AN: Thank you very much for the reviews, I'm glad you are enjoying reading this.
Unfortunately there will only be two more chapters after this one.
But, without further ado, here is the next installment. Review please. :)
Disclaimer: The characters from Friends do not belong to me.
"Rach?... Rachel?" Ross whispered, gently shaking Rachel's shoulder.
Rachel let out a soft groan in protest, annoyed that she was being awakened so early. She slowly opened her sleepy eyes to the bright sunlight. Rachel had to squint to see, but she could clearly tell it was Ross standing at her bedside. He was dressed in a suit and tie with a leather briefcase in his hand.
"What is it Ross?" Rachel mumbled groggily. She propped her head up on her elbow to look at him.
"I'm sorry to wake you, but I was called to a meeting. Do you think you could watch Ben for an hour or two? I would get Monica to do it but she has to work and Phoebe has a massage client, and I can't trust the guys with him after they lost him last time. Anyways, you were so great with him yesterday and last night," Ross explained quickly, with a panicked tone to his voice.
"Ross, calm down. I'll do it," Rachel agreed. At first she felt a little reluctant, but she felt better about her decision when she saw the gratitude and relief in Ross' eyes.
"Thank you so much. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can," Ross stated.
"Okay I'll see you later," Rachel replied.
"Bye," Ross said before leaving the room in a hurry.
Rachel got up out of Ross' bed and travelled to Ben's room.
Upon entering the room, she walked quietly in order to peak over the side of the crib. Ben was still sound asleep, breathing slow breaths as soft as a whisper. She smiled as she watched him; there was something so calming about the look on his face as he slept. He was so peaceful, so innocent.
Rachel exited and noticed Ben's bag on his stroller. She decided she would take him to the park when he woke up.
…..
Rachel had gotten dressed and finished a bowl of cereal before Ben's cries broke the quiet atmosphere. She strode hurriedly into his room.
Ben stopped crying the moment she arrived. He stood, holding onto the side of his crib, looking at her strangely. Tears filled his eyes and his bottom lip quivered. Rachel hesitantly walked closer.
"It's okay Ben. Don't cry honey," Rachel said soothingly. Ben gazed up at her, his blue eyes filled with curiosity. Then he reached out to her with his little hands.
"Mommy?" Ben whispered, uncertainly. Rachel picked Ben up nervously, unsure how to hold him. She tried to copy how Ross held him by sitting him on her hip.
"I'm not Mommy. I'm Rachel," Rachel told Ben. A small smile spread across Ben's pink lips.
"Mommy," Ben insisted, as he looked Rachel in the eyes.
His words warmed her heart, even if he didn't know what he was implying. She decided not to correct him again.
Rachel put Ben on the floor, where he ran to play with some toys. Meanwhile, Rachel went to his dresser and pulled out some clothes for him to wear. She enjoyed picking out a cute little outfit for him.
It took a while to get Ben changed, mainly because Rachel had to catch him first. But she beamed with satisfaction when she was eventually able to figure out how to dress him properly. Soon they were ready to leave.
"Do you want to go to the park Ben?" Rachel asked as she crouched down to his level.
"Yeah!" Ben exclaimed, clapping his hands with excitement. Rachel sat him in his stroller and figured out the straps after a few minutes. Then, they were on their way out the door.
…..
Rachel took Ben to a nearby playground. She was a little nervous to be taking on this much responsibility for Ben, especially since she had never looked after him alone before. She almost had second thoughts about bringing him to the park, but when she saw the smile on his face she couldn't bring herself to turning around.
There were a few children running around, climbing, and sliding down the slide. Ben squealed with joy when the jungle gym came into view.
"Out?" Ben asked, eagerly.
"Yes, let's go!" Rachel exclaimed. She parked the stroller under a nearby tree, beside the bench that sat in its shade. She unbuckled Ben and awkwardly lifted him out of the stroller to stand him on the grass. As soon as Ben's feet hit the ground he grabbed Rachel's hand and was already pulling her towards the playground.
Rachel let him lead her into the sand around the playground. Ben began to walk with her towards the swings. Rachel quickly guided him away from there, even as an adult, the swings were still a fear of hers. Ben changed direction and happily ran for the slide.
