Airport

Monica had an uneasy a feeling about Ross's arrival. If anyone had told Emily that Ross was out of town she might wait at the airport. Of course she'd have to know which flight, but Monica worried that someone might have told her.

Leaving the twins with Chandler, Monica insisted on going with Rachel to the airport to meet Ross. Rachel had also left Emma with Chandler so he had his hands full with the three children, but knowing what was on Monica's mind, he had agreed willingly. His only problem was that he wished that he could come along and help but they would have had a hard time explaining that to Rachel without giving it all away.

I'll be fine, really,' Rachel said. I can wait by myself.'

Oh but you know how boring airports can be,' Monica said, You could use someone to talk to.' Rachel had to admit that was true.

Of course, and you're my number two choice,' Rachel said.

Number two?'

Well Ross is my first choice. You're my number one choice while I'm waiting for Ross. I just hope the plane isn't delayed,' Rachel said. Not that I don't want to talk to you but I just don't want to wait.'

I'm sure everything will be okay,' Monica said automatically. She wasn't sure whether she wanted the plane delayed or not.

The plane was delayed.

I'm glad I didn't bring Emma,' Rachel said, after an hour. She'd have a hard time waiting.' They could hear the tired screams and wails from small children who were tired and bored. Monica had a great deal of sympathy for the children — and for their parents. There was nothing to do.

It's so dirty here,' Monica said, You couldn't just let her play with her toys on the floor.'

So the new venue is okay?' Rachel asked.

It's fine.'

Plumbing working this time?'

Just as it should,' Monica said.

I think if anything happens we should get someone in to fix it,' Rachel said. I don't want to change again, it's just too complicated.'

They assured me that they'd do that,' Monica said. She kept scanning the hallway.

Suddenly she saw the sight she dreaded. Emily was there in the distance. She was hanging back, along with other waiting passengers but she was there. It was no coincidence, Monica realised, she must be there to meet Ross. Emily was hanging back there, out of the way, waiting to strikeExcuse me Rach,' Monica said, I really need to go to the bathroom.' She stood up.

But you just went,' Rachel said, looking up at her. Are you all right?'

Oh no, I think I've got an infection,' Monica improvised.

Oh,' Rachel said in sympathy. I tell you what, I'll see if I can get some cranberry juice. That might help.'

Thanks, that would be great,' Monica said, I saw a place that does juice.' She pointed in the direction opposite to where Emily was. She wasn't sure there was any such place but as long as Rachel headed off in direction and didn't see Emily, she'd be happy.

Okay,' Rachel said, We'll meet up here.' Rachel hurried away. Monica headed in Emily's direction.

What the hell did you think you're doing here,' Monica demanded as soon as she reached her.

Waiting for Ross of course,' Emily said, as cool as anything.

Well none of you would tell me where he was, but someone told me he'd be arriving here this evening, so I'm here.'

Who told you?'

I'm not telling. Obviously they'd get into trouble,' Emily mocked her. Monica looked over her shoulder to see if Rachel was coming back. She wasn't.

You complete bitch,' Monica said to Emily's impassive face, You're evil. How do you live with yourself?'

You don't even know what I want.'

You've refused to so far,' Monica pointed out.

No because it's none of your business,' Emily said. Monica itched to slap her face. You're not going to stop me,' Emily added. I'll just stay here, out of the way, until he comes, and then I'll say what I have to say. Oh there's Rachel coming back.'

You don't want to harass her?'

I'm only speaking to Ross.' Emily looked past Monica at the arrivals board. Not long to wait now.'