- 12 hours ago
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00:00I stood in my mother's living room on Trad Street in Charleston,
00:00:03holding a champagne flute I hadn't touched,
00:00:06watching my sister Melissa laugh with her arm draped around Trevor's waist.
00:00:10My fiancé.
00:00:11Or my ex-fiancé I guess though nobody had officially told me we were done.
00:00:15The room was full of people I'd known my whole life.
00:00:18Aunts, cousins, neighbors from the historic district, people from Mom's church.
00:00:22Everyone was dressed nicely,
00:00:24the kind of nice you wear to welcome someone home after a long absence.
00:00:28There were balloons.
00:00:30There was a banner that said,
00:00:31Welcome Back Melissa in gold letters.
00:00:34My mother clinked her champagne glass with a butter knife and the room went quiet.
00:00:38She was wearing a cream-colored dress I'd never seen before, something expensive.
00:00:43Her hair was done.
00:00:44She looked radiant.
00:00:46I have wonderful news, Mom said, beaming at Melissa.
00:00:50My baby girl is getting married.
00:00:52She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
00:00:56I knew that box.
00:00:57I'd seen it in my grandmother's jewelry drawer a hundred times growing up.
00:01:01Mom had promised me that ring when I was sixteen.
00:01:04She'd said it would be mine when I got engaged.
00:01:07Melissa opened the box slowly, like she'd rehearsed it.
00:01:10The diamond caught the chandelier light.
00:01:12It was my grandmother's ring.
00:01:14The one with the emerald-cut stone and the platinum band that my grandfather saved for two years to buy
00:01:20in 1952.
00:01:21Trevor wouldn't meet my eyes.
00:01:23He was looking at the floor, his jaw tight, his hands shoved in his pockets.
00:01:27Melissa slid the ring onto her finger like she'd been practicing the motion, tilting her hand so everyone could see.
00:01:34The room erupted in applause.
00:01:36People were standing up, hugging her, congratulating them both.
00:01:40I watched my mother hug them.
00:01:41I watched her cry happy tears into Melissa's hair.
00:01:44The way she used to cry at Melissa's dance recitals when we were kids.
00:01:48For years.
00:01:49I'd raised Melissa's twins for four years while she found herself in California.
00:01:54And this was my welcome home party gift.
00:01:57Watching her get engaged to the man who proposed to me six months ago in the gardens behind St. Philip's
00:02:02Church.
00:02:03Melissa turned to me then, still wearing that pageant smile she'd perfected in high school.
00:02:08The one that looked warm from a distance but went flat up close.
00:02:11She walked over, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor Mom and I had re-finished together last spring.
00:02:17She leaned in close enough that only I could hear, her breath warm against my ear.
00:02:22Thanks for the babysitting, Joe, she whispered.
00:02:25Then louder for the room.
00:02:27Joanna, you're so good with kids.
00:02:29It's probably better you don't have your own.
00:02:31You'd be too tired to enjoy them.
00:02:33People laughed.
00:02:34A few of them actually laughed like it was a sweet joke like she was complimenting me.
00:02:39My cousin Angela laughed.
00:02:41Mrs. Pemberton from three doors down laughed.
00:02:44Like Melissa hadn't just gutted me in front of thirty people while wearing my grandmother's ring on the hand of
00:02:49my fiancée.
00:02:50I set the champagne glass down on the credenza.
00:02:53The same credenza I'd helped Mom strip and restine last spring when she couldn't afford to hire someone.
00:02:59My hand was steady.
00:03:00I didn't say anything.
00:03:02I just walked out.
00:03:03Nobody followed me.
00:03:04I sat in my 2015 Honda Civic in the driveway for twenty minutes, maybe longer.
00:03:10The passenger side mirror was cracked from where I'd clipped a mailbox two years ago and never got it fixed.
00:03:15I watched the party continue through the bay window.
00:03:18I could see people cutting into a sheet cake.
00:03:20I could see Trevor feeding Melissa a bite, and her throwing her head back laughing the way she used to
00:03:26do for cameras when she was in pageants.
00:03:28My mother was refilling wine glasses.
00:03:30Everyone looked happy.
00:03:32I was twenty-eight years old.
