Like Father, Like Son
Author's Note: Well everyone, nice to be updating you guys again. Sorry it took so long, I got so interested in Her Guardian Angel and also was paying attention to the Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals and I was rooting for Golden State to win...but they lost in the deciding Game 7 93-89...Ohhh man was I salty for a bit to say the least. I was also experiencing huge amounts of Writer's Block for this story and more shifts at work since it is Summer and it's gonna be busy in the summer. So in this Chapter, a certain assignment is issued by Riley.
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 let stuff like this air because it's Disney!
Riley thought of everything that's going on with her son and Chloe. They need to learn about forgiveness and forgiving others. They've both been in situations where that seed can grow and they'll put her father's Forgiveness Project into action. That's what she plans to do. She decided to teach that project of her father's and pass it onto her class. It would help others and possibly Aaron and Chloe. Mostly, Chloe, because of her situation with her father. Maybe they can have some sort of an understanding with each other. That's what Riley hopes, but she remembers when her and her friends did the project. Maya couldn't forgive her own father. Could the same thing happen to Chloe? Riley wasn't sure and the only way to find out was by able to do the project. Some of her father's lessons come in handy sometimes.
When everyone filed in the classroom and sat at their assigned seats, that's when Riley began teaching.
"Throughout history, we've been taught countries go to war, but in this history class, we're going to learn about peace and forgiveness. Does anyone know what 'forgive' means?"
A few hands were raised and Riley picked on Reuben.
"To forgive means to stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake." He recited as if his mind came with a Webster's dictionary.
"Correct! Imagine if everyone else was able to forgive each other without no war. There would be peace. In the Christianity religion, forgiveness plays a big role in a Christian's life since it is one of God's commandments. God even considers hate as murder. But even some can't be able to forgive because of the war that's going on in their lives and they have no peace. Over the past years, science has discovered that having unforgiveness inside you can cause many health problems. You might be able to forgive if only you are willing to do it and it's genuine and honest coming from the heart. I'm sure in all of your lives there is at least one, or if not, more than one person you need to forgive for whatever they had done to you in the past. Class, this is going to be the Forgiveness Project."
"This has grandpa all over it!" Aaron accused his mother remembering the stories of what happened when his grandfather taught Riley and her friends.
She shrugged carelessly. "Hey, I get inspired by him! He has great ideas. Sue me."
"What does this have to do with history, Mrs. Friar?" Chloe wondered.
"It allows you to change history," Riley answered then talked to the whole class. "Everyone take out a piece of paper." She ordered which they ripped a piece of paper out from their notebooks. Riley handed out envelopes to them and let the people in the front row pass it back down.
"Is there anyone in your life that you want to forgive? To change history? Go." Riley told them and gave a knowing look to Chloe who caught that. Chloe immediately knew what that look meant.
But she wasn't sure if she could do it herself. To forgive him. Charlie, her father.
She wished there was someone else. Maybe it would've been easier. Chloe glanced over at Aaron to see if he was having any difficulty on who to forgive, but he was scribbling something down. Maybe he was forgiving Melanie. He should, anyway. She observed Reuben and Stephen who were also writing something down as well.
Deep down, Chloe knew she had to forgive Charlie. But she didn't to start writing it. It's like a bad writer's block.
"Chloe?" Riley's voice called her out of her thoughts. "Is everything okay?"
"Ummm..." She bit her bottom lip. "I guess I need help..."
Riley nodded in understanding. "You can talk with me after class about it."
Chloe was grateful. "Okay. Thanks, Mrs. Friar."
Eventually, the bell rang for the class to end. Everyone was in a rush to leave as usual. Except, Chloe stayed behind to talk to Riley. Aaron and the guys were confused as to why she wasn't coming along with them.
"Coming, Chloe?" Aaron asked.
"She will, Aaron," His mother told him. "I just need to talk to her for a moment."
"Okay." He said and left the two alone in the classroom.
Riley sat on her chair behind her desk and Chloe just stood in front of it looking at her.
"Who were you thinking to forgive, Chloe?" Riley wondered innocently even though she probably knew the answer already.
"Charlie. You know my...Dad," She still couldn't believe Charlie Gardner was her father. "I just don't know how to do it! After everything he did to you, my Mom, Mr. Matthews, and to me...I don't know how you can forgive someone so easily like that."
"Forgiveness isn't always easy, Chloe," Riley explained. "We're still human so it just doesn't happen over night. It takes time. Maybe this can be your first big step to him. Express your feelings and forgive."
