So here's the next chapter of Eternal love, I hope you're all still hanging on to this story. I know this is long, but I promise you will be happy when it is finished. I have an idea I need to experiment on, so please be patient and keep reading and keep reviewing :)

It was Tuesday. Ross was in the library, reading yet another book on dinosaurs. He just could not get enough of them. By habit, he was also noting the interesting facts that he found about them. After a few seconds, a guy came and patted him on the back. He jerked his head to look who was it.

"Ed, hey!" Edward was with him in the basketball team. He became a good friend to Ross and Joey. He was a Geology major.

"I've got something that's gonna make you happy. Guess what Dr Phil gave to me" Edward handed Ross an envelope. Out of curiosity, Ross quickly ripped it and got the paper out. It looked like an official letter. Ross started reading the contents. His lips curled upwards when he saw what it was about. Then he realized something, how will Rachel react? Will she be happy for him? Will he be happy for himself?

"Isn't it cool, man. We are the only two who have been selected for this excavation trip from New York City. Other four are from Northwestern" Ed said excited. Ross forced a smile.

(...)

It was the same evening. Ross was lying on his bed, in the dark, thinking about how he would tell Rachel that he won't be in New York for 3 months. He won't even be in the states. He decided to call her and tell her. He will deal with her reaction when it comes. He switched the light on and dialed her number. He heard just one ring before she answered. "Hi Honey.. You have great timing. I was just about to call you"

She sounds so happy. I'll have to break the news to her and make her upset. "Hey.. How are you?" Ross asked.

"I'm good. And I have some great news for you" Rachel said sweetly.

Another great news. Just what I need, Ross thought. The great news earlier the same day did not prove to be that great. "What's up, sweetie?"

"You know how Kiki is going to be busy the whole week as she has to visit her grandmother in the hospital.."

"Yeah.." Ross said not knowing where this was going.

"Well.. She'll be gone for the next five days and Professor Fitzgerald agreed to take our presentation on Monday" Rachel explained.

"Okay... so how is this great for me, Rach?" Ross asked.

"I'll be able to drive down to Long Island for your Parents' anniversary on Thursday, silly" Rachel exclaimed.

"Oh.. yeah.. tha - that's great, Rach. I'm happy you can make it" Ross said, trying to hide his low tone. But Rachel knew him enough to figure something was not right.

"Ross, honey? Is everything alright?" Rachel asked concerned. Ross thought whether to tell her on the phone or in person on Thursday. He decided it will be better if he did it face to face. His silence was bugging Rachel. "Ross?"

"Huh? Yeah"

"I asked if everything was okay"

"Yeah.. I'm fine, Rach. Just, you know.. exhausted" Ross said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sweetie. And I'm feeling better after talking to you" Ross tried to assure her.

Satisfied by his answer, she continued. "You know the weirdest thing happened with me today..." She kept talking and talking and Ross could not help but to think about her reaction when he would tell her on Thursday.

Rachel had called a cab to Long Island. The party was in a local hall. Since Ross had taken the second half off from college that day, he was already there for some preparations. He had asked Rachel not to bring her car and that he would drop her at Yale in the night. Her cab was not too far from the venue when her cell phone rang. She saw it was Monica and picked it up. "Hey, Mon"

"Hi, Rach. Where have you reached?"

"I've just entered Long Island. Has the party started yet?"

"No no.. it's about to, though. Come fast"

"I'll be there in about.. 10 minutes"

"Great, see ya" Monica hung up and turned around to see Ross. "Would you relax now? She'll be here in 10" Monica told him as he forced a smile. "What's up, big bro? You're weird today" She said confused. With that, she went to Judy who was calling her. If only you knew, Mon, Ross thought.

Just over 10 minutes had passed and Ross spotted Rachel on the entrance. He could not take her eyes off her. She literally took his breath away.

He forgot everything when he saw her.. the trip, the surroundings, the occasion. Gorgeous, he thought. And then their eyes met, that was when everything else just vanished. It was only the two of them in their own little world. Rachel covered the large distance between them and smiled.

"Hey you" They gave each other a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for coming"

"Thanks for having me" Rachel replied smiling.

Ross took her to where his parents were standing. As confident as Rachel was, she felt somewhat conscious whenever she was about to meet Ross' parents. They were such nice people that she wanted to make a good impression.

