Lucky Stars
Part 5
[OMG, I am SUCH a cruel person! I left you guys hanging for months! Mwahahaha. LOL, seriously, I'm so sorry about that. I didn't *intend* on leaving it like that. If it makes you feel any better, I slacked on Don't Tell My Heart, too. :( Oops! I haven't updated this since MARCH! It's July now. Oooh. But see, I had VERY busy months ahead...I'm a high school graduate now! Yay and nay :( I took graduation soooo hard...part of the reason why I didn't write much. It upset me, and I was depressed for a while afterwards, and did nothing but READ fics, hehehe. ANYWAYS, so yeah, I had prom, my 18th birthday, graduation, all right after one another. BUT NOW I'm updating...so be happy for that! :D]
What's the matter with Taya? Joey asked Genevieve.
She's been in an accident, Genevieve said.
Is she okay? Joey asked.
Genevieve said. Joey...she's...she passed away just an hour ago.
Are you kidding me? he asked, wondering if this was some kind of joke.
Joey, I really wish I was, Genevieve said. He could hear her try to swallow the lump in her throat, and could hear her voice crack as tears came to her eyes.
Where's Mariah? he asked.
She's here, with me, Genevieve started to say.
I'll be right there, he said, hanging up the phone. There was no way he was going to leave Mariah alone in the hospital after her mother had just died. She needed her father, and she needed to get away from there. She was barely five, she was bound to be confused.
&*&*&*
When Joey got to the hospital, the fifth floor, he immediately spotted Mariah, sitting in a chair next to two women. She was wearing her purple dress with blue butterflies on it, he'd know it anywhere, she wore it to her first day of school, and he pictured her in it that whole day while he worried about her there alone. She was kicking her feet back and forth underneath the chair, and wearing her black sandals with little colored rhinestones on them. She was looking around, mainly up at the ceiling, and playing with the edge of her chair. She turned to look at the two women next to her--one of them her Aunt Genevieve-- who were talking to each other. She realized that she wasn't going to get a word in edgewise, so she looked back to the ceiling. Her hair was pulled back in a french braid, and it bounced around as she turned her head.
Joey called. Her head turned towards Joey's voice immediately, and her braid bounced around again.
she yelled, with desperation in her voice. She jumped off the plastic chair and ran down the hallway to him, and into his arms. she practically sobbed into his chest when he kneeled down to hug her.
I know, Mariah, he said. I know.
Daddy, Mommy...Mommy... she tried to get out in-between sobs and hiccups...
Shhh, Sweetie, he said, hugging her and pulling her closer to him, playing with her hair. I know. I know. I'm so so sorry, he said. He held her there in the hallway, hugging her, for a long time, until she stopped crying so hard.
I miss Mommy! she said, her eyes still red and full of tears.
I know you do, he said, standing up and taking her in his arms. But don't worry, you still have me. I'll always be here.
Do I get to live with you now? she asked, her eyes clearing for a moment.
he said. It's gonna be you and me now, he looked her in the eyes, and forever. I promise. Mariah seemed content with this, and looked at him before placing her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. She was asleep in minutes.
He went over to a pay phone and dialed Ross and Rachel.
Hey, Ross? he asked when he answered the phone.
he asked. What's the matter?
Sorry to bother you so late, he said. But I was wondering if you had any of Emma's old pajamas, and other things that are necessities, laying around.
Sure, why? he asked, confused.
Because I'm gonna be having a five-year old living with me, he said.
&*&*&*
Mariah called out one night in her sleep. Joey opened his eyes and sighed. This had been going on for months and months. It had been almost nine months since Taya died, and Mariah had been having nightmares at least once a week since, often more than that.
What's the matter? he asked her, going into her room and turning the light on.
I had a bad dream! she said. You died just like Mommy did!!
It was only a dream, he said pushing her hair off her tear stained cheeks. I'm still here.
But what if something happens to you?? she asked, like she did every time she had this dream.
Nothing is going to happen to me, he said. He told her this each time, and most of the time she accepted it and went back to sleep. But he could see from the look in her eyes that this time she wasn't going to easily accept that answer.
But what if something DOES? she asked, concern showing in her eyes.
Nothing WILL, Mariah, he said.
BUT THAT'S WHAT MOMMY TOLD ME! she said. And something did happen!
he said, never realizing this was why she worried so much. Mariah, nothing will happen to me.
But Daddy, just, just tell me...what if it does?
Then you'll be well loved and taken care of by your Aunt Genevieve.
I don't like her, Mariah stated.
Why not? Joey asked. She loves you so much!
She's boring. And she never listens to me when I talk to her!
Well, then, your Aunt Lydia will take care of you.
She's even worse than Aunt Genny! Mariah looked at the floor. That's why you can't leave me!
