For all who have followed my story, I thank you. This is not the end … yet.
A few weeks ago I happened to come across a show entitled "The 100 Greatest Television Characters of All Time." Unfortunately I missed over half the show. I started watching as the countdown hit #46. I was blown away by what I saw, #46 was the cast of "Friends". Marta Kaufman and David Crane were interviewed for the show. Here is an unedited excerpt from very end of the interview:
Kaufman: "Rachel's changed enormously. She is a spoiled princess who at that point never had any responsibility, never had to work a day in her life."
Crane: "And we've really watched her really grow over these 10 years to be able to handle career …"
Kaufmann: " … and child."
Crane: "She has a baby and she masters that. A lot of what the series has been about has been her growth and her maturity."
Crane: "Ross is a guy who life keeps knocking him down."
Kaufman: "We all feel a little bit like that, like you just get knocked down and gotta keep getting back up and he's such a fighter and he wanted Rachel so much and I think your heart goes out to the person who wants something."
Crane: "…. Yeah and by the end of the show he is kind of our romantic hero. We've waited 10 years to stand up and cheer for him and we finally get a chance to."
Kaufman: "I don't know that there is any role that anybody else could have played and it would have been the same show."
Crane: "That's certainly true. I think if were to you change that one element it might have been an OK show but it would not have been the same show."
There you go; you heard it from the creators of the show. If not for these two characters (especially Ross) "… it might have been an OK show but it would not have been the same show."
I dedicate this chapter to FLOAT LIKE A SPONGE who gave us "A Dance with New York." I was born in Brooklyn and my second home is upstate. In many ways it felt like being home again.
Please enjoy …
The wedding was imminent.
The plans had been made.
The invitations had been sent.
The hall had been rented.
The girls had decided that the gang needed a break … so an engagement party had been planned.
"The Blue Martini?" Asked Joey. "What's so special about that place?"
Monica snapped at him "It's a new club on the upper east-side. The place has like 5 bars in it. The place has dancing and karaoke too!"
"It sounds expensive."
Turning her face to her fiancé, she fired off an equally frustrated response "Yes Chandler, it is expensive but how many times do you get married?"
Monica had left the door wide open for Chandler. She would soon lament trying to be the group's social director …
"Well, if you're Ross you tend to lose count!" he replied.
Ross was not amused. He glared at his friend. "When is my utter failure at marriage EVER going to stop being the focus of your jokes, Chandler?"
Chandler was repentant, "Sorry dude. It just comes naturally, like gas."
Ross turned his gaze to his sister … "And you are marrying this guy?"
"Yes, and you will soon be his brother-in-law. You better get a thicker skin Ross or come up with some jokes about Chandler. That'll shut him up."
"What time do we meet up tonight?" asked Joey.
"Be here at 6 PM sharp. We'll hail a cab and get something to eat. I'd like to get to the club by 8:30. I've been told it gets really crowded after 9."
Low-and-behold the entire group showed up at Monica and Chandler's that evening on time, much to her shock and awe. Hailing a cab the friends were whisked away to the upper east-side of Manhattan Island to dine. After dinner they walked the short distance to the club.
"$15 for a martini?"
"Chandler! Stop being so cheap! You've got to learn to loosen the purse strings a bit!"
"Yes dear." Replied her fiancé, not wishing to appear cheap before his friends.
Monica scanned the group. This was it, the embodiment of life. She was getting married to the one she loved, the man who loved her, the one she hoped to bear children for and ultimately be separated from only in death. It was everything she had imagined, and so much more. She had her friends, her family that she got to pick.
Her eyes moved from person-to-person. She smiled at Joey, the man-child, so innocent yet so much the womanizer. He was a true study in contrasts.
Her eyes moved to Phoebe, her sister in life. She could not imagine life without her. Her life would have been so dull and without color with no Phoebe.
Her eyes moved to Ross, her brother, who she loved so much. He had become the most resilient of the group. He had endured more than the rest combined, yet he had still recovered from it all. He had no idea of what was about to transpire that night.
