Chapter 3

Oblivious

By Dajsha Wessel

Monday - September of 1985 (Junior Year)

After his date last night with Heather, things were beginning to brighten up for Ross. He woke up this morning feeling like a new man. Since Heather lived right around the block and he had a car, they decided to start carpooling to school together. They hadn't discussed whether they were in an exclusive relationship or not but he liked the idea of everyone seeing them together. Not that he really cared what others thought of him but just the idea of the second most popular girl in school going out with him was a dream come true. Well, almost.

He was a nervous wreck during the entire drive to school, his hands never left the steering wheel, clenching for dear life. Not because he got anxious while driving but because he didn't know what was waiting for him when they finally reached the school. Do people already know? Did she want people to know? Should he open the door for her? Seeing his current state Heather reached over and placed her hand on his thigh, lightly squeezing it for reassurance.

"Ross…are you okay? You seem anxious?" Seeing him like that was so endearing. That's one of the things she likes about him. He looked so cute when he was nervous.

"Um…yeah. I guess I am a little nervous. I mean…we never really talked about if we are dating or not and I didn't know if you really wanted to be seen with me. I know status matters a lot to girls like you and I wouldn't want to ruin anything for you…." Before he could continue rambling, she leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek.

Stunned, he looked towards her and smiled. "What was that for?"

"I just think you are so cute…I really don't care what anyone thinks. What matters is that I like you and I would love to be your girlfriend…If you would have me, of course?"

"What! Of course, I would have you. Only an idiot would say no to you."

"Good!" Slowly she leaned in and placed a lingering kiss on the corner of his lips.

"Aww" Said Monica, disturbing the romantic atmosphere. "Aren't you guys so cute!"

"Yeah, Yeah. Shut up Mon." Ross replied, a crimson tint slowly coloring his cheeks.

After a few moments they finally reached the school and as usual, like every day since Ross started driving him and Monica to school, Rachel was there waiting for her. Before he could even put the car in park Monica had already jumped out and was rushing towards Rachel. As he and Heather began to make their way towards the school, hand in hand, he could feel everyone's eyes on them. Walking down the main hallway, everybody turned their heads to gawk at them. It was like he was suddenly in the spotlight. The guys stared at him with jealousy while the girls looked at Heather in disbelief. Out of the corner of his eye, he tried to gauge her reaction to the sudden attention. Amazingly, she seemed to be unphased. Well of course she is, this is an everyday occurrence for her. By the way she was leaning towards him, and stroking his arm, he assumed she could tell the cause of his sudden discomfort.

Turning towards him and breaking his inner thoughts she said, "Well…this is my homeroom, I will catch you later for lunch?"

"What? You...you want me to sit with you for lunch? What about your other cheerleader friends?"

Stroking his cheek lovingly, she decided to toy with him "Aww baby…Are you afraid of my friends?"

"What? Afraid…no. I am….I am cool as a cucumber." Before he could mentally slap himself for that dumb comment, Heather leaned in and planted a chaste kiss on his lips.

"I love when you're nervous." Laughing slightly, she continued. "It's really okay though, they will love you. Oh and before I forget, I have cheer practice today after school so I won't be riding home with you."

"Oh, well if you want I can come back and pick you up?"

Her face lit up at this sweet gesture. "Really, that would be great."

Before they could continue their conversation further, the bell rang, telling them it was time to get to class. This time it was him that leaned forward placing a kiss on her lips. "Yeah, I'll be back later to pick you up, bye."

Watching him walk away it took her a few moments to realize her fingertips were stroking her swollen lips. Damn, who would have known Ross Geller was such a good kisser! And not just that, but he's so sweet and endearing. Maybe this will all be worth it after all?

Lunch was horrible. Usually, she would enjoy gossiping with her girls but all she could think about was Ross and Heather sitting across from her. Occasionally she would catch them making doe-eyes at each other. It made her sick to her stomach. It was either that or Chip's hand slowly making its way up her thigh, yet again! Slapping his hand for the umpteenth time, she scowled at him, letting him know this was not the time or place for that. Annoyed, he got up and stormed out of the cafeteria.

"What was that about?" Said Heather, looking at her questioningly.

Great, of all the people at the table, of course, she had to ask me something. "Oh, nothing…" I said, rolling my eyes. "Just Chip being Chip."

"Was he messing with you under the table again?" Commented Mindy.

Thanks for that Min. "Ugh, yes…why are guys such horn dogs like omg will you just cool it for a little."

