Part 10

"Who knows?" Ross began to worry.

"The kids. They must've seen us this morning."

Ross scratched his head, "I guess it's about time!" he commented, "We had a good six months, right?"

Rachel playfully spanked him, "Yeah but... are we ready?"

"I know I am," Ross replied. Rachel smiled at him and leaned in for a kiss.

"You be the one to tell them," she said.

"Why me?"

"Because it was your idea to sleep here," she defended.

"Fine!"

Telling the kids wasn't easy. For one, they had a gazillion questions- especially Emma. She had questions like, 'Will daddy live here?' 'Are you going to get married?' 'Are we gonna be a complete family again?' Ross and Rachel didn't see them coming...they were sure about their relationship but they haven't thought of things that far yet.

But what struck them the most was Emma's last question, "Is this for real already? Cause I don't want to be sad anymore... I don't want daddy to leave like before." Mattie and Justin joined in on that... and it made Ross and Rachel realize that they had to make things work because it wasn't only about them anymore... they had Mattie, Justin and Emma to protect.

Ross noticed Justin's distance during their conversation. To his surprise, Justin didn't seem as excited as the others when they heard the news. He decided to talk to him personally. "What's wrong?" he began.

Justin looked at the floor, avoiding his father's eyes, "Nothing."

Ross sat down on his son's bed and lifted his chin, "Hey, I know there's something bothering you and I want you to tell me so that we can fix it. Are you not happy mommy and I are back together?"

Justin let out a loud sigh. Finally facing his dad, he began, "I just- I just don't wanna go through that separation thing again. Emma's right, we don't want you to leave again and make mommy sad... and make us sad too. I'm just scared you'll do that again."

Ross couldn't help but be troubled and guilty by this because he never knew how his kids really felt. They would always say everything was fine, but deep inside, it wasn't. He hugged his son tight and said, "I'm sorry Jus... I promise you- mommy and I will do everything to make this work ok?"

He nodded, "Ok dad," satisfied with his father's sincere look.

That night, Ross and Rachel had a quiet evening together. After tiring them out, the kids decided to leave their parents alone.

"Ross?"

"Yeah honey?" Ross replied, paying attention to the TV.

"Are you scared?"

"I'm horrified!" he replied, looking at her.

Rachel smiled, "We'll make it work, and I know we can."

"What if-" Ross was about to ask.

Instead, Rachel cut him, "Hey, no 'what ifs' okay? Let's not talk about what others would think, say or do- because this is between you and me. This is not about the media, the tabloids, the rumors... this is about us."

Ross smirked at her, "My, you've grown Rach!"

Rachel shot him a look.

Seeing this, he quickly gave her a peck on the lips, "And that's why I love you even more."

Rachel leaned in to return his kiss, but before they could- Emma barged in the room, crying, "Mommy!"

"What's wrong honey?" Rachel worriedly asked.

"Matt and Justin said you and daddy are gonna have a new baby girl and now you're giving me to Grandpa Green forever!"

Rachel rolled her eyes, 'not again,' she thought.

Emma was always the victim of such foolishness, but she had her parents behind her back all the time.

"Where are your brothers?" Ross asked, carrying Emma.

"They're playing video games upstairs."

Ross and Rachel accompanied their daughter to Justin's room. Yet, when they got there, he pretended to be asleep in bed, and Matt was no where to be found in the room. Rachel went near her son, whose eyes were shut. "Jus?" Upon seeing no movement or reply, she began tickling him.

He bolted up and began laughing. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Moooom, stop it!" he screamed.

"Apologize to your sister first," she commanded.

"I'm sorry Ems! We're not giving you to Gramps...just to pappy!"

Rachel tickled him even more.

"I'm just kidding!" he exclaimed.

"Where's Matt?" Rachel asked.

"He's there," pointing to the curtains. As if on cue, Mattie ran out laughing and shut the door of his room.

"You boys better behave. If not, you'll end up living with Grandpa Green!" Rachel warned.

Not that Leonard Green was a bad grandfather- he just wasn't much fun... his profession must've drained him out.

Rachel's household was filled with laughter once again. Often times, Ross would be there, depending on his schedule. Since the kids knew about it already, he was able to spend more time with Rachel.

More and more people found out about their relationship... both their parents knew about it already, and some of their close friends- and it terrified Ross and Rachel because they knew once the story's out, they wouldn't have control over the media. To worsen the situation, both their latest movies were about to premiere and they were only weeks apart, which meant the media would do everything to make them headliners. Of course they didn't mind the public knowing, but its consequences were simply drastic. Once again, they'd be followed by the paparazzi; everyone would try to get the latest scoop on them; fans would crowd over them and their kids; basically, every member of the family would be in media danger.

Rachel's movie was to premiere first- It was weeks away, and already, the whole situation was pestering her. She came home with four tabloids and two magazines, filling her hands. Ross, who was waiting for her in the sitting room, stood up and followed her to her room.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"This," she said, sounding irritated as she dropped the things she was carrying.

