THE ONE WITH FLIGHT OR FIGHT
Written by: Ethan
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, but to Bright, Kauffman and Crane Productions and Warner Bros. Their use is not intended for profit, only for entertainment.
CENTRAL PERK (Monica, Chandler and Phoebe are present)
Chandler: How's Rachel doing?
Monica: She called in sick to work again. That's all she told me.
Phoebe: She wouldn't even let me come over. Has anyone spoken to Ross?
Chandler: Not me.
Monica: Me neither. I did call my parents though to let them know what happened.
Phoebe: What did they say?
Monica: My Mom wasn't home. My Dad said that he'd talk to Ross later today. He also told me to tell everyone else to stay out of it.
Phoebe: Then why is your Dad getting involved?
Monica: Because he's Ross' father and he can do what he wants.
(Jenna and Jenna Jr. enter)
Jenna: Hey guys, I'm back!
Monica: Hey Jenna. How was your visit with your parents?
Jenna: Painful as usual. Anything exciting happen around here while I was gone? (no one says anything) Oh my God, did someone die?
Phoebe: Ross and Rachel separated.
Jenna: That's a good one Pheebs. Seriously, what happened?
Monica: That's exactly what happened Jenna.
Jenna: Oh my God!
OPENING CREDITS
CENTRAL PERK (Continued from earlier)
Jenna: Was it because of what Rachel told us in the limo?
Monica: I guess. I really don't know. Rachel doesn't want to talk about it and Ross is nowhere to be found.
(Joey enters)
Joey (to Jenna): You're back!
Jenna: Hi honey.
Joey: How's Mom and Dad?
Jenna: Still annoying as ever.
Joey: I knew I should've gone with you.
Jenna: We talked about that and agreed that you'd do something stupid again.
Joey: But then your trip would've been entertaining. (to Chandler) Has butthead shown his face yet?
Chandler: No, and if he does, don't call him a butthead. The situation is bad enough as it is.
Joey: It was just a term of endearment butthead.
(Jennifer enters)
Monica: Jennifer?
Jennifer: Hey.
Monica: What are you doing in the City?
Jennifer: Rachel called and asked me to come over. (Monica gets a look of hurt on her face) Don't read too much into it Monica, I'm a little more distant from the whole situation. You're Ross' sister and really close to both of them. Maybe she just needs to talk to someone who's a little removed from everything.
Chandler: Yeah Mon, Rachel did call you right after it happened.
Monica: Well I hope you can help.
Jennifer: Anyway, I just wanted to see if you guys were here and wanted to say hi. I'll talk to you all later.
Phoebe: See ya Jennifer.
Chandler: Tell Rachel to hang in there.
Jennifer: I will.
(Jennifer leaves)
Phoebe: Have any of you thought of what might happen if they don't work this out? I mean look at how ugly their first break up was. If they got a divorce it would be ten times worse. None of us will ever be able to hang out together again.
Chandler: I don't even want to think that Phoebe. They're going to work it out.
Monica: But what if they don't?
Joey: Then I guess we'll have to choose sides. (everyone glares at Joey) What? What'd I say?
ROSS & RACHEL'S APARTMENT (Rachel is sitting on the couch. There's a knock on the door. She gets up and answers the door and it's Jennifer)
Rachel: Thanks for coming.
Jennifer: Anything for a friend Rachel.
Rachel: I feel so helpless. Ben and Caitlin keep asking me when is Daddy coming home and I'm running out of excuses to tell them.
Jennifer: Did you try to tell them the truth?
Rachel: And how exactly am I supposed to do that? Caitlin isn't old enough to understand what's happened.
Jennifer: Ben is.
Rachel: Ben's not even my son Jennifer.
Jennifer: Since when? Does he not call you Mommy? Do you not comfort him when he's sad? Do you not play with him when he's bored?
Rachel: It'll break his heart.
