Chapter Four: Out Of My Reach

Still At The Doorway

After some sentimental moments, which included hugging, crying, and for some, (mainly Chandler) breaking down on the floor hysterically, they made their way into the house.

"Oh, I'm so excited! I think I'll make a cake... a big fancy chocolate one, with multi-colored frosting, candles that light automatically, and big, bright, colored lights to drape around it!" Monica exclaimed, heading into the kitchen.

"Yes, Monica, you do that, I'll be over here talking to our friend that we haven't seen in years," Chandler said, walking towards the couch, where Ross and Rachel were already seated.

Ross gently picked up Rachel, positioning her on his lap. She played with the buttons on his sweater, like a shy teenager.

"I'm guessing there's something going on with you two?" Chandler guessed.

"Yea, I finally got my girl... and I'm never letting her go again," Ross said, smiling.

"I've gotta grab some water, I'll be right back," Rachel said, starting to get up. However, Ross grabbed her around the waist.

"Hey, I was serious about that!"

"I know," she replied, as she approached Monica, who was busy cooking.

As she got closer, she saw a weird expression on her friend's face. It was a mix between unhappiness and confusion.

"You okay, Mon? I mean, you really don't have to do all this, I just want to be with you," Rachel said.

"Oh, I know honey, but I feel like it's necessary. Besides, I was just... thinking," she answered.

"About what?" Rachel questioned.

"Oh... just some stuff about you and Cash..." she trailed on.

"Seriously, Monica. Please tell me what's bothering you, I need to know," Rachel pleaded.

"I.. I just don't understand why you stopped speaking to me... to everyone. I mean, it's one thing to leave, but it's another to completely desert someone."

"Oh, honey... I didn't mean to, I swear. But, you guys just don't understand..." she replied with a sigh.

"What do you mean?" Monica demanded.

"I didn't have a choice, Mon... he forced me to, he was.. he was gonna hurt me, really bad. Maybe even kill me..."

"Oh, Rachel... I'm so sorry, I understand now... I do," Monica cried, as she embraced her good friend.

"Man, I wish Phoebe and Joey were here, I still haven't seen them.." Rachel whispered.

"Well, I know Joey's not here, but I'm pretty sure that I could call Phoebe and ask her to meet us somewhere," Monica suggested.

"Really?! That would be great... and we could meet her at Central Perk!" Rachel said, her voice filled with joy.

Time Lapse- Central Perk

Ross was sitting by Rachel on the couch, her arm wrapped around his neck and her head resting on his shoulder. Monica was trying to call Phoebe on her cell phone, and Chandler was... well, just being Chandler.

"And I told the guy, the reason 6 was scared of 7, was because 7 ate 9!" Chandler finished his joke.

Everyone started laughing unenthusiastically; "You get it? See, 7,8,9... 7 ate 9, 7,8..."

Ross held up his hand, "We get it, seriously man, we understand."

Monica looked up from her chair, "Where is Phoebe? Seriously, she was supposed to be here two minutes ago!"

"How could she be so late?" Chandler wondered aloud.

Once again, they all started to laugh, while Rachel turned her attention to the window. There was a man standing there, signaling for her to come outside.

Finally, Ross noticed, "What is it, sweetie? What are you looking at?"

"Oh... nothing. I'll be right back," she replied, as she headed out the door.

Ross watched as she approached a man standing outside the coffee shop. She was deep in conversation with him. Suddenly, the grabbed her wrist violently, and pulled her closer.

"Guys, who's that Rachel's talking to?" Chandler asked.

"It's Cash," Ross replied in a whisper.

They all turned their gaze away from the window when Gunther brought their drinks. After a few sips, they all regained their positions.

However, Cash was gone... and so was Rachel.