Chapter 2
Two Can Play That Game
By Dajsha Wessel
"Yeah well…" Being at a loss for words and wanting to make a point, he took his sweater off and put on the "Frankie Says Relax" shirt. After a few minutes of staring at each other, eyes full of hurt and anger, he stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
Why was he always like that? Why does he always act so childish? He used to be so caring. So sweet. So lovable. Now all he manages to do is piss me off. "Ugh".
After being left like that, all Rachel could do was stomp back to her room and fall onto the bed. Why did he have to take his shirt back? That was like taking a piece of him away from her. A piece of her heart was now missing.
Taking a deep sigh, she pondered on the events that just transpired. As much as she hates to admit it, I guess he was right. Moving on would be easier if she wasn't wearing a reminder of him every night. Letting out another sigh, she gets up and goes over to her closet. Turning the knob she begins to search her closet for her last remnants of him. Looking at the shelf above her, she sees the navy blue shoe box. Formally known as her Ross box.
Taking the box back to her bed, she sits down and begins to relive her favorite memories. First, a small movie stub from their first date. To this day she still has no idea what that movie was about. Not that she could see, not wanting to wear her glasses on their first date. And not that she could focus much with his body so close to hers. Hearing him breathing. Having his arm wrapped around her neck. Holding his free hand in hers, slowly caressing the back of his hand with her thumb. That moment felt like pure bliss. There was nothing sexual about their touches, it was merely a way of showing each other how much they cared for one another.
As her eyes began to water and a tear slowly ran down her cheek, she moved on to the next item. It was an eggshell from the first time he made her breakfast in bed. That night was the best sex she ever had. She and Ross had just finished arguing over who was better in bed, him or Paolo. After spending countless minutes convincing him that he was the best she ever had. He grabbed her by the legs and tossed her on the bed. She never knew he had such a dominant side. Not that she was complaining about their usual means of sex. Their nights were always filled with so much tenderness and passion, that they were connected as one. He knew all her weak spots. What made her skin crawl with excitement. And god, his hands, they were like magic! One could say they didn't just sleep together, they made love.
Feeling another wave of sadness wash over her, Rachel put down the eggshell and began to pick up the next item. A dinosaur bone. She took this after their first night together. Rachel had made reservations at Sorintinos which quickly got canceled since Ross got called into work. I didn't mind, I was just a little frustrated and bored from being in the exhibit for hours. Rachel wanted to reschedule but Ross being a quick thinker took an animal rug from the exhibit and led her to the planetarium.
That was another night of amazing sex. They didn't rush. They took their time exploring each other's bodies. Taking in every moment of this new development in their relationship. She originally thought he would be shy and awkward when it came to it. But boy was she sadly mistaken. He took his time with her. Made her feel worshipped, constantly asking if she was sure she wanted to do this. Always making sure he wasn't hurting her. Continuously whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Making her feel beautiful. Making her feel wanted. Making her feel needed.
She was tired of lying to herself. Of course, she missed him. He was her best friend. He was the love of her life. She was so angry at herself for having called a break on their relationship. Of course, she didn't want that. She loved Monica's stupid brother, no matter how geeky, awkward, and overly jealous he was.
She actually loved the way he was possessive over her. As much as she hates to admit it, she was like that with him too. Like when he went on that play date with that stripper. God, she was anxious the whole night. Not knowing what they were doing or where they were doing it. However, she knew that Ross would never hurt her. Well, at least she thought he wouldn't.
Again, her mind gets flooded with memories of that horrible night. Finding out from Gunther that Ross had cheated on her with that Xerox girl. What was her name again? Cleo? No. Clover? No. Chloe? Yes! That was it, That was the name of the women that came between them. That Ross jeopardized their relationship over.
Sometimes she would catch herself wondering what she looked like. Was she prettier than her? Was she skinnier than her? Was she better in bed? What did she have that I didn't? What made him think that sleeping with her was worth the risk?
Her.
God! Everytime she would think about Ross and the beautiful moments they shared together, she would invade her thoughts. Tainting all the wonderful memories they shared together. Replacing them with the poison of his betrayal. Picturing them together. Him loving her the way he used to love me. Their bodies sweating, pushed up against each other. Moans echoing throughout his apartment.
