Chapter 6
"Emma! Honey, are you ready?" Rachel called from the living room.
"I'm comin'! I'm putting my skates in my Barbie backpack."
"Have fun, you two," Ross said, when Emma appeared in the living room.
"We will," Rachel said. "You have fun with Daddy, Jake."
"We're going to watch Ben's football practice and then we're going to a movie."
"Sounds good. Let's plan to order in tonight, okay?"
"Sure. Bye, Emma. Enjoy your special day with Mommy."
After they all hugged and kissed good-bye, Rachel held Emma's hand as they walked to the subway station.
"You are going to have a wonderful New York City experience," she told her daughter, who nodded excitedly.
*~*
"Mommy, can we bake brownies?" Colleen asked.
"Okay. Let me make sure I have all the ingredients."
Chandler rose from the kitchen table.
"You don't have to leave," Monica said. "We can use the counter in the kitchen."
"Nah, it's okay. I need to do some research on the Internet."
At Monica's skeptical look, Chandler laughed.
"Real research, Mon. For my next assignment."
When Monica looked even more skeptical, Chandler laughed louder and kissed his wife. "Have fun baking."
Monica placed everything they would need on the table and then began to show Colleen how to make brownies. Usually Colleen watched intently and wanted to help as much as she could, but Monica did not see her daughter's normal enthusiasm.
"You've been quiet the last few days, sweetie. Is something wrong?"
At first, Colleen shook her head and then she nodded.
"What is it?" Monica asked, taking a seat at the table and pulling her daughter close.
"Emma's skating today at the park and doing fun things with Auntie Rachel."
"Why is that bothering you?"
Colleen shrugged.
"Colleen? Did something happen between you and Emma?"
"Sort of. She told me we couldn't go with her. Why would she say that, Mommy? Last night when she called, she said she told her friends at school what she was doing today. She said she told them I wasn't going with her 'cause she didn't want me there. She told them Auntie Rachel said you couldn't go 'cause Uncle Joey and Phoebe were here and we didn't tell them. Is that true, Mommy?"
"No," Monica said, confused. "Why is Emma saying these things to you and to her friends at school? What is she talking about?"
"I dunno. That's what she said, and it made me sad."
"Chandler," Monica called into their bedroom, "I need to talk to you for a minute."
"What's up?" he asked, appearing in the living room.
"Did you talk to Ross or Rachel this week?"
"No. Why? Did you?"
"No, I didn't get a chance to call them. But Emma called Colleen last night. Remember when I talked to Rachel last weekend?"
"Yeah."
"Well, apparently, she knew Joey and Phoebe were here, and it sounds like Rachel, and I guess Ross, are mad at us."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure. Emma told Colleen that she and Rachel are having a special day and that she and I weren't invited because they're upset with us."
"That doesn't make any sense. Do you want me to call Ross?"
"No, it's okay. I'll call Rachel tonight and find out what's going on. I was just curious if you'd talked to them this week and forgot to tell me. Don't be sad, Colleen. I'm sure this is all just a misunderstanding. Come on. Let's bake those brownies."
*~*
Rachel applauded and encouraged her daughter as she skated with other children her age.
"You're doing so great," Rachel told Emma when she decided to take a break.
"This is so much fun, Mommy," Emma said, her cheeks flushed from the cold and the exercise. "I wish you would skate, too."
Rachel laughed and shook her head. "I don't think so. But go on, sweetie. You enjoy."
After skating for another hour, Emma announced she was hungry.
"Are you ready for your first fancy dining experience?"
"Yes," Emma said, her blue eyes twinkling.
They walked to the Marriott Marquis Hotel where "The View", a revolving restaurant, was located on the top floor. After being seated, Rachel escorted Emma to the ladies' room so they could freshen up. When they returned, they both ordered a chicken sandwich with salad instead of French fries and a cup of tea.
"This is nicer than McDonald's," Emma said, looking around at the patrons with their various degrees of dressiness and at the view of Central Park and the Hudson River. "Thank you for bringing me here."
