Happy Halloween guys, thought I would drop in and give you guys a treat. Hope you're having a fun and spooky Halloween.
I don't own Modern Family or any of the characters from the show, enjoy.
The 13th of April, 4:11 pm. Clay's POV.
I love doin' drywall. After all the muddin' is done, comes the sandin' and I could sand for hours. There's something to tryin' to get the wall perfectly smooth, that's relaxin'. I run the drywall sponge over the rough spots, dust fills the air. After me actin' like such an ass over Haley telling her family about my father, things were gettin' back to normal or whatever the hell normal I live in. Alex's still pissed at me, I get it. I beat the piss out of her ex, in front of her whole school. She thinks I'm a piece of shit and she's right, I am. So, I don't blame her.
But besides her, everyone else has been great. They had a family dinner last Sunday and Mrs. Pritchett, Cam and Mrs. Dunphy asked me to help them cook. Listenin' to them talk, tell stories and joke around had been great. Mrs. Dunphy had even complemented my skill in the kitchen and I couldn't help but smile, I felt like an idiot because of it. Someone gives me a complement and I smile like an idiot, big deal you idiot. Things won't as bad as I thought they would be, everyone for the most part didn't try talkin' to me about my father. Which I'm thankful for. Mr. Phil, Cam and Mrs. Pritchett had been huggin' me more often, which wasn't great. But, Mr. Pritchett said they just do that.
I stop and pull my mask off, taking a step back, looking over my work.
"Looks good, son." Mr. Bolton says, pattin' me on the shoulder.
After finishing his roof, Mr. Bolton threw us some more work. We're remodeling his bedroom, even though I know he doesn't care how it looks. The old guy is lonely, I ain't great with people. But I'm sure he's only throwin' us work, to keep us hangin' around. After he runs out of work for us, I should drop by every few days. He doesn't have anyone out here, except me.
Poor bastard. The only person he has is an emotionally fucked up, violent, asshole.
"Thanks, Mr. Bolton." I say, with a nod.
"I know, you ain't big on your birthday." He says, puttin' a hand on my shoulder. "But... um, here." He says, holding out a gift, wrapped with newspaper.
"Mr. Bolton..." I try, but he just cuts me off.
"Just take the damn gift." He says, with a slight bite to his voice.
I sigh and take it from him, shaking my head.
"Thanks." I say, looking at the small wrapped square.
"Go on, open it." He says, with a small smile.
I loop a finger in a corner and pull down, tearin' the newspaper. I ball the paper in a fist, as I stare down at the gift. It's a photo of me, my father and my brother, in an old dark wood frame. I'm fourteen, standin' between them. One of my eyes is swollen shut, the other is covered by my hand, wipin' at the blood comin' from the large cut on my eyebrow. I still have the damn scar from that cut. Both of my hands are taped up to the wrists, from the fight. I have a small little half smile. Able, my brother, stands on my right with an arm around my shoulders. He's in his army uniform, he was freshly back from Iraq, after one of his tours. He's grinnin' and pointin' at the camera. My father stands on my left, a small grin to his lips. One of his meaty hands on my shoulder.
I had just won a MMA tournament, for teens. I had won three fights in as many days, the last fight I ended with a knock-out of a eighteen year old. My father had shouted 'that's my boy', I had... I still hang on to that. He was proud of me, I was his son and he was proud of me. I'm that fuckin' pathetic, that I hang on to the old man shoutin' 'that's my boy'. I still think about him shoutin' that, I still dream about winnin' another tournament and him tellin' me he's proud of me, him tellin' me he loves me.
He was just drunk, you stupid shit. He was never proud, he never loved you.
Still, I hang onto that memory. He took me out for a burger, him and Able talkin' about how good I did. Sitting in that shitty little diner, listenin' to them braggin' about me to anyone who would listen... I had been happy, truly happy. I don't think I had ever been that happy... not til I met Haley.
"It's so you never forget where you came from or how far you've come." Mr. Bolton says, draggin' me from that diner. I look over at him and he gives me a smile. "I'm proud of you, son." He says, givin' my shoulder a squeeze. "I never had a kid, you know. But I always..." He trails off, turnin' around and rubbin' at his eyes. "Sorry, son." He says, turnin' back, with bloodshot eyes. "I'm just happy you're happy." He says, givin' me another smile. "I've never seen you this happy, this Haley girl is good for ya. So, don't fuck it up with her" He says, poppin' me on the arm. "Now, get out of here." He says, with a grin. "It's almost five, you've worked hard enough for today." He says, looking over at the freshly put up drywall.
"I was gonna..." I try, but he cuts me off again.
"I might be old, but I can still kick your ass, son." He says, shootin' me a look. "So, do as I tell ya." He adds, with a grin.
"Alright, old man." I say, with a chuckle. I tap the glass to the photo, with a knuckle and look back at him, with a small smile. "Thanks, Mr. Bolton." I say, givin' him a nod.
