The Overflowing Cup of Bitterness

More than anything, Rachel had wanted to talk to Monica about what she'd learned. She felt so bad that she couldn't. First, Monica would just see any attempt by Rachel to start up a conversation along these lines as another attempt to avoid dealing with the future. Second, Monica seemed to like Emily, strange as that seemed, so would be inclined to make excuses for her. And third, she'd have to admit that she'd read a private note. She couldn't do that – she was embarrassed even to admit it to herself.

As for the idea of pretending that it had fallen out of the bouquet, fallen open so that there was no way she could avoid having read the words… she couldn't help feeling that Monica would see through that one. So she couldn't talk to Monica. Phoebe would react in much the same way and try out a herbal remedy on her. She had no other friends that she would consider talking to about a thing like this, so for now, she was on her own.

What she needed was more proof – proof that Emily was up to no good, proof enough for Monica… and for Ross. Oh, she thought suddenly, poor Ross, riding for a fall. He clearly thought Emily was perfect. He had no idea that she was up to something. Rachel reluctantly reviewed such evidence as she had, but she was convinced that Emily was doing something wrong. Ross was going to be so hurt, she thought. Once she had exposed Emily's deception, she would wait until Ross had finished dealing with her and then she'd make her wish she'd never been born…

Two days later, she returned the video camera. Much as she hated the idea, she deliberately chose a time when only Emily would be at home so that she could get her talking.

'Was it useful?' Emily asked, taking the camera back.

'Oh, yeah,' Rachel said. Emily took the camera out of its case. Feeling insulted but trying not to show it, Rachel said, 'Everything's there, I did take care of it.'

'I know, but Ross wanted me to clean it before I put it away – oh, and you've left your tape in here.' Emily opened the cassette drawer and handed Rachel the tape. 'What did you tape?'

'Just a fashion show I put in the store.'

'Oh,' Emily said. 'I'd have come to see if I'd known.' Rachel had told Monica about it, and she'd made the time to come and see but she'd had no intention of inviting Emily. It was the last thing she wanted to do, but if she was going to get anything on Emily, she was going to have to invite her to things.

'I'll let you know next time. I did that tape for my resume.'

'That's a good idea,' Emily said. She had been wiping over the various parts of the camera and the inside of the case, and now she was putting the camera back in the case. 'Would you like a coffee, Rachel?' Rachel had already learned that Emily couldn't really make coffee properly but accepted anyway. To say no would mean that she would have to leave.

'Thanks.' They moved to the kitchen where Emily started getting the things ready. 'Got anything planned?' Rachel asked.

'Oh no,' Emily said.

'Is your friend coming over?' Rachel asked.

'What friend?' Emily asked, as she spooned coffee granules in Rachel's mug. She sounded so innocent, Rachel thought, but it didn't fool her for a bit.

'The one who sent you the flowers?' Rachel said. Emily seemed to react, but covered herself.

'No.' She put another two spoons of coffee granules in her cup. 'Nobody's coming.' Belatedly, Rachel realised that she was going to get more coffee than she wanted, but Emily had already poured the water and was now pushing the mug to her. She watched as Emily poured water into her own mug, this one with a tea bag.

'I just wondered,' Rachel said, after she judged the silence had gone on long enough. Emily discarded the tea bag. 'You'd have a lot of friends that would miss you,' she said. Probably glad to see the back of you, Rachel added to herself. They probably can't stand you, who could?

'A group of them came over last month,' Emily said, 'I don't think they'll be back over for a while. All this flying costs a fortune. That's one reason being married is cheaper than just dating.' That was flattering, Rachel carped in her head. 'Don't you like your coffee Rachel?' Emily asked. 'I'm sorry, I'll get the hang of it eventually.' Rachel took a sip. Yes, she had over counted the spoonfuls. It was unbearably bitter.