When Linda’s son dropped off her grandkids on New Year’s Eve without warning, it wasn’t the first time he’d assumed she was free to babysit.
But after a night of missed plans and unanswered calls, Linda decided it would be the last.
It was New Year’s Eve, and I couldn’t stop smiling. I smoothed my hands over my new burgundy dress, admiring how it looked in the mirror.
I’d been saving it for something special, and tonight was the perfect occasion.
My hair was styled in soft waves, and the makeup I’d had done earlier gave me just the right amount of confidence.
“This is going to be a night to remember,” I said out loud, grinning at my reflection.
The evening felt so important.
My high school classmates had planned a reunion dinner for the first time in years. At 60, time with old friends, laughing, reminiscing, and just being together felt precious.
I’d been counting down the days. Everything was planned: leave the house by seven, get to the restaurant by eight, and spend the night surrounded by people I cared about.
I was finishing up my lipstick when my phone buzzed.
I glanced at the screen and saw Jake’s name.
“Hey, Mom!” His voice was cheerful, as usual.
“Hi, Jake,” I said, still smiling. “What’s going on?”
“Listen, we’re driving over now. We’re dropping Jenni and Lily off for a few hours.
Just till midnight!”
I froze. “What? Jake, I have plans tonight.
I’m going to the reunion—”
“It’s only for a little while, Mom. We’ll be back before you know it!”
“Jake, wait, I—”
But he hung up before I could finish. I stared at my phone, my chest tightening.
“This can’t be happening,” I muttered, glancing at the clock.
It was already 6:30 p.m.
A few minutes later, I heard the crunch of tires in the driveway. I rushed to the door, hoping to reason with him.
“Hi, Mom!” Jake called out, stepping out of the car with Jenni in tow. Amanda followed behind, carrying Lily, who clutched her favorite stuffed animal.
“Jake, I can’t do this tonight,” I said firmly.
“I’m supposed to be at the restaurant by seven.”
“Don’t worry,” Jake said, waving his hand like it was no big deal. “We’ll be back before midnight, I swear.”
“You don’t understand,” I insisted, my voice rising. “This isn’t fair.
I have plans—”
“We left snacks in their bags, and they’re already in their pajamas,” Amanda cut in, smiling like she was doing me a favor. “They’ll be no trouble at all. Thanks, Linda!”
“But—” I started again, but Jake hopped back in the car.
“Love you, Mom!” he called as the car sped off.
I stood there, stunned.
Jenni and Lily looked up at me with bright smiles.
“Grandma, can we watch cartoons?” Jenni asked, tugging on my hand.
I forced a smile, though my stomach was in knots. “Sure, sweetheart. Come inside.”
I settled them on the couch and handed them the remote.
As they giggled over their favorite show, my phone buzzed again. It was a message from Cathy.
“The place looks amazing! Can’t wait to see you.
Sending pics soon!”
My heart sank. A few moments later, the group chat started filling with photos—everyone was there, beaming, glasses raised in toasts, tables sparkling with candles and decorations. They all looked so happy.
I sat down at the kitchen table, staring at my phone.
The excitement I’d felt earlier was gone, replaced by disappointment and anger.
“How could they do this to me?” I whispered, feeling tears prick the corners of my eyes.
At 11 p.m., I tucked the kids into bed. They fell asleep easily, but I couldn’t relax. I tried calling Jake, but it went straight to voicemail.
Amanda’s phone? Same thing.
Out of habit, I opened Instagram, and there it was—a story from Amanda. A video of her and Jake at some fancy party, clinking glasses with friends, laughing, and having the time of their lives.
The caption read: “Ringing in the New Year with the best crew!”
My jaw tightened as I set my phone down. Midnight came and went. I sat alone in the dimly lit living room, scrolling through more messages and photos from my classmates, trying to focus on their happiness instead of my own frustration.
By the time I heard the crunch of tires in the driveway, it was 3 a.m.
I sat up straight on the couch, my heart pounding not from relief, but from anger.
Jenni and Lily were still asleep, tucked under the blanket I’d laid over them hours ago. The sight of their peaceful faces momentarily softened me, but the frustration bubbling inside wouldn’t go away.
I stood, smoothing my hands down the dress I’d been so excited to wear earlier that evening. Now, it was wrinkled and felt more like a reminder of the reunion I’d missed.
The front door opened, and Jake and Amanda strolled in, laughing softly.
Amanda had her heels dangling from one hand, her makeup smudged from the long night. Jake’s shirt was untucked, his hair disheveled, but his grin was as carefree as ever.
“Hey, Mom!” Jake called cheerfully, as if they hadn’t left me stranded all night.
“Hi, Grandma!” Amanda added, waving like nothing was wrong.
I folded my arms and stared at them. “Do you have any idea what time it is?” My voice was calm, but my anger simmered just below the surface.
Jake shrugged, unbothered.
“Yeah, sorry about that. Our friends wouldn’t let us leave. You know how it is.”
“No, Jake,” I said, my tone turning cold.
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