walked into the kitchen, yawning.
"Morning," Joey said.
"Morning," Chandler mumbled, as he poured a cup of coffee.
"Long night?"
"You could say that, yeah," Chandler sighed, and plopped down into a रसोई, रसोईघर chair.
"I heard Jack. Is he okay?"
"I think so, yeah," Chandler sighed, "Sorry if he kept आप up."
"Hey, you're the one that looks like hell, man," Joey said, "I mean that in the nicest way possible."
"Uh huh," Chandler eyed Joey then stared down at his coffee. He sighed and looked back up at Joey, tears in his eyes.
"Jack can see her," he stated, matter-of-factly.
"Erica?"
"Yeah," Chandler nodded, "in his dreams."
"Oh my God! Can he see where she is?"
"No…I don't think so," Chandler sighed.
"What are आप gonna do? Are आप gonna tell the cops about it?"
"About what?" Monica asked, as she entered the kitchen, looking just as exhausted as Chandler.
"Jack's dream," Chandler replied slowly.
"I thought we talked about this last night," Monica कहा tightly, "It was just a dream."
"I know but—"
"I don't want anyone else involved with this—it's bad enough आप had to go and tell Joey!"
"He heard Jack last night!" Chandler argued, "What did आप want me to do, lie?"
"Can we just drop it? None of this is gonna help us find her!"
"You guys," Joey कहा shakily, "Come on—"
"Maybe it will! I still think we should talk to Phoebe about it—she's a twin and she still claims she's psychic—" Chandler started.
"Oh give me a break! आप never believed she was 'psychic' before!" Monica yelled.
"But she is a twin!"
"You guys!" Joey's eyes widened, and his दिल raced, the way it always had when Monica and Chandler fought in front of him—which wasn't often. But he hated it—he always had.
"What, Joey," Chandler snapped.
"This isn't gonna help anything! And all your yelling is gonna wake up Jack!"
Monica looked at Joey and nodded, then turned to glare at Chandler.
"Fine. Call Phoebe," she dared, then stormed from the kitchen.
Chandler sighed, and buried his head in his hands.
Joey felt his stomach turn, and pushed his coffee cup away from him.
…..
"Thanks for coming over, Pheebs," Chandler smiled and ushered his old friend into the house.
"I told आप I would do anything to help," Phoebe smiled and hugged Chandler tightly after he closed the door.
"How are आप guys holding up?"
"Not so well," Chandler कहा softly.
"She'll be okay," Phoebe said, "I can feel it."
"That's kind of what I wanted to talk to आप about. Um, do आप want something to drink?"
"No, I'm okay. I ate lunch with Mike and the kids before the dropped me off. Mike figured आप wouldn't want a bunch of kids running around making noise…" Phoebe laughed stiffly.
"They could have come over," Chandler led Phoebe into the living room. She paused in the doorway and let out a small gasp.
"What?" Chandler turned to look at her quizzically.
"You—you guys haven't um…" Phoebe gestured to the large क्रिस्मस पेड़ and pile of gifts that sat untouched underneath it.
"Oh," Chandler looked down at his hands and shrugged, "We don't…really talk about it…but it's just kind of an unspoken agreement. We're waiting to do it when…" Chandler shrugged.
"When Erica gets back," Phoebe muttered, realizing that क्रिस्मस had likely come and gone without notice in the Bing home.
Publicly, at least.
"You कहा on the phone that Jack had had some dreams?" Phoebe moved into the living room, and sat down on the sofa.
"Yeah," Chandler nodded, clearly relieved द्वारा the change in subject, "I was thinking they might be और like visions though. Do आप share…anything like that with Ursula?"
"Not anymore," Phoebe sighed, "But when we were kids, we always kind of—knew where the other one was."
"Really?" Chandler smiled slightly.
"Yeah. And this one time, the neighbor's dog bit Ursula, and before she had made a sound, I knew. I felt pain in my arm—and that's where the dog bit her."
"Wow," Chandler replied, "So do आप think—"
"I think anything's possible," Phoebe smiled.
