Disclaimer…..do not own Friends, etc……..I know That I have forgotten that. But it is SO obvious. DUH!!!!!
In this story, It is mainly just Rachel's thought on the west and what she sees and feels. Hope you like.
And BTW: if anyone says anything or whines about who she gets with. Remember this, that is NOT how it will be at the end of Friends. So take it or leave it.
******************************
Rachel looked around the hotel dining room. Judy and Jack Geller were catching up with Monica and getting to know Chandler. It seemed as though they really like Chandler. Particularly Jack Geller did. Judy seemed a bit, well… standoffish. Probably thinking him as a rough individual with no manners.
While he looked strong and a bit rough around the edges, he was polite and had plenty of manners. Just like her dream man. He was not afraid of work, according to his hands. Which showed that they were a bit rough with all the work he had to do. And his skin was tanned also from working outside. His light brown hair was a bit long just above the nape of his neck. And his light blue eyes danced in the light. He happened to be smart, witty and funny. No wonder Monica married him! He was gorgeous!
Her father was getting introduced to the different people around the town. Everyone from the Waltham's and their two daughters to all the different people that could be rounded up. He was even telling them that he planned to build an office hopefully soon. And maybe someday a clinic. Phoebe Buffay then offered to contribute the furniture he would need, as did Chandler who told him that he would get free medical supplies.
After a bit she got bored and decided to take a tour of the town. She wanted to explore every knock and cranny around the territory. But would settle with looking around the town today. She went outside and stood on the porch and looked around. Where to begin at? There were eight buildings on one side and five on the other and just as many being erected. And over thirty tents. She then looked across the street and knew.
She then crossed the street. Carefully dodging horses, people, mud and other undesirables. Finally, after arriving at the Wells-Fargo stage depot and telegraph office, she sent a cable to her mother who know lived on Long Island telling her that she made it safe and sound. It was the least that she could do.
The reason why they did not go out west right away, was that her youngest sister, Jill had finally passed away because of TB. She had fought it since she was a small baby. And her parents decided to sell the house. They could not live there anymore. Not to mention, decided to get a divorce. But that had been coming on for sometime now.
That was about the only thing her mother and father agreed on. Her mother went to live on Long Island at the house there. And her father went to live out west. Her mother wanted high society and her father wanted to be a real doctor. Where he would be needed. Her other sister was too much like her mother and stayed with her. While she decided to go out west and see if what Monica had said in her letters was true.
So far, they have been. Big, open country. The women had just as much to say as the men and a lot of them looked to be smart and intelligent at what they did. And they were not though of as delicate females and told that they couldn't do certain things because they were females.
As soon as she was done with the depot, she stepped up on the porch that lead to the general store and walked inside. The sight that awaited her was something that she would never forget.
The store was not as big as those in New York. But, it held everything that the people would need. From mining equipment like pick axes, shovels and pans to food to tools to lanterns and material. In short it was doing well. As determined by how busy the three employees were.
The inside of the store which was a rectangle, was pretty wide with a lot of shelves and bins in it. It had two counters that ran the length of the long, and so they had on them a lot of different assortment of goods. Near the back of the store, a black potbellied stove stood, complete with a bench behind it and in front of it, two chairs stood around a table where a checker board was set up and two men were busy playing a game.
The counter on the left side held a register and the candy and two scales to weigh goods and there were bots of cloth, clothes, lanterns, lantern oil and candles. While the one on the right held other items such as food another huge scale, a coffee grinder, and other food. Two of the clerks waited on the customers behind the counters.
Back east, the people had plenty to choose from. But here, all the tools were the same as was the material just different colors. The shoes and boots were made by the same company. As were the pants, and shirts and coats. There were really no dresses of any kind. Just material to make dresses.
She did notice, that a lot of the women wore pants around this area. Probably saving their dresses or Sunday best for church. IF they did even have church. She did not see one. But then again, they might have it in one of the tents that was up or on the floor of the one of the buildings that was being erected.
As she looked around, she noticed that the prices were high. Way too high. But the people did not seem to mind. They were busy trying to strike it rich.
"May I help you, Miss?"
"Rachel Green. And no thanks, I am just looking." the young man then turned away. "Wait? Is this all you have in clothes? What about dresses?"
"Women around here make the dresses if they are clever enough with a needle. If not then they pay to have made if they can find a seamstress to make them a dress or pants suffice."
"What if I was to make some dresses, would the owner of the store buy them to sell?" Rachel was taught fancy sewing and crouching and knitting at the college back east for women.
"I don't know. You would have to take it up with the owner."
