The 7th Friend
This will be shorter than the last chapter, as I didn't expect the last chapter to be that long, but it's still at a decent length. I'll try to update as quickly as I can. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 2
Who's Having a Baby?! And Day Stresses!
It was a couple of days after I gave the extra credit to that student. She looked at it so seriously, like I gave her a gift from God or something, it was almost sad. I believe she cared about some progress report grade more than I did. Progress reports told you where you were right now, not that you couldn't bring it up later in the year.
But I gave the girl a week to do it, told her to do her best.
At this time, it was night and I was in the kitchen, heating up a slice of pizza from last night when we decided to order in. I ate some of it and then the phone rang. I sighed, wiping my hands on a towel. Monica hated it when grease got on the phone. I answered it. "Hello? Geller and McCoy-and Green residence." I stumbled over the last part, but if Rachel gave our number out since she lived here, saying it was needed.
I heard a familiar laugh. "Do you really do that every time you answer the phone?"
I felt my cheeks redden in embarrassment and my eyes narrow into a glare. "You know I do it! What is it?"
I heard Joey shouting something in the background. Chandler said as he was the one with the phone. "Hey. Come over to the Perk."
I asked. "Now?"
"No, in three years, yes now!"
I thought about it for a second and then shrugged. "Sure, see you in a bit."
I hung up without hearing for an answer just for my own amusement, imagining his upfronted reaction.
I ate the rest of the slice, looking down at my clothes. I was wearing blue sweatpants and a green tank top. I shrugged on a loose button-down shirt I'm sure Chandler or Joey might have left here considering the size and took my car to the Perk, which was a 5 or so minute drive.
I walked in and they were all sitting around, talking about kissing. I snorted to myself. I went to get something to drink. I waved at them as I passed.
Chandler and Joey waved back and I noticed that they all were here. Phoebe chimed happily. "Hey, Case!"
Monica nodded her head at me in greeting, focused on the conversation. Chandler was saying. "I think for us, kissing is like the opening act. It's like the standup comedian you have to sit through before…Pink Floyd."
I ordered a soda, not wanting to drink coffee of any kind right now. Ross said. "It's not that we don't like the comedian. It's-it's just that's not why…we bought the ticket."
I snorted at that, paying for my drink and said, walking over. "And that my friends, is why Chandler and Ross are single."
Monica grinned and I dodged the pillow thrown at my head from Ross. "Hey, I have soda here!"
Ross said, glaring at me. "Then shut up!"
I rolled my eyes, but raised my hands in defense, my right hand still holding my drink. I stepped over Monica's feet, sitting on the table, facing Chandler and Monica. Joey was in the armchair and Phoebe was sitting on the floor, by the table. Ross was just sitting in a random chair.
Chandler pointed out. "You see, the problem is though, after the concert is over, no matter how great the show was, you girls are always looking for the comedian again. We're in the car, fighting traffic, basically, just trying to stay awake."
Rachel scoffed, sitting on the other arm of the couch. "Yeah well, word of advice-bring back the comedian. Otherwise, you're going to find yourself sitting at home listening to that album alone."
I laughed and Monica and Rachel slapped high fives. Joey asked. "Are we still talking about sex?" After getting a yes, he asked me. "So, what do you think then, Case?"
They then all looked at me. My eyes widened at their new-found attention. "Kissing, the sex, all of it is good for me. That's all it is. You know I don't have long relationships, something usually happens."
Chandler snickered. "Yeah, remember Clean Steven."
I flushed red as all of them laughed except for Rachel, who looked confused. Monica grinned at me and my embarrassment. "Casey dated this guy 8 months ago, he was hot."
I sighed in disappointment. "That he was."
Ross had the same grin as Monica. "But he cleaned everything."
Rachel sent me a strange look, looking at Monica, knowing I lived with her and had no problem. "But- "
Chandler raised his hands. "Much worse."
I ran a hand down my face. "It didn't last long. About three weeks. Had sex and then left once he tried scrubbing my room down with baby wipes in every area and all the corners."
Rachel laughed and I groaned, covering my face with my hand. "Stop it, I get it."
Rachel still couldn't stop laughing. "I can't believe you of all people…would- "
Monica chuckled with her. "Yep."