"It ain't shit, son." He says, wavin' it off. "Now get goin'." He adds, punchin' me on the arm.
"Yeah, alright old man." I say, with another chuckle. I go to the door, but stop and look back over at him. "How about tomorrow, Me and... ah, Haley come on over and have lunch?" I ask, leanin'' against the doorframe. "I would like it... ah, if you got to know her." I add, looking down at my boots.
I look back up at him and he smiles at me.
"Yeah, that would be nice." He answers, with a smile.
"Alright... ah, tomorrow than."
The 13th of April, 5:01 pm. Claire's POV.
I put the tupperware on the counter in my Dad's kitchen, quickly going over my list in my head. Got the steaks, the salad mixings and the drinks. Mitchell's on his way right now to get the cake and Haley's at home waiting for Clayton. Okay, think Claire, are you missing anything. Think, think. Steaks are in the tupperware and they've been marinating since last night. Gloira's handling the sides and Cam has been setting up everything else. Yeah, I think everything is covered. I smile to myself, I think we're going to pull this off.
My Dad comes into the kitchen, looking upset. Maybe I spoke too soon.
"You said this was going to be a small family affair." He says, sounding angry.
"It is, Dad." I say, with a weak smile.
"Then why are there men in my backyard, setting up speakers and a dance floor?" He asks, glaring at me.
"What?" I ask, completely caught off guard. "Cam." I mutter, stomping past my Dad and out to the backyard.
I stumble out into the backyard and stop in my tracks, being amazed. Torches line my Dad's patio and pool, with speakers in all the corners. A mini bar, with a lot of different bottles of liquor. A dance floor covers the pool, it's checkered, with white and clear squares. The clear ones show the crystal blue water of the pool, giving the dance floor a shimmering effect. I gasp and cover my mouth with my hand, not believing this is my Dad's backyard.
What happened? How did Cam afford all of this? What the hell is he thinking? Haley had said that Clayton wouldn't want a birthday party, but that he might like a small little family dinner, with just the family. But all this, the speakers, the dance floor and the lights... Oh my god, they're setting up lights.
I'm going to kill him.
I promised Haley the party wouldn't be anything big or fancy, just a dinner. A way to show Clayton, that he's a part of the family. A little welcome party, almost. But nothing that would freak him out. For a big guy covered in tattoos, Clayton is very easily made uncomfortable. Just last week I asked him what he would like for dinner and he just kept saying, 'whatever you want, I'm fine.' There was nearly an hour of just that, between me and him. I just wanted to do something nice for him and he just looked and acted so uncomfortable about the whole thing.
I don't want to even know what he would do, if he saw all of this.
I spot Cam between a few men, talking and pointing. Anger shoots through me, as I watch him directing people around. I stomp over to him, my fists balled at my sides. He sees me coming and waves the others away, giving me a weak smile.
"Okay, Claire before you freak out, let me explain myself..." Cam tries, putting his hands up.
"Explain yourself." I say, not wanting to hear it. "Cam, what the hell were you thinking? This was suppose to be a small little thing., not all this." I say, waving my hands around, like he hasn't noticed the mini bar or the dance floor.
"I know, I know. But I was thinking, that maybe we should throw something a little bigger." Cam says, looking around. "I mean, Clay's turning twenty. Not seventy." He adds, looking back at me, crossing his arms.
"Cam, Haley told us not to do anything too big." I say, running a hand through my hair.
"Well, this isn't that big." Cam says, looking around.
"Cam." I say, with a sigh.
Cam sighs, looking down at his feet.
"Okay, maybe I over did it... a little." He says, with a sigh.
"A little?" I ask, with a furrowed brow, not believing him.
"Maybe, I over did it lot, okay." He says, looking back up at me. "Mitchell's right, I always over do things." He says, with a sigh. "I just want Clay to have a nice time, that's all." He adds, with a weak smile.
"Do you think, Clayton. Haley's Clayton, would like all this?" I ask, waving a hand towards the dance floor. "Are you thinking of another young man, I haven't met?" I ask, looking back towards him.
"I just thought, that maybe... I don't know." He says, with another sigh. "What's a party without some music and a little dancing." He says, looking over at me. "I'll clean this all up, okay." He says, with a smile. "All this will be gone, before they get here." He adds, looking over at everything.
I take a few steps, so I'm standing next to him.
"How did you afford all this?" I ask, looking up at him.
He smiles.
"Longinus' boyfriend runs this events company, anyway, Longinus told him about Clay and they did all this for free." He says, looking down at me.
"Wow, free." I mutter, shaking my head.
All of this for free, god, they must be taking quite a hit. The dance floor, mini bar and all the speakers can't be cheap. That and the people setting it all up, must be getting payed. Cam must of busted his butt to get this all set up in just a few days. It really is amazing what a few motivated gay men can get done. It felt a little wrong to just get rid of all this stuff, it would be a waste of a lot of hard work. I bite my bottom lip and rub my chin, looking over the scene.
