Oh my god, he's alive!
Yes dear reader, I am still alive and I am still writing. Sorry for keeping you waiting.
Hey guys, Fallout here. Well, we're down to it. There's one more chapter after this one and an epilogue. So this is it. It's a little weird to think about, this story has gone on a lot longer and farther than I ever thought it would. You guys have been unbelievably kind and understanding, thank you for that. This story wouldn't still be going, if it wasn't for you. Thank you.
Again, sorry for the wait.
I would like to thank my awosome beta reader for profreading this and correcting any mistakes I may have made. Thank you, Becr.
I don't own Modern family or any of the characters from the show. Enjoy.
The 24th of July, 6:29 pm. Claire's POV.
"What?! You can't be going into labor, you still have a few weeks."
"Oh I'm sorry, mom!" Haley shouts, shooting me a dark look. "You want to take it up with him?!" She asks, pointing at her belly.
"It's okay, everything is going to be okay." Morgan says, putting a hand on Haley's shoulder. "A hospital bag, do you have one?" She asks, looking between Haley and I.
"By the door." I say, pointing towards the front door, still slightly stunned.
"If Clay doesn't show up in the next five minutes, I'm going to kill him." Haley mutters, leaning into Morgan for support.
"Don't... don't wor... worry baby, we're... we are goin..g to get you to the doctor's." Phil says, going to Haley and patting her on the head. "Your mother and I ... Have this under control." He adds, patting Morgan's head now.
"Still not your wife, hon." Morgan says, leaning her head away from Phil's hand. "Claire, can you do something with your husband, please." She says, leading Haley to the couch.
"Damnit Phil, come here." I say, going to him and grabbing him by the arm.
"Sit down hon, I'm gonna call Able and see if he's had any luck." Morgan says, giving Haley a smile.
"If that motherfucker isn't here in five minutes, I'm gonna skin him alive." Haley mutters to herself, leaning back on the couch.
"What are we gonna do with him?" Morgan asks, nodding to Phil, who's now hanging onto me. "I mean, are we bringing him?" She added, raising a brow.
I let out a sigh, understanding why she would ask. I mean, I can't really help with Haley if I'm babysitting my drunk husband. My anger towards him gets worse, as I weigh my options. Phil's usually very good at being there when I need him, but right now, he's just in the way. I think of who I can leave him with. Cam had left not long after I got back, telling us to call him if we needed anything. But he wouldn't be able to get here in time. Alex pops into my mind next, but she left an hour or so ago to hang out with a friend and I have no clue where she is now.
That left only one person.
"Luke!" I shout, dragging Phil with me, as I head towards the stairs.
There's no answer and I can't help but wonder why. He's still grounded, so there shouldn't be much in his room to distract him.
"Luke!" I shout again, getting impatient. I let out a sigh, shaking my head. "Can you take him?" I ask, looking over at Morgan.
"Yeah," she says quickly, taking Phil from me. "Come on, hon. Let's get you a seat." She says, dragging him towards the couch.
"Claire, when did you cut your hair?" He asks, sounding alarmed.
I shake my head, going up the stairs. What could Luke possibly be doing up there all alone? The one time I really need him to come running when I call him, he just completely ignores me. I swear Haley couldn't have gone into labor on a worse day. Alex is gone, Clay is missing, Phil's drunk and Luke is hiding. Can I just have one thing go right today. I reach the top of the stairs and go to Luke's door, is that music I hear?
Why is he playing music so loud?
"Luk.." I start to say, but stop, as I pull the door open.
Luke shouts, some hispanic girl screams and tries to cover herself... Wait, is she nude? Wait, is my baby boy nude?
"You didn't lock the door?" The girl shouts, diving for a shirt.
"She had Clay take my lock off!" Luke shouts, pulling on boxers.
I'm so angry, that I can feel the veins in my neck throbbing.
"You both get dress now!" I yell.
The two of them quickly dress, I glare between the two while they do. I can't believe this week. First, poor Clayton finds Mr. Bolton, then Haley and Clay get into a big fight, next I find Clayton about to kill himself and have to talk him down, the following morning Haley goes into labor. Now this! This! My fourteen year old son having sex... Jesus, he's barely a teenager.
Where did all this trouble come from?
Things were always a little crazy, but not like this. Nothing was ever this... bad. It was always childish trouble, never this life changing kind. Drugs, depression, cops, fights, beatings, pregnancies, suicidal thoughts and actions... When did things get this serious? There was a good ten years where things were... good, yes, there was always trouble and problems, but we were always able to look back at them and laugh... I won't look back at Clayton telling me things would be better if he killed himself and laugh.
Once they're dressed, we go to the stairs, with them leading the way. We go into the living room. Phil is on the couch, with Haley, talking quietly. Morgan is standing in the middle of the room, looking between Luke, the hispanic girl and I, clearly having heard me shouting moments ago.
She comes over to me, putting a hand on my shoulder.
"Everything okay?" She asks, looking over at Luke and the girl.
"No, but I'll deal with it later." I say, shooting them a dirty look.
Luke's eyes shoot to the floor, blushing a dark red. While the girl buries her head in her hands.
"Okay, you two." I say, getting their attention. "Haley has gone into labor and we need to get her to the hospital." I say, calmly.
Luke's eyes go wide and shoot to the couch, where Haley is breathing heavily. The girl shoots Luke a look, than me and finally Haley, obviously bewildered.
"Jesus." Luke mutters, rubbing the back of his head.
"I will deal with you two later, but for right now, I need you to watch your father."
"Wait, why? Isn't he going too?" Luke asks, looking confused.
"He's drunk." Haley says, red in the face.
"Yes... he is." I add, shaking my head. "Your father decided to have a few drinks with a friend of his today, so, I can't help your sister and deal with him." I say, pointing at my husband.
"What about Clay? Where is he?" Luke asks, looking around the room.
I open my mouth to speak, but can't find the words. Morgan also tries, but Haley cuts her off.
"He's gone." Haley says, slowly climbing to her feet.
Morgan darts to her side, grabbing one of her hands and putting an arm around her waist.
"I'm not waiting for him, I can do this on my own." Haley says, heading for the door.
It was clear, at least to me, that she was scared and was just putting on a brave face. I smile slightly, feeling proud of her. I knew how scared she must feel, remembering when I went into labor with her. She knew, she had to be brave for her child, because she was becoming a mother.
"Alright honey, let's go."
The 24th of July, 6:47 pm. Clay's POV.
"So... Are we just gonna tell them straight out?"
"Well, do you really think they'll believe some guys tried to jump us? In this neighbourhood?" Able asks, wavin' a hand between us.
