Evasive Action

Monica was upset and shaking, and she still had not calmed down when Chandler burst into Central Perk.

I can't believe that woman!' he almost shouted, The complete bitch, the complete and utter evil bitch — or madwoman. That's probably it. She's mad, totally mad. I should have called the psychiatrists not security, I can't believe it!' Monica knew exactly who he meant.

What did Emily do?'

How'd you know it was Emily?' Chandler asked, dropping beside her.

She's just been here.' The coffee cup had been cleared so she could not show him the pulpy mess. The only sign she'd ever been there was Monica's own state of agitation.

She asked you for Ross too?' Chandler asked.

I can't believe she's turned up now, of all times,' Chandler said. Thank God he's out of town — but what about Rachel? She's going to ask her where he is next.'

She won't bother Rachel — at least not this way,' Monica said. She was sure that when Emily bothered Rachel it would be something spectacularly nasty and without warning. She wouldn't just be making an inquiry for Ross,

I just don't get it. What does she want Ross for?' Chandler asked.

I don't think she wants Ross, not really. I think she just wants to wreck things,' Monica said.

Because of her wedding?' Chandler asked. She must be really mad. That was years ago. She should be over all that by now.'

She's not married either,' Monica said. She wasn't wearing a ring. She must be still obsessed with everything.'

Oh God,' Chandler said.

I was a bit scared,' Monica said.

Did she threaten you?' Chandler asked anxiously.

Not exactly but she said I had better tell Ross or he was going to get hurt.'

What!' Chandler took her by the shoulders. What exactly did she say?'

Pretty much just that. She didn't threaten to kill him or anything,' Monica said. If she'd threatened something it would have been easier to deal with. At least they would know what they were facing. The sense that she was out there, waiting to do something that would take them by surprise was hard to take. She hugged Chandler and then said, What did you say to her?'

I told her to get out or I'd call security. I've told the front desk to make sure they keep her out,' Chandler said firmly. 'She won't come back.' Monica didn't think Emily would return to Central Perk either.

Did she give you her address?' Monica asked.

I shredded it in front of her.' She had thought that was such a smart thing to do at the time but now she was regretting it.

Then we can't call the police,' Monica said. We can't tell them if we can't find out where she is.'

What would we tell them? If she's made no actual threat what can we do? What would they arrest her for?'

'Stalking?' Monica asked.

'Maybe not yet,' Chandler said, unwillingly. 'If she kept coming back and asking, or following him, yes, but I don't think the police could do anything about it.' Chandler looked at Monica and held her hand, rubbing it. What are we going to do Mon?'

We've got to protect them,' Monica said. There's still a few more days.'

Well who's next? Only Phoebe. She won't say anything,' Chandler said.

Just then Phoebe and Mike walked in looking disturbed.

You'll never believe what happened,' Phoebe said, I just saw Emily. She wants to see Ross.'

I've never seen Phoebe be so rude,' Mike said. I didn't know she could do it.' Phoebe turned an anxious face on Monica.

She's asked me and Chandler too,' Monica said.

She was so insistent,' Phoebe said, It scared me.'

What are we going to do?' Monica asked. The friends sat in thought.

I know it's a big thing and hard to do at short notice, but I think we should change the venue. We'll ring up everyone on the morning of the wedding and tell them where it really is, and tell them it's a secret.'

How do we explain that?'

Just tell them that Ross has a stalker and leave it at that.'

It's true anyway,' Monica said. How do we explain it to Ross and Rachel?'

We don't want to worry them, Rachel is anxious enough as it is,' Phoebe said. They thought of Rachel's shopping frenzy, trying to get everything just right for the wedding.

That's easy, the venue had been flooded,' Chandler said brightly. Ew,' Phoebe said.

Well they won't ask questions. They'll only be too glad if we organise something else for them.' Monica frowned. That would work.

I'll start looking.'