"Ross isn't like that at all." Said Heather, gazing at him appreciatively. "In fact, he's the sweetest guy I've ever dated. He brought me flowers on our first date, he always opened the door for me, and he even offered to come back after school to pick me up after cheer practice."

The table erupted in Awe as all the girls, except Rachel, began to fawn over him.

"Well, they are always like that in the beginning. Chip was sweet too but now I think he just wants me to give it up already."

"Omg" Interrupted Amy. "You haven't had sex with him yet?"

Everyone jolted their heads and stared at her in amazement. Yep, can always count on Amy Welsh and Mindy Hunter to put you in the spotlight. So what if she hasn't put out for him yet? It's not like it's some competition. She would probably be more inclined to do so if he wasn't always acting like a jerk.

"Guys, leave her alone. She doesn't have to sleep with him if she doesn't want to."

"Thank you, Heather." Rachel said, flashing her a smile. "Besides, it's not my fault I don't want to be labeled as easy."

"HEY!" Amy said, offended. "That was a rumor!"

"Sure it was Amy," Said Mindy rolling her eyes. The whole table burst into laughter. The topic of her and Chip were soon forgotten. Before she could engulf herself in the current conversation between Mindy and her boyfriend Barry, she glanced at Ross for one more time. Her previous attempts went unnoticed, however this time he was looking at her too. They caught each other's eyes, for a moment it seemed like they were the only two people at the table. Tilting her head quizically, she tried to study the look on his face. It was a look she couldn't quite place, he almost looked intrigued. Suddenly, she brushed off the distraction and focused on Mindy's accounts of her 'amazing date' with Barry. As much as she tried to give Mindy her undivided attention, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that he still hadn't taken his eyes off her. She could feel them traveling across her body, burning a hole through her skin. Unlike the way Chip eyes her up and down, this seemed more intimate like he wasn't undressing her with his eyes but simply admiring her beauty. And frankly, she liked it.

"Alright, baby. I'll be back to pick you up around 5:30 okay?"

"Alright, babe. I'll see you then."

Giving her a final kiss, he headed towards his car. Today had been an eventful day, to say the least. Everyone kept stopping him in the hallway to ask if he was really going out with Heather Walker. Girls started to throw themselves at him which amazed him considering last Friday he was completely invisible. All this newfound attention was making him feel a little uneasy, but it was nothing compared to how uncomfortable he felt during lunch. Not only did he have to sit with his girlfriend's popular cheerleader friends but he was seated across from Rachel and Chip. It took everything in him to keep from staring at her beautiful face. Hearing her sweet voice, kept reminding him that she was only a foot away. In the end, he decided to just stare at Heather and her lips focusing on every word coming out of them. Sometimes she would catch him staring, shoot him a shy smile, and give him a quick peck before turning back to the conversation at hand.

In time he became so enamored with her that he completely forgot about Rachel, that was until he overheard Mindy and Amy question her and Chips' sex life. That was a topic he definitely didn't want to know about, not only because he didn't want to imagine her naked with his girlfriend right next to him, but he also didn't want to imagine her naked with Chip. Yet what amazed him was she claimed they had not slept together yet. It's not that he thought she was easy, like others did, but by the way she continued to praise Chip, he was surprised they hadn't taken that step yet. I mean anytime someone made a comment about their relationship, she always defended him. I guess it's the need to be loyal towards your partner but based on the rumors he heard about Chip, he doubted the loyalty was being reciprocated.

Anyhow, he had better things to worry about, like how he was going to spend the next hour and a half waiting for his girlfriend to get out of cheer practice. Girlfriend. God, how he loved to say that, it always brought a smile to his face. Who would have thought the biggest geek in Lincoln High would be going out with a popular cheerleader, certainly not him.

Instead of going home and watching the clock count down each and every minute, he decided to head to the library and get some homework done. Upon entering he saw there were only a few people there. He ended up sitting at the table he met Heather at and was beginning to pull out his calculus homework when he heard a cough. Looking up he saw it was none other than Chip Mathews.

"Uh…yes?" Said Ross, trying not to sound as nervous as he was feeling. What the hell does Chip want with me? He's never even said two words to me before. Well, that is, unless you count all the bullying.

"Hey, cotton head. I've been meaning to ask you, why is Heather going out with a geek like you?"

How the hell do you respond to that? "Um, I don't know…I guess she likes me?"

He scoffed. "Please, have you looked at yourself? Why would a hot babe like Heather want anything to do with you?."

