This is an AU story. What if Rachel met the gang after her divorce with Barry? How that would affect her relationship with the gang especially Ross?
Chandler and Monica are in a Relationship. And Ross recently got divorced from Carol.
Enjoy!!!!!
After her divorce with Barry,Rachel hung out with the gang more oftenly. They seemed like such a fun group to be a part of.
Everyone in the gang was the contrast of the other. They had different opinions, beliefs and approach towards life. Yet they seemed incomplete without each other.
Rachel really enjoyed the company of her new group. The way they all interacted with each other was something new for her. Cracking jokes and pulling each others legs,for no reason...all seemed so new to Rachel as she was a part of such a fake world for a long time.
Rachel was struggling hard to survive in the city. Her father adviced her to comeback and enjoy the leisury life provided by him. But Rachel didnt approve of it. She needed to be independent. She was tired of others taking decisions for her.
She is now living with Ross. He also got divorced recently and was having trouble of being alone in his new apartment. Monica was pretty happy to offer her apartment for Rachel. But she respectfully denied that offer as she found it appropriate to leave Monica and Chandler alone in their happy place.
Ross opened the door and walked nonchalantly towards the living room.
He had a pretty long day and was tired. He loosened the knot of his tie and took off his coat.
He looked over to the balcony and saw Rachel there.
He slowly put his bag aside and went over to the balcony to join her. She seemed oblivious of his presence.
"Rachel" he whispered as he patted her shoulder.
"Oww" she let out of a sudden yelp.
"Damn Ross, why would you scare me like that"? Asked Rachel by keeping her hands over to her chest.
She seemed so shocked. The look in the face of Rachel mixed with anger and shock cracked up Ross.
"Dont you dare laugh at me Ross Gellar" Rachel said in a threatening tone as she hit his arms.
Ross came close to her and put his arms over her shoulder.
"What were you doing here"?
"I was..I was just looking.. at the view of the city". Rachel told. She was not meeting his gaze.
" Hey.. what's the matter" He asked slowly as he held her closer by his arms.
"Nothing Ross... I've been thinking about my life... She suddenly turned all serious.
" I mean look at me! What am I doing with my life? I 've been sitting idly all day. I dont have a clarity in my life Ross". She sighed in frustration.
"Do you know how my life was with Barry? I didnt love him at all. I thought I loved him. But I never did. And I did not ponder much when my father asked me to marry him. Being married to an orthodontist seemed like a perfect plan to me. I mean.. I dont want to do anything. I could shop all day with my friends.
Ross smiled when the word 'shopping' came into the conversation. Rachel was always so interested in shopping. He thought.
"And then I realized everything. I felt trapped you know. Being in an unhappy relationship without confiding your inner turmoil to someone is scary. Really... scary. And above all, I caught my husband making out in his office with some girl". Rachel said as her eyes brimmed with tears.
"I was so glad when I found Monica here in the city when I was beginning to live my life alone. And I am really grateful that you welcomed me to be your roommate. But now.. I feel.. I feel like I am a.." She trailed off.
" A what"?
"A.. burden"
This was new to Ross. Rachel never confided anything about her life with anyone. All they knew was that she got divorced from her rich husband and was trying to cope with all the mess.
He seemed concerned. He held her closer towards his body.
" I am sorry". She said in a low voice.
" Why"? Asked Ross,confused.
"You've been paying for our rent and food and what not? And I turned out to be of no help. You've been working all day and I am just sitting here and chilling. Why are you so nice to me Ross? I know...I was so horrible to you at highschool. I always made fun of you. And if I could take all that back, I surely would".
She paused for a moment and looked at Ross. He was listening keenly. There was a small smile in his face.
" The point is, I don't deserve to be treated the way you guys treat me. And Ross, You are already so stressed out about to your divorce with Carol and I am just an additional burden". She finished. There were hints of tears at her eyes.
"Hey.. come here". Said Ross as he opened his arms for a hug. He embraced her with love. Tears rolled freely through her face.
"You are not a burden for me alright? Dont ever think like that. You are my friend. One of my bestfriend. I am completely happy in taking care of you. We all are. You are not some random stranger to me or Monica. And the others.. they have also started to look you as the sixth member of the group."
He softly kissed her hair.
"And.. I just realized something.. The group was not even before. There were 3 boys and 2 girls in our gang. But the number is now finally even when you came along. Now there is 3 boys and 3 girls. That's sounds good right"?
He tried to cheer her up.
That made Rachel smile a little.
Ross lifted her chin up and met her gaze.
" And you know what, you' ve been helping me lately. You are right. I am pretty much bummed over my divorce and all that mess. But, you have turned out to be someone to whom I could open up and speak my mind".
Ross was being honest here. He really needed someone confide the inner battle he've been struggling with. Rachel always listened to him and comforted him. They could connect well, as apparently they were fighting the same inner battle.
"And Rachel, please be rational. You are not sitting here idly okay? You've been looking out for a Job opportunity for a while now. Dont be so hard on yourself"
Ross said as he wiped her tears with the tip of his thumb.
"And about highschool..It was long way back Rach. And no one could blame you for mocking me. That afro and moustache is not something which I am proud of myself. That was.." Ross struggled to find the right word.
"Weird". Rachel completed the sentence for him.
Ross raised his eyebrows.
"Look who is coming around" he said with a chuckle which made Rachel laugh too.
He hugged her tightly as he kissed her forehead.
"Everything will be alright Rach". He said in an assuring tone.
Rachel leaned at his chest and embraced him harder. They stood like that for a while. Rachel felt a sense of comfort as she hugged him with all her might.
"Can we head to the coffee house now? The gang would probably be there".
" Yep, we can go" said Rachel as she broke the hug.
"Thank you Ross" said Rachel as she softly kissed his cheek.
She left to grab her purse and coat while Ross slowly touched at his cheek where Rachel just kissed. He grinned at himself.
Do I need to continue?? please let me know!!