Funny, The Things We Remember
Part 3

[Okay, I *think* this will be the last part. I don't know, this fic isn't coming out as well as I wanted it to. I think it coulda used some extra stuff at the beginning, where Monica HAD her memory, kwim? Maybe I'll add a prologue or something. Yeah, that's an awesome idea. LOL. I'm being a dyslexic typer today. (Meaning, I type a bunch of things funky). And shouldn't I be doing my English homework? Yeah, I should. Break ends in three days. Oh well, I wanna get this done before we go back, too, so it's six and one half dozen of the other. Did I type that right?? Anyway, here it is.....part three....and I am so stumped as to what I'm gonna write right now. Oh! And Happy New Year! 2003! The year I graduate! Sitting at the DMV for two hours today, I realized that the date is 01-02-03...1, 2, 3! The only time that's happened in our lifetimes. Well, in most of our lifetimes. Yeah, here's the story.]

After another week, Monica still couldn't remember much more than she did the week before. The memories of Lauren's birth, well, after her birth, were now crystal clear. But that was still pretty much all she remembered. She did have a vague recollection of Ross and Rachel kissing one night, but she didn't know what that had to do with anything. Just a faint part of a memory.

Natalie, who had been playing along and helping her mother when she needed things, was now fed up. She was tired of helping her mother do things her mother usually helped her with. She wanted her mother back, the one who remembered her. She wished she could figure out what she had to say to make her mom remember things.

Numerous things had to be altered. The conference with Natalie's teacher had to be canceled. Her doctor's appointment had to be canceled.

However, Emma's birthday party was still on.

She hadn't had her party right on her birthday because the place she wanted to have it at wasn't available then. So her party was weeks after her birthday, but where she wanted it to be. It was at the local bowling alley. Emma had attended a party there for one of her classmates, and had so much fun that that was where she wanted her own party.

The day of the party, Rachel was frazzled, as she usually was before things like this.
Rachel said, coming into their living room. Hey, ya think you could help me out? Help me set up for the party? Ross was gonna help set up, but he got called into work.

Chandler told her with a smile.

You're awesome, thanks, Rachel smiled back.

You remember that, he joked. Let me just go get the kids ready, and I'll be there.

Thanks so much! Rachel said. I'm gonna head over there now. I'll see you there in a few minutes?



Thanks again! she said before leaving and letting the front door close with a bang.


Chandler went upstairs, where he rounded up Natalie and Lauren....who had been ready since they woke up. They were excited about the party. Then he went to go get Jack. He found Monica playing with him in his room.

We're gonna get going, Chandler told Monica. I just told Rach I'd help her set up over at the bowling alley.

Oh, okay, Monica said. She picked Jack up. I'll get him ready.

Great, thanks, Chandler flashed her a thankful smile. He was never sure what to say to her, how to act around her. She was still his wife...the same person he had been married to for eight years, been together with for eleven, and known for....ever. But to her he was only the person she had been dating for a few months.


When they arrived at the bowling alley, they saw Rachel frantically trying to get the balloons positioned around the area Emma's party was to take place. Monica had met Emma a few times already, and Emma was informed about her memory loss.

So, eight years old, huh Em? Chandler asked. He patted her on the head. I mean, it seems like just yesterday you were born.

You say that every year, Uncle Chandler, Emma said with a laugh.

Do I? he asked. Nah, you're lying.

Emma said. You even tell me that on Christmas!

He tells us that, too! Natalie told her cousin.

Well in your case, Christmas is nearly your birthday, anyway, Chandler said. Natalie was born December 22. Her name meant born at Christmas. It had just been a coincidence that the name they wanted had an appropriate meaning.

Yeah, the family of holiday kids, Rachel joked. Natalie was near Christmas, Lauren was on April Fools Day, and Jack was the Forth of July. Barely. He was born at 12:03 AM on July 4th. I swear, they planned it that way.

Yeah, we sure planned it that way. Because we knew that Natalie would be a week LATE, and that Jack would be a week EARLY, and that Lauren would be right on the money.

