Next day.. the Geller backyard was where almost everybody of Long Island was. Ross was with his cousin Harry, talking to Chandler and Joey with a beer in hand. Monica was with her mom and her Aunt Brooke. Jack.. being Jack.. was busy fiddling with the radio set to listen to the Rangers game that was on. Rachel and Jessica came through the entrance and were greeted by a very excited Monica. "Hey, I knew you would come" Rachel felt a warmth in the hug Monica gave to her.
"This my cousin.. Jessica. Jess.. this is Monica, Ross' little sister" Rachel introduced them
"Hey" "Hi" They shaked hands.
"I must say.. when someone says 'little sister' I forget that I do look little now.. You know.. I was a cow in high school" Monica was such a sporting spirit
"Yea.. Ross told me about those days.. I'd love to see his pictures some day. He said I don't wanna have a look at them. And that's what makes me curious" Rachel said to Monica.
"Well.. You have a point. Come.. I'll show you the pictures, then we can tease him afterwards" Monica grabbed Rachel's hand but Jessica excused herself to go meet Joey, who was now filling his plate with all the food. Rachel spotted Ross who was oblivious to her presence.
As soon as Rachel and Monica went inside the house, Ross turned to see if Rachel had come yet. He was anxious to see her. Little did he know that SHE was in HIS room with HIS little sister seeing HIS pictures of HIS high school days.
"Have a look at this album.. It's full of his photographs" Monica handed an album to Rachel, who was sitting on the bed in Ross' room.
"Ooo.. This is so cute. He was such a cute little weirdo" Rachel gushed. Monica smiled. She was starting to like Rachel for her brother.
"Eww.. what is he doing here?" Rachel was confused. Monica glanced at the photograph she was pointing at.
"Oh.. that's my first birthday.. He was so pissed off as I was grabbing everybody's attention that he tugged on his testicles so hard that Mom and Dad had to take him to emergency" Both were laughing endlessly. They just couldn't stop.
"Who's there? Mon.. is it you?" Ross peeped in to see both Monica and Rachel sitting on his bed. "Rachel.. You're here!" He exclaimed. Then he realised what was in her hand. "Oh. My. God."
He ran towards her and grabbed the album from her hand. "Oo-kay, I guess I heard Mom calling. I'll see you two later" Monica quickly rushed out of his room knowing her brother's temper. "I'll deal with you later, Mon" Ross yelled.
Ross turned to see Rachel laughing and his look softened. He loved her laugh. It was contagious. Rachel stopped. She stood up from the bed and walked to where Ross was standing. "Hey you" Rachel gave him a quick peck on the lips
"Hi.. How are you?" Ross threw the album on his bed and kept his hand on Rachel's waist.
"I'm good. I've been here for a while now, you didn't even look at me in the backyard" Rachel pouted.
"I apologise for that, Madame. I'm sure I can find a way to make it up to you for that" Ross kissed her nose. Rachel smiled.
"You know.. I came to my room to take my cell phone only.. I wanted to call you to ask where you were" Ross explained.
Rachel jerked away from him and grabbed his hand. "Sit" She ordered him. She took the album in one hand and kept it on her lap. "Oh no.. I'm already embarrassed that you saw half of them.. Please save me the embarrassment for the other half!" Ross whined like a little boy. He could be so adorable sometimes.
"I really liked this one" Rachel pointed to the one in his infant days. "That's because I was a baby.. Babies are cute" Ross looked back and grabbed the AC remote.
"Ahh" Ross quickly turned around to look at her. "I found the high school Ross" Ross put his face in his hands.
"Seriously.. What's with the hair? Which era were you living in, the BC?" Rachel looked at him with teasing smile.
"See.. That's why I didn't want you to look at THAT"
"God Ross.. You're such a baby. Look at yourself now.. I mean you turned out to be just fine!" Rachel kissed him on the cheek to make her point. Ross felt good at this.
"Alright.. enough of this. Let's go outside. We have been in here for quite a while now. We need to introduce you to my parents" Ross closed the album and kept it on his bed. Rachel's happy expression changed to a nervous one. "Don't worry.. Just be yourself, you'll be fine"
They walked hand-in-hand in the staircase. Rachel pulled away as they entered the backyard. Ross looked at her with a confused expression. "Let's just not go over the top" Ross understood. They made their way towards Judy who was standing with someone.
