Like Father, Like Son
Author's Note: OK folks! Time to get some stuff straightened out with this chapter and MAYBE there could be some complications along the way.
Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Girl Meets World. I'm not getting paid by the writers to write stuff like this (but I wish I was) Sadly they wouldn't allow stuff like this to air because it's Disney!
October 2037
The bakery finally closed for the day as Riley drove her family home with the exception of Lucas. Xander left near the end of the day as he and Natalie agreed to have their parents talk next week however the only problem was, was Billy's schedule since he owns a bar in Hells Kitchen not to mention Lucas was still getting ready for the upcoming NBA season as he and Zay were playing host to a couple of teams from Spain for exhibition games to get everyone settled in and comfortable playing together before the regular season begins. The first of 82 games in a season from October to April begins on October 29 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Riley and the kids were finally home as she saw Lucas' shoes near the door indicating he was home. "Lucas, where are you?" Riley asked raising her voice so that Lucas could hear her wherever he is in the house.
"I'm in the bathroom! I'm soaking!" Lucas answered her as he was soaking his body in water and Epsom salt allowing his body to recover quickly after a tough and vigorous workout with some of the others Knicks Players.
"Ok! How much time do you have left?" Riley asked as she made her way to the kitchen pulling out some food from two bags she had on her that she made while at the bakery.
"A few more minutes!" Lucas quickly answered as he lowered his body to a more comfortable position allowing all of the muscles in his body to be relaxed and recover. After moments have passed Lucas emerged from the bathroom to quickly get changed to join his family for dinner.
"So how's everybody doing?" Lucas asked his family as he finally sat down and had roasted chicken leg with brown rice, spinach and, a glass of water.
"Well I'm very confident that I made the team." Aaron started off dinner.
"Good! When will Coach Arsenault post the list?" Riley asked her son as she handed Troy some mashed potatoes.
"Tomorrow." Aaron answered.
"Ouuu! Tell me how it goes after son!" Lucas said really excited to see that Aaron COULD be a 2nd generation ball player. Lucas is really happy to see that the torch is starting to be passed but sometimes wonders if he's doing enough with his children. Lucas has kept that insecurity a secret to everyone except Riley. He knows that this will be his last year in the NBA and he really wants to make the best of it wanting to win a 6th NBA Title and tie with the legendary Michael Jordan for that honor.
"Hey mom, dad, is it ok if I bring someone to the bakery tomorrow?" Natalie asked as her heard began to race knowing it was now or never.
"Of course baby girl! You can bring anyone you want!" Riley answered. She always has faith in her children to do the right thing since they were raised by Lucas and Riley Friar taught by Cory Matthews who is the brother of Presidential hopeful: Eric Matthews. When everyone in the family heard that Eric was running for president, Riley and the others liked that idea knowing he is really good with the issues when push came to shove. Eric is already well known for one particular saying, "Lose one friend, lose all friends, lose yourself." Eric is famous for that exact quote when he spoke at Zay's and Vanessa's graduation at the Syracuse University back in 2023. Eric became an instant icon especially when it went viral speaking about friendship and one's self when university ends. One single incident could cost a friend which then could allow your other friends to not respect you and then one can lose respect for themselves. Fortunately, Zay and Vanessa listened to what Senator Eric Matthews was saying as it helped them all remain friends to this day 15 years later after their university careers ended.
"Actually, you know this person." Natalie told her mother.
"You mean that Xander kid? Good, everyone deserves a second chance." Lucas approved understanding that people deserve a second chance in life.
"Not exactly dad…And are you coming to my playoff game on Saturday?" Natalie asked wanting her father to watch her play.
"Of course honey, but no changing the subject, so who's coming to the bakery tomorrow?" Lucas asked as he began biting at the pieces of chicken meat on the bone.
"His dad, Billy Ross is coming." Natalie answered him as Lucas almost choked on the chicken he was eating as he coughed a bit.
"What! Nat! Are you crazy?! Why would you do that?!" Lucas freaked out realizing what his daughter told him, knowing a demon from his past was about to return.
