The One With the Wrong Addressees

by Godeerc VanDrey

 

Category: Friends

Genre: General, Humor

Rating: PG

Language: English

Summery: Season 7.  Chandler meets a famous author.  Ross and Phoebe take Monica wedding dress shopping.  Rachel and Joey receive mail addressed to many names.

 

A/N: Okay, this one’s been in the works for awhile, but I’m ready to put it out.  Might as well get as much out as I can before I collapse into another lengthy break.  So, this one will be like my General fics.  I hope you like it.

 

 

Scene 1: Joey’s Apartment

(Joey listening to music)

 

Singer: Ergo… oceanus, maritimus, opacare, matutinus, septentrio, meridies, occidens et orientis… ergo… terra, stella, hiems et aestras, ergo, autumnus et tempus vernumtempus vernum

 

(A/N: This is “Tempus Vernum,” by Enya, a song in Latin.)

 

Joey: Dude, I don’t think she speaking English.

 

(OPENING CREDITS)

 

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

 

Scene 2: Joey and Rachel’s Apartment

(Rachel sorting through the mail)

 

Rachel: (reading) To Ken Adams, from the office of Dr. Regina Filangie.  Hmm.  Wrong address. (picks up another letter) To… Racquel Greene, with an extra “e.”  Uh.

 

Joey: Any mail for me?

 

Rachel: Not yet.  Unless you’re (picks up another letter) Joe Tribbibbiani.

 

Joey: No, but I’ll read his mail.  Magazine companies are always sending him trial issues. (takes the letter)

 

(Rachel rolls her eyes)

 

 

Scene 3: A Bridal Shop

(Ross, Phoebe, and Monica enter)

 

Monica: Okay, let’s see what I’m looking for. (puts a list out of her purse; flips it open, and it rolls down to the floor, back a bit, before bumping into Ross’s shoe)

 

Ross: Oh boy.

 

Phoebe: Hey, Ella!

 

Ella: (a young woman) Regina!  So nice to see you!

 

(Ross opens his mouth, but Phoebe shushes him)

 

Ella: Getting married? (looks at Ross)

 

Phoebe: Nah.  Just helping out a friend.  His sister.  Plus, you don’t marry him unless you want a divorce.

 

Ross: Thanks you… Regina.   My self-esteem so needed that.

 

Phoebe: Any time.  And you?

 

Ella: Not yet.  I just come here to freak out my boyfriend.

 

Monica: Ross, Pheebs, I need your opinion.

 

Phoebe: Monica, please don’t use my nickname.  Call me Regina. (Monica gives her a look, and Phoebe winks at her)

 

Monica: Okay.  Now, I’m debating shoulder sleeves.  I’m wondering what color thread to use.  I’m thinking eggshell would suffice, but would it too wild to go with light sea foam?

 

Ross: Well, the sea foam…

 

Monica: Light sea foam.  Sea foam is a paint color that you use in a guest bedroom or possibly living room as long as you have an alternate meeting place.

 

Ross: Yeah, light sea foam.  Nah, it’s not too wild.

 

Phoebe: Ross, are you kidding?  Light sea foam doesn’t go well with the white dress.  Go with the eggshell for now.  Brighter colors wouldn’t match the color scheme.

 

Monica: You’re right… Regina.  Thanks.

 

 

Scene 4: J & R’s Apartment

(Rachel still looking through the mail; Joey watching TV)

 

Rachel: Another one for Ken Adams.  I wonder if he used to live here. (sniffs it) It’s got bad perfume on it.

 

Joey: (not paying attention) That’s great.  Cool, soap commercial.

 

Rachel: (looks over) Oh, brother.  That soap doesn’t get that much lather.

 

Joey: I wish there wouldn’t be so much lather.

 

Rachel: Really.  Ugh, Green, like the color. (looks at another letter) And Miss Chanandelor Bong’s Entertainment Weekly.  Ooh, they have an article on Brad Pitt. (looks through it)

 

 

Scene 5: Central Perk

(Chandler sits down on the couch with coffee)

 

Chandler: (looks around) Dude, I’m the only one here.

