Chapter 3

Two Sides of The Coin

By Dajsha Wessel

The date with Chloe had gone surprisingly well. He thought it would be awkward considering everything that happened between them. But it wasn't, there was this unspoken agreement that they would start fresh. No one-night stands. No drunken make-out sessions in a bar. And no Rachel.

They were sitting on the orange couch in Central Perk, spending several hours making small talk with each other. He could actually see himself being in a committed relationship with Chloe. When he talked about work or his passion for paleontology, she looked at him with such fascination. Asking him questions about the things she didn't fully understand. He didn't know why but this made him really happy. Any time he would talk about his passions with Rachel, she would just sigh and pretend she was listening. Not Chloe though, it's like she was trying to suck in any and every little detail about him. Like she truly wanted to get to know him, flaws and all.

According to Chloe, she was an only child. She didn't have a good relationship with either of her parents, especially with her father. Apparently, he never wanted children which made her mom resent her, in turn, this was why they had a strained relationship. Being abandoned by her father caused a major bump in her social life. She guessed this was why she had trouble connecting with her significant others. Why she couldn't fully commit to someone?

"But I really want to change that." She said breaking free from her thoughts. "I know we agreed not to speak about it but ever since that first night we shared, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind." She looked up at Ross, anticipating a reply. When nothing came, she continued. "That was really unusual for me. I'm typically a one-night stand kind of person, not wanting to be tied down." She said squirming in her seat. "Just the idea of being attached to someone makes me feel a little uneasy. But-..."

"Chloe?" Ross said interrupting her.

"Hold on, let me finish."

Looking back at her. He nodded. Urging her to continue.

"But…when I think about having that with you, suddenly I don't feel so scared." She lifted her head, looking into his hazel eyes intensely. "You are such a sweet guy and I could honestly say that I sometimes picture myself with you."

Here she was, pouring her heart out to him and all he could think about was how guilty he felt leading her on. Yeah, she was hot and that night was definitely amazing (not that he would admit that to anyone) but he was doing this for all the wrong reasons. He was using her to get over Rachel. To make her jealous. To make her feel the same pain he felt when he saw her with Mark. Was this something he really wanted to do? Did he really want to be the cause of someone else's pain? People always end up getting hurt when they came between Ross and Rachel.

That's the thing though. They aren't Ross and Rachel anymore. And he wasn't sure if they would ever be again. Was he really ready to close that door forever? Was he ready to officially take them off the table?

"Chloe, I am very touched by your kind words and I too can see this going somewhere but I am afraid I am doing this for all the wrong reasons. My ex, Rachel, do you remember her?"

"Yeah" Chloe said nodding. "She's the one that broke your heart. She had that Mark guy over at the apartment on your anniversary, right?"

He looked at her astounded, I don't remember telling her that, and if I did, how come she still remembers that? "You remember me telling you that?" He said.

"Of course I do!" She replied a little hurt. "Like I said, Ross. I care for you deeply and you were really hurt that day. I just wanted to be there for you, to make you feel better."

Ross looked away from her. Nodding, he let this information sink in. Eventually, he broke the silence. "Anyway, I found out today that she is going out with Mark."

"What!" Chloe said, stifling a gasp.

"Yeah." Ross said sadly. "I was so angry when I saw them together. Throughout our entire relationship, she assured me that she never had feelings for him, but she obviously lied." He looked up at Chloe, expecting a reply, but none came. Looking back down at his hands, he continued, "So…being jealous and wanting to get back at her, I decided to give you a call. I wanted to hurt her, the same way she hurt me."

He looked at Chloe with pleading eyes, wondering how she was going to react to this new information. "I am so sorry Chloe, I thought I could do this but I don't want to lead you on. Could you forgive me?"

Taking a moment to consider his confession, she responded."There is nothing to forgive. I healed you that night…" She trailed off, slowly scooting closer to him on the couch. Getting up, she climbed into his lap, throttling him with one leg on each side. Almost immediately, he grabbed her by the waist, resting his hands on her lower back. Looking down at him, she leaned forward and whispered in his ear, seductively. "...And I can heal you again if you will let me." Leaning back, she looked him in the eyes, longingly. Her gaze slowly trailed from his eyes, resting upon his lips. Biting her lower lip, she slowly leaned forward to kiss him. But before their lips could touch, Gunther interrupted their trance.

"Hey!" He shouted. "This is a public coffee house. Not some strip club. Take that PDA somewhere else."

Startled out of their hypnotic state. They pulled from each other's gaze and looked towards Gunther.

"Sorry, man." Replied Ross.

