This fan fiction series begins a lot later than most. In fact, this one begins just after The One With Rachel's Date. It is a continuation from the end when Ross and Rachel were talking, then Ross went into the coffeehouse and saw Mona, then we see Rachel standing by the door. She's obviously still in love with him, but anyway... That still happened, Rachel does not enter the coffeehouse. Instead, she returns to the apartment building. So begins TOW Rachel Realizes. It's mostly Ross and Rachel, but I do try to think up storylines for the other characters.
Disclaimer - These characters do not belong to me. They belong to Bright, Kauffman, and Crane Productions and Warner Brothers. This is intended for entertainment and not profit.
Written by: Jenna Blanchard
[Scene: Monica and Chandler's. Monica and Chandler are there.]
Chandler: Now Ross is gonna tell everyone what my middle name is!
Monica: (Giggles.) Muriel.
Chandler: Stop it!
Monica: Oh, come on, maybe he won't tell anyone. I didn't tell anyone, not even Rachel.
Chandler: Yeah, well.
Rachel: (Entering.) Monica? Can we talk? (To Chandler.) Hey, Chandler M. Bing.
Chandler: He already told her!
Monica: Sure, we can talk. Chandler, go away.
Chandler: But I live here!
Monica: Rachel and I are talking! Go to Joey's.
Chandler: But...okay.
(Chandler exits.)
Monica: Okay, Rach, what's going on?
Rachel: Well, um, I was just talking to Ross about my date and everything, how he got scared off when I told him...
Monica: Uh oh. It's never good when you talk to Ross about that kind of stuff.
Rachel: I know, but he was really nice about it all. He was being really sweet...like he always is...
Monica: Oh my God! You love him again!
Rachel: No, I don't! How do you get love from what I just said!?
Monica: It's true!
Phoebe: (Entering.) Hey, guys.
Monica: Rachel loves Ross again!
Rachel: No, I don't!
Phoebe: Oh, I know.
Rachel: No, I don't! And how do you know!?
Phoebe: Duh, because you're lobsters. Don't you ever listen?
Rachel: Okay, I'm not in love with Ross again, I was just...I was...
Monica: See? You can't think of an excuse because you love him!
Rachel: No, Monica! Stop it! I don't love him.
Monica: Okay, okay. Finish your story.
Rachel: Okay, so, we finished talking and then he asked if I wanted to get some coffee, I said no, and I was about to come up here when...
Monica: When you realized you loved him and you had to see him again!
Rachel: No! I just, I was still a little depressed about my date and so I decided that maybe I would like some coffee, and I went down there and, um, well, you remember Mona from your wedding?
Monica: Yeah.
Rachel: Well, I saw her and Ross there talking, and I, I just didn't want to intrude.
Monica: Oh, Rach, I'm so sorry.
Rachel: What? Why?
Monica: Because you're in love with Ross and he was with someone else, of course.
Phoebe: You really need to start listening, Rach.
[Scene: Central Perk. The next day.]
Joey: Chandler M. Bing, can I have the milk?
Chandler: Stop it! Can't we just forget the whole Muriel thing!?
(They all giggle.)
Rachel: I just can't stop wondering what the hell your parents were thinking.
Chandler: I wonder that too.
Ross: Okay, guys, I gotta go.
Monica: Oh, where are you going?
Ross: I have a date with Mona.
(Monica glances at Rachel, who appears to be fine.)
Joey: Hot Mona from the wedding?
Ross: Yeah.
Joey: Way to go, dude.
Ross: Okay, see you guys later.
(He exits.)
Monica: (To Rachel.) Oh, are you gonna be okay?
Rachel: Yes, Monica, I'm fine! I'm fine with it! Fine!
Chandler: Why wouldn't she be okay?
Phoebe: Because she's in love with Ross. Duh, where have you been?
Joey: Oh my God, you are?
Rachel: No! I'm not in love with Ross!
Joey: She is!
Rachel: No, Joey, I'm not!
Chandler: Whoa, you're right! I can't believe we didn't notice before!
Rachel: Wh- No! Stop it! I am not in love with him!
All: When are you gonna tell him?
(Rachel glares at them.)
[Scene: A restaurant. Ross and Mona are there on their date. Ross is talking about dinosaurs.]
Ross: And then they discovered that...Oh, I'm sorry, this must be so boring for you.