I stood in annoyance. "Yeah, I heard it!" I was not the neatest person around, I wasn't a slob or anything like that, but I wasn't a neat person. A plate or two would be left in my room. Maybe a couple of empty beer cans, clothes hanging around and if Monica and I weren't like sisters, we wouldn't live together. We were almost polar opposites. That's what made the whole thing so funny to them in the first place.
Ross started snickering along with Chandler and Joey. I threw my hands up, yelping in horror when my drink was thrown up, half on me and half on the floor. Rachel glared. "I now hate you."
I put the cup on the table slowly, stiff with the cold from the drink. The others seemed to find it hilarious, laughing more. We were getting stares and Rachel went to get a mop. I wiped my face with my hands. "I hate you all!"
With their laughter increasing, I walked off, turning to point at them when I got to the door. "I will not take this abuse anymore!"
I heard their increased laughter as I left the coffee shop.
/ / / / /
It was Sunday, so I was laying around on the floor, flat on my back and between the couch and table, happy to be free and not in a school. Sometimes I questioned why I decided to teach. The others were watching some show and Ross was at work, which was in a museum. He was the manager of it and he was talking about some new audition they were including. He made me promise to go when it was done.
The others were sitting on the couch.
They were watching a show I didn't know the name of, but could hear it perfectly. I found a small baseball under the table and started tossing it up in the air, cupping both of my hands so I'd catch it.
I heard a female voice say from the tv. "Ha! She didn't leave in such a hurry, after all!"
I grinned, realizing whatever the show was most likely about. Another cheating type thing. I tossed the ball up again. Chandler and Phoebe feet were at my side as they sat on the couch. Lifting my head backwards I could see Joey lying on the recliner and Monica cleaning for some reason.
Chandler said, his foot tapping my side. "I think this is the episode of Three's Company where there's some kind of understanding."
I mused. "So that's the show you're watching. Chandler, stop kicking me."
Chandler smirked down at me. "Then get off the floor."
I did the mature thing next, I stuck out my tongue. He rolled his eyes, looking intently at the screen. I tossed the ball again, but misjudged my throw, having it swing past my head and hit the front door.
I cringed in surprise. Monica sent me a look. I gave her an innocent smile. "Oops."
She shook her head, going back to her excessive cleaning. Meanwhile, Phoebe said. "Oh, then I already seen this one."
I snickered to myself as she clicked the tv off. I pulled myself up, sitting on the other side of Chandler, it being the only seat left.
Monica asked Joey. "You done with that?" She took the glass before Joey could answer.
Joey turned to give her a look, saying sarcastically. "Yeah, sorry. The swallowing slowed me down."
"Whose little ball of paper is this?"
I winced slightly at her tone. What was wrong with her? This wasn't her usual, 'I want to keep this house clean' type acting.
Chandler moved a little closer toward her (which was behind the couch) and said. "Oh, that would be mine. See, I wrote a not to myself and realized I didn't need the note and balled it up…and now I wish I was dead."
I shook my head at that and jolted forward as she fluffed the pillow behind my back. Joey had gotten up and went into the kitchen. Phoebe said. "She already fluffed that pillow."
Phoebe leaned toward her. "Monica, you know you already…but it's fine."
Monica said after giving her a look. "Casey, get up!"
I stood up, feeling a little concerned, walking until I was standing by her. "Monica, what's going on?"
Monica gave me a confused look. "You don't know?"
I knew I was looking even more confused because that was how I felt. She said. "My parents are coming. And I don't want to give them any more ammunition then they already have."
I scowled at that, they were Monica's parents, but I hated the way her mom, Judy made feel. Hated it since we were kids. Judy isn't a horrible person, but I just didn't like it.
Chandler said. "Yes, and we all know how cruel a parent can be about the flatness of a child's pillow."
I smirked slightly when he paused in the middle of saying 'of' and then continued. It was the way he spoke, but sometimes I made me grin. I shushed Chandler after his quip, I knew how Monica got around them.
Monica was leaning over the couch, fixing it. I sighed, shaking my head. I wasn't going to get through to her. I walked into the kitchen, opening the fridge.
Phoebe sounded a little freaked out. "Monica? Hi. Um, Monica? You're scaring me. I mean, you're all chaotic and twirly, you know? And not in a good way."
I took out a can of beer, flicking open the top and taking a sip. I grimaced slightly at the after taste. I used to hate beer, but opening up wine for no reason in the middle of the day was just weird. I usually liked a good red wine or liquor like rum when I was out at a bar or something.
