Saturday

"Hey, why are you here alone?" Ross asked Rachel, seeing her in Central Perk.

"I passed by to get a cup of coffee but got too tired to walk back again," she replied, looking up at him.

Ross sat beside her on the couch, "I feel the same way."

Gunther came and gave Ross his coffee, "Thanks Gunther!"

"Are you two back together?" the platinum-haired man looked at them curiously.

Ross and Rachel nervously chuckled, "Nope!"

Gunther just grinned and left.

"The man still likes you, Rach," Ross teased.

"Ross!" she playfully hit him.

"I'm serious! You don't know how many bitter coffees I got from that man when we were together."

"Maybe the mix was just bad," she reasoned out.

"Rach, we'd get it at the same time and I'd see you enjoy YOUR coffee."

"How come you never complained to the management?"

"I was thankful enough that he didn't spit on my coffee. I preferred leaving it at that," he chuckled.

He asked, prolonging their conversation, "So what are you doing on a Saturday afternoon all alone? Don't you have a shopping date with Mon and Phoebes?"

"They're both busy today. Monica's with Chandler," she immediately looked at him.

"It's okay Rach!" he glared.

"Monica's with Chandler and Phoebes is watching the Knicks' game with Joe."

"Phoebe? The Knicks?"

"Yeah apparently he was supposed to take you with him, but then Phoebe betted on the tickets in a race of," she frowned, "winded toys?"

Ross chuckled at his friends' classic game. "That's why he wasn't answering the phone when I called him about the plans."

Seconds after, both became quiet. Ross would glance at her, and so would she.

Finally, Ross decided to just be blunt and end the tension between them. "I find it odd that we, I mean you and me, have this whole moment silence often. We weren't like this before we started dating."

Rachel laughed, "Thank God you brought that up. It sucks."

"I know !" he agreed.

Rachel smiled at him; she was beginning to feel comfortable with him again, just like old times. "Well it's all your fault," she accused him.

"All my fault?"

"You started courting me to go out with you… if you didn't do that, the silence wouldn't have existed!"

"I'm sorry but I beg to disagree." Ross retorted, "All this is your fault!"

"Excuse me?"

"You were too darn beautiful for me to ignore."

Oh God, she was out of words. Ross literally took her breath away.

"See, silence AGAIN!" Ross spoke, crossing his arms.

"You and your words," she shot him an evil stare, realizing they were openly flirting with each other.

"What are we doing?" he laughed.

"I have no idea," she replied, laughing with him.

"So, have you chosen an outfit for tonight? Or will I be waiting for you again?" he asked her. She smiled at him, remembering how he used to lecture her on choosing an outfit the minute she wakes up whenever they had a date because it took her forever to get dressed.

"Ha-ha," she stared at him.

"I'm serious, Rach. We're eating in an expensive restaurant, I don't think Sarah and James would mind if you finish at 9," he mocked her.

"What about you? Have you chosen yours? Or will I expect you to be in that white suit again?" she shot back at him, mentioning the one outfit she hated.

"For your information, I no longer wear my Colonel Sander's costume. I threw it out the minute I realized how bad it was!" he smiled.

Their conversation went on and on for more than an hour, going back to the good times they shared.


"I'm actually grateful that you're here," Ross told her.

"Why? So you can tease me the whole afternoon?"

"Hmmm, actually that's a better reason."

She playfully punched him.

"Just kidding. But really… I missed hanging out with you. It's great to know that two people can still be friends after everything they've been through."

"I don't know anymore, Ross, you've been insulting me since you got in," joking him.

"I'm serious here… I mean, the past six months was hell between us- you gotta admit that!"

Rachel uncomfortably shifted her position as she smirked at him.

"Hey, we're going out with other people together later, wouldn't that be more awkward than mentioning the past six months?"

"Okay," Rachel finally spoke, "yes the past few months were quite difficult."

"I just never thought we'd be able to talk to each other again after everything," Ross commented.

"I thought so too!" she responded, giving him a smile.

Ross smiled at her and looked at his watch. 'Damn,' he stood up. "I'll see you tonight Rach," he bent down and kissed her forehead.

"Where are you going?" she asked, trying not to sound upset with his departure. "I have to do some date errands," he replied, pointing at the flower shop across.

"Oh," she sadly replied and forced a smile, "I'll see you."

Ross walked to the door, but turned to glance at her for one last time and left.


