Diva Diaries of Haley Dunphy (Modern Family)

7. Hey Andy, Hey Andy's girlfriend

''Why does that guy look so familiar?'' Dylan asked me. ''Haley, why are your eyes..wider than usual?''

I looked away from Andy. ''I'm sorry. I mean, thanks for coming here, Dylan! You didn't have to, it was awfully sweet.''

Luckily, before Dylan could ask why Andy was staring at our direction, at me, Manny walked over to us. ''Hey Haley! Uh..is that your.. boyfriend, Dylan?''

''Yep..we got back together.'' I bit my teeth nervously, pulling Dylan to a corner. The Writer's Workshop has tables of various sizes, a big whiteboard, and shelves of books. So it's basically like a classroom inside a mall. Eww.

''I'm surprised you wanted to come, Haley. I thought you said it was for nerds,''Manny said, gesturing for Dylan and I to follow him. ''Anyway, this is my group's table. Since you're only here to watch, you can stay with us.''

The only people at his table were Andy and another guy. Andy was trying to look engrossed in their conversation, and honestly, I'm glad he's not meeting my eyes.

''Other members of my small group are coming soon, so you both can stay on this side.'' Manny points to the chair beside Andy. I sit down, and Manny points to the opposite chair for Dylan. I swear he winked at me. Is step-uncle Manny... shipping us?

''So..uh, Haley, have you ever been a writer? I mean, we dated for two months but I don't know what other hobbies you like..'' 

Meaning Dylan doesn't know at all, but we don't really talk about hobbies. To think of it, we don't talk about sense much. Or maybe I was just thinking that because Andy was right beside me, and I so wanted to talk to him.

But I turned back to Dylan, who so nicely skipped a road trip. ''The only story I've ever written was for English class in fourth grade, when we had a lesson about micro fiction, which is this story in a thousand words. Or a hundred.'' I laughed a little. ''I can't remember.''

I remember the story well, though, it was something like this:

Jerry's fingers look like they're chasing a mouse on the keyboard as he performs. Fifty-year-old man in a five-year-old's body.

Once his piano performance is over, I admonish what a brave boy he was onstage. He replies with something mature. Can't remember it because it's a mix of seven languages.

Eating lunch at a restaurant, Jerry being delightful. Until the clock ticks to one pm. Speaking like a Professor, then the next second bursting into tears.

''He knows it's his time for a nap,''his mother explains. ''He gets cranky.'' Huh. Jerry is nothing but a child, after all.

I didn't know I knew so many words until I paid Alex to give me alternative words. That story was actually inspired by Manny, I just changed his name to Jerry because he hates it. 

And I tried to fill my mind with that funny story, because Andy's friend got up and headed to the bathroom. And he was all alone with me and Dylan.

''Uh..hey, Haley,''Andy said. Oh great; he remembers me. ''Long time no see.''

That voice. Oh my. ''Haley, you know him?''

''This is my cousin Andy,''I blurted out. Oh shoot. ''I mean, not my cousin. Sorry, I got confused because.. Manny. Well, technically he's not my cousin. Step-uncle, if you think about it. That's weird. Hey, you know what else is weird? That I know both of you!"'

I was babbling like an idiot. Who could blame me for getting nervous? When Dylan and Andy shook hands, I was finally able to get a good look at Andy; it had been months since I've seen him, but now there was no doubting this electricity I felt.