Her eyes moved to the one he loved. There she sat, looking Monica right in the eyes. Without words she spoke to her, wishing her the best and asking for support in what she was about to do.
Her fiancé sat next to her, holding her hand. She looked up into his eyes. He seemed so happy. She smiled because she knew that she had made him so.
After an initial round of drinks the group moved to the dance floor and proceeded to sway to the music. Everyone was so happy. The only indication that something was afoot was the occasional eye contact between Monica and Rachel. Monica had made a great sacrifice for her friend. Monica knew that things would never be the same, ever. The past would die, hopefully giving birth to a glorious future.
After dancing the plan began to unfold …
"Hey guys, lets go to the karaoke bar. It should be worth a laugh!"
"I don't know Monica …"
"Chandler, relax. I'm not going to ask you to sing for us, it's totally voluntary!"
The group sat down at a table and ordered another round of drinks. This would be their third drink. By now they were relaxed and enjoying themselves. A DJ entered the room and proceeded to the small stage. Grabbing his microphone he began the show …
"Good evening folks. I would like to welcome you to the Blue Martini's karaoke bar. Here you can relax and watch your fellow patrons make complete fools out of themselves to your favorite tunes."
Monica turned to her friend, concerned. She was nervous and the "complete fools" comment by the DJ didn't help things. She reached across to Rachel, grabbing her hand. As soon as Rachel felt her touch she turned to look at her friend. She smiled a "thank you" to her in return.
Over the next two hours a number of patrons would embarrass themselves by going up on stage and trying to sing their favorite songs, with embarrassing results.
The group had had their fourth round by now and they were totally giddy. No matter what was said or sung the group would break into laughter.
She waited…
Joey had decided to give it a try. When asked for a volunteer he gingerly rose from his seat and walked up to the stage, swaying a bit on the way up.
"And your name is?"
"Joey Tribbianni."
"Are you THE Joey Tribbianni from Days of Our Lives?"
"Yeah, that's me."
Applause and screams from the ladies in attendance rose from the crowd ….
"Well Joey, what are you going to sing for us tonight?"
Wanting to surprise his friends he whispered his answer to the DJ, so only he could hear it. When the music started each of his friends almost died of laughter. Joey had just broken up with Janeen and chose to sing "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. The group couldn't take it. The combination of alcohol and Joey's extremely off-key singing set them off laughing, hysterically.
After Joey, Ross surprised everyone, especially Rachel, by getting up and singing his rendition of "Love Grows" by Edison Lighthouse ….
…
there's something about her hand holding mine
It's a feeling
that's fine
And I just gotta say
She's really got a magical
spell
And it's working so well
That I can't get away
I'm
a lucky fella
And I've just got to tell her
That I love her
endlessly
Because Love grows where my Rosemary goes
And nobody
knows like me …
Tears of happiness and laughter spread among the group. For a fleeting moment the realities of life and death had escaped them. The years of their separation and the imminent death of their parents had been momentarily forgotten. They laughed and cried, his singing was not that bad but definitely not good. Rachel had tears in her eyes as he sang his song for her. As he sang his eyes never left hers. She cried discretely with tears brought on by the realization of how really much in love he was with her. He had exposed himself, on stage, in front of hundreds of people, just for her. Ross didn't realize it but his time would soon come …
After a short break the DJ returned to the stage …
"It's getting late folks … we're having a last call for both drinks and volunteers for tonight's karaoke contest. Do we have any more volunteers…"
Rachel took a deep breath. Time slowed …
Slowly she raised her head and spied Monica staring into her eyes.
"Its time …"
"I know." Replied Rachel.
The rest of her life would be based upon the next five minutes. She was nervous, scared, exhilarated and so utterly excited. She had to do this …
"Can I have a show of hands of those who wish to participate in tonight's contest?" Asked the DJ.
