As promised, this is a continuation from my "Thanksgiving Reunion" fic. It is Christmas 2005 and Ross and Rachel find themselves at odds.
Story: I'll Be Home For Christmas
Chapter 1: Starting Over
"Where do you want this chair Rachel?" Ross mournfully inquired while moving the last piece of furniture into Rachel's new apartment. Rachel looked up from her unpacking and pointed to an empty spot in the corner. Rachel then watched as the man she still loved, placed the chair into her instructed location. Ross and Rachel had tried to make their relationship work; however, it soon became evident they were both too set in their ways and beliefs to make the relationship work. Ross wanted a companion to come home to that cooked, kept up the apartment and produced babies. With Rachel still working full time that left little time to fulfill those needs. Consequently they could not agree on a compromise, so again they decided to go their seperate ways.
"Well, I guess this it is, anything more you need?" Rachel feeling a lump in her throat, nodded. "Ok then, I'll be off." Ross took a deep breath as he sadly looked back observing Rachel moving around her new apartment. As he closed the door he noted she had placed the Holiday Wreath they had purchased together on her front door. Sadly, memories of what they had shared together were becoming just that. Memories.
After Ross left, Rachel fell on the couch and began to sob uncontrollably. Why could they never work their relationship out? Why?
Professor Geller drained of grading term tests; laid down his pen amongst the scattered papers. He leaned over and rubbed his tired eyes. Recently, he had been spending more hours at the campus…it kept his mind occupied. He poured himself a cup of coffee and walked over to the window and pushed open the blinds. Holiday in Greenwich Village was in full swing. Colorful Christmas lights on the traditional forty-five-foot tree, framed by the arch in Washington Park, lit up the park. Village carolers were warming the air while storefront Santa's, rang their bells in hope of a donation. In the background the Empire State building was lit up in blue lights. Ross walked over to his desk and sat down. A framed picture of Rachel and Emma stared back at him. Saddened, he left his office and went home to his empty apartment.
A nervous Rachel entered the upscale Bergdorf Goodman store. Rachel aware she needed a better paying job to live in the lifestyle her and Emma had become accustomed to, had applied for the position of Assistant Buyer in the women's section of this upscale store. "Ms. Green?" A middle aged impeccably dressed woman stood before Rachel. Rachel lived in fashion, however; this woman was indeed a fashion icon…not a tuck or hair out of place. Her upscale attire included a lightweight wool gabardine skirt matched with a silk blouse. Rachel nervously replied, "Yes."
"My name is Jill Harris and I am the head buyer for the women's section", Jill informed her as she held out her hand in acquaintance. "Will you follow me please?"
Rachel followed Jill into her office. "Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Ms. Green, you have quite an impressive resume. What I would like to know from you is why you want this job?"
Rachel feeling a lump in her throat knew she needed to come up with a good convincing answer if she wanted to get the job.
"Well, first; I love the fashion business; second, I have always felt a strong connection with purchase and sale of merchandise in direct aid to the buyer; third, I like the versatility of the buyer such as authorizing payment of goods, verifying stock and being out on the floor working with the customers.
Jill picked up Rachel's resume, "Scanning over your resume which is quite impressive, I noticed you were a buyer for Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren. You are aware this job would be a step down?"
"Yes I'm aware of that. Jill, first; previously my job was more diversified, not centered around Women's fashion." Rachel leaned over and began speaking in a more emphatic manner, "Jill, the main reason I would like this job is due to my desire to work and improve women's dress attire, mainly the Working Woman. This job will give me that opportunity to put forth ideas and expand that feature in the fashion world."
"Good answers. When would you like to start?"
After it sank in what Jill had just informed her she ecstatically stood up grabbed her hand, practically breaking it off, "Thank you Jill...Oh, Thank you."
To finish up the brisket recipe, Rachel poured in the wine. They were having a holiday dinner at work tomorrow and she decided it was time she tried her hand at cooking again. It was easier when Ross wasn't leaning over her instructing her every move. Ross…she hated to admit, she missed him more each day. Maybe if she had him over for dinner…she pushed the idea out of her head and went back to her cooking.
Rachel put Emma down for the night and tucked her in. "Mommy, why isn't Daddy around?
Rachel wasn't expecting that question so soon. "Well, Em's, Daddy is just really busy right now. You know he still loves you."
Emma grabbed a hold of her bear and closed her eyes, "Mommy, I miss him."
Rachel pulled her daughter into her arms, "I know sweetie, I miss him too."
"More eggnog Professor Geller", Tina, NYU's President's svelte petite Administrative Assistant offered.
"Yes, thank you." As Ross took the glass he noticed how attractive she was.
"So, Professor, where's Rachel?" Tina replied in a somewhat flirty manner.
Ross bent his head, "We're not together anymore."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Since I'm through serving, would you care to take a walk through the park; enjoy the holiday scenery?"
"Yeah, let's do it."
Rachel removed her holiday dish from the Longaberger basket and placed it on the festive table. As she stood back up the room began spinning. She located a chair and sat down.
"Are you alright Rachel, you look sort of pale?"
"It just hit me…excuse me", Rachel put her hand over her mouth and ran straight to the bathroom where she lost everything she had eaten the past twenty four hours.
To be continued