Chapter 17
Disclaimer: This is where I tell you I don't own friends :o)

Thanks Starfriend for wishing me a happy birthday, you're too cute :o)
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Everyone stared at Rachel not believing their ears. What did she just say? She wasn't going home with them? No that couldn't be right they thought, but it was.

"Ok Rach we know you don't like to fly, but isn't this taking the fear a bit too far?" Chandler didn't quite know what to say, so as usual made a joke.

"Oh God, how do I say this?" Rachel looked to ceiling trying to find the words in her head, but before she could continue Monica cut her off.

"You say it as quickly as possible, didn't you hear the message about our flight boarding?" Monica was evidently not in a good mood, which wasn't great news to Rachel.

"I have been offered a job at Prada" Rachel started but was again interrupted, this time by Ross. "What? Prada in Britain?" He could feel the tears at the back of his eyes, but tried to hold them for as long as was possible. He hadn't heard all the facts yet so it was ok, maybe he wouldn't be losing her after all?

"Not quite Ross, you see its in Paris" Everyone gasped, astounded at what she had just said.

"P-Paris? That can't be right? How can you move to Paris? Your life is in New York, w-with," Ross paused "With me" He looked down at his feet, scared to see Rachel's reaction to what he had just said.

"Ross that's sweet, but I really need to do this, for me. This isn't about anyone else. For the first time in my life im putting myself first. That may sound selfish to you, but what you have got to understand Ross is that this is an opportunity of a lifetime for me. Its managing director of the European fashion division for God's sake. Ive waited for a job like this since I was a little girl! I'm not going to throw it all away just because "My life is in New York" Please don't make this hard for me, "

Rachel wanted to take a leaf from Phoebe's book and just runaway from this whole confrontation. She didn't want to hear what everyone's opinions on her leaving were, it was going to hurt her to see them hurting, but this wasn't how she intended it. Didn't they realise that?

"SELFISH? You bet your ass it's selfish! This isn't about you getting a new job, or moving to a whole other country. This is about you leaving it to the last minute to tell us! I'm your best friend Rachel, what was the difficulty with you discussing it with me? Are my opinions not good enough for you? Or are you just so damn above yourself you think no one else matters?" Monica's rage took over her as she screamed at Rachel. The crowds of people around them stopped what they were doing to stare at the arguing women.

"Monica I tried to tell you all several times but things got in the way, like trips to London, Pheebs disappearing, and you getting so drunk you passed out!"

"That's right, everything is everyone else's fault Rach, never yours!" Monica retaliated.

"Everyone boarding the flight BA717 please check in now. The gates will close in 10 minutes" Everyone listened to the message.

"Well I hate to break up this little party, but we have to get back to America, we have a Real friend to find. Or had you forgotten about her? You know what don't even answer that, because if you cared this wouldn't even be an issue."

Monica turned away from Rachel and walked towards the check in, still fuming. Rachel tried to call her, but got no response.

"Rachel please don't do this. I can't lose two friends in the one week, please, im begging you don't leave me. I need you! I love you!" Ross bent down on one knee and took Rachel's hand. "Rachel Karen Greene," he started but Rachel stopped him. "Ross don't do this, you embarrassing yourself" She looked around her to the crowd watching, but he ignored her comment and continued.

"Rachel Karen Greene, will you marry me and make me the happiest man on earth?"
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Joey had been sitting on a bench in central park for the last 3 hours, watching the world float by him. The only time he as much as flinched was when he saw a blonde woman pass him. No one sat down next to him, and you couldn't really blame them. Joey hadn't showered or shaved in the last 4 days, leaving him looking like a park tramp. He rolled a Yale key between his fingers, staring at it intently. It was the key to Phoebe's apartment. She had given him her spare when she had gone to visit her birth mom in Montauk for the weekend. He was supposed to go around and water her plants, but he had forgotten and by the time she got back they were all dead. Joey remembered how upset she had been and how he only apologised once before she forgave him. But that was just her, she had such a big heart and kind nature. It was impossible for her to stay mad at someone for longer than 10 minutes. A sad smile formed on his face. That was when times were good.
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"Ms Buffay? The Doctor is ready to see you now." Phoebe followed the middle-aged nurse into a little room at the end of a well-lit corridor. "Just take a seat outside the door and the Doctor will come for you in a minute." The nurse walked back to the reception leaving Phoebe to gather her thoughts.

