This is the epilogue for Rachel or Julie…hope you have enjoyed the story.

Epilogue: The Kiss

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Rachel cleared off the tables as the last customer left Central Perk. The emptiness in the coffee house matched her desolated feelings inside. Ross was all but gone…something inside of her told her it was not quite yet over.

Ross took a deep breath before he entered Central Perk. Rachel was alone with her back to him at the counter. For a short time, he just stood there silently watching her. Even though the coffeehouse was somewhat dark, her perfect beauty captured him. He could smell her scent in the air. An uncontrollable desire to go over and kiss her swept over him. Where was this all coming from? Had he not already made his decision? Suddenly she turned around and reality became evident again.

Rachel stood there somewhat shocked that it was Ross stood there for a minute not knowing what to say. He looked so unattainable and that made him even more desirable. Drops of rain ran from his coat fell to the floor in a small puddle. They stood there for a moment looking at each other, not knowing quite how to approach each other or their uncomfortable situation.

Rachel still somewhat stunned by the uncomfortable situation could not think of anything to say except, "Hi."

"I didn't get a cat", Ross replied. He stopped, that sounded like he had just changed his mind about Julie.

"Oh, that's interesting", Rachel not knowing quite what to say slowly stumbled into the conversation.

With her slight lack of interest in his statement he then reverted back to his preplanned decision by informing her, "It's the farthest thing from interesting. In fact, it is about 100 percent completely opposite of interesting."

Rachel, sort of stunnedwith his change of mind replied a somewhat short manner, "Alright, I get it Ross."

With her last statement Ross was now becoming more determined, replied back, "You had no right telling me you had feelings for me."

Rachel angrily replied in a somewhat louder unbelieveable tone, "What?"

"Hey, I was doing great with Julie, before I found out about you."

"Hey, I was doing great until I found out about you. Do you think it is easy for me to see you with Julie?"

"Then you should have said something before I met her."

"I didn't know then. And how come you never said anything to me?"

"There was never a good time."

"Right Ross, you only had a year. We hung out practically every night."

Not…not…not every night. And you know…and it's not like I didn't try. But things got in the way, like Italian guys, or ex-fiancés."

"If I remember right, there was one Italian guy. Please just get to the point."

"The point is, I am happy now. It's too late. I'm happy. This ship has sailed."

"So what you are saying is that you can just put your feelings aside or whatever the hell is was you felt for me?"

"Hey, I have been doing it since the ninth grade. I've gotten pretty damn good at it."

"Alright Ross, you go ahead and do that."

"Fine."

"Cause, I don't need your stupid ship."

"Good", Ross replied as he left the coffee house slamming the door.

Rachel ran over and opened the door and replied, "And you know what, now I have closure."

Rachel slammed and locked the door. She wanted to make sure he would not get back in again. How could she have been such a fool? Shortly, her anger subsided and the thought of losing him completely to another woman suddenly overtook her emotions. She sat down on the couch, buried her head in her hands and cried.

Ross slowly walked away from the coffee house. The more distance he put between the two of them the more frightened he became. He could not stand the thought of losing Rachel. He had loved her too many years. He liked Julie but he was not in love with her. Rachel was the one he was in love with. He turned and ran back to the coffee house. When he arrived, the door was locked. Suddenly, he felt locked out of her life. He looked through the window. She was setting on the couch.

Rachel, determined to move on, stood up from the couch. Every type of fear suddenly enveloped her. Someone was starring at her through the window. Oh my God, IT WAS ROSS! She unconsciously walked over to the door and unlocked it. Ross, the lovesick puppy stood outside patiently waiting. He wanted her so badly. What was taking her so long? She tried opening the door, but it would not open.

Ross seeing her dilemma advised, "Try the bottom one."

She unlocked it and opened the door. She stood there silently waiting for her prince to come through the door.

Ross stood there for a second. He had never wanted anyone this badly, even his wife Carol.Rachel stood there silent and appeared vulnerable which made her even more desirable. He walked through the door. Suddenly their lips met in a soft kiss. Her hands softly stroked his face while he placed his hands first softly on her waist and then around her. Feelings of past rejections, his, a repressed love for many years; hers, a woman that threatened to take away the most perfect man she had ever known. The guilt of their desire for each other melted away as they sank farther into the kiss. At that moment, they both knew,his love and her wishes had conquered all.

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THE END