"Maybe we could set up the speakers in the den and move the couches out of the away, making a little dance area." I say, rubbing my chin.
"Really?" Cam asks, sounding excited.
"Yes, but just the speakers." I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
"What about the bar?" He asks, grinning.
"There's already a bar in the den, remember." I say, turning back and going inside.
Cam follows behind me.
"Right." He says, with a nod. "Maybe we could stock Jay's bar with a few bottles, there some good stuff." He says, with a smile.
"Okay, yeah." I say, with a smile. "I'm going to tell my Dad what's going on and then I'm going to start dinner." I say, looking over at him. "Go let your guys know, what's going on." I say, going towards the kitchen.
He nods and turns, going back out to the backyard. I make my way to the kitchen, trying to think of what I was going to tell my Dad. My Dad wasn't known for being flexible, so, even a little change to the plan was more than likely going to anger him. I come into the kitchen and spot my Dad standing at the counter, sipping from a glass of some brown liquor. Gloria and my little sister, Isabella, are standing near the counter too. Isabella's wearing a dark purple dress, with dark purple flats and a sparkly dark purple hairband. Her dark brown curls hang down her back, her light blue eyes fall on me and I smile.
She's going to be as beautiful as Gloria, that was easy to see. I wonder how many hearts she'll break, a lot, I'm sure. She'll be more beautiful than I ever was, I can't help but be a little jealous of her. She has Gloria's beautiful olive skin and that rich hair color, she's probably going to have Gloria's body when she gets older too. She's a lucky girl. We both are, I quickly remind myself. I have a great family, a wonderful husband and a beautiful home. I'm lucky, I am.
"She looks cute." I say, with a smile.
Gloria grins at her daughter.
"Say thank you, Bella." She says, tickling Isabella's belly. Isabella giggles, smiling at me.
"Thank you." The one and a half year old manages to get out.
I walk over to them and kiss Isabella on the cheek, she reaches up for me and I look at Gloria. She nods and I pick Isabella up, sitting her on my hip.
"I love her dress, Gloria." I say, running a hand over it. "It's cute." I say, with a smile.
"Thank you, I wanted her to wear something special for tonight." Gloria says, smiling at me or her daughter.
"So, you had to buy something new." My Dad says, looking over at his wife.
"Yes." She says, shooting him a ook.
The two stare at each other for a few seconds, before my Dad shakes his head and takes another sip from his glass.
"Fine." He mutters, taking another sip from his glass. He looks over at me and I smile. "Did you handle Cam and his 'friends'?" He asks, with a questioning look.
"Yes, but... Well..." I start, but he cuts me off, with a sigh.
"Great, what now?" He asks, looking over at me.
"Jay." Gloria says, a bite to her voice.
"What?" He asks, looking over at her. "I was told this was going to be a small thing, I agreed to a small quiet dinner. Not Studio 54. " He says, shaking his head again.
"Studio 54?" She asks, looking between me and my Dad. "Is this some American thing?" She asks, looking back at my Dad.
"It was this nightclu... ah, forget it, alright." He says, waving her question away. "I get it, I'm old." He mutters, shaking his head, before taking another sip from his glass.
"I talked to Cam and he's going to get rid of the dance floor and the bar..." I start, but my Dad cuts in.
"Why do I feel like there's a but coming." He mutters, shaking his head.
"But, we were thinking about moving the speakers into the den and you know, move the couches out of the way, making a little dancing area." I say, with a smile.
"That sounds like fun." Gloria says, grinning at me.
"Whatever, do what you want." He says, shaking his head, yet again. "You're going to do what you want anyway." He says, turning and walking away, his glass in hand.
"Thank you, Daddy." I call after him.
He throws a hand up, not even looking back at me. I sigh, swaying back and forth, trying to keep Isabella content. Great, he's upset. I bite my lip, I didn't mean to upset him. But, Cam is right, a little, that the party would be more fun with some music and dancing.
"He'll be fine." Gloria says, waving him off. "Clay deserves to have a little fun." She says, getting up and walking over to me, she grabs my arm and gives it a squeeze. "It's been a long few months." She says, taking Isabella from me.
"Yes, it has." I agree, with a nod.
"So, let's have fun tonight."
The 13th of April, 5:15 pm. Haley's POV.
I stare at the box, biting at my thumbnail. It had come earlier today for Clay, all the way from Detroit. Part of me wanted to open it, a big part of me and it's not helping I'm home alone. I had been left here to get Clay to come to my Grandpa's house, unknowingly to him, to his surprise party. Luke had let it slip at breakfast a week ago, that Clay's birthday was coming up. So me, my Mom and Cam quickly put together a party for him. He never told me when his birthday was and if I'm honest, I never thought about it. I hate to admit that, but it's true. His birthday hadn't ever crossed my mind, so me and my family planned a party for him. I know he isn't big on parties, he never really went out partying with me and Amber, but I thought he might like a small family dinner. We got him a few gifts, nothing too big or expensive, since I knew he would feel uncomfortable if we spent too much money on him. Not that he would be comfortable with the birthday party as a whole, he just didn't like being the center of attention. That's why it's a surprise party, he can't stop a surprise party.
