1211- TOW Ross and Rachel Leave
Rachel leaned over her suitcase looking at everything she had packed in there. She and Ross were leaving tomorrow. Ross was on the other side of the room packing a suitcase.
Ross: I can't believe we are going to Arizona.
Rachel: Neither can I. Oh it's going to be so hard saying goodbye to everyone.
Ross: I know. I am going to miss them.
Rachel: Me too...
Chandler sat with Monica for their quiet evening together. All of their children were asleep.
Monica: When are Ross and Rachel coming over?
Chandler: I'm not sure.
Monica: I am going to miss Rachel.
Chandler: What about Ross?
Monica: Please I saw enough of him...
*~*
Phoebe sat in Joey's chair reading a magazine. Joey was eating at the kitchen counter. Phoebe had recovered fully from her flu. All of their kids were also asleep.
Joey: I'm bored.
Phoebe: So do something.
Joey: Let's have sex.
Phoebe: No.
Joey: That's the first time I have ever seen you turn down that offer.
Phoebe: I'm tired.
Joey: Exactly the point of sex.
Phoebe: Joey no.
Joey: Come on!!! It's been three months!!! I had sex more when I was single!
Phoebe: That's because you dated a different girl every night.
Joey: True, true... Anyway please??
Phoebe: No.
Joey: Fine!! I'm going to our room!!
Joey walked into their bedroom and slammed the door. Phoebe sat back in the chair and sighed.
Phoebe: It's so hard taking care of three children...
*~*
Ross and Rachel sat checking to make sure they have everything they needed in the suitcases.
Rachel: Batteries?
Ross: Check...
Rachel: Bottles?
Ross: Check...
Rachel: Please stop doing that.
She paused and looked around. She was going to miss the apartment. Ross put her hand on her shoulder and looked around as well. They had decided to hand the apartment over to Katie, who would be returning in a week. They would pay half the rent and Katie would my pay half. At least they knew they could trust Katie. They didn't like the idea of subletting the apartment to a total stranger.
Ross: I can't believe we have to leave this place...
Rachel: I know. I'm going to miss it.
Ross: Me too...
Rachel walked over to an already packed suitcase and opened it. He supposed she was checking for something.
*~*
Phoebe watched TV and Joey finally came out of their bedroom.
Joey: I can't believe you still turned me down.
Phoebe: Relax. It won't always be that way.
Joey: I have never been turned down. Are you happy now? You broke my wonderful record.
Phoebe: I'm so proud of myself. You'll live Joey.
Joey: You look really beautiful tonight.
Phoebe: Thank you. But it won't work.
Joey: What won't work honey?
Phoebe: The flattery sweetie.
Joey: Damn it...
*~*
Monica sat in bed trying to think of something to do. Chandler had gone inside to watch TV. She picked up the phone and then set it back down. She didn't feel like calling Rachel or Phoebe. Plus Rachel was probably busy. So was Phoebe considering she was Joey's wife... She went to read the magazines Chandler has brought her. She pulled her hand back. She had read a book a little while ago; she was in no mood to read again. Finally she sighed and called Chandler in.
Chandler: Yea honey?
Monica: I'm bored.
Chandler: You have to stay in bed. Ross and Rachel just called. It's going to be a while. There apparently was some kind of set back.
Monica: Oh...
Chandler: But Phoebe just called. She'll be over in five minutes. Joey is driving her crazy.
Monica: Yea finally some company.
Chandler: I take you don't like me anymore.
Monica: I just get sick of you...
*~*
Phoebe grabbed some magazines she had bought for Monica. Joey came out of their bedroom again to see her.
Joey: Where are you going?
Phoebe: To see Monica.
Joey: So you are going to see Monica but you won't have sex with me?
Phoebe: Yea.
Joey: You are no fun...
*~*
Ross sat in disbelief as he watched Rachel unpack her things. She decided not to go at the last minute.
Ross: So you are just not going to go.
Rachel: Yea... I can't do it Ross. I don't want to leave. Actually I'm not sure of anything. I don't want to leave but I want to come to be with you.
Ross: The only reason I didn't refuse the job is because I knew you would be by my side. I can't do it Rachel. I love you too much to leave you. I'm going to call my boss now and tell him I am not going.
Rachel: But this is your dream Ross.
Ross: I had even bigger dream than this.
