Ignore the title 'cause it doesn't really fit. And also ignore all type of faults. I'm tired and in a hurry. My end of season 8 and my fic for the contest. I do not own any of these characters, except for me :). Okay, here we start. If you haven't seen the seasons finale (I haven't either but I've read the transcript, so I can imagine!) Rachel gave birth to Emma and is now resting in her hospital room. Let's pretend Ross and Phoebe didn't talk about Ross feelings but were watching little Emma. Here's were it starts....

Ross comes back and wants to enter Rachels room as I stop him by grasping his arm. He turns around surprised.

Ross: (wondering) Excuse me?

Me: You are Ross Gellar, right?

Ross: (even more surprised) Yes, and who are you?

Me: Sorry (we shake hands) I'm Stef, Stefanie Simonet, Rachels old friend from High School. (he raises his eyebrows) I want to know how Rachel and the baby are doing!

Ross: Hi, nice to meet you.

Me: same here

Ross: How come I don't  know you at all?

Me: Dunno, but I do know you very well....

Ross: (curious) hmm, why?

Me: (shy) I had a major crush on you back in High School... (he blushes)...but then I moved to Chicago and you then were with Carol as Rachel told me. And finally, you were with Rachel and since she either talked to me on the phone every week or wrote me a letter, I know everything, well almost everything about you.

Ross: Rachel never mentioned you! (thinks)

FLASHBACK of TOW No- One's Ready

Rachel: I'm not gonna go.

Ross: You're not going to go.

Rachel: No, I think I'm gonna catch up on my correspondence.

Ross: How, how, um how can you not be going?

Rachel: I'm not gonna gooo, so I think that will accomplish the not going.

Ross: Um, you know, just out of curiosity...

Rachel: Well, ever since I was humiliated and yelled at in front of my friends, I'm just, I don't know, not in a museum benefitty kind of mood

END OF FLASHBACK
 

Ross: Okay, she never mentioned your name, but I remember her writing letters all the time!

Me: Yeah, they were all for me (we laugh) -pause- You look just like on the last picture Rachel sent to me.

Ross: (surprised and questionly) She sent a picture of me?

Me: Well, not just of you but of the whole gang.

Ross: Ah okay. But seriously, I can't even remember seeing you with Rachel. She was almost everytime with Monica.

Me: True, but I had some classes with her, plus my mom's a good friend of hers.

Ross: Anyway, were you already in there? (points to the door)

Me: Nope, I was going to but then you came into my way! (he laughs and opens the door)

Seeing her after such a long time is just great and exciting. I can't hold myself back and run to her to give her a big hug. I've missed her so much. She hasn't changed much though she's even  more prettier than in High School.

Rachel: Oh my god, Stef (I break the hug)

Me: Rach, hell I've missed you so much!!!

Rach: Me, too! (pause) How're ya doing? How're things with Christian?

Me: Great! We're going to marry in 3 months. Oh and by the way, I wanted to ask you if you'd be my bridesmaid.

Rach: What, really? ( I nod) Yeah, sure, I'd love to!! I can't believe you're getting married! Lucky girl! (gets a bit sad)

Me: and I can't believe you're actually a mommy now! That is so great.

Rachel: (smiles) have you seen her?

Me: Not yet.

Rachel: (to Ross) You could go and show her Emma.

Ross: Sure, I'd love to (starts to leave)

Me: (to Rach) I'll be right back, okay? We've to talk about sooo many things. (she smiles)

Rachel: Take your time.

I leave with Ross. He smiles brightly and almost runs to the baby. You can say he's very proud of his daughter. He'll make a great father...! We stop in front of a big window from where you can see a few babies, some crying, some sleeping, some playing with their fingers and one staring at us with its beautiful big brown eyes.

Me: let me guess. First row, second one from the left=

Ross: (smiles) How do you know?

Me:....it's the most beautiful and cutest baby.

Ross: Yeah she is.....(he looks lovingly at her and gets teary eyed but not because he's sad but because he's so happy and filled with joy, also I can tell he's a bit worried)

Me: (out of blue) at least one dream came true.

Ross turns his head to me and looks puzzled.

Ross: huh? What are you talking about?

Me: Forget it (I walk away, he comes close behind me and grabs my arm)

Ross: Wait, tell me.

Me: Well, it's kinda privat and ....in some way complicated.

Ross: what, why?

Me: I really can't tell you.

Ross: (eager to know) C'mon please, what is it?