Jennifer: The longer you stay silent about what's going on between you and Ross the harder it's going to be for him to hear the truth. I bet you he's already figured it out anyway. He's just waiting for you to tell him.
Rachel: So I should tell him?
Jennifer: I think so.
Rachel: And then there's Ross. He hasn't called, not even to check in on the kids. Does he not care about his family anymore?
Jennifer: I don't know how to answer that Rach.
Rachel (starting to cry): Before he left he told me that he loved me but he left anyway. If he really loves me, why'd he leave?
Jennifer: I don't know what you guys talked about before he left but deep down I believe Ross really does love you. He's just been hurt and he needs to work through that. You just have to believe that he'll come back and want to work things out.
Rachel: What if he comes back and says he wants a divorce? What am I supposed to do then?
Jennifer: You can't focus on the what ifs Rachel. You can only deal with the present. The present being that Ross needed some time away to sort things out. You'll see Ross again, you just don't know what the outcome is going to be.
Rachel: What f^cking type of advice is that! If I wanted advice like that I would've gone on f^cking Oprah!
Jennifer: Ok, I'm done here. I offered to come over here as a friend to be with you, but I don't need to be insulted when I try to answer your questions. So I'm just going to go home now. If you need to talk, you know how to reach me.
(Jennifer gets up off the couch and starts walking towards the door)
Rachel: Don't, don't go! I'm sorry.
Jennifer (walking back to the couch and sitting down and putting her arms around Rachel): Marriage is never easy honey, at least not for any couple that I know. This will get worked out. And you know what? I'm placing my bet on you and Ross working this out.
Rachel: I told him repeatedly that I was sorry. He just wouldn't listen to me.
Jennifer: I'm sure you did too. (pause) How'd you feel when you found out that Ross slept with that Copy Girl after you had gone on a break?
Rachel: I was devastated, angry and wanted to kill him. But this situation is totally different. I didn't sleep with some guy. I didn't cheat on Ross.
Jennifer: But you betrayed his trust. You told us an intimate thing that Ross did for you when you were down and then told him that you were going to tell that thing in front of his friends.
Rachel: But you all told me to do it!
Jennifer: We merely asked what would embarrass Ross. You didn't have to pick that story.
Rachel: Oh, if I could take that entire trip back I would.
Jennifer: Let's go for a walk.
Rachel: Huh?
Jennifer: When's the last time you left this apartment?
Rachel: Two days ago.
Jennifer: Get your shoes on, we're going for a walk.
Rachel: But I look like hell.
Jennifer: Are you expecting to meet eligible men? Go get your shoes on.
THE CHELSEA LODGE - THE LOBBY (Joey and Chandler are present)
Chandler (to the desk clerk): Hi, we're wondering what room Ross Geller is in?
Desk Clerk: And who are you?
Chandler: We have a flower delivery for Ross Geller.
Desk Clerk: Then where are your flowers?
Chandler (to Joey): You idiot! You forgot to get the flowers out of the truck again. Go get the flowers! (Joey looks at Chandler puzzled) Go! (Joey walks away)
Desk Clerk: Mr. Geller is in room 756.
Chandler: Thank you. (Chandler walks away and gets up to Joey by the door)
Joey: What the hell did you call me an idiot for!
Chandler: It was a ruse.
Joey: I am not wearing ruse.
Chandler: Part of my plan to get the room number you lovable buffoon.
Joey: Oh, I totally didn't get that.
(Cut to five minutes later. Chandler and Joey are outside Ross' door. There's a do not disturb sign hanging on the door)
Joey: I guess we have to come back later. He doesn't want to be disturbed.
Chandler: Just knock on the stupid door!
Joey: You knock and how can a door be stupid?
(Chandler knocks on the door)
Ross (from the other side): Who is it?
Chandler (disguising his voice): Housekeeping.
Ross: Come back later please.
Chandler: Sorry, we can't do that. We need to change your linens right now or they're liable to start growing mold.
Ross: I'll take my chances.
Joey: Open the f^cking door Ross!
