[Edward POV]
"Here is the solution to all of your problems." I directed the family mbers to a dark room filled with dust.
"The basent?" Haley asked, confused. "Alex's going to move here?"
Alex rolled her eyes, arms crossed. "You're the one moving here!"
Claire shook her head, "Uh-uh, there's no way any of my daughters are moving here."
"What about ? I like it here." Luke chid in, looking around. "Then Alex can move into my room."
"Your room is filthy!" Alex grumbled. "But I'll take it."
"No one is changing." Claire was clearly anxious. Haley grumbled, "Mom, no one is against this but you."
Claire shot a glance at Phil and said, "I'm not alone in this. Your dad feels the sa way."
Phil sighed and turned to Claire, whispering nervously, "You're kinda alone in this, hun."
"No one is moving rooms! No one is getting the independence they want without showing they are ready for it." Claire made a zipping gesture. "This is final."
"Oh, so that's it? The matriarch of the family speaks, and no one can go against her?" Alex said sarcastically. Phil mumbled slowly, "Hey!" but as he saw the matriarch's glare, he kept quiet about his opinion.
"Alex!" Claire looked at her with disappointnt. "I'm not wrong for this!" The room erupted into clamoring and arguing.
"Alright, everyone. Stop." I clapped my hands, quieting the discussion. Everyone turned their attention toward as I looked at Claire with a smirk. "To be honest, I understand what your mom is worried about."
"You do?" Claire asked, disbelief evident in her voice.
I nodded. "You have three children. Let's say, if Luke moved in here, he would definitely turn it into his man cave—TV and ga setup everywhere. You wouldn't see him as much anymore. Your mom just hates to lose you, Luke; that's why she doesn't want you to move."
"Oh," Luke exclaid, turning to Claire. "I guess I won't move out right now, Mom."
"This is never about moving out," Alex grumbled, but Claire and Luke were already embracing.
"Let's say Alex moved out here," I continued. "With her antisocial tendencies, her science experints, and being in a basent—it could interfere with her ntal health. Plus, her middle child syndro... Alex is sure to beco a mad scientist or a comic book villain."
"Nooo!" Phil exclaid, fully believing my fib. Haley, Luke, and Claire took a step back from Alex. She rolled her eyes at her dad. "Don't believe everything he says!"
I chuckled and corrected myself, "Eh, so of those points are legit. Otherwise, they wouldn't believe so easily. Anyway, Alex needs a place with sunlight, sowhere people won't forget about her. Treat her like a houseplant; otherwise, she'll wilt."
Phil hugged Alex, saying, "I won't let you turn into a villain, Alex."
"I'M NEVER GONNA!" she protested, but Phil hugged her tighter.
"Now, let's talk about the final daughter: Haley." I turned to her.
Haley grinned, brushing a stray hair from her forehead. "I don't have any big problems, right?"
"Nope. Yours is the biggest concern your mom could have," I corrected her.
"What?" Haley mumbled in disbelief.
"First of all, with direct access to the door, you can sneak out easily—or even sneak soone in. At the height of your teenage rebellion and sexual promiscuity, your mother's worst fear is that moving down here equals getting pregnant in high school."
"MOM!" Haley shot an angry glance at Claire, who nodded firmly. "That's right. So none of you are suitable to move down into the basent."
Alex burst into laughter. "So what Mom is worried about is that you're too slutty!"
"Shut up, house plant!" Haley retorted.
The argunt flared up again, but this ti, I let it happen. As they bickered, I looked around the basent. Descending the stairs from outside the house, I noted that the basent was split into two parts. Both were used for storage, but one of them was emptier than the other.
I checked the structure, even taking so pictures with Robin for potential improvents. It was a basic AI remodel project in the works. There weren't a lot of databases for renovations she could learn from, so the remodel was pretty straightforward. Robin could also scan the house's structure, giving insights into any hidden or modified areas.
Suddenly, Claire grabbed my arm and said, "Let's get out of here. You don't have to worry about us, Edward. You already have a lot on your plate."
Claire wanted to wrap up the discussion and headed upstairs again.
[Claire's Comntary]
"His house is gone, yet he's worried about us?" Claire thought, a hint of sadness in her eyes. With a slight smile, she added, "He's a sweet kid. But I hope he'll take care of himself, not just others."
