Chapter 1

Where It All Began

By Dajsha Wessel

Rachel Karen Green. She was unbelievable. She was everything he ever wanted. He would do anything for her. However, he was only able to love her from afar. He was certain she didn't know he existed. Let alone know how he felt about her. He couldn't believe that someone who looked as angelic as her could be real.

Let me give you some backstory. My name is Ross Geller. Rachel is my little sister, Monica's, best friend. They have known each other since they were six years old. I never used to look at Rachel that way. She was just my sister's annoying friend but recently I've been developing some feelings towards her.

It all started on a hot day in the spring of 1984. Rachel had come over to spend spring break with Monica. Rachel and Monica were always hanging out at our house. If they weren't there then they were out shopping or catching a movie. However, this particular spring was different. My parents, Jack and Judy Geller had recently gotten a pool put into the back yard. As much as I liked having a pool, I hated that I always had to be the one to clean it, it wasn't fair seeing as I wasn't the only one who used it. However, my dad said that it was a man's job, and since he was getting older it became my responsibility.

On this particular day Monica ran up to my room, banging on the door she said. "Hey dingus, Mom and Dad said you have to clean the pool. Rachel is coming over today and we want to get in.".

Hearing no reply she banged on the door again. "ROSS!".

Taking in a deep sigh, he replied. "Ugh, fine. I'll be out there in a minute Mon."

Satisfied Monica headed to her bedroom and started to get ready. She hated wearing a bathing suit. She was always so self-conscious of her body and the girls at school didn't make it any easier. But Monica always felt comfortable in front of Rachel. She never made fun of her. In fact, she always made a point to tell Monica that she wasn't fat and that she was beautiful in her own way.

Ross finally got off his bed and decided he might also get into the pool. Surely the girls wouldn't mind, It was a really hot day and this was his house too. He walked over to his wardrobe and began putting on some swim trunks. He was going to put on a tank top but decided against it, he was just going to take it off in a second anyway.

With that, he headed down the stairs and made his way to the pool. After walking into the backyard he noticed there were some bugs and leaves in the pool. Making his way to the other side he grabbed a net so he could get them out.

He was almost done when he heard the back door slide open. Upon looking up he saw Monica and Rachel following shortly behind.

"Ugh, aren't you almost done!" Whined Monica.

"Yeah." He replied, looking down and going back to his task. "I just have to get these last few leaves."

Monica rolled her eyes and just looked at Rachel. "There are some lounge chairs over there. You can put your stuff down. I'll go get us some lemonade while we wait for dingus to finish."

"Okay, thanks Mon." Replied Rachel. Heading over to the lounge chair, she put her bag down and started to take off her clothes. She slowly slid off her denim shorts and began to take her shirt off. She stuffed her clothes into her bag and began to apply tanning oil. She was about to sit on the lounge chair when she noticed Ross was staring at her. His mouth was agape, seeing the look on his face, she could've sworn he was looking a little flustered.

"What? Is there something wrong with my bathing suit?" She said looking down at herself.

"Huh?... Oh, no…nothing is wrong. I just thought I saw something." Feeling nervous that he just got caught staring, he quickly finished and put the net back into its designated spot. He began to head back inside when Rachel spoke again.

"Hey, aren't you going to get in too?" She said with a smirk.

"Uh…No… I t-think I am okay. I didn't really want to swim anyways."

Cawking an eyebrow. She looked at him, giving him a face to let him know that she knew he was lying. "So why are you wearing swim trunks then." She said teasingly.

Before he could say anything, Rachel walked over to him seductively looking him up and down. "I didn't make you uncomfortable did I? It's okay Ross, you were just looking."

Feeling slightly embarrassed he took a big gulp and ran inside. Not paying attention to where he was going he almost ran into Monica.

"Hey, watch where you're going." Monica said.

"Sorry." He said a little flustered. His heart was still pounding after that encounter with Rachel. Why was he feeling like this? What was this feeling in his stomach? Why were his swim trunks starting to feel a little uncomfortable?

Seeing her brother's state Monica asked. "Hey, are you okay? You look a little red?"

Frantically looking for an excuse Ross blurted out "Yes! I just got too overheated. I'm gonna go hang in my room and cool down."

Not buying this excuse, Monica squinted her eyes and looked at him closely. "Okay, well we'll be outside, don't bother us. Got it, dork?"

Before Monica could say anything further, Ross just muttered "Uh huh" and made his way to his room. After taking the stairs two steps at a time, he burst into his room. Feeling hot all over, he grabbed his bathrobe and headed to the bathroom. Maybe a nice cold shower will help him calm down. After stepping into the restroom, he locked the door and began to undress. After taking off his swim trunks he could see why his trousers were becoming uncomfortable. For some reason he was erect. This wasn't the first time this had ever happened to him. He and Will would sometimes still his father's playboys and look at them together, commenting on how good-looking these women were. No, this wasn't uncharted territory. What worried him was that his current state was because of Rachel. Rachel Green. His little sister's best friend.

Wanting it to go away, he hopped into the cold shower. Closing his eyes he began to focus on other things... Baseball. Yeah, baseball isn't sexy at all. Unless Rachel is there in skimpy shorts and they're making their way to third base. Ugh, no. Think of something else.