(Ross opens the door)
Ross: Housekeeping?
Chandler: We just wanted to make sure you're ok buddy.
Joey: Yeah, we're worried about you.
Ross: I appreciate it guys, but I'm fine.
Joey: No you're not!
Chandler: Joey.
Ross: Look, I appreciate your concern but this is between Rachel and I. Getting everyone else involved would just make matters worse.
Chandler: We're your best friends Ross. We only want to help you out.
Ross: Then be my best friends and let me deal with this whole thing by myself.
Chandler: Ok. We'll go.
Ross: Thanks. I'll talk to you guys soon.
Joey: Ross?
Ross: Yeah Joe?
Joey: Do you still love Rachel?
Ross: Yes Joey.
Joey: Then what the hell are you doing here! Get your ass home to your wife!
Chandler (ushering Joey out the door): We'll see you later. (Chandler shuts the door)
Joey: What are you doing? He says he still loves her, we have to bring him home where he belongs!
Chandler: We have to respect his wishes and let him figure things out on his own. It'll all work out Joey. You yelling at Ross to go home won't help matters. Let's just go back your place and get drunk.
Joey: Ok. But you're buying the beer because I don't have any money.
Chandler: That's always a given Joe, always a given.
PHOEBE'S APARTMENT (Monica and Phoebe are present)
Phoebe: Have you and Chandler ever come close to separating?
Monica: That's between me and Chandler Phoebe.
Phoebe: Is there a lot of stuff that goes on in a marriage that you don't talk about with others?
Monica: Tons.
Phoebe: Why?
Monica: Because airing dirty marriage laundry amongst friends would bring nothing but pain. Marriage is hard enough, telling others exactly what goes on when you fight betrays many of the foundations on which a marriage is built.
Phoebe: Foundations?
Monica: Trust, honesty, to name a few. When you get married you make a commitment to be together until you die. I will tell you this, Chandler and I have had some bad periods but we've worked through them because that's what you agree to do when you get married. There have been days where I didn't want Chandler to touch me or be in the same room as me.
Phoebe: I think I'm just gonna stick to dating. Marriage sounds like way too much work.
Monica: Don't say that. Getting married was the best thing that I've ever done. I found someone who loves me despite my flaws and I love him despite his. Despite what many people say, there is no perfect mate. There is however one who comes pretty damn close.
Phoebe: When'd you know that Chandler was the one for you?
Monica: I'm not really sure. I just woke up one day next to him and thought, this is the one. Chandler is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I do know that it was before we moved in together.
Phoebe: When do you think Chandler knew you were the one for him?
Monica: That's easy. The first time he saw me naked. (pause) I don't know, you'll have to ask him.
Phoebe: Yeah, it probably was the first time he saw you naked.
IN FRONT OF BEN'S SCHOOL (Rachel and Jennifer are waiting for Ben)
Rachel: He's gonna ask. He's gonna ask where's Daddy?
Jennifer: Just tell him the truth Rachel. I'll walk behind you so you can tell him.
Rachel: Ok. (Ben emerges from the building) Ben!
Ben: Hi Mommy, hi Aunt Jennifer.
Jennifer: Hey buddy.
Ben: Where's Uncle Brad?
Jennifer: Aunt Jennifer has him cleaning the house.
(They start walking towards home. Jennifer lags behind Rachel and Ben)
Ben (to Rachel): I thought Daddy was picking me up from school?
Rachel: I need to tell you something about me and your Daddy Ben. Ok?
Ben: Is it bad? Is Daddy hurt?
Rachel: Daddy's feelings are hurt sweetie.
Ben: Who hurt his feelings?
Rachel: I did.
Ben: How come?
Rachel: I didn't mean to but something happened and I hurt Daddy's feelings. I bet you're wondering where Daddy has been for the past couple of days?
Ben: You said he was on a job interview in Albany.
Rachel: The truth is Ben that, is that, is that….
