Author's Note: For five episodes, I'm letting a good friend, Valerie, take over for me. But, please be as courteous to her as you have been to me. I'm swamped with a lot of things but I'll be back for episode 1216! I promsie!
1210 - TOW the Big Decision
It was the day after Monica's accident. Ross and Rachel had decided not to talk about Ross' job offer in Arizona until that day, so now they were sitting on the couch talking about what they were going to do. Rachel's decision was hardest. She didn't know if she should let him go by himself, try to talk him out of going, or move with him.
Ross: Okay, I'm willing to give this job up.
Rachel: But it has been your dream! You told me that, don't you remember?
Ross: Of course I do, it was last night. But, honey, you mean more to me than that job. Our kids mean more to me.
Rachel: Ross, I love you so much, I know that this job will make you really happy. The problem is, I don't want to move away from our apartment and go to Arizona for a year, come back and not be able to get it back.
Ross: We could sublet.
Rachel: I know, but remember what happened with Ugly Naked Guy. He came back and kicked us out. I'd feel terrible if I had to do that to somebody.
Ross: Honey, what are we going to do? .honey, what are we going to do?
Rachel: I don't want to go.
Ross looked at Rachel for a moment and was about to say something else. Hannah ran into the room then.
Hannah: Daddy! Daddy!
Ross: What is it sweetie?
Hannah: Come read me a story!
Ross: Okay, I'll be in there in a minute.
Hannah smiled and left the room to go back to her room. Ross stood up and looked at Rachel.
Ross: We'll talk more later.
Rachel: Ok honey.
*~*
In Monica and Chandler's apartment Monica sat in bed. Chandler was feeding all the kids. He came in to check on her.
Monica: Please let me help Chandler. It's hard handling five kids.
Chandler: Just stay there. The best thing you can do for me is stay in bed and get better.
The phone rings and Chandler groans.
Monica: Don't worry about it.
Monica reached for the phone beside her bed. Chandler laughed, the best thing Monica could do, talk.
Monica: Hello?
Katie: Mom? Oh my god, are you ok?
Monica: Yea I'm fine honey.
Katie: I heard about the accident and then I got so worried that you were seriously hurt.
Monica: Well I'm supposed to stay in bed but other than that I'm pretty much fine.
Katie: Great. I'm so glad I got so worried. I've got good news.
Monica: What is it?
Katie: I'm coming home in three months.
Monica: What!
Katie: The movie is almost done. I'm coming home in three months.
Monica: That is good news!
Katie: I know!
Monica: You sound just like me. Well I can't wait for you to come home Katie. Well I better get off the phone. I
think Chandler needs a break.
Katie: Of course he does. He's dad. Talk to you later Mom.
Monica hung up the phone and sighed. It was back to motherhood.
Monica: Chandler let me feed Jessie!!
Chandler: Oh god thank you Monica!!!!!!
*~*
Ross and Rachel sat around the living room. They were trying to talk about anything but Ross's trip. But it eventually just came up.
Ross: Maybe I shouldn't go. I don't want to leave you and the kids.
Rachel: But you've always wanted to do this.
Ross: I know but I would give it up for you.
Rachel: Ross we have to decide this. We can't put it off like we wanted too.
Ross: I know. This is just such a tough decision.
Rachel: It is. But I know in the end we'll make the right one.
*~*
Joey ran around the bathroom looking for the thermometer. To his sadness Phoebe was sick. She was really burning up and wasn't making much sense. It looked like he was in charge for the day. Draven came wandering into the living room as Joey exited the bathroom with the thermometer.
Draven: What's wrong daddy?
Joey: Mommy's sick.
Draven: Oh...
Joey entered the bedroom to see Phoebe had fallen asleep again, which she had been doing all morning. He kissed her head and felt her skin was very hot. Her eyes opened.
Phoebe: I just want to sleep for a while.
Joey: I need to see if you have a fever.
