"Oh, this is absolutely delicious!" Lan Chu happily devoured Monica's cooking; the more praise she got, the more Monica piled on, even bringing out extra cookies.
"Ella, judging by your looks, you're Chinese, right?" Monica asked, spooning mashed potatoes and chatting with Lan Chu.
"Yep. I'm on my own and happened to arrive yesterday; I need to figure out how to get back." Lan Chu said.
By the time Monica set down another mountain of tasty food, foodie Lan Chu couldn't resist.
"Or… maybe I won't go back…" Lan Chu's eyes sparkled.
("
"You only got here yesterday—where are you planning to stay?" Monica asked curiously.
"No idea. I ran into Joey yesterday—y'know… so today I really don't know where to go." I pieced together what I'd overheard from next door.
"Hi!" It was Phoebe, waddling in, belly first, brimming with excitement.
Phoebe's pregnant—so it's either Season Four or Season Five, Lan Chu thought to herself.
"We've got company! Hi, I'm Phoebe, Phoebe Buffay."
"I'm Ella, Ella Lan." Lan Chu responded with a smile.
"Goes well with Chandler Bing," she murmured so quietly I almost missed it—no matter, that's classic quirky-cute Phoebe.
Soon, Joey and Chandler followed the food smells from next door… "Hey, guys! You won't believe the cabbie I just had…"
But no one was listening; they were still basking in the London high life.
"Hold up, Phoebe wants to say something," Chandler noticed her disappointment.
"Well, haha… actually… forget it." Phoebe sank onto the couch, clearly miffed.
The next second, Ross walked in.
"Hey Ross, remember—" Joey eagerly recapped London for him. Phoebe turned away, annoyed. "So, is Rachel back yet?" Ross asked worriedly—he'd left her stranded in Greece.
"Her flight was delayed, but she should land soon." Monica glanced at Lan Chu, surprised.
"Oh my gosh, Ella, you can out-eat even Joey!"
Lan Chu looked at her plate—it had become a miniature mountain.
She glanced at Joey, who was head-down in his own plate; he looked up, grinned: "How you doin'?"
Lan Chu gave a half-smile and went back to watching the "show".
"Hi, newbie here—Ross, Dr. Geller!" he emphasized each syllable.
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Gel-ler!" Lan Chu mimicked his cadence.
"She's Ella, not Crazy," Joey added.
"Ella Not-Crazy—that's way more fun," Phoebe chimed in. I gave a helpless chuckle; hopefully, I can keep up with Phoebe-logic, Lan Chu thought.
A moment later, Rachel opened the door; everyone cheered that she was back.
"Oh, Rach, I'm so sorry, it was Emily—" Ross began, but Rachel cut him off with a smile.
"I'm fine, Ross—really happy." Rachel wheeled her suitcase into her room.
"Seriously?" Ross asked cautiously.
"Of course! Free honeymoon suite in Greece—travel! Not bad for Rachel Green." She beamed.
Ross finally exhaled in relief.
"Good. Okay, I've gotta run—ordering 72 roses for Emily; maybe she'll call. Seventy-two days, I love her." He headed for the door.
"Fat chance," Lan Chu muttered, but Ross caught it.
"Ella? What'd you say?"
"I said, this pie's so good, stopping is not an option!"
"Tell me about it," Joey agreed.
"I know!" Monica preened.
Ross smiled and left.
"I noticed you're new—Ella, right?" Rachel asked me.
"Yep, Ella—Ella Lan."
"Ella Not-Crazy sounds better," Phoebe put in.
"So… Joey's new girlfriend?"Bagua-Rachel sniffed something different.
"Nope, just dating. Not boyfriend-girlfriend, and never will be." Lan Chu clarified.
"You're refreshingly honest!" Joey said, delighted.
"Rach, you survived Greece, okay?" Monica asked while clearing plates.
"Are you kidding? I was mortified—alone in a honeymoon suite! Every single person: 'Mrs. Geller, why are you crying?" Rachel wailed in a Greek accent.
Monica gave a small smile. "You know what, Phoebe, you were right—I never should've gone to London; it was a dumb place, a dumb decision!"
"London IS a dumb place! Dumb!" Phoebe echoed toward Joey and Chandler.
"Phoebe, from now on, you make my decisions," Rachel declared.
"Oh, Rach, I don't like running people's lives," Phoebe refused.
"I'll do it!" Monica volunteered eagerly.
"Deal, Mon—you decide for me." Rachel popped a bite of pie into her mouth.
"So… Ella, where are you staying?" Rachel switched topics fast.
"Haven't found a place yet."
"Oh no, what about tonight?" kind-hearted Phoebe asked.
"Maybe a hotel? But… I'm broke…" I said pitifully.
"Joey, didn't that guy who used to sing with you move out? Maybe Ella could take his room," Chandler suggested.
"Yeah…" Joey croaked—his morning singing buddy.
"But I can't afford rent, and a whole place alone is pricey," Lan Chu said.
"Tell you what—I'll cover the first month, pay me back once you land a job," Chandler offered.
"Oh, Chandler, you're an absolute gem!" Lan Chu gushed.
"I know," Chandler tossed his head suavely.
"But I don't even have daily necessities," Lan Chu fretted.
"I'm hitting the shops anyway—come with me, I'll spot you," Rachel said.
"Oh, Rachel, you're an absolute angel!" Lan Chu exclaimed again.
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