ALWAYS
Disclaimer - I don't own any of these characters, blah, blah, blah
The final episode of Friends, My way.Manly focuses on Ross and Rachel, but also the other Friends as well.
Central Perk
Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and his girlfriend Jade, Phoebe and Mike were all present, sitting on the couch chatting quietly as Ross came in.
He made his way over to the couches and as he reached them, he said suddenly "I've got some news everyone"
"Dada" said Emma, reaching her arms out towards Ross from her spot in Rachel's lap
"Hi Sweetie" said Ross, pulling her into his arms and planting a kiss on her head "How's my girl?"
"Your news Ross?" interrupted Joey "Spit it out"
"Oh right" said Ross "Well.I've been offered a temporary teaching position at UCLA and I accepted it.So, I'm moving to Los Angeles for 6 months"
"What?" said Monica "Are you serious?"
"What!!" said Rachel sharply "Please tell me you're kidding"
"No, I'm not kidding," said Ross, looking at her strangely "I'm serious"
"You're moving to LA?" said Chandler "Wow man, that's a big decision to make"
"It's only for 6 months," said Ross
"Oh only" muttered Rachel "How could you accept this?"
"This is a career opportunity for me Rachel" said Ross "I realise that this is 6 months that I will be away from Emma but."
"I'm glad you realise that Ross," said Rachel
"That is an awfully long time Ross" said Monica "Are you sure that you've thought this through?"
"I have" said Ross "I thought long and hard about it"
"Wait" said Phoebe suddenly "Are you still gonna be here for my Wedding?"
"Pheeb's, your wedding is tomorrow" said Ross "Of course I'm gonna be here"
"I know," said Phoebe with a smile, "Just wanted to make sure you all remembered"
Rachel stood up suddenly and grabbed her handbag "I've gotta go.Come here Emma"
She grabbed Emma's out of Ross' arms, and walked behind the couches "I'll see you guys later"
"Rach.. I'll be round to pick Emma up later," said Ross
"Don't put yourself out," said Rachel as she walked out, leaving Ross stunned inside
"Whoa" said Joey "She is pissed"
"I know," said Ross "Why is she so pissed off?"
"Maybe because you're running away to LA for 6 months leaving her behind to raise your baby" said Chandler "I mean I'm not sure, but just a thought"
"I'm not running away," said Ross "But this is UCLA"
"Yeah, But Emma is your child," said Monica "I see exactly where Rachel is coming from, this was her one fear when she was pregnant, that you would leave and she would be all alone with Emma"
"Yeah, It's not like I'm leaving the country though," said Ross "I'm gonna call Emma every night, I'll see if I can come home some weekends and stuff, It's not like I'm abandoning her either"
"You can be awfully thick sometimes Ross" said Phoebe
"Hey, What?" said Ross, putting his hands up in front of him "What do you mean?"
"Ross, if you don't understand how Rachel can be mad at you, then we cannot help you," said Monica "Think inside the box Ross"
Ross paused for a moment, "I didn't think it would bother her this much truthfully, I mean I'm still going to be around, Just relocated for a couple of months.Besides, isn't she seeing that guy from work now?"
"Yeah, So" said Monica "They've been seeing each other for about 3 weeks Ross"
"Still." said Ross "I mean, it's not like she wont have any help at all with Emma you know, Her new boyfriend is going to be around"
"I don't know how you can be so stupid sometimes Ross" said Monica "Her having a new boyfriend doesn't replace you as the father of her baby, is that why you accepted this job? Because you're jealous of Rachel have a boyfriend now?"
"No!" said Ross "Not at all..I just didn't think it would upset her this much y'know.I mean, I love Emma so much, and it is going to tear me apart being away from her but I need to do this, do something new for my career"
(Rachel and Joey's Apartment)
Rachel was sitting on the couch changing Emma's diaper when she heard a knock at the door
"Who is it?" she called
"It's Ross" came the reply as he opened the door "Can I come in?"
"You're already in" said Rachel, pulling Emma into a sitting position "But that's ok"
Ross nodded and closed the door behind him "Listen Rachel, I'm sorry for just springing this news on you before at the coffee house, I guess I should have spoken to you before everyone else"
Rachel shrugged her shoulders "So.When are you leaving?"