So that's why I'm standing here in the kitchen, staring at the damn box. Who is it from? What is it? It couldn't be from his father, right? Maybe it's from his sister-in-law, he has said he's close to her. It's more than likely a present for his birthday, she definitely knows when it is. Maybe I should wrap it and give it to him at the party.
What if it isn't a gift and just food or something, that would look weird if he opened the gift from his sister-in-law and it was just some chicken. And if it's food, it could go bad. I should open it and find out, it would be my fault if it when bad. I grab my pendant and rub it, staring down at the box. He would thank me, if it was food. But he might be angry, if it was just a gift. But if it's food...
I walk over to the counter and grab a knife, then I go back to the kitchen table and pull the box closer to me. I slide the tip of the knife across the tape and then set it aside, I open the box and dig through the packing peanuts. I find a smaller box in the packing peanuts and pull it out, setting it down on the table. It's a simple box for a pair of boots, with an envelope taped to it. I pull the top off and look down at them, a size thirteen pair of black boots, with gray trim and gray laces, lay inside. They're heavy boots, made for cold weather.
I guess, she doesn't know it's warm year round here.
I put the top back on and eye the envelope, it must be a letter. I want to read it, but I shouldn't. It's for Clay, it's personal. But, I can't help but eye the neat handwriting on it. He wouldn't mind, I've already come this far. I carefully peel the tape and pull the envelope away from the box of boots. I run a nail under the seal and very slowly pull the envelope open. Oh god, what am I doing. You're invading your boyfriend's personal things, that's what you're doing. I carefully pull the letter out of the envelope and set the envelope down on the table. I sit down and read the letter.
Dear Clay.
Happy birthday Clay-bear, I know you hate that name. But I've been calling you that since you were three, so deal with it. God, you're turning twenty. Twenty! God, stop growing up, Clay, you're making me feel old. It's weird to think of you as a man, which you are. But when I think of you I still think of the little baby I used to babysit. You were such a beautiful little thing, now you're just a big handsome young man. Anyway, I love you and miss you. We all do. Hanna, Sally, Able and I all miss you. Hanna asks about you all the time and Sally is dying to meet you. You hadn't even seen her in person yet, Clay. I know why you don't think you can come back... but all that's in the past. Able and I don't think any less of you. You were in a bad place, you had been drinking and taking those pills. But it wasn't your fault, I hope you know that. I shouldn't of let it happen, I should of made that clear. Able does miss you, I know even as you're reading this, you're rolling your eyes. But you're his little brother and he loves you, but you're both so damn stubborn, that neither of you can admit it when you've screwed up.
How's that Haley girl? Hope you're being good to her, if I hear otherwise I will give you a piece of my mind. I think she's good for you, I hated you jumping from girl to girl. Yes, I know you were sleeping around, Clay. I didn't teach you to act like that and I know that isn't the kind of man you are. Everytime you talk about her with me, I can just tell how much she means to you. Make sure she knows that. I know how you are, how you push people away, when they try getting close to you. So for me, Clay. Make sure she knows how much she means to you. Please, Clay. I hate to think of you out there alone, it's scares me. I like to know there's a good woman with you. I know you feel like you don't have anything to offer, but you are a handsome young man, with a good heart and a lot to offer. I mean it, I hope you know that.
Please call after you read this, let me know you're doing good and you never call!
Love Morgan.
P.S. If you don't call, I will come out there! I mean it, young man! Let's see how tough those girls think you are, when I'm dragging you by the ear back to Michigan with me.
I smile down at the letter, he talks about me. I guess I knew he did, but it's nice to know he really does. So many thoughts bounce around my head, from the letter. Clay slept around, I should've known. He hasn't even met his youngest niece, I didn't know he hasn't been home since moving out here. I wonder what happened that makes him think he can't go back, maybe it was Derrick. Morgan has known Clay since he was a baby, how much older is his brother, Abel? I knew Abel was older than Clay, but if Morgan babysat Clay when he was a baby, she has to be fourteen or fifteen years older than Clay. Which makes her... what? Thirty-four, Thirty-five?
I quickly remember that I opened his letter and read it, without asking. I put the letter back into the envelope and lick the seal, hoping it will seal again. It does and I thank god, for my luck. I put the envelope back on the box of boots and stare down at it. I stare at it for a few seconds, before putting it back in the box. He wouldn't notice, he wouldn't.
I hear the front door open, that must be him. God, that was a little close. I hear his heavy footsteps coming down the hall and I smile, as he comes into the kitchen.
"Hey babe." He says, with that small smile of his.
He's covered head to toe in what looks like white dust or maybe some sort of powder. It's in his hair and covers his clothes, the only place the dust isn't covering, is his mouth. I stand up and go over to him, I run a hand through his hair. He smiles down at me, putting one of his large hands on my belly.
