Well.. I hope you don't mind that diabetes.. anyway.. maybe this chapter will make up for that :p Please, read and review!
Next morning, Rachel woke up with a knock on the door. She got up. Where's Jessica? She wondered. She opened the door and all the sleep washed when she saw her mom standing there. Oh.. how much she missed her.
"Oh my God Mom... You're here" She said before hugging her mother.
"Rachel Sweetie, I missed you so much. It's been a very lonely one month without you" Sandra confessed.
Rachel smiled. "Well.. Jill must be happy without me" She smirked while pulling away.
"Rachel.. you know your sisters love you. But they're younger you must-"
"I must understand and act mature.. Yea Yeah. How is she anyway?"
"She's great and pissed off with you for her skirt" Rachel laughed, it was not hard to imagine what had been Jill's reaction whe she found out. They were the Greene sisters after all.
The same evening, Rachel and Sandra went for what they loved the most.. shopping. Like mother, like daughter. They thought this would allow them to catch up and have some alone time. While Sandra had another objective in her mind, Leonard and Sandra decided it would be better if Sandra talks to Rachel about her relationship before they take Ross to dinner. They were walking on the street with hands full of shopping bags when Rachel's phone started to ring. Rachel was carrying the maximum bags so she asked Sandra to reach in her pocket and take out the phone. As she took it out, the phone stopped ringing but what Sandra saw did not really fit with her. There was a lock screen wallpaper of Rachel with a guy kissing her forehead. Both laughing. Well there are no doubts who the guy was.. Right?
"So this is Ross?" Sandra asked to confirm while giving the phone back to her.
"Yes" Rachel said smiling. She didn't think she had to be shy with her mother.
"How long have you known him exactly?" She questioned.
"Umm.. a total of... 33 days today" Rachel answered.
"Hmm. Come on Sweetie let's go have some coffee"
Their coffees were served. They were sitting at a corner table. Sandra sipped her coffee. "Ahhh.. hmm so sweetie.. tell me about Ross"
"Well.. He's majoring in Paleontology at NYU. He is hoping to get a job in the MET where he is already working part-time. His mom and dad are very nice people. I have really gotten along with his little sister, Monica who is a soon-to-be chef. And... He's amazing, Mom. He really is" She said with a glint in her eyes. Sandra could see that Rachel was smitten by the boy. She had to choose her words carefully and wisely.
"I'm sure he is. But Rachel, dear.. Don't you think you're moving too fast?"
"I thought so too, Mom. We both did. And we talked about it. We concluded that it felt right. And Mom.. you gotta meet him before you say anything. I mean, Daddy met him for like 5 minutes yesterday and he didn't say a thing about him. Otherwise you know how he starts criticising my boyfriends the minute he sees them. I even heard him talking to Uncle James about Ross" Rachel tried to convince her mom.
"I know, Rachel. Your father told that to me. Sure we'll meet this Ross guy. But first I wanted to see how you feel about him" Sandra explained.
"Can I be really honest with you?" Rachel asked.
"Of course sweetie. I'm your mother. Tell me" Sandra assured.
"I love him, Mom. I felt a connection with him on our very first date. And it has just increased over time. I don't know if I should say this or not.. to you of all people-" Rachel chuckled. "But he didn't even kiss me on our first date. He said we should at least have a second date. After that all I could think was.. He's such a gentleman. No other guy would have put it that way. They would have jumped at the chance to kiss me"
"Wow. From what you say, he seems nice. I'm happy you shared this little detail with me. But sweetie.. it's not that we don't trust your choice. It's just that.. you do need to go back to New Jersey, right? How will this work?"
"Mom.. you would think I'm a little immature. But Ross is so mature.. he's almost a grown-up in nature. He suggested for a long distance relationship, which is apparently only a 3 hour drive long. Even when he's at NYU and I'm at Yale, it's a 2 hour drive. We could see each other on the weekends. That way we won't miss out on our studies as well" Rachel was trying so hard to convince her mother. God, I don't think I have ever wanted something that bad in my life.. I could become a Lawyer, she thought.
Sandra took in what Rachel said. She was about to say something but Rachel continued "This relationship is turning out to be so good for me, I don't want to throw it away" She was looking down absentmindedly making circles on the rim of the cup with her fingers.
Sandra smiled. Her daughter was in love, she could see it in her eyes. She kept her hand over her free hand and gave it a little squeeze. Rachel looked up.
"Don't worry, dear. I'll talk to your father"
Ross and Chandler were in the living room playing video games while Monica was trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. Jack and Judy were out for the night.