 

Jessica: (the waitress, for any of my non-regulars) Wow, Chandler, still sharp as a tack, aren’t you?

 

Chandler: Don’t make me poke you. (thrusts his head in her direction) I didn’t mean that.

 

Jessica: Course not.  Good luck with Monica, by the way.

 

Chandler: (mocking) Good luck with Monica by the way. (picks up a magazine) Reference numbers on the pages with ads for wedding dress.  I wonder if that’s Monica. (flips through it some more) Ooh, Diana Owler.  I love her. (Jessica puts

down his muffin) And when I say I love her I mean I love her work because she’s a writer and not on my freebie list.

 

Jessica: Why are you telling me this.  And with no commas?

 

Chandler: (as he clears his throat) Gossip.

 

Jessica: (clears her throat but says something inaudible)

 

Chandler: What?

 

Jessica: (clears her throat as she says) Why should I repeat this?  You think I’m stupid? (this takes awhile)

 

Gunther: (comes over) Jessica, your cough sounds bad.  Need water or a break or something?

 

Jessica: No, I’ll be fine.

 

Chandler: (reads on) Wow, she going to be in New York this week.  I wonder if she’ll do a book signing.

 

(a lady walks in)

 

Gunther: Can I get you something?

 

Lady: Decaf with cinnamon, please.

 

Gunther: You got it.  Jessica.

 

Jessica: (carrying a tray) I’m busy.  There are other waitresses.  You just don’t know their names.

 

Gunther: What? (a waitress walks by) Hey…

 

Alicia: Alicia.

 

Gunther: Alicia, a double chocolate mocha for this lady.

 

(Alicia looks at the lady)

 

Lady: Decaf with cinnamon.

 

Alicia: Right. (gets her it)

 

(looks over the chairs by the gang’s couch)

 

Lady: Sir, is this chair taken?

 

(Chandler doesn’t respond; he’s reading a book)

 

Lady: Sir?

 

Chandler: (briefly looks up) Yeah?

 

Lady: Is this seat taken?

 

Chandler: (still reading) No.  But I don’t think Gunther would appreciate you taking it.  He’d hate to buy a new one.

 

Lady: (laughs) That was a lame joke.

 

Chandler: Thank you.

 

Lady: What’re you reading?

 

Chandler: The Lady Tabaith, by Diana Owler.  I hear she’s going to be in (looks up) New YoYo… you!

 

Diana: Me!

 

Chandler: You’re Diana Owler. (flips to the back to show her the back cover)

 

Diana: Yes, show me the back of my book so I know that I know I’m me.

 

Chandler: I love your work.  It’s incredible.  You use too much personification.

 

Diana: Thanks for the criticism…?

 

Chandler: No, I didn’t mean it like that.  I just over-analyzed one of your books.  If you want, I can totally show you some of my work, and you can criticize it.

 

Diana: (still eyeing the exuberant Chandler) Okay… it’d be my pleasure.

 

(Chandler gets up and runs out to get it)

 

(Diana sits patiently, takes a sip of her coffee)

 

(Chandler runs back)

 

Chandler: Forgot me coffee. (Diana nods; he runs out again)

 

(Diana takes another sip)

 

Chandler: (runs back) By the way, hi.  I’m Chandler Bing.  Nice to meet you.

 

Diana: Nice to meet you. (pause) You can run back out and get your stuff now.

 

Chandler: Oh. (runs out; passes Jessica, almost knocking her tray over)

 

Gunther: (calmly) No running.

 

Jessica: Thanks, Gunther.  That really helped. (turns around, and runs into a table, and spills the contents of her tray onto the table) Whoops.

 

 

Scene 6: The Bridal Shop

(Monica looking at dresses)

 

Monica: Pheebs, I’m wondering.  Would a twelve and half foot tail be enough.  ‘Cause this twelve and three quarters has this extra embroidery on the end.

 

Phoebe: Uh…

 

Monica: Enough about the tail.  For my veil, should I use this diamond shaped pattern, or would this fish-scale pattern accent my cheeks better?

 

Phoebe: Well… I do like the fishtail pattern.

 

Monica: Fish scale.  Not fishtail.

 

Phoebe: Oh, well, fish scale’s really nice.

