I am sooooo sorry I haven't updated in…..what? Two weeks? cringes Before I get into Chapter 4, I want to thank all my wonderful reviewers!!
rachgreengeller and rnrlove: Thank you so much for sticking with my story even though I don't update much!! You have reviewed all my chapters! Thanks!
Theresa: Don't worry... they'll support him, not just yet! You'll see… I have a plan! (well, sorta…)
Iheartchicago,wink2003,Friendsrocks04,mrs.pitt, Emma, and Vosa: thanks for your reviews too! They really make me keep writing this story…
Thanks everybody! I hope you're still interested in this fic……please keep reviewing it!
Disclaimer: Still don't own Friends, or this song…this time it's Green Day's!!
Oh yeah, and somehow it got all the way to November from summer in 3 chapters….o well, just go along with it. Also, I forgot to say that in this story, Emma was never even conceived, and Jack and Erica were never born either. Sorry if I said this before, but Monica and Chandler live in the apartment across from Joey (who is obviously not in LA) and Ross, who lives with Joey. And I know that airport security prohibits people who aren't actually getting on the plane to go to the gate, I do live in America. But for this fic, can we pleeease ignore that detail?? Thanks!
Now on with the way over due chapter 4:
Wherever you go
You know I'll be there
If you go far,
You know I'll be there
I'll go anywhere,
So I'll see you there
You place the name
You know I'll be there
You name the time
You know I'll be there
I'll go anywhere
So I'll see you there
I don't care if you don't mind
I'll be there not far behind
I will dare
Keep in mind
I'll be there for you
Where there's truth
You know I'll be there
Amongst the lies
You know I'll be there
I'll go anywhere
So I'll see you there
-Green Day, Poprocks & Coke
Completely stunned and even a bit enraged at his friends' reactions, Ross sat there with his mouth open; lasagna still dangling on his fork which was suspended in the air inches from his mouth. Finally, Monica broke the silence, with her eyes glimmering with tears. "Ross, can I talk to you outside for a second?" she asked gently, pointing to the balcony behind her. Ross nodded, getting up and slouching after her out to the biting wind of November in New York City. "Ross. I know what this must be like, just seeing her walk away like that. It's not easy on any of us. But Ross, if you go, you'll just want to stay. And Rachel won't let you, she started over. We have to accept that. She'll just break your heart again. You'll have no hope left at all, then we might loose you too…" Monica's voice caught as a tear dripped down her cheek. "I know how awful you must be feeling. She was like my sister. I lost her too, you know. We all did. We're gonna be here for you, Ross. For each other. And if you go, I won't be able to stand it. I'll have to come too, then she'll break both of our hearts when we can't say goodbye. Ross, this is the best for all of us."
"No, Monica, no. You DON'T know. You have no idea. You aren't in love with Rachel; you don't have the history with her! You'll never understand how this feels. Maybe if someone took all your friends, all your family, all your cleaning supplies, and all your cooking utensils away and locked them up forever, you would have a better idea of what it's like. But until you can imagine that, then no. You don't understand. Thanks, though." With that, Ross walked back inside, past his friends, and out the apartment door.
Back in his apartment, he angrily grabbed a suitcase, and threw some clean clothes and basic items like a toothbrush and toothpaste into it. He had no idea what his plan was when he got to Paris, but he could figure that out when he was on the flight. Sitting down at his Pottery Barn Apothecary Table, he grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled a quick note:
Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe:
I know you all said "don't go", but I have to. I don't have a choice. If I don't, I will drive myself crazy thinking "what if?" for the rest of my pathetic life. I promise I will call you as soon as I get to Paris. I won't leave you guys, if you think I am, come and drag me away. I'm sorry I'm leaving without a proper goodbye, but if I don't go now, you four will put a restraining order on me and I'll never be able to see her again. Monica, I'm sorry about before. Plus your lasagna was awesome! I can't wait to see you guys soon and to see Rachel. I know you don't think this is right, but I know it is. I'll keep in touch, I promise. Expect me back around the end of next week. Don't worry about me- I'll stay safe and I have enough money. Monica, don't tell Mom and Dad, I can sort this out on my own. I'll miss you all lots. Call you later.
Love,
Ross
Logging onto the internet, Ross bought the cheapest ticket to Paris he could get, printed it, grabbed his suitcase, the note, and walked out of his apartment. Walking across the hall, he slid the note under Monica's door, turned, and walked to his car. He was ready, as ready as he ever would be, to see Rachel. Ross' brain was numb as he drove to the airport. He seemed to float as he checked his bags, went though security, and handed the attendant his boarding pass. It was then he heard the screams.
"Ross! Ross!" came what he was sure to be his sister's voice.
"Aaaaagh!!" followed another shout which was unmistakable as Phoebe's.
"Dude, wait up!" Chandler and Joey screamed simultaneously.
"Oh, wow, what are you guys doing here?" Ross asked, turning.