Joey was telling Monica. "Yeah, calm down. You don't see Ross getting all chaotic and…twirly every time they come." I grimaced at that, standing so I wouldn't sit on anything and agitate Monica further then she already was.
Monica let out a deep sigh. "That's because as far as my parents are concerned, Ross can do no wrong. You see, he's the Prince. Apparently, they had some big ceremony before I was born."
I chuckled under my breath at that , taking a longer drink this time. While she talked, she still cleaned around the apartment. Joey looked at me. "Is it true?"
I shrugged. "Yeah, sort of. I've known the Geller's for a long time."
Monica gave a 'see' face. I raised my hands, my can being lifted a little. "Listen, Mon. Everything will be fine, but it won't be if you have to go to the hospital for hyperventilating. Calm down."
She sent me a glare, but I looked at her seriously. I suddenly heard Chandler whine in disgust by the big window. "Ew, ew, ew, ew!" He was pointing out said window.
Monica sounded panicked. "What?!"
Chandler looked over at us. "Ugly Naked Guy got a Thigh Master."
My eyes widened in surprise and I burst to laugher at the mental image. Ugly Naked Guy was our first floor neighbor who was as the name showed. He was an unattractive guy who was naked.
I was curious though and walked over with everyone else. I winced, as I saw what I imagined. "Ew! I don't want to see that!"
They all echoed what I said.
I walked away from the window, leaning on the counter and drinking more of my beer. Suddenly Rachel came out of her room. "Has anyone seen my engagement ring?"
I blinked at her, staring in shock at her words. She was wearing a multicolored flowered skirt, pined at the waist and a light green t-shirt. Phoebe said, coming forward. "Yeah, it's beautiful."
I sent her a look, at the no doubt expensive ring that she had misplaced. "Rachel…"
She looked stricken. "Oh, God! Oh, God! Oh, God! Oh, God!"
She started looking for it on the couch, messing up the pillows. Phoebe said wary. "Don't touch that."
Rachel was looking all over the living room. "If I wasn't dreading tomorrow enough, having to give it back to him. 'Hi, Barry, remember me? I'm the girl in the veil that stomped on your heart in front of your entire family'. Oh, God and now I have to return the ring without the ring which makes it so much harder!"
I said dryly. "Well, he'll never forget you now, more so if you don't give him the ring."
Monica smacked my arm as she went to the couch, to talk to Rachel. "Easy Rach, we'll find it. Won't we?"
After a hard stare from her, both Joey and Chandler agreed. Joey asked. "When did you have it on last?"
I looked over at Rachel, that was a good question, strange coming from Joey, but still a good question. Phoebe replied for her. "Doy. Probably right before she lost it."
Chandler smiled sarcastically. "You don't get a lot of doy these days."
Monica asked me as they looked around. "Why don't you help?"
I smiled at her. "I am."
Chandler scoffed at me, raising his eyebrows. "Really? Doing what?"
My smile turned into a smug grin. "Supervising."
Rachel gave me a sad/worried look and I groaned, putting the can down and crouching on the floor, looking for a ring, but I could not see anything.
Rachel said. "No, I had it this morning. And I know I had it when I was in the kitchen with…"
Rachel came in the kitchen, trailing off. I stared at her confused from the floor, moving my head down to look under the fridge. Maybe it slipped under there.
Meanwhile, Chandler fixed her sentence. "Dinah?"
I snorted at that, standing up. "Well, it's not here."
Rachel groaned. "Don't be mad."
I looked over and could almost feel myself pale when she stopped in front of a lasagna, that I now realized was for Monica and Ross' parent's dinner.
Monica voice was in disbelief. "You didn't?"
I whispered. "I think she did."
Monica sent me an annoyed glare. I raised my hands in surrender, walking over to where Rachel was by the food, taking my beer with me.
Rachel sounded guilty. "I'm sorry."
Monica grabbed the tray. "I gave you one job!"
She lifted it up, trying to find the ring. I hopped up on the counter, content to watch to see how this would turn out. I took another drink of beer, leaving the can half empty.
Rachel pointed out. "Look how straight those noodles are."
Chandler also pointed out, a smirk on his face. "Now, Monica, you know that's not how you look for an engagement ring in a lasagna." He was grinning by the end of his sentence.
