A/N:Hey it's me again. This is a new fic that I'm starting. This one will mostly revolve around Ross and Rachel. It takes place in the eighth season right after Rachel tells Ross she's pregnant. Oh, and Ross is the first one to find out about the baby, besides Rachel!
Disclaimer: I own..let me think.um.oh yeah. None of them!
He was having another child out of wedlock. That was all that Ross could think about. Nice one Ross, he thought to himself. Can you not control yourself? He paced back and forth across the carpeting of his apartment. What was he going to do? How was everyone going to react? He looked over at the chair that Rachel sat in. Correction. The chair where she had been sitting. She had left. Great, he thought bitterly. Now the woman carrying my child has left and I don't know where she went. Ross grabbed his jacket and headed over to his sister's place. She'd know what to do.
(Monica's apartment. Rachel and Monica are present.)
Monica: You're what?
Rachel: I'm pregnant.
Monica: Oh my god. And Ross knows?
Rachel: Yeah, I just told him. He's probably across the hall still staring with his eyes glazed over. That's how I left him.
Monica: He didn't take it well, huh?
Rachel: No, not so much.
Monica: I just can't believe that you're going to have a baby-
(Phoebe enters)
Phoebe: Who's having a baby?
Monica: Rachel is!
Rachel: Monica! I told you not to tell anyone!
Monica: You told Ross!
Rachel: He's the father. I had to tell him.
Phoebe: Oh my god! And Ross is the father?
(Chandler comes out of their bedroom)
Chandler: What's all the screaming about? Can't a guy sleep in his own home?
Phoebe: Fine. Go back to bed. We just won't tell you the exciting news we have.
Rachel: Actually, I'd appreciate it if you didn't.
Chandler: C'mon. You guys woke me up. I wanna know.
Monica: Chandler, I'll get you some warm milk and you can go right back to bed.
Chandler: (embarrassed) I make it Irish once I get into the bedroom.
(Joey enters)
Joey: You guys. I just talked to Ross. He's on his way over. You're never going to believe what he told me!
Rachel: (mumbling) Great. Now everyone knows.
Chandler: I still don't know! What is it?
Joey: He got Rachel knocked up!
Chandler: (in his high voice) What?!
Joey: That's right. I can't believe she even slept with him again. I mean-
Rachel: I am standing right here, Joe.
Joey: Uh, sorry Rach. Didn't see you there.
Rachel: That's ok. Now that everyone knows about something that I was only planning on telling Ross for awhile, I have to go home before he gets here.
Monica: Why? We can break out a bottle of champagne and celebrate! Oh, my brother and my best friend are having a baby together! It's just like a fairy tale! Oh, and I can set out my best china and napkins.
Rachel: Mon, it's not that big of a deal. Plus, I have to pack.
Phoebe: Pack for what?
Rachel: Did you guys forget? I have that business trip for Ralph Lauren. You know, the Paris one?
Monica: You're still going on that? Even now that you found out that you were pregnant?
Rachel: Yeah! It's Paris! And since it's only for a week, I can deal with all of this when I get back. It'll be good for me and it will give Ross some time to cool down. I'll come say goodbye to you guys later. Joey?
Joey: Yeah?
Rachel: Did you say Ross was on his way up?
Joey: Uh, he should be at the door any minute now.
Rachel: Ok. Then I'm going to leave. Bye.
(Rachel leaves, leaving everyone kind of in shock.)
(About ten seconds of silence go by)
Joey: So, who's hungry?
Monica: Joey! How can you think of food at a time like this? It's Ross and Rachel! Rachel and Ross! The couple with the sea-saw relationship! I want details. When did they sleep together? Why? Where?
Joey: And I want some food! What are we going to eat? When? Where?
Chandler: You can have some of my warm milk.
Joey: (shakes his head at Chandler) Dude, you're thirty five, not five.
Phoebe: I just can't believe that this is happening. It's all so surreal.
(Everyone looks over at Phoebe who is sitting on the chair with her knees pulled up to her chest.)
Monica: Pheebs, are you ok?
Phoebe: Yeah. I just have this really bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can't explain it.
(They all look at Phoebe in confusion for a minute before Ross opens the door)
Ross: (breathless) You guys. You're never going to believe this but.
Joey: You got Rachel pregnant!
Ross: Can I finish the story?
Chandler: It's ok. We all already know.
Ross: What? Joey!
Chandler: If it makes you feel better, I was the last to know.
Joey: And I didn't tell them. Rachel did.
Ross: Is she here? I really need to talk to her.