Closing her eyes and forcing these thoughts aside, she only left room for one emotion. Anger. She was done thinking about him. Taking his feelings into consideration. Letting his memory invade her thoughts. She was going to move on, get over him. And she was starting right now.
With determination, she hopped off her bed and made her way to the living room.
Picking up the phone she diales his number with trembling hands. Was she nervous? Maybe? Was she angry? Yes! She was definitely angry but most importantly, was she sure she wanted to go through with this? Before she could make a decision, he picked up the phone.
"Hey, Rachel! How are you?"
"I'm doing great! How are you?"
"Good! Is there something you wanted to talk about?"
"Oh, yeah! I was actually wondering if you wanted to get a coffee sometime? Maybe head to the movies?"
"Yeah, that sounds great! I'm actually free right now. Should I come pick you up in about 2 hours?"
"Perfect! I'll see you then!"
"Alright, Bye Rachel"
"Bye, Mark"
After coming back from playing tennis with Chandler all Ross could think about was her. Was he wrong for taking his shirt back? Sure it was petty of him and okay maybe even a bit childish but It was his shirt. Plus, she hurt him first. He never would've thought about giving her things back to her. Losing a piece of her. Losing anything that reminded him of her.
When they were together, that was the best year of his life. He had never had so much love for someone like that before. Not even with Carol. Sure, he did love Carol, very much in fact. But with Rachel, he was in love, he was infatuated by her. She never ceased to amaze him. With her beautiful soul, and her beautiful heart.
Lost in a sea of emotions he could vaguely hear Chandler saying something about his hair? Something about a cowlicky thing on his head that he finds annoying. I am not really sure. After being dragged out of his thoughts he hears Chandler asking him a question.
"What about you, does it ever bug you?"
"You bug me." Ross replied annoyed.
While waiting for Chandler to open the door to apartment 19 they hear Monica's door open. Turning behind them to see who it is, they see Rachel leaving. God does she look gorgeous. She was wearing a loose knee-length dress. Brown heels and her hair was down around her neck. God, he loved it when her hair was like that. It made it easier to grab onto when he was pleasing her. When he was kissing her. Pouring all his emotions for her into that simple act of their lips touching. Caressing her cheek, sucking on her neck. And her eyes, her beautiful ocean blue eyes. How he could get lost in those endless seas, seas reflecting the love that he felt for her.
Before he could muster up the courage to say anything to her. He walked out of the apartment.
To say he was devastated was an understatement. Why was he here? Why was he with her? Why was she doing this to him? Was she trying to cause him more pain? He quickly searched for her eyes and what he saw was maddening. There was no love, no lust, no longing. There was only recognition and defiance. She knew what this was doing to him. Hell, he bet she was doing this on purpose, just to get him back. For what though? For Chloe? Because that was months ago.
No, this had to be recent. Was all this because he took his shirt back. Was she that heartbroken that she decided to get him back by going out with Mark, of all people? Seeing her with him was a huge punch in the gut. Do his feelings even matter anymore? Does she even care about him at all?
Before Ross could dwell on it any longer. Chandler broke the silence.
"Is there any chance you didn't see that?"
God. I thought I would have enjoyed seeing that look on his face. Showing him how much pain he put me through. Showing him that I had moved on and was over him.
When in all actuality seeing him in pain, just caused me more pain. That broken and shattered look he had on his face. She could've sworn she heard his heart drop and shatter into a million pieces. Maybe this was a big mistake. I mean she definitely doesn't love Mark. Sure he is good-looking and tall. He smells really nice and is very sweet but at the end of the day. He isn't him.
Throughout their entire evening, all she could think about was that sad look on Ross's face. How devastated he looked. Yes, she did want to hurt him but she didn't know it would have this kind of effect on her. Why was she bothered anyway? They were no longer together and he clearly didn't take her feelings into consideration when he slept with that slut. Rolling her eyes internally, she decided to push him out of her mind and enjoy the rest of her date with Mark.
"Ross, you gotta stop, okay?"
