Hi everyone.. here's the next update.. I have been there when it gets so irritating to wait for an update so I have decided not to do that with my readers.. :) And about the drama question.. I really do not know where the story is going right now, I just want to evolve their relationship.. I just hope this story makes up for the lack of Roschel fanfics..
P.S. I tend to get carried away when I write and I cannot avoid the scenes that do not include both of them together.. Just know that this is gonna be a long story.. Enjoy..
Rachel entered the house and was soon greeted by Jessica "So..?"
"So what?", asked a very confused Rachel. Jessica made a face and whined "Come on.. tell me the details..How was it?", with a cheesy smile. Rachel smiled at her. She began thinking of a word to describe her date with Ross, but strangely she couldn't find any. She came back to reality when Jessica snapped her fingers in front of Rachel's face. "Hey"
Rachel sighed with a smile. "He's amazing. The sweetest guy I have ever met. We had coffee at that place where you took me the last time I was visiting, Central Perk. Then we took a long stroll on the streets of The Village. We got a chinese take out and had dinner at Central Park, that's why I got late. I'm so sorry, Jess.", explained Rachel.
"Oh its alright. I fell asleep as soon as you left. I got up just little before you came back" Rachel sighed. Jessica continued, "so.. did you guys kiss?"
"Almost.. I- we were going to.. but he kissed my cheek instead. To be frank, I thought he didn't want to kiss me. But he immediately explained we should go on a second date before we kiss. He's such a gentleman", recalling what he said in the car with a huge smile on her face.
"Wow.. Good catch, Rach", Jessica joked. "Oh but.. You know, brace yourself. Uncle Leo called up, he wanted to know where you were", Jessica told Rachel.
"What did you tell him?", Rachel asked suddenly afraid of talking to her dad.
"I told the truth that you were out with a guy", Jessica was scared. Rachel hit her on head "What's wrong with you, Jessica?"
"I had just got up.. I was sleepy. I didn't know what I was saying", Jessica explained rubbing her head.
"Oh God, he's gonna kill me. He sent me over here so that I could take care of you when Aunt Lisa and Uncle James were out. Oh no.. now what am I gonna say to him?", Rachel said flipping down to the couch with her head in her hands.
"Uncle Leo is so sweet. I'm sure he'll understand", Jessica said hoping to make her cousin feel better.
Rachel looked up at her. "Oh he's sweet with you cos you're not his own daughter. He has never been okay with me dating a guy. That's why I never tell him about some one unless I'm sure about him"
"Hey.. problem solved. Tell him about Ross then. You are gonna see him again anyway, right? I mean.. you kinda seem sure about him to me!", Jessica suggested.
"Hmm.. I could say that", Rachel said thinking. "Anyways, I'm gonna call him in the morning. He must be asleep by now. I'm gonna go upstairs. See you in the morning", Rachel said while getting up from the couch.
"Good Night", said Jessica.
Ross woke up the next day when he heard a buzzing sound. He opened his eyes and straightened up a bit to see Monica vacuuming his room. He looked at his bedside alarm clock which read 8 AM.
"Hey Mon.. you know some people are trying to sleep. Why are you vacuuming my room so early in the morning, anyway?", Ross said rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"You must get up too. Nana is gonna come visit us. And you know, she's worse than Mom, if it's possible", Monica explained.
"Is she gonna stay here?", Ross asked. "Yea.. for a while, I guess. A week, maybe"
Ross got up from his bed to go freshen up but was soon stopped by Monica.
"Hey, big bro.. How was the date?", Monica asked him. Ross smiled. He could not even begin to explain how amazing his date was. "It was wonderful. She's wonderful" Ross said with his eyes shining. Monica had never seen that look in her brother's eyes. Ross started walking towards the bathroom but turned around. "And she feels the same way, Mon"
Rachel was in the backyard on the bench listening to songs on her iPod with her earphones on. Her phone was kept on her lap and her eyes were closed. Suddenly, message tone rung on her phone. She opened her eyes and held her phone. She smiled when she saw who had sent the text.
Ross: Hey.. What's up?
Rachel: Hi.. listening to songs.. You?
Ross: Taking a break from cleaning my garden. What song is on?
Rachel: With or Without You :)
Ross: 'Through the storm we reach the shore, you give it all but I want more' Lovely song, isn't it?
Rachel: Yeah it is.. So Mr Holmes, turning into a clean freak, are you? ;) Ross smiled after reading this.
Ross: Haha.. Yeah Nana is coming today.. Making the place a little presentable for her :)
Rachel: Sounds nice.