"What is the owner's name?"
"Chandler Bing."
"Really?" Rachel smiled. He might be willing since she and Monica were friends.
"But let me give you a piece of advice, it might be better if you opened your own shop for that. We do not have a clothes store here."
"I see. Thank you." Rachel then walked up to the counter and bought some licorice. And went outside to explore her surroundings more and to think about what the man just said. Eating or chewing the licorice while deep in thought.
She then walked down the street. On the other side, there was a blacksmith's shop next to a wagon shop and livery stable. On this side as she walked down, she saw a saloon. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Proper young ladies were not suppose to enter this den of iniquity.
The saloon had a front desk with cubby holes where the keys for the different rooms were at. That was at the landing right in front and right by the stairs that led up to the rooms. A man with blond hair stood behind the desk and looked at the log book.
"May I help you?" He asked as he looked up.
"Uh, just new in town trying to see what there is around here." Rachel then went to the right into the next room. This was where the bar was at as well as the piano and four card tables. At one of the regular food tables, three women sat eating lunch and talking. At the bar a woman stood and talked quietly with a man who was washing glasses.
She then looked over and saw her. And looked at her clothes, which were probably a dead giveaway of where Rachel was from.
"Nice clothes, new aren't they?" She then walked over and took the cigarette out of her mouth and inspected Rachel's clothes. " How much?"
"What?" Rachel asked.
"I will pay you for them." The woman then blew some smoke up in the air.
"You want to buy my clothes?" The clothes she had on were not the most up to date clothes, but that was why she wore them. She had to travel and did not want her good ones to get damaged.
"I need some new ones." The woman was circling her looking at the clothes, measuring them up in her head and determining what needed to be let out and what she could cut away. "I mean I would have to let out a bit here and there and redesign them, but that wouldn't be too hard. What do you say?" The other women had stopped what they were doing and looked over at them.
"Under one condition."
"And what is that?" The woman then crossed her arms.
"Do you have any dresses or pants that I could fit into?"
The woman then smiled, "I believe I can take care of that." She then led her into her office and went to get a change of clothes for Rachel. Ten minutes later, Rachel walked out with a leather skirt and a white shirt and a jacket. Not to mention a hat.
"You look different.." The woman said.
"Good or bad?"
"Good, I think. You no longer look like a dandy."
Rachel smiled, "Really? Thanks."
The woman then paid her for the dress. "You're welcome. Now, since you are new, let me give you some advice. Stay away from this building three hours before sunset or better yet four. You do not want to be in here during that time. Alone anyway. And the next two buildings are the gambling hall and the dance hall. Stay clear of them. As well as the three across the street. Those men are out for one thing and one thing only. Understand? And the last building down the street is the whorehouse. I think you understand about that one."
"Thanks for the advice. I will keep it in mind." She then smiled and walked out.
Rachel decided to take her advice and walked over to the corral to look at the horses. The corral was not too far from the feed store.
The paddock held six horses in it. Three were standing next to each other, another was showing off by running around another was sulking far away from the others and another was clearly in heat.
"The one that is standing by the two right there is going to foal soon. " Rachel turned and looked at the owner of the voice. A man, who looked to be Italian stood there watching them with her. He looked to be about the same age as Chandler. Only he was shorter had black hair and dark brown eyes. His hands were also rough and he had a tan as well.
"Which one is yours?" Rachel asked.
"They all are."
"What?"
"Well, they belong to me and my partner."
"Really who is he?"
"You must be new around here."
"That is all I have gotten all day."
"Joey Tribbianni." Joey extended his hand. Rachel shook it.
"Rachel Green. You still did not say your partner's name."
"Chandler Bing."
"Chandler Bing? You'd think that her owns the town."
"Try half of it."
"Really?"
"Yup."
"And who owns the other half?" Rachel asked teasing.
"Phoebe Buffay. She owns the saloons, the dance hall, the gambling hall and the boarding house and hotel." Joey answered. Looking over at Rachel and surveying her.
"Wow." Monica was right, women can do a lot more out here. Like own and manage property.
"Hey, where are you from?" Joey wanted to know.
"New York City."
"That is where Chandler and I are from."
"Really, you see, Monica…."
"I know who you are. Monica talks about you all the time. Trust me. All good."
"You know Monica that good. Is she happy?"
"Yes she is."
"How do you know her that well?"
"I am Chandler's ranch partner. We all spent a lot of time together. That is why."
"You are a good friend of hers?"
"Yes, and anyone that is a good friend of Monica's is a friend of mine."