They looked back at each other, trying to keep themselves from laughing. When their eyes met again, their smiles faded and stillness fell upon them. Before Ross could thoroughly think this through, he broke the silence. "Yes" He said. "Yes…you can heal me."

Grinning like a little girl who was just offered candy, she planted a quick and tender kiss on his lips. Climbing off his lap, she grabbed his arm and dragged him out the door, headed for his apartment. She was going to heal him. She was going to show him that there is more out there than Rachel Green. That she could be there for him. She wanted to be there for him. Yes, this wasn't exactly what she wanted, but she would take what she could get. She would convince him to give in to her. To let her into his heart. To let her love him the way he deserves to be loved.

After learning that Ross was on a date with that slut all she wanted to do was scream and cry. Of ALL the women in the world he just had to go out with her? He was obviously doing this because I paraded Mark in front of him. Okay, admittedly, it was childish and yes she did do it to hurt him but she never thought he would stoop this low. Doesn't he know what this is doing to me? Does he even care?

She had already felt guilty about going out with Mark, to begin with. She never even considered going on another date with him. Especially seeing the way it affected Ross. But after today's events. After finding out that Ross was on a date with her. She was more sure than ever. If this was the game he wanted to play, then fine. This means war and she was already planning her next move.

The next morning, she spotted Mark at his desk. He was wearing a button-down, black Prada suit with black leather loafers. She had to admit to herself, he was very attractive and they did seem to have a lot in common. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Who knows? Maybe she would fall in love with him? Maybe he could end up being the one.

She walked to his desk and sat on it, crossing her legs seductively. "Hey, Mark!".

He was looking down at some paperwork when she came over, but hearing her voice he looked up. The sight before him left him paralyzed. She was wearing a semi-see-through blouse, a black pencil skirt with a slit on the side that trailed up her thigh, and black red bottoms. She was definitely making him aroused. Seeing her like this, all he wanted to do was shove her onto the desk and take her right now. Before he could get too lost in his reverie, he remembered what she said last night.

"Uh…Hey. Rach." Lowering his tone, he whispered. "I thought you said you didn't want to mix business with pleasure?"

"Yeah well…" Leaning forward she began to loosen his tie suggestively. "I changed my mind…"

Taking a big gulp Mark replied. "Yeah…well as much as I would love to do that right now. I think we should maybe go on another date. Or at least wait until we aren't at work?"

"Fine." She whined. "I'll see you later handsome!" Hopping off his desk, she planted a long and sensual kiss on his lips. Leaving him breathless she sauntered over to her desk, giving him a sly wink before she was out of sight.

Sitting at her desk she couldn't shake this feeling she was having. Coming on to Mark like that just made her feel disgusted with herself. And that kiss. She shuddered at the memory. It made her skin crawl and not in a good way. Why did I do that? Why I am always getting myself into trouble?

Focusing on work was impossible. Mark had come into her office during lunch and asked if she wanted to go to dinner with him tonight. She wanted to say no but after that stunt, she pulled this morning, she just had to smile and nod. Now here she was, anxious as hell. What the hell did I get myself into?

"Wow". He said as he rolled off of Chloe. "That was better than last time." He laughed, "Not that I could remember much about it."

"Yeah" Chloe said dreamily. "You definitely have a way with your hands. I don't remember you doing that last time?"

"Well, I was so drunk I was probably being selfish and didn't even consider your needs." Beginning to feel a little uncomfortable, he closed the distance between them, giving her a quick peck, and headed off towards the shower. After entering the bathroom, he locked the door and studied himself in the mirror. He didn't recognize the man staring back at him. He felt disgusted with himself. Here was this beautiful, caring woman who was willing to give herself up to him, to heal him from a broken heart, expecting nothing in return. She deserved his undivided attention. She deserved to be the only thing consuming his thoughts. Still, all he could think about was her. Just like many months ago, when he slept with Chloe, in his mind, he was making love to Rachel. He never once opened his eyes, he didn't want to gaze upon her for he feared it would wake him from his fantasy. His fantasy that it was Rachel he was making love to. He imagined the curves of her body, the feeling of her soft tan skin, the taste of her sex-induced sweat, and the sounds she made to let him know she was enjoying this just as much as he was. Yes, every time he slept with another woman, all he could imagine was Rachel. No matter who he was dating, where he was, or what he was doing, she consumed his thoughts 24/7.

Shaking the thought out of his mind, he started the shower. Before he could strip and get in. There was a knock on the bathroom door.

"Honey?"

Honey? Since when did we start calling each other that? "Uh, yes…..honey?" he replied awkwardly.

"Do you want to go to dinner tonight? I can make our reservations at Javu's?"

"Javu's? My sister, Monica works there. Are you sure you want to go there? We can go somewhere else?"