"Me slide?" Ben asked adorably.
"Okay, let me help you," Rachel said, unsure if he could climb up there himself. She helped him climb the stairs. When they reached the top she sat him on her lap and eased herself forward to slide down the slide. Ben laughed with amusement as they glided to the bottom.
Ben made Rachel slide with him a few more times. When Rachel put Ben back on the ground, after reaching the end of the slide, he stopped in the sand. He was quickly distracted and began playing.
Rachel just strolled to sit on the nearby bench to watch him. She was so proud of herself. She was doing a fine job looking after Ben, considering she had never been around kids before. Rachel wondered if she wanted kids in the future, having a great time with Ben had brought that thought to mind.
Rachel smiled to herself as she watched Ben inspect a few rocks and then dig a hole. Soon he looked over at Rachel to see where she had gone. Rachel waved at him and smiled. Before she knew it he was running over to her.
"Look!" Ben exclaimed, proudly holding out a rock for Rachel to see.
"Wow!" Rachel said, enthusiastically peeking into his tiny palm. Ben put the rock on the bench and then gazed at Rachel with a smile that showed off all his tiny teeth. Without warning he tried to climb onto her lap. Rachel lifted him up for him to sit facing her.
"I love you Mommy," Ben said sweetly. Then he leaned in and hugged her around the neck. Rachel had to blink tears out of her eyes. Even though she figured he was only calling her that because he was around women most of the time, she loved the sound of it.
"I love you too, Ben," Rachel whispered, barely loud enough for anyone other than herself to hear. She rubbed his back and closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.
Soon Ben pulled away and decided he wanted to go play again. He began to struggle to get down so Rachel put him back on the grass. He ran back to the sand.
As Rachel watched Ben play some more she pondered the notion that she had never wanted kids with Barry but she loved Ross' son. Could it be that it was just because he was Ross' son?
Rachel looked at her watch. It had been an hour already. She concluded that she should get home, since Ross said he would try and be quick. She didn't want him to get home and panic because she was missing.
"Ben let's go home to see your Daddy now," Rachel called, as she got up off the bench to catch Ben's attention.
…..
Ben fell asleep in the stroller on the short walk home. Rachel figured the fresh air and running around tired him out. She put him down for a nap when they got back.
In the meantime, Rachel went to check her email. Sure enough her friend had answered her last message.
I'm really glad you're alright! I'm proud of you for leaving Barry; I knew you could do it! You'll be so much happier without him and without that life you were living. I'm sure your father will come around.
It's hard to explain what Rachel's like. She's just so incredible! On top of being beautiful she has such a big heart, she's amazing with Ben. She's been through so much by starting a new life, she has so much courage. I'm blessed to have found her after so many years.
To tell you the truth I've been thinking of confessing that I love her. I've loved her since high school. I just don't know how, I don't want to wreck our roommate situation.
Rachel had tears of happiness cascading down her face. Her suspicions had been right. She now knew for sure that she had been talking to Ross this whole time.
She couldn't believe it, what were the chances that he would send her that text message, then they would meet in an elevator, and then she would move in with him, all the while not knowing it was each other on the other end of the emails.
Rachel was filled with a sense of euphoria as she sat there unable to move, but satisfied with staying put.
Ross was an amazing guy and to hear him say things like that filled her heart with warmth. She could now tell Ross with certainty that it was them talking to each other. They could be together. Suddenly an idea dawned on her and she began typing.
If you want my advice I would just tell her how you feel. It's better for you and for her if you're honest.
Take her hands in yours and tell her that you don't want to mess up your roommate situation, but you can't help it because you're in love with her. Tell her you want to know if she feels the same. If she does feel the same, kiss her.
You're a great guy I'm sure she'll be pleased to know how you feel. I just have a feeling she'll feel the same.
Yours Truly.
Rachel hit send and, as if it was planned, Ben began to cry letting her know he was awake. Rachel didn't hesitate to pick him up when she walked in the room. She was much more comfortable holding him after their time together.
All of a sudden there was a knock at the door. Rachel figured it was Ross and he had forgotten his keys, so she carried Ben with her to answer the door.
