Part 2: First Impression

How the last part ended: Rachel's cellphone rings and she takes it

Rachel: hello?

Man: (v.o.) hi

Rachel: (surprised and confused) who's talking?

Man: I'm Ross, Ross Gellar

Silence

Ross: The doctor gave me your number!
 

Here starts the next part:

Rachel finally realises.

Rachel: Oh hi! How are you? I mean, are  you okay?

Ross: I'm fine. A bit tired but fine.

Rachel: uh, I'm glad to hear that! The doctor didn't want to tell me anything!

Ross: That's why you had to leave your number so I can call and tell ya.

Rachel: Well then, thankcs for calling and informing me!

Ross: hey listen. I really would like to thank you in person and since I'm still in hospital...(hesitates) Would it be a problem for you if you'd come here so I can see ya?

Rachel: (smiles) No problem!

Ross: What about tomorrow, say around 5 pm?

Rachel: Fine with me.

Ross: Okay, see ya then...

Rachel: Yeah, I guess.

Ross: bye

Rachel: bye...(she stands there for a few minutes without making a move. Then she slowly puts her cellphone back in a bag while smiling to herself and raising her eyebrows.

Rachel: (to herself) What a sexy voice...

Scene fades out
 

The other day in hospital. Rachel enters, looking a bit nervous. When she arrives at his room a nurse comes up and stops her.

Nurse: I'm sorry Miss, you can't go in there.

Rachel: (worried) what, why?

Nurse: No reporters and photographers are allowed to enter this room.

Rachel: (puzzled) huh? I'm not a reporter or photographer!

Nurse: (sarcastic) yeah of course, that's what they all say.

Rachel: (getting angry) Why should I be one? Do I look as one?

Nurse: Oh C'mon, you guys try everything to...

Ross comes from behing wearing one of those "hospital dresses" (don't know the word).

Ross: Hey, what's going on here? (Rachel and Nurse both look at him)

Nurse: She tried to..(cut by Rachel)

Rachel: (to Ross, smiling now) you look so much better than the last time I saw you!

Ross: Oh, so you're Rachel Green, huh?

Rachel: (smiles) How do you know?

Ross: I recognized your voice.

Nurse: (a bit embarrassed) Oh I'm sorry. I didn't know you were (again cut by Rachel)

Rachel: (politely) Well, you didn't even give me a chance to explain!

Ross: (to Rachel) Nice to meet you. I'm Ross

Rachel: I'm Rachel

Ross opens the door and leads her in. He follows with a bright smile on his face. In the room we see Ross's parents, Chandler and Monica looking around and talking. They all turn around by the sound of Ross's voice.

Ross: Rachel, those are my parents, my sister Monica and her husband Chandler. Guys, this is Rachel. She found me in the park!

Judy: Oh Rachel, we're all so thankfull! You saved our sons life!

Rachel: There's no need to thank me! Everyone else would have done the same thing.

Monica: I wouldn't be so sure.

Rachel: (looks at Ross) Hey, why thought the nurse that I'm a reporter?

Ross quickly looks a Monica, who raises her eyebrow. Then he looks back at Rachel and smiles uneasily.

Ross: I actually don't know! Weird. (trying hard to change the subject) Anyway, I was wondering if maybe we could go and have dinner together?

Rachel: (smiles) Sounds good.

Ross: Well, I can leave tomorrow. Do you have time tomorrow night? Say 8 pm?

Rachel: Okay

Ross: Listen, I've no idea what your adress is. Do you mind us meeting at the restaurant?

Rachel: Which one?

Ross: Four seasons

Rachel: Hopefully I'll find it. (laughes uneasily)

Everyone stares at her.

Ross: ( a bit stunned) You don't know where the four seasons is?

Rachel: (obviously lying) of course I do! I was just kidding.

Ross: You don't.  I can see it in your eyes.

Rachel: Okay you got me. But I'll find it! Don't worry....

Ross: I'm sure you will.

Ross starts to talk to Chandler so he doesn't here what Monica and Rachel are talking about.

