07/08/2025
My stepsister, Jade, was getting married and couldn't find bridesmaid dresses that worked on all six girls. I used to be a seamstress before maternity leave, so she asked me to make them. "I'll pay you as soon as they're done," she promised. I said yes. She's family.
I worked through midnight feeds, a crying baby, sheer exhaustion. No upfront payment – so I dipped into our baby fund for fabric. Two days before the wedding, I delivered six olive custom-fitted dresses.
She barely looked up. "Meh. They'll do. Thanks."
I asked, "So… when can I get reimbursed? I used some of our baby money for fabric and I'll need it back soon. Max needs a winter coat."
She laughed. "OH, YOU'RE JOKING, RIGHT? THIS IS YOUR GIFT. WHAT ELSE WERE YOU GONNA GIVE ME? A TOASTER? YOU'RE HOME DOING NOTHING ANYWAY."
I went home and cried. My husband wanted to go off – I told him not to. I'd find another way.
At the wedding, the girls looked amazing. My dresses. My work.
But then right before the first dance, Jade dragged me into the bathroom, crying. She whispered, "Please, I need your help!!!"
I looked at her and gasped. ⬇️