Cold Open – Monica’s Apartment
Everyone is prepping for Rachel’s surprise party. Chandler is blowing balloons. Joey’s tangled in streamers. Ronnie watches from the corner, arms crossed.
"So this is what adults do for fun?" Ronnie asked the group
"Yes. We channel our trauma into themed desserts." Monica replied
(dryly)
"This is why I don't trust cake."
Cue theme song.
---
– Monica’s Apartment
Rachel walks in and is surprised — briefly — before Ross announces that her parents are both coming and don’t know the other will be there.
"We’ve entered DEFCON awkward." Chandler said
"Everyone grab an emotion and scatter!" Phoebe told everyone
Ronnie slips into the kitchen with Jake.
"You okay?" Jake asked her
"Too many people. Too many shoes." She said
" Want to escape?"he said
(softly)
"No. I think I want to... stay. For once." She said
---
– Chandler’s Apartment (Party #2 begins)
The group scrambles to split the guests — Rachel’s dad ends up in Monica’s, her mom in Chandler’s. Chandler tries to keep Ronnie’s aunt (or nosy family friend) away from her.
Relative:
"So! I haven’t seen Ronnie since... well, the incident. How is she?"
(blocks her path)
"Oh, she’s thriving! Mysterious. Like Batman but with better eyeliner." He said to her
Relative:
"I was just going to ask her about it—"
"—Have you tried this non-alcoholic sangria? It tastes like secrets!" He offered her
---
– Fire Escape (Mid-Party)
Ronnie steps out to get air. Jake follows with two cups of soda.
"Thought you might be hiding." He said
"I’m not hiding. I’m regrouping." She responded
"That’s my favorite thing about you. You never quit. You just... pause dramatically." He told her
(smirking)
"It’s a talent." She tells him
They sit. There’s a pause. Then Jake turns toward her, quiet.
"Can I...?" He asked her
He starts to lean in. Ronnie doesn’t move. They’re just inches away... but then someone inside yells — Joey fell off the chair again — and the moment breaks.
(laughing a little)
" Of course Joey ruins the mood."she said
"Next time, we find a quieter fire escape." He told her
---
– Monica’s Apartment
Rachel’s mom and dad finally see each other. Drama. Ronnie watches from a corner, not stressed — just observing. Chandler stands beside her.
"You’re doing better than I am. And I didn’t even overdose." He said to her
"I just realized… this time last year I wouldn’t have made it to the party." She told him
(quietly)
"And now you’re the reason it feels grounded." He tells her
"I didn’t do anything." She said
"Exactly. You’re just here. That’s the whole point."
---
– Jake Walks Ronnie Home
They walk quietly through the hallway. Ronnie stops at her door.
"You almost kissed me." Ronnie said
"Yeah. Sorry. Bad timing?" He asked
"No. Just… not yet."
(smiling)
"I’ll wait. I like your dramatic pauses." He said
---
– Central Perk (Next Morning)
Ronnie sketches everyone from the party. Joey is mid-fall, Phoebe’s holding a tray of candles, Rachel’s crying, Monica’s stressed. She draws Jake, almost leaning in.
Caption under the page: “Still here. Still becoming.”
YOU ARE READING
After The Silence
Fanfiction(season 1-10) --- Ronnie Bing was never supposed to be noticed. But after a breakdown, an overdose, and a silent goodbye, she's learning what it means to stay alive. This is her story - the quiet kind of survival. Mature contact s6-7-8-9-10