"Dude, my dino is gonna kick your clown's witty butt" Ross smirked laughing continuously pushing the buttons on that little remote.
"Hey I didn't know extinct animals could kill somebody. Even if they could.. Clowns population will be more than the dinosaurs." Chandler joked back. Both were laughing hysterically.
Monica came out from the kitchen with a spatula in her hand and yelled "Dino and Clown!" She had a weird look on her face. Ross and Chandler were so engrossed in their game they didn't notice.
"Arghhh... Could you guys BE any geekier?" She exclaimed going back into the kitchen after realising they didn't really care.
She was sautéing something when she heard the house phone ringing.
"Would you guys get the phone please?" She yelled. When she heard no response from the guys and that the phone was still ringing, she simmered down the gas and walked muttering to herself "I can't believe you two"
She picked up the telephone and said a very frustrated "hello"
"Hey Mon.. Is everything alright?" It was Rachel.
"Oh yea.. just that your boyfriend and my boyfriend are playing video games in a little bubble of their own"
Rachel laughed. "So how are you? Didn't see you around. How was your anniversary?" Monica threw her questions at Rachel.
"I'm great. My parents are here, actually. And.. the anniversary.. oh.. it was beyond perfection. We had the most amazing time on the yacht" Rachel said remembering the events. She realised she didn't even get to reminisce about her day because her father had come.
"I bet you did"
Suddenly Monica heard shouting from the living room. It was so loud that Rachel could hear.
"Uhh Mon.. Tell Ross to call me as soon as possible. From what I hear, they are not gonna pay attention to anything before the game ends"
"No no. I'll call him right now. Hang on"
"Ross... there's a call for you. Come here fast" She yelled. Rachel kept her phone at a distance from her ear.
"I'll call whoever it is when I'm done with Chandler" He yelled back. Rachel heard what he said.
"It's Rachel, you doofus. Come to the phone" She yelled.
"I'm coming" Rachel smiled at this. "I'll get you the next time, funny man"
"I swear he's so sweet when it comes to you" Monica complained. "But I'm happy.. You walking into his life did wonders for him" Rachel smiled even more.
Ross came. "So you're all ears when I say Rachel's name?" Monica smirked.
"Me me meh me meh meemeh" Ross mimicked. Rachel laughed overhearing the brother-sister. They were the best she had come across.
Monica slapped him on the arm and gave him the phone before walking into the kitchen. "Hey you" Ross said sweetly.
"Hey you. How was your day?"
"The usual. Sun shining.. Birds chirping"
"Really? Mine too. Mom and I went shopping at the 5th and we bought lots and lots of stuff"
"Hey you're getting good at the grammar thing" Ross teased.
"Shut up" Rachel said laughing.
"So what did you bring me?" Ross asked
"Be a good boy and we'll see" Rachel smirked.
"That I'm afraid I can't promise" Ross said seductively. Rachel laughed. She knew what he meant. And after the things he did to her on the yacht, she would love for him to be a bad boy.
"Anyway.. I called your cell first but you didn't pick so I called your house. The thing is.. Daddy wants to take us out to dinner tomorrow"
"Oh God" Ross said scared.
"Honey.. I've done my part here to convince them. You just have to be yourself in front of them and you'll be just fine. I'm sure they're gonna love you like I do"
Ross chuckled. "Sweetie, I doubt that"
"Alright.. Not exactly like I do but they'll love you for me. Okay?"
"Yes alright. What time?"
"Tavern on the Greens at 7"
"Whoa.. Fancy"
"Well.. Daddy loves that place. He never misses out a dinner there whenever we're here"
"Cool. I'll see you tomorrow then"
Next day at the restaurant, Ross was extra punctual. He reached ten minutes before 7. He asked the Matre'd for Dr Greene's table who showed him to it. He was continuously thinking how to act around her parents. He was still engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't hear his company coming.
"Ross" Rachel said while waving her hand infront of his face.
"Huh.. Oh.. I'm sorry. I was just thinking" He quickly stood up. He greeted her with a kiss on her cheek.
"Good Evening, Dr Greene. How are you?" He said while offering his hand.
Leonard shook his hand. "I'm good"
Ross turned to Sandra. "Hello Mrs Greene"
"Oh dear.. call me Sandra"
"I think we should all sit down now" Leonard said firmly.
Ross pulled out a chair for Rachel while Leonard did the same for Sandra. Ross sat besides Rachel, right infront of Dr Greene.
"We're sorry we were a little late. But you know how much time women take getting ready. And having these two didn't really help" Leonard joked.