"Mom.. This is Rachel. She's visiting her cousin from New Jersey. Sh-" Ross said to Judy.
"Oh yea.. Jessica, right? Monica told me about her" She turned to Rachel "Hello, dear"
"Hey, Mrs Geller. You have a lovely home" Rachel extended her hand. Judy smiled at her and shaked her hand.
"Thank you, Dear. So tell me.. What are you doing in life, Rachel?" Judy asked her.
"I'm a fashion major at Yale" Rachel said proudly."That's great!"
When Chandler called Ross, he went over. Judy continued "My Ross here is a good boy.. I hope you know that" Judy winked at her. Rachel looked past Judy at where Ross was standing and said "Certainly", a dreamy look on her face.
Judy smiled and excused herself to attend to her other guests. "I'll see you around, Rachel. Have fun"
It was now 4 and the crowd was much lighter. Jack, Judy and Nana were sitting on the table. Joey and Jessica were continuously flirting. Chandler and Monica were nowhere to be found. Ross and Rachel were on the swings.
Ross was telling one of his stories about how he, Chandler, Joey and their other friend Gandalf had a wild party "God Ross.. that must have been so much fun" Rachel said laughing.
"You know.." Rachel started trying to recall something "One time.. I exchanged sugar with salt and Amy had to drink a sour tea" Ross was shocked to hear about her kiddishness. "Trust me.. I've played so many pranks on my sisters to get back at them for making my life miserable"
"Do you still do that?" Ross asked.
"Oh I did cut Jill's new dress before I came here. She took my favourite skirt without my permission. I don't know if they got to know about that yet" Rachel started to wonder.
"You're such a mischievous girl. A typical example of kidults" Ross joked.
"Kidult?" Rachel asked with a confused expression.
"Oh I call the transitional phase between being a kid and becoming an adult. For me.. Adulthood really begins at 25. 18-25 is just 'Kidulthood' Ross explained.
"You're such a geek" Rachel smirked. Ross looked at her burst into a laughter. The way Rachel called him a geek, it was adorable to him. Rachel joined him. They felt so comfortable with each other. They could make complete fool of themselves in front of each other without thinking twice.
"Wow.. Look at you two.. completely oblivious to the world" Monica grinned at them. Rachel looked at her blushing a little.
"Actually, we are going for a movie. Would you guys like to come along?" Monica asked.
"Oh I have to ask Jessica. Jess-"
"She's coming. I asked her and Joey already" Chandler also joined them.
"Hi Rachel. Didn't get a chance to meet you earlier" Chandler kept his hand on Monica's waist.
"Well.. you WERE busy" Rachel said sarcastically while getting up from the swing. Ross also got up and Rachel snaked her hands around Ross' left arm. She could feel his muscles, so she looked at him and smiled. Tough on the outside, a softy on the inside.. A rare combination, she thought.
The six of them reached the theatre and got their tickets. Needing some privacy, all the three couples took seats which were far away from the other two.
Ross and Rachel got the topmost row. The opening credits to the movie were being shown. Ross looked at her "Hey.. Thanks for coming today. I really appreciate it"
"Well.. You did convince me to come. Plus... I just couldn't say no to your eyes"
"Really?" Rachel nodded. He continued. "Uhh.. I needed to run something by you" Rachel's expression turned into a serious one looking at him. "There's nothing to worry about. Umm.. It's just that I'm going over to the Atlantic City tomorrow."
"Oh.." Ross could see the sadness on her face.
"It's a guys' trip. Chan and Joey are coming too. This trip was planned before I even met you" Ross explained.
"That's... fine. So.. when do you come back?" Rachel asked hoping he'd come back soon.
"In two days.. on Wednesday night!" Ross answered.
"Hmm" Disappointment visible in her tone.
"I would have invited you but I was the one to add the 'no girl' clause" Rachel could tell he was sorry that they will miss three days to be together. If only Rachel lived in Long Island, these three days wouldn't have mattered. But their time was already limited.
"It's alright, Ross. Go.. have fun!" Ross smiled. He grabbed her hand and went to watch the movie, feeling relieved after telling about his trip to Rachel.
