When I was getting ready for prom, I had everything planned out—perfect dress, makeup, and a fabulous hairstyle. I wanted everything to be just right for the big night. But then my stepmom, Carla, got involved and ruined it. She secretly canceled my hair appointment, and I was devastated. Just when I thought my prom dreams were over, a surprise limousine showed up at my door. But who could have arranged it?
Let me take you through what happened. I’m Emily, a 17-year-old high school senior. I live with my dad, my stepmom Carla, and her son Mason, who’s 11. Mason and I get along pretty well, but Carla? That’s a whole other story.
Our issues started when my mom passed away after a long illness. Not long after, my dad started dating Carla, and within a year, they were married. At first, Carla tried to be nice, but it didn’t take long for her passive-aggressive behavior to come out. I’ll never forget the time she looked at me and said, “You look too much like your mother, Emily. It pains me to look at you.” Those words cut deep.
Fast forward to prom season. I had been saving my babysitting money for months to buy the perfect violet dress. It was my mom’s favorite color, and I thought she would be there with me to help make my night special. I had even booked an appointment at a high-end salon to get my hair done, and my friends were going there too. Everything was falling into place—until Carla messed it all up.
The day of prom, I arrived at the salon excited for my appointment, but the receptionist looked confused. “Are you sure you’re Emily?” she asked, glancing at her screen. “Zelda told me you canceled.” I was in shock. I hadn’t canceled anything. The receptionist went to find the hairdresser, and when she came back, the stylist explained that someone had called earlier, pretending to be me—or my mom—and canceled my appointment.
I looked around the salon and spotted Carla, getting her hair done with a smug look on her face. She had done this on purpose to ruin my day. I asked if they could still fit me in, but there were no available slots. I was heartbroken. My dream prom was falling apart.
I ran home, locked myself in my room, and cried. I tried doing my own hair, but nothing worked. My violet dress hung in the corner, and I wasn’t sure I even wanted to go anymore. Just as I was feeling defeated, I heard a honk outside. At first, I ignored it, thinking it was just another car passing by, but the honking wouldn’t stop.
I peeked out the window, and to my surprise, a sleek black limousine was parked in front of our house. I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was no way the limo was for me. My friends and I had discussed getting one, but our parents had said no.
I rushed downstairs and found my dad talking to the driver. “I’m here for Miss Emily,” the driver said, holding out a card. I was stunned. The card read:
“To my beautiful sister, Emily. I know things haven’t been easy lately, but you deserve the best night ever. Enjoy the limo, and don’t worry about a thing. I’ve been saving all my birthday and Christmas money for this.
Have an amazing night, sis.
Love, Mason.”
Mason? My little brother had done this for me? I ran upstairs to find him grinning from ear to ear. He had overheard Carla canceling my hair appointment and decided to take matters into his own hands.
“But did you really use your money?” I asked, feeling guilty.
“Not really,” he said with a laugh. “See, Mom has been saving up for this diamond necklace she wants, but Dad won’t buy it for her. So, when I heard her phone call, I took some of her stash and went to Mr. Johnson next door to arrange the limo.”
There was more. Mason had also arranged for a stylist from the mall, Mrs. Evans’ daughter, to come over and do my hair and makeup.
I couldn’t believe it. In just 20 minutes, I went from crying in my room to feeling like a princess. It wasn’t the same without my mom, but thanks to Mason, I was still going to have the best night of my life.
When Carla came home, she was in for a shock. I was stepping into the limo like a celebrity, and she just stood there, speechless. I wish I had taken a picture of her face.
Prom turned out to be everything I dreamed of. When I arrived at the venue in the limo, everyone turned to look. I felt amazing, and for the first time in a long while, I felt my mom’s presence with me. The night was full of laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories.
As for Carla, I hope she learned her lesson. You can’t mess with someone’s happiness, especially when they’ve got a brother who’ll do anything to make sure their day is perfect.