Like Father, Like Son
Author's Note: Hello world! I am back! I can't believe I haven't posted a chapter in a year! That's nuts! How've you guys been? I hope everyone is doing ok. If you're doing good, keep doing good and spread the good vibes with the people around, if not, hopefully this can provide a temporary escape from the trials life is facing you and I hope things do get better for you guys wherever you all may be. So it's time to update this chapter. And I will need your help in the end ok? Sweet! See you all at the bottom!
Disclaimer: I obviously DO NOT own Girl Meets World Disney owns the show...For now since I heard the stupid idiots in suits decided to cancel the show! Please God! Let the show find a good home and that we can continue to see people like Rowan, Sabrina, Auggie, Ava, Ceci, Corey, Amir and, Peyton grow up in front of our eyes and continue to do great work with this show under the guidance of Michael Jacobs! I only own the OCs that come from my mind!
It was lunch period for Ruben, Stephen, Aaron and, Chloe as they hung out in the library for a change. Stephen was reading a Marvel comic of the Infinity Gauntlet Storyline featuring the Titan: Thanos against the entire Marvel Universe as Thanos had in his possession the most feared weapon of all: The Infinity Gauntlet. Ruben was quietly looking up some stuff that recently happened at an E3 convention in Los Angeles this past June to get the latest news on gaming. He switched from that to also doing his history paper that was due for Riley by the end of the week. As for Aaron, he and Chloe were working on an assignment that they had due for Maya at the start of the last period. They have successfully learned the art of procrastinating like most high school students. As always they leave things to lunch time to do their homework and find the differences between the Jason Bourne series to the comic: V For Vendetta. The assignment is only 2 to 3 pages long and Chloe and Aaron had a flying start to make this assignment work for them as they began their first points in revealing that the main characters seek something at the cost of the government. With Jason Bourne there were characters that intended to expose top secret government documents that showed how the government was spying on their citizens without their consent. That was the plot in V For Vendetta where the main character wanted to expose the government for the same accusation and also expose who were the eyes and ears for that operation. They also related it to the Edward Snowden controversy back in 2013 where the former employee of the National Security Agency exposed that the government was spying on its citizens and how Edward Snowden was forced to go into hiding until he was granted asylum in Russia.
"How you holding up, Chloe?" Aaron asked her.
"Can you two hurry up? I wanna eat already!" Stephen complained as he was reading.
"Stephen, can you shut up!" Chloe hissed.
"Well sorry I procrastinate like you idiots!" Stephen responded as Chloe readied her fist not wanting to be disturbed until Chloe's eyes grew.
"Oh damn it! I forgot what I was going to write now, thanks a lot dumb ass!" Chloe exclaimed to Stephen now trying to regain her train of thought. "Did any of you guys even take notes during the movie?" She asked the boys.
"We only do mental notes!" Ruben bragged.
"Oh really? How's that working for you?" Chloe crossed her arms putting the boys to the test.
"Well for starters, I am leading the class with a 92% average in the class!" Ruben bragged. "Then we go to my dumb dumbs!" Ruben said beginning to look towards Stephen and Aaron.
"Careful smart ass! Last time I checked Stephen is still able to tackle you pretty good!" Aaron warned Ruben as he was treading on some thin ice.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah! Aaron has an 87% and Stephen has a 77%, He would've been higher if he didn't choke on the last test! Which was super easy I may add!" Ruben bragged.
"Well shit! Nobody has your brain Doctor Strange!" Stephen said trying to insult Ruben.
"Doctor Strange is also one of the most powerful characters in Marvel, so thanks for the compliment." Ruben said remembering the importance of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe.
"Man, fuck you! You're brain just goes at a faster pace than ours!" Stephen whined and pouted.
"Well I guess someone needs to use his time more wisely instead of reading comics and planning his trip to Comic Con next year!" Ruben responded as Aaron and Chloe were still trying to finish their assignment.
