AN: I'm sorry, I know I said I'd try to update quick, but it's been a hectic few days.

Please enjoy.

Disclaimer: The characters from Friends do not belong to me.


The orange fabric beneath her, the sweet aroma of coffee beans filling the air, the enthralling chatter of the other customers. Everyone around her revelled in the beautiful morning, whether they conversed with friends or read the paper with coffee in hand. It made being alone at the coffeehouse less lonely.

Her friends were busy, heading to work, leaving her unaccompanied. She didn't mind the time on her own, it was relaxing.

A small plate with a half-eaten blueberry muffin sat on the table in front of her knees. Sitting back against the soft couch, she took a sip from the purple mug in her hands. The coffee tasted better than she remembered, as its warmth melted her worries away.

It was a rich taste that reminded her of the pleasant times she'd spent with her friends; a taste that let her escape the chaos of a busy morning or a stressful day to come.

Rachel always felt right at home in the coziness of Central Perk. She sat upon the sofa, in their group's usual spot. It had been a few days since she'd been here, so she took the opportunity to stop for breakfast before work.

"Rachel?"

Rachel twisted in her seat in order to look over her shoulder towards the doors. Her stomach knotted violently when she realized who had called her name from behind her.

Ross and Mona approached the orange sofa with timid smiles on their faces.

Rachel couldn't decide if this was good luck or bad luck, that Ross and Mona had run into her. Was this the time to take him aside? Could she achieve her goal: telling Ross the truth the next time she saw him? Here was her chance, talking to Ross was within her grasp.

"Can we join you?" Ross asked with poise, deciding there was no need to be nervous around her.

"Sure," Rachel answered. She warmly gestured for them to take a seat, despite the nerves attempting to defeat her composure. Ross sat beside Rachel on the sofa, while Mona took a seat in the nearby armchair.

"I'll get us some coffee," Ross said, mostly to Mona. When he received a nod from her, he promptly stood up. "Do you need anything Rach?" Ross asked, looking down at Rachel.

"I'm all set, thanks," Rachel responded, leaning forward to pick up her plate.

"Okay, I'll be right back," Ross stated, before leaving Mona and Rachel alone together.

Mona kept her eyes glued on Ross as he joined the line at the counter. Soon, Rachel interrupted her line of sight, triggering a new idea.

Mona decided to move so she could join Rachel on the orange sofa. She didn't know Rachel very well, but wanted to take the opportunity to talk to her.

"So that was fun last night, wasn't it?" Mona asked, making an effort to initiate a bit of small-talk.

"Yeah, it was a great dinner," Rachel commented. It was difficult to be friendly with Mona when she was dating Ross, but Rachel tried to keep in mind that both Mona and Ross were doing nothing wrong.

"Monica's such a great hostess," Mona commented.

"She really is," Rachel responded, not knowing how to respond.

"So last night, after dinner, I was talking to Ross and he said you were also in the car accident a few weeks ago. Is that true?" Mona asked, deciding to ask what she wanted to know, before Ross returned.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Ross was telling the truth, she just wanted to confirm the details so she could understand what had happened. Ross hadn't said much about the accident

It was hard to forget his words when he had talked in his sleep the previous night. The way his hoarse voice whispered Rachel's name, sent shivers down her spine. That moment made her realize that this was nothing to take lightly.

"Yes... It was my fault, actually," Rachel revealed, she wasn't sure why she was inclined to share so much, it just rolled off her tongue.

"Your fault?" Mona inquired.

"I was driving, I took my hands off the wheel," Rachel stated, resentfully remembering the awful mistake she'd made.

"I'm sorry to bring it up. I just wanted to know," Mona admitted, fearfully, when Rachel wouldn't meet her eyes.

"Has Ross mentioned anything else about me?" Rachel asked, trying to change the topic. It was the first question that came to her mind. Her gaze shifted back up to Mona, in curiosity. She knew it was wrong to pry, but it was tempting.

"Just that the two of you used to date," Mona answered, watching for a reaction to cross Rachel's face.

"That's true. It was years ago, we stayed friends afterwards," Rachel explained, again confessing a lot to this woman she barely knew.

"You've never wanted to get back together?" Mona tried to ask without disclosing her true thoughts. Honestly, she wondered if she was coming between the two. She noticed the way Ross and Rachel interacted; there was a strange tension between the two friends.

