Hey you all.. I'm back, I know I took time but I am really busy.. I actually feel relaxed when I write these stories. So here I am, tah-dah :D Please read and review! THANKS.
"I wish you were here to kiss me at midnight" She said with her eyes closed.
"And your wish is my command" She heard a whisper. She opened her eyes to see Ross sitting next to her on the steps. She smiled faintly. It happened a lot, her mind played games with her. But every time she tried to touch him, he faded away. That was how much she missed him. She kept looking at his silhouette, though. She was afraid it would fade away again. Several moments passed and she sat still.
She heard the countdown from the inside. "Seven.. Six.. Five.. four.. three.. two... one"
That was when she felt a soft brushing up against her lips making her close the eyes again. She touched her lips. It felt so real. She opened her eyes expecting to see nobody but she was still able to see Ross.
"Happy New Year, sweetie" He wished her giving her another peck on the lips. She smiled, letting out a happy cry and caressed his face with urgency.
"Are you really here?" She asked. Happy tears flowing freely down her face. Ross chuckled. He wiped the trail of tears with the pad of his thumb.
"Of course I am" He kissed her hand. She hugged him with all her might and sobbed. She felt so overwhelmed at the moment.
"This feels like a dream" She said, not letting go of him.
"Then don't wake me up" Ross replied softly, equally happy to hug her after almost 3 months. He had really, really missed her. He kissed her hair and they pulled away after a minute or two. Rachel kissed him again, this kiss lingered on for 10-12 seconds before Rachel pulled away keeping her forehead against his. Her hands feeling the skin of his neck.
"You really do like to surprise me, don't you?" He chuckled and kissed her wrist. He snaked his arm over her shoulder pulling her closer to him so she could lean her head on his shoulder. She also encircled his body with both her hands interlocking them at his side. He smiled to himself when he smelled her hair, still coconut-ty.
"How come you're here early? Not that I'm complaining.. just curious" Rachel asked.
"Actually.. all six of us requested the Museum people that we wanted to spend New Year's with our families.. After a lo-ot of talking, they gave in to our wishes on the condition that we work for them here in New York for two whole weeks" Ross explained.
"And you came to me!" She said softly, now playing with his hand that rested on his lap.
"I knew you'd be happy to see me. So I came straight from the airport to New Jersey" She looked up at him. She couldn't help but smile to finally have him back. She was glad these three months were now over.
(...)
"And you didn't even tell me!" Monica complained, pouting her lips. Ross and Rachel had joined the group just about half an hour ago. They were now standing next to each other.
"Well I wanted to surprise everyone" Ross stated.
"Whatever it is.. It's good to finally have you back, Man" Chandler said, raising his glass. Ross nodded.
"I know.. every one of our Band rehearsals sucked without you" Joey added.
"At least I won't have to witness her mood swings anymore" Phoebe referred to Rachel and took a sip from her glass. Ross smiled looking down at Rachel.
"And I won't have to be a delivery boy" Mike said making everybody laugh.
"Look at you all, guys. Seems like no one was okay with Ross in Cairo" She looked up at him. "See.. I didn't give weird reasons like them"
"I know, right" Ross said chuckling.
(...)
"Look Daddy.. who's here!" Rachel approached her father with Ross by her side.
"Happy New Year Dr Greene" Ross offered him his hand. Leonard eyed him for a few seconds before stepping in and hugging him. "Glad you came Ross" Ross was clearly not expecting this particular gesture from Rachel's father, but he knew the drinks were doing their part.
"So.. how was Cairo?" Leonard asked.
"It was great.. I learned so much from the field experience" Ross said.
"Good for you, Mr Big shot" Leonard patted him on the shoulder. Ah.. there it was, a new name, Ross thought.
"Daddy.. Ross and some of my other friends are gonna crash in here for the night. I hope you don't mind" Rachel said, seeking permission from her father.
"Of course not, pumpkin. Just ask the maids to tidy up the guest room" Leonard answered and turned to Ross. "Here.. have this, Ross" He said, offering him a glass of 'scotch neat'.
"No sir.. My head aches from the flight already. I don't think this will do any good" Ross said shaking his head. Leonard shrugged and excused himself.
"Man, your father's on a roll tonight" Ross started. "He never behaved this way with me before"
"Well, you know what to do from now on. Just get him drunk" Rachel suggested. Ross nodded, breaking into laughter.
(...)
Monica and Phoebe occupied Rachel's room and Chandler, Joey and Mike, the guest room. Ross and Rachel decided to stay up whole night in the living room. Ross' sleep cycle was a little too disturbed anyway and Rachel felt extra energetic to have Ross back. They sat beside each other. Ross held her hand in between his.
