Dares and Dreams
Before Reading: Disclaimer: No, none of these characters belong to me. I just enjoy writing about them. This fan fiction is about the friends gang when they were in high school. In order to read this, you must have an open mind. It is mostly about Rachel. Her nose is fine. Monica is not fat anymore. Joey, Chandler and Phoebe hang out with them and go to the same high school, and Ross' hair is like it is in the first season. It focuses on teen problems and is rated PG- 13 for, PG-13 stuff! I hope you enjoy!
CH. 1 Rachel's life
The sunlight shown through the window and danced on Rachel's eyelids. Today was just another Friday. She slowly opened her eyes, and stared at the morning sky. Only two more months before summer. A summer that would be filled with her best friends. She pushed the baby blue covers off of her, and went into her bathroom for her shower. The water bounced off of her tender skin and continued down the drain. She applied her VO5 hair treatment that smelled of peaches and strawberries. She climbed out of her shower.
She stood looking at the smoggy mirror. As she took a hand towel and whipped away the steam, she saw herself for the first time. She saw her large blue eyes and tan skin. Her light brown hair that was layered and shoulder length, and her slim figure. She had never really looked at herself. She blow dried her hair and applied a thin layer of make up. Her mother called from downstairs that she was going to be late, but she continued to take her time. That was just how she was. No one could rush her; she needed time to experience things for herself. She never just took someone's word for it, and she never disagreed to a dare. That's what got her in trouble. Many times.
The day was taking forever, but when the lunch bell rang, she felt a bit of relief knowing that she would see her friends. Monica was her best friend; she had long black hair and used to be fat. She was very obsessive, but was a great friend. Phoebe was next, she was very spiritual and out there. She had long blond hair that totally matched her personality, bright and beautiful. Joey was new; he moved from Brooklyn and had the accent for it. He hit on anything with boobs, and was, despite clueless, charming. Ross was Monica's nerdy older brother. He, like Joey and Chandler, was a senior. It was kind of cool to have him around, he would do anything to help Rachel with her homework that she sometimes didn't have time to do due to pep rallies, football games, dates and parties. Chandler was his best friend; he was the funny guy. Monica liked him, a lot. She always hung on him. He was a great person to be around though.
The lunch line was massive. It took half of lunch for Rachel to get seated. Only one chair was left and it was by Joey. Oh well, so she would have to kick him a few times, she was ok with that. She talked across the table to talk to Monica about Monica's slumber party tonight. Monica always threw the best slumber parties. Sadly, it probably wasn't going to be to fun due to chandler staying over with Ross tonight, which meant Monica would be glued to his side. Rachel smiled at the thought of Monica actually GLUED to his side. She looked behind her and noticed Mandy, Clarissa, and Abby staring. She knew they where talking about her. They where probably evaluating her outfit, or making fun of her table, or worse, discussing on who she should date next!!! What was she going to do? She had to talk to them. no, she couldn't do that. While she sat there debating, she didn't notice them all leave. She got up, threw her untouched lunch away, and went to gym.
CH 2. The Slumber Party and Dares
Rachel got home at about 3:35 and she grabbed her bag full of clothes, candy, pop, magazines and her diary, and she sprinted out the door. She arrived at Monica's at 4:00 and began getting her ideas ready for things to do that night. Monica wanted time alone with chandler.
"PLEASE RACHEL! Just, go with my brother and rent some movies! Please!" she begged. Rachel hated it when Monica begged because it was a sad sight.
"Your brother won't want to take me to the video place!" she tried to argue, but she knew Ross would do anything for her, so she agreed.
She entered Ross' room with caution. She had never been it there before, and wasn't sure what to expect. It was definitely NOT an average 18- year-old guy's room. It as spotless! There where books stacked nicely everywhere, and classical CD's. She saw no nude posters of Pamela Anderson or Carmen Electra; instead she saw posters of dinosaurs and the periodic table of elements. Ross was at a desk writing something.
"Ross?" she asked quietly. He turned around slowly, not knowing if it was Rachel or not.
"Yea?" he responded. HE WAS SHY! She had never noticed that before. He was really shy.
"Monica wants to know if you will take me to rent some movies." She finished. He cracked a smile and nodded his head. She had never noticed that he had such adorable brown eyes. He stood up and grabbed his coat as they made their way to his jeep.
The whole way there, they had joked and played around. He laughed at all of her jokes and it made her feel funny. He complimented her a lot and it made her feel good. The Hollywood Video store was packed with people from their school. She said hi to at least 15 people, but Ross only said hi to four. They where deciding between "Selena" and "Beaches" when she heard a familiar voice behind her. It was Chip. She turned around and glared at him.
"Hey there's my girl, what's up?" he purred.
"I'm not your girl. And you better leave me alone before." he interrupted her. "Before what? You tell your daddy on me? Huh, is that it?" she could feel tears forming, but it didn't take a lot to make her cry.
"I need to go." She said quietly. But Ross wasn't letting Chip go.
"You know what? You better get outta here before I beat your face in!" Ross threatened. Rachel smiled, it was a sweet gesture, but she knew Ross didn't have a chance against Chip. Chip then grabbed her arm and started to pull her over by him.
"Let's go." He snarled.
"No," Rachel smiled unsympathetically, "I would rather stay with my new boyfriend." She finished. Chip and Ross' mouth both dropped.
"What? This geek is your boyfriend?" he raged.
"Yea!" Ross smiled. "I'm gonna have to ask you to let go of my girlfriend." Ross played along. Chip stormed away. Rachel and Ross both started laughing hysterically.
The whole way home, they laughed some more.
"Wow!" Rachel said, "Good save! I just hope he didn't buy it." Ross stopped laughing. She looked at him. "Well, I mean, of coarse he didn't buy it, you of all people? Oh my god! What if he bought it?" Rachel began to worry out loud. If this spread around school, her popularity would take a huge fall!
She was so busy re-assuring herself that Chip didn't buy their act that she didn't notice the hurt expression on Ross' face. "How could she be so shallow?" he thought. Wait, it was Rachel. He knew from the moment that he saw her he didn't have a chance. It hurt that he started think earlier that maybe he actually did have a chance. Well thank god Rachel was shallow because he needed to snap into reality again. Rachel and him would never happen. No matter how much he wanted it to, he knew how she was.
Rachel hurried into the Geller's and Phoebe was already there. Chandler had long ago locked himself in Ross' room to save himself from the hands of Monica. Monica and Phoebe where taking a quiz when Rachel entered with the movies. The night went by fast, and they all ended up crying their eyes out watching Selena. It was only 10 when they began their usual game of truth or dare. Monica was asked if she would ever get a hobby, and was dared to flash Chandler. Phoebe was asked why her mom killed herself, which she had no problem answering, she was asked why she was so weird, and she was dared, like Monica, to flash chandler.
Rachel was asked if she would ever give Ross a chance, which she replied, "we're really different. Maybe if he made the first move." although she did notice, she kind of started to like him, and she was dared to go get her belly button pierced. Rachel NEVER backs out of a dare, so they drove to a place called "Holes and Tattoos" and she got her belly button pierced. She never once thought about what her parents would think. He dad was always at work and her mother loved her Jill's belly button piercing and Jill was only 15. Rachel got a bar bell with a baby blue rhinestone. She got one with a yellow star for her second one. Monica and Phoebe loved it! Phoebe decided to get her tongue pierced. But the second the needle came even close to her she leaped into the air screaming. They all got home in one piece and feel asleep during "Kissing a fool."
CH 3 Feelings and yet, another Dare
Saturday afternoon, Rachel decided she was going to have a pool party. She loved the pool, and she loved having her friends around. She scheduled it for Sunday. It was just gonna be the gang plus a few other people, including Mandy. Mandy and her were friends, but Mandy was a little more two faced. Rachel got in touch with every one, and everyone, including Ross, could make it. It was easy to find a pool since it was in her backyard. She had 15 acres. She had a mini-mansion, and she had a spa, hot tub and everything she wanted.
Monica came over and both of them headed to the shopping center to come across eye-catching bikinis. Monica and Rachel finally had time to do serious talking. While browsing, Monica finally cracked.