"Can both of you shut up! You never mess with an angry lady!" Chloe hissed warning the two.
"Yes ma'am." Ruben and Stephen pouted having witnessed an angry Chloe.
"On my second point already." Aaron told Chloe.
"What's your second point so that I do not copy you." Chloe told him not wanting to be in serious trouble for plagiarism.
"My second point is how the internet plays a very important role in government work and in our lives." Aaron told her.
"Ok, I'll go with that the more people learn about things that should stay top secret and learn of classified information, the threat on their lives grows and run the risk of being killed by the government." Chloe answered remembering the death of V as he was killed by a government agent.
"You guys got 25 minutes." Ruben warned them.
"Thanks for the time check." Chloe said thanking him
"I'd love to sit down and see if you guys can make it in time to print out your assignment, but i'll go to the cafeteria and gets something to eat!" Stephen excused himself as he got out of his seat and left the library.
Aaron and Chloe still tried to keep up their furious pace knowing that time was not their ally at this moment in time. They would eventually arrive at their last point with 15 minutes to go and still needed their concluding paragraph. By this time, Stephen returned with having perogies on a paper plate with a cheese sauce as he returned to the group.
"Stephen damn it, you're making us hungry!" Aaron said feeling his stomach churn and growl.
"Ok! OK! I'll back off!" Stephen backed up and walked around the library.
"Mr. Carpenter, please step outside and finish your perogies in the hallway." The librarian told Stephen as she busted him after finish scanning all returning books and putting them back on the shelves.
"Yes Mrs. Savage, right away." Stephen complied as he left the library.
"I'll go join Stephen. Good luck you guys!" Ruben wished the best for his friends as he closed his laptop, got the charger and placed them both in his bag as he left the library.
The were finishing up on their concluding paragraph and doing their best to wrap up their essays and eventually hitting the last period on their respective essays. Their work was done as they heard the warning bell, they had five minutes to get to Maya's class as they printed out their assignment. They had done it, they beat time once again as they paid for the sheets the printed out, three pages each as they began to sprint to Maya's class on the second floor.
The were going up the stairwell as Aaron proposed a challenge, "Last one to make it to Aunt Maya's class has to clean up the bakery tonight!" Aaron challenged.
"Deal!" Chloe accepted as she shoved Aaron towards the railing near the window as Aaron just smiled at how competitive Chloe is as he began to run again as with each stride he made up the stair case he went by three steps at a time with his long legs and long strides. Before long he was able to catch up to Chloe, she made a sharp right turn at the corner as Aaron was right on her tail when he heard a haunting voice, "No running in the hall Mr. Friar!" Cory told his grandson.
"Oh c'mon grandpa! I just lost a bet!" Aaron sighed and complained to the older gentleman.
"I don't care for that Aaron, you almost bulldozed your way through your peers and almost ran into one of them! Be careful, Aaron." Cory told Aaron wanting him to be more aware.
"Will do grandpa." Aaron sighed as he knew he probably lost the bet by now.
Aaron began to walk back making the same right turn Chloe made as the bell rang!
"Huckleberry! You're late!" Maya called to Aaron from outside her classroom only a mere 20 feet away.
"I'm coming already!" Aaron told her.
"That's what she said!" Maya said pointing to him as she began to laugh as she had an inappropriate thought in her head using the famous joke from the show: The Office.
"Oh my God! Really Aunt Maya?! I don't know who's more immature, you or Uncle Zay!" Aaron groaned getting the joke as an adult image popped into his head.
"I still got it though!" Maya said with pride to ruin his final class of the day.
"Here's my essay Aunt Maya." Aaron said handing over his paper, title page and all.
"Good, but you're still getting deducted 5%!" Maya grinned using tough love on her Godson.
Aaron couldn't help but feel defeated knowing he still has his team practice and one on one practice with Chloe and he also has to clean up the bakery tonight, cleaning was a thing Aaron despised more than any of the kids. He's always taken the longest, whereas the combo of Troy and Corey were faster than anyone.
