Part 4 Not the whole story

Monica and Phoebe had been waiting near the delicatessen for more than three hours, but it felt a lot longer. Unfortunately Chandler had not been able to get an idea of exactly or even approximately when Emily would turn up and they didn't want to risk losing her, so they had arrived as soon as the delicatessen opened. They had both drunk more bad coffee and bad tea than they would wish. There had already been two false alarms and they had both had the fear that they'd actually seen Emily but somehow missed her.

At first they'd felt self conscious about so obviously observing the delicatessen, but they had long since passed the stage when anyone's opinion mattered. Particularly not the waitress's opinion.

This has to be the worst café ever, Monica said. Pick anything you like, she thought. Worst waitress, worst room, worst food, worst drinkHow many stars?' Phoebe asked.

A black hole,' Monica replied. Maybe two.' She did not care what the waitress thought of her either. How long have we been here?'

Three hours, forty two minutes and thirty three seconds,' Phoebe said. She didn't look at her watch but that sounded about right. Three hours, forty two minutes and thirty three seconds measured in simple time, about three days worth of frustrationI'm going to have to go to the ladies again soon.' They had been on frequent trips, partly because of the tea and coffee and partly because it was a reason to stand up and walk around. Their legs back and neck were stiff.

You go, I'll watch,' Phoebe said.

It's OK,' Monica said. She could hold out a little longer. Phoebe stood up and did some twists from the waist to relieve her back.

My back aches. Are we sure Chandler got it right?' Monica nodded. Chandler had actually dropped by two hours ago to find out how things were going and had confirmed that this was the right place. She couldn't blame Phoebe for asking though. They were at the stage of boredom where neither of them could think of anything or original to say.

Suddenly Emily came into view and they knew it was no false alarm. As one, Monica and Phoebe got up and followed her into the delicatessen.

I can't believe it,' she's actually here,' Phoebe whispered. She'd been beginning to wonder if Emily was really some kind of an apparition, but there she was at the counter, having just given her order.

There was a man looking for you,' the woman serving at the counter told Emily with a smile, It could be that you've got an admirer.' Monica ground her teeth. What had Chandler been saying.

I hope not,' Emily said, paying. I'm a happily married woman.' She turned around, saw them, and gasped. You two.'

Yes, "Us two."' Monica mimicked. We need to talk to you.' Phoebe had taken one of Emily's arms and Monica had the other. It seemed for a moment that Emily was about to resist but then she said,

Might as well get this over with. There's a café over there, we can talk there.' It was where Monica and Phoebe waited. They had paid but they hadn't bothered to leave a tip so didn't dare return even if they'd wanted to.

Oh not there, we've had it with that place,' Phoebe said, selecting another café, We'll go her, this looks much better.' Emily took her place first, facing the front of the café. As Monica and Phoebe seated themselves the waitress came for their orders and they all pretended that they were just three women out for a coffee with nothing serious to talk about. As soon as she left, Monica hissed,

What do you think you're doing here?'

I've got relatives here,' she said, Not that I need to explain anything to you,' Emily said.

Oh yes you do. You had just better make sure you steer clear of Ross,' Monica said. Don't try and see him while you're here.'

I've got no intention of seeing Ross again,' Emily said emphatically. I never want to see him again.'

I find that hard to believe,' Monica said, not really believing that anyone could mean that about her brother. Hadn't Emily made that begging phone call?

Why would I want to see someone who treated me so badly?' Emily said.

He treated you badly?' Monica asked incredulously.

He treated me abominably and I'll never forgive him,' Emily said.

Well he'll never forgive you,' Monica said, taken aback. She would never forgive him? What was she talking about?

I'm not sure I know what I did wrong. I got his name right and I certainly knew who I was supposed to be honeymooning with,' Emily said.

You didn't trust him,' Monica said resentfully. She hated the way Emily had put it. It made it sound as though Ross had been the one in the wrong.

So he's not with Rachel then?' Emily asked sweetly, and Monica couldn't help reacting. Damn, she thought to herself. She'd just allowed that woman to think her behaviour was justified. Emily went on. I'm not interested in where he is and who he's with, and I'll thank you if you don't tell him I'm here.'

You will? What are you doing here?' Phoebe asked.

My aunt is dying of cancer and there's no-one to look after her. My uncle and cousin are useless so I've come over for a few weeks. If it wasn't a matter of life or death I'd never have come back,' Emily said.

That's true is it?' Monica asked suspiciously.

I'd never make up such a horrible story,' Emily said in disgust. Anyway, now you now why I'm here and that I don't want to see Ross, so you can stop following me and hiding behind lamp posts. Don't think I haven't seen you.' She sipped her tea hurriedly. You look ridiculous.' Monica blushed, thinking of how she'd tried to shadow Emily through the streets.

So you stayed married or is that your third?' Monica couldn't help asking when she saw the ring.

Oh I stayed married.'

Does he know you called Ross the night before the wedding?' Monica asked, wanting to rub her face in it.

Yes. He knows everything.'

You can't really love him then,' Monica said.

Oh I do. He's done everything for me and I'd do anything for him,' Emily said seriously, so seriously that Monica couldn't help believing her. That was her insurance. Ross and Rachel were safe

Suddenly Emily's eyes widened and she made a sign with her hands. Seeing that this was for someone behind them, Monica turned to look. She could see a tall blond man carrying a small blond child walking away from the window. Monica looked back at Emily who looked ready to leave.

I've got to go,' Emily said. We've said everything there is to say. Goodbye.' She put some notes on the table and rushed out of the café. Monica realised something was up and said to Phoebe,

Stay there.' She followed Emily out and saw her catch up to the man with the child. But the thing that really grabbed her attention were the two small black haired girls who mobbed Emily, one each side, their voices piping,

Mummy! Mummy!' Monica stared in shock only just pulling back into the café in time to stop Emily seeing her as she looked back. But the blond man had seen her and they'd made eye contact which had stopped her running after Emily.