Monica: You aren't from Chicago, are you?

Rachel: Nope, I'm from **** New Orleans

Monica: oh

Rachel: (to everyone) Anyway, I already have to go, so.....it was nice to meet you all and Ross, we'll see us tomorrow?

Ross: (smiles) exactly.

Rachel: (smiles back) okay then, bye

Everyone: bye

She leaves and so do Ross's parents.

Chandler: She has no idea who you are!

Ross: Appatently not!

Monica: Or she knows and acts like she doesn't know.

Ross: Yeah well, then she'd be a very good actress.

Chandler: How can anyone not know you! (Ross shoots him a look)

Monica: Don't you wanna tell her?

Ross: You know what! I like the fact that she doesn't know me....that makes it a lot easier.

Chandler: What? To get her in bed?

Ross: (glares at him) Hey!! I'm not that guy anymore!

Chandler: Oh please! You think you changed so much?

Ross: God, I'm sick of this image!

Chandler: (surprised) Finally?

Ross: I liked it, till now! I wanna get serious man..

Chandler: (doubting it) Oh C'mon! What a load of crap!

Ross: (getting annoyed) Shut up!

Chandler: listen, your name is in every paper and Rachel will find out sooner or later. What are you gonna do now? Play someone that you aren't?

Ross: Maybe...

Chandler: You won't change! Not even in hundret years.

Monica: Hey Honey (grabbing his arm) let him. It's his life.

Ross: Right, it's my life! I'll get her, you'll see. Now, could you please leave me alone.

They both leave and scene fades out
 

The other day. Let's say it's Rachels second day at word. We're in the fashion store. Rachel's checking out the dresses while Phoebe's unpacking some shoes. Rachel takes out a beautiful dark red night gown and stares at it dreamly. Phoebe notices it and smiles.

Phoebe: It's beautiful, isn't it?

Rachel: (looks at her) Yeah.....absolutely.

Phoebe: I bet it costs a fortune.

Rachel: (checks the prize) damn it, that's way too much!

Phoebe: Huh? You wanna buy it?

Rachel: Well, I need a dress for tonight and that one would be perfect! But it's way to expensive for me.

Phoebe: (smiles) So you have a date?

Rachel: (looks back at the gown) yeah.....kind of...

Phoebe: Why don't you take it for tonight and bring it back tomorrow?

Rachel: (unsure) whaa? I can't do that I mean (cut by Phoebe)

Phoebe: Honey, nobody will ever know!

Rachel: Ahhh, I don't know.

Phoebe: Oh C'mon, I've done it before!

Rachel: (surprised) You did?

Phoebe: Sure.

Rachel: Well okay, I'll do it.

Phoebe: I'm sure it looks perfect on you!

Rachel just smiles and slowly takes the dress. She goes behind the counter and puts it in a bag while making sure nobody's watching.

Rachel: Hey Phoebe....where's the four seasons?

Scene fades out
 

We're in Rachels house. The clock shows us 7 pm. We see Rachel in front of a mirror, wearing the dress from the store ( it looks like the one Monica wore during Ross's wedding in London). She's checking herself and plays with her fingers nervously. Then she bites her lip and touches her hair, which is open. She makes on a bit perfume and checks herself one last time. She finally grasps her purse and the key and leaves. Outside the door she looks at her watch and sighs heavily.

Rachel: (to herself) It's 7:10 pm and I'm ready. What is wrong with me? Oh my god, what if I don't find the restaurant? Argh, Rachel....cool down....

She starts walking away and scene fades out..
 

We're in front of a restaurant and see Rachel coming up. She checks her watch again and makes a face. Then she sits down on a bench beside the entrance and watches the arrivers. After about half an hour we see Rachels eyes widen and a smile starts srpeading on her face. She slowly gets up and takes a deep breath. We see Ross coming up also smiling. (He's dressed like in TOW no one's ready but his hair is more like he had it in the end of the 8th season) One hand behind his back he goes to her, takes one hand and gently kisses it while Rachel stares at him lovingly. He then gives her a red rose that he hid behind his back. She takes it and smiles, slightly embarrassed. Then he offers her his arm which she gladly accepts and they both enter the very fancy looking restaurant.
Many people turn around and stare at them while they're waling through the dininghall. Rachel doesn't notice and Ross ignores it. The waiter leads them to a table right beside a big window but then Ross refuses.