"Well where were you slowpoke!" Chloe grinned accepting her victory.
"You are so gonna enjoy this aren't you?" Aaron dreaded to ask.
"Well yes I will, butler!" Chloe teased him as Aaron took his seat.
Fortunate for Aaron, Maya's class usually pass by the fastest. It was a lesson that Maya had heard before but this time, she took a different spin on it. Like Mr. Turner, Maya used comic books and remembered the lesson from Harper Burgees when she used DC comics' storyline: Batman vs Superman. But this time, her lesson would involve the use of one of the iconic storylines in Marvel Comics history: The Infinity Gauntley. Featuring the likes of Hulk, Silver Surfer, Captain America, Doctor Strange and many others within the Marvel universe to come together to fight the titan: Thanos who was in control of the Infinity Gauntlet: A weapon that could make him a God. In order to do that, Thanos powered the golden gauntlet with all six infinity gems: The soul gem, power gem, reality gem, time gem, space gem and, mind gem. With all six combined, created the infinity gauntlet. Maya used the famous storyline and series of the six comic issues to ask her class the following question, "Why is it only when there is great danger that people come together despite differences in the past?" She began to ask her students.
Maya's question raised everyone's eyebrows as the lives of these Grade 9 students haven't met much adversity. They were more protected than their parents' time. It was time for her to teach the students about adversity.
"It was the first time, a team up was so huge that even one of the cosmic entities: Galactus who threatened to destroy earth and consume it, was on the side of the good guys and was going to help to defeat Thanos. However, even with the universal cosmic entities were defeated by Thanos! Thanos was pretty much a God by that point. Thanos pretty much ran through everyone in his path, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four, most of the Avengers with the exception of Adam Warlock, Silver Surfer and, Doctor Strange who was giving everyone the ability to breath in space." Maya told her students telling her students some of the details of the famous story arc.
"Could it be because that the threat facing them is a lot bigger than them, that they are forced to work together?" Stephen asked.
"Did you read this story arc? It's way older than you guys!" Maya exclaimed and questioned him.
"Is it even older than you?" Ruben asked raising his hand.
"Yes it is!" Maya answered proudly seeing as it was of of the most famous story lines during her parents' time.
"Just a question, did they have black and white TVs in your time?" Ruben asked as some of the guys in the class began to burst out laughing even Aaron as he clapped three times while his face was beginning to turn red from laughing so hard.
"Wow! Way to make me feel old Ruben!" Maya said sarcastically. "Well, thanks to smart ass over here, you're all gonna have to write a three page review on the series. And you guys are gonna do another three page essay referring to moments from the series to adversity in your own life and how you were able to win even when you thought you were the underdog and doubted and yourself.
"So basically, six pages of writing?" Aaron asked. Maya could only shake her head as she made her instructions clear as day and they still had questions.
"You guys are so slow these days!" Maya told her class as she became more disappointed in this generation of students just like how Johnathan Turner questioned Eric Matthews when he was a student. "Yes! That means six pages of writing that is due the last day before the Christmas break." Maya declared.
"Gee, thanks for the Christmas present Mrs. Minkus, we really appreciate it." Stephen said in a sarcastic tone.
"You're very welcome guys. Now go get reading, I'll be busy doing my nails." Maya said as she returned to her desk as she sat down and put her feet up on the desk and took out some nail polish while the others began readying the Infinity Gauntlet. Thankfully Marvel was able to release an anniversary addition of The Infinity Gauntlet in 2021 for the 30 year anniversary and made all six issues into one big book with updated art work and same writing.