I know you planned it, Rachel kidded. Okay, c'mon, you gotta get to work! she added, noticing that Monica didn't have anything to add to the conversation and that she looked uncomfortable, knowing she should be able to add to the conversation. You can, ummmm....blow up some more balloons.

No fair, Mommy! Emma said. I wanted to do that!

Emma, you know you can't work that helium tank. I can barely work that evil thing.

You could at least let me try! she protested.

Anything I can do? Monica asked.

Ummm, yeah, actually. Can you go up to the counter and ask them to turn on the score keepers?

Monica said. She walked up the few steps and toward the counter.

Is Aunt Monica going to ever remember anything? Emma asked. She handed Chandler a red balloon to fill up with helium.

She will, soon, we hope, Rachel told her.

But it's taking forever, Natalie added. I can't take it anymore!

I know it's gotta be hard for you, Nat, Rachel said. But you know, your dad was telling me how proud he was of you for how you were handling all this.

Natalie asked, looking at her dad.

Yeah, Natalie, you've been great. Just keep it up a while longer.

She sighed. Yeah, but it's just......I miss Mommy.

I know you do, Chandler said. So do I, he added.

Hey guys! Joey said, walking up to them.

Hey, look who's on time for once! Rachel teased.

Haha, very funny. He put a gift down on a chair. Happy Birthday Emma!

Thanks Uncle Joey! she said, giving him a hug.

You know it seems like it was just yesterday that you were born....
Emma rolled her eyes. You guys are all the same, she said.

I choose to take that as a compliment, Joey decided.

Yeah, Man, she compared you to me, of course it was a compliment, Chandler joked.

Lauren said. Daddy, I wanna bowl!

Lauren, you can't start yet. You have to wait until- there was a thud as she dropped the bright green, heaviest, bowling ball, on the ground. the party starts, he added.



An hour later, the party was going strong. Ross and Phoebe had arrived. Phoebe gave Emma her gift, then read her palm, as a part of her gift. She then had to read three of her friends' palms as well. Ross kissed his daughter on the head, and joined her team.

The boys were on one team, and the girls were on the other. The girls' team was much larger. And of course there were the two girls who refused to play, and sat on the benches talking the whole time.

The party was going well until the boys wanted to play a trick on the girls. All of a sudden there was a tag game going on, and only a few kids were left bowling.

Should we stop this? Ross asked.

Ugh, let them have fun, Rachel said. For a while anyway. They've been bowling for a while now. They're eight, it doesn't interest them for that long.

This is just like the parties I used to go to! Phoebe said. You know, when I was living on the streets. I would crash little kids' birthday parties all the time. Good free food.

And they were all playing tag there? Ross asked.

No, they just started running around like that when I got there.

You mean running AWAY from you? Rachel asked.

I like to not think of it that way. Phoebe said. Ross and Rachel rolled their eyes.


Hey, Mon, Joey said, approaching Monica who was helping a girl pick out a bowling ball that was her size. How's the party going? Having fun?

Yeah, yeah, it's good, she said. I mean, it'd be better if I remembered anything about Emma, but yeah, it's good.

I see you're still upset.

Joey, how could I not be upset? The last thing I remembered about you was you carrying around a bag and everyone teasing you that you were a woman.

That's the last thing you remember about me? Wow, that's not too good for my reputation.

This is just- well, it sucks, she said. I mean, I love all you guys. And I wish I could remember all the things that have happened to you. Ross and Rachel had Emma. Ross and Rachel had a baby! That's crazy! Especially when, as far as I remember, Ross was just getting over Emily, and Rachel re-loved him for the umpteenth time. She sighed. And I don't know anything about her! I don't remember her birth, or Rachel being pregnant with her, or her first steps. She's my niece, Joey!

Well, yeah, but-

And what about my own children!? she asked, interrupting him. I can't remember anything about them. You know how guilty that makes me feel? They love me, and I can't even remember them! She looked over towards her kids. And Jack. I mean, Natalie and Lauren, they pretend. They pretend that they don't care that I don't remember, and they try to not be so......you know, my kids. But Jack, he doesn't understand. He just looks at me, and smiles at me in this way....this way that I know he loves me just because I'm his Mommy. And God, I can't even remember anything about my own son!