Ben: You can tell me Mom.
Rachel: Your Dad and I have separated for a while. Your Dad is staying at a hotel in the Village trying to sort out his feelings for me. He'll be home when he's done.
Ben: You and Dad are getting a divorce?
Rachel: No, we're not getting a divorce. We're just taking a break from being with each other for a while.
Ben: But why did you tell me that he was at an interview upstate?
Rachel: I was trying to protect you from the truth Ben. I didn't want you to worry.
Ben: But everything's gonna be ok right?
Rachel: I hope so Ben. I really hope so.
Ben: Do you still love Daddy?
Rachel: Very much so.
Ben: And does Daddy still love you?
Rachel: I think so.
Ben: Then why are you living apart if you love each other?
Rachel: Sometimes, sometimes grown-ups who love each other also hurt each other. It takes time for those hurtful feelings to go away. That's why your Dad is spending time away from Mom, he's letting those bad feelings go away. And when they do, Daddy will come home and we'll be a family again.
Ben: I hope so.
Rachel: Are you in the mood for some ice cream? I'm always in the mood for ice cream after I get sad news.
Ben: That'd be great Mom.
Rachel (to Jennifer): To Baskin Robbins we go!
THE CHELSEA LODGE - THE LOBBY (Jack Geller is present)
Jack (to the desk clerk): Could I have the room number for Ross Geller please?
Desk Clerk: And you are?
Jack: Jack Geller, Ross' father.
Desk Clerk: I'm sorry Mr. Geller but your son requested that we not give out his room number to anyone until further notice.
Jack: I guess I'll just have to go to each room until I find his.
Desk Clerk: Ah, you can't do that sir.
Jack: Then tell me what room my son is in.
Desk Clerk: I really can't do that sir.
Jack: Very well. How many rooms are in this hotel?
Desk Clerk: 850.
Jack: It'll take a while, but I'll find his room. Thanks for your help.
(Jack walks away as the desk clerk motions for the hotel manager)
Hotel Manager: Excuse me sir, is there a problem?
Jack: No, no problem. I'm just looking for my son who's in some serious trouble but your desk clerk won't give me his room number so I'm just gonna go to every room in this hotel until I find my son.
Hotel Manager: But your son requested that we not give out his room number.
Jack: Do you have children?
Hotel Manager: Yes.
Jack: If your son or daughter were in trouble, would you go to great lengths to find them?
Hotel Manager: Yes, yes I would.
Jack: Then please tell me what room my son is in so I can go help him.
Hotel Manager: Your son is in room 756.
Jack: Thank you for your help.
(Cut to five minutes later. Jack is at Ross' room. He knocks on the door)
Ross: Who is it?
Jack: Your father.
Ross: God damn it Chandler, I told you to leave me alone!
Jack: Open the door Ross Geller before I break it down.
(Ross opens the door)
Ross: Dad, what are you doing here?
Jack (shutting the door behind him): I'm here for a heart to heart talk.
Ross: Monica called you didn't she?
Jack: Along with Rachel, yes.
Ross: Look Dad, I appreciate your concern but I'm fine.
Jack: You're fine? You've walked out on your marriage son.
Ross: I haven't walked out on my marriage Dad, I've merely taken a break from it.
Jack: You have two children at home who have not seen or heard from you for three days. Your wife is in shambles and you tell me your fine?
Ross: Look, I didn't ask you to come down here and I don't need to be lectured on how to live my life! Your advice is always from an experience that happened to you twenty years ago! It's not even relevant anymore Dad! And I'm not 16 anymore, I'm old enough to know that I don't have to listen to a God damn word that you say.
Jack: I'm your father Ross and as your father you are still expected to treat me with respect whether I'm full of sh^t or not! You may not live under my roof and my rules anymore, but I will not tolerate the crap that just came out of your mouth! Do you understand me!
Ross: Yes. I'm sorry.
Jack: Shall we start over?
Ross: Ok.