Monica: No, she's packing for her Paris trip.
Ross: She's still going on that?
Monica: Yeah, she thinks it will be best if you and her had some time apart. It's only a week and will give you both time to settle down.
Ross: But-but, isn't it unsafe to fly when you're pregnant?
Joey: That's only in the third trimester.
(Chandler and Monica look at him in awe)
Joey: Yeah, I know some stuff.
Ross: I think that we need to talk about this right now. I'm going to march across the hall and have a nice long talk with her.
Monica: I don't think that that's the best thing to do. She's kind of shaken up about this whole thing and I really think that she needs to be left alone.
Ross: When does she leave? I really need to talk to her.
Chandler: Her flight leaves in an hour and a half. She was going to come back over to say goodbye to us.
Ross: Then I'll just wait right here for her. (Stands by door)
Monica: You know what, I think that I'm going to go help her pack.
Ross: Hey, how come you get to go?
Monica: I didn't knock her up!
Ross: Good point. (He lets her go through the door)
(Rachel and Joey's apartment, Rachel's room)
Rachel is sitting on the bed along with all her clothes. She's curled up in a ball, sobbing.
Monica: Rach, can I come in?
(no answer)
Monica: Rach?
(hears the faint sound of sobbing)
Monica: Rachel, I'm coming in.
(She enters the room)
Monica: Oh sweetie.
(She sits down next to her on the bed and puts her arm around her.)
Monica: Hey, it's all going to be ok. Don't worry about anything.
Rachel: This wasn't supposed to happen. It was a one night thing. We were both just feeling jealous over you and Chandler getting married. You know, the way you two did at Ross' wedding. Except you didn't get pregnant.(continues to sob)
Monica: (pulls Rachel closer) It's all gonna be ok. Don't worry about a thing. We're all going to be here for you. And so is Ross.
Rachel: But I can't have a baby!
Monica: (gives a sympathetic little laugh) Sure you can. Why can't you?
Rachel: I'm going to be a terrible mother! I can't even change a diaper.
Monica: That's why you have nine months to learn. This doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.
Rachel: It doesn't?
Monica: No, of course not! You have five wonderful friends here to help you. And one of them will be the father.
Rachel: (unsure) I guess.
Monica: (pats her on the back a little) That's better. Now let's get you packed for Paris.
(One hour later. Monica and Rachel are finishing up packing in her room.)
Monica: There you go. All finished.
Rachel: Are you sure these clothes are going to fit me?
Monica: Of course! Why wouldn't they?
Rachel: Well, aren't I going to get (whispers and looks around) fat soon?
Monica: (laughs) No, it will be about another two months before you start to get fat.
Rachel: Oh my god, I'm gonna get FAT! (starts wailing again)
Monica: (mutters) Hormones.
Rachel: (tearfully) What?
Monica: (pulls her into a giant hug) I love you.
Rachel: Aw, Mon, I love you too. It's just a weird feeling. I have something growing inside of me. I have to be extra careful now. I can't drink, I can't smoke, I can't do gymnastics or k-karate! (starts to cry again)
Monica: Uh, Rach? I don't think you ever did karate or gymnastics. And you only smoked the one time.
Rachel: (sniffing) That's true.
Monica: (puts her hand on Rachel's still-small belly) Just be extra careful with my niece or nephew, ok?
Rachel: I'll do my best.
Monica: Everything's going to be fine. Now let's go say goodbye to everyone.
Rachel: I don't think that I can face Ross right now. Could you tell everyone else just to come over here and say goodbye to me?
Monica: You really don't want to see him?
Rachel: No, I really don't.
Monica: Alright. He's going to be hurt. He really wanted to talk to you.
Rachel: I just don't want to get in a fight with him or anything. I mean, besides the one that we're already kind of in the middle of.
Monica: Do you think you guys will ever start anything up again?
Rachel: I don't know. I just really don't know anything right now. It's all happening so fast. It's like it's surreal.
Monica: Huh. That's the same thing that Phoebe said.
Rachel: Really? That's weird.
Monica: Yeah. She seemed almost as shaken up about the pregnancy and your situation as you did.
Rachel: Phoebe always said that she had a 'connection' with us. You know, she can feel when we're happy, sad, or whatever. She said that it happens with everyone she loves. She's also said she's psychic, but.you know.
Monica: I think that's sweet. I don't know if I believe it, but it's sweet.
Rachel: Why don't you send them on over.
Monica: Ok.