"You're welcome, baby. Remember, we still have an afternoon of shopping. I'm going to show you where I used to work at Bloomingdale's. We're also going to visit Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Neiman-Marcus, and I may even take you inside Tiffany's. If not, we'll definitely look at the display windows."
Emma's eyes grew huge. "Wow!"
Rachel kissed her daughter's rosy cheek. "I want this to be a day you will always remember."
*~*
"I'm going to take Lily to the park," Phoebe said to Joey. "I think we can both use some fresh air. Can I get you anything while I'm out?"
"No, thanks. Have fun, Lily."
"I will, 'ncle Joey."
He smiled and watched them leave. After closing the door, he picked up his cordless phone and called Chandler.
"Hey, what's goin' on?" Chandler asked, happy to hear his friend's voice.
"Not much. How are Monica and Colleen?"
"Fine. They're baking brownies. Should I tell them to save you some?"
"Yeeaahh!"
Chandler laughed. "Okay. I will. How are Phoebe and Lily?"
"They're doing all right, I think. Phoebe still isn't saying much, and Lily cries in the middle of the night. I feel so bad for them, but I don't know what I can do to make things easier. I asked Phoebe if she wanted to call Frank and Alice or even Ursula, but she said she's not ready to talk to them."
"You're doing fine, Joe. Thanks to you, Phoebe doesn't have to worry about finding a place to live. That's gotta mean a lot to her."
"But I think she's still worried about it. I keep reassuring her, but I don't think I'm very good at it."
"I know you're helping her and Lily."
"Well, part of the problem is that I have so much on my mind, too. I know she senses I'm distracted at times."
"Natasha?"
"Yeah. I've tried, Chandler, I really have, but I can't get her out of my mind. I have a huge favor to ask you, and if you say you can't help me, I'll understand completely."
"What's the favor?"
"I've decided I want to hire a private investigator, but I can't afford it right now. Do you think maybe you could loan me some money just to get the process going?"
"I may be able to," Chandler hedged. "I'll need to discuss it with Monica. I'll let you know."
"Thanks, man. If Monica says no, I'll understand. Okay?"
"Okay. I'll call you tomorrow."
*~*
Mother and daughter emerged from Saks Fifth Avenue with matching shopping bags. Rachel knew she probably shouldn't have done it, but she bought a forest green velvet dress for Emma to wear at Christmas, along with an emerald pendant necklace. Rachel told her it was an early Christmas present. Emma hugged and thanked her mother at the counter while the saleslady smiled.
Rachel then spotted a black cocktail dress that she liked and bought herself an early Christmas present, too.
"I love this day, Mommy," Emma said, as they walked along Fifth Avenue.
As promised, Rachel and Emma admired the beautiful jewels in Tiffany's window displays.
"How about a hot chocolate?" Rachel asked, once they'd finished shopping.
"Okay!"
"Good. I know just the place to take you. We need to find a cab."
Emma watched with interest as the cab sped along Fifth Avenue, past the theater district and Times Square, through downtown Manhattan and finally reached Greenwich Village.
When the driver stopped in front of the address Rachel had given him, Emma climbed out of the back seat and read the sign, "Central Perk".
"I knew this is where we were going!" she said excitedly. "Are we gonna see Uncle Joey?"
"Maybe," Rachel said, a hint of mystery in her voice. "But let's go inside. You've never actually been in Central Perk."
It had been a long time since Rachel had been there, too. As soon as she walked in, the memories overwhelmed her. She reached for Emma's hand and walked her to the counter. She couldn't help but smile at the surprised but pleased look on Gunther's face.
"Rachel! Wow! It's been a long time. You look fantastic!"
"Thank you, Gunther. This is my daughter Emma."
Gunther leaned over the counter and shook Emma's hand.
"You were just a toddler the last time I saw you. Do you remember this place?"
Emma shook her head.
"This is like old home week," Gunther continued. "Phoebe is sitting on the sofa with her daughter."
Rachel whipped her head towards the couch and saw the back of Phoebe's blonde head.
"I couldn't have planned this better," she said. "Gunther, I'll have a nonfat latte and Emma will have a hot chocolate."
"Coming right up, and," he added with a smile, "they're on the house."
