The New Beginning - The Story of Ross and Rachel

by lightchaser

Rachel got off from the plane and got back together with Ross. They were both working hard to make their relationship works. But things don't go smoothly after. They were faced with problems that require them to fix as a couple. Meanwhile, Joey was finally got his big break and instantly became famous. His fame would eventually affect Rachel & Ross' personal life. Please R&R!

25. Chapter 25

Chapter XXV

The One With Rachel's Baby Shower

A month later

Rachel is now 32 weeks pregnant. Monica and Phoebe prepared a baby shower for her in Ross and Rachel's apartment. Because the couple, Ross and Rachel, didn't want to find out the baby's gender yet, so they decided to go with a gender neutral theme, a natural vintage theme dominated with the color light brown, green, and white. Everything was decorated perfectly, there was a table filled with cupcakes and flowers, hanging in the background was a matching party garland with the words written on it, "Welcome Baby Green-Geller", and underneath it there were some baby's onesies, teddy bear, and baby's romper hung up in a piece of rope.

This time Monica learned her mistakes, and came prepared. She made the guest list ahead of time and made sure she didn't leave out Rachel's mom, Sandra Green. They also invited Ross's mom, Judy, and a few of Rachel's female coworkers and friends. The Green sisters however, as expected, couldn't make it to the shower. Rachel didn't even bother to ask the reason why they couldn't come, because she knew it's probably because of their busy schedule. Yes, she was right. The Green sisters were indeed busy, busy laying down on the beach somewhere in Mexico. Meanwhile, the dads, Ross and Chandler decided to take the kids to Mike and Phoebe's place, a few blocks away from Rachel's and Ross's apartment.

Rachel was wearing a white lace sabrina dress and a pair of matching shoes. Her gorgeous dark blonde hair was set loose just above her shoulder. She decided to cut her hair short because she couldn't stand the heat any longer. As the center of the party, Rachel walked over the room and greeted everyone who came. After a while, it's time for Rachel to open her gifts. This was the highlight of the day. Thanks to the early invitation, Sandra was able to buy her daughter a present.

"So this is from me." Sandra gave the presents to Rachel

"Thank you so much mom. You don't have to." She smiled brightly

Rachel was in awe when she opened the presents and found a gorgeous necklace inside with a heart pendant on it.

"Well, I figured, the baby is going to get a lot of presents. So I decided to give you a present instead. You are a wonderful mom, I'm so proud of you, dear."

Rachel was touched by her mom's kind gesture, she was holding up her tears. Sandra then gave Rachel a hug.

"Thank you so much, mommy." She whispered

She continued to open the presents. Judy and Jack gave her gift cards so they could spend it the way they needed to. Monica and Chandler gave her a grey lacy bassinet and an elephant's theme gift basket completed with a matching swaddle, a blanket, a comforter, and a pair of tiny socks. Phoebe and Mike gave them a cream hand-sewn baby's sweater and matching baby shoes. Joey sent them a red ride-on toy car, that probably is not going to be useful for another year. As for the others, there were tons of baby toys, bottles, grooming kits, and clothes.

Today Rachel couldn't be any happier. On her second pregnancy she already knew how to handle a newborn baby, so she wasn't as nervous as her first pregnancy. It wasn't the pregnancy or the baby she's worried about, it was something else. It was Ross.

Ever since they ran into Joey in the hospital about a month ago, Ross always stays quiet whenever someone says Joey's name. Ross sometimes would also sit in the dark or staring at the sky alone as if something kept bothering his mind and it made Rachel worried.

While the other guests left, there were only three people in the room left, Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe. They were sitting on the couch and talking.

"Mon, can I ask you something?" Rachel asked

"Sure, what is it?"

"It's about Ross." Rachel said

"What about him?" Monica asked

"Is he having trouble in bed?" Phoebe blurted

"Eww. You should not talk about it with me! He's my brother for God's sake. I'm sorry I cannot help you with that, Rach." Monica squealed

"No, it's not that." Rachel shook her head and then smiled from ear to ear before she said, "In fact, He's perfect in bed. You know there's this one time when he-"

"Rachel! Eww ! Stop talking!" Monica cut her off.

"Ah come on! I want to hear the rest of the story!" Phoebe who was intrigued with the conversation said.

"Phoebe!" Monica yelled.

"Alright I'm sorry. I wasn't talking about that. I'm talking about Joey." Rachel explained

"Is Ross still mad at him?" Phoebe asked

"I guess so. I don't know." Rachel shrugged

"Is he ever talked about Joey with you? Anything?" Monica asked

"Not really. Well, actually, do you guys remember the day Phoebe gave birth to Lily?" Rachel asked

"Well, I'm not sure about you guys. But it is kind of a memorable day for me." Phoebe said

Rachel and Monica gave her an unpleasant look.

"Alright, I'm sorry. You're saying?" Phoebe asked

"That day Ross and I ran into Joey in the hallway." Rachel explained

"Noooooo..." Monica blurted

"I know!" Rachel yelled

"So, what's happening next? This is fun." Phoebe said excitedly as she sat closer to Rachel.

