Synopsis: This is a AU story of Ross and Rachel previous to FRIENDS. As the Autumn air turns crisp new beginnings may occur. Rachel, instead of running away from her past life and repeating the lifestyle of her Mother, has taken control of her life, earning a Bachelors degree in Fashion Merchandising. How will she change as she travels and begins life anew in the Village? Ross; newly divorced and still reeling from the hurt is also searching for new beginnings. Will this new atmosphere and season, change their future together? Read on and find out. This first prologue is a bit detailed and lengthy. Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters; they are the property of Bright, Kaufman and Crane.

Story: Autumn Leaves

Chapter 1: Old Friends, New Discoveries

New York - September 1994

As the heat of summer morphs into a crisp autumn, individuals are reminded, this is the season to harvest and reap their given talents. Rachel Green was one of those such individuals. She was leaving the comfort of her parent's home in suburbia Massapequa to begin a dream career in Greenwich Village. After earning her degree in Fashion Merchandising, Rachel applied and was accepted as an Assistant Buyer at a famous stylish outpost shop named NJB. Barry, her Fiancée, adamantly disagreed with her decision of beginning a career in the city. Rachel adamantly disagreed back, consequently their disolving their engagement.

Rachel placed her last piece of Louis Vuitton luggage into her new SS 1994 convertible trunk and closed the lid. The convertible had been a college graduation gift from her parents. She opened the car door and gleefully slid behind the wheel. Her fashion choice, a long sleeved light blue cashmere sweater matched with fashionable blue jeans reflected high-elegance with a touch of casual. She pulled her fashionable wrap around sunglasses from her purse, placed them on and started up the ignition. She was at last on her way. A lump appeared in her throat as she backed out of the driveway. She was leaving the nest for a new adventure.

As Rachel drove down the familiar street she noted Ross Geller turning into his parent's driveway. She blew her horn at him as they passed by one another. He didn't even look over.

Judy Geller refilled Ross and Jack's coffee cups while they continued reflecting on Ross' current misfortune. "Don't worry son, I know your divorce was just finalized, however; I am sure someone else will show up for you", Judy replied while putting her hand on her son's arm for comfort.

"Judy's right Ross, mark my word someone else will show up", Jack Geller, a somewhat naive dreamer himself, replied while taking another sip of coffee.

Frustrated, Ross stood up, shoved the chair away from the table and walked over to the kitchen window. Outside, kids in the neighborhood were releasing their energy; some playing games together in their parent's yards while others were rode their bikes up and down the sidewalks. In the past these family surroundings always reminded him of joyful times ahead, however; today the scenery reminded him of the present sullen memories. He had always wanted to be married. His ex-wife, in his opinion, had been the perfect choice. They wanted the same things out of life, the main focus being marriage and children. He would have never had guessed in a million years that she would choose the lesbian path? And to make the situation worse, she had snuck around behind his back with that woman...Susan. Trust…what was it anyway?

Jack sympathetic with his son's frustration enthusiastically informed him, "Listen, son, I know what might cheer you up. As a college graduation gift, we are sending Monica on an Alaskian cruise in a few weeks. It might do you some good if you join her. Get away, meet new people?"

Ross replied in a somewhat whiny manner, "Oh I don't know Dad; I would have to take time off work…

Judy chimed in agreeing with her husband, "Ross, Jack is right; you need a change of scenery to take your mind off the divorce. I think a change of scenery would do you some good."

Rachel drove towards the New York Island Freeway absorbing the colorful fall scenery along the way. In Autumn, New York State offers beautiful foliage. Farms around the state were preparing for their annual fall harvest, thus changing their landscaping from summer perennials into pumpkins and scarecrows. Rachel passed by a apple orchard. The fragrance from the fresh apples scented the air. Many orchards in the fall season, expand their sales to apple cider and apple butter. Rachel untied her ponytail, shaking her hair loose, thus allowing the fall scents to filter through her hair. She was experiencing pure freedom.

Rachel stepped inside her new apartment. The five-room Victorian styled apartment had large windows enhanced by dark cherry woodworking. After the landlord laid new carpet and painted the walls a light coral, Rachel purchased two large sofas, one salmon the other one a contrasting flowered pattern. Two complimentary chairs completed the set. The squared up setting was completed with a large antiqued coffee table centered with a large Murano glass plate. In one far corner sat a chaise lounge overlooked by a large Victorian lamp. A cozy Longaberger basket holding a broomstick afghan, sat to one side. Facing the large couch was a huge armoire that substituted as an entertainment center. A desk table, centered with an antique Victorian lamp lined another wall. To finish off the Victorian appearance, minuscule dark-wooded tables displaying Fenton glassware, had been placed periodically around the apartment. The front of the apartment was lined with a front porch, while a small kitchen, bath and bedroom lind the back. Rachel, exhausted from all of the moving, found the remote control to the TV and stretched out on the couch. The consistent noise from the TV immediately put her sound asleep. She did not wake up until the next morning.

