Hey guys, Fallout here.

It's been awhile, hasn't it? I could go into great detail about why this chapter took so long, I could tell you about a myriad array of things that have taken place in the year since the last chapter. But I won't. Let's just say it was life, a good dash of self-loathing and leave it at that.

I don't own Modern family or any of the characters from the show. Enjoy.

The 25th of July, 1:29 am. Alex's POV.

"Can you believe it?"

The stars overhead are so bright and clear out here, I almost don't believe what I'm seeing. The stars seem to be almost overwhelming the dark web that surrounds them. I take a deep breath, enjoying how fresh and how clean the air is. The forest around us is utterly silent, the only sound being the air whipping through the trees.

I had wanted to get away for a few days, away from my family, away from all the drama. I had told Sophie, who took things into her own hands and brought me up to her grandfather's cabin. I thought I was just gonna spend the night at her house, but before I knew it, we were on the highway, heading north. We had drove most of the day and had only gotten here an hour ago. I had been upset when she told me, I told her I couldn't just take off, I hadn't even packed. She laughed and told me not to worry, everything would be fine and sitting here on the front porch of the cabin, I'm glad I listened.

Sophie kicks at the earth beneath her feet, her bushy blonde hair bouncing around her shoulders. She's nervous, as am I. I'm well aware of where she's hoping tonight will lead and I'm not sure if I'm ready. We haven't been together very long, no more than a handful of days really. But I know Sophie's more than ready for... Well, more. I think she's been thinking about us having sex, since long before I even knew she had feelings for me. She's much more comfortable in her sexuality, than I am in mine.

I'm still not even sure what my sexuality is.

Am I gay? Bi? Straight? Do I even care? Should I care? Everything is just happening so fast. One week we're just friends, the next we're dating. I'm just not sure about anything and I hate that I'm not. Sophie's been awesome, is still awesome. I vented to her, that I just need a break from my family and the next thing I know she whisked me away. I hate the idea I'm just leading her on, I'm not sure if I am. I mean, I love spending time with her and she's gorgeous. But the idea of being with her, the idea of sleeping with her scares the shit out of me. Maybe that's normal. Everyone's scared about their first time, right? So maybe, it's just that getting to me. I don't know and I hate that I don't, I've always known what to do in school. But this isn't school, this is real life. It isn't some ideal situation, where all the pieces fall just into the right place. There are variables, facts, I just don't have. And unlike school, it wasn't a bad grade I had to fear. It was hurting someone, losing a friend and the thought was killing me.

She grabs my hand, pulling me from my thoughts. I look over at her, her light green eyes are on me.

"What are you thinking about so hardt, cutie?" She asks, smiling.

"Nothing," I reply quickly, looking out at the dark woods around us.

"Well, it better not be your family or your sister's boyfriend. Remember, you're taking a break from the drama."

"I'm not."

I wonder what she would say if she knew what I was actually thinking, she would probably get mad. She had to, right? She would ask why I kissed her, if I wasn't sure about my own sexuality. More drama, more fighting and I don't want that. I want to relax, to forget about all the problems in my life for a little while. Is that asking for too much? it is, isn't it?

"Come on, it's getting a little chilly." Sophie says, standing up and giving me a smile.

I stand up too and return the smile, happy to get away from all my thoughts. The log cabin was short and squat, it had to be at least fifty years old. It looked like something out of an old cartoon or movie. And just like in those old cartoons and movies, as Sophie opened the door, there was a couch and fireplace on the left and a small kitchen and table on the right. A small hall was at the back, leading to a few bedrooms and a bath. The whole place smelt of cigarettes, Sophie's grandfather had been a two pack a day smoker and it had stuck to the place. A fire was going, Sophie's doing, she could be very handy. I go to the couch, Sophie goes to the kitchen. I sit and watch the fire, getting lost in my thoughts again.

A few minutes pass, before Sophie joins me on the couch, with two beers. Something Sophie had mention on the way up, was that her uncle was a boozehound and kept the family cabin well-stocked. She holds one out to me and I take it, giving her a smile. She smiles back at me, before taking a sip of her beer. I take a sip of my beer and look back at the fire, trying not to think about how close she is. This thing... this place, it's suppose to be special, it's suppose to lead to something special. I know what she would like to happen, which leads back to my thoughts. Maybe I should just do it, I don't know if it's for me or not. But the thought of doing it, with her, scares the hell out of me. I'd probably feel the same if Sophie was a guy.

The beer is bitter and the taste is heavy on my tongue, I push the thoughts from my mind, focusing on the fire.

Sophie's hand finds mine and I look over at her, she smiles.

"This is nice."

"Yeah, it is."

She smiles and leans in, kissing me. I think about it and for a moment I almost do, but I don't kiss her back. I don't want to lead her on anymore, it isn't fair, not to her. I'm being selfish, it isn't fair to lead someone on, just because it feels good to be wanted. She didn't deserve that, she's my friend. I needed to be honest with her, that I didn't know what my feelings were and I needed time to figure it out. It takes a minute for her to realize I'm not kissing her back. She pulls back, looking confused and slightly scared.

"What's wrong?"

Her voice sounds so full of worry, I want to pull her into a hug and tell her everything is fine. But, I know I can't. It isn't fair, not to either of us. I steel myself, going over how I wanted to word it. I wanted to tell her, I wasn't sure if I was ready for sex, anything really. I wasn't sure what my feelings are and after everything that had happened with Jimmy, I wanted to wait. I'm scared of what she might do... she'll be angry, I know it. That's how I would feel if someone had been leading me on, like I've been doing to her.

"I lied to you," I say, not being able to meet her eye, my eyes on my hands. I look back at her, she's wearing this look, like I struck her and I feel my stomach drop. "I was thinking about my family... Haley's so close to popping and I just keep thinking, what if I miss it." I say it, keeping my eyes on hers.

I'm a liar and a coward.

I can't believe, I was able to lie to her so easily, like it was nothing. She smiles at me and chuckles, shaking her head.

"Geez, you can be dramatic, Alex." She says, with a laugh. "Go call them, see how things are. Make sure everything isn't on fire without you there." She adds, before giving me a small kiss on the cheek.

I make myself return the smile and get up from the couch, just happy to get some space between Sophie and I. My phone is in the kitchen, charging, it died on the ride up. I pick it up, keeping the act going, just in case she's watching. But when I look at it, I gasp.

"Oh shit."

The 26th of July, 12:29 pm. Haley's POV.

"I don't think she's ours."

"Yeah?" Clay asks, grinning at me.

"Yeah, she's way too perfect to be ours." I tease, with a smile, my eyes on him.

He laughs

"Well, that's too bad. I think they'll make us give her back." He says dryly, with a small grin.

"Oh no, I'm not giving her back. Finders keepers." I say, smiling down at our daughter.

