Hello children... Here I am with the latest chapter of Eternal Love. Hope you like it.. And as always, read and review! Thanks.. Now on with it.

Ross was walking in the corridor towards his room. To say he was exhausted was an understatement, really. He sighed with relief when he thought it was finally the weekend. After the wonderful weekend at Hamptons with Rachel, he had his hands full. The last week had taken a toll on him. College lectures, assignments, excavation briefings every now and then. To top that, the thought of not seeing his friends and family for 3 months saddened him. Of course, Rachel was the one he was most concerned about. Could definitely use a good night sleep, he thought.

As he opened the door to his room, the lights went on and a number of people exclaimed "SURPRISE!" The centre of the room had a dinosaur hanging. His headboard had a banner that read 'Bon Voyage' He chuckled when he noticed the balloons they had put to give the party look. All his tiredness vanished at the sight of his friends, though. Chandler, Monica, Joey, Phoebe. But there was only one person who made him really, truly happy.

Rachel.

He was seeing her for the first time after Hamptons.

"Wha-what is all this for?" He asked with a chuckle.

"You didn't think we were gonna send you away to Cairo without a going away party, did ya?" Joey grinned.

"Wow. Thanks you guys" Ross said, touched.

"Well.. you should say that to Rach. It was all her idea" Monica said putting both her hands on her shoulders from behind

"Noooo.. It could not have been possible if it wasn't for you, Chandler and Joey" Rachel said, keeping her hand over Monica's.

"Oh stop being so modest, Rachel" Joey chirped in.

"Alright.. stop it now. We will decide later about who to credit for this party" Phoebe said, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah.. I'm starving" Chandler said rubbing his belly. Everybody looked at him with strange looks.

"What? It's not always have to be Joey" Chandler said sarcastically and everybody laughed. Ross walked and hugged everybody for the gesture.

"Hey, you" He said when he neared Rachel. She smiled lovingly hearing their signature greeting and hugged him. She pulled away after a few moments of savouring his presence and snaked her arm around his waist.

"I kinda invited myself when I heard about this party from Rach. I hope you don't mind, Ross" Phoebe said.

"Of course not. Afterall you are my friend, Pheebs" He said. "But where's Mike?"

"Oh he has flown to Atlanta for the weekend. His cousin had a baby" Phoebe answered.

"Oh that's nice" He turned to Joey "Hey, where's Gandalf?"

"He is at his parent's. Apparently his mother is 'scared' to live by her own when his dad's not around" Joey said rolling his eyes.

"Looks like both 'MIKES'are snoozing this party" Chandler spoke up. "We should have told them, although the party's for Ross, there will be no dinosaur stories of his" He smirked, making everybody, except for Ross laugh.

"Spare him tonight, Chandler" Monica came from behind with a small cake. "We all know you're the who will really feel his absence when he's gone. Afterall you guys are roommates"

"Arghhhh... that psychiatrist was right. I do use humour as a defense mechanism" Chandler said dejected.

"I'm gonna miss you too, Chaunsie" Ross said when he saw Chandler really feeling bad. Chandler sent him back a faint smile.

"Ross come on now. Cut the cake" Monica ordered. Ross came closer to the cake, pulling Rachel with him.

"But why the cake?" Ross had a confused look.

"Well.. We thought to cut a cake because you won't be here on your birthday" Rachel said, looking up at him. Ross nodded. He cut the cake and fed the first piece to Rachel. Monica took the cake away and cut into slices for everybody.

"This cake's so creamy and moist" Joey said with his mouth full.

"I know.. and it's Ross' favourite flavour" Monica added. This made Rachel smile. It was Orange chocolate.

"Where did you get it from, Rach?" Chandler asked taking a spoon himself.

"Well it's this bakery in New Jersey. We always order from there. I had it delivered" Rachel answered.

"Ooo.. oh.. I used to hitch hike there when I was a kid" Monica said making everybody laugh. "What? They have the creamiest frostings!" She cried with a funny voice.

(...)

Chandler and Joey circulated pizzas in disposable plates. Phoebe and Rachel handed a bottle of soda since they could not have alcohol in the University premises. This night was not about getting high, but hanging out together. They ate, talked, laughed and marked the beginning of what was going to be a familial group of friends.

Ross looked around the room and couldn't help but notice the effortless bonding of the group. Chandler and Joey bugging each other. Rachel, Monica and Phoebe engrossed in one of their girly chats. Joey and Phoebe had some weirdly similar beliefs, it turned out. Joey asking Monica to try out his Italian recipe. Ahh.. their love for food! He had a feeling the six were gonna be there for each other in the distant future as well.