"Brother, you're built like a brickshit house. Ain't many motherfuckers stupid enough to start shit with ya." He says, with a grin.
I sigh and poke at my swollen eye.
"Man, Haley's gonna be pissed."
"We'll tell 'em, I started it."
"C'mon brother, you think they'll believe that?" I ask, looking over at him.
Able opens his mouth, to say something, but thinks better of it and closes it without a word.
My mind goes over my actions over the last week, since finding Mr. Bolton. I can still see him, there in the shower, half his head missin'. I should've saved him, he needed me and I wasn't even there. That's how it always is, I always fail the few who care about me. Derrick comes to mind, he would still be here, if I wasn't such an asshole. I had been drinkin' and was all messed up on Oxy, we were at a bowling alley of all places. Able and Morgan had kicked me out earlier that day, after... That doesn't matter.
We were outside, jokin', drinkin', smokin'. Me and Franklin were givin' Jackson shit, like we always did. Derrick hadn't drank or smoked anything all night, he was worried for me. I just kept telling him not to worry, I was gonna sleep in my truck. He wanted me to go back and apologize, this only made me angry. Derrick was the responsible one of the group, he was the only one still in school, the only one who didn't use or sell drugs. He was a good man, something I've been trying to be for years.
I spotted this guy, who had been talkin' about how he had kicked my ass, in a car in the parkin' lot. Booker was his name. I pointed this out to the guys and started towards him, knowin' full well who was in the car with him. I wasn't the kind of guy people started shit with, people knew who I was. They knew my father, my brother and they knew me. I had put Red Thomas in a chair, I had walked away from being stabbed, I was the big bad wolf and people didn't fuck with me.
Booker had joined Brookstreet, a small crew of gangbangers. Talk around the neighbourhood was that they killed Quickie Jake, a small time drug pusher. I was a low-rent thug next to them, but I wasn't scared of 'em... I should've been. I told the guys, what I was gonna do and to be ready. Jackson was the only one carrying heat, but both him and Franklin were game for whatever. As I started towards them, Derrick put his hand on my shoulder and said.
"Don't man, just leave it."
I just laughed and pushed his hand off, headin' towards the car. As I got close, they noticed. Booker asked me if I was lookin' for trouble, flashin' a piece. I got close, grinned and sucker-punched him. I grabbed him by his collar and dragged him out of the car, continuing to hit him. I remember his blood on the meltin' snow, hearin' Jackson and Franklin shoutin' and cursin'. Someone grabbed my shoulder and I turned quickly, hittin' 'em with a headbutt, then there was these loud pops... gunshots.
I'm on the ground, in the snow. Derrick shouts for me, followed by more shots. I remember seein' all this blood pouring from my stomach, mixin' into the snow, meltin' it. More shots, the car peels out, more shots. Franklin's with me, holdin' me, tellin' me to hold on. My whole body felt heavy, my thoughts were fuzzy. Jackson was screamin' that Derrick was gone, that they had fuckin' killed him.
I woke up, a week later in a hospital bed.
When I went to the funeral, his mother screamed and attacked me. It should've been you, she just kept screaming that at me... and she was right, it should've been me. No one gave a shit about me, I wouldn't be missed. I made up my mind then and there, I was going to kill myself, before I could ruin anymore lives. Killing myself had been on my mind for years, it would make everyone's lives easier. I wouldn't be in my father's way anymore, Morgan wouldn't have to worry about me and could focus on her own kids. I was nothing but a burden, useless and in the way. Everyone would be better off without me in their lives, weighing them down. Growing up, me and Derrick always talked about goin' to California. We talked about seeing the ocean and chasing girls. I thought it would be easier for everyone, if I just disappeared. So, I took off in my truck, I didn't leave a note or tell anyone, I just left. It took two weeks for me to reach California, since I got a little lost on the way. I entered California and drove till a hit the ocean. I remember seeing it for the first time and being blown away by how beautiful it was, guilt pooled in my stomach, knowing Derrick would never get to see it because of me.
It had been early, I had been watching the sun come up, sitting on my truck, with a utility knife. I prayed for God to watch over Morgan, her girls, Jackson, Franklin and Michelle. Finally, I asked God to forgive me for all my sins and for what I was going to do next. I got out of my truck and went to the water, I remember it bein' cold. I opened my wrists, believin' I was doin' the right thing. The first wrist was easy, the second wasn't. I carved my arm up bad, since my hand was so shaky and my head was foggy. I laid down on the beach, watching the sky, ready to draw my last breath. I would've stayed in my truck, if I had known a jogger was goin' to find me. I woke up in another hospital bed, a few weeks later. The doctor said it was a miracle that I survived, after losing that much blood.
I thought, maybe, it was God's way of tellin' me there was still a plan for me. So, I cleaned up my act. I stopped drinkin', I stopped usin' and sellin'. I tried to be a better man... But, I ain't. I'm still that angry kid, who got Derrick killed. It should've been me that night, not him. I've been nothing but trouble for Haley and her family, since I came into their lives. I go over everything, all that shit at Christmas, the fight at the gym, that party, blowing up at Haley for telling her family about my father, now all this shit with Mr. Bolton. My thoughts are on how I acted towards her yesterday, how much of an asshole I was to her. The fuzzy memories of the wine and gun come rushing back, I must've scared Mrs. Dunphy to death. She's been so good to me, her and Mr. Phil. And how do I repay 'em? By almost blowing my brains out on their back deck.
The Dunphy's house comes into view and I'm still deep in thought about God's plan for me.
"You ready, man?"
I look over at Able, I had almost forgot he was here.
"You alright?" He asks, eyin' me.
"Yeah, I'm good."
The words come quick and easy, after years of lying. Weakness wasn't something I could show... I can't. Growin' up, between the kind of people I hung out with and my father, weakness was something you hid and if someone saw it, they used it. I remember being scared of the dark, believing there was something hiding under my bed, waiting to get me. I would leave this light on, thinking it would keep me safe. My father... he noticed one night and woke me up, screaming. I told him why I had left the light on and he just muttered something about me being a pussy, he grabbed me by the collar and dragged me down the hall to the closet. The closet... then it was just a closet, but in the years to come, it would become 'the closet'. He locked me in it overnight, telling me the lock would keep the monsters out.
Since then, I've been very guarded about keeping my feelings to myself, everything except anger. I was even careful around people I felt close to, people like Derrick and Morgan. Haley wasn't the first one to try to get me to open up, she wasn't even the first girlfriend to try. I was... am scare of 'em realizing just how fucked up I am. I've wanted to die since I was like twelve or thirteen, I never really knew why, but I have. If someone asked if I had a death wish, I would always play it off, like I couldn't be killed. But the truth is, I just didn't care if I did.