Phoebe: Ok...
While he was waiting for the thermometer he went back inside and fixed breakfast for the kids. Two bottles of the twins and cereal for Draven. He went back into the bedroom and took the thermometer from Phoebe. He read the digital number, 103.5. He quickly got her Tylenol and made sure she took it. He groaned. Now he saw what Phoebe meant. Having to do all the work was hard. And it had only been an hour. His head fell as he went back inside.
*~*
Rachel sat with Hannah and the twins. Ross took the triplets out to spend some time with them.
Hannah: Is daddy going away mommy?
Rachel: He isn't sure yet. Mommy and daddy have a big decision to make. If daddy goes he is going to be gone for a long time. And mommy isn't sure if we should go with him and daddy isn't sure if he will go.
Hannah: I hope daddy stays. I'll miss him.
Rachel: Mommy is going to miss him too...
*~*
Monica sat bored in bed. Alex and Ally had been in at parts during the day to entertain her and Chandler had been checking on her. But she wished she could just get up and walk. However she had been told to stay in bed. She picked up the book beside her and then set it back down. She had been reading all day. She didn't want to read more. Just as she was ready to call for him Chandler came in.
Chandler: Jessie and Casey are sleeping. Alex and Ally are watching TV. I thought I'd come in and see you.
Monica: I'm so bored here. I wish I could be up.
Chandler: You'll be up and about soon enough. But the main concern is for you to get better now.
Monica: I know. How is everyone? I haven't seen anyone today.
Chandler: Well Ross and Rachel are busy. They are dealing with the whole Arizona situation. And I haven't actually seen Joey yet so I don't know what his plans are.
Monica: Oh...
Joey rushed out of the apartment to across the hall with the kids. He ran to Monica and Chandler's bedroom leaving the kids in the living room.
Joey: Hey Monica how are you feeling?
Monica: Pretty much the same.
Joey: I need to ask a favor. I know it's a lot to handle but I need you to watch the kids for an hour or so.
Chandler: Joey I know you love Phoebe but you're...
Joey: It's not that. Phoebe's bad sick.
Monica: She's trying to steal my thunder!
Joey: Be serious. She is really sick. Her fever is slowly increasing and all she does sleep. I'm going to take her to the doctor. I don't want the kids near her though.
Monica: Oh. Chandler can you handle it?
Chandler: Let's see, Alex, Ally and Draven will be a breeze to take care off. And the twins should be asleep for another hour or two...
Joey: The twins are asleep too...
Chandler: Ok.
Joey: Thanks. Ok I'm going to take her now. I can't have her sick.
Monica: Tell Phoebe I hope she feels better.
Joey: Ok. I'll see you guys later.
*~*
Joey and Phoebe sat in the examining room. Phoebe was lying down on the table waiting for the doctor to come in. He had been trying to keep her up by talking to her but it wasn't working. He gave up and let her sleep. He figured when the doctor came in he would wake her up. The doctor finally entered the room and Joey looked up.
Joey: Hey Doctor.
Doctor: Hello Mr. Tribiani.
Joey walked over to Phoebe and woke her up. She groaned but got up. The doctor took her temperature, which was now 104. Her throat was red and her tonsils were swollen. She had an ear infection was congested.
Doctor: Everything is fine it just seems that Phoebe has caught a case of the flu.
Joey: Isn't it a little out of season?
Doctor: It's not like hunting for something special. You can get it most anytime. It just more likely to get it at a certain time of the year.
Joey: Oh...
Doctor: Just keep her in bed. Make sure she gets rest, don't let her get dehydrated, and I'll give her two prescriptions. She will be better in a few days. If you have any kids in the house keep them away from her, it is contagious.
Joey: Ok. Thank you.
Joey got Phoebe's coat and then grabbed his. They left the office and went home. It looked like a hard couple of days ahead for them. Joey wasn't used to doing all the work that he had to do now that she was sick. But he sure was going to have to do it now.
