I should have realized something was up when I caught my niece and nephew whispering, their mischievous eyes fixed on me. But nothing could have prepared me for what came next.
The day had been perfect. I had treated myself to fresh highlights, a professional blowout, and flawless makeup. Slipping into a dress that made me feel like more than just a daughter, sister, or aunt, I was ready to celebrate my 30th birthday in style.
The backyard was buzzing with life—BBQ sizzling, glasses clinking. My dad manned the grill, my mom busied herself with the side dishes, and my brother, Mark, stood off to the side, engrossed in his phone with a beer in hand.
Then there were his kids, Ava and Lily—running wild, shrieking, and nearly toppling my elderly neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, near the pool. I expected their mother, Jessica, to rein them in, but she just laughed. “Kids will be kids!” she said, unfazed. Mark didn’t even glance up.
Trying to stay calm, I focused on enjoying my day. But then, I noticed something. Ava and Lily were whispering, giggling, and filming with a phone. It didn’t take long to realize their plan: they were about to push me into the pool. I glanced at Jessica—she saw them and smirked, doing nothing to stop them.
Fine. I played along. The moment they lunged, I stepped aside.
SPLASH.
Ava and Lily tumbled into the pool instead, their faces frozen in shock. A stunned silence followed—until Jessica’s shriek shattered it. “HOW COULD YOU LET THEM FALL?!”
I blinked. “Let them? They tried to push me!”
Jessica didn’t care about her kids being soaked. Instead, she clutched her head in panic. “Their iPhones!!! Do you know how expensive those were?”
I stared at her, dumbfounded. “Maybe you should have been watching them instead of laughing?”
Mark finally looked up, sighed, and muttered, “That sucks.”
I handed the kids towels, but Jessica wasn’t done. “This is your fault, Olivia! You knew they were going to fall!”
I let out a dry laugh. “And you knew they were going to push me. Should I have just let it happen?”
Jessica scoffed, shaking her head. “Unbelievable.”
“No, you are,” I shot back, grabbing my drink to cool off.
The next morning, I woke up to a text from Jessica—a link to the Apple Store. Two brand-new iPhones, top models. My stomach dropped at the price.
Then came her message: Since YOU let them fall, YOU need to replace these. It’s YOUR fault.
I blinked in disbelief.
Me: You can’t be serious.
Jessica: You’re an adult. You should’ve just let them push you in. It’s not like you’d melt.
I laughed, shaking my head. She actually thought I owed her?
Me: Don’t you dare try to guilt-trip me.
No reply. I assumed it was over.
I was wrong.
The next afternoon, my doorbell rang. Jessica stood there, holding balloons. Behind her, Mark was unloading party decorations. That’s when I remembered—I had agreed weeks ago to host Ava’s birthday party at my house.
Jessica smiled smugly. “Why do you look so confused? We’re here for the party!”
My blood boiled. “You seriously think you can demand money from me one day and expect me to host your kid’s party the next?”
Jessica sighed dramatically. “Well, yeah. You still owe us for the phones, but that’s separate.”
I laughed sharply. “Oh, it’s separate? Like how my house and generosity are separate from your entitlement? Get out.”
Her smirk faltered. “You’re being a b—” She caught herself, seeing Ava beside her, and adjusted her tone. “This is for my daughter! You’re punishing her over a harmless prank!”
I shrugged. “No, you punished her. You wanted me to be the villain? Fine. I’ll play the part.”
I shut the door in her face.
Outside, Jessica ranted loudly, her voice full of outrage. Mark pretended not to hear, while Ava looked genuinely confused.
Then, across the street, Mrs. Thompson emerged with a knowing smile, phone in hand.
Jessica froze, her face draining of color as Mrs. Thompson subtly angled the screen toward her.
Jessica clenched her fists but said nothing.
Mrs. Thompson knocked on my door. “She won’t be bothering you about the phones anymore,” she said warmly.
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Why’s that?”
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she whispered, “I simply let her know I have a lovely video of her kids trying to push me into the pool. And if she keeps pushing the issue, I’d be happy to take it to the police.”
I burst out laughing.
Jessica didn’t argue. She just grabbed Ava’s hand and stormed off. Mark hurried to pack up the decorations, and within moments, they were gone—along with their shame.
For once, Jessica had nothing to say.
Turning to Mrs. Thompson, I grinned. “You might be my favorite neighbor.”
She winked. “I know, dear.”
The next morning, my family group chat was buzzing. My mom, ever the peacemaker, tried to smooth things over. Mark sent a weak apology, which meant nothing. But Jessica? Not a word.
Until a new message popped up.
Jessica: Ava’s party was a disaster because of you. Hope you’re happy.
I smiled.
Me: Oh, I am. Thanks for checking