Mona: Huh? Oh, no, it's not, really. I, um, I like dinosaurs.
Ross: Really?
Mona: (Pause.) Not really.
Ross: Oh.
[Scene: Outside Central Perk. Phoebe is about to go into the coffeehouse when she sees a kitten sitting on the curb.]
Kitten: Mew.
Phoebe: Aww.
[Scene: Monica and Chandler's. Monica and Rachel are there.]
Phoebe: (Entering, carrying a somewhat large bag.) Hey, guys.
Monica and Rachel: Hey.
Monica: What's in the bag, Pheebs?
Phoebe: Oh, nothing.
Rachel: Why is it moving?
Phoebe: It's not moving.
Monica: Oh my God, yes it is! What's in there?
(The kitten sticks its head out of the bag.)
Phoebe: Oh, where did that come from!? I sure don't know!
[Time lapse.]
Monica: Phoebe, you have to get that cat out of here! You know about my allergies!
(Rachel is playing with the kitten.)
Monica: A little help here, Rach?
Rachel: Oh, I like him. He's so cute!
Phoebe: Oh, I know!
Monica: I'm allergic to cats! My eyes are already getting all watery!
Phoebe: Okay, okay, we'll take him somewhere else.
Monica: Why not your apartment!?
Phoebe: We're not allowed to have animals.
Monica: Oh.
Phoebe: Hey, Rach, can we keep him at your place?
Rachel: Oh, I dunno, we'd have to ask Joey, but okay!
[Scene: Ross's apartment. Ross and Mona are saying goodbye.]
Mona: So, um, that was fun.
Ross: Oh, yeah.
Mona: I'll see you later.
Ross: Okay, I'll give you a call. Bye.
(Mona starts to walk down the hall.)
Ross: Hey, wait, I don't have your number!
Mona: I know.
(She exits.)
[Scene: Joey and Rachel's. Rachel and Phoebe are playing with the kitten when Joey enters.]
Joey: Hey, guys...what's that?
Rachel: It's a kitten, Joey, and look how cute he is!
Joey: A kitten? Y'know, Rach, I don't really like cats...
(Phoebe holds the kitten in front of Joey.)
Joey: But he's so cute!
Phoebe and Rachel: I know!!!
[Scene: Monica and Chandler's. Monica is there taking eye drops as Chandler enters.]
Chandler: Hey, Mon. Oh, what happened?
Monica: Allergies. Phoebe found a kitten and brought it over here.
Chandler: Oh, a kitten? I love ca...
(Monica looks at him.)
Chandler: ...aaars. I love cars. I hate cats.
[Scene: Joey and Rachel's. Later. Phoebe is gone and Rachel and Joey are sitting on the floor playing with the kitten.]
Rachel: We need to name him.
Joey: Oh, yeah.
(Long pause.)
Rachel: We can do that later.
Joey: Yeah. So...when are you going to tell Ross that you're still in love with him?
Rachel: Joey! Never! I'm not going to tell him because it's not true!
Joey: Yeah, right. Are you gonna tell him before or after the baby comes?
Rachel: Joey!
Ross: (Entering.) Hiii.
Joey: Oh, great, what happened now?
Ross: I don't think Mona and I are going out again.
Rachel: Oh, no, what happened?
Ross: Well, I starting talking about dinosaurs a few times during our date, and I just think she thought I was boring.
Joey: Ross, we've discussed this! Never talk about science on your dates! I know what'll make you feel better. (Holds the kitten in front of Ross.)
Ross: I'm not a cat person, Joey...but he is really cute.
[Scene: Later. Joey, Ross, and Rachel are still playing with the kitten.]
Joey: Op, I gotta go. I have an audition.
Rachel: Okay, Joey. Good luck.
Ross: Bye.
(Joey exits, leaving Ross and Rachel alone.)
Ross: So, uh, where'd the cat come from anyway?
Rachel: Oh, Phoebe found him, but she can't have pets in her apartment building and Monica's allergic.
Ross: Oh.
(Awkward silence.)
Rachel: So, um, sorry to hear about you and Mona.
Ross: Oh, yeah. I guess I figured it probably wouldn't work out anyway.
Rachel: Well, don't worry about it.
Ross: Yeah. Maybe I'll lay off dating for a while. Y'know, until the baby comes.
