Graduation day should be Michelle’s happiest moment, but the celebrations take a nasty turn after she asks for a photo with her biological parents. Michelle’s stepmother flies into a jealous rage and destroys a treasured possession. Should Michelle forgive her?
Every high school student dreams of graduation day, right? I was no different. After years of sleepless nights, endless exams, and countless cups of coffee, I was pumped to finally take my first steps into adulthood.
I never expected one stupid photo would ruin everything.
Mom was the first to arrive at the ceremony, carrying a huge bunch of pink peonies, my favorite flowers.
“OMG, Mom! You shouldn’t have,” I said, already dipping my head to inhale the sweet scent of the bouquet.
“Nonsense. You’ve worked hard to get here and deserve to be spoiled, Michelle,” she replied.
I pulled my mom into a huge hug. That’s when I noticed my dad and stepmom approaching. Immediately, my stomach started churning.
Mom and Dad divorced when I was pretty young, and he married Claire about a year later. And I was okay with it. Both my parents made sure I felt loved, and I liked Claire… most of the time, anyway.
The only problem is Claire and Mom don’t get along at all. Claire is always trying to one-up Mom, or she gets clingy with Dad. It’s seriously awkward.
But this was MY big day, and they’re all adults… there was no way they’d ruin this for me, right?
“Hey, champ!” Dad called out as he and Claire approached. “Ready to graduate?”
“Absolutely, Dad,” I replied, trying to keep things light and positive as I went to give him a hug.
“Congratulations, Michelle. We’re so proud of you,” Claire said, her smile tight.
“Thanks, Claire,” I responded, “It means so much to have all of you here to celebrate with me.”
“That’s what family is for,” Mom chimed in.
At the time, I didn’t think much of the dark look that passed over Claire’s face as she glanced at Mom.
The graduation ceremony was a blur of excitement and emotion. Walking across that stage felt surreal, a dream realized. When it was all over, we gathered outside for photos.
That’s when everything exploded.
“Dad, Mom, can we take a picture together? Just the three of us?” I asked.
Claire’s eyes narrowed instantly.
“Why do you want a picture with him and his ex-wife? It’s disrespectful to our marriage,” she snapped, her voice sharp and biting.
My heart sank. I looked at Claire’s furious expression as my thoughts whirred. Why was this something I needed to explain?
Mom, ever the peacemaker, stepped in. “Michelle just wants a picture with her biological parents. It’s her special day. Let’s try to make it about her happiness.”
Claire’s face twisted with anger. “No, this is ridiculous! I won’t stand for it. My husband shouldn’t be in a picture with his ex-wife.”
I felt the tears welling up.
Log cabin on 15 acres in the North Carolina mountains، Circa 1798. $249,000
This is very fantastic! Pleasant neighborhood near Boone! This cabin was built in 1798! It is located on 15 acres near Creston, North Carolina.
The home features a covered front porch, a stone fireplace, stacked stone chimney, hardwood floors, and a loft area. The property has two ponds, a creek, a barn, and a storage building. 1,360 square feet with two bedrooms and one bathroom. $249,00
Obtain ownership of a unique piece of Appalachian heritage! This 15-acre log cabin was built in 1798 and features two bedrooms and one bathroom. Maybe it’s the oldest cabin in High County that’s still in use! With its enormous stone fireplace and chimney with gas logs, hand-hewn 2-foot-wide logs, refurbished, spacious kitchen and laundry area, and hardwood floors throughout, this cabin is beautiful.
Unexpected events have delayed interior renovations, which include new lights, wiring, tongue and groove walls, and a sliding barn door.
This property has 1500 feet of concrete road frontage, two ponds, a creek, and a 16 by 20 storage building. There are multiple building sites with views spread out throughout the acres.
This area, on the North Fork of the New River, offers some of the best trout fishing in North Carolina. Mountain City, Tennessee, is 15 minutes distant, and Boone and West Jefferson are 30 minutes away. With a few updates and changes, this may become your ideal house!
A unique home and property with loads of possibilities!
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