I moved away from the fridge, where both Chandler and Joey were standing, moving back to lean on the back of the couch. Monica put it down, looking disappointed. "I just can't do it."
I frowned, setting down my beer can on the table in front of the couch. It was amusing at first, but I just felt bad that Monica was really worried about this.
Chandler said. "We're going in." Chandler and Joey then went to look for the ring inside the lasagna, basically ruining it.
I'd be no help there. I just took my beer, finished it and threw it away. I figured I would keep my stuff cleaner than normal, considering her parents were coming. I didn't know Rachel was making anything. I did sleep in and I was doing school stuff like grades and what not in my room most of the day. It was closer to dinner time. I might go out to eat so Monica and Ross could be with their parents.
At the door, I heard a depressed greeting. "Hi."
I sighed to myself. I knew that voice and its depressed quality from anywhere. "What is it now?"
I looked over and I was right, it was Ross. He was dressed in a blue button up, a tie and slacks, looking very depressed.
Monica made a sound of sympathy. "Oh, that is not a happy 'hi'."
Ross said next. "Carol's pregnant."
I gaped in shock. "What!?"
Phoebe shouted. "Ooh! I found it!"
I didn't look in her direction, still staring in shock at Ross. Ross nodded at me. Monica was stuttering in the same shock, not being able to say more than 'what'.
Ross nodded, still looking shocked. "Yeah, do that for another two hours and you might be where I am right now."
I had a new thought. "Is it yours?"
Ross exclaimed, glaring at me. "Yes! Why would you ask that?!"
I moved my head back a little at his yelling. "It's a valid question!"
He snapped back. "Is not!"
Monica raised her hands between us. "Woah, calm down."
It was silent for a moment and then Chandler broke it. "Kind of puts the whole pillow thing in perspective, huh, Mon?"
I hid my laughter, going over to close the door, which was left ajar. Rachel asked. "Where do you fit in to this whole thing?"
Ross was walking into the apartment more. "Well, Carol says, she and Susan want me to be involved, but if I'm not comfortable with it, I don't have to be involved. Basically, it's totally up to me."
I frowned at that, staring at the wall. At least he has a choice, but abandoning a kid. How would they feel when they're older?
We were all looking at him. Phoebe said, surprised. "She's so great! I miss her."
I rubbed my forehead at her words. I muttered. "That's not the smartest thing to say at this time."
They either didn't hear me or weren't paying attention to what I was saying.
Monica asked, a still lost looking Ross. "What does she mean by 'involved'?"
I walked over to the table, sitting backwards in one of the dining room chairs. Chandler said, standing by the couch. "Presumably, the biggest part of your job is done."
I scowled at that. "Well, that's not exactly true."
Monica sent me a look, not angry, but slightly worried. I shook her off and I felt Rachel's look on me. Ross said. "They want me to go down to this sonogram thing with them tomorrow."
Rachel asked. "What will you do?"
Ross still didn't look anymore lost. "I have no idea. No matter what I do, I'm still going to be a father."
I heard a clacking noise behind me and turned until I was sitting correctly in the chair. I saw Joey eating the messed-up lasagna. I frowned in though before shrugging and going into the utensil drawer, grabbing a fork and pulling the tray to the middle.
Joey gave me a stare and I scoffed. "It's a whole lasagna, calm down."
He shrugged and I took a piece, eating it. I hummed in thought. It was good, not like Monica's, but still good.
Joey looked behind me at everyone else. "This is still ruined, right?"
We started eating it some more and they scattered around the apartment. Chandler and Phoebe were watching another show, Ross went outside to think and Monica came in the kitchen, looking for something to make. She was looking in cupboards and the fridge.
I ate a couple more bites and decided to see if I could help. I walked over the cupboards above the sink. "Find anything?"
Monica let out a sigh of frustration. "No! And I don't know if I will."
I patted her shoulder. "We'll find something."
I opened the cabinet door and rummaged around, grinning when I found a box of pasta. "Here! Pasta, everyone loves pasta."
Monica smiled a little. "Yeah, I guess."
I nudged her, still smiling. "Hey, I lived off this stuff when I was a kid. Well, it was more mac & cheese, but still…it's fine."
She laughed, taking the box and finding some things for curry. "My mother will complain about the pasta."
I sighed. "Then make something else with it."