She greeted both of them gracefully. "Happy Anniversary, Mr and Mrs Geller. Everything looks great" She kissed Jack on the cheek and hugged Judy. She was caught off-guard when Judy kissed forehead. Nonetheless, she smiled.

"Rachel, you look so pretty" Judy complemented.

"Thank you. So do you" Rachel blushed and handed them a gift.

"Oh dear, you didn't have to. Just you being here is all we need" Judy said sweetly.

"Please, I insist"

"Judy, let's not waste her shopping trip by rejecting the gift" Jack said in his true style. Everybody laughed.

"Thank you, darling" Judy said. "Ross, introduce Rachel to your cousins, will you. We don't want her to get bored and leave early. She's family after all" Rachel was touched by Judy's words.

"Sure, Mom" Ross obeyed his mother.

Ross and Rachel walked towards the bar and sat on the stools. The party had just started so the crowd was light. "What do you wanna have?"

"A diet coke will be fine. Thanks" Ross looked at her funnily. She noticed that. "What?"

"You sure no Dirty Martini, today?" Ross asked, remembering that most of the times they went out, she ordered the same drink.

"How well you know me!" Rachel said smiling. "Anyways.. I don't wanna get drunk in front of your family, Ross. God knows I can get out of control"

"You know I won't mind that" Ross said and earned a playful slap on his arm by her.

"Excuse me.. Diet coke for the lady and orange juice with a twist of vodka, please" Ross ordered and turned to look at her. "Did I tell you how breathtaking you look tonight?" Ross said, looking into her eyes.

Rachel smiled, as her elbow took support on the counter and she leaned her cheek onto her hand. "I don't think so"

"Well you do. And this aqua color really brings out the blue in your eyes"

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself" Rachel commented.

"Definitely not bad for the boyfriend of a fashion major like you" Ross said. They both chuckled.

"Here are your drinks!" The waiter announced. They took a sip from their drinks. "Uh.." Ross started nervously. "I wanna talk to you about something"

"Okay, shoot"

"Well.. just hear me out alright. I-" He was cut mid sentence.

"Rachel" They heard a shriek. It was Monica.

"Monica!" They hugged. Ross sighed, half disappointed and half relieved. "My oh my.. you look amazing"

"Thanks. And so do you, I must say.. aqua really suits you" Rachel just smiled. They were soon joined by Chandler. "Thanks Honey, for abandoning me with your dull cousin who did not get even one joke I made" He saw Rachel. "Hi Rachel.. How are you?"

"I'm good" Rachel replied. Chandler nodded.

"Seriously, thanks" He said to Monica and she rolled her eyes.

"Ladies and Gentlemen.. can we have your attention please? The cake cutting is about to start" A member of the band that was playing for the night spoke on the microphone. "Before that, Mr and Mrs Jack Geller have an announcement to make"

"Good evening.. I thank you all for coming here and celebrating our 25 years with us" he said keeping his arm on Judy's shoulder.

"They still seem so much in love" Rachel gushed. Monica and Ross made a face but then smiled.

"But.. I didn't know that there would be another reason to celebrate until this morning. You all know our medical marvel..." he pointed towards Ross

"Medical marvel?" Rachel whispered to Monica. "Oh.. The Doctors told Mom and Dad they could never conceive. So they decided for adoption... but they kept trying, you know.. they were in the middle of the adoption process when BAM! Mom is pregnant with Ross. Since then he's known as the Medical Marvel of the family"

"Wow" Rachel said softly, amazed by the fact.

"Well.. he has always made us proud. And today, he has given us another reason... He is one of the six students across the United States to get selected for an excavation trip to Cairo by the Museum of Natural History" Jack exclaimed proud of his son and raised his glass to everyone.

As soon as these words came out of Jack's mouth. Everybody's expression changed. Chandler was happy for his best friend so he smiled. Monica did not know about this huge detail so she smiled with confusion written all over her face. Ross looked at Rachel, scared of her reaction. And Rachel... her face was expression less. Yes she didn't know much about Paleontology but she did know enough about these kind of opportunities.

"Son.. Congratulations" He said, looking at Ross from where he was standing in the front. For the first time in his life, he was angry at his father. Why did he have to announce the trip? Nonetheless, Ross smiled faintly. His eyes were on Rachel.