Ross was in Joey and Chandler's apartment, practically glued to their peephole. Not wanting to miss anything that was happening with Rachel and Mark. I guess if you think about it, it was really pathetic. I mean his legs were getting a little tired, having stared through the peephole for 3 hours. But could you blame him, the woman he loved is on another date with a man she claimed she had no feelings for!
I wonder what they are doing on their date. Did he take her out to a nice dinner? No, that dress seemed to simple for something so fancy. Maybe he took her to the movies? Typical Mark, he thought. Our first date was also at the movies. Did he touch her? Did they cuddle? Did they kiss? Did she like it?
Ross's thoughts were interrupted by Chandler. "Dude, it's been 3 hours. Give it a break already."
"I always knew she liked him. But nooo, I was crazy and jealous for no reason." Ross said sarcastically.
"Dude, you're gonna get peep eye. Any more time over there and I might as well sublease my peephole."
"They're back!" Interrupted Ross. "I swear if she kisses him I'll kill myself."
"Wow. Dramatic much." Chandler said rolling his eyes.
"Oh, okay good… she's going in." Ross sighed in relief. "Wait, no, no, no. He's going in! He's going in!"
Ross began to pace back and forth in the living room frantically. "We have to get in there. We have to break it up. What if they kiss!"
Stopping in his tracks, he snapped his head in Chandler's direction. Letting out a loud gasp, he covered his mouth. "What if they have sex!" He said devastatingly.
"Dude, do you think Rachel would seriously do that with a guy on the first date? And besides, they probably just went in for a coffee or something."
Before Chandler's words could sink in, Ross was already looking for a reason to go over there.
"You know what, we need juice. I don't think you have any juice. I'll go see if Monica has some."
Chandler lunged in front of Ross. Preventing him from leaving the apartment. As much as he knew this predicament was hurting his best friend. He knew it would hurt him more if he went over there and saw Mark and Rachel together.
After a long while of struggling and Chandler making some convincing arguments, Ross came to his senses. He has no right to be jealous of her anymore. They were no longer a couple. As much as it pains him to see her with Mark, if that will make her happy then that's all that matters to him. At the end of the day, all he cares about is her happiness.
Breaking apart from Chandler's grasp and feeling defeated. He said, "I…uhh…I think I'm going to go Chan. And don't worry, I'm not going over there. You're right."
"I am?" Chandler said taken aback.
"Yeah, we're done" Ross said matter-of-factly. "She is moving on and it's about time I did the same.."
Chandler hated seeing his best friend so broken. The light that was once in his eyes, disappeared. Leaving behind nothing but darkness and sorrow.
Walking over to Ross, he gave him a long and emotional hug. "It's okay man. Things will get better. I know you probably don't want to hear this but there are plenty of women out there. You'll find love again, I promise."
At this, Ross perked up. "You're right Chandler."
"I am? Wow, two in one day!" Chander said mentally high-fiving himself.
"Yeah, I know just the way to get back at Rachel." But before Chandler could protest, Ross turned on his heels and was headed home. After all, he had someone to call.
Leaving Chandler alone and worried. All he could think about was how this was probably going to come back and bite him in the ass.
"Yeah, I probably should've seen that one coming," He said to himself.
After her date with Mark, they decided to head back to her apartment. At first, she was very hesitant to invite him in. After all, she still wasn't sure she wanted to go through with this. It's not that she had a bad night. Mark is a wonderful man, he was a gentleman all night long. But after seeing that look on Ross's face, she couldn't help but feel guilty.
Walking over to the cupboard she grabbed two coffee cups, one for her and one for Mark.
"Number 24?" Mark said quizically.
"Oh, yeah. My roommate Monica numbers them so if one goes missing she knows which one." Rachel said with a small laugh.
Making her way to the table, with her empty coffee cup in hand. She sat down at the table, poured some tea into her cup, and took a sip. She had noticed that Mark was still standing. He had moved close to her and was now looking down at her. Slowly, he leaned forward and planted a kiss on her lips.
Before Rachel could savor the moment, she immediately pulled back. Stunned by this sudden rejection, Mark looked at her, worried.