Ross awoke the next morning in his usual funk. His obsession with the divorce still occupied his mind. After his shower, he made a pot of coffee sat down on the couch and began reading the Times. Suddenly, there was a knock on his door. As Ross opened the door her was surprised and pleased to find his old college roommate Chandler Bing standing there. "May I come in?"

Ross more than happy to see a friendly face hugged his old buddy and motioned him inside, "Listen, I just made a fresh pot of coffee, would you care for a cup?"

Chandler, a slender non-muscular type individual, always using humor quite well, slowly sauntered his way into the apartment, "You know me, always ready for a cup. Listen man, the reason I stopped by is to let you know how sorry I was about your divorce."

Ross pointed Chandler to the couch while he headed into the kitchen, "Thanks man." It's been hard, but I'm slowly adjusting."

Chandler chuckled quietly to himself as he looked around the neatly arranged apartment. Chandler got up and walked over to the window. At the park across the street, he noted small children lovingly being guided by their parents. Reflecting back on his empty childhood he replied, "I can remember suffering through my parent's divorce. The one thing that helped me get through it was my parent's sending me away to school.

A light suddenly went on in Ross head and before thinking he spurted out, "Hey! Speaking of getting away, how about the both of us going on an Alaskian cruise in a few weeks? My sister is already booked and we could join her?" Ross blurted out.

Chandler did not care for boats but knew it would do Ross good to get away and there might be a possibility that he might meet someone special himself, "Sure, let's do it!"

"Great, I'll make the arrangements and get back with you."

Chandler nodded in agreement.

Rachel Green headed out of her apartment for her first full day of work. First, she stopped by a local coffee house named Central Perk for a quick cup of morning brew. Candelabra's and large overstuffed furniture enhanced the Bohemian type atmosphere.

Rachel took a long deep breath as she entered the NJB fashion shop for the first time as an employee. NJB, a stylish outpost had managed to thrive in the village for 25 years over many other small hard-to-find storefronts. NJB at first stood for Not Just Baskets. But the baskets have long since gone from Eighth St., and the shop has morphed into an intriguing array of affordable casual and dressy clothes, gloves, hats and often-distinctive scarves and like other West Village shops, a shopper would be expected to come across an unexpected original, such as a white sweater with flower appliqués at the roll-neck and hip. NJB catered mainly to the career woman, thus making the age styles diversified.

Rachel's new boss and main buyer Elena appeared from the back of this intriguing shop. She was middle aged, a bit overweight but impeccably dressed. Rachel could tell she knew her business.

"Welcome to NJB and the working world", Elena replied as she offered out her hand.

"Rachel, still somewhat nervous with the unfamiliar atmosphere; smiled and nodded, "Thanks."

After Elena, familiarized Rachel with the store she next took her back to her office to familiarize her with the operation along with setting up her future responsibilities. "For the first few weeks, in order to familiarize yourself with the surroundings, you will be required to work out on the floor. This will allow you to familiarize yourself more with the customers needs. Next, I will train you in the needed paperwork, mainly ordering and invoicing procedures. Your first major fashion trip will be an Alaskan Cruise. Alaska had previously been traveled primarily by a much older generation, however; with nature tours being offered by the cruise lines such as: horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, dog sledding, nature walks, hiking and whale watching, more of the generation X appears there every year. That diversification along with the lower seasonal temperature, will offer us the opportunity to get a jump start on what women's casual and formal wear trends will center on this coming season. All of your expenses will be paid for, all we expect is a report on what you feel the coming trends will be for fall."

Rachel took in a deep breath. Her previous thoughts was that she would ease into it gradually…it was becoming evident that the fashion world was a very competitive one.

The plane circled Seattle before making a soft landing. Ross and Chandler and Monica pulled their luggage from the airport baggage carrier. Next, they called a taxi to deliver them to their hotel. After unpacking the met in the lobby and booked a Gray-Line tour of the city.

After the city-tour on the open-topped bus, they took a tour of the famous Space Needle. Their next stop was Pike's Market. To wrap up the day, they walked over to the sound for an elegant fish dinner at a restaurant named Ivars. Mt. Rainer, in the background, added further ambiance to the almost perfect atmosphere. It was 9:00 pm. before they boarded the city bus back to their hotel. They needed to get some rest. It would be a long day tomorrow.

"I'm going to get some ice for my drink down the hall", Ross informed Chandler from their hotel room. Ross headed down the hallway. Halfway down a familiar face appeared. He couldn't believe it. It was Rachel Green!

to be continued