Lucky Stars
Part 1
[Okay, so, um, this is kinda different! It's focused more on Joey than anyone else, which I don't usually do. I'm usually all C/M. They will be in this, too, though, a lot, but the main thing is Joey. Anyway, I've had this idea for, like, ever, so I thought I'd do it. It's also parts of unfinished fics I've done before....anyway, try part one on for size, and if you like it, keep reading! This takes place, season nine, I guess.]
C'mon, you can't be serious, Mon, Chandler whined. She had just told him that she was working late again. She had been working late the past few nights.
I'm sorry, she gave him an apologetic look. But hey, on the bright side, this means I have to make it up to you. She was interrupted by a knock at the door. She looked at Chandler before getting up to answer it.
she asked the woman at the door. Can I help you?
she said, quietly, and sounding like she was about to cry. Is...is Joey....Joey Trib? Joey Telle? Joey T something? Italian guy? Is Joey T here?
Monica asked.
Could be... I think. I really have no clue. Is he here?
Joey doesn't live here... Monica started to say.
Ooooooh, no! The woman sobbed. No! Now what?! Ooooh, no!
But, uh, he lives across the hall, over there. Monica pointed to the door of Joey's apartment.
Oh! Good!! Thanks a lot! she said, relieved. She went across the hall and knocked on Joey's door.
Joey asked when he opened the door. Hi, ummmm....Tara.
My name isn't Tara! she sobbed.
Ummm, right, Terra, of course.
My name isn't Terra! she added.
No! Taya! Tay-uh, she told him, tears flowing down her cheeks. And I'm having your baby! she yelled.
Joey asked.
Chandler and Monica both asked, in one voice. Taya looked at them.
Monica said. Chandler, c'mon, let's go inside. She pulled him inside and closed the door.
I can't believe that... Chandler said.
Don't just stand there, get over here and listen through the door with me! Monica said, putting her ear to the door.
So, uhhhh, Taya....what? Joey asked again.
I'm having your baby, Joey. I'm pregnant. Baby. You know....
But, how?
Joey! I think you know how.
I mean, I don't even know you, really. I mean, I remember you, and I remember your name started with a T, and a little sex, but...
Look, Joey. Taya said. I didn't ask for this, okay? I didn't want a baby! I'm not married! But I have this. And you have it, too. Okay? So get it into your head, and get over it!
How can you be sure it's even mine?
Because I know things like that.
Well, how can I be sure?
If you can't take my word for it...
No, I can't! he said. I don't even know you.
And yet, you got me pregnant. She said. Shoulda thought about that before, huh?
Look, what do you want?
I want our baby to have a father! I have to be forced to be a mother, and I want you to be forced to be a father, too!
Look, Taya, first I want proof that the baby is mine.
Joey, they may not be able to do any tests like that until after the baby's born.
Well, then, show me the tests and I'll act like a father then!
You'll regret it later. Missing out on this time with your child. Besides...
She paused and looked him in the eye. I didn't think you were a jerk who would leave a pregnant woman scared and alone.
I.....I'm not, he told her. Okay? I'm not. What do you want me to do for you?
Come with me to the doctor. Tuesday.
Okay, fine, I'll be there, he said.
she said.
he said. Meet me here?
I'll be here. Noon. My appointment is at 12:30.
Joey said, digesting it all.
See you.....then, Taya said. She marched down the stairs and left Joey standing in the hallway, confused.
Do you realize this!? Monica asked Chandler. Everyone is having a baby except us!
It's not like Joey's gonna be thrilled about it. He's a kid himself.
But Chandler.... Monica whined. Rachel has Emma. Ross has Emma, and he has Ben. Joey's gonna have a baby. But we don't have any kids yet. It's not fair. And even Phoebe has done the pregnancy and labor thing.
Monica, relax, okay? he said. Don't get all competitive on me. Relax.
No, no relaxing for anyone! she said. We have to go have sex right now.
Chandler said. Don't you think we should--
Joey! Oh, yeah, Joey! Right! she said, opening the door and going into the hall. But after that....
Oh my God! Joey said to Chandler and Monica when they appeared in the hallway. Oh my God! I didn't want a baby!