"Thank you," Rachel said. "Come on, sweetie. I want to introduce you to an old friend and her daughter."
Rachel and Emma walked to the front of the sofa and stood near the table. Phoebe was talking to Lily, who was sitting on her lap.
"Phoebe!" Rachel exclaimed. "Honey, how are you? And Lily?"
Startled, Phoebe looked up and stared at the woman who hadn't changed much at all since the last time she'd seen her.
"Rachel! Oh, it's so good to see you again! Is this Emma? Wow, she's beautiful. Just like her mother."
Emma and Lily hung back while the two women shared a long, heartfelt embrace.
"Wha...what are you doing here?" Phoebe finally asked.
"Emma and I came into the city for a day of shopping."
Phoebe laughed. "I love it that some things haven't changed."
"Hey, I've gotten better. But anyway, I decided we needed a coffee and hot chocolate break and brought Emma here. I was going to call Joey to see if we could see him and you and Lily. Phoebe, she's adorable. May I hug her?"
"As long as I can hug Emma."
"Of course."
"You were two the last time I saw you," Phoebe said to Emma. "You are very pretty."
"Thank you," Emma said, looking to her mother.
"Come, sit down," Phoebe said.
"Is Joey here?" Rachel asked, looking around.
"No. Lily and I went to the park, and I decided to stop in here. I hadn't been here since I showed up at Joey's. I don't know. I guess I was feeling a bit nostalgic."
"Me, too," Rachel said. "Did you show Lily where you used to sing?"
"You sing?" Emma asked.
"Well, not very well," Phoebe said, pushing the bangs away from her forehead. "But yeah, I entertained people while they drank their coffee. I haven't sang in years, though, or even picked up my guitar."
"Why not, honey?" Rachel asked. "Maybe it would help."
"Not right now," Phoebe said. "I have more important things to worry about."
"I was so sorry to hear about Ryan," Rachel said, placing her hand on Phoebe's knee. "Has there been any further news?"
"No. I have to start making phone calls if I want to find out anything, but I just can't bring myself to do it."
"They should be keeping you informed," Rachel said with indignation.
"I agree, but I don't know that they will if I don't keep on them."
"Well, you know we're here for you, right? It's so good to see you again!"
"Thanks. I can't believe how much has changed since I've been gone. I guess you're happy, Emma, that soon you'll have another cousin."
"What?" Rachel asked. "Another cousin? What are you talking about?"
"Oh no!" Phoebe said. "I'm sorry, Rachel. I figured you would know by now about Monica's pregnancy."
"Monica's pregnant?! No one told us!"
Rachel silently fumed.
"Colleen let it slip when we were there last weekend. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spill their news."
"No, it's okay, Pheebs. It's not your fault. You'd think we would know. Ross is Monica's brother."
"I'm sure they planned to tell you soon."
I wonder about that, Rachel mused.
"We haven't talked all week. I'll call them tonight. But hey, why don't you and Lily and Joey come to our house for dinner tomorrow night? We'd love to have you, and you can see Ross again and meet Jake, our son."
"Okay. That sounds like fun. I'll mention it to Joey. We'll call you to confirm."
They visited for a little while longer, and then Rachel told Phoebe they had to get on the subway to be home before dark.
"It's so great to see you," she said, hugging Phoebe one more time.
"Same here. Bye, Emma," Phoebe said, giving her another hug.
"Bye, Phoebe," Emma said.
"Call me Auntie Phoebe."
"Okay."
"And you call me Auntie Rachel," Rachel said, as she held Lily in her arms. "You are just too cute!"
Taking a cue from their mothers, Emma and Lily hugged.
"I can't wait to play with you tomorrow," Emma said.
"Play with you," Lily said and giggled.
"Yeah, and my brother, too, but that's okay. If we play dolls, my daddy makes him leave."
Emma giggled and Lily did, too.
"Remember Ross had a fit when Ben had that Barbie doll," Phoebe said.
She smiled at the memory.
"I've missed you guys," she said, tears threatening her eyes. "I'm so thankful I had you guys to come back to. I just wish I had some hope to hang on to that Ryan might still be alive."