Chloe understood her and thought it over about what she could write. However, she did hide one important thing from Riley. She had received a letter from Charlie. Chloe went to her locker after class and opened up her letter from Charlie. It read...
Dear Chloe,
Hi honey, I hope you're doing ok and I also hope your mother is doing ok. Listen, I'm sorry about the harsh things I said about your mother when we were at Billy's bar, I only said that because I was so sick and tired of Riley and Mr. Matthews trying to push me rather than leave me alone. I'm not a student anymore. Anyways, how's school? I hope you're doing good. You got real talent and if you do decide to try to play in the WNBA, I will support you in that. By the way, just from how I see things, do you have a thing for Lucas Friar's boy? He looks like he's a good kid just don't put out too easily. If you do choose to have sex at this age, I am ok with it just, be protected because I don't think you and your mother can support the child because chances are, whoever the father is, will leave you behind and run just like how I did. Whoever becomes the father of your child, I hope he stays with you. Please write back.
Sincerely,
-Dad
Chloe didn't know how to feel. Now that she has her father's blessing on wanting to go Pro and make it into the WNBA. She now knows her plans. To attend the University of Connecticut with a basketball scholarship and compete in the NCAA for Women's Basketball and hoping to make it into the WNBA and play for the New York Liberty.
After school, Aaron talked to his mother quickly that he was going to visit the Minkus' for a little bit to deliver his letter to Melanie. Riley was happy for him that he was going to forgive her and make amends. She knew her Forgiveness Project was going to work.
So, Aaron went to the Minkus' apartment building and went to their door. He knocked on it and waited for someone to open it.
Unfortunately, it was his Aunt Maya who answered it. She leaned against the doorway with her arms crossed, staring down at him.
"Oh, look who it is. It's Hee Haw who broke my baby girl's heart." She pulled on a fake sweet smile.
Aaron sighed. He knew he had to deal with Maya eventually. She was like the mother bear of the family, a lot like his own mother.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Maya-"
"Well, you should be."
"I want to see her."
"You are the last person she wants to see."
"I know, but...please?" He begged. The letter he has with him was in the pocket of his jacket.
Maya sighed. "Fine, but I'll give her a warning first."
She left to go to her youngest daughter's bedroom leaving Aaron to wait. He suddenly realized that Farkle was present as well. Aaron never really was afraid of Farkle and he didn't look too intimidating compared to his father or to his Uncle Zay. He had some muscle on him, but not enough to make him look frightening. But Aaron still respected Farkle nevertheless and he was positive that Farkle wasn't happy and didn't approve on how he treated his daughter.
"You may come inside, Aaron." Farkle told him so Aaron did and closed the door behind him.
"I'm sorry what I did to Melanie, Uncle Farkle. I know you're not happy with me either." Aaron said feeling ashamed.
"It's okay, Aaron. I know you and trust you and I know that your parents raised you well. You're already doing the right thing by coming over here and apologizing to Melanie. If it were any other random guy that would have done the same thing to my daughter then I definitely won't be so okay with it like I am right now," Aaron was somehow relieved to hear that from him. "I won't kill you, Aaron, although Maya and Sabrina might. They are the ones you should be afraid of. Not me."
"Thanks for the tip." Aaron said quickly as Maya returned from Melanie's bedroom.
"Will Mel see him?" Farkle asked the same question Aaron has been wondering.
"As a matter of fact, yes she will," Maya answered. "You can go to her, Aaron. Don't you dare break her heart again or else you'll be sorry."
Aaron inwardly cringed knowing what was inside his letter. He could never feel the same way that Melanie wants him to feel. However, this time in the letter, he let her down much more gently.
"Maya..." Farkle scolded her with an amused smile.
"What?" She defended. "He has Huckleberry's brains so I'm not sure if he'll make any smart moves."
Aaron rolled his eyes. "I'll go to her."
"You better!" Maya called to him as he went to the hallway.
Aaron recognized Melanie's door which was closed. He sighed and mentally prepared himself. After breathing in and out, he knocked on the door and waited for Melanie to answer.
Seconds later, he saw Melanie and she wasn't her usual self. She looked down and was sad and depressed. She didn't look too thrilled to see him or in awe or speechless like she would always act around him. It was almost as if she were a zombie.
