Wild Horses, Chapter Six
"After The Storm"

Monica opened her eyes, squinting as they adjusted to the morning light. Her head throbbing, she sat up slowly, and noted that she was alone. She dressed quickly, and walked out of Chandler's tent, only to find that most of the camp she had seen last night was gone, save for a small campfire, and a pot of coffee. Monica scanned the camp, and saw Chandler and Joey, tying their saddlebags down on their horses. Both men turned when they heard movement coming from behind them.

"Mornin' Miss Monica," Joey tipped his hat, then shot Chandler a knowing look, before making his way toward the other side of the camp.

"Good Morning," Monica smiled politely, then turned to Chandler. "Why didn't you wake me?"

"You looked peaceful. Anyway, I had a lot of work to do."

"What are you doin?"

"Packing," Chandler chuckled.

"Wh-uh, where are you goin?"

"I told ya, Monica, Me and Joey is going to Nevada. We've gotta get a head start if we are going to make it over the Sierra's before winter hits."

"You're leaving? You're just gonna go?"

"Well...yeah," Chandler shrugged.

"I see. So, you got what you wanted from me, and now you are just going to leave me?"

"Monica--"

"I am NOT a prostitute, Chandler, you can't do this!"

"Monica, stop! Look, I--I didn't mean that--it's just--"

"Eloquently put," Monica spat, as she turned on her heel and began to walk toward her horse.

"Monica, wait! Look, I know that you are set to marry that Peter Becker, and--"

"What? Who said I was marrying Peter Becker?"

"Well...everyone. It's all over town, Monica. And you should marry him. I mean, it's not like you can marry me," Chandler laughed bitterly.

"Why not?"

Chandler looked at Monica in shock, then let out another loud chuckle.

"Are you kidding? Your father would kill me. And you know that I have no money. And you are way too--"

"If you say spoiled, I am going to shoot you in the--"

"You are way too good for me, Monica. You know it," Chandler's eyes softened, and he took a step toward Monica. "Marry Peter Becker."

"I don't *want* to marry Peter Becker! I want--"

"What?" Chandler looked at Monica, fear lining his eyes the way hope lined his heart.

"I want you," Monica whispered stubbornly.

Chandler nodded, and looked down at his boots. He bit his lip, and looked up at her again.

"Monica, we both know that this is a bad decision."

"But it's the right one," Monica smiled, and Chandler shook his head.

"You're father is going to kill me for sure."

"Then take me with you."

"What?"

"Take me to Nevada with you!"

"Monica--" Chandler shook his head.

"I want to get out of here, let me come."

"Forget it."

"What?"

"You are NOT going to Nevada."

"But--"

Chandler moved closer to Monica, and took her hand.

"And neither am I," he smiled.

"Aw, man!" Joey yelled, making it very obvious that he had been eavesdropping.

"Joey!" Chandler and Monica yelled simultaniously.

"Sorry!"

**

Monica rushed home, and, because of the relatively early hour, she hoped to slip into the house un-noticed. But as soon as she walked through the door, she was accosted by her mother.

"Monica! Where have you been?"

"Mother, I was caught in the storm, but I am okay, I--"

"Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was last night? Peter Becker waited for *hours*!!"

Monica's face went crimson, and her anger mounted, as she realized that her mother was more concerned with appearances than Monica's well being.

"I don't care about Peter Becker!" Monica screamed.

"Well you have made a fine mess, that much is certain. Peter Becker was forced to spend the evening with that-that Green girl, and now I fear he is more enamoured with her than with you! And she is supposed to marry your brother, in case you have forgotten."

"I doubt Ross will care," Monica muttered, as she made her way up the staircase to her bedroom.

"Monica, you WILL fix this! You are to marry Peter Becker!" Judy said to Monica's retreating form.

"We'll see about that," Monica said under her breath.

**

"Ross, I think it may be best if you stop coming here," Phoebe whispered, as she watched Ross pull on his boots.

"What? Why?"

"Ross, you are a good man. But you are supposed to marry Rachel Green, and I fear that--"

"What?" Ross sat back down on the bed, and placed his hand on Phoebe's.

"I'm not supposed to do this," Phoebe said, tears lining her eyes.

"Do what?"

"Fall in love," Phoebe sniffed, and looked back up at a shocked Ross.

"What?"

"I'm in love with you Ross. So I think it's best that you leave--"

"I love you too, Phoebe."

"What?"

"I love you too. I want to be with you. I want to marry you!"

"Ross--"

"Phoebe, I know that it's crazy, but maybe if we move to another town, or--"

"You-you want to marry me?" Phoebe looked at Ross with a stunned innocence that made Ross' heart break.

"More than anything," Ross whispered.

"Wow."

"Yeah."

"Well, uh, what should we do?"

"The first thing I have to do is talk to Rachel," Ross said sadly.

"Okay."

"You get packed. I'll be back," Ross grinned.

"Okay!" Phoebe jumped up as Ross picked up his things. He kissed her passionately, and headed out the door, leaving a euphoric Phoebe to ponder a future she never thought possible.

**

Rachel finished pulling up her hair, as she smiled at her reflection in the mirror. She picked up her parasol, and headed into town to visit Peter Becker. She honestly was not very interested in Peter, but he was very wealthy, and Rachel knew that marrying him would be much more beneficial than marrying Ross Geller. As she made her way toward Peter's office, she saw Joey Tribianni riding into town. Their eyes met, and Joey tipped his hat politely. Rachel smiled, and continued walking.

Now Joey...Joey she was interested in.

~*~