The Story of Faith 7: Happily Ever After
Disclaimer: I'm running out of clever disclaimer notices. Anyhow, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe and Joey are not mine.
Ross and Rachel both continued to weep for minutes on end. He knelt on the cold, wooden floor gripping her; begging her with every fiber in his body for compassion. She remained standing, thriving on every last muscle to keep her strong; physically and emotionally. His heart wrenching; her heart resistant. It was a lose-lose battle.
Finally the wind died. The rain stopped. The air around them grew incredibly tranquil, forcing them to come to their senses. Rachel was the first to move. She lifted his head, smoothed the hair away from his face, and loosened his hands that were clutched tightly around her. She knelt down to his eye level, knowing what she needed to say.
"I never stopped loving you either, Ross…"
The words almost came out too easily. After all of the sorrow, the resentment, the frustration…these were the words that answered it all. Ross stared at her, amazed.
And yet, it solved nothing. "But it's just not good enough…" The pain returned in her eyes. "I gave you everything," she whispered. "There's nothing left…" Her warm breath burned the coldness on his lips and sent a chill down his spine. "I'm sorry." Rachel hesitated slightly before she slowly leaned in to lay a simple kiss on his mouth; one last kiss. "Your five minutes are up." She got up and began to walk down the steps of the gazebo, noticing the night was moist from the rain. Ross jumped up and called after her.
"Rachel! Wait!" He desperately shouted. She turned after the last step, looking up at him. The reflection of the moonlight complimented his deep, helpless eyes. "I may have ruined our past," he said sincerely, "but you can still save our future…" Rachel quickly turned away so he couldn't see the expression on her face. She quietly exhaled and made her way back into the house.
The church was luminescent. Ivory columns of lilacs and baby's breath invited guests through the entryway. The aisle carpet sparkled golden and was adorned by multi-colored rose petals. Lily and tulip displays stood at the end of every pew. The orchestra played Pachelbel's Canon in D serenely. Crystal chandeliers brilliantly lit the church, while bright glares from the stain-glass windows completed its sacredness.
The day was beautifully blue, clear and warm. It was the kind of day that made young lovers want to rejoice, old lovers renew, and separated lovers reunite.
Ross was seated with Ariel at the very front pew as Rachel and Monica stood at the altar, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Chandler stood next to a nervous, excited, anticipated Joey, carefully watching the joy spread across his best friend's face as his future bride made her way down the isle.
Take me as I am
Put your hand in mine now and forever
"Wow…" breathed Joey.
Darling here I stand, stand before you now
Deep inside I always knew
"She's breathtaking…" said Monica to Rachel.
It was you, you and me
Two hearts drawn together bound by destiny
Phoebe met Joey at the front of the altar. They joined hands. Ross stared intently at Rachel, praying that maybe someday, that would be them…
It was you and you for me
Every road leads to your door
Every step I take forevermore
"We are gathered here today to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony…"
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I've got a lot of love and I don't want to let go
"I, Phoebe Lynette Bouffe, take you, Joseph Francis Tribbiani, for my husband…"
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
Rachel avoided eye contact with Ross, afraid he'd be able to read her mind…
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
"I, Joseph Francis Tribbiani, take you, Phoebe Lynette Bouffe, for my wife…"
Take me as I am
Put your heart in mine, stay with me forever
Monica and Chandler smiled lovingly at each other; Monica had tears in her eyes.
Cause I am just a man who never understood
I never had a thing to prove
"…from this day forward, until death do us part…"
'Till there was you
You and me
Ariel yawned slightly and scooted next to her father, leaning her delicate head against his arm.
Then it all came clear so suddenly
How close to you that I want to be
"With this ring, I thee wed…"
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I've got a lot of love and I don't want to let go
Rachel watched astonished as Ross gently put his arm around his daughter, smiling as he gently caressed her hand. He leaned down, and planted a loving kiss upon her head.
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
"I do…"
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
"I do…"
Do you believe a love could run so strong?
Do you believe a love could pass you by?
Ross noticed Rachel staring at him. They shared a sad, subtle smile.