"Thanks Phoebe."
"For what?"
"For believing."
Phoebe smiled, and pulled Chandler into a deep hug.
"Hey Phoebe," Monica कहा quietly, as she entered the living room.
"Hey Mon," Phoebe pulled away from Chandler, and stood to hug Monica.
"Did Chandler talk to आप about Jack?"
"Yeah. I was telling him about some things that happened with me and Ursula."
Monica nodded warily, and avoided Chandler's gaze.
"Maybe Jack can help," Phoebe shrugged.
"I don't want to pull him into this," Monica shook her head.
"He's already in it," Phoebe replied softly, "he knows, Monica."
The back door opened, and Joey walked in, Jack ambling behind him.
"Hey Chandler, I think आप might have a little ball player on your hands," he smiled, and ruffled his nephew's hair.
"Oh yeah?" Chandler smiled, happy to have some of the tension broken.
"Daddy, is Ewica coming घर today?" Jack asked, sending the room back into a tailspin.
Before Chandler could form a reply, the phone rang.
"I'll get it," Monica said, rushing into the kitchen.
Chandler approached Jack slowly, and struggled to keep his voice neutral.
"Son, we don't know—"
"Chandler!" Monica screamed, and Chandler darted into the kitchen, Phoebe and Joey close behind.
"What? What happened?" Chandler replied, his eyes filled with panic.
Monica looked up at her husband, shock lining her worn features. She was clutching the telephone receiver in her hand, and her face was flushed. After what seemed like hours, she spoke, her voice raspy.
"They found her."
…
She looked up, as the inspector walked into her cell, followed closely द्वारा a scrawny public defender.
"Mrs. Flynn, we understand you'd like to make a deal."
"Yes."
"The girl's parents are on their way to pick her up. Is there anything you'd like me to tell them?"
"Tell them…I'm sorry."
-----------------------------
"They found her."
The words had been echoing in his head since the moment his wife had कहा them. They had flown from the house, leaving hasty instructions to Joey and Phoebe on what to feed Jack; they'd run past the media that continued to camp out on their lawn, jumped into their car, and sped toward the hospital.
It had all happened so fast, he hardly remembered doing it.
Monica screeched into the parking lot, stopping a mere centimeters in front of a tiny red Honda Accord. She was out of the car before Chandler could unbuckle his belt.
द्वारा the time he reached the hospital lobby, Monica had already inquired about their daughter, and was being directed to the third floor. He managed to catch up with her in time to hop into the elevator.
He कहा nothing as the elevator ascended toward pediatrics. He simply studied his wife's expression; worry, exhaustion, elation and fear all lined her face, making her seem much older all of the sudden. After a long moment, she turned to look up at him, her expression unchanged.
"What?" she asked, as the elevator slowed.
"I…I can't believe we're here, is all," he managed to stutter, as the doors slid open.
Monica nodded, but कहा nothing. She stepped out of the elevator and scanned the area.
"Mr. and Mrs. Bing?"
The couple turned to face a short, balding man, wearing a white medical जैकेट and a sympathetic expression.
"Is she okay?" Monica asked, in lieu of greeting.
"She's going to be fine. Her shoulder was dislocated, so she'll have to keep it in a गोफन for a while. She was dehydrated, and a little malnourished, but she's responding well, and has been asking for you," the doctor smiled.
"Can we see her?" Chandler asked softly.
"Down the hall to the left, room 314."
Monica was gone in a heartbeat; Chandler paused, and extended his hand.
"Thank you, Doctor…?"
"Morgan. Doctor Morgan."
"Thank you, so much," Chandler shook the doctor's hand, then dashed down the hall after his wife.
……
She knew that the nervous trembling, and the knot in her stomach, wouldn't abate until she had her daughter in her arms. Until she knew, without question, that Erica was safe.
She threw open the door to room 314, startling the nurse that was standing just on the other side, clipboard in hand.
"Mommy!"
There were moments in Monica's life that she would always treasure; the दिन she and Chandler were married; the दिन they met their children for the first time…the memories of these days, these moments, warmed her, and she cherished each.
