Emily and Rachel

Rachel opened the door and stared. Emily was the last person she expected to see and she looked from Emily, who was staring at her in horror, to Monica, who was looking apprehensive. What on earth was Emily doing there?

Well, uh. Rachel,' Monica said, awkwardly. Look, uh, Emily's here.'

Oh,' Rachel said. She could think of better opening lines but she couldn't remember any just now. She looked back at Emily. She had never expected to see Emily. In her mind she thought she would never ever see her, just as it seemed she would never ever see Ross. If she imagined seeing Emily, it was as an image of Emily being unbearably happy as Ross's wife with not a care in the world. Emily, the lucky one Rachel had not imagined that she'd see Emily as the apprehensive figure she presented right now in front of her. For a brief moment she hoped that something was going wrong for herHello Rachel,' Emily said nervously.

Hello Emily,' Rachel said, filled with curiosity.

How are you?' Emily said.

Fine, and you?' Rachel said.

Um yes, fine, thankyou.'

That's good,' Rachel said automatically. Were they going to continue this farce, Rachel wondered. We're going to discuss the weather nextRachel, I'm sorry I misjudged you.' Rachel wondered if she misheard. It was so sudden.

Oh,' she said.

I'm not going to stop Ross from seeing you, or anyone,' Emily said. Rachel was shocked and just stared back. She definitely had not been expecting this. I shouldn't have done that, I know, but' They were teetering on the edge of an abyss. I was scared.' She still was if Rachel was any judge. The last statement had come out very softly and Emily looked as though she were about to cry, but she was holding onto herself in a way that rejected any comforting. That was good, Rachel thought, because she didn't want to make any approach to Emily. Monica made a half step forward and then stopped uncertain as to what to do, instead throwing Rachel a look which she knew meant "say something!"

Emily you don't have to be scared of me,' Rachel said, amazed. Ross and I are just friends now. He wants you, and you should believe him.' Rachel wondered if that was enough and added, It really is over. It was over before you came along.' It had been over for him, anyway which was all Emily really needed to know. How much more reassurance was Rachel going to have to give? She really didn't want to, but Emily seemed to control whatever tears had threatened to break through, and said,

Thank you.' Well she should, Rachel thought.

Well there we are then,' Monica said, relieved. Her words of advice, and Rachel's own words, so clearly unrehearsed, had done the trick. She had been so nervous when Rachel turned up and really that had been just the thing Emily had needed to have happen.

Monica gave Emily a hug and then turned to Rachel and gave her a hug. I'm so glad all these misunderstandings can be cleared up,' she said. She looked from one to the other. More work would be needed here. Emily had made her concession but she and Rachel weren't ready to fall into each other's arms. I've had a great idea. Why don't we all have dinner here, tomorrow night.'

Okay,' Rachel said.

That would be lovely,' Emily said, subdued but otherwise composed.

In fact you and Ross could sleep over,' Monica said, So you could stay as long as you wanted without worrying about getting home at night.' She avoided looking at Rachel to see how she was taking this. There were some things Rachel was just going to have to get used to.

That's very kind of you Monica,' Emily said.

Hey I just want to make it easy, you live so far away,' Monica said. Emily blushed.

It's a nice place even if it is a little far from here. You'll see it when you come over. You could both come over, if you wanted,' she said.

I've never seen your place,' Rachel said.

Haven't you?' There was a tricky moment before Emily said. Well you can both have the guided tour. But I really must be going. I've got to get dinner and these subway trains are complicated. And thanks,' she said to Monica.

After Emily had left Rachel turned to Monica.

What was all that about?' she asked.

Just what you saw, she's dropped her condition,' Monica said, with not a little satisfaction.

Just like that? Why?'

Well you always turn to me for advice. So did she,' Monica said. I was her bridesmaid if you remember so it's not that surprising.'

Why did she ask you for advice now?' Rachel asked.

Because of Ross. I guess he's showing he's not happy at the restrictions she's been putting on him.'

And she took your advice?'

Of course, doesn't everybody?' Monica said. You heard her didn't you?'

You're amazing,' Rachel said. She sat down and looked at Monica steadily. So now we're all friends again?'

Yep,' Monica said with satisfaction. She looked over at Rachel. Of course, you two never were friends, so you might have to work on that.' They would. Rachel had wanted nothing to do with Emily when she had realised that she had wanted that relationship to fail. It was too painful and she was no hypocrite. It would take a while to get used to the idea that she and Emily could have anything much to do with each other. As for friendship, well who knew that?

It's still going to be so difficult with Ross living so far away,' Rachel said.

True, but it's better than nothing,' Monica said.