"Ok, you can't keep doing this to my brother." Rachel was surprised.
"What?" She asked.
"Rachel! Wake up! He likes you so much! I overheard him telling Chandler what you did to him on the way home from Hollywood Video." Rachel didn't get it. She thought they had a good time.
"No, seriously, what?" She asked again.
"You were so worried that Chip bought the fact that you two were dating because you would never be caught dating my bother, the geek!" For the first time, Monica was seriously MAD at Rachel.
"Monica, I like your brother, he's just far from my type. I date."
"Jerks." Monica finished. Rachel had never meant to hurt Ross. She doesn't always think. She has always had people to think for her. She was surprised that she actually hurt someone.
She and Monica made up, and pretty soon, Monica was asking about what bikini's she thought was cute. Monica settled for a red one, it had blue star shaped rhinestones out lining it. It was strapless. Rachel finally found the one she wanted. It was light pink, and had the same rhinestone pattern that Monica's had, only the rhinestones where white. Hers also tied in the back, and it tied on the bottom sides. It had cups like a bra rather than a full strap like a tube top that Monica's bikini had. She went into the dressing room and tried it on. She looked up and smiled. She was seventeen. She was a woman now. She knew it. She had breasts, and hips, and her belly button ring made her feel sexy. The suit felt right, so she changed back into her clothes and bought hers, and half of Monica's, and they left.
The car ride was silent, until Monica got a great idea.
"I have a dare for you." She smiled. Rachel smiled back.
"Yes?" she knew it involved Ross, but she didn't know exactly what Monica had in mind.
"Well, I dare you to get to know Ross at your party and flirt a little. Make him feel like he has a chance. Just so he won't kill himself." Like I have said, Rachel never backed out of a dare. She agreed and Monica knew what was going to happen. But then again, she didn't. If things went right, Rachel would end up liking him and pursuing him, but if things when horribly wrong, Ross would end up heart broken, this was the only way.
The pool party was fun. Rachel didn't want to get wet, so she tanned. Joey and Chandler were running the BBQ, and Ross and Monica brought some beverages. Rachel watched and clapped as she watched her friends enjoy themselves. She had totally forgotten about the dare, but Monica didn't even notice because Rachel and Ross where smiling at each other and joking around with each other. Ross kept on glancing at her from time to time. She felt pretty and loved. She never knew Ross would make her feel so good about herself. She decided to make a move. She wasn't even sure if she liked him! But she thought about what Monica had said, to stop playing with Ross' mind, and she knew she liked him! He was cute, funny, sweet, everything she ever wanted in a guy, but never got.
She stood up, and made her way to Ross. She swerved her hips back and forth like she had seen on movies. He tried to contain his smile but failed miserably. It was fun playing with him like that. She gracefully continued across the porch and struck up a conversation. She went on about the weather, smiling a stupid smile the whole time. Why did she feel so giddy and lightheaded? Phoebe saw them, and decided to zest things up a bit. She came behind Rachel and pushed her into Ross' arms. Rachel didn't ever become aware of being pushed, all she knew is she ended up in his arms. She thanked him for catching her by hugging him tight. He hugged her back, smelling her hair. He could smell the peaches from her shampoo. For her, everything went black. She couldn't hear anything but her heart beating faster and faster. She finally regained her sight and she could hear again. She didn't want to let go of that hug, but she could feel people looking at her, so she promptly let go and smiled.
"Do you want to get in the pool?" He asked. She nodded.
She no longer cared about getting wet. She no longer cared about school or her popularity; she just wanted to be wherever Ross was. Maybe this is what Monica felt about Chandler. Maybe this is why she hangs on him and talks about him, and smiles out of nowhere at the very thought of him. Now Rachel knew how she felt, and nothing could bring her down. She and Ross made their way to the pool. He stopped and bent down by her belly.
"Wow! When didja get that thingy?" he said pointing to her belly button ring.
"I got it the night of the sleepover." She answered.
"I like it." He smiled shyly. He was so cute when he smiled like that.
She kept thinking about him, while Ross' mind was troubled. The night of the slumber party. The night she set him into reality again. What was he doing? He was setting himself up for heartbreak again. He couldn't let himself hurt like that again; it would kill him if he didn't kill himself first. But he wanted to be around her, at least for a while, at this party where she was barely dressed. He laughed at his joke, and then pushed her into the pool.
She laughed and motioned for him to bend down, she pretended to tell him a secret while she grabbed him and pulled him into the pool.
"You fell for it! I thought you where smart!" she laughed, and he laughed too.
Monica, Chandler, phoebe and Joey stood there with their mouth hanging open. Was this really happening? Monica still thought Rachel was just messing with Ross' head, so she and chandler jumped into the pool and announced that they where going to compete with Rachel and Ross in a game of "Chicken." Rachel jumped onto Ross' shoulders and Monica frowned.
"Rachel, I think you should be on chandler's shoulders." Rachel said she wanted to be on Ross' because Ross and her where a team, and Ross let Monica know that:
"You can't ever be on my shoulders again, last time you peed on me!" He looked sick at the memory.
"I WAS 6!" She yelled.
Still, Ross and Rachel wanted to be a team, and they won! Monica was a sore loser, but this time she wasn't too bad. She pulled Rachel a side.
"Monica! I like him! I really do! He is so sweet and funny and." Monica smiled and hugged her friend.
"You could never choose a better guy. My brother is the best." Rachel smiled ear-to-ear
"I know."
Rachel ended up staying the night at Monica's since there was no school on Monday due to Memorial Day. She and Monica slept downstairs in the family room. Monica was snoring louder than ever, and Rachel wasn't even close to being tired. She climbed off of the couch and decided to see if Ross was up. She was wearing her favorite pajamas, which were hot pink silk pants with heart on them, and spaghetti strapped hot pink tank top. She crept up the stairs and stared at the end of the hall, Ross' room. A bright beam of light shown eerily through the bottom of his door. She walked to his door and quietly knocked. She then realized she had no clue what to say to him when he asked what she wanted. Ross opened the door. She would have thought he slept in power ranger or Barney PJ's, but instead, he was wearing a white wife beater and blue pajama pants. He looked so tan and worked out. Did he work out?
"Yea?" he asked.
Rachel had no clue what to say. "Um, I was wondering if, you would like to talk?" Ross looked confused.
"Ok, come on in." he said. Then he thought to himself as she sat at the end of his bed. "What could she need? It was 11:00 pm. Wait? Was this it? Did she like me? Was she waiting for Monica to fall asleep so she could tell me?" It was silent for a long time before she laughed.
"I like your alarm clock." Ross looked at his alarm clock, a T-rex that roared when it sounded its alarm. He was embarrassed. "Well, ok. Ross, I have a big assignment due on Wednesday, it is about dinosaurs, I need your help," She lied.
"Oh yea? What do you need?" He knew she was lying.
"I need a dinosaur for each time period." She was dying! That was the worst lie in the whole world!
They stayed up until 3:00 am, when Ross looked over and found Rachel in a dead sleep. He didn't want to wake her, but his parents would expect the worst if she slept in there. Carefully, he carried Rachel down to her bed. He sat there and looked affectionately at her for a while, then went back to bed.
CH 4 Just A little Crush.On Ross? / Together, Finally
Rachel smiled all of Monday, and when school came around Tuesday, she smiled more. She wore a pink shirt that showed her belly button and a cute jean skirt. She curled her hair and wore her make-up natural and pretty. They day zoomed by, and finally lunch came. Today, she decided, she would tell him. At lunch she flirted with him and smiled at him. He smiled back. Chandler didn't want his friend to get hurt. He and Joey pulled him aside.
"Dude, what are you doing?" Chandler began.
"What?" Ross asked.
"With Rachel! You are just going to get hurt!" Ross was shocked! Chandler was just jealous, he thought. He doesn't have a beautiful girl gushing over him.
"Ross, Rachel turned me down, why do you think she would go for you?" Joey continued.
Ross then started thinking. Rachel had just broken up with Chip. Was she just using him to get back at Chip? He slowly walked back to the table. He threw his lunch away and walked out of the cafeteria.
Rachel searched for him all of lunch. He was nowhere to be found. She found him after school on the football bleachers. He looked really depressed. She hurried over to him. He looked at her, and then looked away.