Jack: You know that your Mother and I don't get involved in yours or Monica's life much anymore. You're both grown adults who we're extremely proud of. However, there are times when we make exceptions and this is one of those times. I spoke with Rachel for over an hour and without getting into too much detail, she explained what she had done to you. I understand why you're hurt and feel betrayed. But I know for a fact that you can't look me in the eye and say that you never told a secret to someone who you shouldn't have. When you were 18 you sold Monica up the river without blinking an eye even though you promised her that you wouldn't tell George Rivello that she liked him. You also knew that George didn't like Monica at all. Not only did you tell George, you told him right in front of Monica and her friends. He rejected her on the spot. The pain and embarrassment that you caused your own sister drove a wedge in your relationship for two years. So yes, Rachel did something that betrayed your trust in her, but don't think for a minute that you've never done the same thing to someone else. And look at your relationship with Rachel, when you went on your so called break, the first thing you did was sleep with another girl, try to hide it from Rachel and then begged for her forgiveness when she found out about it. You made a mistake. You can do one of two things son, you can decide that she hurt you too deeply and walk away from your marriage, or you can fight for your marriage. Those are the only two options Ross, flight or fight. You just have to decide which option is right for you.
Ross: You know how you brought up that thing about me sleeping with another girl when Rachel and I went on a break?
Jack: Yes.
Ross: It took her three years for her to forgive me for what I did.
Jack: So you think you should stay separated from Rachel for three years?
Ross: No, I was just merely pointing out how long it took her to forgive me.
Jack: She didn't sleep with another man son. She merely told a secret to her girlfriends when she shouldn't have.
Ross: I know.
Jack: Do you need anymore examples of how you betrayed people's trust? I've got a few more.
Ross: I got your point Dad.
ROSS & RACHEL'S APARTMENT (Rachel, Ben and Jennifer are present)
Jennifer: Rachel? (no answer) Rachel?
Rachel: Huh?
Jennifer: What do you want for dinner?
Rachel: I'm not hungry.
Jennifer: But your son is.
Ben: Can we get a pizza?
Rachel: Sure.
Jennifer: I'll order it. (to Ben) What do you want on it? Anchovies?
Ben: Gross! Who'd eat anchovies on a pizza?
Rachel: I love anchovies on pizza.
Ben: You're demented.
Jennifer: What do you want Ben?
Ben: Pepperoni and sausage.
Jennifer: Ok, pepperoni, sausage and anchovies it is.
Ben: No, no, no anchovies!
Jennifer: Are you sure? They're free.
Ben: Positive. (Ben goes over to Rachel on the couch. Rachel's crying) What's wrong Mommy?
Rachel: I'm just sad sweetie. I really miss your Daddy.
Ben: He'll be home before you know it.
Rachel: And how can you be so sure?
Ben: Because Aunt Phoebe called while you were in the bathroom and told me that Daddy would be home tonight. She had a vision. Whatever that means.
Rachel: She did, did she?
Ben: Uh huh.
Rachel: Well let's hope Aunt Phoebe's right for once.
Jennifer: Ok, one medium pizza with pepperoni, sausage and anchovies will be delivered in the 30 minutes.
Ben: But Aunt Jennifer, I didn't want anchovies!
Jennifer: I'm just messing with you Ben. You do however owe me $15 for the pizza.
Ben: But I don't have any money!
Jennifer: Then I'll pay for you and you can just pay me back later.
Ben: Ok.
THE CHELSEA LODGE (Ross and Jack are present)
Ross: Can I ask you a question Dad?
Jack: Yeah.
Ross: Mom was a stay at home Mom right?
Jack: Yeah.
Ross: Did she ever resent that? I mean, did she ever want to work.
Jack: A few times but each time she ultimately decided to stay at home.
Ross: It's just that in the past couple of days I've realized that I miss working. I don't know if I made the right decision to stay at home with the kids.
Jack: Then go back to work.