Well, before her.
Haley... I don't know, she makes me feel like I'm worth a damn. There are these times with Haley, that all the shit I've been through, all the things I've done, are gone. That it's just me and her, that we're not the same people we were before we met. I'm happy when I'm with her... And that makes me feel guilty. I should suffer, I don't deserve her... It's my fault my mom is gone, that Derrick is dead and that Mr. Bolton killed himself.
I don't deserve to be happy.
I sigh, clench and unclench my fists.
"Clay?"
My brother's voice brings me out of all my dark thoughts.
"Let's do this," I say, starting towards the house.
As I reach the door, worry and anxiety fill me. All my dark thoughts dance around my head, making anger, guilt and sorrow well up in my stomach. I pull it open and go in, the house is weirdly quiet, which only makes me more worried. I walk down the hall and into the kitchen and see Luke, with that girl of his and Mr. Phil. Mr. Phil is standing near the doorway and notices me first. Mr. Phil darts to me and pulls me into a tight hug, which just makes me feel more uncomfortable.
"I'm so glad you're back." He mutters into my shoulder, as he squeezes me.
I just pat him on his back, wondering where the girls are.
"Clay, thank god." Luke says, coming over to me and his father. He looks almost relieved and it makes me wonder if he was told about last night. "Haley went into labor and my mom and your sister took her to the hospital.
My heart sinks.
"What?!" I shout, pushing Mr. Phil away from me. "Why didn't anyone call me!" I shout, panic filling my chest.
"We tried, you didn't answer." Luke says, looking at me with wide eyes.
"Fuck, fuck ,fuck." I mutter, pulling my phone out of my pocket.
The old black flipphone, with small spots of paint on it, is crushed. It must of happened during the fight.
"Damnit!" I shout, turning and going down the hall.
She needs me and I was out fucking feeling sorry for myself! I want to kick my own ass, for being such a selfish asshole.
"Where are you goin'?" Luke asks, following after me.
"Where do you think?!"
The 24th of July, 7:21 pm. Claire 's POV.
"Just keep breathing, hon."
"Morgan stop, I mean it." Haley spits, glaring at her.
"Well, you have to be ten centimetres before you can even start pushing." Morgan says, with a smile.
Haley closes her eyes and moans in pain,, squeezing both my hand and Morgan's.
"God, I'm going to kill him myself" She mutters to herself, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"Sweetheart, he's on his way now." I say, running a hand up and down her arm.
"He did this to me, that fuck." She just mutters, ignoring me.
Morgan shoots me a knowing look, since we both understand what she's going through. We're in a hospital room, the soft hum of machines fills it. Haley's sitting up in the bed, wanting to get started, but the doctor said she wasn't ready yet and needed to wait till she was at least ten centimetres, Which could take awhile, something Haley wasn't very pleased to learn. I know a lot of her anger was from the pain and fear she was feeling, I remember how scared I was when I went into labor with her. Some of it was because of Clayton, I knew. She wanted him here and was scared to do this without him, even if she wouldn't admit it. He was on his way.
I got a text from Luke twenty minutes ago, saying that Clayton had left as soon as he heard the news. Luke, Phil, Able and that girl Luke was with were on their way too. The whole family was on their way here, everyone but Alex, no one seemed to be able to reach her. Which worried me a bit, but it was more than likely she was just ignoring us, something she had been doing more and more lately. I had already got six texts from my Dad and twenty-five from Cam. Yes, twenty-five. I had turned my phone off after the twenty-fifth, wanting to just be in the room with Haley. Since she needed me more, then Cam. I was in labor for eight hours with Haley, seven and a half with Alex and four with Luke. Haley didn't want to hear it, but this was just starting.
It's strange, sitting by her side, holding her hand. I always knew one day Haley would have kids, but I never thought it would be this early. I thought I would be an old woman, that Haley would be married, that things would be different. Since she's come home, things have been so hard for everyone. I don't blame Clayton, I would've months ago. But, I now see him for what he is, just a scared kid. Him and Haley both. Both of them have fought and struggled for most of their lives. I was hard on Haley, I was scared she would end up just like me. l, my kids and the life I have. But, every once and awhile, in my darkest moments, I think about the life I could've had if I hadn't gotten pregnant with Haley. I didn't want that for her, I didn't want her to have to fight and struggle like Phil and I had to. I know Clayton loves her and I know she loves him, but they're both still very young and have a lot of issues to work through. Clayton especially. I hope things work out for them, I do. But last night... showed that Clayton was still in a very bad place. Haley can do it, I know she can. She's a lot smarter than she thinks she is , she's going to be a great mother. With or without Clayton. I love him and I know he could be a great father, but he needs to work through a lot of things. Between his father and all those dark thoughts bouncing around in his head, he needs help, maybe professional help. I don't believe he would hurt Haley or their child, I'm afraid he might hurt himself though, or even try to kill himself again. It's clear, at least to me, whatever he's dealing with wasn't just going to go away.
"Mom."Haley's voice brings me back into the room, I look over at her and smile.
"My Ipod should be in the bag, can you get it and put some music on, please." She says, a slight bite to her voice. "I can't stand all this quiet." She mutters, shooting Morgan a dirty look, who just smiles back at her weakly.
"Sure, sweetheart." I say, grabbing the bag off the floor.
I dig through it, there's a change of clothes, a few books, some snacks and toiletries. But, no Ipod.
"I don't see it, sweetheart."
"Well, it's fuckin' in there." Haley says, glaring at me. "I put it in there every night, before bed and I haven't touched it today." She says, anger clear in her voice.
"Okay, hon. Maybe it fell out of the bag, maybe it's in the car." Morgan puts in, looking between my daughter and I.
"Yeah, I'll go look." I say, quickly standing.
"Good." Haley mutters.
I leave the room, happy not to be the one left alone with her. I make my way down the hall, running a hand through my hair. I'm so exhausted, after getting no sleep and with everything that has happened today so far, I'm fighting to just keep my eyes open. I reach the elevator as it opens and empties, I step inside and press the button for the lobby. My mind goes to when I went into labor with Haley, god, it doesn't feel like it was that long ago. I was home, in Phil and I's first apartment. This small little thing, with one bedroom. I remember standing in our kitchen and screaming for Phil, he was in our room, playing Super Nintendo. He came rushing and nearly fainted, when I told him I had gone into labor. But, he didn't. He rushed me to the hospital, in our old station wagon.