The class finally ended as Aaron and Chloe got their gym bags ready as they practiced with their respective teams. Their teams qualified for the State Tournament and both teams were fortunate enough to make the first seeds in their tournaments. Aaron has been fortunate so far and has been able to avoid injury. There are already YouTube videos of him playing basketball either in competition on the basketball court or outside playing with other teens his age or even older than him. He seemed like he knew how to do it all, he could shoot, he could dribble, he knew how to run plays but, he still had a short temper just like his father. 2 hours passed and finally practice was over.
However Chloe and Aaron had more work to do and went to practice on their own in the community center nearby. It was just the two of them as they worked on free throws, three point shooting and, catch and shoot situations while the other would play defense. They would keep this up for 30 minutes shooting all over the place on the place at the Friar Court. Aaron and Chloe's clothing were drenched in sweat as he ultimately decided to take off his blue under armour dri-fit shirt revealing his toned chest and abs that were drenched in sweat from playing hard at practice and again practicing with Chloe. They decided to end practice as they normally would: Make 3 free throws in a row, would mean that person is dismissed from practice.
"Yo Aaron! Mom wants you at the bakery, now!" Natalie called to her older brother.
"Shit! Bad timing as always Nat! We'll finish practice here and then head to the bakery!" Aaron told his sister.
"But the bakery is slammed right now! Anthony, Melanie and, Sabrina are struggling to keep up with stuff." Natalie reported. Aaron groaned as he attempted his first free throw which he missed when he heard that they were understaffed.
"Aaron, I think we can end practice early. Sounds like your mom really needs some reinforcements down there." Chloe told Aaron siding with Chloe.
"Fine, I'll just shower quickly." Aaron answered.
"You better hurry before mom calls home again asking where you are!" Natalie warned her brother.
"We'll be there as soon as we can, Nat. Head back to the bakery." Chloe told her as she took shad a drink of water and took a white towel she brought from home to dry her face off and other parts of her body that where her sweat was covering.
She went to the guest room bathroom to get ready too. She quickly changed out of her practice attire and got on her work clothing which included a pair of black pants, Topanga's official t-shirt and got on her coat to prepare for another cold December evening since she and Aaron were the ones closing for the night.
It took only 10 minutes for the two to get ready before they went to the bakery where it was packed with patrons and guests. Aaron immediately ran towards the baking room as Chloe trailed behind her. She took of her stuff and left them in the staff lock-up room.
Chloe placed on her a black apron as she immediately went to work. She was able to help relieve Maya as Maya needed to go home and prepare for tomorrow. "Tyler, how are you and your cousins holding up?" Chloe asked as she made a Strawberry Banana Smoothie.
"Well, Melanie and Anthony are the real MVPs right now! Aaron is kinda slacking so, some encouragement to him would be fantastic! And now we're only 5 orders behind." Tyler answered as production picked up when Aaron and Chloe entered the bakery.
"How's your legs after two practices and now working here?" Tyler asked the young teenager slightly older than him.
"Never making that mistake, ever...Again!" Chloe answered as she knew her legs would be very tired from all the basketball.
"Time check?" Sabrina asked wanting work to be over soon.
"7:43!" Chloe answered Sabrina as she began to wash some of the glassware behind the counter.
"Surprised Ruben and Stephen aren't here yet!" Chloe scoffed knowing the two are regulars at the bakery.
"Well, they better hurry if they want their usual stuff. They know we close at 9." Anthony said joining the conversation as he sliced two plain bagels in half before putting them in the toaster.
The young teenagers would catch up and work like true professionals. It was a great sight for Topanga as she watched on checking on everyone as whe did some paperwork at the office. Riley was also in the office but on her laptop with Vanessa beside her.
"Don't tell me you're actually going through with this!" Vanessa begged being somewhat annoyed.
"Oh c'mon Vanessa! Lighten up! This plan is full proof!" Riley said with untellable optimism.
"What is Riley up to this time?" Topanga asked Vanessa wondering what all the fuss was about.
"Well, your daughter here is trying to play matchmaker!" Vanessa answered bluntly.
