Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with friends.
~*~
"Okay class, that's it for tonight. If you could read up to and including chapter 7 for next week that would be great. Oh and before you go Miss Buffay could I have a word?"
Phoebe, who was busy packing her paper and books back into her bag looked up, semi-shocked that her lecturer had requested to speak to her. What could he possibly need to say that he couldn't say in front of the rest of the class? Immediately panic set in.
"Sure," she relied rather shakily, sure she was about to get a lecture of some sort, but she couldn't imagine why. As far as she was concerned she was a good student. Her assessments were always on time, and they were always done to her highest standards. "Maybe im just not good enough? Im so dumb to have thought I could do this!" She scolded herself as she zipped up her knapsack and walked unconfidently up to her teachers' desk.
"You wanted to speak to me?" Phoebe asked shyly.
"Yes, take a seat Phoebe," Both sat down and pulled their chairs in closer to the table. Phoebe awkwardly played with a strand of her hair as Prof. Adams mulled over his words.
"Phoebe. I've asked to stay back here tonight so I can discuss your course work over the last few months. I hope im not keeping you back from anything? If I am we can do this some other time?"
"No, its ok. I'd rather we just continued." She shifted nervously in her seat as she spoke. She really wished this weren't happening to her. She wished she was home with Joey, snuggled up together in a barcalounger watching TV.
"Great. Well, first of all id just like to start with saying that im very proud of your standard of work these last few months, considering you didn't think you would be well enough to handle the amount of course work that we go through per term. You have done extremely well despite your health issues,"
"I can feel a "but" coming," Phoebe giggled despite the churning feeling in her stomach.
""There is a but," Prof. Adams laughed at her observance.
"You have chosen a course in Nursing, and while I think you have a great aptitude for this particular subject I have noticed that it seems to be too wide a topic for you. You always seem interested in each thing you are taught, but there is still this underlying feeling that you don't fully enjoy it. That was until last week when we studied midwifery and I noticed your enthusiasm was heightened. You really showed great ability Phoebe, your essay on childbirth options was impeccable, and that's what I want to talk to you about. I think you should consider changing your course over to Midwifery instead of just plain nursing. I understand it is late in the year and there would be a lot of catching up to do, but all the credits you have earned so far will be carried over with you. I think if you did this you would feel more fulfilled and gain a fabulous career from it. I truly believe this is your calling. But it is up to you, you are more than welcome to remain in this class, I would be more than happy to keep you, but I cant help but feel that would be the wrong option."
Phoebe sat stunned. This wasn't at all what she had been expecting, but everything her teacher had just said made perfect sense to her. She had loved learning about childbirth, and the idea of one day being able to help women deliver their children gave her a huge sense of satisfaction. She knew she would never have another baby, but to be there for the birth of others would be wonderful.
"Go away and think about it, and if you decide you would like to change courses then I will help you in anyway I can."
Phoebe nodded, half listening to what he was saying, but her mind was stuck on an image of herself in a delivery room holding a newborn in her arms.
"I will think very seriously about it, but I think I already know what I want to do. I really should discuss it with my fiancé first though before I agree to anything."
"I understand. I hope you choose wisely," Prof. Adams extended his hand and patted Phoebe's arm. "You can let me know what you have decided tomorrow after class.
"Ok. And can I just say thank you for having so much faith in me, I really appreciate it."
"Your welcome. Now take care and get home safely" He walked her to the door and watched her drift out of sight down the corridor. He closed his door back over and sat back at his desk, lifting Phoebe's latest essay project in his hands.
"Phlebotomy procedures, By Phoebe Buffay" He didn't read any further. "That name! Why does it always ring a bell when I hear it!" He shook his head trying to eliminate the annoyance of not being able to understand why it seemed so familiar. He let the paper fall out of his hands and back onto the table as he prepared to gather his things to leave for the night. Then it struck him, like a bolt of lightening.
"Lily Buffay!" He said her name out loud as it popped into his head.
"That's right, now I remember, she graduated my class last year! My oldest and best student" He gave a little chuckle at the memory of his eccentric pupil.
"He switched the light off and kept the memory of Lily in his mind.
"I wonder if they are related? I'll have to remember and ask." He locked the door and headed for his car; completely unaware of the can of worms he was about to open.
~*~
"Joey, you home?" Phoebe shut the door over quietly for fear that she would wake Lily Jo.
"Pheebs! Where have you been? Ive been going out of my mind with worry," Joey ran towards her and scooped her into his arms.
"I'm sorry honey, I tried to call but the battery in my cell went dead," Phoebe suddenly felt guilty; she knew how much he worried if she was late and didn't call. She also knew she would hate it if the tables were turned, and it pinged at her conscience.
"I thought I told you to keep your phoned charged at all times!" He lectured her through his own fear.
"I do, but I think there's something wrong with it, it keeps cutting out, even when it's full. Anyway, im home safely now, so no need for any more worry." She kissed him and watched the stressed look disappear from his face as he melted at her touch.