He was brought back to reality by a whisper "What are you thinking?" He looked down at her. He was sitting by himself on his bed and didn't realise her sitting next to him "I'm thinking I have the best group of friends here" She smiled. "-and the most amazing girlfriend" He kissed her forehead to make his point which made her smile even more.

"Are you all set then? You leave sunday evening, don't you?" Rachel asked, leaning her head onto his shoulder.

"Yeah. Almost. I'm going over to Long Island tomorrow. Mom and Dad insisted to spend some time with them" Ross could feel her smile against his t-shirt.

"What are your plans for the weekend? I mean.. you could come with me if you want" He asked. She pulled away to look at him. The offer did sound appealing to her. Seeing Ross off at the airport.. ofcourse she wanted that. And she COULD stay over at Jessica's.

"Really?" She asked just to confirm. He nodded. "It's definitely not a bad idea. But what about Phoebe?" She scrunched up her nose. He opened his mouth to answer but..

"Phoebe can take a cab" They both turned around to see Phoebe evesdropping. "She's a big girl, you know"

"Are you sure, Pheebs?" Rachel asked.

"Ofcourse Rach, you should totally spend time with him" She said hugging Rachel from behind.

"It's set then. Uhh.. you leave your car here. Chandler is coming to see me off at the airport.. so he'll drive you back here" Ross explained.

"Yeah I'll just call Uncle James to let him know I'll stay there for the night" Rachel said.

"But you're having lunch with me at our place" Ross ordered. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

"Okay children" Chandler stood in the middle of the room, rubbing his hands. "We gotta talk about the sleeping arrangements"

"I'm thinking I can bunk up here and the girls can crash in my room" Joey offered, mouth full of the last slice of his pizza. It was a friday night after all, two pizzas were a routine for Joey. Chandler made a face at him and looked around expectantly at everybody to see if it was okay.

"Yeah sounds good" Monica answered and looked at Ross "I think we must go to bed. We gotta leave early tomorrow"

Ross nodded. "Come on girls. I'll show you the way" He said getting up. Rachel did the same.

"Oh I know the way, Ross. Just say you wanna spend some more time with Rachel. We completely understand" Monica said smiling. Ross shot a shy smile towards her. Joey handed the keys to Monica. "Thanks" She walked to Chandler and kissed him good night.

"G'night guys" Phoebe waved.

Ross knocked on the door to Joey's room. Monica opened it. "Morning" He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Where's Rach?" He asked looking around.

"She's taking a shower" Monica pointed towards the bathroom.

"Did Phoebe leave already?" He asked noticing her absence.

"Yeah we called her a cab" She went back to put her stuff in the bagpack. He walked over and plopped himself down on the bean bag. He was worried and that did not go unnoticed by Monica.

"Are you alright?" He looked up.

"Huh yeah.. yes" He said.

"Ross.. I know you better than this" She said sternly.

Flashback - Hamptons

It was in the middle of the night. Ross woke up to a soft sob. "Rachel?" He said softly. He got up to look for her but she wasn't in the bedroom.

He could see the light downstairs. He went there after wearing his t-shirt and boxers. He saw Rachel sitting on the big chair, crying to herself. That sight of her terrified him and he rushed over.

"What happened Sweetie?" He held her hands. Truly concerned about her, he wiped the tears that had made their way down to her cheeks. He rested his hand there. Rachel leaned into it to feel more of his hand, more of the reassurance it gave.

"Rachel.. did I do something wrong?" He wondered aloud. Rachel immediately shook her head.

"No I just.." She controlled her sob. "I had a dream"

"A bad one?" He asked innocently.

"You think?" She said smiling a little at his naivety.

"What was it about?" He asked reciprocating the smile with a shrug.

"You" She simply said.

"And..?"

"That you were making out with one of the girls on an exacavation site in Cairo" And she sobbed a little more. He chuckled a "What?"

She hit him on the shoulder. "You find it funny?" She said in between her sobs.

"Baby.. it was just a dream. You know I would never do that to you, don't you?" He said putting a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yeah I know. Don't think I don't trust you because I do. Completely. But.. I was so not expecting the dream" Ross handed her a glass of water.

"I know" He said. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?" He was feeling helpless.

"You could promise me to love me forever?" Rachel pondered, keeping the glass back on the table.

"That I'm afraid is out of my hands" He said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rachel asked just above a whisper.