Ross chuckled. "I understand that"
"Of course you do. You must take time too.. to put all that gel in your hair" He said pointing towards Ross' head. Ross did not look amused. Sandra elbowed Leonard.
They ordered their food. The drinks were already on the table.
"Ross.. Tell us about yourself. Rachel has already told us about you but we thought it would be good to hear it from you" Sandra said.
Ross quickly looked at Rachel and her smile calmed him a little. He cleared his throat and started "Well I'm majoring in Paleontology from NYU. I'm working part time at the Museum presently. I also plan to do my PhD once I get a full time job. Uhh..." All the while he was talking, Rachel looked at him so lovingly. She was so proud of him. "My family's basically from Long Island. My Dad runs a business of his own. I-I have a younger sister, Monica-"
"Rachel told me about her" Sandra interrupted.
"Doctor of Dinosaurs!?" Leonard had a weird expression on his face.
"Well.. yeah. We study their Evolution"
"But they're already dead!"
"We still have fossils, Sir. And the Museum keeps finding more every now and then" Ross explained.
"That does not make you a Doctor" Ross didn't like what he said.
"Daddy!" Rachel said in a high pitch. Leonard gestured his hands like he was surrendering himself. The waiter came with their food and served it.
"Alright.. tell me about you two" Dr Greene said pointing towards him and Rachel taking a sip from his wine
"What about us?" Rachel asked banging on the table.
"Sweetpea.. we're talking" "Let your father talk"
Rachel looked at Ross with sorrow in her eyes. He smiled to let her know he was alright. He turned to her parents.
"Sir.. Obviously you know that we know each other for just over a month. You must think that it's going too fast but trust me.. this is good. I-I can't even explain how good. I don't have words to describe how my life has changed since the day she walked in" Ross said the last sentence while looking at Rachel. Rachel was smiling. He turned back to them. He chuckled. "I know it sounds cheesy but it is true in this case. I really think THIS... is IT" Rachel smiled even more at this revelation.
"Ross.. that is sweet of you to say that. But what about your studies and the fact that you live far away?" Sandra said.
"Yes I know that, Mrs Greene. But.. just a little extra effort and we'll be fine!"
"You think so?" Rachel chirped in before Leonard or Sandra could say anything.
"Of course sweetie. I know us.I have faith in us"
What Leonard was thinking was the boy is smart, seems to be serious about what he was gonna do in life, good with Rachel. What else was needed? But that would mean his princess will go away from him. That is why he was being so tough with Ross. Afterall he was Rachel's father. The four didn't speak much after that and finished their food. Leonard asked the waiter for the check and looked at Ross and Rachel.
"Ross.. How do your parents feel about this?" He asked refering to the relationship.
"Uhh they were doubtful too.. at first but.. umm I guess they are pretty much okay now that they have seen us together"
"I take it they've met Rachel then?" Sandra chirped in.
"Yes Mom.. They had a Barbeque brunch in the backyard and Ross invited me.. that's when I first met them" Rachel answered.
Sandra looked at Leonard. He let out a sigh. She turned to look at Ross and Rachel and smiled. "That's nice"
"Umm.. I have a question" Ross said.
"Yes.. Ross?" Sandra replied.
"Since the college does not open for another month.. umm.. can Rachel stay a little longer here in Long Island?" Ross asked nervously.
"What?" Leonard asked angrily.
"Leo.. let him talk" Sandra said. Leonard threw his handkerchief in the plate roughly.
"Mrs Greene.. I know I'm asking a lot but.. I don't know anyone in New Jersey. Or else I would have come along for the next month. I'm sure Rachel could stay at Jessica's"
"Hmm hmm. Ummm.. We understand Ross. But we'll have to think about it cos we came to take her along" Sandra said.
"You don't need to worry. You won't even have to come back to pick her up. I'll drive her to New Jersey. It's just that.. We need to make the most of this summer"
"This is ridiculous" Leonard kept some money on the table and walked out of the restaurant. The three kept staring at where he was sitting.
"I'm sorry for that, Ross. But you need to understand his state as well. He's very protective about Rachel. She's his princess" Sandra explained.
"I understand" Ross said not able to hide his disappointment.
"Why did you ask them about this? I'd have asked them my way" Rachel scolded.
"I thought being straight with Dr Greene would get me somewhere but... evidently it got him out of that chair" Ross joked. Sandra laughed. Rachel looked weirdly at her mom. "Mom.. this is not funny"
She looked at Ross. "Listen.. Now that you've been so straight forward with Daddy.. there's a big chance that he takes me back tomorrow. So.. be prepared" With that she also got up and started walking.