Rachel: What was it?
Ross: Being married to you. That was the best dream of all. I'm staying...
Rachel: Wait Ross...
Ross: What?
Rachel: I want you to be happy. My life is your happiness. I'm coming.
Ross: Rachel you don't have to.
Rachel: I know I don't have to. I want to. I love you Ross. I lost you all those years ago. And I absolutely refuse to lose you again.
Ross grabbed her and kissed her passionately. He loved her and she loved him. That was all the mattered to him at the moment. She was coming.
*~*
Monica and Phoebe sat in Monica and Chandler's bedroom talking.
Phoebe: So there you go.
Monica: I wish I could have been there. It would have been so funny to see Joey being turned down.
They laughed. Silence fell upon them.
Monica: I can't believe Ross and Rachel are leaving. I am going to miss them so much.
Phoebe: I know. A link to us will be missing.
Monica: Yea but now you know how we felt when you are Joey were gone. It was great when you came back. And it was when Joey did too. And it will be great when they get back. We just have to live without them for a while...
Phoebe: Yea...
Ross and Rachel appeared in the bedroom doorway. They both looked up. Phoebe and Monica began to cry. So did Rachel.
Rachel: This is it.
Phoebe: Yea...
Rachel and Phoebe hugged. Then she hugged Ross.
Phoebe: Call us a lot ok?
Rachel: Promise...
Rachel walked over to the bed and hugged Monica. Then Ross came over and hugged her.
Monica: I'm going to miss you guys so much.
Ross: We'll miss you too. We'll speak a lot though.
Monica: I hope so. Call when you get there.
Rachel: We will.
Joey stood in the doorway. He had come to see them. Rachel hugged him and Ross and he shook hands.
Joey: Have fun doing... Well have fun doing whatever you are doing in Arizona Ross.
Ross: Thanks man.
Joey: And show the kids my picture every day Rachel. I don't want them to forget the Uncle Joey.
Rachel: Because everyone can just forget you so easily...
Chandler was soon standing the doorway. He hugged Rachel.
Rachel: No smart-ass comment Chandler? Are you at a loss for words?
Chandler: It's not the place for a smart-ass comment.
They broke away. Ross and Chandler shook hands.
Chandler: I'll miss you buddy.
Ross: I'll miss you too.
Ross and Rachel walked towards the door and bid their final goodbyes. They walked out of the apartment with the kids. Rachel was sniffling. She hated this part. She knew it would be the hardest part. But she went through with it.
*~*
Everyone was sad for the next two weeks. Phoebe sat around the house doing nothing.
Joey: I'm bored.
Phoebe: Me too... I miss Rachel. I want to go shopping.
Joey: I want to hear one of Ross's dinosaur stories.
Phoebe: You must be sick. Go lay down...
Joey: No I'm serious. That's how much I miss him. I want to hear one of those boring stories...
Phoebe: It's sad but you're right.
*~*
Monica and Katie sat in Monica and Chandler's bedroom. Monica was playing with Valerie.
Monica: Did you miss me?
Valerie: Grandma!!!
Monica: I feel so old.
Katie: But you aren't. You've got a young daughter.
Monica: I know... I miss Rachel.
Katie: She'll be back before you know it.
Monica: At least I got you back. I missed you.
Katie: I missed you too Mom.
Valerie: Missed you.
Monica: Of course I missed you Valerie!
*~*
Rachel flipped through the same magazine for the fourth time. There was nothing to do in Arizona. Ross wouldn't
be home till that night. All the kids were napping from the heat. She looked towards the door. Maybe when the kids woke up they could go for a swim. But she was in no mood to swim. She had nothing to do. She turned on the TV and found something to watch. The soap opera channel!!!!
*~*
Joey sat across the room from Phoebe staring at her. She finally noticed and looked up.
Phoebe: Why are you staring at me?
Joey: Because.
Phoebe: Because why? You are looking at me all weird.
Joey: I still can't believe you turned me down.
Phoebe: Ugh!!
Joey: I'm serious. You're my wife. You aren't supposed to do that!
Phoebe: What, did you marry me for the sex!!!!
Joey: Not just that.
Phoebe: Oh my god...
