Always Remember

Prologue

Monica Geller was always proud of the quality of air she served. At the tender age of five, tea parties were a very critical part of a child's social life. It was nice for a change seeing girls her age surrounding her and most importantly it was rather lovely to have some attention for once. Of course she secretly felt bad for having to kick out Mr. Bear from the party, but room had to be made for her new friends.

Friends. It was a term young Monica was only starting to learn to grasp. Sure, she had her older brother but she could hardly call him her friend. He just – he was just Ross, her older brother who would occasionally play dress up with her and make her swear not to tell their parents that he had put on his mother's lipstick. Now though, after her mother had gone out of her way to invite the neighbour's children over to play, Monica had a chance for true friendship.

They were all so excited to be there. They admired the pretty tea set and smiled as they sipped the nothingness from the cups. They all seemed to know each other at least a little and always beamed when Monica would refill their cups. However, aside from a casual hello or, you have a pretty dress, no one really spoke to Monica or made an effort for a much deeper conversation. Although at that age, conversations never really went too far.

That was until another little girl ran towards them, huffing and puffing from exhaustion, "Sorry I'm so late! My daddy got caught up with some doctor business, I hope that's okay?"

"That's fine, come take a seat!" Monica liked the look of this girl very much. It was easy to say that she was the prettiest out of all her guests. She fashioned a cute pink headband and matching sundress and her smile just seemed so much more inviting than the rest of the girls.

As the tea party went on, the girls made idle chit-chat with each other. Monica was focused on cleaning an imaginary stain when the late girl tapped her shoulder.

"You're Monica, right?" although her nose seemed a bit larger than what Monica was used to, the other girl had a very pretty face. "I'm Rachel Green! Sorry I didn't tell you my name earlier, you looked busy with making sure everyone's cups were filled."

"I have to be a good hostess, right?" Rachel giggled at Monica's statement which made her smile even wider, "I hope you like my party."

Rachel nodded furiously, "Best tea ever!"

Monica shook her head from the dream she was having. Strange, it had been an entire year before she dreamt about her childhood like that. She was only 14 now but that seemed so long ago.

She looked down at her lap to try to remember what she had been doing previously, "The photo album? Oh yeah, for the collage due tomorrow." She was a little surprised at herself, Monica had never left an assignment for the day before but this one managed to slip her mind. She had a little breakdown earlier upon remembering the assignment and well, now she's here.

As she organized her materials, she gazed thoughtfully at the old pictures of herself and Rachel. Ever since that first tea party the two had been inseparable and even into their first year of high school, things haven't really changed.

Except maybe…Monica hated to admit it but she was never that great in keeping friends. It was especially hard when she became more overweight and kids started to tease her. She was able to keep a few close friends but she was nothing like Rachel. They were only a few months into their first year of high school and Rachel had already attracted so much attention. She would never admit to being jealous, but she was thankful that Rachel never strayed from her side.

Monica sighed as she grabbed a cookie from her nightly plate. She took a bite and shook her head one more time.

"Let's get this show on the road."