"Did I do something wrong? I thought we were having a good night?" Mark said questioningly.
"No. I'm sorry." Rachel said sadly. "It was a wonderful night, I just don't think I can do this." She said, looking down at her hands.
"Why? Is it because of Ross?"
At this, Rachel snapped her head up, glaring at him. "What? No of course not."
But of course, this was because of Ross. But she couldn't tell him that. She couldn't tell him that she was still in love with him because of course she was. She couldn't deny it any longer. She had been thinking about him all night long. Thinking about how she felt horrible for parading Mark in front of him. Seeing that look on his face broke her and all she wanted to do was kiss him and plead for forgiveness.
So instead, she lied. "I just don't think it'll be a good idea to mix business with pleasure. I hope you can understand?"
"Of course I understand. Just let me know if you change your mind because I really like you and I would love to be more than friends. I mean we have so much in common. I could definitely see this going somewhere. But like I said, you've got my number if you ever change your mind, just give me a call."
With that, Mark bent down and kissed Rachel on the cheek. "Have a good night Rach. I will see you in the office tomorrow."
After Mark left Rachel cleaned up the kitchen and headed to her room. She was about to head to bed when she realized that tonight was movie night and that he would be there.
Maybe she should've waited to give him his stuff back. Now tonight was definitely going to be awkward. And it's not like she could not go. She lived here for god's sake. Damn you Monica. You just have to always be the host. She thought to herself. Taking a deep breath she began to put on her PJs. Not only was it going to be weird seeing him tonight, but she didn't think she would be able to sleep without his shirt. Without his scent wrapping around her like a warm blanket on a cold winter's day. Without the knowledge of knowing that she still had a piece of him.
Turning the lock to his apartment door, he walked in and placed his keys on the coffee table. He went straight to his phone and called Her. After a few minutes, the line was picked up.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's Ross."
"Ross? Oh! Dino guy, how are you?"
"Good, I was wondering if you wanted to get that coffee? I'm free tonight if you are?"
"Yes! Absolutely!"
"Good. Do you know where Central Perk is?"
"Yeah, I can meet you there in about 30?"
"Okay. I'll see you then." Before he hung up the phone he remembered something. "Oh and Chloe!"
"Yes?"
"What order did I forget? I don't remember needing to get anything copied."
"Oh." She said a little embarrassed. "You didn't. I just needed a reason to call you. I heard that you and your girlfriend broke up and I didn't know if you hated me or something."
"Oh. Well, I'm not mad at you. What happened between Rachel and I, was completely my fault. You were just caught in the crossfire."
Touched by his kind words, Chloe smiled. "Well, her loss is my gain. I'll see you in a few."
"Alright, see you then."
Hanging up the phone, he looked down towards the coffee table. There sat the white box that Rachel had given him. The box contained everything that occupied a space in her apartment. Everything that would remind her that he once occupied a spot in her heart.
Taking the box to his room, he dumped everything out of his bed and began to sort through everything. There were some Discovery magazines, some hats, and some shirts. What angered him was the CDs that were there. They weren't just random CDs. These CDs held their songs. Songs that they would listen to, sing to, dance to. Songs that epitomized their relationship.
In the corner of his eye, he could see the "Frankie Says Relax T-Shirt". Picking it up, he put it to his nose, closed his eyes, and took a deep sniff. It smelled like her coconut shampoo, like her Chanel perfume, like her.
If he was going to get over her then he would have to get rid of this. He couldn't hold onto stuff like this. Stuff that reminded him of how much he missed her. Stuff that reminded him of how much he still loved her. Stuff that reminded him that he blew it. That he lost the greatest love he would ever have.
Wiping a tear from his cheek, he put the shirt back into the now-empty box. He would give it back to her. She clearly wanted it more than he did. This was the least he could do for her.
Grabbing the box, he headed over to Chandlers. He knew Rachel was home, probably still with Mark and he couldn't stand to see them together, not right now. He would just give the box to Chandler and ask him to give it to her on his behalf. He wouldn't be going to the movie night. Not just because he had a date tonight, but because he couldn't stand to look at her right now.
