Time Skip: 3 Weeks Later
Ronnie is stronger. She’s laughing more. She still has bad days, but they don’t define her anymore.
And Jake? He’s still showing up, quietly, every single time.
---
– Central Perk (Morning)
Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Rachel are sitting at their usual spot. Ronnie walks in — hair down, hoodie off, black boots on. She looks more... solid. Present. Jake walks in behind her, hand brushing hers briefly.
"Whoa. Is that sunshine radiating from my sister? Or did Joey leave the oven on again?" Chandler said as he noticed his sister
"Don’t make it weird. I’m just... not hiding today." She told him
"You look really good. Like, glowy." Rachel said to her
(fidgeting but proud)
"I ate breakfast. Voluntarily. We’re all shocked." She said
---
S– School Courtyard (Lunch)
Ronnie and Jake are sitting under a tree. She’s drawing. He’s writing lyrics in a notebook. There’s a soft silence between them.
"Can I tell you something?" She said looking at him then back to her notebook
(nods)
"Always." He said to her
(without looking up)
"I want to label this. Us. You and me." She told him
Jake blinks. Doesn’t say anything yet. Just sets his notebook down.
"I know I’ve been… slow. Scared. And you’ve never pushed. But I’m not scared of you. Not anymore." She said
(softly)
"What does the label say?" He asked her
(smiling)
"It says we’re together. For real. No maybes. No pauses." She told him
"Then that’s who we are. Officially." He said
He leans in and kisses her. Nothing flashy — just sure.
---
– Monica’s Apartment
Joey is practicing lines. Phoebe is trying to write a song using a spatula. Monica’s making too many muffins. Ronnie walks in with Jake — hand in hand.
(points dramatically)
"Aha! Label alert! I knew it. You're holding hands like people who talk during movies." Chandler said excited
"Fine. Yes. We’re official. You may scream quietly into your muffin now." Ronnie told the group
(beaming)
"That’s huge! Are we throwing a label party?" Monica asked her
(dry)
"If you throw glitter at me, I vanish." Ronnie said
---
– Therapy (Later That Week)
Ronnie is back with Linda. She sits more openly now. No hoodie. Sketchbook beside her.
"How did it feel — saying it out loud?" Linda asked her
"Like I exhaled after holding my breath for months. I thought labeling it would trap me. But it actually made me feel… rooted." Ronnie said
"So now you’re in a relationship?" Linda said
"Yeah. With him. But also with myself. That one’s harder, but I’m not giving up."
---
– Ronnie’s Room
Her journal is open. A drawing of two silhouettes under a tree. Underneath, she’s written:
> “I labeled it. Not to define it — but to protect it.”
“And he said okay.”
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