"There is something, I really need to tell you." She started. He looked at her. By the look on her face, he couldn't tell if it was good or bad.
"Rachel, what are you doing? Are you trying to hurt me? We never used to talk at all and now you are hugging me, and laughing with me, and-and, coming into my room late at night claiming to need help with dinosaur stuff. What is this all about?" he looked so hurt.
He had such big puppy eyes. She wanted to cry. She thought of all of the things she has put this poor guy through. Yes, she would tell him. She would make it up to him and they would be happy. Together.
"Ross, in the past few days, I have started having feelings for you. I haven't realized what I have put you through. I could apologize a million times and still feel bad. I really like you. like that. You know? I just want you to know, that yes, I like you. I'm sorry that I have led you on in the past. It was stupid and cruel. I just, I feel. any ways. I know we can be good friends, but, do you want something more?"
He didn't smile.
"Why do you like me?" he finally whispered.
"Because! Your sweet, funny, cute, and you always make me feel good about my self. I always feel better about myself when I'm around you." She didn't mean for that to come out wrong, but it did, and he was hurt even more.
"Oh, I get it. If you date the loser you will be cooler than him so you know, your ego will be very pleased." He was getting really mad.
"Ross, I swear I didn't mean for it to come out like that." She began to get teary eyed.
"Rachel, you have enough followers and boyfriends for your little 'fan club.' I don't think you need one more." He finished. He began to walk off.
She didn't know what to do. "Don't cry. Don't cry," she said quietly to herself. He continued walking.
She noticed that he wasn't walking very fast, at all. It was almost as if he wanted her to catch up to him. She hurried behind him and grabbed his arm. He turned around as if to say something but couldn't. He just looked at her. Then, without any notice, she enclosed her arms around his neckline and kissed him. At first, for him it was awkward. She just sunk into it. Pretty soon, they both felt relaxed. When they broke, she was crying. She slowly walked away. He just stood there. He couldn't believe what just happened. "Wow. She really likes me." He thought. He should have never hurt her. Before he could think, he grabbed her and kissed her in return. This kiss was a bit more passionate. His hands started at her hair, and, slowly, he ran them down until they rested on her hips. The kiss was pretty time- consuming. She smiled.
"Well, can I be your girlfriend?" she asked, and he grinned very timidly.
"Yea, ok." Then his smile was very big and excited. Rachel and Ross where a couple.
"So, you need a ride home?" he asked as they made their way to the parking lot. Rachel had carpooled with Monica to school that day, so her car was at home.
"Yea, sure. Id like that." The ride home was short but they loved every second of it. Life was going to be great for them now. Well, for least Ross. Rachel was going to have some problems. What about her popularity? Was it all going to go down hill? For the first time, these worries left her right away. As soon as he smiled at her she honestly didn't care. She left the jeep happier than she had been in a long time.
"Ok, next question." started phoebe, "If you are hit by an ambulance on it's was to save someone, will it stop to help you? Or-or, um, if you are allowed to kill deer and hang their heads on the wall, why can't we keep them as pets? Rachel? Hello!"
Rachel was busy writing a letter to Ross. She missed him. He was out of town this weekend for a wedding. She decided to put the pen down and hang out with Phoebe, Chandler and Joey. A pretty but somewhat large girl passed by, and smiled at Joey.
"Your not gonna hit on her?" asked a very concerned Phoebe.
"Nah, I mean, look at her" Joey replied. "That booty size oughta be illegal!"
With that, chandler and him highfived.
"You are so shallow!' Rachel gasped.
"Oh, Princess Superficial is one to talk! You've been shallow until Ross." Chandler joked. Rachel looked down. She knew it was true. But she was different now. She thought.
Four more weeks of school. Rachel was already looking into colleges. She found a great one in Boston. She was more than likely to be accepted. She liked this school particularly because it was closest to Ross. She had been thinking, he graduates this week. It would be all of their last summers together. Well, Monica Rachel and Phoebe still had each other for another year, but the guys where all leaving. Joey, thankfully, wasn't going to college and Ross and Chandler where going to the same college. Well, maybe Rachel could talk Monica into going to a chef college in Boston. That way, Chandler and Monica and Rachel and Ross would all still be together. Yea, maybe.
Rachel sat with Chandler, Joey and Phoebe until she saw Mandy beckon for her to come over to her. Rachel got up and bounced over to her.
"Rachel, what are you doing?" Rachel wasn't sure what this was about.
"What do you mean?"
"With Ross! Listen, us cheerleaders have to look out for one another. I mean, I know you think dating a geek will help your ego, but there is a line and you have crossed it. It's bad enough you hang out with him. And those other guys? Chandler and Monica? PHOEbreath and Hoey! (Phoebe and Joey) I mean, come one Rachel! Snap out of this. No matter how bad you want to be a geek, you are not geek material." Rachel was mad. How dare she make fun of her friends???
"You know what, Mandy? You are just jealous. Stick to your Two-faced superficial friends, where you belong. Ok? I don't think you will ever have a real friend and these guys are the best friends I could ever ask for. Yes, Ross is a geek, but I have NEVER felt this way about a guy before. Ever. So, nothing will change my mind no matter what you say.."
Mandy gave her and I know something you don't know look.
"I think I know something that will change your mind. Guess you wants to go out with you.."
Rachel looked so confused. If it was Chip she would hardly care, but she would just die if it were.
"Josh Carmichaels. Yea, but since you are going out with Ross, he won't be interested in a while now."
"Wait!" Rachel shouted. "I know what you are trying to do. The answer is no, and I need to go talk to my boyfriend."
Still, Mandy was determined. "You know, it's not like you're going to get anything from Ross. Sure, the guy will worship you, but it's not like he'll give you real pleasure. Not like the pleasure Chip said he gave you." Rachel was fuming. What did she mean Chip gave her pleasure? She meant sex, and Rachel knew that, but her and Chip only fooled around, they never had any kind of sex. Rachel was getting confused.
"Well, I don't look for pleasure in a relationship. But Ross will give me the pleasure of beating Chip's face in." Rachel flipped her hair and strode away. She couldn't contain her smile. The final bell of school was over for the week.
CH 5 Wanting More
Rachel rushed to Ross.' She knocked on the door and Ross answered. He looked tired, but he was dressed in a suit and tie.
"Well hello Mr. Sharp Dressed Man." She joked. Ross hugged her tightly.
"I missed you." He laughed. Ross invited her in.
"Where is every one?" Rachel asked looking around.
"Oh, I have an important test tomorrow, but they won't be back until two days." He looked at her, and she kissed him. In the middle, he stopped and looked very serious. "There is something I need to ask you." She immediately got worried. "I want to know something. It is kind of important, but if you don't want to, I completely understand." She weakly smiled.
"Yea?" was all she could say.
"Well," He continued. "As you know, next week is my prom, and I was kind of wondering if you wanted to go with me." He looked so embarrassed.
"Of course! I would love to." She laughed and so did he. He looked serious again, and they kissed. They got a little more into it this time, and they ended up making out on the couch. She couldn't wait until prom. It was going to be great.
It was Saturday. Ross woke up early. He took his shower and got dressed quickly. He made it over to Chandlers. Like always, chandler was running out of his house screaming. Ross laughed and caught up to his surprisingly fast friend.
"Chandler, wait up." Ross yelled. Chandler looked shocked to see him, then said
"Oh, I was just going out for my running jog, to the end of the world. I just walked in on my dad and Rico, the pool cleaner. Now I don't know a lot about pool cleaning, but that is not how they do it!" Wow, that was a lot for Ross to take in right away.
"So, I'm sorry man. Just forget about it. You know. Just think happy thoughts."
Chandler smiled sarcastically. "What are those?"
Ross and chandler walked through the park talking about everything that was wrong in chandler's life. Finally, chandler asked how Ross was doing with Rachel.
"Oh, it's unbelievable. You have no clue how great it is to have such a wonderful, beautiful, smart, sweet girlfriend. But, there is one problem." Chandler paused.
"What? I could have a relationship right now if I wanted. You know what? I'm going to ask Monica to the prom. We'll take it from there. So huh. Ok, now what's the problem?"