Mariah, I won't, he told her. Let's just leave it at that.
Can I live with Aunt Monica and Uncle Chandler and Jacob?
Joey said, hoping that nothing would ever happen to him, and he would legally be able to make them her guardians if anything did. Right now he just didn't want her to worry. She was only five, almost six, she didn't need that kind of stress.
she said, relief coming over her. She pulled the covers around her and put her head on the pillow.
Night, Daddy, she said with a smile.
Night Ry, he said, kissing her on the cheek before going back to his own bed.
&*&*&*
Hey Dad, can you sign this? Mariah asked, throwing a paper at him. He picked it up and looked at it.
What is this? he asked. Your report card?
Noooo..PROGRESS report, she said. Different things. Progress is just how you're doing. Nothing final.
Joey said. Because is these were FINAL grades, you wouldn't go on to eighth grade!
Chill out, Dad, she said, picking at her nail polish. It's no big deal. I'll get them up.
YOU BETTER! Joey said. Look at the comments from your Algebra teacher! Needs to turn in assignments' Excessive tardiness.'
I'm sorry Dad, she said. I'll do better. I have a test tomorrow. I'm gonna do really well, she added. I know EVERYTHING! It was just a hard grading period. Trying to get back into school and all after summer.
Yeah, okay, Joey grumbled. Mariah was probably right. And she WOULD do better, she always did. Besides, it's not like HE was a model student when he was in school. But if they don't, you're grounded for two weeks.
Don't worry, Dad, she said, giving him a smile. They will.
And they did.
&*&*&*
Aunt Monica? Mariah asked shyly, coming into Monica and Chandler's apartment.
Yeah, what's up? Monica asked, giving Mariah a smile from the sink.
Is Uncle Chandler here?
Nope, he's at work, Monica said.
Can I, ummm, talk to you? she asked, playing with the ring on her left hand.
Yeah, of course, Monica said, sitting down at the table. Mariah took a seat next to her.
Well, you know, how, ummmm, she trailed off, how I don't have a mom?
Monica questioned, wondering where this was going.
Well, more exactly, you know how I don't have a mom to talk to?
Yeah, that kinda went with not having a mom, Monica said. Mariah smiled.
You know how I don't have a mom to talk to about certain...ummm...GIRL things? WOMEN things?
Like wha- Monica started to say, then looked at Mariah's face. Oh! Oh...you mean, women things.
Yeah, WOMEN things, Mariah said, wondering if Monica knew what she was trying to tell her.
To make sure we're talking about the same thing, Monica said. You mean you got your-
Mariah said, not wanting to hear her say it out loud, and her face turning red. Oh my goodness, this is the most embarrassing thing ever.
No, no, Monica smiled at Mariah's remark. I'm so glad you felt you could talk to me about this! she put her arm around her and patted her on the head. Here, I'll get you everything you need, she added with a smile.
Thank you so much, Mariah said. And this is the most embarrassing thing, EVER, she repeated again.
**
Joey said, coming into Monica and Chandler's apartment that night. He looked at Monica. I just, I just wanted to say thanks for being there for my girl today.
She told you about it? Monica asked.
No, actually. Rachel told me.
Monica said. Mariah's freaked out about it enough, I guess telling her dad was a little too much.
Joey said. Anyway, thanks. If she had come to me, I would have been clueless as to what to do, anyway, Joey said.
No problem, Monica said. Joey smiled at her before he left.
&*&*&*
Dad, can't you just let me go out on a DATE?? Mariah asked. I'm fourteen!
Fourteen is way too young, he said. END of discussion.
But Dad, she tried again.
Mariah yelled. Fine, I'll just live my life in a HOLE! she added before going into her room and slamming the door.
Fine by me! Joey said. As long as there are no GUYS in that hole!
Rachel said, coming in. Can I come in? There was an awful lot of yelling.
Yeah, yeah, come in.
What's going on? Rachel asked.
Mariah wants to go on a date, Joey said.
Oh, really?!? Rachel squealed excitedly.
That's not a GOOD thing! Joey told her.
What? It's not? she asked confused.
No! She's only fourteen!
Emma's fifteen, and she was dating when she was fourteen.
Well, that's Emma. This is Mariah.
I was dating when I was fourteen, too, she said. And God, Joey, we all know what YOU were doing when YOU were fourteen!
Yeah, which is exactly why I don't want Mariah to date!
Joey, jeez, Rachel said. She's not YOU. She's Mariah! Responsible, smart, intelligent. She won't do anything stupid, and you know it.
But what if she does?
You have to trust her! Just like I had to trust Emma! And like I had to trust Michael! And like I'm gonna have to trust Lucy when SHE wants to date.
Well, I don't wanna, Joey pouted.
You can't be over protective of her forever, Rachel said. She'll hold it against you. Especially when she can be trusted.
