Lily spent a lot of time arranging her prom attire, hair, and cosmetics. Lily’s stepmother, Diane, canceled her hair appointment to ruin her plans. Just when all looked gone, a limousine arrived at her home. who was responsible?
You must hear this, so buckle up!
Hi, I’m Lily, 17, a high school senior. My dad, stepmom Diane, and Noah reside with me. He’s 11, and we get along like siblings.
But Diane?
That lady hates me.
It began 7 years ago when my mom died from a persistent cold. My dad started seeing Diane and married her a year later.
Your father wastes no time, right? My aunt sniffed at the wedding. Who is Diane? She’s no match for your mom!”
Diane was alright initially. She worked hard to win me over. The passive-aggressive insults piled up slowly. I once caught her gazing at me.
“You look too much like your mother, Lily,” she observed. “Seeing you hurts. No surprise your dad prioritizes Noah. He’s closer to Noah, right?
I groaned and ignored her, trying not to be affected by her remarks.
Naturally, my dad didn’t notice. He couldn’t or wouldn’t see Diane’s treatment of me. And she liked it. She enjoyed being the only one to tease me.
Jump to prom season. I dreamed about the ideal night like every other girl in class. My stunning blue outfit was bought with months of babysitting money.
I wished my mother was there to share these moments.
I picked the indigo outfit because of that. Her favorite hue.
I was going to prom. Just knew.
When I thought about prom, I believed something spectacular would happen. Booked an expensive salon hair appointment to feel better. My pals were all going.
Everything was set.
Diane ruined the special day.
I was delighted to visit the salon, but the receptionist appeared bewildered.
“Lily? Are you sure? Looking at her computer, she inquired. “Clara said you canceled?”
I didn’t!” And I exclaimed. Why would? Tonight is prom!”
“Calm down, honey,” the receptionist said. “I’ll get Clara.”
I waited anxiously while she got a hairdresser. Finally, they returned.
The stylist seemed uneasy.
Lily, you called earlier today to cancel your appointment. I presumed your mother?”
Heart fell. Canceled? How? I did not cancel! What mom?
I noticed her as I processed everything.
Diane.
Sitting, having her hair done. Of course.
With steel-cold eyes, she grinned at me. My appointment was canceled by Diane.
“Can you still fit me in?” I questioned Clara.
She shook her head lamentably.
“Sorry,” she said. “When your appointment was canceled, a woman called to book her own. All our spots are occupied. Sorry, honey.”
I stood stunned. Diane called impersonating me? Impersonating my mother? She took my appointment to see me fail?
Sick.
I hurried out of the salon, my mind spinning, barely holding it together. I was queasy.
My ideal prom? It started coming apart around me. After arriving home, I shut myself in my room, crying.
My hair looked bad when I tried to repair it myself at my dressing table. I felt foolish for passing on my intentions to Diane.
See what happened?
I inspected my outfit on a rack.
No longer sure I wanted to attend to prom.
I looked at my makeup on my dressing table and pondered whether it was worth it. Which was the point? I was disappointed and didn’t see a positive outcome.
A loud honking sound came from outside. I first dismissed it as a random automobile.
But it continued.
I wiped my eyes with my fingers and dragged myself to the window, anticipating some noise. I was stunned as I peered out.
In front of our home stood a shiny black limousine.
I believed it was a mistake. It was impossible that the automobile was mine. We discussed it months ago, but my pals’ parents declined. Still, I rushed downstairs.
I awaited something at the doorway. The driver exited and approached our front door. My dad, who was as ignorant as ever, stood on our doorstep, looking as perplexed as I was.
“I’m here for Miss Lily, sir,” the driver remarked, carrying a little card.
Me? Miss Lily?
“She’s right here,” my dad nodded.
My dad gave me a card, which I opened reluctantly. Inside were neatly handwritten words:
Lily, my lovely sister. Despite your struggles, you deserve the finest night ever! Have fun in the limo and relax. I saved all my birthday and Christmas money.
Girl, have a great night.
Love, Noah.
Noah? My 11-year-old brother did it?
I cried again, but from astonishment and thankfulness. I raced upstairs to find Noah in his room, beaming like he’d performed the greatest trick.
“I heard Mom on the phone this morning,” he shrugged. “I knew it wasn’t fair.”
He took action after hearing Diane cancel my hair appointment, in classic little brother form.
Was your money spent? Feeling terrible, I asked.
“Not really,” he smiled. “See, Mom is saving for a fancy diamond necklace. Showing Dad the necklace, she hopes he gets it for her. But he declined.”
Good for you, Dad.
She went home after I heard her call. I got some money from her cache and went to Mr. Parker next door. He owns the limo business, remember?
Noah continued.
“There’s more, Lily,” he added. From across the street, Mrs. Harper? Mall stylist is her daughter. She’ll do your hair and cosmetics soon.”
His comments were interrupted by the doorbell.
“That should be her!” Noah said. “Wash your face, I’ll send her up.”
Noah grew up when? I pondered his words.
Twenty minutes later, I looked like a princess instead of wailing in my bedroom. Just wish my mom was there to pamper me. Take numerous shots and tell me she was pleased of me. Most of all, I craved her embrace.
Noah still saved prom!
I was already outside, entering the limo like a movie star, when Diane pulled into our driveway. Her mouth fell. She stepped out of the vehicle and stood astonished.
Her face? My God. I wish I could photograph her expression. Would have put that on my mirror!
“James? Have you done this? I heard her scream to my father before the driver slammed the door.
My driver took me away moments later.
Prom fulfilled all my expectations. As I entered the hall in the limo, heads turned. I was aware of my shine. I felt my mom with me for the first time in a while.
Everything about the night was magical. Dancing, laughing with friends, and ignoring home turmoil.
Diane, I hope you learnt. You can’t harm someone’s happiness without consequences. particularly if your kid saves the day!