Ross once again had to take time to take all of that information in, then answered.
"Well, Rachel is like the girl I have always wanted. I mean I would do anything for her. But she is also very advanced. I haven't ever done it. I don't really want her to know it would be my first time. You know? It's complicated. Filling Chips shoes will be pretty hard. I just, I want it to be great for her. Well, it's not making it any easier that Rachel and I have had really great times together, and I just know soon she's going to want a little more than that. I don't know what to do. I don't want to be a loser."
Chandler put all jokes aside. It was hard, but he did it.
"Well, study." Ross looked at him like he was the biggest idiot.
"What? How can you study for that?" Chandler returned the look.
"Well, all you have to do is rent all of the chick flicks you can. You will know the right things to say and everything. It will work. How do you know this isn't her first time?" Ross really didn't know. He could only assume. She just seemed like she had before. It was weird. He sat down.
"Ok. We have some movies to rent."
Rachel slept in on Saturday. She and Phoebe went to go shopping for Prom dresses. Joey had asked Phoebe to go to the prom with him. Now all they had to do was wait for Monica to get home so chandler could ask her. Just then, at the end of the store, Monica comes running up.
"Monica? What are you doing home so early?" Monica smiled.
"Chandler asked me to the prom, so I had to get home or I would miss getting the perfect dress!" Rachel and her hug.
"Please help me, I need the best dress!" Phoebe started. "How's this?" Holding up an ugly dress. "Too Barbara Strisand?" They all laughed. Only one week till prom.
Ross had watched every movie he could, and went to Rachel's place. She was ironing her dress as he entered her room.
"Hey Teddy Bear." Ross looked confused.
"Teddy bear?" Then she smiled.
"Well, I decided to give you a nickname."
Ross smiled back. "Ok, yours is kitty, ok?"
She laughed at that.
"Whatever floats your boat, Mister." They kissed a soft kiss. It was so weird that she was kissing him. It was just such an unlikely couple. But she loved him. A thought a cured to her, they had never said they loved each other. She would tell him when the timing was right. She smiled, and he looked at her.
"There is something we need to talk about. It's kind of important." He started. "Well, we have known each other forever. We have had a relationship for almost two months. I know it seems weird, but I feel I have been with you as your boyfriend for a lot longer than I have. I was just wondering, when do you want to take that next step?"
She smiled. "Teddy, I really don't care. I mean, I don't want you to feel all weird about it, but our first time together needs to be special, you know?" Ross smiled. The conversation wasn't too awkward though he thought it would have been. He liked the fact that they could talk about this topic openly.
"Well, when do you feel comfortable about it? Not like we have to, but I think if we know when we will, it will be less out of the ordinary." She smiled. She wanted to do it, but didn't want things to become complicated.
"Well, I don't know. It is more of a spur-of-the-moment thing, don't you think? I really don't think we should mark it on our calendars. You know, cause if we know when, there will be time to have second thought, and if one of us isn't sure, there will be dreading, and the feeling of guilt for not telling each other how we really feel." She had a good point. It should be more of a spontaneous, natural, unplanned thing.
CH 6 Telling the friends
Rachel hurried to tell phoebe and Monica. This was a big deal. She had already done it once, with her boyfriend before chip, but this was Ross. They where crossing that line, becoming intimate. She went up the steps to the hot dog place that they hung out. Phoebe and Monica were sitting on the couch as she entered.
"Guess what guys! Ross and I are going to the next level." Monica and Phoebe looked at her.
"When?" was all she could say, she really didn't want to think about her best friend and her brother.
"I don't know. I just feel like it will be soon. We had "the talk" a couple hours ago."
"The Talk?" Phoebe questioned.
"Yea, you know, when we discuss where our relationship is headed, and what the next step is. He seems really nervous. I wonder if this is going to be his first time. Do you think so?" Rachel was kind of worried now. Phoebe and Monica busted out laughing.
"What? Did you seriously just ask if this would be his first time? Hello! He is the geekiest guy in the world! Of course he hasn't 'Done It'!" they continued laughing. Rachel didn't laugh.
"Bye guys, I need to go." She stormed out.
"Ciao!" Phoebe shouted out.
Rachel went home and lay on her bed. They didn't know what they were talking about. She went over to her radio and turned it on. She caught the end of 'like a virgin.' She stood there for a minute and thought to herself, "Yeah right! Like a virgin no more!" She began to dance around her room picking it up as she went along. She was interrupted by the radio turning off. She looked over to see her older sister, Samantha staring at her.
"What.Are.You.Doing?" she giggled. Rachel blushed and smiled.
"I was dancing!" she laughed. Life wasn't all that horrible.
The store was almost empty, with it being 11:02. They were lucky malls were open that late on Saturdays! Monica, Phoebe and Rachel were picking out their prom dresses.
Phoebe got a BIG violet one with shiny flecks and sequins. It was actually pretty once it was on her. She got a shawl to go with it. She looked great.
Monica got a ruby red dress that was form fitting at the top, but poofed out at the waist. It was pretty also. It was strapless and had a scarf to go with it.
Rachel got a midnight blue form fitting dress. It had very thin straps and a slit up to her thigh. It was very beautiful. They best thing about it was that it was simple, yet gorgeous.
They wall got their shoes next. Rachel's were black thin high heels with straps that wrap around her leg to her knee. Monica got big pumps with silver lining, while Phoebe got purple boots.
Prom was still a ways away. The girls finally seperated after their shopping and went to see their beloved others. Rachel hurried to the Geller residence to see Ross. He answered the door.
"Hey! I missed you!" she smiled when he opened the door. He looked very tired. "Teddy, what's wrong?" she asked, a bit worried.
"Oh, I just stayed up late working on my end of the year project in science. Come on in. no one's home."
Ross gave her a hug and she entered the living room. She liked it when it was just them alone. No Monica, no Mr. And Mrs. Geller. It was nice. He was going to talk to her about his project, but before he could, she had pulled him to the couch kissing him. She sat on his lap and kissed him gently then she planted many teasing kisses on his face. They giggled and fooled around a little bit longer until they got lip locked in a strong, romantic kiss that lasted much longer, and was much more intense. He rubbed his hands up and down her back, and then laid her down on the couch so he was on top of her. They got lost in the moment and didn't realize how fast time had gone by. She kissed him one more time and then climbed out from under him.
She sat up and straightened her shirt. She had never gotten so into a kiss before. She looked up and smiled at Ross who was now lying on his back on the couch. She stood up and sighed.
"I guess I just wanted to say hi." She finally said. She reached down and grabbed his hand pulling him to his feet. He kissed her on the nose, and she went on her way.
CH. 7, NO REGREATS
Rachel looked in the mirror. She was finishing her hair for the prom. She had it up and curly. She had her make up light and natural. She put on a finishing coat of suave hairspray, and then turned for a last glimpse. She approved of herself. She was proud to be herself. She liked herself.
'Tonight's the night' she said to herself.
"What's tonight?" a voice rang behind her. It was Samantha, her older sister. Samantha was 19. She looked nothing like Rachel. She had bleached blonde hair and a very UN natural look about her. Rachel tried to contain her smile.
"Nothing." she said unconvincingly.
"You're thinking about having sex aren't you?" Samantha said, almost in a yell. It was a good thing their parents were in a fight again, no one heard.
"Shhh!" Rachel demanded.
"Is it your first time?" Samantha asked, shutting the door behind her.
"Of course not! I am just doing it with the best guy in the world!" Rachel sighed, lovingly.
"Oh, that Josh Carmichaels you've been obsessing over?"
"No!" God, Samantha made it sound so dramatic. "My boyfriend. Not Chip! Ross." Rachel smiled at his name. Samantha couldn't control her laughter.
"Ross Geller? As in, Ross Geller geeky, brainy loser, Ross Geller? Puh-Lease! That cannot be good for your popularity!" Samantha laughed.
"No, Samantha, you need to know him. He is sweet, funny, smart, and he is the best kisser in the world."
"I'll take your word for it."
"Sam, I haven't felt for a guy what I feel for Ross. He makes everything seem okay! I love him!
l TO BE CONTINUED?
Well? Tell me what you think? Should I continue?
