3
What has happened
The wedding was wonderful everything was perfect. Ross and Rachel went on
their honeymoon and everything was going great until Monica called.
"Hey, Ross" her voice sounded deep and sad.
"Monica what's wrong"
"Ross I won't say much but you and Rachel have to come home as soon as you
can. It's Emma and it's important"
"Okay, we get out on the next flight"
Ross had hung up the phone and wondered what exactly it cold be. He told Rachel
who immediately began to panic. They packed in a hurry and got home on the earliest
flight. Once they got to back to their apartment there was a note on the table it was
scribbled as if written in a hurry
Mom, Dad,
Meet us at the hospital. It's emergency, but don't panic, I'll meet you in
the lobby. I love you Nickey
They got to the hospital as fast as they could. They saw Ben sitting in a big chair
with Nickey sitting on his lap with a devastated look. Rachel ran over to her. "Honey
what's wrong" Nickey said nothing for a few minutes, she just got up and hugged Rachel
the minute she saw her. Ben got up and talked to Ross "I'll take you to her and Aunt
Monica can tell you. Rachel gave Ross a look as if to listen to Ben and go. After a few
minutes Nickey lifted up her head and tried to tell Rachel what was going on." Mom
---Emma and I were riding our bikes home from the movies---- and ---- I ----turned
around----and she was--- laying on the-ground. I didn't know what to do. ---------I ran
over to her--- and she wouldn't wake up. --- I looked for a phone but I just was
paralyzed. I didn't know what to do. --- Mommy Emma has cancer." At this Rachel
almost collapsed on the floor, but she knew she had to be strong at that moment for
Nickey.
Together they walked up to the waiting room Nickey was still glued to Rachel.
She always depended on her in situations like this, in fact they kind of depended on each
other. When they got upstairs sweet little Zack was asleep in Monica's arms. Seeing this
Rachel looked at her watch, it was two o'clock in the morning. She also noticed Nate
sleeping next to Monica in a chair and Katelynn was asleep too. Ben was rocking her back
and forth, his eyes looked red like he had been crying. Daniel, he was a mini Chandler. He
was of course always wanting to do something funny. At this time he was pulling on
Chandler who was trying to comfort Monica.
"Thank God your finally here"
"Mon can I see her?"
"Well I think Ross is in there but you could slip in" Monica carefully gave Zack to
Chandler and grabbed Daniel by his hand. Daniel always listened to her. She showed
Rachel to the room, "It'll be okay Rach, Don't worry we're all here for you."
She got a little teary eyed and Monica gave her a hug "Thanks Mon." She walked
into the room. At first she didn't she him but she heard a soft crying and turned in the
corner. Ross was sitting on the floor holding his hand which was bloody. "Oh, God, honey
what happened?"
"I got really upset, so I went into the bathroom and wound up hitting the door
really hard."
"Can you move it?"
"No, I think I broke it" he started to cry even more. He hide that fact from Rachel
trying to act strong and Protective. She saw right through him, she bent down and wiped
away his tears. He smiled at her for a second but then slowly stood up. "How did this
happen a week and a half ago we were so happy."
"I know honey, I'm so sorry" She looked into his eyes, "We're a complete family
now and together we will make it through this, I promise you. Now we need to get your
hand fixed up."
"I'll be fine you stay here with Emma in case she wakes up." He went to go and
leave, but he turned around and kissed her, "I love you Rach"
"I love you too"
Rachel sat there alone in the silence of the room, the monitors were beeping and
you could hear Emma breathing. Her attention turned toward her daughter, her young
body so pale and lifeless. She was so innocent and peaceful, the thought of having Emma
go through pain and suffering was devastating. Rachel became mad at the world and at
God. It had seemed like all was lost when Emma's eyes fluttered open.
"Mommy"
"Oh, Baby, Mommy's right here I'm not going anywhere."
"Where's Daddy"
"He, uhh, just went to, uhh, get Nickey and Nate something from the cafeteria"
"Oh, is Nickey up I really need to talk to her. I have seen her since well, you
know" she didn't want to talk about what happened and Rachel knew that. Nickey was
who Emma confided in, she made Nickey feel needed.
"Yea, she is, I'll go get her" Rachel walked into the waiting room again. She felt
rejected by Emma but at the same time she understood why Emma needed to talk to
Nickey. Nickey was standing in the corner sitting with Ben, who was comforting her. He
had been a very quiet but, a huge help.
"Nickey, sweetie, I think you should go see Emma. Are you okay?"
"Yea, I'll be fine" She wiped away her tears immediately and entered Emma's
room. "Hey Em"
"Nickey!" they hugged and Nickey sat down in her chair." I need to tell you
something. I .. had the pains for a while now. I'm sorry I didn't tell you it's,"
"It's okay I understand, you wanted all of us to concentrate on the wedding didn't
you?"
"I didn't want any one to fuss over me I thought they would go away. I didn't
mean to lie please don't be mad."
"I can't believe that you would lie to me but trust me I'm not mad. I just glad your
okay now." Nickey stood up as to go.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure" see sat down immediately.
