Chapter 2: Season Five Confirmed
"Oh my God, this is absolutely incredible!" Emma happily devoured Monica's cooking. The more she praised it, the more Monica kept bringing out—scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, even homemade muffins.
"Emma, you seem like you're not from New York originally—where are you from?" Monica asked, serving up more food while chatting.
"Out of state. I'm kind of on my own right now and just got into town yesterday. I need to figure out how to get home." Emma said between bites.
By the time Monica set down another plate of delicious food, Emma couldn't resist anymore.
"Or... maybe I won't go back just yet..." Emma's eyes sparkled.
"You only got here yesterday—where are you planning to stay?" Monica asked curiously.
"No clue. I ran into Joey yesterday—you know... so today I really have no idea where I'm supposed to go." Emma pieced together what she'd gathered from context.
"Hi!" Phoebe waddled in, her pregnant belly leading the way, absolutely glowing with excitement.
Phoebe's pregnant—so it's either Season Four or Five, Emma thought to herself.
"Ooh, we have company! Hi, I'm Phoebe. Phoebe Buffay."
"I'm Emma, Emma Taylor." Emma responded warmly.
"That rhymes with Chandler Bing," Phoebe murmured so quietly Emma almost missed it. Classic quirky Phoebe.
Soon Joey and Chandler followed the smell of food from across the hall. "Hey guys! You won't believe the cabbie I just had..."
But no one was listening. They were all still reminiscing about London.
"Wait, hold on—Phoebe wants to say something," Chandler noticed her disappointment.
"Well, actually... never mind." Phoebe sank onto the couch, clearly annoyed at being ignored.
A moment later, Ross walked in.
"Hey Ross, remember when—" Joey eagerly started recapping London. Phoebe turned away, irritated.
"So, is Rachel back yet?" Ross asked anxiously—he'd accidentally left her stranded in Greece.
"Her flight got delayed, but she should be landing soon." Monica glanced at Emma with surprise.
"Oh my gosh, Emma, you can out-eat even Joey!"
Emma looked down at her plate—it had become an actual mountain of food.
She glanced at Joey, who was completely focused on his own plate. He looked up and grinned: "How you doin'?"
Emma gave a half-smile and went back to watching everything unfold like a live sitcom.
"Hi there, newcomer—I'm Ross. Dr. Ross Geller!" He emphasized each syllable pompously.
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Gel-ler!" Emma mimicked his pronunciation exactly.
"She's Emma, not Crazy," Joey clarified again.
"Emma Not-Crazy—I like that way better," Phoebe chimed in cheerfully. Emma gave a helpless chuckle, hoping she could keep up with Phoebe's unique logic.
A moment later, Rachel burst through the door. Everyone cheered that she was back.
"Oh Rach, I am so, so sorry about what happened—it was all Emily—" Ross began apologizing, but Rachel cut him off with a bright smile.
"Ross, I'm totally fine. Actually really happy." Rachel wheeled her suitcase toward her room.
"Seriously?" Ross asked cautiously.
"Of course! Free honeymoon suite in Greece? Hello, all-expenses-paid vacation! Not a bad deal for Rachel Green." She beamed at everyone.
Ross finally exhaled in relief.
"Good. Okay, I've gotta run—I'm ordering seventy-two roses for Emily. Maybe she'll finally call me back. One rose for every day I've loved her." He headed for the door.
"Fat chance," Emma muttered under her breath, but Ross caught it.
"Emma? What was that?"
"I said, this pie's so good, not stopping is totally my jam!"
"Tell me about it," Joey agreed enthusiastically.
"I know!" Monica preened proudly.
Ross smiled and left the apartment.
"So I noticed you're new around here—Emma, right?" Rachel asked, her natural curiosity kicking in.
"Yep, Emma Taylor."
"Emma Not-Crazy sounds way more fun," Phoebe offered again.
"So... are you Joey's new girlfriend?" Rachel's gossip radar was clearly pinging.
"Nope, we just hooked up. Not dating, not boyfriend-girlfriend, and definitely never will be," Emma stated matter-of-factly.
"Wow, you're refreshingly honest!" Joey said, looking relieved.
"Rach, how did you survive Greece?" Monica asked while clearing dishes.
"Are you kidding me? It was mortifying—alone in a honeymoon suite! Every single person kept saying, 'Mrs. Geller, why are you crying?'" Rachel wailed, doing a terrible Greek accent.
Monica smiled sympathetically. "You know what, Phoebe? You were totally right—I never should've encouraged Ross to go to London. It was a stupid place for a stupid wedding!"
"London IS stupid! Stupid, stupid London!" Phoebe called out toward Joey and Chandler pointedly.
"Phoebe, from now on, you're in charge of all my life decisions," Rachel declared dramatically.
"Oh Rach, I really don't like controlling people's lives," Phoebe protested.
"I'll do it!" Monica volunteered eagerly, raising her hand.
"Perfect, Mon—you're officially my life coach." Rachel popped another bite of pie in her mouth.
"So... Emma, where exactly are you staying?" Rachel switched topics seamlessly.
"Haven't found a place yet."
"Oh no, what about tonight?" sweet Phoebe asked with genuine concern.
"Maybe a cheap motel? But... I'm completely broke..." Emma said pitifully.
"Joey, didn't your singing roommate just move out? Maybe Emma could take his room," Chandler suggested helpfully.
"Yeah..." Joey croaked sadly—he missed his morning singing buddy.
"But I can't afford rent right now, and a whole apartment alone is way too expensive," Emma pointed out.
"Tell you what—I'll cover your first month's rent, and you can pay me back once you find a job," Chandler offered generously.
"Oh Chandler, you're literally the best person ever!" Emma gushed.
"I know," Chandler said with exaggerated confidence, tossing his head.
"But I don't even have basic stuff—like toiletries, clothes, anything," Emma worried.
"I'm going shopping today anyway—come with me, I'll spot you," Rachel offered warmly.
"Oh Rachel, you're an absolute angel!" Emma exclaimed gratefully.