Yeah, yeah, okay, Joey said. he called, Can you come out here, please?
she asked, opening her bedroom door.
You can go, he said.
Really, really, really, really?? she squealed. Rachel smiled.
Yes, really. I don't mean to be so overprotective, he said. I just love you and I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want to face the fact that you're growing up, either.
Daddy, I can't do anything about growing up, but you CAN trust me.
I know, he said. I know I can.
&*&*&*
Joey yelled, storming into Monica and Chandler's.
she asked, looking at him. She was home alone, and looked up from her seat at the kitchen table.
Monica, how COULD you? Joey asked.
How could I what? Monica asked him. You have to clue me in here.
How could you encourage Mariah to have sex?!
Monica asked. I didn't ENCOURAGE her!
You helped her get birth control! he said.
Well, YEAH, she said. She came to me, and I helped her. She was being RESPONSIBLE. She was gonna do it anyway, she may as well be safe!
Why didn't you tell me? he asked. I have a right to know these things! This is my daughter.
Joey, she came to me in confidence...
Well, what are you? A psychiatrist? A DOCTOR? Why do you have to keep her secrets?
Because she could have gotten them ANYWAY, without help from me, you, or ANYONE! She just wanted to be sure that she was doing things right, and she had the right kind! She was being responsible, and I respected her for trusting me when she didn't have to tell me at all!
I can't believe you would do that, he said to Monica. How you COULDN'T tell me Mariah was thinking about having sex! How would you feel if Grace came to me and told me SHE was going to have sex, and I didn't tell you?
Joey, you're missing the point! She was being safe and responsible about it! If I thought she was in danger or harm, I would have TOLD you.
I can't believe this, he said, storming out and slamming the door.
**
Joey asked, coming into her apartment a few nights later. He hadn't talked to her since their fight.
she asked, looking over at Chandler.
I'd like to apologize, he said, for how I yelled at you and took out my shock and anger on YOU. I was just so surprised that Mariah was having sex. And when I asked her if she was using protection, and she said yes, and she accidentally said you helped her, and I came over here and took it out on you.
It's okay, Monica said. I just thought I was doing the right thing.
You were, Joey said. You helped her, and thank you for that.
You're welcome...I think... she said, confused.
I'm really sorry, he said again, as he turned to leave. And for the record, she didn't WANT to give your name up, it slipped.
I figured, Monica said with a smile.
Thanks. You've always been there for her...you and Rachel have been like her mothers. With that, he slipped out.
&*&*&*
Okay, I need my social security card, and my birth certificate--not a copy-- and...
Wait, wait, Joey said. I don't have your birth certificate.
Well, then, who does? Mariah asked, making a face. I can't get my license without it!
I have no idea who has that by now, Joey said. I mean, your mom had it last I knew. I have no idea where it ended up after that.
Mariah said, looking down at the ground. She hated to think of all the things her mother was missing in her life.
Easy enough, though, Joey said, noticing her sadness. We can get a copy from the hospital.
she said. Well? What are you waiting for? Let's go!
*&*&*&
Joey said, looking at the paper the hospital had just given him.
What's the matter? Mariah asked.
Well, on here, it doesn't have my name for father.
It doesn't? Mariah asked. What does it say?
None given.'
Why would it say that? Mariah asked.
I have no idea, Joey said.
Well this isn't going to do me any good, then, Mariah said.
What? Why? Joey asked. It's still your birth certificate.
Yeah, but it doesn't say you're my father. And you have to sign off on my hours. A PARENT has to.
Well, what do we do, then? he asked the woman behind the desk who had been listening to their whole conversation.
Get a paternity test done, and file for a new one.
How long will that take? Mariah asked her.
A few weeks.
A few WEEKS? she asked. Weeks! I wanted to get my license tomorrow! I have places to be. Tomorrow.
Well, you aren't gonna get there, Joey said. We have no other choice.
&*&*&*
Mariah yelled, coming into the apartment and bringing the mail to him. DAD! I think this is the results! she called.
Let me see, he said, coming out of his room. He took the envelope from her. Yeah, looks like it.
Open it, open it! Mariah said. Then we can get the new birth certificate, and I can get my license!!
Okay, okay. Patience would do you good, my dear, Joey quipped. She made a face at him. He slid his finger under the seal and opened it.
Can we go and file for a new one NOW? she asked. I realllllly need to take my test. He didn't answer as he read the paper.
he asked.
Can we go over to the hospital now?
Mariah, we can't.
she asked.
Because this says I'm not your father.
&*&*&*
I, I don't get it, Mariah said. She and Joey were sitting at the kitchen table in shock.
I don't either, he said. Well, I guess I do. I just never THOUGHT...
So Mom lied to you?
I don't know, Joey said. I don't know if she lied to me, or she really didn't know.