Ross was thinking what to type next but soon heard a shout from inside. It was Monica "Ross you're impossible. One thing I assigned you to do and you're sitting here on the bench relaxing"
This made Ross angry."You know what?", yelled Ross. "What?", Monica asked. "You know what?", Ross said again. "What?"
"YOU are worse than Mom", with that Ross got up and went back to work. When he saw Monica was gone. He took his cell phone and began typing.
Rachel was waiting for his reply. Why is he taking so long? Maybe I should text him back. Yeah that's what I'll do. As she held her phone it vibrated again.
Ross: Hey.. I'll talk to you later. Mon almost pounded on me when she saw me texting you. Sorry.
Rachel: Oh that's fine.. we'll catch up later. Bye.
Rachel waited for his text staring right at the screen but he didn't send any. She kept the phone on her lap and went back to listening to her songs.
The same evening, Ross and Monica were out in the supermarket to pick some stuff Judy had asked them to. Chandler also accompanied them because Monica wanted to spend some time with him. She knew she won't be able to meet him much as Nana was visiting. Chandler and Monica... well.. being Chandler and Monica were making out behind Ross and soon Ross was alone getting the stuff.
Ross was marking on the checklist "Olives... check! Lasagne sheets... check! Croissants... ch-" Ross turned back when he heard a shriek "Oww" The girl was reaching out to the top shelf for a box of oats which fell and hit her on the head.
Ross walked towards her. "Are you alright? You could have just asked someone to get it for you", putting the box in her trolley.
"Ross?" Her hair were now out of her face. "Rachel? Oh my god", said a bewildered Ross.
Rachel laughed at the coincidence. Ross joined her. "Seriously, are you alright?" Ross asked with concern.
"Yeah.. yeah I can be clumsy at times", Rachel joked.
"What are you doing here?" Ross asked while putting the list in his pocket. "Oh.. you know.. I have an appointment here with my dentist", Rachel said sarcastically. Ross laughed. They were walking with their respective trollies and talking to each other.
"You here alone?", Ross asked while putting an loaf of bread in his trolley. "Yeah, Jessica had to discuss one of her assignments with Sylvia.. you remember her ?" Ross nodded. "Yeah she lives just around the corner. So... I thought maybe I could get us some food. Obviously she'll cook cos I don't even know the C of Cooking", Rachel joked.
"I'm sure you know how to cook SOME thing", Ross tried to make her feel good.
"Huh.. Oh yeah? I cooked an english trifle for a dessert on Thanksgiving last year. But you know.. accidents happen!", Rachel rolled her eyes on last year's Thanksgiving when she made that disaster.
"Maybe you could take classes from Mon.. She makes you do things you never thought you would... And you just need to learn how to cook, which she's excellent at", Ross suggested.
"Oh I would love to meet her some day"
"This is your lucky day, Rachel Greene. You have just won a coupon to meet the infamous Monica Geller", Ross talked mocking a typical Radio Jockey. Rachel laughed. Ross looked around. He couldn't find Chandler and Monica. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing, Monica and Chandler were behind me.. doing... disgusting things. But now I can't find them. I don't even know when did I lose them" Ross scratched his head.
"I'm sure they are around"
"Ross.. There you are! Sorry, we kinda got carried away" Ross and Rachel turned away to see an embarrassed Monica and Chandler.
"It's fine.. I got company. Guys.. This... is Rachel", Ross said gesturing towards Rachel with a smile on his face.
"Hey.. I'm Chandler" "Hey" They shaked hands. "Hi Rachel, it's so nice to finally meet you" Monica being a warm person, hugged her. "You too", Rachel said warmly, still hugging her.
"Ahem.. Mon.. I think you should leave Rachel now.. We don't want Rachel to turn out like Carol now, do we?" Chandler said jokingly.
Rachel was confused. Who was Carol? Monica and Ross glared at him. Chandler was really scared. Why couldn't he keep his mouth shut some times?
"Yes I'm coming" He yelled pretending to reply to someone. He turned to Rachel "Good to see you, Rachel. See you la-", Chandler was saying and suddenly his eyes met Ross'. Boy did he look the Red Ross, Chandler thought.
"Or Not", Chandler stuttered and ran.
Rachel was amused with this guy. He was... weird. "What was that all about?"
"Oh.. Don't worry, Chandler was just being.. well.. Chandler. I'll meet you in the car, Ross. Bye, Rachel"
"Goodbye" Rachel said and turned to Ross. "Who's Carol?"
