Chapter 20 - The One with Rachel's Big Kiss

                                    

                                          
Chandler and Darcy were sitting in their cozy living room, papers scattered around them as they practiced their wedding vows. The excitement of their upcoming wedding filled the air, but so did a bit of nervous tension. 
"I want mine to be just right," Chandler said, scribbling down notes on a piece of paper. He glanced up at Darcy, who was similarly engrossed in her own writing. "How are yours coming along?"
Darcy smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I think I have a good draft, but I'm still tweaking it. I just want to make sure it captures everything I feel."
Chandler nodded, looking thoughtful. "It's hard to put everything into words, you know? There's just so much I want to say."
Before they could delve deeper into their vows, the door burst open, and Rachel came rushing in, looking flustered. "You guys won't believe who I just ran into!"
Monica and Joey, who were in the kitchen preparing snacks, looked up with curiosity. "Who?" Monica asked, handing Joey a plate of cookies.
"Melissa Warburton, from my sorority days," Rachel said, plopping down on the couch beside Chandler. "We had this... moment in college. It was just a silly thing, but it was pretty unforgettable."
Monica raised an eyebrow. "A moment?"
Rachel blushed slightly. "We kissed. It was just a fun, experimental thing. But seeing her again brought back all these memories."
Darcy chuckled. "College is definitely a time for experimentation."
Joey, always eager to join in on the conversation, leaned against the kitchen counter. "So, are you going to see her again?"
Rachel shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe. It was a long time ago."
As they chatted, the door opened once more, and Phoebe and Ross walked in, engaged in a heated debate. "I'm telling you, Phoebe, evolution is a well-established scientific fact," Ross insisted, his tone exasperated.
Phoebe shrugged nonchalantly. "I still have my doubts. There's so much we don't know about the universe. Who's to say there isn't more to the story?"
Chandler looked up, amused. "Are we debating evolution again? This feels like déjà vu."
Darcy laughed. "It's like every time you two walk in here, you're having the same argument."
Ross sighed, shaking his head. "It's just frustrating. How can you not believe in something that's so thoroughly supported by evidence?"
Phoebe smiled sweetly. "Because, Ross, I like to keep an open mind. Besides, it's fun to think about the possibilities."
Meanwhile, Joey had been pacing the room, looking anxious. "I need to find a way to pay for this acting class. I can't afford it on my own," he said, his voice tinged with desperation.
Chandler, always the supportive friend, looked at Joey sympathetically. "Maybe we can figure something out. How much do you need?"
Joey sighed. "More than I have, that's for sure. But this class could be a game-changer for me."
Darcy, ever practical, chimed in. "Maybe you can ask for an advance on your next paycheck, or see if you can set up a payment plan."
Joey nodded, looking slightly more hopeful. "Yeah, maybe I can do that. Thanks, Darcy."
As the evening wore on, the group found themselves reminiscing about old times and discussing their future plans. Monica and Joey, who were now officially dating, were inseparable. "I never thought we'd end up together," Monica admitted, looking at Joey with a smile.
Joey grinned. "Life is full of surprises, huh?"
Chandler and Darcy continued working on their vows, occasionally sharing bits and pieces with the group. "How about this," Chandler said, reading from his paper. "'I promise to always make you laugh, even when you're mad at me.'"
Darcy giggled. "I love that. And I promise to always support your dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem."
Rachel, who had been quiet for a moment, suddenly perked up. "You know, I think I will reach out to Melissa. It would be nice to catch up and see where things go."
Phoebe nodded approvingly. "Go for it, Rachel. Life is too short to have regrets."
As the night came to an end, the friends began to disperse, each heading back to their respective homes. Chandler and Darcy stayed up a little longer, finishing their vows and reflecting on the day's events.
"I can't believe how far we've come," Chandler said, wrapping his arm around Darcy. "From meeting in Central Perk to planning our wedding. It's been quite the journey."
Darcy smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "And it's only just beginning. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."
Chandler kissed the top of her head, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. Always."
As they turned out the lights and headed to bed, both Chandler and Darcy knew that their love, and the love of their friends, would carry them through any challenge that lay ahead.