"Now let's cut the cake" Jack invited everyone. Everybody walked over to the table. Ross, Rachel, Monica and Chandler stayed at front just with Jack and Judy. They cut the cake and everyone applauded. A few minutes later, Ross was being fawned upon by his relatives.

"Ross, Congratulations" "Are they paying you?" "How long is the trip?" "Ahh.. You're the Indiana Jones of the family"

Finally, after answering each and every question politely to his relatives, he looked around to find Rachel sitting alone on one of the tables. He took a deep breath and started walking towards her. He took the seat next to her. "Hey"

"Hi" She said back, not looking at him, kept staring at the flower vase on the center of the table.

"You mad at me?" He asked scared. She quickly turned to look at him. "Why would I be mad at you, Ross?" She asked rhetorically.

"Uh.. I didn't tell you about Cairo, tha-"

"So you do know that you didn't. Cos I thought maybe you had and I didn't pay attention to you" She said sarcastically, with obvious traces of anger in her tone.

"Ahem.. Can we go talk about this in private? Please?" Ross pleaded with her. She nodded getting up from her chair. She walked ahead of him outside the hall. They reached a bench and sat down. Both remained silent until Rachel glared at Ross.

"Listen, Rach.. I was about to tell you. At the bar, I-I was gonna but then.. Mon and Cha-" Ross pointed his thumb in hall direction

"Ross, how long have you known about your trip?" She cut him in between.

"Uh.. It became official on Tuesday"

"Alright, so when did you think you might go on one?"

"Since last month" he muttered, hanging his head down.

"You had one month to tell me, Ross. So don't tell me you were about to"

"Rach.. I.. I am sorry, okay? I know I should have told you sooner. But I wanted it to be confirmed. I didn't want to bother you then. And.. It was originally a 1 month trip but they are extending our trip to 3 months because of our good recommenda-"

"What did you just say?" She cut him again. Boy was she on a roll that night.

"What?" Ross was confused.

"3 months, Ross?" She asked, more in a confirmatory tone. He could just give her a silent nod at that. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

"Rachel.. sweetie.. I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner. Please don't be mad at me" He pleaded, taking her hand in his.

"I'm not mad Ross. I'm disappointed in you" She looked him in the eye.

"Aren't you happy for me, Rach? Aren't you proud?" Ross asked softly. Her face softened at his words. She let her body loose and spoke. "Of course I'm happy for you, Ross. I'm so proud of you" She kept her other hand over his and looked at the bundle "But.." She looked up.

"But what, Rach?"

"What about us ?" He looked down at her words, not being able to find the right words. "Do you know how long 3 months is, Ross?"

She moved her hand to his cheek to make him look at her. He did. "That's how long our relationship is" She told him.

"I know, Rach. And these 3 months have been the best of my life" Ross said, kissing her fingertips.

"Mine too" She said, finally smiling a little. "When do you have to go?" She asked after a long, intense gazing.

"In October" Ross answered. "Oh" was all she could say.

"Rachel.. it's not easy for me as well" Ross said.

"I know, honey" And she did know. But... "Maybe we should take a break" She suggested.

"What?" Ross almost yelled.

"We should take a break from us, Ross" Rachel spoke more confidently.

"Rachel.. if going on that trip means I have to break up with you, I'll go to Dr Phil tomorrow itself to back out of thi-" Ross said, almost sobbing

"No Ross.. There's no way that you will back out. This is a great opportunity for you. I can't be the reason for you to throw it away"

"You're being too stubborn to ask me to stay" He said in a low tone, somewhat rudely.

"Maybe I am, Ross. But at least, I'm not being stupid to throw the greatest opportunity of my life just like that" She explained, with a click of fingers to make her point.

"But you're the best thing that ever happened to me, Rach" He said caressing her face. "I can't lose you. I mean.. I don't know what I would do without you" He said shaking his head, now completely sobbing. "I don't want to find that out, Rach"

"Ross.. Don't make it hard for me" She kept her hands on his wrists.

"No.. Rach, you're the one making it hard. You're the one that's bailing out on us. What if-what if you had gotten a similar opportunity, huh?"

"I would have suggested the break then too" She said confidently. He looked at her for sometime and spoke.