I can't believe this little wonder is mine, I can't believe we made her. I can't believe something so perfect, could come from two broken people like me and Clay. But she is ours and yet somehow she's perfect. She's only two days old, but I can already see some of her father's stubbornness in her. I hope she gets his strength, his good heart, his loyalty. Hopefully, she got whatever good traits I have.

It's a little pathetic, I can't think of any, isn't it?

God, I hope she's nothing like me. I hope she's like her father, I hope she's like Alex, I hope she's like my mother. I don't want her to be vain like I was, I don't want her to be mean or snotty like I was. If she could be strong like her father, smart like my sister or love like my mother, I would be beyond grateful. As I trace circles with my finger on her cheek, I can't help but think she will be perfect. She has to be. No one this small, this beautiful, could be anything but perfect.

I know, my love for her is blinding me. But, I can't help but think I'm right. She's gonna be something special, I can just feel it.

The door to the room opens and my parents come in, my Mom smiles at us. Clay looks over at them and smiles back. My dad closes the door behind them, while my mom makes her way over to us, holding two cups of coffee.

I grin down at Emilia.

"Someone's here to see us, sweetheart." I say softly.

She just squirms a little, making a soft fussing sound.

"Thank you, Mrs. Dunphy." Clay says, as my Mom hands him one of the cups of coffee.

He pushes his black cap up and leans back in his chair, sipping from his coffee.

"You're welcome, sweetheart." She says, patting him on the arm. She turns to me and smiles, making her way over to the bed. "Hey, Sweetheart. How are you feeling this morning?" She asks, sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes on the little bundle in my arms.

"I'm good, just worn out." I say, holding Emilia out to her.

She takes her and pulls her close, smiling down at her. My Dad slowly makes his way over to us, putting a hand on Clay's shoulder. He leans down and starts talking quietly to Clay, his smile gone. I can't hear what they are talking about, but Clay keeps nodding.

"Hi, Claire. Did you keep your mama up all night?" My Mom asks, grinning.

I just smile and shake my head, looking over at my daughter and her grandmother. Clay with Billie, me with Emilia and my parents with Claire. The poor little thing might get confused, not quite sure which name is hers. But, I can't help but find it a little cute. The idea of everyone calling her by the name they liked best... not that I would ever say that out loud, I mean, her name is Emilia.

"Don't call her that." I say, popping my Mom on the arm lightly, fighting a grin.

"Don't hit the people holding your child." She shoots back.

Clay gets up, pulling his black baseball cap low.

"I'll be right back." He says, coming over and kissing me.

He goes to pull back, but I keep his face in my hands.

"Everything all right?" I ask, searching his face for anything being off.

"Yeah, my brother just wants to speak with me." He says, before kissing me again. He pulls back and runs a hand through my hair, with that small smile of his. "Don't worry, Comet."

He turns and looks down at the small bundle in my Mom's arms and smiles.

"Billie, keep an eye on your mother for me." He says dryly, before heading to the door.

I shake my head, fighting a smile. My Mom just rolls her eyes, while Dad laughs loudly, like it's the funniest thing he's ever heard. Clay pulls the door close behind him, as I turn my eyes to my father. He shakes his head, as he finally stops laughing. He notices me watching him and suddenly looks worried.

"What? It was funny." He states plainly.

"What does Able need to talk to Clay about?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

My Dad just shrugs.

"I don't know." He mutters, looking between me and my Mom.

I look over at her, hoping she might know more.

"All I know, is Morgan was pissed. She wouldn't say about what, I guess it involves Clay somehow. " She says, before shrugging herself.

I lean back into the mountain of pillows behind me, wondering what Able could've done to make Morgan mad. She didn't strike me as someone who was easy to anger. I decide to just forget it, Clay would tell me if it was something big... At least, I hope he would, especially after our talk last night. I hope that wasn't him just saying all that to make me feel better... No, he meant it, I know he did... he had to. Me and my parents talk about me coming home and about the nursery, even Clay and the gun, when we finally land on the subject of Alex. Everyone's been by to see me, my Dad's Dad was even on his way, to come and meet his great-granddaughter and my Mom's mom is coming later this week. Everyone's been by, but Alex. My Mom got ahold of her about two am yesterday, apparently her and a friend went out of town, my Mom said Alex wouldn't say where. As my Mom talked, I could see how pissed she is. Alex's phone had died, she called as soon as she read a text that told her I had went into labor, it wasn't like she was ignoring us. So, I wasn't angry.

"So, I'll bring her by tonight to see you. After that, she's grounded for the rest of the summer." My Mom says, anger still clear in her voice.

"Man, Alex sneaking off and leaving town" I mutter, shaking my head. "I almost can't believe it." I say, looking back at my Mom. "I guess, I'm the good kid now, huh?" I ask, with a small smile.

My Mom laughs, shaking her head.

"Yeah, I guess you are. How's it feel?"

"Weird."

We both laugh.

"Alright, Sweetheart. Me and your father need to go get Luke from your Grandpa's and head home, I want to be there when Alex gets back." She says, standing, smiling down at me.

"Why is Luke at Grandpa's?"

"I am not leaving Luke home alone for a while." She says, shaking her head.

"Okay, " is all I say, with a chuckle, not even wanting to know.

"I love you, sweetheart." She says, leaning down and pulling me into a tight hug, she then kisses me on the cheek.

"I love you too, Mom."

My Dad stands and comes over to the bed, he gives me Emilia and does the same thing as my Mom.

"I love you, Haley. And you too, Little Claire." He says, as he pulls back from the hug, poking Emilia lightly on the nose.

"I love you too, Dad."

For awhile, it's just me and Emilia, she sleeps and I watch T.V. A nurse drops by and checks up on me, then Emilia. And like that she's gone. Emilia wakes up fussy and I know she's more than likely hungry, so I undo my gown, adjusting Emilia, so I can more easily feed her. I put her to my breast and after a moment, she latches on. It's weird, watching someone drink from one of my boobs. These things that boys have been after since I was like fourteen, actually serve a purpose, besides getting them to do something for me. It's nice in a way though, but still a little weird. I smile a little, watching her. The door opens and Clay comes in.

He looks upset, but smiles when he sees us. I weakly try to return the smile, but I can't.

"What happen?" I ask, watching him come to the foot of the bed.

He looks at me, before looking back at our daughter, but doesn't say a word.

"Clay."

"My dad's in town."

I must of misheard him, so I stare.

"What?"

"My dad is in town." He says, pushing the brim of his cap up, showing me more of his face. I just stare at him, not being sure what to say. "Yeah, Able's known since they got here." He adds, the anger rising to the surface again. "He's been here for a few weeks, looking for me." He says, shaking his head.

"Did... did you speak to him?" I ask, finally finding the words.

I was afraid of the answer, but he just shook his head.