"I missed you today, but it was totally worth it, because I have the best news!" Joey broke their embrace and began to jump ecstatically around the room.
"I got the lead in that movie! We're going to LA baby!! 3 months of sunshine and fun! Lily is gonna love it, I know she's still young, but think of how great an opportunity this will be for us!" He jumped back over to Phoebe, trying to engage her in his excitement, but the disappointed look on her face was clearly evident.
"What's up? I thought you would have been happy?" Joey looked into Phoebe's eyes, hoping to get an answer to the grim look she was giving him.
"I am happy, im so proud of you! But, Joey I can't just up and leave for California, I have school remember. For the first time in my life im doing something I enjoy and that im god at, to miss 3 months would mean I would have to start my first year all over again. I can't do that honey, im so sorry, I know how much it would mean to you to have Lily and myself out in LA with you, but it's just not possible. Maybe next time?" Phoebe felt so sorry for him, she hated to let him down, but her new found education meant so much to her, too much to just let all her hard work go down the drain.
"Maybe you could finish your course at the UCLA?" Joey watched her shake her head and felt his heart break in two. What was he supposed to do? He wanted this part so much, but he couldn't leave his family for that length of time, it would kill him.
"I'm not taking the part, im staying here with you. You and Lily mean more to me than some stupid film."
"No, Joey, you are taking the part and you are going to LA! Its sweet that you don't want to be apart from us, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime for you, and I wont be the reason for your regret, which you will do if you don't take this."
"But,"
"No buts, and no regrets, wasn't that what we agreed? We will be fine here. We have Monica and Chandler across the hall if anything happens and you will just be a short plane ride away. You can come home for weekends, or whenever you can get a break, we will come and visit when im not in school and we can phone each other every day. We wont even realise we are apart, although I will miss the Joey love," Both burst into laughter and hugged.
"How did I ever get a woman as amazing as you?" Joey didn't think he was able to love her more, but every day she amazed him with something new, and today was no different.
"I could ask the same question. Now, lets go stock up on the Joey love," They ran like children into the bedroom, chasing each other playfully.
Things were so good for them, but that was about to change and neither could see it coming. The unexpected was about to happen, and it would affect their lives forever.
~*~
Part 3 will be up soon, and should give you an idea of what this story is all about. I hope you're all enjoying it so far, and if you are you know what to do ;o) xxxxxxxxxx
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with friends.
~*~
"Okay class, that's it for tonight. If you could read up to and including chapter 7 for next week that would be great. Oh and before you go Miss Buffay could I have a word?"
Phoebe, who was busy packing her paper and books back into her bag looked up, semi-shocked that her lecturer had requested to speak to her. What could he possibly need to say that he couldn't say in front of the rest of the class? Immediately panic set in.
"Sure," she relied rather shakily, sure she was about to get a lecture of some sort, but she couldn't imagine why. As far as she was concerned she was a good student. Her assessments were always on time, and they were always done to her highest standards. "Maybe im just not good enough? Im so dumb to have thought I could do this!" She scolded herself as she zipped up her knapsack and walked unconfidently up to her teachers' desk.
"You wanted to speak to me?" Phoebe asked shyly.
"Yes, take a seat Phoebe," Both sat down and pulled their chairs in closer to the table. Phoebe awkwardly played with a strand of her hair as Prof. Adams mulled over his words.
"Phoebe. I've asked to stay back here tonight so I can discuss your course work over the last few months. I hope im not keeping you back from anything? If I am we can do this some other time?"
"No, its ok. I'd rather we just continued." She shifted nervously in her seat as she spoke. She really wished this weren't happening to her. She wished she was home with Joey, snuggled up together in a barcalounger watching TV.
"Great. Well, first of all id just like to start with saying that im very proud of your standard of work these last few months, considering you didn't think you would be well enough to handle the amount of course work that we go through per term. You have done extremely well despite your health issues,"
"I can feel a "but" coming," Phoebe giggled despite the churning feeling in her stomach.
""There is a but," Prof. Adams laughed at her observance.
"You have chosen a course in Nursing, and while I think you have a great aptitude for this particular subject I have noticed that it seems to be too wide a topic for you. You always seem interested in each thing you are taught, but there is still this underlying feeling that you don't fully enjoy it. That was until last week when we studied midwifery and I noticed your enthusiasm was heightened. You really showed great ability Phoebe, your essay on childbirth options was impeccable, and that's what I want to talk to you about. I think you should consider changing your course over to Midwifery instead of just plain nursing. I understand it is late in the year and there would be a lot of catching up to do, but all the credits you have earned so far will be carried over with you. I think if you did this you would feel more fulfilled and gain a fabulous career from it. I truly believe this is your calling. But it is up to you, you are more than welcome to remain in this class, I would be more than happy to keep you, but I cant help but feel that would be the wrong option."