"But why, Rach? Don't you have faith in me? In us?" He looked her straight in the eyes. He looked so broken at the mention of a break. This broke her heart a little. She burst into tears and hugged him.

"I have complete faith in us. I do, Ross. But.." She sniffled a cry and pulled away to look him the eye "What we have is too good to be true-"

"I know" Ross said nodding his head.

"Already we see each other just once a week. 3 months is gonna add to that pressure. I don't think we would be able to sustain a long distance rela-"

"Rach sweetie.. shh" Ross smiled. "You're right.." Rachel looked down. "Hey.. hey, look at me" She did. "But we're in love, isn't it?" She smiled faintly and nodded. "Let's prove to ourselves that our love is strong enough to cross this hurdle"

"I'm scared, Ross" She confided in him.

"Me too, Sweetheart. But knowing that you love me as much as I love you, I feel confident" Ross tried to make her feel better. She smiled a little more.

"So what's it gonna be? Moving on, with.. or without me?" Ross asked putting a strand of hair behind her ear. At that, Rachel leaned in and kissed him full on the lips. Ross found the answer to his question in that kiss. They broke away. "Shall we go back inside? Everyone would think we vanished from the face of the earth" This earned him a chuckle from her. That's what she loved about him. He knew just the perfect things to make her feel good, make her laugh.

He handed her his handkerchief so that she could wipe her tears off. They started walking hand in hand. "Did I ever tell you that you look too adorable when you cry?" Ross asked, looking down at her and got a playful slap on the chest. They continued to walk. They got back into the hall. Judy called Ross as soon as she spotted him. He excused himself from Rachel asking her to have dinner and he will join her soon.

(...)

Rachel sat with Monica and Chandler on a table with a plate full of delicious food from the buffet. She took a bite or two before Ross kissed her on the cheek. "I'm back"

"Here.. have some" Rachel fed him a bite. "Hmm.. yummy"

"Hey Mon.. are you going to stay in Long Island tonight?" Ross asked looking at her.

"Yeah.. I don't have any important classes tomorrow. Why?" She asked.

"I thought I'll head straight to my dorms after dropping Rachel off at Yale... Just wanted to make sure someone will be with Nana for the night" Ross explained.

"Can I also be with Nana for the night?" Chandler butted in the conversation, only half-jokingly.

Ross shot him a look. "You're coming with me, Bing"

"But why?" Chandler asked banging on the table. "I don't want to be a third wheel between you two"

"Chan.. I don't want you to be driving alone late at night. Plus.. when I drop Rachel off.. even I would not have to be alone.. Mom and Dad won't worry then" Ross tried to convince his friend.

"Alright.. fine. But how will Sally live without me?" Chandler asked. Monica rolled her eyes.

"Sally?" Rachel asked interested.

"Oh yeah.. My corvette.. I got it on my 18th birthday.. I named her Sally" Chandler answered. "I'd like to believe I'm Harry" Chandler said, looking past everyone.

"Mon will bring Sally to the city.. won't you, Mon?" Ross suggested.

"Yeah sure" She looked at Rachel. "I swear it's like Yasmin Bleeth and Sally are my boyfriend's mistresses" Rachel laughed.

Ross got a glimpse at Rachel's plate. "This looks yum, what is it?" He asked moving his hand to have some of it. Rachel quickly got hold of his wrist. He looked at her confused.

"It's lobster" She answered. "Oh.. thanks" He smiled.

Monica and Chandler looked at the scene. "Wow Rach.. you just saved us a trip to the hospital" Chandler commented.

"Well.. my last trip to the hospital was quite amazing. I won't mind going again" Ross said sweetly and Rachel knew what he meant, while Monica and Chandler exchanged looks with each other.

(...)

"Thank you so much for coming, Rachel. I hope you had a good time" Judy said to Rachel while saying their goodbyes.

"Thanks for having me. Everything was great" Rachel said smiling.

"Oh you're always welcome, darling" Judy kissed her on the forehead. "Ross!" She called her son from where he was saying goodbye to some relatives.

"Yes, Mom" He came and stood next to Rachel.

"Sweetie.. I hope you are going to drop Rachel off. I don't want her to be driving alone this late" Judy showed so much concern for Rachel that it made her emotional.

"Yeah.. Chandler and I are gonna go together.. and then we'll head straight to our dorms" Ross answered

"Well.. okay" Judy said.