[Phil's Comntary]
"How did I never see it before... I need to give extra attention to Alex from now on, or... she'll destroy the world."
[Comntaries End]
"Alex, do you want to go to an amusent park with and Luke? Or should we check out the science museum you always wanted to visit?" Phil asked.
Alex rolled her eyes and shouted at , "Edward! Whatever you're planning to do, do it now!"
Everyone paused when they heard Alex's shout. "Plan what?" Claire pulled back, a skeptical look on her face as she gazed at .
I shrugged and said, "Well, the basent room plan, of course."
"I thought we already decided not to do that," Claire replied, slight irritation in her tone.
I smirked and said, "Can you keep an open mind and let your children make the case first? After that, if you really think it can't happen, then they'll just give up on the topic."
"I won't give up!" Haley and Alex chid in at the sa ti. I called the three kids to my side. Claire and Phil exchanged glances, and then Phil said, "Alright, we'll hear you out."
"Upstairs! Not here! There's too much dust down here," Claire insisted, leading us all to the living room.
All four of us stood in front of the parents, and Luke took the lead in talking first. I had told him about the talking points. The issue was a family matter, so it wouldn't help much if I—an outsider—convinced the parents on the kids' behalf.
Luke said, "There are four key points in convincing your parents. First—"
"Luke! Don't repeat what Edward said!" Alex interrupted imdiately. Luke turned to Alex in dissatisfaction. "You take the lead then! I already forgot what I was supposed to say!"
"No, everyone has their own points. It's your own fault you didn't write it down," Haley said, reading texts on her phone. Luke turned to , looking for help. "Ed, this is ridiculous. Why is my point about money and value? How should I know that the house's value will increase 30% if there's an official bedroom in the basent?"
"Luke—" Claire tried to intervene, thinking Luke was struggling, but Phil stopped her, eyes fully focused on Luke. "Wait. I do understand that. What more did he say?"
Luke turned to Phil and said, "Um, that's it. He didn't give many talking points."
I interjected with a slight smile. "But I see Phil is halfway convinced already. Alex, now it's your turn."
"Um, Mr. and Mrs. Dunphy," Alex started, but Luke and Haley snickered at her opening line. "Shut up. I'm talking!" Alex rebuked them.
"Why should the basent be renovated? Is it because there's finally going to be enough room for all of your children? Of course not." The debate champion began ad-libbing to make her points.
"It's because of you." She pointed to the parents.
"Us?" Phil and Claire looked confused. Alex nodded slightly and said, "Yes. The renovation would not only help us, but also your careers. Let give you examples. For Mom, the renovation could showcase how well you're doing at your job and how lucrative it is to be an executive. In a world lacking female role models, you could demonstrate that you're excelling as both a mother and an employee."
Luke whispered to Haley as Alex continued, "Do you get anything she's saying?"
"I have no idea," Haley replied, her expression worried as she anxiously awaited her turn.
Seeing that Claire was slightly convinced, Alex pressed on. "Now, for Dad. This renovation would really enhance his credibility as a realtor. Why? Because of the opportunities it presents during the renovation. Do it right, and you could recoup the renovation costs in no ti."
Phil's excitent was palpable, and I glanced at Alex in satisfaction. "She can be a really good salesperson," I muttered.
"How can I do that, Alex? What opportunity are you talking about?" Phil asked, fully engaged.
Alex hesitated for a mont. "Um, it's... the Daily Realtor's Show?"
I snickered and had to cover my mouth to stifle my laughter. Alex shot a red-faced glare. "You told to na the channel!"
"N-no, I just had sothing in my throat. That's all," I waved off my reaction, even as Alex looked embarrassed. But that channel na had piqued Phil's interest.
"Daily Realtor Show? What's that?" he asked, his excitent growing. Claire, too, seed intrigued, especially at the idea of recouping renovation costs.
Renovating the basent would cost around $30,000 for a full remodel. Even though they were comfortable, shelling out that amount was steep for their family. My sense of money had long been distorted, but I still considered their situation.
"Ask Ed! He didn't give the details!" Alex quickly deflected, "My part is done."
I nodded slightly. "I'm not part of this, but I can explain a bit if you want."
Haley grabbed my arm. "Please do! I need more ti." Stunned for a mont, I smiled softly and took the lead.