Only one hand rose from the crowd …
"Please Miss, come up on stage …"
As she stood Rachel looked one last time towards her best friend.
Monica knew she was scared, she could see it in her eyes. Rachel was never one to volunteer to get up before a group of people. It simply wasn't her nature.
Ross on the other hand was both giddy and shocked. He had never known her to be so adventurous, he thought of her as the last person who would perform in front of an audience. He was surprised and curious …
As she walked towards the stage she felt the stares of a hundred pairs of eyes, piercing through her flesh.
She rose to the stage …
"And our last contestant tonight it …" he said as he pointed the microphone to her mouth.
"Rachel, Rachel Green."
"Alright Rachel, what will you be singing for us tonight?"
Rachel turned to the DJ and whispered something into his ear. The DJ appeared to be caught somewhat off guard by her request. After fumbling around for what seemed like an eternity the DY continued …
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Rachel will be our last contestant of the evening. Rachel, are you ready?"
She looked out onto the crowd. Taking a deep breath she continued …
"As ready as I'll ever be."
The lights lowered.
The audience quieted.
The music started …
There she stood, the center of attention for everyone present. Now was the time, the time to show him how much he really meant to her, to show him how much he was loved by her.
She turned to face the video monitor used by the contestants to read the lyrics to the songs they were singing. The words appeared and scrolled down the screen. She turned away from the monitor, never to look at it again. She would need no one's help remembering the lyrics, now or forever. The words were engraved forever in her heart.
Her gaze shifted to him where it would remain …
It all came so easy,
All the loving you gave me,
The feelings we shared …
And I still can remember
How your touch was so tender,
It told me you cared …
Rachel was no singer. Her singing was almost as bad as Ross's. The audience sprang into laughter, making it harder for her to continue.
Her performance seemed comical to all but two in attendance that night. One sat there mesmerized, hinging his attention on every word. He had heard this song before, but where? His memory failed him. He strained his mind to remember …
His sister sat there shifting her eyes from him to her and back. She knew how difficult this was for her friend; she prayed that she could continue through the din of laughter.
Rachel, feeling ever more self-conscious at all of the attention on her could have bolted at any time, but she didn't. She locked her eyes on his, never letting go …
We had a once in a lifetime
But
I just couldn't see, until it was gone
A
second once in a lifetime, may be too much to ask
But
I swear from now on …
… It came to him, like a lightening bolt from the heavens. The song was his, one that he had used years ago to try to convince her, to give them another chance. It was his invitation to the one he loved … and had lost. His mouth slowly opened. He too knew the song by heart. He mouthed the words as she sang them …
… And Rachel knew.
If ever you're in my arms again
This
time I'll love you much better
If
ever you're in my arms again
This
time I'll hold you forever
This
time will never end
Rachel's
eyes never left his. She gained strength and resolve from his eyes
and from his mouth.
By now Monica had begun to cry. Other than Rachel she was the only one who knew the magnitude of the events as they happened. Noting her tears, Chandler turned …
"What's wrong, Monica?"
She couldn't answer, instead she held his hand and directed his attention towards Ross, who by now had eyes of wet glass.
Now
I'm seeing clearly
How
I still need you near
me
I still love you so
There's something between us
That
won't ever leave us
There's
no letting go …
By now Phoebe and Joey knew that something was going on. Rachel had been staring at her boyfriend the entire song. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes. They turned towards Ross whose emotional state was fast decaying. The invitation of a lifetime was at hand …
We
had a once in a lifetime
But I just didn't know it
Till my life fell apart
A second once in a lifetime
Isn't
too much to ask
'Cause I swear from the heart …
If
ever you're in my arms again
This time I'll love you much better
If ever you're in my arms again
This time I'll hold you forever
This time will never end
She broke down … she couldn't continue any longer …
The crowd went silent.
The music stopped.
She cried … his heart broke.
The DJ rushed to her side …
"Rachel, are you alright? Here, take this." He said as he handed her a handkerchief.
