Emily visits Monica
In the days after Ross's revelation, Ross and Emily behaved as usual, pretending nothing had happened, although both were subdued. Neither of them talked about anything much in case they strayed into difficult territory. They made love but what they refused to say came between them. The honeymoon was over, and although Emily tried to ignore it, she knew that the problem wouldn't go away.
Ross wants to see Rachel, Emily thought anxiously. He can't wait to see her That was why he was unhappy, because she was keeping them apart. Emily didn't want to drop her condition, she didn't dare. Ross had a yearning for Rachel and Rachel had a yearning for Ross. It was no accident that Rachel had come to the wedding, after saying that she wouldn't. It was no accident that she'd been ready to take a honeymoon with Ross. Everyone knew how many beds bridal suites had.
But this attitude of his friends was unfair. How could they drop him like that? Were they really against the marriage? Were they trying to break it up? It was hard to believe but the way they were acting she couldn't help wondering if that was what they wanted– but then she thought of Monica. She was pretty sure that she'd been sincere about wishing her well. Monica had helped encourage her to get married when things had gone wrong. She could not believe that Monica was involved in any kind of plot against her. She just seemed too honest for that kind of underhand behaviour and when she'd seen her at her in-laws' house she'd been friendly enough.
But maybe Ross's friends had misunderstood – perhaps Ross had given them to understand that Emily didn't want him to see them, even though that was totally ridiculous. He was not the best at getting his message across. She should make herself clear. There was only one person she had a problem with that was all, and they all had to understand why that was. But how would she correct such a misunderstanding?
Monica on her side brooded over the problem. She thought about whether she should interfere, but she realised that if she left it to Ross, nothing would happen. How could he plead with Emily over Rachel? The very fact he did that would just convince Emily that she was right to be worried, and that could just cause even more trouble. He needed Monica to step in and intervene, not just for him but for everyone. It was about time Emily was challenged. Everyone needed this resolved.
What was needed was a quiet talk, woman to woman. She could get together with Emily and explain a few things to her, make her see that there was no need to be afraid to let Ross and Rachel see each other. Everything could be just like it was before they had married. She decided to invite Emily out for a coffee.
Monica picked up the phone and dialled Ross and Emily's but no-one answered. Oh well, she'd have to try again later, Monica thought, replacing the receiver. The doorbell rang and Monica answered the door.
Hello Monica,' Emily said, hesitantly.
Come in, come in,' Monica said. I was just going to ask if you wanted to come over.' She had actually been planning to suggest neutral territory, to avoid alarming Emily in the first instance but here she was.
Oh were you?' Emily said surprised. That was nice of you.'
Come over and sit down,' Monica said, I'll make you a cup of tea.' Emily sat on a chair near the kitchen bench while Monica chattered about nothing much before saying,
'This is the first time you've been back here since you were married,' Monica said pleasantly. She place a cup of tea in front of Emily.
Yes,' Emily said. Monica looked at her. Emily had been fidgety ever since she arrived and now she was just swivelling the mug around on the kitchen counter. I just wanted to ask,' she began nervously, if you and Phoebe and Chandler and Joey are not seeing Ross because of me. Because that's not what I wanted. I never said I didn't want him to see you.'
Well it is to do with you,' Monica said. All six of us have been good friends for years. What happens to one of us affects the rest, and what you've done has made a split.' Emily looked away, biting her bottom lip.
You were there, Monica,' Emily said shakily, How can I let him see her again?'
I know, and it was horrible for you,' Monica said, taking her hand, 'but there's no need for this. Look, Rachel had some unfinished business but as far as Ross is concerned, it is finished. I know that. She knows that. To him, Rachel is a friend and nothing else.'
He nearly went on our honeymoon with her.'
He didn't did he? And I know that he didn't mean to invite Rachel along in any other way than as a friend. He's not dishonourable you know.'
Well I'm not sure about you do know this, because you're preventing him from seeing Rachel. Do you think he'll go back to her if he sees her? If he'd do a thing like that, which he wouldn't, you'd be doomed anyway, it would only be a matter of time. And since he wouldn't, there's no need to put restrictions on him.'
You would say that, you're her best friend,' Emily said hesitantly. She pulled her hand away from Monica's.
Yes I am her best friend, and I know her well. Rachel's an honourable person too,' Monica insisted.
If you love someone you might do anything,' Emily said.
Rachel wants Ross to be happy. He was so miserable without you. She insisted that he do whatever it takes to get you back. I'm not just saying that, she did. She didn't change her mind just because she found out what you'd asked him to do. She might have done you know.'
I do believe you Monica,' Emily said.
So it would be a lot better if you'd think about this ban on Rachel because it isn't fair.' Emily drank her tea and Monica watched in silence, wondering what she was thinking. Want another one?'
No thankyou but I'd better go.'
'I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you. You've only just got here.'
'You didn't upset me. You've given me a lot to think about,' Emily said.
'You don't have to go straight away. We've hardly talked really, since you came back.' But Emily was looking overwhelmed. 'All right, another time.'
'Maybe you could come over to my - our apartment,' Emily said.
'I'd like that,' Monica said. 'Are you going home now?'
'I've got to do the shopping for dinner tonight, but other than that, yes,' Emily said.
Being a housewife?' Monica laughed.
'Sort of,' Emily said with a smile and Monica was happy to let her go. She could see that she'd had an effect of Emily and she hoped that it was the desired effect. Monica wanted to think about things too. Maybe her brother should take Emily on the honeymoon they never had, not necessarily Greece, but just somewhere else so they could be together and so that he could make her feel special. She'd mention it to him.