"Emma! Honey, are you ready?" Rachel called from the living room.
"I'm comin'! I'm putting my skates in my Barbie backpack."
"Have fun, you two," Ross said, when Emma appeared in the living room.
"We will," Rachel said. "You have fun with Daddy, Jake."
"We're going to watch Ben's football practice and then we're going to a movie."
"Sounds good. Let's plan to order in tonight, okay?"
"Sure. Bye, Emma. Enjoy your special day with Mommy."
After they all hugged and kissed good-bye, Rachel held Emma's hand as they walked to the subway station.
"You are going to have a wonderful New York City experience," she told her daughter, who nodded excitedly.
*~*
"Mommy, can we bake brownies?" Colleen asked.
"Okay. Let me make sure I have all the ingredients."
Chandler rose from the kitchen table.
"You don't have to leave," Monica said. "We can use the counter in the kitchen."
"Nah, it's okay. I need to do some research on the Internet."
At Monica's skeptical look, Chandler laughed.
"Real research, Mon. For my next assignment."
When Monica looked even more skeptical, Chandler laughed louder and kissed his wife. "Have fun baking."
Monica placed everything they would need on the table and then began to show Colleen how to make brownies. Usually Colleen watched intently and wanted to help as much as she could, but Monica did not see her daughter's normal enthusiasm.
"You've been quiet the last few days, sweetie. Is something wrong?"
At first, Colleen shook her head and then she nodded.
"What is it?" Monica asked, taking a seat at the table and pulling her daughter close.
"Emma's skating today at the park and doing fun things with Auntie Rachel."
"Why is that bothering you?"
Colleen shrugged.
"Colleen? Did something happen between you and Emma?"
"Sort of. She told me we couldn't go with her. Why would she say that, Mommy? Last night when she called, she said she told her friends at school what she was doing today. She said she told them I wasn't going with her 'cause she didn't want me there. She told them Auntie Rachel said you couldn't go 'cause Uncle Joey and Phoebe were here and we didn't tell them. Is that true, Mommy?"
"No," Monica said, confused. "Why is Emma saying these things to you and to her friends at school? What is she talking about?"
"I dunno. That's what she said, and it made me sad."
"Chandler," Monica called into their bedroom, "I need to talk to you for a minute."
"What's up?" he asked, appearing in the living room.
"Did you talk to Ross or Rachel this week?"
"No. Why? Did you?"
"No, I didn't get a chance to call them. But Emma called Colleen last night. Remember when I talked to Rachel last weekend?"
"Yeah."
"Well, apparently, she knew Joey and Phoebe were here, and it sounds like Rachel, and I guess Ross, are mad at us."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure. Emma told Colleen that she and Rachel are having a special day and that she and I weren't invited because they're upset with us."
"That doesn't make any sense. Do you want me to call Ross?"
"No, it's okay. I'll call Rachel tonight and find out what's going on. I was just curious if you'd talked to them this week and forgot to tell me. Don't be sad, Colleen. I'm sure this is all just a misunderstanding. Come on. Let's bake those brownies."
*~*
Rachel applauded and encouraged her daughter as she skated with other children her age.
"You're doing so great," Rachel told Emma when she decided to take a break.
"This is so much fun, Mommy," Emma said, her cheeks flushed from the cold and the exercise. "I wish you would skate, too."
Rachel laughed and shook her head. "I don't think so. But go on, sweetie. You enjoy."
After skating for another hour, Emma announced she was hungry.
"Are you ready for your first fancy dining experience?"
"Yes," Emma said, her blue eyes twinkling.
They walked to the Marriott Marquis Hotel where "The View", a revolving restaurant, was located on the top floor. After being seated, Rachel escorted Emma to the ladies' room so they could freshen up. When they returned, they both ordered a chicken sandwich with salad instead of French fries and a cup of tea.
"This is nicer than McDonald's," Emma said, looking around at the patrons with their various degrees of dressiness and at the view of Central Park and the Hudson River. "Thank you for bringing me here."