Monica nodded her head. "Sounds like a good idea, thanks Case." She then was quiet as she started on making the cucumber/curry thing she's made before. I've been her test dummy for new recipes on many occasions. Which was good and bad, depending on what was being made.
She asked me a moment later. "What're you doing tonight?"
I shrugged. "I'll go out to eat and then go by Chandler and Joey's."
Chandler turned from looking at the t.v. "Thank you for asking, Case."
I smirked at him. "And you ask when you come over?"
He wrinkled his nose as Phoebe laughed. He turned back to the show. I smirked wider. They all came here when they wanted. Me and Monica and now Rachel didn't care, but I pointed it out anyway.
I said. "Rachel's working, right?"
"Yeah!" Rachel called from her room.
I looked out the fire escape/patio and saw Ross leaning on the railing with his elbows, running one hand through his hair.
I thought about it and then opened the door, walked outside and standing next to him. I also leaned my elbows on the railing. It was quiet.
Ross said. "I'm gonna be a dad, Casey."
I said, looking outside at the clear sky. "Yeah, I know. I guess you're first out of all of us."
Ross sighed. "I know how you feel about it. But I- "
I raised a hand to stop him. "Drop it Ross. I'm your friend, whatever you do…I'll support you."
Ross said quietly. "Even if you don't agree with it."
I ran a hand down my face in frustration. "Dammit, Ross! You know me, you know how I- "
Ross nodded his head. "Yeah, about you and your dad." I swallowed a little, but didn't say anything. "When you have kids one day- "
I said sharply. "No!"
He sounded confused. "What?"
My voice was firm and hard. "I'm never having kids, ever."
"Casey- "
"I won't. I can't. See you, Ross."
I patted him on the back, but he gave me a one-armed hug. "Thanks, I'll think of something."
I hugged him back in the same way and went back inside, eventually leaving with Joey and Chandler.
/ / / / / / /
We got subs at a nearby place and sat around their table, playing Blackjack and Poker, while also eating.
I dealt the cards while playing Blackjack, looking at what I had. 16. I took another card and swore loudly. "Shit!" I had a six which meant my count was at 22, being over and making me lose. Joey and Chandler laughed at me.
Chandler raised his eyebrows. "Let me guess, you lost?"
I sneered. "Shut up."
Joey suddenly snickered. "Hey, remembered when you first started playing poker?"
I ate some of my sandwich and grimaced. "Yeah, I knew how to play."
Joey laughed again, grinning. "Yeah, but your poker face was so bad!"
Chandler laughed too. "That's right. You'd have a flush and suddenly you'd be smirking and or have a wide smile on your face."
Joey continued. "Which then made you lose!"
I waved a hand, throwing down my cards. "Yeah, yeah, mock me. What you got?"
Joey flashed his cards. "18."
Chandler smirked, splaying his cards on the table. "Read 'em and weep, 20."
I took a pickle and some lettuce out of my sandwich, throwing some at him. "Shut up, sore winner. Time for the next round."
I took another bite of my foot and brushed off my hands, noticing the both of them doing the same. Chandler dodged me or tried to. I was left chuckling as it got in his hair. He swiped it out. "Sometimes I think you're four."
I smirked at him. "Like you have room to talk in that department."
He narrowed his eyes at me, but shrugged, seeing my point.
As I handed the cards out, Joey asked curiously. "So, how bad are Monica and Ross' folks?"
I frowned down at my cards. "They're not evil or anything, but they put her down a lot I guess, more her mom than anything."
Chandler knows some of it, with meeting Ross in college and all. Joey blinked. "Really?"
I noticed, checking my numbers and did my best to keep a straight face when I had 20.
After going around, I realized I won that round. "Woop! I win. About Mon and her parents, we'll find out later. 'Member, we're meeting at the Perk."
They both nodded in agreement. All we were waiting on was a call from her saying the 'Dinner from Hell' was over.
/ / / / / /
After getting the call from Monica, Chandler drove us over to the Perk. Phoebe, Ross and Monica were already there. I sighed as I saw how frustrated Monica looked, the stressed look on her face. "That bad, huh?"
Monica groaned, sitting on the couch. "You have no idea!"
I gave her a sympathetic smile, deciding not to get any coffee tonight. She was leaning back on the couch until she was laying down, Ross was sitting in the armchair. I sat at the end, by the armrest, putting my feet on the table. Joey and Chandler came over and Rachel was still working.