Before Reading: Disclaimer: No, none of these characters belong to me. I just enjoy writing about them. This fan fiction is about the friends gang when they were in high school. In order to read this, you must have an open mind. It is mostly about Rachel. Her nose is fine. Monica is not fat anymore. Joey, Chandler and Phoebe hang out with them and go to the same high school, and Ross' hair is like it is in the first season. It focuses on teen problems and is rated PG- 13 for, PG-13 stuff! I hope you enjoy!
CH. 1 Rachel's life
The sunlight shown through the window and danced on Rachel's eyelids. Today was just another Friday. She slowly opened her eyes, and stared at the morning sky. Only two more months before summer. A summer that would be filled with her best friends. She pushed the baby blue covers off of her, and went into her bathroom for her shower. The water bounced off of her tender skin and continued down the drain. She applied her VO5 hair treatment that smelled of peaches and strawberries. She climbed out of her shower.
She stood looking at the smoggy mirror. As she took a hand towel and whipped away the steam, she saw herself for the first time. She saw her large blue eyes and tan skin. Her light brown hair that was layered and shoulder length, and her slim figure. She had never really looked at herself. She blow dried her hair and applied a thin layer of make up. Her mother called from downstairs that she was going to be late, but she continued to take her time. That was just how she was. No one could rush her; she needed time to experience things for herself. She never just took someone's word for it, and she never disagreed to a dare. That's what got her in trouble. Many times.
The day was taking forever, but when the lunch bell rang, she felt a bit of relief knowing that she would see her friends. Monica was her best friend; she had long black hair and used to be fat. She was very obsessive, but was a great friend. Phoebe was next, she was very spiritual and out there. She had long blond hair that totally matched her personality, bright and beautiful. Joey was new; he moved from Brooklyn and had the accent for it. He hit on anything with boobs, and was, despite clueless, charming. Ross was Monica's nerdy older brother. He, like Joey and Chandler, was a senior. It was kind of cool to have him around, he would do anything to help Rachel with her homework that she sometimes didn't have time to do due to pep rallies, football games, dates and parties. Chandler was his best friend; he was the funny guy. Monica liked him, a lot. She always hung on him. He was a great person to be around though.
The lunch line was massive. It took half of lunch for Rachel to get seated. Only one chair was left and it was by Joey. Oh well, so she would have to kick him a few times, she was ok with that. She talked across the table to talk to Monica about Monica's slumber party tonight. Monica always threw the best slumber parties. Sadly, it probably wasn't going to be to fun due to chandler staying over with Ross tonight, which meant Monica would be glued to his side. Rachel smiled at the thought of Monica actually GLUED to his side. She looked behind her and noticed Mandy, Clarissa, and Abby staring. She knew they where talking about her. They where probably evaluating her outfit, or making fun of her table, or worse, discussing on who she should date next!!! What was she going to do? She had to talk to them. no, she couldn't do that. While she sat there debating, she didn't notice them all leave. She got up, threw her untouched lunch away, and went to gym.
CH 2. The Slumber Party and Dares
Rachel got home at about 3:35 and she grabbed her bag full of clothes, candy, pop, magazines and her diary, and she sprinted out the door. She arrived at Monica's at 4:00 and began getting her ideas ready for things to do that night. Monica wanted time alone with chandler.
"PLEASE RACHEL! Just, go with my brother and rent some movies! Please!" she begged. Rachel hated it when Monica begged because it was a sad sight.
"Your brother won't want to take me to the video place!" she tried to argue, but she knew Ross would do anything for her, so she agreed.
She entered Ross' room with caution. She had never been it there before, and wasn't sure what to expect. It was definitely NOT an average 18- year-old guy's room. It as spotless! There where books stacked nicely everywhere, and classical CD's. She saw no nude posters of Pamela Anderson or Carmen Electra; instead she saw posters of dinosaurs and the periodic table of elements. Ross was at a desk writing something.
"Ross?" she asked quietly. He turned around slowly, not knowing if it was Rachel or not.
"Yea?" he responded. HE WAS SHY! She had never noticed that before. He was really shy.
"Monica wants to know if you will take me to rent some movies." She finished. He cracked a smile and nodded his head. She had never noticed that he had such adorable brown eyes. He stood up and grabbed his coat as they made their way to his jeep.
The whole way there, they had joked and played around. He laughed at all of her jokes and it made her feel funny. He complimented her a lot and it made her feel good. The Hollywood Video store was packed with people from their school. She said hi to at least 15 people, but Ross only said hi to four. They where deciding between "Selena" and "Beaches" when she heard a familiar voice behind her. It was Chip. She turned around and glared at him.
"Hey there's my girl, what's up?" he purred.
"I'm not your girl. And you better leave me alone before." he interrupted her. "Before what? You tell your daddy on me? Huh, is that it?" she could feel tears forming, but it didn't take a lot to make her cry.
"I need to go." She said quietly. But Ross wasn't letting Chip go.
"You know what? You better get outta here before I beat your face in!" Ross threatened. Rachel smiled, it was a sweet gesture, but she knew Ross didn't have a chance against Chip. Chip then grabbed her arm and started to pull her over by him.
"Let's go." He snarled.
"No," Rachel smiled unsympathetically, "I would rather stay with my new boyfriend." She finished. Chip and Ross' mouth both dropped.
"What? This geek is your boyfriend?" he raged.
"Yea!" Ross smiled. "I'm gonna have to ask you to let go of my girlfriend." Ross played along. Chip stormed away. Rachel and Ross both started laughing hysterically.
The whole way home, they laughed some more.
"Wow!" Rachel said, "Good save! I just hope he didn't buy it." Ross stopped laughing. She looked at him. "Well, I mean, of coarse he didn't buy it, you of all people? Oh my god! What if he bought it?" Rachel began to worry out loud. If this spread around school, her popularity would take a huge fall!
She was so busy re-assuring herself that Chip didn't buy their act that she didn't notice the hurt expression on Ross' face. "How could she be so shallow?" he thought. Wait, it was Rachel. He knew from the moment that he saw her he didn't have a chance. It hurt that he started think earlier that maybe he actually did have a chance. Well thank god Rachel was shallow because he needed to snap into reality again. Rachel and him would never happen. No matter how much he wanted it to, he knew how she was.
Rachel hurried into the Geller's and Phoebe was already there. Chandler had long ago locked himself in Ross' room to save himself from the hands of Monica. Monica and Phoebe where taking a quiz when Rachel entered with the movies. The night went by fast, and they all ended up crying their eyes out watching Selena. It was only 10 when they began their usual game of truth or dare. Monica was asked if she would ever get a hobby, and was dared to flash Chandler. Phoebe was asked why her mom killed herself, which she had no problem answering, she was asked why she was so weird, and she was dared, like Monica, to flash chandler.
Rachel was asked if she would ever give Ross a chance, which she replied, "we're really different. Maybe if he made the first move." although she did notice, she kind of started to like him, and she was dared to go get her belly button pierced. Rachel NEVER backs out of a dare, so they drove to a place called "Holes and Tattoos" and she got her belly button pierced. She never once thought about what her parents would think. He dad was always at work and her mother loved her Jill's belly button piercing and Jill was only 15. Rachel got a bar bell with a baby blue rhinestone. She got one with a yellow star for her second one. Monica and Phoebe loved it! Phoebe decided to get her tongue pierced. But the second the needle came even close to her she leaped into the air screaming. They all got home in one piece and feel asleep during "Kissing a fool."
CH 3 Feelings and yet, another Dare
Saturday afternoon, Rachel decided she was going to have a pool party. She loved the pool, and she loved having her friends around. She scheduled it for Sunday. It was just gonna be the gang plus a few other people, including Mandy. Mandy and her were friends, but Mandy was a little more two faced. Rachel got in touch with every one, and everyone, including Ross, could make it. It was easy to find a pool since it was in her backyard. She had 15 acres. She had a mini-mansion, and she had a spa, hot tub and everything she wanted.
Monica came over and both of them headed to the shopping center to come across eye-catching bikinis. Monica and Rachel finally had time to do serious talking. While browsing, Monica finally cracked.
"Ok, you can't keep doing this to my brother." Rachel was surprised.