After having the flowers sent, Ross took a stroll on the park. From a distance, he could see two people cuddling on a bench. How he wished that man was him, and that woman was… Rachel.

She was all he could think of at that point. Being with her earlier made him happy, yet he knew it was wrong… because his intentions were not what they should have been. Was it a lie that he was happy they were just 'friends' now?

He knew he had to be strong… it was about time to get over her, seeing that she too was getting over him already. They were both in the process of healing. And that night, seeing each other with other people, would probably end all inhibitions that kept them from progressing to that level.

He thought of their past as friends, their happy and sad past as a couple, his present life, and his probable future without her. That was something he never imagined, his future without Rachel Green by his side… maybe as a friend, but no longer as a girlfriend… even as a wife.

Rachel came home to two bouquets of flowers by the door. One of them had a card, and it was from James. The other bouquet didn't have a card exposed but she knew who it was from. She simply smelled them and smiled, making a mental note to thank Ross for sending them.

How did she know the bouquet was from him? Only Ross knew the flowers Rachel really wanted… they were white lilies but of the oriental kind. Only seasonal, and whenever they would be, Ross used to fill her room with them.

She came in and found her answering machine blinking. The first message was from James, checking in if she got the flowers he had delivered. The other one was from Monica, wishing her luck for her double date. And the last message was from Ross, thanking her. He literally left a "Hi Rach, thanks for hanging out with me this afternoon," message.

Ross, classic Ross… he always used Rach's lilies to get through things… either to thank her or to apologize, he always had lilies.


The story of what happened at Lucy's house was already going around two days after it happened. The only thing people didn't know was that Ross was the guy Lucy's parents threw out since he Ross pleaded her not to tell anyone. Ross was still set on telling Rachel what happened, he just didn't know when and how.

That day, Ross and Rachel were having an argument. Apparently, Rachel was having a bad day and she was taking it out on him. When he asked her why she was being such a bitch to him, she began fighting him and ended up crying, saying that her period was late again.

Ross, still tortured by his guilt, silently wished that she was pregnant. He knew she was slowly drifting away from him without her knowledge… but if she was pregnant, maybe she would reconsider being with him once he tells her what happened. He was so scared of losing her.

Excited with her misery, Ross ended up buying five pregnancy tests. It just annoyed her even more. After Ross calmed her down, she took the test. He made her take three to be sure, but she only took two and they were both negative. She sighed in relief while Ross sulked in depression… he knew he had to tell her soon.


Rachel went through her closet, thinking of a suitable clothing to wear for that evening. Her wide range of choices was narrowed down to three: a black, spaghetti strapped, body-hugging dress; an old rose tube-dress; and an indigo asymmetrical top paired with black slacks. Yet she wasn't satisfied with them, so she began to dig through her dresses again.

Suddenly, she stopped upon seeing a familiar brown dress. It was beautiful, and the last time she wore it was her last date with Ross. On the eve of their monthsary, Ross surprised her with that dress, without knowledge that that was the last date they were going to have together.

Rachel hugged the dress, remembering the indescribable reaction she had. She completely remembered that dress- she pointed it out to him while they were window shopping once. It was a brown Dolce & Gabbana dress; silk in cloth with beaded flowers, spaghetti strapped and a V-shaped neckline… worth more than 500.

Along with that dress was another present. He unexpectedly had a yacht rented out for that night that will ferry around Staten Island while they had a lovely dinner. Yet his spending spree for Rachel didn't end there… the day after, her room was filled with the Casa Blanca lilies that she adored.


On one of the most memorable dates she ever had, Ross went all out on spending for her, which she didn't mind. She too spent a lot for that anniversary, hoping to make him forget the past few weeks of intense arguments, and their break-up.

Rachel came home from school only to find her room filled with flowers. At that moment, she called Ross and thanked him.

The night before was enough, yet he still gave her flowers. They had a sumptuous dinner in a dress she adored on a yacht, and then eventually had dessert at her place, leaving them both daydreaming about each other.

"Hi sweetie," she smiled hearing his voice. "Yes I got the flowers… thank you," she sounded all smitten. "Why do you need to talk to me?" replying with concern, "okay, I just have to get something in the library then I'll meet you back here. I love you!"

How Ross wished that he met up with her before she went to the library. It just ruined his life…

Rachel entered the library in a rush just to borrow a book for a report. She came in and found herself being stared at by people she didn't know. She was used to people looking at her, but people were really looking at her, obviously talking about her at the same time. It was annoying.