Rachel, on the other hand, could not stop the trail her thoughts were forming. Atlantic City... Beaches... Casinos... Alcohol... Sexy Chicks... Oh God.. Ross with another girl! No... he won't do anything stupid. But why was she worried? Ross did not make any commitment to her. Not yet, at least. They were still in the phase of... knowing each other. They were just going out. She herself said they didn't know what they meant to each other. What she didn't know was... she was falling hard for Ross, falling in love with him!
The next day.. Rachel was at Ross' to say goodbye to him. She could not hide her emotions which were building up inside. She didn't think she had the right to tell him not to do any funny business or... did she?
"Hey buddy.. we should go now if we wanna make it on time" Chandler yelled at Ross who was still marking the checklist he had prepared. Rachel couldn't help but chuckle at his little obsessions. Must be a Geller trait, she thought.
Ross turned to Rachel. She hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go. "Hey.. Don't be sad. I'll be back before you even know it" Ross whispered in her ear, still hugging.
Few minutes passed and Rachel reluctantly pulled away. "Have fun, you guys. Don't drive too fast"
"Well.. I'm sure Ross can take care of that part" Chandler made a face. Everybody knew when it came to driving, Ross was so cautious. "One time, he got a ticket for being extra slow on the highway" Rachel, Monica and Joey laughed.
"Seriously.. Drive safe.. I want you guys back in one piece" Monica said obviously worried about her boyfriend and her brother.
Ross gave a quick hug to Rachel and kissed her on the cheek. "Bye" And he was gone.
Ross was in the back seat. He could not help but to think about the expression on Rachel's face when they said goodbye. Why was she so upset? Tensed even.. Did he do or say something wrong? Maybe she didn't want him to go.. Maybe he should have cancelled the trip.. or postponed it. Why didn't she say anything? But then.. why would she say anything? According to her, they were just... going out?
Ross was so engrossed in his thoughts that he could not even comprehend what Joey had asked him. He said "Hmm" and Joey seemed satisfied with his answer. To avoid any further confusion, he closed his eyes pretending to sleep while he was still occupied by his thoughts of Rachel.
Meanwhile in Long Island.. Rachel was out shopping with Monica and Jessica. She was outside a trial room while Monica was changing. Shopping did take her mind off of Ross. She was glad she accepted Monica's offer to come with her. Monica.. she was a fun person. She was starting to like this girl. Every bit Ross said about her was true. Oh.. Ross.. there he was again.. invading her thoughts!
Later that night, Rachel was lying on her bed thinking about calling Ross. Is he missing me already, like I am? Should I call him? Will he be happy if I called?
Rachel snapped back to reality when she heard her cell phone ringing. She saw the screen and sighed happily. It was Ross. She picked it up.
"Hey.. I was thinking about calling you just now" Ross felt so relieved to hear the chirpy Rachel. "Yeah well.. I beat ya" Ross replied. Rachel laughed.
"How are you?" Ross asked.
"Ross.. you've been gone for like.. 10 hours. What do you expect?"
Ross chuckled. "Sorry.. It feels like I haven't seen you for days" Rachel's heart skipped a beat. So he WAS missing her. "That's nice of you. Whatcha doing?"
"Lying on my bed. Couldn't sleep actually"
"And you thought I would sing you a lullaby" Rachel joked.
"Well.. if you insist, I don't really mind. But seriously.. I thought you would like to talk to me whole night long" Ross said slowly.
"What makes you think that?"
"Uhh.. Would it be too corny if I said my heart told me that you were dying to talk to me?" She blushed.
"Well... that IS corny.. but its sweet actually. And.. correct as well" Rachel said feeling a little shy all of a sudden.
"Monica called me earlier. She told me you had a GREAT girls day out"
"O yea.. To be honest with you, Jess is never able to give an honest opinion but Monica frankly told me about what she felt. We laughed so much at the phrases she used.. She actually said that I looked like a parrot in that dress" Ross stifled a chuckle. "I can imagine"
"Oh no Mister.. you so cannot"
"Believe me, Rach. I can. Monica clicked your image and sent it to me right then"
"Noooooooo" In true Rachel style. Now Ross was laughing out loud. Rachel was so much fun to tease.
