The One Where Emma Turns 18

4

The door buzzed and I ran to answer it.
"Hey." I greeted Aaron over the intercom. "Come up." I buzzed him in.

"You know what?" Erica started. "I cannot believe Emma has actually had a longer relationship than Joey ever has."
Joey frowned. "Hey, that's only because they've known each other since -"

Joey was interrupted when the apartment door swung open.
"Happy birthday, baby." Aaron came towards me for a hug but he was interrupted.
"Oh my God!" The familiar voice came from behind him, lightly shoving her son out of the way and holding my hands.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't stop her from coming in." Aaron said apologetically and I laughed.
"I can't believe you're both eighteen!" Janice half squealed. "It's so crazy! I remember you two precious little babies being in the hospital and I said that you'd be together, and look!" She clapped loudly.
"Uh-huh." My mum agreed.
"You know, I remember that your mum was all upset and on her own with this beautiful baby and I told her that she'd be doing this on her own. How wrong was I? Look at you guys! You're a perfect little family. Oh, expect, I do believe that he was chatting up some nurse as I gave your mum that exact advice." Janice bellowed out her nasal laugh and we all winced.
My dad was glaring at her, clearly unimpressed with the topic of conversation.

Janice then moved over to the twins. "Hey Jack, hey Erica." She greeted them and they gave her a half-hearted 'hello'.
Janice leaned in to Chandler after she'd finished greeting the twins. "How weird that these could have been our kids, Chandler." She laughed her typical laugh again.
Now it was Monica glaring at her.

Janice then walked over to Katie who stood flicking her hair like a little diva.
"You are gorgeous!" Janice complimented her.
Katie confidently smiled. "Thanks."
"And how are you doing, Joey?" Janice asked Joey.
Joey looked intolerant of Janice and winced as she spoke to him. "Yeah. Fine. Just fine." He grinned, clearly hoping she stopped talking to him.
She leant in. "It's a shame you don't have a wife. Remember I'm always up for a go. Two out of three."
She winked. I didn't understand what she was referencing and thought it'd be best to let it go.
"Anyway, I've got a manicure. I'll see you later guys." She chuckled, kissing Aaron sloppily on the forehead before leaving.

Everyone was silent for a few seconds after Janice had gone.
"I'm sorry, Aaron. It's been twenty six years, and I still can't get used to your mum." My dad said.
"I don't blame you." Aaron shrugged.

"Come on, everyone. We've got taxis waiting downstairs. Chop, chop." My dad clapped his hands together, rushing us out of the door.