"Excuse me? Yeah, Heather is good looking but that's not all that matters. Besides, aren't you with Rachel Greene?"

"Ugh, yeah…" Chip replied, rolling his eyes. "If she wasn't so damn hot and popular I would've moved on by now. Anyway, I guess I'll catch you at lunch tomorrow with the girls. Oh and before I forget, If I catch you gawking at my girl like that again, I'll kick your ass."

Shit, so he noticed the way I was staring at her during lunch? But I mean could you blame him though, she's the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. With her beautiful honey-golden hair, god what he wouldn't do to run his fingers threw it. And her beautiful ocean blue eyes, he could spend all day swimming in them if she would let him and her soft pink lips, sometimes he would catch himself picturing her face when kissing Heather, it always left him with a pit of guilt in his stomach.

Feeling like he had yet again committed an act of treason towards her, he left the library early. Heading towards the flower shop, maybe this simple act of affection would remind him where his loyalties now lay. Allowing him to wipe away his sins of the past few moments.

Upon reaching the school he saw Heather and Rachel waiting outside. They seemed to be in a heated discussion. As he approached, he realized he was the topic of their conversation. Before he could interrupt them, Heather caught his eye and gave him a wide smile.

Running up to him, she threw her arms around him, giving him a deep kiss. "Hey babe."

"Hey, I didn't know you would miss me this much?" He said teasingly.

"Well, I did…" Noticing he had his hands behind his back she looked at him questioningly. "Hey, what are you hiding mister?"

"Oh…yeah…here you go." He said handing her a bouquet of orchids.

Taking the bouquet, she smiled at him affectionately, lifting them to her nose she inhaled their sweet aroma. "God, aren't you the greatest boyfriend or what!"

"I guess I am." He replied bashfully. In his peripheral vision, he could see Rachel looking a little uncomfortable. Deciding to change the subject he put his hand around Heather's waist and turned them towards her. "Hey Rach, what's going on?"

Not expecting him to notice her, she was caught a little off guard. "Huh…oh it's going good."

Looking around he realized no one else was there. Would it be too forward if he offered her a ride home? Surely not, she and Heather are friends, after all, well at least they seemed to be until a few moments ago. "Do you need a ride home?"

Before she could answer Heather interjected. "Oh no honey, I think she is waiting for Chip. Isn't that right Rachel?" She said, shooting her an accusatory glance.

"Uh…actually I wouldn't mind catching a ride. If you wouldn't mind of course."

"What? Of course not, you're my friend plus you live right down the road, it's literally on the way."

"Thank you, Ross" Replied Rachel, giving him a thankful smile.

"No problem." He replied shyly. God, why did she have such power over him? All he did was offer her a ride home. But just that simple smile was causing the butterflies in his stomach to flutter.

Noticing the charged tension between her boyfriend and Rachel, she decided to stake her claim. "Awe honey, you are the sweetest." Grabbing the side of his face, she turned him towards her, putting her mouth to his, before he could pull away she lightly nibbled on his lower lip.

Clearing his throat and trying to avoid the awkwardness in the air, he announced it was time to head home.

The car ride home was quiet and full of tension, although Ross didn't exactly know why. Ever since he picked Heather and Rachel up from cheer practice she had begun to act affectionately towards him. The entire ride she was either stroking his inner thigh, which was driving him insane, or was playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck, which was also driving him insane. It was almost like she was trying to make Rachel jealous, which was ridiculous because she barely even noticed me, right? He assumed that the argument between Heather and Rachel was the cause of this new display of possession. Although he was within earshot of them, all he managed to hear was 'Ross', 'friend', 'good guy', and 'hurt him', before the conversation was cut short. What did he have to do with what they were discussing? Better yet, why was Rachel arguing with his girlfriend about him? It's not like they were close or anything. Before he could think about it further, they had reached Heather's house.

"Here you are, babe."

"Yep." Turning her head from the window to look at him, she continued. "Will you pick me up tomorrow?"

He smiled. "Of course, you can ride with me every day if you want."

"Thank you, babe." Leaning forward she kissed him deeply, slipping her tongue into his mouth. Before they could get caught up in the moment, they heard a cough come from the back seat.

Pulling away, she looked at her mockingly. "Oh sorry Rach, I completely forgot you were back there."

Rolling her eyes, she replied sarcastically. "Sure you did, Heather."

"Alright honey, I'll see you in the morning." Before leaving the car she planted a short and final kiss on his lips.