Well, you got one, Chandler said.
Yeah, by accident....I just, how do I even know it IS mine?
Joe, look, if she says it is, for now you're gonna have to assume it is, Monica said. How would you feel if you find out it is yours, and you didn't have an involvement in any of the things, like the name, and the doctor's appointments.
That's what she said! He said. But I just....I can't have a baby!
Chandler said. It's not gonna be all bad! It's a baby.
he said.
How was the doctor's appointment? Monica asked Joey when he came into their apartment Tuesday afternoon.
It was really.....surreal.
In a good way or a bad way? Chandler asked.
Both, kinda. I mean, it was neat. They did a sonogram. You couldn't see much, but we heard the heartbeat. Which was really cool! he paused.
But it was kinda bad because the heartbeat reminded me that this is all real.
Did you find out about paternity tests?
Yeah. There's two options. A really accurate one after the baby is born, and a not as accurate one before the baby is born. Taya is gonna have an amnio, anyway, so they can determine it from that.
So which one are you gonna do.
The not as accurate one. I have to know. I have to know before the baby is born. I just....I can't stand wondering.
You're handling this well, Joe, Chandler said.
Yeah. I'm proud of you, Monica added.
Really? But I'm all freaked out and unexcited.
Yeah, but you're doing the right thing, Chandler said. Taking involvement, being there for Taya.
And you're being responsible, Monica said.
But, what if it is my baby? I'm holding onto the hope that it isn't. I mean, if it is, I have to be a father! I'm not ready for that. And I don't even have any money. What about child support? And everything the kid is gonna need? I have barely enough money to pay the rent and do the things I need to do! A few more years on Days of our Lives, and maybe I will, but it just isn't a lot right now.
What about her? Does she have money? Monica asked.
I don't know, really. I don't think so.
You know nothing about this woman? Chandler asked.
Sure I do! he said. Her name is Taya, he thought. And she's....pregnant.
Well? It was a one night stand. You know.
Not really. I didn't have many of those, Monica elbowed him. What? I didn't say it was a bad thing!
You were thinking it! she protested. Look, Joe, all you can do is try, she added. Be there for Taya, be there for the baby, try and contribute what you can.
Yeah, Monica's right. And just....be excited.
Well, I kinda am.'
Monica asked.
Yeah. I mean, hearing the heartbeat, that was really neat! That was my baby!
It really was neat? Like on TV?! Monica asked.
Yeah, it was awesome.
she whined. I wanna have a baby!
Yeah, Chandler, Joey joked. Don't worry about me. You should go and get her pregnant! He gave him a wink.
I can't work under pressure! he said.
I can't believe you're having a BABY! Phoebe said. Joey had just broken the news to Phoebe, Ross, and Rachel.
Yeah, Joey, Honey.... Rachel said.
I know. I know it's a big thing, and I'm really scared, okay? So I just need you to all be my friends.
Ross said. When are we anything other than that?
You're right, Joey said with a smile. I'm just so confused. And I feel guilty for not being excited.
You're not even a little but excited? Rachel asked.
Well, maybe a tiny, tiny, bit.
Look, it's gonna be hard, but it will still be fun! Ross said.
Yeah, you think we planned Emma? Rachel asked. But look how much we love her and how lucky we are!
You do have a point, Joey said. I never thought of that.
Yeah, so see? Ross said. It will all work out for the best in the end.
I wonder if it's gonna be a boy or a girl? Phoebe asked. I think it's a boy. Ross and Rachel just had a girl. She thought about that. Yeah, then Chandler and Monica can have a girl, which is what I always thought they would have! Phoebe said, excited. See? It's destiny!
Really, you think it's a boy? Joey asked. I had a feeling it was a girl.
Yeah, I can see Joey with a little girl, Rachel agreed.
But Taya doesn't want to know until the baby's born, so....
Well, we weren't supposed to know Emma was an Emma until she was born, but Ross ruined it!
Hey! I thought you knew!
Rachel rolled her eyes. Okay, it's in the past, Ross, drop it.