"I'm so gonna kill your little sister"
"O yea? You will have to pay for that, Miss Greene!" Ross said playfully.
"What might that be, Mister?" Rachel asked.
"Hmm.. Something worth my sister's life...let's see" Rachel chuckled. Should I tell him about my doubts? Will he be able to understand? Suddenly she heard Joey in the background. "Hey Man" "Someone got lucky, I see" Ross said to him, turning around.
"Where was Joey?" Rachel asked curiously.
"Yeah.. He met a girl at the beach" Ross answered.
"Oh.. Uhh.. Didn't umm.. you.. meet someone?" Rachel questioned him cautiously hoping he would not take it in the wrong way.
"Huh.. Umm.. Why would I meet someone?" Ross said rhetorically.
"Well.. Have you seen you?" Ross chuckled. Rachel continued. "Any girl would be happy to hang out with you"
"Ohh like that.. Well.. I don't think I need to meet someone else.. cos I already met a girl who lit up my life when she walked into it" Ross said sweetly.
Rachel kept her free hand on her heart. She took in his confession. Her heart was beating so fast. This statement cleared all her doubts. "You have a way withe words don't you?" He chuckled at this. She continued. "But do you really mean that?"
"Each and every word"
"Thank god.. Ross.. I was meaning to ask you about us since this morning because I know what kind of a place is the Atlantic City.. But you are so great, Ross. Yo-"
"Rachel.. ssh.. you don't have to worry about that. It's true that we are not committed to each other like Mon and Chan are. But I do believe we can be truthful to the bond we share by respecting each other. I really feel.. if we take it in the right direction.. THIS can turn into something very good, something eternal"
This calmed Rachel down and she felt her eyes watering. Was he really saying that? Was he even real? Did guys like him even exist? If not.. she was so god-damn lucky to have found him. She would put her soul in whatever THIS was. Few seconds passed. "Rach, you there?"
"Yea.. Yes. I am, Ross. And I agree with you. Thank you" Rachel said softly. "For what?" He asked
"For being real" Ross smiled.
"You're not so bad with words, yourself"
"Shut up and go to bed. You must be tired" Rachel ordered with a chuckle.
"Yea.. Sweet dreams"
"You too, sleep well. Bye"
They hung up and went to sleep with a relieved expression on their faces.
Next morning, Rachel was sleeping soundly in her bed when Jessica yelled from downstairs. "Raaaaaacheelllllll.. Mom and Dad are coming today"
Rachel got up and yawned. Jessica was now in the room. "Heeeeeeyyyy.. Sleeping beauty, I said Mom and Dad are coming back today"
"Is it a bad thing?" Rachel said groggily.
"No.. But it will be if you don't get up fast and help me. I promised them I'll clean the house when they were gone"
"Hummm-Hmm... alright" Rachel plopped down on her bed again.
"Rachel... Get up, get up, get up, get up" Jessica was now kneeling on the side of her bed, hitting her with pillows now.
"Alright.. Alright I'm up" Rachel groaned.
Jessica and Rachel were in the living room. After having breakfast, they decided to start from over there. Rachel was fluffing the cushions when her phone rang. Almost immediately, she took the phone out of her pocket and picked up the call. "Hello?"
"Hi" Hearing that voice, Rachel hugged the cushion to her chest.
"Hey you. How are you?"
"I'm good. How you doing?" Rachel laughed at his words. "I think you're spending way too much of time with Joey. Anyways I'm tired. Jessica's parents are coming back today and we're cleaning. Thanks to you, I already slept so late last night and now I'm cleaning" She groaned.
Ross was laughing out loud on the other side. "Do you really think it's funny?" Rachel said pissed off by his laughter.
"No.. alright.. hmm.. umm.. seriously, don't worry, I'm sure you guys will finish it off in time" Ross said controlling himself.
"I hope so. Listen.. I'll call you later. Jessica is glaring at me. Have fun"
"Oh alright. Take care" Rachel did not reply. She just hung up.
Jessica was organising the kitchen cabinet while Rachel was in the bathroom when the doorbell rung. "Oh my god. Are they here already? They were supposed to come around 5. It's just 1" Jessica was talking to herself when Rachel came and said "Are you going to answer the door anytime soon?"
