Four hours later and Monica was yet to leave her side. The others were
coming in in shifts keeping Monica company and watching over Rachel.

Monica jumped when she noticed Rachel's eyes flickering. She quickly
alerted the nurse who checked over her vitals.

"I'm here sweetie. Everything went so well" Monica told her standing
over her softly stroking her face.

Rachel looked relieved that Monica was there and closed her eyes again.
She was unaware of what was happening or what had happened. She was just
so tired, all she wanted to do was sleep. Monica smiled at her as Rachel
drifted back into a deep slumber.

When Rachel opened her eyes an hour later she seemed more alert. She
squeezed Monica's hand and felt for the tube in her mouth.

"That's your breathing tube honey, it will come out a bit later" Monica
told her.

Rachel seemed quite agitated but Monica reassured her that everything
was fine and she should just rest and sleep.

Dr Corday walked in a little bit later and checked over Rachel.

"Everything looks good. All you can do now is rest" Dr Corday told her.

Rachel again put her hand to the breathing tube, indicating that she
wanted it out.

"If your breathing is stable in the morning then we will take it out
then. The Nurse will decrease the oxygen flow throughout the night and
see how you respond. Its operating at 80 per cent now, if it's down to
20 per cent in the morning and your breathing is stable I'll remove it"

Dr Corday excused herself as Rachel closed her eyes. Her movement was
almost completely restricted. Her chest was wrapped up in bandages and
she couldn't move her head because of the intubation, she was also
irritated by a tube coming out of her nose which she kept feeling.

Rachel was pulled out of her thoughts when Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and
Ross walked in.

"How are you feeling?" Phoebe softly whispered.

Rachel answered by giving a thumbs up.

"She's doing well. Hopefully the tube can come out in the morning."
Monica answered.

"Are you in any pain?" Ross asked

Rachel tried to slowly shake her head to tell them no.

"She's morphined up to the eyeballs so she can't feel anything right
now. They said they will start decreasing that tomorrow – so the pain
will kick in then" Monica said whispering the last part.

Rachel hated being the invalid, she hated the fact that she couldn't
participate in the conversation. Rachel's eyes flickered as she fought
to keep them open but the drowsiness was too strong and she had no
choice but to give in.

As Rachel slept the guys all went home while Monica spent the night
sleeping in the chair next to Rachel. The nurse had to put Rachel in
soft restraints because she kept grabbing at her chest and they were
worried that she would hurt herself.

Rachel woke a few times throughout the night, starting to feel
uncomfortable and irritated and the lack of movement she had. But Monica
and the nurse were quick to comfort her and get her back to sleep.

Once morning arrived Dr Corday removed the breathing tube and Rachel
felt much better. It hurt to breathe but at least she could talk. Once
the doctors had talked through everything and examined her Monica was
free to check how she was.

"How are you feeling?" She asked softly.

"Terrible. I don't feel like me, it's a strange feeling." Rachel said
weakly and honestly.

"You just need to rest" Monica told her.

Rachel was still drowsy and slept most of the day which the nurse said
was very normal. The tubes that they placed in her stomach were removed
but she still had the chest tube and nose tube. Dr Corday told Monica
that she wanted to keep Rachel in the SICU for another 24 hours of
monitoring. There was blood coming from her chest tube and they needed
to monitor it to rule out internal bleeding.

By 5.00PM on the Friday (48 hours after Rachel came out of surgery) she
was getting frustrated. They had decreased her morphine so the pain was
almost unbearable and every time she moved in the slightest the pain
rocketed throughout her entire body. She would constantly touch her
chest, which was still heavily bandaged and feeling the tube coming from
her nose which was driving her mad.

"Can this come out?" Rachel asked feeling the tube.

"I'm afraid not Rachel that's your feeding tube and it's going to need
to stay in place for a few days" the nurse told her.

"It's called an NG tube" Monica told Rachel

"Would you stop – you're freaking me out" Rachel told her jokingly.

"She's freaking us all out" Phoebe chimed in.

"I think that maybe I missed my calling, I should have become a doctor"
Monica said in excited.

"Wow, how proud would mom and dad be having two doctors in the family"
Ross deadpanned.

"You're a doctor?" The nurse asked him while filling in Rachel's chart.

"Well yes I am" Ross said in a posh voice.

"What do you practice?" The nurse asked interested.

