Disclaimer: I do not own Friends.

By the way it's the beginning of summer. Ross teaches anthropology during the school year and during the summer. It's around the middle of June. On with the story.

Beep, beep, beep. "Oh shut up," Ross proclaimed pushing firmly on the alarm button.

"Six o'clock. Time to get going," he said groggily, to know one in particular.

"You're finally up?" Ross' roommate Todd inquired sarcastically. Ross had three roommates in his four bedroom, 21/2 bathroom house. The deals were cheap being so close to the university. Plus having three more people with income coming in didn't hurt. His roommates were all reliable. There was Todd, who followed the rules tighter than a lid on a pickle jar. He was the ideal goody, goody with a pristine reputation. Occasionally he could be too anal about the littlest things. Hell, he obsessed over things more than Ross ever did-if that tells you something. Chandler and Joey were the other two roommates. Chandler and Ross' friendship had gone back to the ancient ages-since they were two. They had done everything together. They had gotten drunk together for first time, looked at a girls boobs in playboy for the first time together at age 13, but most of all, always looked out for each other. They both knew from the start they would go to the same college.

Chandler was the ultimate "funny guy." He was the guy you went to when you needed cheering up. There's no way you couldn't laugh at the guys jokes. But he had another side to him. He was the kindest guy but he was also a commitment phobic. Sometimes he would even use jokes as a defense mechanism. But he was always there for you. His personality was always positive. Joey was the ultimate bachelor. Nothing short of flawless with the ladies. He caught woman like it was catching a fish. However, what you wouldn't see is what's beneath the man. Once you got to know him you found the sweetest, most kind hearted man ever.

"Yeah," was all Ross managed to utter. He was exhausted. He had been up until 1:00 am with Julie. Julie-that name made him pull up his head and start the day. They had now been dating for two months (I am speeding up the story) and everyday was better than the last.

"Hey man how'd it go last night. Did you finally, you know." Joey chirped sarcastically, showing a slight grin. He knew Ross would be embarrassed about the remark.

"Joey is that all you ever think about?" Ross threw the towel he was using to dry his hands at Joey. With a little to much force than he had intended.

"Dude it was only a joke. Geez." Joey exclaimed throwing the towel right back at him.

"Well than don't ask those questions. You know I don't like talking about that. It's personal." Joey shrugged it off and continued to eat his cereal.

"Seriously, Ross how are you and Julie doing?" Chandler questioned, intent on receiving an answer.

"We're better everyday." That was all Chandler needed. He locked his eyes on his cereal and everyone was silent until it was time to go to work. (Everyone has jobs during the summer, but they make no consequence so I'm not going to mention them.)

Ross walked into room number 217, his head never turning to face the students. He looked at the schedule for the day on his desk then raised his head. He scanned the room, taking attendance, only because today was a test and he didn't want anyone to miss it.

"So...it looks like everyone is here. Everyone have their pencils and scantrons?" He took the deafening silence as an answer. "Okay then, lets begin," Ross began handing out papers still listing instructions. "...and lastly if I catch you cheating, first there will be a warning and second I will have to give you an F on the test. So, without further ado...do your best, you may begin." Ross watched his students work diligently, some struggling, some breezing through it, and still others taking their time on every question. He hoped the best for these students. This was his first college teaching job-he wanted the students to do well. Come on students, I know you can do well.

"Mr. Gellar, Dr. Winston needs you for a moment." Miss Little interrupted Ross' thoughts with a whisper. The students didn't even look up.

"What does he need?" Ross asked standing up and walking towards Miss Little.

"I don't know. But I think it's important."

"Alright. Can you keep an eye on my class while I am gone, please?" Ross asked.

"Sure thing." Miss Little said, somewhat excited.

"Thank you." Ross pushed open the door and walked to the president's office.

Ross walked briskly towards Dr. Winston's office, curiousity clogging his mind. What could he possibly want. He never has spoken with me unless you count the time he hired me.

Knock, knock. "Come on in my boy." Ross heard his rough, scratchy voice yelp. He was a big man, both physically and mentally. He wanted everything bigger and better. And he never took no for answer. But Ross knew he had a kind heart deep down.

"Ross, come, come sit down," Dr. Winston said revealing a leather chair. "How are you doing today?" Ross was taken by surprise. Winston was always very to the point.

"I am okay, I guess," Ross said apprehensively. "Wasn't there something you needed sir?"

"Oh yes. That's right. Ross I have a job for you. Something better and bigger. Something I think you will like a lot." Dr. Winston waited for Ross to say something. When he didn't he continued. "Okay I want you to be prepared for this," silence still. Ross was anxious. "I want you to start working in the forensics lab in New York City. How do you like that?" Dr. Winston waited for this to compute.

"I don't know what to say."