"We're just friends," Rachel stated. This conversation was getting very uncomfortable; it was shocking to hear Mona ask something like that.

"Are you two alright? It seems like Ross has a hard time talking about you. It's been tough to get him to tell me about your history," Mona explained, with a gentle quality. Rachel wished she'd stop asking these personal questions. However, as much as Rachel wanted Ross to leave Mona, she couldn't find it in herself to be rude to her.

"We're going through a rough time, after the accident and all. But things should get better soon," Rachel said, figuring that was as simple as she could describe the whole situation.

She felt bad that this woman was going to be trapped in this situation along with her and Ross. As soon as Rachel exposed the truth everything would change. Here Mona was, just dating a man she liked, and her life could be turned upside-down in the next little while.

It didn't prevent Rachel from aiming to tell Ross today. Enough was enough; she'd kept this secret too long.

An awkward silence enveloped the women, leaving them tongue-tied. Rachel just sipped her coffee, while Mona discreetly watched for Ross' return.

To both women's relief, it wasn't much longer before Ross returned with a cup of coffee in either hand. He strode around the back of the couch to sit next to Mona. He could immediately sense the uneasy atmosphere between the women; he hoped the two were getting along.

"I got you a coffee," Ross told Mona.

"Thanks Ross," She responded, expressing her gratitude by kissing him on the cheek. Ross handed her the coffee mug, before taking a sip of his own coffee.

"What, uh, were you discussing?" Ross asked, trying to clear the rigidity in the air.

"Just how the two of you used to date," Mona stated.

"Oh? That's good, I guess," Ross said slowly, all the while focusing solely on Rachel.

"I told her we've been able to stay good friends," Rachel admitted, giving Ross a meaningful smile.

Mona noticed Ross return her smile and began to feel a wave of jealousy. She wondered if something was going on between them, the way they peered at each other was not a look between friends, it was a longing glance.

Mona snuggled against Ross' side, thoroughly breaking his concentration on Rachel. In return, Rachel began to feel uneasy. This was comparable to watching Ross with Julie, or Bonnie, or any other one of the women he'd dated.

"You know, I should get to work. I start at 9:00," Rachel stated, knowing it was a weak argument, but wanting to escape the couple. Her plan to tell Ross today slowly slipped between the cracks.

"Rach, you still have half an hour. Stay. Please," Ross expressed. It felt like ages since he'd spent time with Rachel, even if they saw each other last night; he didn't want the moment to end.

"Fine, I'll finish my coffee, then go," Rachel declared. She couldn't say no to Ross' pleading eyes.

"Where do you work Rachel?" Mona asked.

"I work for Ralph Lauren," Rachel answered.

"So what is it you do?" Mona questioned, trying to distract herself from how uncomfortable she was being seated between Rachel and Ross.

As Rachel explained her job she watched Ross put his arm around Mona, sweetly holding her against his side. A sick feeling crawled across Rachel's skin. She managed to stay composed while observing the couple display their affection towards one another.

"You have a lecture today, don't you Ross?" Mona asked, keeping the conversation going once Rachel had finished speaking.

"Yes, I'll probably leave right after Rachel," Ross revealed, mainly to Mona.

"If you have to," Mona said, flirtatiously faking disappointment about him leaving.

"I'll be back this afternoon," Ross stated, kindly.

"Okay," Mona spoke.

All Rachel could do was sit there while the couple shared their sappy conversation. She tried to focus on anything but them, until they stopped. After a few seconds, Rachel looked up from the patterned carpet to see the couple locked in a quick kiss.

A surge of nausea rippled through Rachel's body. It wasn't clear what it was caused by, maybe her pregnancy, maybe Mona and Ross kissing in front of her. All she knew was that she felt overwhelmingly sick.

Ross couldn't refrain from studying Rachel's expression, after he ended the kiss with Mona; he was quick to notice her declining condition.

"Are you okay Rach?" Ross asked, witnessing a sickly colour spread across her skin. "You don't look well."

"I think I'm going to be sick," Rachel murmured as she quickly clamped her hand over her mouth.

With that, Rachel got up from the sofa and dashed towards the women's restroom. She tried hard not to attract too much attention from the other customers, as she hurried through Central Perk. Ross and Mona rotated in their seat to watch her disappear through the doorway to the restroom hallway. They then stared at each other in complete shock.

"I'm going to make sure she's okay," Ross indicated, impulsively. Before Mona could answer, he had already gotten to his feet to hurry after Rachel.