 

Monica: I thought so too.  By the way, purely inquiring, what do you think of this pointed neckline?

 

Phoebe: It points up.

 

Monica: Yeah.

 

Phoebe: Kind of like a, uh… (whispers in her ear)

 

Monica: (looks disgusted) Take it away. (an attendant does so)

 

Ross: (as Phoebe looks at him) Princess syndrome.  She’s a chronic sufferer.  It’d been years since her last attack, but we think it’s a lost cause now.

 

 

Scene 7: J & R’s Apartment

(Rachel still looking through the mail)

 

Rachel: Joey, we got three of the same audition notice.  One for “Joey Tribani,” one for “Joseph Stalin,” who’s a dead Portuguese explorer, and for “Holden McGroin,” which is a name Chandler obviously made up.  Why’d we get all three?

 

Joey: No reason.

 

Rachel: (picks up another letter) I need to talk with my folks more.

 

Joey: Why?

 

Rachel: My dad just sent me a letter for Jill.

 

Joey: She’s hot.

 

Rachel: Joey!

 

Joey: Come on.  Redheads are the best!

 

Rachel: Jill’s blond.

 

Joey: That’s what they all say.  Plus, she’s about to come on TV.

 

Rachel: My sister?

 

Joey: Your sister?  I though we were talking about Scully.

 

(Rachel groans and drops her head to the counter; and comes back up with a letter on her head, which she pulls off, leaving the addressee “Mr. and Mrs. Josef F. Trabbini” on her head)

 

 

Scene 8: Central Perk

(Chandler sitting with Diana, who reading a manuscript, giggling occasionally)

 

Chandler: Is it good?

 

Diana: Funny?  Absolutely.  Good?  Well, needs some work.  You’re too formal.  Though that does give it a bit of depth of humor, it takes away from the surface level wisecracks.  And your little story?  Okay, but after awhile, people would stop

saying, “Guess what?” to your character, Michael.  I mean do you know anyone who actually makes a joke every other time he opens his mouth?

 

Chandler: Yeah, you’re right.  I don’t.

 

Jessica: (pours him some coffee) Really? (leaves)

 

Chandler: Gee, thanks.  You really liked it?

 

Diana: You could try to get it published, but I think it’s too long for any free submission places, like magazines, but it’s not enough to get you your own column in the New Yorker or anything.

 

Chandler: Thanks.

 

Jessica: (passes behind the couch) Yeah, but if they wanted another sarcastic columnist, couldn’t they have just called him, ‘cause they know where he lives. (leaves)

 

Diana: I like that waitress, don’t you?

 

Chandler: She’s just a barrel of sunny days.

 

(COMMERICAL BREAK)

 

Scene 9: J & R’s Apartment

(Rachel looks at another letter)

 

Rachel: Joey, do you know a Dick… Quackenwaddle?

 

Joey: Yeah.  Yasmine, go get Dick. (the chicken runs out from under the cabinet in the kitchen and runs into Joey’s room)

 

Rachel: Yeah.  Oh, and I’m supposing (reads an envelope) Miss Yasmine McClucker is here, too?

 

Joey: Yasmine, you’ve got mail.

 

(the AOL “You’ve Got Mail” message is heard)

 

Joey: (sighs) Yasmine, get offline.  I told you, I’m expecting a call.  You can get online at four.

 

(“Good-bye” is heard)

 

Joey: Thank you, Yasmine.

 

(the chicken comes in and clucks)

 

Joey: I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to yell.  Can I have a hug? (picks her up and puts her in his lap) Good girl.

 

 

Scene 10: The Bridal Shop

(Ross and Phoebe sitting down in chairs with Monica in the dressing room)

 

Ross: (talking to a couple) Me?  Yeah, I’ve been married three times.

 

Lady: (Terri) Two divorces, what happened?

 

Ross: Well, it’s three, but I won’t go there.  First time, Carol, she decided she wasn’t the right woman for me.  She found the right one for her.

 

(the man, Doug looks scared)

 

Terri: Second time?

 

Ross: It was going great.  Actually, it wasn’t.  She’s British, and we went to London.

 

Terri: Aw.

