Fashioned by Time, Shaped by Hearts

CHAPTER 3: Reunion

CHAPTER 3: Reunion

"We're here!" Phoebe yelled. She pulled up in front of a huge modern mansion. Tiana's jaw dropped. "This is where you live?!" she shrieked. "Wow..." Jake breathed. Hazel took in the beautiful sight, carrying an asleep Emma again.

Monica chuckled. "Well, no, it's not where we live. It's where your dad lives." she corrected. She turned to Rachel. "Yeah, Ross moved. He got 'rich' from some scienc-y thing and decided to get a bigger house. Good thing, because we live over there, see? It's a pretty secluded place. Can you believe that just over there, you can walk into the busiest place in New York?"

"Our dad is rich?" Tiana screeched. Joey nodded. "Pretty much." He laughed.

Chandler and Phoebe grabbed the luggage from the trunk and the front passenger seat, before rejoining the others.

Phoebe stood before them all. "Okay, I'm just going to fill you guys in. So, today, you kids are going to meet Mila, Caleb and your dad. Tomorrow, you're going to meet your cousins and stuff." she told them.

Turning around, Phoebe rang the bell.

Ross opened the door. "Hey, Pheebs!" He hugged her. "Come in, come in."

The others followed Phoebe inside, and Ross led them all to the huge living room. They all sat down on the large couch.

Taking a moment to study his guests, he noticed two unfamiliar faces. The silver-blonde haired teen, and the young brunette girl in her arms.

Jake looked around the room. The floor was glass, glowing, with water beneath and beautiful fish swimming around. "Cool!" he muttered. There was a vending machine in the corner, and an enormous TV sat against the wall opposite him.

Tiana was gazing at Ross. Jake turned to look at him too. Hazel was staring at the ground, her face blank.

"So you're our- our dad?" Tiana asked, her voice shaking. Ross inclined his head. "Yeah, yeah, I am." he said, simply. Tiana had tears in her eyes; her hands were trembling.

Suddenly as if she couldn't hold it in anymore, she rushed over to him, and threw her arms around his shoulders. "Dad!" she sobbed. Ross held her, delighted that they had been reunited after so many years. "Oh, Tiana. I love you, sweetie." he whispered to her.

Jake dashed over. "Dad? Can I have a hug too?" His eyes were wide, and he looked as though he was about to cry. Ross nodded, and embraced his son.

Hazel sat by Rachel, her face expressionless. Emma was still asleep in her arms. She bit her lip, trying to contain her unshed tears.

Tiana and Jake sat either side of Ross, each clinging to one of his arms. Ross spotted Hazel. She met his gaze, and gave him an icy glare. He decided not to force her into it, and looked away. Could it be...? No, Hazel has brown hair and brown eyes...

Ross and Rachel locked eyes. "Good to see you again, Rachel." he greeted, frostily. She gave him a small smile. "You too." she said, softly. He was surprised at how warm and genuine she sounded.

"So... who's this?" He turned his attention to Emma, who was asleep in Hazel's arms. Part of him was immensely jealous that this girl was not his daughter. He pushed the thought away. Rachel cheated on you, stop being jealous, he thought to himself.

Rachel shook Emma awake, gently. "Baby, wake up." she whispered. Emma yawned, in a cute little way. She grinned at her mother.

Ross cleared his throat. "So, who exactly is she?" he queried, trying not to sound rude or impatient.

Suddenly, a voice distracted them all. "Dad! I've lost my headset, have you seen it?" Caleb ran into the room, followed by Mila, who was on her phone.

"Yeah, I hid it. You've got to stop playing that wretched game, Caleb. You're gonna ruin your eyes." his father replied.