Not That Simple

It all Clicks Into Place

Chandlers POV

I've somehow managed to find myself in a quiet peaceful room sat across from Ms.Geller drinking coffee. She's quiet, as usual, but even quieter than that, she hardly looks up at me instead she's been staring at her cup for the last 10 minutes.

Honestly I don't know how to approach her, I want to ask if she's okay but I know already that she will say 'I'm fine' whether it's the truth or not.

"So how have you been?" I start hoping to sound genuine, that's when I catch her attention, her eyes averting for a second to see me.

Her hands wrap tighter around her cup as she nods, "Yeah, this holiday was something I've really needed this year" I'm offered a small smile, which I return.

"You deserve it" I add watching her cheeks flush I light pink.

Again it's silent. Pushing my weight on my hands and standing from the sofa I find a pack of chocolate cookies in the cupboard drawer beside the extra coffee and crisps.

Taking one out I bite down, my stomach groaning in appreciation "Would you like one?" I mumble making sure I don't blow crumbs everywhere. Glancing over at me the woman's eyes flicker up to my face then to the packet I'm holding them down to her hands once again.

I wait patiently, "No I'm okay, I'm not hungry" still I stay with my hand held out, deep down I know she is hungry, by the way her shoulders dropped at my question, the low rumbling of her stomach screaming for her to eat.

I still wait. "I said I don't want anything Mr.Bing!" she confirms firmly never moving an inch.

I sit back across from her, the top of her head the only thing I can see looking back. "Call me Chandler" I smile, my hand reaches out, meeting hers in a weak shake.
"Monica" she responds, I nod, my brain focusing on the fact that her name is just as beautiful as her.

"Okay. I just want to say, you do know if there is anything you ever need to talk about I am here. I'm out of work now." Hopefully my words will offer some sort of comfort to her, gratefully she smiles fortunately her head doesn't bow again which makes me happy.

"Thanks." She whispers.

I can't hold it back any longer "Monica, what's wrong? Ever since last Christmas you've been so out of the ordinary, so quiet, so frightened if anyone comes too close to you. I might be your boss but it doesn't mean it goes without notice." Though Monica's head is still bowed I can see her eyes glisten with tears and I'm soon watching them trickle down her cheeks, dropping one by one into her lap.

Reaching over I quickly take the mug from her grasp setting beside mine on the table. Her now free hands rush to her face covering my view of her, cautiously I take the few steps over between the two couches. Taking the empty seat beside her, she peaks in between her fingers sniffling and my heart aches a little at the picture.

"Tell me" I whisper, my hand finds one of hers, I move slow just in case she yanks it away. She doesn't. Instead allows me to take it in both of mine and hold it tight and reassuringly.

Monica's body jolts gently as she hiccups, stifling her now controlled sobs with her sleeve, her mascara has ran down to her cheeks leaving behind darker eyes than before. Nevertheless she's gorgeous.

"I'm sorry. I'm not normally like this. I told rachel I didn't want to drink." She mumbles, though she glances around I'm guessing in the search of another. I reach behind the couch and find a bottle of whisky and two glasses, pouring out a bit for each of us I hand her a glass.
Swirling it around she waits for a few seconds, I do too, the last thing I want to do is force her to talk.