(She leaves)
Rachel: Wow. I can't believe that I'm really going to have a baby. (Touches her stomach) It's all happening so quickly.At least I won't be alone on my trip. Are you in there? Brady or Wren? Dallas or Sydney? Heath or Jada? Oh my god, your father is going to kill me.He'll probably want to name you after some dinosaur. You see that's why we're not together. That, and he slept with the copy girl, Chloe. You know, I don't think I should be telling this to a fetus that's only about three months old.(laughs a little about that.)
(Monica's apartment. Ross, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, and Monica are there.)
Monica: (pushes her way through the door where Ross is still standing.) Ross, you've got to---ouch! (she bangs her head on the doorframe) Move! It's me!
Ross: Sorry, Mon.
Monica: (rubbing her head) Yeah, that's ok. Boy you guys are a strange crowd. (Ross was guarding the door, Joey was watching cartoons, and Chandler was asleep on the couch, with Joey balancing his milk on his head. Phoebe was facing backwards in her chair, still rocking back and forth with her knees to her chest.) Now listen, Rachel's not going to come over here, but she wants to see you all-
Ross: I'll go over first! (shoves door back causing Monica to bang her head again)
Monica: Shit, Ross! Stop doing that! Now, like I was saying, she wants to see all of you except Ross.
Ross: What?! That's not fair! I'm the father! I want to say goodbye to my unborn child, at least.
Monica: Seriously, Ross. She does not need to see you right now. She says she'll call you from Paris. She's really not in the right state of mind to have a conversation with the man that got her knocked up, alright? If you saw her, you'd know. She's sort of a mess, and a week away is just the thing that she needs right now. Now, Joey, take the glass of milk off Chandler's head and wake him up. If it spills, you will pay! C'mon Pheebs. Pheebs?
(Phoebe is still rocking back and forth in her chair. Monica walks over to her.)
Monica: Honey, are you ok?
Phoebe: Um, well, yes and no. I just have a weird feeling. I don't feel like myself. I keep getting like this premonition or something. Something bad is going to happen. Rachel should stay.
Monica: (visibly worried) Pheebs, Rach is fine. It's just been a long weird day for all of us. Now let's go say goodbye to Rachel. She's probably wondering what happened to us.
Phoebe: (gets up slowly and walks like she's in a state of delirum) Yeah, ok.
(They walk towards the door. Ross is busily scribbling down a note.)
Ross: Hey Mon?
Monica: Huh?
Ross: Could you at least give this note to Rachel?
Monica: Sure. I'd be happy to.
Phoebe: (suddenly snaps out of the sleep-like state that she was in) You're not going over to say goodbye?
Ross: No. Apparently she doesn't want me there.
Phoebe: (very worried all of the sudden) B-b-but, you have to at least say goodbye!
Monica: (very patient in a motherly tone) Pheebs, Rachel wants to see us, but not Ross. If you saw her like I did a few minutes ago then you would know what I mean. It's not good for her right now. Now let's go.
Phoebe: But at least come say goodbye to her! Ross, come on! (at this point, Monica starts to drag her away, sending Ross a look that says, "I don't know what's gotten into her)
(Monica and Phoebe leave)
Joey: (removes the milk and has put lipstick on Chandler) C'mon, wake up! Rachel's leaving and wants you to say goodbye to her.
Chandler: (jolts out of his sleep) What? Huh?
Joey: Come say bye to Rachel.
Chandler: Oh, coming.
(They head towards the door)
Ross: (sees the lipstick all over Chandler's face) Hey Chandler.
Chandler: Huh?
Ross: You look good, man.
Chandler: (whispers to Joey) How could he get Rachel pregnant if he was gay?
Joey: Some things are just weird like that. (They enter Joey and Rachel's apartment)
Rachel: Hey you guys. I'm gonna miss you.
Joey: (hugs Rachel) I'll miss you too, Rach. But for one week, I get the apartment all to myself. I'm thinking of throwing myself a little par-tay!
Rachel: (pats him on the back) Ok honey, have fun. (to Monica) Watch him, ok?
Monica: (grins) Sure, I'll keep an eye on him.
Chandler: Bye Rach. (bends in to kiss her on the cheek.)
Rachel: (backs away) Woah there. Hold on. (digs for a mirror in her purse)
Chandler: Hey, I thought that it was Ross you didn't want to see. (Rachel hands him the mirror)
Rachel: Take a look.
Chandler: (shrieks) Oh my god! I've turned into my father! (Runs off to the bathroom to wash it off.)
Joey: Works every time.