There was no special one for me
I was the lonely one, you see
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
But then my heart lost all control
Now you're all that I know
(Back at Phoebe and Joey's for the reception)
"I am pleased to announce, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tribbiani!" yelled Chandler through a microphone.
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
Phoebe giggled as they cut the cake. She takes a piece and creamed it on Joey's nose.
I've got a lot of love and I don't want to let go
Phoebe and Joey walked to the dance floor for their first dance.
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
Ross watched Rachel as she enviously eyed the couples romantically swaying. He got up to ask her to dance.
'Cause I can't go on
No, I can't go on
He extended his hand as he said, "I don't want to fight. Dance with me, please?" She hesitated for a moment, then cautiously accepted his hand. They slowly walked to the center of the floor.
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
"I want to apologize for the chaos I created this weekend. I didn't mean to overwhelm you, honestly. It's just that, for the first time in so long, I felt something, inside my heart…other than emptiness. I needed to explore that. And it led me back to you…"
I can't go on
No, I can't go on
Without somebody I can call my own
"I'm not expecting anything from you right now, Rach. I just don't want this anger between us anymore. I want to be a good father. I want to be a good friend. And even though you may not want anything to do with me right now, I'd wait for you forever…"
Cause I can't go on, will you still love me?
No, I can't go on, just say you love me.
Just stay around
"I'm flying back to New York tonight, and before you say anything, just hear me out…Me coming out here has had some powerful consequences. I want you and Ariel to be able to enjoy the rest of your vacation. I know you won't be able to do that if I'm here. Can you just do me a favor and call me as soon as you get back home? I'd really love to have Ariel for a weekend or something…"
Stay around, you'll never be alone
"Thank you so much Rachel, for not taking my daughter away from me…"
Rachel smiled graciously. "You're welcome."
The song ended and Ross and Rachel walked in separate directions from the dance floor. It was about 5:30pm. His flight was at 9:17pm. He knew he needed to leave soon. Airport security had gotten incredibly strict and time consuming. He searched the backyard until his eyes fell upon what he wanted. He walked over to Ariel, who was playing with her Barbie dolls on a lawn patch. Two other young girls accompanied her.
"Hey sweetie, can daddy talk to you for a minute?"
"'kay daddy…" she took his hand and followed him to the gazebo.
"Daddy has to go back home tonight-"
"No! Daddy why? You dun wanna play wif me?"
"No-no! Of course daddy wants to play with you sweetie, I just have to do grown-up stuff! But, I promise as soon as you and mommy get back home, you and I will play EVERY DAY, okay?"
A wide smile broke across Ariel's face. "Otay."
"Here honey, I told you I'd get you something." Ross pulled out the promise ring from his jacket. It was hanging from a thin, white gold chain. He unhooked the clasp and gently put it around Ariel's neck.
"Wut is it?"
"This is something really special to daddy. It's my faith. And, I'm giving it to you. Now it's your faith."
"I luv it! It's spawkly!"
"I'm glad you do. Protect it, okay?
"Fowevuh"
"Forever…" repeated Ross. He picked up his little girl and planted teasing kisses on her cheek. She giggled in delight. They walked back to the lawn patch so she could continue playing with her new friends. Ross took out his phone and called for a taxi.
Chandler ran up to Ross. "Hey! I've been looking for you everywhere! Joey and Phoebe's limo is here! They're leaving for Hawaii in 2 minutes!"
"What? Really? Where are they!"
"In the front!" The guys ran to the front of the mansion where they found a large crowd of guests, with an aisle splitting them in half. Joey and Phoebe ran from their front door down the aisle; bits of rice showering over their heads. Ross called out to them, his voice tiny compared to the loud cheers. He fought his way through the crowd, finally reaching Joey's arm. Joey turned around, relieved to be able to say goodbye to his friend. Phoebe turned around and noticed him as well.
"This is your present!" called Ross as he handed Joey and Phoebe an envelope.
"Having you here is good enough!" yelled Joey.
"Too bad!" shouted Ross. "I figured you guys have everything you want already, so I tried to think of something different They're two plane tickets to New York, scheduled for this Christmas. You guys better visit." They grinned at each other, happy to be friends again.
