CHAPTER THREE

That night, Monica and Chandler stayed in Joey's apartment, the children in cots in the front room.

The next morning, they left to visit the Gellers and Emma. Meanwhile, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Pheobe and Mike were left in the coffee house.

'It's great, having the other two back with us,' sighed Pheobe. 'I've missed them.'

'Chandler's refusing to take part in Naked Thursday,' said Joey sulkily.

'I'm sure you'll persuade him, Joe,' said Ross. 'Anyway, Rachel, have you started writing the guest list?'

'I started last night. I don't know how many of your cousins and so on you want to invite,' Rachel replied.

'It's a good thing Monica isn't here right now – can you imagine her excitement at plans being made?' said Pheobe.

'What about people like – you know – Carol and Susan, and all those people?' asked Ross.

'You mean, people you used to be married to? Because Emily definitely won't be coming, you know that. I don't know about Carol and Susan, whatever you want,' said Rachel.

Ross sighed. 'Never mind. We'll sort it out later.'

'Monica and Pheobe are your bridesmaids, right?' said Joey.

'Yes, both of them,' replied Rachel. 'I'll be picking their dresses, though. Pheobe can help me tackle Monica.'

'You'll need it,' said Joey.

For the rest of the day, Rachel pored over bridal magazines and catalogues. She visited shop after shop of clothes and dresses, cake shops, different venues, wedding planners, and she drafted a few guest lists. She didn't really see why Ross thought Emily and Carol were a complication – Emily certainly wouldn't be coming, and Carol could come if she wanted. She was Ben's mother, it was only polite to invite her. And Ross had gone to her and Susan's wedding, anyway.

As far as Rachel could see, the only problem was that Janice had a certain habit of showing up when she wasn't wanted. And if Janice came to her wedding ...

She didn't want to think about it.

That night, when Ross came home, Rachel handed over the wedding plans. He shrugged uncomfortably when he saw that Emily had been left off and started mumbling about not being rude, but Rachel ignored him.

The next day passed without incident. Rachel and Phoebe went to look at some bridal stores and table arrangements for the wedding. Ross and Rachel would be going to the wedding planner that weekend.

For the next few days, Rachel planned out her wedding with Pheobe and Monica while Monica was there, just Pheobe if she was looking after the kids.

The next week passed calmly, until the following Saturday, when the six and Mike were sat in the coffee house (Erica and Jack were with their grandparents) and the door opened, letting in a slight breeze.

'Ross?' said an all-too-familiar voice.

Rachel dropped her coffee. Monica almost spat hers out. Chandler blinked several times. Joey shook his head. Pheobe murmured, 'Oh no,' and Mike sat, looking rather confused.

Ross, however, stood up and said, 'What are you doing here, Emily?'

'I heard you were getting married,' said Emily sulkily. 'To her.'

The six were too shocked to see her to notice that Gunther had hastily gone to hide in the kitchens.

'Emily, I'm getting married. I'm sorting stuff out. I just want to get married and settle down. I don't need you here, messing it up!'

'But to Rachel? I moved on from you long ago, Ross, but it's rude not to invite me – and Rachel? You said you were long over her.'

'Well, that wasn't true,' said Ross. 'I didn't know it then. But I love Rachel, and I'm marrying her, and I don't think you should come.'

The rest of the group were still shocked – but they were also surprised that Ross was taking such a stand.

'Well, I'm in New York now. And I don't think you should get married,' said Emily, before storming out.

Everybody sat in silence as Ross joined them again.

'Could she BE more of a bitch?' asked Chandler.