Rachel: Oh, yeah. You know I'll have to.
Ross: Yeah.
(Silence again.)
Ross: (Standing up.) Well, I better go.
Rachel: (Standing up.) Oh, okay. I'll see you later, then.
Ross: Okay. Bye.
Rachel: Bye.
(Ross looks at her, then leaves. Rachel sits down on the chair.)
Rachel: Oh...
[Scene: Monica and Chandler's. Monica and Chandler are there.]
Rachel: (Entering.) Oh my God, Monica!
Monica: What? What's wrong?
Rachel: You were right! I'm still in love with Ross!
Monica: Well, I know. Hey, Chandler, go away while we talk.
Chandler: Again!?
Rachel: You can go across the hall and play with the kitten.
Chandler: Really!? Okay! (Exits.)
Monica: So, you've finally realized, huh? How'd it happen?
Rachel: Okay, well, Joey and I were thinking of names for the kitten when Ross walks in and says he won't be seeing Mona again. A little later Joey left for an audition and Ross and I talked a little bit. He said he was probably gonna lay off dating until the baby came. It was actually kind of awkward. Then he said he had to leave...
Monica: Did you say anything?
Rachel: (Angry.) Do you want me to finish or not?
Monica: Yes! Sorry.
Rachel: So, anyway, we got up and he looked at me for a second, then he left.
Monica: So you didn't say anything.
Rachel: Of course not. He was depressed about Mona. I couldn't.
Monica: Ohh.
Rachel: You have to help me get over him, Monica.
Monica: Why? What if he feels the same way?
Rachel: What if he doesn't?
Monica: You'll never know if you don't ask.
Rachel: Yeah, I guess you're right. When do you think I should tell him? Soon? Or should I wait a while?
Monica: I don't know, honey, but don't worry. We'll keep thinking about it.
Rachel: Alright.
Monica: (Pause.) Can you please leave now? You have cat hair on you and my allergies are starting up again.
Rachel: Oh! Sorry! (Exits.)
[Scene: Joey and Rachel's. Rachel is watching TV with the kitten in her lap. Joey walks in.]
Rachel: Hey, Joey, how did your audition go?
Joey: It sucked. So, what did you and Ross talk about after I left?
Rachel: Joey...
Joey: Come on, Rach, please tell me!
Rachel: Well, he only stayed for a few minutes. He said he thought he'd lay off dating for a while. Maybe until the baby comes. Then he left.
Joey: That's it? Nothing else?
Rachel: Nope. I didn't tell him.
Joey: Aw, man.
Chandler: (Entering.) Hey, guys.
Joey: Hey.
Rachel: Oh, hey, Chandler. I was thinking of names for the kitten and, ah, you know what keeps coming to mind?
Chandler: What?
Rachel: Muriel.
(Rachel and Joey start giggling.)
[Scene: Central Perk. Rachel is there reading a magazine.]
Phoebe: (Entering.) Hey, Rach.
Rachel: Hey, Pheebs.
Phoebe: How's the kitten doing?
Rachel: Oh, he's great. Joey loves him.
Phoebe: Oh, that's great. Um, do you want to keep him?
Rachel: Really? What if he has owners?
Phoebe: Oh, well, I put up posters and no one's called yet. I think he was a stray.
Rachel: Oh, I'd love to keep him! We have to ask Joey, but yes!
[Scene: Joey and Rachel's. Rachel is there. She has bought several cat toys and is giving them all to the kitten. Ross enters.]
Rachel: Hey, Ross.
Ross: Oh, hey, Rach. Is Joey here?
Rachel: No, I think he had a date.
Ross: Oh, okay.
Rachel: Are you okay, Ross?
Ross: Well, yeah, I guess.
Rachel: Is there anything you wanna talk about?
Ross: Not with you.
Rachel: (Hurt.) What?
Ross: I, I mean...I mean...it's just that it's, it's more of a guy thing.
Rachel: Oh. Um, okay.
Ross: Sorry...I didn't mean it like that...um, I, I better go. Bye. (Exits.)
Rachel: (After he's already gone.) Bye.
[Cut to the hallway. Ross sits down on the step.]
Ross: (To himself.) Oh, I'm such an idiot.
[Cut to Joey and Rachel's. Rachel is leaning against the door looking a bit sad.]