Me: (hesitate) I can't do this (I walk away, trying to escape from the awkward situation)

Ross: (louder so I can still hear) why would you've said that? There's something you want to tell me!

I try to ignore his last comment, although I know he's right. I walk straight to Rachels room and before I enter, I wait for Ross to aks him politely:

Me: Ross, can I talk to Rach alone?

Ross: (a bit mad at me) sure, whatever. I'll go in the cafeteria then. (he leaves and I, again, enter Rachels room)
 

Cafeteria: Phoebe and Joey are talking.

Phoebe: How're things with you? You okay?

Joey: (thoughtful) yeah, I guess.

Phoebe: I know it must be hard for you...but it's for the best, don't you think?

Joey: Why didn't I have the idea of Rach moving in with Ross much more earlier? I wouldn't have these feelings now for Rachel!

Phoebe: Joe, don't blame yourself for something you can't control! You can't choose with who you're gonna fall in love with!

Joey: You're right. And also seeing Rach this happy with Ross' baby makes me happy, too.

Phoe: Yeah, sweet huh!

Joey: I didn't know that love can bring you so much joy and so much sadness at the same time.

Phoe: Joe, being in love with someone you can't have is hard. But love someone you have and then lose is thousand times harder.

Joe: You talk about Rach and Ross? (she doesn't respond) Man, I really don't know many things about love.

Phoe: Who cares when you know so much things about sex instead!! (famous Joey grin)

Joe: (in his way) How're ya doin'?
 

Rachels room. I sit beside her.

Me: Sorry I haven't wrote back last week but I'd so much to do because of the wedding.

Rach: Sure thing...I couldn't have read it anyway. I was way too busy with myself! (we laugh)

Me: So how's it going? Any news since your last letter?

Rach: (looks down, a bit sad) not really. (looks at me and smiles weakly) Emma's now here and that's all what matters.

Me: It's not and you know that as good as I do! You were always wild about being married and having children, living in a big house and being succesful in your job. And you still are...

Rachel: nah, things changed and I did, too. I don't want that anymore.

Me: Oh c'mon, look at me (she does) we both know very well that you still do!

Rachel: Remember the letter I wrote you, when Ross and I finally got together? (I nod) ....It was all totally new for me.... I didn't know this feeling before and after half a year I finally realised, that I actually loved him. But not just loved him....love him as with every part of my body, with all my heart and that forever. And then the time came when his jealousy drove me crazy. I couldn't understand why he couldn't trust me. It hurt. I was hurt by him for the first time. And instead of working things out, it became worse and worse. (she stops and has tears in her eyes. It was so many years ago but still hurt her so much. I could kill him for what he did to her but also I do admire him for making her so happy. She sure isn't an easy person to live with. Seeing her like this makes me feel so weak and uncomfortable) You know, the worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can't have them.....(smiles weakly) I've now a baby and I'm happy.

Me: (smile at her) Rach, I'm so proud of you. You're so brave. -pause- hey, do you still...have.....it? (Rachel looks confused) You know...(she realises)

Rach: oh yeah sure. I can't get rid of it.

Me: Did I already tell you how beautiful your daughter is? (Rachel smiles) she has your nose and ears but Ross' hair and eyes. If she looks at you, you're just melting.

Rach: I know, I can barely resist them. I'm happy she got them from him 'cause they're really special and always remind me of him...

Me: Honey, you still love him, it's so obvious!

Rach: is it?

Me: Tell him!

Rach:No, I won't. He doesn't feel the same way and I just want to deal with that right now.

Me: How do you know he doesn't feel the same way?

Rach: I just know it. See, before we left the apt, we kissed and....well, it wasn't how it used to be. No feelings, no passion, no love....

Me: You never know unless you ask him..

She looks at me, kinda sad and I leave the room.

Cafeteria: I enter and see Ross sitting with two of his friends and join them.

Me: Ross? (he looks at me)

Ross: Oh Stef! This is Joey (points to him and we shake hands) and Phoebe (points to her and she hugs me. I'm a bit surprised by that, but feel already very comfortable) And this is Stef

Me: Nice to meet ya all.

Ross: (to me) Can I get you something?

Me: Coffee would be nice.

Phoe: That'll make two!

Joey: (to Ross) I'll come with you. (both leave)

Phoe: So you're Rachel's I-write-you-you-write-me friend.

Me: jup, that'd be me.

Phoe: Funny, she never talked about you.

Me: Well, there's just nothing to tell.

Phoe: I'm sure there is. You've got an interesting aura.

Me: No there isn't. But you can tell me something about Ross.