"It's perfect Ross. Thank you so much!" exclaimed Phoebe. They shared quick hugs and Joey and Phoebe disappeared into the Navigator Limousine. The crowd behind Ross passed him as they ran after the car, continuously cheering. Ross saw Monica, standing on the top step of the doorway. He walked over to his sister, and embraced her.
"I'm going back home tonight."
"What? Why?"
"Rachel understands. You and Chandler had better call me as soon as you get home."
"Of course…we can go have coffee or something." Monica playfully punched Ross' right shoulder. "What time is your flight?"
"It's at 9:17. American Airlines flight 738."
"That means you have to leave soon…" said Monica sadly.
"Yeah, I know. I pretty much already said my good byes. Take care of yourself, okay?" Monica nodded and tightened her arms around her brother's waist. Ross kissed the top of her head. They let go. Chandler then walked up to them.
"Hey, why do you guys look so glum! It's a wedding! Not Joey's movie premiere!"
Ross laughed. "I'm flying back tonight. I gotta clear out my office and do a bunch of paperwork…"
"Monica told me about you quitting…so you're really going to do it?"
"Yep, I'm really going to do it." He smiled at Chandler. "Thanks for being so good to Ariel, man. You are going to make one awesome father." Chandler tried not to blush. Ross' taxi then pulled up in front of the house. He smile as he waved to Chandler and Monica, Ariel and Rachel nowhere in sight, got inside the cab, and drove back to his hotel room.
Ross was actually excited to get back to NYC, to get back to the beginning of his new life. He would spend the week looking into the Graduate program at NYU. He couldn't wait to see the reaction of his Law Firm when he announces his retirement. He was also planning on looking for a new apartment. He wanted to be closer to Ariel, Rachel, Monica and Chandler: his family. It was going to be a busy and stressful week, but unlike his last career, it was going to be worth it. An announcement interrupted his thoughts.
"Flight 738 to La Guardia airport in New York City is now boarding…" He picked up his carry-on, checked around him to make sure he wasn't missing anything, then went to go stand in line to board the plane.
It was around 9:45pm. There were still a few guests, dancing in the backyard under the wedding canopy as the hired help began cleaning up. Rachel was carrying Ariel upstairs, getting her ready for bed.
"But mommy," yawned Ariel. "I'm not sweepy.
"Oh you're not, huh?"
"Nope…" Ariel's eyes began to droop. Rachel took off her dress, noticing a silver glare around her neckline. Rachel fingered the ring, finally realizing what it was. She put her hand to her mouth to prevent a gasp. She stared at it for a moment. "Did daddy give you this?"
"Yuh-huh," mumbled Ariel.
"Why?" asked a bewildered Rachel.
"It's my fafe," said Ariel matter-of-factly.
"You're-you're faith?" Rachel questioned in a whisper.
"Yeah mommy. My fafe. Purdy huh?"
Rachel's face softened as she saw how her daughter stared at the ring adoringly. "It's beautiful, baby." She continued changing Ariel, putting her into pajamas. Then, she tucked her into bed with boo-boo. "Night pumpkin…"
Rachel sat on the edge of her bed, watching Ariel as she slept; the twinkle of the ring bright against the darkened room. "You're faith…" Rachel whispered nonchalantly, almost aimlessly. She had no idea what made her say that. 'I may have ruined our past, but you can still save our future…' She continued to stare at her daughter, realizing how wrong she had been to judge Ariel and Ross' relationship. He really was trying. It took him such a long time…but he was right. He was there now. Why had he given Ariel the ring? Was it to torture Rachel? No. No matter how mean he had been in the past, he never hurt her intentionally…he would never hurt her intentionally…
Then it clicked.
Ross hadn't betrayed her like she believed he had. The drinking, the drugs, the verbal abuse…it wasn't intentional. She blamed him for not caring; not wanting to help; not being there. But he couldn't. It was like he forgot how. She couldn't understand his loss. It was his and Monica's father. Not hers. She was never really close to her parents, although he was. She never understood what it was like to have someone so close, whom you loved more than yourself, and then have that person be taken away…so cruelly.
