Chapter 247
Mia’s POV
The silence in the classroom stretched like a taut wire, ready to snap at any moment. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, especially my own boys watching from the corner with the kind of wide-eyed attention that told me they understood far more than they should.
The weight of that realization hit me like a freight train.
What the hell am I doing?
Here I was, standing in my children’s classroom, demanding that Thomas choose sides like some kind of dramatic reality TV show. Alexander and Ethan didn’t need to see their mother having a public meltdown. They didn’t need to witness adult drama playing out in their safe space.
They’d already been through enough today.
I took a deep breath, the kind I’d learned in those meditation apps I downloaded during the darkest days after Kyle left. In through the nose, hold for four counts, out through the mouth. My therapist from three years ago would be proud.
“You know what?” I said, my voice suddenly calmer, more controlled. “This isn’t about choosing sides. This is about finding a solution that protects all the children involved p>
Thomas blinked, clearly surprised by my change in tone. Victoria’s perfectly plucked eyebrows rose slightly, as if she’d been expecting me to continue my emotional outburst and was thrown off by my sudden composure.
Ms. Rodriguez looked relieved. “That’s exactly the approach we need to take, Mia. What would be most helpful for your family p>
I glanced over at Alexander and Ethan, who were still sitting quietly in the reading corner, their little hands folded in their laps like they were in church. They looked so small, so vulnerable. My heart clenched with protective love.
“First, I need to get my boys home,” I said firmly. “They need some downtime to process what happened. We can discuss long-term solutions tomorrow when everyone’s had a chance to cool off p>
“Of course,” Ms. Rodriguez nodded. “That’s completely reasonable p>
Victoria opened her mouth to protest, but I held up a hand.
“However,” I continued, turning to face her directly, “I need to say something to you, Victoria. Mother to mother p>
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she gestured for me to continue with the kind of regal wave that probably worked wonders at country club luncheons.
“If you truly love Madison-and I believe you do-then you need to understand that what happened today wasn’t protecting her. You’re teaching a six-year-old that manipulation and lies are acceptable tools to get what she wants.” I kept my voice even, but firm. “That’s not love p>
“How dare you lecture me about-“Victoria started, her voice rising.
“I’m not lecturing you,” I interrupted. “I’m offering you some perspective from someone who’s been where you are. I know what it’s like to feel threatened, to worry that someone else might take away what you see as yours. But Madison isn’t a weapon in your romantic battlefield. She’s a little girl who deserves to learn how to form genuine friendships based on kindness, not fear and competition p>
“Mom,” Alexander’s small voice piped up from the corner. “Can we go home now? I’m tired p>
“Yes, sweetheart,” I said immediately, moving toward them. “We’re leaving right now p>
As I helped the twins gather their backpacks and art projects, I caught Victoria’s expression in my peripheral vision. The carefully constructed mask of her reminded me uncomfortably of Taylor.
“This isn’t over,” she said quietly, her voice pitched low enough that Ms. Rodriguez couldn’t hear from where she was organizing papers at her desk.
I turned to look at her fully. “No, Victoria, it’s not. But the next time we discuss this, it’s going to be about what’s best for the children. All of them. Not about whatever fantasy you’re spinning about you and Thomas p>
Her perfectly glossed lips curved into something that might have been a smile if it had reached her eyes. “We’ll see about that p>
“Boys, say goodbye to Ms. Rodriguez,” I called, shouldering my purse and picking up their lunch boxes. Alexander and Ethan dutifully went over to their teacher, who gave them each a warm hug and whispered something in their ears that made them giggle-probably reassurance that they weren’t in trouble.
Thomas stepped forward as we headed toward the door. “Mia, wait. Let me walk you to your car p>
I hesitated.
“Later Thomas,” I said. “we’re not doing this in front of the boys p>
“Mama,” Ethan tugged on my jacket. “Is Uncle Thomas in trouble too p>
The innocent question made my heart ache. These kids were too young to be worrying about adult relationship drama.
“No, baby,” I said, crouching down to his level. “Uncle Thomas isn’t in trouble. Sometimes grown-ups have disagreements about how to handle things, but that doesn’t mean anyone’s in trouble p>
“Like when you and Grandma disagree about bedtime?” Alexander asked.
“Exactly like that,” I confirmed, grateful for his simple understanding of conflict.
Behind us, I could hear Victoria talking to Madison in hushed tones.
Then I heard Madsion cry out sharply.