Phoe: (looks at me suspicious) So you're interested in Ross?

Me: (widen eyes and a bit shocked) What? No no, I just wonder how he feels. And if he has a girlfriend or a wife!

Phoe: Strange, I thought you and Rachel would tell each other everything. Why are you asking me this! (I just stare at her) But you should definitely forget about him, cuz his deep in love with someone else. He just doesn't know it.

Me: Or he knows and doesn't want to admit it!

Phoe: Clever girl. But seriously,why are you asking me this?

Me: Doesn't matter.

Ross and Joey come back.

Joey: Here's your coffee Pheebs. (puts it down in front of her)

Phoe: Thx Joey (gets up and starts to leave)

Joey: (confused) I thought you wanted a coffee! Are you not gonna drink it?

Phoe: No. I just tested ya. I wanted to know if you're a true friend and get me everything I want!

Joey: So, am I a good friend?

Phoe: the best!

Joey: Wait. What are we doing now? (starts to leave, too)

Phoe: Since I'm your friend, too, you can now tell me what I''ve to do.

Joey: (excited) Really!? (she nods) Well, I've something in mind!

Phoe: (excited, too) Cool! ... but Joey... I won't strip and I won't have sex with you.

Joeys smile frowns and he walks away and Phoebe follows.

Ross sits beside me and sips his coffee. He has obviously something in mind that bothers him. Since I know what it's about, I break the silence.

Me: hey Ross. I actually changed my mind and want to talk to you. There are a few things, personal and privat things, I think you should know about.....someone.

Ross: shoot!

Me: no (he rolls his eyes) not here, okay.

Ross: We can meet in CP, tomorrow at 5 pm?

Me: yeah okay (I get up and look at him) hey, I forgot to say....congratulations on your daughter.

Ross: (smiles) thank you.

I leave Ross alone. He has no idea what I'm going to tell him tomorrow and I know he'll be shocked.....at first. But it's probably the best thing to do to make him realise.
 

Next day in CP. I wait for Ross as Chandler enters and orders a coffee. I watch him from the sofa.

Me: Hey Chandler (he turns around)

Chandler: Sorry? Who are you?

Me: Stefanie Simonet, from High School? Remember?

Chandlers eyes suddenly widen in shock.

Chandler: Oh my god!

Me: You haven't changed at all!

Chandler:(not too entusiastic) Hell, you sure did.

He feels totally uncomfortable and I somehow enjoy it.

Me: How are you doing?

Chandler: I'm married.

Steff: and what are you doing beside being married?

Chandler: (almost panicking) uh.....uhm....haning..

Me: You don't want to join me? (I point to the sofa)

Chandler: I.....I.....I got a thing to do.

He runs as fast as he can out of CP almost bumping into Ross who comes around the corner. Ross enters and looks puzzled.

Ross: What the hell was that?

Me: I guess Chandler's afraid of me.

Ross: How come you know him?

Me: Well back in HS, we ....sort of....had a thing

Ross: YOU??? and Chandler??? Chandler was my best friend then and we told us everything!! He never said something about you!!!

Me: Well, there's a reason. (he looks at me and gets it)

Ross: I bet there is.

Me: He was too embarrassed to tell anybody and so was I. And I guess he still is. (I chuckle)

Ross: Sounds like Chandler (he sits beside me)  Now, tell me. What was the meaning of what you've said back then in the hospital. Ya know, about Rach not being married yet and that at least one of her dreams came true.

Me: Ross, first you have to know that I'm only telling you this cuz I somehow have to (he looks confused) I, in a way feel horrible to give away such personal things but I trust you and I know you'll take this serious. (I hesitate and take a deep breath. If Rachel knew what I'm doing here, she'd kill me. Now, there is no way back. I have a good feeling, though)
You know, that Rachel and I know us since we were little girls....and we told each other everything. And when I moved to Chicago, we wrote letters at least one per month. There's nothing I don't know about her. You sure know her pretty well too, but there are a few things she never told you. (he looks curious) I want to start at the beginning and I warn you, it'll be a long story.

Ross: Okay, but why exactly do you want to tell my this? I don't want to know things about her which I shouldn't.

Me: You'll see. (I make a pause and try to remember what exactly I want to tell him)
Back in HS, Rachel was always these spoilt girl every boy wanted to be with. The most popular girl and at the same time the loneliest. Nobody knew her, knew what she really felt, how she actually was, what she truly thought and wanted. I was her only friend and then I had to move away. Luckily she made friends with Monica and I guess we have to thank her that Rachel's now here with us and not with some junkies somewhere else. Back then she had so many problems. Her parents, who contstantly fought, the permanent pressure of looing good, being nice, having good marks in school....She wrote me that Mon helped her so much. (Ross smiles at me, knowing that it's true) One summer, I guess we were both 16 then, she came to Chicago for one week and that was when she told me about her 'future' plans and dreams.