*~*
Monica fed little Casey. Chandler was having a hard time handling all the kids so she helped by feeding one of them. Thank god Katie was there. She helped Chandler because she was used to taking care of a baby. Chandler wasn't doing so well... But now that Katie was home things ran more smoothly. Monica received a call from her doctor saying she could start walking on crutches in three weeks if she wanted to. She jumped at the opportunity. She hated being in bed. Katie came in to see her.
Katie: Hey mom. How are you?
Monica: All right. I'm just so bored. How's Chandler holding up?
Katie: We finished feeding all the kids. Alex and Ally are playing in their room now and Jessie and Casey are in their swings. Chandler is on the couch asleep like a baby.
Monica laughed.
Katie: I'm so glad to be home.
Monica: I'm glad you are too. I couldn't do without Rachel and you!
Katie: Yea. I missed you guys so much while I was gone!!
Monica: We missed you too. I missed seeing Valerie.
Katie: Yea... She looked at your picture a lot. She looks just like you Mom.
Monica: That's because you look just like me.
Katie: I know.
*~*
Ross came back to hotel room and opened the door. Rachel was sitting on the couch staring at the TV. He saw the soap opera channel and groaned.
Ross: Hey Rachel.
Rachel: Be quiet!!! This is important.
Ross: This isn't good for your health Rachel.
He turned off the TV. She looked up at him.
Rachel: Put it back on!!!
Ross: No. You can't watch soap operas you have seen already all day. It's bad for you. I'm telling them to get rid of that channel.
Rachel: No please!! I can stop.
Ross: That's what you said before we cut up your credit cards.
Rachel: But I can!!
Ross: You said that. Fine I'll leave it. But don't watch it all day. Go somewhere with the kids.
Rachel: Ok. I'll take them down to the pool tomorrow.
Ross: Ok.
Rachel: After finding out what happens!!!
Ross: I am limiting you to one hour per day.
Rachel: That's it??
Ross: Yea until I get home. I don't want our kids to be watching soap operas all day. It's not healthy.
Rachel: Healthy this, healthy that. Since when did you care so much!!
Ross: Come on. Let's go to dinner. No more soap operas for tonight.
Rachel: That's no fun.
Ross: I'm going to be here. We can have fun.
Rachel: No we can't. I'll wind up pregnant again!!!! Trust me!
Rachel leaned over her suitcase looking at everything she had packed in there. She and Ross were leaving tomorrow. Ross was on the other side of the room packing a suitcase.
Ross: I can't believe we are going to Arizona.
Rachel: Neither can I. Oh it's going to be so hard saying goodbye to everyone.
Ross: I know. I am going to miss them.
Rachel: Me too...
Chandler sat with Monica for their quiet evening together. All of their children were asleep.
Monica: When are Ross and Rachel coming over?
Chandler: I'm not sure.
Monica: I am going to miss Rachel.
Chandler: What about Ross?
Monica: Please I saw enough of him...
*~*
Phoebe sat in Joey's chair reading a magazine. Joey was eating at the kitchen counter. Phoebe had recovered fully from her flu. All of their kids were also asleep.
Joey: I'm bored.
Phoebe: So do something.
Joey: Let's have sex.
Phoebe: No.
Joey: That's the first time I have ever seen you turn down that offer.
Phoebe: I'm tired.
Joey: Exactly the point of sex.
Phoebe: Joey no.
Joey: Come on!!! It's been three months!!! I had sex more when I was single!
Phoebe: That's because you dated a different girl every night.
Joey: True, true... Anyway please??
Phoebe: No.
Joey: Fine!! I'm going to our room!!
Joey walked into their bedroom and slammed the door. Phoebe sat back in the chair and sighed.
Phoebe: It's so hard taking care of three children...
*~*
Ross and Rachel sat checking to make sure they have everything they needed in the suitcases.
Rachel: Batteries?
Ross: Check...
Rachel: Bottles?
Ross: Check...
Rachel: Please stop doing that.
She paused and looked around. She was going to miss the apartment. Ross put her hand on her shoulder and looked around as well. They had decided to hand the apartment over to Katie, who would be returning in a week. They would pay half the rent and Katie would my pay half. At least they knew they could trust Katie. They didn't like the idea of subletting the apartment to a total stranger.
Ross: I can't believe we have to leave this place...
Rachel: I know. I'm going to miss it.
Ross: Me too...
Rachel walked over to an already packed suitcase and opened it. He supposed she was checking for something.