"When does your college re-open?" He asked.
"Not for another two weeks"
"Well I gotta be in the city" Rachel turned to look at him questioningly. "Have to fulfill the condition, remember?" She nodded.
"It's gonna be so tiring for you" She realized.
"Yeah, well.. it's worth seeing that look on your face when you saw me" Ross said sweetly. This earned him a peck on the lips. "But I do have to first go over to Long Island. Don't wanna disappoint Mom and Dad. I missed them" He added.
"Yeah.. You know Monica used to call me everyday after you left" Rachel told Ross.
"That's nice of her"
"I asked her if she checked up on Chandler like that, she said she didn't need to, cos he does that for her"
"I know. He thinks I'm asleep when he calls... but I'm not. Not most of the times anyway" After a few moments he spoke again "God he's changed" He wondered aloud.
"What do you mean?" Rachel asked curiously.
"Hmm, I don't know if you'd believe it, but Chan used to be a commitment phobic when I first met him"
"You don't say" Rachel squeaked, it was hard for her to believe after seeing him with Monica.
"Yes yes.. I mean.. He dumped girls for no reasons. I know most guys are not mature enough at the age.. but he liked this girl back in high school and she liked him back.. and that's what scared him"
"But why is that? And how did this change?" Rachel wondered.
"Well, his parents got divorced when he was 9. And they told him about it during a Thanksgiving dinner."
"So that's why he was cranky on Thanksgiving?" Ross nodded
"Evidently he didn't handle it well, cos that's the main reason behind his sarcasm" He sighed before continuing. "He was sent away to boarding school. He didn't even use to talk much to his parents. When he started dating Monica, she at least made him reacquainted to his mom"
"Wow.. and what about his dad? Where is he?"
"You don't want to know that" He chuckled.
"Why?"
"I don't know, I mean-" He thought to himself if he should tell her. He decided he should, one day she'll get to know anyway "He's the lead dancer at this Burlesque in Vegas, Viva Las Gaygas"
"No! You're kidding right?" Rachel looked at him with the strangest of looks.
"No.. apparently that's the reason his parents got divorced in the first place"
"Oh, God.. so the Chandler I know is the better version?"
"No doubts about that"
"And it's more or less because of Monica?"
"It seems to me. And he agrees to that"
"That's- I mean... they say love changes you into a better person but this... it is almost bizarre" She said making Ross chuckle.
"Which one?" Rachel held two dresses in front of her as she could not decide what to wear for her and Ross' date. After ringing in new year with each other, they were going to see each other after three whole weeks.
Phoebe closed the magazine she was reading and rolled her eyes. "You sure you are a fashion major?"
Rachel groaned. "Pheebs you gotta help me here. Ross said he has something important to tell me tonight"
"Okay.. umm.. the right one"
Rachel kept the other dress aside and walked to the mirror to see how would this one look on her. "You sure?" She asked.
"Yeah.. you look sexy in black" Phoebe said, going back to reading her magazine.
"But this is orange.." Rachel said turning around to look at her friend.
"Duh.. Orange is the new black" Phoebe said as a matter of fact to which Rachel could only roll her eyes and chuckle.
(...)
After a rather fancy dinner at Javu, Ross took Rachel for a walk around Central Park. Their hands were loosely connected in the middle. The wind came and Rachel's hair flew over her face. She used her other hand to do some damage control. She stopped her actions when she saw her boyfriend staring down at her. "What?" She chuckled.
"Nothing just.. I mean.. I can't believe how gorgeous you look tonight" He said sweetly causing her to blush. She smiled and turned to look straight ahead but gave his hand a squeeze.
"You know you still haven't told me the important thing" Rachel broke the silence.
"Oh.. that would be how I got a permanent job at the museum. And how I can join as soon as I graduate" Ross said nonchalantly. Rachel stopped walking with a look of amazement on her face. Ross felt her stop and turned around. What he saw blew his mind away, she was happy was the understatement of the year. In her eyes he saw how proud of him she was. In that moment, Ross fell for Rachel all over again because he realized that Rachel would be there for him on every step of his life.
"Really?" She confirmed smiling.
"Yeah.. they said I will be an assistant to the head of Research and Development. The pay.. well you know, for starters it's more than I could have imagined. They have also offered to sponsor my PhD research if I'm competent enough" Ross explained.