Joey sat on the counter and Chandler was leaning on the counter, with his feet to hold him up on the armrest I was next to. Phoebe was in the middle of me and Monica, so we were all squished on the couch.
Monica explained how the dinner went, Ross interjecting every once in a while. Soon Monica finished, looking even more angry. I said with a shrug. "You know how they are. Look past it I guess."
She let out a sigh of anger. "I know, but even after Ross told them about- "
She closed her eyes, cutting herself off. Joey said as we kept quiet for a moment. "So, your folks are really that bad, huh?"
Ross said. "Well, you know these people are pros. They know what they're doing, they take their time. They get the job done!"
Monica said. "You know they say you can't change your parents, boy if you could." She looked at Ross. "I'd want yours."
I laughed at that. I did agree with that. If I could change my parents…
Ross laughed, kissed her on the forehead and said. "Must pee."
Then he went to the bathroom. Phoebe said. "You know, it's even worse when you're twins."
I blinked in surprise. Rachel was also surprised. "You're a twin?"
Phoebe nodded. "Oh, yeah. We don't speak. She like this high powered driven career type."
Chandler asked. "What does she do?"
Phoebe replied. "She's a waitress."
I snorted and Joey asked me. "You have siblings?"
I scowled deeply at the thought. "Just one."
Chandler laughed at me. "That bad?"
I didn't say anything. Rachel said. "Oh yeah, you and Roger never got along."
Phoebe looked at me. "Roger?"
I nodded, standing up. "Yeah, my older brother. We never got along and we still don't."
Monica stared at me. "That's true, it seems like you hate each other."
I let out a grunt of annoyance. "That'd be true."
Rachel then told us that she had to clean up. So we all headed to the door. I called. "See you later, Rach!"
Monica asked. "Chandler, you're an only child, right? You don't have any of this."
Chandler stood up. "Well no, I had an imaginary friend who my parents actually…preferred."
As he got to the door, Monica patted him on the back. I mused as we walked to our cars. "I never had one, I had Monica instead."
Chandler, Joey and Phoebe made an 'aww' sound. I rolled my eyes at them. "Wow, really mature."
Monica just smiled. "Yeah, we've known each other for a long time."
I thought it over. "It could be because Roger told me imaginary friends were for lonely people and that the only way I could have a real friend would be if they were imaginary."
They laughed in shock and Chandler said dryly. "Thanks."
I shrugged at him. "He said it, not me."
/ / / / /
I was awake before everyone else, because I had to go to an early meeting today, which means I got up, showered, dressed and out the door in record time. I wrote a note on a paper on the fridge so Monica didn't make extra breakfast.
I remembered Rachel had to go see Barry today to give him back his ring and Ross was going to the ultrasound for his child. I felt slight guilt, hoping I didn't influence it in any way. Ross would still be my friend no matter what.
The meeting was a boring affair. The principal of the school just went to talk about some new rules and to make sure the test scores stayed up. We had these meeting at least once a month. My boss was a crowd pleaser, not bad for a boss, but a kiss ass. Annoying, but not unbearable.
An hour later with 20 minutes until classes started, the meeting ended. George Calvin, the principal called me to stay. I got a couple of looks from the departing teachers and staff. I muttered angrily to myself. "What is this, high school again?"
I didn't know we were supposed to act like the students that we taught. Mr. Calvin was a red-haired man with balding hair at the top, bright green eyes and wrinkles on his face, more around his eyes and mouth than anywhere else. He was slightly overweight and always seemed to wear a suit of some kind with a plain colored tie every day.
I stood up, putting my hands in my dark blue blazer. I wore a white button down today with black slacks and the same work shoes, my hair in the same ponytail that I usual wore to work. I usually put it down when I was home and hanging out after work. I asked. "Is something wrong, Mr. Calvin?"
He shook his head, smiling a little. "Problem? No, not like that. You see, a student of yours' parents want a conference today. They believe it's urgent."
I nodded. "Today? I can schedule some day this week- "
He waved his hands. "No, it must be today. Here is the student's file. The meeting will be at 3:30, right after school."
I scowled at him and at the folder he gave me. I didn't say anything as he was my boss and took the folder, opening it. I frowned at the name. He was a rich, no care attitude type of student. His parents must have realized this and called for a meeting.
