Ross still hadn't gotten used to the new car yet. He remembered how much he enjoyed driving when he lived at home. Whenever he had the opportunity to drive, he would make everyone mad because he drove so "damn slow." After the ride from hell to the airport, he vowed he would never make any one uncomfortable in a car again.
"Ready, " he said to Rachel as she buckled her seat belt. The Saturn rolled away from the curb. With Monica and Chandler moving out of the city and trips to his and Rachel's parents, there was no way around not getting the car.
Ross headed for the Thruway as they drove through uptown. There was a silence between them as they headed to Sandra's house . Both knew it was time for the inevitable talk. The familiar landmarks of Manhattan were now in the rear view mirror.
"So,"
"So"
"Rach since we have about a two hour drive. Let's talk about where we are headed." Ross said seriously as he kept his eyes on the road.
"Okay," said Rachel nervously.
"Do we really think this can work out? I mean after what eight years can we go back and pretend nothing has happened and we are so in love?" Ross said
"Well, I gave up Paris because I love you and some people might think it was because of the whole "will I find someone at my age issue. But I remember thinking while we were dating, and then when you were getting married to Emily I told Monica down the road I could see us back together. When Emma was born, I couldn't see the Ross and his jealousy. I only saw the loving father and it made me fall in love with you again. Then I listened to Janice , and got scared and Joey." Rachel said.
"Joey, that man amazes me, how he can do so many stupid things." Ross laughed.
"My dear, you haven't done too much better." Rachel added. "Any way, it just proves we let our past rule us. We need a fresh new start.
I was thinking I will move in with you Ross. For some reason I don't think Joey is going to be around much longer. Besides we deserve to give Emma the family she deserves."
"I agree, but Rachel are you going to be in the guest bed or mine?" he said seriously.
"Ross, there would only be one bed that I would sleep in ." she smiled.
"Then it's settled. We'll call Paris and the movers and I will go through my things and make room for you. I am sure I can find another wardrobe because I do know you love your clothes. I don't know where I am going to put my suits though ." he said.
"Compromise Ross, compromise that is what couples do. I get rid of a few outfits and yes shoes. And you get rid of a few fossils. It is going to be an adjustment though. I have never lived with someone. I mean where I am sleeping with him." Rachel started to wonder as she said this.
"Rach, it's been ten years since Carol and broke up. I haven't lived with anyone either. " Ross wondered in his mind as well.
They were moving ahead and they were planning a future. One word was not even mentioned though and that word was marriage. On one hand , Ross could be packed for Vegas and they could do the chapel thing again except sober this time.
But then he looked over at Rachel. She never had her wedding. Her parents had spent all the money only to have her bail. He had two wedding albums in a drawer at home and had his day as the happy groom of two ill fated marriages. Rachel deserved to have her wedding day where she walk down the aisle with bridesmaids and flowers.
Rachel was scared that somehow he would foul up again. He wouldn't mean to , but just do something and then she would leave him. She could picture trying to explain to Emma of how her and Daddy just couldn't live together. This was the main reason they didn't get together in the first place.
The Long Island Expressway came into view as the car turned off the exit ramp. Suddenly the couple was driving past the sites of their youth. Ross looked over and smiled as he saw the library he spent so many hours at. He hoped that Emma would have the zest for knowledge that he had.
Sandra stood on the porch as Emma played in the playpen. It was a nice day and she was expecting them. She tended to her plants and watered them until she saw the car pull in the driveway.
"Look Em's it's mommy and daddy. Can you say Mommy and Daddy?" Sandra said as she picked her up from the playpen.
The little toddler put her arms out as she recognized her daddy. It was very obvious she like her mother was going to be a daddy's girl. It would have also broken Emma's heart to have to be separated from him. Ross took Emma from Sandra's arms and handed her to Rachel.
"Just want to get her things and then we'll go okay." Ross said as he started to gather the toys from the playpen and then fold it up.
"Rachel is this true what Ross said, Youre not going to Paris after all?"" queried Sandra.
"That's right mother. I thought about what I was really doing and I just couldn't leave . My life's here and there are more important things than a job." she said as she smiled as Ross.
"Well finally you two have wised up and realized that you belong together. That is so terrific. So when is the wedding?" Sandra asked.
"Mom, we're not getting married. Just because Ross and I are back together doesn't mean that we are ready to make that step yet. I am not saying we aren't talking about it But we need to work out a few things first." Rachel explained.
"Okay but I wouldn't mention this to your father , he is still recovering from his heart attack." Sandra said.
Sandra kissed her grandaughter good bye and hugged her daughter and Ross. Everything would come together she was convinced of that .
Rachel held Emma in her arms as Ross drove the car away headed back toward the city.
Next: Is is Positive..the Hannigans wait for news of their own