Ross: But Rachel and I agreed that one of us would stay at home with the kids until Caitlin reached the 7th grade.
Jack: Yet you still feel like there's something missing in your life.
Ross: Yeah.
Jack: Have you talked to Rachel about it?
Ross: No. But I think that's why I took Caitlin out of playgroup and started asking Carol to pick up Ben from school more often. It's like I was rebelling against my parental duties.
Jack: Makes sense to me. Is there anything you like to do for work that you could do out of the house? You'd still be working but you'd also be watching Caitlin.
Ross: I had thought about writing a book but there never seemed time to start because Caitlin's constantly going when she's awake.
Jack: I don't know son, just talk to Rachel about it. You'll think of something. I've got to get going. I told you mother I went out to buy the evening paper, I just didn't tell that I was picking up a copy in the City.
Ross: Thanks for stopping by Dad. And thanks for yelling at me.
Jack: It's been a while since I had to do that. I guess I haven't lost my touch.
CENTRAL PERK (Chandler, Joey, Jenna, Jenna Jr. and Phoebe are present)
Jenna: You told him you were with housekeeping? I've never seen a male housekeeper in my life.
Chandler: You've never met my father.
Phoebe: How was Ross?
Chandler: He seemed ok. At least he was until Joey started yelling at him.
Joey: I wasn't yelling at him.
Chandler: You yelled "then what the hell are you doing here! Get your ass home to your wife!" That wasn't yelling?
Joey: I merely was trying to get my point across.
Chandler: The people in the lobby could hear you and we were seven floors up!
Phoebe: I was taking a nap today and I had a strong vision. It was really clear and really positive.
Jenna: What was it?
Phoebe: Ross returned home and worked things out with Rachel.
Chandler: Yeah, I had the same vision two minutes ago. Your visions never pan out Phoebe, if they did we'd hit the lottery every week.
Phoebe: Scoff all you want Chandler. Ross will be home tonight.
Jenna: How do you get these visions Pheebs?
Joey: Usually by smoking large quantities of pot.
Phoebe: They just pop into my head. They're like lucid dreams or something.
Jenna: That's totally fascinating.
Joey: You're buying this load of crap? No one can predict the future. If they could, the future would cease to exist.
Chandler: My God, Joey put a valid argument together. Is time standing still?
ROSS & RACHEL'S APARTMENT (Rachel, Ben and Jennifer are present. Ben is asleep)
Jennifer: I have to head home Rach. Are you gonna be ok?
Rachel: Yeah. Thanks for coming over I really appreciate it.
Jennifer: Call me if you need anything.
Rachel: I will. Thanks again.
(Jennifer leaves and Rachel goes into her bedroom. The camera follows her. Someone enters the apartment)
Rachel (emerging from her bedroom): Did you forget something….oh my God!
Ross: Hey. I'm looking for my wife. Have you seen my wife?
Rachel: I was hoping against all hope that you'd come home.
Ross: The thing is this, there I was sitting in a dark lonely hotel room thinking it really sucks being away from my family, but most importantly being away from my wife. So I said to myself, you're an idiot, know one makes you happier than your wife. So I stopped listening to my head, you know that stupid voice that kept saying that I was mad at my wife and started listening to my heart, the voice that says I love my wife and our kids. I love you Rachel and I'm sorry I left you.
Rachel (who's crying): I'm, I'm, I'm, (deep breath) I'm sorry too. I love you so much.
(Ross takes Rachel in his arms and they just stand in the middle of the room for a minute)
Ross: Are the kids asleep?
Rachel: Ben is. Caitlin's at your parents.
Ross: How have you been?
Rachel: Well given that I haven't really eaten anything in three days, forgot to shower on two of those days and had to tell Ben the truth as to where you've been today, I'd have to say that I'm a little run down.
Ross: Are you too tired to talk?
Rachel: Nah, even though I haven't slept for three days I still feel like I've got another three sleepless nights in me.