*~*
Monica and Chandler sat in their bedroom watching the TV Chandler had put in there.
Monica: Did I tell you I spoke to Katie?
Chandler: No I knew. I heard you two talking.
Monica: She's coming back.
Chandler: Really? When?
Monica: In three months. I can't wait for her to come home. All these years without her I missed her and I always thought about her. But now that she's here I feel like I've spent more time with than I have, like I have known her all my life.
Chandler: She's you daughter Monica. You are always going to have a special connection with her. No matter how much time you spent together.
*~*
Ross and Rachel sat down in they're living room after the kids went to sleep. They had decided to make the decision on the Arizona matter once and for all.
Rachel: Honey I just want to say something. Whatever your decision is I will support you. And I know you will do the right thing.
Ross: Thanks...
Rachel: So did you think about this?
Ross: Yes I thought about everything I was gaining and losing for this trip. And I thought about it good. I know this is a big decision and I am glad you are going to support it.
Rachel: So have you decided?
Ross: Yes. I'm going to go.
Rachel: You're positive?
Ross: Yes. I want to do this and I need to do this for my career.
Rachel: Ok then. I'm coming with you.
Ross: You're what?
Rachel: I'm going to come with you. I don't want to be without you for so long. I need to be with you. Even if we don't spend much time with each other while we there because you are too busy. I know you're near me, and I love that feeling. I don't think I could live without it for so long.
Ross: You're sure you want to do this? This wasn't a one-minute decision? And you realize what you're sacrificing?
Rachel: Of course I realize what I am doing. I thought about this carefully while you made your decision. I love you
Ross. I don't want to be without you.
Ross: I love you too. And I'm glad your coming. I know that being away from you for so long would be so hard, but
having to say goodbye to you would be even harder.
Rachel: That's another reason why I'm coming.
Ross: Why?
Rachel: Because I couldn't do it either.
Ross smiled at her. She smiled back. He pulled her close and kissed her passionately. They were going to be together. They had missed so much time together. And now they were going to stay together, forever...
1210 - TOW the Big Decision
It was the day after Monica's accident. Ross and Rachel had decided not to talk about Ross' job offer in Arizona until that day, so now they were sitting on the couch talking about what they were going to do. Rachel's decision was hardest. She didn't know if she should let him go by himself, try to talk him out of going, or move with him.
Ross: Okay, I'm willing to give this job up.
Rachel: But it has been your dream! You told me that, don't you remember?
Ross: Of course I do, it was last night. But, honey, you mean more to me than that job. Our kids mean more to me.
Rachel: Ross, I love you so much, I know that this job will make you really happy. The problem is, I don't want to move away from our apartment and go to Arizona for a year, come back and not be able to get it back.
Ross: We could sublet.
Rachel: I know, but remember what happened with Ugly Naked Guy. He came back and kicked us out. I'd feel terrible if I had to do that to somebody.
Ross: Honey, what are we going to do? .honey, what are we going to do?
Rachel: I don't want to go.
Ross looked at Rachel for a moment and was about to say something else. Hannah ran into the room then.
Hannah: Daddy! Daddy!
Ross: What is it sweetie?
Hannah: Come read me a story!
Ross: Okay, I'll be in there in a minute.
Hannah smiled and left the room to go back to her room. Ross stood up and looked at Rachel.
Ross: We'll talk more later.
Rachel: Ok honey.
*~*
In Monica and Chandler's apartment Monica sat in bed. Chandler was feeding all the kids. He came in to check on her.
Monica: Please let me help Chandler. It's hard handling five kids.
Chandler: Just stay there. The best thing you can do for me is stay in bed and get better.
The phone rings and Chandler groans.
Monica: Don't worry about it.
Monica reached for the phone beside her bed. Chandler laughed, the best thing Monica could do, talk.
Monica: Hello?
Katie: Mom? Oh my god, are you ok?