Melanie must have changed after she came home from school. She wore her black Deadpool top as the famous anti-hero held his pistol as he shot Spiderman in the head like in the comics where Deadpool killed every hero in the Marvel Universe, even killing Wolverine. She also wore black shorts while being barefoot. Her dirty blonde hair was hanging down looking like a mess.
Aaron never Melanie in this state before. He was more than shocked.
"Hey, Melanie." Aaron greeted.
"Hello, Aaron." She said in a hallow and a robotic like voice.
"I need to give something to you. May I come in?" He asked.
Melanie shrugged and stepped aside to let him enter. Aaron did and saw her bedroom was messy as well like her. She usually kept her bedroom neat and tidy especially when she knew that he was going to come over. But now, it looks like she doesn't care about anything.
Aaron never knew how much he had hurt her...
"I want to say that I'm very sorry I hurt you and yelled at you," As he spoke, he saw how Melanie could barely make eye contact with him. Her eyes were staring above his head to avoid him. "I never meant to say anything like that to you-"
"You sure did sound like you meant it." Melanie sneered. A look that Aaron never saw on her before and it gave him a double take.
Aaron sighed. "I know and I'm sorry," He took out the letter that he wrote in history class and gave it to her. "I have this for you."
Melanie took it from his hand and opened it. "What is it?"
"It's a letter from me to you. In history class, my Mom gave us this Forgiveness Project to do and I wrote one for you. I'm asking for your forgiveness and I hope you can forgive me. If not then I understand."
Melanie sat down at the edge of her bed to read it.
Dear, Melanie
I know no amount of apologies can make you forgive me, but I am sorry for how much I had hurt you. I never meant to hurt you like this and I realized it was too late and I know how wrong I was to say that. I regret all of my words because of how badly I hurt you. I'm sorry that I can never return the feelings that you want out of me, but I hope we can still remain friends. You are the best friend I ever had. I hope you can forgive me, but if not I understand.
From, Aaron
Melanie appreciated the letter and liked it. It broke her heart a little that he won't ever be in love with her, but the letter was enough that he expressed his feelings to her.
She will keep and cherish the letter forever.
Melanie looked at him and he looked at her with hope and wondering what she was going to do or to say next. It surprised Aaron that she decided to hug him. Aaron was glad and relieved and he hugged her back.
"Thank you, Aaron, and I wholeheartedly forgive you," Melanie said and let go of him. "I understand that you won't feel the same way and I'll try to let you go and move on."
"I'm sure there's someone else waiting to be with you. You're a great person and a friend, Mel. I still love you, but not in that way." He chuckled slightly.
"Me too and I'll be nicer to Chloe." She promised.
"That's good. I think you two will be really great friends if you just give her a chance." Aaron encouraged.
Melanie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, well...thanks for this Aaron. It really means a lot to me."
"Hey Mel I got you a couple of new Avengers Comics that were on sale and..." Sabrina barged in on the two as she spotted Aaron and Melanie sitting together. "YOU!" Sabrina growled at Aaron as she placed the two comic books on Melanie's drawer as she made her way to confront Aaron. Aaron had his hands up wanting to defend himself.
"Sabrina, let me explain!" Aaron raised his voice trying to defend himself as Sabrina clenched her hands and made them into fists clenching her teeth wanting to punch Aaron.
"Sabrina, it's ok. Aaron and I settled things." Melanie told her sister pulling the older blonde sister off. "You are so lucky my parents are here!" Sabrina threatened Aaron wanting to do terrible things to Aaron.
"Sabrina, I know I screwed up. I came here to apologize for what I've done. We learned about forgiveness today in History Class and my mom used grandpa's Forgiveness Project." Aaron explained as Sabrina surprisingly was able to calm down.
"Mel, did you forgive him?" Sabrina asked her sister as she crossed her arms waiting for Melanie's answer
"Yes, I did Sabrina. Whenever Aaron is free, we're gonna hang out together. Just the two of us." Melanie answered her as Sabrina's eyes shot wide open giving a hard and grave look to Aaron. The two went nose to nose as Sabrina really was tempted to hurt him.
"Listen Asshole. If you hurt my sister again, I'll beat you so bad that your grandchildren will feel it!" Sabrina threatened.
"LANGUAGE!" Farkle yelled from an unknown location in the house.
"Sorry dad!" Sabrina yelled back.
"Don't worry, with you making this threat, the more I know, the better." Aaron said as he hugged Melanie and walked around Sabrina and ran out the door before saying goodbye to his Godparents.