"Is it wrong to be mad at the world for giving me this, I mean am I being selfish"
"No your not, no one wants to get or even have cancer. We don't want you to
have it and I'm sure everyone else feels the same way. I'd be the same way."
"Nickey, that really made me feel better, I think I'm going to fight it, but I so
sacred of dying."
"Don't worry about it, I'll be with you through every part of it. I promise" she
leaned into give her a hug. She knew Emma was sacred out of her mind. A tear ran down
Emma's cheek and Nickey wiped it away. "That's what big sisters are for" She went to
walk out so Emma could get some rest.
"You guy aren't going home are you?"
"Not with out you" she smiled and once again tried to leave.
"Nickey, I love you"
"I love you too"
She walked into the hall, she noticed her father, he seemed so weak but he tried to
hide it. His hand was in a cast. Ben was talking to Nate who was now up. He didn't quite
understand what cancer was. Monica and Chandler were talking to Rachel and explaining
the details other. Ross walked over to her and put his arms around her as he always did.
Chandler was holding Daniel, who was know finally asleep, and when he was asleep he
was adorable. Monica was carrying little Katelynn, Nickey noticed her coat was on. She
walked over and Ross and Rachel pulled her into their little group. "Aunt Monica are you
guys leaving?"
"Yea, Uncle Chandler has to go to work at eight. I'll be back later. I'm going to
take Zack and Nate to get some sleep, your welcome to come too."
"No thanks I would rather stay here"
"Ya, sure, you can have a piggy back" Uncle Chandler told her trying to make her
smile, which she did. "See I got out of you" He gave a hug then picked up Daniel and
Monica handed him the keys to the van.
"Guys, If you need anything please, call me." She picked up Katelynn, "We'll be
back up for them in a second we have to get them buckled in first.
Ross let go of Rachel and Nickey. "I can carry Nate, that's the least I can do"
"I can carry Zack, Dad' Nickey chimed in.
"Thanks you guys" They all walked out to the car. Chandler already had Daniel
buckled in the back. He took Katelynn and buckled her into her car seat. Then he took
Zack and Buckled him into a carseat, While Nickey helped Ross buckle Nate in.
"Thanks you guys, this is a big help." Ross gave Monica a hug and a kiss. Than
gave he and Chandler hugged.
"Hang in there man"
"Come here sweetie, " gave Nickey a big hug. "It was a great week and if you
ever need anything, even if it's four in the morning and you want to talk just call."
"Thanks Aunt Monica" She walked over to Ross and they waved good bye.
Together Ross and Nickey walked back to the waiting room. Ben and Rachel were sitting
down, apparently Ben got coffee.
"Did they say anything?" Ross said sitting next to Rachel.
"No, all they said is she's going to have surgery to remove the tumor, then have a
couple rounds of kemo hopefully to keep if from come back."
"I'm scared" Nickey had not shared her opinion until now. She broke down in
tears, it had been killing her inside but she knew she had to be strong.
Ross sat her of his lap, "Honey it'll be okay I promise. Please, don't cry" Rachel
now started to cry. She hugged Ben then the four of them huddled together to comfort
each other, and this wouldn't be the last time.
Emma had Surgery and kemo for about six months. The family fought through it
together, often huddling together to comfort one another. After all this you think they
would finally be okay. I mean Emma's cancer was gone and most of them had worked
past it. One part of each of them was still worried about Emma.
Rachel and Ross spent a lot more time with the kids. They went on a vacation as
soon as Emma's cancer was gone to the Caribbean. They invited Monica, Chandler and
their kids along. They also invited Phoebe and the kids but Joey sent her passes to his next
movie premiere. He sent three of them not knowing about little Joey, so Phoebe thought it
was time to tell him.
So they went on vacation the same day Phoebe went to California. They flew out
on a small plane where the eleven of them almost took up half the plane. Nickey, Rachel
and Emma (sitting in that order) played travel games. Ben and Ross talked about science
stuff, while Zack sat in between them playing with dinosaurs. Nate and Daniel played
cards with chandler. Monica just kept going back and forth because she hated sitting
alone. Once they got there they were amazed. The water was a beautiful dazzling blue and
it was like paradise.
"I'm going to get a great tan here." Nickey said Heading for the lobby.
"What do ya say we go the beach later." Rachel added in.
They had four rooms so it was kind of a tight squeeze. Monica and Chandler had
their own room, so they weren't complaining. Nickey, Emma, and Katelynn, shared a
room and Ben, Nate, and Daniel shared a room. Rachel, Ross and Daniel shared another
room. So for a week and a half they parted at the beach. Ross brought a camcorder and
recorded the whole week. Ross, Chandler and Ben grabbed Monica, Rachel, Nickey and
Emma and through them into the water. It was hilarious.
There last night there they had a formal dinner where the kids could bring dates,
see the resort was like a planned thing (kind of like a cruise ship.). Nickey brought a guy
named Toby , he was sweet, good-looking, and a total gentleman. Emma brought a guy
named Jason, he was just as good as Toby, if not better. Nate found a little girl named
Trista, she cute and smart. Ben brought a girl named Jaden, she was nice and pretty too.
