Wild Horses, Chapter Eight

"The Winds of Change"

~Somewhere in Nevada~

"How are you feeling?" Ross crouched over his new bride, concern lining his face. It had taken some coaxing, but Ross had managed to find a judge willing to marry him and Phoebe two weeks ago. But now, the new Mrs. Geller was white as a sheet, and she was having trouble keeping down her breakfast. Ross stroked Phoebe's back sympathetically, and sighed.

"Maybe we should ride into a town and find a doctor."

"No, Ross, I'll be okay, really. I just need to lay down a bit."

"Okay." Ross sat back on his bedroll and watched Phoebe as she fell into an uncomfortable slumber. He picked up a twig, and dragged it along the dirt near his boot. He wanted to keep moving. But he feared that Phoebe may be getting worse--the symptoms were not going away. His rational, scientific side took over, and he made a silent decision:

They were going to stop in the next town, and find a doctor.

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~San Francisco~

"Okay, I've got the rest of the supplies in the wagon, are you done?" Chandler never really liked coming into town, but for some reason, today, he felt particulary antsy.

"Yeah, almost, I just need to pick up one more thing..." Joey said absently, as his eyes followed Rachel Green. She was making her way into the General Store, and Joey decided to follow.

"Good Afternoon, Ms. Green," Joey tipped his hat politely, then, out of view of the elderly shop keeper, he winked quickly.

"Good Afternoon, Mr. Tribianni," Rachel smiled.

Joey felt his heart flutter. This Rachel woman was very intriguing...and the prettiest gal he'd ever laid eyes on.

He had no idea that Rachel was entertaining some very similar thoughts.

*

Meanwhile, Chandler checked, and re-checked the bridel on his horses, while he waited impatiently for Joey to re-emerge from the Store. He was about to go in after him, when he heard someone call his name.

"Bing."

Chandler turned quickly, and paled, when he spotted the source of the gruff voice.

Cal Merritt walked toward Chandler slowly, his anger rising with every step he took. He watched, as Chandler recovered from his initial shock, and noted that he had placed his hand on his holster.

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Monica walked out of the cafe with her mother, and was shocked to see Chandler, only a few feet away, standing next to a wagon full of supplies. Her first instinct was to call out, but she realized she was with her mother, and thought the better of it. Her mother stopped by a shop window to look at a dress, and Monica took the opportunity to try to get Chandler's attention. He seemed distracted by something. That was when Monica noticed Chandler's defensive stance, and the large man that was approaching him.

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"Cal, it's been a long time."

"It has."

"What are you doin in San Francisco?"

"I ain't interested in small talk, Chandler. I am here to make sure you pay for what you done to my sister."

"Cal--"

"This here man is a murderer! He's an outlaw, and he is walking your streets!" Cal wasn't yelling at anyone in particular, but curious onlookers couldn't help but stop and stare at the odd scene.

"Cal, stop," Chandler warned.

"What's the matter Bing? You didn't tell your new friends that you are a murderer?" Cal had not lowered his voice, and Chandler was on the verge of losing his temper...something he swore he'd never do again.

It was at this moment that Joey, who had witnessed the entire exchange from afar, stepped in to defuse a potentially dangerous situation.

"Alright, Cal, you made your point. Let the courts deal with this, okay?"

Chandler looked at Joey crossly, and Joey stopped him before he could protest.

"Chandler, it's time to face this. If you don't, it will just always be there."

Chandler thought for a moment, then nodded reluctantly, as Cal headed for the Sheriff's office.

"You'll pay, Bing, I swear to God, you will pay!" he raged, as he walked away.

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"Phoebe, please, just let the Doctor look at you," Ross pleaded softly.

Phoebe looked at the concern that lined Ross' face, and nodded silently. She followed the doctor into a small room, and Ross sighed, relieved that Phoebe would get the help she needed. Phoebe emerged thirty minutes later, still looking ill. Ross jumped up, and looked at the doctor expectently.

"We need to do a few small tests, but from what I can tell, Mr. Geller, your wife is pregnant."

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Monica stood, frozen to her spot, as the strange scene unfolded in front of her. Her heart raced a million miles a minute. It couldn't be true…it just couldn't. Chandler was so gentle, so sweet to her. Was he truly capable of something so horrendous?

"Well," stated Judy, as she guided Monica away from the chaos, "I am certainly happy to see that someone is ridding our town of that…filth."

Monica fumed, but kept her mouth shut. Murderer or no, Monica could not fight the feelings that had overtaken her heart.

She was in love.