My last chapter of my Valentine's Day story. Hope you enjoy.

C2 A Last Dance

As the Valentine streamers twirled overhead, Ross Geller without warning, found his secret crush suddenly in his arms. He was so enthralled by her presence that he could barely move or speak out loud. Fantasy had not yet crossed over into reality. He opened his mouth to speak...no words came out. Embarrased and too nervous to continue, he found himself running out the door. Rachel stood in the middle of the dance floor alone. What had just happened?

It was cold outside, but Ross refused to go back in. He was too embarrassed. As time began to pass and reality began to sit in Ross began sorting the situation out in his mind. What had happened? Rachel was his crush and he could not even relate to her? Just as those thoughts filtered through his mind Chip and Nancy Wilkerson, the most voluptuous girl in school, came out of the door appearing very cozy. Ross watched as Chip leaned over and began kissing her on the neck. Chip guided her into a darkened area and without a bit of remorse, leaned over and began kissing her. Ross stood there in shock and silence. He immediately thought, that scumbag…did he not realize he had the most wonderful girl in school? Suddenly, out of nowhere, Rachel suddenly appeared. She must have witnessed them leaving the auditorium. Rachel stood there silent for a minute and then took a deep breath and putting her hands on her hips yelled, "Chip Matthews, what do you think you're doing with THAT?"

Chip, realizing he had been caught in the act, suddenly pushed Nancy away and began stammering around, trying to explain his actions, "Well Rach, uh...Nancy was having some problems and we decided to talk about it outside? I was just trying to comfort her."

Rachel, walked over and stood directly in front of Chip. Nancy beginning to feel uncomfortable, attempted to walk off. In a somewhat angry manner Rachel blocked her so she couldn't leave, "Hmm…it didn't appear as though you were "comforting" her Chip."

Nancy hearing the flimsy excuse angrily pushed him away, "What?" It was your idea to come outside."

Rachel's mouth dropped open. She was angry she couldn't speak. Feeling humiliated, she turned and ran back inside the school. Ross, observing the whole embarrassing situation, suddenly felt compassion and ran after her.

"Rachel, stop."

Rachel turned around and discovered Ross directly behind her. He stepped up grabbed her in a take charge manner that let her know he cared, "Listen Rachel, that guy is scum. You deserve something so much better."

Rachel speaking through her sobs still had not fully comprehended what had just occured, "I know he is. I don't know what to do."

Ross couldn't believe what he was hearing, "Listen Rachel, that guy is scum. He would act that way towards any girl."

Rachel realizing Ross was right wiped away her tears, "Thanks for you concern Ross. I need to go to the restroom and cleanup."

Ross stood there frustrated as he watched Rachel walk away.

"What was that all about?" Ross turned around to find Jenny standing there alone.

Ross instead of explaining the situation, just shook his head. Jenny in a somewhat flirty manner moved closer to Ross, "Listen, would you like to dance?"

Ross surprised by her offer stood there in silence. He wasn't used to this type of attention.

Rachel opened the bathroom door just as Jenny had begun putting the moves on Ross. Rachel for some reason, found herself jealous. Did she really have feelings for Ross? Not knowing how to deal with all these sudden issues at once she stepped back into the bathroom and sat down on an empty chair.

Joanna Jones, a petite attractive talkative person, entered the bathroom and immediately noticed Rachel Green setting on a chair looking downtrodden. "Are you alright Rachel?"

Rachel shook her head and did not reply.

Joanna pulled a comb out of her purse and began running it through her thick hair. Just as she began to freshen her makeup she turned and addressed Rachel, "I think you and Chip make the cutest couple. Fred always likes hanging around the both of you. You both make everything so much more fun."

Rachel feeling frustrated with her situation, shook her head, crabbed her purse and stood up, "See ya!" Joanna stood there silent. Rachel was usually friendly and perky. What was going on with her?

Just as Rachel opened the door of the restroom, she found Chip standing solo appearing guilty, "Rachel, I am sorry about all of that. I realize what happened was stupid on my part." Rachel shot him a look of pure disgust. Chip wanting to avoid any more argument proposed, "Uh…well if nothing else, would you care to dance?" For a reason she herself could not comprehend, Rachel, like a lost pupply, abidinly followed Chip back into the auditorium.

As Rachel and Chip headed out onto the dance floor and began to dance, Rachel spotted Ross alone by the refreshment stand. She suddenly felt the urge to be near him. "Listen, Chip, I need something to drink…" "I'll get it for you…." It was too late. She was already gone.

Rachel removed a cup of punch from the table and took a sip. She hoped Ross would get the hint and come over and talk to her. No luck. Perhaps he saw her dancing with Chip and assumed she was back together with him. Rachel realized the only way she was going to get his attention was to go over and talk directly to him.

"So, Ross, where's Jenny?"

Ross looked rather confused, "Didn't I just see you dancing with Chip?"

"That was his idea, not mine. I think he realized he is history. So where's Jenny?"

Ross smiled. He couldn't believe his luck turned and smiled, "She's not my date."

Rachel relieved, looked up in a flirty manner replied, "Great. Listen would you care to dance?" Rachel pointed to the dance floor.

This time, Ross did not lose his voice; instead he calmly removed the cup from her hand and sliding his hand through hers, guided her out on the floor.

Ross gently took Rachel into his arms as they began their first dance. Ross leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Listen, I am so glad you asked me to dance."

For some reason Rachel's heart skipped a beat. She had never felt this way with Chip. She realized Chip had just been a needed accessory on her teenage social acceptance ladder; one that she obviously didn't need anymore. Just as she was drawing closer to Ross, Chip appeared and forcefully grabbed her away. It happened so fast that Rachel couldn't respond quick enough.

Ross stood there in shock and silence. He thought everything was going perfectly.

Rachel broke away from him. She angrily shouted so loud everyone in the gym stopped dancing, "Chip Matthews, let me go."

Chip yelled back, "What were you doing with that geek?"

"Oh, so that is what this is all about; you and that never ending ego of yours looking bad in front of all of your friends. Listen bud, I am not your property, or will I ever be."

Rachel turned and forcefully walked off the dance floor. She had never felt so in control.

Ross walked over to her and curiously inquired, "What happened out there?"

Just as she was ready to reply Chip, not willing to give up walked up behind her, "Rachel, are you ready to leave?"

Rachel turned and slid her arm through Ross's and forcefully replied, "I'm leaving with him." Ross smiled. His wish to be around Rachel Green, his teenage crush was at last coming true.

Chip stood in shock and silence and watched as Ross and Rachel turned and left the Valentine's Dance, together.

The End