"How about Sorintino's?"

In the end, after a very long debate through the closed bathroom door. And the water from the shower still running, making it harder to hear each other. They decided to go to Riverpark. A modern American dining experience with a waterfront view. It had recently opened up and it wasn't that far from the Village. They could go for a nice dinner and get a coffee from Central Perk before they headed back to his place. He liked spending time with her, she didn't make him feel so broken and lonely, but he definitely wasn't ready to introduce her to the group. Maybe another few weeks? Or many months? Or never?

Monica was on her way home from work. After last night's revelation that Ross was going out with Chloe. She was really worried for her roommate. She knew that she went out with Mark, and to be honest, it bothered her that she would go out of her way to hurt her brother. But she learned from past experience, not to get into the middle when it came to those two. She and Phoebe had decided to surprise Rachel with a girl's night, but it turned out she had other plans.

"I'm sorry, you're going out with Mark again?" Monica said a little irritated. "I thought you said you weren't going to see him? That it felt 'too weird'." She said, doing air quotes.

"I thought so too. But I got over it." She said, shrugging her shoulders.

At this point, Monica was done. "You got over it? Or are you just going out with him because Ross is going out with Chloe?"

"You mean that slut? Of course not, why would I be mad about that? He can do whatever he wants, just like I can. We are no longer together. I do not love him anymore." Rachel was rambling at this point, trying to convince herself more than anyone.

"Sure…" Monica said unconvinced. "Because it's not like you still love him or anything…that's why you still sleep in his shirt?"

"Hey!" She responded defensively. "I love that shirt! Not because it was his….just….just….Ugh…whatever….it's just a shirt Mon." Furious with her roommate and embarrassed by her sudden outburst, she stomped off towards her room, leaving Monica there…still unconvinced.

How could she think that I still love him? It's just a dumb shirt. Sure, I initially wanted it to remind myself of him. I keep the things that matter, after all. But it's not because I am still in love with him. Okay, sure, I still have sexual feelings towards Ross, and I do have loving feelings towards him but I am NOT in love with him. I can't be. I won't be.

After a few moments, she made a final decision, this is ridiculous, she snatched the "Frankie Says Relax" shirt from the floor, she had worn it the night before like she always did. Full of purpose, she yanked her closet door open, snatched her Ross box from the shelf, and shoved the t-shirt in. Putting the box in its spot, she slammed the closet door, deciding she would never wear it again. I am not in love with him. I can't be. I won't be.

Later she got a call from Mark saying the plans had changed. They originally planned on going to the movies again but he wanted to try out the new fancy restaurant by the water. I don't remember what it's called but apparently, it's not that far from the Village. They would walk there instead of taking a cab, hoping to enjoy the lovely breeze and moonlight.

"Are you almost ready?" Ross yelled.

"Yeah, just give me a few more minutes!" Responded Chloe.

Why do women always take so long? He thought, rolling his eyes internally. It's not like they are going to meet the Pope or anything. Just throw on a dress, and some makeup and let's go. It's never that ser-... His thought was interrupted when Chloe walked out of his bathroom. She was gorgeous, breathtaking even. She was wearing a skin-tight blue, almost silver sparkly dress, there was a single spaghetti strap that wrapped around her neck holding the dress in place. It was low cut, showing off some of her cleavage. It was a little while before he realized he was staring.

"Ummm…. You look….you look beautiful."

"Well thank you." She said, walking towards him, and fixing his tie. "You don't look so bad yourself mister."

He leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips. "Ready to go?"

"Yep."

Hand in hand they walked out of his apartment towards the streets of Manhattan. It was a beautiful night. The moonlight was enchanting, and the way it bounced off of Chloe's dress made her look even more mesmerizing. He still couldn't believe that she was willing to go through this with him. To be there only in comfort. Not to rush him into a relationship. Maybe this could actually work?

Not too long after, they reached the restaurant. It was packed. There was a line wrapped around the building. Luckily enough, Chloe knew some people, pulled some strings, and they were able to get a last-minute reservation.

"Reservation for Ross Geller." After looking through the reservation list the host finally said, "Ahh, Mr. Geller…yes…right this way."

It was a very romantic environment. Outside, where their table was located, there were only a few tables. Ross assumed that maybe these tables were for special people. I wonder exactly what strings Chloe had to pull to get us here. There were fairy lights overhead. Each table had its own set of candles and wine glasses. Leading Chloe over to her chair, he pulled it out for her and allowed her to sit.

"Wow, such a gentleman." She said, flashing him a smile.

"Well, I try." Ross replied, jokingly.