"Riley, Maya and I have told you numerous times that you can't control everything! You're 36 now and you still didn't get that message!" Topanga groaned as she sat down behind the desk on her office chair.
"You two need to have more faith in me!" Riley said as she finished her work. She felt proud of what she was doing as she turned off her laptop and placed it in her office bag.
"I already don't like where this is going." Vanessa feared.
"What makes you say that?" Topanga asked having no knowledge on this matter.
"Because even Maya told Riley it was a bad idea! We know that lightning doesn't tend to strike twice on plans like these! Riley is messing with people's lives especially without consent!" Vanessa exclaimed.
"Wait a minute!" Topanga paused Vanessa's point. "Who's life is Riley interfering with, this time?" Topanga asked the both of them.
"Sarah!" Riley answered cheerfully.
"Umm..Hi! But her daughter works here and is a freshman in High School with Aaron, did you ever consider that?" Topanga asked already seeing Riley's flwed plan.
"I did! And I hope that things will work out again, the second time around!" Riley said still keeping her optimism.
"She did something did she?" Shawn asked everyone in the room as he barged in.
"Yeah, what's going on?" Topanga asked one of her life long friends.
"Because Sarah Wakefield is here...And she's not alone." Shawn answered.
Curiosity began to spread around the three ladies as both Topanga and Vanessa looked to Riley as Riley went to front of the bakery, where sure enough. Sarah was occupying a booth at the bakery with another gentleman as the two were sharing a coffee together.
"Yes it worked! I am amazing!" Riley credited herself.
"Yeah...I wouldn't say that kid!" Shawn told Riley as he pointed towards Chloe who was looking at her mother and the mysterious gentleman Chloe's face was pale and not optimistic. Instead, her face showed fear.
"But! This should be a good thing! Why is she upset?!" Riley exclaimed not understanding why Chloe was not happy.
Author's Note: And that ladies and gentlemen is where I will stop this chapter! Why is Chloe upset? We'll learn that sooner than later. But finally I get to upload another chapter after TERRIBLE writer's block and a 3 week vacation with my folks for my Godparent's silver anniversary and celebrating 25 years of their marriage. I tried to upload this while I was stuck in Vancouver for New Year's Eve but clearly, I did not succeed. I also wanna give you guys a heads up on a one-shot I am working on featuring: Katy, Shawn, Riley and, Maya returning to the trailer park where Shawn grew up. So I need some help from you guys! So if you guys can help a brother out, that would be GLORIOUS! So spoiler alert, Sarah is on her first date in years with THIS mysterious stranger she is hanging out with at Topanga's. Here is where you guys come in, YOU make him up. Please include his name, his job, if he does have kids, his description, hobbies, anything you can think of! Please DM it to me (if you are a member of Fan Fiction) OR leave it in the review and I will decide who wins. The more details the better like what this person is wearing, age, anything and everything that is considered. Ok, you guys are in complete control who Sarah dates and POTENTIALLY marries. So I'll see you guys soon and get creative people!
Let's Talk:
4ne1: I know I will need your help with stuff and I thank you for being my tag team partner on this story. Bless your heart for this and we can talk whenever you have the time.
James Stryker: Dude! You've been busy! I heard about what happened to Girl Meets World when I got back to Toronto and I hope that ABC or some network that can allow these characters to continue growing, to continue their story and allow us to see them grow up. Can't wait for the next chapter of Juliet's World and I can't wait to continue reading your work.
beatzlc: AHHHH! I KNEW IT WAS LUMPIA! I hate it when I become forgetful at times, it's terrible! But I wanna wish you a Happy New Year wherever you are. (even though I am 27 days late)
Aaliyah Lampley: Thank you for supporting the story and holy smokes! Isn't it pretty damn cold over in Wisconsin? It's not bad over here in Toronto. It's currently 3 degrees Celsius (don't know what that translate to in Fahrenheit) If it is pretty cold over there, stay warm and keep safe :)