Ross and Rachel were proud of the choices their kids made. Daniel brought a girl named
Natalie she was very mannerly and clean she reminded everyone of a little Monica. The
dinner went great. Once they got done they all split up. Nickey and Emma took their dates
to a teen dance. Ben took the kids to the kiddy area, then he took Jaden for a walk. Ross
and Rachel went up to their room for some "alone time"
The next morning Rachel woke the girls (Emma and Nickey) up early and Ross
woke the boys (Zack, Ben, and Nate) so they could go on a family outing. They started
out by playing volleyball. Rachel and Emma were captains.
"Rach you go first" Ross said starting off the game.
"Ahh, okay Nickey"
"Sweetie why didn't you pick me"
"Daddy, you get picked, Ben your on my team"
"Ross"
"Thank you"
"Oh sweetie don't worry this just isn't your game."
"Okay I pick Nate and Zack"
"You can't pick both"
"Well you have two adults so that means we get the bigger team."
"Oh"
"come on let's just play, we gotta beat them. "Nickey said getting agitated because
after all this was volleyball.
"Ross, she has you competitive gene"
"But you athletics" They leaned in and kissed.
"You bunch of sissy's lets play"
"Sounds like Emma has the same gene." Rachel playfully hit Ross.
Nickey served the ball and they volleyed back. They were surprisingly very good.
They played four games. The final score was three to one. The kids had beat them. Nickey
was very upset. "this sucks, how did this happen, you guys why aren't you more upset."
"Sweetie it's just a game"
"Just a game, just a game, volleyball is not just a game believe me"
"Okay, Okay calm down let's got for a walk shall we." Rachel put an arm around
Nickey and Emma. Ross put Nate on his shoulders and Ben put Zack on his.
"Let's go"
They walked for a long time around the beach and through a nature trail. They
wound up coming back to the hotel around noon. Rachel was carrying a sleeping Zack.
Ross was carrying a sleeping Nickey and Ben was carrying Emma who was also asleep.
Nate was still a big ball of energy.
At around 1:00 they all met in the lobby. Nickey and Emma were still asleep but
Rachel woke them up to take a shower and change. The plane ride home was very quiet.
Chandler and Monica had fallen fast asleep together, Ante and Daniel were playing video
games. The only sound you could hear out of those two was the sound of the video
games. Ross had also fallen sleep. Even though he was sitting in back with Ben (who was
listening to his C.D. player and Katelynn who was playing with a barbie. Rachel had just
covered Zack up and she turned to her right, where Nickey and Emma were sleeping still.
She watched as her daughters breathed in and out. They were so peaceful, now she knew
why Monica had loved her kids so much. Rachel smiled then closed her eyes too. She
couldn't stop thinking how perfect everything was again.
~*~
Phoebe had left for California the day before the premiere. She was nervous and
tense. Her love for Joey had never faded. Joey and Phoebe had shared the same bond,
both of them were madly in love with the wrong person. Phoebe couldn't get Joey out of
her head. You could show anything and it would remind of Joey. Everyday when she
looked at her kids, especially little Joey she thought of him.
Joey on the other hand was still madly in Love with Rachel. The thought of her
with Ross made him ache. He thought he had lost the love when he married Phoebe but
when Ross and Rachel came in that night he broke down. Rachel was happy with Ross but
he couldn't face that. He knew she would ultimately wind up with Ross. The next day
when he saw Rachel going through the wedding catalogue it made him realize he was only
hurting Phoebe. He hadn't really seen her since the night before he left. He remembered
kissing her goodbye. Sometimes he wondered how it would have been different if he
wouldn't have left. Joey suddenly snapped into reality, it was six o'clock, Phoebe and the
kids would be there in a hour and he still hadn't gotten the apartment ready. He quickly
picked up the place. He laid out two sleeping bags on the floor. The were powerpuff girls,
the last he had knew, the girls had loved them. He ordered pizza and put the child block
on the TV No one knew his password, it was Rachel, no one in California knew about her.
At exactly seven o'clock there was a knock at the door, he knew it was her. He looked in
the mirror, combed back his hair and fixed his shirt. He opened the door.
"Hello"
"Hi" She was holding little Joey and Maddie had ran to the sleeping bags out on
the floor, P.J. following right behind her.
"Come in and sit down, you want anything, I got Pop, Juice, milk, beer, tea, herbal
crap."
"I fine but I think the girls could use some pop."
"Joey had noticed the difference in the tone of Phoebe's voice. It wasn't cheery
and fun, it was more responsible and educated. "Girls do want anything?"
"Pop"
"No pop before dinner, you know the rules"
"Mommy says no pop, I got Juice"
"yea" the girls continued to play with there new sleeping stuff.
"Does he need anything?"
"His formula is in my bag but could you bring me some water."
"Sure" Joey suddenly felt very uncomfortable. He knew Phoebe was still mad but
obviously she had gotten over him. He came back with two pink sippie cups and a glass of
water. "Here you go girls."
"Thank you, ---ahh"
"Daddy" Phoebe put in.
"Yea, Daddy" Joey handed her the glass of water, what had he been missing, his
own daughter didn't know what to call him.
"Sorry about that, Joey, she's just, well you know, it's hard for her to adjust when
she knows she leaving in a few days."