"Huh? Yea.. yea Carol.. Umm.. She's my.. Umm.. Ex-Girlfriend", Ross sputtered.
"Oh..", that is all Rachel could say. Ross didn't know what to say. He couldn't even read her expression.
"Why did you guys break up?" Rachel asked after a few minutes passed away looking directly at Ross.
"Trust me.. You don't want to hear about that" Ross tried to finish this topic. "Try me" Rachel said in a challenging tone.
"She.. turned out to be a.. umm.. a lesbian" Ross said looking away from Rachel. She took in the information. Finally comprehending it after a few seconds, she laughed. Ross looked at her. He was not amused. Rachel saw his expression and stopped. "I'm sorry, Ross. But... I was so not expecting THAT", Rachel explained controlling her laughter.
"Apparently you're not the only one" Ross said.
"So.. now you probably won't be going on that second date with me, right? I'm so gonna kill Chandler!" Ross hit the trolley with his right hand a little too hard.
"What?" Rachel was taken aback by this statement. "Why do you think I won't go out with you again?" Ross just looked at her.
"Ross.. just because your ex-girlfriend turned out to be a lesbian, does not mean that I won't go on a date with you. I mean.. that does not change the fact that you're the sweetest guy I have ever met" Rachel confessed.
Ross smiled. "So you don't think I pushed her off the edge?", Ross asked consciously.
"What.. Noo.. I'm not that shallow! She was the one who didn't know her real self. You're not to be blamed for that"
This made Ross feel good. He stepped forward and hugged Rachel. Both realised this was the first time they were hugging. They both felt so comfortable in each other's arms. Finally, they moved away. Both were smiling.
"So when do you want to take me out on a second date?" Rachel asked staring into his eyes.
"How about this Saturday? Have you ever dined at Alissandro's?"
"Nope... but won't it be too pricey?" Rachel suddenly realised he was still in college and he must get a limited monthly expense.
"Yeah.. but I do work part time at the museum, so..." he trailed off.
Rachel was proud of him but did not want to show that. "See.. You never told me that. Otherwise I would not have spared you with just a coffee and chinese take out on our first date" Rachel joked. Ross broke into laughter.
"So... I'll pick you up.. Saturday at 6?" Ross asked.
"On one condition" "What?" Ross got worried.
"You are not gonna kill Chandler. He seems funny" said Rachel.
"Hmmmmm... I guess I'll have to think about that" Both laughed and went to the cash counter to pay for their stuff.
Two days passed with the Gellers hosting Nana at their place. He and Rachel kept in touch with each other through text messages. Both felt so connected. This week was certainly turning to be the best week of Ross' life. He could feel there were more to come. And this feeling was mutual. Rachel was growing fonder of Ross with every passing second she spent thinking of him and could not wait for their second official date.
Before Ross knew,it was already Saturday. Thankfully, he did not have to count the seconds to tick 5.30 because Nana was visiting. Those who knew Nana, she was a very interesting person but at the same time, very strict. Judy and Monica were splitting images of her nature, he thought.
Ross was on his way to Rachel's house when he caught a flourist shop from the corner of his eye. He made a stop over there and went in. The old man looked at Ross happily "What kind of flowers you would like, Young Man?"
Ross did not know which ones Rachel might like so he was searching for the flowers where he could see a smile on her face.
"I can see it in your eyes the girl is special", The old man commented. Ross was taken aback. How did he know this girl was special? He could have come to pick some flowers for his mom or sister too. He just smiled.
"Yeah she is. But it's just our second date. So.. I don't want to give something over the top", Ross explained his situation to him.
"Here.. Lilies.. these would be perfect!" Ross took them in his hand and smelled. Suddenly an idea came to his mind.
"You do have the oriental ones, right?" Knowing that those lilies were seasonal and this was the time they were available. The man nodded.
"Great. I'll have seven of those, please. One for each day I have known her", Ross said with a smile. He handed the flowers to Ross and he paid for them.
"Good luck for your date" "Thanks"
Ross rung the doorbell to her place. She opened the door looking so beautiful to Ross. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Hey.. These are for you" He handed the bouquet of Lilies to her.
Rachel took them in her hands and smelled. Wow.. how did he do that? How did he know I loved Lilies? And he bought the Oriental ones.. Aww... Rachel was brought back to reality when Ross kept his hand on her shoulder "Didn't you like the flowers?"
"Oh Ross.. These are perfect. I was just surprised to see that you bought the oriental ones and you didn't even know I loved them", Rachel explained and hugged him. "Thank you" She said when they moved apart.
