LOBSTER WEDDING I
Rachel had just rushed in from work to see Ross and Emma. She was still dressed in her Ralph Lauren suit and stilettos. Dishevelled and stressed out, she walked hastily down the hospital corridor towards Emma's room. Her father stood in the middle of the corridor, blocking her way. Rachel stared at him, stunned. He was dressed in a black tuxedo and a bowtie. He held a beautiful silk wedding dress in his arms.
"Get dressed, you're getting married," Leonard said, pressing the white gown into Rachel's hands.
"Wait, what, married? What are you talking about, daddy? How? Where?" Rachel gasped in disbelief.
Leonard Greene held Rachel by the shoulders and directed her to the hospital bathroom. "Calm down, Rachel, Now, don't ask so many questions. Just get dressed, and all will be revealed."
Rachel shook her head in confusion, "W-what? But daddy, we're at the hospital, what are you talking about?"
"Rachel Karen Greene. For once in your life, would you just listen to me without question?" Leonard chided in exasperation.
Rachel stared wide-eyed at the beautiful gown in her hands, "Wow, daddy, this dress, it's beautiful," she said breathlessly, tears filling her eyes.
Leonard touched Rachel's cheek affectionately, "Only the best for my princess. Now, go on, get dressed. Stop dilly dallying."
Feeling stunned and lightheaded, Rachel wandered into a bathroom stall. She shed her work clothes, keeping the stilettos on. She stepped into the wedding gown. A perfect fit. She untied her hair from its tight work bun, letting her copper hair fall to her shoulders. Rachel stared at herself in the bathroom mirror.
She was blown away by the beautiful woman staring at her in the mirror. Her silk wedding gown swept down her body and trailed onto the floor like a waterfall. Her blue eyes shone brightly with wisdom, maturity, life-experience and love. She was a far cry from the spoilt frivolous bride who burst through the doors of Central Perk in 1994. Rachel stepped out of the bathroom.
Leonard let his tears fall freely down his face. It was the first time he let his daughter see him weep. She looked beautiful. She had grown into such a loving, resilient person, he was so proud of her. More than he could put into words. He initially disliked Ross, viewing him as a weak uncommitted man, but over the years, he had seen Ross mature, and it was plain to see that Ross loved Rachel every ounce as much as he did.
In Leonard's eyes, Ross had grown into a man worthy of his daughter. He was ready to give her away.
"Ready to get married, Pumpkin?" he asked gently.
Rachel nodded, her nerves rendering her mute. This ambush-wedding had left her speechless. She had no idea what to expect next. Rachel linked her arm around her father's arm, and let him escort her down the hospital corridor. Smiling doctors and nurses lined the corridor, congratulating her. Rachel heard the soft sounds of a beautiful familiar song wafting along the corridor.
I never thought that I'd meet somebody like you… No, I don't want to fall in love, this world is only gonna break my heart, with you… crowed a lamenting voice.
It was the song Ross played for her, the first time they made love with each other, on the Planetarium floor. Rachel's heart ached at the memory. Only Ross and Rachel knew the significance of that song. Leonard stopped in front of Emma's hospital room door.
He nodded at Rachel, "When you're ready, sweetheart."