*~*
Phoebe watched TV and Joey finally came out of their bedroom.
Joey: I can't believe you still turned me down.
Phoebe: Relax. It won't always be that way.
Joey: I have never been turned down. Are you happy now? You broke my wonderful record.
Phoebe: I'm so proud of myself. You'll live Joey.
Joey: You look really beautiful tonight.
Phoebe: Thank you. But it won't work.
Joey: What won't work honey?
Phoebe: The flattery sweetie.
Joey: Damn it...
*~*
Monica sat in bed trying to think of something to do. Chandler had gone inside to watch TV. She picked up the phone and then set it back down. She didn't feel like calling Rachel or Phoebe. Plus Rachel was probably busy. So was Phoebe considering she was Joey's wife... She went to read the magazines Chandler has brought her. She pulled her hand back. She had read a book a little while ago; she was in no mood to read again. Finally she sighed and called Chandler in.
Chandler: Yea honey?
Monica: I'm bored.
Chandler: You have to stay in bed. Ross and Rachel just called. It's going to be a while. There apparently was some kind of set back.
Monica: Oh...
Chandler: But Phoebe just called. She'll be over in five minutes. Joey is driving her crazy.
Monica: Yea finally some company.
Chandler: I take you don't like me anymore.
Monica: I just get sick of you...
*~*
Phoebe grabbed some magazines she had bought for Monica. Joey came out of their bedroom again to see her.
Joey: Where are you going?
Phoebe: To see Monica.
Joey: So you are going to see Monica but you won't have sex with me?
Phoebe: Yea.
Joey: You are no fun...
*~*
Ross sat in disbelief as he watched Rachel unpack her things. She decided not to go at the last minute.
Ross: So you are just not going to go.
Rachel: Yea... I can't do it Ross. I don't want to leave. Actually I'm not sure of anything. I don't want to leave but I want to come to be with you.
Ross: The only reason I didn't refuse the job is because I knew you would be by my side. I can't do it Rachel. I love you too much to leave you. I'm going to call my boss now and tell him I am not going.
Rachel: But this is your dream Ross.
Ross: I had even bigger dream than this.
Rachel: What was it?
Ross: Being married to you. That was the best dream of all. I'm staying...
Rachel: Wait Ross...
Ross: What?
Rachel: I want you to be happy. My life is your happiness. I'm coming.
Ross: Rachel you don't have to.
Rachel: I know I don't have to. I want to. I love you Ross. I lost you all those years ago. And I absolutely refuse to lose you again.
Ross grabbed her and kissed her passionately. He loved her and she loved him. That was all the mattered to him at the moment. She was coming.
*~*
Monica and Phoebe sat in Monica and Chandler's bedroom talking.
Phoebe: So there you go.
Monica: I wish I could have been there. It would have been so funny to see Joey being turned down.
They laughed. Silence fell upon them.
Monica: I can't believe Ross and Rachel are leaving. I am going to miss them so much.
Phoebe: I know. A link to us will be missing.
Monica: Yea but now you know how we felt when you are Joey were gone. It was great when you came back. And it was when Joey did too. And it will be great when they get back. We just have to live without them for a while...
Phoebe: Yea...
Ross and Rachel appeared in the bedroom doorway. They both looked up. Phoebe and Monica began to cry. So did Rachel.
Rachel: This is it.
Phoebe: Yea...
Rachel and Phoebe hugged. Then she hugged Ross.
Phoebe: Call us a lot ok?
Rachel: Promise...
Rachel walked over to the bed and hugged Monica. Then Ross came over and hugged her.
Monica: I'm going to miss you guys so much.
Ross: We'll miss you too. We'll speak a lot though.
Monica: I hope so. Call when you get there.
Rachel: We will.
Joey stood in the doorway. He had come to see them. Rachel hugged him and Ross and he shook hands.
Joey: Have fun doing... Well have fun doing whatever you are doing in Arizona Ross.
Ross: Thanks man.
Joey: And show the kids my picture every day Rachel. I don't want them to forget the Uncle Joey.
Rachel: Because everyone can just forget you so easily...
Chandler was soon standing the doorway. He hugged Rachel.
Rachel: No smart-ass comment Chandler? Are you at a loss for words?
Chandler: It's not the place for a smart-ass comment.