"Hey, Mrs Geller. Thanks for having me here. It was a lovely party" Chandler came after saying his goodbyes to Jack.

"You're welcome, Chandler. I hope you enjoyed" Judy said. Chandler nodded.

"Rachel.. did you have fun tonight?" Jack said while approaching Rachel.

"Of course Mr Geller" Rachel replied.

"I hope to see you soon. It's good to see you two kids together" Jack confessed glancing back and forth at Ross and Rachel. They looked at each other and smiled.

"Bye Dad" Ross hugged his father. "Come on Chan, let's go"

"Bye sweetie" Chandler kissed Monica on the forehead.

"Bye honey.. call me when you reach" She said.

"Forgetting your brother, Mon" Ross said in an accusing tone. Monica was about to say something...

"Aww.. you can call me when you reach" Rachel offered. Ross smiled, sticking his tongue out to Monica and she rolled her eyes.

The three started to walk. Ross and Rachel walked hand in hand as Chandler walked besides Ross. "Rach.. just to be clear.. I'm not going. He's..." He pointed at Ross "...making me go" Rachel chuckled. "I understand, Chandler" She had quite an intense talk with Ross. She could definitely use some of Chandler's wits to end the day on a lighter note.

They got into Ross' car, Rachel in the passenger's seat and Chandler in the back seat. "Chandler.. you didn't apply for that trip to Cairo?"

Chandler popped his head from in between the two seats to come closer, just like a child. "Well Rach.. Given that I would die before I have to dig something.. Let's give it another 100 years" Rachel chuckled. Ross shook his head.

"So you will be all alone on the trip?" Rachel looked at Ross.

"No.. There's a guy, Edward.. he's also going"

"That dark-haired, tall, muscular jock?" Chandler said.

"Yeah, why?" Ross asked.

"Mon saw him once while looking for me. Her reaction? Not something I loved so much" Chandler said making faces.

"How long have you guys been dating?" Rachel inquired.

"9 months 8 days" Chandler said proudly, smiling ear to ear.

"You know Rachel and I first met on your 6 month anniversary" Ross said, looking at Rachel and the road ahead.

"Yes I do.. we had that conversation, remember?" Chandler kept his hand on Ross' shoulder. Ross looked confused.

Rachel also jerked her head to look at Chandler, interested to know about the conversation and why Chandler remembered that. "Tell me" She urged.

"Uh.." He thought. "Yeah.. okay.. I don't think there's any harm in telling you now.. He told me that he wanted to have what I had with Monica" As soon as these words came out of Chandler's mouth, Rachel looked at Ross whose face was red with embarrassment.

"Yeah.. he's a hopeless romantic that way.." Chandler continued. "..and after coming back from the bar, he said he met the most amazing girl at the bar.. just like fate"

Rachel smiled. "Really?" Ross just looked at her shyly. "So did you find what Monica and Chandler have?" Rachel asked playfully.

"Even better" Ross kept his hand over hers that rested on her thigh, looking straight ahead on the road. Rachel was satisfied with his answer.

Chandler gasped dramatically. "That's a slap on both of our faces" He referred to himself and Monica. Ross and Rachel laughed.

(...)

They finally reached Yale and Ross noticed in the mirror that Chandler had fallen asleep. He looked at Rachel.

"This is me" She said. Ross leaned in to kiss her on the lips. Their hands found each others faces. They sunk into the kiss and moaned a little, waking Chandler up. He opened his eyes in disgust and cleared his throat. They pulled away.

Rachel opened the door and looked at Chandler. "Bye Chandler"

"Good night, Rachel" Chandler got out of the car to sit next to Ross.

"Bye sweetie" Ross blew a kiss to her from the car to which she waved him goodbye and walked away. Ross kept looking at the gate even when she wasn't there anymore, thinking about what could have happened tonight if he would not have fought for it. What if they would have broken up when Rachel said they should? He would have been devastated, was an understatement. His trail of thoughts was soon interrupted when...

"Are you waiting for the car to drive itself?" Chandler said sarcastically. With that he started the car and they drove off.

That's chapter 14... I was not so sure about the conversation Ross and Rachel had, but could not come up with a better one. Anyhow, I'd like you guys to let me know the verdict.. Thanks!