Hannah was determined to hold her father accountable when he walked into her birthday celebration with her closest friend on his arm. He had no idea that Hannah’s scheme would unexpectedly cause a reverse during her graduation celebration.
Dad responded, “Happy birthday, kiddo,” but his words hardly registered.
Despite the abundance of balloons and banners in the room, something felt off.
Glancing around, he questioned, “What’s the fuss?”
The fact that it was happening astounds me. Dad had shown up at my 25th birthday celebration as a plus one with my best friend, Jessica.
“How is Jess interacting with you?” As soon as I was no longer shocked, I asked.
“Explain what you mean.” He laughed. “We’re in love together!”
“Are you serious?” Mom is here, and we’re being observed by everyone!
He gave a shrug. “So what? It’s her problem; I don’t give a damn about how she or anyone else feels. I live this life. My goal is to enjoy myself.
I looked at Mom, who was standing by herself and had tears running down her cheeks. I couldn’t take it anymore as she turned around and went inside.
“I never would have invited you if I knew you would do something like this!” I yelled and turned to face Dad. And how on earth could you do this, Jess? My best friend was you!
“Hannah, I apologize. However, if you find this unacceptable, it seems like a problem with YOU.
It stunned me.
“Go!” I stated. “Just leave now! You two both!
Dad sneered, “Hey Hannah, you’re overreacting.” “It’s not as though your mother and I are dating, and I introduced a new person into our lives.”
“No, Dad, I’m not exaggerating, and I’d rather not talk about this. You must go now. Mom and I are having this party. And Mom’s house is this one.
“All right, let’s head out.”
I watched Dad go, and then I went back to Mom and gave her a big embrace. “I’m so sorry, Mom.” I had no idea they’d—
“It’s alright, my love. That’s all she said, “Thank you.”
Though I found it difficult to accept what had happened, all that concerned me was the looks of sympathy and disbelief on the other guests’ faces as they looked at my mom. I detested the way they were treating Mom like a defenseless old lady.
A week went by.
Mom and I sipped tea on the couch in her quaint living room one Sunday morning.
I cherished our brief alone times together as a couple. Typically, we would bake a recipe from Grandma, but judging by the expression on Mom’s face, I could tell she was still processing what had happened.
It was only lately that Dad and Mom got divorced, yet I know Mom missed him. She was still upset by what had happened to me on my birthday.
I tried to lighten the situation by saying, “Mom, I’m really looking forward to graduation next month.” “For me, it’s a significant milestone.”
“Oh, Hannah, you have my undying pride,” Mom said with a smile. You put forth a lot of effort to earn this day.
Simply said, it’s that… It was difficult to see Jessica with your father,” she remarked abruptly and melancholically. “You mean she’ll be graduating too?”
I softly squeezed her hand as I reached over to grab it.
Yes, mother. It was awful. You’re stronger than this, though. You ought to be treated better.
Mom gave me a glance as tears filled her eyes. “Hannah, it’s just so difficult. This is not what I anticipated from Jessica. She was like a daughter, and now that she was thinking about them in bed, this.
My mother started crying, and I hurried over to give her a hug.
“Your dad,” she muttered. “What did he say to me as he was heading out? Caroline, you are far too old. I’m no longer excited by you. How in the world could he do this, Hannah?
I cannot express how deeply it wounded my heart to see my mother cry into my shoulders.
I tried my best to comfort her by saying, “I didn’t either, Mom.” However, we will no longer allow them to harm us. Here, you’re not the only one. Alright, let’s get through this together.
After what happened at my birthday party, Mom was quite upset, and I had a plan to make things right. Simply put, I was unable to inform Mom about it at that time.
The next Thursday morning, I entered the little café next to the university, which was crowded with both professionals and students.
Talk and the aroma of coffee permeated the room.
I waved to Tom when I saw him at a corner table.
Tom was someone I knew when I was younger. One of Dad’s coworkers, he was consistently friendly and kind. We relocated across town, so he stopped coming to see us as frequently as before. His well-known face brought back memories.
I sat down and said, “Hello, Tom.” “Nice to see you again.”
“Whoa, Hannah! You’ve matured.” He laughed. “I’m glad to see you as well. How are things going? He inquired.
“Exciting but hectic.” “Graduation is rapidly approaching,” I answered.