Aaron was just in time for dinner as Lucas made ribs with his famous family secret BBQ sauce and Riley was working on Greek Salad and even made Lucas a Chocolate Protein Shake and added some diced Strawberries and some Blueberries.
The family all came together for dinner. Troy came down in his white Karate Gi and Natalie came down to the table already in her pajamas. Aaron was still in his practice clothes as Riley and Lucas presented the food at the table as they all prayed together and them enjoyed their dinner. The TV was on as they were having dinner as the analysts on NBA on TNT were analyzing the career of Lucas Friar and were comparing him to Tim Duncan in being the most consistent player, and even compared Lucas to the legendary Kobe Bryant for his loyalty to one team and the fact that Lucas is a 5 time NBA Champion with Zay and if they win another, they would be compared to the legendary duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as the two are 6-time NBA Champions. Riley turned off the TV wanting to allow Lucas some peace and not wanting him to get distracted with work so he can focus on spending time with his family.
"So, how was school everyone?" Riley asked her kids.
"It was a good day, I signed out a couple of comics from the library and then my friends treated me nicely and, I also got an A+ on my first Algebra test!" Troy said as Riley was impressed on how fast Troy was in picking up algebra which she had to spend 2 hours working on to properly learn it and also had to teach Maya!
"How bout you, sweetie?" Lucas asked his daughter.
"Well, thanks to a certain someone at this table." Natalie began to speak as she turned to her older brother and stomped on his left foot.
"Ouch! What's wrong with you Nat!" Aaron exclaimed looking at his sister in disgust.
"Well thanks to...him! Anthony, Sabrina and, I spent every minute of lunch trying to help Melanie because of what HE said." Natalie said as she took one of the ribs her dad made and took a bite out of it as she talked about her brother.
"Nat, no need to stomp on Aaron. I think he's dealing with enough as it is." Lucas told his daughter hoping that the guilt in Aaron's mind had kicked him in the head and gave him the proper wake up call he needed.
"Aaron, how did things go at Aunt Maya's house?" Riley asked as Sabrina dropped her ribs on her plate looking at her brother.
"You actually went to Aunt Maya's after what you did?!" Natalie exclaimed.
"Actually, I did weirdo!" Aaron told his sister.
"Aaron!" Lucas told his son wanting him to stop calling his sister names.
"Sorry, Dad. But yeah. I went to Aunt Maya's to talk to Melanie. She did end up forgiving me. We're gonna go out together and try to heal together in what happened a few days ago." Aaron told his parents before turning to his mother. "Mom, what is this supposed to teach me?" Aaron asked her.
"You will learn it once you and Melanie spend time together. You're smart enough to find the deeper meanings in life. You will find something then. Keep your eyes open, your heart open and your ears, open. Listen to her Aaron." Riley told him.
"You did the Forgiveness Project, did you?" Lucas asked grinning to his wife.
"Yes I did, I have faith that my dad's lesson will work again." Riley told her husband.
"I know it will. You are his daughter." Lucas told Riley as the parents shared a quick kiss.
"Thanks Lucas, you enjoyed your day off?" Riley asked.
"Oh yeah! It feels good to be home again for the next little bit! Hotel food may be nice, but nothing replaces home cooking! How was work your you Mrs. Friar" Lucas rejoiced before asking his wife a question.
"Well, Dad held a staff meeting today." Riley bluntly told Lucas.
"Grandpa holding a staff meeting, that can't be good." Natalie said knowing how rarely Cory does staff meetings.
"It isn't Nat." Riley slowly told her daughter.
"Uh-Oh." Aaron feared.
"Is everything ok?" Lucas asked taking Riley's hands.
"Yeah...Yeah...It's just, he's decided to retire." Riley answered.
"Grandpa, retiring?! I never thought that day was coming!" Troy exclaimed.
"I knew it had to happen someday, I just didn't expect it this year." Riley told her youngest son.
"So, when is he retiring?" Aaron asked.
"He's gonna retire at the end of the school year." Riley answered sadly not wanting her dad to retire. John Adams will never be the same, again. The rest of dinner was awfully quiet.
Riley and Lucas entered their bedroom being exhausted so Riley changed into her pajamas and Lucas was going to sleep in his shorts. They laid in bed and just cuddled together with no TV on and even the door was closed for privacy. They don't lock it because the kids were old enough now to know better to barge in. The lights were off as well and it was nothing, but the silence. The best was that the kids were asleep so it was quiet too or maybe they were on their computers or phones, but nevertheless, it was quiet.