"No." He says, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Able called him, told him that you had Billie..." He pauses, letting out a bitter laugh. "He wants to come by and meet ya two." He says, with a nod towards me and Emilia.

I can't help, but tighten my hold on Emilia.

"What did you say?"

"I said if he comes within a hundred feet of here, I'd kill him."

I know it isn't a threat, it's a promise.

Clay let's out a sigh and pulls his hat off, running a hand through his hair. He's angry and trying not to show it, not wanting us to see it.

"What do you think he wants?" I ask, rubbing my pendant, with my free hand.

Clay shakes his head softly, his eyes on our daughter.

"I don't know, but he isn't comin' anywhere near you or her." He says, looking over at us. "I'll kill him, if he tries." He says, his eyes going between me and our daughter.

I watch him, as Emilia feeds. He's angry, but I can see there's some fear there too. He hasn't seen his father in years, he was still the scared little boy then, his father is still the boogeyman to him in a lot of ways. This monster, he just keeps building up in his head and I know he's afraid he'll become him. But that isn't Clay, he has a good heart, this soft side he tries to hide. Believing it's a weakness, not one of his strengths. I wish he could just see, he isn't his father, that he isn't anything like him.

A wild thought plants itself in my mind.

He needs to see his father, he should see the monster is just a man, that he's nothing like. He needs to put his childhood, his father, all of that shit behind him. We need him, his family needs him and he needs us. He can't be there for us and we can't be there for him, if he's stuck in the past, trapped in that dark closet in his father's house.

"Clay." I say softly, looking down at our daughter.

"Hmm?"

"You should see him."

My words catch him off guard, he looks at me, shocked. I just stare back, keeping my face blank.

"Wh... what?"

"You need to see him." I state flatly, looking back at our daughter, switching breasts.

"Haley, you don't..." He tries, but I cut him off.

"Clayton, I love you and I know how deep this hurt you have for your father goes. But, we can't build a life together, if you're still scared of him, scared of becoming him. I know, I couldn't ever understand what you've been through, I know that. But, babe, think about what you tried to do just days ago."

I stop at this, tears welling up.

"You need to see him," I start, my voice choked. "You need to see that he's just a man, a sad, lonely old man. That he was wrong about you, wrong about everything, you hear me, he was wrong. Clay... I know it will be hard, but you need to put... put everything that he did to you, you need to put it behind you, you need to move on. We need you, babe." I say, wiping roughly at my tears.

He smiles slightly.

"I need you too, Comet." He says, wiping at his own eyes, with the back of his hand.

He chuckles, I smile.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Come on, what?"

"Someone told me something like you just did, not long ago. That I need to see him, talk to him, see we ain't nothing alike." He says, pushing his cap up and grinning at me.

"Really? Who?"

"Mr. Bolton."

The 26th of July, 1:51 pm. Gloria's POV.

"I hate this."

I look up at him, then back down at our daughter.

"What if the kid does something stupid?" He asks, even though I know he doesn't really want an answer. "I should be there." He adds, more to himself.

"If you were there, you would do something stupid." I say, looking at him. "Wouldn't he, honey." I say, looking back at Bella, who just giggles and keeps playing with her blocks.

We found out through Claire, that Clay's father was in town and Clay was meeting up with him. Claire and Phil had found out about the meeting through a text from Haley. It's put the family on edge, Claire and Jay more than the rest of us. The way I see it, it's something he needs to do on his own. Claire and Jay on the other hand, well, they feel like they should be there for him. Claire's even been talking about trying to figure out where they are meeting and just 'happen' to be there.

Jay was thinking about just calling Clay and asking.

Knowing him how I do, I know that wouldn't lead to nothing but trouble. Jay likes pushing the family's buttons, we both do, and that can come off as him being uncaring or even cold. but he's the kind of man, that if you hurt someone he loves, you got trouble coming your way. I love him for that, not all the time, but it's definitely a trait that attracted me to him in the first place. But that trait would just cause trouble with Clay's father, there's already a good enough chance of that with Clay, himself.

He shakes his head.

"How are we supposed to just sit on our hands and act like everything's fine?" He asks, looking back at me.

"We have to trust Clay."

"Trust? You think I don't trust the kid?" He asks, sounding angry.

I shoot him a look, letting him know to change his tone. He sighs, looking down at our daughter.

"I didn't mea..." He sighs again and shakes his head, before looking back at me. "Gloria, I love you and you are the most understanding and caring woman I've ever known, next to my daughter and Cam." He says, with a grin.

I shoot him another dirty look, at the Cam comment. He chuckles and shakes his head, looking back at our daughter.

"I just mean... you don't know what it's like being around that kind of dysfunction, what it does to you. I was a completely different man around my father, after all the shi.. stuff he did to me." He says, looking at our daughter. "I wasn't drafted, Gloria."

I'm confused for a moment.

"What?" I ask.

"I joined the marines. I chose to go to a war that had already killed two of my cousins and five of my classmates, over staying in my father's house one more day."

I knew all about Jay's father, the kind of man he was, the things he did to Jay and his baby brother. Jay loved his father, in his way, and I think he's forgiven the man for everything he did. But I'm blindsided by the confession, he had always told me he had been drafted, that he had been forced into the war. It's stupid, but I'm angry at him for a decision he made before I was even born.

"Why would you do something so stupid, Jay?" I ask, anger in my voice.

He shrugs.

"Because dying in a ditch, as far from home as I could get, sounded pretty good at the time." Jay says, watching our daughter play. "You know, it isn't the pain. You learn to deal with pain. It's the humiliation, the anxiety of waiting for him to fly off the handle, the worry of him doing something worse. Not to you, after awhile you stop caring about them hurting you, it was my mom, my sisters..." He trailed off, after getting choked up.

I look at our daughter, not being able to meet his eye.

"Clayton- that boy's been through enough... You ever seen a body, Gloria? I mean, really seen a body? Someone you loved dead, their blood everywhere?"

I talk a lot about growing up in Columbia and the things I saw, but... I've never seen any of it up close. There was drug running, there was violence and murders. I never saw any of it. I only ever said any of that because it was... well, funny.

"No." I answer, looking back at him.

He chuckles.

"One of the best friends I ever had, died in my arms, in this shitty little foxhole." He smiled a little bit. "He used to talk about how he was going to be a gospel singer." He says, smiling at me. "We're in the bush, killing people, people dying and he's talking about how he was going to go home and sing for God." He shakes his head. "My point is, when he died... Watching him die, a part of me died with him, Gloria. And I had to go on, act like nothing happened, keep fighting like that damn war meant something. I didn't have time to mourn. Between Bolton and little Claire, that kid don't need anything else on his plate. Especially his father."

I make a small tower, out of blocks, for our daughter and she knocks them over, with a laugh. I look back at him and he's smiling, I smile a little, reaching out and grabbing his hand.