During my whole pregnancy, Phil had been so scared. I hadn't, I knew I could do it. But, when I went into labor, everything just sunk in and I became completely overwhelmed with fear. I couldn't be someone's mom, I was only twenty-four. All those books I had read, all those classes I had took, they couldn't prepare me for being a mother. Phil, he handled everything so well. He remain calm and just kept telling me everything was going to be fine, doing everything he could to make me feel safe. When I held Haley for the first time, I knew he was right, everything was going to be fine. That whatever came next, we could handle it, and he had been right. Everything that came, we handled it, maybe not always greatly, but we handled it.
I just hope Haley and Clayton can too, they're both two very different people from Phil and I.
I spend, maybe, ten minutes looking for the Ipod before I find it. It had gotten under the driver's seat somehow. I lock the van back up and head back, as I near the entrance I hear shouting.
"Sir, you can't leave your truck here."
"Then fuckin' tow it!"
"Sir, I can't let you leave your vehicle unattended."
I see Clayton and a police officer standing between the doors, Clayton is towering over the officer and it's clearly making the officer nervous. Clayton looks like he had been in a fight, with his clothes all dirty and torn up slightly. His right eye is swollen shut, his knuckles bruised and busted. Jesus, what did him and Able get into?
"Clayton!" I shout, coming up behind them, my voice sharp and hard.
Clayton straightens up and quickly turns to look at me. He's surprised to see me and looks worried.
"Mrs. Dunphy? Where's Haley? Is she okay?" He asks quickly, a worried expression on his face.
"She's fine." I say, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Officer, please forgive my son. It's been a long week." I say, stepping between Clayton and the officer.
The officer looks between Clayton and I, but his eyes stay on Clayton. The officer is more than a little suspicious of Clayton, no doubt did to the fact that it's clear he's been in a fight recently and his rather aggressive behaviour from moments ago. I pop Clayton on the shoulder, with the back of my hand. He shoots me a look and I just barely nod towards the officer.
"Ah... Yeah, sorry sir." Clayton says, rubbing the back of his head.
"Umm... My girlfriend is up there, in labor and I was in a rush, sorry for being a dick." He adds, with a shrug.
The officer's face softens and he nods.
"Look, I understand. But you can't leave your truck here unattended, sir." The officer says, looking between us.
"Clayton, give me your keys and take this." I say, giving him Haley's Ipod.
"Mrs. Dunphy..."
I take the keys from him.
"Clayton, you're needed up there." I say, keeping my eyes on his. "Now go."
He nods, his eyes on the Ipod.
"Yes ma'am."
The 24th of July, 10:45 pm. Jay's POV.
"This waiting is killing me."
"Really, Cam? Thank you for letting us know." I say dryly.
Cam stops pacing and shoots me a dirty look, Gloria slaps me on the arm. I can't help but smirk. He has told us every few minutes for hours that the waiting is killing him. We're all worried and anxious, but we're not all pacing the waiting room, making sure everyone knows how we feel. Our family takes up most of the waiting room, with there being five others not apart of our family, two of which were Clayton's brother and sister-in-law. Clayton's sister-in-law's a pretty little thing in her mid-thirties, with short blonde hair and big blue eyes She is sitting with Claire in the corner of the room, talking in hushed voices.
Phil and Able sit on either side of their better halves. Phil's hung over and trying not to show it, even as he slowly nurses a bottle of water. I was pissed, when Claire told us he had been drinking. With everything going on with Clayton, he just decides to go out and get drunk in the middle of the day. But now, watching him suffer under the fluorescent lights, it's hard not to find it somewhat funny. My eyes fall on Able, Clayton's brother. If I didn't know better, I would think the man was his father.
Able looks just like Clayton, just short and older. But they didn't have the same eyes, Able had these weirdly pretty eyes for man. I kept seeing him out of the corner of my eye and kept thinking it was Clayton sitting there. Able even wore that same look Clayton did, that 'just try and fuck with me' look. Maybe it runs in the family.
He was texting, he hadn't said a word to anyone, besides his wife, since introducing himself. I got the feeling that was another thing that ran in the Sweetwater family, only speaking when spoken to. That's how Clayton was for the first few months, always watching and not saying a word, unless we spoke to him first. I couldn't help but wonder if it was a thing that they had learned from living with their father, I remembered being like that when I first got out from under my father's roof, always being scared of saying the wrong thing.
"We should've heard something by now." Cam says, shaking his head, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Cam." Mitch sighs, putting a hand over his eyes.
"No, Mitchell. Something is wrong." Cam says, turning and looking down at my son.
"Cam, don't say something like that." Mitch says, in a hushed voice, looking over at Claire.
I look over at my daughter, she didn't hear I guess, since she's still in deep conversation with Morgan.
"Cam just sit down." Gloria says, glaring up at him. "You are overreacting, everything is fine."
He sighs and sits, crossing his arms over his chest. Gloria rolls her eyes and leans back in her chair. Mitch tries grabbing Cam's hand, but Cam pulls it free of his. I sigh and shake my head, at Cam needing to be the center of attention. I didn't want to watch this, this is the last thing I needed right now. God, I could go for a cigar. Just a little something to take my mind off everything and to calm my nerves.
"I'm gonna get some air." I say, standing and looking down at Gloria.
She shoots me a look, like she thinks I'm up to something.
"You better not be going to get a smoke." She says sharply, her eyes narrowed at me.
"Of course not." I say, shaking my head and walking away.
"If you do, I will know, Jay." She calls after me.
Gloria wanted me to stop smoking, between Isabella and my first great-grandchild, she's been thinking more and more about my health. While it is sweet of her to care, it's also annoying that she cares. I take the elevator down to the lobby and make my way out to the parking lot, to my SUV. I dig around under the driver's seat, looking for a glasse's case. I feel it and wrap my fingers around it, pulling it out from under the seat. I screw the cap off and pull the cigar I hid in it out. I walk a little ways away from my SUV, putting the cigar between my lips and find a bench, overlooking a small grassy area and the parking lot. It's a pleasant evening, with the air being cool and crisp, the stars overhead shining bright, with a small half moon grinning out against the dark night's sky. I feel around for a lighter, tip over the glasses case, hoping I left one in it. But after a few knocks I realize the case is empty, that there is no lighter.
How could I forget the fuckin' lighter? I take the time to hide a cigar and forget the lighter? Really? I play with the cigar, letting out a bitter chuckle. Man, what a day, what a fuckin' week. I put the cigar back in my mouth and chew on it, amazed at my own stupidity. I watch the world go by for a bit, chewing on my cigar. After about ten minutes, my eyes fall on two men. It takes me a moment, but I recognize one of them. Able is in the parking lot, talking with another man. I can't really make out the second man very well, all I can see is that he's a wearing a flat cap of all things. I slowly stand and make my way over to the two, slightly curious.