"This is so great Ross. This sure is an amazing news" She said caressing his face. They hugged. When they pulled, Rachel kissed him on the lips. "You know this calls for a celebration" She moved her mouth to his ears "And we also need to make up for the last three months" She said sensually nibbling his earlobe. Hearing this, Ross gulped knowing he was in for a long night but he was not about to complain.
Rachel slept soundly with her head resting on Ross' chest when her phone rang. She looked at the clock radio he kept on his side table and saw it just past 11 in the morning. She answered the phone groggily "Hello?"
"Yeah.. this is she. Who's this?" She said rubbing her eyes and sitting straight. Ross got up as she pulled away from his grasp.
"Oh hi Aunt Claudia, how are you?" She tried to smile but was too lazy to actually do that.
"Perfectly fine" As she heard the next words from her aunt, she got a look as she just realized something, but soon was interrupted by Ross kissing her neck. She closed her eyes to block every other feeling other than the feel of his lips on her neck, but actually trying to listen to her aunt. She tried not to let out a moan. Suddenly, she pushed Ross away to snap back to reality but continued to trace his jawline with her fingertips.
"Yeah.. yes I'm here. Umm.. I thought about it, Aunt Claudia. I did. But... I don't think I'm gonna take it. I'm sorry" She said apologetically.
"Yeah.. I forgot to tell mom about it actually"
"Of course. Yeah.. you take care. Goodbye" She hung up and turned to Ross to give him her full attention. "Morning" She smiled and leaned in for a peck on the lips, encircling his neck with her arms.
"You too" He kissed her full on the lips that lingered on for a few seconds. "Who was on the phone?" He inquired still leaving a trail of soft kisses on her face.
"Aunt Claudia. Dad's old friend. She wanted to know if I wanted an internship in her boutique" She answered, almost losing herself in those amazing kisses.
"So why didn't you take it?" Ross questioned, stopping his actions and looking straight at her with a look of confusion. He obviously heard her rejecting the offer.
"Uhh.." She raced her mind what to tell him. "She lives in Paris. She was actually here on a vacation so she spent New Year's with my family. That was when she talked to me about it" Ross took in the piece of information.
"And you didn't tell me earlier?" Ross said softly looking past her.
"Honey.. it's no big deal. I was quite sure I wasn't gonna take it" Her reply made him look at her seriously.
"Am I the reason that you rejected the offer?" Ross asked firmly. Rachel shrugged.
"Rachel.." He removed her hands from his neck and held them in between his "I can't do this-"
"What?"
"I can't hold you back" He continuously shook his head.
"You're not. I just.. don't want to" She said like it wasn't a big deal to her, trying to convince herself as well. Ross narrowed his eyes at her. He's seeing right through me, she thought.
"Don't you, really?" He asked a little roughly. She could not bring herself to move or say anything "Come on, Rach. Don't tell me you are willing to give up an internship in the fashion capital of the world" She looked down feeling embarrassed to have lied to him. Seeing her like that broke his heart a little. "Hey.." He lifted her face so she could look at him which she did. "Listen to me.." He caressed her cheek with one hand "We have our whole lives ahead of us to be together. We can't let these opportunities pass us by.. just because we want to spend this little time. And this internship.. it's not permanent, is it?. It's not like you're gonna be moving indefinitely, right?" He lowered his face a little to look straight in her eyes "You'll come back here. To me" He smiled. She nodded, her eyes welling up. "And if you don't, I'll make you" He warned playfully making the moment lighter, she chuckled.
"How long is it for anyway?" He put a strand of hair behind her ear.
"2 months in summers, but I can also extend it. Daddy has contacts at Yale" She answered softly.
"Take it, Rach. This is a great opportunity. Your career is as much important as mine. We're still the same Ross and Rachel after Cairo. I'm sure some more time apart won't make any difference" He kissed her forehead to make his point. She looked at him lovingly and closed the distance between them by hugging him tight. He continued after a few moments "Sure I'll miss you. But I don't want you to look back after five years and regret your decision. I know this is gonna make you happy cos this is what you love doing. And I just want to let you know that I'll always be by your side.. supporting you"
"I forgot how compassionate you were" She said kissing his bare shoulder. He stroked her hair and kissed her on her right temple before pulling away.
"Now call your aunt and tell her you'll see her in Paris" Ross ordered handing her the cell phone.
"You know you can stay at Nana's once you move out of your dorm" Jack suggested having a spoon full of his salad. He was here in the city having lunch with his son.
"I know but.. I thought Monica would like to have it" Ross replied.
