September 1994 Part 1

He had made it through the summer with his new group. He felt changed. He had barely seen anyone from his old life except during Tina's wedding. Kristi had been his wedding date. Christopher teased him about leaving everyone behind, but he didn't care. It was his clean break and he got it. There were some auditions, nothing that was coming of it but Chandler was helping. Joey was stunned when Chandler gave him money for headshots and other things, he never asked questions, never complained and Joey was feeling a little guilty. He tried. He would buy Chandler coffee or what he could but he did feel a bit like he was taking advantage. Other than that, he felt he was doing well. He was starting to forget about what he had seen and about the life he had lived before. That part of him felt so removed. He wasn't that guy anymore.

It wasn't until the middle of September when his past suddenly came back in the form of a sobbing bride at Central Perk. He recognized her instantly. He knew that crying face and his heart dropped to his stomach. He knew she had no clue who he was, no one knew there was a connection but he knew. He knew instantly. He thought of that girl, wailing, grabbing onto a body on a gurney and as she raced into Central Perk, she was clearly getting married or maybe not.

"Rach?" Monica asked, approaching her.

"Monica," Rachel cried, "Hi. I hope it's okay...I..you gave me your address last year and I couldn't do it. I couldn't get married….I had-I can't-I-"

"It's okay. Come here….here, you know Ross and this is Phoebe and Joey and-"

"Hi-"

"And you remember Chandler?"

"No, no, I'm sorry...nice to meet you," Rachel said.

Joey couldn't stop staring at her as she and Monica sat down on the couch. Rachel had run out on her wedding. That guy who was holding her, comforting her that day, that was the guy. The guy that Brian didn't want her marrying. Brian's brother? Joey wanted to crawl out of his skin. He noticed Monica and Ross comforting her while Phoebe and Chandler were exchanging annoyed looks. He felt a little out of place yet at the same time his head was spinning. He barely paid attention to Rachel's story although he did perk up when she mentioned gravy and potato but he zoned out when he realized she was discussing gravy boats and Mr. Potato Head.

Soon, they found themselves back at Monica's apartment. Rachel was sobbing on the phone to her dad while Monica, Joey, Phoebe and Chandler were sitting together in the living room area and Ross was near Rachel who suddenly yelled into the phone that she would be staying with Monica.

"I guess she's staying with me," Monica offered.

"You cannot let this happen," Chandler said.

"I'm not going to kick her out," Monica said.

"What's wrong with her? She's hot," Joey said, thinking that was the only thing he could say. He couldn't say anything else. Maybe he could tell Chandler or Phoebe later but not now.

"She's the devil," Chandler said.

"She's awful," Phoebe whispered.

"Guys…" Monica said.

"You don't have to save everyone," Chandler said.

"I have to save her….you don't get it," Monica said.

"So Rachel is living with you?" Ross asked, grinning wildly as he walked towards them. "I like that idea."

"Of course you do," Chandler muttered.

"Hey, you were mean to her as well. It was a two way street, buddy," Monica said, pointing a finger at him, "and Phoebe, I am so sorry. Really, I am….but and I'll explain it later."

"Monica," Rachel hung up the phone and looked at her from the kitchen, tears streaming down her face. She was melting down, her entire body shaking as she was trying desperately to catch her breath. Maybe she wasn't as hysterical as she was that day, but it was close. He kept replaying that image in his head over and over.

"I'm gonna talk to Rachel outside for a moment," Monica said as she got up and walked towards Rachel. The two walked out, leaving the others.

"She seems hot. I'd do her," Joey said, maybe that's what he could say. He had to do something, pretend somehow. He couldn't tell the truth. He'd have to see Kristi, later and maybe tell her.

"Classy," Chandler said.

"She's heinous. She's the devil," Phoebe said.

"How do you know?" Ross asked.

"Um, I've told her stories," Chandler said, immediately.

"Yes, Chandler has told me stories and she sounds just like the worst," Phoebe said.

"She's been through a lot. I saw her a couple months ago and she's….she's lost and she just ran out on her wedding. This is a big deal and-" Ross said.

"She smells like stinky cheese," Chandler said.

"I bet she likes to cut the cheese," Phoebe said.

"Yeah," Chandler said.

"I'd still do her. With nose plugs….but I'd do her," Joey said.

"What is wrong with you, man?" Chandler asked.

Joey knew he was probably going too far but he wasn't sure what to say so in that nervous state, he was laying on the flirting and it seemed quite obvious that Phoebe and Chandler hated her although he didn't really care why.

"Look, be nice to her. She's upset. Don't be assholes," Ross said.

"I can't guarantee that," Chandler said.