"That is good." She started watching the horses again. Noticing that one is totally withdrawn from the others. "What is wrong with him?" She asked pointing.
"He is very temperamental and ski dish. If he does not shape up soon, we are going to have him put down."
"What? Why?"
"He is too unpredictable. That is why. Someone could easily get hurt."
"Oh, that is to bad."
"Yup, it is."
"Hey, you know this area really well, right?"
"I like to think I do."
"Uh, could you show me this area. I mean not only the town, but also the berry patches and the creeks and the fields?"
"You have been paying attention to those letters that Monica sent you."
"Well…."
"Going up to a perfect stranger and asking them out of the blue like this is not a good idea. What about your reputation."
"You are Monica's friend I trust you and I think my reputation will be in tact."
"We will go with Chandler and Monica when they go for a ride during their picnic this weekend. How does that sound."
"That sounds like you are trying to placate me."
"That is it. Take it or leave it."
"You know of course I will explore this place with or without a guide."
"I kind of guessed. So You might as well have a guide." They shook hands to seal the deal.
That weekend they all met at the ranch house. It was a huge two story ranch house surrounded by trees and on a mesa that was sheltered by some bluffs on the north west side. So that the snow would not be that bad as well as the cold.
Out toward the eastern part of it was a vegetable garden. And out beyond it was a smokehouse and an ice house.
I was greatly surprised when we went in. The house was immaculately kept up, but I expected nothing less from Monica, and it was huge, I could tell that from just the front hall.
The hall had a huge staircase right in the center near the end of it. And it was a rectangular room. To the right the door was closed and the left looked to be a sitting room. The furniture was not elegant by any means but it was well made and just what they needed. There were throws and blankets on the backs of the furniture. Which included two rocking chairs by the fireplace, a padded bench, a few tables, and a few other chairs. There was also a door that was in a far corner. The windows had homemade curtains on them. Monica probably made them herself as well as the afghans and other items here and there. On one of the tables stood a kerosene lamp. And a few candles and scones were on the mantle.
"Mom, Rachel, I want to show you around." Monica smiled as she showed me and Judy who was carrying Daniel. IT seemed that she did not want to stop holding her grandson for fear that she would loose him as well.
Monica then took us on a tour of the house. Starting with the room on the right, which turned out to be Chandler's study. Here he had a desk and chair and another two were right in front of the desk. Back behind the desk was a locked cabinet that he probably kept his guns in.
We then left the room and went through the hall way at the end of it was a door that led to the kitchen. It was a huge kitchen. In the middle of it was an island and it had a fireplace and a cook stove as well. Not too far from the next door was a small square table with four chairs and a rocking chair by the table. And she then showed us another door that led to a huge pantry that we could tell that she was particularly found of. A trap door by the pantry led down to a food cellar and was stocked with plenty of food, enough to see them through winter. The foods that needed to be kept a little cooler were kept down there and the ones that needed to be kept out of the damp and in a dry place were at the pantry.
The next room that she showed us was the formal dining room. It had a rectangular table in it and had six chairs around it. There was also a cabinet that held her pewter dishes.
"Where did you get all of this furniture?" Judy asked.
"Almost all was made right here at the ranch. We have a good carpenter."
"ALL?" I asked astounded.
"Well, the cook stove had to be brought in from Dodge City. Chandler didn't want me to always be bending over the fireplace when I cooked. When he and the others built this house, that was just another surprise for me." Monica then led them us into the sitting room or parlor. "You see, we used to live in a one room cabin. With a blanket to separate my room." Monica shook her head. "Chandler promised me a house during our first week we were married."
Judy was impressed. "Such a nice boy. He has done everything for you that he promised."
"He promised to make me happy and he is doing a good job of it as well."
"Not too many men in New York are like that." Judy committed.
"Try none. That is one of the reasons why I came west." I confided.
"Rachel, please be careful. Not all men are like Chandler. A friend of mine out here was beaten to death by her husband earlier this year." Monica sighed.
"Oh my God!" Judy exclaimed.
"Please tell me something was done!" I pleaded.
"He was hung, after he stood trial. Chandler and Joey were both on the jury."
"Joey?" Judy asked.
"He and Chandler are partners in the ranch." I explained. Seeing the looks on their faces, I thought I ought to explain. "I met Joey in town. He seemed really nice."
Monica then smiled, I noticed the look in her eyes right away. Danged if she wasn't gong to try and play matchmaker. "Yes he is nice. And sweet and trustworthy and very loyal to his friends and his family."
"Oh he has got a family?" I tried to sound disinterested. But I could tell by the looks that Monica and Judy were throwing each other that it was not working.