"Dinosaurs!" Joey answered for him.

The nurse looked confused.

"I'm a Doctor of palaeontology." Ross tried to back track

"So you can't actually practice medicine?"

"Not exactly" Ross mumbled embarrassed.

A couple of hours later the guys were preparing to go home while Monica
was outside in the bathroom.

"Chandler" Rachel whispered

"Are you okay?" He asked coming closer to her.

"Do me a favour and take Monica home. She looks exhausted." Rachel
struggled out.

"She wants to stay with you Rach"

"I know, but she can't sleep in that chair for another night" Rachel said

"What's going on?" Monica asked as she walked back into the ICU.

"I think you should go home. You look terrible" Rachel softly told her.

"I'm fine Rach"

"Monica, I'm going to be fine tonight. I would rather you were rested
now and when I need you to help me around you will be there."

After some convincing from the others Monica relented and went home.
Rachel got a pretty good nights sleep, she woke a few times but the
nurse was quick to fill any needs she had.

Monica turned up early the next morning and she did feel better. Dr
Corday did her rounds and allowed for Rachel to be moved from the ICU to
a room on the cardiac floor.

Rachel was moved and she felt better in her own room. She had a TV and
didn't have the nurse checking her and pulling her about every 5
minutes. She was settled in the room for about an hour watching rubbish
TV with Monica when 2 nurses entered.

"This can't be good" Rachel muttered to Monica

"It's time to get you sitting up in a chair" The middle aged lady nurse
said.

The two nurses moved Rachel around so her legs were off the bed. She
became very light-headed but the nurse reassured her that was normal and
just to take a second to compose herself. Monica hovered unsure whether
to help or not, the nurses quickly lifted her onto her feet and led her
to the soft high back leather chair next to the bed. By the time Rachel
sat down she was totally breathless and exhausted.

"Just going to let you sit here for 5 minutes" The nurse said checking
her NG tube and nasal prongs.

"Are you comfortable?" Monica questioned

"Not…. Really" Rachel said between breaths

After 5 minutes Rachel was exhausted and the nurses helped her back into
bed. Once she was in she collapsed against the pillows.

"Is that normal?" Monica asked the nurse concerned.

"Yes very normal, it will take time. Tomorrow we will get her up
walking" The nurse said adjusting Rachel's covers.

An hour later Rachel opened her eyes still tired from just sitting in
the chair.

"Can I get you anything?" Monica quickly asked.

"A drink would be good please" Rachel asked with a scratchy throat.

Monica opened the mini-fridge and took out one of the fruit juices she
had brought in for Rachel. She put the straw in it and helped Rachel to
drink it.

"That better?" Monica asked as she put the drink on the side.

"Thanks. It's been a busy day what with sitting in a chair and all"
Rachel smiled.

"That will get better Rach"

When the next day came Rachel was happy spending the morning with Monica
and Phoebe playing cards. However, they were interrupted when the Nurses
lived up to their promise and got Rachel up and walking. They assisted
her on either side while a third nurse walked behind with her IV pole
and Monica and Phoebe followed with a wheelchair.

Rachel was shocked at how hard she found it to take just a few steps.

"Just a couple more Rachel and then we will turn around" The kind nurse
told her after 6 steps.

Rachel managed a couple more steps but couldn't go any further.

"I'm…. sorry… I…. just… can't" Rachel tried to choke out.

"Okay, let's get the wheelchair" The nurse agreed indicating for Monica
to come closer.

When Rachel was settled back into bed she turned to Monica and Phoebe
still breathless and exhausted.

"I can't… do this" She said between gasps

"Yes you can. You are doing great" Phoebe told her enthusiastically

Rachel shook her head in defeat.

"Nobody said this was going to be easy Rachel, but there is no turning
back. You are going to get better and no matter how long it takes you
will be back to full strength. You cant give up now." Monica told her
firmly.

"I hate this" Rachel whispered

"I know you do but only you can get yourself better."

Monica hated being hard on Rachel especially when she was so ill but she
needed Rachel to be strong.

The next few days passed and Rachel was getting a little bit stronger
with each passing day. She was now able to take steps on her own (with
the aid of a walker) so the doctors decided to remove her foley catheter
so she could use the bathroom as and when needed.