"What?" She asked.
"Rachel! Wake up! He likes you so much! I overheard him telling Chandler what you did to him on the way home from Hollywood Video." Rachel didn't get it. She thought they had a good time.
"No, seriously, what?" She asked again.
"You were so worried that Chip bought the fact that you two were dating because you would never be caught dating my bother, the geek!" For the first time, Monica was seriously MAD at Rachel.
"Monica, I like your brother, he's just far from my type. I date."
"Jerks." Monica finished. Rachel had never meant to hurt Ross. She doesn't always think. She has always had people to think for her. She was surprised that she actually hurt someone.
She and Monica made up, and pretty soon, Monica was asking about what bikini's she thought was cute. Monica settled for a red one, it had blue star shaped rhinestones out lining it. It was strapless. Rachel finally found the one she wanted. It was light pink, and had the same rhinestone pattern that Monica's had, only the rhinestones where white. Hers also tied in the back, and it tied on the bottom sides. It had cups like a bra rather than a full strap like a tube top that Monica's bikini had. She went into the dressing room and tried it on. She looked up and smiled. She was seventeen. She was a woman now. She knew it. She had breasts, and hips, and her belly button ring made her feel sexy. The suit felt right, so she changed back into her clothes and bought hers, and half of Monica's, and they left.
The car ride was silent, until Monica got a great idea.
"I have a dare for you." She smiled. Rachel smiled back.
"Yes?" she knew it involved Ross, but she didn't know exactly what Monica had in mind.
"Well, I dare you to get to know Ross at your party and flirt a little. Make him feel like he has a chance. Just so he won't kill himself." Like I have said, Rachel never backed out of a dare. She agreed and Monica knew what was going to happen. But then again, she didn't. If things went right, Rachel would end up liking him and pursuing him, but if things when horribly wrong, Ross would end up heart broken, this was the only way.
The pool party was fun. Rachel didn't want to get wet, so she tanned. Joey and Chandler were running the BBQ, and Ross and Monica brought some beverages. Rachel watched and clapped as she watched her friends enjoy themselves. She had totally forgotten about the dare, but Monica didn't even notice because Rachel and Ross where smiling at each other and joking around with each other. Ross kept on glancing at her from time to time. She felt pretty and loved. She never knew Ross would make her feel so good about herself. She decided to make a move. She wasn't even sure if she liked him! But she thought about what Monica had said, to stop playing with Ross' mind, and she knew she liked him! He was cute, funny, sweet, everything she ever wanted in a guy, but never got.
She stood up, and made her way to Ross. She swerved her hips back and forth like she had seen on movies. He tried to contain his smile but failed miserably. It was fun playing with him like that. She gracefully continued across the porch and struck up a conversation. She went on about the weather, smiling a stupid smile the whole time. Why did she feel so giddy and lightheaded? Phoebe saw them, and decided to zest things up a bit. She came behind Rachel and pushed her into Ross' arms. Rachel didn't ever become aware of being pushed, all she knew is she ended up in his arms. She thanked him for catching her by hugging him tight. He hugged her back, smelling her hair. He could smell the peaches from her shampoo. For her, everything went black. She couldn't hear anything but her heart beating faster and faster. She finally regained her sight and she could hear again. She didn't want to let go of that hug, but she could feel people looking at her, so she promptly let go and smiled.
"Do you want to get in the pool?" He asked. She nodded.
She no longer cared about getting wet. She no longer cared about school or her popularity; she just wanted to be wherever Ross was. Maybe this is what Monica felt about Chandler. Maybe this is why she hangs on him and talks about him, and smiles out of nowhere at the very thought of him. Now Rachel knew how she felt, and nothing could bring her down. She and Ross made their way to the pool. He stopped and bent down by her belly.
"Wow! When didja get that thingy?" he said pointing to her belly button ring.
"I got it the night of the sleepover." She answered.
"I like it." He smiled shyly. He was so cute when he smiled like that.
She kept thinking about him, while Ross' mind was troubled. The night of the slumber party. The night she set him into reality again. What was he doing? He was setting himself up for heartbreak again. He couldn't let himself hurt like that again; it would kill him if he didn't kill himself first. But he wanted to be around her, at least for a while, at this party where she was barely dressed. He laughed at his joke, and then pushed her into the pool.
She laughed and motioned for him to bend down, she pretended to tell him a secret while she grabbed him and pulled him into the pool.
"You fell for it! I thought you where smart!" she laughed, and he laughed too.
Monica, Chandler, phoebe and Joey stood there with their mouth hanging open. Was this really happening? Monica still thought Rachel was just messing with Ross' head, so she and chandler jumped into the pool and announced that they where going to compete with Rachel and Ross in a game of "Chicken." Rachel jumped onto Ross' shoulders and Monica frowned.
"Rachel, I think you should be on chandler's shoulders." Rachel said she wanted to be on Ross' because Ross and her where a team, and Ross let Monica know that:
"You can't ever be on my shoulders again, last time you peed on me!" He looked sick at the memory.
"I WAS 6!" She yelled.
Still, Ross and Rachel wanted to be a team, and they won! Monica was a sore loser, but this time she wasn't too bad. She pulled Rachel a side.
"Monica! I like him! I really do! He is so sweet and funny and." Monica smiled and hugged her friend.
"You could never choose a better guy. My brother is the best." Rachel smiled ear-to-ear
"I know."
Rachel ended up staying the night at Monica's since there was no school on Monday due to Memorial Day. She and Monica slept downstairs in the family room. Monica was snoring louder than ever, and Rachel wasn't even close to being tired. She climbed off of the couch and decided to see if Ross was up. She was wearing her favorite pajamas, which were hot pink silk pants with heart on them, and spaghetti strapped hot pink tank top. She crept up the stairs and stared at the end of the hall, Ross' room. A bright beam of light shown eerily through the bottom of his door. She walked to his door and quietly knocked. She then realized she had no clue what to say to him when he asked what she wanted. Ross opened the door. She would have thought he slept in power ranger or Barney PJ's, but instead, he was wearing a white wife beater and blue pajama pants. He looked so tan and worked out. Did he work out?
"Yea?" he asked.
Rachel had no clue what to say. "Um, I was wondering if, you would like to talk?" Ross looked confused.
"Ok, come on in." he said. Then he thought to himself as she sat at the end of his bed. "What could she need? It was 11:00 pm. Wait? Was this it? Did she like me? Was she waiting for Monica to fall asleep so she could tell me?" It was silent for a long time before she laughed.
"I like your alarm clock." Ross looked at his alarm clock, a T-rex that roared when it sounded its alarm. He was embarrassed. "Well, ok. Ross, I have a big assignment due on Wednesday, it is about dinosaurs, I need your help," She lied.
"Oh yea? What do you need?" He knew she was lying.
"I need a dinosaur for each time period." She was dying! That was the worst lie in the whole world!
They stayed up until 3:00 am, when Ross looked over and found Rachel in a dead sleep. He didn't want to wake her, but his parents would expect the worst if she slept in there. Carefully, he carried Rachel down to her bed. He sat there and looked affectionately at her for a while, then went back to bed.
CH 4 Just A little Crush.On Ross? / Together, Finally
Rachel smiled all of Monday, and when school came around Tuesday, she smiled more. She wore a pink shirt that showed her belly button and a cute jean skirt. She curled her hair and wore her make-up natural and pretty. They day zoomed by, and finally lunch came. Today, she decided, she would tell him. At lunch she flirted with him and smiled at him. He smiled back. Chandler didn't want his friend to get hurt. He and Joey pulled him aside.
"Dude, what are you doing?" Chandler began.
"What?" Ross asked.
"With Rachel! You are just going to get hurt!" Ross was shocked! Chandler was just jealous, he thought. He doesn't have a beautiful girl gushing over him.
"Ross, Rachel turned me down, why do you think she would go for you?" Joey continued.
Ross then started thinking. Rachel had just broken up with Chip. Was she just using him to get back at Chip? He slowly walked back to the table. He threw his lunch away and walked out of the cafeteria.
Rachel searched for him all of lunch. He was nowhere to be found. She found him after school on the football bleachers. He looked really depressed. She hurried over to him. He looked at her, and then looked away.