"Don't worry about, who's this little guy?"
"Joey, he was I need to talk to you about"
"What about him" Joey was still Joey after all.
" Joey he's yours."
Joey's mouth dropped open and he froze millions of thoughts came rushing
through his. "When, What, how, huh"
"Calm down your starting to sound like Ross. Look this is completely up to you
no pressure"
"Look I just need time to think. I'm gonna go out for a while. I'll be back in a
couple of hours here's forty dollars, I ordered a pizza." He left quickly without another.
The whole night was spent in silence and the next day was no different, except
Joey suddenly tried to be a real father. At the premiere Joey sat on his lap, Maddie curled
up with him during the scary parts, and he got up to get them whatever they needed.
"Phoebe I was thinking, I love my kids, so I was thinking I could have them during
the summers or something"
"Why don't you come back to New York?"
"I can't, I would if I could but I can't"
"You know what your still in love with Rachel, Why do you stand around try and
get over, go talk to her, do something. You can't have them for the summers so you better
figure out how to live around them." At that she picked up Joey and took P.J. and
Maddie, they packed and flew back to New York.
~*~
When Phoebe got home the rest of them weren't home yet. She put the kids to bed
and cried, she couldn't figure out how her life had went this way. She loved Joey so much
and she wanted anything to make him happy. Rachel was the only person who could snap
him out of it, and she knew it. She fell asleep crying into her pillow.
The next morning she was woken up early by little Joey. She made him a bottle
and put him back to sleep. It was 8:00 and Maddie would be up soon followed by P.J. five
minutes later. Phoebe decided to make breakfast. Today was the day the rest of them
came home. She needed to spill it to Monica and Rachel.
After they had all finished breakfast she got them dressed, took them to the park,
and brought them home for a nap. Around four o'clock they were all watching TV when
Katelynn came in.
"P.J. I missed you," the girls gave a big hug followed by the rest of them coming
in.
"Hey Pheebs" They exchanged hugs then sat down for about five minutes.
"So how was it, you guys all look tan."
"It was amazing, the water was this brilliant diamond like blue, and the sand was
perfect. They had some pretty hot guys there too."
"Okay Nickey it wasn't that great" Rachel said gently slapping her daughters arm.
"It was pretty great though wasn't it Rach" Ross said giving Rachel a passionate
look.
"Eww" squealed the kids, "Dad, that part of the trip we didn't want to hear."
Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe just laughed.
"Well we haven't had dinner yet so we better get home" Rachel added.
"Yea we're all pretty tired, it's been a long day." they all hugged Ross, Rachel and
the kids goodbye. Ross then put Nickey on his back and Ben put Emma on his, "Race
you" They took off down the stairs, Rachel yelled to them, "You better be careful I don't
want to take your father to the emergency room," She laughed and they left.
"Wow, they are really happy aren't they?"
"Mon, we're just as happy as they are"
"I know I'm mean after all they've been through, it just seems that they really
work together, plus I've never seen Ross this happy."
"I'm glad they're that happy, they deserve it. You guys have known them both for
a long time and if this is the happiest they've ever been I hope their trouble is over."
"Pheebs you don't sound so happy how'd it go with Joey"
"Well it was weird and I wound up leaving early"
"Oh, Sweetie we're sorry"
"That's okay, I think I finally got over him."
"Good, you deserve to be happy too"
"Mon I think we better get going too, Katelynn is drooling on me and Daniel over
there is getting T-I-R-E-D. "
"See you later Pheebs"
"Bye guys"
A few months have passed since then and all has been going great. Nate was
starting Indoor soccer and Ben had just finished up with football. Nickey was now in High
school and she to had just finished cheerleading, she was now trying out for volleyball.
Emma won a medal for skating and was doing better in school. Zack got interested in
Ross' dinosaur collection. Ross wouldn't let that go. Ben joined science Olympiad.
One day Rachel and Nickey went to the coffeehouse. Ross took Emma, Nate, and
Zack to the park with Chandler, Daniel, and Katelynn. Monica and Phoebe took Maddie,
P.J., and Joey to their doctors appointments.
"So sweetie what are we going to do today?"
"I think we should just sit and drink our coffee"
"Or go shopping!"
"Nah, let's just sit here and talk"
"Do you feel okay, you love to go shopping especially with me?"
"I'm fine but why don't we sit around and talk anymore"
"We did on vacation."
"But now that we're back we don't talk at all. It's like we've grown apart"
"That's not true" There was a long pause and Rachel knew it was true, when she
found out Emma had cancer she decided not to let her daughter slip away with out her
knowing how much she loved her. Nickey had been put aside and Rachel's attention was
shifted towards Emma. Ross and Rachel both focused on Emma, they had even forgot to
pick Ben and Nickey up from school. They we always saying Emma this and Emma that.
Rachel knew she had to fix the problem because deep down Nickey held a special place in
her heart. She was thinking when from behind her she heard a voice.
"Hello"
Rachel turned around to see Joey, the real Joey. "Oh my God" without saying
anything else he kissed her, right in front of Nickey. Nickey sat there in shock, She got up
and noticed her father standing in the corner....