As I get close, I can hear muffled words, but I can't actually make out anything that is being said. I'm about two cars away, when I notice the man in the flat cap is an older man, about my age. The man notices me and nods towards me, letting Able know I'm here. Able quickly turns and shoots me a hard look, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. The man says something to Able and walks away, I watch him go. Able takes a few steps towards me, stepping into my line of sight, blocking my view of the man.
"Nice evening, ain't it, Mr. Pritchett?" He says, with an easy smile.
I look down at him, putting the cigar back in my mouth.
"Yeah, it is."
The 25th of July, 2:45 am. Clay's POV.
"You're doing great, miss Dunphy."
Haley squeezes my hand and let's out a scream, her face a dark red. I've never felt so useless in my life, watching Haley in so much pain and knowin' there isn't a thing I can do. I just keep her hand tight in both mine, telling her she's doing great. She's worn out, we've been here for what felt like forever. I feel like I've been put through the ringer and back, being stuck in here for hours and I haven't done a thing, but sit here. Haley's amazin', she really is. You always hear about how hard givin' birth is, but you never really know, til you're there, in the room, seeing everything.
I felt like I've gone twelve rounds, like my insides were all torn up. I finally understood why Haley didn't like watchin' me fight, it sucked seein' someone you love in so much pain and not bein' able to do anything about it.
Haley whimpers and looks at me, tears runnin' down her face.
"It hurts so much." She chokes out, squeezin' my hand as hard as she can.
"I know, Comet, I know." I say, my words feelin' empty and hollow.
Everything I've been put through, getting shot, stabbed, my father lockin' me in that damn closet, doesn't seem to come close to what Haley's being put through and it's killin' me havin' to just sit here and watch. I would open my wrists again, if it would free Haley of all this. It isn't just the pain, it's how long she's havin' to deal with it. Six hours, maybe more, of just mind numbin' pain. I'm just sittin' here, watchin', tellin' her she's doin' great.
"I can't do it." She mutters, shakin' her head.
"Yes you can, babe." I say, runnin' a hand through her hair. "You got this."
"No, I mean I can't do any of it." She cries, shakin' her head. "I can't be a mother, Clay." She whimpers, with the saddest look I think I've ever seen on her face. "I'm still living with my parents, I don't even have a job, Clay." She cries, then screams as another wave of pain hits her. "I'm a loser." She whimpers, not meeting my eye.
My heart breaks, listening to her. How can she think that way about herself? She's so smart, kind and outgoing. How can she possibly think so low of herself. I've seen the way she has with people, she can talk to anyone about anything. Which helped when we first met, I've never been good at holding a conversation. I never know what to say. Haley though, she always has the right words. God help you if you're attracted to her, she'll have you wrapped around her little finger in ten minutes or less.
I've always thought the world of her, which is why I never understood what she saw in me. She could have any guy she wanted, why would she want a worthless, broken mess like me? But she saw something in me, something worth saving. As I watch tears slip down her face, I wish I had the words to express how damn perfect she was. But like always, I don't know what to say.
"Haley, look at me."
I still don't know what to say, but I don't want to just sit here stupidly anymore. Those beautiful green eyes of hers land on me, I have to remind myself to breathe.
"You can do this." I say, freeing one of my hands and wiping tears from her face with it. "You been datin' my dumb ass, a baby will be a cakewalk next to me." I say, gettin' a soft laugh from her. "Babe, you're gonna be such a good mom." I say, smiling at her. "This little shit is gonna be so loved and happy, I know it." I say, running a hand through her hair.
"Don't leave me, Clay." She cries, squeezing my hand tightly.
"I won't, babe." I say, squeezing her hand back.
"Okay miss Dunphy, just one more big push."
Haley grits her teeth and pushes hard, sweat slippin' down her face. She's squeezes my hand and I swear someone's ripping my insides into bits, having to just sit and watch her in pain. I look between her and the doctor, not knowing what to do. I just keep telling her she's doing great, feeling useless again. Haley swears at me, telling me this is all my fault, that I put her here. I just nod, stupidly, knowing this is what I'm here for.
If she needs an idiot to yell at, to hopefully relieve some of the pain, than I'm that idiot.
"Oh, you did it." The doctor smiles up at Haley, then looks back down between her legs. "You're done, Miss Dunphy."
Haley collapses back against the pillows, tears and sweat mixing as they run down her face. I run a hand through her hair, quietly telling her how good she did. I look over my shoulder, when I hear a soft cry. The nurse seems to be cleaning the little thing. Little thing... I guess that's my child. It's a weird thought, I mean I knew the little thing was coming, but it's different now that it's actually here. I can't actually see it, just a small, chubby leg, with little toes and soft crying.
Worry fills me, feeling torn between wanting to see my child and staying here with Haley.
They wrap it in a blanket and turn to us, tears fill my eyes. I see a mess of black hair and the cutest, chubbiest little face I've ever seen, as the nurse comes over to us. I stare at the little person in the nurse's arms, everything hittin' me at once. Love for the little thing fills my chest, I think my heart might just burst. Fear washes over me, with the sudden realization that I am a father. It's not just this far off idea anymore, I'm fuckin' staring at it. Tears are runnin' down my face, as I feel Haley squeeze my hand. I look over at her, she's cryin' too, smilin' between me and our child.
"It's a girl." the doctor says, with a smile.
She hands our daughter to Haley, who pulls her close, cryin' happily.
"Oh my god, Clay." Haley says, in a hushed voice. "She's so beautiful." She says, looking at me, then back at our daughter.
"Ju.. Just like her mother." I say, my voice choked.
"Hi, little Emilia. I'm your Mommy." She says, tracing small circles on our daughter's cheek with her finger.
I wipe at my eyes, with the back of my hand, watching my daughter and her mother, knowing that I'm the luckiest man in the world.
"You want to meet your Daddy, sweetheart?" Haley asks, smilin' at me, then down at our daughter.
I crawl onto the bed, lightly, and carefully sitting next to Haley, my eyes on our daughter.
"Hey, hon."
The 25th of July, 4:17 am. Claire's POV.
"She's just so beautiful."
"Yeah, she is." I say, smiling down at my granddaughter.
She snuggles into my arms, her eyes closed. Tears well up in my eyes, as I watch her. All these months of trouble were worth it, since they brought this little angel into the world. Willow Emilia Claire Dunphy, born 3:02 am, July twenty-fifth 2013. She has a mess of black hair and looks a lot like Haley did, when she was first born. God, she's gonna be just as beautiful, isn't she? God help any boys, who come around, Clayton's going to be one hell of a papa bear. I could happily watch her forever, but I notice Morgan is still waiting her turn.
I carefully hand her off to Morgan, who pulls her close, smiling brightly.
"Hi honey bunny, I'm your aunty Morgan."