 

Ross: The place we wanted to get married in was have demolished.

 

Terri: (fearful) Oh.  Doug, you sure your cathedral still there?

 

Doug: I think.

 

Ross: Well, then, lo and behold, in comes my ex-girlfriend.

 

Doug: Ugh.

 

Ross: No, no, I was excited.  I’d invited her.

 

Terri: What?

 

Ross: We’re friends.  So, anyway.  I don’t know what, but while I was saying my vows, her name slipped in.  It didn’t go over well.  Emily wasn’t that excited about her being there anyway.

 

Terri: Wow.  Lucy?

 

Doug: A friend.  We were little kids together.  Forget her.

 

Terri: So she divorced you?

 

Ross: Well, there was some reconciling, but it ended up with a dinner party with the whole gang, plus Rachel.  Emily called, figured there was no way for me to rid my life of Rachel, so permanent doghouse.

 

Terri: Dear.  You said… three?

 

Ross: Okay.  The next year, my sister, who’s getting married now, was celebrating her first year anniversary of dating this guy.  My best friend, by the way.

 

(Phoebe huffs)

 

Ross: One of them.  And, we got into this rift because she was dancing in the window.  We got into this prank fight, and she ended up with a permanent ink moustache, and stuck in my room.  We got really drunk and later found out we got

married.

 

Doug: Interesting.

 

Ross: Welcome to my life.  So, anyway.  I was going to get it annulled, but then problems.  They needed her there.  Resurfacing feelings.  Comments by certain people (motions his head back to Phoebe, who doesn’t notice) that I might still be

in love.  All sorts of stuff.  Anyway, she found out I’d delayed the annulment.  Then, we were so mad, we screwed our annulment interview. (Ross throws his hands in the air)

 

 

Scene 11: Central Perk

(Chandler reading some of Diana’s work)

 

Chandler: Well, very good.  It’s definitely got your trademark on it.  Though I still think the whole tree/forest personification really takes away from the scene where the man and lady meet.  I can’t get into the scene.  And that evil lair scene, it

wouldn’t hurt to have a bit more comic relief.  I don’t know, have him fall over or something, something random.

 

Diana: (gives him a strange look) Yeah, right.

 

Chandler: Just a suggestion.

 

Jessica: Like your suggestion to every TV station to show Baywatch?

 

Chandler: Hey, I didn’t expect them all to take it.

 

Jessica: Cartoon Network?

 

Chandler: (meekly defending himself) They could have made an animated version.

 

(Jessica rolls her eyes and leaves)

 

 

Scene 12: The Bridal Shop

(Ross still talking)

 

Ross: …a bonus night!  Can you believe it? 

 

Monica: So, what do you think? (in a very stunning wedding dress)

 

Ross: Uh…

 

Monica: Yeah, I know.  Shoulder straps are a quarter inch too thick.  And don’t even start with the waist design.  Veto, I got it.

 

Ross: But…

 

Phoebe: I’ll go help her.

 

Ross: Anyway, about little Ben.  That was so not my fault. She’s the one who wanted to baby-sit him.

 

(Doug and Terri are completely stunned)

 

Ross: You agree!  Finally!  Oh, I forgot something about the letter…  It’s important…

 

 

Scene 12: J & R’s Apartment

(Rachel and Joey watching TV)

 

TV Announcer: …and police are looking for a man, 5-foot-10, with black hair, possibly Italian.  Sources say he was seen with Ursula Buffy shortly after she stole a hundred dollars worth of food from her workplace.  One woman was able to

identify his as “Joe Trumani.”  Police are looking into this.  Here’s a report from the couple Miss Buffay was serving, Paul and Jamie Buchman

 

Paul: She never was a good waitress, but this is the worst.  She’ll probably be back on Monday, late, ready to serve us the wrong entrée.

 

Rachel: Joey?

 

Joey: Tell me about it.  Stealing food!  You have to pay for it, unless it’s good, and we’re talking deluxe, supremo good.

 

(Rachel rolls her eyes)

 

 

Scene 13: The Bridal Shop

(late at night; Monica still looking)

 

Monica: (comes out in a flirty wedding dress)

 

Ross and Phoebe: (look at each other) No.