"Tuesday" said Ross "I fly out at 4pm"
"Great" said Rachel
"You're mad at me," said Ross "I know you are"
"I'm not mad at you," said Rachel "It was just a shock you know"
"I know, the offer came as a shock to me too" said Ross "But you understand how I have to do this, this is UCLA I'm talking about"
"Yeah" said Rachel, grabbing things from Emma's changing table and throwing them into her diaper bag
Ross picked Emma up, and kissed her head "And I don't want you to think I am abandoning you and Emma either Rachel. You know how much I love this little girl, She is everything to me"
"Is she?" said Rachel "Then why are you leaving her behind for 6 months while you go and live the life in Los Angeles?"
"I'm not" said Ross "I am working in LA, not 'living the life'..I'm going to come home on the weekends to see Emma and Ben, I'm a phone call away if anything happens"
"Emma is 14 months old Ross, She's going to be doing so much more over the next 6 months, and it saddens me that you're not going to be here for it" said Rachel "You're going to miss the next 6 months of your daughters life"
"I know and it saddens me too Rach" said Ross "But like I said, I need to do this!"
"Fine!" said Rachel "That's fine.Best of Luck in Los Angeles"
She handed Ross the diaper bag and a coat hanger with a pretty dress on it "There's Emma's dress for tomorrow, don't crease it or anything like that. Make sure she's perfect for the Wedding"
"Ok" said Ross, aware of the fact that Rachel wanted him gone right about now "What are you doing tonight? Are you going on a date with Chris"
Rachel fell silent "No! Chris and I aren't seeing each other anymore, we broke up last night"
"I'm so sorry Rach," said Ross "Why?"
"Oh you know, Just the little thing that Chris couldn't accept the fact that I have a child, No big deal" said Rachel, her face sad "It was only 3 weeks anyway, not like I loved the guy"
Ross stared at her, their eyes locked. He knew her well enough and could read her mind and he knew she was upset.
He put Emma down and hesitantly pulled her into an awkward sort of hug "I am sorry"
"I'm fine," said Rachel, pulling away "Thankyou"
She picked Emma up and gave her a hug "I'll see you tomorrow at the wedding Sweetie, You be a good girl for Daddy"
"Are you going to be ok?" said Ross
"Yeah, I'm fine" said Rachel "I'll see you tomorrow, Look after my girl"
"I will," said Ross "Wave bye to Mommy Emma"
Rachel smiled half heartedly, "She hasn't gotten there yet"
"Well, maybe soon" said Ross, he opened the door and struggled out it with Emma's stuff "Ill see you tomorrow"
"Bye" said Rachel, closing the door, leaving Ross in the hallway, confused about his feelings.
(Wedding Reception Hall)
Ross was standing watching Phoebe and Mike posing for photos in front of a Fountain.
Phoebe had the Wedding she dreamed about, a fancy white Wedding and everyone had openly wept as they witnessed Phoebe and Mike promise to love, honour and cherish each other forever. She was the perfect, glowing Bride in her White Gown and Mike was beaming in his Tuxedo. Ross couldn't help but feel a little jealous as he knew a love like theirs was going to last forever, they were blissfully happy.
He noticed Rachel sitting at a table by herself, looking a little glum. She was looking stunning in her Blue Bridesmaid Dress; Ross didn't think he had ever seen her look so beautiful as she did tonight. He was about to walk over there when he saw Mike's Best Man eying her and making his way over, obviously asking her to dance.
He saw Rachel shake her head, saying No thankyou and the Best Man shrugging his shoulders and walking away.
Ross took this as his queue, he hated seeing her unhappy and it was obvious that she was, so he made his way over to her table, and sat down next to her
"Hey" he said, "What's up?"
"Nothing" said Rachel, staring into her Cocktail glass, which was filled with some toxic looking Red drink "Just enjoying some alone time with my Cocktail"
"I know you're upset," said Ross "Is it my fault?"