"Say yes. That's the only answer I need from you." Ross contemplated this for a moment. There was so much here. His mind kept switching back to his friends and, and Julie. He couldn't leave her. She had to stay here. This was her home. She grew up here. She had a career in astrophysics that required her to stay here at least another two years. But this was an opportunity rarely given. He had to think it over. What to do?

"Ross, Ross. So what's the answer. Yes or yes." Dr. Winston chuckled at this.

"Sir, can I think this over? It's a big change and I have so much here. Not that I don't want this opportunity. It, it's just a lot to comprehend at the moment." Ross was jumbled with decisions.

"Well usually I would move on but since I like you I will give you until..." He looked at his calendar on the desk. "well lets see...it's Monday. I'll give you until Wednesday. That should be plenty of time."

Ross nodded in agreement and thanked Dr. Winston thoroughly.

"Oh and Ross."

"Yes sir."

"No pressure okay. I know you have a life. But this is a big opportunity. Not many people get to work with the big time in New York. And as a little added incentive, we'll pay for the rest of your college career. Whatever college you choose in New York. Think about it." Dr. Winston had the sternest face Ross had ever seen.

Later that day in his apartment.

Ross sat in his lazy boy contemplating the positives and negatives of leaving San Francisco. He liked change. But this was too much. This was not just a "little added incentive." This was a chance of a life time. The positives were he could finish up his college career for free and do on hands work with the best forensics homicide division in the nation. The negatives: leaving his friends and Julie. God, this has got to be the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

Knock, knock, knock. Hmm, wonder who that is.

"Julie. What are you doing here. I thought you had to work?"

"Well I got off early today and I was thinking of my boyfriend," Julie said giving Ross a firm kiss on the lips. This is going to be a hard decision.

Ross pulled away quickly. He couldn't tell her if she did this. "Look Julie, we have to talk. It's important."

"Okay Ross but lets get some dinner first. I'm starving."

"Julie I have to say this now. Before anything more happens and I can't get it out." Ross was firm. Julie was paying full attention now.

"Okay Ross, go ahead," she said apprehensively.

"Look this is the hardest decision I have..." Just then Chandler and Joey stormed through the door.

"What's...what's up bro. Oh hey Julie. Were you guys just talking about something?" Joey said laughing uncontrollably.

"Oh sorry about that. We'll go downstairs." Chandler chimed in.

"No it's okay. I need to talk with all of you. I have a big decision I have to make."

"Oh, okay bro. What's up?" Chandler, Joey, and especially Julie were listening closely.

"Okay. My boss came to me with a proposal. He said I can have a job working hands on with the top forensics homicide detectives and finish the rest of college for free..."

"Oh my god that's great!" Joey yelled prematurely.

"However. I have to move to New York City or nothing happens."

Silence. More silence.

No one could speak. They were to busy comprehending what he had said.

Chandler was the first to speak. "When would you have to go?"

"If I choose to go-probably in the next week or so."

Julie finally found her voice. "So...have you made a decision?"

"No. I don't know what to do. On one hand I have an opportunity of a lifetime, and on the other hand I have amazing friends and the best woman in the world."

Julie was stunned. She didn't know what to say. All she could say was, "Lets talk about it, please."

"Okay," was all Ross could manage.

While Chandler and Joey sat on the couch contemplating their best friends proposal, Ross and Julie went into his room to discuss the matter.

Ross was the first to speak. "Julie I really don't know what to do. I really, really want this job. And God knows I could use the money for college but..." Julie put her finger to his lips.

"Ross, stop killing yourself with the options. This is your decision and I think whatever you do will be fine." Julie was stern, but sweet.

"What. Do you really mean that?" Ross was completely lost.

"Yes. I mean, like you said. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. A lot of people don't get this big of an opportunity. I am on board."

Ross looked into her eyes. She was so understanding. This was too easy. "Julie are you sure. I mean do you think we can maintain a long term relationship?"

"Ross I know we can. People do it all the time. I love you so much. This is your decision. Whatever it is I am on board."

"I love you too. I can't believe I have such a wonderful girlfriend!" Ross and Julie kissed passionately and fled the room.

"So have you made a decision yet."

"We'll Julie and I have come to an understanding of sorts. I still haven't made a complete decision yet. There is so much to think about. So much." Ross was thinking even as he was talking.

"Can you guys give me awhile?"

"Sure," they all said, almost in unison.

"Thanks."

Ross went downstairs to once again think about the situation. He knew he needed to make a decision. He loved Julie and his friends. But this is an amazing opportunity. Something not to be missed. So many pros and cons. What to do?

A few hours later Ross scrambled up the stairs.

Everyone in the room was waiting patiently.

"I have made my decision."

To Be Continued...

What do you think will happen? Will Ross go to New York or does his heart lie in San Francisco?