Dinosaurs. Yeah, that'll work. I'll just list some dinosaurs and some facts until it's gone. Okay, um. Tyrannosaurus Rex. A Tyrannosaurus Rex has a bite force of about 35,000 Newtons and a speed of 12 miles per hour. Okay, let's try another one. Brachiosaurus. A Brachiosaurus is about 80 feet long and its diet mainly consists of ginkgo trees, coniferous trees, and cycads.

Opening his eyes, Ross looks down and sees that his shaft is no longer erect. Taking a deep breath and thanking God. Ross decided to finish his shower before going back into his room.

When Monica returned back front the kitchen, with lemonade in hand, she spotted Rachel tanning on the lounge chair. Making her way over to her, she gave Rachel a glass and sat down next to her.

"Hey, do you know what got into Ross?" Ask Monica. "He was looking a little embarrassed when he ran inside the house."

Trying to keep herself from smiling, Rachel responded. "I have no idea. All I did was strip down to my bathing suit and apply my tanning oil. But when I looked up, he was just staring at me."

After Monica allowed this information to sink in. She let out a loud gasp and darted her eyes over to Rachel.

"What?" Said Rachel looking at Monica quizically.

"Oh. My. God. Rach!... I think Ross likes you!"

"What! No way." She said doubtfully. Although if she really thought about it, I guess it made sense. Why he was staring at her, and why he looked so flustered when I walked over to him? But she would never see him like that. I mean it's Ross. He's just Monica's geeky older brother.

"Wow, that's kinda weird. I mean no offense Mon but I don't see him like that. I mean he's such a geek."

"Hey!" Said Monica, pointing a finger at Rachel. "I know we're best friends and all but don't call him that. He is still my brother."

"Okay, okay" Rachel said, her hands raised in a defensive manner.

"Anyways." Monica stated. "How's the cheerleading going?"

"Great!" Rachel replied excitedly. "Actually, I hear talk that Coach Lauren is thinking about bumping me up to Cheer Captain once Rebecca graduates!"

"Isn't she a senior? So does that mean you'll be Cheer Captain next year?"

"I'd assume so." Said Rachel, shrugging her shoulders.

"OOOOHHH" Said Monica jumping out of her seat. "I forgot to tell you, I heard through the grapevine that Chip Mathews is thinking about asking you out!"

At this, Rachel perked up out of her chair. "Are you serious? He is like so hot and the most popular guy in school?"

"I know right! If you guys end up going out, you'll be like King and Queen of Lincoln High!"

As Rachel laid back down on the lounge chair she began to imagine herself as Chip Mathew's girlfriend. She would be the head cheerleader. She would be the most popular girl in school. Every guy would want her and every girl would want to be her.

Slowly she began to slip into unconsciousness. Oblivious to the smile slowly forming on her lips.

Ross walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. Before he could make it to his room, he heard footsteps coming up the stairs. As he looked up, he saw that it was Rachel heading towards him. After that incident outside, all he wanted to do was avoid her. But before he could head into his bedroom, she called him.

"Ross?"

Turning around he looked her in the eyes. "Yeah? What's up, Rach?"

Rachel began to eye him up and down. Maybe he wouldn't be such a bad choice. I mean yeah, he is a geek. That mustache would have to go and what's up with that afro? Sure, he isn't the hottest guy in school but I could definitely do worse. Plus I think it's kinda cute how awkward and embarrassed he gets around me. And his body doesn't look that bad either. But sadly I could never go with a guy like him. Especially If I want to maintain my social status as the most popular girl in school. I mean what would the other girls think? What would they say about me? Realizing she had been eyeing him like a piece of meat, she looked away from his gaze, a crimson tint slightly approaching her cheeks.

"I just wanted to apologize for the way I acted outside. I didn't mean to embarrass you like that." She said whole-heartedly.

"Oh, I...I...It's nothing, Rach. I'm sorry that I was staring at you. You-You just looked so beautiful and it caught me off guard."

Rachel snapped her head up towards him, giving him a quizzical look. Did he just say that I looked beautiful? Why did I kind of like it? What's this weird feeling in my stomach and why am I feeling it towards Ross?

Before she could reply, Ross realized what he had just said. Not wanting to make the moment any more awkward than it already was. He decided to head towards his room. "All... Alright, well...I'll catch you later Rach?"

"Yeah, see yah."

After Ross entered his room, he realized that this feeling was back. His chest was tightening, his heart was pounding and his breath was shallow. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slid down the door. Now sitting on the ground all he could do was think of Rachel. Why did she come up here and apologize? I was the one gawking at her! Did Monica say something? It's not like there was anything to tell her, right? I mean things will just go back to the way they used to be. With him being her best friend's geeky older brother and him only seeing her as a friend. Nothing will have to change, right? Surely this would just be a faze. It's not like he's in love with her. Maybe it's just his hormones? Yeah, that's what it is.

He wanted to focus on his grades and extracurricular activities to make sure he could get into a good college. Especially since he plans on going to NYU to get a doctorate in Paleontology. But maybe it's time? Maybe finding someone will help him get over this feeling he's having.

Authors Note: Sorry if this chapter is a little short. I wanted to stay true to the plot of this chapter. If anyone has any ideas, please leave a review.