The Distance Part 2: Soul Mates?
By Mary Grace
Author's note: Thanks for being so patient guys! I've been REALLY busy lately! Enjoy and comments are VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!
A glint of realization sparkled in Ross' eyes. "You're Monica's friend from California," he said in recognition. 'And the woman of my dreams,' he thought to himself. He slightly blushed at this.
"So *you're* Ross!" she smiled. Her eyes wandered over him quickly. Ross knew she was checking him out. He tried not to let it get to his ego. "You're a lot different than how Monica described you..."
"Oh yeah?" asked Ross intrigued. "How so?"
"Well, you umm....don't look like a geek..." she murmured sweetly.
"Thanks. I think." Ross gave her a confused smirk. "Oh wow. I can't believe I'm finally meeting you. Besides Chandler and food, you're all she ever talks about!" They shared a subtle laugh. For some strange reason, both of them were completely at ease. Their body language spoke as though they knew each other their whole lives. "Is this your first time in New York?"
"Yeah, I'm excited and a little overwhelmed. The City looks incredible."
"Well, I'm sure you'll fit just right in," he smiled sincerely. "And if you'd like, I could show you around..." Rachel smiled at him teasingly.
"I'd like that..." She couldn't grasp just how adoring his eyes were.
"So umm, not to sound nosey and all, but why were you crying?"
"Oh. That." Rachel scrunched up her nose in distaste. "I umm...well the thing is..." She didn't feel like explaining the break up. Not then. Her mood was picking up rapidly and she knew speaking about Jay would just bring her down. "I just miss my dog is all." She wasn't entirely lying. She did miss Mitzy...even enough to make her cry.
"Aww, I'm sorry. Well, I'm sure your dog misses you just as much...if not more." The sparkle in Ross' eyes shone bright. Rachel caught herself before she completely drowned in them. "Well, I haven't been inside yet, but I'm assuming dinner's ready. We should get inside."
"Yeah," Rachel agreed reluctantly.
Once inside, they noticed everyone was already in the dining room. They politely took their seats across from each other. Judy set a steamy dish in the center of the table.
"I followed Monica's recipes for the lasagna and the chocolate mousse," she said proudly. "It's delicious Monica. Everyone keeps coming to me with compliments on your catering at Dr. Burke's party," Judy said to her daughter. Monica threw her hand up at her Mom as to say, 'no big deal', when in fact she couldn't agree more.
"Mmm...it smells great Mrs. Geller." Monica noticed Rachel's dazed smile. It was very hard to miss.
"Rach," Monica began. "So I'm assuming you worked things out with Jay?"
"Huh?" she asked. Then her smile changed into a panicked frown. Ross glanced at Rachel confused. "Uh, I'll tell you about it later Mon. Why don't you tell me tomorrow's agenda?"
"Okay..." Monica raised her eyebrows. "Well, tomorrow morning we're all having brunch with Chandler's parents..." A muffled groan escaped Chandler's lips.
"Just what I need. A luncheon date with a 50 year old, man-crazy nymphomaniac, and..." he paused to think. "...another 50 year old, man-crazy nymphomaniac."
Monica's eyes narrowed at him. She ignored his comment completely. "And then we need to get you fitted for your gown," she motioned to Rachel. "Then I have to register for a few more gifts, check up on my wedding planner to make sure everything will be set for Saturday, and finally we need to attend the wedding rehearsal tomorrow evening." Monica thought it over to make sure she didn't miss anything.
"Wow," breathed Rachel. "We have a busy day..." She smiled at Monica. "I'm so happy for the two of you," she whispered. "You are one lucky guy Chandler."
"Oh don't I know it," he replied coyly. "And I'm sure she'll do a great job reminding me if I EVER forget."
"Ha-ha," mocked Monica.
"I just hope you two are just as happy as your Mom and I are," said Jack lovingly. Monica and Ross exchanged disgusted glances. Ross quickly changed the subject.
"So is the food for decoration or what?" He reached over to grab a serving of lasagna.
*******
Rachel found it hard to sleep that night. Her thoughts kept wandering over to Ross...the sincerity in his eyes when he asked if she was okay; the gentle linger of his hand on her cheek; the warm, soothing tone of his voice... Her mouth slowly curved upward. She smiled dreamily at the darkened ceiling.
