Н‘¡Â„Žð‘’ Н‘Ð‘Žð‘Ð‘¦Ð‘ Ð‘–Н‘¡Ð‘¡Ð‘’Н‘Ÿ, Н‘Ÿð‘Žð‘Â„Žð‘’Н‘™ Н‘”Н‘Ÿð‘’Н‘’Н‘› iv. hear no evil, speak no evil

Natalie tugs at the material of the large turtleneck that hung on her like a dress as she walked into Central Perk, slightly surprised when everyone she knows isn’t already there. The only person she sees is Monica, “Why is this the first time I’m seeing you for the day?” Monica wiggled her brows at her younger sister, very aware of the fact that she had been on a date the previous night. 

Natalie rolled her eyes, taking the cup of coffee from her sister’s hand, “I went straight from the guys’ place to my first class.” She plopped down on the empty seat next to Monica who recognized the maroon turtleneck she was wearing as Joey’s. 

“So you struck out and had a sleepover with Joe?” She put the pieces together, watching as Natalie left a lipstick stain on her cup which she would not be taking back. 

Natalie groaned to herself as she sat down beside her sister, “She says I’m just not ready to be in a serious relationship, what a load.” She turned her head as she watched Monica scrunch up her nose, almost like she wanted to say something but was holding back.

“Why aren’t you disagreeing with her?” Natalie raised a brow, almost feeling betrayed by her own sister, her blood. “Because she does have a point.” Monica seemed to mumble the rest of her sentence as Natalie’s mouth falls open. 

“Say ha ha right now.” Natalie slapped Monica’s thigh as the older woman struck her back, yelling out ow in the process. “I can’t believe you would say that to my face.” The younger girl shook her head as Monica let out a hefty sigh, “Well, she is right and I am not sorry for agreeing with her.” 

“What are you talking about? I am so ready to commit, I will commit to the first person that walks through that door.” Natalie pointed to the door, a little relieved when no one walked through. “Someone who is ready for commitment doesn’t say that.” Monica argued but Natalie just put her cup down and covered her ears. “You know what, you can talk all you want but I’ve decided not to listen.”

“Lucky Lacy is right, you’re way too immature to be in a relationship.” Monica said loud enough for Natalie to hear her and roll her eyes when the doors to the Central Perk open up, Rachel, Chandler, Joey and Ross walking through, all cheering about winning something. 

“Hear no evil, speak no evil?” Chandler asked when he locked eyes with Natalie who showed him evil with one finger gesture. “What did you guys win? Free tickets to get on my nerves?” Natalie asked as she looked at the group, still a little moody from the nights lose.

“Why are you such a Debby Downer? I thought you would be in a better mood.” Rachel raised a brow as she made her way around the counter as Natalie’s eyes caught on the red heart on her black cropped top while everyone else spoke about Monica’s great new boyfriend, Allan. 

“Let’s just say things didn’t go as well as I would have hoped.” Natalie spun around in her seat as Rachel reached out to place a hand on top of hers, the older woman’s eyes were soft with sympathy. 

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Natalie shook her head, “I’ve decided this is my villain origin story, I’m gonna brood from now on.”  She nodded to herself as Rachel made her way over to Natalie, “It’s gonna be okay, she just wasn’t the one for you.” She wrapped her arms around Natalie’s shoulders, pulling the girl into her embrace as Natalie rests her head on Rachel’s chest, feeling her steady heartbeat against her cheek.  

“This helps.” Natalie mumbled to herself as Chandler drew near, looking at Rachel as he spoke, “I’m sad too.” He pouted while he nodded to himself when Natalie gave him the finger once again.