"You're welcome, baby. Remember, we still have an afternoon of shopping. I'm going to show you where I used to work at Bloomingdale's. We're also going to visit Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Neiman-Marcus, and I may even take you inside Tiffany's. If not, we'll definitely look at the display windows."
Emma's eyes grew huge. "Wow!"
Rachel kissed her daughter's rosy cheek. "I want this to be a day you will always remember."
*~*
"I'm going to take Lily to the park," Phoebe said to Joey. "I think we can both use some fresh air. Can I get you anything while I'm out?"
"No, thanks. Have fun, Lily."
"I will, 'ncle Joey."
He smiled and watched them leave. After closing the door, he picked up his cordless phone and called Chandler.
"Hey, what's goin' on?" Chandler asked, happy to hear his friend's voice.
"Not much. How are Monica and Colleen?"
"Fine. They're baking brownies. Should I tell them to save you some?"
"Yeeaahh!"
Chandler laughed. "Okay. I will. How are Phoebe and Lily?"
"They're doing all right, I think. Phoebe still isn't saying much, and Lily cries in the middle of the night. I feel so bad for them, but I don't know what I can do to make things easier. I asked Phoebe if she wanted to call Frank and Alice or even Ursula, but she said she's not ready to talk to them."
"You're doing fine, Joe. Thanks to you, Phoebe doesn't have to worry about finding a place to live. That's gotta mean a lot to her."
"But I think she's still worried about it. I keep reassuring her, but I don't think I'm very good at it."
"I know you're helping her and Lily."
"Well, part of the problem is that I have so much on my mind, too. I know she senses I'm distracted at times."
"Natasha?"
"Yeah. I've tried, Chandler, I really have, but I can't get her out of my mind. I have a huge favor to ask you, and if you say you can't help me, I'll understand completely."
"What's the favor?"
"I've decided I want to hire a private investigator, but I can't afford it right now. Do you think maybe you could loan me some money just to get the process going?"
"I may be able to," Chandler hedged. "I'll need to discuss it with Monica. I'll let you know."
"Thanks, man. If Monica says no, I'll understand. Okay?"
"Okay. I'll call you tomorrow."
*~*
Mother and daughter emerged from Saks Fifth Avenue with matching shopping bags. Rachel knew she probably shouldn't have done it, but she bought a forest green velvet dress for Emma to wear at Christmas, along with an emerald pendant necklace. Rachel told her it was an early Christmas present. Emma hugged and thanked her mother at the counter while the saleslady smiled.
Rachel then spotted a black cocktail dress that she liked and bought herself an early Christmas present, too.
"I love this day, Mommy," Emma said, as they walked along Fifth Avenue.
As promised, Rachel and Emma admired the beautiful jewels in Tiffany's window displays.
"How about a hot chocolate?" Rachel asked, once they'd finished shopping.
"Okay!"
"Good. I know just the place to take you. We need to find a cab."
Emma watched with interest as the cab sped along Fifth Avenue, past the theater district and Times Square, through downtown Manhattan and finally reached Greenwich Village.
When the driver stopped in front of the address Rachel had given him, Emma climbed out of the back seat and read the sign, "Central Perk".
"I knew this is where we were going!" she said excitedly. "Are we gonna see Uncle Joey?"
"Maybe," Rachel said, a hint of mystery in her voice. "But let's go inside. You've never actually been in Central Perk."
It had been a long time since Rachel had been there, too. As soon as she walked in, the memories overwhelmed her. She reached for Emma's hand and walked her to the counter. She couldn't help but smile at the surprised but pleased look on Gunther's face.
"Rachel! Wow! It's been a long time. You look fantastic!"
"Thank you, Gunther. This is my daughter Emma."
Gunther leaned over the counter and shook Emma's hand.
"You were just a toddler the last time I saw you. Do you remember this place?"
Emma shook her head.
"This is like old home week," Gunther continued. "Phoebe is sitting on the sofa with her daughter."
Rachel whipped her head towards the couch and saw the back of Phoebe's blonde head.
"I couldn't have planned this better," she said. "Gunther, I'll have a nonfat latte and Emma will have a hot chocolate."
"Coming right up, and," he added with a smile, "they're on the house."
