ตอน 95: Shopping with Haley.

After Cipher's training was complete, Ava instructed her to gather immigrant families and orphans through her connections. Ava intended to transfer these people to the 'Quiet Place' world where their population was needed to ensure normal functioning. Ava provided Cipher with information about the time difference and sent her back to her Earth to begin the task. Additionally, Ava equipped Cipher with resources such as modified guns, a phone with a quantum chip, a watch capable of creating an energy shield, and a celestial eye.

John decided to live on the other side with Helen, as Helen enjoyed being there with her adopted daughter, Lucia, who also enjoyed being with Helen. Ares was happy for her sister, who had finally gotten the family she always wanted. Meanwhile, Ares was diligently studying everything she needed to learn as Ava's secretary.

Andy returned to her Earth because she liked working in her salon. Although Ava suggested she could open a salon in the new world, Andy replied that she needed to think about it. On the other hand, Queenie stayed, expressing her desire to have a peaceful time reading books and enjoying a cup of coffee.

John, Deckard, Emmett, and Lee, along with teams of new recruits, went to other continents to eliminate alien creatures now called Demogorgons, as Ava thought they resembled creatures from popular media. Ava spent an entire day with Elena and Regina, trying to figure out the properties of a unique metal or crystal she called 'Amplyte.' After using a prototype glove made from Amplyte once, it malfunctioned the second time. Since Ava had never encountered Amplyte in her past life, and running simulations on it required complete data, which she didn't have, it was taking time to understand.

Ava decided to study it later and returned to her Earth with Regina and Elena. Regina went home in the morning, prepared for school, and rode the motorcycle that Ava had given her. Ava and Elena spent time together at Ava's house in Beverly Hills with Ava's family, who accepted Elena as part of the family. Melissa treated Elena like her own daughter, and Kevin even suggested adopting her. However, Ava and Elena disagreed as they did not want to become siblings.

In the late afternoon, Ava picked up Regina from her house in New Jersey to go shopping for Phil's birthday present with Haley. Ava, Regina, and Elena drove to the location in a blue SUV, with Regina at the wheel, Ava in the passenger seat, and Elena in the backseat. They parked 100 meters away from the Dunphy house. Regina looked around through the window and asked, "Where is she? It's already 5:00 PM."

Ava took out her phone and was about to call Haley, but Elena stopped her and pointed out the window. "I think that's her across the street, but I'm not sure if it's her."

Ava looked in the direction and saw Haley wearing a black mask, black sunglasses, a hat, and a hoodie. She chuckled and said, "Wait a minute. I'll call her to confirm if that suspicious girl is Haley."

Ava called Haley, and Haley, across the street, picked up the phone and asked, "Where are you, Ava?" The car windows were one-way, so Haley couldn't see Ava.

Hearing this, Ava started laughing, holding her stomach. Haley was confused by Ava's laughter. Regina also chuckled. Elena punched Ava in the shoulder, took the phone, and said, "Haley, can you see a blue SUV across the street?"

Haley replied, "Yeah, I can, but who are you?" She was a little confused by the voice change.

Elena swung the car door open and stepped out, her hand lifting in a casual wave towards Haley. Haley's eyes followed Elena as she exited the car, and a moment later, Ava, who was laughing, emerged as well.

Haley waved back and walked towards the car. When she got near the car, Elena extended her hand and said, "You might not know me, but I'm Elena, Ava's girlfriend."

Haley grasped Elena's hand, a swirl of conflicting emotions churning within her. Ava, her laughter abruptly stilled, asked with a lingering chuckle, "Why are you dressed like that?"

Haley, exuding confidence, responded, "Of course, I'm going shopping with you. You're famous, so I decided to disguise myself. But why are you laughing?" She looked at Ava, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

Ava responded with a chuckle, "Because you look incredibly suspicious, like you're about to kidnap someone."

Haley frowned, starting to protest, "But..." Before she could finish, Regina cut in, "Ava, we're running late."

Ava nodded, slipped back into the car, and took her seat. Elena gently guided Haley into the backseat before getting in herself. With everyone settled, Regina started the engine and drove them to the mall.

**<Perspective Switch>**

Mitchell and Cam sat in the car, observing Haley patiently waiting for Ava. Mitchell sighed softly and posed the question, "Do you think it's wise to follow Haley while she's out shopping?"

Cam turned to Mitchell with a blank expression, his voice tinged with incredulity as he asked, "But you agreed to this plan so we could meet our favorite singer in person. And the best part is, she's a lesbian, so we could potentially become great friends."

Mitchell regarded Cam with a sigh of exasperation before posing his question, "But why did you suggest that Haley dress like that? She looks far too conspicuous, like she's about to commit a crime."

