A/N: We get a look now at the seeds of what Joey and Rachel forge in the future. As the Ross turbulence around the group continues to grow. Enjoy.

8: Letter 7

October 13, 2017

Two weeks in they let their story begin. Ross somehow in his status as hero from the homecoming game has quickly become one of the most popular guys in school. A very quick ascension from where somehow only I knew he was a month ago. Now as he has the team contending for an NY State title, Julie keeps him all to herself only leaving him for practice, school and when his Grandma needs him at home.

"Look at them, all the world seems to be theirs." Monica noticed them studying at lunch while being playful with each other. "I swear I could get with any guy who'd want me and be just as floozy as Ms. Gamora over there."

"While there was Carl last year." Phoebe retorted.

"Please, Carl ate chalk, Even I knew that wouldn't be the one for me." We laughed it off while I glimpsed at Ross for a fleeting moment before going back to reality.

Later that night for the first time in nearly 3 weeks I decided to give my letter a gander just to see if these feelings of jealousy were palpable.

"October 13th…13th…oh here it is."

OCTOBER 13th

THE DARK 22

ROSS AND JULIE ARE THE NEW OFFICIAL IT COUPLE AT SCHOOL. JOEY NOTICES MY DOUR MOOD AND INVITES ME TO SYRACUSE GAME WITH HIS DAD THE DAY BEFORE. I WENT WITH AND KISSED HIM WHEN SYRACUSE UPSETS CLEMSON.

"Well I dodged a bullet."

As much as I wanted a relationship, Joey and I go way back and even he knows we weren't meant to be anything other than friends. Just like Will & Grace if neither of us were…

"Hold, On Dark 22…"

I go back to the night that Julie called me to get my blessing to ask out Ross. The same day I put the letter away and let fate take its course. Now I begin to get a picture about what I missed.

SEPTEMBER 28th

JULIE ASKS OUT ROSS DURING HOMEROOM AND RELUCTANTLY HE ACCEPTS. THIS BEGINS THEIR 22 DAY COURTSHIP. YOU AND THE OTHERS PERSONALLY COME TO REFER OF THIS PERIOD AS "THE DARK 22."

Now I look at days preceding today, it has nearly the exact events that happened beforehand play out. Only with a few different details.

"Monica is fat shamed in gym, Phoebe loses it when she gets served non-vegan burgers, Chandler's third nipple becomes infected and he has to have surgery…"

Really did dodge a bullet with this one. Have I already changed the future? Joey according to this kissed me. But he never brought up Syracuse at all.

"Ok, I now have to call him."

The dial was instant and surprisingly within 7 seconds he answered.

"Hello?"

"Joey…"

"Rach, hey whats up."

"Well, was there something you were supposed to ask me?"

"Not that I know of."

"Come on Joey, you can tell I've been in a bit of a funk lately…"

"Rach I really don't know wha…" Joey suddenly went silent for about 15 seconds then I heard a loud groan.

"Joe?"

"Dad just texted me, He was at the Syracuse game with Gina, and they upset Clemson…"

Now my jaw was on the floor.

"He said he had tickets and was going to give a couple to me and told me to bring one of you guys. Man I didn't even think of you."

Joeys whimpers grew by the second and this was now really getting freaky. "Rach I don't know what to say."

"Joe its really Ok, you don't have to worry about it."

We talked for a bit more then I hung up the phone. For the first time I got a glimpse ahead of what took place in the next week according to my future self.

"October 15 Chandler drags me and Phoebe for Blade Runner Showing."

"October 19 Ross says hi and wants to ask me something important before Julie drags him away.

In between those two days however I find out something major.

"October 17, I collapse on morning run and meet Althea."

Now more than ever I decided to keep this with me. If this was a blueprint on how to save Ross from disaster in April then I certainly was going to utilize that opportunity. I'm done letting my wavering insecurities get in the way.

A/N: The Dark 22 Reaches a Climax in Chapter 9: Letter 8 As Always Subscribe for more.