"You're welcome. Uhh.. we might as well take off. We don't want to be late"
"Yeah.. just let me put these in a vase and then we can go" Rachel smelled them again while going inside. Ross waited for her leaning on to the doorframe. Rachel came back after 5 minutes and grabbed his hand.
It was already 7 when they reached Allisandro's. The matre'd showed them their table.
"Do you like the place?", Ross asked while taking a sip from his water.
"Yeah.. it looks great. The ambience is nice" Rachel said while taking in her surroundings.
Yeah? Monica is never wrong when it comes to suggesting restaurants."
"You love her alot, don't you?" Rachel commented realising he told her so much about Monica every time they met.
"Huh.. Yeah.. She was my only friend in high school, so we're close. I mean.. I am popular in college now.. but you don't wanna see me in my high school days. I even looked like a geek.. Everyone teased me! She always would come to my rescue. She was big.. you know..", Ross recalled how miserable his life was in high school.
"Well.. she seems like a nice girl to me too.. and she's lucky to have a big brother like you" Ross was touched.
"Not more than me" Ross said seriously.
"Ofcourse... Next time you are showing me those pictures, Geller" Rachel said in an ordering tone.
Ross turned from where he was looking to see Rachel "So.. you see a third date with me in the future!?" Not in a questioning way but more in a confirming way.
Rachel smiled at his expression. He looked too cute to her at that moment. "Yeah.. why not? Don't you?" Rachel asked innocently.
"Oh yeah.. I saw it before I even saw the first date", Ross joked. Rachel laughed.
"The first date... Did I tell you my dad called when we were out and Jess told him I was on a date with a guy?" Rachel suddenly remembering the talk with her Dad the next day. Ross shook his head.
...
"Daddy.. it was just a coffee" She plopped down on her bed in Jessica's room rubbing her temple with the other hand.
"Oh I didn't know you liked to go out and have coffee at 10 in the night" Leonard said sarcastically
"Daddy.. try to understand.. we lost track of time.. we went to the Central Park for a light dinner" Rachel tried to explain to her Dad rolling her eyes.
"Sweet pea.. you don't know these guys nowadays.. You're so innocent, he could have taken advantage of you" Leonard tried to make his point.
"Come on, Daddy. Ross is not like those guys. He's so sweet.. I'm sure you'd like him" Rachel loved her father but she just could not take it when he won't understand her side.
"Ahh.. so he has a name! How can you say that about him if you have met him only twice?"
"At least I have met him. I know him, Daddy. And look at you.. already judging him" Rachel argued. There was silence on the other side. After a few seconds, Leonard knew better not to upset his daughter.
"Okay okay... You win.. Alright.. so if you say he's a good guy.. I'll take your word for it. But I'd like to meet him when I come to Long Island to pick you up" Leonard said giving in to his princess' wish.
"As you say, Daddy. You will like him, I know" Rachel said sweetly.
"I hope so, pumpkin. I gotta go now. Will talk to you later. Bye"
"Love you, Daddy. Goodbye" with that they hung up and Rachel sighed in relief having convinced her father.
...
"He seems like an intimidating person", Ross said after hearing about the talk.
"Oh yes.. he's so strict. I thought he'll come to pick me up right then. Thankfully he didn't, otherwise you'd have been sitting here alone", Rachel joked.
"So.. when do you have to go back?", Ross asked.
"In three weeks, I guess" Ross remained silent. Rachel knew that silence. It was about her having to go back. "Ross.. you knew that about me before you asked me out. So why are you acting like that all of a sudden?"
"Rachel... I-I just think one month is so less.. There is still so much I don't know about you.. and I want to know you", Ross explained.
"Ross.. even I want to know you. We'll make the most of this one month and then see where we stand. You will get to know me.. I promise" Rachel assured him putting her hand over his and giving it a squeeze. Ross smiled and kept his other hand over hers to let her know he was okay.. They were okay. He didn't quite know if they really were. Their moment was soon interrupted by the waiter as he brought their orders.
"A Caeser salad for the beautiful lady, and the steak for the Gentleman"
"Thankyou" They said politely. They didn't talk much during the dinner. This silence was awkward to both. Ross asked for the cheque and paid the bill.
In the car.. Rachel was looking through the window glass at the city quickly fading away. Ross was just keeping his eyes on the road. The radio was on. 'Walk On' by U2 played in low volume.