Then Jay crept into her thoughts. She almost felt guilty. True, the relationship had been dwindling...but they had barely broken up. Wasn't there a "healing" rule or something? It was alright, she reasoned. What she was feeling for Ross was just an innocent little crush...
Or was it?
'How can it be anything more than a crush?' she thought. In all practicality, she only knew him from what Monica told him. This was their very first encounter, conversation and glimpse of each other. She had never even seen a picture of Ross before. It was probably a good thing too. How she loved those eyes...
'Come on, Rach...' she pleaded to herself. 'You're smarter than this...Of course it's just a crush...you can't be in love after one conversation...' And yet, she couldn't shrug off the affect Ross had on her. It was too intense. There was definitely something between them. And, by the glances he kept giving her during dinner, she knew he felt it too.
She shook her head skeptically. It didn't matter. Even if she did want to start something with Ross, it would be nearly impossible. Her life was in San Francisco. He lived in New York. No way would it work. The success rate of long distance relationships was one out of a million...with the couple living in the same state.
'What the hell am I thinking?' thought Rachel. 'All we've said is 'hello' and suddenly I'm already thinking of why it's not going to work? Maybe I'm just feeling this way because I haven't met a man as nice or as sweet as him in a long time...After being with Jay for so long, I forgot there are actually good guys out there...' She sighed. 'Ross would be such a great friend...I mean, long distance friendships work, right?' The smile returned. She was feeling too good to be worrying about the future. 'Come what may,' she decided. She closed her eyes, unaware of the thoughts going through Ross' mind at that very moment...
'She is so beautiful...' The same thought kept repeating in his head over and over. She was...perfection. And, it wasn't her picture-perfect face and killer body that he found attractive, although it did add icing to the package. It was the glow of her "aura", as Phoebe would say, that won him over. He noticed the vulnerability that made her hands tremble; he saw the mixture of innocence and experience in her eyes; he melted at the sight of her genuine smile. He knew right when he saw her: Rachel was the one.
Ross never considered himself much of a romantic. Sure, he had his share of girlfriends, he's done the wine and dine thing, he celebrated anniversaries, he showered his dates with flowers and candy...he's even been in love before. But he's never, ever felt this strongly about anybody in his entire life.
Especially so soon.
How was this possible? How could the simplicity of her appearance, the grace in her walk, the tint of gold in her blue eyes, affect him so much? He didn't know what it was, but something in his heart was telling him he couldn't let her go...
That's when he remembered Jay. Monica mentioned a "Jay". 'Who is he?' Ross hoped he was her father, brother, anything NOT associated with a romantic relation to Rachel. Ross wasn't one to break up a relationship. And he knew that the only thing that would stop him from pursuing her was if she was seeing someone.
The distance didn't faze him one bit. It didn't even enter his mind. It was as if Rachel had been someone he dreamt up, who suddenly became real; that she came to New York for the sole purpose of meeting Ross; so that they could start their "happily ever after". He didn't realize she had an entirely different life on the opposite coast.
He glanced at the clock by his bedside. It was nearly 2am. Tomorrow, he decided, he would ask Rachel out for coffee after the rehearsal dinner. He was almost positive she would love Central Perk as much as he did.
*******
"Umm, do you know what you want, Rach?" asked Ross as he got up from the sofa in CP. It was about 9pm the following night. Rachel had gladly accepted his coffee "invite".
'You...' was what she was thinking. "A non-fat latte with a touch of vanilla," was what she said. A few minutes later, Ross returned with their drinks.
"So," he began. "It's time to get down and dirty..."
"Oh, is it?" Rachel teased.
"Sure is. You probably have nothing to hide, right? Unless of course you have some deep, dark secret you don't want revealed."
"Uh oh. Then, I probably shouldn't tell you I'm wanted in 19 states for indecent exposure."
Ross stifled a laugh. He nearly choked on his coffee. This was going to be a great night...
~~~Time Lapse~~~
Rachel couldn't stop laughing. "He what?!" she giggled.
"That's what *I* said!" Ross chuckled. "When Chandler told me I didn't know whether to laugh or sympathize..."
"From what Monica's said about Joey, I've gotten the impression he isn't the brightest of the light bulbs, but locking yourself in an entertainment cabinet?"
