You would never guess that the group gathered at JFK was together for such a purpose. Monica and Chandler tried to keep Erica and Jack calmed down before they got on the plane. Emma just kept hugging her Minnie Mouse and Ross tried valiantly to keep her in one place and hold on to Izzy's stroller. Rachel looked the picture of health, except for the wig that rested on her sullen face. She had treated herself to a spray tan, aware that with the chemo, she would have to be covered from the sun. Ben had the job of pushing his stepmother in her wheelchair , which was provided by the airlines. Phoebe just seemed to want to stare over at her friend, trying to recover from the battle. Joey returned holding everyone's plane tickets. The adults would be in first class, the kids in coach with the sitter that had been hired so everyone could enjoy themselves.
"Well that's us." Joey announced as the entourage moved toward the plane's door. Rachel felt very self conscious as she was pushed to the front of the line and first on the plane. Her arms were like little twigs , showing the significant weight loss from the disease. She had found a special tank top specifically for her needs at a breast boutique. Reconstructive surgery was still months away. They wanted to make sure that her system was clear of the cancer. The flight attendant took control of the chair and then Rachel was taken to her seat.
"I don't know whether I feel like royalty or an invalid?" Rachel said as she was settled in her seat. Ross had managed to be seated next to her at the same time. "Well, you are my queen, so I guess you are royalty." He said patting her hand. He then leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. "And for once, no puzzle on the flight." He announced. That brought a giggle to Rachel's face. She had fond memories of that Vegas flight.
Phoebe managed to be seated back in coach, so she could take care of the kids, especially Emma and Izzy. Ben was perfectly content to sit with his Ipod on and listen to his music. He just hoped that this trip wouldn't be lame, after all he was a teenager now. His blonde hair covered his eyes. Sophie sat next to her daddy and he helped with the twins.
Alex Tribbiani curled her arm around her husband's. "This has got to be the sweetest thing you have ever done. I knew that you were a good guy under that whole "player" exterior." She cooed. "These people are my family, they believed in me when no one did, even my own family." He said sincerely. "I was so shocked when you called and told me to get on a plane to New York and then this." She said.
"I kind of feel bad that Phoebe and Mike are with the kids in coach." Monica sighed. "It was their idea." Alex said. "They know how hard this has been and wanted you guys to have a relaxing flight."
"I just think it is great that we could do this all together. " Monica said. Rachel just laid her head back and then laid it on her husband's .This was family. They all were. If she could fight this, she could do anything. After all, she had gone from waitress to executive. She had tackled single motherhood and she could truthfully say she had it all. A great career, two beautiful children, great friends, and a loving husband.
After a short flight, the plane started to make its approach into Orlando International Airport. As the kids looked out the window, they saw blue pools and lots of cars. Emma strained her eyes. "Hey , I can't see Cinderella's Castle." She yelled. "And where is Mickey Mouse?" cried Jack. Mike knew what he had to do. "Well, guys those are all the houses and cars, " Then he spotted some big building and decided to invent the castle."Look Emma, there it is." It could have been a church or a hotel, but to Emma , it was the place where dreams come true.
The flight attendant had collected the champagne glasses and was preparing for the landing. "We are approaching Orlando , the temperature is eighty five degrees."
"Eighty five! Back home it is snowing." Yelled Chandler. When the plane touched down, it startled Rachel. She woke to see that Ross was still asleep and snoring. She took her hand and tapped him. "Ross?" she said softly. Nothing. Rachel tapped him again and called him. Still nothing. She took her hand and smacked the top of his head and yelled. "Ross ! Wake up! We're here." Ross had to admit he was exhausted and the nap was refreshing.
As everyone got off the plane, Rachel leaned on Chandler so Ross could have a break. Ross rubbed his eyes and then he gave a sleepy smile to his sister who held him up. "I know that you are tired as well. This hasn't been easy on any of us, but you have suffered the most of us. " Monica said with admiration. "I admire you , big brother."
The flight attendant had the wheelchair waiting as Chandler eased Rachel in it. "You OK?" he said. Rachel nodded. " They had also arranged for a cart to transport her through the airport. "Wow I feel like a celebrity." Rachel said with awe. Joey smiled and gave her a kiss. "I arranged this when we put together the trip. There are a few very special surprises as well." He smiled. Emma ran into her mother's lap as Phoebe held Izzy's hand. "Mommy, we are going to see Mickey Mouse." Emma jumped up and down. Rachel picked her up with a little help from her uncle. "Yes sweetie, we are." She whispered. The cart maneuvered through the airport to the waiting car.
"It's a limo." Squealed Rachel. "A big huge limo. Oh Joey, thank you." Rachel hugged him. "I told you nothing but first class." He said.
Palm trees festooned the front of the luxury hotel. The tower was modeled after a turn of the century resort. The lobby was huge. Since everyone had been separated in cars and compartments, it was nice that kids and parents were reunited.
"Here is your suite." The concierge said as she wheeled in Rachel to their mammoth hotel room. There was a room for Izzy, Emma , and Ben and another larger room for Ross and Rachel. This was actually the lay out for each couple except for Alex and Joey, since they were the ones with no kids. Ross and Rachel had the most kids, so they had the biggest suite. Ben grabbed his cell and started out the door. "And where are you going ?" Ross asked sternly. "We are settling in and then we are going to dinner." Ben turned and said. "There are girls , Dad. I'll be back." Ross turned to Rachel for confirmation. "Let him go. You remember what it was like to be fifteen?" she said gently. Yes he did , especially when he first saw her in a pink bikini.
"It's their trip." Monica said as she unpacked clothes for the kids. Chandler nodded. "I know, but I just know he is going to drag me to Universal and that Jurassic Park ride." He moaned. "Or to EPCOT and all that science stuff."
"Is it really so bad?" Monica said , knowing full well that after growing up with Ross it was. "I mean , I put up with your Miss Congeniality and those Will and Grace marathons. Surely you can put up with the science stuff, Rachel is going to want to spend time with her kids and then she will be exhausted." Chandler knew that as painful as it was, he would do this for his best friend.
"Mommy! Where is my princesses shirt?" Erica yelled. Monica had to laugh at her. She was so close to her cousin that she was becoming the little fashionista.
"Sophie, do you want to go see Mickey?" Phoebe said as she changed her daughter. Her bright eyes made her so glad that she was finally a mother. She had finally gotten the soccer mom , normal existence that she had wanted. Sophie wouldn't have the kind of life she did. She would have a loving mom and daddy and a nice house. And Phoebe would love her like no other mother had loved her. Mike was getting the video camera ready to capture this memorable trip.
"And now I think I should reward the hero. "Alex said as they were finally settled in their own luxury suite. Her and Joey were savoring these moments as they stood holding each other. "I like this." Joey smiled and then he had to say the line that made Alex laugh. "How you doin?" he leaned into her and then the two of them kissed.
Rachel stared out the window and felt the warm Florida sun on her face. For the first time in weeks, she actually had an appetite. She had to say something. "Honey, I hope we are eating soon. I actually am starving." Ross ran over and hugged her."You are hungry?" he asked surprised. Rachel smiled and nodded. "Yep, could eat a horse." He took her in his arms and he didn't care who knew it. She was getting better. She was going to be fine.
Hey there everyone . I am updating …I would like to dedicate this story to my sis and dear friend , Jen…. It is great to be talking again.