Phoebe sat stunned. This wasn't at all what she had been expecting, but everything her teacher had just said made perfect sense to her. She had loved learning about childbirth, and the idea of one day being able to help women deliver their children gave her a huge sense of satisfaction. She knew she would never have another baby, but to be there for the birth of others would be wonderful.
"Go away and think about it, and if you decide you would like to change courses then I will help you in anyway I can."
Phoebe nodded, half listening to what he was saying, but her mind was stuck on an image of herself in a delivery room holding a newborn in her arms.
"I will think very seriously about it, but I think I already know what I want to do. I really should discuss it with my fiancé first though before I agree to anything."
"I understand. I hope you choose wisely," Prof. Adams extended his hand and patted Phoebe's arm. "You can let me know what you have decided tomorrow after class.
"Ok. And can I just say thank you for having so much faith in me, I really appreciate it."
"Your welcome. Now take care and get home safely" He walked her to the door and watched her drift out of sight down the corridor. He closed his door back over and sat back at his desk, lifting Phoebe's latest essay project in his hands.
"Phlebotomy procedures, By Phoebe Buffay" He didn't read any further. "That name! Why does it always ring a bell when I hear it!" He shook his head trying to eliminate the annoyance of not being able to understand why it seemed so familiar. He let the paper fall out of his hands and back onto the table as he prepared to gather his things to leave for the night. Then it struck him, like a bolt of lightening.
"Lily Buffay!" He said her name out loud as it popped into his head.
"That's right, now I remember, she graduated my class last year! My oldest and best student" He gave a little chuckle at the memory of his eccentric pupil.
"He switched the light off and kept the memory of Lily in his mind.
"I wonder if they are related? I'll have to remember and ask." He locked the door and headed for his car; completely unaware of the can of worms he was about to open.
~*~
"Joey, you home?" Phoebe shut the door over quietly for fear that she would wake Lily Jo.
"Pheebs! Where have you been? Ive been going out of my mind with worry," Joey ran towards her and scooped her into his arms.
"I'm sorry honey, I tried to call but the battery in my cell went dead," Phoebe suddenly felt guilty; she knew how much he worried if she was late and didn't call. She also knew she would hate it if the tables were turned, and it pinged at her conscience.
"I thought I told you to keep your phoned charged at all times!" He lectured her through his own fear.
"I do, but I think there's something wrong with it, it keeps cutting out, even when it's full. Anyway, im home safely now, so no need for any more worry." She kissed him and watched the stressed look disappear from his face as he melted at her touch.
"I missed you today, but it was totally worth it, because I have the best news!" Joey broke their embrace and began to jump ecstatically around the room.
"I got the lead in that movie! We're going to LA baby!! 3 months of sunshine and fun! Lily is gonna love it, I know she's still young, but think of how great an opportunity this will be for us!" He jumped back over to Phoebe, trying to engage her in his excitement, but the disappointed look on her face was clearly evident.
"What's up? I thought you would have been happy?" Joey looked into Phoebe's eyes, hoping to get an answer to the grim look she was giving him.
"I am happy, im so proud of you! But, Joey I can't just up and leave for California, I have school remember. For the first time in my life im doing something I enjoy and that im god at, to miss 3 months would mean I would have to start my first year all over again. I can't do that honey, im so sorry, I know how much it would mean to you to have Lily and myself out in LA with you, but it's just not possible. Maybe next time?" Phoebe felt so sorry for him, she hated to let him down, but her new found education meant so much to her, too much to just let all her hard work go down the drain.
"Maybe you could finish your course at the UCLA?" Joey watched her shake her head and felt his heart break in two. What was he supposed to do? He wanted this part so much, but he couldn't leave his family for that length of time, it would kill him.
"I'm not taking the part, im staying here with you. You and Lily mean more to me than some stupid film."
"No, Joey, you are taking the part and you are going to LA! Its sweet that you don't want to be apart from us, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime for you, and I wont be the reason for your regret, which you will do if you don't take this."
"But,"
"No buts, and no regrets, wasn't that what we agreed? We will be fine here. We have Monica and Chandler across the hall if anything happens and you will just be a short plane ride away. You can come home for weekends, or whenever you can get a break, we will come and visit when im not in school and we can phone each other every day. We wont even realise we are apart, although I will miss the Joey love," Both burst into laughter and hugged.
"How did I ever get a woman as amazing as you?" Joey didn't think he was able to love her more, but every day she amazed him with something new, and today was no different.
"I could ask the same question. Now, lets go stock up on the Joey love," They ran like children into the bedroom, chasing each other playfully.
Things were so good for them, but that was about to change and neither could see it coming. The unexpected was about to happen, and it would affect their lives forever.
~*~
Part 3 will be up soon, and should give you an idea of what this story is all about. I hope you're all enjoying it so far, and if you are you know what to do ;o) xxxxxxxxxx