Finally, a familiar face approached her and whispered, "Hey Rach, how are you?"

"Not fine Mia- people are staring at me. Do I have a booger or some dirt on my face?"

"I think it's about Ross!"

"Ross? Oh that," she smiled, thinking about their reconciliation.

Mia was left confused, "You're happy about that?"

"Yeah, he even surprised me yesterday with a dress and a dinner."

"No, not that. I mean about Lucy Carlton!"

"Who's Lucy Carlton?"

"The girl who had a party last week."

"Oh… Ross was in that party?"

"Ummm yeah!" she said, thinking she knew about the rumor.

Rachel was left dumbfounded. She had no idea what her friend was talking about. Ross did mention he went out with Chandler.

Mia finally got the hint that she knew nothing so she nervously smiled, "Rach, I gotta go."

Rachel nodded and shrugged it off then began walking back to her dorm.

"Rachel!" a voice called from behind.

"Oh hey Mark," she greeted her cheering colleague.

"So how are you handling the news?"

"What news?"

"The one about Ross."

"What?"

"Lucy Carlton's party? The night before the competition…? Come on, the whole world knows about it already!"

Rachel stared at him blankly, "Ross went to the competition. We're back together…" she replied, having no idea what their conversation was about.

"No not that Rach- haven't you heard about Lucy's party?"

"Okay, you're the second person who mentioned that to me," she wrinkled her forehead in thought, trying to recall about Lucy Carlton. "Was that the party in which her parents found a naked guy on their bed?"

"Yeah," he slowly nodded, "and that guy was Ross…!"

Rachel squinted, trying to absorb what he just said. "What?"

"That guy- didn't you know? Was I the first one to tell you? I mean, the news is all around campus. I didn't even know who Lucy was until the news spread."

"What do you mean? Ross was the one on her parent's bed?" she gasped, "Naked?"

"That's what she claims! Oh, I'm sorry I broke the news to you. I thought you'd know by now… I-" before he could finish, Rachel stopped him with her hand and left.

She was totally confused.

A few minutes later, she found Ross by the door of her room with a lily in his hand. He smiled at the sight of her and handed her the flower. Rachel didn't say a thing. Instead, she unlocked her door and went in, completely ignoring his presence.

"Rach?" he asked, trying to get her attention. She sat on the bed, and stared at the floor, trying to piece up her puzzled day.

"Rachel?" finally she looked at him, confused and saddened with what might be true. "Are you okay, sweetie? You look flustered," he smiled.

She sternly began to speak, "I was being stared at in school today… in the library."

"Maybe they're proud of you winning the competition, honey."

"Ross, is there anything you haven't told me?" her eyes slowly approached his.

Ross felt his heart beat as fast as a running racehorse, "What?"

"My two teammates came up to me and mentioned Lucy Carlton's name. Were you in her party last Friday?" she coldly asked, hoping it was just a rumor.

Ross nodded, realizing where their conversation was leading to.

"So it's true?"

He looked down to the floor, avoiding her stare, and nodded.

Rachel closed her eyes, hoping it was all a dream.

"Rach-"he began to go near her.

"Get out of my room," she screamed, backing away.

"No, let me explain!"

She stood up, "Explain what? How you ended up on her parents' bed?"

"NO!"

Rachel began to push him out of the room with tears streaming down her face. She felt a sharp knife poking her heart, then ripping it in half., she couldn't explain even explain the sudden agony. "Get out Ross!"

"No," he replied hugging her tight.

Rachel pushed him even more, sobbing, "How could you, Ross?"

"Rachel, it's not that simple."

"What's not simple? Sleeping with someone else?"

He couldn't look at her.

"Is this why you gave me that dress?" she glared at him, pointing at the expensive dress she wore the night before in the hamper, "The lilies? Our date?"

And couldn't answer…

"And to think I had to hear it from someone else?"

"Rachel, I was gonna tell you now. If you didn't-"

"Ross you had since last Saturday to tell me!"

"Please let me explain," he begged, kneeling with his bad leg.

"What for?" she cried. It was too much, too painful.

"Hear me out Rachel … you broke up with me and I got mad. I was angry and Chandler thought it'd be better if I got out of the room. Two hours after waiting for you to call, I followed Chandler and drank more than ever. The next thing I knew, I was on her parents' bed. Rach-"

"So it's my fault? Did I push you that far?"