The waiter soon came over to their table to take their order. Ross ordered a steak, medium rare, with a side of garlic potatoes, and broccoli. Chloe ordered the Linguine with a side of grilled white and green asparagus. "Oh and a bottle of your best wine, please," Ross yelled out to the waiter.

"Oh, isn't someone fancy?"

"Well, I intend to enjoy my night," Ross said, sheepishly.

As Chloe began to run her leg up Ross's, she replied. "And you shall mister…..and you shall."

They had finally reached the restaurant, only to find out that there was a long wait. "Isn't there anything you can do? I am trying to impress my date." Mark said, in a whisper to the host.

"I'm sorry sir, but the only tables we have available are VIP and they cost extra."

"Fine!" Said Mark, slowly losing patience. "Just add it to my bill, can we go now?"

"Yes sir, please follow me."

Rachel couldn't believe Mark actually managed to get them a table at the last minute, and VIP! Man, he was pulling out all the stops tonight. After walking through the outside doors, where Rachel assumed the VIP area was, they finally reached their table. Mark had pulled out her seat for her so she flashed him a thankful smile.

"So, how is tonight going so far? Am I doing good?" asked Mark.

She smiled. "You sure are, I can't believe you managed to get us a table here." Trailing off, she began to take in the scenery. It was beautiful, romantic, and quiet. There were only two other couples here. One older gentleman, who she assumed, was with his wife. And another young couple. She couldn't see them well since the woman's back was turned to her and she was blocking her date. She was wearing a beautiful, silver dress. Rachel made a mental note to ask her where she got it from before they left.

Before she could refocus on Mark and continue their conversation, she heard a familiar voice.

"Oh and a bottle of your best wine, please."

NO! She thought to herself. It can't be him. Maybe I'm hearing things. But she knew she wasn't. She knew that voice better than anyone. That voice belonged to the man she loved. To the man who was her best friend. To her Ross.

"Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost?"

"Huh….oh no…I am fine. Please continue, what were you saying?" Rachel replied anxiously.

Mark continued to babble on about fashion but she wasn't paying attention. Her entire focus was set on Ross and that woman. Was that her? Was that Chloe? After finding out where she worked, Rachel had made it a point never to go there. The last thing she wanted to do was put a face on the woman that ruined her life. But sitting here, in the same restaurant as her, watching her on a date with Ross, she couldn't help but wonder. It was taking everything in her power not to get up and walk over there. Not to get up and slap her for taking him away from her.

But she didn't take him away from you, Rachel. You gave him up, remember? You decided you didn't want to go out with him…remember? Yes. She said to herself. Of course, I remember, but that doesn't mean I like seeing him with her. Or with anyone for that matter. He should have fought for me. He should've fought for us! He did, he fought for 8 long hours that night. But you wouldn't listen to him. You let him walk out that door. Why didn't you fight for him? "I don't know."

"Huh, what did you say?" Said, Mark

Crap, I said that out loud. "Uh, nothing. Would you excuse me? I need to use the little girl's room?" But before he could reply, Rachel was already sprinting towards the bathroom. She couldn't breathe, her dress suddenly felt too tight, and she was hot all over. Going to the sink, she started to splash cold water on her face, trying to avoid messing up her makeup. God, could this night get any worse? Apparently, it can. Still trying to fix her appearance, she failed to notice that someone else had entered the bathroom.

"Hey, sorry to bother you, but do you have any perfume on you? I left mine at home and my boyfriend only has cologne."

Before Rachel realized who she was talking to. She reached into her purse and grabbed her travel-size bottle of Chanel. "Oh. Yeah, here-." Before she could hand her the bottle, she realized who this woman was. It was Chloe, all emotion drained from her body and she dropped the bottle.

"Oops, here you go," Chloe said, as she bent down to pick up the bottle and hand it back to Rachel. But Rachel couldn't stop staring at her. So this was her. This is the woman he slept with? This was…wait didn't she say she was at her boyfriend's? So they are already labeling it? Did she stay at his apartment last night? Did they sleep together?

"Umm…thank you." Rachel said, trying to grab the bottle but her hands were still shaking.

"Are you okay? You look pale?" Chloe said, concerned.

"Yeah, I am fine." Replied Rachel, giving her a forced smile.

"Alright, well thank you." Said Chloe, as she was heading out the bathroom door.

She didn't even remember walking to her table. Everything seemed so blurry and so distant to her now. Her body had a mind of its own, moving without her permission.

"Are you sure you're okay? You really don't look well. What happened in there?"

"I think I'm gonna be sick."

Authors Note: Please, Please, Please, let me know how you feel about this chapter. It was so hard for me to write. I think I could've done better. I had already picked it up and put it down multiple times. Please leave a review!