"No, it's not your fault" said Rachel "I was just looking at Mike and Phoebe, and they're so happy you know, as happy as I am for them, it kinda brought me down a little bit.."
Ross looked over to where Phoebe and Mike were now enjoying their first dance as a Married Couple, staring dreamily into each other's eyes and Mike tenderly kissed her on the lips
"I know what you mean," said Ross
"You do?" said Rachel, looking into his eyes "Really?"
"I do," said Ross "Listen, How about I take you for a spin around the dance floor? Take your mind off whatever is bothering you"
Rachel smiled "Sure"
Ross took her hand, and led her over onto the dance floor
He pulled her close to him and led her around the floor; more guests joined them until the dance floor was full. They danced for about 10 minutes until Rachel's feet were about to fall off in her heels.
A slow song came on and everyone slowed down, the music was very low and people were just slowly swinging to the music, Ross took Rachel and pulled her over near the window to a table
"So" said Ross "Look at us, did you ever think we'd be the last single ones left standing?"
"No!" said Rachel "But at lot of things have happened over the past few years, that I never thought would"
"Like what?" asked Ross
"Well, Emma for example" said Rachel "If anyone had of told me 7 years ago that I would be an Unmarried 33 year old women who has a Child with her Ex Boyfriend and Husband, I would have laughed. I never thought things would turn out this way"
"So 7 years ago, How did you picture things turning out?" asked Ross
"Well, Back then when you and I were together, I thought that you and I would be married," said Rachel slowly "Living in Scarsdale perhaps, with 2 kids and a dog.you would still be working with dinosaurs, I'd be a top fashion designer and all that."
Ross laughed "Really? Scarsdale?"
"Yeah" said Rachel "Joey would be a successful actor with 3 Emmy Awards under his belt, Monica would be married as she is now, never thought it would be to Chandler but still, She would have 3 beautiful kids, and I knew that Phoebe would find her Soul mate"
"It's funny how things turn out," said Ross "Things don't always happen the way you think they would"
"That's true," said Rachel "Life throws a lot of surprises at you"
"Any regrets?" asked Ross "I know I have a few regrets, things I should have said which I never did, things I should have done differently"
"Yeah, a few regrets I guess," said Rachel "But we all have regrets. I don't care about the regrets you know, I don't care about he expectations and all that, I know my life isn't how I thought it would be, this isn't how my father would have liked things to be for his princess, but who cares? I have a successful career, I have the best friends and I have the most beautiful Child in the world, with one of my Best Friends, Who cares about the rest"
"You should be proud of the way your life is Rach" said Ross "I know that I am so proud of you, From the day you turned up in Central Perk in that soaked Wedding Dress, I've watched you grow into the most loving, caring woman. I've watched you find yourself, find who you want to be, become what you wanted to become and become the most wonderful mother in the world. I am just so proud of you, you have no idea"
Something about hearing Ross say those words tugged at her heartstrings, and she looked into the eyes of the man she once loved so much, what she was feeling she had no idea.
"I don't know what to say," she mumbled "Thankyou"
"I know that you're going to find your special someone too Rachel, because you are one of the best fish in the sea, the guy who reels you in should consider himself the luckiest guy in the world" said Ross
Rachel laughed "Maybe..But before I find my special someone, I have a few things I need to sort out"
"Closure?" asked Ross, not sure if that was what she was talking about "Is that what you need? Because I know we've left some things out in the open, in our relationship"
"Is there closure for us?" asked Rachel "I guess that is what I need, to move away from us completely"
"I don't know," said Ross "Let's see"
"Ok" said Rachel
"Look me in the eyes, and tell me you feel nothing for me" said Ross
"What?" asked Rachel, letting her hands drop from Ross's hand and shoulder.