Ross looked at the scattered magazines and tabloids on the floor, "'Rachel Green, nipples seen,' what the heck? These aren't YOUR nipples?"

"I know!" she exclaimed.

"Rachel, people don't even read these! Everyone knows they're lies... Check this out- 'Michael Jackson's nose, melting under the sun.'"

"But still, Ross... why waste their time on such bullshit? Here, read this," she said, handing him a magazine.

"'Rachel, going out with soap opera star,'" he read, looking closely at the picture, "Is this Joey?"

"Yes. I had lunch with Joey last week, remember?" Ross nodded. "Apparently, someone saw me with him and made up a whole new story! Ugh!" sitting on the bed, "I'm sick of this. Can't they just leave me alone?"

"I don't think they can, sweetie. Who cares about them- I thought they didn't matter anymore?"

She sighed, "I'm just really, really tired."

"Come here," pulling her to a hug, "They'll die down soon."

"It just sickens me... every time I make a movie, sweeps season, finale season- they just pop out of nowhere. How are we gonna tell them about us without being bombarded with photographs, interviews and made-up stories? God, if I didn't love my work- I would've quitted a long time ago!"

Ross kissed the top of her head; she was too stressed. "Okay, listen... after everything, what do you say we go out of the country? Just you and me... let's unwind!"

She looked up at him, "Sounds good," and smiled.

Stress was everywhere... Ross had his share of fame punishments as well. He and Rachel wanted to show everyone they were together just to stop the rumors but they were too afraid... they were being compared and contrasted, 'Who's richer than whom?' 'Who's got a better lifestyle?' 'Who dated more?' It was terrible. Thankfully, they learned how to handle each other's temper, which kept them from fighting. Fed up with all the issues, Ross planned a getaway.

Ross called Rachel, "Come with me to Italy for the premiere."

"Honey, are you insane?" she replied.

"Come with me. First, we'll leave the kids with your mom so that they won't be bothered. When they all find out I'm with you and start to speculate, we go on a tour around Europe- I'm pretty sure they won't be able to follow us there if we decide a day before we transfer from one country to another, right? Then back here, we can have Jason announce that we're back together. By the time we return, we'll be well rested to face another bunch of consequences. So?" laying back on his chair.

Thinking about her beau's escape plan, she replied "How long did you think of this?"

"A week?"

"Seems impossible to do but I'm willing to give it a try," she replied in approval.

Ross' premiere in Italy was scheduled after two weeks. Mattie, Justin and Emma wanted to go with them but they couldn't. And lately, it's been hard for Rachel to leave Emma. At seven, Emma couldn't be left alone for a long time anymore... she was always next to Rachel. She was at the stage wherein her sense of security was with her parents. Justin and Mattie used to be like that but they've grown and gained friends. And since Emma was the only girl, she had no one to play with at home. Her brothers, who had each other to play with, would play with her on rare occasions, but hardly the games she wished. What troubled her this time was that both her cousins, daughters of Amy, weren't as friendly as Monica's daughter Erica. Janine, a bit older than Emma, envied her so much. And Natalie, the younger, was often manipulated by her sister. Jill's only son was about Mattie's age and that leaves Emma with no playmates at all.

"Why can't I go with you?" Emma cried, while Rachel inspected her things.

"Because it's gonna be hard, honey. Daddy and I will be transferring from one country to another... we don't want you to get tired."

"I won't complain, I promise!"

"Daddy and I will bring you to Disney World when we get back."

"No! I want to go with you now. I don't like it in Disney World- there are too many people with cameras!"

"That's also why daddy and I can't bring you- there will be a lot of people with cameras and they'll just follow you wherever you go. Remember what happened to us the other day when we went shopping? Wasn't it scary?"

Emma nodded.

Rachel added, "It will be even scarier there because everyone knows you're with me and daddy. Remember sweetie, people don't know that daddy and I are back together yet... and they're about to find out."

"Then why can't we stay here? Or in Aunt Monica's house? Why do we have to go to Grandma's?"

"Because it's safer for you to stay in New York... those people with cameras won't know where you'll be."

Emma sat on her mommy's bed with tears flowing, "But I wanna be with you!"

"Honey-"

"Can I just stay with Aunt Monica? Please? I don't want to go to New York. Janine and Natalie will just make fun of me, and you're not there," she frowned, crossing her arms.

"But your grandma wants to see you, honey."

"Mommy, please? Erica wants to see me... and Jack too!" she said, pointing out reasons why she should be with Monica.

"Honey, you really can't" Emma began to cry harder... she definitely didn't want to leave.

"Okay, what if I ask aunt Monica if Erica can come with you?" Rachel suggested.

"She won't. She hates Janine's guts. She's mean to her too! Janine hates me, mommy!"