"Rach.. Rachel.. Rachel, sweetie?" Ross called but she didn't stop and left.
"Don't worry Ross.. I'll talk to Leo. He seems tough on the outside but I'm sure he'll understand. I should go as well. Goodbye. It was nice meeting you"
"Likewise. Bye, Mrs Greene" They shook hands. Ross was most shocked to see how Rachel reacted. She only said to be myself, he thought.
In the car, Sandra was trying to calm Leonard down. "He had no right to ask us to extend Rachel's stay" Leonard said angrily while driving.
"Leo.. Try to understand the boy's side as well. Did you see his look when he was talking about Rachel? It was so innocent" Sandra explained.
"Still-"
"Look.. I can tell the boy cares for Rachel. She likes him as well. And I don't think that's gonna change anytime soon. I say we make peace with that and approve of him"
Leonard looked into the mirror and saw Rachel had fell asleep.
He started in a low volume "I know he is good for her. But..." He looked at Rachel again and continued "You know I saw them together. I saw them looking into each others eyes standing outside in the garden when I reached Long Island. That was a serious look. And that scared me. My little princess in love at just 20. I can't let her go away from me. Not yet"
"Think of it this way then. They're not doing anything behind our back. They are asking for permission" Sandra said. Leonard looked at her. She kept her hand on his shoulder. She knew he meant well. He was just being a father.
Rachel's phone vibrated and her eyes shot open. It was a text from Ross. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset your father" Rachel let out a sigh. She knew he loved her and was well aware of the fact that he was nervous in front of her parents. But why did he ask them that one question? She wrote something back and switched her phone off.
Ross was in his car when his phone buzzed. "I need to think. We'll talk tomorrow!" Rachel replied. He knew he upset her unknowingly. Satisfied with her reply, he drove off the restaurant.
By the time Ross got home, his family along with Chandler, were watching the repeat of Modern Family. He loved that show. Normally he would have sat down and rewound it to watch it from the beginning. But not tonight. He was not happy. He was sad because he made Rachel sad. That was the last thing he wanted to do. "Hey Ross" "Hi Sweetie" "How was your dinner?" "How were the Greenes?" These were somethings he heard. But he quickly made his way towards his bedroom without replying to even one. Everybody noticed that. Monica stood up from besides Chandler to go after him but Judy stopped her. "I think we should let him be by himself. Obviously he doesn't want to talk at the moment otherwise he would have joined us"
Monica's face had a look of concern. Jack noticed it. "Aww.. Our little Harmonica is worried about her big brother. Don't worry Sweetie. We'll talk to him tomorrow"
The next day.. Ross was coming down the stairs to have breakfast with his family. He felt so guilty for his behaviour last night. He didn't even greet them. But he couldn't help it. He sat on his chair. "Good morning, everyone"
"Morning, Son" "Hey"
"I'm sorry about last night. I was thinking" Ross apologised.
"What about?" Monica asked curiously.
"I don't think Rachel's father likes me. Her mother seemed alright but..." He trailed off.
"So that's what this is about" Jack said.
"I don't know.. At least it was going better than I expected... until I opened my big mouth" Ross was feeling angry with himself now.
"Why? What happened, sweetie?" Judy questioned. "What did you say?" Monica also asked.
"I asked him to extend Rachel's stay here in Long Island" He said looking down.
"Ouch" Monica said. He looked at her.
"I know right. You know.. he walked out of the restaurant when I started explaining my question. And to make it worse.. Rachel's mad at me cos she wanted to ask him that her way"
Monica hit the side of his head. "You got way too ahead of yourself bro"
"Don't you think I know that by now" Ross said scratching his head.
"Listen to me Son. You didn't do anything wrong. I mean.. Yes.. I'd have been pissed off as well.. if it was my little Harmonica but.. to think about it.. You do have a valid point to extend her stay" Jack tried making his son feel better.
"Try telling Dr Greene that" Ross muttered. "Rachel won't even talk to me"
"Ross sweetie.. Everything's gonna be fine. Rachel is a good girl. I'm sure she'll understand" Judy got up and walked over to where he was sitting. She kept her hand over his shoulder.
"I hope so" was all Ross could say.
Meanwhile the Greenes were having breakfast too and Rachel was keeping quiet. Normally she was chirpy in the morning. Everybody could see that she was not quite herself. The thoughts that were going on in her mind were.. Daddy won't approve of Ross' wish. He'll take me away from him earlier than we were supposed to. On the other side, I didn't even resolve things with Ross. Maybe I should have talked to him calmly. She was playing with her cornflakes.