"Well, Joey asked to talk to me alone and Ross said he couldn't let him. But I stopped him and decided to talk to Joey." Rachel said

"So, what did Ross say?" Monica asked curiously

"Ross just nodded and left." Rachel explained

"And what did Joey say?" Phoebe asked

"Well he apologized to me." Rachel said

"And?" Phoebe asked

"And I forgive him. I said I knew he didn't mean it and I gave him a hug. It ended pretty well actually."

Rachel then sighed

"Then why do you sound so upset?" Monica asked, puzzled by her reaction.

"Well, the problem is, Ross was so quiet after that and when I asked him, he said he was fine. Let me tell you, he's not fine, I can see it through his face. I mean his face was so bright before, but after he met Joey he suddenly looked sad and angry. And that's not it. Every time Emma mentioned Joey it's like he's avoiding it and he looked uncomfortable after. I want to do something about them, but I'm not sure how. Can you please talk to him, Mon? I mean you're his little sister, he will listen." Rachel begged Monica

"Rach.. I'm not sure." Monica hesitated

"Please? It's just I hate seeing Ross like that and I don't want him to feel like I'm on Joey's side on this. Because I'm not. I don't want to pick a side, but Ross is my husband. I have to be on his side, but I don't want us to lose Joey in the process. Especially when I knew Ross is mad at Joey because of me." Rachel said as her eyes started to get teary.

"What do you mean by it's because of you?" Phoebe asked

"He didn't need to mention it, but I knew. It all started when I fainted a few months ago. He's taking extra care of me ever since. There's this one time when we were in Vermont. I was going downstairs for a cup of hot choco, and then I lost track in time. He was freaking out and looking for me everywhere. When he finally saw me he hugged me tightly and he looked so worried."

"Really? I didn't know he was feeling that way." Phoebe said.

"He was really scared that day when I saw him in the hospital. I could tell by the look on his face." Monica said.

"Anyway, what it has to do with Joey?" Phoebe asked.

"It was when Joey accidentally confessed his feeling in front of us when Ross was really mad and then it just got worse when the article was released. When the article was released, our coworkers started to gossip behind our back, and he was really upset, especially at Joey for letting it happen." Rachel sighed before she continued, "I know he was mad because he hates to see me cry, he told me that before. I also know I should be happy about it, but sometimes I feel like he's keeping things for himself and not wanting me to worry."

"Oh, honey. My stupid brother loves you so much and I'm sure he didn't want you to worry. That's all." Monica said.

"I know that, but I don't want him to keep things to himself and end up being hurt alone. We're a married couple, we're supposed to be each other's shoulder when things get hard. But these days it feels like I'm the only one burdening him, y'know? Not the other way around." Rachel explained

"So, have you talked to him? I mean you should let him know how you feel." Phoebe said

"Is it a good idea though? I'm afraid he'll think I didn't appreciate him." Rachel replied

"I think he will understand. Believe me, Rach, you should talk to him." Monica said as she placed her arms into Rachel's shoulder and tried to soothe her.

"Okay, but can you please talk to him about Joey? I really don't think I should do that." Rachel said as she looked into Monica

"Alright, I'll talk to him." Monica said and gave her a smile.

"Thank you so much." Rachel hugged them both.

...

Later that night

Rachel was walking out from the bathroom after applying her skin care routine. One of the secrets of her fair skin by the way, she does it everyday, no matter how tired she is. Ross saw her, grabbed something from his drawer and he walked over her.

"Hey, so how was the shower?" He asked as he hugged her from behind with one hand behind his back, hiding the present.

"It was great. Unlike the last time, I don't shed a single tear. Because I'm now mastering the whole motherhood thing." She said proudly

"I told you so. I always believe you would be an excellent mother." He said as he began to gently brush her hair

"I know. Thank you for believing in me when I don't even believe in myself." She turned around and then kissed him

"Uh, what's that on your hand?" She raised her eyebrows as soon as she saw something on his hand

"This is for you." He smiled as he gave her a navy blue box wrapped in a white ribbon.

She quickly opened the box and found a gorgeous bracelet inside it.

"Ross.. what is this for?" Rachel asked

"It's for you. Thank you for giving me Emma and thank you for this." He gently rubbed her baby's bump

"Thank you for being my wife and bringing the joy into my life. Thank you for sacrificing yourself so we can meet our angels. I cannot thank you enough. I know it's nothing compared to what you gave us, but I hope you like it." Ross said as he grabbed her hands and looked her in the eyes.

Rachel's eyes started to get teary.

"Ross.. I love it. Thank you so much." She gave him a hug.

"You know you can always exchange it if you don't like it." Ross said

"No, I love it. Thank you." She looked him in the eyes and placed her lips into his.

He then placed the bracelet into her wrist.