Rachel and Monica soon returned. Joey kept looking at her. He needed Kristi so badly in that moment. He needed to tell her. He needed to say something. He would make a date, it would have to be a late date of course because he had promised Ross that he would help him set up furniture in his new apartment. Ross was moving into a new place. So he helped but he kept thinking about Rachel, he kept thinking about how Brian was sitting on his couch and was days away from taking his own life.

He finally met up with Kristi around ten, eleven o'clock that night at Sparks. Chandler had decided to home and Kristi met him. He was freaked out and thrilled Kristi had already ordered him a drink when he arrived.

"I also ordered you steak," Kristi said.

"Perfect. I'm fucking screwed."

"Did your Sugar Daddy finally grow a pair and kick you out?" Kristi asked.

"No, he paid for my headshots and I'm thinking of taking another acting class….which he'll probably have to pay for."

"You are gonna owe him shit loads of money."

"Yes, but that's not why I'm screwed. Remember the guy Christopher sold the drugs too?"

"Yeah, he's dead. Did he come back to life?"

"No, but remember the girl I told you about? She's best friends with Monica and now she lives next door. I think my roommate hates her."

"Did she recognize you? What's her name?"

"No but I didn't expect her to and I didn't tell her that I was actually there when her friend was carried out dead on a stretcher and I watched her lunge towards him in hysterics. She was hysterical today….I wonder if that's just a thing she does."

"Why was she hysterical today?"

"She ran out on her wedding. That kid's brother and I remember because the kid was saying how his friend didn't want to get married to his brother and-and-clearly he was right….do I tell her?"

"Oh, oh, G-d no."

"But maybe…."

"What good would that do?" Kristi asked.

"I don't know but….oh, Pheebs," Joey said, standing as he waved her over. He had invited Phoebe to join him and Kristi. He kinda wanted her to meet Kristi. He just thought they'd get along well and given how Phoebe reacted to Rachel moving in, maybe she would have a different reaction than Chandler, Ross or Monica.

"Why did you invite me to a steak house?" Phoebe asked.

"There's booze here...and salad. Vegetables," Joey said, pointing at the menu as she sat down and took the menu from him.

"Aww, they have live lobsters," Phoebe said.

"Remember, Kris when we ditched school and I had a five and half pound one."

"I think you ate like three of them by yourself," Kristi said as she sipped her wine.

"You're a killer," Phoebe said which caused Kristi to suddenly choke on her wine. Joey glared at her as she coughed.

"You okay?" Joey asked.

"Oh, G-d...yeah, that was...that...I'm Kristi by the way."

"I'm Phoebe and….this is hell for me."

"Get a vegetable and a bottle of booze," Joey said.

"Where's Chandler?" Phoebe asked.

"Home. Probably hanging out with Rachel," Joey said.

"Ugh, poor thing," Phoebe said. "She's the worst."

"Have you met her before?" Joey asked.

"I've had run ins. One time she was volunteering at the soup kitchen that I was at….well, she didn't volunteer. She just stood there and insulted people," Phoebe said.

"Why were you at a soup kitchen?" Kristi asked.

"'Cause I was getting dinner," Phoebe said as if it was obvious.

"Phoebe was homeless from age fourteen to twenty four," Joey explained.

"Seriously?" Kristi asked.

"Yeah, well, I mean, that's just what happens when your dad vanishes and your mom kills herself and your stepdad is in prison. It happens," Phoebe said. "I'm getting a potato, spinach and a martini."

Joey couldn't help but smile at how Phoebe talked about her past. It was as if it was just no big deal. Kristi kept staring at her in amazement as Phoebe began talking to Kristi as if they'd known each other forever. Phoebe didn't judge when Kristi told her about how she stripped and did porn. It seemed like a friendship that was bound to happen.

After dinner, the trio went to a club that Phoebe said she and Chandler used to go to all the time. Once there, Kristi went off to dance as Phoebe and Joey got drinks and sat at the bar. He was amazed by her, she was gorgeous and had a laugh that was so filled with joy.

"So how did you end up living with Monica?" Joey asked.

"I found an ad and Monica took me in. She had a boyfriend when I moved in though, so Chandler and I played. Sad he didn't come out tonight. He knows how to have a good time. He and I would get so wasted."

"Pheebs, would you go out with me? Ever?" Joey asked.

"We are out?" Phoebe asked.

"No, like a date?"

"Hmmm, maybe but honestly….my heart belongs to someone else. So any relationship I get into can really only be sexual."

"I'm okay with that. Who's the guy?"

"His name's Duncan. I met him while I was cleaning toilets at the Y. He's in the Ice Capades."

"Where is he?"

"Touring. He's gay….but part of me thinks he's not. I really like him. He's been there. I went to Prague with him. I was in charge of all the costumes and one day, he'll be back. At least I hope so…."

"He should be here."

"Yeah, he should," Phoebe said, letting out a sad sigh. "So, Joe….how is it living with Chandler?"