What has happened
The wedding was wonderful everything was perfect. Ross and Rachel went on
their honeymoon and everything was going great until Monica called.
"Hey, Ross" her voice sounded deep and sad.
"Monica what's wrong"
"Ross I won't say much but you and Rachel have to come home as soon as you
can. It's Emma and it's important"
"Okay, we get out on the next flight"
Ross had hung up the phone and wondered what exactly it cold be. He told Rachel
who immediately began to panic. They packed in a hurry and got home on the earliest
flight. Once they got to back to their apartment there was a note on the table it was
scribbled as if written in a hurry
Mom, Dad,
Meet us at the hospital. It's emergency, but don't panic, I'll meet you in
the lobby. I love you Nickey
They got to the hospital as fast as they could. They saw Ben sitting in a big chair
with Nickey sitting on his lap with a devastated look. Rachel ran over to her. "Honey
what's wrong" Nickey said nothing for a few minutes, she just got up and hugged Rachel
the minute she saw her. Ben got up and talked to Ross "I'll take you to her and Aunt
Monica can tell you. Rachel gave Ross a look as if to listen to Ben and go. After a few
minutes Nickey lifted up her head and tried to tell Rachel what was going on." Mom
---Emma and I were riding our bikes home from the movies---- and ---- I ----turned
around----and she was--- laying on the-ground. I didn't know what to do. ---------I ran
over to her--- and she wouldn't wake up. --- I looked for a phone but I just was
paralyzed. I didn't know what to do. --- Mommy Emma has cancer." At this Rachel
almost collapsed on the floor, but she knew she had to be strong at that moment for
Nickey.
Together they walked up to the waiting room Nickey was still glued to Rachel.
She always depended on her in situations like this, in fact they kind of depended on each
other. When they got upstairs sweet little Zack was asleep in Monica's arms. Seeing this
Rachel looked at her watch, it was two o'clock in the morning. She also noticed Nate
sleeping next to Monica in a chair and Katelynn was asleep too. Ben was rocking her back
and forth, his eyes looked red like he had been crying. Daniel, he was a mini Chandler. He
was of course always wanting to do something funny. At this time he was pulling on
Chandler who was trying to comfort Monica.
"Thank God your finally here"
"Mon can I see her?"
"Well I think Ross is in there but you could slip in" Monica carefully gave Zack to
Chandler and grabbed Daniel by his hand. Daniel always listened to her. She showed
Rachel to the room, "It'll be okay Rach, Don't worry we're all here for you."
She got a little teary eyed and Monica gave her a hug "Thanks Mon." She walked
into the room. At first she didn't she him but she heard a soft crying and turned in the
corner. Ross was sitting on the floor holding his hand which was bloody. "Oh, God, honey
what happened?"
"I got really upset, so I went into the bathroom and wound up hitting the door
really hard."
"Can you move it?"
"No, I think I broke it" he started to cry even more. He hide that fact from Rachel
trying to act strong and Protective. She saw right through him, she bent down and wiped
away his tears. He smiled at her for a second but then slowly stood up. "How did this
happen a week and a half ago we were so happy."
"I know honey, I'm so sorry" She looked into his eyes, "We're a complete family
now and together we will make it through this, I promise you. Now we need to get your
hand fixed up."
"I'll be fine you stay here with Emma in case she wakes up." He went to go and
leave, but he turned around and kissed her, "I love you Rach"
"I love you too"
Rachel sat there alone in the silence of the room, the monitors were beeping and
you could hear Emma breathing. Her attention turned toward her daughter, her young
body so pale and lifeless. She was so innocent and peaceful, the thought of having Emma
go through pain and suffering was devastating. Rachel became mad at the world and at
God. It had seemed like all was lost when Emma's eyes fluttered open.
"Mommy"
"Oh, Baby, Mommy's right here I'm not going anywhere."
"Where's Daddy"
"He, uhh, just went to, uhh, get Nickey and Nate something from the cafeteria"
"Oh, is Nickey up I really need to talk to her. I have seen her since well, you
know" she didn't want to talk about what happened and Rachel knew that. Nickey was
who Emma confided in, she made Nickey feel needed.
"Yea, she is, I'll go get her" Rachel walked into the waiting room again. She felt
rejected by Emma but at the same time she understood why Emma needed to talk to
Nickey. Nickey was standing in the corner sitting with Ben, who was comforting her. He
had been a very quiet but, a huge help.
"Nickey, sweetie, I think you should go see Emma. Are you okay?"
"Yea, I'll be fine" She wiped away her tears immediately and entered Emma's
room. "Hey Em"
"Nickey!" they hugged and Nickey sat down in her chair." I need to tell you
something. I .. had the pains for a while now. I'm sorry I didn't tell you it's,"
"It's okay I understand, you wanted all of us to concentrate on the wedding didn't
you?"
"I didn't want any one to fuss over me I thought they would go away. I didn't
mean to lie please don't be mad."
"I can't believe that you would lie to me but trust me I'm not mad. I just glad your
okay now." Nickey stood up as to go.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure" see sat down immediately.
