Judy watched the baby as Monica stood at the back of the room. Daniel had finally settled down. It was going to be a week of activity as Ross and Rachel got married and then were flying out of New York on Monday.
"You stand right there." the wedding planner told Joey. "You are the minister."
"And you are hot." he smiled. "How you doin?"
"Joey focus." Monica screamed. Just out of the hospital , she was still the wedding coordinator. Sandra had hired a wedding planner, but agreed to let Monica help as well.
"Now the groom is led to the altar by his parents." she said. "And for now, I will stand in for Judy." Jack , the wedding planner and Ross walked to the front.
"Next the best man escorts the bridesmaids then we have our flower girl and ring bearer enter." the planner said. "Don't worry little kids make it cute."
"Ben pay attention, this is important." said Carol. Ben had his nose in a game boy at the time. Susan came over and took it off of him. "Later for this sport." Susan said.
"Emma did you understand that ?" said Ross as he held his daughter. She was swinging around a little basket and accidentally hitting him over the head with it.
"Can she do that tomorrow?" said Chandler laughingly. "Hit him while they are taping?' Ross rolled his eyes and laughed sarcastically. "Okay Bing when are they going to start?"
"I don't know what you mean." Chandler said innocently.
"The divorce jokes, the saying the wrong name jokes , and finally the lesbian jokes." Ross said. "I'm waiting."
"There will be no lesbian jokes. " said Susan. "Know your audience." she said to Chandler.
"Just one, " Chandler pleaded. "Her name is Rachel . I take thee Ray--- chel , but what the heck you said it once, just to the wrong girl." he laughed.
"Are you done now?' said Ross.
Chandler just looked as Monica gave him a dirty look. "This is serious business mister. Now let's continue." she said eyeing him.
Rachel was walked by her father and mother. They were being civil for the sake of their daughter. "And Rachel stands here and they hold hands and they are married and that's it. Simple really." said the wedding planner.
"It's going to be a beautiful wedding. " sighed Monica. " My best friend and my brother."
"Well it's about damned time. The puppet master gets tired people." said Phoebe.
Javu was the place of the rehearsal dinner. Some of the kitchen staff asked off for the night knowing that Chef Geller would be here. She was still on maternity leave , but vowed that this dinner would be perfect tonight.
Chandler began the evening with a toast. "Can I have everyone's attention? " he said as he banged on a glass. "Welcome to Ross Geller's annual wedding celebration." he laughed.
Ross put his hand to his forehead and shook his head. "When will this stop?"
Following another of his wife's looks, Chandler smiled. "No seriously, and I am serious now. Ross is my oldest friend and I was touched when he asked me to be his best man again. I was especially touched because of the wonderful woman he is marrying. Ross has loved Rachel forever, and now they are finally getting married and living happily ever after. I wish them both the same joy and happiness as Monica and I have had. So please raise your glass , to Dr. and Mrs. Geller , much happiness and good luck in your new life."
Rachel had tears in her eyes as she stood up. She kept thinking about the moments she had shared with these people. Soon they would be ending.
Monica stood up next. "Nobody has to ask what these two people mean to me. Rachel has always been like a sister to me and I am so happy that she has finally decided to be with the one man she has loved , it makes me even happier to know that man is my own brother. So here's to Rachel and Ross. I'm gonna miss you ." she said as tears flowed from her eyes.
After a few hours and a lot of drinks, Ross was being held up by Chandler. Unfortunately, Joey was holding Chandler up.
"We need to go to a strip joint." slurred Joey. "You still haven't seen hot naked chicks."
"Yeah baby." giggled Ross. "After all this is my send off. The one at work was so boring." he laughed.
"Honey we are going to take Ross to see hot naked women. Do you think Rachel will mind?" slurred Chandler.
"Do you think I will mind?" asked Monica angrily.
"Honey , he's your brother and a big boy."slurred Chandler. "It's our duty to show him naked women."
"Let em go Mon, except one minute." Rachel said. "Come here Romeo." Ross stumbled over to her. She grabbed his collar and pulled him to her lips. She opened her mouth and gave him the most passion filled kiss she could. "Okay now remember that's what is waiting at home. " Rachel said coyly. "Later Dr. Geller." she purred.
Ross straightened up , "Wow she was hot. Don't tell Rachel." he said as the three guys stumbled out of the hall.
"Men." said shaking her head. "Come on we've got kids to take care of, maybe we'll get some movies and have our own party." said Monica . "Come on DJ, we've got a big day tomorrow." Monica said as she took her son from her mother.
Monica looked down and laid her son in his cradle. She still couldn't believe he was hers. His little chest moved and his little eyes were shut. He was perfect. Life was changing so fast , she was a mother, Ross and Rachel were getting married and then moving to London.
"Monica, Mon?" said Rachel as she moved her hand in front of her face.
This used to be my playground
This used to be my childhood dream
This used to be the place I ran to
Whenever I was in need of a friend
Why did it have to end.
Monica remembered the very first time that she met little Rachel . She was riding her bicycle down the street and then it crashed in front of Dr. Burke's house. Rachel cried and then nice Dr. Burke kissed her nose since he did know Dr. Green as well. Monica thought isn't life funny, she would fall in love with him and then Rachel would marry the geeky boy she used to play house with . And Monday morning they both would be flying out of her life.
And why do they always say don't look back.
"And you remember my brother Ross?" Monica said that first day at the coffee shop. Rachel sat in her wedding gown after she had left Barry. Ross looked at her all starry eyed just like he did in high school. Who was this guy? Rachel thought. He looked familiar but I don't remember him.
"Monica." Rachel 's voice brought her back to the present. "You were in thought about something."
And before you know you're feeling old and your heart is breaking
Don't hold on to the past, well that's too much to ask.
Rachel started to tear up as well . She walked over to Monica and began to embrace her. She got a series of images in her head. That first night , the dates from hell they had, the boyfriend bonfire, the night she moved out before Chandler moved in, the game they lost the apartment, finding out about Chandler, the night Monica took a afghan and threw it over her after the longest night of her life, the night her and Ross broke up.
"I think I know what you are thinking about. You are thinking about the last ten years , aren't you?" said Rachel.
"I'm thinking how big a part you've been of my life. You and I have spent so many holidays together. Now we are going to be sisters." Monica said.
Phoebe sat in her apartment as she drank a beer . Suddenly there was a knock at her door. She walked over as best she could, after many drinks to ease the pain of David leaving.
"Joey?" she said surprised.
"Phoebe , how you doin?" said Joey as he took her in his arms and they passionately kissed. She knew what she needed right now and Joey was it.
This Used to be my Playground was by Madonna...i love that song and thought it was appropriate.