Aware of how Amy's daughters treat Emma, Rachel replied, "Honey, she doesn't hate you... she's just jealous of you- and it's normal! I used to think Aunt Amy hated me too because she was jealous of me, but now look? We're best friends!"

Emma sadly looked down... she knew there was nothing she could do to convince her mom. Seeing this, Rachel lifted her chin, "Sweetie, I won't be gone for too long… and I'll call you everyday, I promise!"

Emma stood up with tears in her eyes and hugged Rachel, "Promise?"

"I promise," Rachel replied, kissing Emma's hair. It broke her heart seeing Emma that way, but she needed a break.

Originally, it was planned that Ross would leave for Italy first then have Rachel follow him a day after. But because of the kids' unwillingness to leave their home, Rachel delayed her flight three more days... making her a day away from the premiere when she arrived Italy. It became even more stressful because she didn't expect cameras to welcome her in the airport. Already, her whereabouts raised the question 'Are Ross and Rachel back together?' But back home, their spokesperson Jason still kept mum about the whole situation. He waited for Ross and Rachel's go signal before he could announce that they were.

Plans went as expected. At 4:30 PM, Ross arrived wearing an all black, Chinese-collared, Armani suit with his beautiful date, who was wearing a red, long, low v-cut gown that matched her wavy, styled hair. Everyone was in shock as soon as they saw the stunning couple as they held hands walking through the red carpet. They were in awe, continuously screaming Ross and Rachel's name… flashing cameras left and right. Ross entertained a few questions but because of the chaotic atmosphere, he and Rachel were rushed to enter the theater itself.

On the other side of the world, Jason, the spokesperson, confirmed the speculations that they were indeed back together. Before anyone could follow them both to Italy, they fled to Rome.

Clothed and disguised, Ross and Rachel toured the wonderful city within a day. Although everything seemed stressful, they managed to make their trip romantic. The last stop was the Trevi Fountain... This was something Ross thought only existed in his imagination- him and Rachel, hugging and enjoying each other's company right in front of the most beautiful monument in the whole of Rome... of course excluding the fact that they had a bunch of security people and assistants with them. She gazed up at him and found his loving eyes staring at her... all she could do was smile and kiss him on the lips. Before they left, Ross made a wish, kissed his coin and threw it in the fountain. Rachel laughed as she watched Ross make a wish like timid little boy asking for a gift from Santa Clause. He shot her a look as he escalated from the steps and swept her away with a kiss. Their whereabouts were made known to the world a day after they were spotted in Rome. Fortunately, only a few were able to capture photos of them... most of which were taken by tourists themselves.

Next stop was Spain. They breezed through Madrid within a day and Barcelona another. They hardly went sight-seeing... the main point of their trip was to be with each other, and to enjoy each other's presence without restrictions and without caring about what others think- something they haven't done in a while. From Plaza del Sol to the cathedrals of La Sagrada Familia, they couldn't get their hands off each other. And again, everyone knew where they were the day after. They went from one country to another… from Spain, they journeyed to Amsterdam... after two days, they fled to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Prague, and London. England was the hardest place to go to. Since everyone expected them to pass there, the media was pretty much prepared. They knew they couldn't go around... instead; from the airport, they opted to fly to Paris. And after being gone for two weeks, Rachel decided to go home earlier for Emma's sake. Her constant cries pleading that they go home gave both Ross and Rachel a hard time.

On their last night, Ross brought Rachel to the Eiffel Tower. Everything seemed so perfect. Ross had a candlelight dinner prepared while instrumentalists serenaded while they ate. He had the place filled with white lilies- her favorite. They danced, laughed, gazed at each other, kissed, hugged, and held hands all through the night. They admired the picturesque scenery surrounding them.

"Everything's perfect, Ross... if it's possible, I love you even more." Rachel softly said, with her eyes fixated to the man in front of her.

Ross gazed at her and weakened as he heard the words coming out from her mouth. Only she could do that to him... and only she could love him that way.

They didn't want the moment to end, but it had to. They were leaving at 6 a.m. the next day to avoid being harassed by the media. So to end the night, Ross danced with her and invited her to go to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower. At the top floor, Rachel found a violinist playing the instrumental version of 'That's All I Ask of You,' a song that was played during their wedding 14 years back.

Ross guided her and hugged her tight, whispering to her ear, "I love you."

Rachel smiled and looked up at him; then she passionately kissed him on the lips before whispering, "I love you too."

Ross seriously looked at her and asked, "Do you know how much I love you?"

Rachel chuckled and stretched her arms, "This much?"

"No," he replied, "This much."

Rachel felt her heart stop as she saw Ross take a box from his coat. He opened it. Her eyes grew wider when it revealed an engagement ring as beautiful as the stars above... he took a deep breath and popped the question, "Marry me?" His heart pounded faster as he saw Rachel look up at him with tears in her eyes.

She frowned then looked down... that was it.