PHOEBE'S APARTMENT (Phoebe goes running over to Joey and Jenna's and enters)
Phoebe: Come quick, you've got to see this!
(Joey and Jenna follow Phoebe into her apartment)
Joey: What? What is it?
Phoebe: Look out the window. Look at Ross and Rachel's apartment. Ross came back!
Jenna: Wow, your vision came true!
Joey: Maybe he just came back for some more of his stuff and is getting ready to leave again. (Phoebe smacks Joey) Ow!
Phoebe: Why? Why do you even think like that? Do you want them to break up?
Joey: No. (pause) That really hurt Phoebe. Jenna, Phoebe hit me.
Jenna: Good, you deserved it.
Phoebe (picking up the phone): I can't wait to call them!
Joey: Ross and Rachel?
Phoebe: Chandler? It's Phoebe. Ross came home! (pause) Because I can see into their apartment and he just finished hugging Rachel. (pause) No I'm not smoking pot again! (pause) Ok, see you later.
Jenna: He never takes you seriously does he?
Phoebe: In his defense, I never really ever give him any reason to do so.
ROSS & RACHEL'S APARTMENT (Ross, Rachel and Ben are present. Ben's asleep. Ross and Rachel are talking in the kitchen)
Ross: I don't know where to begin.
Rachel: Me neither.
Ross: Ah, I overreacted when I found out that you told the girls about what I did for you. I was just extremely embarrassed.
Rachel: You were also hurt.
Ross: Yeah, yeah I was. But hurt enough to leave my wife and family? That's overreacting.
Rachel: You remember how you slept with Chloe when we went on that break?
Ross: Yeah.
Rachel: I was hurt, devastated actually, but still in love with you all at the same time. I just couldn't be with you anymore because you had hurt me so bad. Now I know I didn't go sleep with some guy, but I shared something private that was between us with my girlfriends and was going to tell the guys the story to embarrass you even further. You had every right to feel hurt and betrayed. I betrayed you Ross. I flat out broke a promise I made to you that I wouldn't mention what you did for me that night to anyone. Was I hurt when you left? I felt like a dump truck ran over me then backed up and ran me over again. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I were in your shoes, if you had done that to me, I probably would've left too.
Ross: Here I feel like I should be the one apologizing to you and you keep saying that you understand why I abandoned you. Am I missing something?
Rachel: I'm just happy your home Ross. That's all that matters to me.
Ross: I got a visit from my Dad today.
Rachel: Oh?
Ross: We had a long talk. Actually he did all the talking and I did all the listening.
Rachel: I used to have those talks with my Dad.
Ross: He actually yelled at me.
Rachel: Seriously?
Ross: Yeah, I mouthed off to him.
Rachel: Then you had it coming.
Ross: My Dad hadn't yelled at me like that in years.
Rachel: You probably told him to stick his advice where the sun doesn't shine.
Ross: How'd you know?
Rachel: Because we've been together for a long time. I know how you get when you're angry, you won't listen to anyone.
Ross: I really need to work on that.
Rachel: Nobody's perfect. Except for me of course.
Ross: Of course. (pause) How did Ben take the news?
Rachel: He was concerned. I'm not quite sure if he totally understood the situation, but I could tell that he was worried.
Ross: What about Caitlin?
Rachel: Caitlin's not old enough Ross. She just merely asked for Dada occasionally.
Ross: How do we go on from here?
Rachel: What do you mean?
Ross: I mean I just left you with the kids for three days, I abandoned you with two kids. I walked out on the love of my life when we hit a road bump.
Rachel: Doesn't it just matter that you're here now?
Ross: You're not angry with me?
Rachel: You know you'd think I'd be, but I'm not. I'm just happy you came home. We've been through a lot you and me, and we've always found a way to survive. We'll be just fine.
Ross: What about our friends? What will they think?
Rachel: Does it really matter?
Ross: Well yeah, it does matter.
Rachel: Didn't Chandler and Joey come to see you today?
Ross: Yeah.