"Because it's about time the three of you should talk to each other about it," Natalie said. "Xander knows that his dad really regrets what he did and wants to apologize, but he could never do it. Now, Xander and I found a way that you guys can make amends!" Natalie finished her point hoping her parents approve of this action going behind their backs about this delicate issue.
"Natalie, I appreciate what you and Xander are trying to do, but don't you know how much your mother and I…" Lucas began to make his counter point until he was cut off.
"I think we should talk to Billy, Lucas." Riley agreed with Natalie, she thought about this issue at hand as they talked. He looked at Riley hesitantly.
"Are you sure Riley?" Lucas asked his wife.
Riley looked at him in return and took his right hand. "Yes. People do deserve second chances especially if they are remorseful for their actions." Riley told him remembering her father's lesson on forgiveness from when her and Lucas were younger.
She looked back at her daughter, "I think we should give Billy another chance. Your father and I will talk to Billy at the bakery, Natalie." Riley told her daughter.
Her face lit up like a Christmas Tree with excitement, "Really?! You will?!" Natalie exclaimed.
Riley smiled confirming what she told her daughter seconds ago, "Yes, Nat. We will."
Natalie grinned, "Oh, that's good!" Natalie said containing the joy before giving a stern look towards her father, "Dad, you better play nice and not go all "Texas Lucas" on him!" Natalie warned Lucas.
"Natalie, relax! I won't act like that. I'll behave. I promise." Lucas swore to his daughter not understanding why she was scolding him.
The next day at lunch Aaron along with Chloe, Ruben, and Stephen raced towards the Health and Physical Education office to find out the fate of Chloe and Aaron if they made their teams. The list was posted beside the trophy case close to the office. Aaron searched for his name and to his relief he was the first pick! And not to his surprise Devon Hamilton is right under his name. This would be a great 1-2 punch for Coach Arsenault "I made it!" Aaron exclaimed cheering for joy as Ruben and Stephen celebrated with him.
"How about you Chloe?" Aaron asked her as she looked disappointed.
"Please tell us you made it." Aaron asked remaining hopeful but was soon became nervous not liking the look on her face…
"I MADE IT!" Chloe psyched out celebrating as she jumped on Aaron as he carried her and spun her around for a quick second until they were interrupted by Vanessa.
"Well guys, good to see you guys are happy but please can you keep it down? We're marking stuff here!" Vanessa told the overly excited teenagers as Aaron placed her down back on the floor.
"Sorry Aunt Vanessa, we'll keep it down." Aaron apologized to his aunt.
"No problem, are you guys coming to practice?" Vanessa asked Chloe and Aaron.
"When is it?" Chloe wondered.
"Look at the bottom of the sheet in the bold letters." Vanessa told them as Aaron and Chloe looked down their respective team lists. The first practice for each team would be tomorrow right after school.
"We'll be there, what time does practice finish?" Aaron asked his Vanessa.
"We'll be done by 4:30 and you need to get to the bakery right after so you'll ride with me. By the way, don't even try to argue with me because I've already talked about it with your mother." Vanessa told Aaron not accepting any excuses why he won't go to the bakery.
"Aaron man, your family is a weird bunch of people." Stephen whispered in his ear.
"Oh ya and my mom gets her weirdness from her dad." Aaron agreed with him.
"Wanna share something with us Aaron?" Vanessa asked catching Aaron and Stephen having a private conversation.
"Umm…Stephen just wants to know if I can get him Red Velvet Ice Cream from the bakery!" Aaron tried to cover up the truth as best as he could trying to think of something at that moment.
"Aaron, stop lying to me boy!" Vanessa told him not impressed with him.
"Aaron! What are you doing?" Chloe hissed at him knowing he's in bigger trouble now after his punishment of one month being grounded was over.
"Ok fine, we're wondering why mom's side of the families are a bunch of weirdos!" Aaron gave in knowing he doesn't wanna be in trouble with his Aunt Vanessa, she was the last person next to Maya Hart to get into trouble with.