Rachel walked to the house door and opened it to find a very chirpy Monica. "Hey Rachel. How are you?" They hugged.
"Hi Mon. What are you doing ov-? Wait a sec.. how did you know the address?" Rachel was confused.
"Oh.. I followed you last night. I was keeping an eye on you for Ross. But then I thought it's wrong, I must tell you and apologise"
Rachel just looked at her. Monica giggled. "Alright.. I just came to help you clean up the place. Ross called me up to come and help you. He knows I love to clean"
"Seriously I thought you were Chandler disguised as Monica" This earned her a big laugh from Monica. "But really? You'll help us?" Rachel said confirmingly.
"Of course.. there's only one condition" Rachel gave her a confused look so she continued. "I AM INCHARGE" She ordered her. Rachel was just laughing.
Monica kept the folded clothes in the cupboard. "That is the last thing. And it is still 4.22" She claimed proudly.
"Thank you so much, Monica. It could not have been possible without you" Jessica said.
"Don't mention it. Go freshen up" Monica turned to Rachel. "So... are you missing Ross?" Rachel was taken aback by her forward question.
"Let's talk about that over a cup of coffee"
Monica and Rachel were sitting on the kitchen table. "Oh my god. So you thought he was gonna hook up with someone in Atlantic City?" Monica took a sip out of her coffee, which she made herself.
"Yea.. I mean.. 'We are NOT committed. And he IS a guy' this thing was not coming out of my head" Rachel explained.
"Rachel.. One thing you need to understand is.. Ross is not like the other guys"
"Don't you think I know that now? He really calmed me down when he called up last night. He said such sweet things" Rachel said thinking about the things he confessed.
"So... how do you really feel about him?"
"You know.. I thought we'll date for a month, as I have to go back.. and see what we mean to each other. But now I don't think we need to wait for that long. Already, I feel things for him I've never felt for anybody. He's an amazing guy"
Monica was happy for her brother. She could tell Rachel was saying that with her heart. "I'm happy for both of you. He's missing you like crazy over there"
Jessica's parents arrived just before 5. Rachel introduced Monica to her Aunt Lisa and Uncle James, saying that she was her friend, consciously hiding the one detail that included Ross. Monica said her goodbyes after making small talk with them.
"So Monica seems like a nice girl. I can't believe she lives in Long Island and I never met her before" Lisa said while taking a sip of her tea.
"Yea she really is. But you know, she's a little shy. And.. a soon-to-be chef, so she spends a lot of time home.. umm.. experimenting" Rachel explained.
Lisa and James laughed. They were happy to know that Rachel and Jessica didn't feel lonely when they were gone. Monica did seem like a good company.
"Let's invite her over for lunch sometime. That'll be good" James suggested.
"Oh that'll be lovely, Honey" Lisa agreed with her husband. She looked at Jessica and Rachel for agreement.
"Yea sure, we could invite Sylvia too" Jessica added.
"It's settled then. Come on honey, we must take some rest before the screaming and shouting begins.. you know, when we open our suitcase to show these two what we brought for them" James stood up.
Chandler, Joey and Ross were having the time of their life chilling out on the beach. This was a much needed break for them.
"Taking a sunbath on the beach with a beer in hand.. Could it GET any better?" Chandler spoke first in his signature style.
"I agree with you, Man" Ross picked up his beer to make a toast. "You guys are insanely crazy"
"Thanks Man" Joey said looking at Chandler with a look which said 'Where is he going with this?'
"Let me continue.. You both drive me nuts at times. But seriously.. You both are the best friends any guy could ever wish for. To friends!" Ross exclaimed.
"To friends!" Chandler and Joey repeated.
Ross was getting ready to go down to the Hotel Discotheque with Chandler and Joey. He was putting gel in his hair when his phone rang. He picked it from the bedside table. His face lit up when he saw who was calling. "Hello?" Ross went back infront of the mirror.
"Hey you. Thanks for sending Monica in to help us"
"Yeah well.. I'd have come myself if I was there. That would have given me an excuse to see you on your busy day"
"That would have been nice" Rachel said thoughtfully.
"But hey.. Monica DOES love cleaning so.. Everyone's happy!" Ross said cheerfully.