Rachel: (to Monica) Really, sweetie. Keep an eye on both of them. Where's Phoebe?
Phoebe: I'm right here.
Rachel: I didn't see you honey. You've been kind of quiet today.
Phoebe: Yeah, I guess I just haven't been feeling like myself lately.
Rachel: I know exactly what you mean. I haven't either.
Phoebe: (pulls Rachel into a big hug) I'm gonna miss you Rach. Please be careful. Be safe.
Rachel: I will. (pats Phoebe on the back and pulls out of the hug, much to Phoebe's dismay) Boy, are you guys worried about me or about the baby?
Phoebe: Both, you're both in danger.
Rachel: What, Pheebs?
Phoebe: I mean, if something were to happen, you're both in danger.
(They sit in an awkward silence for a couple of seconds. Chandler comes out of the bathroom)
Chandler: Now can I have my hug?
Rachel: Yes, now that you're clean you can. (pulls him in for a hug)
Chandler: Aw, you sound just like my wife. (Monica shoots him a little glare)
Chandler: But you could never ever replace her!
Joey, Rachel, Chandler, and Monica laugh about this. Phoebe remains silent.
Rachel: Aw, Mon! I'm gonna miss you too! (They hug)
Rachel: (starts crying) I don't know why I'm doing this. I mean, it's only for a week. I've been away for longer than a week before. It's no different this time. I miss you all so much already!
Monica: (kisses Rachel on the cheek and pulls away) Rach, honey, your cab is here.
Rachel: Alright, I'd better be going.
Monica: Do you need any help with your suitcase?
Rachel: No. It's not that heavy. Mon, your packing techniques really do work.
Monica: (looks around) I know!
Rachel: Well, I better be going.(she's halfway out the door)
Monica: Oh my god! I almost forgot! Rach, wait!
Rachel: What?
Monica: Ross wrote you a note. I was supposed to give it to you.
Rachel: (monica hands her the folded up yellow slip of paper) Oh, that's sweet. Thanks. (Rachel opens the note and is obviously touched by what she reads)
Monica: What's it say?
Rachel: (wipes a tear from her eye and smiles a little bit) Nothing.
(Rachel leaves the apartment)
On her way down the stairs, she bumps into Ross.
Ross: (looking down) Sorry, I-
Rachel: (lifts his chin up with her finger) It's just me.
Ross: Oh, sorry.
Rachel: (smiles a little bit) That's ok.
Ross: Did you get my note?
Rachel: Yeah, I got it. That was really sweet. Did you mean all that?
Ross: (looks down again) Yeah I did. I really, really did.
Rachel: (lifts his face up) Well, I'll give it some thought.
Ross: Isn't there a cab waiting for you?
Rachel: Yeah, it leaves in three minutes.
Ross: I guess this is bye, then.
Rachel: Yeah. (pulls him into a hug. Ross is surprised at this gesture.)
Rachel: Surprised you there, didn't I?
Ross: (clears his throat) A bit, yeah, a little bit.
Rachel: Ross, I'm not mad at you.
Ross: You're not?
Rachel: No! What gave you that idea?
Ross: Well, I got you knocked up.
Rachel: I'm not mad about that. I'm in a state of shock. But I'm not mad at you. I just thought I couldn't handle seeing you.
Ross: (looks around) Well, um, I don't know who you think you're talking to, but I think that it's me-
At this point she pulled him in and kissed him on the lips for about 15 seconds. It wasn't a "I need you now type of kiss", and it wasn't a "Polite first date kiss". It was the kiss only old lovers can share. The kiss that reunites two people. It was a wonderful kiss, all in all. She gave him one more peck on the cheek and took off down the stairs, leaving Ross in shock. He headed back up the stairs thinking about what happened, as she headed down. They were heading in two different directions, yet it somehow felt like they were heading the same way. They both felt weird, but good. Downstairs, Rachel was wondering if she had just started things up again with Ross, as he wondered the same thing six floors above her. Phoebe, who had witnessed the whole thing muttered one sentence to herself. It sounded like, "At least they got to say goodbye."
So, let me know what you think about the first chapter. It was very loooong, but I had a lot of fun writing it. It's a R./R story, and I think I'm going to enjoy this story more than my other one which is a C/M story. I love C/M, but I'm a diehard R/R fan. I want at least five reviews and I will post the next chapter. I changed it so I could have all reviews, instead of just signed in ones, but it said that sometimes it can take up to 24 hours to put that into action. So either sign in and review or wait awhile. I really want some reviews, they mean a lot to me. So, pretty please review! (Did I just use the phrase "Pretty Please"? God, I'm a dork! ) Anyway, please review!