00:03:33I made thirty-four thousand two hundred dollars a year as a school librarian.
00:03:38I lived in a six hundred square foot apartment in the historic district and paid nine hundred fifty dollars a
00:03:44month in rent.
00:03:45I'd raised my sister's children from the time they were two until they were six,
00:03:49and she'd just announced her engagement to my fiancée at her welcome home party,
00:03:53and my mother had given her the ring she promised me.
00:03:56My name is Joanna Reeves, and not one person in that room looked surprised.
00:04:00If what I'm about to tell you sounds unbelievable, I promise you, I lived it.
00:04:05And if you stick with me through this story, you'll understand why three months later,
00:04:09I didn't show up to Melissa's wedding.
00:04:12Why those twins refused to walk down the aisle.
00:04:14Why my sister's perfect day collapsed in front of two hundred people.
00:04:18But I'm getting ahead of myself.
00:04:20Let me take you back to when this all started.
00:04:22Back to the Tuesday morning four years ago when Melissa showed up at my apartment.
00:04:27It was early September just after Labor Day.
00:04:29I was getting ready for work, drinking coffee from my second-hand Keurig when someone knocked.
00:04:35I opened the door and there was Melissa,
00:04:37tanned and glowing in expensive athleisure I knew she couldn't afford.
00:04:41Behind her were two car seats with two sleeping toddlers.
00:04:44Chloe and Mason.
00:04:46Two years old.
00:04:47Her twins.
00:04:48I need to find myself Joe, she said like she was ordering a latte.
00:04:52Just a few months.
00:04:54Maybe six.
00:04:55You're so good at this stuff.
00:04:57She meant responsible.
00:04:58She meant boring.
00:04:59She meant useful.
00:05:01There were two suitcases on my doorstep.
00:05:03One had clothes for the twins.
00:05:05The other had stuffed animals and a note that listed their allergies and nap schedules in
00:05:10Melissa's looping handwriting.
00:05:11She kissed them both on the forehead while they slept.
00:05:14She hugged me and said,
00:05:16You're saving my life.
00:05:17Then she got in her car.
00:05:19A white Jedi later found out belonged to some guy she was seeing and drove away.
00:05:24I called my mother.
00:05:25I thought she'd be horrified.
00:05:27I thought she'd tell Melissa to come back immediately to be a mother to take responsibility.
00:05:32Instead mom said,
00:05:33You've always been so nurturing Joanna.
00:05:36This is probably good for you.
00:05:37You need something to focus on.
00:05:39So I became Aunt Jojo.
00:05:41I converted my tiny office into a bedroom with two toddler beds from Ikea that I assembled myself on a
00:05:47Saturday.
00:05:48I learned how to make chicken nuggets appealing to a picky eater.
00:05:52I learned that Mason had a peanut allergy and Chloe needed her nightlight facing the wall, not toward the bed
00:05:58or she wouldn't sleep.
00:05:59I took them to the park.
00:06:00I took them to the pediatrician.
00:06:02I watched them take their first steps after Melissa left.
00:06:06I potty trained them.
00:06:07I taught Chloe how to tie her shoes.
00:06:09Melissa called every few weeks from whatever California beach town she'd landed in.
00:06:14She sent the twins matching outfits for Christmas and didn't ask if they'd outgrown their shoes.
00:06:19She posted photos on Instagram of sunsets and yoga studios and captions about finding her authentic self.
00:06:26I posted nothing.
00:06:28I was too tired.
00:06:29Then in year three I met Trevor.
00:06:31He was a contractor working on a historic renovation two blocks from my apartment.
00:06:36We met at the park.
00:06:38Mason's toy truck broke and Trevor helped fix it with a piece of wire from his tool kit.
00:06:43He didn't flinch when Chloe had a meltdown over the wrong color sippy cup.
00:06:47He said I was amazing.
00:06:49He said he'd never met anyone like me.
00:06:51Six months later he proposed in the gardens behind St. Philip's Church, the same place his parents got married.
00:06:58That's when Melissa decided to come home.
00:07:00She called on a Tuesday morning, her voice bright and cheerful.
00:07:04I'm ready to be a mom again, she announced.