"Good."

"Is he really paying for everything?"

"Well, hey, didn't Mon pay for everything when you first moved in?"

"No, actually. I graduated and then got a job and I had saved up money too from when I worked at the novelty store in Port Authority. So I definitely contributed."

"I wonder if Rachel's gonna contribute?"

"She's a horrible person. Chandler hates her too. I feel bad, he's probably having to deal with her. She totally dumped Monica and Ross as her friend and I don't trust her. She's one of those spoiled brats who gets everything handed to her."

"I-her friend died…..and my cousin gave him the drugs," Joey said. He had to tell her.

"Excuse me?"

"Please do not tell any of them but you know...the guy Rachel was supposed to marry today?"

"Yeah?"

"He had a brother. I was staying at my cousin's place and this guy came over once to get drugs and I knew why. I knew he was gonna do something and he did….this kid did and I went to his apartment when the news broke. They gave his apartment address and I saw Rachel….wailing and grabbing his body."

"Oh my G-d."

"Phoebe, you have to promise me-"

"Hey, I am an amazing secret keeper. I keep Monica's, Chandler's and I'll keep yours."

"Kristi says I shouldn't tell her."

"Oh, G-d. Do not tell Rachel."

"I shouldn't?" Joey asked.

"No, look, I don't trust the girl. I don't trust her as far as I can throw her. Nothing good could come from telling her. You could tell Chandler. Do not tell Monica. Do not tell Ross."

"Okay."

It racked his mind wondering if he should even mention it. Phoebe seemed to sense what he was feeling and grabbed his hand, pulling him onto the dance floor to where Kristi was dancing.

"You're sweet, Joe," Phoebe said as he wrapped his arms around her waist as she sipped her drink.

"I've met many people who would disagree," Joey said.

"No, I'm usually right about people. Rachel's a horrible awful person, Ross has bad taste in women, Chandler is the funniest person alive, Monica is the protector and you're sweet. I can tell."

"You're sweet too," Joey said.

"Oh my G-d, kiss her already," Kristi said, appearing next to them. She had apparently left her dance partner.

"Weren't you somewhere else?" Joey said.

"Whatever? Pheebs, can you kiss my buddy. He's lonely and horny," Kristi said.

"Sure but only if I get to kiss you next," Phoebe said.

"Wait, what?" Joey asked.

"And besides I've already made out with Chandler and Ross. I should make out with you, it will complete the set," Phoebe said.

"Should I be offended by that?" Joey asked.

"Yes, but it's you….so no," Kristi said.

"Yeah, I already know your history," Phoebe said.

"Oh, do you really know everything?" Kristi asked.

"Oh yes….we're trying to teach him to be a better man," Phoebe said.

"Good luck with that," Kristi said.

"Get away from me," Joey said.

"No, kiss and then Pheebs and I will kiss."

Joey and Phoebe exchanged a look as they leaned in towards each other. Kissing felt nice, she was good at it. When they parted though, Joey watched as Phoebe leaned in towards Kristi and the two shared another kiss. His eyes widened and he knew he'd have to tell Chandler.

When he got home that night, he noticed Rachel and Chandler still on the couch. The seemed to be watching the end of Animal House.

"Hey, buddy….how was the date?" Chandler asked.

"Good, it was really just me and Kristi-"

"Is Kristi your girlfriend?" Rachel asked.

"No, just a friend," Joey said.

"She's a porn star," Chandler said.

"Adult Film Actress," Joey said.

"Porn," Chandler said.

"Wow."

"Then Phoebe met up with us and...we went to some club-"

"Phoebe is fun to party with," Chandler said.

"So you guys watched movies?" Joey asked.

"Yeah, trying to make Rachel feel better," Chandler said.

"It worked...but I should probably go to bed. It's been a long day and….it's gonna be weird but-" Rachel said, starting to choke up again.

"Hey, no crying during Spaceballs….or Animal House."

"I know," Rachel said as she let out a sigh and got up. Chandler got up as well as they shared a hug. "Thank you, Chandler. This was fun and I'm….it's fun."

"See you tomorrow, Coyote," Chandler said which made Rachel giggle and Joey seem rather confused. She walked towards Joey and gave him a weak smile and he could recall those times he saw her on the steps of Brian's apartment. She gently squeezed his arm.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know you, Joey. Sorry we didn't get a lot of time to talk to today," Rachel said.

"It's alright. You had a lot on your mind," Joey said.

"Yeah, alright, good night boys," Rachel said as she walked out of the apartment. Joey looked over at Chandler who was starting to put away all the movies he had apparently watched that night.

"Coyote?" Joey asked.

"Oh, it's stupid. We knew each other at camp and G-d, hated each other and I used to call her Coyote like Wylie Coyote. I kept waiting for her to run off the cliff. I've decided now it's gonna be a weird term of endearment. Coyote runs off the cliff, but he gets up and keeps going," Chandler said.