"The only thing we can do is be there for him, Jay."

I give his hand a gentle squeeze.

"I know, I know."

The 26th of July, 2:34 pm. Cam's POV.

"Oh my, Mitchell, she's just beautiful."

"I know, Cam. I've seen her."

Mitchell has never been much of a baby person, the only baby I've ever seen him light up over was Lily. Which is nice, in a way. But, I just don't understand how someone can see an adorable little baby and not want to just love on it. Mitchell has always been different and I've always loved him for it... well, not always. Willow Emilia Claire Dunphy looked a lot like her mother, she has that dark black Dunphy hair already. She's quiet in my arms and watching her, makes me want another child. After the last adoption fell through, me and Mitchell agreed to wait. Getting so close to a second child and losing it at the last moment, had broke my heart... but it had crushed Mitchell. It didn't seem like it from the outside, but just like his father Mitchell has a big heart.

"Yeah, I think I did pretty good."

I look up as Haley starts speaking.

"I made one damn cute kid," she says, getting a laugh out of me.

"Yes, you did." I say, looking down at Billie.

She looks just like her mother, I bet she'll get her mother's green eyes too. I look back at Haley, she's sitting up in the bed, smiling at us. She looks worn-out and tired, but happier than I've seen her in months. I rock Billie back and forth. Yes, I landed on the Billie side of things. I think it's a cute name for a little girl, Emilia seems like a name for a young woman, not a baby. Mitchell likes Emilia, no surprise there. I had to talk him into Lily, he wanted to name her Margaret. God, we fought about that for days. Don't get me wrong, I like the name Margaret, it just didn't seem like a name for a little girl. Now that I'm thinking about itthough, it would've been pretty cute seeing a four year old calling herself Margaret.

"How do you feel?" Mitchell asks, patting Haley's arm.

She smiles.

"You know, completely exhausted." She says, running a hand through her hair. "Just happy it's over."

"Oh sweetie, you got another eighteen years of dealing with this one." I say, with a nod towards Billie.

She laughs lightly.

"Yeah, I know." She says, smiling at me.

Wait, no, she's smiling at her daughter.

"Well, we'd loved to stay. I'd bet Cam would sleep here, if you let him." Mitchell says, getting up and smiling at her. "But, we must get going. We have to save Lily from my father. Come on, Cam."

I stand and give Billie a kiss on the cheek, before giving her to her mother. Haley smiles at us, pulling Billie close. I feel bad about leaving her alone, since Claire and Phil went home to eat and Clay and his family were gone. I wasn't told where they went and I got the feeling I wouldn't get the real answer if I asked.

"I'm sorry, it's Mitchell, not me."

"Cam," he says, shooting me a look.

Haley laughs and smiles.

"It's fine." She says, with a shrug. "It's about time to feed her and the thought of whipping my boobs out in front of my uncles, even my gay uncles, felt... weird." She says, with a laugh.

We laugh too, but Mitchell's laugh sounds forced.

"Just call, if you need anything." I say, kissing Haley on the cheek.

"I will."

The 26th of July, 2:37 pm. Clay's POV.

"I'm just sayin', be civil, man."

"I'm gonna be fuckin' civil." I spit, leanin' back in my chair, my arms crossed.

"Okay, brother, just chill." Able says, putting his hands up. "You know, nothing to worry about. Just be chill."

I shoot him a look.

"I'm not fuckin' worried about that piece of shit or whatever he has up his sleeve."

That's bullshit.

I'm anxious, nervous and... a little scared. It's been years, since I've seen my father. I was a completely different person then, nothing more than a thug, who was always looking for trouble. I wonder what he looks like now, he's at least Mr. Pritchett's age, mid-sixties. He's sober, for the moment... I don't think I've ever seen him sober. I mean, properly sober. Not just hungover.

The little diner is quiet, with only a handful of people besides myself and my brother. The whole place smells of eggs and bacon, it reminds me of a little grease spoon my father liked back home. The place had the feel that people here had been coming for years and didn't like new people stopping in, specially if those new people looked like they had been through the ringer. Able has a black eye and a few scabbing cuts on his face, his knuckles pink, purple and swollen. I know, I didn't look much better. Between the fight with Able and being up damn near all night, I look and feel like shit.

Able runs a hand through his hair, looking out the window next to our table.

"Man, just think of your little girl," he says. He turns to look at me, his green eyes locking with my brown ones. "When you see him, think of Billie, alright?"

"Whatever, man." I say, shaking my head.

A waitress comes to our table.

"Two coffees, black, no sugar. You guys want anything else?"

"No, thank you." Able says, before grabbing his coffee and taking a sip.

She turns to me, with a smile and this look that Haley gives me, Cam does it too sometimes.

"What about you, Brown Eyes?"

"No, Ma'am. Nothing else for me."

Her smile falls slightly, I notice as I grab my coffee, I can't help but wonder why.

"Alright, just let me know, if you do."

A few minutes pass, as we nurse our coffees in silence.

"I mean it, man." Able says, I look up from my coffee at him. "What I said, just think of Billie, man." He says, nodding. "Even when Mom was around, Dad wasn't a great father. He was always angry, he always talked about people who had done him wrong or some shit like that." He says, rubbing at his beard. "That kind of anger swallows a person up, man." He says, looking back out the window.

I shift in my seat, his words bouncing around my head.

"Just think about how you want Billie to see ya." He says, looking back at me.

What pisses me off, is that I know he's right. I want to be angry, being angry is fuckin' easy, I've been angry since I was fourteen and started getting hair on my balls. I've been angry since I was strong enough to push back, strong enough to do more than just curl into a ball and hope my Dad didn't kill me. I wasn't sure if he was asking me to forgive our father, I didn't think I could. Maybe he just wanted me to put my childhood, our father, all that shit, behind me, where it belonged. All the shit that's happened over the last few months weighs heavy on my mind, all the shit I put Haley and her fam... our family through. I couldn't, wouldn't put my daughter through that, she deserves better. Not that Haley and the family deserve to be put through all that shit, but they at least got to choose if I was apart of their lives or not. My daughter didn't get that choice, I would always be her father, no matter what.

That makes my heart heavy, I was someone's father. I know what it's like to have a shitty dad, how much that could change your life, change you. I could at least be better than my father... right? I had to be, I had to try to be worse than him. But what if I am? The dark thoughts come creeping back, one choice made sure I couldn't do that to her, to Haley... I quickly push 'em away, I promise Haley I would do better. I wouldn't let myself go down that road, not again. I would be better than my father, I had Haley by my side, I had her family, mine too. I would be the best dad I could be, I had to at least try. I wasn't going to give up on Haley, our daughter, our family. I was gonna fuckin' try, killing myself could always be plan B.

I know Haley wouldn't find the thought funny, like I did, but she couldn't hear my thoughts... at least I don't think she can...