"Hey Rach.. What's up?" Jessica started. When she got no answer, she looked at her Aunt and Uncle. They didn't know what to say. Sandra gestured to let Rachel be that way. I'll have to talk to her, she thought.
All of them finished their breakfast and went back to their rooms as it was a Sunday. Rachel went over to the swing in the backyard and closed her eyes.
Sandra and Leonard were in the guest room. "I think we should let Rachel stay here for another month"
"What?" Leonard was shocked. She is still on that, he thought.
"Did you look at your daughter at the table today?" She asked him. He kept his mouth shut. "She looked so sad. You know why? Because she fought with Ross after you walked out. But that's not the only reason Leo. She thinks you're mad at her" Sandra explained.
"Why would I be mad at her?" Leonard wondered.
"Because of what Ross said"
"But I told you how I felt last night, didn't I?" Leonard said.
"Yes you did. But I really think you should talk to Rachel about how you feel. She needs to know that you're okay. I don't even think she has talked to Ross after dinner last night" Sandra pointed out.
"She's that upset?"
"How would you feel.. when two important people to you.. do not get along? And maybe she thinks.. the reason is She, you know.. cos I know you like Ross as a person" Sandra asked. Leonard nodded understanding what his wife was trying to say.
The whole day crawled for Ross and Rachel. Ross didn't dare to text or call her, Rachel didn't feel like talking to him. Not yet anyway. She knew he meant well. But she also knew his question didn't go well with her father.
The next day Rachel was in the living room watching TV when the doorbell rung. She didn't bother to get up and open the door. When she realised no one had come to open the door. She let out a frustrated sigh and got up. She opened the door to see Ross standing. She crossed her arms. "Why are you here?"
"I'm sorry" He said giving her favourite Oriental Lilies. Rachel looked at the bouquet and then back at him. Her heart melting at the sight. But then she could not accept that. Not until she talked to her father.
"Ross.. I told you I needed to be alone" She said firmly.
"Yea.. and I respect that. But.. uhh.. I also respect your father, he invited me over" He explained.
"What?" Rachel was shocked. "Hello Ross.. Thanks for coming" Leonard said from behind her.
"Daddy? What's going on?" Rachel asked turning to look at her father.
"Sweetpea.. I was never mad at you. I could never be. Gelboy here is a good guy. It's just that I was not expecting him to be that frank on our first meeting.. but.. I thought about it and talked to your mother. We have decided to let you stay here for three more weeks while we go back to New Jersey tomorrow"
"Really?" Rachel confirmed.
"Of course sweetie. Now please show me that beautiful smile of yours" She smiled and hugged her father. "Thank you Daddy. You're so great" She looked at Ross, still hugging her father. He looked back at her with pure adoration in his eyes. He mouthed a 'sorry' holding his ear with his free hand. She smiled and mouthed 'it's alright'
They pulled away and Rachel realised something "But Daddy.. how did you contact Ross?"
"I asked Jessica for his number" He answered looking at Ross.
"Oh" Rachel was feeling satisfied.
"Now will you accept these?" Ross asked giving the bouquet to her. She accepted it this time and smelled it. "Thankyou"
"Sir.. Can I take Rachel out?" Ross wanted permission from her father.
Leonard narrowed his eyes which made Ross nervous again. Seeing this, he laughed and said "Sure" Ross and Rachel chuckled nervously at Leonard's mood.
"I'll just be 10 minutes" Rachel went upstairs to get ready.
Leonard and Ross looked at each other. "Listen to me, Kid.. Never hurt her or I swear to God.. I'll hunt you down and kick your ass" He warned.
"Never in my dreams I would hurt her" Ross assured.
"The next three weeks... You know you have to take care of my princess, right?"
"Of course Sir. You don't need to say"
"And no funny business" Leonard said pointing his finger right to his face. Before Ross could say anything, Rachel came down with Sandra. "I'm ready"
"Good to see you here, Ross" Sandra said. Ross smiled. "Yes.. umm.. I hope we all are.. okay now?" Ross asked nervously looking back and forth at Sandra and Leonard
"Of course. Now go and have some fun" Sandra said. They said their goodbyes and left. "You did a good thing today" Sandra appreciated her husband.
"Yeah well"
"I see a bit of you in Ross. You were also blunt when it came to us. You both say what you feel"
"Oh shut up will you" Sandra laughed.