Mel
Disclaimer: I own..let me think.um.oh yeah. None of them!
He was having another child out of wedlock. That was all that Ross could think about. Nice one Ross, he thought to himself. Can you not control yourself? He paced back and forth across the carpeting of his apartment. What was he going to do? How was everyone going to react? He looked over at the chair that Rachel sat in. Correction. The chair where she had been sitting. She had left. Great, he thought bitterly. Now the woman carrying my child has left and I don't know where she went. Ross grabbed his jacket and headed over to his sister's place. She'd know what to do.
(Monica's apartment. Rachel and Monica are present.)
Monica: You're what?
Rachel: I'm pregnant.
Monica: Oh my god. And Ross knows?
Rachel: Yeah, I just told him. He's probably across the hall still staring with his eyes glazed over. That's how I left him.
Monica: He didn't take it well, huh?
Rachel: No, not so much.
Monica: I just can't believe that you're going to have a baby-
(Phoebe enters)
Phoebe: Who's having a baby?
Monica: Rachel is!
Rachel: Monica! I told you not to tell anyone!
Monica: You told Ross!
Rachel: He's the father. I had to tell him.
Phoebe: Oh my god! And Ross is the father?
(Chandler comes out of their bedroom)
Chandler: What's all the screaming about? Can't a guy sleep in his own home?
Phoebe: Fine. Go back to bed. We just won't tell you the exciting news we have.
Rachel: Actually, I'd appreciate it if you didn't.
Chandler: C'mon. You guys woke me up. I wanna know.
Monica: Chandler, I'll get you some warm milk and you can go right back to bed.
Chandler: (embarrassed) I make it Irish once I get into the bedroom.
(Joey enters)
Joey: You guys. I just talked to Ross. He's on his way over. You're never going to believe what he told me!
Rachel: (mumbling) Great. Now everyone knows.
Chandler: I still don't know! What is it?
Joey: He got Rachel knocked up!
Chandler: (in his high voice) What?!
Joey: That's right. I can't believe she even slept with him again. I mean-
Rachel: I am standing right here, Joe.
Joey: Uh, sorry Rach. Didn't see you there.
Rachel: That's ok. Now that everyone knows about something that I was only planning on telling Ross for awhile, I have to go home before he gets here.
Monica: Why? We can break out a bottle of champagne and celebrate! Oh, my brother and my best friend are having a baby together! It's just like a fairy tale! Oh, and I can set out my best china and napkins.
Rachel: Mon, it's not that big of a deal. Plus, I have to pack.
Phoebe: Pack for what?
Rachel: Did you guys forget? I have that business trip for Ralph Lauren. You know, the Paris one?
Monica: You're still going on that? Even now that you found out that you were pregnant?
Rachel: Yeah! It's Paris! And since it's only for a week, I can deal with all of this when I get back. It'll be good for me and it will give Ross some time to cool down. I'll come say goodbye to you guys later. Joey?
Joey: Yeah?
Rachel: Did you say Ross was on his way up?
Joey: Uh, he should be at the door any minute now.
Rachel: Ok. Then I'm going to leave. Bye.
(Rachel leaves, leaving everyone kind of in shock.)
(About ten seconds of silence go by)
Joey: So, who's hungry?
Monica: Joey! How can you think of food at a time like this? It's Ross and Rachel! Rachel and Ross! The couple with the sea-saw relationship! I want details. When did they sleep together? Why? Where?
Joey: And I want some food! What are we going to eat? When? Where?
Chandler: You can have some of my warm milk.
Joey: (shakes his head at Chandler) Dude, you're thirty five, not five.
Phoebe: I just can't believe that this is happening. It's all so surreal.
(Everyone looks over at Phoebe who is sitting on the chair with her knees pulled up to her chest.)
Monica: Pheebs, are you ok?
Phoebe: Yeah. I just have this really bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can't explain it.
(They all look at Phoebe in confusion for a minute before Ross opens the door)
Ross: (breathless) You guys. You're never going to believe this but.
Joey: You got Rachel pregnant!
Ross: Can I finish the story?
Chandler: It's ok. We all already know.
Ross: What? Joey!
Chandler: If it makes you feel better, I was the last to know.
Joey: And I didn't tell them. Rachel did.
Ross: Is she here? I really need to talk to her.
Monica: No, she's packing for her Paris trip.
Ross: She's still going on that?