I love ya, Comet.

"There he is."

Able's voice drags me from my thoughts, I look up and over to where he pointed. An older man wearing one of those weird hats, that paperboys from the 20s always seem to wear, is coming towards our table. It's the first time in years I've seen my father... he's an old man, I realize. My father was forty-six when I was born, so he'd be... sixty-six, man. He looks rough, the skin on his face hangs loose, dark rings under his eyes. He has a goattee, peppered with gray. I see the hair under the hat-thing is all gray. I stand as he nears the table, he looks up at me, with a weak smile. He stands about five-seven and is thin, very thin. I can tell, even with him wearing an old and battered dark gray sport coat, with a green and black button-up flannel shirt.

He couldn't have been this small when I was a kid... right?

I stare down at him, honestly thinking about just jumping him, paying him back in full for my childhood. But I don't, thinking of Haley and my little girl. I want to be there for them and I can't if I'm serving twenty-five to life. Able rubs the back of his head, looking between me and our father, clearly not knowing what to do. Finally, after a few moments, my father holds a hand out.

"You're lookin' good, son."

Years of hard living, left my father's voice deep and rough, reminding me of the hum of a motorcycle. He was trying to be friendly, acting like all that shit he did to me didn't even happen. Him calling me son, spikes my anger. I ball a fist and glare down at the little old man, who used to be a waking nightmare to me.

"Don't call me son, Bruce." I say, shoving my hands into my pockets.

His smile falls, as he slowly lowers his hand.

"Right." He mutters, nodding, taking a seat at the table.

I see Able shoot me a look, but I ignore it and sit. Able sits, shaking his head. Able and Bruce sit on one side of the table, I sit on the other. I cross my arms over my chest, watching Bruce. God, he looks old. He shifts in his seat, either trying to get comfortable or he's uncomfortable under my gaze. Able continues looking between me and Bruce, still not knowing what to say. There is this part of me still screaming to go across the table and beat Bruce til I can't lift my hands, but I keep pushing those thoughts down, reminding myself I'm here for Haley and Billie's sake, not for payback. The waitress comes to our table and asks what Bruce wants, he tells her coffee, black, no sugar. To which she says we're all a couple peas in a pod, before going off to get the coffee. This makes Bruce smile, looking between me and my brother.

A few more moments of silence passes before one of us speaks, sadly, it's the prick who breaks it.

"So... ah, you still fightin', Clayton?" Bruce asks, with a nod towards my black eye.

"Yeah, I am." I say, with a nod.

It's a lie, sure. But, fuck him.

"You could always take a punch, son." He says, with a smile.

I set my jaw, glaring at the old prick.

"Well, when your father treats you like a punching bag, you learn quick." I say sharply, my eyes on his. "And don't call me son."

He's caught off guard by my words, but after a moment, nods.

"Poorly worded, I guess." He says, looking over at Able and then back at me. He looks down at the table, tapping it with a finger, seeming to be lost in thought. "Back then, I was in a bad plac..."

"I don't want to hear it." I say, shaking my head.

He opens his mouth to speak, but stops when the waitress comes back to the table and sets a cup of coffee down in front of him.

"Can I get you guys anything else?"

Able shakes his head, Bruce says no and thanks her for the coffee.

"No, thank you." I say, looking up at her.

She just nods, seeming to sense the tension, and leaves.

Another few moments pass in silence, I sip my coffee and look out the window. After a minute or two, Bruce speaks up again.

"You're angry and that's okay, I get it, I do. But, back then, Clayton, I was in a really bad place. After losing your mother, I was lost..."

"Yeah, and you thought 'fuck it, I'll get drunk and beat the piss out of the kid, he deserves it."

He falls silent again, looking back down at the table.

"Clay, let him speak his peace." Able says, looking at me, putting a hand on Bruce's shoulder.

I glare at my brother for a moment, wanting to scream and dive across the table, swinging, taking them both on. But once again, Haley and my little girl come to mind. I sigh, my eyes falling to my coffee.

"Sure, great. Go ahead." I say, my eyes still on my coffee.

"Thank you, son." Bruce says, looking over at Able.

Able smiles at him and gives him a nod. Bruce looks back at me, I just glare, my arms still crossed. He looks down at the table, tapping the surface with a finger. I guess, trying to think over what he wants to say, maybe. I wait for him to say something, but after a minute of him staring at the surface of the table, I open my mouth to say something, but as I do, he starts to speak.

"I want to move pass the past, Clayton. I fucked up, I know that. But I want to be part of your life, your daughter's life. I would love to meet this girl, what's her name? Harley?"

"Haley, Dad." Able says, watching me closely.

"Haley, that's a pretty name. I bet she's a looker, huh?" He asked, with a grin, his eyes on me.

I just shake my head.

"Just get to your point, Bruce."

He rubs the back of his head, with one hand. With the other, he reaches into his jacket and pulls out a brown envelope. He holds it up for me to see and then sets it down on the table. He pushes the envelope across the table to me, I look between him and it, suspicious of his intentions. I grab it, keeping my eyes on him. I pull it close and open it. inside is money... a lot of fuckin' money. I'm slightly taken aback, as I lean back, throwing the envelope down onto the table.

"What the fuck's this?"

Bruce shifts, rubbin' the back of his head.

"About five grand." He says simply, with a shrug. "I got another fifteen, back at my motel.

"I get that it's money." I spit, glaring at him. "But what the fuck is it for?"

My father looks over at Able, then at the envelope, then finally back at me.

"For baby shit, a car... maybe, rent money." He says, with another shrug. "I don't know, it's yours." He says, giving me a smile.

I don't return it and he slowly stops smiling.

"I don't want your money, you fuckin' drunk." I spit, my fists balled.

"Clay..." Able starts, but Bruce holds up a hand.

Able falls quiet, like he's still a kid at the dinner table. I tense up, when Bruce raises his hand. The fear of the motion, I had learned after years of being beat on, is still there, somewhere deep down. Anger towards myself builds, hating myself for still being afraid of him, even in just some small way. My father's eyes are still on mine, cool and calm.

"Son, listen..."

I slam a fist down hard on the table, making it shake. We get a few looks from around the diner, I notice Able shift uncomfortably from all eyes on our table. I don't care and Bruce doesn't seem to notice.

"You call me 'son' again, you're gonna need this money for a good doctor." I warn him.

He stares me down, a small part of that monster I once knew is still there, I can feel it. But I ain't scared, I faced worse than this prick and walked away, he ain't shit. I ball my fists, half expecting him to take a swing at me, a part of me wanting him to, just so I have an excuse. After a moment, he smiles.

"Well, I've done one thing right." He says, with a laugh. "You're one hell of a man." He adds, grinning at me.

"That ain't got shit to do with you."

Half a dozen names come to mind why I'm the man I am today and he isn't one of them. But I don't list the names out, no, I just say the one he knows.

