Ross Strolled out of his college building. Tired,annoyed and dishelved. As much as he loved his job, he often hated the part where students treat teachers like trash, irrespective of considering the efforts which they are taking for them.
"If they are not interested, then why did they took the subject as their major "?
He muttered under his breath as he paced towards the coffee shop. He was so wored out. He wanted to do nothing but chill with his friends. Some laughs and gossips..he knew he would be okay after that.
Actually he just wanted to spend the rest of the day with 'her'. But it's not so easy the way how it used to be.
He randomly kicked a small stone as he walked.
It's been two weeks since Rachel began to go out with Chip. Everything seems pretty good with them as Rachel appeared more cheary nowadays. Even Monica was convinced at the way how Rachel described Chip. But no matter how hard he tried, Ross couldn't help but hate Chip.
He knew he was supposed to be happy for Rachel. Things are finally getting back to its place for her. Her father finally forgived her for running off from her own wedding and after a lot of job hunting, she got placed as an assistant manager at Bloomingdale's. But the only thing he couldn't digest was her relationship with Chip.
There was something off with that guy. Heavens know how he managed to woo her again.
As he entered the coffee shop, he spotted his friends sitting around the table. Discontent spreaded across in his face as Rachel was no where to be found between them.
" Hey guys" he greeted rounding the couch and placing the bag at the vacant chair.
All greeted back and Ross ordered a creame latte for himself.
"So..where is Rachel? Is she is with Chip"?
He tried to sound collected as he sipped his latte.
" Yeah. She took a half day leave from work and went out for shopping with Chip" Said Monica as she erratically flipped the pages of a magazine.
"Rach is so irresponsible man! 2 weeks ago she was bawling her eyes out for being unemployed but once she got the job, She is busy roaming with some random jerks".
All eyed Ross suspiciously. Joey finally stopped complaining about the missing cherry in his cake and listened to Ross.
"Random jerk? Ross..Chip is her bo.."
"I know the relationship between them Monica". Ross irritably cut Monica as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"What is with you Ross? Calm down. Your aura is all messed up" said phoebe as she started to arrange his aura.
Ross massaged his temples in distress.
"Sounds like somebody is jealous" Chandler added under his breath.
Ross almost spitted his latte at Chandlers words.
"Jealous? Why should I be jealous"? Asked Ross defensively.
"Then why do you care so much Ross"? Joey asked suspiciously.
"I.." Ross was suddenly out of words. This was the same question which he've been asking to himself for a while now.
"I...sh..she is my friend". He cleared his throat.
"And I dont want her to date a jerk. I mean..he always used to make fun of Monica. Right"? He turned towards his sister for the support.
" It was years ago Ross. Get over it".
Ross and Chandler stared at Monica in disbelif.
"Who are you and what did you do to my girlfriend " asked Chandler.
"What"..? Monica shrugged.
"You made me run for my life for an hour for stealing your Shawn Cassidy poster women"!
The pitch of his voice increased in a jiffy, something which happened whenever he is angry or stressed out.
"I was in 6th grade when I did it! You couldn't forgive that but you could forgive the bully who made you cry your eyes out for weeks! Wow"!
"Hey..are you really bothered about me not being mad at Chip? No. You are only mad at Rachel going out with Chip". Monica snapped at Ross.
Ross was about to argue when he heard the door open and looked up to see the smiling face of Rachel. He smiled. But it disappeared in a trice as he saw Chip trailing behind her.
" Hey you guys" Rachel greeted the gang as she slid down to hold on to Chips arm.
Ross's stomach twitched a bit at the sight.
"We had a lot of fun today". Rachel began. Her eyes tinkled as she spoke. Ross gazed at the blue eyes which he missed.
"...And Chip took me to the mall and I purchased some cute hoodies and tops".
Excitment evident in her voice.
Ross looked over to Chip. He was not at all enjoying the company of them. Disinterest reflected in his face.
" Rach..I think I should just leave now. See you"!
Ross watched as Chip pulled in her for a kiss.
Ross looked away avoiding the vision as Joey and Chandler watched him in suspicion.
She walked Chip to the door.
"I'll see you later." Chip patted her face as he left.
Rachel came back dreamily.
"I am really happy with him Monica..". She happily squeezed her hands.
Ross cleared his throat to get her attention not wanting to dwell on the subject for too long.
"Hey do you wanna catch a movie later".
"No Ross. Not today. I already have a lot of work to do! The manager gave me a couple of things to be done before tomorrow noon. We..me and Chip.."
Her bangs came into her eyes as the wind blew. "We are gonna have a brunch tomorrow. So I am gonna finish all my work by today. So.. busy Ross. Cant make it"
Rachel said apologetically.
Ross nodded knowingly.
There were days when they both fell asleep by watching movies and gossiping about their jobs. But ever since Chip came into the picture.. Rachel seemed busy...Different.
"Its okay Rach. You enjoy" Disappointment echoed in his voice. Everyone except Rachel took notice of this and shared known glances with each other.
Chandler noticed as Ross kept staring at some far away point looking lost while Rachel was busy discussing the outfit she's gonna wear tomorrow.
The following days where horrible for Ross,wherever he went there were Rachel and Chip. Everytime Ross arrived from work,it was a fact that Chip would be there.