"Is it wrong to be mad at the world for giving me this, I mean am I being selfish"
"No your not, no one wants to get or even have cancer. We don't want you to
have it and I'm sure everyone else feels the same way. I'd be the same way."
"Nickey, that really made me feel better, I think I'm going to fight it, but I so
sacred of dying."
"Don't worry about it, I'll be with you through every part of it. I promise" she
leaned into give her a hug. She knew Emma was sacred out of her mind. A tear ran down
Emma's cheek and Nickey wiped it away. "That's what big sisters are for" She went to
walk out so Emma could get some rest.
"You guy aren't going home are you?"
"Not with out you" she smiled and once again tried to leave.
"Nickey, I love you"
"I love you too"
She walked into the hall, she noticed her father, he seemed so weak but he tried to
hide it. His hand was in a cast. Ben was talking to Nate who was now up. He didn't quite
understand what cancer was. Monica and Chandler were talking to Rachel and explaining
the details other. Ross walked over to her and put his arms around her as he always did.
Chandler was holding Daniel, who was know finally asleep, and when he was asleep he
was adorable. Monica was carrying little Katelynn, Nickey noticed her coat was on. She
walked over and Ross and Rachel pulled her into their little group. "Aunt Monica are you
guys leaving?"
"Yea, Uncle Chandler has to go to work at eight. I'll be back later. I'm going to
take Zack and Nate to get some sleep, your welcome to come too."
"No thanks I would rather stay here"
"Ya, sure, you can have a piggy back" Uncle Chandler told her trying to make her
smile, which she did. "See I got out of you" He gave a hug then picked up Daniel and
Monica handed him the keys to the van.
"Guys, If you need anything please, call me." She picked up Katelynn, "We'll be
back up for them in a second we have to get them buckled in first.
Ross let go of Rachel and Nickey. "I can carry Nate, that's the least I can do"
"I can carry Zack, Dad' Nickey chimed in.
"Thanks you guys" They all walked out to the car. Chandler already had Daniel
buckled in the back. He took Katelynn and buckled her into her car seat. Then he took
Zack and Buckled him into a carseat, While Nickey helped Ross buckle Nate in.
"Thanks you guys, this is a big help." Ross gave Monica a hug and a kiss. Than
gave he and Chandler hugged.
"Hang in there man"
"Come here sweetie, " gave Nickey a big hug. "It was a great week and if you
ever need anything, even if it's four in the morning and you want to talk just call."
"Thanks Aunt Monica" She walked over to Ross and they waved good bye.
Together Ross and Nickey walked back to the waiting room. Ben and Rachel were sitting
down, apparently Ben got coffee.
"Did they say anything?" Ross said sitting next to Rachel.
"No, all they said is she's going to have surgery to remove the tumor, then have a
couple rounds of kemo hopefully to keep if from come back."
"I'm scared" Nickey had not shared her opinion until now. She broke down in
tears, it had been killing her inside but she knew she had to be strong.
Ross sat her of his lap, "Honey it'll be okay I promise. Please, don't cry" Rachel
now started to cry. She hugged Ben then the four of them huddled together to comfort
each other, and this wouldn't be the last time.
Emma had Surgery and kemo for about six months. The family fought through it
together, often huddling together to comfort one another. After all this you think they
would finally be okay. I mean Emma's cancer was gone and most of them had worked
past it. One part of each of them was still worried about Emma.
Rachel and Ross spent a lot more time with the kids. They went on a vacation as
soon as Emma's cancer was gone to the Caribbean. They invited Monica, Chandler and
their kids along. They also invited Phoebe and the kids but Joey sent her passes to his next
movie premiere. He sent three of them not knowing about little Joey, so Phoebe thought it
was time to tell him.
So they went on vacation the same day Phoebe went to California. They flew out
on a small plane where the eleven of them almost took up half the plane. Nickey, Rachel
and Emma (sitting in that order) played travel games. Ben and Ross talked about science
stuff, while Zack sat in between them playing with dinosaurs. Nate and Daniel played
cards with chandler. Monica just kept going back and forth because she hated sitting
alone. Once they got there they were amazed. The water was a beautiful dazzling blue and
it was like paradise.
"I'm going to get a great tan here." Nickey said Heading for the lobby.
"What do ya say we go the beach later." Rachel added in.
They had four rooms so it was kind of a tight squeeze. Monica and Chandler had
their own room, so they weren't complaining. Nickey, Emma, and Katelynn, shared a
room and Ben, Nate, and Daniel shared a room. Rachel, Ross and Daniel shared another
room. So for a week and a half they parted at the beach. Ross brought a camcorder and
recorded the whole week. Ross, Chandler and Ben grabbed Monica, Rachel, Nickey and
Emma and through them into the water. It was hilarious.
There last night there they had a formal dinner where the kids could bring dates,
see the resort was like a planned thing (kind of like a cruise ship.). Nickey brought a guy
named Toby , he was sweet, good-looking, and a total gentleman. Emma brought a guy
named Jason, he was just as good as Toby, if not better. Nate found a little girl named
Trista, she cute and smart. Ben brought a girl named Jaden, she was nice and pretty too.
