The next day I wake up feeling drained. I think I slept too much and now my body just feels like an extra inconvenience I have to lug around. I didn't mean to, but I had no desire to do anything except lay there wondering what's going to happen and convincing myself over and over again what has actually occurred. Well, technically Joey has only created another life, that's not to say he will father the baby. I guess I just assumed that if Joey raised a child I would certainly lose him forever. How can I compete with the mother of his child? Or even his time, which I would then be taking away from his own kid. But of course I would think a lot less of him if he abandoned the baby, I would never want him to do that. I just wish none of this ever happened.

I decide to be a grown up and call Joey, to make sure he's still alive. He doesn't answer. I take the next hour or so calling him a couple of more times. When all the calls are ignored, I figure I better go over there and see what's up.

I knock on his door and he eventually opens it. He's definitely breathing and he looks pretty normal to me. Much better than yesterday actually.

"Hey," he says in a tired voice.

"Hey, how are you? You haven't answered your phone."

"Yeah, sorry….I…." He looks hesitant to tell me or even let me in, since he's opened to door just enough so he's visible.

"Actually, someone's here," he whispers and emphasizes 'someone' as if I should know precisely who they are. I shoot him a look of "what?"

"The mother of my baby," he forces himself to say the words through gritted teeth. I try not to smile because this isn't a laughing matter, it's just he's acting like a little kid. Which is also terribly ironic at this point. Soon enough though, I'm filling with nervousness as he lets me inside to meet her. What am I supposed to say to her? I don't even know her, haven't even seen her yet, and I hate her already because she gets to have Joey's baby! She got to be with him, even if it was only for one night and now she'll get all his time and attention- forever!

We round the corner to the living room and her back is to us. She turns around now and I'm mad because she's pretty. Of course she is, though, Joey had to hit on her to get her into bed and he doesn't go for any average slumps. She has straight, beautiful blonde hair; she's looks taller than me; with fair skin.

Her face looks troubled and for the first time I wonder how she's handling all this. I never really gave much thought to how she would be feeling. I guess I figured since she's keeping it, she was happy. Then it hit me, who would honestly be all that crazy about getting knocked up from a one night stand; regardless of who it was with. She walks over to me and puts on a smile.

"This is my good friend Rachel," Joey introduces me.

"Yes, I know who Rachel Green is. I loved the show." she flatters me.

"Thank you," I speak softly.

She puts out her hand.

"I'm Phoebe," she tells me her name. I take her hand and lightly shake it hello.

Unfortunately, my mind takes a turn for the worst at this point. I suddenly think about how much time Joey and this "Phoebe" will be spending together from now on, or definitely when the baby comes. What if the attraction not only returns, but turns into something else. First, they'll start sleeping together again and then they'll develop feelings for each other. And with love and a baby on the way, why wait, why not just get married! Oh, these are such terrifying thoughts and my envy and disgust for this woman is growing. But I hide it all too well. The worse part is I actually sit through an hour of all of us talking and she's nice. She's a little strange, to be honest; she started talking about how she needs to have a clean and happy ora for when the baby comes. She is a masseuse, so I guess she knows about all that relaxing crap. Still, it's actually a little hard to hate her when she comes across so friendly. It's okay though because every time I start to like her or think she's sweet, I simply picture her with Joey and I'm back to disliking her. I'm satisfied when Joey finally shows her out, but keeps a grip on my arm, demanding me to stay.

He closes the door behind her and lets go of my arm.

"So…what do you think?"

I take a deep breath and I think he finds my disapproval right away.

"What, you didn't like her?"

"No!" My voice rises way too high and he gives me a look.

"Well, it's just…I don't know! I don't even know why you wanted me to meet her. I mean, I have nothing to do with this baby," I point out to him. He looks down with a saddened expression.

"Rach, I hope that's not true because I need you."

"What?" I ask, although the words are enough to make me spring with joy.

"Look, sure Phoebe's nice and I'm sure we'll get to know each other well real soon, but she's not you. I'm going to have a baby- a baby Rachel! I need my best friend, I don't know how I would do this without you."

I hold back pushing tears because I've never cried in front of him and I don't want to look bad anyhow.

"Wow, I guess I didn't realize…" I begin softly. He walks closer to me and rests his hands on my shoulders. He locks eyes with mine.

"Rachel, please tell me you won't leave me to raise a kid on my own."

"You'll never be alone, Joe," I firmly say and then wrap him into a hug.

"Thank you," he whispers into my ear and it fills me with enough warmth to light a fire.


When I get home, I immediately dial Carrie's number. I decided she's my official go to friend for relationships; or really any Joey related situations.

"…I mean, it's weird right? He's acting like we're together, but he's having a kid with another woman. I get that friends should be there for each other, but the things he was saying…I just…do you get what I'm saying at all?" I've rambled on through a millennium trying to explain everything.

"Yes, of course. Oh my God, this is so crazy! Okay, look I don't think Joey actually sees you two as a couple, but he may still have feelings for you. But I think what really matters is that this is how he truly sees you Rach. You are honestly one of the most important people in his life right now. I mean, he's asking you to help him, not anyone else. Whether you guys ever get together or not, you should appreciate how much he clearly cares for you," Carrie says more sincere than I've ever heard her. I feel a tear drop down my cheek at realizing this truth. Good thing I'm alone because with a revelation like this, I wouldn't have been able to hold back anymore burning tears.

"Thanks," I croak through my scratchy throat.


Author's Note: Sorry, Rachel was not so pleasant to someone! =)

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