FLASHBACK in a park in Chicago town.

Rach: What are you gonna do after school?

Me: Maybe study microbiology....you?

Rach: something with fashion, like designer or something like that.

Me: Sounds cool.

Rachel: What about family? Do you want to marry and have children sometime?

Me: EWWW, no!! Maybe marry but no children!! I'm not good with them. (*actually I love babies!!!)

Rachel: (dreamingly) I want to marry. I already see me in a self- created white gown, holding a bunch of white lilies. Beside me a handsome, cute, goodlooking and caring man, which I haven't met yet, telling me that he truly loves me and not because of what I think and do but because of what I am. (gets a bit sad) I don't think there's a man like this out there for me. But if I really find such a man, I'll marry him and have cute babies. (smiles weakly)

Me: I'm sure you'll find this man.

Rach: Well, I'm not........Chips only with me 'cause I'm popular.

Me: You'll find him when you least expect it, you'll see! You know, maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one,
so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
 

END OF FLASHBACK

Me: Well, her parents wanted her to marry Barry and she did, or was going to, when she finally realised that this wasn't what she really wanted. She may have loved him for some time but that was not really true love. It was more because of her parents and the money. And then, she found her real friends. (Ross smiles) She changed so much since then! She got independent, found a job and earned money. She was actually the first time happy and satisfied with herself.

Ross: Well, I remember that! She cut her creditcards and we all were so proud of her.

Me: I can imagine. Anyway, then there was this man from Italy I think.

Ross: (rolls his eyes) knock knock (he laughs) I remember him.

Me: It was the first time a man hurt her by cheating on her. (Ross looks down hearing the word cheating. After so many years he's still ashamed of what he did to Rachel) But she soon realised, that it wasn't love either, just (cut by Ross)

Ross: Meaningless sex, I know.

Me: Yes, and then, there was you.

Ross smiles again, remembering how complicated it was to finally get together.

Me: When she found out about your feelings, she was so confused and happy at the same time. (Ross listens interested) You were somewhere else at that time.

Ross: China

Me: yeah right, well she phoned me and told me

FLASHBACK

Rach: Stef, I might have found this man!!

Me: Huh? What man?

Rach: You know, the man I'm looking for. Remember summer ****?

Me: Oh...Really? Who's it?

Rach: It's actually my best friend and the most caring man I know! And he looks good and most important, he likes me because of what I am.

Me: But how do you know that?

Rach: Because he's not the type of guy who has every week another girlfriend and cheats on them!.

Me: Ah great, way to go Green!! Are you two already together?

Rach: Nah, he's in China right now but is back tomorrow. (sighs) Ah but I'm not sure if I really want this! I mean, he's my best friend and I don't want to lose him.

Me: Rach, honey, just remember what you said to me back then in Chicago.

END OF FLASHBACK

Me: And we know what happend. (both smile) You can't imagine how much she changed after you to got together. I've never seen and heard her this happy! She sent me pictures of you two and you both looked so cute together. She wrote me, that it is the best thing that ever happend to her. (he smiles weakly but looks sad, though) You know, yesterday she told me, that first when you were together, she was totally in love with you. And then, after half a year, she finally realised, that she truly loved you, you know, with all her heart and that forever.

Ross: She told you that yesterday?

Me: Uhu.....And back then, she wrote me that she now can't imagine life without you. She loved you so much...

FLASHBACK

Rachel and I are on the  phone

Rach: He just told me, that we'll have two babies and live in Scarsdale!!!

Me: That's great! It's what you've always wanted!

Rach: I know but I freaked out! And then we had this conversation and I was so scared he'd leave me .....God, I can't imagine life without him!!

Me: So I guess, you've found the man.

Rach: I did, and you know what? I want to have babies with him. Just not now, you know.

Me: Tell him, he'll understand.

Rach: Ah, you've to meet him. He's unbelievable.

Me: Well I saw him on the picture and I've to say, he looks hot!

Rach: He IS hot!Honey, I've to go to Ross'. (excited)He's with Ben right now and I wanna help him!

END OF FLASHBACK

Ross: Oh, I remember that conversation with her. That was the first time we said, 'I love you'.