When I messaged Tom on Facebook a week ago, I didn’t have high hopes that he would respond. However, for some reason, his name was the first that came to mind, so I decided to try it.
Thankfully, he answered.
“In passing, I contemplated your concept,” he mentioned while I was sipping my coffee. That’s alright with me. Will your mother concur?
“She’ll do it. Regards. I truly thanked you for all of your assistance.
Hannah, you’re welcome. He answered, “Both you and your mom deserve better.
We had a nice conversation about a variety of topics, including my childhood and Tom’s gift-giving of princess dolls to me. I had a great idea simmering in the back of my head, and he was just the loveliest man I had known in my youth.
I was unaware of how quickly time passed and graduation day came.
I was standing in Mom’s bedroom, surrounded by gorgeous outfits and cosmetics.
Mom raised a stunning dress, and I gave her a nod of approval.
“It’s unbelievable that my child is graduating,” she murmured while zipping my dress. “Hannah, you look magnificent.”
“Mom, thank you. You too have an incredible appearance. It’s going to be a fantastic night tonight,” I smiled back.
Mom had put on an elegantly fitted, glittering navy blue dress. Her hair was worn in beautiful waves, and her tasteful silver jewelry was the ideal finishing touch.
She wore her earrings and remarked, “I hope your dad behaves himself tonight.”
“Mom, don’t worry about him. Just concentrate on having fun. I told her, ‘Everything will be alright.
Mom grinned, but her eyes betrayed concern.
I gave her a tight squeeze. Honestly, Mom. Have fun this evening. You’re worthy of it. I’m overjoyed for you.
“Yes, darling, I will. She hugged me and whispered, “Thank you.”
I adjusted my clothes and makeup as I glanced in the mirror. “I have to leave now. As I grabbed my luggage, I remarked, “See you soon.”
Okay, Hannah. Mom said, kissing me quickly, “See you there.
I inhaled deeply as I left the house. I felt prepared; the strategy was in place. I knew that tonight needed to be ideal—not just for Mom, but also for myself. I wasn’t going to let anything ruin our night.
I fixed my gown and cap after taking one last look at myself in the mirror when I got to the graduation hall.
As graduates and their family occupied the seats, the room was alive with excitement.
I looked around and saw Dad and Jessica pulling up. Although they exuded confidence, I knew that was about to change.
After about fifteen minutes, Mom and Tom went into the auditorium. Tom looked sharp in a suit, and she looked gorgeous.
I smiled to see them together. I gave them a wave in return.
Dad and Jessica’s expressions were clearly clouded with disbelief when they observed Mom pleased with a man who was around five years her junior!
“Tom, thanks for coming. Mom, you look so beautiful! “I hugged her and said.”
Dad’s voice then broke through.
“Tom? Why are you in this place?
We looked over and saw Jessica trailing him.
Tom wrapped Mom in one arm. He said, “Supporting a dear friend and her daughter.”
“You mentioned he was your coworker, didn’t you? How did this come about? Jessica muttering something to Dad caught my attention, and I smiled, realizing that my strategy had worked.
“So, Mom and Tom have been spending time together lately. They came to the realization that they had a lot in common,” I smiled.
Dad appeared agitated. “I understand,” he replied. “Well, Tom, it’s nice to see you.”
Tom gave a small smile. Robert, it’s good to see you too. Doesn’t life have some interesting twists and turns?
As the night wore on, Mom and Tom appeared to be quite content with one another. They appeared to be the ideal couple as they laughed and danced. Jessica made an effort to look normal, but she was clearly uncomfortable.
Dad was unable to control his annoyance either. His gaze kept flitting between Mom and Tom, and I could see the cogs in his brain turning.
Mom gave me a big embrace before heading off. “My sincere gratitude for everything, my love. I’m so happy for you.
“Mom, I’m proud of you too,” I grinned. “Every happiness in the world is yours to have.”
I knew my father was sorry about his decisions as I saw her leave with Tom. It was too late for him to realize he’d lost the greatest thing in his life. I giggled when I saw that he shoved Jess away when she offered to dance.
My scheme to prove to Dad that Mom could live happily without him was a brilliant success. Tom and Mom are now together after falling in love. I’m incredibly happy for her.
Do you believe that Dad ought to have tasted his medicine?