They broke away. Ross and Chandler shook hands.
Chandler: I'll miss you buddy.
Ross: I'll miss you too.
Ross and Rachel walked towards the door and bid their final goodbyes. They walked out of the apartment with the kids. Rachel was sniffling. She hated this part. She knew it would be the hardest part. But she went through with it.
*~*
Everyone was sad for the next two weeks. Phoebe sat around the house doing nothing.
Joey: I'm bored.
Phoebe: Me too... I miss Rachel. I want to go shopping.
Joey: I want to hear one of Ross's dinosaur stories.
Phoebe: You must be sick. Go lay down...
Joey: No I'm serious. That's how much I miss him. I want to hear one of those boring stories...
Phoebe: It's sad but you're right.
*~*
Monica and Katie sat in Monica and Chandler's bedroom. Monica was playing with Valerie.
Monica: Did you miss me?
Valerie: Grandma!!!
Monica: I feel so old.
Katie: But you aren't. You've got a young daughter.
Monica: I know... I miss Rachel.
Katie: She'll be back before you know it.
Monica: At least I got you back. I missed you.
Katie: I missed you too Mom.
Valerie: Missed you.
Monica: Of course I missed you Valerie!
*~*
Rachel flipped through the same magazine for the fourth time. There was nothing to do in Arizona. Ross wouldn't
be home till that night. All the kids were napping from the heat. She looked towards the door. Maybe when the kids woke up they could go for a swim. But she was in no mood to swim. She had nothing to do. She turned on the TV and found something to watch. The soap opera channel!!!!
*~*
Joey sat across the room from Phoebe staring at her. She finally noticed and looked up.
Phoebe: Why are you staring at me?
Joey: Because.
Phoebe: Because why? You are looking at me all weird.
Joey: I still can't believe you turned me down.
Phoebe: Ugh!!
Joey: I'm serious. You're my wife. You aren't supposed to do that!
Phoebe: What, did you marry me for the sex!!!!
Joey: Not just that.
Phoebe: Oh my god...
*~*
Monica fed little Casey. Chandler was having a hard time handling all the kids so she helped by feeding one of them. Thank god Katie was there. She helped Chandler because she was used to taking care of a baby. Chandler wasn't doing so well... But now that Katie was home things ran more smoothly. Monica received a call from her doctor saying she could start walking on crutches in three weeks if she wanted to. She jumped at the opportunity. She hated being in bed. Katie came in to see her.
Katie: Hey mom. How are you?
Monica: All right. I'm just so bored. How's Chandler holding up?
Katie: We finished feeding all the kids. Alex and Ally are playing in their room now and Jessie and Casey are in their swings. Chandler is on the couch asleep like a baby.
Monica laughed.
Katie: I'm so glad to be home.
Monica: I'm glad you are too. I couldn't do without Rachel and you!
Katie: Yea. I missed you guys so much while I was gone!!
Monica: We missed you too. I missed seeing Valerie.
Katie: Yea... She looked at your picture a lot. She looks just like you Mom.
Monica: That's because you look just like me.
Katie: I know.
*~*
Ross came back to hotel room and opened the door. Rachel was sitting on the couch staring at the TV. He saw the soap opera channel and groaned.
Ross: Hey Rachel.
Rachel: Be quiet!!! This is important.
Ross: This isn't good for your health Rachel.
He turned off the TV. She looked up at him.
Rachel: Put it back on!!!
Ross: No. You can't watch soap operas you have seen already all day. It's bad for you. I'm telling them to get rid of that channel.
Rachel: No please!! I can stop.
Ross: That's what you said before we cut up your credit cards.
Rachel: But I can!!
Ross: You said that. Fine I'll leave it. But don't watch it all day. Go somewhere with the kids.
Rachel: Ok. I'll take them down to the pool tomorrow.
Ross: Ok.
Rachel: After finding out what happens!!!
Ross: I am limiting you to one hour per day.
Rachel: That's it??
Ross: Yea until I get home. I don't want our kids to be watching soap operas all day. It's not healthy.
Rachel: Healthy this, healthy that. Since when did you care so much!!
Ross: Come on. Let's go to dinner. No more soap operas for tonight.
Rachel: That's no fun.
Ross: I'm going to be here. We can have fun.
Rachel: No we can't. I'll wind up pregnant again!!!! Trust me!