"Thank you," Rachel said. "Come on, sweetie. I want to introduce you to an old friend and her daughter."
Rachel and Emma walked to the front of the sofa and stood near the table. Phoebe was talking to Lily, who was sitting on her lap.
"Phoebe!" Rachel exclaimed. "Honey, how are you? And Lily?"
Startled, Phoebe looked up and stared at the woman who hadn't changed much at all since the last time she'd seen her.
"Rachel! Oh, it's so good to see you again! Is this Emma? Wow, she's beautiful. Just like her mother."
Emma and Lily hung back while the two women shared a long, heartfelt embrace.
"Wha...what are you doing here?" Phoebe finally asked.
"Emma and I came into the city for a day of shopping."
Phoebe laughed. "I love it that some things haven't changed."
"Hey, I've gotten better. But anyway, I decided we needed a coffee and hot chocolate break and brought Emma here. I was going to call Joey to see if we could see him and you and Lily. Phoebe, she's adorable. May I hug her?"
"As long as I can hug Emma."
"Of course."
"You were two the last time I saw you," Phoebe said to Emma. "You are very pretty."
"Thank you," Emma said, looking to her mother.
"Come, sit down," Phoebe said.
"Is Joey here?" Rachel asked, looking around.
"No. Lily and I went to the park, and I decided to stop in here. I hadn't been here since I showed up at Joey's. I don't know. I guess I was feeling a bit nostalgic."
"Me, too," Rachel said. "Did you show Lily where you used to sing?"
"You sing?" Emma asked.
"Well, not very well," Phoebe said, pushing the bangs away from her forehead. "But yeah, I entertained people while they drank their coffee. I haven't sang in years, though, or even picked up my guitar."
"Why not, honey?" Rachel asked. "Maybe it would help."
"Not right now," Phoebe said. "I have more important things to worry about."
"I was so sorry to hear about Ryan," Rachel said, placing her hand on Phoebe's knee. "Has there been any further news?"
"No. I have to start making phone calls if I want to find out anything, but I just can't bring myself to do it."
"They should be keeping you informed," Rachel said with indignation.
"I agree, but I don't know that they will if I don't keep on them."
"Well, you know we're here for you, right? It's so good to see you again!"
"Thanks. I can't believe how much has changed since I've been gone. I guess you're happy, Emma, that soon you'll have another cousin."
"What?" Rachel asked. "Another cousin? What are you talking about?"
"Oh no!" Phoebe said. "I'm sorry, Rachel. I figured you would know by now about Monica's pregnancy."
"Monica's pregnant?! No one told us!"
Rachel silently fumed.
"Colleen let it slip when we were there last weekend. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spill their news."
"No, it's okay, Pheebs. It's not your fault. You'd think we would know. Ross is Monica's brother."
"I'm sure they planned to tell you soon."
I wonder about that, Rachel mused.
"We haven't talked all week. I'll call them tonight. But hey, why don't you and Lily and Joey come to our house for dinner tomorrow night? We'd love to have you, and you can see Ross again and meet Jake, our son."
"Okay. That sounds like fun. I'll mention it to Joey. We'll call you to confirm."
They visited for a little while longer, and then Rachel told Phoebe they had to get on the subway to be home before dark.
"It's so great to see you," she said, hugging Phoebe one more time.
"Same here. Bye, Emma," Phoebe said, giving her another hug.
"Bye, Phoebe," Emma said.
"Call me Auntie Phoebe."
"Okay."
"And you call me Auntie Rachel," Rachel said, as she held Lily in her arms. "You are just too cute!"
Taking a cue from their mothers, Emma and Lily hugged.
"I can't wait to play with you tomorrow," Emma said.
"Play with you," Lily said and giggled.
"Yeah, and my brother, too, but that's okay. If we play dolls, my daddy makes him leave."
Emma giggled and Lily did, too.
"Remember Ross had a fit when Ben had that Barbie doll," Phoebe said.
She smiled at the memory.
"I've missed you guys," she said, tears threatening her eyes. "I'm so thankful I had you guys to come back to. I just wish I had some hope to hang on to that Ryan might still be alive."