Cam retorted confidently, "You're clueless. It's standard for associates of famous people to adopt disguises."

Mitchell arched an eyebrow, his tone laced with skepticism as he questioned, "Then why are you wearing sunglasses in the car?"

Cam ignored Mitchell's inquiry and focused through his binoculars. "Mitchell, Haley is heading towards that blue SUV. There are two girls standing by it."

Mitchell took the binoculars from Cam, peering at the scene. "Cam, the girl who's laughing... I feel like I've seen her before, but I can't quite place where."

Cam adjusted the binoculars, focusing intently on the laughing girl. "Mitchell, it's Blue. Look at her short blonde hair and height; it matches Blue from her social media photos."

Mitchell furrowed his brow, his mind racing as he struggled to recall where he had encountered or seen her before.

Cam started the car and discreetly followed the blue SUV as Haley climbed inside, both vehicles merging into traffic. Five minutes passed before the SUV veered into the mall's bustling parking lot. Cam trailed behind, parking at a safe distance, his gaze unwavering on the SUV as he switched off the engine.

____

Ava, Elena, Regina, and Haley arrived at the mall while Haley was still thinking about what Regina had said in the car.

____

After settling into the car, Haley glanced at Regina, who was focused on driving, and ventured, "Are you Regina, Ava's friend?"

Regina kept her eyes on the road for a moment before responding, her voice steady yet warm, "Yes, I'm Regina, but I'm also Ava's girlfriend."

Haley blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She wasn't sure if she had misheard. "Sorry, did you say Ava's girlfriend?"

Regina nodded calmly, her gaze briefly meeting Haley's in the rearview mirror. "That's right."

Perplexed, Haley turned to Elena, seated beside her. Elena met her gaze knowingly and confirmed, "Yes, Regina and Ava are together."

The revelation hung in the air, leaving Haley momentarily at a loss for words. She turned back to Elena, seeking clarification. "You're okay with that? Regina being Ava's girlfriend?"

Elena smiled warmly, her expression reassuring. "I don't mind at all. I actually really like Regina."

Regina, catching the exchange through the rearview mirror, grinned softly to herself. Meanwhile, Ava, absorbed in her phone, seemed oblivious to the conversation swirling around her.

____

Ava, Regina, Elena, and Haley strolled into the bustling mall, their laughter weaving through the air like ribbons of sound. Cam and Mitchell trailed behind discretely, their presence a quiet shadow amidst the throng of shoppers.

As they reached a quieter corner, Ava leaned in towards Haley, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Haley, do you know those guys? They've been following us since we picked you up near your house."

Haley's brow furrowed in confusion. "Who?" she asked, scanning the crowd with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Ava subtly pointed towards Cam, who swiftly ducked behind a nearby pillar upon catching Ava's gesture. Mitchell, however, remained unfazed, confidently striding closer to where Ava and Haley stood.

Haley regarded Mitchell with a blank expression, noting his lack of effort in concealing himself, unlike Cam.

Elena asked Ava, "Do you know this man?" as he approached.

Ava shook her head slightly. She didn't know him personally, but she recognized him as Haley's uncle.

Mitchell approached Ava, his gaze intent as he inspected her face from a meter away, searching his memory for a flicker of recognition. After a moment, a spark of realization lit up his features.

"Now I remember where I've seen you," he said.

Elena, observing the exchange with curiosity, turned her attention to Mitchell and inquired, "And who are you?"

Mitchell apologized with a polite smile, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "Sorry for the intrusion. I'm Mitchell Pritchett."

Elena nodded thoughtfully, her curiosity piqued as she made a mental connection. She knew Haley's grandfather's name was Jay Pritchett and couldn't help but suspect a familial relation. "I'm Elena Houghlin," she introduced herself evenly. "Just now, Mr. Pritchett mentioned he'd seen my girlfriend before, though she doesn't recall meeting you."

Mitchell shook his head with a faint smile. "Yeah, I haven't met her in person, but I know her dad. His name is Kevin, right?"

Ava was taken aback by Mitchell's unexpected knowledge of her father. "But that doesn't explain how you've seen me before." Her brow furrowed slightly, a mix of curiosity and confusion evident in her voice.

Haley stood nearby, pretending not to know Cam, who was still hiding behind the pillar. When Cam noticed Mitchell talking without conflict, he walked over, pretending to shop with him.

Regina, her mind consumed by the allure of shopping, suddenly snapped out of her reverie. With a sinking feeling, she realized she had left Ava and Elena trailing behind. Hastening her steps, she retraced her path.

As she approached, Regina's eyes fixed on Ava and Elena engaged in conversation with a brown-haired man.

To be Continued...

[Author's note: As you guys suggested, I will try to adjust modern family in the story.]