"HEY! Your Grandpa and Grandma are the most legendary love story in all of New York maybe even in Philadelphia as well so shut your mouth ok, second they've done stuff for each other none of you kids could or would dare to try." Vanessa defended Cory and Topanga.
"Like what?" Stephen asked.
"'Well when Aaron's Grandma's parents moved to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia, she made it all the way back to spend time with him. Your Grandpa Cory who is our principal, was told by his best friend: Shawn Hunter to move on but Grandpa Cory couldn't he believed true love can triumph over any obstacle life puts in front of you and to be honest depending on the scenario he is 100% correct. So Aaron, if there was someone you loved, what would you sacrifice for them?" Vanessa asked him putting Aaron on the spot. Aaron never really had any experiences with love other than his one-night stand with Joanna Meyer and that already placed him in some hot water with the popular kids in the ninth and even some of the tenth graders. Aaron remained silent knowing when to keep his mouth shut.
"Exactly, so I suggest that if you don't got anything nice to say…Know your role, and shut your mouth." Vanessa told both Stephen and Aaron quoting Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
The four left that part of the hallway as they got ready for English Class with Maya as they finished the Avengers. After a quick lesson on adversity being the test for people to become stronger and better than what they were before, Aaron has taken in the fact that his growth in the game over the last few months have improved especially his shooting. He can comfortably shoot from an NBA Standard 3-point line (30 feet) up to 35 feet. Aaron and Zay have seen him shoot along with some of his other teammates and have agreed that Aaron has the potential to be the next Stephen Curry since they have seen footage of the NBA Legend as a kid in the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada shoot beyond the 3-point line as a kid specifically in the 8th grade the only year his father Dell Curry played in Toronto to finish his career. Aaron was happy seeing the relevance in his life and maybe that him making his High School basketball team was the start to a wonderful and rewarding journey if he kept everything in check. The bell sounded ending the day as Aaron knew that now he would have to sacrifice some time with Ruben and Stephen so that he could do what he needs to do at the bakery and for playing basketball, he is understanding more about the sacrifices his father made during his basketball career and now knows why he's not around as much as he should be like everyone else's father.
Upon entering the bakery with Chloe, Ruben, and Stephen, they all see Natalie pacing back and forth. "Honey, what's going on?" Chloe asked stopping Natalie who appeared to be pretty anxious.
"Well, I'm nervous about something!" Natalie said confiding in Chloe who has been like a sister to her like Sabrina and Melanie have been.
"Hey Aaron!" Melanie greeted Aaron hugging him and jumping on his chest which wasn't normal as Melanie shot a look at Chloe behind her back.
"Hey Mel! How are ya?" Aaron said not expecting Mel's energy at all as he held onto her waist making sure she didn't fall.
"Doing good so did you make the team?" Melanie asked him pulling away still having her arms around the back of his neck as the two made eye contact.
"Yeah! I made it!" Aaron announced as she hugged him even tighter proud of his accomplishments.
"How about HER!" Melanie asked hissing at the word "her" talking about Chloe as she gave her a death look while Chloe was still talking to Natalie.
"Yeah she made her team too!" Aaron happily said knowing that they'll be closer together.
"Well you sure as hell are happy to see him!" Stephen grinned knowing how Melanie could be feeling internally after witnessing her actions knowing there was some intent.
"Shut up Stephen you know nothing!" Melanie told him off as Aaron put her down.
"Yo Little Demon, what you stressing out for?" Aaron asked his little sister.
"Xander and Billy Ross are coming over. C'mon I said that at dinner last night!" Natalie told her brother as Chloe stayed with her to calm her down.
"Natalie look, things are gonna be ok, your parents and Billy will talk things out ok? I know your parents will handle this with great maturity." Chloe reassured Natalie as Billy and Xander finally walked through the Bakery entrance.