After 10 days of being in the hospital it was decided that Rachel could
go home. Monica almost went into breakdown mode, running around
disinfecting the apartment and making up the guest room for Rachel
before she picked her up that afternoon.

"Monica, would you calm down. She's just going to crash out. She won't
care if the skirting behind the back of the wardrobe is clean" Chandler
told her as she knelt on the floor in her rubber gloves and bucket of
disinfectant.

"She's just had major heart surgery Chandler! Her immune system is weak,
if she gets so much as a cold it could kill her!" Monica fired back.

By 2.30pm Monica had to relent, the apartment was gleaming by anybody
else's standards but Monica wasn't overly happy but she had to pick up
Rachel.

When Monica arrived at the hospital Rachel was sitting in the chair next
to the bed. She still looked terrible, the Nike tracksuit bottoms were
hanging off of her as was the red Nike t-shirt she had on.

"All ready to go?" Monica smiled as she walked into the room.

"Pretty much"

"Did you pack this?" Monica asked referring to the louis vuitton travel
bag on the bed.

"No, the nurse did. Can you just check around to make sure everything is
in" Rachel asked slowly still sounding breathless

Monica went into the bathroom and checked that Rachel had cleared
everything, along with the small cupboards and fridge.

"She's done a great job" Monica said like an army inspector.

"Okay, all ready to go?" the nurse asked walking into the room pushing a
wheelchair.

"Yeah, we think so" Rachel said trying to start standing.

Monica helped her by the arm, grabbing the Nike jacket from the bed and
helping Rachel put it on. Once the jacket was on and zipped up Monica
helped Rachel ease into the chair.

She was expecting an argument from Rachel on why she didn't need a wheel
chair but Rachel seemed pleased to have it to hand.

"Have you signed the charts Rachel" The nurse asked.

"They are on the bed"

"Okay, you're all set. Do you need some help to get down to the car?"

"No, I'm good." Monica smiled grabbing the Louis Vuitton holder from the
bed.

Rachel and Monica thanked the nurse and left. Monica pushed Rachel down
to the waiting Porsche. Monica helped Rachel into the passenger side of
the Porsche and then folded the wheelchair into the small back.

"How's it feel to be out?" Monica smiled as she started the engine.

"Good. Just have to wait and see if I need to do it all again"

Monica had tried her hardest to put her worst fears to the back of her
mind just concentrating on Rachel's recovery.

As Monica drove out of the hospital Rachel gasped in pain as she went
over the speed bumps.

"Sorry" Monica said driving as slowly as possible over the numerous
speed restrictors.

"What a stupid place to have bumps when people have just had surgery!"
Monica moaned.

Once they got outside of the apartment Monica set the wheelchair up and
helped Rachel out of the car. Monica had gotten the key for the
industrial elevator from Treager so that Rachel wouldn't be bothered
with the stairs.

As they opened the door to the apartment Chandler, Ross, Phoebe, Joey,
Charley and Mike all screamed SURPRISE causing both Monica and Rachel to
jump.

"Oh My God! Do you think that is clever?! Monica screamed.

"It's a welcome home party" Joey smiled

"Is that a wise idea for somebody who has just had heart surgery?"
Monica glared at them all.

"Monica, I'm fine" Rachel told her standing up from the chair.

Monica quickly relented and walked behind Rachel to balance her out.
Rachel lasted about 20 minutes with the group until she became
exhausted. Monica noticed having kept a hawk-eye on her the entire time.

"Okay guys, that's enough for today. Rachel is shattered and needs to
rest. You can all come and visit again tomorrow." Monica interrupted.

"Oh" Joey and Phoebe replied in unison

"She's had an exhausting journey home and now this, it's all too much."

The guys all got up to leave kissing her goodbye and wishing her luck
with the 'evil nurse lady'

"Do you want me to help you to the bedroom?" Monica asked her

"Can I just crash on your sofa for a while?" Rachel asked

Monica smiled and helped Rachel over to the sofa, where she laid down.
Monica put the TV on and placed the blanket over her.

"Can I get you anything?" Monica asked softly stroking her hair as
Rachel fought to stay awake.

Rachel just shook her head as she let the sleep overpower her and she
succumbed to darkness.

As Rachel slept Monica began to prepare dinner whilst Chandler sat
reading at the kitchen table.

