Okay okay. I'm sorry I didn't update for so long. What can I say? What with ff.net breaking down…, I really didn't feel like writing this down. Anyway, finally got to it!

Disclaimer: I don't any of the characters. Do I really have to keep saying that?

The Past Hurts

The silence was deafening. From across the room, Rachel stared at Joey for endless moments. She couldn't believe he was here. The tears welled up.

"Mom? Why're you crying?" It brought her back to earth with a jolt. She wiped away her tears and gave a watery smile to Emma.

"There was something in my eye, sweetie."

She went up to Joey; ignoring the glare Ross was giving her. All that mattered was that her best friend was back. He smiled at her- a sad smile; a smile she thought never to see on Joey's face. He had changed. He seemed more mature. It was as if the Joey in front of her was a stranger.

"How are you, Rachel?"

Even the way he said her name had changed. "I'm fine. You?"

"Great. I'm just great." How could he be when seeing her again reminded him of the past? He shouldn't have come. But who would have thought that it would still hurt?

Amanda coughed. He'd forgotten all about her. "This is my wife, Amanda."

Rachel's eyes widened. He was married? Why wasn't she invited? Why didn't anyone even tell her? She swallowed back the questions and smiled at them. There'd be plenty of time for that later. Right now, she had a party to host.

****

"Oh my god! I'm exhausted. Emma, go to bed!" Monica ran after niece, trying to get her to go to bed.

The party had ended an hour ago. Emma was running around playing with her new toys. She didn't seem to be the least bit tired.

"I've got her!" Amanda held out her arms and groaned as Emma slipped under them. She shook her head and followed her

Joey sat on the stairs watching his wife chasing Emma all over the house. She seemed to fit in more than he did. He got up and walked to the kitchen. Rachel was sitting on the table, drinking coffee. She looked worn-out. He sat down next to her.

"It was a great party, Rachel."

"Thanks."

They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a while. Joey had so many things he wanted to say to her. But he couldn't. He didn't think he should.

"So when did you get married, Joey?"

"A year ago."

She nodded. Why were they acting like strangers? This was her best friend. The man who was always there for - who never failed to cheer her up when she was down. Why did it have to change? She sighed. Maybe it was better this way.

****

Back home, Joey thought about how forlorn Rachel looked. She didn't seem content. Ross was different, too. Naturally, he didn't bother to disguise the fact that he resented Joey's presence at the party. But he didn't seem to treat Rachel the way he used to - like she was a goddess. It could be that they were married for 6 years… but still…

He grimaced. He never envisioned them like this. He pictured them so happy, in a big house, with 3 kids, a dog and friends all around. He gave a start when he realized that he was seeing his dream of a life with Rachel. Maybe he could have had it too, if only…

* Six years earlier *

"Congrats, Ross! She's beautiful."

Ross beamed at Joey. Rachel had just given birth to his baby girl- Emma. He was happier than he thought he could ever be.

Joey stared at Ross and Rachel, cooing over their baby. They looked so happy. He slowly walked out. This wasn't his place.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, birds singing. Just the perfect day. And Joey had never felt more miserable. He realized he wasn't being a very good friend. But it hurt seeing Ross and Rachel together. He still had these feelings for her… but he was going to keep it in. He wasn't going to mess up any chances of Ross and Rachel getting back together.

He walked up to his apartment. It seemed so empty without Rachel. He sighed. He was getting depressed. Maybe he should watch a movie or take a nap or something- anything than let his thoughts dwell on Rachel.

He woke up an hour later. That really didn't help. Rachel was everywhere, even in his dreams. He really needed to talk to someone. Maybe Chandler could help. His stomach growled. Another reason to go next door. 'Hope Monica has something good.'

He almost collided into Chandler. "What's goin' on, man?"

"Joe! Um… I didn't know you were here. I thought…"

"Chandler, what is the matter?"

Chandler looked down at his shoes. Joey followed his gaze. "You're excited because you bought a new pair of shoes? Dude, you really need to get your priorities straightened out."

Chandler grinned weakly. This was going to be difficult. He'd forgotten all about Joey. He took a deep breath. Someone had to tell him. "Joey, Ross and…"

Monica rushed out from the apartment. "Oh good, I thought you'd left. C'mon, we have to buy a dress for the wedding." She stopped when she saw Joey.

Joey wasn't usually quick on the uptake. Maybe being depressed made him smarter. It all made sense now. "Ross proposed to Rachel?"

Chandler nodded slowly. "Joey…I…"

"No, its okay. I'm fine. Wow. Ross and Rachel. Together… again. It'll take a little while to get used to but…that's great…" He fought the tears, which threatened to spill over. "I think I'll go back in."

Monica stared at Chandler in dismay. "Poor Joey," she whispered.

Inside, Joey sat on the couch. Why was he so upset? He should have seen this coming. Ross and Rachel belonged together. It didn't matter that he was head over heels in love with her. What mattered was that Rachel be happy. And she would be with Ross. He had no right to spoil that. He opened his wallet and took out a picture of Rachel. As he stared at the picture of the only woman to steal his heart, the tears finally seeped out.

That's all for this chapter. Promise to write the next one a lot faster. So please R & R!