He shook his head, "No Rachel. we broke up, and I was confused… intoxicated… out of my mind. How insane was I to cheat? I don't cheat, Rachel!"

"I wanted a break, Ross… that doesn't mean that I'm out of your life forever."

"I didn't think of that... I thought I lost you forever!"

Rachel sat on her bed, "Oh please Ross. You and I know what a 'break' means. We've had that more than once."

"No Rach, that night was different, okay."

"Different enough for you to just sleep with someone else!"

"NO!" he retorted, trying to defend himself.

She rubbed her face, "And you were with me the following night… You had sex with me just after you slept with some slut you couldn't recall without even telling me!"

Ross stood up and looked away, wiping his tears. He didn't want things to end hat way… it was too soon… it wasn't supposed to happen.


For more than an hour, Rachel didn't utter a word. She couldn't even look at him. She stared out the window, crying and thinking.

He, conversely, remained fixated on her, wanting to turn back time… undo the things he did. "Rachel?" he asked with his broken voice, "please talk to me."

She looked at his puppy eyes and shed a few more tears before speaking to him, "What do you want me to say?"

"Tell me we can work things out," he stood up and sat across her, "Rachel I can't lose you."

"God, was that why you were so happy when I told you I might be pregnant?"

He pressed his lips together. All he could do was admit to every fault he committed…

Shaking her head, Rachel dabbed her eyes with a tissue, "I don't know Ross. You were someone I never thought would cheat on me… in any way. I thought you were different-"

"I am different," he cut her.

She frowned. "No Ross," she looked away and softly continued, "you're just like the rest of them."

More hours lapsed and nothing seemed to be resolved. She kept on crying and wondering why he had to lie to her, while he kept begging for her forgiveness.

"Rachel please? We can go past this…"

"You're a person I don't even know anymore," she sobbed.

Ross knelt once more at the foot of her bed begging, "No, no Rach. You can't bail out on us, okay?" he paused, "I need you!"

Rachel looked at him as he stood up and kissed her forehead… she closed her eyes upon feeling his warm skin on hers. He gazed at her tear-strained face and kissed her nose, her cheek then eventually her lips, which she responded to.

Just when he thought she finally crossed the bridge to his side, she pushed him away.

"No!" she stopped, "Sometimes you think you can't survive without me… but you can."

He stepped back.

"I don't think we can work past this," she firmly said to him, "You broke my trust. As much as I love you, I don't think I can trust you anymore."

He closed his eyes, wanting to wake up from his bad dream. "This can't be the end… Rach?" he looked up, begging her to reconsider.

"Please go, Ross."

As soon as she looked away, he did as he was told, respecting the decision she made.


Rachel smelled the dress she once used and sighed, sensing a familiar smell she used to love. Never having touched or washed that dress since six months ago, she could still smell the slight mix of her perfume and Ross' perfume, and it just made her think of how he slowly and gently undressed her from that expensive piece of clothing.

Monica barged in the room with a few more dresses in tow, "Have you chosen what to wear?"

"Nope," Rachel replied, dropping the dress she was holding.

Monica picked it up and looked at it, "Rachel this one's lovely. Wear it!" she suggested.

"I can't!"

"Why?"

"Ross gave that to me. I nearly threw that."

Monica hugged the dress, "Are you crazy? Can I have it instead?"

She shook her head, "By the way sweetie, I haven't washed that yet. I think you should stop hugging that?"

Understanding what it meant, Monica quickly threw the dress on the bed, "Eeew, thanks for telling me!"

Rachel laughed.

"Anyway, back to the problem. What are you wearing?"

"These are what I have so far," she laid out her chosen dresses.

"I think you should go with the rose one…"

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's lovely."

"Don't you think I look naked in it?" she asked, putting the dress on top of her.

"Well," Monica arched her eyebrow.

"Okay never mind. Scrap that- should I go with pants or a dress?" she held both choices up, "Or is the black one too plain?"

"Not with this," Monica replied, holding up a beautiful yet simple diamond set buried somewhere in her drawer.

"Mon, I can't wear that!"

"Of course you can," she said, giving her the jewelry.

"Monica, Sarah won't appreciate it!"

"She wouldn't know it's from Ross unless you tell her, Rach."

"Besides, you're there to look hot for James and hotter than Sarah…"

Rachel rolled her eyes listening to her best friend go on and on…


Next part coming up:) Thanks for the Reviews!