Invitation to Chaos

Marcus arrived at the Dunphy house right on time, ringing the doorbell with one hand while casually unwrapping a lollipop with the other. A moment later, Alex swung the door open, looking about as thrilled as someone being forced to do weekend chores.

"Good, you're here," she said, stepping aside.

"I like to be punctual," Marcus said, stepping inside. "Also, your mom made it very clear that if I wasn't, I'd never be seen again."

"That sounds about right."

As he walked into the house, Marcus spotted Haley lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone. The second she noticed him, she smirked.

"Well, well, Alex. Inviting a boy to a family gathering? That's new."

Alex groaned. "Oh my God, not this again."

Marcus, unfazed, simply nodded. "Yep, I've been drafted into whatever's happening today. No say in the matter."

Haley chuckled. "Sure, that's how it starts."

"Mom already knows he's coming," Alex huffed. "We're finishing our project after the announcement, and he's my excuse to avoid awkward small talk."

"Ah, so I'm here as a human shield," Marcus said, popping the lollipop into his mouth.

"Exactly."

"Fair enough."

Claire walked into the room just as Alex finished speaking, giving Marcus an appraising glance. "Alright, Marcus, you ready? Try to stay out of the way. This is a big day for Mitchell."

Marcus nodded. "I'll blend right in."

Claire didn't look convinced, but she let it slide, ushering them all toward the car.

---

The drive was filled with the usual Dunphy family chaos—Haley teasing Alex, Alex pretending to ignore her, and Claire alternating between lecturing and muttering about how important today was. Marcus, comfortably seated in the back, observed it all with mild amusement.

When they finally arrived at Mitchell and Cam's house, Marcus immediately noticed the number of people gathered outside.

"This," he said, leaning slightly toward Alex, "is definitely not just a small announcement."

"Nope," Alex muttered. "Brace yourself."

As they stepped out of the car, they were quickly pulled into the whirlwind that was the Pritchett-Tucker family gathering.

And just like that, Marcus found himself in the middle of yet another Dunphy family event.