Competition | Monica Geller

Prologue

I burst loudly through the door of a busy coffee shop, eyes frantically looking for the women who is to blame for my wet-dog appearance (although, admittedly, I still look amazing in the baby pink bridesmaid dress). I quickly spot the back of her head at the far side of the shop, sitting on an orange couch with random people, still in her soaked wedding dress.

"Rachel!" I exclaim, ignoring her new friends. There is only so much I can handle in one moment. Though, they seem awfully curious about me with the way they stare. I think I even hear the man with lighter hair joke about a wet priest.

Her head shoots up in surprise, I was quicker to catch up then she expected. She runs around the orange atrocity and into my arms, saying, "Oh my god! Oh my god! Did you do it?"

We've attracted the attention of the whole café, yet I find it difficult to care as I roll my eyes. "Did I rip Barry's heart out and stomp all over it? Yes-" I smirk- "and it was exhilarating."

I have hated that stupid orthodontist since he made a pass at me when him and Rach were engaged.

She puts her head in the crook of neck- well, more so my chest because of my height- while groaning with both thankfulness and stress.

"Thank god! How did Daddy take it?" she whines at me.

"How do you think Rach? He doesn't matter right now anyway-" I start, beginning to break down what our plan is going to be going forward. Unfortunately, I can't continue because a boy from the sitting area coughs obnoxiously, trying to get our attention. I was content on ignoring them, but Rachel's head shoots up to look at them.

"Oh! Skylar these are some people I just meant." She points out the obvious, but fails to mention the shocking nightmare that stands up from the couch and turns around.

"And you know Monica." Rachel's  chuckle is nervous.

"Rachel Karen Green," I whisper threateningly in her ear as my hold around her shoulders goes from comforting to deadly. Her squirm indicative of the new grip.

Nobody hears me except Rachel, but my facial expression surely shows how this is an unwelcome surprise. Luckily Monica traipses through the uncomfortable silence I am creating.

"Skylar, it's good to see you." I can't tell if her smile is genuine or not.

My grin isn't real either way, but I fake the enthusiasm. "Monica! Wow, it's been so long!"

The handsome man with dark hair leans over the light-haired man and whispers loud enough for us all to hear, "I'm a better actor than that, right?" He receives a pat on the shoulder.

I force myself to walk down the single step to the lounging area, reaching my arm out to shake my old friends hand. I don't bother to fake unnecessary pleasantries since I've already been outed by the man.

This morning, I was planning to watch my best friend go down the aisle and finish the day with- or on- a cocktail waitress. But instead, I'm soaking wet and shaking hands with the woman I loved almost a decade ago. I allow myself to sink into the moment for just a second before I get a grip on myself.

I let go and take a safe step back, giving me space to breathe something other than her sweet perfume. "This is so unexpected." I smile as big as I can, but I know it's obviously artificial since she winced awkwardly.

"Y-Yeah it is." Her eyes go over my face, taking in my smooth skin and barely-there makeup, probably streaky from the rain.

I can't bare her gaze on me any longer. It's impossible to look at her porcelain skin, fluffy hair, and crystal eyes without feeling emotions I have long since buried. It's ignorant to think I won't feel them once I'm alone tonight.