"Bolton is the reason I ain't a complete piece of shit."

The 26th of July, 2:51 pm. Alex's POV.

"Thank you."

I turn down the hall, following the nurse's instructions. I had lied to my Mom, she told me she wanted me to come straight home and I told her I would. Sophie had been understanding, if not a little disappointed. She drove us back and told me 'maybe next time', I wasn't sure if I wanted there to be a next time. I didn't tell her that, obviously. I had Sophie drop me off at the hospital. She asked if I wanted her to come in with me, I told her I thought it would be best if I went in alone and said I'd text her later. Another wave of self-loathing hit me, as I thought about the fact I missed my niece's birth. I missed this huge moment in my sister's life, because I was too busy being wrapped up in myself.

I feel like a selfish ass and I'm afraid of Haley being angry with me, which is making this long trek down to her room, feel like I'm a death row inmate on my way to the gas chamber. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. She probably didn't even notice I wasn't there, I mean, she had a person coming out of her. But, the thought wasn't entirely comforting. I've never been good at guessing how people will react and I wasn't sure if I could deal with Haley being mad at me, she was the only one left in the family I was really on speaking terms with. I wasn't mad at everyone outside my immediate family, but I couldn't talk to my grandpa or uncle Mitchell about the things I did with Haley.

The little ball in my chest tightens as I reach the door for Haley's room. I take another deep breath, as I turn the handle, preparing myself for whatever awaits me in the room. I hear the soft hum of the television and my sister talking in a hushed tone, as I slowly creep into the room. At first I think there's someone else in the room, but Haley's just talking softly to her daughter. Her daughter, god, that's weird to even think about. I mean, my older sister someone's mother. Haley looks up from the bundle in her arms and I give her a weak smile, which she returns.

"I was wondering when you would show up," she says, grinning now. "This one's had nothing but questions about her aunty Alex." She adds.

I run a hand through my hair, nearing the bed.

"I'm so sorry, Haley. My phone died, I was-" I try, but she just cuts me off.

"I'm not worried about it, you're here now." She says, adjusting the bundle in her arms.

I give my sister a smile, feeling grateful that she isn't angry, or at least isn't showing it. I sit next to her on the bed and put an arm around her, pulling her into a side hug.

"I love you."

"I know," she says, giving me a small smirk.

I chuckle and roll my eyes, choosing to ignore the comment. My eyes fall on my niece for the first time and a warm feeling fills me, she's gorgeous. A big tuft of black hair and a face that seems to be ninety percent cheek, my niece is freaking adorable. She's a Dunphy, no one could deny that. That dark black hair is mandatory for a Dunphy, which is why Haley and I always joked that Luke was the mailman's kid.

"God, she's definitely a Dunphy."

"Yeah, I know. It's like I spit her out."

"What's her name?"

"Willow Emilia Claire Dunphy."

"Two middle names? Really?"

"Shut up, I like it."

"Willow is Clay's mom, isn't it?"

There's a pause, before she says softly.

"Yeah."

A silence falls over us, Haley and I watching the little bundle. It's a comfortable silence and I don't want to break it, so I just watch my niece. It's amazing how much she looks like Haley. You know how people will say a baby looks like one of their parents? Well, I've never got that. I mean, babies always look like babies. But with little Emilia, I can see so much of Haley. Even her being as young as she is, I can see nothing but Haley. I lean back, wearing a small grin.

I cross my arms over my chest and realize no one else is here. I know my parents are waiting for me at home, my Mom said after she decided on an appropriate punishment, she would bring me here to see Haley. I figure everyone else is home or at work. The one person I'm surprised isn't hovering nearby, is Clay.

"Where's Clay?" I ask, looking around the room, then back at her.

"Seeing his father."

I blink at her, confused.

"What?"

She's quiet for a few moments, lightly poking at her daughter's cheeks. Poor thing's only a few days old and is already being aggravated. She looks at me, worry evident on her features.

"Apparently, he's in town and wants to talk with Clay." She states plainly.

"And how do you feel about that?" I ask, reaching out and grabbing her hand.

"I don't know," she says, with a sigh. "I think, it'll be good for him. But, I can't help but worry. You know? I just wish I could've gone with him." She says, looking back at her daughter, a finger still working on a cheek.

I don't know what to say at first, I figure honesty isn't what she's looking for. Because knowing Clay, having seen what he can do when he loses his temper, which isn't hard, I can't see things with his father going well. But, I can't say that right? No, I can't.

"I'm sure everything will be fine."

The 26th of July, 3:47 pm. Haley's POV.

Alex left after about an hour, saying she better get home, because our Mom might have a serious meltdown if she didn't show up soon. I nursed Emilia, not long after Alex left and she fell right asleep, I wasn't far behind her. I don't know how long I was out, before I'm pulled from sleep, when I heard the door open. Clay, the big guy, in his black cap was standing next to my bed. He smiles, that small, sweet little smile of his and I smile back.

"Hey big guy, you creeping on me?"

"Well, you know me, Comet." Clay says softly, giving me a smile, his eyes moving from me to the crib at the end of the bed. "Billie sleepin'?"

I nod yes, watching as he goes to the crib and smiles at our daughter. He looks back at me and smiles, that small smile of his, I return the smile. He goes to a chair in the corner of the room and drops into it, his eyes hidden under the brim of the hat. He leans forward and pulls the old baseball cap off and runs a hand through his hair, letting out a sigh. He looks tired, dark rings under his eyes, his face looking waxy. I can't help but wonder how things went, I wonder if he's even going to tell me how it went with his father. I'm slightly afraid to ask. I eye him, as his eyes linger on the floor.

But after a few moments, I swallow that fear and ask.

"How did it go, with- you know, your dad?"

He looks up at me and leans back in his chair, shaking his head.

"He's old."

"That's been known to happen to people." I say, lightly.

He smiles slightly and shakes his head again.

"It was fuc-" He stops himself, his eyes going to the crib. "It was super weird, he's this little old man now." He says, shaking his head. "I always thought of him as this monster, but he was just this weak, little old man." He says, his eyes going to the floor, than back up to mine.

"How old is he?" I ask, playing with my pendant.

"He's sixty-six... I think?"

He pauses for a few moments, his eyes on the floor again.

"He just tried to act like nothing had happened." He says, a bite to his voice now. His eyes are on the far wall, where a small closet is. "Him and Able," he muttered, slowly shaking his head. "They acted like all that shit he put me through was nothing and I couldn't help, but to think, what if it was..." He trails off, putting his head in his hands. "Than I just got angry and wanted to put both of 'em in here," he says, looking back at me, anger clear on his face. "My father beat on me for my weight, for not being strong enough, for not being smart enough... He beat me bloody and lock me in that damn closet. I was sitting there and I just kept thinking about that prick putting his hands on me..." He trails off, again, letting out another sigh.

