A New Life in Modern Family

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

_________________________________________

Chapter 4: First Day

Morning – Jay's House

Jon stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his hoodie as he took in his reflection. Sixteen, six feet tall, messy black hair, bright blue eyes—he looked good, no doubt. But today wasn't about that. Today was about seeing just how different this world was from the TV show he remembered.

It was his first day at a new school. The same school that Haley and Alex attended. And while he wasn't nervous, he was… curious.

"Big day, kid," Jay's voice came from the doorway. "First day at a new school. You ready?"

Jon smirked. "I'll manage."

Jay nodded approvingly. "That's the right attitude. And hey—if anyone gives you trouble, just—"

Jon held up a hand. "I know, I know. 'Handle it like a man.' Don't worry, Jay. I won't start any fights."

Jay pointed at him. "That's not what I said. You get into a fight, make sure you finish it."

Jon chuckled. This old man was something else.

AP Biology

Jon strolled into his AP Biology class and took a seat near the back. As students filed in, he glanced around, wondering if he'd recognize anyone.

Then he saw her.

Alex Dunphy.

But something was off. She looked the same—glasses, intelligent eyes, confident posture—but… she wasn't younger than Haley. They were the same age. Fraternal twins.

Jon frowned slightly. Still having trouble beliving it even after he saw Alex at the brunch.

It made him wonder—what else had changed?

"Alright, class," the teacher said, pulling him from his thoughts. "We've got a partner project. I'm assigning teams."

Jon barely paid attention until—

"Alex Dunphy, you'll be working with Jonathan Hale."

He glanced at Alex, who was already pushing up her glasses, analyzing him like he was an unknown variable in an experiment.

This should be interesting.

Lunchtime

Jon grabbed his lunch and scanned the cafeteria. His sharp eyes immediately spotted the social hierarchy.

Over at the far table, Haley and her friends laughed loudly, drawing attention without trying. The popular kids.

A few tables away, Alex sat alone, absorbed in a book, occasionally pushing her food around her plate.

Jon made his choice.

He walked over and sat down across from Alex. She blinked up at him in confusion.

"Why are you sitting here?" she asked.

Jon raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Alex gestured toward Haley's table. "Shouldn't you be over there? You know, at the table where people care about Instagram followers and hair volume?"

Jon smirked. "I prefer intelligent conversation. Plus, we have to discuss our AP Bio project."

Alex snorted. "You think we'll have enough time for that during lunch?"

Jon shrugged. "Then I'll come over after school. Sound good?"

Alex hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But don't expect snacks or hospitality."

Jon grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it."

The Dunphy House

When Jon arrived at the Dunphy house after school, Claire opened the door, her face lighting up in recognition.

"Oh, Jon! We were expecting Dylan, but this is a much better surprise," she said.

Jon chuckled. "Glad to hear it. Alex and I have a project to work on."

Phil appeared behind her. "Jon, my man! Welcome to Casa Dunphy. You know, I've been meaning to pick your brain—how do you feel about magic?"

Jon smirked. "Love it. Nothing like making people question reality."

Phil gasped. "See, Claire? The kid gets it!"

Claire just sighed. "Jon, Alex is in the kitchen."

Jon nodded. "Thanks."

As he walked in, Haley appeared in the hallway, giving him a once-over.

"Oh," she said, surprised. "It's you."

Jon grinned. "Nice to see you too, Haley."

Haley smirked but didn't say anything else as he continued toward the kitchen.

Alex was already sitting at the table, notebook open, pen in hand. She adjusted her glasses as Jon sat across from her.

"Alright," she said, getting straight to business. "This project is important, so let's be efficient. I'll take the lead on this, and you can just follow my instructions."

Jon tilted his head, amused. "Why don't we divide the work differently? We both come up with the idea, whoever's idea is better wouldn't have to do anything and the other does the execution."

Alex, confident in her own intelligence, shrugged. "Fine. I'll go first."

Jon smiled. "Too late. I already have one."

He proceeded to lay out his idea—a brilliantly structured, innovative approach that not only covered the material but also introduced a fresh perspective the teacher would love.

Alex sat there, momentarily stunned. She had been so sure she'd take the lead, but Jon had outmaneuvered her. Jon's idea was definitely better than hers.

She narrowed her eyes. "You tricked me."

Jon leaned back, smirking. "You agreed to the terms."

Alex sighed, reluctant but impressed. "Fine. I'll do the grunt work."

Jon chuckled. "See? We make a good team."

Alex muttered something under her breath, but Jon just grinned.

This world was different, but he liked where it was going.