I look over at Haley, who has been lying down, quietly watching us. She looks completely exhausted, but wears a small smile. It's just Haley, Morgan and I in the hospital room. Clayton, Able and Phil went to get coffee. Phil is sober now, really, really hung over, but sober. Cam and Mitchell left about an hour or so, after my Dad and Gloria left with the kids. They had to get home, since the babysitter watching Isabella couldn't stay the whole night. Cam had wanted to stay, but Mitchell talked him into going home and getting some sleep. I don't think Able wanted to stay, but I think Morgan didn't give him a choice.
Haley's hair is tied up into a messy bun, there are dark rings under her eyes and it's clear she's fighting to keep her eyes open, despite all of it I can't remember the last time I've seen her this happy. She just watches Morgan with her daughter, with this small smile. I can't help but smile too, as I look over at Morgan and my granddaughter. Morgan gives her a kiss on the cheek and she starts fussing.
"Yeah, she's definitely a Sweetwater." Morgan chuckles, grinning between Haley and I.
Haley and I laugh.
"Someone wants their mommy." Morgan says, getting up and giving her back to Haley.
"Was Aunty Morgan mean to you, sweetheart?" Haley asks, slowly rocking her daughter back and forth.
"How are you feeling, hon?" Morgan asks, watching them.
Haley laughs and smiles at Morgan.
"Like I got my ass kicked and been up for days." She chuckles, looking back down at her daughter.
"But I just don't want to miss a moment, you know?" She asks, looking back at us.
"Trust me, honey. We do." Morgan says, smiling over at me.
"Yeah sweetheart, but you have to let yourself get some sleep." I put in, with a smile.
"I know." Haley says, her eyes on her daughter. "I just can't believe she's mine, she's so freaking cute." She says, looking back at us.
We laugh, as the door opens. Able, Phil and Clayton come through. Phil makes his way over to me and sits, handing me a coffee. Able goes to Morgan and hands her a cup, before going back to stand near the door. Clayton sits on the bed with Haley, giving her a kiss as he does. It's nice to see they're at least getting along again, I wonder if they talked about the fight, that clearly happened between Clayton and his brother, or anything that happened last night. I just smile at them, wanting to enjoy the moment.
"Hey Billie, you bein' fussy again?" Clayton says, smiling down at his daughter.
"Stop calling her that." Haley says, shooting him a look. "Her names Emilia." She adds, smiling back down at their daughter.
"I like Billie better." Clayton says, shooting Haley a look of his own.
"Where the hell are you even gettin' Billie, brother?" Able asks, with a questioning look.
"Willow, you can call someone named William, Billy, why not call people named Willow, Billie." Clayton says, looking between everyone, looking for help.
"I like it." Phil says, with a smile.
I get up and go over to Haley, holding my arms out. She hands me my granddaughter, without looking at me. I just shake my head and go back to my chair, holding my granddaughter close.
"Billie is way too masculine a name for a little girl." Haley says, a slight bite to her voice.
"I think it fits her." Clayton says, with a grin. "She's a tough little thing." He adds, grinning at Haley.
"How do you know she's tough? She's an hour old, Clay." Haley says, glaring at him, but clearly fighting a smile.
"Hey sweetheart." Phil says, leaning in close, smiling down at the small bundle in my arms.
"She's a Sweetwater." Clayton says, with a shrug.
"He might have a point, honey." Morgan says, with a small smile. "Hanna, our oldest, was getting pushed around by this older boy..." She trails off, with a laugh. Able's grinning. "Well, she broke his nose." She says, with a small smile, but shaking her head.
"Really?" Clayton asks, looking over at his brother, who nods, still grinning. "Awesome." Clayton chuckles, grinning.
Morgan shoots them both a dirty look.
"It isn't awesome, she almost got expelled." She says, looking between her husband and his brother.
Both of them try to stop grinning, but fail.
"I mean, she's six. How many six year olds get expelled?" Morgan asks, looking back at Haley.
"But do you really like Billie?" Haley asks, looking at Morgan, with a questioning look.
"No, Emilia is way better for a girl." Morgan says, with a shake of her head.
"Thank you, Emilia it is.." She says, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Billie." Clayton says
"Emilia."
"Billie."
Haley let's out a frustrated sigh and looks over at me.
"What do you think, Mom?"
I just smile down at my granddaughter.
"I like Claire."
The 25th of July, 9:04 am. Clay's POV.
"Mom" I call, as I slowly climb the stairs.
The worn carpet on the stairs softens each creek that comes from the steps, as I slowly climb. The blood from the cut on my arm feels warm and sticky between my fingers, as I hold it. I had been playing out back, with some of my dad's tools. I'm not suppose to play with them, but I do sometimes when no one is watching me. I'm scared, tears blur my vision. What if she tells dad I was playing with his tools again, he got so angry last time. Why isn't she answering me? I can't help but wonder, with each step.
I reach the top of the stairs and look around, wondering where she could be.
"Mommy?" I call, my voice hoarse.
I take a few steps down the hall, fighting back more and more tears, with each step. I stop at the bathroom door, it's ajar slightly. I pause, suddenly scared she might get mad at me.
"Mommy." I call softly, pushing the door lightly.
It swings wide and the bathroom comes into view, I take a few smalls steps in. I see her, she's in the tub, her back to me.
"Mommy, I hurt my arm." I say, holding it out to her, wanting her to make it better.
She doesn't answer me or turn to look at me, this only confuses me.
"Mommy!" I say, anger in my voice now, as I round the bathtub and come to face her.
She just stares at me, with empty eyes, not blinking. The water is red... why is the water so red?
My head shoots up and I almost fall out of my chair, my eyes darting around the room. I'm in a hospital room, with Haley staring at me, from a bed on my right. She looks worried, but she smiles softly, when I meet her eye. I don't return the smile, instead, I lean forward and run my hands through my sweat soaked hair. Trying to get the image of my dead mother out of my head.
"You alright, big guy?" She asks, clearly worried.
Her words make me angry with myself, she just gave birth and she's asking me if I'm okay.
I'm that fuckin' pathetic.
I look back at her, forcing a small smile.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that." I say, leaning back in my chair.
She looks down at her sheets and runs a hand through her hair, before looking back at me.
"You were muttering in your sleep again." She says softly, clearly worried.
I sigh and look down at the floor, not being able to meet her eye. I feel pathetic and worthless, I'm still having nightmares, like some little kid. I feel Haley's eyes on me and it just makes me hate myself more, not wanting her to see me like this. I want to be strong for her, I'm a man for fucksake, men are suppose to be strong. What good am I to her or my daughter, if I'm not strong? I want to tell her I'm fine and hide behind my walls, but I know I need to be more open with her. The thought terrifies me though, what if I open up to her and she realizes I'm too broken to be fixed. What if I scare her and she leaves me. What if I open up to her and she laughs at how pathetic and completely useless I am. The thought makes me sick to my stomach and I know I can't do it, I'm too big of pussy to.