00:07:07Just like that.
00:07:08For years gone and she was ready.
00:07:10My mother threw her a welcome home party the following Saturday.
00:07:14No questions.
00:07:15No anger.
00:07:16Just balloons and a banner and a sheet cake from the bakery on King Street.
00:07:21And now, sitting in my Civic in the driveway, I understood something I'd been too tired and too hopeful to
00:07:26see before.
00:07:27My mother had never planned to choose me.
00:07:30Not once.
00:07:31Not ever.
00:07:32I started the car.
00:07:33I drove home to my apartment.
00:07:35And I started planning what I was going to do about it.
00:07:38But before I could plan anything I had to survive the next 72 hours.
00:07:42Because three days after that engagement announcement, my mother called and asked me to come help set up for Melissa's
00:07:49bridal shower.
00:07:50I almost said no.
00:07:51I had my finger hovering over the red button on my phone screen.
00:07:54But then mom said,
00:07:56Melissa specifically requested you, sweetheart.
00:07:59She said you always know how to make things look nice on a budget.
00:08:02There it was.
00:08:03The thing I was good for.
00:08:05Making things look nice on a budget.
00:08:07I showed up at mom's house on Saturday morning at 8.
00:08:10Melissa was still asleep upstairs.
00:08:13Mom was in the kitchen arranging store-bought cookies on a platter, trying to make them look homemade.
00:08:18She didn't hug me when I came in.
00:08:20She just pointed to three bags of decorations on the counter and said,
00:08:24Can you handle the living room?
00:08:25I'm running behind.
00:08:27I spent two hours hanging streamers and blowing up balloons while my mother criticized the placement.
00:08:32A little higher on that corner, Joanna.
00:08:35No, that's too high now.
00:08:36You know what?
00:08:37Just leave it.
00:08:38I hung a banner that said,
00:08:40Bride to be, over the fireplace.
00:08:42The same fireplace where our family photos used to sit before mom took them all down last year and replaced
00:08:47them with pictures of just Melissa.
00:08:49The shower started at noon.
00:08:51Forty women showed up.
00:08:53Most of them mom's friends from church and the garden club.
00:08:55They brought gifts wrapped in white paper with silver bows.
00:08:59I sat in the corner near the kitchen, refilling the punch bowl, clearing plates, making sure nobody's glass stayed empty
00:09:06too long.
00:09:07Melissa opened presents for an hour.
00:09:09Kitchen gadgets, picture frames, monogrammed towels with an M stitched in gold thread.
00:09:15When she got to a set of expensive hand-thrown pottery bowls, she held them up and said,
00:09:19Oh, these are gorgeous.
00:09:21Joanna, don't you just love these?
00:09:23They're beautiful, I said.
00:09:25You should get some for your place, Melissa said, smiling.
00:09:29When you have people over for dinner parties and things.
00:09:32Everyone knew I didn't host dinner parties.
00:09:34My apartment barely fit a table for two.
00:09:37But a few women laughed politely anyway.
00:09:40Around two in the afternoon, a woman I didn't recognize showed up late.
00:09:44She was older, maybe 55, with expensive jewelry and the kind of tan that comes from vacations, not yard work.
00:09:50She hugged Melissa like they were old friends.
00:09:53Everyone, this is Paige, Melissa announced.
00:09:56My life coach from California.
00:09:58She flew all the way here just for this.
00:10:01Paige made a little speech about Melissa's journey to authentic love and how proud she was to see Melissa claiming
00:10:07her happiness.
00:10:08She gave Melissa a gift, a leather journal with Melissa's initials stamped on the cover.
00:10:14Mom cried.
00:10:15Actual tears.
00:10:16She hugged Paige and said,
00:10:18Thank you for helping my daughter find herself.
00:10:21I was in the kitchen rinsing champagne flutes when Paige came in to refill her water glass.
00:10:26She looked at me like she was trying to place my face.
00:10:29You're the sister, she said.
00:10:31Not a question.
00:10:33Joanna, I said.
00:10:34Melissa talks about you all the time.
00:10:37Paige smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.
00:10:40She says you were such a huge help with the kids.
00:10:42I did what needed to be done.