But finally, a glimmer of realization hit Rachel. As she watched her daughter breathe unconsciously, she understood. 'If anybody ever hurt Ariel…' the thought of it drove Rachel crazy. Her relationship with Ariel went beyond any kind of love. It was unconditional. It was pure. It was sacrificial. The bond between a parent and child was indefinable, but it was nonetheless powerful.
Rachel gathered her thoughts as she got off the bed. The clock read 10:33pm. She couldn't call his cell phone. He was in the air. She called his apartment in NY instead and decided to leave a message.
Chandler and Monica were in the family room, watching television. The entire day, not to mention the entire weekend, had worn them out. Jerry Maguire was on.
"Hello? Hello? I'm looking for my wife…" said Tom Cruise on the screen.
"Oh I love this part!" squealed Monica. Chandler smiled at her sweetly then turned away, rolling his eyes at the TV. He didn't like Tom Cruise.
"We interrupt the NBC Sunday night movie with a special new bulletin..." echoed the television speakers.
"No!" yelled Monica. "Why do they always do this when it gets to the good part?" Chandler innocently shrugged, while he was secretly relieved. "Whatever. I'm going to go upstairs and put my pajamas on. These granny panties aren't comfy." Chandler watched Monica walk grumpily upstairs before he focused his attention back to the television.
"Good evening. I'm Mary Grace Estrada…" Chandler glanced around looking for the television remote. The news announcement looked boring. "Unfortunate news has reached the station tonight claiming that American Airlines has yet again suffered another plane collision…" Chandler got up and flipped over the cushions of the couch, continuing his search for the remote control. "A 747 jet, flying from San Jose International Airport to La Guardia International Airport collapsed mid-air over bordering California-Nevada Mountains. The incident is yet to undergo thorough investigation -" Chandler was no longer looking for the remote. His eyes were planted on the television screen. He was hardly breathing. "Wait, this just in. It has been verified. American Airlines Flight 738, departed at 9:17pm from San Jose International airport, San Jose, California, expected to arrive at La Guardia International Airport in New York City, New York at 7:36am Eastern Standard time, exploded on impact into the Tahoe region of California at 9:39pm. The explosion erupted a series of stray fires, damaging the redwood population along the mountainside. California rescue teams claim there are no survivors. The cause of this crash is still under investigation. More on this at the 11 o'clock news."
Chandler grabbed at his chest. It couldn't be…Chandler was just assuming…After all, Ross hadn't told him the flight number…It wasn't his plane…No way could it have been Ross' plane.
Beads of sweat unanimously surfaced on Chandler's strained face. He stumbled as he frantically ran up the stairs to Monica. She was slipping her nightgown over her head.
"Mon…" began Chandler hoarsely. It hurt to speak. It hurt to breathe. "Wha-what was Ross' flight number again?" he forced this out nervously.
"Why?" she slowly asked, noticing how pale his face was.
"It's-it's important Monica." Chandler fought the urge to cry.
"I umm…I don't really remember, I think it's 7-something…"
"738?" he deathly whispered.
"Yeah, that's it…" Chandler fell back against the door. "Chandler! Chandler, sweetie what's wrong!" He looked at Monica, his eyes glazed from fright.
"Sit…down beside me…I have…something to tell you…" He was barely audible.
Rachel had just finished leaving a message on Ross' machine. She snapped her phone shut, genuinely happy for the first time in very long. Rachel had faith that they were going to be together again. She smiled into the darkness of the room.
Then she heard Monica scream. An indescribable pain bruised Rachel's heart at the shrill sound of Monica's voice.
Rachel ran down the hall to find Monica sobbing hysterically as Chandler held her tightly to subdue his own anguish. Rachel was afraid to ask…
"What-what's wrong?" she whispered.
Chandler slowly looked up, his face ghostly white, his eyes red and over flowing with wetness…He didn't want to tell her. "Rachel…" he trembled. He tried to swallow; it was impossible. "Ross' plane…" He shook his head bitterly. He couldn't continue. He didn't need to. Rachel understood. The pain in his eyes explained it all…
She felt the floor beneath her disappear. Everything around her began to spin.
Then the room went dark.
To be continued with the final chapter of: The Story of Faith
P.S. This fic included the song "Will You Still Love Me" by Chicago.