After waiting for Heather to enter her house, Rachel broke the silence. "So, you guys seem to be doing well. How long have you guys been together?"

"I guess it's only been three days? God, that's it?" He said mostly to himself. Not really sure if he should be astounded or freaked out that they were clearly moving fast.

"Wow…you guys sure don't waste any time…"

"Woah, hey…all we do is kiss…it's not like we've had sex."

"Good…" She replied, a little relieved.

"What? Why is that good?"

"Um…nothing…it's just…" God, why is it good? Why am I so relieved that they haven't had sex? It's not like he's mine or anything and I shouldn't care but I can't shake this feeling that Heather has ulterior motives. I mean Ross isn't a bad guy at all but…

"Does this have to do with what you were arguing about when I came to pick her up?" Interrupted Ross.

A little embarrassed she replied, "Oh you saw that?"

"Of course, you weren't really being discreet." He said jokingly hoping it would lighten the mood, instead in the rearview mirror he saw her lips form into a slight frown.

"Did you hear anything?" She questioned, curious to know exactly how much had been revealed.

"Not much, just my name, the word friend, and the phrase 'don't hurt him'."

"Oh." So he heard more than she intended him to. How am I supposed to tell him that I was accusing his girlfriend of using him? I didn't think she actually cared about him. That he deserves better. Someone who wouldn't parade him around like a prized trophy. Someone like…

Stopping the car in front of her house, he turned in his seat and looked at her methodically. "What's going on Rach? You know you can tell me anything? I know we aren't that close but I do care about you!"

God, how could she lie to those puppy dog eyes? Does he even know what he does to her? The feelings he awakens in her? Does he know how much it's killing her inside to see him kissing Heather and not her? God, I wish Chip looked at me like that, kissed me like that, treated me like that. Before she realized what she was doing, she jumped into the passenger seat and began kissing him hungrily. At first, he tensed up, it felt like she was kissing a brick wall, until slowly he began to loosen up and respond to her lips, kissing her back with equal passion.

Suddenly he pulled back, looking at her with a shocked look on his face. Avoiding his gaze, she focused on the hem of her dress, playing with it between her fingers. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that."

"Yeah, I have a girlfriend Rach, and since when do you like me? You never even used to give me a second glance."

"I don't…" She said, trying to assure herself. "I just saw the way you looked at Heather, the way you kissed her, and how sweet you are with her. I guess…I guess I just became envious."

"Oh, so you were just using me…"

"Hey…no that's not what I meant." How could he accuse her of such a thing? It was hard enough trying to gauge her feelings towards him. How could he possibly think that of her? "I just…I don't know what I feel…"

"It's okay Rach. I see the way you are with Chip. I would feel lonely too if I was with a douchebag like him." How could she just use him like that? He wasn't a toy for her to want when she couldn't have it. He was a human being with feelings. Feelings for her.

"Hey!...don't speak of him like that. He is a sweet guy." And there she was again, defending a guy who didn't deserve it. Her feelings towards him were like a light switch, one minute she hated the way he made her feel and then the next she was excusing his actions towards her.

"Sure…" He said rolling his eyes. "That's why…that's why…" He wanted so badly to tell her what transpired at the library but he couldn't break her heart. No matter how much she hurt him, he could never cause her pain.

"Why what? Why what Ross!" She was beyond angry, she was furious! Why was he being such a jerk? All I did was kiss him and it's not like he didn't enjoy it, he clearly liked it just as much as she did. Could he not tell in that kiss that I clearly felt something towards him?

He couldn't bear to look at her anymore. Avoiding her gaze he continued. "It's nothing, Rachel. Just go. We won't tell anyone about this kiss and it'll never happen again. I am with Heather and she makes me happy."

"Ugh…fine." Frustrated, she got out of the car, before slamming the door she had one more thing to get off her chest. "Oh and just so you know, I was arguing with Heather because I accused her of toying with you. I couldn't fathom why she would jeopardize her social status to be with you." With that she stormed off towards her house, leaving him looking after her dumbfounded."

Authors Note: This story is like coming up for a breath of fresh air. One and Only is using all my brain power. I want the story to seem intricate yet make sense but when I begin to write, it's like I forget every word in my vocabulary. LOL.

Please let me know how you guys feel about this story, I think I know where I am going with this. Plus I want it to relate to the title, as well as some of Adele's lyrics.

Also, let me know how you feel about One and Only, I could definitely use some help on that one. Tina Chaves reviewed and now I feel like I have to live up to the expectation.