I thought my life had come apart when my stepmother Brenda and her girls kicked me out after learning my father had gone into a coma. They had no idea that the very following day, fate was going to exact a fast revenge.
I could feel things were changing, and not in a good way, on the day my father brought Brenda and her girls into our house. In an attempt to improve his health, my father started going to yoga classes, where he met Brenda. He perceived her as a kind person who had experienced many hardships in life. But I could see right through her fake smiles and the sweet tone in which she spoke.
The little jabs of passive-aggressiveness started. Brenda would frequently make comments about my appearance or academic standing, but her criticisms were usually laced with a sweet, almost pretentious, tone.
Brittany and Chloe, her kids, were equally cunning. Blue-eyed, blonde, and possessing a nasty streak, they reserved their nasty comments for times when my father wasn’t there.
“Leah, nice top. “Did you remove that from a garbage can?” With a sly smile, Brittany would say.
Chloe would giggle, “And it looks like it’s from the 90s,” as she continued.
Even though I made an effort to ignore them, their constant jabs were getting to me. Every time I tried to confide in my father, Brenda would craftily manipulate the story.
“Leah is just having trouble adjusting to the changes, Michael. With a hint of fake worry in her voice, Brenda would say, “You know how teenagers can be.”
My father would stare at me with a mixture of disappointment and bewilderment, as if he were stuck in the middle and puzzled. “Leah, you really should try harder to get along with others. Brenda is making a great effort.
I longed to shout the truth out, but I would close the door behind me and go to my safe haven, my room. It was the one safe haven where I could lose myself in music and books and try to block out the reality of my circumstances.
The issue became more serious one evening. In the living room, I heard Brenda talking to my father, who painted me as a troubled kid.
Michael, we must talk about Leah. Her becoming a true problem. She has the girls in her sights. Brenda said, “She’s always so angry,” in a worried yet accusing tone.
My heart thumping, I put my ear to the door. A fear of me? That was ridiculous.
With a voice full of exhaustion, my father answered, “Leah is just… dealing with a lot.” “She still longs for her mother.”
Brenda let out a loud sigh. “I understand, Michael, but we have to stop treading carefully. It has an impact on everyone.
I lost all patience and marched into the living room.
“Are you serious?” Brenda, you’re lying to him! The issue is with you and your girls, not with me!
Feeling astonished by my scream, my father got up. “Leah, please settle down. We may discuss this further.
I said, “No, we can’t,” my voice quivering with anguish. You don’t ever pay attention.
Brenda pulled on her most worried expression. “Leah, our only goal is to assist you.”
“Aid me?” I gave a sour laugh. “You’re shattering my entire world,”
At the top of the steps, the twins materialized, smiling like villains from a play. I was so overwhelmed that I turned around and ran out the front door, taking comfort in the refreshing night air. My father was on the porch when I got back, his face filled with conflict and anguish.
He said, “Love, we have to figure out how to make this work.” “I love Brenda just as much as I love you.” We are now a family.
My eyes welled with tears as I glanced up at him. They treat me horribly, Dad. Are you blind to what’s going on?
He gave me a strong hug. “I swear, I’ll talk to them. Give it some time, please.
I nodded even though I knew in my heart that nothing would alter. He was totally enmeshed in Brenda’s world, and I was just a bother.
The house seemed like a battleground of hushed insults, chilly shoulders, and forced grins in the weeks that followed. I was counting down the days till I could get to college and be free of Brenda and her evil offspring.
For a while now, my father’s health has been declining. He complained of stomach aches on a regular basis, and ultimately the physicians suggested surgery. Even though it was only going to be a simple surgery, I was terrified of what may occur if I weren’t there.
“What if something were to happen to you, Dad? One evening, while we sat in the kitchen with Brenda and the twins conveniently out of the way, I said, “They’ll throw me out.”
He gave my hand a comforting squeeze. “Leah, you have too much anxiety.” Brenda is concerned about you. No way would she do it.
I pushed, “Dad, you don’t see them the way I do.” “You must have faith in me.”
His face was deeply marked with lines of tiredness as he sighed. “Leah, I trust you, but Brenda seems sincere.” I wanted to fight more, but when I saw the tired look on his face, I gave up, knowing that nothing I said would convince him.
The day of the operation came around quickly, and Brenda went to the hospital with him while I waited at home. I was aware that she was there to keep control rather than out of care.
Brenda’s high-pitched voice came to me from the kitchen about midday; she had come home the moment my father was transported to the operating room. I was so curious that I ducked in closer, out of sight.
“What are you saying, he’s unconscious?” Despite a little tremble in her voice, she didn’t seem shocked or concerned. As I listened, a shiver went down my spine. She said, “Yes, thank you, Doctor.”
Brenda was about to hang up when I hurriedly grabbed my phone, sensing an approaching drama. Her girls heard her call.
“Come on, girls! Leah is no longer with us. “Michael is unconscious!”
With shivering laughter, Brittany and Chloe descended with great agility. “Really? We can now eject her.
Brenda gave a menacing smirk as she nodded. “Leah! Gather your belongings. You’re not welcome back.
I stammered into the kitchen, struggling to maintain my cool. How come? This is not something you can do.
Oh, but I can, Brenda shot back with a cold smile. “Now exit.”
With shaking hands, I hurried upstairs and packed my possessions into a suitcase. This was occurring, and I couldn’t believe it. I held onto the notion that the tape might help me while I packed.
I felt completely dejected and went to a friend’s place to spend the night. I visited my father in the hospital the next morning. He looked exhausted but alive, but to my surprise, he was awake and sitting up in bed.
“Leah!” he cried out, beaming as I hurried to be at his side.
“Daddy! You’re OK! With tears running down my cheeks, I gave him a strong hug. “I was told you were in a coma by Brenda.”
“What?” He seemed perplexed. “The procedure proceeded without any problems. I’m OK; there was a mix-up. I was simply dozing off after the anesthetic, but a nurse had mistakenly written on my file that I was in a coma.
I took my phone out. I played the recording for him and said, “You need to hear this.”
As he listened, his look changed from one of perplexity to rage. “This is unbelievable. Leah, we’re heading home. This concludes now. I’ll talk to the physicians and head out as soon as I can.
There was a lot of silence between us on the uncomfortable trip home. Brenda, Brittany, and Chloe were standing on the porch, looking terrified and surprised at the sight of us as we approached the home. Although they had been informed that my father had been released from the hospital, they had not anticipated seeing me with him.
“Where is Michael at this time? And why are you in this place? Brenda scoffed, her words oozing with contempt. “You’re not invited.”
“Really, I am,” I shot back, moving aside to make room for my father as he stepped out of the car.
“Michael!” Brenda gasped, the color draining from her face. “You’re in…”
“Alive and well,” he said icily in response. “Leah, start the tape.”
I did, and the smug looks on their faces vanished as the words filled the room. Brenda became pale, and Chloe and Brittany just stood there in shock.
My father angrily said, “You’ve shown your true colors.” His voice was trembling. “I alone have the authority to determine who resides in this home. Having stated that, I kindly request that you depart. Each and every one of you. Right now.
Brenda tried to argue, but my dad held out his hand to silence her. “Enough lies. No more trickery. Leave now.
They departed, their glares and protests ineffective against my father’s unwavering rejection. With every second that went by, the burden of their presence lessened as we watched them drive away.
My father gave me a strong embrace within. I truly apologize, Leah. I ought to have trusted you.
I told him, “It’s okay, Dad,” as a wave of relief washed over me. We’re now reunited. That is what is important.
I knew we were prepared to start again, just the two of us, and to face whatever was ahead as we threw open the doors to our stormy past.