It was almost a week since she had began to feel unwell and decided it was best she got checked out. She had gone to the American Consulate that morning and requested the address of a Doctors Surgery, of which they were more than happy to help her with. And now here she was.

Phoebe looked up at the sound of footsteps approaching her. "Ms Buffay? 'Allo I am Dr. Gerard. Please follow me" he spoke in a very distinct French accent, but his English was impeccable.

Phoebe took a seat across the table from the Dr. and waited until he had settled himself.

"So Miss Buffay, how can I help you?"

"I haven't been feeling too great lately. I feel really achy and sore. And I've been feeling nauseous and a little dizzy. I don't think it's serious? Maybe just flu, but id rather you checked me out." The Dr. gave Phoebe a smile. "It does sound like flu' but im going to get the nurse to take a few blood tests just to make sure. Better to be safe than sorry."

He pressed the intercom button on his telephone. "I need a nurse please to take a blood sample." "Okay Dr. Gerard. One moment."

"Just take a seat back outside and the nurse will take you to the Phlebotomy room. I will see you back here in an hour."

Within 5 minutes of the Dr leaving her Phoebe had all her samples taken. The nurse placed a plaster over the bleeding wound in her arm and pulled her sleeve back down.

"That's you all done. Why don't you go to the Café next door and get yourself a coffee. You have an hour to waste. May as well make the most of it!" Phoebe nodded and left the surgery. She headed towards the coffee shop with an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She hated waiting on results, even if she had nothing to worry about. Or did she?
~*~
Rachel pulled her hand out of Ross' grip and kneeled down next to him. She grabbed his face in her hands and stared intently into his eyes.

"Ross I can't marry you. I have to get on this flight and go to France. I'm so sorry. So very sorry" Her eyes dripped with sorrow and regret. She loved Ross so much, but she couldn't do this, not now. Too much water had passed under the bridge for her to accept his proposal, as much as she wanted to she just couldn't.

She stood back onto her feet and lifted her case. She took one last look at Chandler and then back at Ross who was still on the ground.

She turned around and walked towards her check in desk, never once looking back.

"RACHEL I LOVE YOU!" Ross shouted to her hoping she would turn back and run back into his arms. But she didn't. She just kept walking, until she disappeared out of sight.

Ross put his head in his hands and sobbed like he was a baby. Chandler knelt beside his best friend and rubbed his back gently in the hope of comforting him.

"I've lost her forever!" He bawled. Chandler couldn't think of anything to say. He knew Ross was right.
~*~
Joey looked around the room he was standing in. It was so untouched looking it made his heart ache. He took a large inhalation of breath and became aware of the pungent aroma of incense still lingering in the air.

The red flashing light on the answer phone drew Joey's attention. He placed his hand down and pressed the play button.

"Hi Pheebs its Rachel. Im taking you not answering the phone as a sign you have already left. Thank God! Monica is losing it here thinking you're late."

Joey allowed himself to laugh for just a second, but the second message caused him to recoil.

"Phoebe its Emily. I haven't heard from you yet, so if by some chance you hear this message call me and let me know your ok. Im worried about you. Speak to you soon I hope."

The answer phone clicked and began to rewind.

"End of messages" The robotic voice spoke.

Joey stood dumbfounded. What was Emily doing calling? And why was she so worried? He had to find out.
~*~
"Ah, Ms Buffay, you're a little early but please take a seat. We wont be a moment"

The nurse lifted the handset of her phone and pressed 1 on the dial.

"Ms Buffay is here for her test results Dr." She paused as she listened to what he had to say. "Ok."

The Doctor says you've just to go in.

Phoebe was surprised at the quickness and efficiency she was given but didn't question it.

Phoebe chapped the large wooden door and opened it. She remained in the door waiting to be told to sit.

"Phoebe, May I call you that?" Dr. Gerard asked and she nodded to let him know it was fine. "Phoebe, we got the results back and they have tested negative for all viral infections." Phoebe sighed in relief, but it was cut short. "Its something a bit more serious. I think you had better take a seat"
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