Hannah was determined to make her father pay for his actions when he showed up at her birthday party with her best friend on his arm. Little did he know that her plan would turn the tables on him at her graduation celebration.
“Happy birthday, kiddo,” Dad said, but his words barely registered with me.
Despite the festive decorations, something felt off.
Seeing everyone staring, he asked, “What’s the fuss?”
I was in disbelief. Dad had brought my best friend, Jessica, to my 25th birthday party.
“What is Jess doing with you?” I asked once the initial shock wore off.
He laughed, “What do you mean? We’re together, in love!”
“Are you serious? Mom is here, and everyone’s watching.”
He shrugged. “Whatever. It’s her problem. I don’t care how she or anyone else feels. I’m living my life and having fun.”
I looked at Mom, who stood alone with tears streaming down her face. She turned and went inside, unable to take it any longer.
“If I had known you would do this, I never would’ve invited you!” I yelled at Dad. “And Jess, how could you? You were my best friend.”
“Hannah, I’m sorry. But if you can’t accept this, it sounds like a YOU problem,” Jessica retorted.
I was stunned. “Go! Both of you, leave now!”
Dad sneered, “Hannah, you’re overreacting. It’s not like your Mom and I are together, and I brought someone new into our lives.”
“No, Dad, I’m not exaggerating. Just go. Mom and I are having this party. And this is Mom’s house.”
“Fine, we’ll go.”
I watched Dad leave, then rushed to comfort Mom. “I’m so sorry, Mom. I had no idea they’d—”
“It’s alright, my love,” she said, her voice breaking. “Thank you.”
Seeing the sympathetic and disbelieving looks on our guests’ faces made me furious. I hated how they pitied Mom, seeing her as a helpless victim.
Planning Revenge
A week later, Mom and I were having tea in her cozy living room one Sunday morning.
I cherished our quiet moments together, usually spent baking something from Grandma’s recipe. But today, I could see that Mom was still processing what had happened.
Though the divorce was recent, I knew Mom missed Dad. She was deeply hurt by what had transpired at my birthday.
“Mom, I’m really looking forward to graduation next month,” I said, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s a big milestone for me.”
Mom smiled, her eyes shining with pride. “Oh, I’m so proud of you, Hannah. You’ve worked so hard for this day.”
“Seeing Jessica with your father was difficult,” she suddenly added, sighing deeply. “She’ll be graduating too, right?”
I reached over and squeezed her hand. “Yes, Mom. It was awful. But you’re stronger than this. You deserve better.”
Tears filled Mom’s eyes. “Hannah, it’s just so hard. Jessica was like a daughter to me, and now to think of them together…”
My heart broke as Mom began to cry. “Your father said to me, ‘Caroline, you’re too old. You don’t excite me anymore.’ How could he do this, Hannah?”
“I don’t know, Mom,” I said, holding her close. “But we won’t let them hurt us anymore. We’ll get through this together.”
I had a plan to set things right, but I couldn’t tell Mom just yet.
Putting the Plan into Action
The following Thursday, I walked into the café near the university, filled with students and professionals. I waved to Tom, a friend from my childhood and Dad’s former colleague.
“Hi, Tom,” I said as I sat down. “It’s good to see you.”
“Hannah, wow! You’ve grown up,” he laughed. “How are you?”
“Busy but excited. Graduation is coming up,” I replied.
When I messaged Tom on Facebook, I didn’t expect a response. But he replied, and now we were here.
“I thought about your idea,” he said over coffee. “I’m in. Will your mom agree?”
“She will. Thank you so much for your help,” I said gratefully.
Tom smiled. “You and your mom deserve better.”
We chatted about various things, reminiscing about my childhood. I had a plan brewing in my mind, and Tom was the perfect person to help.
Graduation Day
Graduation day arrived quickly. As I stood in Mom’s bedroom, surrounded by beautiful dresses and makeup, she held up a stunning outfit for me to wear.
“It’s unbelievable that my baby is graduating,” she said, fastening my dress. “You look beautiful, Hannah.”
“Thanks, Mom. You look amazing too. Tonight’s going to be great,” I smiled back.
Mom wore a glittering navy blue dress, her hair in soft waves, and tasteful silver jewelry.
“I hope your dad behaves himself tonight,” she said, adjusting her pendant.
“Don’t worry about him, Mom. Just enjoy yourself. Everything will be fine,” I reassured her.
She smiled, but I could see the concern in her eyes. I hugged her tightly. “Have fun tonight, Mom. You deserve it.”
“Yes, darling, I will. Thank you,” she whispered, hugging me back.
I took a deep breath as I left the house. I felt ready; the plan was set. Tonight had to be perfect for both Mom and me.
The Big Night
At the graduation hall, I adjusted my gown and cap, taking a final look in the mirror. The room buzzed with excitement as graduates and their families filled the seats.
I saw Dad and Jessica arrive, looking confident. But that would soon change.
Mom and Tom entered the auditorium about fifteen minutes later. Mom looked stunning, and Tom was sharp in his suit. I waved to them, smiling.
The disbelief on Dad and Jessica’s faces when they saw Mom with a younger man was priceless.
“Thanks for coming, Tom. Mom, you look gorgeous!” I hugged her.
Dad’s voice cut through the moment. “Tom? What are you doing here?”
We turned to see Jessica trailing behind him.
Tom wrapped an arm around Mom. “Supporting a dear friend and her daughter,” he replied.
Jessica looked confused. “I thought he was your colleague, Dad. How did this happen?”
“Tom and Mom have reconnected recently. They found they have a lot in common,” I said with a smile.
Dad looked agitated. “Well, it’s… nice to see you, Tom.”
“Nice to see you too, Robert. Life has interesting twists, doesn’t it?” Tom replied.
As the night wore on, Mom and Tom seemed genuinely happy. They laughed, danced, and looked perfect together. Jessica tried to act normal, but she was clearly uncomfortable.
Even Dad couldn’t hide his frustration. His eyes kept darting between Mom and Tom.
Mom hugged me tightly before leaving. “Thank you for everything, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”
“I’m proud of you too, Mom,” I grinned. “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
As I watched her leave with Tom, I knew Dad regretted his choices. It was too late for him to realize what he had lost. I couldn’t help but chuckle when he pushed Jessica away as she offered to dance.
My plan to show Dad that Mom could be happy without him was a success. Tom and Mom found love, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
Do you think Dad deserved a taste of his own medicine?