"Clay," She says, reaching out and putting one of her small hands on one of my large ones.
I look up and see her big green eyes full of worry.
"I had a nightmare about my mother."
I almost can't believe the words left my lips.
Her eyes go wide.
"Oh," She mutters, grabbing the pendant I gave her... My mother's pendant.
"Yeah." I say, watching her play with it. "Every couple days I have it, since I was a kid." I say, the words coming out easy now. "It's the same every time. I start at the bottom of the stairs, with this cut on my arm, it's bleeding. I call for her, but she doesn't answer." I tell her, my eyes falling to the floor again. "It ends the same way every time, she's in the tub... the water is so damn red..." I stop, feeling the tears coming.
I hang my head, wanting to hide 'em from her. I cover my eyes with my hands and rub them roughly, not wanting to cry in front of her. I hate myself for being like this, crying over a nightmare of a woman I never even knew. Haley must think I'm a pussy, for acting like this. She's probably wondering how she ended up with a loser like me, she deserves so much better than me, her and our daughter deserve better.
She pulls me close and hugs me, pressing my face into her neck.
I quickly straighten up and pull my face away from her neck, looking down at her. She looks confused and hurt, as I stare back at her.
"Don't push yourself, you've been through a lot." I say, gently pushing her down.
She smiles, a sad little smile and leans back in the bed.
"I'm worried about you, big guy." She says, running a hand through her hair. "It's sweet that you're fussing over me... but you gotta talk to me." She says, looking back at me. "I heard about the drinking... and the- the gun..." She trails off, shooting me a worried look.
I look down at the floor, guilt pooling in my stomach.
"I know you're real messed up over Mr. Bolton, Clay... and I know, you think you have to be strong... You're a sweet man, with a gentle heart, so I know you're hurting. I know you think you could've or should've saved him, but you couldn't have, no one could. It's not your fault, I know you think it is, but it isn't." She pauses, making me look back at her. "I need you to talk about it, Clay. Because, I can tell it's eating away at you and if you don't, you're gonna do something stupid, like you did last night..." She trails off, tears slipping down her face. "And I can't lose you, Clay." She tells me, her eyes meeting mine. "I need you... she needs you." She says, with a nod towards our daughter.
I look down at the foot of the bed, where the little crib is. Tears blurring my vision, guilt welling up in me. My mind racing. What if I fuck up? What if I'm like my father? What if I hurt Haley or Billie? What if I can't give her the childhood she deserves? What if all this dark shit in my head finally wins and my daughter or Haley see the aftermath?
A soft whimper sounds from the crib.
"I think that's for us." Haley says, wiping at her face.
I quickly push myself up and out of the chair and go to the crib. Bundled up in a pink and white blanket, and topped with a pink beanie, my daughter fusses and squirms in her crib. I carefully scoop her up and hold her close to my chest, she calms down a little, but is still clearly not happy. I bring her over to the bed and carefully hand her to Haley, who cradles her close to her chest.
"I think she's hungry again." Haley says softly, undoing the front of her gown. She adjusts Billie, who quickly latches on and suckles happily. "I think you like my boobs almost as much as your daddy does." She says, with a grin.
I chuckle and just watch the two of them, amazed at how perfect they both are.
"I'm gonna do better, Haley." I say, not taking my eyes off our daughter. "For you and Billie, I'm gonna be better." I tell her, finding her eyes.
"Emilia." Haley says, with a small smile.
"Billie."
"Emilia."
"Billie."
I would like to thank SideshowJazz1 for reviewing again. For some reason the episode of the Powerpuff Girls that sticks out the most in my memory is the one where those broccoli aliens invade Townsville and all the kids eat them alive, man, that episode was kinda fucked up now that I'm thinking about it. Anyway, thanks for reviewing again, Jazz. It means a lot that you've stuck with me and this story for so long. Thanks again.
I would like to thank I Like Scissors for reviewing again. Don't worry, I will. Thanks again, man.
I would like to thank Penginbob for reviewing again. Sorry for keeping you waiting so long, hopefully you understand, life just gets in the way sometimes. Thanks again for reviewing, Bob.
I would like to thank The Dramatic AMC-B for reviewing again. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter and I'm sorry for this one taking so long. Yes, Haley went into and finally had the baby, how do you like the name? I'm glad that we made it here, finally, after like two years. Yeah, I really like Clay and Able together, they're like two sides of the same coin. Able is still a hard man like Clay, but not as troubled. As for Cam and Mitchell, who doesn't love them together? Thanks again for sticking with my silly little story and me for so long, AMC.
I would like to thank Arifabian for reviewing again. Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully, you enjoyed this one too. Thanks again.
I would like to thank Sherbetsticks for reviewing again. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter and the stuff with Clayton, obviously you got to see a little more about Clayton and his way of thinking. Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry for the cliffhanger and leaving you hanging for so long, I know how much that can suck. Thanks again for reviewing, Sticks.
I would like to thank ODA for reviewing again. Yeah... sorry for taking so long, man. Life keeps getting in the way of writing, which sucks. Well, I'm sorry to hear that you felt the story was dragging, hopefully you feel it has picked up a bit. Yeah, it was a long time coming, but the baby is here. I'm glad you enjoyed the scene between Clayton and Able, it was fun to write. Sorry, I took so long to update, you know, life and stuff. Thanks again, ODA.
I would like to thank TigerBB161 for reviewing again. Yeah... so I know, I took a lot of time updating again. But like I said above, my life continues to be crazy. So, finding the time to write is hard. But, I'm hoping my next update will be a few weeks or month from this one. But don't hold your breath, because I just don't know. I'm happy to hear you're enjoying Morgan and Able, I wasn't sure how people would take them. But, most of you seem to like them, which is great. I'm glad you enjoyed the flashback. I wanted to show a little bit of Clayton's history, that wasn't so dark, since most of the time it's really bad shit. So, I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it cute. Yeah, Clayton and Able do care for each other, Able more so than Clayton. Clayton just has a lot of bitterness and anger towards his brother, which makes things between them so difficult. But, they're gonna try to get along for their families.
Yes, the baby is here. Do you like the name? Thanks again, Tiger. As always you're way too kind about my writing and my silly little story. Sorry for keeping you waiting, hopefully it was worth the wait.