"Do it," said Ross "Look me right in the eyes and tell me that you feel absolutely nothing"
Rachel stared at him, into those brown eyes and she felt herself being drawn towards him, all her feelings which she had stored away were now being brought back up, and she wanted to admit it but she couldn't
"Well?" asked Ross
"I..." she began "Ross please.Don't"
"You can't do it," said Ross "So I'm just going to come out and say that I love you Rachel. I love you now just as much as I did the day we first kissed, I never stopped loving you even when we weren't together and when I was with someone else and I never will stop loving you, because you are my Soul Mate"
"Oh god" said Rachel, tears welling in her eyes "I.This is too much.I need to get out of here"
"What?" said Ross
"I'm sorry," she said, pulling away "I can't do this"
She stood up and ran away from the table, and burst out of the double doors of the Reception room, gulping in the cool air as it hit her, she sat down on a Stone Garden seat, and tried to stop her body from shaking.
Her mind was so jumbled, thoughts and feelings. She knew what she felt, and she knew that it was the same way as Ross did, but she couldn't go there again. Something was stopping her from admitting how she felt.
Ross came out of the double doors, looking around and his eyes rested on Rachel's figure on the seat
"Rach." he said softly, as he came over "I'm sorry ok, I shouldn't have said those things, and I scared you. I should have kept my mouth shut like I have for the last 7 years"
Rachel looked up at him, tears flowing down her face "No.I'm sorry"
"Why are you sorry?" asked Ross
"Because I can't go there with you again" said Rachel through her tears "I cannot do us again"
"Why? Why not?" asked Ross, pulling her to her feet so she was standing in front of him "Tell me why,"
"Because.." began Rachel, pausing as sobs erupted from her throat "Because there is just too much at stake now Ross"
"I don't understand," said Ross "Do you feel the same way as I do?"
"I might..I mean I do..I don't know" said Rachel "All I know is that if things didn't work, the last person in the world I would ever want to hurt will get hurt, and I couldn't live with myself if I hurt her"
"Emma" said Ross knowingly
"Emma" said Rachel "She is my everything Ross, and I don't want her to get hurt and have her life disrupted because her parents are stupid and cannot live with or without each other. She is just too precious"
"You're right," said Ross "I know you're right"
"I'm so sorry," said Rachel softly "I just can't do it, there is just too much at risk"
"It's ok," said Ross, hugging her "This is what I was talking about, you as a mother and how much you care about your child, this baby was the best thing that ever happened to you" "She's the most important thing in my life," said Rachel
"That I know," said Ross "And I think Emma knows that too"
"Oh my god" said Rachel, wiping her face "I'm a mess.this is just a mess"
"Hey, it's fine," said Ross "I understand everything, and to tell you the truth, everything you just said, makes me love you even more"
Rachel just about melted, and she shook her head slowly "I want to go there, you know..I just can't!!
"It's ok" said Ross "Nothing can change the way I feel about you, but I have to deal with it..I can deal with it"
"God, I'm just going to miss you so much, "said Rachel "I don't know what I am going to do without you being around"
"Tell me not to go," said Ross "All you have to do is say those words and I won't go"
"No" said Rachel "I'm not going to do that, because I know how much you want to do this and you should do this"
"I'm only a phone call away, day or night if you just want to chat" said Ross "If Emma is keeping you awake at night and you want me to be awake too, just dial that number and I will be"
"You're really sweet" said Rachel "I don't deserve to have someone like you"
"Yeah you do," said Ross
He pulled her close and kissed the side of her head, and they enjoyed their little moment of togetherness, Even if they couldn't be a couple, they would always be Best Friends.
They were interrupted by Monica "What's going on?"
"Nothing" said Rachel, pulling away from Ross and wiping her eyes "We're just talking"
"I saw you run outside" said Monica "Are you upset?"
"No, I'm fine," said Rachel, putting a smile on her face
"It's fine Mon," said Ross
"Ok" said Monica, staring at the both and desperately wanting to know what the hell was going on "Pheeb's and Mike are about to cut the Wedding Cake and make the speeches, Rachel you've gotta do yours"
"Oh right!" said Rachel. She tried to clear her mind and felt Ross take her hand
"Come on" said Monica, walking inside
"Are you gonna be able to do this?" asked Ross
"Yeah..I'll be fine," said Rachel as they headed inside.
To be continued.
There was the first chapter! It was too long for just one chapter so I decided to make a couple. Please review and let me know what you think : ) Chapter 2 coming very soon!