He's angry, but he hasn't raised his voice, not even a little. He's thinking of Emilia, even now when he's pissed off.

"I thought about killing him, Haley." He says, shame thick in his voice.

"Well, I hope you didn't." I say, wanting to lighten the mood. "I'm in no shape to go on the lam." I add. giving him a smile.

He chuckles and leans forward, rubbing his hands together.

"If I did, what would you do?"

"Help you bury the body, I guess." I say, with a shrug. "I can't let you go to prison, your ass is mine and I don't want to share it with some big guy named Bubba." I say, with a grin.

He smiles at me and looks down at the floor.

"Well, I didn't."

"Thank god, I was worried." I say dryly.

He grins at me.

"So, what did he have to say?"

He puts the old baseball cap back on.

"He wanted to catch-up, make excuses for what he did. You know, how he was in a 'dark place' and it wasn't his fault, a lot bullshi..." He paused, looking down at the crib. "Stuff like that." He finished, shaking his head.

"It was good of you to see him." I say, he looks back at me and smile slightly. "You got to see him for what he is, just some sad old man."

"Yeah, maybe." He says, leaning back again. He roughly rubbed his face and looked back at me, looking completely worn out. "There was something else," He muttered, leaning forward again, taking his baseball cap off again.

I shift a little, watching him.

"What?"

"He talked about trying to make up for all the things he did to me," he said, twisting the hat in his hands.

I eye him, slightly confused.

"How?"

"With money, a lot of fuckin' money." He said, finally meeting my eye.

"Oh," I mutter, not knowing what to say. The thing to say seems obvious, so I ask. "How much?"

"About twenty-five grand, cash. He showed five tonight." Clay says, with a chuckle.

"Jesus," I mutter, looking down at my hands.

I can't help but think about what we could do with that kind of money, that much could change our lives. We could buy another car, put a down payment on a place of our own, put it away for Emilia. Taking the money from Clay's father was a minefield all it's own, though. I knew taking the money would be a blow to Clay's pride. Everything Clay had, he had earned. Till coming to live with my parents, Clay had earned his own way his whole life. Taking help from my parents had been hard for him, it made him feel like he was stealing from them and his father was the reason for that. Growing up, I got to worry about school, clothes and my social life. Growing up, Clay had to worry about eating and sleeping inside, while his father drank away every dime they had. New shoes, hot water and getting to eat every night was a given for me growing up. For Clay, they were something you worked for, something you earned.

So, I understood the idea of taking a handout was hard for Clay. Especially, from his father.

"We're gonna have to wash it." Clay muttered.

I looked over at him, slightly confused.

"What?"

"It might look a little weird if twenty-five grand just shows up in your bank account."

"Clay-"

He cuts me off, by tossing a brown envelope and it lands on my lap. I stare at it for a few moments, knowing full well what it is. I pick it up carefully, like I'm afraid it's going to explode. I open the top and peek inside, not all that surprised to see a whole lot of money. I close it and carefully set it back down on my lap, looking over at him. He's watching me, his large arms resting on his knees.

"You took it?" I ask, surprised.

"Yeah," he says, sounding surprised himself. He rubs the back of his head, eyes on the envelope. "I thought about throwing it in his face, but then..." He trailed off, eyes falling to his boots. "Haley... You, her," he nodded towards Emilia. "Deserves better, than I can give you."

"Clay-" I try, but he holds up a hand.

"Please, just let me finish." He said, his voice soft.

I nod.

"This money, it could help us... a fuckin' lot." He said, with a humorless chuckle. "I can swallow my pride for you guys."

I look at the envelope, thinking about all we could do with that money.

"No strings attached?"

He sighs, pulling the cap back on.

"He wants me to talk to him, like once a month or something. You know, try to work on our relationship, I guess." He said, looking back at me.

"And how do you feel about that?"

"Comet, I would take a bullet for ya. I think making a phone call won't be a problem."

"Clay, I don't want you to be doing this... just because you feel like you have..."

He cuts me off.

"Babe, we need this money. Kids ain't cheap, we're gonna need every dime we can get. I can talk to the old man once in awhile, if it means she gets everything she needs."

I smile softly.

"I love you, Clay."

"I love you too, Comet."

I would like to thank Kayla for taking the time to review. Well, I feel like the start of this chapter answered your questions. I probably should've telegraphed it better in the previous chapters, but hindsight is twenty twenty, right? Thanks man.

I would like to thank SideshowJazz1 for reviewing again. Obviously, this took a lot longer than either of us had hoped. So, I might be a little too late to say, just hang in there man. It's all we can do. Thanks again, Jazz.

I would like to thank Arifabian for reviewing. Thanks, man. Really. I know, I've said this a lot over the years (Yeah years, I've been writing this for years! I don't even want to think about that) but reviews like yours keep me writing this silly story even when I fucking hate it. Because I know how it feels to be left hanging on a story you're really enjoying. So, I mean it when I say, thank you and Sorry for the wait.

I would like to thank Marcella2650 for taking the time to review again. You know, Marcella. I'm sure I've said this already, but you're way, way too kind to me and this silly little story. Like I said above, seeing people who actually seem to care about this mess, that I call a story, is awesome. You and really nearly all you guys have just been amazing. I guess, I'm the kind of guy who can't look at his own stuff, without rolling his eyes, groaning and wanting to burn the whole thing down. So, you and all you guys have been a big reason that I'm still here, still trying to improve and hadn't given up.

So, thank you, Marcella. Really man, you'll never know how much a few kind words can improve someone's day, even how someone sees themself. You're awesome and I hope you read this. Thanks again, to my biggest and kindest fan, Marcella.

I would like to thank Jakeobamy for reviewing this silly little story. I took your advice and took a nice long break, I went out and saw the world. The mountains, rivers, the deep dark forests... Okay, none of that is true. Sadly, it's been nothing but family and work for me... Anyway, thanks man. The thing with Haley and Clay arguing about the nickname, I kinda see as this thing that's never gonna end. Like even when she gets older, there's people who call her Billie and people that call her Emilia. Something I actually thought about this that Claire, Jay and Mitchell call her Claire. Which I thought was a cute idea.

Yeah man, from where I'm standing, Claire sees Clayton as one of her own and she's the mamabear type, so best not mess with Clay. Well, as you saw Clay's dad is very much alive. I don't remember how well I spelled out him being around, I kind of figured he'd be in town for Bolton's funeral. Anyway, thanks again, man. Sorry I took the better part of a year, but life happens and we're just along for the ride.

I would like to thank Sherbetsticks for reviewing again, I hope you see this, because you've been here since like the beginning, like when I was really bad at this, GOD THOSE FIRST FEW CHAPTERS ARE AWFUL, WHY DID YOU PEOPLE KEEP READING THIS STUPID THING. Sorry, I'm better now. Hmm... okay let's do this. Hope this was worth the wait, I am so, so sorry for keeping you hanging so long, man. I hope you hung in there and got to read this. Thanks again, Sticks.

