25/08/2025
I'm 19F. I have a little brother, Ryan (7M), from my dad's second marriage. Even though he's my half-brother, I adore him like crazy. I've gone to every school play, every soccer game, and every single birthday since he was born. He always tells me, "You're my favorite person," and honestly, that melts me every time.
But apparently, my dad's wife Melissa doesn't see me that way.
When I texted my dad asking what time Ryan's 7th birthday party started, he sent back the weirdest message:
"Hey sweetie. Melissa thinks it's better if you sit this one out this year. She feels like you take attention away from Ryan. Please respect her wishes."
I literally stared at my phone for five minutes, trying to process. Sit this one out? For my brother's birthday?
I called him immediately, and he doubled down:
"It's not me, it's her. She thinks Ryan should just have family there WITHOUT OUTSIDERS. It'll be easier if you don't come. RESPECT HER WISHES!"
I hung up and cried. Like ugly, hiccuping tears.
The day came and I stayed home. I'd already bought Ryan's gift weeks before: a Lego set he'd been begging for. I wrapped it with blue paper and drew little stars on it, because he loves anything space-themed. It was sitting on my desk, staring at me like it was mocking me.
At around 2 p.m., when I knew the party must've been happening, I was curled up on my bed, still in pajamas, trying not to cry again. That's when I heard a car horn outside.
I peeked through the window and nearly fell over. My grandpa — my dad's dad — was in his old truck, honking like crazy. When I opened the door, he was standing there with this serious look on his face.
"Grab that gift you got for Ryan," he said.
I blinked. "Grandpa, what—"
He cut me off. "I know everything. Your dad's been spineless since he married that woman, but she went too far this time. Get your shoes on. I have a great idea how to 'SURPRISE' HER. ⬇️