Rachel chuckled. Ross looked at her. "This is so us right now, Ross" Ross didn't understand. Rachel continued "At some point of time, we will have to just.. you know.. move on" Ross pulled over on the side of the road while she looked ahead on the road. She turned to him and continued. "In this one month, at least we'll get to.. to know if that moving on would be with each other or not" Now she looked straight into his eyes and leaned her side of the head on the back of the car seat. Ross didn't know what to say. She had a point, Ross thought.
Ross slowly leaned in towards her and kissed her. Ross had his one hand on her shoulder and the other in her hair while she rested her hand on his cheek. After what seemed like eternity, they pulled away but kept their foreheads against each other's, looking into each other's eyes.
"Wow" Rachel whispered, not wanting to disturb the comfortable silence.
"I know.. It was like everything you wanted" Ross said softly, putting a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Are we alright?" Rachel asked him, straightening herself.
"We are" He said firmly. Now he was sure himself too. He took her left hand and kissed her fingertips to let her know that. Both smiled at each other.
"Listen.." Ross started after driving for a few minutes. "There's an Annual Geller Summer Barbeque Brunch in my backyard tomorrow" Rachel looked at him with a weird expression. Ross shook his head embarrassed about these quirky little acts of his parents. "Don't even ask! Uhh.. Close friends and family are coming.. Umm.. I'd really love if you also come.. Bring Jessica along!" Ross invited her.
"Ross.. we just had a second date tonight. We just know that we like each other. We're still not sure what we mean to each other. Don't you think it's a little too early to meet the parents?" Rachel explained.
"Rach.. If it means that much to you, come as Mon's friend. And just so you know, it's gonna happen in the future anyw-" "But what about your parents?" Rachel interrupted him.
"Mon has invited Chandler. I don't think they'll have a problem with you" Ross said convincingly.
"Well.. I'm out of arguments now. I guess I'll just have to come" Rachel said rolling her eyes. "I need to think of a dress for tomorrow" Ross smiled.
"Such short notice, Ross!" Rachel playfully hit his right arm. "Ouch"
Soon they reached Rachel's place. Ross stopped the car and turned to look at her to find her already staring at him. "What?"
"You're too cute" Rachel pulled Ross' cheeks. "Okay.. THAT is a slap on my masculinity", Ross said. Rachel moved away and looked at him with a weird expression. "Oh God.. I spend way too much of time with Chandler" Ross realised. Both broke into fits of laughter.
Rachel controlled herself. "I think I should go now"
"I don't want you to" Ross whined.
"Me too.. But think of it this way, if you let me go now, I'll be able to get up early tomorrow and come to your place on time" Rachel explained to him.
"Alright! Hey I didn't give you my address, did I?" Ross suddenly realised they didn't get a chance for that. "Nope"
"Wait a sec" He grabbed a tissue from the box of kleenex kept in his car and a pen from the armrest.
"Here.. Give it to Jessica. I'm sure she will know the way"
"Yes, Sir" Rachel said saluting him. "Now shall I go?"
"No" He gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight.. Now.. Go before I change my mind" Rachel smiled. She kissed him on the cheek and got out of the car. "Bye, you" She waved through the window glass.
Rachel went inside, to the room she was sharing with Jessica. Jessica was on her phone texting someone. As she heard the door open, she looked up to see Rachel grinning like idiots. "Someone got lucky"
Rachel snapped back to reality "Huh.. Oh God Jess, he's so amazing. I'm so thankful I came here this summer instead of going to Paris with Amy" She plopped down to her bed and sighed.
"Is there something for me to know?" Jessica was so curious about her cousin's date.
"Hmm-hmmm.. We had our first kiss tonight" Rachel was continuously smiling.
"And by the looks of it, it seems that was dreamy"
"Yeah.. it really was. He bought the oriental lilies for me.. Can you believe it? My previous boyfriends knew those are my favourite and they could never arrange them.. but Ross.. he didn't even know that" Rachel had her hand on her chest out of anticipatiom for the lilies Ross gave her.
"Maybe that's a coincidence"
"More like... Fate" Rachel had a dreamy look on her face when she suddenly realised she had to tell Jessica about the Barbeque. "Oh.. I hope you're free tomorrow.. Ross has invited both of us to his place for a Barbeque Brunch"
"Um.. Yeah sure.. I hope Joey is also there" Jessica said thinking. Rachel went to the bathroom to change. She just could not stop smiling. She didn't know what to do. But then.. she didn't want to stop, she was feeling something, something pure and true for someone.. and she was happy.. THAT SOMEONE was Ross!