"There is something, I really need to tell you." She started. He looked at her. By the look on her face, he couldn't tell if it was good or bad.
"Rachel, what are you doing? Are you trying to hurt me? We never used to talk at all and now you are hugging me, and laughing with me, and-and, coming into my room late at night claiming to need help with dinosaur stuff. What is this all about?" he looked so hurt.
He had such big puppy eyes. She wanted to cry. She thought of all of the things she has put this poor guy through. Yes, she would tell him. She would make it up to him and they would be happy. Together.
"Ross, in the past few days, I have started having feelings for you. I haven't realized what I have put you through. I could apologize a million times and still feel bad. I really like you. like that. You know? I just want you to know, that yes, I like you. I'm sorry that I have led you on in the past. It was stupid and cruel. I just, I feel. any ways. I know we can be good friends, but, do you want something more?"
He didn't smile.
"Why do you like me?" he finally whispered.
"Because! Your sweet, funny, cute, and you always make me feel good about my self. I always feel better about myself when I'm around you." She didn't mean for that to come out wrong, but it did, and he was hurt even more.
"Oh, I get it. If you date the loser you will be cooler than him so you know, your ego will be very pleased." He was getting really mad.
"Ross, I swear I didn't mean for it to come out like that." She began to get teary eyed.
"Rachel, you have enough followers and boyfriends for your little 'fan club.' I don't think you need one more." He finished. He began to walk off.
She didn't know what to do. "Don't cry. Don't cry," she said quietly to herself. He continued walking.
She noticed that he wasn't walking very fast, at all. It was almost as if he wanted her to catch up to him. She hurried behind him and grabbed his arm. He turned around as if to say something but couldn't. He just looked at her. Then, without any notice, she enclosed her arms around his neckline and kissed him. At first, for him it was awkward. She just sunk into it. Pretty soon, they both felt relaxed. When they broke, she was crying. She slowly walked away. He just stood there. He couldn't believe what just happened. "Wow. She really likes me." He thought. He should have never hurt her. Before he could think, he grabbed her and kissed her in return. This kiss was a bit more passionate. His hands started at her hair, and, slowly, he ran them down until they rested on her hips. The kiss was pretty time- consuming. She smiled.
"Well, can I be your girlfriend?" she asked, and he grinned very timidly.
"Yea, ok." Then his smile was very big and excited. Rachel and Ross where a couple.
"So, you need a ride home?" he asked as they made their way to the parking lot. Rachel had carpooled with Monica to school that day, so her car was at home.
"Yea, sure. Id like that." The ride home was short but they loved every second of it. Life was going to be great for them now. Well, for least Ross. Rachel was going to have some problems. What about her popularity? Was it all going to go down hill? For the first time, these worries left her right away. As soon as he smiled at her she honestly didn't care. She left the jeep happier than she had been in a long time.
"Ok, next question." started phoebe, "If you are hit by an ambulance on it's was to save someone, will it stop to help you? Or-or, um, if you are allowed to kill deer and hang their heads on the wall, why can't we keep them as pets? Rachel? Hello!"
Rachel was busy writing a letter to Ross. She missed him. He was out of town this weekend for a wedding. She decided to put the pen down and hang out with Phoebe, Chandler and Joey. A pretty but somewhat large girl passed by, and smiled at Joey.
"Your not gonna hit on her?" asked a very concerned Phoebe.
"Nah, I mean, look at her" Joey replied. "That booty size oughta be illegal!"
With that, chandler and him highfived.
"You are so shallow!' Rachel gasped.
"Oh, Princess Superficial is one to talk! You've been shallow until Ross." Chandler joked. Rachel looked down. She knew it was true. But she was different now. She thought.
Four more weeks of school. Rachel was already looking into colleges. She found a great one in Boston. She was more than likely to be accepted. She liked this school particularly because it was closest to Ross. She had been thinking, he graduates this week. It would be all of their last summers together. Well, Monica Rachel and Phoebe still had each other for another year, but the guys where all leaving. Joey, thankfully, wasn't going to college and Ross and Chandler where going to the same college. Well, maybe Rachel could talk Monica into going to a chef college in Boston. That way, Chandler and Monica and Rachel and Ross would all still be together. Yea, maybe.
Rachel sat with Chandler, Joey and Phoebe until she saw Mandy beckon for her to come over to her. Rachel got up and bounced over to her.
"Rachel, what are you doing?" Rachel wasn't sure what this was about.
"What do you mean?"
"With Ross! Listen, us cheerleaders have to look out for one another. I mean, I know you think dating a geek will help your ego, but there is a line and you have crossed it. It's bad enough you hang out with him. And those other guys? Chandler and Monica? PHOEbreath and Hoey! (Phoebe and Joey) I mean, come one Rachel! Snap out of this. No matter how bad you want to be a geek, you are not geek material." Rachel was mad. How dare she make fun of her friends???
"You know what, Mandy? You are just jealous. Stick to your Two-faced superficial friends, where you belong. Ok? I don't think you will ever have a real friend and these guys are the best friends I could ever ask for. Yes, Ross is a geek, but I have NEVER felt this way about a guy before. Ever. So, nothing will change my mind no matter what you say.."
Mandy gave her and I know something you don't know look.
"I think I know something that will change your mind. Guess you wants to go out with you.."
Rachel looked so confused. If it was Chip she would hardly care, but she would just die if it were.
"Josh Carmichaels. Yea, but since you are going out with Ross, he won't be interested in a while now."
"Wait!" Rachel shouted. "I know what you are trying to do. The answer is no, and I need to go talk to my boyfriend."
Still, Mandy was determined. "You know, it's not like you're going to get anything from Ross. Sure, the guy will worship you, but it's not like he'll give you real pleasure. Not like the pleasure Chip said he gave you." Rachel was fuming. What did she mean Chip gave her pleasure? She meant sex, and Rachel knew that, but her and Chip only fooled around, they never had any kind of sex. Rachel was getting confused.
"Well, I don't look for pleasure in a relationship. But Ross will give me the pleasure of beating Chip's face in." Rachel flipped her hair and strode away. She couldn't contain her smile. The final bell of school was over for the week.
CH 5 Wanting More
Rachel rushed to Ross.' She knocked on the door and Ross answered. He looked tired, but he was dressed in a suit and tie.
"Well hello Mr. Sharp Dressed Man." She joked. Ross hugged her tightly.
"I missed you." He laughed. Ross invited her in.
"Where is every one?" Rachel asked looking around.
"Oh, I have an important test tomorrow, but they won't be back until two days." He looked at her, and she kissed him. In the middle, he stopped and looked very serious. "There is something I need to ask you." She immediately got worried. "I want to know something. It is kind of important, but if you don't want to, I completely understand." She weakly smiled.
"Yea?" was all she could say.
"Well," He continued. "As you know, next week is my prom, and I was kind of wondering if you wanted to go with me." He looked so embarrassed.
"Of course! I would love to." She laughed and so did he. He looked serious again, and they kissed. They got a little more into it this time, and they ended up making out on the couch. She couldn't wait until prom. It was going to be great.
It was Saturday. Ross woke up early. He took his shower and got dressed quickly. He made it over to Chandlers. Like always, chandler was running out of his house screaming. Ross laughed and caught up to his surprisingly fast friend.
"Chandler, wait up." Ross yelled. Chandler looked shocked to see him, then said
"Oh, I was just going out for my running jog, to the end of the world. I just walked in on my dad and Rico, the pool cleaner. Now I don't know a lot about pool cleaning, but that is not how they do it!" Wow, that was a lot for Ross to take in right away.
"So, I'm sorry man. Just forget about it. You know. Just think happy thoughts."
Chandler smiled sarcastically. "What are those?"
Ross and chandler walked through the park talking about everything that was wrong in chandler's life. Finally, chandler asked how Ross was doing with Rachel.
"Oh, it's unbelievable. You have no clue how great it is to have such a wonderful, beautiful, smart, sweet girlfriend. But, there is one problem." Chandler paused.
"What? I could have a relationship right now if I wanted. You know what? I'm going to ask Monica to the prom. We'll take it from there. So huh. Ok, now what's the problem?"