Ross reached the hallway between the men and women's restroom, where he warily stood beside the women's door, appearing to be very concerned.

"Rach?" Ross called, stepping closer to listen.

When she didn't answer, he waited, leaning against the wall opposite the door. He didn't know why he chased after her; it wasn't as if he could do anything to help her.

Before long, the door opened to reveal Rachel. She looked up, after keeping her eyes on the ground, to see Ross standing in front of her.

"I wanted to make sure you're okay," Ross explained, when he saw Rachel's shocked expression.

"I'm fine. I-I should get going, though," Rachel said, feeling very embarrassed. She started walking when Ross grabbed her hand.

"Wait. Can we talk?" Ross asked, Rachel noticed a serious demeanour replace his alarmed façade. Rachel's heart fluttered as she turned to face him, here was her chance.

"Sure Ross," Rachel agreed.

"Let's go outside," Ross suggested, dropping Rachel's hand to gesture towards the entrance. Rachel nodded and led the way to the front of the coffeehouse.

Ross and Rachel walked silently through the double doors. They then turned to the left to stand by the brick wall of the building, instead of in front of the large window of Central Perk.

Rachel felt even worse than she had minutes ago. Her nausea was worsened by the way her entire body surged with nerves. Her knees were trembling as Ross focused on her with concern in his eyes.

He didn't care he'd left Mona inside, Rachel was not acting like herself and he needed to know what was going on. It felt like there was a gaping hole in his chest when he wondered if he was the reason she was behaving this way.

"What's really going on?" Ross asked, sternly, as they stood against the cool brick wall. Many people passed them on their morning commute to work, but Ross and Rachel were lost in their own world. It was as if there was a bubble of tension around them.

Ross looked deep into her eyes, and her heart was in her throat. She was nervous to start speaking, but she didn't want to provide an opportunity for interruptions to ensue; she needed to tell him as soon as she could. She took a deep breath to calm herself.

A weight was lifted off Rachel's shoulders as soon as she felt the words leave her lips.

"I'm pregnant."

To say Ross was speechless was an understatement. He was not expecting to hear that answer.

"Am I the father?" Ross asked, not trying to be rude but trying to wrap his head around it.

"Yes, you're the father," Rachel clarified. She was beginning to feel overwhelmed with emotion; tears came to her eyes as she studied Ross' face. She would give anything to know the thoughts running through his head.

A few minutes passed. Ross couldn't find his voice.

After waiting for a response, Rachel noticed Mona walk out the doors of Central Perk. She almost screamed with frustration. She wanted an answer from Ross, but they were out of time once again.

"Maybe it's a good idea if you take some time to think this over. I have to go to work," Rachel stated, stifling an irritated sigh.

"Okay," Ross said, it was all he could manage to say as he gave a nod.

"I'll see you later," Rachel declared as she stared past Ross to focus on Mona's advance. Ross followed Rachel's gaze, spinning around to notice Mona as well.

"Take care," Ross responded, after turning around to face Rachel.

Rachel took one last look at him before leaving. After turning her back on the coffeehouse she let her tears fall. She had done it, revealed her secret. Now she would have to wait and see what was to come. They would have to sort everything out, but at least he knew.

Ross, on the other hand, began to sweat as Mona came closer.

"Is Rachel alright?" Mona asked when she stood facing Ross.

"She's okay," Ross stated.

"You look pale. Are you okay?" Mona questioned.

"I'm fine. I just wanted to speak to Rachel about… something," Ross said, unable to come up with an excuse. Ross knew he couldn't tell her the truth, he knew this was a very important secret to keep.

"You're acting strange," Mona confessed, concern and suspicion intermingling in her voice.

"I need to get to work," Ross stated, dodging her point.

"Do you want company?" Mona asked, sounding flirtatious.

"I'm fine, thanks," Ross stated. He badly wanted to be alone, needing time with the thoughts that were plaguing his mind. "I'll see you after work."

"Okay. Then I guess I'll see you later," Mona said, still curious about what had changed Ross' attitude so drastically.

Mona then kissed Ross goodbye, drawing his face towards her with her hands on his cheeks. She was let down to feel Ross' unmoving lips against her own. He stood there as if he were frozen, barely kissing her in return.

Ross couldn't help it. He was distracted by Rachel, and the fact that she was pregnant with his child.