I would like to thank Rainy for reviewing. I just want to say, I'm assuming you're also the guests who also reviewed on the same day. If i'm wrong, just let me know. I'm happy you found my story and have enjoyed it so much, it's always a treat to have new readers popping up and reviewing. Your reviews made my day, so thank you for taking the time to review, it was very kind of you. Hopefully, you enjoyed this chapter and sorry for leaving you waiting for so long. Thank you, Rainy.
I would like to thank Marcella2650 for reviewing again. Marcella, I am sorry for leaving you hanging so long. I hope all you guys know, I'm not doing that on purpose. As someone who's been reading stories on this site for a few years now, I know how much it sucks to wait for months for an update, so, I'm really, really sorry for the wait. Reviews like yours keep me writing, because I really am one of those writers who reads back over stuff they have written and hate it most of the time. I'm really critical of my own stuff and there are times I just want to stop writing completely, but I'll go back and read reviews like yours and see that there are people out there who enjoy my writing and that I owe it to them to keep writing. So, when I say I wouldn't still be working on this story, if it wasn't for you and people like you, leaving feedback and being so kind. I mean it.
So, thank you, Marcella.
I would like to thank Jakobamy for reviewing and following. Thank you, man. And sorry for keeping you waiting, just like I've said a few times now, I know how much that sucks. Thanks again.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 1/10/15. Sorry for keeping you waiting, hopefully the next update won't take as long. But no promises. Thanks again, man.
I would like to thank Taylor for reviewing again. Yes, the baby is here. How do you like the name? Hopefully, you enjoyed this chapter. I know this chapter is almost completely Clayton and Claire, but it felt right. Thank you again for all your kind words, Taylor. It means a lot, that you took the time out of your day to read and review. Sorry for the wait, I know how much that sucks. Thank you again, Taylor.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 1/11/15. Man, that's a lot of reading. Thank you so much for all the kind words, it means a lot. I'm actually thinking about doing a sequel to this story, some time down the line. I want a break from these characters and a chance to write something a little different. But, I do plan on doing more with Haley, Clayton and their family. Thanks again, man.
I would like to thank the guests or guest who reviewed on 1/12/15. Thank you so much and sorry for keeping you, or you guys, waiting. Thanks again for taking time out of your day to review, it means a lot.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 1/13/15. Thanks man, I'm glad you enjoyed my story and thanks for reviewing.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 1/14/15. Well, when people like yourself are kind enough to review, I like to take a little time and thank them. Because, like I've said before, your reviews mean a lot and they really do keep me writing, even when I don't want to. Thank you for the kind words and sorry I kept you waiting.
I would like to thank Modern Family (Fantastic name by the way ;) ) for reviewing. You're way too kind, man. Thank you for reviewing and sorry for keeping you waiting for so long, hopefully the next chapter won't take so long.
I would like to thank the guest or guests who reviewed on 1/18/15. Well, like I said above (Not sure how many of you guys read through this end thing or not.) I plan on doing another story with Haley, Clayton and little Willow Emilia Claire. I was even thinking about doing something with Alex inbetween, I just haven't decided yet. I just feel like I need a break from the characters and a chance to write something a little different. But, I plan to come back to them one day. Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to review, it means a lot and sorry for keeping you waiting.
I would like to thank Amazing Story for reviewing. I'm happy to hear it and glad you found it too. Sorry for taking so long to update, you know, life and stuff. Thanks again and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/1/15. Sadly, I don't think my next story will be about Haley. I'm not sure what or who my next story will be about just yet, but I want a break from Modern Family, Haley and Clayton. But, I do plan on coming back to them one day, don't you worry. Thanks again.
I would like to thank Apocalypsebringer29 for reviewing and following this story. I just wanna say your review put a big dumb smile on my face, thank you, you're way too kind. It's kinda weird to think I've spent almost three years on this story, it seems like a lifetime ago. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to review and sorry for keeping you waiting so long.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/6/15. I like I said above, my next story probably won't be about Haley. I'm not sure who or what it will be about, but I feel like I need a break from Haley and Clayton, just for a little bit. But, I will be going back to them one day. Thanks again for reviewing.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/8/15. Thank you for saying so and sorry for keeping you waiting, I know how much that sucks. Thanks again.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/9/15. Happy to hear it, thank you.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/14/15. Thank you, man.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/15/15. Awesome to hear, man. Thank you.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/15/15. Thank you, man. I'm hear to you like this story so much. Thank you again.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 2/19/15. Thank you, man. I'm glad that you have enjoyed my story so far, I hope I can keep you on the hook till the end, which is very near. Thanks again for reviewing.
I would like to thank Crockett Rocket for reviewing. Well, I get where you're coming from with Claire. But, personally I've always seen her as the protective mama bear. Yes, I think she oversteps sometimes, but she does it because she cares. I know that some of you may disagree with me and that's fine, but that's how I always saw it. As for her and Phil being hypocritical, I think it's normal to want better for your kids. I've done a lot of things in my life and been put through a lot of things that I wouldn't ever want my kids to have to live through. And that's what Phil and Claire are doing with Haley, they want her to be young and have fun, not having to grow up so quick. Again, that might be something that some of you disagree with me on and that's fine, that's just how I see it. As for them needing to move out and get their own place, I agree with you, they need to. Having their own space, I think, would be good for them. But they are staying with her parents to save money, since having a baby isn't cheap. But now that the baby is here, I think it's time for them to start looking for a place. Thank you, Rocket, for taking the time to review, it means a lot.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed on 3/3/15. Yes, the baby is here. Hope you liked the name, let me know. Sorry for taking so long, life kept getting in the way of writing, but that's just how it is sometimes. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and thanks again for reviewing.
I would like to thank the guest who reviewed 3/6/15. Yes, he hasn't been treating her very well lately. But, he's been in a bad place, from losing Mr. Bolton, not that that is a good excuse. I think things will start turning around now, since Clay understands his family needs him now, more than ever. Thanks again.
I would like to thank Penguinbob for reviewing. Thanks, man. Sorry for the wait. Thanks again, Bob, you're awesome man.
I would like to thank Qpenelope for following and reviewing. It's funny, I'm never sure if anyone actually reads what I write here (Well, maybe besides the people they are to). Just a thought, anyway. But yeah, the KFC thing was fun to write, since it's lighthearted and stupid. I'm glad you liked it and I'm happy you love my silly little story. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Qpenelope, it means a lot.
I would also like to thank Dickens15512, DauntlessRebel, Theoriginalcouples14, Ms BlueBird, Lauzaa, JaunaElaine, AsamiTwins96, H25rachel, Bookfreak1317, Linsterb, Lone Wander Six and Kaito394 for following this story. Thanks guys.
And as always, I would like to thank you all for reading and finally don't forget all reviews are appreciated.