We all know the story of how Lobsters meet and fall in love. But what happens when Lobsters go their separate ways? This fic is loosely based on Season 5.
Breaking The News
"What about you, Chandler. What's your favorite number", Monica asked. Chandler thought for a few seconds and said "7". She turned to Phoebe and said "What about you" and Phoebe said her favorite number was 13, because it was lucky. "How is 13 lucky", Chandler said, saying that was the most unlucky number ever. Monica asked Joey what his favorite number was and Joey replied "2,123" and Monica asked why that was lucky and he said that was the number of times he's had sex.
"Again, tell me exactly how 13 is lucky", Chandler asked and Phoebe said "It just is... except for my 13th birthday when I was being chased by a madman, who in his own words, wanted to barbeque me... then there was the time I got 13 tickets from the police. And then there was the time I only had $13 in the bank... you know what? I'm starting to think 13 is not lucky after all". Phoebe asked how Rachel was and Monica said it was hard, seeing Ross married... even though Ross and Emily were not exactly on speaking terms.
"Emily is so wrong for Ross. He should be with Rachel, because they are lobsters after all", Phoebe said. "Look", Monica said, "Whatever we may think of Emily is irrelevant. She married Ross and we just all have to accept it. Besides wouldn't you be mad if you were the one getting married and your husband said somebody else's name at the alter". A few minutes later and Ross entered, in a daze. "What is it, sweetie", Monica asked her brother.
"I finally convinced Emily to work on our relationship", Ross announced. "That's so great", Monica said as Ross shook his head and said "She said she would come to New York". Joey smiled and said that was great as Ross looked serious and said "As long I promise to never see Rachel again". Everybody was eerily silent, staring at him in disbelief. "What", Monica asked, visibly shocked by the news. "Emily said if I wanted to stay married, I can never see Rachel again".
"What are you going to do", Phoebe asked. Ross sighed and said "I can't have another failed marriage. What choice do I have". Joey said "How can you just cut Rachel out of your life like that? You've loved her ever since you were in the 9th grade" Ross nodded and said "I know, but I'm married to Emily now and I have to do what I can to make this work". About an hour later and Rachel returns as Monica said "Hey, did you guys see that new stop sign by the curb". Chandler got up and said "I've only heard people talk about it. Let's go see it". They leave, to give Ross and Rachel some privacy and Rachel chuckled as she put her purse down and said "You've seen one stop sign, you've seen them all".
Ross chuckled nervously as Rachel said "Oh, we're going to the movies tonight. Why don't you come with us". Ross sighed and said that he had things that needed to be done. "What kind of things", Rachel asked and Ross said "Just... things". Rachel walked over to Ross and said "Are you ok? You've been acting strange these past few days". Ross shrugged and said "I just have to go over some relationship stuff with Emily".
"What kind of stuff", Rachel asked, "Maybe I can help". Ross shook his head and said "Thanks, but I sort of need to do this by myself". Rachel sat down and said "Ok, but if you ever need somebody to talk to, or a shoulder to lean on, I'm always here". It broke Rachel's heart seeing her friend like this and felt that he didn't deserve to be strung along, like a little lost puppy. "Ross", Rachel said, "Whatever Emily wants, just do it. You love her, so just do whatever she wants"
Ross looked at her, and with a sad sigh said "Normally that would be great advice... but what she wants... is for me to never see you again". Rachel chuckled and said "Yeah right. And what did you tell her". Rachel looked into his eyes and knew it wasn't one of his jokes and said "Oh my God... seriously Ross, what did you tell her". Ross looked at her as Rachel put her hand over her mouth and said "Oh God, you told her yes, didn't you".
"I'm so sorry Rachel. But I have to make this marriage work. I just have to". Rachel sat down, letting everything sink in as Ross said "But the good news is we can still hang out, until Emily comes in a few more weeks". Rachel jumped up and clapped "Oh really? That IS good news. I'm the luckiest person in the world". Ross said he was sorry and felt horrible about the whole situation. "I love you, Rachel and always will". Rachel glared at Ross and said "But maybe I don't love you". Ross looked at her, hurt that she would even think that, much less say that. "Get out of my apartment. I don't ever want to see you again", Rachel snapped.
"Rach, please. Let's don't end it like this", Ross begged. "I SAID GET OUT" Rachel screamed as she went into her room and slammed the door.