"How was your day?" I ask, slapping my hands together, making clouds of dust in the air.
"It was good." He says, rubbing my belly. "How about yours?" He asks, his wonderful dark brown eyes falling on mine.
"You know, another day at the salt mines." I say, smiling up at him. "Long hours of lying around on the couch." I say, with a grin.
"Damn girl, don't ya think you're pushin' yourself a little. I mean, you are pregnant." He says, with a chuckle.
I laugh and shake my head.
"You got something in the mail today." I say, nodding towards the box on the table.
He eyes it and goes over to the table, I follow behind him. I'm nervous about him finding out that I not only opened his box, but I also read his personal letter. I'm not sure how he would react if he found out that I opened his gift, since he's so weird about some things and not about other. I sit back down at the table, watching him. He pulls the box closer, eying it. He looks over at me, with a questioning look.
"It's already opened." He says, looking back at the back.
Thoughts race through my head, trying to think of something to say.
"My Mom opened it, before she saw who it was to." I lie, with a smile.
"Hmm." He mutters, digging through the box.
He pulls the box of boots out and sets it down on the table, he picks the envelope up and opens it. He pulls the letter out and he quickly reads it, I watch him. He smiles a little, when he finishes it. He folds the letter up and sets it down on the table, he then pulls the box of boots over to him. He pulls the top off and picks one of the boots up, he looks it over.
"They're nice." I say, with a smile. "Who are they from?" I ask, eying the letter, like I hadn't read it.
"My sister-in-law." He says, setting the boot down on the table.
I pull the letter closer to me, looking over at Clay.
"Do you mind if I read the note?" I ask, with a weak smile.
"Umm... It's a little personal." He says, weakly, looking uncomfortable.
I know not to push him, something I've learn about Clay over these last few months. Is that you can't make him do anything he doesn't want to, he has to get there himself. I can guide him in the right direction, I just can't push him there. So, I give him a smile.
"Okay." I say, with a shrug. "You need to get a shower, we're having dinner at my Grandpa's." I say, standing up. "Wear something nice, okay." I add, shooting him a look.
"Alright Comet." He says, with a nod.
"Good, I need to get ready too." I say, getting up and going down the hall.
I'm at the stairs, before I hear him coming down the hall too. I start up them, with him following behind me. I wonder how everything is going over at my Grandpa's, I wonder if everything is ready or not. I think they would be ready, but you never know with my family. I love them, but we always seem to find ourselves in weird situations. My thoughts fall back on Clay's gift and a small part of me wants him to tell me everything, I want him to tell me that it's his birthday. I want him to tell me, I want him to confide in me.
"Why did she send you those boots?" I ask, knowing the answer.
He's quiet for a few seconds, I stop at the top of the stairs and turn around, looking down at him. He looks up at me, clenching and unclenching his fist. He looks me in the eye and I smile, he doesn't smile back.
"It's my birthday." He mutters, looking away.
I reach out and grab the hand he had been clenching and unclenching, I give it a squeeze.
"Happy birthday, Clay."
The 13th of April, 6:13 pm. Cam's POV.
I place the lights on the hook and step off the stepladder, looking over my work. The lights have a purplish glow to them, as they hang over the archway and around the den. I'm happy with how things turned out, Claire was right, I over did it... a little. Claire was right, Clay wouldn't have liked all the things I did. But it's what I do, even I can admit I overdo it sometimes, I do it all out of love though.
Hopefully, everyone knows that.
I look around the room, looking over my work. We put speakers in each corner, moved the couches and the table out of the way, making a small dancing space. We stocked the bar with the drinks we brought, so there's something besides whiskey and bourbon. I smile and nod, happy with my work. I turn and go to the kitchen, I spot Claire and Gloria hard at work. Claire is preparing the corn and Gloria is cutting up onions for the salad. I walk over to the counter, smiling.
They look up at me and smile.
"You guys need help with anything?" I ask, putting my hands on the counter.
"Well, the steaks are marinated and we have the sides covered." Claire says, looking up at me. She then looks around the kitchen, then back at me. "Is everything ready in the den?" She asks, chewing on her lower lip.
"Yes, everything is ready." I say, with a smile and a nod.
"Good, good." Claire says, nodding. "We'll let the steaks sit for a little bit longer..." She trails off, looking over the counter. "What about the cake?" She asks, looking back at me.
"Mitchell's bringing it." I answer, with a small smile.
"Okay, I think we're set." She says, smiling.
"Alrighty then, I guess you guys got it covered." I say, looking between the two of them.
I clap my hands together and leave the kitchen, going back into the den. I cross my arms over my chest, looking over the room. Pepper and Longinus are standing by the snack table, bickering back and forth. The two had stayed behind, Pepper because he is a friend of the family and wanted to be here for Haley and Clay. And Longinus... well he wanted to meet Clay after hearing so much about him. I couldn't just ask him to leave since he's lending me all this party stuff for free.