Ross: Sorry, is there a table away from a window?

Rachel: (looks puzzled) huh? What's wrong with the window?

Ross: (ignores her comment) Can you please give us another table?

Waiter: Sure Mr. Gellar.

Rachel: (surprised) oh wow, they know you here!

The waiter shoots her a look and Ross sees it.

Ross: (to Rachel) I'm here a lot.

The waiter leads them to another table where they both take a seat.

Ross: (smiling at her) You....you look gorgeous.

Rachel: (blushing) Thanks. -pause- and thank you for this. You didn't have to do that.

Ross: Yes I did.

The waiter comes and brings them two menu cards.

Waiter: What would you like to drink?

Ross: (to Rachel) Wine? (she nods) Okay, we'll take a bordeaux and please a bottle of water.

The waiter leaves and they both take the cards.

Ross: I hope you're hungry cuz I'm starving! Hospitalfood wasn't that good (she smiles then looks at the card)

Rachel: Wow, it's really expensive here! You're sure you wanna have dinner here?

Ross: yeah    -pause-   don't worry about the prizes.

Rachel looks back at the card, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Ross: (sees it) What about filet mignon?

Rachel: Sounds good.

Ross: Okay, I guess we take that. (Rachel nods and Ross calls the waiter)

Ross: (to the waiter) Two filet mignon, please

Waiter: Would you like to have a soup or a salad to start?

Rachel: a salad would be nice.

Ross: (to the waiter) that makes two.

Waiter: Okay. Anything else?

Ross: No, thanks.

Waiter leaves

Ross: Okay. Now, Ireally want to thank you again for what you did for me.

Rachel: It was nothing, really

Ross: Maybe for you, but for me it certainly was. Anyway, thank you.

Rachel: But what exactly was there with you? They didn't tell me anything...so

The waiter comes back with the wine. He pours them two glasses and leaves. Rachel and Ross both take their glass, do the cherio thing (don't know the word) and take a sip.

Ross: Where were we?

Rachel: I asked why you had this break down.

Ross: Oh that, well I guess I was too stressed.

Rachel: Why? Because of work?

Ross: (uneasy) yeah, I guess.

Rachel: So what's your occupation?

Ross: (trying to avoid her question) C'mon let's not talk about work, 'kay?

Rachel: ( a bit disappointed) sure

Ross: Where are you from? You're not from Chicago, right?

Rachel: (smiles) ****, New Orleans.

Ross: Wow   -pause-  I've never heard of that town before! (they both laugh. Ross's cellphone starts ringing) Excuse me for a sec (gets it) yeah?.....hi Joe....I'm fine.....(laughs)really?....hey listen, can I call you backk, I have something going on here......(laughs) shut up!....okay, bye (hangs up)  (to Rachel) Sorry

He takes another sip of his glass while staring at Rachel. They're obviously flirting.

Ross: Since when are you here?

Rachel: A week now

Ross: (surprised) Oh, and what are you doing here?

Rachel: I'm actually trying to find a good job here...well I already did. I just wanted to get out of that town.

They both continue talking and seem to enjoy the evening very much. Time lapses and we see them eating dinner while laughing and talking all the time. The restaurant owner comes up and stops beside their table.

R.O.: Ross, it's been soo long!

Ross: You can tell.

R.O.: How are you doing? Feeling better?

Ross: yeah

R.O.: Good to hear. Was everything alright with the dinner?

Ross: Everything was perfect!

R.O.: Okay then, have a nice evening you two. (he smiles and leaves)

Rachel: A friend of yours?

Ross: Not really, we just know each other because I'm here so often.

Rachel: wow, but he knew about your break down....