"Sweetie.. I could not stop loving you even if I wanted to" Ross said sweetly.

"Damn you and your words" She kissed him softly on the lips.

End

"She's got some insecurity issues, doesn't she?" Monica said. Rachel was gonna come out of the bathroom when she heard...

"Yeah I mean... I'm just scared because.. that little dream seemed to have shaken her up. What if she gets these thoughts while I'm gone? I won't be here to reassure her. And I definitely don't want her to wreck herself" He said with his face in his hands. Rachel's heart broke a little to hear his concern for her. He was compassionate beyond say.

"I'll keep a check on her if it's okay with you. Being in the proximity of your group will make her feel better, don't you think?" She suggested.

"You could do that. I guess. I just don't want her to feel lonely" He tried to put it best way possible. The door opened and a very chirpy Rachel came out. "Hey you"

Ross gathered himself to greet her and got up. "Morning, sweetie" sounded equally enthused. He didn't want her to see him tensed, or so he thought.

Monica looked at the two and couldn't help but wonder how strong they were being for each other. Rachel truly loved him if she was happy for his greatest opportunity till date. Ross was obviously worried about leaving her. When she thought about it, how easy her and Chandler's love story was if she compared to Ross and Rachel. But then, every story has its own highs and lows. She prayed to God for her brother's happiness.

"Are we ready to go?" Ross' words brought her back to reality. She smiled when she saw them now in each other's arms.

"Yeah I am. Rach you all packed?" She asked.

"Yep"

(...)

They reached Long Island just before lunch time. Judy's face lit up to see Rachel with Ross and Monica. "Hi Mrs Geller. I'm sorry to impose upon you like this"

"Non sense, Dear. Come here" They hugged. Monica rolled her eyes.

"Take it till you have it" Monica whispered playfully in Rachel's ears.

"And how is my boy?" Judy asked.

"Mo-om!" Ross whined, embarrassed and hugged his mother. He was with his girlfriend afterall.

"Why do you guys have so different treatment around here?" Rachel whispered to Monica.

"Ahhh.. I've been wondering the same thing my whole life" Monica said in her signature style. Rachel stifled a laugh at that.

(...)

"Ross.. you wanna grab some ice cream?" Monica asked Ross and Rachel. They had their lunch with Judy, caught up with her.

Judy had just excused herself to make a phone call. The couple exchanged looks and shrugged. Ross went to let Judy know they'll be back in about an hour. They walked the distance to the ice cream shop. They sat on the table to have the ice cream and talk. Strangely, Ross was the one who felt left out when they started to engage in their chats. But he was happy, he knew he could count on his sister "Oh.. look at the time. I think I should go now. Aunt Lisa must be waiting"

"Okay.. I'll walk with you. Mon you coming?" Ross asked.

"I'll just head back. Help mom with dinner" She answered.

They were walking on the streets of Long Island. Jessica's place was at a good 10 minutes walking distance. "Thanks Ross" Rachel broke the silence. He looked at her confused. "I heard you talking to Monica this morning. Knowing you care enough about me to be THAT worried, I'll be okay" He smiled and pulled her closer to him by the waist. He kissed her hair.

"I just don't want you to be upset" He said.

"I know" She did know. "When do you come back?"

"January 4th" He answered.

"So you're not gonna be here for your birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas AND the New Years!" She said before muttering to herself "What a great time to plan a 3 month long excavation" Ross chuckled.

"But I'll be here for our first Valentines, Sweetie" This made Rachel smile. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "And I'll make up for every lost minute on that day" Rachel looked up at him and gave him a peck on the lips.

"Here we are" Ross announced as he saw the fence to Jessica's house.

(...)

The Greenes were having a late dinner. They sat on the dining table in comfortable silence when James broke the silence. "I'm happy Ross is from Long Island. Dating him brought you here again. Otherwise you just made a summer-ly visit"

"I'm glad you didn't have any problem for me to stay the night" Rachel smiled.

"Oh come on Rachel. This is as much your own house as the one in New Jersey" Lisa said politely.

"Yeah.. and we definitely need to catch up Sis" Jessica chirped in.

"Sure" Rachel said equally giddy, knowing Jessica needed the details of the progress of her relationship.

Ross woke up to a knock on his door. "Come in. It's open" He yelled. Jack walked over to him and sat on his bed.

"Morning Dad" Ross greeted his father.

"Good morning, Son. I'm sorry I had to work late last night" Jack apologised.

"You don't need to say that. I was almost zonked out before dinner" Ross countered as a matter of fact. Jack smiled.