I go over to the two, putting my arms between them.
"What's going on?" I ask, with a smile.
Longinus crosses his arms over his chest, Pepper huffs and does the same.
"Pepper here thinks we should organize the snack table with the cake at the center, while I think we should divide it into sections." Longinus says, glaring over at Pepper, than looking over at me. "Meats, fruits, vegetables, sweets." He says, listing off on his hand.
"That's crazy, the cake is always the center piece." Pepper says, glaring at Longinus. "The cake draws the eye." He says, pointing down at the snack table.
"Of course it draws the eye, if you put it in the center." Longinus says, his hands shooting all over the place.
"Alright you two, calm down. This isn't that big of a deal." I say, looking between the two of them.
"Okay, fine." Pepper says, looking over at me. "Where do you think we should put the cake?" He asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yeah, Cam. Where?" Longinus agrees, doing the same as Pepper.
I look between the two of them, with my mouth open, trying to form words. I knew if I agreed with one, the other would be upset with me and the two of them won't known for letting things go. I stare at them for a few seconds, my mind racing for an answer that wouldn't upset one of them. But I draw a blank.
Luckily, the doorbell rings.
"I should probably get that." I say, quickly turning and leaving the room.
I'm thankful for my luck, one of them being angry with me is the last thing I need. There are enough things going on in my life right now, with teaching, Lily, Haley's pregnancy and Clay, I didn't need any more drama. I reach the door and pull it open and I'm surprised by who's standing behind it.
"Hello, Dylan." I say, with a small smile.
"Hey Haley's uncle." He says, with a small smile.
"It's Cam." I say, with a nod. "Can I help you?' I ask, with a questioning look.
"Haley invited me to Clay's birthday party." He says, looking slightly confused, but he always looks a little confused. "She said it was here." He says, running a hand through his hair.
Inviting your ex boyfriend to your current boyfriend's birthday party, how could that go wrong.
"Yeah, come in, come in." I say, waving him in.
He comes in and I go to close the door, but someone stops me. I look over my shoulder and smile, Mitchell and Lilly come in, with Mitchell carrying a white box.
"Hey, Dylan." Mitchell says, smiling at him.
"Hey, Haley's other uncle." He says, smiling at Mitchell. Mitchell tilts his head to the side and then just shakes his head. "Hey, Lucy." Dylan says, smiling down at Lily.
"Everytime." Lily says, with a sigh.
I shake my head and smile at Mitchell, he smiles back.
"Did you get the cake?" I ask, walking over to him and giving him a kiss.
"Yes, I did." He says, rolling his eyes at me and holding the white box up. "I'll put it on the snack table." He says, turning to go into the den.
I catch him by the arm.
"No, you don't want to go in there." I say, shaking my head and dragging him towards the kitchen.
"What? Why?"
The 13th of April, 6:46 pm. Haley's POV.
"You sure this looks good?" I ask, nervously, squirming in my seat.
"Yeah babe, you look great." He says, giving me a small smile, before he looks back at the road.
I had took nearly an hour to get ready, I hated everything I put on. I just felt so fat and gross in everything I tried on, I still do. My body isn't my body anymore, I'm fat, I sweat at the drop of a hat, my feet are always swollen and I have to pee every few minutes. It's killing me, I hate it. Yes, I know I'm pregnant. But I used to be hot, I've always been hot and now I'm just this big fat sweaty whale. I can't help but feel self conscious, I mean, I don't have a lot going for me, besides my looks. Clay doesn't help, I know it's bad. But, I can't help but hate him a little for staying in shape. I've literally seen Clay come home from an eight hour day of work, change and go for his run. And his job isn't a job where he sits around all day, his job is hard manual labor, like back breaking work.
He's one of those people that are in obnoxiously good shape.
I flatten out my skirt, looking over my dress. It's one of the maternity dresses, I got the night of the fight. It's white, with a red and pink flowery pattern. It stops just above my knees. With a pair of cute little white flats. I've always been a heel girl, myself, because of how short I am. But, with my feet swelling up like they have, it hurts like hell to wear a pair. I brushed my hair out, letting it fall past my shoulders and down my back. And I put a small amount of makeup on, nothing super noticeable, just a little bit of lipstick and eyeliner.
Clay keeps telling me I look great, but I just want to go home and hide in a pair of sweats.
I look over at Clay, as the truck turns. He's wearing his dark gray dress shirt, with a pair of jeans and the boots his sister-in-law sent him. Dark brown stubble covers his face, he didn't shave today. He looks great, he actually looks great. That hard look on his face, an almost angry look. Of course, he has to look sexy, the prick. I know, I'm complaining about my tall, sexy and sweet boyfriend. It just sucks he still looks great and I'm starting to look like Shamu's sister.
His beautiful dark brown eyes look over at me.
"What?" He asks, looking back at the road.
"Just looking at my man." I say, with a grin. I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes at my own words, could I sound any cornier?
He chuckles and shakes his head.