Disclaimer - I don't own any of these characters, blah, blah, blah
The final episode of Friends, My way.Manly focuses on Ross and Rachel, but also the other Friends as well.
Central Perk
Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and his girlfriend Jade, Phoebe and Mike were all present, sitting on the couch chatting quietly as Ross came in.
He made his way over to the couches and as he reached them, he said suddenly "I've got some news everyone"
"Dada" said Emma, reaching her arms out towards Ross from her spot in Rachel's lap
"Hi Sweetie" said Ross, pulling her into his arms and planting a kiss on her head "How's my girl?"
"Your news Ross?" interrupted Joey "Spit it out"
"Oh right" said Ross "Well.I've been offered a temporary teaching position at UCLA and I accepted it.So, I'm moving to Los Angeles for 6 months"
"What?" said Monica "Are you serious?"
"What!!" said Rachel sharply "Please tell me you're kidding"
"No, I'm not kidding," said Ross, looking at her strangely "I'm serious"
"You're moving to LA?" said Chandler "Wow man, that's a big decision to make"
"It's only for 6 months," said Ross
"Oh only" muttered Rachel "How could you accept this?"
"This is a career opportunity for me Rachel" said Ross "I realise that this is 6 months that I will be away from Emma but."
"I'm glad you realise that Ross," said Rachel
"That is an awfully long time Ross" said Monica "Are you sure that you've thought this through?"
"I have" said Ross "I thought long and hard about it"
"Wait" said Phoebe suddenly "Are you still gonna be here for my Wedding?"
"Pheeb's, your wedding is tomorrow" said Ross "Of course I'm gonna be here"
"I know," said Phoebe with a smile, "Just wanted to make sure you all remembered"
Rachel stood up suddenly and grabbed her handbag "I've gotta go.Come here Emma"
She grabbed Emma's out of Ross' arms, and walked behind the couches "I'll see you guys later"
"Rach.. I'll be round to pick Emma up later," said Ross
"Don't put yourself out," said Rachel as she walked out, leaving Ross stunned inside
"Whoa" said Joey "She is pissed"
"I know," said Ross "Why is she so pissed off?"
"Maybe because you're running away to LA for 6 months leaving her behind to raise your baby" said Chandler "I mean I'm not sure, but just a thought"
"I'm not running away," said Ross "But this is UCLA"
"Yeah, But Emma is your child," said Monica "I see exactly where Rachel is coming from, this was her one fear when she was pregnant, that you would leave and she would be all alone with Emma"
"Yeah, It's not like I'm leaving the country though," said Ross "I'm gonna call Emma every night, I'll see if I can come home some weekends and stuff, It's not like I'm abandoning her either"
"You can be awfully thick sometimes Ross" said Phoebe
"Hey, What?" said Ross, putting his hands up in front of him "What do you mean?"
"Ross, if you don't understand how Rachel can be mad at you, then we cannot help you," said Monica "Think inside the box Ross"
Ross paused for a moment, "I didn't think it would bother her this much truthfully, I mean I'm still going to be around, Just relocated for a couple of months.Besides, isn't she seeing that guy from work now?"
"Yeah, So" said Monica "They've been seeing each other for about 3 weeks Ross"
"Still." said Ross "I mean, it's not like she wont have any help at all with Emma you know, Her new boyfriend is going to be around"
"I don't know how you can be so stupid sometimes Ross" said Monica "Her having a new boyfriend doesn't replace you as the father of her baby, is that why you accepted this job? Because you're jealous of Rachel have a boyfriend now?"
"No!" said Ross "Not at all..I just didn't think it would upset her this much y'know.I mean, I love Emma so much, and it is going to tear me apart being away from her but I need to do this, do something new for my career"
(Rachel and Joey's Apartment)
Rachel was sitting on the couch changing Emma's diaper when she heard a knock at the door
"Who is it?" she called
"It's Ross" came the reply as he opened the door "Can I come in?"
"You're already in" said Rachel, pulling Emma into a sitting position "But that's ok"
Ross nodded and closed the door behind him "Listen Rachel, I'm sorry for just springing this news on you before at the coffee house, I guess I should have spoken to you before everyone else"
Rachel shrugged her shoulders "So.When are you leaving?"