I side-eyed my boss, but other than looking away from my judging eyes, he pretended not to notice. I sighed deeply. "Alright, 3:30 it is."
/ / / / / /
After dealing with my last class which was on World War I and it's causes, the clock struck three. I scowled to myself, which I seemed to do a lot today and realized I'd have to deal with rich boy's parents in a half an hour. Said rich boy was smirking when I saw him in his period, most likely thinking mommy and daddy would fix this for him.
I could be increasingly stubborn, I wouldn't give in, no matter what they said. Sure, I've only been teaching for a couple of years, but I had a Master's degree in History and a Bachelor's in English. I could find another teaching job if they wanted to fire me.
I studied his file some, apparently, only I and another teacher have him at pour grades, a Mr. Peterson, which I realized was Michael Peterson, he taught Math and was a no nonsense man who gave no slack at all.
They must be coming to me first then, that's great. Note the sarcasm. I heard my door open and saw three people come in my room. A student I recognized and two adults who the kid shared features with.
The kid wore a white button-down shirt and tan khaki's, clothes his folks no doubt made him wear. His had blond hair, it was almost white.
His father wore a black suit that was no doubt expensive with a grey tie with the suit jacket closed and smoothed back brown hair.
His mother wore a pricey looking light green dress, some type of heeled shoe I didn't know the name of. She had the same blond hair that her son did, except it was in some type of hairdo.
Why the hell was this kid going here?
I stood up, already wishing this was over. I fixed a smile on my face. "Come in, you must be Mr. and Mrs. O'Conner."
I held on my hand as they came over to my desk, where I had three chairs laid out. The husband shook my hand briefly, sitting down with their son in the middle, the father on the left and the wife on the right, who sat in a dainty way, my mother would have loved her.
I sat in my wheel chair, leaning forward with my hands folded on the desk. I even went through the effort of sorting out my things on the desk. "What seems to be the problem?"
Mr. O'Conner spoke promptly. "My son, Richard here, has a D in your class. I want that changed."
I raised an eyebrow, fighting the scowl that wanted to grow on my face. "Well, he has his grade because he doesn't do class or homework."
The mother then said. "Surely, something could be done."
I nodded my head. "Yeah, he can do his work and eventually his grade will go up."
Mr. O'Conner leaned forward a little. "If you want something…for his grade, it could be worth your while."
I finally let the scowl come to my lips. "If you're trying to bribe me, don't. You won't get far with me or Mr. Peterson, who your son has an F with."
Mr. O'Conner went red. "Listen, you mediocre teacher- "
I let out a sharp laugh. "Ha! The only reason your lazy and useless son doesn't have an F with me is because of attendance, which I wish he was poor at. He's arrogant and has a poor attitude. He needs to learn how to do things without relying on daddy's money. If this is all, I have things to do."
It was silent for a moment and I was cursing myself in my head, it seems I lost the reins on my temper again. Richard was pissed off. "Hey!'
Mr. O'Conner snapped. "Enough, boy! You better watch yourself, McCoy."
He stood with his son and wife. I smiled stiffly, still seated. "Oh? Is that a threat?"
He glowered. "It can be. My son would be better off in a private school, not in this drivel wasteland with dissatisfactory teachers."
My smile turned sharp and I knew my eyes were angry. "And our school would be better for the choice. A private school sounds great, where you can pay off the teachers and staff to give your son grades he doesn't deserve."
Mr. O'Conner face went past red and changed to purple, "We're leaving!"
He family followed him and I could only stare angrily. I said calmly. "Oh, and Richard?"
He turned with a sneer. "Yes, Mrs. McCoy?"
"When you want to be somewhere that's not based on your father's money, knowledge is always open."
/ / / / / /
I was fuming as I drove home. I didn't get anything on my pager from my boss, but I knew I would hear it later or tomorrow. But I couldn't help myself, I would not give him false grades for money and or anything else. Either pride of myself or my teaching I don't know, but I was standing firm about what I said.
My hands tightened on the wheel as I thought of what he said and how angry I was. I swore through clenched teeth when the light went red before I could cross the stoplight. "Just my luck!"
About 10 minutes later, I parked, shuffled my bag on my shoulder and went up the stairs, opening the door and slamming it. I blinked in surprise at the weird beeping coming from the t.v. "What the hell is this? Science Fiction?"
