COLD OPEN
INT. MONICA AND RACHEL’S APARTMENT – MORNING
Everyone is around the table having breakfast. Joey’s got a plate stacked with waffles. Ross is buttering toast. Monica is meticulously organizing jam jars. Ronnie enters with Jake — both looking suspiciously well-rested and… glowy.
"Whoa. You two are giving off very post-something energy." Phoebe told the couple
"Yeah, you’ve got the “we didn’t sleep but not because of nightmares” face." Joey said
(staring at Jake)
"I don’t like your face right now." Chandler said
(sighing)
"We just had a really good night, okay?" Ronnie said
"I’m not okay. I’m your brother. I don’t want you saying “really good night” near my ears ever again." Chandler told her
"Technically, you said it first." Joey said
"Technically, I have a frying pan and I’m not afraid to use it." Chandler told him
---
INT. MONICA AND RACHEL’S APARTMENT – LATER
The group is hanging out post-brunch. Monica is holding a notepad.
"Okay, since everyone’s either dating or sneaking around dating, we need some rules." Monica said
"Are we including all forms of sneaking?" Ross asked her
"Let’s just say: new house rules for all couples. For example — no making out on the kitchen counter." She said
"Looking at you, Joey." Chandler told him
"Hey! I was alone that time." Joey said defensely
(softly, to Ronnie)
"You and Jake seem... different. Not just “boyfriend” different. Like... you trust him now." Phoebe told her
(nods, quietly)
"We’ve been through a lot. But last night… it was good. I didn’t freak out. I didn’t feel broken."she said to Phoebe
Phoebe smiles gently, squeezing Ronnie’s hand.
(entering from the bathroom)
"By the way, there’s a candle in there that smells like cinnamon and trauma." Jake said
"Monica’s stress scent!" Chandler blamed her
"It’s called “Holiday Comfort” and it’s very soothing!" She said
---
INT. CENTRAL PERK – EVENING
The group is lounging. Ronnie is curled up in a corner seat, Jake beside her, playing with the ring on her finger — just costume jewelry, but his focus is sweet.
(sitting near them)
"You know, I’m not gonna lie. I kind of envy you two." Rache said
"Us? Really?" Ronnie said
"Yeah. It’s rare to see something this real... especially at your age. You don’t fake it. You just are." Rachel told them
Jake quietly kisses Ronnie’s knuckles. Chandler sees it and lets out a theatrical groan.
"No! No more romantic hand-kissing in public. New rule: all romance must be kept at least ten feet away from my sister." Chandler told them
"Too late. We’re already in the emotional deep end." She said to her brother
"And we brought snacks." Jake said
(sniffing the air)
"Wait, there were snacks?" Joey asked
---
INT. MONICA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Ronnie is drying dishes while Monica cleans up. It’s quieter.
"So… you seem different." Monica said
"I feel different. I think… I think I’m finally starting to feel like me again." She said
"That’s huge." Monica said to her
"It is. Therapy helps. And Jake’s been... incredible."
"Just promise me one thing?" Monica asked her
"What?"
"Don’t ever let anyone make you smaller. You’ve come too far." Monica said
Ronnie nods, a little teary.
---
INT. CHANDLER AND JOEY’S APARTMENT – NEXT DAY
Jake is hanging out with Joey and Chandler. Ronnie walks in.
" Hey. You guys talking about me?"Ronnie asked
"What? No! Never!"
(beat)
"Okay, yes. I was just explaining how I’m handling my baby sister’s serious boyfriend situation."Chandler said
"Yeah. He’s handling it with deep denial and stress eating." Jake told her
Jake holds up a box of Joey’s cookies.
"And I’m helping." He said
"I’ve created a monster." Chandler said
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
