To start off, I'd like to thank everyone again for the reviews, and please keep them coming. And to answer some questions, I'm glad everyone wants a simple, romantic story between Ross and Rachel, because that's the kind of vibe I was going for from the beginning. I will incorporate a few "interesting" events later on, but unless I have a brilliant writer's streak, or someone gives me an intriguing idea, I hope you will continue to enjoy my story at the pace it's going, thanks
((About a month later, Central Perk))
"So, are you guys excited about the whole Beach House experience?" Phoebe asked everyone, only slightly enthusiastic.
Ross squeezed Rachel's hand, "Yea, it's gonna be great!"
She smiled back, "And definitely romantic…"
They giggled and began to make-out on the couch, which was followed by an exhaust of "uggh"s from the rest of the group.
"And they're having their own room, am I correct?" Chandler asked Phoebe, pleading.
"First come, first serve. There will be plenty of rooms, so we'll just have to run and grab the first one we see," she replied.
"Hey, it's like Rat Race, but for… rooms…" Joey tried to explain.
Chandler sighed, "Nice one, Joe."
Monica came back with her latte and sat down beside the lobsters on the couch, "So Rach, Phoebe and I thought it might be fun to have a shopping outing today. You know, to get some cute bathing suits for the trip. You interested?"
Phoebe laughed, "Do you even have to ask?"
"Yea, that sounds good, what time are you thinking?" Rachel asked.
"Well, if you're ready now, I don't see why we have to wait…" Monica answered, starting to get up.
Twiddling her thumbs, Rachel sighed, "Actually, I kind of needed to grab something around the corner before we go, so maybe we could meet at Bloomingdale's in, like… half an hour?"
Phoebe and Monica exchanged looks before answering, "You want us to go with you?"
Grabbing her purse, she shook her head briefly, "No, I've got it covered. I just wanted to check out some of the new makeup at the pharmacy, it won't take long."
Before she left, Rachel leaned down over the couch to give Ross and prolonged kiss, which he eagerly returned. Then she walked out of the coffee house and turned the corner, walking towards the pharmacy.
((local pharmacy))
Rachel strode down the many aisles, checking out everything in sight. The new brand of make-up they had brought in was great, and she ended up picking out a few lipsticks and other various items, so the others wouldn't think of her trip as "suspicious".
Then she hurried towards the medicine, reading the labels on the top of the banners, looking for the one she needed. Frustrated, she headed for the pharmacy desk, and asked the receptionist where she could find what she was looking for. The woman pointed her in the right direction and she was back on task in a matter of minutes.
Scanning the shelves, she finally picked out a box and dropped it into her basket. Maybe this wasn't necessary, or was it? She couldn't help but ask herself the question. But she decided it was better to just give it a shot…
After purchasing her items, she returned to the streets, hailed a cab, and was on her way to Bloomingdale's where she would meet Monica and Phoebe.
((Bloomingdale's with Monica and Phoebe))
"So, I think I'm gonna get the one with polka dots, do you think it looked better than that other one I tried on?" Phoebe asked her friends.
Rachel smiled, "Yea, it's definitely a good look for you."
"Ok, you guys just wait here while I go buy this at the register," Phoebe said, and walked away.
Rachel continued to look through some racks of swimwear, all the while oblivious to Monica, who was watching her intently. Finally, she spoke up,
"Rachel, I was just wondering… is everything, I don't know, alright with you? I mean, you've been acting kind of distant lately, and I'm kind of worried about you."
"Oh, me? Yea, you know how it gets sometimes, right?"
Monica shook her head, "Rach, what are you talking about?"
She sighed before answering, "I guess I've just been thinking about a lot of things… with Ross and me. Okay, well… you're his sister, so do you know how willing he is to deal with, um change?"
"I don't see where you're going with this, are you afraid you guys are moving too fast or something?" Monica tried to suggest.
Rachel thought for a moment, "Yea, yea that's it. I mean, I've never been so in love before, and I don't want to rush things, but sometimes things happen and you just have to… deal with them. I'm just worried that Ross is going to freak out…"
"Rachel, I'm sure that whatever you're dealing with that may make him think you're moving too fast is probably not even worth worrying about. Believe me, Ross is such a sweet guy, you should know that! He's going to love you no matter what happens with your relationship, and he has rushed into things so many times before, it's not going to be a problem," Monica reassured her.
"Thanks, sweetie, you're so great," Rachel said, giving her friend a hug.
At that time, Phoebe walked over, and the group left Bloomingdale's, ready for a good night's sleep so they could be ready for their trip the next morning.
I think this chapter was a little longer than last time, so I hope that satisfies everyone. I myself like longer chapters in a story, so I'll try my best to lengthen them. Also, keep up the requests and reviews, thanks again