Me: Rachel loved you, even of your jealousy and the whole thing with that guy from work......Mark, I guess?

Ross: I hated him. I was so scared he'll take her away fom me.

Me: Didn't you trust her? She'd never do that to you!

Ross: I know...I just loved her so much.

Me: And then, there was this whole break stuff. She called me that night after Mark left and cried all the time. She felt so miserable about that break, she didn't wanted it. But she was angry with you....well not really angry....she....

Ross: Do we have to talk about that?

Me: There's something you  don't know and Rachel never wanted you to know. But I'm gonna tell you now.

Ross takes a deep breath, so do I.

Me: She had planned something special for you two that day. And then, she had to work longer and she was so angry about that, that she was angry with you too when you came into her office. She didn't forget about your anniversary, not at all......she was going to take you somewhere and ..........(I'm very nervous by now) Well, she wanted to tell you how much she loves you and cares about you, and that she matured so much in this year. And to show you this, she wanted to do something she actually wanted you to do sometime. She wanted to ask you to marry her.

Ross stares at me in disbelief and his mouth drops.

Me: And instead of asking you to marry her, she wanted a break to think about that again.

Ross: Oh my god, I can't believe it.

Me: We both now what happend that night and I don't wanna talk about it, cuz I can't forgive you for that, although Rachel did a long time ago.

Ross: (surprised) she did?

Me: She did when you dumped her sister. But you know, she was so hurt by what you did to her. And when you announced the wedding of you and that girl from england, she was even more hurt. She always thought she'd be the one.

Ross: (a bit upset) and she came to london to destroy my wedding.

Me: (upset, too) Well, did she? No, because she still loved you! And she didn't want you to be with her sister cause she loved you. There are so many examples and I know them ALL! Ross, hear me out. I had to tell you this because I want you to take the chance now and get back together with her. She still loves you, you know. I don't know what happend the last week with you two, but I know that she has feelings for you.

Ross: Really? Don't you think it's just because of the pregnancy?

Me: Ross, don't be stupid. You're the only man that made her truly happy and you're the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. And know you've a daughter together. But Ross, I don't want you to be with her because of your child or because she loves you. You have to love her too, otherwise you'll just hurt her again.

Ross: I really need time to think about all that. I don't want to screw up things again and I want to be sure about everything.

I smile but I'm not sure if it will end the way I want to. No, not how I want to, how it has to!!! It's Ross and Rachel for god sake. They belong together. I wasn't around them when they were together, nor when they weren't, but I know they're made for each other.
 

Few days later. Rachels back in the apt. with little Emma. It's evening, Emma's asleep and Rachel's on the couch, reading a magazine. Ross stand behind her and looks at her without her noticing. Then, he joins her on the couch.

Ross: Rach, I really have to talk to you.

Rach: Sure, shoot.

Ross: uhm....I actually don't know how to start. (she gets a bit nervous) A few days ago, I talked to Stef. Well, she talked to me and made me realise a few things. Things I knew before but didn't want to admit. And I also was a bit scared....(He takes her hand and strokes it softly) Rach, I've somewhere read the sentence: 'Whatever happens, happens for a reason'. I guess, this is true. All these years we had this situations which reminded us of what we once had. Everytime I thought I was over you, something happend and I knew I wasn't. And now, we have a baby together, which means, we always will be a part of each others life. (Rachel smiles and gets emotional) When you kissed me before we went to the hospital, I was so surprised, I didn't know what to think about that. And then, I realised how much I miss it....

Rach: (softly) what?

Ross: (softly, too) that (he slowly leans in and kisses her softly on her lips. Then he breaks it and stays close to her) I love you and I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you. (she smiles lovingly at him)

Rach: God, I love you, too.

Ross: Okay, there's more I've to say. I'm now sure that it's you and I can't imagine my life without you and to show you that, I (he takes small black box out of his jacket and opens it)  ask you if you want to marry me.

Rachel gets teary eyed and looks at him.

Rach: (serious) Ross, you can't do that. (he looks hurt and disappointed and also confused)

Ross: What? (she gets up and walks into her room. Ross sits there near tears, not knowing what to do now. But then Rachel comes back) Rachel?

Rach: You can't do that, cuz (she takes out a beatiful silver diamond ring) I wanted you to ask that first. (both are now crying) Ross, will you marry me?

He's trembling and so is she. He just nods and then they kiss and hug.
 

The end

Sorry for that cheesy ending but I run out of time and I've to do so much for school, so I had to cut it a bit. Tell me what you think.