"Joey and Chandler have had their share of moments. I remember this one time Chandler hid Joey's underwear, so Joey put on ALL of Chandler's clothes. Those two are priceless..." They continued to laugh and talk well into the night...
~~~Time Lapse~~~
"What Chandler and Monica have is really amazing...All the heart ache you go through trying to find what they have...It's not easy finding love like that..."
"No, it's not. But when you finally find it...nothing else matters," replied Ross.
"Yeah," smiled Rachel. "It is worth it..."
~~~Time Lapse~~~
"You write songs?" asked Rachel intrigued.
"Well, I mean, just as a hobby...not as a career goal or anything..."
"I think it's great," Rachel encouraged. "I mean, I'd love to hear them sometime..."
"Yeah," Ross smiled back teasingly. "Maybe sometime."
~~~Time Lapse~~~
"So, I'm usually not one to pry..." started Ross. Rachel raised her eyebrows. "But, who's Jay?" The pleasantness in her face disappeared.
"My ex-boyfriend. We didn't exactly have a healthy break up," she explained.
"Oh, I'm sorry..." Ross truly was sorry, but not for himself.
"I'm not," laughed Rachel. "I mean, he was an important part of my life for a while, but he's not anymore. The break up was just bad because it was more of "breaking a routine" than a "breaking of hearts", you know?"
"Yeah, I know what you mean...my ex-girlfriend Carol and I were together for almost 2 years before we realized we made better friends. Sometimes, it's just not meant to be..."
"But luckily," answered Rachel, "sometimes it is..."
~~~Time Lapse~~~
"I'm closing up Ross," said Gunther as he began to sweep around.
"Whoa! It's past midnight already!" exclaimed Rachel.
"Yeah, I guess we sort of lost track of the time..." answered Ross.
"I need to use the rest room really quick," began Rachel.
"I'll grab our coats and wait for you outside the door." Ross looked around to find CP completely empty. He hadn't even noticed everyone else left.
"Who's the girl?" asked Gunther innocently. Ross smiled.
"My future wife," replied Ross simply.
********
The next day was a dream. The image of Chandler and Monica joining their lives was indescribably breath taking. Rachel couldn't prevent her eyes from watering over, nor could most of the other females occupying the church pews. Their wedding was recorded as one of the most romantic events in history...
The reception was held in the ballroom of the Plaza hotel. Everyone had finished eating, and the dancing was about to begin. Little did Monica and Chandler know, Ross had a little surprise. He positioned a microphone and stool in the center of the stage. He coyly brought out his guitar. Monica gasped, shocked, happy and excited for she knew what he was about to do.
"Mon and Chandler, originally, I wanted to write you two a song for your wedding present. However, a nasty case of writer's block decided against it and so I vouched for a DVD player instead. Luckily, due to some recent inspiration..." His eyes wandered over to Rachel. He locked his gaze on hers. "...I've written something that I hope you will like. And if not, well, at least I know you'll enjoy the DVD player." Monica blew Ross a kiss as Chandler nodded his head appreciatively.
Find me here,
And speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me to the place
Where I find peace...again
The next few minutes were a complete blur to Rachel. His voice...his gaze...she knew he was singing to her...
You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
You are the life
To my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything.
It didn't take much for Ross to come up with the lyrics for this song. As soon as he got home last night, he sat down, and miraculously watched as his hands strummed the strings of his guitar. What he heard wasn't just music. It was his heart, speaking to Rachel.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Rachel intently watched Ross' mouth move. Every word that escaped it was perfectly sung. Every word that escaped it was pure beauty. Every word that escaped it was for her.
You calm the storms
And you give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You still my heart
And you take my breath away
Would you take me in?
Take me deeper, now.
Ross sat on stage, knowing he was singing for Monica and Chandler...feeling he was living for Rachel. He loved her. He didn't know how, but he knew he did. And the expression on Rachel's face revealed that she loved him too.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Rachel felt her heart melting...Not because she was incredibly flattered, but because for the first time, she knew she was in love. However unrealistic their connection seemed on the surface, they both knew it went beyond that. They were Soul Mates.
Cause you're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything...
You're everything.
To be continued...
P.S. This fic included the song "Everything" by Lifehouse.