"Whatever you want, son. Just let me know if you need anything" He said keeping a hand on Ross' shoulder. Ross smiled and nodded.
"So have you seen any places?" Jack asked.
"Actually yeah.. it's in the building across Nana's. Once I start getting paid, I'll take a loan for the rent of first 6 months" He answered taking a sip of his beer.
"Sounds like a plan to me. When is your convocation again?" Jack asked.
"End of this month"
Ross and Chandler were getting ready for their convocation. Chandler got a temporary job in data processing while Joey decided to get involved in theater work.
"I can't believe you won't be my roommate anymore" Chandler broke the silence while putting his socks on.
"I know, Man. At least you'll have Joey.. I'm gonna be living alone" Ross replied. This made Chandler chuckle.
"You know that was your decision, right?" He asked. Ross shrugged. "Anyway.. I gotta give Joey a chance at being my roommate" He stepped forward to hug Ross. They heard the door knock and open. It was Joey.
"I can't believe I'm out of this college, finally! At least I can pursue my acting now. And we get to be roommates, dude" Joey said to Chandler excited.
"Too bad Gandalf is moving back to Chicago" Chandler added, trying to tease Joey who gave him a look and turned to Ross.
"Is Rachel coming?"
Ross frowned. "No man. I didn't get an extra pass. They said it's only for family members and relatives. She was so bummed out when I told her. She really wanted to come"
"I'm sorry, Man"
"Are you.. really? You get to have Monica there, you know" This brought a smile on Chandler's face.
(...)
The guys reached the main hall and Joey immediately spotted his parents by the stage. Chandler reluctantly excused himself to see his mom being fawned upon by some crazy girls. Ross stood there unsure of when Monica and his parents would come. He sat down on the chair. He heard his name yelled. It was Monica. Behind her he saw his parents walking at half her speed. This made him chuckle. She came closer and they hugged. "Can't hide your excitement han Mon?"
"Well.. let's see how you hide yours when you see.." Monica stepped back and pointed towards the entrance ".. her" He saw Rachel entering the door bringing a full fledged smile on his face. Jack and Judy smiled seeing their son happy. Rachel came and hugged him.
"But, how did you- I talked to you last night.. uhh" Ross stuttered smiling.
"You thought only you could give surprises" Rachel replied with a big grin on her face. He kissed her on the cheek and went to stand with his classmates in the queue.
The degrees were handed to the students and the guys joined their respective families. As Ross neared his family, Rachel opened her arms and yelled "Congratulations!" He hugged her tightly. Jack and Judy looked at each other and smiled. They could not believe Rachel was more excited and happy for Ross than even they were themselves.
"Now you are officially a geek" They all heard Chandler making his way over to the Gellers along with Nora Bing.
"We're all very proud of you, Son" Jack said as Ross pulled away from Rachel.
"My boy is out of college now" Judy said, a little too emotional. Rachel smiled at this.
"Here.." Jack handed an envelope to Ross. "This is a graduation gift from your mother and myself" Ross opened and found legal papers to the apartment he had talked to his father about. They read that the rent for the first six months was already paid "Wha-" He looked at them perplexed.
"Dad.. you know you didn't need to. I would have taken a loan" He said.
"You don't need to prove yourself. We know you are fully capable" Jack said smiling.
"Just accept it as our love" Judy added.
"You are the best parents" Ross said stepping forward to hug his mother.
(...)
"And this is the bedroom" Ross opened the door in his apartment. He had brought Rachel to take a look at the apartment.
"Wow.. I can imagine how it will look when you decorate" Rachel walked around "..with your dinosaurs knick-knacks" She teased.
Ross came and held her hands from behind, encircling their bundle on her waist. "You know.." He gave her an open mouthed kiss on her neck "We don't have to sneak away from the college administration anymore"
"Tell me more.." Rachel said, liking the thought.
"And... you can stay however long you want.. without worrying about Chandler" Ross kissed her on the temple. Rachel smiled and turned around, snaking her arms around his neck.
"I like it" Rachel looked directly into his eyes.
"Do you like-" He kissed her full on the mouth for a good 20 seconds. He pulled away and looked at her expectantly. She nodded. She leaned in to kiss him again and pushed him downwards, making both of them fall onto the bed.
I know, I'm going fast. But I could not think of anything. So how was it? Is it losing its charm ? Shall I continue? Do tell me in your review, you know if you like it or not.
PS I started watching Orange is the new black, and I found it interesting, couldn't resist the phrase into my writing. Plus I could totally imagine Lisa Kudrow's tone and expression when I wrote that. I bet you all could do the same :p