"It's perfect. Thank you." Rachel said

"Anytime." He smiled at her

Rachel then sat down on the edge of their bed.

She then tapped the bed, telling Ross to join her.

"Can you sit with me for a second? I have something to tell you." Rachel said

"Sure." Ross then sat down next to her and looked her in the eyes.

"So, what is it about? Am I in trouble or something?" He slightly chuckled

"No. It's not that." She shook her head, smiled and placed her hands into his.

She then took a deep breath

"Ross.."

"Yeah?"

"We have been married for almost a year now, right?"

"Yes, in a couple months."

"I don't want to give you a wrong idea. So please just listen to me until I finish talking. Can you do that for me?"

"Okay, I guess."

"Ross.. You do know you can tell me about anything, right?"

He nodded

"Of course. Why?"

"Because lately it feels like I'm the only one who's counting on you. I've been counting on you a lot these days. Especially since I fainted and they brought me to the hospital." She started to sob

"Hey, it's okay. That's what a husband is for. You are supposed to count me. Don't worry about that." He wiped her tears off her face

"I know that, and don't get me wrong. I'm thankful and I love you for that. But, it seems like I'm the only one who burdened you, not the other way around. These days I cannot help but notice, I know you have a lot of things going on in your mind, but I cannot cheer you up or do anything about it, because you never tell me anything. It breaks my heart to see you like that."

"I just don't want to make you worry about me." He looked down and stared into the floors, avoiding her eyes.

"But, Ross.. I wanted to. I wanted to be the shoulder when you cry. I'm your wife, I'm supposed to support you and be there for you. So please, can you tell me what has been bothering you for months now?"

He hesitated and stay silent for a moment

Rachel then placed her hand on his cheeks and raised his chin so their eyes met.

"Look at me, Ross.. We're married now, we do this together. Please?"

He then sighed

"Okay." He said with a small voice, almost above a whisper

"Thank you." She gave him a hug

He then took a deep breath and continued

"So, this has to do with Joey." He said

"Okay. It's okay, you can talk to me." She smiled at him

"Actually a few months ago I met Joey. Do you remember the day we all skipped work and went to a park? The day after we found out about the article?"

"Yes, but we didn't see Joey that day." She was puzzled

"You didn't, but I did."

"What do you mean? I was with you the whole day." Rachel asked curiously

"Actually, that night Joey came by our apartment. But I lied to you and I'm sorry for that."

"You lied to me?" Rachel raised her voice a little bit

"Yes, and I'm sorry. It's just that day you look so upset and I just don't want you to meet him yet." He explained as he looked down avoiding her eyes

Rachel then gave him a hug.

"It's okay. I understand." She gently rubbed his back

She then pulled her body away from him and held his hands.

"So, what happened next?"

"I told you I need some air and I went downstairs to meet him. I lost control and I started to yell at him. Before we knew it, things were getting worse quickly and we both yelled at each other until he finally had enough and he left." He explained

"So, you two had a fight?"

"Not physically, but yes. I said stuff to him. I didn't mean any of those, it's just. I think I snapped."

"What did you say to him?"

"I said it is not the first time he caused trouble by saying something without thinking it thoroughly and I said he's the only one who gets the benefit of the whole situation." He sighed

"Oh.. Honey.. Come here." Rachel offered her arms to him and he hugged her.

She then gently stroked his hair, trying to soothe him

"It's okay.. I know you didn't mean any of that.. But, Ross... I think you two should apologize to each other."

"I know but I don't think I can forgive him."

She then pulled away and looked at him in the eyes

"Is it because of me?"

"What do you mean?"

"The reason you cannot forgive him yet. Is it because of me?"

He hesitated and say nothing

"Ross... It's okay, you can talk to me."

He sighed

"Yes. I hate seeing you hurting. I know he didn't mean any of these, but I'm still mad at him for it."

"Do you know why I choose to forgive him?" Rachel asked as she gently rubbed his hands

"Why? You did that easily."

"Well, let me tell you. It is not easy. It's never easy to forgive people. But, in the past ten years, I learned that nothing good comes from hating someone and letting it rotten in your heart. Trust me, it's not worth it. It may take time to forgive someone, but time does heal. I don't want you to lose your best friend, to lose Joey because of me. You don't have to forgive him right now, but can you at least try? Try to be civil around him, try to be comfortable around him. Can you do that? Not for me, but for yourself."

"I don't know. I'm not sure." He mumbled

"Ross.. I promise you, I'll be forever on your side. No matter what happened. I'll always be on your side." She reassured him

"Alright, I guess I can try."

"Okay, I won't be pushing you or anything. You can take your time. And Ross.."

"Yeah?"

"If things get hard on you. If something bothers you in the future. Can you please talk to me about it? I promise I'll do the same." She smiled at him

"Alright. I promise."

"Thank you." She hugged him lovingly

"Thank you so much for opening up to me. I really appreciate it." She whispered to him

"Thank you for telling me these. I feel a lot better now. I love you." He whispered back.

"I love you too honey."