Ross once again had to take time to take all of that information in, then answered.
"Well, Rachel is like the girl I have always wanted. I mean I would do anything for her. But she is also very advanced. I haven't ever done it. I don't really want her to know it would be my first time. You know? It's complicated. Filling Chips shoes will be pretty hard. I just, I want it to be great for her. Well, it's not making it any easier that Rachel and I have had really great times together, and I just know soon she's going to want a little more than that. I don't know what to do. I don't want to be a loser."
Chandler put all jokes aside. It was hard, but he did it.
"Well, study." Ross looked at him like he was the biggest idiot.
"What? How can you study for that?" Chandler returned the look.
"Well, all you have to do is rent all of the chick flicks you can. You will know the right things to say and everything. It will work. How do you know this isn't her first time?" Ross really didn't know. He could only assume. She just seemed like she had before. It was weird. He sat down.
"Ok. We have some movies to rent."
Rachel slept in on Saturday. She and Phoebe went to go shopping for Prom dresses. Joey had asked Phoebe to go to the prom with him. Now all they had to do was wait for Monica to get home so chandler could ask her. Just then, at the end of the store, Monica comes running up.
"Monica? What are you doing home so early?" Monica smiled.
"Chandler asked me to the prom, so I had to get home or I would miss getting the perfect dress!" Rachel and her hug.
"Please help me, I need the best dress!" Phoebe started. "How's this?" Holding up an ugly dress. "Too Barbara Strisand?" They all laughed. Only one week till prom.
Ross had watched every movie he could, and went to Rachel's place. She was ironing her dress as he entered her room.
"Hey Teddy Bear." Ross looked confused.
"Teddy bear?" Then she smiled.
"Well, I decided to give you a nickname."
Ross smiled back. "Ok, yours is kitty, ok?"
She laughed at that.
"Whatever floats your boat, Mister." They kissed a soft kiss. It was so weird that she was kissing him. It was just such an unlikely couple. But she loved him. A thought a cured to her, they had never said they loved each other. She would tell him when the timing was right. She smiled, and he looked at her.
"There is something we need to talk about. It's kind of important." He started. "Well, we have known each other forever. We have had a relationship for almost two months. I know it seems weird, but I feel I have been with you as your boyfriend for a lot longer than I have. I was just wondering, when do you want to take that next step?"
She smiled. "Teddy, I really don't care. I mean, I don't want you to feel all weird about it, but our first time together needs to be special, you know?" Ross smiled. The conversation wasn't too awkward though he thought it would have been. He liked the fact that they could talk about this topic openly.
"Well, when do you feel comfortable about it? Not like we have to, but I think if we know when we will, it will be less out of the ordinary." She smiled. She wanted to do it, but didn't want things to become complicated.
"Well, I don't know. It is more of a spur-of-the-moment thing, don't you think? I really don't think we should mark it on our calendars. You know, cause if we know when, there will be time to have second thought, and if one of us isn't sure, there will be dreading, and the feeling of guilt for not telling each other how we really feel." She had a good point. It should be more of a spontaneous, natural, unplanned thing.
CH 6 Telling the friends
Rachel hurried to tell phoebe and Monica. This was a big deal. She had already done it once, with her boyfriend before chip, but this was Ross. They where crossing that line, becoming intimate. She went up the steps to the hot dog place that they hung out. Phoebe and Monica were sitting on the couch as she entered.
"Guess what guys! Ross and I are going to the next level." Monica and Phoebe looked at her.
"When?" was all she could say, she really didn't want to think about her best friend and her brother.
"I don't know. I just feel like it will be soon. We had "the talk" a couple hours ago."
"The Talk?" Phoebe questioned.
"Yea, you know, when we discuss where our relationship is headed, and what the next step is. He seems really nervous. I wonder if this is going to be his first time. Do you think so?" Rachel was kind of worried now. Phoebe and Monica busted out laughing.
"What? Did you seriously just ask if this would be his first time? Hello! He is the geekiest guy in the world! Of course he hasn't 'Done It'!" they continued laughing. Rachel didn't laugh.
"Bye guys, I need to go." She stormed out.
"Ciao!" Phoebe shouted out.
Rachel went home and lay on her bed. They didn't know what they were talking about. She went over to her radio and turned it on. She caught the end of 'like a virgin.' She stood there for a minute and thought to herself, "Yeah right! Like a virgin no more!" She began to dance around her room picking it up as she went along. She was interrupted by the radio turning off. She looked over to see her older sister, Samantha staring at her.
"What.Are.You.Doing?" she giggled. Rachel blushed and smiled.
"I was dancing!" she laughed. Life wasn't all that horrible.
The store was almost empty, with it being 11:02. They were lucky malls were open that late on Saturdays! Monica, Phoebe and Rachel were picking out their prom dresses.
Phoebe got a BIG violet one with shiny flecks and sequins. It was actually pretty once it was on her. She got a shawl to go with it. She looked great.
Monica got a ruby red dress that was form fitting at the top, but poofed out at the waist. It was pretty also. It was strapless and had a scarf to go with it.
Rachel got a midnight blue form fitting dress. It had very thin straps and a slit up to her thigh. It was very beautiful. They best thing about it was that it was simple, yet gorgeous.
They wall got their shoes next. Rachel's were black thin high heels with straps that wrap around her leg to her knee. Monica got big pumps with silver lining, while Phoebe got purple boots.
Prom was still a ways away. The girls finally seperated after their shopping and went to see their beloved others. Rachel hurried to the Geller residence to see Ross. He answered the door.
"Hey! I missed you!" she smiled when he opened the door. He looked very tired. "Teddy, what's wrong?" she asked, a bit worried.
"Oh, I just stayed up late working on my end of the year project in science. Come on in. no one's home."
Ross gave her a hug and she entered the living room. She liked it when it was just them alone. No Monica, no Mr. And Mrs. Geller. It was nice. He was going to talk to her about his project, but before he could, she had pulled him to the couch kissing him. She sat on his lap and kissed him gently then she planted many teasing kisses on his face. They giggled and fooled around a little bit longer until they got lip locked in a strong, romantic kiss that lasted much longer, and was much more intense. He rubbed his hands up and down her back, and then laid her down on the couch so he was on top of her. They got lost in the moment and didn't realize how fast time had gone by. She kissed him one more time and then climbed out from under him.
She sat up and straightened her shirt. She had never gotten so into a kiss before. She looked up and smiled at Ross who was now lying on his back on the couch. She stood up and sighed.
"I guess I just wanted to say hi." She finally said. She reached down and grabbed his hand pulling him to his feet. He kissed her on the nose, and she went on her way.
CH. 7, NO REGREATS
Rachel looked in the mirror. She was finishing her hair for the prom. She had it up and curly. She had her make up light and natural. She put on a finishing coat of suave hairspray, and then turned for a last glimpse. She approved of herself. She was proud to be herself. She liked herself.
'Tonight's the night' she said to herself.
"What's tonight?" a voice rang behind her. It was Samantha, her older sister. Samantha was 19. She looked nothing like Rachel. She had bleached blonde hair and a very UN natural look about her. Rachel tried to contain her smile.
"Nothing." she said unconvincingly.
"You're thinking about having sex aren't you?" Samantha said, almost in a yell. It was a good thing their parents were in a fight again, no one heard.
"Shhh!" Rachel demanded.
"Is it your first time?" Samantha asked, shutting the door behind her.
"Of course not! I am just doing it with the best guy in the world!" Rachel sighed, lovingly.
"Oh, that Josh Carmichaels you've been obsessing over?"
"No!" God, Samantha made it sound so dramatic. "My boyfriend. Not Chip! Ross." Rachel smiled at his name. Samantha couldn't control her laughter.
"Ross Geller? As in, Ross Geller geeky, brainy loser, Ross Geller? Puh-Lease! That cannot be good for your popularity!" Samantha laughed.
"No, Samantha, you need to know him. He is sweet, funny, smart, and he is the best kisser in the world."
"I'll take your word for it."
"Sam, I haven't felt for a guy what I feel for Ross. He makes everything seem okay! I love him!
l TO BE CONTINUED?
Well? Tell me what you think? Should I continue?