Monica: Yeah, she thinks it will be best if you and her had some time apart. It's only a week and will give you both time to settle down.
Ross: But-but, isn't it unsafe to fly when you're pregnant?
Joey: That's only in the third trimester.
(Chandler and Monica look at him in awe)
Joey: Yeah, I know some stuff.
Ross: I think that we need to talk about this right now. I'm going to march across the hall and have a nice long talk with her.
Monica: I don't think that that's the best thing to do. She's kind of shaken up about this whole thing and I really think that she needs to be left alone.
Ross: When does she leave? I really need to talk to her.
Chandler: Her flight leaves in an hour and a half. She was going to come back over to say goodbye to us.
Ross: Then I'll just wait right here for her. (Stands by door)
Monica: You know what, I think that I'm going to go help her pack.
Ross: Hey, how come you get to go?
Monica: I didn't knock her up!
Ross: Good point. (He lets her go through the door)
(Rachel and Joey's apartment, Rachel's room)
Rachel is sitting on the bed along with all her clothes. She's curled up in a ball, sobbing.
Monica: Rach, can I come in?
(no answer)
Monica: Rach?
(hears the faint sound of sobbing)
Monica: Rachel, I'm coming in.
(She enters the room)
Monica: Oh sweetie.
(She sits down next to her on the bed and puts her arm around her.)
Monica: Hey, it's all going to be ok. Don't worry about anything.
Rachel: This wasn't supposed to happen. It was a one night thing. We were both just feeling jealous over you and Chandler getting married. You know, the way you two did at Ross' wedding. Except you didn't get pregnant.(continues to sob)
Monica: (pulls Rachel closer) It's all gonna be ok. Don't worry about a thing. We're all going to be here for you. And so is Ross.
Rachel: But I can't have a baby!
Monica: (gives a sympathetic little laugh) Sure you can. Why can't you?
Rachel: I'm going to be a terrible mother! I can't even change a diaper.
Monica: That's why you have nine months to learn. This doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.
Rachel: It doesn't?
Monica: No, of course not! You have five wonderful friends here to help you. And one of them will be the father.
Rachel: (unsure) I guess.
Monica: (pats her on the back a little) That's better. Now let's get you packed for Paris.
(One hour later. Monica and Rachel are finishing up packing in her room.)
Monica: There you go. All finished.
Rachel: Are you sure these clothes are going to fit me?
Monica: Of course! Why wouldn't they?
Rachel: Well, aren't I going to get (whispers and looks around) fat soon?
Monica: (laughs) No, it will be about another two months before you start to get fat.
Rachel: Oh my god, I'm gonna get FAT! (starts wailing again)
Monica: (mutters) Hormones.
Rachel: (tearfully) What?
Monica: (pulls her into a giant hug) I love you.
Rachel: Aw, Mon, I love you too. It's just a weird feeling. I have something growing inside of me. I have to be extra careful now. I can't drink, I can't smoke, I can't do gymnastics or k-karate! (starts to cry again)
Monica: Uh, Rach? I don't think you ever did karate or gymnastics. And you only smoked the one time.
Rachel: (sniffing) That's true.
Monica: (puts her hand on Rachel's still-small belly) Just be extra careful with my niece or nephew, ok?
Rachel: I'll do my best.
Monica: Everything's going to be fine. Now let's go say goodbye to everyone.
Rachel: I don't think that I can face Ross right now. Could you tell everyone else just to come over here and say goodbye to me?
Monica: You really don't want to see him?
Rachel: No, I really don't.
Monica: Alright. He's going to be hurt. He really wanted to talk to you.
Rachel: I just don't want to get in a fight with him or anything. I mean, besides the one that we're already kind of in the middle of.
Monica: Do you think you guys will ever start anything up again?
Rachel: I don't know. I just really don't know anything right now. It's all happening so fast. It's like it's surreal.
Monica: Huh. That's the same thing that Phoebe said.
Rachel: Really? That's weird.
Monica: Yeah. She seemed almost as shaken up about the pregnancy and your situation as you did.
Rachel: Phoebe always said that she had a 'connection' with us. You know, she can feel when we're happy, sad, or whatever. She said that it happens with everyone she loves. She's also said she's psychic, but.you know.
Monica: I think that's sweet. I don't know if I believe it, but it's sweet.
Rachel: Why don't you send them on over.
Monica: Ok.