Ross and Rachel were proud of the choices their kids made. Daniel brought a girl named
Natalie she was very mannerly and clean she reminded everyone of a little Monica. The
dinner went great. Once they got done they all split up. Nickey and Emma took their dates
to a teen dance. Ben took the kids to the kiddy area, then he took Jaden for a walk. Ross
and Rachel went up to their room for some "alone time"
The next morning Rachel woke the girls (Emma and Nickey) up early and Ross
woke the boys (Zack, Ben, and Nate) so they could go on a family outing. They started
out by playing volleyball. Rachel and Emma were captains.
"Rach you go first" Ross said starting off the game.
"Ahh, okay Nickey"
"Sweetie why didn't you pick me"
"Daddy, you get picked, Ben your on my team"
"Ross"
"Thank you"
"Oh sweetie don't worry this just isn't your game."
"Okay I pick Nate and Zack"
"You can't pick both"
"Well you have two adults so that means we get the bigger team."
"Oh"
"come on let's just play, we gotta beat them. "Nickey said getting agitated because
after all this was volleyball.
"Ross, she has you competitive gene"
"But you athletics" They leaned in and kissed.
"You bunch of sissy's lets play"
"Sounds like Emma has the same gene." Rachel playfully hit Ross.
Nickey served the ball and they volleyed back. They were surprisingly very good.
They played four games. The final score was three to one. The kids had beat them. Nickey
was very upset. "this sucks, how did this happen, you guys why aren't you more upset."
"Sweetie it's just a game"
"Just a game, just a game, volleyball is not just a game believe me"
"Okay, Okay calm down let's got for a walk shall we." Rachel put an arm around
Nickey and Emma. Ross put Nate on his shoulders and Ben put Zack on his.
"Let's go"
They walked for a long time around the beach and through a nature trail. They
wound up coming back to the hotel around noon. Rachel was carrying a sleeping Zack.
Ross was carrying a sleeping Nickey and Ben was carrying Emma who was also asleep.
Nate was still a big ball of energy.
At around 1:00 they all met in the lobby. Nickey and Emma were still asleep but
Rachel woke them up to take a shower and change. The plane ride home was very quiet.
Chandler and Monica had fallen fast asleep together, Ante and Daniel were playing video
games. The only sound you could hear out of those two was the sound of the video
games. Ross had also fallen sleep. Even though he was sitting in back with Ben (who was
listening to his C.D. player and Katelynn who was playing with a barbie. Rachel had just
covered Zack up and she turned to her right, where Nickey and Emma were sleeping still.
She watched as her daughters breathed in and out. They were so peaceful, now she knew
why Monica had loved her kids so much. Rachel smiled then closed her eyes too. She
couldn't stop thinking how perfect everything was again.
~*~
Phoebe had left for California the day before the premiere. She was nervous and
tense. Her love for Joey had never faded. Joey and Phoebe had shared the same bond,
both of them were madly in love with the wrong person. Phoebe couldn't get Joey out of
her head. You could show anything and it would remind of Joey. Everyday when she
looked at her kids, especially little Joey she thought of him.
Joey on the other hand was still madly in Love with Rachel. The thought of her
with Ross made him ache. He thought he had lost the love when he married Phoebe but
when Ross and Rachel came in that night he broke down. Rachel was happy with Ross but
he couldn't face that. He knew she would ultimately wind up with Ross. The next day
when he saw Rachel going through the wedding catalogue it made him realize he was only
hurting Phoebe. He hadn't really seen her since the night before he left. He remembered
kissing her goodbye. Sometimes he wondered how it would have been different if he
wouldn't have left. Joey suddenly snapped into reality, it was six o'clock, Phoebe and the
kids would be there in a hour and he still hadn't gotten the apartment ready. He quickly
picked up the place. He laid out two sleeping bags on the floor. The were powerpuff girls,
the last he had knew, the girls had loved them. He ordered pizza and put the child block
on the TV No one knew his password, it was Rachel, no one in California knew about her.
At exactly seven o'clock there was a knock at the door, he knew it was her. He looked in
the mirror, combed back his hair and fixed his shirt. He opened the door.
"Hello"
"Hi" She was holding little Joey and Maddie had ran to the sleeping bags out on
the floor, P.J. following right behind her.
"Come in and sit down, you want anything, I got Pop, Juice, milk, beer, tea, herbal
crap."
"I fine but I think the girls could use some pop."
"Joey had noticed the difference in the tone of Phoebe's voice. It wasn't cheery
and fun, it was more responsible and educated. "Girls do want anything?"
"Pop"
"No pop before dinner, you know the rules"
"Mommy says no pop, I got Juice"
"yea" the girls continued to play with there new sleeping stuff.
"Does he need anything?"
"His formula is in my bag but could you bring me some water."
"Sure" Joey suddenly felt very uncomfortable. He knew Phoebe was still mad but
obviously she had gotten over him. He came back with two pink sippie cups and a glass of
water. "Here you go girls."
"Thank you, ---ahh"
"Daddy" Phoebe put in.
"Yea, Daddy" Joey handed her the glass of water, what had he been missing, his
own daughter didn't know what to call him.
"Sorry about that, Joey, she's just, well you know, it's hard for her to adjust when
she knows she leaving in a few days."
