Last Christmas was supposed to be perfect, but life’s not perfect—especially when dealing with a stepmom who doesn’t care about you.
I’m Rosalie, 17, and my dad’s wife, Susan, never liked me. After their marriage, she made it clear I wasn’t part of her ideal “blended family.” Eventually, I moved twelve hours away, closer to my mom. Life was good—until Dad invited me for Christmas.
Excited, I booked my flight early. My gifts were packed, and Aunt Maureen, my dad’s aunt, even got me a bottle of Dad’s favorite whiskey. But days before my flight, Susan showed up unannounced, claiming she had a business trip and needed a place to stay. It was awkward, but I let her stay. She was unusually nice, even offering to cook dinner. I thought she was trying to make peace. Spoiler: she wasn’t.
A woman working at an airport | Source: Midjourney
On Christmas Eve, I headed to the airport—only to be told my flight was canceled. Someone had done it from my account two days earlier. I knew exactly who. Then, a text from Susan confirmed my suspicions:
*”Enjoy your Christmas! Ours will be perfect without you!”*
Heartbroken, I sat at the airport, unable to believe it. Then, karma struck.
Hours later, Susan frantically texted me. She was stranded at a bakery after her car got towed—and the only number she remembered was mine. She thought I sabotaged her, just like she did to me.
I ignored her.
The next morning, Dad called, worried. I told him everything. His anger was instant. He revealed Susan had suggested I not come for Christmas, but he’d ignored it, hoping things would work out. He regretted it now.
Dad caught the next flight to me. When Susan finally made it back—exhausted, humiliated—he confronted her.
*”You canceled her flight?”*
She stammered, trying to justify herself. But Dad wasn’t having it.
*”Pack your things. Spend Christmas wherever you want. But it won’t be here.”*
And just like that, Susan spent Christmas alone in a hotel, while Dad and I had the holiday we deserved—laughing, drinking cocoa, and finally enjoying each other’s company.
Sometimes, karma works fast.