"Mom, Dad! Xander and Billy are here!" Aaron called to his parents as Riley and Lucas came from the back door of the bakery leading to the kitchen as Riley remained in a calm and optimistic look while Lucas came with a death glare on his face as if he was a bull seeing red.
"Hey Billy! Long time no see!" Riley greeted Billy hugging him and his son.
"Hey Riles, how you been?" Billy said releasing Riley while Lucas still remained in front of the kitchen door still shaking his right wrist still staring down Billy.
"DAD! You said you'd play nice!" Natalie whined as her father was not making good on his word,
"You know you actually have some balls for showing up Billy!" Lucas told him still holding some bitterness.
"LUCAS! Not now!" Riley told her husband walking to him to calm him down.
"It's ok, I understand why he's still mad at me Riley, he deserves to be mad at me." Billy said frowning still holding onto the shame after all these years.
"You damn right! If it weren't for you, Riley and I would've had a fourth child!" Lucas said still angry.
"OK! What's going on out here!" Cory said bursting through the kitchen door as he saw Billy and Lucas and connected the dots.
"Mr. Ross, are you here to settle old issues and put them to rest?" Mr. Matthews asked Billy concerned of this situation.
"Yes Mr. Matthews, it's time we put this to rest after so many years and I'm done carrying this guilt." Billy told Cory as he sat down at a nearby booth.
"Lucas, if he's willing to do this, shouldn't you?" Cory asked his son-in-law.
"Fine, but if he tries anything…"Lucas warned Billy giving into his father-in-law's command as he was cut off
"LUCAS! This will be a peaceful meeting. Nat baby, can you and your brother fetch us some coffee?" Riley asked her daughter.
"Sure mom!" Natalie smiled as Lucas and Riley say across from Billy as Lucas still cracked his knuckles. This was it, Lucas faces one of the men responsible for the death of Riley's unborn child from years ago as Lucas felt a calm and soothing sensation linked on his arm. He looked and before him was Riley holding onto him as she leaned her head onto his shoulder.
"Aaron, you got work to do so punch in please. Chloe, Stephen, Ruben why don't you guys and Xander just hang out for awhile just not in this area where we're talking. Could you guys do that for us please? We really wish that we have some privacy with this conversation about to take place.
"Sure Mrs. Friar." Ruben agreed as he lead Xander with Stephen and Chloe to the back where they could hang out.
Author's Note: Oh boy! The stage is set people! Riley and Lucas on one side of the table and then Billy Ross on the other side. Can Lucas and Riley forgive him for what he has done in his past? Next time on Like Father, Like Son: The Meeting takes place, what will happen and can Lucas contain his bitterness against Billy and not throw a punch? Where is Charlie in all of this? Find out next time on Like Father, Like Son! Please review, fav and follow this story I would really appreciate it also send in your predictions on what you guys think will happen next time I already have in my head how this meeting will go down, I wanna see who is thinking on the same brain frequency as I am. Also what is up with Melanie! I'm telling you guys right now Auggie and Ava DOES have significance in this story's future with the theme of death. Like I said there WILL be more death in this story so pay attention to the Friar's relationship with others. It could be someone Aaron is close with, it could be someone that Riley and Lucas are close with, someone Natalie is close with whoever! There is so many ways this can go but I already know who will die...Be ready kids because this is the start of a crazy ride. Peace in the lives of the Friar Family, Matthews Family, Minkus, Babineaux and, Hunter family is now out the window.
Let's Talk: Holy cow it's only one person I'm talking to in this one? Jeeez pretty lonely guys :( I wanna hear from you so it's less lonely here :(
James Stryker (You the real MVP for having a good conversation with): Oh yeah now it's gonna get crazy not gonna say how this meeting will go but peace is out the window now. Lucas is trying to contain Texas Lucas but you'll see if he succeeds in doing so and as for your question if you will get more Aaron and Chloe and/or Aaron and Melanie scenes, how was that? Hope you enjoyed it and Thanks so much for reviewing :)
Have a great one guys and Happy belated St. Patricks Day to all!