"I'm fine." She replied. Regaining her composure she whispered again into his ear. Acknowledging her request he lifted the microphone …
"Ladies and gentlemen, can we please have a round of applause for Ms. Rachel Green."
The audience went wild with their gratitude for her attempt ...
Ross, still stunned by events, slowly raised his hands and got in a few claps before the applause died down.
The DJ continued …
"Ladies and gentlemen, Rachel has a special request and she needs your help. She would like to invite her very good friend Ross back up on stage for a moment. Please help get Ross back up here by giving him a round of applause."
The audience again went wild with their applause. Ross, totally focused on his tearful girlfriend rose from his seat and walked. Once up on stage he took Rachel in his arms and gently lowered her face to his chest. She crushed him with all her might, not wanting to let go, but she had to, she was not yet finished …
Releasing Ross she turned to the DJ and smiled. He spoke …
"Rachel, how long have you known Ross?"
"I've known him since I was six years old. I am best friends with his sister Monica." She said, pointing toward his sister.
"So Rachel, what is Ross to you, your boyfriend?
"Ross has been many things to me. He's been my best friend, my boyfriend and my husband."
"So what was the significance of the song you sang for us this evening?"
"The song is very special to us. Ross and I broke up a few years ago and he gave me the song as an invitation to get back together."
"And did you get back together?"
"No."
"Then why did you sing it for him?"
"Months ago we got married and then divorced. While we were married Ross was the best husband a girl could ask for …and yet I divorced him ... it was the biggest mistake of my life. I sang the song and asked him on stage because I wanted to give him something."
There was a slight pause …
A figure rose from the audience and slowly walked to the stage. Arriving at her side Monica gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek, whispering "Good luck" to her friend. Turning to her brother she hugged and kissed him too. Before she left she pulled out a small black velvet box and handed it to her friend. She returned to her seat and the arms of her fiancé.
Rachel looked at the box and then over to him. His eyes were glassy and wet. He was unprepared for her next action …
As she stood there with her hands at her side she began to cry. She looked into the audience at her friend who was also crying. Monica was so happy for her …
Rachel then did something so simple yet so remarkable, she dropped to one knee and proceeded to open the velvet box. Inside Ross spied a simple ring, made of platinum.
"Ross, you have taken my heart. Please take this ring and be my husband again. This time we'll make it last forever."
He stood there dumbfounded. This was not the way it was supposed to be ... it was infinitely better. The one he loved, the woman of his dreams was proposing to HIM! It was all too much for him. He became lightheaded. He fell to his knees if front of her. He imagined that it had all been a dream, too good to be true. He took a deep breath and looked up to see her there, still holding the box, holding the ring. His mouth opened but nothing came out. His eyes started to tear. He mustered up every last bit of emotional energy he had …
"How could I not say yes to the woman I love?" …
… and he finished with a whisper only she could hear … "I promise to love you and be faithful you until I can breathe no more."
Slowly she removed the ring from the box, shaking and crying the whole time. Placing it on his finger they embraced. Their lips met in uninhibited passion. The frustration and pain of all of their years of mistakes was released in the loud cries they shared.
The crowd went wild …
Their friends hugged and cried, walking to the stage and embracing the engaged couple.
Sitting there with their friends on their favorite couch in their favorite coffee house the pair embraced with tears in their eyes. They were getting married together, at the same time. It would be a double wedding. Monica would marry Chandler while Rachel would marry Ross …
"My God Rachel! We only have a week before the wedding! We need to find you a wedding dress and find you some shoes and express mail more invitations …"
She stared at her fried with tears of happiness. She was so happy. She giggled at Monica as she went on and on about the wedding plans. Monica was in rare form that night. Rachel had no doubts that everything would be ready in time, after all, it was Monica's wedding too.
She reached over to her friend and gently picked up her hand, causing Monica to pause …
"Monica, thank you for letting me steal some of your thunder …"
Credit goes to the incomparable Peebo Bryson for "If Ever Your in My Arms Again".