HOSPITAL
Joey entered Rachel’s room thinking that Monica and Chandler would be there already. To his surprise, they weren’t. But Rachel was sleeping so he tried to leave as quietly as he could but Rachel woke up.
“H-hey, you leavin’?”
“Uhh, I just... uhm...” He didn’t know what to say so he just decided to stay quiet and slowly shook his head.
“Joey? Lately, I’ve noticed that you’ve been avoiding me. Well, not totally. Just... I haven’t been alone with you ever since everyone found out. Is there something wrong?”
“None...” He then just went near her. “I’m sorry, Rach. It’s just that... I’ve been finding so little courage to... to be with you alone.”
“What? I’m not gonna bite...” Joey smiled. “I miss you. We haven’t talked in a really long time.”
“That’s not true.”
“I meant alone. Are you listening here? Wh—”
This time, Joey laughed. Rachel was still, well, Rachel. And she never failed to make him laugh whatever the situation was. “I’m sorry. I’m here now.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, what is there to talk about?”
“A lot actually.”
“Rach...” He wanted to tell her that he didn’t wanna talk. Because he knew what she was gonna say. He’s talked to Chandler and Phoebe and they told him she was gonna say goodbye and he didn’t want that. Rachel wasn’t supposed to leave. Not now. Not ever.
“Please...” When she noticed that she’s convinced him to listen to her, she went on. “First of all, I wanna thank you for agreeing to go through what you’ve went through with me for the last couple of months. You’ve been such a great help and I know that I wouldn’t have lasted this long if it weren’t for you. And... I’m sorry, for letting you go through it.”
“You know that I didn’—”
“I know. I know that you didn’t mind all of it. But I still wanna say sorry. So just let me, okay?” She felt Joey’s grip on her hand tighten. “Joey, promise me one thing.” He just gave her a nod. “If ever you fall in-love with another girl, make sure that she loves you as much as you love her. Because I know what it feels like to be loved by you and it feels great. And it’s what you deserve, more than anything else in the world.”
Joey started crying. He knew deep inside him that what Rachel just said was impossible. Because no one can ever come close to how much he loved Rachel. But he chose not to tell her. Maybe it was for the better. So he nodded.
“And another thing, you have to tell her who your hottest roommate ever was.”
Monica and Chandler’s
“Everyone’s here,” said Chandler.
“What’s going on?” Monica knew what was going on but she’d rather act ignorant than be attacked by what was about to come.
“You know what’s going on. Rachel’s been waiting for you for days. Monica, you have to go see her. Please.” It was Ross.
“Mon, he’s right,” agreed Joey. “We all know how hard it is for you to have to face what’s about to come. But it’s a lot harder for Rachel and she needs you right now. You have to go.”
“And if you don’t, I’m gonna have to kick your ass,” added Phoebe.
HOSPITAL
“God, I thought you’d never see me alive again!” exclaimed Rachel as Monica came in.
“Really? That’s how you’re going to greet me?” Monica noticed that Rachel looked a lot worse than the last time she saw her. It almost made her want to go back out again but seeing Rachel so excited that she was there made her ignore what was in front of her.
“I’m sorry. I missed you,” she extended her arms and waited for Monica to hug her. She did. “Where the hell have you been??”
“Just did some errands. You know me. Never letting a house left unclean.” She tried to joke but it didn’t work. Both knew it wasn’t the time to laugh.
But Rachel did, anyway. “So, what’s up?” Monica seemed like she didn’t understand why she asked her the question. “What’s new with you? You know, kids stuff, hair color... got any new dresses I can borrow if it didn’t fit you anymore?” Monica seemed like she didn’t know what she was talking about. Rachel sighed. “Mon, this is what we’re used doing. I’m so, so tired of everyone sulking whenever they see me. I just want to feel like things are normal again, even if they aren’t.”
Monica nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” She had to breathe deeply to be able to act normally. This wasn’t going to be easy. “Well, Erika’s becoming more and more like me every day. I mean, Jack throws things and she picks’em up as soon as they land the floor. Can you imagine that?” Rachel let out a soft laugh, Monica went on and on and on talking about stuff the she stopped. “Wait a second here, as I recall it, you’re the one who talks a lot more when we have conversations.”
“Well, maybe this time, I just listen...”
Her voice was softer than Monica had ever heard and it was scaring her but she had to go on. “R-remember in high school when some people were wondering why you were friends with me? You know, up until now, I still don’t know how someone like you, a cheerleader, a prom queen, a hottie, would ever be friends with someone like me, you know, just Monica...”
“Hey, stop saying that. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be the best slut there ever is today.”
“Wait, aren’t you?”
Rachel chuckled, still as soft as ever. “Shut up.” She paused. “But seriously Mon, you’re the reason I became the better version of who I was before and I could never thank you enough. I just... I just hope I had a whole lifetime to do that.” Rachel knew Monica was crying but she wasn’t showing her and it hurt her that she was causing her this pain. “Ssssh, don’t cry. I’m fine. I’ve experienced everything I could’ve ever asked for. Really. Don’t feel bad for me.”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry. I just couldn’t help it. Stop it with your speech then!” she joked.
“Monica, I’m tired... Can I rest now? I’m sorry, I still want to talk but I just—”
“Don’t worry about it, okay? You should get some sleep. Go ahead, I’ll be here.”
Rachel squeezed her hand and smiled at her. “I’m pretty sure my kids will always be in good hands as long as you’re around...” And then just before she closed her eyes, “I love you, Mon.”
And then only a few minutes later, Monica heard the never-ending beep that was probably the worst sound she’s ever heard in her entire life, the sound that’d probably haunt her forever.
YOU ARE READING
FRIENDS Til The End
RomanceA fanfiction I made about the best television series ever. Not that I want to ruin the perfect series that Friends was and still is, just wanting to share with you some thoughts I've had after the show ended... The 'What If's' on my mind. Hope you l...