Look, this isn't your fault, Joey said.

Yeah, I know. I know it isn't, and everyone keeps telling me that it isn't. But does that make it any easier that I can't remember? Does that make me feel less guilty? No!

Monica, c'mon. You can't keep beating yourself up over this.

Beat myself up? Beat myself up! Joey, I'm beyond the point of beating myself up over this! And what about Chandler, huh? Joey, I married Chandler! And I have three kids with him! The last time I saw him, he was like, scared of the WORD commitment. He was scared of the letter C! How on Earth did I get him to marry me and have three kids? And I can't remember it! And God, I don't know how to act around him. I just don't know what to do. I mean, I know he's- he's my...husband, but I just can't bring myself to act like he is! I just feel like I missed everything, and now I'm stuck somewhere that I'd LOVE to be.....if I could remember everything that got me there!

Look, Monica, I don't know what to say. I can't say anything to make this better or easier, so.... He pulled her into a hug.

she whispered, her head buried in his shoulder.



Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Emma, Happy Birthday to you! Everyone sang a little while later. Emma smiled at the camera Ross was holding before she blew out the candles on the cake. She got all but two blown out.

Ah, you know what that means, Chandler said. You have to go back to being six.

Uncle Chandler! Emma giggled. He always made her laugh. She seemed to be the one who liked even his stupid jokes. She blew out the last two candles, then looked at the cake. Aunt Monica, are you still gonna cut the cake? she asked.

You do that every year, Chandler guided Monica. She smiled at him gratefully and nodded to Emma.

Of course I am! she said. Emma went from looking worried, and broke into a huge smile.

she said brightly.

Me first, Mommy! Lauren said. I want the first piece!

Lauren, Honey, shouldn't that go to Emma? She is the birthday girl, isn't she?

Yeah, I guess, Lauren pouted. Natalie nudged her and gave her a look.

Lauren asked back.

Don't give Mommy a hard time.... she said.

Chandler, who had heard their exchange, said. You don't have to be that careful. She wants to feel....normal, after all.

But she isn't, Lauren said, sadly.

She still loves you, though, Chandler said. And that's all that matters.


After the cake, the kids went back to bowling, their tag game long gone. However, the competitive streak between the boys and the girls was still there, and they were now taking it out on their bowling games. The girls' team was devising a way to cheat so they could catch up.

How you holding up? Chandler asked, sitting down next to Monica.

Well, you know, she said. Well, actually you don't KNOW, I guess. She smiled. Unless I've just forgotten that you had this memory loss thing, too.

At least you're joking about it now, he said.

Well, what else can I do? she asked.

I was talking to Joey... Chandler said.

Great, did he tell you about my outburst before?

Well, yeah, but not in so many words, he said with a smile. He just said you were really upset about all this.

Well, what do you expect? she asked sadly.

He said that once you started talking about me, you seemed to get really worked up.

He's a traitor, she joked.

You know, Mon, I know this is hard for you. You just....you worry about YOU right now, and not about me. Don't even think about me if that's what you need to do....

That's not it, Chandler, she sighed. It's just....it's that I want to be with you. I mean, you remember us in 1999, don't you?

he said with a smile.

Well, so do I, she said. Only, the difference is....that's ALL I remember about us. She looked down. And sometimes I just want to kiss you. And, do....other things. But to the 1999 you. I mean, this whole marriage and kids thing....I mean, don't get me wrong, I like it, she smiled at him, but it just, it seems like another you, and it seems wrong to do those things with him. Almost like he's another man. It's just so......I don't know what I want to do!

He shook his head and smiled at her. You always do make so much sense when you're upset.

See, stop it! You aren't allowed to know those kind of little things about me!

Mon, c'mon. Just whatever happens, know this. He paused and looked into her eyes. I love you, Monica.

They don't know we know they know we know they're cheating, too! Emma screamed to her friends. Wait, what did I just say? she wondered.

Oh my God, Monica said. Oh my God!!! She held her hand over her heart, and then let it go to her open mouth. OH MY GOD! she screamed.

What, what? Chandler asked.