"I think maybe I will go and live with Joey for a while" Chandler said
without looking up from his paper

"What?" Monica asked confused turning around from the kitchen sink

"I just think that Rachel needs your undivided attention right now and
if I'm here then I will compromise that"

"Are you jealous?" Monica fired back at him.

"I just think that this apartment is too small for the three of us"

"Why don't we just throw Rachel out then?" Monica hissed "Yeah, just
throw her and her stuff onto the street"

"She has a luxury apartment actually, nicer and bigger than all of ours
put together" Chandler muttered

Monica couldn't believe what she was hearing, she knew that she had
neglected Chandler a little bit lately but Rachel was her best friend
and she needed her.

"Okay fine, I'll take her to her place… and I'll move in with her"
Monica shot back.

"There's no need for that Monica"

"Actually Chandler there is every need for it. You see she is incredibly
sick, she has a 12 inch scar down her chest, she cant walk 10 steps
without becoming out of breath and dizzy. She needs looking after"

"And I understand that"

"End of conversation" Monica told him walking away into her bedroom.

Monica was furious at Chandler's behaviour, how could he not understand
that Rachel was her main priority right now?

Meanwhile Chandler was across the hall talking with Joey.

"It just got totally out of hand"

"Are you jealous of Rachel man?" Joey asked

"Of course not! I just miss my wife"

"Rachel isn't going to be sick forever you know. A few days and she will
probably be back at home" Joey told him sipping his beer.

Chandler felt like an arsehole, the last thing he wanted was to upset
everyone and be jealous of Rachel who was gravely ill.

"So what are you going to do?" Joey asked

"Apologise. Let my wife know that I love her very much and that I think
what she is doing for Rachel is incredible"

As Chandler was talking over his problems with Joey, Rachel was stirring
on the couch.

"Hey, dinner is almost ready" Monica told her from the armchair.

"It smells great" Rachel replied sleepily

Rachel looked at Monica and she looked sad, like something was weighing
on her mind.

"Everything okay?" Rachel asked

"Yeah it's fine" Monica lightly smiled

"Come on, what's wrong?" Rachel pushed

"Nothing for you to worry about" Monica said getting up.

"Okay, I get it – I'm too sick to know" Rachel said picking the remote up

"It's not that"

"It's fine Mon"

Rachel had a way of guilt tripping Monica

"Chandler and I had an argument" Monica blurted out feeling guilty for
not telling Rachel

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. It wasn't anything serious I just don't like arguing
with him"

"What was the argument about?" Rachel pushed

"I don't even know – we were just bickering"

Rachel knew that Monica was lying so suspected the argument was over the
time Monica was spending with her.

"Does he want his wife back?" Rachel questioned

"He's just having a bad day. It's not about you"

"Look, I don't want this stupid heart condition to mess up your life as
much as it has mine. Let me go and stay at my own place…."

"That won't be necessary Rach" Monica and Rachel both turned to see
Chandler standing at the door with a big bouquet in his hand.

"I was a jerk earlier and it meant nothing. I'm glad that you are here
and I'm looking forward to waiting on you hand and foot" Chandler told
Rachel

"Why thanks Chandler" Rachel said trying to ease Monica's mood "But you
didn't have to buy me flowers" She joked knowing full well they were for
Monica

"Actually I didn't – they're for my gorgeous wife"

Rachel smiled as Monica and Chandler kissed.

Rachel, Monica and Chandler hung out all night eating dinner and
watching a film. But Rachel had to give up half way through surrendering
to bed.

Once Monica had helped Rachel into bed and watched her drift off into a
deep sleep she returned to the living room where Chandler was waiting.

"She asleep?" Chandler asked

"Yeah like a baby" Monica said as she sat down on his lap

"Chandler?" Monica asked deep in thought

"Yeah?"

"She is going to be okay isn't she?"

"Of course she is Monica" Chandler told her sincerely

"How do you know?" Monica continued looking for reassurance

"A couple of reasons. One because she is Rachel and we all know what a
fighter she is. And secondly because she has you looking after her, the
best care in the God damn world and you never fail at anything"

"True!" Monica beamed

Monica and Chandler kissed passionately, Chandler was embarrassed at his
small outburst earlier. He loved Monica more than anything in the world
and he would do anything not to mess it up.

"Let's go to bed" Monica told him seductively

Chandler smiled as he took Monica's hand and she led him to the bedroom.