(She leaves)
Rachel: Wow. I can't believe that I'm really going to have a baby. (Touches her stomach) It's all happening so quickly.At least I won't be alone on my trip. Are you in there? Brady or Wren? Dallas or Sydney? Heath or Jada? Oh my god, your father is going to kill me.He'll probably want to name you after some dinosaur. You see that's why we're not together. That, and he slept with the copy girl, Chloe. You know, I don't think I should be telling this to a fetus that's only about three months old.(laughs a little about that.)
(Monica's apartment. Ross, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, and Monica are there.)
Monica: (pushes her way through the door where Ross is still standing.) Ross, you've got to---ouch! (she bangs her head on the doorframe) Move! It's me!
Ross: Sorry, Mon.
Monica: (rubbing her head) Yeah, that's ok. Boy you guys are a strange crowd. (Ross was guarding the door, Joey was watching cartoons, and Chandler was asleep on the couch, with Joey balancing his milk on his head. Phoebe was facing backwards in her chair, still rocking back and forth with her knees to her chest.) Now listen, Rachel's not going to come over here, but she wants to see you all-
Ross: I'll go over first! (shoves door back causing Monica to bang her head again)
Monica: Shit, Ross! Stop doing that! Now, like I was saying, she wants to see all of you except Ross.
Ross: What?! That's not fair! I'm the father! I want to say goodbye to my unborn child, at least.
Monica: Seriously, Ross. She does not need to see you right now. She says she'll call you from Paris. She's really not in the right state of mind to have a conversation with the man that got her knocked up, alright? If you saw her, you'd know. She's sort of a mess, and a week away is just the thing that she needs right now. Now, Joey, take the glass of milk off Chandler's head and wake him up. If it spills, you will pay! C'mon Pheebs. Pheebs?
(Phoebe is still rocking back and forth in her chair. Monica walks over to her.)
Monica: Honey, are you ok?
Phoebe: Um, well, yes and no. I just have a weird feeling. I don't feel like myself. I keep getting like this premonition or something. Something bad is going to happen. Rachel should stay.
Monica: (visibly worried) Pheebs, Rach is fine. It's just been a long weird day for all of us. Now let's go say goodbye to Rachel. She's probably wondering what happened to us.
Phoebe: (gets up slowly and walks like she's in a state of delirum) Yeah, ok.
(They walk towards the door. Ross is busily scribbling down a note.)
Ross: Hey Mon?
Monica: Huh?
Ross: Could you at least give this note to Rachel?
Monica: Sure. I'd be happy to.
Phoebe: (suddenly snaps out of the sleep-like state that she was in) You're not going over to say goodbye?
Ross: No. Apparently she doesn't want me there.
Phoebe: (very worried all of the sudden) B-b-but, you have to at least say goodbye!
Monica: (very patient in a motherly tone) Pheebs, Rachel wants to see us, but not Ross. If you saw her like I did a few minutes ago then you would know what I mean. It's not good for her right now. Now let's go.
Phoebe: But at least come say goodbye to her! Ross, come on! (at this point, Monica starts to drag her away, sending Ross a look that says, "I don't know what's gotten into her)
(Monica and Phoebe leave)
Joey: (removes the milk and has put lipstick on Chandler) C'mon, wake up! Rachel's leaving and wants you to say goodbye to her.
Chandler: (jolts out of his sleep) What? Huh?
Joey: Come say bye to Rachel.
Chandler: Oh, coming.
(They head towards the door)
Ross: (sees the lipstick all over Chandler's face) Hey Chandler.
Chandler: Huh?
Ross: You look good, man.
Chandler: (whispers to Joey) How could he get Rachel pregnant if he was gay?
Joey: Some things are just weird like that. (They enter Joey and Rachel's apartment)
Rachel: Hey you guys. I'm gonna miss you.
Joey: (hugs Rachel) I'll miss you too, Rach. But for one week, I get the apartment all to myself. I'm thinking of throwing myself a little par-tay!
Rachel: (pats him on the back) Ok honey, have fun. (to Monica) Watch him, ok?
Monica: (grins) Sure, I'll keep an eye on him.
Chandler: Bye Rach. (bends in to kiss her on the cheek.)
Rachel: (backs away) Woah there. Hold on. (digs for a mirror in her purse)
Chandler: Hey, I thought that it was Ross you didn't want to see. (Rachel hands him the mirror)
Rachel: Take a look.
Chandler: (shrieks) Oh my god! I've turned into my father! (Runs off to the bathroom to wash it off.)
Joey: Works every time.
Rachel: (to Monica) Really, sweetie. Keep an eye on both of them. Where's Phoebe?
Phoebe: I'm right here.