"Don't worry about, who's this little guy?"
"Joey, he was I need to talk to you about"
"What about him" Joey was still Joey after all.
" Joey he's yours."
Joey's mouth dropped open and he froze millions of thoughts came rushing
through his. "When, What, how, huh"
"Calm down your starting to sound like Ross. Look this is completely up to you
no pressure"
"Look I just need time to think. I'm gonna go out for a while. I'll be back in a
couple of hours here's forty dollars, I ordered a pizza." He left quickly without another.
The whole night was spent in silence and the next day was no different, except
Joey suddenly tried to be a real father. At the premiere Joey sat on his lap, Maddie curled
up with him during the scary parts, and he got up to get them whatever they needed.
"Phoebe I was thinking, I love my kids, so I was thinking I could have them during
the summers or something"
"Why don't you come back to New York?"
"I can't, I would if I could but I can't"
"You know what your still in love with Rachel, Why do you stand around try and
get over, go talk to her, do something. You can't have them for the summers so you better
figure out how to live around them." At that she picked up Joey and took P.J. and
Maddie, they packed and flew back to New York.
~*~
When Phoebe got home the rest of them weren't home yet. She put the kids to bed
and cried, she couldn't figure out how her life had went this way. She loved Joey so much
and she wanted anything to make him happy. Rachel was the only person who could snap
him out of it, and she knew it. She fell asleep crying into her pillow.
The next morning she was woken up early by little Joey. She made him a bottle
and put him back to sleep. It was 8:00 and Maddie would be up soon followed by P.J. five
minutes later. Phoebe decided to make breakfast. Today was the day the rest of them
came home. She needed to spill it to Monica and Rachel.
After they had all finished breakfast she got them dressed, took them to the park,
and brought them home for a nap. Around four o'clock they were all watching TV when
Katelynn came in.
"P.J. I missed you," the girls gave a big hug followed by the rest of them coming
in.
"Hey Pheebs" They exchanged hugs then sat down for about five minutes.
"So how was it, you guys all look tan."
"It was amazing, the water was this brilliant diamond like blue, and the sand was
perfect. They had some pretty hot guys there too."
"Okay Nickey it wasn't that great" Rachel said gently slapping her daughters arm.
"It was pretty great though wasn't it Rach" Ross said giving Rachel a passionate
look.
"Eww" squealed the kids, "Dad, that part of the trip we didn't want to hear."
Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe just laughed.
"Well we haven't had dinner yet so we better get home" Rachel added.
"Yea we're all pretty tired, it's been a long day." they all hugged Ross, Rachel and
the kids goodbye. Ross then put Nickey on his back and Ben put Emma on his, "Race
you" They took off down the stairs, Rachel yelled to them, "You better be careful I don't
want to take your father to the emergency room," She laughed and they left.
"Wow, they are really happy aren't they?"
"Mon, we're just as happy as they are"
"I know I'm mean after all they've been through, it just seems that they really
work together, plus I've never seen Ross this happy."
"I'm glad they're that happy, they deserve it. You guys have known them both for
a long time and if this is the happiest they've ever been I hope their trouble is over."
"Pheebs you don't sound so happy how'd it go with Joey"
"Well it was weird and I wound up leaving early"
"Oh, Sweetie we're sorry"
"That's okay, I think I finally got over him."
"Good, you deserve to be happy too"
"Mon I think we better get going too, Katelynn is drooling on me and Daniel over
there is getting T-I-R-E-D. "
"See you later Pheebs"
"Bye guys"
A few months have passed since then and all has been going great. Nate was
starting Indoor soccer and Ben had just finished up with football. Nickey was now in High
school and she to had just finished cheerleading, she was now trying out for volleyball.
Emma won a medal for skating and was doing better in school. Zack got interested in
Ross' dinosaur collection. Ross wouldn't let that go. Ben joined science Olympiad.
One day Rachel and Nickey went to the coffeehouse. Ross took Emma, Nate, and
Zack to the park with Chandler, Daniel, and Katelynn. Monica and Phoebe took Maddie,
P.J., and Joey to their doctors appointments.
"So sweetie what are we going to do today?"
"I think we should just sit and drink our coffee"
"Or go shopping!"
"Nah, let's just sit here and talk"
"Do you feel okay, you love to go shopping especially with me?"
"I'm fine but why don't we sit around and talk anymore"
"We did on vacation."
"But now that we're back we don't talk at all. It's like we've grown apart"
"That's not true" There was a long pause and Rachel knew it was true, when she
found out Emma had cancer she decided not to let her daughter slip away with out her
knowing how much she loved her. Nickey had been put aside and Rachel's attention was
shifted towards Emma. Ross and Rachel both focused on Emma, they had even forgot to
pick Ben and Nickey up from school. They we always saying Emma this and Emma that.
Rachel knew she had to fix the problem because deep down Nickey held a special place in
her heart. She was thinking when from behind her she heard a voice.
"Hello"
Rachel turned around to see Joey, the real Joey. "Oh my God" without saying
anything else he kissed her, right in front of Nickey. Nickey sat there in shock, She got up
and noticed her father standing in the corner....