It was just the two of them lying under the covers talking randomly about things that didn't include their children. They would always talk like that when it was just the two of them being close and intimate. They kept talking and kissed for a while until neither of them knew what else to talk about. Until when Lucas brought up their children, Aaron in particular.
"That was a good idea to use your father's Forgiveness Project you had for Aaron to do."
"It wasn't just for Aaron it was for the whole class. Chloe will try to forgive Charlie too." Riley told him.
"Uh, Riley? Do you think that's a good idea for her to do?" Lucas frowned. "I mean, it's Charlie. Why can she not forgive Sarah? Why didn't you talk her out of it?"
"It was Chloe's choice to do it, Lucas. She's a smart girl and she knows what she's doing." Riley defended.
He sighed. "You're right. I guess I don't want her to be like Maya. To be filled with disappointment."
"Everything will be fine." She assured and kissed him. As they kept on slowly yet passionately kissing, Riley stopped to ask. "Do you want to forgive me of anything?"
Lucas gave her a look. "Is this one of those questions that I have to be careful about my answer?"
Riley rolled his eyes. "I want an honest answer, Lucas. Tell me what it is."
He sighed. "I forgive you for letting me sleep on the couch. I'm stupid sometimes so I deserve it."
Riley stared at him without unsure if he took their conversation seriously. "Are you serious? Is that all?"
"Yeah. You have no idea how uncomfortable that couch can be."
She rolled her eyes at her husband.
"My turn," Lucas said. "Do you want to forgive me of anything?"
Riley deeply breathed in and out since this one was difficult for her, but in time she learned to cope and deal with it. "I forgive you for being angry at you when you go away for games and miss important times for our family and when I have to sleep alone at times. The worst is when I sleep alone."
She thought back to the times when she did and felt the bed was too huge for herself. She was grateful and relieved when one of her kids would sleep with her because of a nightmare when they were young.
Lucas already knew she felt that way because of the numerous times they fought about it. He felt a pang of guilt that he gave his wife pain.
"But I know how much your career is important to you and how happy it makes you. I don't care about the money or fame. Only if it makes you happy."
"I'm sorry, Riley," Lucas apologized and kissed her. "With me retiring I'll spend more time with the family."
She smiled and moved closer to him. He wrapped his arms to her. "I know."
They were in each other's arms in silence, about to go to sleep, until Lucas asked. "Is there anything else you can forgive me of?"
Riley debated with herself if she should tell him or not because she didn't want to fight so late at night. But she figured she'll be honest.
"Riley?" Lucas softly whispered her name to snap her out of her trance.
Her brown eyes met his and she replied.
"Well, there's...one thing I can't forgive you..."
He furrowed his eyebrows. "What is it?"
"That you don't want to have another baby." Riley turned to him as Lucas furrowed his eyebrows again.
Author's Note: Oh what is that? Is that a cliffhanger you just saw?! Opps I did it again. *Musical Reference/Pun* What does Riley mean by, "Another baby" Ok people in case you forgot, Lucas is now 37, Riley is almost 36. This will be an interesting talk for Rucas. Next Time on Like Father, Like Son. Riley and Lucas finish their conversation about another child. Why does Riley want another baby? Also, Riley celebrates her 36th birthday alone with Lucas, the kids are out at the Bakery working. What does Lucas have in store for his wife? Find out next time on Like Father, Like Son! Please follow, fav and, review this story guys. Also I again want to give a HUGE shoutout to 4ne1 who has been so clutch recently. She has been like Kobe Bryant level in terms of her being clutch and I really wanna thank her so much! Now for my favorite part of the whole deal...
Let's Talk!
Rucas4Life: Well sadly, Aaron doesn't feel the same way about Melanie as he does for Chloe, but maybe something happens between Aaron and Mel that will make Aaron reconsider. ;)
4ne1: Well, you got your answer about the staff meeting, Cory Matthews is going to retire...Woah! As for Melanie and Aaron, them hanging out alone can be a good thing to heal their relationship and start getting things between them in a better place. Thank you so much for all the help, I really appreciate you being there for me.
James Stryker: Oh please, Doom was the goriest game I have ever played and I actually first played it when I was 9 years old after I gave Medal of Honor: Allied Assault a shot. I wouldn't jump the gun on who Aaron would choose because Aaron's feelings for Melanie thus far are family and friends sort of level not an intimate relationship like how he feels for Chloe. Keep up the awesome work with your stories and I can't wait for the next chapters especially for Her Protector!