The Distance Part 3: Just the beginning

By Mary Grace

Author's note: Thanks for being so patient EVERYONE! I know this fic took me forever and a day but I SO hope it was worth it! =) Now, on with the show- err, FIC!

            Rachel's thoughts were interrupted with a flood of applause and cheer from the wedding guests. She slightly blushed for having zoned out and put her hands together as well. The DJ began to spin and couples made their way to the dance floor. Ross came down from the stage and met Monica in a loving embrace. He and Chandler participated in what can only be described as a "manly" hug before Ross came back to the table Rachel was sitting at. He took a seat next to her.

            "It was gorgeous," breathed Rachel.

            "Thank you," said Ross sincerely. They watched Monica and Chandler sway to the music.

Suddenly, life has new meaning to me.

There's beauty up above,

and things we never take notice of.

You wake up, and suddenly you're in love.

            "Oh my gosh I used to love this song..." whispered Rachel. She said this more to herself than to Ross. He smiled as he watched her face light up.

            "Well, we should put it to good use." He held out his hand. Rachel looked at him shyly. "May I have this dance, Miss Green?"

            "It would be my pleasure," she teased. Rachel gently laid her hand on his. She felt her heartbeat race as she let him lead her to the floor. He turned to face her; their eyes intent on each other and oblivious to everything and everyone else. Never letting go of her hand, Ross lightly circled his other arm around her waist to bring her closer to him. Their faces met, cheek to cheek. Rachel slowly exhaled by his ear. Ross felt himself flush. He held her tighter. They drifted to heaven this way.

            A few couples away, Phoebe and Joey were politely observing guests as they danced to the music as well. Phoebe's eyes wandered over to Rachel and Ross.

            "Have you met Rachel, yet?" she asked Joey.

            "Oh, yeah. She's real nice. And it doesn't hurt that she's hot," he answered.

            "Yeah, well it's a given. All past-life ladybugs are."

            "Uh. What?" inquired Joey.

            "She was a ladybug in her last life," Phoebe said matter-of-factly. Joey's confused expression didn't change. Phoebe sighed. "Being a ladybug is like boot camp for future-life women. It's like a test to see if you've got what it takes to be the real deal."

            "Oh!" replied Joey, pretending to understand. "Umm, so were you a ladybug?"

            "Please," replied Phoebe over confidently. "God got it right the first time he made me." Joey smiled before turning his head to mouth a sarcastic 'wow.' "Anyways, they seem to be liking each other a lot..." began Phoebe.

            "Who?" asked Joey.

            "Ross and Rachel! Joey, keep up!"

            "With which life??" he asked exasperated. Phoebe narrowed her eyes at him. He looked across the room to Ross and Rachel. "Hey, you're right. They're dancing pretty close," Joey noticed. "Hmm, that's weird. Didn't they just meet yesterday?"

            "Yeah, but you never know what the universe has planned."

            "They're lookin' at each other all goofy-like," he laughed.

            "Well, for the most part, I hope they work out. I have a good feeling about them. And besides, Ross deserves someone nice after the hell he went through with mega-bitch."

            "Hey!" protested Joey. "Mega-bitch has a name, you know." Phoebe rolled her eyes. "And in any case, isn't it like illegal to say bad words at a wedding?"

            "No, I don't think so," replied Phoebe. They both stare at the couple silently.

            "I still don't understand what women see in him."

            "Yeah, me neither."

****

            Much later than night Ross and Rachel found themselves in an empty reception hall. The workers from the Plaza were busying themselves by cleaning the tables and sweeping the fallen bits of decorations on the floor. Exhausted by the night Ross and Rachel were relaxing on the stage floor. Ross was sprawled out, leaning back while using his hand for support. His tux jacket was off and his tie was loosened. Rachel leaned sideways, her shoes kicked off and her hair down. She didn't care about her rumpled dress and he didn't care about his creased suit.

            "Well, Mon and Chan are well on their way to the Bahamas..." said Ross.

            "Yeah, they are." Rachel stifled a giggle.

            "What's so funny?" asked Ross.

            "Do you think they're 'doing it' on the plane?" She giggled.

            "Eww! I don't want to think about my baby sister having sex!" A disgusted look came over his face. "Especially with Chandler!!" He shook his head before he began to laugh.

            "I'm sorry but knowing Monica-"

            Ross cut her off, "stop right there! No more please!" He got down from the stage and playfully pretended to beg her.

            Rachel egged on, "I bet that plane ride's going to be bumpier than they expected!"         Ross was dying with laughter. "My ears!!" He lunged towards Rachel. "You are SO gonna get it now!" He reached onto the stage and pulled her down to him. She tried to fight him off, but she was too weak with laughter. He began to tickle her and Rachel shouted pleadingly.

            "Aaahh!" she laughed hysterically. "Stop please! I won't say anymore!"

            "Promise me!" Ross giggled.

            "I promise-I promise!" she stuttered through giggles. He stopped. Soon their laughter calmed and they leaned their backs against the stage. "It was such a beautiful wedding..." she said.