"Tuesday" said Ross "I fly out at 4pm"
"Great" said Rachel
"You're mad at me," said Ross "I know you are"
"I'm not mad at you," said Rachel "It was just a shock you know"
"I know, the offer came as a shock to me too" said Ross "But you understand how I have to do this, this is UCLA I'm talking about"
"Yeah" said Rachel, grabbing things from Emma's changing table and throwing them into her diaper bag
Ross picked Emma up, and kissed her head "And I don't want you to think I am abandoning you and Emma either Rachel. You know how much I love this little girl, She is everything to me"
"Is she?" said Rachel "Then why are you leaving her behind for 6 months while you go and live the life in Los Angeles?"
"I'm not" said Ross "I am working in LA, not 'living the life'..I'm going to come home on the weekends to see Emma and Ben, I'm a phone call away if anything happens"
"Emma is 14 months old Ross, She's going to be doing so much more over the next 6 months, and it saddens me that you're not going to be here for it" said Rachel "You're going to miss the next 6 months of your daughters life"
"I know and it saddens me too Rach" said Ross "But like I said, I need to do this!"
"Fine!" said Rachel "That's fine.Best of Luck in Los Angeles"
She handed Ross the diaper bag and a coat hanger with a pretty dress on it "There's Emma's dress for tomorrow, don't crease it or anything like that. Make sure she's perfect for the Wedding"
"Ok" said Ross, aware of the fact that Rachel wanted him gone right about now "What are you doing tonight? Are you going on a date with Chris"
Rachel fell silent "No! Chris and I aren't seeing each other anymore, we broke up last night"
"I'm so sorry Rach," said Ross "Why?"
"Oh you know, Just the little thing that Chris couldn't accept the fact that I have a child, No big deal" said Rachel, her face sad "It was only 3 weeks anyway, not like I loved the guy"
Ross stared at her, their eyes locked. He knew her well enough and could read her mind and he knew she was upset.
He put Emma down and hesitantly pulled her into an awkward sort of hug "I am sorry"
"I'm fine," said Rachel, pulling away "Thankyou"
She picked Emma up and gave her a hug "I'll see you tomorrow at the wedding Sweetie, You be a good girl for Daddy"
"Are you going to be ok?" said Ross
"Yeah, I'm fine" said Rachel "I'll see you tomorrow, Look after my girl"
"I will," said Ross "Wave bye to Mommy Emma"
Rachel smiled half heartedly, "She hasn't gotten there yet"
"Well, maybe soon" said Ross, he opened the door and struggled out it with Emma's stuff "Ill see you tomorrow"
"Bye" said Rachel, closing the door, leaving Ross in the hallway, confused about his feelings.
(Wedding Reception Hall)
Ross was standing watching Phoebe and Mike posing for photos in front of a Fountain.
Phoebe had the Wedding she dreamed about, a fancy white Wedding and everyone had openly wept as they witnessed Phoebe and Mike promise to love, honour and cherish each other forever. She was the perfect, glowing Bride in her White Gown and Mike was beaming in his Tuxedo. Ross couldn't help but feel a little jealous as he knew a love like theirs was going to last forever, they were blissfully happy.
He noticed Rachel sitting at a table by herself, looking a little glum. She was looking stunning in her Blue Bridesmaid Dress; Ross didn't think he had ever seen her look so beautiful as she did tonight. He was about to walk over there when he saw Mike's Best Man eying her and making his way over, obviously asking her to dance.
He saw Rachel shake her head, saying No thankyou and the Best Man shrugging his shoulders and walking away.
Ross took this as his queue, he hated seeing her unhappy and it was obvious that she was, so he made his way over to her table, and sat down next to her
"Hey" he said, "What's up?"
"Nothing" said Rachel, staring into her Cocktail glass, which was filled with some toxic looking Red drink "Just enjoying some alone time with my Cocktail"
"I know you're upset," said Ross "Is it my fault?"