Rachel: I didn't see you honey. You've been kind of quiet today.
Phoebe: Yeah, I guess I just haven't been feeling like myself lately.
Rachel: I know exactly what you mean. I haven't either.
Phoebe: (pulls Rachel into a big hug) I'm gonna miss you Rach. Please be careful. Be safe.
Rachel: I will. (pats Phoebe on the back and pulls out of the hug, much to Phoebe's dismay) Boy, are you guys worried about me or about the baby?
Phoebe: Both, you're both in danger.
Rachel: What, Pheebs?
Phoebe: I mean, if something were to happen, you're both in danger.
(They sit in an awkward silence for a couple of seconds. Chandler comes out of the bathroom)
Chandler: Now can I have my hug?
Rachel: Yes, now that you're clean you can. (pulls him in for a hug)
Chandler: Aw, you sound just like my wife. (Monica shoots him a little glare)
Chandler: But you could never ever replace her!
Joey, Rachel, Chandler, and Monica laugh about this. Phoebe remains silent.
Rachel: Aw, Mon! I'm gonna miss you too! (They hug)
Rachel: (starts crying) I don't know why I'm doing this. I mean, it's only for a week. I've been away for longer than a week before. It's no different this time. I miss you all so much already!
Monica: (kisses Rachel on the cheek and pulls away) Rach, honey, your cab is here.
Rachel: Alright, I'd better be going.
Monica: Do you need any help with your suitcase?
Rachel: No. It's not that heavy. Mon, your packing techniques really do work.
Monica: (looks around) I know!
Rachel: Well, I better be going.(she's halfway out the door)
Monica: Oh my god! I almost forgot! Rach, wait!
Rachel: What?
Monica: Ross wrote you a note. I was supposed to give it to you.
Rachel: (monica hands her the folded up yellow slip of paper) Oh, that's sweet. Thanks. (Rachel opens the note and is obviously touched by what she reads)
Monica: What's it say?
Rachel: (wipes a tear from her eye and smiles a little bit) Nothing.
(Rachel leaves the apartment)
On her way down the stairs, she bumps into Ross.
Ross: (looking down) Sorry, I-
Rachel: (lifts his chin up with her finger) It's just me.
Ross: Oh, sorry.
Rachel: (smiles a little bit) That's ok.
Ross: Did you get my note?
Rachel: Yeah, I got it. That was really sweet. Did you mean all that?
Ross: (looks down again) Yeah I did. I really, really did.
Rachel: (lifts his face up) Well, I'll give it some thought.
Ross: Isn't there a cab waiting for you?
Rachel: Yeah, it leaves in three minutes.
Ross: I guess this is bye, then.
Rachel: Yeah. (pulls him into a hug. Ross is surprised at this gesture.)
Rachel: Surprised you there, didn't I?
Ross: (clears his throat) A bit, yeah, a little bit.
Rachel: Ross, I'm not mad at you.
Ross: You're not?
Rachel: No! What gave you that idea?
Ross: Well, I got you knocked up.
Rachel: I'm not mad about that. I'm in a state of shock. But I'm not mad at you. I just thought I couldn't handle seeing you.
Ross: (looks around) Well, um, I don't know who you think you're talking to, but I think that it's me-
At this point she pulled him in and kissed him on the lips for about 15 seconds. It wasn't a "I need you now type of kiss", and it wasn't a "Polite first date kiss". It was the kiss only old lovers can share. The kiss that reunites two people. It was a wonderful kiss, all in all. She gave him one more peck on the cheek and took off down the stairs, leaving Ross in shock. He headed back up the stairs thinking about what happened, as she headed down. They were heading in two different directions, yet it somehow felt like they were heading the same way. They both felt weird, but good. Downstairs, Rachel was wondering if she had just started things up again with Ross, as he wondered the same thing six floors above her. Phoebe, who had witnessed the whole thing muttered one sentence to herself. It sounded like, "At least they got to say goodbye."
So, let me know what you think about the first chapter. It was very loooong, but I had a lot of fun writing it. It's a R./R story, and I think I'm going to enjoy this story more than my other one which is a C/M story. I love C/M, but I'm a diehard R/R fan. I want at least five reviews and I will post the next chapter. I changed it so I could have all reviews, instead of just signed in ones, but it said that sometimes it can take up to 24 hours to put that into action. So either sign in and review or wait awhile. I really want some reviews, they mean a lot to me. So, pretty please review! (Did I just use the phrase "Pretty Please"? God, I'm a dork! ) Anyway, please review!
Mel