[Cut back to the hallway. Ross is still there as Phoebe comes up the stairs.]
Phoebe: Ross? What's wrong? What are you doing here?
Ross: Huh? Oh, nothing, Pheebs.
Phoebe: It doesn't look like it's nothing.
Ross: Oh, well, I was looking for Joey and I just did something stupid, that's all.
Phoebe: Do you wanna talk about it?
Ross: Oh, no, I gotta get going home. Bye, Pheebs.
Phoebe: See ya later.
[Scene: Joey and Rachel's. Rachel has gone back to sitting on the chair with the kitten. Phoebe enters.]
Rachel: Hey, Phoebe.
Phoebe: Hey, Rach. I came to visit.
Rachel: Okay. (Sets the kitten on the floor.)
Phoebe: I ran into Ross on the way here. Is everything okay with you two?
Rachel: Yeah, it's fine.
Phoebe: Did you tell him?
Rachel: No...not yet.
Phoebe: Oh, you're going to? That's great! When?
Rachel: I don't know yet. I really don't want to talk about it, Pheebs.
Phoebe: Oh, okay, that's fine. Well, um...did you name the kitten?
Rachel: No. Joey and I can't come up with any names we like.
Phoebe: Oh, I know! The Hulk. That's what I wanted to name one of the triplets, but it didn't work out.
Rachel: (Pause.) Um, we'll think about it.
[Scene: Central Perk. Everyone is there except Joey and Rachel.]
Joey and Rachel: (Entering.) Hey, Pheebs, we thought of a name for the kitten.
Phoebe: Oh, really!? What did you pick?
Joey: Well, we have decided to name the kitten...
Rachel: Ryan. Ryan the cat.
Phoebe: Oh! I love that!
Joey: Yeah!
Chandler: So, it took you two, what, three days to come up with that?
Rachel: We could change it back to Muriel if you want.
Chandler: I'll shut up now.
Monica: So, you're really keeping the cat?
Rachel: Yeah. Don't worry, Mon, we'll keep him out of your apartment.
Monica: And Joey? You're okay with this? I thought you didn't like cats.
Joey: Well, I don't, but this cat's just so cute...
Chandler: Oh, and can I come over and see him whenever I want? I love ca...ars. Cars.
Monica: It's okay for you to like cats, Chandler. Sensitive guys like cats.
Chandler: Really?
Monica: Yeah!
Ross: I like that cat.
Monica: You're as sensitive as they come.
Ross: Is that a compliment?
Monica: Um, well, sometimes you can be a little too sensitive.
Rachel: There's no such thing as being too sensitive, Mon.
Monica: For Ross there is.
Rachel: No, Ross is just really sweet.
(Monica looks at her.)
Ross: Yeah? You think I'm sweet?
Rachel: Oh, yeah. (Pauses as she realizes what she's saying.) Um, most of the time. Um, more than Joey anyway.
Joey: Hey!
(They all look at him.)
Joey: Yeah, okay.
[Scene: Monica and Chandler's. Monica, Rachel, and Chandler are there.]
Monica: You almost gave everything away, Rach!
Rachel: Sorry! I didn't mean to! I wasn't thinking.
Monica: Well, I guess I can't blame you for that. Since you're in love and all. And you have a tendency to do stupid things when you're in love.
Rachel: Gee, thanks, Mon.
Monica: Oh, come on, Rach. You made Ross's girlfriend shave her head. You flew to London to stop his wedding. You married him!
Rachel: Hey! I wasn't in love with him when I married him! We were drunk!
Monica: Oh, please. You've always been in love with him. You never stopped loving him.
(Rachel pauses for a moment, trying to think of something to say, but can't.)
Monica: See? You just had to realize it for yourself.
Rachel: Do you really think Ross feels the same?
Monica: I don't know, honey, but I hope so.
Rachel: (Pause.) I hope so too.
Chandler: Hey, Mon, do we have any Cheetos?
(They glare at him.)
[Scene: Joey and Rachel's. Joey is playing with the cat. He has set up a fort using the chair, the couch, and a blanket.]
Ryan: Mew.
Joey: Mew.
Ryan: Mew.
Joey: Mew.
(Rachel walks in.)
Joey: (Looking out from under the fort.) Hey, Rach. Wanna play with us?
Rachel: (Pauses and shrugs.) Okay.
End