HAPPINESS WE SEEK FOR

Chapter 12

Elia had just come home after a day out with Grandpa Dave and Maia. Mama had really taken her seriously when she said she wanted Elia to have a normal childhood—what a typical 15-year-old's life should look like.

That's why every weekend, Mama and Daddy made sure to take Elia out. Sometimes it was a trip to the mall; other times, it was a movie night. Mama especially loved exploring new theaters—whether they were in New York when they stayed there, or in LA. It didn't matter if the theater was a five-minute drive or half an hour away; Mama always insisted on trying a different one. Daddy didn't mind going along with her little adventures, and Elia was just happy to spend that time together as a family.

Today, though, it had been Grandpa Dave and Maia's turn to spoil her. They'd spent the day making art and shopping at the mall, and Elia had come home with a smile and a handful of new things. Meanwhile, Mama and Daddy had been off with the "parents' squad," catching up and discussing the potential new school for all the kids.

"Sweet girl, stop picking out your peas" Lizzie commented with her eyebrows raised as she saw Elia picking out her green peas in the fried rice as they are having Chinese for tonight since Mama and Daddy didn't feel like cooking today. Which is rare since Mama loves to make homemade meals for Elia and everyone literally.

Elia scrunches her nose in protest but obediently spears a green pea with her fork, chewing it like it's poison. "Taste weirddd"

"You gotta have veggies in meals. We made a deal baby" Lizzie said in amusement as she knows how much Elia is picky with her veggies.

Elizabeth chuckles softly. Sebastian hides a grin behind his chopsticks, both of them savoring this small moment. A year ago, Elia wouldn't have voiced her preferences at all. Back then, she simply endured—never complaining, never objecting, never choosing. Life with the Reids taught her survival meant silence. But now? Now she has the safety to speak her mind, even if it's just about peas, and that feels like a victory for everyone at the table.

Elia grumbled under her breath and she continued her eating.

They let the moment linger for a beat, the warmth of family wrapping itself around them like a blanket. But there's something heavier they need to address. Sebastian clears his throat, and Lizzie glances at him, half-amused, half-nervous. They know the conversation will be delicate, and Elia's fragile trust means the world to them.

"So baby" Sebastian said, clearing his throat as he captured Elia's attention "Mama got something to tell you"

Lizzie glared at her husband and half amused by his antics

"We were talking today with the others" Lizzie started, trying to find the right words to break the news to their daughter

"Yeah?" Elia asked confusedly as she knows who the 'others' were

"About school baby. We were planning to enroll you, Cardan and Isa to Maggie's school once you and Isa finish with filming" Lizzie said with a soft assurance smile intact on her face while she studied her daughter's reaction

Elia blinks, her expression neutral, though a flicker of thought passes behind her green eyes. She doesn't panic or get upset—it isn't her way. Years of navigating instability have made her calm, measured. But there's a question lingering in her mind.

She wasn't gonna break down or get mad over the matter, to be honest. Actually she wasn't nuts at all to be acted that way.

"It's a private school right?" Elia asked in genuine curiosity.

"Yes, that's the one" Sebastian said "St Fleur Academy"

Elia nodded her head "Isa and Cardan will be joining?" She asked as she figured as much with how the 'parents' squad were discussing this with each other.