Monica: Yea I'm fine honey.
Katie: I heard about the accident and then I got so worried that you were seriously hurt.
Monica: Well I'm supposed to stay in bed but other than that I'm pretty much fine.
Katie: Great. I'm so glad I got so worried. I've got good news.
Monica: What is it?
Katie: I'm coming home in three months.
Monica: What!
Katie: The movie is almost done. I'm coming home in three months.
Monica: That is good news!
Katie: I know!
Monica: You sound just like me. Well I can't wait for you to come home Katie. Well I better get off the phone. I
think Chandler needs a break.
Katie: Of course he does. He's dad. Talk to you later Mom.
Monica hung up the phone and sighed. It was back to motherhood.
Monica: Chandler let me feed Jessie!!
Chandler: Oh god thank you Monica!!!!!!
*~*
Ross and Rachel sat around the living room. They were trying to talk about anything but Ross's trip. But it eventually just came up.
Ross: Maybe I shouldn't go. I don't want to leave you and the kids.
Rachel: But you've always wanted to do this.
Ross: I know but I would give it up for you.
Rachel: Ross we have to decide this. We can't put it off like we wanted too.
Ross: I know. This is just such a tough decision.
Rachel: It is. But I know in the end we'll make the right one.
*~*
Joey ran around the bathroom looking for the thermometer. To his sadness Phoebe was sick. She was really burning up and wasn't making much sense. It looked like he was in charge for the day. Draven came wandering into the living room as Joey exited the bathroom with the thermometer.
Draven: What's wrong daddy?
Joey: Mommy's sick.
Draven: Oh...
Joey entered the bedroom to see Phoebe had fallen asleep again, which she had been doing all morning. He kissed her head and felt her skin was very hot. Her eyes opened.
Phoebe: I just want to sleep for a while.
Joey: I need to see if you have a fever.
Phoebe: Ok...
While he was waiting for the thermometer he went back inside and fixed breakfast for the kids. Two bottles of the twins and cereal for Draven. He went back into the bedroom and took the thermometer from Phoebe. He read the digital number, 103.5. He quickly got her Tylenol and made sure she took it. He groaned. Now he saw what Phoebe meant. Having to do all the work was hard. And it had only been an hour. His head fell as he went back inside.
*~*
Rachel sat with Hannah and the twins. Ross took the triplets out to spend some time with them.
Hannah: Is daddy going away mommy?
Rachel: He isn't sure yet. Mommy and daddy have a big decision to make. If daddy goes he is going to be gone for a long time. And mommy isn't sure if we should go with him and daddy isn't sure if he will go.
Hannah: I hope daddy stays. I'll miss him.
Rachel: Mommy is going to miss him too...
*~*
Monica sat bored in bed. Alex and Ally had been in at parts during the day to entertain her and Chandler had been checking on her. But she wished she could just get up and walk. However she had been told to stay in bed. She picked up the book beside her and then set it back down. She had been reading all day. She didn't want to read more. Just as she was ready to call for him Chandler came in.
Chandler: Jessie and Casey are sleeping. Alex and Ally are watching TV. I thought I'd come in and see you.
Monica: I'm so bored here. I wish I could be up.
Chandler: You'll be up and about soon enough. But the main concern is for you to get better now.
Monica: I know. How is everyone? I haven't seen anyone today.
Chandler: Well Ross and Rachel are busy. They are dealing with the whole Arizona situation. And I haven't actually seen Joey yet so I don't know what his plans are.
Monica: Oh...
Joey rushed out of the apartment to across the hall with the kids. He ran to Monica and Chandler's bedroom leaving the kids in the living room.
Joey: Hey Monica how are you feeling?
Monica: Pretty much the same.
Joey: I need to ask a favor. I know it's a lot to handle but I need you to watch the kids for an hour or so.
Chandler: Joey I know you love Phoebe but you're...
Joey: It's not that. Phoebe's bad sick.