I would like to thank ODA for reviewing all the way from his hizz-ouse! Thanks man, I hope you liked this chapter too. Here's a weird aside, a lot of people say I sound like Seth Rogen. Sorry to anyone who was hearing some super sexy narrator in their head. I'm not sure just yet if I'm gonna do a sequel, unless a really fun idea hits me, I think I might be done with Modern Family for a little bit.

Thanks again, ODA.

I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 6/2/15, you know, last year. I quite like Billie too, I think it's cute for a girl. But, Haley seems to really like Emilia. Hopefully Clay will talk her into Billie, we can only hope, man. Thanks again.

I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 6/8/15. I think Emilia is a beautiful name, but I don't think it really fits a little girl. But that's me, man. You can call her Emilia, Haley would like that. Thank you again for taking the time to review, man.

I would like to thank the guest who left an amazingly kind review on 6/9/15. Firstly, let me say thank you for your beyond kind words, man. Thank you, reviews like yours easily makes my day better. It makes me feel like I'm not wasting my time writing this silly little thing, so, thank you, man. I feel like words fail me sometimes for writing thanks and this is one of those times.

It's funny, this story was suppose to be about Haley and Claire, and somewhere along the line it turned into a tale about a family dealing with hardships. But, when I started writing other POVs beside theirs, I wanted them to sound and feel like the characters. Which depending on the character made writing harder or easier. Characters I get, or understand, Haley, Jay, Luke, were pretty easy. While other characters proved to be harder to write for, like, I never felt like I quite got Gloria's voice down, which is why you only see her POV like twice.

I'm surprised time and time again, when people say how much they like Clay. Before writing this story, I thought this site hated OCs, maybe I just lucked out with Clay. When I started writing him, I wanted to play with the idea of someone trying so hard to get away from this person, they think they are. This person, who can only see in the bad in themself, being with someone who sees them for who they truly are. Haley and Clay each push the other to be better, I think they really need each other, him more than her. In my mind, they really are better together, than they ever were apart.

Okay, on the Alex thing. I never said she was gay, I'm not saying she's straight, or bi. That's for you the reader to answer for yourself. The way I see it, Alex is coming off a very bad relationship, like you said, and is willing to try something scary. Which a lot of people do and find it's not for them, or it's what they been looking for all along. Here's the thing, if Alex is straight, not saying she isn't, the reason I would see her trying this thing with Sophie is because of the attention. Throughout the show, it is shown that Alex has trouble making friends and is often shown as lonely. So, I would think someone coming along and suddenly thinking she's the most wonderful thing in the world would be extremely flattering, regardless of that person's gender. To me, maybe I wrote it poorly, the Sophie thing was never about lust, or about her being gay. It wasn't like Alex saw her and decided she needed to jump her bones. It was about a person going through a very hard time, where they felt alone. It was about their friend wanting more out of the relationship and them not knowing what they want. Sexuality, is a weird and very complicated thing. So, let's not get into the nitty gritty. After all, this is a little story written by some idiot on the internet.

Alex's sexual orientation is a question I'll let you guys answer for yourselves.

As for your P.S. Yeah, you might be right. I have a lot of love for Jay and I relate to him on a weird level. I'm not great about expressing my feelings and I'm not a big fan of people, I also might like bourbon a bit too much. But, I've never been great at choosing a favorite. But yeah, it has to be between him, Haley or Cam. I think Haley is a character they could do a lot with, which is why I wrote this whole big dumb story. I think Sarah Hyland plays her super well and I hope she has a long career ahead of her. I love Cam, I love how they play with stereotypes with him. Where he hits nearly every gay stereotype, than they show all the ways he breaks them.

Thanks again, man.

I would like to thank D for leaving a review. Thank you, man. I'm happy you found it cute, sorry I took so long to update. Thank you again, D.

I would like to thank TigerBB for reviewing again. Hey Tiger, sorry I took so long. You're always super kind about my stuff, even when it doesn't deserve it. Hopefully, this chapter was worth the wait. How all good things, and bad, come to an end. This story has been a part of my life for a few years now, I'm torn between being happy and sad it's over. Part of me kind wants to go back and rewrite a lot of the chapters, because most of them are really bad. But, I'm not gonna do that, because it's best to just leave things the way they are... sometimes. I'm not sure, what I'm gonna do next, I have a few Harry Potter things knocking around my head, not sure if Harry Potter's your thing or if any of those will be the next thing I'll write. But, if you wanna know what I do next, you can always follow me on this site.

Thanks again, Tiger. I wish you nothing but the best, man.

I would like to thank Pearpear for reviewing. Done, sorry it took so long. Thanks again.

I would like to thank Lyannette Zoe Cullen for reviewing and following. Thanks man, very kind of you to say. Well, there's only one chapter left. Hopefully, I will be able to get it out quicker than I got this one up. Thanks again, Lyannette.

I would like to thank the guest, or guest who reviewed on 8/29/15 and 10/1/15. Sorry for leaving you hanging so long. I'm hoping I can get the next chapter up, before too long. Again, sorry for the wait.

I would to thank Threeheadedhydreigon for reviewing and following. Hopefully how this chapter starts answered your first few questions, as for a sequel... Well, I'm not quite sure if I'm gonna do one, at least right a way. I kinda want to do a few oneshots and maybe a short story. But, I do have a few ideas of things I would like to do with Alex. So, more than likely, the next Modern Family story I do will probably be about her. I've been kicking around this idea of her first summer off from college, like her getting up to some trouble or something like that. Thanks again, Hydreigon.

I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 10/28/15. Nope, this story isn't over. But now there's only one chapter left, ;). Sorry for the wait, man.

I would like to thank IloveStallison for reviewing. Hey man, hopefully you're reading this. Sorry for leaving you hanging so long, I know how much waiting sucks. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, let's pray the next one doesn't take me as long. Thank you again for taking the time to leave multi reviews, Stallison. They helped get my ass in gear.

I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 4/17/16. Thank you, man. Sorry for the wait.

I would like to thank these ladies and bros for following. Prinsess Amalee, dpm102, StyxandStones90, Koala in the rain, LittleMissFanGirl14, The Arthurian Prat's Folly, MintyJ, Belle Blu, ravenandbb4ever, twistedlittledoll, darkparanoia, 8Yukikaze8, Kjohnson10101, MaximumFire, MentorJames, kateyprado, heyitscatherine, krlife.10, blackbirdjeid, cooopercrisp, SkittlezxBabex146, idoluana, LauraJenCC and war sage. Thanks guys, you're probably pretty dope!

I would like to thank you all for reading and don't forget all reviews are appreciated.