"No, it's not your fault" said Rachel "I was just looking at Mike and Phoebe, and they're so happy you know, as happy as I am for them, it kinda brought me down a little bit.."
Ross looked over to where Phoebe and Mike were now enjoying their first dance as a Married Couple, staring dreamily into each other's eyes and Mike tenderly kissed her on the lips
"I know what you mean," said Ross
"You do?" said Rachel, looking into his eyes "Really?"
"I do," said Ross "Listen, How about I take you for a spin around the dance floor? Take your mind off whatever is bothering you"
Rachel smiled "Sure"
Ross took her hand, and led her over onto the dance floor
He pulled her close to him and led her around the floor; more guests joined them until the dance floor was full. They danced for about 10 minutes until Rachel's feet were about to fall off in her heels.
A slow song came on and everyone slowed down, the music was very low and people were just slowly swinging to the music, Ross took Rachel and pulled her over near the window to a table
"So" said Ross "Look at us, did you ever think we'd be the last single ones left standing?"
"No!" said Rachel "But at lot of things have happened over the past few years, that I never thought would"
"Like what?" asked Ross
"Well, Emma for example" said Rachel "If anyone had of told me 7 years ago that I would be an Unmarried 33 year old women who has a Child with her Ex Boyfriend and Husband, I would have laughed. I never thought things would turn out this way"
"So 7 years ago, How did you picture things turning out?" asked Ross
"Well, Back then when you and I were together, I thought that you and I would be married," said Rachel slowly "Living in Scarsdale perhaps, with 2 kids and a dog.you would still be working with dinosaurs, I'd be a top fashion designer and all that."
Ross laughed "Really? Scarsdale?"
"Yeah" said Rachel "Joey would be a successful actor with 3 Emmy Awards under his belt, Monica would be married as she is now, never thought it would be to Chandler but still, She would have 3 beautiful kids, and I knew that Phoebe would find her Soul mate"
"It's funny how things turn out," said Ross "Things don't always happen the way you think they would"
"That's true," said Rachel "Life throws a lot of surprises at you"
"Any regrets?" asked Ross "I know I have a few regrets, things I should have said which I never did, things I should have done differently"
"Yeah, a few regrets I guess," said Rachel "But we all have regrets. I don't care about the regrets you know, I don't care about he expectations and all that, I know my life isn't how I thought it would be, this isn't how my father would have liked things to be for his princess, but who cares? I have a successful career, I have the best friends and I have the most beautiful Child in the world, with one of my Best Friends, Who cares about the rest"
"You should be proud of the way your life is Rach" said Ross "I know that I am so proud of you, From the day you turned up in Central Perk in that soaked Wedding Dress, I've watched you grow into the most loving, caring woman. I've watched you find yourself, find who you want to be, become what you wanted to become and become the most wonderful mother in the world. I am just so proud of you, you have no idea"
Something about hearing Ross say those words tugged at her heartstrings, and she looked into the eyes of the man she once loved so much, what she was feeling she had no idea.
"I don't know what to say," she mumbled "Thankyou"
"I know that you're going to find your special someone too Rachel, because you are one of the best fish in the sea, the guy who reels you in should consider himself the luckiest guy in the world" said Ross
Rachel laughed "Maybe..But before I find my special someone, I have a few things I need to sort out"
"Closure?" asked Ross, not sure if that was what she was talking about "Is that what you need? Because I know we've left some things out in the open, in our relationship"
"Is there closure for us?" asked Rachel "I guess that is what I need, to move away from us completely"
"I don't know," said Ross "Let's see"
"Ok" said Rachel
"Look me in the eyes, and tell me you feel nothing for me" said Ross
"What?" asked Rachel, letting her hands drop from Ross's hand and shoulder.