"Midas, what do you have in mind?" Phil asked, his expression eager.
"Midas?" Claire looked at Phil in disbelief.
Phil chuckled and explained, "Don't you know? Your employees call Edward that. Everything he touches turns to gold. So I have really big expectations."
"God, there's more pressure now," Haley said, nearly fainting.
"And I won't disappoint," I replied confidently. "The opportunity I'm talking about involves creating an entertainnt channel, specifically a renovation channel."
"If Phil does it well—showing people how to renovate their hos on a budget, how to creatively decorate a space, and what permits they need to obtain—not only will it enhance his credibility as a realtor, but it can also help a lot of people who want to renovate their spaces but have no guidance."
There were a lot of renovation channels I subscribed to in my previous life. Even though they didn't have as many followers as the top YouTubers, it was still enough for them to renovate their houses worry-free.
"Phil has quite a good look—like a friendly neighborhood uncle—charisma, and a trendous knowledge of real estate. If the show blows up, maybe he can even get his own TV show, like Property Brothers," I exaggerated a bit.
I could ramble on, but Phil was already 100% convinced. To make this happen, Haley would have to change Claire's mind.
"We can talk about the details later," I said dismissively. "But right now, please hear the heartfelt plea from your oldest daughter."
Haley took a deep breath before putting her phone down. "Um, Mommy, Daddy," she used an affectionate tone that reminded the parents of the young Haley, and then added, "I want to follow my dreams."
After all, the main key point in selling sothing is the emotional appeal. Claire felt a prick in her heart, and her defenses crumbled as she looked at Haley's face. Phil was already fully emotional, "Okay! We'll renovate—"
Claire stopped him imdiately, urging Haley to continue.
[Claire and Phil's Comntary]
Claire said, "I have already decided to renovate the basent into a bedroom, but I want Haley to work for it."
Phil nodded in agreent. "She can have her little studio where she can make clothes—her own creative space."
Claire added, "I thought she would quit within a month, but she kept going and going."
Phil clasped Claire's hand. "We thought about moving to a bigger house. But the kids would have to change schools and start over. All the kids are thriving at school, so I don't want to do that."
"Renovating the basent doesn't sound so bad," Claire said in agreent. "But what's more important is Haley's promises if we do it."
[Comntary ends]
"Um, I know it seems like I've been pulling away, but family is everything to ," Haley began, trying to find the right words.
"Mom, you're worried that I'll sneak out or bring soone in. But I'm already doing that anyway—"
I stopped her imdiately. "Wrong approach."
Haley widened her eyes in surprise. Phil and Claire looked shocked, but she quickly adapted. "What I an is, I'll respect your boundaries, and I won't bring anyone into my room without permission. Ed—um, Ed said that there's a—"
She dashed to the closet by the living room and pointed at it. "There's supposed to be a stair here connecting to the basent. So, um, we can make it... co back. You can lock the outside door at night, so I can't sneak out if that'll ease your mind."
She returned to the living room and continued, "Alex and I promised not to fight anymore if I move out. Um, errr..." She stamred, montarily forgetting her talking points.
But then her eyes lit up. "Tomorrow's my 16th birthday. Mommy, Daddy, your little girl's growing up. I want to know what I'm capable of, and I want to do that with peace of mind. Even if there are no renovations, can I still move to the basent? I'll even clean up the place myself."
In the future, Haley did move to the basent. It was ssy, but still, it was her own space. That's all that mattered.
Inside my mind, I gave Haley an 8.5/10 score for her speech. If she hadn't made the mistake at the beginning, it would've been higher. She didn't demand the room as a birthday gift, which showed her maturity. Asking to move even if she didn't get it because she wanted to work on her craft showed initiative. If that didn't move her parents, I didn't know what would.
"No." Claire suddenly spoke up with a serious tone, interrupting my thoughts. Haley deflated at the sound of it. I was shocked too; I really thought it would work.
"The place is too dilapidated. Wait for your dad and your grandpa to work on it first, then you can move in," Claire added with a slight smirk. Haley brightened up and rushed to hug her parents. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Phil bead and imdiately stood up from the couch, walking toward . "Ed, do you really think I can get my own TV show?"