"You've made us proud, you know. And I knew you would, right from your first grade graduation" Jack confessed. Ross smiled, remembering how he got a dinosaur robot from one of his relatives and his never ending passion for the gigantic creatures started.

"Have you prepared everything for your trip?" Jack asked after a few moments.

"Yep. Pretty much" Ross chuckled.

"Tell me if you need anything okay?" Ross nodded. "Now get ready and come to the dining table. Our little Harmonica is preparing your favourite breakfast"

Ross chuckled again, his dad could never stop calling her that, not even when she'll have her own kids.. Nonetheless he answered "Right after you Dad"

"Rachel, Dear. What are your plans for Thanksgiving?" Judy asked her in the car. Ross, Monica and Rachel were in the backseat while Jack was driving. They were all going to the airport.

"Oh I don't know. We usually go for a ski trip, just the five of us" Rachel answered.

"I was thinking you could come over to Long Island to have Thanksgiving dinner with us" Judy pondered aloud.

"Uhh.." Rachel was a little taken aback. She looked at Ross who gave her an encouraging smile and so did Monica. "Thanks for the offer, Mrs Geller. But... I will check with my parents and get back to you" She said politely.

(...)

They all stood infront of the Check-in counter. Chandler and Joey had joined them at the terminal.

"Take care, Son" Jack said.

"Call me every day, okay?" Judy said getting emotional.

"Arghhh... Call her before you even think to call Rachel, alright?" Monica rolled her eyes, making Ross laugh.

"Mom..I'll be back before you know it. It's a matter of only 3 months" He said hugging her. He pulled away to hug Rachel. "Take care, Sweetie. Try not to miss me" Rachel chuckled although she had a hint of tears.

"My turn" Monica announced and Ross pulled away kissing Rachel on the lips.

"Don't worry about her, okay?" Monica whispered in his ear making him smile. When he pulled away he kissed her on the forehead.

He moved and did the lame cool guy hand shake with Chandler and Joey. There was an announcement "This is the final call for the passengers travelling from Flight A370 to Cairo. Please report to the check in counter"

"Come on Ross, we gotta go now" Edward called him. Ross picked his cabin baggage. He showed his ticket and passport to the officer concerned. He waved one last time before finally disappearing in the crowd.

(...)

"Monica I'm telling you this song is nice. Why won't you let me listen to it?" Chandler whined while driving. Monica was in the passenger seat and was shuffling through the CDs.

"Well it makes my ears scream. How can you even listen to THAT? Could it BE anymore annoying?" Monica mocked him. Joey and Rachel who sat in the back seat laughed.

"Wow. You've dated Chandler way too long to speak his tongue, Mon" Joey teased. Chandler made a face that didn't go unnoticed by Monica.

"FINE!" She banged on the dashboard a little harder than she originally thought to. "Listen to it" She said shoving the CD with the annoying song in the player.

"It's alright Sally. We'll just drop Mon-devil-ica off at the culinary school and spend some quality time" Chandler said rubbing the dashboard affectionately. Monica rolled her eyes.

"God.. If I didn't know better, I'd say you guys are always mean to each other" Rachel spoke up chuckling.

"Oh.. They have always been like that. First they bug the hell out of each other.. and then they speak a few sweet words to apologise to each other" Joey told Rachel. Hearing this Chandler looked at Monica briefly and smiled. She reciprocated his gesture by keeping her hand over his that rested on the gear stick.

"Seeee!" Joey grinned, with his eyes all widened and pointed at the bundle. "I must say though, you and Ross are all lovey-dovey all the time" He said in a baby voice before whispering "Completely opposite than these two evils"

"Joey, do you want to be thrown out of the car? You can't talk about my girlfriend like that" Chandler said from the front seat, only playfully warning him. Joey frowned like a child and went silent, amusing Rachel.

"We're here" Chandler announced a while later. He turned around to see Joey had fallen asleep.

"Should I wake him up?" Rachel said softly.

"No let it be. If we wake him up now, I doubt he will be able to find his room walking like a zombie" Chandler joked.

"Alright. Thanks for the lift, Chandler" Rachel said. He smiled, saluting her. She got out of the car and Monica did the same.

"Now Ross being gone doesn't mean you can't hang out with me. Lemme know when you can come to the city and bring Phoebe along. We'll have a nice girls' day out" Monica ordered.

"Yes Ma'am" Rachel said leaning in to hug her.

"Now you call me when you reach okay? It's dark already"