If she really didn't know, then why didn't she put you on my birth certificate?
Joey sighed.
I can't believe that bitch lied! Mariah said.
Mariah, that's no way to talk about your mother!
Well, look what she did!
What did she do, exactly? She gave me a daughter, even if you weren't biologically my daughter! If she hadn't done that, I never would have had you!
You're right, she said.
It's okay. I understand, he said with a sigh.
Hey, I'm gonna go over to Ross and Rachel's, Mariah said. I think you need to think. With that, she was gone. Joey put his head in his hands.
&*&*&*
Why does this bother me? Joey asked Chandler. I mean, sure, she's not my BIOLOGICAL daughter, but she's still my daughter. And if Taya HADN'T lied, I never would have had her, or ANY daughter. And I love her to death, I do. So why is it bothering me?
Joey, of course it bothers you, Chandler said. It's a shock. You'll get over it after a while. It's just hard. I know if I found out Jacob or Damian, or Grace wasn't mine, I'd be devastated.
Well, yeah, because you're married to Monica, and that would mean she cheated on you. I have a totally different situation!
Joey, it's a shock, it's a disappointment, and it's hard, Chandler said. That's why it bothers you.
I guess, he said. I feel guilty for feeling bad.
You shouldn't, he said. You still love her with all your heart, and that's all that matters.
I never did think she looked much like me, Joey chuckled light heatedly.
&*&*&*
I'm going to look for my real father, Mariah said.
Joey asked.
Dad, I just HAVE to know, she said. I'm in college, I'm almost finished with college, and I'm gonna start my life. I just need to know who my real father is before I move on.
Are you SERIOUS? Joey asked.
Dad, don't get upset, Mariah said. I still love you. With all my heart, she said. You're the one who raised me and loved me, she said with a smile. I just need to know who is the one who gave me life. If I look like him. All that.
Do you have to do this? Joey asked.
she said, sadly, I do. With those words, she left the apartment.
&*&*&*
Daddy, guess what??? Mariah said, bursting into her father's apartment.
Well, if it's a Daddy' occasion, it must be big, Joey joked.
Oh, it IS! Mariah said. I'm getting married!!
Joey asked. Mariah's face broke into a huge grin. MARRIED! ME! MARRIED! TO BEN!
Awwww, Honey! Joey said, giving her a hug. Congratulations! Let me see the ring. Mariah held up her hand to show Joey a diamond ring gracing her left hand. Wow, that's BEAUTIFUL! he said.
I think so, she said with a smile. Daddy, I'm so HAPPY! she said, a grin from ear to ear on her face.
I know, I can see that, he joked. And I'm so happy FOR you, he added.
Thank you, Mariah said. But I, I need to talk to you seriously for a minute.
What's up? Joey asked.
I, I found him.
Who? Mr. Right? Well, I hope he's Ben, because otherwise...
Mariah cut him off. Then she smiled. No, no. She turned serious again. I found my biological father.
Joey said. He looked at the floor, tears filling his eyes. Was it because his little girl was getting married, or because she was looking for, and found, her biological father? he said again.
I met him once, she said. Joey didn't say anything. Do you want to know about him?
Joey said. No. I don't want to know about your real father. It will just make me upset, he said.
Maybe now wasn't a good time to tell you... she said. I jut thought after the happy news, it would be better.
It's never a good time to tell me you found your real father.
Dad? Stop calling him my real father. He's not. He's my biological father. You're my REAL, true father.
Joey smiled at her and gave her a hug. Okay, just tell me a LITTLE about him.
Mariah smiled. He's nice. Not too bad looking, but you're much better looking. I wish I had your genes.
Who doesn't? he tried to joke.
And....he's coming to the wedding.
He's WHAT?
I thought it would be a good thing to do. It's my wedding, and I'm already missing a mom...
He's WHAT? Joey asked again.
I hope that doesn't bother you. Mariah said.
Yeah, okay, Joey grumbled.
I have to go, Mariah said. I'm meeting Ben for our engagement night dinner.
Joey said. See ya.
Bye, Dad. Love you, she said, kissing him on the cheek.
Bye, Ry. I love you, too. Congratulations, he said again as she headed for the door.
she said with a big smile, and turned to open the door. Oh Dad?
You'll still give me away, right?
Joey's face broke into a huge grin. Of COURSE I will, he said.
Mariah said, as she left. Joey smiled to himself. She was right. He WAS her real father. And she was his daughter. Nothing could change all those years they spent together. Just the two of them. He thanked his lucky star that Taya had chosen him to sleep with and claim was the father of her daughter.
No mistake, or lie, whatever it was, had ever been so wonderful before.
[THE END! I hope it didn't seem to rushed....I wanted to do it while I had the inspiration for it!]