"There's a chance," I replied simply. "But don't be sad if you don't get it. Creating an online channel is still a good thing."
Phil continued, fully excited about the premise. "Jay and I can work on it together. Also, Ed, when the room is finished, you can use it as a safe house in case you're in trouble again."
Claire liked that idea. "Ooh, that sounds nice."
I suddenly said, "No. I won't co here. Ever." My rejection stunned them, and then they turned depressed.
"Why not?" Haley asked, incredibly concerned.
I scoffed. "Why would I want to put the people I love in danger? If anything were to happen to you guys because of , I don't think I could live with myself—"
Haley and Claire hugged suddenly before I could finish my sentence. "Ugh, enough with the mushy stuff," Luke grumbled.
I checked my watch. "I have to go now if I want to make it to the shoot early. I'll have to leave, but we'll discuss more about it later."
"Ed, you want to work on this too?" Claire asked with disbelief. I chuckled. "Claire, my therapy is breaking stuff and building it back up. I did that with my first house too. I need this." My therapy was also being with those guys, but I didn't want to told them that lest Luke said I was being mushy again.
"Alright, Ed will be part of the project!" Phil declared. "Oh, do you have anywhere to stay tonight?"
"On the yacht, maybe," I replied. I wanted to check on my lab stuff too, so I needed to go there anyway.
"Why don't you stay here with Luke?" Claire offered. "I'll make up a bed for you."
"Ed, what about Jenna's party?" Alex asked with a slight concern. I muttered exasperatedly, "Oh yeah. That too. I don't know if I can make it."
"WHAT?!" Alex was anxious. "But you said you will co."
"I will try. It's just that the movie shoot was delayed yesterday. No one could work because of the terror attack. We'll have to make up for the delay today," I replied apologetically.
"Hmm..." Alex slumped in disappointnt and said, "Break the news to Enid yourself. I can't do it to her."
As I said my goodbyes to the family and walked toward the living room, Haley asked in a whisper, "So, if you can't make it to the party, I guess you can't celebrate my birthday with tomorrow, right? There will be a small party at Grandpa's house. They want to make it a surprise party, but I already know about it."
"You're not throwing a birthday bash?" I asked teasingly. "Hundreds of people will be invited? It'll beco the talk of all high school kids?"
Haley rolled her eyes and said, "I don't feel like it. You have any problems with that?"
I chortled and said, "No, of course not."
[Haley's comntary]
"Rather than having a lot of people at the party, I'd rather be with one, but I cannot tell him that."
[Comntary ends]
Before I could respond, Phil called out from afar, phone in hand, "Ed! Are you sure you only want a beach house?"
"Yeah. Nearer the better. Oh! If the mansion looks like Batman's house up in the hills, I can consider it too," I replied to Phil before turning back to Haley. I had ntioned my intention to buy a new house, and he was excited to help.
"You know what? You're already busy enough," Haley interrupted. "It's just a birthday. We can hang out later when you're less busy."
I chuckled a bit and said, "It's your birthday. I want to take you out. If you don't mind, can we go to McDonald's after I get back? What do you think?"
She bead and teased slightly, "You're the richest kid on the planet, but you're taking to McDonald's? You're lucky I'm not that hard to please."
We both laughed a little before I rembered sothing. "Oh damn. I forgot about your present."
"It's okay. I don't need one," she replied honestly. "You don't have to get anything~"
"No, what I ant is, I forgot your present inside the house," I said, stunning her. "It's burned to the ground now."
Haley was shocked. "What? What did you get ?"
"A Birkin bag," I replied with a wry smile. Haley gasped, her eyes wide. "You got a Birkin?!"
"But it's burned down." I stressed it out.
Haley was speechless for a second, her face blanked out. Her face contorted a few tis between sadness and acceptance before she finally accepted it.
Her voice cracked, "I'm fine."
"I an, I can buy you another one—"
"NO!" She stopped imdiately. "I didn't want you to spend more money on it. 10...15 thousand– Urk– Promise !"
"Alright alright. I promise you not to buy you another birthday present this year." I said defeatedly. Both of us laughed a bit before she sent off to go to work.
"I'll watch your movie trailer when it cos out!" She said as she waved goodbye.
The trailer for the movie, 'Self Made' was finally released to the public when I was shooting my scenes. And the review was...mostly positive.
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