The Girl

Chapter Three

2 weeks later...

It was a week until the move and Monica still couldn't decide what to do. Rachel and her hung out everyday just to talk. Monica had never had anyone to talk to and found that she was starting to open up more to her. Mon had already met one of Rachel's friends, Phoebe. She seemed very nice. Rachel had asked Monica once why she wore long sleeves all the time and Mon just blamed the weather, even though it was summer.

Phoebe found herself liking Monica more and more. But she couldn't help noticing that she often seemed drawn back. When Rachel flirted with a man, Monica seemed to use any excuse to leave. Rachel had said that it was nothing or that maybe she was still a virgin. Phoebe knew better. Rachel had an easy life, but not Phoebe. Maybe Monica had a hard life. Phoebe decided to talk to Mon about it before she moved. She hoped however that this was a problem easily fixed...

1 day before the move

Phoebe had invited Mon to lunch at the coffee house. She would talk to her then.

Monica had walked into the small place and spotted Phoebe sitting on a big orange couch.

"Hey." Mon greeted her.

"You made it."

"Of course I would."

"Can you wait for the move?" Phoebe asked excitedly.

"Well I'll miss my old place, but having a roommate will be great."

"Monica," Phoebe said putting down her coffee which had just arrived "I have to ask you something."

"Okay." Mon said taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

"Do you cut yourself?"

Monica dropped the mug that she was holding and it clattered to the ground breaking into a million pieces. How could she know?

"I take that as a yes then."

Monica didn't do a thing just stared at the floor. Her big secret was out. Maybe Phoebe had a harder life then she let on, Monica decided. She would have to tell someone about her problem in order to be able to stop. But could she handle it?

Phoebe guided Monica to her new apartment. They sat down on the floor where the living room was gonna be.

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable Mon. I've had it hard and I want to help you. You can trust us."

Phoebe wrapped Monica in a hug and let her cry her heart out on her shoulder.

"Oh hey Pheebs." Rachel said as she walked in. "What are you doing here? Mon? Is that you. Honey whats wrong?"

Rachel joined the group hug realizing that Phoebe was indeed right.

"What the hell is wrong with me??" Monica whimpered.

"Nothing." both Phoebe and Rachel said in unison.

"Hey Rach, Joey wanted.." Chandler stopped mid-sentence when he saw them ... Phoebe, Rachel, and the girl.

Monica glanced up saw a guy and panicked. Her anxiety kept rising but she tried to control herself.

"Chandler can you please leave? NOW!" Phoebe said pointing at the door.

"But that's the girl..." he started but was cut off by Rachel pushing him out the door.

Rachel ran back over to Monica. A realization dawned Phoebe and she gasped. From what she had got out of Joey, Chandler had said that the girl had gotten scared when she saw him and had taken off running. It all made sense. It finally fit together. Monica was afraid of men for some reason or other. She cut herself to ease the emotional pain. Now knowing what was wrong maybe Phoebe could help her get better. Maybe... or maybe not...

Rachel had another idea ... Chandler. He could help her. Maybe that would work...maybe.

If I gave you pretty enough words. could you paint a picture of us that works. an emphasis on function rather than design. aren't you tired cause I will carry you, on a broken back and blown out knees, I have been where you are for a while.. Aren't you tired of being weak? Such rage that you could scream. all the stars right out of the sky And destroy the prettiest starry night. every evening that I die. alone I am exhumed just a little less human, and a lot more bitter and cold. after all these images of pain, have cut right thru you, I will kiss every scar, and weep you are not alone... then I'll show you that place in my chest where my heart still tries to beat. aren't you tired of being weak? Such rage that you could scream. the stars right out of the sky and destroy the prettiest starry night. every evening that I die live love burn and die

Lip Gloss and Black
- Atreyu

I know that it's short but I need feedback!!! So please review. You can even email me to tell me how I'm doing and if I should continue. Hope you enjoyed.

Megan