            "You're beautiful," Ross replied. He looked over at Rachel and saw her smiling. Immediately he regretted what he said. "Did that sound as cheesy to you as it did to me?"

            She turned to face him. "No," she said sincerely. "It was incredibly sweet." He reached down to her hand. Their fingers linked. Ross stood up straight and pulled Rachel to him. With his free hand, he brushed the hair out of her eyes. Tingles ran through her body at the slightest feel of his touch. She shyly smiled up at him, knowing what was about to happen. Ross gently tipped her chin up and lowered his face to hers. Their lips met in a rupture of warmth, longing and electricity. He slowly ran his hands up and down her back, pressing her close to his body. Her hands ran over his shoulders and into the back of his neck, running her fingers through his hair. Their bodies began to heat up immensely. Ignited by the kiss, a faint candlelight inside their bodies erupted into a massive fire. Their breathing became heavier, and their romantic thoughts lingered into a puddle of deep desire...they wanted each other. Badly.

            Ross pulled away for a quick second. "Do you want to get out of here?" He whispered breathlessly.

            "I was wondering when you were gonna ask..." she smiled. They quickly gathered their belongings and nearly ran out of the hall.

****

            Ross woke up Sunday morning to the sounds of birds chirping near his window sill. A sweet, scent of subtle perfume tickled his nose. Rachel was asleep in his arms. He slowly bent his head to kiss her cheek.

            "Mm..." she began to stir. Her eyes opened to see Ross smiling. "Hey you," she whispered sweetly.

            "Morning beautiful," he replied.

            "What time is it?" she inquired. Ross turned around to look at his clock.

            "Umm, about 1030 in the morning."

            "What?! Really? Shoot..." she scowled.

            "What's the matter?" he asked concerned.

            "My flight leaves at 1!" She kissed him before she attempted to cover herself with the bed sheet. She jumped up and searched the room for her belongings and garments.

            "Do you really have to leave today?" he asked hopefully. Rachel stopped what she was doing and looked into Ross's puppy dog eyes. She melted.

            "Yeah, sweetie...I'm sorry. I have a REALLY important presentation I need to prepare for on Wednesday..." her voice trailed off sadly. Ross nodded his head. He understood.

            "Okay," he replied reluctantly. He got up to help her get ready.

*****

            They arrived at the airport a little after noon. They stood in front of the terminal, unwilling to leave each other.

            "Are we crazy?" asked Ross playfully.

            "Yes." Rachel teased. She paused for a moment before she asked, "How is this going to work?"

            "It doesn't matter, Rach." He caressed her face. "It just is." Rachel smiled, trying her best not to cry. "Call me as soon as you land, okay?"

            "Of course," she said.

            "You have my number?" he asked.

            "Yep, right in my purse."

            "Okay..." he said sadly. He didn't want to let her go.

            "Ross," she began miserably. "I really have to go..."

            "I know." They shared a bittersweet goodbye kiss before turning their backs and walking away.

            Suddenly, Ross stopped. "Wait! Rachel!" he called. She stopped and turned around surprised. He ran up to her and pulled out a wrinkled sheet of paper that had been folded in his pocket. "I forgot to give you this." She looked down to see what he was holding. "It's the piece of paper I wrote the song on...You were my inspiration. It's only right for you to have it."

            "Wow..." she exhaled. "I'm speechless... Thank you so much," she said through tears. He softly wiped her face. She looked deep into his eyes, "When will I see you again?"

            "Sooner than you think," he responded.

*****

            It was nearly 10pm. Rachel's flight was cancelled. The airlines told her she might be able to take a later flight if she waited at the airport. An available seat came up but the flight wasn't until 11pm. She decided to stick around because she needed to go to work tomorrow. So unfortunately, she had been sitting in the boarding area waiting for the last 9 hours. Oddly enough, work was the furthest thing from her mind. All she could think about was Ross. How incredible last night was...how unbelievable the entire weekend seemed...how drastically her life had changed in the blink of an eye. She was a new person. She could feel it. Ross rekindled a flame that had seemed to die out long ago. She smiled. The new Rachel didn't care about presentations. Things like this didn't happen to her everyday. She grabbed her carry on and rushed out of the terminal...

            "Umm, Central Perk Plaza Apartments please," she told the cab driver. She rushed inside the building excitedly. As she reached the elevator and pushed the button for the 3rd floor, she suddenly forgot his apartment number... 'Shoot,' she thought to herself. 'Is it 3b or 3c?' The elevator doors opened and she stepped out onto his floor. She looked back and forth confusingly from 3b and 3c trying to decipher which door was Ross'. She decided to start with 3b first. She lightly knocked.

            A tired looking woman in a nightgown opened the door. "Umm, yes may I help you?" She asked Rachel sleepily. Rachel blushed very embarrassed.

            "Oh my gosh, I'm SO sorry! I must have the wrong ap-"

            "Emily, who is...." Ross came to the door rubbing his eyes. He stopped dead in his tracks when his eyes met Rachel's. "...it?"

To be continued!