It was some white and black thing that was moving. If I wasn't so aggravated, I probably would've guessed what it was. Monica and Rachel were standing away from the couch, Monica behind it and Rachel to the side of it. Ross was by the t.v with Chandler and Joey sitting on the table.
Ross grinned. "Nope, the sonogram of my baby! Isn't it great?"
I nodded and said blankly. "Sure. It looks like an alien."
Joey and Chandler both nodded, saying. "I can see that."
Monica was staring intently at the screen. She would've asked me what was the matter if she wasn't. Ross gave us annoyed looks, walking over to Monica. "Monica, what do you think?"
No doubt the rest of them were giving him answers he didn't like. If it wasn't for that meeting, I would be acting different.
Monica made a noise. "Mm-hm."
Ross smirked. "Are you welling up?"
She shook her head. "No."
His smirk widened. "You are. You're welling up."
Monica smiled. "I'm not."
He smiled, hugging her. "You're gonna be an aunt."
She pushed him, grinning happily and going into the kitchen.
I heard Rachel say. "Hi, Mindy, it's-it's Rachel."
A moment later she said. "Yeah, I'm fine. I-I saw Barry today."
After Mindy must have spoken, Rachel replied. "Yeah, he told me."
Rachel waved a hand. "No, it's okay. Really it's okay. I hope you two are very happy, I really do. And Min, you know if everything works out and you guys end up getting married and having kids and everything…I just hope they have his old hairline and your old nose!"
Rachel grinned, walking over. "Okay, I know it was a cheap shot, but I feel so much better now."
The others looked amused. I grunted out. "Good for you."
I walked into the kitchen, grabbing a beer and opening the car, taking a long draw from it. I sighed, sitting in a kitchen chair and leaning back. Chandler asked. "I wonder if someone had a bad day?"
I glared at him. "Shut up, I hate rich people. I just hate them! Insufferable, arrogant and just, agh!"
Rachel said sarcastically. "Thanks."
I waved a dismissive hand in her direction. "You don't need to be offended, you're not even close to being rich anymore."
She sent me a look. "Really, you're so kind."
Monica raised her hands. "Woah, woah. Calm down. What happened?"
I felt the back of my neck and ears get red, like they did when I was angry. I explained all that happened. They looked at me surprised. Monica patted my shoulders, squeezing them in comfort.
Joey raised his eyebrows. "He said that to you, man, what a jerk."
Rachel nodded her head. "I forgot about how you lose your temper, they deserved it, but still…"
I ran a hand down my face. "I know, I'll hear it later." I turned to Ross. "Sorry about before, congrats and all that."
He smiled, his eyes getting that far off look. "It's okay, Case. By the sound of it, your day sucked."
I frowned at the table, going for my second beer and opening it, taking a drink. "That it did."
Chandler shrugged. "My work is just boring."
"Lucky you."
I sighed and then thought. "What was that with…Mindy, was it?"
Rachel then got an angry look on her face before she explained what happened with her when she went to see Barry. Apparently, he was better looking now and was dating her friend and maid of honor, Mindy. I whistled. "Damn. Well, I'm going inside to relax, see you later."
Without another word, I went into my room. It was late around 7 at night. It was too late for a call from the principal, so I expected a call or meeting tomorrow. I guess I get to wait and see if I'm get yelled at or fired or even both.
Joy.
This is it, the chapters you been wait for. I was shocked at the eight reviews I got for one chapter, happy and pleased, but shocked. Thank you for all the favorites and follows too. I wish the Friends fandom had more people, the show is old, but amazing.
Guest (1) : Happy you think so. That will happen sometime, but as you can see, Casey has her own moments and life trials along with moments in the show.
FriendsEnthusiast: Yeah, this fandom is low in OC stories, so I thought I'd make one. Serious parings will happen later on, be she will date and get in relationships in the story. It's mostly about her good friendships with the six of them. I usually read over everything I write, so not too many mistakes happen. Glad you liked reading it.
LadyPinkyofJapan8181: Glad you love it and hope you like this chapter.
Potterbooks215: I wanted to have Casey blend in, but not be a shadow character. Give her, her own presence on the show. And it's great you think it's good.
Painted heart: Well, great that you liked it and here's more!
Guest (2): Glad you like my character, put a lot of work into her.
Hope (guest): Hope it was worth the wait. Tell me if you like this one.
: Well, here's the second chapter.