00:10:45That's so sweet.
00:10:46Paige tilted her head studying me.
00:10:49You know, Melissa was so worried about how you'd react to the engagement.
00:10:52She really values your support.
00:10:55I set down the glass I was holding.
00:10:57Does she?
00:10:58Oh, absolutely.
00:10:59She said you've always been the strong one.
00:11:02The one who doesn't need a lot of attention.
00:11:04Paige touched my arm just briefly.
00:11:07That's a gift, you know.
00:11:08Being low maintenance.
00:11:10I didn't say anything.
00:11:11Paige squeezed my shoulder once then walked back to the living room.
00:11:15I stood there with my hands in the soapy water staring at the window over the sink.
00:11:20Low maintenance.
00:11:21Like I was a plant that didn't need watering.
00:11:23The shower ended around four.
00:11:25Women left with little bags of Jordan almonds and slices of cake wrapped in napkins.
00:11:30I stayed to clean up.
00:11:32Melissa disappeared upstairs to take a nap.
00:11:35Mom and I worked in silence packing up leftover food folding chairs, throwing away torn wrapping paper.
00:11:41That went well, don't you think?
00:11:43Mom said, scraping frosting off a plate into the trash.
00:11:46It was nice, I said.
00:11:48Paige is wonderful, isn't she?
00:11:50So insightful.
00:11:52She really helped Melissa get her priorities straight.
00:11:54I tied off a garbage bag and set it by the back door.
00:11:58What priorities?
00:12:00Mom looked at me over her reading glasses.
00:12:02While coming home.
00:12:04Being a mother.
00:12:05Settling down with someone stable.
00:12:07She paused.
00:12:08Trevor's a good man, Joanna.
00:12:10He'll take care of her.
00:12:12He proposed to me first.
00:12:14I said quietly.
00:12:15My mother went very still.
00:12:17Then she wiped her hands on a dish towel and folded it in precise thirds.
00:12:22People change their minds, she said.
00:12:24It happens.
00:12:25You can't take it personally.
00:12:27He proposed to me in January.
00:12:29Melissa came home in March.
00:12:31By May they were dating.
00:12:33Joanna.
00:12:34Mom's voice had that warning edge.
00:12:36I don't want to do this right now.
00:12:38I'm tired.
00:12:40I raised her kids for four years.
00:12:42And that was very kind of you.
00:12:44She hung the towel on the oven handle.
00:12:46But Melissa's their mother.
00:12:48She needed time to figure things out and now she has.
00:12:51You should be happy for her.
00:12:53I stared at my mother.
00:12:54At the woman who used to braid my hair before school.
00:12:57Who used to save me the corner brownie because she knew I liked the crispy edges.
00:13:01That woman was gone.
00:13:02Or maybe she'd never existed the way I remembered.
00:13:05I am happy for her.
00:13:07I lied.
00:13:08Mom smiled.
00:13:09Good.
00:13:10Because she wants you to be made of honor.
00:13:12Isn't that sweet?
00:13:13She's going to ask you officially next week.
00:13:16I drove home with the windows down even though it was cold for April.
00:13:20I needed the noise.
00:13:21I needed the wind to drown out the sound of my mother's voice saying,
00:13:25People change their minds.
00:13:26Like Trevor was a restaurant reservation.
00:13:29Not the man who told me he wanted to spend his life with me.
00:13:32When I got back to my apartment there were toys still in the corner of the living room.
00:13:36A stuffed elephant Mason used to sleep with.
00:13:39A plastic tea set Chloe loved.
00:13:41I'd kept them in case the twins visited.
00:13:43In case Melissa let me see them.
00:13:45I sat on the floor next to those toys and called my grandfather, Donald.
00:13:49He was the only person in my family who'd ever treated me like I mattered.
00:13:53He answered on the second ring.
00:13:56Joanna, he said.
00:13:57I was hoping you'd call.
00:13:59Were you at the bridal shower?
00:14:01Your grandmother would have killed me if I'd shown up to something like that.
00:14:05He chuckled.
00:14:06How bad was it?
00:14:07Mom asked me to be made of honor.
00:14:10Donald was quiet for a moment.
00:14:11Then he said,
00:14:12Are you going to do it?