"He has seven sisters and his mother and father back home in New York City." Monica looked carefully at me. "He is NOT married yet."
"Maybe he has not found the right girl yet." Judy committed.
"Oh, I think he has now. He just doesn't know it yet." Monica grinned looking my way. Yup, she was really up to something.
"What?" I asked.
"I mean I haven't seen how he reacts with her yet, but they are just alike. In a lot of ways." Her eyes glistened. She was up to no good.
Just then Chandler walked into the room, from his study with Jack and dad. "Well ladies if you are ready to go, the surrey awaits." On the way, Monica stopped Chandler and whispered something in his ear. He shook his head and chuckled. "Rachel, since there is room for only five, would you like to ride horseback? Joey will be joining us and riding as well." I looked over at Monica who stood there innocently looking at me. That little sneak! She planned this!
"Uh sure." I looked at Monica and made a face. She just grinned.
A bit later, Joey and I were riding the horses up front of the surrey and talking. I found him fun to talk to and while he was not quick witted as Chandler, he still had some jokes to tell as well as some stories. I decided to tell one of my own.
"Uh, Joey, you do know that Monica is trying to play matchmaker." His face turned into an amused expression.
"I would not doubt it. She keeps telling me to try and to find someone because she thinks that I am too lonely." He shook his head. "She is just like a sister to me. So I can not stay mad at her long."
"Well, she is like one to me as well. So that is also the truth as well."
"Friends?" Joey asked extending his hand.
"Friends." I replied shaking his hand.
We then heard a sigh from behind us. We both looked behind to see Monica shaking her head and Chandler just about to bust a gut laughing.
"Hey, want to see something?" Joey asked.
"You bet!"
"Come on then." Joey and I veered off the trial and went over a rise and stopped right on top of it to look down. Right then and there I felt my heart leap into my throat.
There were hundreds and hundreds of buffalo. And the huge creatures were milling about eating grass and just relaxing in the sun. They went all the way to the horizon.
"They weigh on an average of one ton each." Joey informed me.
"WOW!" I committed. I could not think of anything to say.
"The different tribes hunt these animals for their food, shelter and clothes. They have hunted these animals for ages. They only need to get at least two each to see them through the year."
"Can I see them."
"You already are."
"I mean go up close and touch them."
"NO! They are very wild and would kill you."
"What?"
"Stomp you to death."
"Ouch!"
"That has happened to many men before, red man or white."
"But I thought you told me they are expert hunters."
"They are, but accidents still happen. Someone could easily get thrown off a horse and there is nothing a person can do in a stampede. The same way with a cattle stampede. And they are the animals that we think we control."
"I have a questions for you."
"Won't the government try and move them off their lands?"
"They already are. And you see these buffalo. One of these days, there is not going to be hardly any left on these plains if any at all." Joey looked hard at the horizon.
"That is too bad."
"Yes it is. Seeing what is to eventually come and knowing that there is little you can do about it." He then decided to change the subject. "Come on, we had better get to the picnic. Monica is an awfully good cook."
"Monica? Monica Geller uh, I mean Bing?" Joey just grinned.
But after lunch, I would have to agree with him. We had roast, potatoes, bread, cheese, lemonade, and apple pie for dessert. Everyone was very happy with what we had.
And later on that night when we went back, I got invited to stay at the ranch house with Monica and her family. While dad went back to town just in case someone needed him. HE was starting to feel more needed and in turn I could see a light in his eyes that had been missing for years.
The room that I was to sleep on was one of eight bedrooms at the top of the stairs. The bed was handmade. And so was the dresser. The clean sheets were store bought, probably the only thing store bought in the room except the lamps and the mirror.
Monica and I talked a lot that night. I found out that she was happy being married and was also busy around the house and next year was thinking of starting up a restaurant and then I decided to bring up my idea.
"Hey, Monica. I was thinking."
"You were?" Looking into my face, she grinned. "Sorry my husband is wearing off on me too much. Please continue."
"I want to open a dress or clothes shop. You know provide clothes and make dresses for the women. I noticed at the store, that there are literally none around."
"Now, that would be a good idea."
"I mean, did you know I sold the clothes I was traveling in?"
"I was wondering where you got the leather skirt."
"It is more comfortable. And will not tear."
"I might be able to talk Chandler into helping you out. He would want to be a partnered. Him or Phoebe. She would probably be the best bet. Since she would want you to make the clothes for her girls and her self."
"Thanks Monica."
You're welcome sweetie."
Chandler then knocked on my door. "He then opened it. "Mon,. it is nearly two. Are you coming to bed?"