Rachel: Didn't they come to see you because they care about you? Didn't they want to see if you wanted to talk about what happened between us?
Ross: Yeah.
Rachel: Then you don't have to worry about Chandler and Joey.
Ross: And Monica and Phoebe?
Rachel: They just wanted to see us work it out. They're not gonna care how we work it out, all they'll care about is that we're still together. Monica and Chandler are married, they know how tough it can be sometimes. Joey just got married, but he'll soon realize how difficult marriage can get. Phoebe's been in serious relationships before so even she knows how hard you have to work to make them last.
Ross: And us?
Rachel: 'Til death do us part. So unless you're planning on dying any time soon, we'll continue to work at our marriage. And whatever we talk about or do that relates to our marriage will stay between us, no more sharing secrets with our friends. I learned a lesson from this that things that are private are to stay private.
Ross: Well as long as we are sharing things that need to stay between us I need to share something with you.
Rachel: Ok.
Ross: I think the reason, no the reason I took Caitlin out of playgroup without telling you and asking Carol to pick Ben up from school so I'd have more time to screw around is because I've been feeling incomplete. I miss working.
Rachel: Oh. Do you need to go back to work?
Ross: I don't know. I know we agreed that one of us would stay at home with Caitlin until she reached the 7th grade, I just never realized how much I'd miss working.
Rachel: If you want to go back to work I'll support that decision. I'll be happy to give up my job and stay at home with the kids.
Ross: I can't let you do that. You love what you do.
Rachel: Yes, but I'm willing to do just that.
Ross: You know what, can we sleep on this? We don't need to talk about this right now.
Rachel: Ok.
Ross: Maybe, maybe there's a job out there where I could work from home and still watch Caitlin.
Rachel: I thought we were gonna sleep on this?
Ross: I changed my mind, sorry. If it's ok with you, I'll try to find something where I can work out of the house.
Rachel: Ok. I'll help you look.
Ross: You look like hell.
Rachel: Thanks for noticing.
Ross: Why don't you go get ready for bed? I'm gonna go talk to Ben.
Rachel: Shouldn't you wait until morning?
Ross: I need to see my son.
Rachel (getting up to hug Ross): Ok. I love you Ross.
Ross: I love you too Rachel.
(Rachel goes into their bedroom as Ross enters Ben and Caitlin's room. Ross turns on the light, awakening Ben)
Ben: Daddy?
Ross: Yeah Ben, it's Dad.
Ben: Are you home for good?
Ross: I'm not going anywhere buddy. Give your Dad a hug. (Ben hugs Ross) I love you son. I'll never leave you again.
Ben: I love you too Daddy.
Ross: I'll see you in the morning.
Ben: Ok. Daddy?
Ross: Yeah?
Ben: Give Mommy a real big hug, she really needs one.
Ross: Will do. Goodnight.
(Ross turns off the light and closes the door and goes into their bedroom)
Rachel: You look pretty sh^tty too.
Ross: You're not the only one who hasn't slept for the past three nights. Come here. (Rachel gets up and walks over to Ross. Ross gives her a big hug)
Rachel: What was that for?
Ross: Your son said you needed one and I needed one too.
CLOSING CREDITS
CENTRAL PERK (Monica, Chandler, Michael, Phoebe, Joey, Jenna and Jenna Jr. are present)
Monica: Chandler, would you stop your son!
Chandler: What's he doing?
Monica: He's trying to snort sugar up his nose.
Chandler (picking up Michael): We don't snort sugar up our nose buddy.
Joey: I tried that once, it hurt liked hell.
Jenna: How old were you?
Joey: Oh, it just happened last week. I'll never try that again that's for sure.
Phoebe: Why would you even do that Joey?
Joey: I was bored and the sugar was there.
(Ross, Rachel and Caitlin enter. Ross and Rachel are holding hands)
Rachel: Hello everyone.
Ross: Hey.
Phoebe: And everything is right in the world again.