00:14:14I looked at the stuffed elephant.
00:14:16At the tea set.
00:14:17At the corner of my apartment that used to be an office before it became a makeshift nursery.
00:14:22I don't know yet, I said.
00:14:25Well, Donald said slowly,
00:14:27Whatever you decide you call me if you need anything.
00:14:30You hear me?
00:14:30Anything at all.
00:14:32I will.
00:14:33And Joanna?
00:14:34His voice got softer.
00:14:36Your grandmother's ring was supposed to be yours.
00:14:39Your mother promised her.
00:14:41I know.
00:14:42I haven't forgotten that.
00:14:43He said.
00:14:45Neither should you.
00:14:46We hung up.
00:14:47I sat on the floor until it got dark outside.
00:14:50Until the streetlights came on and I could hear my neighbors moving around in the unit above mine.
00:14:54I thought about what Paige said.
00:14:56Low maintenance.
00:14:57The strong one.
00:14:59The one who doesn't need attention.
00:15:01I thought about Trevor feeding Melissa cake at the engagement party.
00:15:04I thought about my mother crying happy tears into Melissa's hair.
00:15:08I thought about four years of waking up at 2 a.m. with sick toddlers of missing work
00:15:13because the daycare called, of using my grocery budget to buy the twins' winter coats because
00:15:18Melissa's checks were delayed.
00:15:19Then I thought about my grandmother's ring on Melissa's finger.
00:15:23The ring my mother promised me when I was 16, sitting at this exact kitchen table after
00:15:28my first heartbreak, telling me someday I'd find someone who deserved me.
00:15:32I picked up my phone and texted Melissa, I'd be honored to be your maid of honor.
00:15:37She responded in 30 seconds with 7 heart emojis and OMG you're the best.
00:15:42I set the phone down and smiled.
00:15:45Not because I was happy.
00:15:46Because I'd just made a decision.
00:15:48Have you ever been the person everyone calls when they need something but nobody calls when
00:15:52you need help?
00:15:53Tell me in the comments.
00:15:54And if you've made it this far hit subscribe.
00:15:57What happens next changes everything.
00:15:59The decision I'd made was simple.
00:16:01I was going to show up to everything.
00:16:03Every wedding planning meeting.
00:16:05Every dress fitting.
00:16:07Every family dinner.
00:16:08I was going to smile and nod and be the perfect maid of honor.
00:16:11And I was going to watch very carefully.
00:16:13Melissa's first official request came 3 days later.
00:16:17She needed help addressing invitations.
00:16:20200 of them.
00:16:21She texted me on a Wednesday afternoon while I was shelving returns in the library.
00:16:26Can you come over Saturday?
00:16:27Mom's making lunch and we can work on invites together.
00:16:31Bring your good handwriting all.
00:16:32I showed up at 11 with a set of calligraphy pens I'd bought at the craft store on King
00:16:37Street for $18.99.
00:16:40The house smelled like lemon furniture polish and something baking.
00:16:44Mom was in the kitchen wearing an apron I'd given her for Christmas 3 years ago.
00:16:48Melissa was at the dining room table in yoga pants and a tank top, scrolling through her
00:16:53phone.
00:16:54Oh good you're here, Mom said when I walked in.
00:16:57She didn't get up from the stove.
00:16:59The invitation list is on the table.
00:17:02Melissa's handwriting is terrible so this is perfect.
00:17:05I sat down.
00:17:06The list had names and addresses typed out in a spreadsheet.
00:17:10Most of them were people I didn't know.
00:17:12Trevor's family, Melissa's friends from high school, Mom's Garden Club, people from church.
00:17:17My name wasn't on the list as a guest.
00:17:20Just as maid of honor in the wedding party column.
00:17:23Melissa looked up from her phone.
00:17:25You're a lifesaver, Joe.
00:17:26I have literally no patience for this stuff.
00:17:29It's fine, I said.
00:17:31I picked up the first invitation.
00:17:33Heavy cardstock, cream-colored, expensive.
00:17:36The kind that cost $3 each before postage.
00:17:39Karen, you raised such a special soul.
00:17:42The voice came from the kitchen doorway.