 

Monica: Heck no.  But is that not the cleanest sewn back you’ve ever seen? (turns around)

 

(Ross shields his eyes)

 

Phoebe: It dips too far.

 

Monica: Mmm-hmm.  Wait, I got one more.

 

Phoebe: Dress or series?

 

Monica: Series, of course.  I mean, we’ve got try on everything before we decide on a top twenty list or so, then we have to match with shoes.

 

Phoebe: Wow, we’re never getting out of here.

 

Ross: Talk about anal-retentive.

 

Phoebe: Gross, Ross!

 

Ross: It’s a condition when you’re overly-meticulous.

 

Phoebe: Still not getting you, Ross.

 

Monica: Yes, but with inch and a half heels, wouldn’t that cause an off-center look with a veil more that eighteen inches?

 

Ross: Get it?

 

Phoebe: Oh.

 

 

Scene 14: The Streets Of Manhattan

(Chandler walks by a books shop and goes in)

 

Chandler: (picks up a book from a display, “New From Diana Owler, The Dark Age of Prince Sonriso; he opens halfway through)  ‘Prince Sonriso will not what know the extent of my wrath,” bellowed the evil wizard Stewigren, “This potion

will be his downfall.’ the creature said before stumbling to the floor, picking himself, and checking to see that no one was watching, spoke into the emptiness, ‘Beware, Sonriso!  You are mine!’ “ (Chandler smiles, and puts the book back, then

grabs it and takes it over to the cashier.)

 

 

Scene 15: Central Perk

(Chandler talking to Joey and Rachel)

 

Chandler: Have you ever notice that when Arial got legs, she suddenly couldn’t breathe underwater?  Plus, since when are vocal cords a glowing ball?  And excuse me, a kid’s movie?  I’d like to see a princess wear something like that outside

nowadays.

 

Joey: I would, too.

 

(Monica and exhausted Ross and Phoebe enter)

 

Gunther: Regular?

 

Ross and Phoebe: Yeah.

 

(they sit down, or plop down)

 

Chandler: So, how did wedding dress shopping go?

 

Monica: Pretty good.  Not much selection, though.

 

Ross: You should know, you tried them all on.

 

Monica: I didn’t try on that really skimpy one.

 

Phoebe: Yes, you did.

 

Chandler: Any pictures?

 

Joey: Yeah!

 

Chandler: Hey!

 

Joey: Sorry, I miss guy time.

 

Ross: Hey!

 

Joey: Ross, we’ve been over this.  Museums do not constitute guy time.   Especially art museums with no naked Greek chick statues.

 

Rachel: Did Joey just use the word “constitute” and “naked Greek chick” in the same breath?

 

Chandler: I think he did.

 

Ross: Well, you were pretty impressed by the caveman exhibit.  Or the cavewoman should I say.

 

Phoebe: Ooh, tell about that one you really like.  The one with…

 

Monica: NO!  I want Chandler to be surprised.  Don’t even tell him what color!

 

Ross: White?

 

Monica: Ross!

 

Phoebe: Mon, of course it’s white.  Chandler knows that.  If you wore a bikini to your wedding, Chandler would know it was going to be white.

 

Monica: I guess.

 

(Chandler looks into space, dazed)

 

Monica: Stop thinking about me in a bikini!

 

Chandler: I’m getting mixed messages here.

 

Ross: Mon, Chandler is the least of your worries.

 

(several guys have a similar look as Chandler, including Joey)

 

Jessica: Two regulars. (gives them to Ross and Phoebe, who promptly pour numerous sugar packets in each) So, how was your visit with Diana?

 

Monica: Diana?

 

Chandler: That author I told you about.

 

Monica: Oh, she’s great.  You met her?

 

Jessica: Oh, yeah.  They exchanged manuscripts.  That’s grounds for infidelity in most states.

 

Chandler: (holds up his cup) Could you get me another cup of coffee.  And when you come back, try not to fall when I trip you, okay? (sheepishly smiles)

 

Jessica: (mock courtesy) Be right back, sir.

 

Rachel: Listen, Pheebs, I’m going to the grocery store.  Wanna come?