But the moment she heard her daughter call for her…the moment she saw her, sitting up in her hospital bed, good arm extended toward her…that moment, was one that would dwarf all other.
Relief, joy, and a profound sadness washed over her, as she rushed toward her daughter, and enveloped her in her arms.
"Oh God," she whispered tearfully, "Oh thank God."
……
He couldn't help but notice how tiny his daughter looked, in the giant hospital bed.
He paused, as Monica ran toward Erica, knowing instinctively that he needed to hold back—to let Monica have her to herself, if only for a moment.
Perhaps it was due to the overwhelming guilt coursing through him; perhaps his demons could not be conquered with his daughter's return.
Shaking away his dark thoughts, he made his way into the room, as Monica reluctantly pulled away from Erica.
"Daddy!" Erica smiled brightly.
"Hey, Jellybean," Chandler managed, as tears threatened. Monica stepped back, and allowed Chandler to pull Erica into a warm embrace.
"I'm so sorry, sweetie," Chandler whispered softly, as he buried his face in his daughter's hair. He felt Monica place her hand on his back.
"It's okay, Daddy," Erica patted Chandler on the arm, "Don't cry."
"Okay," Chandler smiled, and kissed Erica on the forehead.
"Daddy's crying because he's happy," Monica said.
"When you're happy, आप should smile, not cry, Daddy!" Erica scolded.
"Whatever आप say, Jellybean," Chandler laughed.
……
"I wanna go home," Erica whined.
"Soon, honey, very soon. I'll bet आप miss your brother, huh?" Monica smiled.
"And Bear," Erica nodded, and her parents laughed.
"And आप know what, Uncle Joey flew all the way out here from California just to see you!" Monica कहा brightly.
"Uncle Joey is here?" Erica squealed happily.
Chandler caught Monica's eye, and they both smiled.
She was going to be just fine.
….….
Jack was waiting in the entryway, when Monica, Chandler and Erica walked in. They were barely through the front door, before the twins disappeared, giggling as they ambled up the stairs.
"I guess she didn't miss us that much," Chandler laughed.
"I guess not," Monica shrugged.
"Jack has been sitting in that entryway for a half an घंटा at least," Phoebe laughed, and Joey silently nodded in agreement.
"Are आप guys hungry? We called Ross and Rachel, they're on their way over…"
"Yeah, baby!" Joey boomed, and the others chuckled.
"I guess that means yes," Monica said, as the group headed toward the kitchen.
"I…I'm just gonna go check up on the kids," Chandler कहा suddenly, and paused in the doorway.
Monica turned as he disappeared from sight. She looked over at Joey and Phoebe, and smiled.
"Phoebe, why don't आप call up Mike and we'll have everyone over. It'll be like old times," she कहा quickly, "I'll be right back."
She found him, leaned against the doorway of Erica's bedroom, watching the children play in the center of the room. She stood अगला to him, and placed her hand on his back.
"It's…like it's not real to me yet," Chandler whispered, "I just…had to come and make sure."
Monica looked up at her husband, and noted the shadows of worry still lining his face; the guilt and sorrow that still permeated his once-jovial features. She reached up, and ran her hand through his hair, causing him to turn and face her.
"I…I'm just so sorry I was so…I'm so sorry, Mon."
She sighed, and took his hands in hers. It was time to let her anger go. It was the only way they'd survive this.
"I don't blame you, Chandler," she whispered, and he looked up at her, doubt lining his face, "not anymore. It wasn't your fault…and there's no telling what would have happened had it been me, या even both of us there that day. It wasn't your fault," she repeated, with और conviction.
"I wouldn't…I don't know what would happen to me, if I didn't have you…and Jack and Erica. I don't know how I would live," Chandler sighed, and looked back at his children once more, "I don't think I could," he muttered sadly.
"Neither could I," Monica replied softly, and pulled her husband toward her. She placed a soft किस on his forehead, before turning to return to the kitchen.
He stayed behind, and watched over their future.
The End!