"So you like her now?" Joey asked.

"Shockingly, yeah."

"Does Phoebe know?"

"Yeah, I'll probably have to talk to her," Chandler smirked.

"You knew Rachel from camp?"

"Yeah and then I ran into her during a couple Thanksgivings at the Gellers and we were pretty awful to each other but I don't know, she seems kinda cool."

"Maybe you'll date her instead of Monica?"

"I don't see that happening. I'd rather date Monica. But wow….weird day. You know, I put peanut butter on Rachel's car once and her bed."

"What?" Joey asked, walking towards the couch as Chandler looked through some more of his movies. This seemed like it would be an interesting story.

"I first met her at camp. She was a bitch. So I filled her bed with peanut butter. I saw her a few years later at a game. My buddies and I had gone to a game at her high school and she acted like a bitch again, so I covered her car with her peanut butter."

"Nice. You're a genius, man."

"I know, although, apparently she was really upset about it. Over the top, that's what Ross and Monica said. I don't know why. Rach just said I had bad timing."

"Maybe she was PMSing?"

"Maybe. Die Hard?"

"Die Hard. I'll get us some beers," Joey said as he got up to get a couple beers from the fridge. When he returned, he handed one to Chandler as the two plopped down on the couch to watch the movie.

As the movie began, Joey still needed to talk to someone. He knew he was obsessing. He knew it was repetitive at this point but he needed to tell someone else. Seeing Rachel was killing him.

"I know her friend who died," Joey said suddenly. He watched as Chandler slowly picked up the remote and pressed pause.

"Excuse me?"

"I told Kristi and Phoebe and I haven't told anyone else and you better not say a word and I've been obsessing over this all night or since Rachel's been here. It was my cousin who sold her friend the drugs he used to kill himself."

"That friend was Barry's brother."

"I know and I saw her….she would be on his steps sometimes and I saw….she grabbed his body. Brian was sitting on my couch and I knew, Chandler, I knew what he was gonna do and I didn't stop it and now she's here and I'm hitting on her because...I don't know."

"Wow. I mean, you're never saying a word to her."

"No, I know and Kristi and Phoebe told me I shouldn't and….how am I gonna live next door to her."

"You just will. Keep hitting on her. Be your piggish self, if she invites you in for lemonade, take off all your clothes."

"I might. That sound. Every single time I see her now, I'm gonna imagine that face and hear that-that sound-"

"Well, good news is she doesn't seem like a crier," Chandler tried.

"Fuck off."

"Look, you didn't give him the drugs, right?"

"No but I could have stopped it."

"Or maybe you couldn't have. If he was that hell bent on doing that….maybe you couldn't have."

"It was….that's why I wanted to move in, you know? It needed to get out of there, out of that life."

"What life?" Chandler asked.

"Just….all of it."

"Is there more than what you've told me?"

"Can we please watch Die Hard?"

Chandler nodded as he unpaused the movie and Joey leaned back against the couch. He kept seeing that image in his head and he wanted it so badly to leave. Hopefully it would leave. After all, it seemed very much like Rachel would be there for awhile.

The next morning, Joey and Chandler headed across the hall. Chandler didn't mention their conversation from last night. It would remain unspoken, he would just continue hitting on her. That wouldn't be hard to do. Rachel was hot.

"Mon, I want food," Joey said as they walked in. Rachel was sitting at the table and Monica was making what appeared to be omelets.

"I'm making breakfast, hold on," Monica said.

"Hey, Rach," Chandler said.

"Hey...loser," Rachel grinned before noticing everyone staring at her, "I'm making a joke. Good morning, Chandler and Joey."

"Timing is everything, sweetheart," Chandler retorted.

"Oh, bite me," Rachel said.

"Boys, we need your help today. Rachel needs to move out of her apartment and you guys need to help get her stuff," Monica said which caused both boys to groan and stare angrily at Rachel.

"Is this why you were nice to me last night?" Chandler asked.

"No….a little….I still need help moving my crap and I really don't want to run into any of my old friends or Barry…." Rachel said.

"Don't worry, babe, Joey's here," he said at the sound of Barry's name. He looked over at Chandler who let out a snort.

"Joey, stop hitting on her," Monica admonished.

"Yeah, don't mind my roommate….he's a walking penis," Chandler said.

"Thank you," Joey said.

"Wasn't a compliment, Joe."

"You just called me big...actually, Rachel a lot of people just refer to me as Big Joe."

"Joey, stop," Monica said.

"And no one does that," Chandler said as he shook his head. Maybe Joey was taking it too far although he wasn't sure how to do in between flirting. He just knew he had to lay it on, when he was quiet, he kept replaying the images in his head.