 

Phoebe: Sure, but why?

 

Rachel: I want your opinion about whether this cashier looks like Brad Pitt.

 

Phoebe: I mean if it’s anything like your George Clooney look-alike.

 

Jessica: (same tone) Here’s your coffee, sir.

 

Chandler: Thank you. (put it on the table and switches cups with Ross)

 

Ross: Well, Chandler, all I have to say is, Monica will be very happy on her wedding day. (sips his coffee) Wow, not bad.  I’m awake now.

 

Chandler: Yeah. (sips his coffee, and silently gags; takes a spoon and swirls it, and when he pulls it back out, a trail of wet sugar seeps down)

 

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

 

(ENDING CREDITS)

 

Scene 16: J & R’s Apartment

(Joey listening to music)

 

(CREDIT: Lauren Hillebrand as Diana Owler)

 

Singer: And who can say if your love grows as your heart chose – Only Time…

 

(A/N: This is, of course, Enya’s “Only Time,” the theme music for Season 8 commercials)

 

(Ross walks in, and Joey turns off the music, and jumps up)

 

(pause)

 

Ross: Dude, were you listening to Enya?

 

Joey: (lying) No.

 

Ross: Joey.

 

(CREDIT: Debbie Matenopolous as Jessica Williams)

 

Joey: (turns it back on) C’mon, is that not the most beautiful thing you’ve ever heard, music-wise?

 

Ross: (listens, pensive, then sways) Well, it’s… pretty…

 

Joey: (sings) And who can say why your heart cries when your heart lies?

 

Ross: (joining him) Only time…

 

(Rachel and Phoebe walk in)

 

(they halt the music; Ross and Joey exchanges classes)

 

(Joey starts it again)

 

Joey and Ross: Who can say when the roads meet (invites them to join them)

 

Phoebe and Rachel: (join them) …that your love might be in your heart (motions to their hearts)

 

J, R, R, & P: And who can say when the day sleeps, if the night keeps all your heart…

 

(they swoon)

 

J, R, R, & P: Night keeps all your heart…

 

(Chandler and Monica open the door, but the four don’t notice)

 

Monica: Is it just me, or is getting married making us saner?

 

Chandler: It’s a catchy tune.  Let’s leave before we have a chance to find out.

 

J, R, R, & P: (deeply passionate) Only time…

 

(END)

 

 

A/N: Wow, that might not make my top ten list, but it’s still a pretty good one, don’t you think?  Really, what do you think?  I don’t like to brag about myself.  (Actually, I do, but my readers don’t like me to.)  This idea has been floating around

for awhile, so it wasn’t that fresh, but I hope you liked it anyway.

 

In the works:

 

The One With the Hypnotism: This one will likely be next.  The title tells a lot, so I won’t go into detail what it’s about, but it will be of the same genre of this fic.

 

The One With the High School Days, Parts 3-5.  They’re planned, but I want to work some with them, so don’t hold your breath.  Though, I will not be abandoning these because I’ve already started this series.

 

The One With the Sweet Dreams: This one is under serious construction, but it’s the only thing I really have in the works.  I’ll get inspired to write other fics pretty soon.

 

VII. The One With the Final Visit (or whatever the final title will be): I’m going to do a lot of thinking on this one.  I want to go out with a bang.  If you have ideas for Godeerc fics, I will be glad to write them, but they will not be part of the

series unless you’ve got a good one that I use for VII.  Use my e-mail address (if it’s currently up) or in a review.  Thanks.

 

Other fics:

 

The Mystic in the Hellmouth series: I’m having trouble with this one.  I’ll try to get it up and going, but no promises just yet.

 

Utopia (Buffy): Not the name, but I’m muddling around with certain Buffy scenarios.

 

Doppelgänger (Buffy): I have several ideas, and am trying to work them into a good fic.

 

Krisreo Varaqué (Star Wars): Will take awhile.  I’ve got high standards for this one.  Will be good.

 

^_^ - And who can say whether readers like… what Godeerc writes… Only reviews… Thank you, thank you very much.  And please come back, ‘cause Godeerc’s got some great stuff in the works.

 

 

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