F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Can Their Relationship Last?

© 2002 Ashlee

The wedding was beautiful. Gorgeous arrangements of flowers everywhere. Everything was perfect. The bridesmaid dresses weren't even hideous, but that's because Phoebe had threatened to wear something else if she had to wear "that puke green dress".

A long walkway ended at a podium that a sweating Chandler stood behind. Chandler was the priest/best man. Right of Chandler stood Monica and Phoebe, the best women, in azure blue, not "puke green", dresses. Everything had been planned down to the last detail by Rachel and Monica. Well you who know how Monica is know it was basically planned by Monica. An even-more-nervous-then-Chandler stood to his left. Joey couldn't be happier to be getting married to the only girl he had every really loved, he was just really really nervous. The thought of spending the rest of his life with one woman scared, in Chandlers words, the bejesus out of him. It was like for the rest of his life he would be eating "one flavor of ice cream", no more "rocky road, and bing cherry vanilla". He thought Rachel to be "strawberry" and it would be "strawberry" for the rest of his life.

The wedding took place in a huge cathedral, that seated over 500 and every seat was filled, except one. There was an empty spot in the first row were a place card sat (Rachel had wanted family and friends in the first couple rows so Monica had made place cards)

Monica hadn't expected him to come, neither did the others, but she had left out hope. But like everyone thought, he didn't come. He had been heartbroken. Monica had never seen him in so much pain. None of them, except Monica, of course, had talked to him for months. He moved from Ugly Naked Guys apartment to a place across town. He had said it was too hard living in that apartment where every day he had to look out his window to see them. Them, Monica was so happy for them. Even though it broke her brothers heart to see them together, Monica say, without hesitation, that they have been happier in there 6 month relationship than Rachel and Ross had ever been.

Music starts and brakes Monica's thoughts.

(traditional wedding music)

Monica felt the tears coming already. A beautiful Rachel stepped around the corner, her father to her right. She was dressed in the most gorgeous wedding dress, her dad had bought it for her, it cost over 5,000 dollars. Monica looked over at Joey who was grinning ear to ear and couldn't look happier but at the same time he looked like he was going to be sick. Joey looked over to Monica and she gave him a reassuring wink. Rachel's dad handed Rachel over to Joey, at that moment all of his fear washed away and Joey realized that he was doing the right thing, he loved her, and she loved him, and there was no one else he would rather be standing there with. Plus, he liked strawberry ice cream anyway.

Chandlers voice filled the cathedral.

"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today…"

TIME ELAPSE

"Joey do you take Rachel to be your lawfully wedded wife, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I Do"

"Rachel do you take Joey to be your lawfully wedded husband, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I Do"

"With the power vested in, from the internet guys, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride"

Joey brought Rachel into a long and affectionate kiss.

Chandler smiled. He couldn't think of anything else he would rather do in the world. Marrying his best friend to his best friend was biggest honor he could ask for. This must be what Joey felt when he married Mon and Me, he thought to his self. He was glad the "internet guys" had given him the license.

The reception was even more beautiful than the wedding itself, if possible. The group, excluding Ross, were all gathered around a table. They sat talking and eating cake, lots of cake in Joey's case. A baby carriage was sitting next to Joey and Rachel with a sleeping Emma inside. The assortment of food was divine, and there was a table just for sandwiches, about 20 different kind. Joey was particularly thrilled with that. Monica had joked that he had looked happier when he saw the sandwiches then when he saw Rachel in her wedding dress. Joey got embarrassed by this considering at the moment he had a plate of 20 bite size sandwiches in front of him, one for every kind.

"Mon, what kinda sandwich is this?" Joey asked, starring at the tiny sandwich

Monica didn't respond

"Mon" Joey said turning to look at Monica

She was gazing off into the crowd. Shock lined her face. Joey turned his gaze to the crowd. His mouth and sandwich dropped simultaneously.

"Oh my god" Joey exhaled

Rachel looked at Joey strangely.

"That must've been a meatball one" Rachel laughed

Monica got up from the table and hurried across the crowd.

"Where's she going" Chandler asked

"Ross" Joey said in shock

"What!" Rachel and Phoebe said at the same time

Joey pointed across the crowd and sure enough there he was, Monica was hugging him. He looked like someone had died. His face was emotionless. They all stopped eating and looked at Ross. None of them had seen or talked him in so long, they sort of figured they never would again. Even with Emma Rachel hadn't seen him. He would pick Emma up at Monica's and leave before Rachel could see or talk to him. Same when he brought her back.

They all starred in shock. No one able to say anything or knowing what to say. Monica shot Chandler a glance letting him know that she would be back. Monica and Ross walked through the crowd and out of site. Rachel went to get up but Chandler reached across the table and grabbed her hand.

"Let them talk"

"but…"

"If he wants to talk to us he will, if not… let it go"

A/N: So…. I know I'm gonna get major shit on this story because its J/R and not R/R but whatever. If you must flame then I invite you to go ahead and flame till your hearts content. For you others who like this story so far Thank you and please leave a review. I must warn you it will not be happy like this for long. This is a Drama story. It will soon become a very dark fic at least this is the direction I am planning on heading in. If you think I should do other wise then let me know in your review or send me an email. I have another story on FF.net called "My Story". It's a C/M fic so if you're a fan of theirs (like you couldn't be) then read it and let me know what you think, it's also a drama.

O ya I forgot, I don't own these characters. I only own the ideas, settings, and etc… don't steal it it's ©

If you want to email me my web address is Psychobunny127@aol.com

A.S.H.L.E.E