~*~
Hey, Mon? Joey asked one day a few weeks later. She was home alone while Chandler was at work. I was wondering if you wanna come shopping with me and Taya. You know, for the baby.
Monica asked. Sure. I mean, she won't mind?
No, she's bringing a friend, too. And I just didn't want to feel like the odd man out, ya know? So if you would come, I'd love you forever.
Ehh, you already do. She joked. Sure. I'll come. Just give me a second.
Okay. Thanks. I owe you.
Nah, I stole your best friend from you and married him, call it even.
Joey smiled. You got a deal.
Taya and her friend, Marcie, were looking at the baby blankets, while Monica and Joey drifted over to the baby clothes.
It's gonna be hard to buy clothes, Monica realized. Since you don't know the sex.
Yeah. Taya said something about greens and yellows.
Yeah, those are the neutral colors you usually buy if you don't know the sex. But look on the bright side, if it's a girl, you can get some of Emma's old stuff.
You're right! he said. Huh, you probably hope we have a boy. Then when you guys have your baby, you won't have to buy anything.
Monica smiled. You know, I actually never thought of that. Have a boy! she joked.
So? See anything that strikes you for our baby? Taya asked, approaching Joey.
I don't know, not really. None of the cute stuff is green or yellow.
Sure it is! Monica said. What about this!? She held up a green sleeper.
Or this! Marcie said. She held up a yellow dress.
Ummmm, Marcie? Taya said.
Marcie asked. It's yellow!
Yeah, Marcie, my son can wear a dress.
Oh. Right. Marcie put the dress back. Well you know, he could....
That was a waste. Joey said, entering Monica and Chandler's apartment with Monica. Chandler was on the couch.
No it wasn't! Monica said. You got some cute things.
You bought more than us, Monica.
she said. It was all so cute.
Where were you guys? Chandler asked.
Baby shopping, Joey said.
I got so many adorable things! Monica said.
Ummmm, Mon? Chandler asked. You're not pregnant, he paused. Are you?
Well, no, she said. But it was cheap, and cute, so why not get started shopping now? Be prepared.
One problem, Chandler said.
It's November. All the things you bought are winter-y things. If you have a baby in the summer...
Huh, didn't think of that, she said. Oh well, for our next one, we'll plan to conceive them accordingly. I'd say do that with this one, but the wait would be too long.
Well, I'm gonna go take a shower. Joey said. And just....think. Ya know, this is all happening really fast.
Okay, bye Joe, Monica said.
he called.
You know, you should be a true friend to Joey and get your wife pregnant. Then you two can go through this together.
I'm working on it, Mon. I'm working on it, he said.
~*~
Mi Joey! Joey's grandmother yelled, and wrapped him in a hug. He had gone home to tell everyone the news. He was nervous about it, but figured that they were all used to it. He had a whole lot of nieces and nephews.
Hi Nonnie, he said. It's so nice to see you!
Hey Joey! Mary Angela greeted her brother. Dina said you had news for us.
Well, yeah, I do. I might as well get it over with now. He looked around and directed everyone to the living room. Everyone, I'm gonna make an announcement! He told them.
When he finally got everyone into the living room, seated and quiet, he cleared his throat. Okay so some of you...well, most of you, heard that I have an announcement. And I do. He took a deep breath. It's good news, I think. It really came to a shock to me, and I hope you all don't freak out over it like I did. He took another deep breath. I'm gonna be a father.
The room broke out with assorted chatter, screams, and clapping of hands all at once.
My Joey's gonna be a Papa! Mary Angela said, hugging her only brother.
Well, yeah, I guess I am. He said.
I didn't know you had a girlfriend! Gina said, waiting for her turn to hug him.
Well, I don't, really. He said. The room went quiet. But I'm still gonna be a Papa! He added. Everyone cheered again. Although their sudden silence reminded him just how confused he was about all this. Just what a mess this situation was, and just how much he wished that he had at least had a baby with someone he cared about. Who was he kidding? He couldn't do this! He couldn't be a father! Someone would need to depend on him. He didn't even depend on himself.
[Ta da! I have a good idea for this series, so stay tuned! Woo hoo! Kinda short, but you'll deal. It will make the next part better, I think.]