"Do it," said Ross "Look me right in the eyes and tell me that you feel absolutely nothing"
Rachel stared at him, into those brown eyes and she felt herself being drawn towards him, all her feelings which she had stored away were now being brought back up, and she wanted to admit it but she couldn't
"Well?" asked Ross
"I..." she began "Ross please.Don't"
"You can't do it," said Ross "So I'm just going to come out and say that I love you Rachel. I love you now just as much as I did the day we first kissed, I never stopped loving you even when we weren't together and when I was with someone else and I never will stop loving you, because you are my Soul Mate"
"Oh god" said Rachel, tears welling in her eyes "I.This is too much.I need to get out of here"
"What?" said Ross
"I'm sorry," she said, pulling away "I can't do this"
She stood up and ran away from the table, and burst out of the double doors of the Reception room, gulping in the cool air as it hit her, she sat down on a Stone Garden seat, and tried to stop her body from shaking.
Her mind was so jumbled, thoughts and feelings. She knew what she felt, and she knew that it was the same way as Ross did, but she couldn't go there again. Something was stopping her from admitting how she felt.
Ross came out of the double doors, looking around and his eyes rested on Rachel's figure on the seat
"Rach." he said softly, as he came over "I'm sorry ok, I shouldn't have said those things, and I scared you. I should have kept my mouth shut like I have for the last 7 years"
Rachel looked up at him, tears flowing down her face "No.I'm sorry"
"Why are you sorry?" asked Ross
"Because I can't go there with you again" said Rachel through her tears "I cannot do us again"
"Why? Why not?" asked Ross, pulling her to her feet so she was standing in front of him "Tell me why,"
"Because.." began Rachel, pausing as sobs erupted from her throat "Because there is just too much at stake now Ross"
"I don't understand," said Ross "Do you feel the same way as I do?"
"I might..I mean I do..I don't know" said Rachel "All I know is that if things didn't work, the last person in the world I would ever want to hurt will get hurt, and I couldn't live with myself if I hurt her"
"Emma" said Ross knowingly
"Emma" said Rachel "She is my everything Ross, and I don't want her to get hurt and have her life disrupted because her parents are stupid and cannot live with or without each other. She is just too precious"
"You're right," said Ross "I know you're right"
"I'm so sorry," said Rachel softly "I just can't do it, there is just too much at risk"
"It's ok," said Ross, hugging her "This is what I was talking about, you as a mother and how much you care about your child, this baby was the best thing that ever happened to you" "She's the most important thing in my life," said Rachel
"That I know," said Ross "And I think Emma knows that too"
"Oh my god" said Rachel, wiping her face "I'm a mess.this is just a mess"
"Hey, it's fine," said Ross "I understand everything, and to tell you the truth, everything you just said, makes me love you even more"
Rachel just about melted, and she shook her head slowly "I want to go there, you know..I just can't!!
"It's ok" said Ross "Nothing can change the way I feel about you, but I have to deal with it..I can deal with it"
"God, I'm just going to miss you so much, "said Rachel "I don't know what I am going to do without you being around"
"Tell me not to go," said Ross "All you have to do is say those words and I won't go"
"No" said Rachel "I'm not going to do that, because I know how much you want to do this and you should do this"
"I'm only a phone call away, day or night if you just want to chat" said Ross "If Emma is keeping you awake at night and you want me to be awake too, just dial that number and I will be"
"You're really sweet" said Rachel "I don't deserve to have someone like you"
"Yeah you do," said Ross
He pulled her close and kissed the side of her head, and they enjoyed their little moment of togetherness, Even if they couldn't be a couple, they would always be Best Friends.
They were interrupted by Monica "What's going on?"
"Nothing" said Rachel, pulling away from Ross and wiping her eyes "We're just talking"
"I saw you run outside" said Monica "Are you upset?"
"No, I'm fine," said Rachel, putting a smile on her face
"It's fine Mon," said Ross
"Ok" said Monica, staring at the both and desperately wanting to know what the hell was going on "Pheeb's and Mike are about to cut the Wedding Cake and make the speeches, Rachel you've gotta do yours"
"Oh right!" said Rachel. She tried to clear her mind and felt Ross take her hand
"Come on" said Monica, walking inside
"Are you gonna be able to do this?" asked Ross
"Yeah..I'll be fine," said Rachel as they headed inside.
To be continued.
There was the first chapter! It was too long for just one chapter so I decided to make a couple. Please review and let me know what you think : ) Chapter 2 coming very soon!