"Okay." He says, watching the road again.
He doesn't even see that he's good looking, it's kinda sad. It's weird to think, you think you would know that you're good looking. You think you would know that you're sexy. But he doesn't see that, he doesn't even think he's okay looking. He thinks he's ugly, how the hell can't he see what I do. His father beat his self-esteem so low, that he hates himself. That's why he doesn't see any worth in himself. It breaks my heart, that he thinks so low of himself.
Clay isn't a model or anything, but he's better looking than most men. A strong jaw, deep-set eyes and a sharp nose, even though it's been broken a few times.. He has beautiful eyes and a nice smile, which would be better if he just smiled more. He's in amazing shape, like I said, he's in obnoxiously good shape. The scars and tattoos were good or bad, depending on the person. I liked them, the tattoos give you a little peek into his head and the scars showed he's made mistakes.
And that's just looks, which isn't even the reason why I'm with him.
It's him, who he is as a person. It's how he holds doors open for me, older people and other women. It's how he makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the room, even when I'm not. It's how he tries to be respectful to everyone, even when they're not towards him. It's how he's good with kids. It's how he listens, he really listens. It's his dry sense of humor. It's how humble and honest he is. It's his sweet and kind heart.
Clay doesn't think he deserves me, a lot of people think he doesn't. But the truth is, I don't deserve him.
The truck pulls to a stop at a stoplight, the cab is bathed in the red light. I look over at him and grab one of his large hands, giving it a squeeze. He looks over at me and smiles, a questioning look in his eyes.
"I'm lucky, I met you." I say, with a smile.
His smile grows bigger and he pulls our hands to his lips, kissing my hand.
"Trust me, you ain't the lucky one." He says, looking back at the road, but keeping his hold on my hand.
I smile, as the trucks starts down the road again. I hope he's going to be okay with the surprise party, I know he isn't big on his birthday, but he did tell me that it was his birthday and he is wearing the boots his sister-in-law gave him. I eye the boots, they look good on him. I wonder why she got him snow boots, she must know he doesn't need them. I should just ask him, he wouldn't mind, maybe...
"Can I ask you a question?" I ask, rubbing my pendant, with my thumb.
"You can try." He says, looking over at me and then back at the road.
"Why did your sister-in-law send you those boots?" I ask, still rubbing my pendant. "I mean, it's not really cold around here." I say, with a small smile.
He falls quiet for a few seconds, watching the road. I fear that I've upset him, but he smiles and shakes his head.
"When I was growing up, I only really had my brother's hand-me-downs." He says, looking over at me, then back at the road. He chuckles. "By the time I was eight, my brother's boots were so wore out that there were three or four holes in 'em. And it's snows like a motherfuc... it snows a lot in Detroit." He says, as he stops at another stoplight.
Red light washes over the cab again, as he leans back and looks over at me.
"The snow that got into my boots would melt and that water would freeze." He says, shaking his head again. "Anyway, when Morgan found out, my sister-in-law, she freaked out. She screamed at my father and my brother... she's the only person I knew who wasn't afraid of my father." He says, with a grin. "Well, my birthday came and... we didn't celebrate birthdays in our house. Anyway, my birthday came and it was one of the few days I was actually at school. Morgan picked me up after school and took me out, she let me have a cupcake." He says, with a smile.
The light turns green and the truck starts down the road again.
"It was so damn sweet, that cupcake. After that, she took me and got me these tan snow boots." He says, grinning. "I wore those boots for like two weeks straight, I loved those damn boots." He says, shaking his head. "Every year, she would take me out, get me a cupcake and a new pair of boots" He says, looking over at me. "I guess it kinda became a thing." He adds, with a shrug.
I smile and give his hand a squeeze, he smiles back. It's nice to know he had someone growing up, that he has someone besides me. When he talks about his past, his childhood, his homelife there isn't a lot of bright spots, not many happy memories. Even his happy memories have dark spots, that to him, aren't dark. So it's nice he had a least one person who cared... who still cares.
"She sounds great." I say, smiling at him.
"She is." He agrees, with a nod.
"When do I get to meet her?" I ask, not knowing if he would like the question or not.
"Ah... well, it's just..." He mutters, trailing off at the end.
"I'm not in a rush." I say, with a smile, giving his hand another squeeze. "We do have eighteen years with this one." I say, pointing down at my belly.
He nods, giving me a weak smile.
"But, I'm sure she'll want to meet her little niece or nephew." I add, rubbing my belly.
"Yeah, she will." He says, sounding more serious. "It's just things... between me and Able... are tense, me and him don't really get along." He says, looking over at me, then back at the road.
"Clay, he's your brother. I'm sure things are not as bad as you think they are." I say, with a weak smile. Honestly, things between him and his brother were probably pretty bad. Emotions and family stuff with Clay were never simple. "I mean, you're brothers. You love each other" I add, looking out my window.
"Trust me, you don't know the prick like I do." He says, the anger clear in his voice.