All those things! she practically yelled. 'I love you, Monica'. And They don't know we know they know.'

What are you talking about?

That was it!!!! she practically cried.

That was what? he asked, confused.

I remember!!! she said. That was the one thing I needed to remember to remember everything else!!!!! That was my one big memory!!!

What was?? he asked.
She smiled. You telling me you loved me, she said quietly. I mean, it makes sense. That was the thing that had me confused....that I had never heard you tell me you love me, even though we had kids and are married. She broke into a grin. But now I remember it all! She screamed. Everything! We were trying to break Phoebe and Rachel.....and then you shocked me and said you loved me. We went to Vegas, and kept seeing all the signs that we should get married, but we weren't ready. So you asked if I wanted to live with you, and I didn't get it at first, and then when I did I said yes and jumped off the couch, and the key....broke in the lock! she practically screamed. And then we kicked Rachel out....she and I fought the night she left....and oh, when you proposed! Richard almost messed that up, and then all the candles!! Oh, that was.....that was wow. Ross and Rachel kissed on our engagement night, and I fought with Rachel. Then we had to pay for the wedding ourselves....we fought over that. The wedding....that was more wow!! Joey was the minister, and almost missed it. AND he was in costume. And you said You wanna know if I'm sure?' and kissed me before you were supposed to. You couldn't dance in your new shoes, they were too slippery. We found out Rachel was pregnant, and everyone, you included, thought it was me.....and then we had our honeymoon, she smiled at him. Met a couple who gave us a fake number....and Joey and Phoebe were jealous of them. When Emma was born was when we started trying for a baby. IN THE HOSPITAL! And Joey, well, he accidentally proposed to Rachel. Ross got mad. My dad caught us having sex in a closet. You had to go to Tulsa for your job. You had to be there over Christmas, then you quit to come home and be with me.....oh, and when we had Natalie, you said I don't think--

I've ever loved ten people put together half as much as I love both of you, he finished for her. She smiled.
she said.

You do remember, he said.

I do! she said, and started crying. I remember it all!! She hugged him and cried into his shoulder. It all just came back, just like that! she said.

I told ya, he joked.

I love you, she said, grinning and sniffling. She pulled away from the hug just enough to lean up and kiss him. It was a long, deep kiss.

Uh, Mon, he said, breaking this kiss. There's a lot of kids here.

She smiled at him.

You don't have to tell me sorry. But you may have to tell all their angry parents sorry, he smiled.
Just one more, she said, kissing him again.
He said breaking the kiss.

....Monica....Monica! MONICA! Chandler's voice woke her. She squinted, noticing that the light was on and that he was calling her.

she asked.

Sorry Babe, as much as hearing you say I love you too, Chandler.' And I love you' over and over in your sleep, you're kinda making it impossible for ME to sleep.

I was saying that? she asked, groggy.

Well, yeah, and something about remembering something. What were you dreaming about?

she said. I just....I had this really weird dream, she said. I was in an accident, and I lost my memory. I had forgotten about you and Natalie and Lauren and Jack.... she said. All I remembered was when we were secretly dating. And it was really making me mad. Anyway, the point was that I had to remember just one big important moment, and then everything would come back.

So, did it?

Yeah. When I remembered the most important moment of my life....

Which was?

When you told me you loved me, she smiled at him.

he asked.

Don't be so surprised. I mean, that led to us getting married, and the kids, and aren't those the most important things in my life?

You really forgot me in your dream?

Well, yeah, sorry, but it was my unconscious mind. Besides, I only forgot everything AFTER you said you loved me.

That's no excuse, he joked, poking her in the side. You even forgot last night? he joked.

What was last night? she pretended not to know. Then she smiled. Ya know, it was probably all that sex that wore me out and made me have strange dreams. So this is really all your fault.

I love you, he said, smiling at her.

I love you, too, she smiled back at him.

[The end! Wow, wasn't that a surprise!?? Heh. Had to do it, had to have some kind of fic that had an ending like that! Besides, since the plot wasn't going as well as I wanted it to, that was like, the make up for it. :0) Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for (hopefully) more fics!]