Unfortunately, the man that stood before her was not Ross. In fact it was one of the people she wanted to see the least.
Her father.
"Daddy? Wha-How did you find me?" Rachel asked, still in complete shock. Leonard Green had a very angry expression on his face as he looked from Rachel to Ben.
"Long story short, I tracked you down," Leonard explained, quickly.
"I told you to leave me alone," Rachel said bitterly. Leonard completely ignored her comment.
"What are you doing with a baby?" Leonard asked, he confusedly furrowed his eyebrows at Ben.
"Calm down, I'm babysitting," Rachel replied.
"Babysitting? I thought you didn't like kids," Leonard said, confusion turning to anger.
"I didn't think I did either. But I guess I changed my mind after meeting Ben," Rachel explained smiling at Ben, who looked at her when he heard his name. "What are you here for Dad?" Rachel asked, wanting to get to the point of his visit.
"I'm here to bring you back home," Leonard said.
"I'm not going anywhere," Rachel stated. She realized her father wasn't leaving anytime soon so she put Ben down. He walked away hurriedly, unsure of who this man was, and began playing with his toys.
"Oh come on Rachel. It's time to stop this little game," Leonard spat.
"I'm not playing a game. I'm serious about this. I'm not coming back; I don't belong in that world. I belong here," Rachel explained calmly.
"Why are you doing this to me Rachel? Can't you come home with me and have kids with Barry, if looking after a kid is what you want," Leonard suggested. Rachel let out a frustrated breath.
"That's not the extent of this. I want to live a life where I'm free to do what I want, and where I work hard for my money, and where I'm cared about.
I don't want to have kids with Barry, and that's part of the problem, I never wanted to date him or marry him because he isn't right for me. I was basically forced into this life and marriage and now I'm finally making my own choices," Rachel explained.
"You can't be serious," Leonard said in disbelief.
"I am serious. I'm sending Barry the divorce papers. I've already filled them out," Rachel explained. Leonard looked like he was going to blow a fuse. His nostrils were flaring, he was breathing rapidly.
Their moment was interrupted when Ross suddenly showed up in the hallway behind Leonard. As soon as Ross arrived, Leonard turned his head to glower at him. Ross immediately knew exactly who the man at his door was. Ross swallowed hard when he noticed the death stare he was receiving from none other than Rachel's father. He hadn't changed a bit.
Ross cleared his throat nervously.
"Doctor Green. It's so nice to see you again," Ross greeted. He hesitantly held out his hand for Leonard to shake. Leonard glared at Ross' outstretched hand and then he just disbelievingly stared at Ross' face.
With that, Ross awkwardly put his arm back down by his side.
"Don't you dare come here and act like that around me. You ruined my daughter's marriage," Leonard hissed with fury. Ross shuddered, looking away from Leonard's eyes to the floor in terror. Rachel gasped at her father's vulgar words.
"Leave!" Rachel just about yelled at her father. "How could you treat my friend like that? He let me stay with him. You should be thankful for that."
When Rachel's father didn't say anything she assumed he would leave soon. So she turned and picked up Ben before angrily storming out of the room. But Leonard turned on Ross once more.
"You ruined my daughter's life," Leonard hissed, pointing a finger at Ross. Ross had had enough. So, feeling agitated, he fired back at Leonard.
"And how did I do that?" Ross asked, angrily. "All I have ever done is be there for her. As far as I'm concerned, I did nothing wrong."
"You did nothing wrong? You don't think confusing her is wrong?" Leonard responded.
"How did I confuse her?" Ross asked, confused himself.
"You put the idea in her head that she needed to leave. Now she's getting a divorce!" Leonard shouted.
"Rachel made that decision on her own. She was miserable and she felt trapped in her loveless marriage. She wasn't happy so she came and found me," Ross explained. Rachel had never actually used the term 'loveless marriage' but his email friend did and he thought it worked for Rachel as well.
"Who do you think you are? You don't have the right to say all these things," Leonard stated, venomously.
Ross didn't know how to respond. Rachel's father continued to stare at him with a look that could only be described as a predator eyeing its prey.