Monica: She's trying to steal my thunder!
Joey: Be serious. She is really sick. Her fever is slowly increasing and all she does sleep. I'm going to take her to the doctor. I don't want the kids near her though.
Monica: Oh. Chandler can you handle it?
Chandler: Let's see, Alex, Ally and Draven will be a breeze to take care off. And the twins should be asleep for another hour or two...
Joey: The twins are asleep too...
Chandler: Ok.
Joey: Thanks. Ok I'm going to take her now. I can't have her sick.
Monica: Tell Phoebe I hope she feels better.
Joey: Ok. I'll see you guys later.
*~*
Joey and Phoebe sat in the examining room. Phoebe was lying down on the table waiting for the doctor to come in. He had been trying to keep her up by talking to her but it wasn't working. He gave up and let her sleep. He figured when the doctor came in he would wake her up. The doctor finally entered the room and Joey looked up.
Joey: Hey Doctor.
Doctor: Hello Mr. Tribiani.
Joey walked over to Phoebe and woke her up. She groaned but got up. The doctor took her temperature, which was now 104. Her throat was red and her tonsils were swollen. She had an ear infection was congested.
Doctor: Everything is fine it just seems that Phoebe has caught a case of the flu.
Joey: Isn't it a little out of season?
Doctor: It's not like hunting for something special. You can get it most anytime. It just more likely to get it at a certain time of the year.
Joey: Oh...
Doctor: Just keep her in bed. Make sure she gets rest, don't let her get dehydrated, and I'll give her two prescriptions. She will be better in a few days. If you have any kids in the house keep them away from her, it is contagious.
Joey: Ok. Thank you.
Joey got Phoebe's coat and then grabbed his. They left the office and went home. It looked like a hard couple of days ahead for them. Joey wasn't used to doing all the work that he had to do now that she was sick. But he sure was going to have to do it now.
*~*
Monica and Chandler sat in their bedroom watching the TV Chandler had put in there.
Monica: Did I tell you I spoke to Katie?
Chandler: No I knew. I heard you two talking.
Monica: She's coming back.
Chandler: Really? When?
Monica: In three months. I can't wait for her to come home. All these years without her I missed her and I always thought about her. But now that she's here I feel like I've spent more time with than I have, like I have known her all my life.
Chandler: She's you daughter Monica. You are always going to have a special connection with her. No matter how much time you spent together.
*~*
Ross and Rachel sat down in they're living room after the kids went to sleep. They had decided to make the decision on the Arizona matter once and for all.
Rachel: Honey I just want to say something. Whatever your decision is I will support you. And I know you will do the right thing.
Ross: Thanks...
Rachel: So did you think about this?
Ross: Yes I thought about everything I was gaining and losing for this trip. And I thought about it good. I know this is a big decision and I am glad you are going to support it.
Rachel: So have you decided?
Ross: Yes. I'm going to go.
Rachel: You're positive?
Ross: Yes. I want to do this and I need to do this for my career.
Rachel: Ok then. I'm coming with you.
Ross: You're what?
Rachel: I'm going to come with you. I don't want to be without you for so long. I need to be with you. Even if we don't spend much time with each other while we there because you are too busy. I know you're near me, and I love that feeling. I don't think I could live without it for so long.
Ross: You're sure you want to do this? This wasn't a one-minute decision? And you realize what you're sacrificing?
Rachel: Of course I realize what I am doing. I thought about this carefully while you made your decision. I love you
Ross. I don't want to be without you.
Ross: I love you too. And I'm glad your coming. I know that being away from you for so long would be so hard, but
having to say goodbye to you would be even harder.
Rachel: That's another reason why I'm coming.
Ross: Why?
Rachel: Because I couldn't do it either.
Ross smiled at her. She smiled back. He pulled her close and kissed her passionately. They were going to be together. They had missed so much time together. And now they were going to stay together, forever...