"Night, Rach."
"Night, Mon."
In this story, It is mainly just Rachel's thought on the west and what she sees and feels. Hope you like.
And BTW: if anyone says anything or whines about who she gets with. Remember this, that is NOT how it will be at the end of Friends. So take it or leave it.
******************************
Rachel looked around the hotel dining room. Judy and Jack Geller were catching up with Monica and getting to know Chandler. It seemed as though they really like Chandler. Particularly Jack Geller did. Judy seemed a bit, well… standoffish. Probably thinking him as a rough individual with no manners.
While he looked strong and a bit rough around the edges, he was polite and had plenty of manners. Just like her dream man. He was not afraid of work, according to his hands. Which showed that they were a bit rough with all the work he had to do. And his skin was tanned also from working outside. His light brown hair was a bit long just above the nape of his neck. And his light blue eyes danced in the light. He happened to be smart, witty and funny. No wonder Monica married him! He was gorgeous!
Her father was getting introduced to the different people around the town. Everyone from the Waltham's and their two daughters to all the different people that could be rounded up. He was even telling them that he planned to build an office hopefully soon. And maybe someday a clinic. Phoebe Buffay then offered to contribute the furniture he would need, as did Chandler who told him that he would get free medical supplies.
After a bit she got bored and decided to take a tour of the town. She wanted to explore every knock and cranny around the territory. But would settle with looking around the town today. She went outside and stood on the porch and looked around. Where to begin at? There were eight buildings on one side and five on the other and just as many being erected. And over thirty tents. She then looked across the street and knew.
She then crossed the street. Carefully dodging horses, people, mud and other undesirables. Finally, after arriving at the Wells-Fargo stage depot and telegraph office, she sent a cable to her mother who know lived on Long Island telling her that she made it safe and sound. It was the least that she could do.
The reason why they did not go out west right away, was that her youngest sister, Jill had finally passed away because of TB. She had fought it since she was a small baby. And her parents decided to sell the house. They could not live there anymore. Not to mention, decided to get a divorce. But that had been coming on for sometime now.
That was about the only thing her mother and father agreed on. Her mother went to live on Long Island at the house there. And her father went to live out west. Her mother wanted high society and her father wanted to be a real doctor. Where he would be needed. Her other sister was too much like her mother and stayed with her. While she decided to go out west and see if what Monica had said in her letters was true.
So far, they have been. Big, open country. The women had just as much to say as the men and a lot of them looked to be smart and intelligent at what they did. And they were not though of as delicate females and told that they couldn't do certain things because they were females.
As soon as she was done with the depot, she stepped up on the porch that lead to the general store and walked inside. The sight that awaited her was something that she would never forget.
The store was not as big as those in New York. But, it held everything that the people would need. From mining equipment like pick axes, shovels and pans to food to tools to lanterns and material. In short it was doing well. As determined by how busy the three employees were.
The inside of the store which was a rectangle, was pretty wide with a lot of shelves and bins in it. It had two counters that ran the length of the long, and so they had on them a lot of different assortment of goods. Near the back of the store, a black potbellied stove stood, complete with a bench behind it and in front of it, two chairs stood around a table where a checker board was set up and two men were busy playing a game.
The counter on the left side held a register and the candy and two scales to weigh goods and there were bots of cloth, clothes, lanterns, lantern oil and candles. While the one on the right held other items such as food another huge scale, a coffee grinder, and other food. Two of the clerks waited on the customers behind the counters.
Back east, the people had plenty to choose from. But here, all the tools were the same as was the material just different colors. The shoes and boots were made by the same company. As were the pants, and shirts and coats. There were really no dresses of any kind. Just material to make dresses.
She did notice, that a lot of the women wore pants around this area. Probably saving their dresses or Sunday best for church. IF they did even have church. She did not see one. But then again, they might have it in one of the tents that was up or on the floor of the one of the buildings that was being erected.
As she looked around, she noticed that the prices were high. Way too high. But the people did not seem to mind. They were busy trying to strike it rich.
"May I help you, Miss?"
"Rachel Green. And no thanks, I am just looking." the young man then turned away. "Wait? Is this all you have in clothes? What about dresses?"
"Women around here make the dresses if they are clever enough with a needle. If not then they pay to have made if they can find a seamstress to make them a dress or pants suffice."
"What if I was to make some dresses, would the owner of the store buy them to sell?" Rachel was taught fancy sewing and crouching and knitting at the college back east for women.
"I don't know. You would have to take it up with the owner."
"What is the owner's name?"
"Chandler Bing."
