AN: I'm not really sure where this is going at this point, but I'll keep writing until it gets there. Please review and thanks for reading!! (Iam open to constructive criticism by the way)

Ye Olde Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Friends material, I just wrote this story.

It had been one week since Rachel's plane went down. Search teams had scanned the approximated radius of the crash for 6 days straight and had come up completely empty-handed. Authorities hadn't officially called off the hunt, but that was only a technicality in a situation where any realistic hope had already run out. Unofficial reports, while citing no apparent reason behind the craft's strange disappearance, surmised that the plane was now deep in Atlantic waters and would never be found.

Rachel's friends had been strongly opposed to having her funeral only a week after her vanishing; it seemed a betrayal to give up on her so quickly, but her parents were insistent that it was the proper way to handle the situation and the gang knew better than to question Dr. Green once he set his mind to something. With that in mind, they bottled up their protests and went to pay their respects to their dear lost friend.

The arrangements were every bit as lovely and dignified as the woman to whom they were dedicated. Dr. Green had been able to pull some strings and acquire the use of a luxurious estate in the southern Catskills to host the somber affair. There were numerous guests arriving, most of which were family and friends; the others were nameless faces that had meant something to Rachel during some point in her upbringing but had long since vacated any significant role save that of filling a seat.

The lobby, which led into the main hall where the service was being held, had been the meeting ground for everyday friends and people who hadn't seen each other in ages alike. Now, as the beginning of the service was approaching, it had nearly emptied save two men in black suits.

"Where's Ross?" asked Joey, his features hardening with concern, "The service starts in 15 minutes! Tell me he's not—"

"He was running a little late getting Emma ready, but he'll be here" interrupted Chandler.

"So you guys left him all by himself?" Joey countered, "How could you do that Chandler?"

Chandler sighed in defeat. "He didn't give us a choice, Joe. Mon and I insisted that we all go together but he wouldn't hear it. I can't believe how stubborn he's being about it all"

"You're one to talk man," mocked Joey forcing a tight grin, trying to mask a heavy sadness that his former roommate could sense all too well.

Chandler smiled sincerelyat his friend. The two men stood silently for a moment before Chandler pulledJoeyinto a hug. "You ready?" he asked.

"I don't think I'll ever be," replied Joey, taking a deep breath. "But I have to try. For Rachel." Joey turned towards the door and squared his shoulders.

"Let's do it."

As Joey entered the hall he stopped and scanned the audience aimlessly for a moment as Chandler walked to his seat. There was a very thick air in the room; that he couldn't deny, but what caught him off guard was the amount of smiles and laughter he observed as his eyes surveyed the assemblage. He smiled as he realized how much these positive things reminded him ofthe impact Rachel had on him. She always hadthis way of making him smile when he needed it most and a part of him felt like it was that very same magic that was at work before him presently.

Joey wiped a tear from his eye and found his seat next to Chandler, Mike, Phoebe, and Monica in the second row. Dr. Green had never gotten to know Rachel's friends terribly well, certainly not enough to care much for them but he knew how important they had been to his daughter and insisted that they sit close to the front. Monica was even asked to say something on Rachel's behalf during the service. Warm smiles were exchanged as Joey sat down. Phoebe handed a sleeping Jack to Chandler and the gang waited quietly for the service to begin. Minutes later a tall, dark-haired figure approached the vacant seat next to Monica.

"Ross!" exclaimed Monica, "we were worried about you!" The rest of the group exchanged greetings and handshakes as Ross sat down with Emma in his lap.

"Are you okay Ross?" asked a worried Joey.

"Yes. Yeah I am. Don't worry about me. I'm fine." Ross answered vacantly.

"Seriously, dude—"

"I'm fine Joe, really."

The others exchanged looks of deep concern. Rachel had been everything to Ross. How could he act so indifferently at a time like this?

Ross brooded quietly in his seat. On the outside he was strong and well composed, determined not to let his emotions get the best of him. On the inside he was furious. How could everyone be so accepting that Rachel was dead after only a week had passed? How could they all say they love her and yetgive up on her? He silently vowed to find her. He wouldbringRachel home.