Colin? That was Emily's ex, the one she'd been seeing when she'd come to New York on a holiday, the holiday in which she had met Ross. She had had to choose between him and Ross, and had chosen Ross — or had she?

Rachel stared at the card. It was hand written — by the florist or by him? He obviously didn't think it was over, that was for sure. To send them to the apartment like that, where Ross could have been the one to read the card, showed he didn't care. He wanted to break up her marriage and he must believe that he'd be the one to benefit from a break up.

What about her?

Forever my Darling.

That seemed to assume a lot. One thing it assumed was that Emily returned his feelings. Emily had married Ross awfully quickly, choosing to live in another country. Was she denying her true feelings? Had she married Ross because she'd had issues with Colin, being determined to show him that she didn't care, when in fact she did?

And what about the F word?

Forever.

What had their relationship been, before she broke it off? Had they talked about marriage, forever and ever? Was there more to their relationship than just boyfriend girlfriend? Were they soul mates? Perhaps they were destined to be together, just like Ross and Rachel

She suddenly heard the door being unlocked and she shoved the card back in the bouquet and left the bouquet on the table.

Oh Hi,' Rachel said, as they appeared together. Ross didn't have to be so close to Emily, he could see perfectly well where she was without having to touch her. They greeted her warmly and then Emily said,

Hey, what's with the flowers?'

They just came,' Rachel said, They're for you.'

Oh Ross,' Emily said with a smile, You shouldn't have.' And he didn't Rachel thought.

It wasn't me,' Ross said as Emily picked them up, Don't tell me you've got a secret admirer.'

Don't be ridiculous,' Emily laughed as she opened the card. Of course it's ridiculous, Rachel thought to herself, ridiculous that anyone could admire Emily for anything at all. She watched closely as Emily read the card. She saw her expression changed.

'Who's it from?' Ross said. He hadn't seen the expression on Emily's face because he'd been hanging up his coat.

'Oh,' Emily improvised, An old school friend. She thinks it's my birthday today.' Rachel saw her scrunch the card up, make as if to throw it away and then hold onto it. She'd have to put it in a place where Ross couldn't see it, Rachel realised.

Your birthday's month's away,' Ross said.

I know, she must be confused,' Emily said. That lie was so good, Rachel thought, but then she'd be ready to tell lies if she was carrying on an affair behind Ross's back. Suddenly, she realised that Emily was looking at her, holding out the flowers as though she couldn't get them far enough away from herself. 'Would you like them Rachel.'

'You're giving your birthday flowers away?'

'You know it isn't my birthday.'

'Why can't you have another one? You might get more presents,' Ross teased, putting his arms around Emily.

'Because then I'll get older than you and you'll be married to an older woman.'

'Sounds interesting,' Ross said, But you'd age well.'

Rachel wanted the videocamera,' Emily said, reminding him why Rachel was there.

Oh yeah,' Ross said, breaking away from Emily and going to the next room.

'Do take them Rachel,' Emily said, hodling oput the flowers.

Oh no, I can't, I'm allergic.'

I didn't know you were allergic to roses,' Emily said.

No, it's only just happened,' Rachel said. She wasn't letting Emily cover up for her lying by taking the flowers away. Rachel smiled. Oh, you don't have to be sorry,' Emily said, I just thought you might like them.'

No,' Rachel said, as Ross came back into the room and handed her the camera. She was only half listening as Ross explained how to use the camera. It wasn't as though he hadn't told her all this before. Emily excused herself and went to the bathroom. How better to get rid of the card than to tear it into little pieces and flush it away.