"Really?" Rachel smiled. He might be willing since she and Monica were friends.
"But let me give you a piece of advice, it might be better if you opened your own shop for that. We do not have a clothes store here."
"I see. Thank you." Rachel then walked up to the counter and bought some licorice. And went outside to explore her surroundings more and to think about what the man just said. Eating or chewing the licorice while deep in thought.
She then walked down the street. On the other side, there was a blacksmith's shop next to a wagon shop and livery stable. On this side as she walked down, she saw a saloon. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Proper young ladies were not suppose to enter this den of iniquity.
The saloon had a front desk with cubby holes where the keys for the different rooms were at. That was at the landing right in front and right by the stairs that led up to the rooms. A man with blond hair stood behind the desk and looked at the log book.
"May I help you?" He asked as he looked up.
"Uh, just new in town trying to see what there is around here." Rachel then went to the right into the next room. This was where the bar was at as well as the piano and four card tables. At one of the regular food tables, three women sat eating lunch and talking. At the bar a woman stood and talked quietly with a man who was washing glasses.
She then looked over and saw her. And looked at her clothes, which were probably a dead giveaway of where Rachel was from.
"Nice clothes, new aren't they?" She then walked over and took the cigarette out of her mouth and inspected Rachel's clothes. " How much?"
"What?" Rachel asked.
"I will pay you for them." The woman then blew some smoke up in the air.
"You want to buy my clothes?" The clothes she had on were not the most up to date clothes, but that was why she wore them. She had to travel and did not want her good ones to get damaged.
"I need some new ones." The woman was circling her looking at the clothes, measuring them up in her head and determining what needed to be let out and what she could cut away. "I mean I would have to let out a bit here and there and redesign them, but that wouldn't be too hard. What do you say?" The other women had stopped what they were doing and looked over at them.
"Under one condition."
"And what is that?" The woman then crossed her arms.
"Do you have any dresses or pants that I could fit into?"
The woman then smiled, "I believe I can take care of that." She then led her into her office and went to get a change of clothes for Rachel. Ten minutes later, Rachel walked out with a leather skirt and a white shirt and a jacket. Not to mention a hat.
"You look different.." The woman said.
"Good or bad?"
"Good, I think. You no longer look like a dandy."
Rachel smiled, "Really? Thanks."
The woman then paid her for the dress. "You're welcome. Now, since you are new, let me give you some advice. Stay away from this building three hours before sunset or better yet four. You do not want to be in here during that time. Alone anyway. And the next two buildings are the gambling hall and the dance hall. Stay clear of them. As well as the three across the street. Those men are out for one thing and one thing only. Understand? And the last building down the street is the whorehouse. I think you understand about that one."
"Thanks for the advice. I will keep it in mind." She then smiled and walked out.
Rachel decided to take her advice and walked over to the corral to look at the horses. The corral was not too far from the feed store.
The paddock held six horses in it. Three were standing next to each other, another was showing off by running around another was sulking far away from the others and another was clearly in heat.
"The one that is standing by the two right there is going to foal soon. " Rachel turned and looked at the owner of the voice. A man, who looked to be Italian stood there watching them with her. He looked to be about the same age as Chandler. Only he was shorter had black hair and dark brown eyes. His hands were also rough and he had a tan as well.
"Which one is yours?" Rachel asked.
"They all are."
"What?"
"Well, they belong to me and my partner."
"Really who is he?"
"You must be new around here."
"That is all I have gotten all day."
"Joey Tribbianni." Joey extended his hand. Rachel shook it.
"Rachel Green. You still did not say your partner's name."
"Chandler Bing."
"Chandler Bing? You'd think that her owns the town."
"Try half of it."
"Really?"
"Yup."
"And who owns the other half?" Rachel asked teasing.
"Phoebe Buffay. She owns the saloons, the dance hall, the gambling hall and the boarding house and hotel." Joey answered. Looking over at Rachel and surveying her.
"Wow." Monica was right, women can do a lot more out here. Like own and manage property.
"Hey, where are you from?" Joey wanted to know.
"New York City."
"That is where Chandler and I are from."
"Really, you see, Monica…."
"I know who you are. Monica talks about you all the time. Trust me. All good."
"You know Monica that good. Is she happy?"
"Yes she is."
"How do you know her that well?"
"I am Chandler's ranch partner. We all spent a lot of time together. That is why."
"You are a good friend of hers?"
"Yes, and anyone that is a good friend of Monica's is a friend of mine."
"That is good." She started watching the horses again. Noticing that one is totally withdrawn from the others. "What is wrong with him?" She asked pointing.
