Part 1 The Sighting

Monica and Chandler had just settled the twins when Phoebe arrived. It had been more difficult to catch up since their move, but things were as strong between them all as ever. Ross and Rachel would be over soon, as would Mike, who was held up at work. Only Joey, with a break at last, would be missing, but although he was missed, they were happy for him.

After greeting them Phoebe said,

I saw the weirdest thing when I was out today.'

What was that Pheebes?' Monica asked.

Well it's a strange thing to see after all this time, but I thought I saw Emily.' Monica and Chandler stared.

Emily?' Monica asked. This surely couldn't be true. Maybe Phoebe meant she had seen Emily in a metaphysical sense, in tea leaves or something. She certainly hoped so.

You remember?' Phoebe prompted.

Oh I remember all right,' Monica said darkly. It had all ended for the best, Ross with Rachel, the way it should have been, but Ross had been made miserable over Emily just because she wouldn't trust him. How dared Emily not trust her brother? That was practically accusing him of lying. He'd lost his home, most of his things and had been down for too long afterwards.

I was probably just imaging it,' Phoebe said, noticing her attitude.

You've got a horrible imagination,' Monica told her.

How good a look did you get?' Chandler asked.

Not that good – she had her back to me most of the time and it was in Bloomingdales so people were getting in the way.' Monica turned to Chandler. Something in his voice made her suspicious.

Why are you asking?' she demanded. He suddenly looked sheepish.

Well I didn't want to mention it. I could have been mistaken. I didn't want to upset you.'

I'm upset now. What are you not telling me?' Monica demanded.

I thought I saw Emily too,' Chandler said quietly.

What?' Monica squeaked.

It was yesterday. It looked a lot like her. She was at the end of the street with some tall blond guy. I thought it was her.'

Didn't you check?' How could he go around telling a story like that without being sure?

I didn't want to get too close in case she recognised me. I don't want to talk to her,' Chandler said.

Are you sure it was her?' Monica persisted.

I don't know,' Chandler shrugged, I could have made a mistake. What would she be doing here?'

Making trouble.' A woman who rings her ex the day before she marries someone else to ask if they had given up too soon was none too stable in her opinion. She could be planning anything. This is awful, I really hope it isn't her.' Suddenly the doorbell rang. Don't say a word to Ross or Rachel, it will only upset them.'