Work Text:
Carol sighed and braced herself for what was about to come as she stood outside of Ross’ apartment door. She hated that it had come to this, but she needed what was best for her child. Her child who had just confessed to Carol and her wife that she doesn’t feel like a boy and wants to be a girl. Also, the fact she would have said this sooner but was scared about how dad (Ross), would react.
Carol and Susan looked at each other when Helena said that. They had been in the queer community long enough to have gained transgender friends. They heard the stories of coming out and discrimination. With being a lesbian, it was “easier” to blend into society at least. So, what they did after telling Helena she was loved and would do anything for her, was to have a private discussion. They knew for certain Ross would not be accepting and so a custody agreement had to be changed so that he wouldn’t get rights to Helena if he or anyone in his environment was against Helena’s transition. Supervision would be needed up until their daughter was 18.
That is why within a few days after Rachel had given birth to Emma, Carol was at Ross’ door about to probably change his life. She knocked and Ross answered. Nobody else was there thank God.
“Oh, hey Carol, is Ben ok? Thought I wasn’t going to see him until next week.”
Carol walked in and smiled. Wincing slightly at the use of Helena’s birth name and male pronouns. No strike though because he hadn’t been told.
“Everything is fine for Ben. He uh told me something I feel you need to know, and it could change our custody agreement.”
Carol plays with her fingers while Ross looks on confused.
“Ross. Ben has made it very clear to Susan and me that they wish to be a girl and no longer wants to be called Ben. In fact, they wish to go by Helena after she asked us what she was going to be called if not a boy.” Carol went to her bag and pulled out a new child custody arrangement document and new pictures of Helena with feminine hair and a girl’s dress.
Ross erupted with anger. “WHAT THE FUCK!! THIS IS BULLSHIT! Children don’t get caught up in this transgender bullshit unless they are taught because of their environment…” He starts to pace and goes towards Carole as if to hit her but then puts his fist to his mouth.
Carol steps back nervously.
“You know what, this is what I feared would happen and I’m glad Helena is making her own decisions and even saying she fears your angry outbursts. She used to see you every other week but now last time she saw you was at the wedding. You ignored the existence of having her since Rachel became pregnant.”
Ross laughed. “You think this is my fault? You two surround yourself with queers. It’s no wonder our son became confused. Yes, our son. You two have always wanted a daughter so well done. You win. The Barbie dolls worked.”
Ross sarcastically claps while saying this.
Carol had tears down her face at the audacity. “You know what fuck you. You’ve always been homophobic, but I can now add transphobic to the list of things you are. I only came here because as the father you deserved to know. If Susan was here, she’d punch your lights out.”
She goes to leave the apartment.
“Good luck with your second child and send my regards to Rachel. If Monica wishes to see her niece or if Rachel want sisters to bond, then they know how to contact me. You meanwhile will have no contact. I’m not exposing Helena to your bullshit. Don’t get me started on your toxic parents.”
There is a pause as she holds the door to exit. “Get your fucking anger issues sorted out. I’m scared of what you have become. My lawyer will be in contact with yours about any additions to the custody agreement.”
Ross just stands there filled with rage and confusion of what has happened. He doesn’t know how to handle what has gone on. He doesn’t have any problems; it is everyone else who is causing the issues.
What he ends up telling the rest of the group, is that Carol has banned him from seeing “Ben” for no reason, everyone is confused but just agrees that Carol and Susan were wrong for doing so. It’s not until Monica contacts them weeks later the full truth comes out. For a few years Monica is the only person who keeps in touch with her niece, and they share photos. It got kept from Chandler for a few months but eventually she told her husband. While Ross is his best friend, for the benefit of Helena it is best he doesn’t see his trans daughter.
Rachel meanwhile is happy that Ross is a present father in Emma’s life and has no concerns about “Ben”. She does find out the truth a few years down the line but also is a bit transphobic, (but not to the degree Ross is). Not wanting to change the dynamic and fearing being a single parent again. Rachel doesn’t push her now husband (again) to see Helena. She does however send photos of Emma to Monica so that Helena can see what her sister is like.
The only positive with Ross is that he goes to see a therapist for his anger issues and anything else that he’s had trouble processing over the years, from his childhood, relationships to current day.