"He is very temperamental and ski dish. If he does not shape up soon, we are going to have him put down."
"What? Why?"
"He is too unpredictable. That is why. Someone could easily get hurt."
"Oh, that is to bad."
"Yup, it is."
"Hey, you know this area really well, right?"
"I like to think I do."
"Uh, could you show me this area. I mean not only the town, but also the berry patches and the creeks and the fields?"
"You have been paying attention to those letters that Monica sent you."
"Well…."
"Going up to a perfect stranger and asking them out of the blue like this is not a good idea. What about your reputation."
"You are Monica's friend I trust you and I think my reputation will be in tact."
"We will go with Chandler and Monica when they go for a ride during their picnic this weekend. How does that sound."
"That sounds like you are trying to placate me."
"That is it. Take it or leave it."
"You know of course I will explore this place with or without a guide."
"I kind of guessed. So You might as well have a guide." They shook hands to seal the deal.
That weekend they all met at the ranch house. It was a huge two story ranch house surrounded by trees and on a mesa that was sheltered by some bluffs on the north west side. So that the snow would not be that bad as well as the cold.
Out toward the eastern part of it was a vegetable garden. And out beyond it was a smokehouse and an ice house.
I was greatly surprised when we went in. The house was immaculately kept up, but I expected nothing less from Monica, and it was huge, I could tell that from just the front hall.
The hall had a huge staircase right in the center near the end of it. And it was a rectangular room. To the right the door was closed and the left looked to be a sitting room. The furniture was not elegant by any means but it was well made and just what they needed. There were throws and blankets on the backs of the furniture. Which included two rocking chairs by the fireplace, a padded bench, a few tables, and a few other chairs. There was also a door that was in a far corner. The windows had homemade curtains on them. Monica probably made them herself as well as the afghans and other items here and there. On one of the tables stood a kerosene lamp. And a few candles and scones were on the mantle.
"Mom, Rachel, I want to show you around." Monica smiled as she showed me and Judy who was carrying Daniel. IT seemed that she did not want to stop holding her grandson for fear that she would loose him as well.
Monica then took us on a tour of the house. Starting with the room on the right, which turned out to be Chandler's study. Here he had a desk and chair and another two were right in front of the desk. Back behind the desk was a locked cabinet that he probably kept his guns in.
We then left the room and went through the hall way at the end of it was a door that led to the kitchen. It was a huge kitchen. In the middle of it was an island and it had a fireplace and a cook stove as well. Not too far from the next door was a small square table with four chairs and a rocking chair by the table. And she then showed us another door that led to a huge pantry that we could tell that she was particularly found of. A trap door by the pantry led down to a food cellar and was stocked with plenty of food, enough to see them through winter. The foods that needed to be kept a little cooler were kept down there and the ones that needed to be kept out of the damp and in a dry place were at the pantry.
The next room that she showed us was the formal dining room. It had a rectangular table in it and had six chairs around it. There was also a cabinet that held her pewter dishes.
"Where did you get all of this furniture?" Judy asked.
"Almost all was made right here at the ranch. We have a good carpenter."
"ALL?" I asked astounded.
"Well, the cook stove had to be brought in from Dodge City. Chandler didn't want me to always be bending over the fireplace when I cooked. When he and the others built this house, that was just another surprise for me." Monica then led them us into the sitting room or parlor. "You see, we used to live in a one room cabin. With a blanket to separate my room." Monica shook her head. "Chandler promised me a house during our first week we were married."
Judy was impressed. "Such a nice boy. He has done everything for you that he promised."
"He promised to make me happy and he is doing a good job of it as well."
"Not too many men in New York are like that." Judy committed.
"Try none. That is one of the reasons why I came west." I confided.
"Rachel, please be careful. Not all men are like Chandler. A friend of mine out here was beaten to death by her husband earlier this year." Monica sighed.
"Oh my God!" Judy exclaimed.
"Please tell me something was done!" I pleaded.
"He was hung, after he stood trial. Chandler and Joey were both on the jury."
"Joey?" Judy asked.
"He and Chandler are partners in the ranch." I explained. Seeing the looks on their faces, I thought I ought to explain. "I met Joey in town. He seemed really nice."
Monica then smiled, I noticed the look in her eyes right away. Danged if she wasn't gong to try and play matchmaker. "Yes he is nice. And sweet and trustworthy and very loyal to his friends and his family."
"Oh he has got a family?" I tried to sound disinterested. But I could tell by the looks that Monica and Judy were throwing each other that it was not working.
