Author's Note: Right. A new series. I've planned everything to the smallest detail so that I won't get writer's block. That, and this is actually based on a movie, but since I have to keep the characters as close to the real characters as possible, I have to plan. So, yeah.
additional note: I started this fic again, like I said I would. the way I've started it is different. hopefully my writing skills've improved. )
Spoilers: None.
Setting: Just before graduation of Joey, Chandler and Ross. Ross and Monica are not siblings but were in grade school together. Chandler is more of a player, but will gradually become like he is in the show. Rachel and Phoebe not introduced yet, butwill be in the story.
Shipping: -not to be revealed as of yet-
Thank-You's: Anyone who reviews my story, anyone who actually finds my writing worthy of reading, and everyone who backed me up 100 in my writing quest. D You all rock!

He threw the five-dollar note to the cab driver. "Keep the change," he mumbled hurriedly as he grabbed his coat and suitcase and got out of the vehicle. He put on his coat and began walking briskly towards the hospital. He broke out into a jog as he neared his destination, and when he finally pushed open the glass doors of the building, he was panting breathlessly.

"I - " he began telling the receptionist when he saw his friend being pushed down the corridor on the table with wheels. He ran there.

"Please wait outside," the nurse told him in a crisp, business-like tone. In split seconds, he was pushed back, and the door slammed shut in his face.

He retreated backwards, breathing heavily. A dark feeling of gloom set on him.

Quietly, he sat on the chair outside the operation theatre. That was where the doctor found him later. She ushered him into her office nearby and made him sit on the chair in front of her desk.

He stared at her.

"I'm sorry, Mister - "

"Geller. Ross Geller."

"Thank you. I'm sorry, Mister Geller, but it's a serious case of liver cancer. It's too late to do anything about it now. The hours are numbered - the patient may even not live longer than tonight." She watched him carefully as he looked downwards. "I'm sorry."

Ross nodded slowly. He had been expecting it. "It's - it's okay." He looked up at the doctor again, gathering himself, then got up from the chair. "Nothing you could have done about it." His voice was soft and hoarse. He left the room and walked towards the nearest public telephone. Only one thing he could do.

He pushed a coin into the slot and leaned against the wall next to the telephone heavily. Pressing in the number which he knew so well, he waited for him to pick up.

"Hello? Joey?"

"Ross? It's been ages, man - what's up?" Joey replied cheerfully.

"I'm in the hospital, Joe," he said with a sad smile.

"Hospital? Are you okay? What's wrong- " Joey said worriedly, cheerfullness all gone.

"I'm fine, Joe, I'm fine," Ross interupted. "It's just..."

Joey shot out of his chair when Ross finished. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry...I'll be there right away."

"Thanks," he said, extremely relieved that a friend would be with him. He gave him the details of the hospital where he was and replaced the phone onto the hook.

Sighing loudly, he rested against the wall and fell to the floor. He massaged his forehead with his fingers.

When did things get so complicated?

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