Why did he care if Rachel dated Chip? It's her life and her choices. He had his own inner battle every day. Yes he had been feeling protective of Rachel. But it's just because she was her friend and nothing else. He tried to convince himself. Or is it because he was jealous as Chandler said?
Ross went back from his work. Rachel was busy as always. She was no where to be found at the coffee shop and even Monica wasnt aware of the whereabouts of Rachel.
He opened the door to find a kissing Rachel and chip.
They jumped up apart and Rachel looked back to see Ross standing up, a pissed off expression in his face.
" I am sorry " Ross said apologetically as he moved towards his room.
"No Ross. I am sorry. I was about to call you take a half day leave coz we three could hung out in our apartment". Rachel started.
"But once inside the apartment things got in the way and we almost forgot about it" finished Chip. By pulling Rachel closer towards him. She blushed.
Ross sighed and sat back on the couch.
"Let me get you some drinks for you guys". Said Rachel as she left towards the kitchen. After she left Chip sat down next to Ross.
"So..how's your relationship with Rachel going"? He tried to sound nonchalant as possible.
"Oh..great. She's really hot mahn". Said Chip as Ross looked at him annoyed.
"I never realized it in highschool. I mean..ofc she was the dream girl and all but..at that time she was just 'cute'. Who knew she would grow up into a sexy hot chick"?
Ross looked disgusted. What did Rachel see in him?
"She's not just 'hot' dude! Ofc she is gorgeous and have a great personality to look up to". Pride echoed in Ross's voice.
" Get over it dude. Who really cares about the personality"?
"Well..I care about it". Ross's tone changed as he spoke and Chip raised his eyebrows.
"Dude what's your problem. She's my girlfriend".
"Yeah. But that doesn't give you the authority to speak about her like she's just a piece of meat or something". Ross was trying the best to hold up his anger which was becoming so hard to control as seconds passed.
Chip eyed Ross in a baffled manner. He looked like he didnt even realize the problem in his words it seems.
Unaware of the tension, Rachel came back with mojitos and patted Chip on the shoulder.
"So, what were you guys talking about"?
"About you ofcourse". Said Chip as he pulled her towards in for another kiss. He smirked at Ross. The smug expression on his made Ross sick and he was so close in splashing the mojito across his face.
"Hey..Ross is still here" She whispered on to his ears.
But Chip didnt seem to pay attention as he kissed her harder. It looked like he was just doing it for a mere show off infront of Ross.
He couldn't handle it anymore as he walked towards his door and slammed the door against the wall.
After sometime, Rachel walked into the room.
"What was that Ross"?
Ross looked at her. She looked annoyed. How could she be mad at him? It was that stupid Chip who crossed the line.
"What are you talking about"?
"Dont play dumb with me Ross. Is it about Chip"? She asked.
"Ross..I know he couldn't control himself. But it's just because he love me".
Ross scoffed. He cant handle it anymore.
"Chip and love? He dont love you Rach. The way he looks at you like a mere bloody animal..its just disgusting. You saw love in his eyes"?
Rachel looked shocked. She never heard Ross speaking of someone like this.
"Rach..this is the same guy who cheated on you with another girl in highschool. He is that pretencioius jerk,who made fun of me, Monica and many others Open your eyes Rach! He's still the same guy"
Ross tried his best to convince Rachel. But it ended in vain as she began to defend Chip.
"People change Ross! Couldn't you give him a chance for me? He have changed. I could feel it. Why cant you just be nice"?
"I cant change my opinion about Chip anytime sooner Rach. You are too good for him".
Rachel rolled her eyes.
Her patience running really low. Why was he being unreasonable? Ross always got along with people too easily. It's really strange of him to behave in this way.
"I am just looking out for your Rach". Said Ross softly.
But his soft tone didnt calm Rachel.
"Thank you Ross. I appreciate that. But I am not a kid anymore and you are not my guardian. I know what is good for me". She hissed angrily.
Ross looked hurt. He should've remained quiet. It's her life anyway.
She took a step further and poked Ross at his chest.
"You are not worried about me Ross. You are just worried about yourself".
"What do you mean"?
Ross's lips trembled as he spoke. She could see how much she hurted him but yet she decided to continue.
"You cant digest the fact of me being happy with someone. Monica and Chandler have each other and Joey and Pheobe also have their respective partners. You are alone Ross. You are pathetic". The words were out from her mouth even before she realized it.
Ross looked aghast.
"I am pathetic huh"? He laughed softly. Hurt evident in his eyes.
As soon as she glanced at his face, she regretted everything.
Rachel replayed her own words in her head. What was i thinking? She asked to herself.
Ross looked awful. She sighed and was about to apologise when Ross interrupted.
"Out".
He said in a low voice.
"Ross..I am really.." She said grabbing his hands but he pushed her hands away.
"Go..Rach". She was so sure that she saw a tinge of tears in his eyes before him slamming the door in her face.
She felt bad. Really..bad. Ofcourse he was looking out for her. But she hurted him.
" That was a low blow" she said to herself after recalling her own words.
Guys, I know its been too long since I've updated this story. But I am sure it wont take any time further. Rate and Reveiw if possible. Thank you!