"That's true. You know, Uncle James and Aunt Lisa really liked Mon it seemed. They were wondering why they never met her when she was from Long Island herself"
"Well.. Monica has that kinda personality.. you know, somewhat magnetic" Ross said proudly about his little sister.
"Yeah.. They asked me and Jess to-"
"It's Jess and I"
Rachel remained silent for a few seconds before she finally spoke. "You do want to talk to me, don't you?"
"Yeah" Ross said slowly.
"Then shut up and listen. Don't act like such a geek on the phone too" Rachel said playfully. Ross did not say anything. "Alright so what I was saying is they asked JESS AND I to invite her over for lunch. Do you think Monica would come?" Ross smiled when he heard Rachel correct her mistake. "I'll bet she will... Umm.. Can I come too?" Ross wondered.
"Uhh.. About that" Rachel got nervous. "Umm.. I don't think I got the chance to mention your name" She said carefully.
"What?" Ross chuckled. "Umm.. then how did you introduce her?"
"Oh I said she met us during the week and.. we clicked instantly. Umm.. I didn't want them to know about.. how fast THIS is going before.. you know, WE ourselves know where it's going" Rachel tried to make her point, more to herself than to Ross.
"Oh" Ross said, trying to understand. He remained silent and Rachel said "Why aren't you saying something?"
Ross cleared his throat. "I just need to ask one question to you"
"Yes"
"Why do you keep reinforcing this particular point? I mean.. everytime we talk about our relationship, you don't seem to be convinced. And... this is after our first date when I thought you were feeling the same way as I was. But you know what, NOW I'm really confused"
Rachel did not seem to have any answer for that. She really was thinking, why she didn't tell Jessica's parents how she ACTUALLY met Monica when her father knew about Ross already. Few minutes passed and Ross was waiting for her to say something, anything. Joey called Ross to come outside.
"Listen Joey's calling me. Uh-" Rachel snapped back. "Where are you going?" She asked quickly.
"We're going downstairs to the Casino. Think about what I said and we'll talk when I get back"
"Hmmm-hmm" Rachel was still thinking.
"And umm.. Don't think that I'd do something stupid. Just... trust me!" With that, Ross hung up. Rachel did not really get his last sentence. She was still holding her cell phone to her ear.
The next day was a slow one for both of them. Rachel didn't really have anything to do except for to come up with an answer for Ross' question. Ross did have something to do, a lot of things.. Hell he was in the Atlantic City.. but his mind was really not helping him.
Joey and Chandler decided to take Ross for a couple of drinks before heading back home. They knew something was up with their friend and that SOMETHING was related to Rachel.
They all were in a decent Bistro. "Come on Man, help us out over here" Joey said looking at Ross.
"Ross, you really need to tell us why you're acting strange... er?" Ross chuckled at Chandler's last minute improvisation. Chandler spoke in his wrist like Secret Service "Mission 'getting Ross to react to our conversation ' which seemed pretty impossible is Accomplished"
This brought a full fledged grin on his face. After a few seconds, he stopped and became serious. "Alright.. it's about Rachel. Sh-"
"We knew it" Joey exclaimed.
"She doesn't really seem to be convinced about US"
"Well.. Monica was not convinced of us for the first two months"
"Yeah but that was because she liked you just as a friend before. You were a nice person so she accepted to go out with you to see what happens. But Rachel and I.. we felt a connection on the very first day we met. She said on our first date she felt the same way. Now she always says.. 'We should see where this is going. We should see what we mean to each other after one month. It is going really fast, you know' I don't know what to think of that"
"Dude, even in this situation.. you are forgetting a very important detail. She is from New Jersey" Joey pointed out.
Chandler nodded his head in agreement. "Our Catholic friend does make a point. Maybe she does not want to go out of her way.. Uhh.. she's afraid to hurt herself.. or you, when she has to go back. I mean.. She HAS to go back. And we all know how many long distance relationships work"
Ross took in what his friends were saying. He took a sip of his beer. "But how to assure her that I'm a good guy?"
"Well.. I don't think you need to tell her THAT. I'm sure she didn't come here to have a summer fling. If she's even going out with you, that means she must see some potential in you" That did make sense to Ross. He'd talk to her when he gets back. He really needed to see her and apologise for the way he acted on the phone.