Everyone was in the apartment, ready to watch the movie. Well everyone except Ross, Chandler, and Joey. They had decided to watch "Little Shop of Horrors". Phoebe had a bad day at work so we decided to watch it, in hopes that it would cheer her up.
After making some popcorn, grabbing some beers, and getting comfy on the couch, we waited for the guys to enter.
As Monica checked her watch angrily she said "Ugh. Where the hell are those guys? I told them to be here at 10:00."
"Mon, honey. It's only 10:03." Rachel said.
"Your point is?" Monica snapped back.
Before Rachel could respond, the guys, minus Ross, had walked in.
Monica jumped off the couch and stormed over to them. "What the hell took you so long? 10:00 means 10:00."
"Geeze Mon, don't get your panties in a twist." Chandler said.
"Yeah." Joey said nodding his head seductively. "Monica in her panties.".
This earned him a look from everyone and a smack on the head from Monica.
Chandler was making his way to the couch but then he remembered the box he was carrying. "Oh. Rach, this is for you. This is some stuff of yours that was left at Ross's apartment."
Taking the box from Chandler she said sadly, "Yeah. I guess I had that one coming. It's whatever. It's probably just some shampoo bottles or something. I'll just throw it away."
Opening the box, her emotions had shifted. She was no longer angry, or sorrowful, but thankful. Thankful that the only thing in this box was the "Frankie Says Relax" shirt that she dearly missed. Picking it up, she gave it a quick sniff. Yep. It still smelled like him. All she wanted right now was to tell him how sorry she was. She wanted to thank him for giving this back to her. For being the bigger person. For being the man she knew and loved.
Looking up at Chandler, with a faint smile on her lips, she asked. "Where is Ross? I'm assuming he gave this to you? Is he not coming?"
Chandler immediately became uncomfortable. How was he supposed to tell her this? Why was he always the bearer of bad news? "Um, no…he isn't coming. He said he had something to do."
Joey looked at Chandler questioningly. "No, he didn't? Did you forget he sad that he said he was going on a coffee date with that girl from-..."
Before he could finish, Chandler had knocked him behind the head. "Thanks for that Joe."
"Oww, man. What was that for?"
Rachel's face immediately fell. "What did you say?" She asked angrily.
Getting up she stomped over to Chandler and Joey. "He is on a date? With who?"
"Does it matter, aren't you the one that decided you didn't want to be with Ross? Don't you want him to be happy?" Monica interrupted.
Ignoring Monica's comment, she stepped closer to Joey and Chandler, she yelled "WHO IS HE ON A DATE WITH?"
Joey couldn't handle this interrogation any longer. Having 7 sisters himself, he hated to be on the end of any woman's anger. So he was easily broken. "CHLOE! Okay! He is on a date with Chloe."
"Nice going, Joe." Chandler said smacking him on the back of the head again.
"Hey, man! She's terrifying when she's this angry." Joey said defensively.
"Chloe?" Monica retorted. "Who is Chloe?"
"It's the girl from the Xerox place." Replied Chandler. "He said she left him a voicemail asking to get coffee. He wasn't going to go but-..."
"But what?" Interrupted Monica.
Squaring himself up, and bracing himself for the impact he replied. "-but I kinda gave him the idea…"
At this, all the girls in the apartment snapped their eyes towards him. "You did what!" They all screamed.
"He was upset about Rachel going out with Mark and I told him that she moved on so he probably should too." He explained. "All I said was that there were more fish out there…I didn't tell him to go after her specifically."
"But he figured since I was hurting him by going out with Mark, then he would go out with that tramp." Replied Rachel, almost in a whisper.
"I…I guess so." Said Chandler.
"Aww, I'm sorry Rach." Said Monica, trying to comfort her friend.
Snapping out of her dazed expression, Rachel said furiously. "Well, if that's what he wants, then two can play that game."
Author's Note: This one is a tad bit longer. I'm trying to keep each chapter around 4000 words. Or however long it takes to get the point across. As always, if you like. Please leave a review. Any criticism would help me become a better writer.
I also started writing another story on top of this one as well. It's called Make You Feel My Love.