I fall quiet not wanting to upset him anymore than I already have, usually I would push it a little. But, since he's driving us to a surprise birthday for him, he probably doesn't want, I don't.
He gives my hand a squeeze, I look over at him.
"Sorry." He says, not looking at me. "It's just... things between me and him... are beyond fixin', can we just leave it at that." He says, looking over at me, then back at the road.
"Alright." I say, giving him a smile.
"Thank you." He says, looking over at me, then back at the road. "I'm sorry, it's just..." He tries, but trails off.
"It's okay, I get it." I say, honestly not getting it.
He just nods, giving my hand another squeeze.
The rest of the ride is quiet, it's not exactly awkward or comfortable, it's just a little weird. But he doesn't let go of my hand, so that's something. We pull into my Grandpa's driveway and Clay puts the truck in park. We climb out of the truck and I walk around to the front of it, while Clay locks it up. I fuss with my dress, feeling self conscious again. What was I thinking, I look ridiculous. Clay grabs my hand and pulls it away from my dress, making me look up at him.
"You look great, Comet." He says, with a small smile. He leans in and kisses me, I smile into the kiss.
He breaks the kiss after a moment and he looks down at me, smiling. I blush, feeling stupid for being so self conscious. I look down at our hands and eye the tattoo on his ring finger, it was called a triskele, if I remember right. The two of us, misfits, both of us. An ex-party girl and an ex-fighter, two screwups. Two broken people, a little less broken together.
God, I'm glad I didn't say that out loud. Clay would be laughing his ass off and I like his ass too much for that.
"It's just dinner with your family, anyway. It's not like we're going to a party." He says, pulling us towards the front door.
"Yeah." I lie, letting out a dry chuckle.
We slowly go to the door, me leaning into him. I keep his right hand tight in my own, since he's right handed. I've never seen Clay surprised, I'm afraid he might just deck someone on reflex. I didn't want one of my family members to jump out and yell surprise and have Clay hit them, on reflex. So, I hold on tight to his hand. He reaches for the doorbell, with his free hand. But I grab his free hand with my own, knowing no one would answer.
"We can just go in." I say, giving him a smile.
He just nods and grabs the doorknob, he pulls the door open and holds it open for me. I go inside and look around the darkened living room, keeping his hands in mine. I smile and slowly turn around, as Clay comes in behind me.
"Why are the lights off?" He asks.
The lights come on.
"Surprise!" Everyone shouts, all smiling, except Alex.
Wait, is that Pepper and... Longinus?
Clay doesn't jump or move, he just looks confused. He looks over at me, with a weak smile.
"Surprise?"
I would like to thank SideshowJazz1 for reviewing again. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll definitely give it a look, when I get the time. Yes, things are working out for now... (He writes forebodingly.) Yeah, good. I'm planning on doing a lot more with Alex down the line, so that's something to look forward to. Anyway, thanks again Jazz. Hope I can keep you reading till the end.
I would like to thank A.M.D.Y.X for reviewing again. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed Clayton's little story, I was definitely going for something near poignant, so it's nice to know someone feels I did hit the mark. Well, I will try to work some more kissy stuff in ;). Thanks again, Trick.
I would like to thank Anya Vargas for reviewing again. Happy to hear it, man. Hopefully, I didn't keep you waiting too long. Thanks again for reviewing.
I would like to thank ODA for reviewing again. Well, we still have a few chapters to go. I don't have a number or anything, because I feel like this story is over when it's over. I have my ending picked out and I know how I'm going to get there, it's just about getting it all down now. It's gonna be a bit rough, but I feel it's fitting for the story as a whole.
As for my next story, well... honestly I'm not sure what I'm going to do next. I have a few ideas, I can say it won't be a Percy Jackson story. Still haven't seen the movies or read any of the books. Sorry man, wish I could give ya a Percy Jackson story. But, It's just not my bag.
The Ideas I'm kicking around for my next story are a Harry Potter story, a Game of Thrones story and another Modern Family story. I'll decide which one I'll do after I finished this story, don't want to put too much thought into something down the line. Thanks again, ODA.
I would like to thank for reviewing. Wow, that's a lot of reading. Thanks, man. Your review made my week, so thank you for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed my story. It means a lot. Hopefully, I didn't keep you waiting to long. Thanks again, Tarni.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 10/25/13/. Thanks man, I will keep writing, you don't have to worry about that. Yeah, that would be crazy if they did something similar to my story. But, I think my story might be a little dark for the show. Thanks again, man.
I would like to thank Caity for reviewing. Thanks man and I will, don't worry. Thanks again, Caity.
I would also like to thank Flashpoint147, Emily9913, PrettyLittleLiarsFanatic, Tarsha12, Born Athlete, xxEm'n'jj4evaxx and Eevi for following, thanks guys.
And now I would like to thank you all for reading and finally don't forget to leave me a treat by reviewing.
Happy Halloween! (creepy and spooky sound effects here)