"He has seven sisters and his mother and father back home in New York City." Monica looked carefully at me. "He is NOT married yet."
"Maybe he has not found the right girl yet." Judy committed.
"Oh, I think he has now. He just doesn't know it yet." Monica grinned looking my way. Yup, she was really up to something.
"What?" I asked.
"I mean I haven't seen how he reacts with her yet, but they are just alike. In a lot of ways." Her eyes glistened. She was up to no good.
Just then Chandler walked into the room, from his study with Jack and dad. "Well ladies if you are ready to go, the surrey awaits." On the way, Monica stopped Chandler and whispered something in his ear. He shook his head and chuckled. "Rachel, since there is room for only five, would you like to ride horseback? Joey will be joining us and riding as well." I looked over at Monica who stood there innocently looking at me. That little sneak! She planned this!
"Uh sure." I looked at Monica and made a face. She just grinned.
A bit later, Joey and I were riding the horses up front of the surrey and talking. I found him fun to talk to and while he was not quick witted as Chandler, he still had some jokes to tell as well as some stories. I decided to tell one of my own.
"Uh, Joey, you do know that Monica is trying to play matchmaker." His face turned into an amused expression.
"I would not doubt it. She keeps telling me to try and to find someone because she thinks that I am too lonely." He shook his head. "She is just like a sister to me. So I can not stay mad at her long."
"Well, she is like one to me as well. So that is also the truth as well."
"Friends?" Joey asked extending his hand.
"Friends." I replied shaking his hand.
We then heard a sigh from behind us. We both looked behind to see Monica shaking her head and Chandler just about to bust a gut laughing.
"Hey, want to see something?" Joey asked.
"You bet!"
"Come on then." Joey and I veered off the trial and went over a rise and stopped right on top of it to look down. Right then and there I felt my heart leap into my throat.
There were hundreds and hundreds of buffalo. And the huge creatures were milling about eating grass and just relaxing in the sun. They went all the way to the horizon.
"They weigh on an average of one ton each." Joey informed me.
"WOW!" I committed. I could not think of anything to say.
"The different tribes hunt these animals for their food, shelter and clothes. They have hunted these animals for ages. They only need to get at least two each to see them through the year."
"Can I see them."
"You already are."
"I mean go up close and touch them."
"NO! They are very wild and would kill you."
"What?"
"Stomp you to death."
"Ouch!"
"That has happened to many men before, red man or white."
"But I thought you told me they are expert hunters."
"They are, but accidents still happen. Someone could easily get thrown off a horse and there is nothing a person can do in a stampede. The same way with a cattle stampede. And they are the animals that we think we control."
"I have a questions for you."
"Won't the government try and move them off their lands?"
"They already are. And you see these buffalo. One of these days, there is not going to be hardly any left on these plains if any at all." Joey looked hard at the horizon.
"That is too bad."
"Yes it is. Seeing what is to eventually come and knowing that there is little you can do about it." He then decided to change the subject. "Come on, we had better get to the picnic. Monica is an awfully good cook."
"Monica? Monica Geller uh, I mean Bing?" Joey just grinned.
But after lunch, I would have to agree with him. We had roast, potatoes, bread, cheese, lemonade, and apple pie for dessert. Everyone was very happy with what we had.
And later on that night when we went back, I got invited to stay at the ranch house with Monica and her family. While dad went back to town just in case someone needed him. HE was starting to feel more needed and in turn I could see a light in his eyes that had been missing for years.
The room that I was to sleep on was one of eight bedrooms at the top of the stairs. The bed was handmade. And so was the dresser. The clean sheets were store bought, probably the only thing store bought in the room except the lamps and the mirror.
Monica and I talked a lot that night. I found out that she was happy being married and was also busy around the house and next year was thinking of starting up a restaurant and then I decided to bring up my idea.
"Hey, Monica. I was thinking."
"You were?" Looking into my face, she grinned. "Sorry my husband is wearing off on me too much. Please continue."
"I want to open a dress or clothes shop. You know provide clothes and make dresses for the women. I noticed at the store, that there are literally none around."
"Now, that would be a good idea."
"I mean, did you know I sold the clothes I was traveling in?"
"I was wondering where you got the leather skirt."
"It is more comfortable. And will not tear."
"I might be able to talk Chandler into helping you out. He would want to be a partnered. Him or Phoebe. She would probably be the best bet. Since she would want you to make the clothes for her girls and her self."
"Thanks Monica."
You're welcome sweetie."
Chandler then knocked on my door. "He then opened it. "Mon,. it is nearly two. Are you coming to bed?"
"Night, Rach."
"Night, Mon."