Ross starts to sweat a bit. Rachel still doesn't know but everything seems so obvious, although he tries hard to act as a "normal" person. The problem is that people around him don't treat him as a normal guy.
 

Time lapses and they're now both outside the restaurant

Rachel: Thank you very much for this nice evening. It was great.

Ross: You're welcome (they both smile)

Rachel: I guess, I go home now, I'm very tired.

Ross: Hey, I'll take you home, 'kay.

He offers his arm again and she gladly accepts. They walk away smiling a lot. Then they stop beside a brand new Porsche. Ross opens the door and Rachel looks stunned.

Ross: Hop in.

Rachel: (still stunned) Wow, that's your car? That must have cost you a fortune.

Ross just closes the door, walks around the car and sits on the drivers seat.

Ross: now where to go?

Rachel:******

Ross: (surprised) You live there?

Rachel: Yeah, in my aunts house. Why? What is wrong with that?

Ross: Nothing.....I just thought that there live very poor people.

Rachel: yeah, so?

Ross looks at Rachel and smiles at her, she smiles back.

Ross: nothing...forget it.
 

After a few minutes they arrive at Rachels house. He stops the car and turns his head to look at her.

Ross: (softly) It was very nice tonight.

Rachel: (smiles) yeah.

Ross: Maybe we can have dinner again?

Rachel: yeah...

Ross: What about next saturday?

Rachel: sounds good!

Ross: Okay then, I'll pick you up around 8 pm.

Rachel: Okay (she opens the door while he leans over and kisses her softly and tenderly on her cheek)

Ross: (sweetly) G'night.

Rachel: G'night (she steps out of the car, closes the door and walks straight to the house so Ross won't see her blushing and getting red)

Ross starts the car and drives off. Rachel opens the door, enters and closes it behind her. Then she leans on it, takes a deep breath and softly touches her cheek while holding the red rose.

scene fades out
 

Next day, the fashion store.

Phoebe: So, how was your date?

Rachel: (getting all excited) It was great, just great! Ross took me to this fancy restaurant and we had dinner and....ah, it was so great.

Phoebe: (suspicous) Do I know this guy?

Rachel: I don't know, I mean...

Phoebe: I know almost every guy in Chicago! (Rachel looks at her dumbfounded) So what's his full name?

Rachel: Ross Gellar

Phoebes eyes wide and her mouth drops.

Rachel: (sees it) Oh my god, Phoebe, what is?

Phoebe: You had a date with Ross Gellar? (Rachel nods) The TV and Movie star Ross Gellar?

Rachel: (laughs) No. He's a normal guy who...(cut by Phoebe who by now is flipping through a magazine)

Phoebe: (shows her a picture of him) Ross Gellar.

Rachel: (looks at the picture, shocked and confused) Whaa.....WHAT?

Phoebe: This is Ross Gellar, one of the most sexiest man alive (ppl, do you agree with me? :) ), the dream of every woman! Makes money like no one else!

Rachel: (still shocked) Oh ..... my .....god, this must be some kind of a nightmare.

Phoebe: Wow, I thought every woman knows him.

Rachel: (totally embarrassed) Apparently not! God, I'm so stupid, and blind....and.......god, this is so embarrassing!

Phoebe: Didn't he tell you? (Rachel shoots her a look)

Rachel: duhuuuu! No! .....What am I gonna do now?

Phoebe: Why?

Rachel: Well, we have our second date next saturday...

Phoebe: (shocked) second date? wow!

Rachel slowly sits down on a chair so she won't faint, sighing heavily. After a while of silence, Phoebe breaks it.

Phoebe: I know it's maybe not what you want to hear right now, but I think you shouldn't see him anymore.

Rachel: (look up at her) What? Why?

Phoebe: He will hurt you....like he hurt the other women. I'm sure he doesn't take this as serious as you do! He never did.....it's his reputation!

Rachel: (disappointed and sad) I didn't know that...

Phoebe: Stop it before feelings are involved. It's for the best!

Rachel: (softly) Well, I guess it's already too late....(Phoebe looks at her questionly)...I think I'm falling for him!
 

To Be Continued.....