00:17:44Paige walked in carrying a bouquet of white roses wrapped in brown paper.
00:17:48She handed them to my mother like they were old friends exchanging gifts.
00:17:52Mom actually gasped.
00:17:54Paige, you didn't have to do this.
00:17:56I saw them and thought of you.
00:17:58Paige squeezed Mom's shoulders from behind, the same way she'd squeezed Melissa's at the bridal shower.
00:18:03A beautiful home deserves beautiful flowers.
00:18:06I kept my eyes on the invitation I was addressing.
00:18:09My handwriting came out perfect, each letter slanted at exactly the same angle.
00:18:14Years of writing call numbers on library cards had given me steady hands.
00:18:19Paige pulled out the chair next to me and sat down.
00:18:22She smelled like expensive perfume the kind sold in department stores with names I couldn't pronounce.
00:18:27Joanna, she said warmly.
00:18:29How are you holding up with all this wedding chaos?
00:18:32I'm fine.
00:18:34Melissa told me you've been such a help.
00:18:36Addressing all these invitations by hand.
00:18:38She shook her head like I'd done something extraordinary.
00:18:42That's real dedication.
00:18:44I finished the address I was working on and reached for the next blank envelope.
00:18:48Paige watched me for a moment then leaned in slightly.
00:18:51You know, I do some coaching for women in transition, she said quietly.
00:18:55Life changes, career pivots, that sort of thing.
00:18:58If you ever want to talk about finding your path, I'd love to help.
00:19:02I have a path, I said.
00:19:04Of course you do.
00:19:06Paige smiled.
00:19:07I just meant, you know, if you ever wanted to explore something bigger.
00:19:10You seem like someone with a lot of untapped potential.
00:19:14Melissa laughed from across the table.
00:19:16Joe's happy at the library, Paige.
00:19:19She's not really the ambitious type.
00:19:21I set down my pen.
00:19:23What does that mean?
00:19:24Nothing bad.
00:19:25Melissa waved her hand.
00:19:27You're just like, content.
00:19:29You don't need the big career or the fancy life.
00:19:32It's actually kind of nice.
00:19:33Not everyone has to be a go-getter.
00:19:36Paige nodded like Melissa had said something wise.
00:19:39Contentment is underrated in our culture.
00:19:41I picked up my pen again.
00:19:43I addressed 14 more invitations while they talked about wedding flowers and whether the
00:19:48reception should have a champagne wall or a signature cocktail.
00:19:51Mom brought out chicken salad sandwiches on white bread with the crusts cut off.
00:19:56Nobody asked if I wanted one.
00:19:58Melissa just put a plate in front of me and kept talking.
00:20:00Around 2 in the afternoon, the front door opened and I heard small voices.
00:20:05The twins.
00:20:06They came running into the dining room and Chloe saw me first.
00:20:09Aunt Jojo.
00:20:11She launched herself at my chair, wrapping her arms around my waist.
00:20:15Mason was right behind her, grabbing my hand.
00:20:18We missed you so much, Chloe said into my shirt.
00:20:22Melissa's jaw tightened.
00:20:23She set down her iced tea and forced a bright smile.
00:20:27Guys, remember what we talked about?
00:20:29Mommy's here now.
00:20:30Aunt Jojo was just helping out before.
00:20:33When are we coming to your house again?
00:20:35Mason asked me.
00:20:36His face was so hopeful it hurt to look at.
00:20:39I don't know, buddy.
00:20:40I said honestly.
00:20:42You should ask Mommy.
00:20:43Melissa said, her voice sharp.
00:20:45I'm the one who makes those decisions now.
00:20:48Chloe's grip on my waist loosened.
00:20:50She looked up at me with those big dark eyes.
00:20:53The same eyes I'd looked into a thousand times when she'd woken up from nightmares.
00:20:57Are you mad at us?
00:20:59No, sweetheart.
00:21:00I could never be mad at you.
00:21:02Joanna.
00:21:03My mother's voice cut across the room.
00:21:06She was standing in the kitchen doorway with her arms crossed.
00:21:09Maybe you should give them some space to bond with Melissa.
00:21:12They just need time to readjust.
00:21:14I looked at my mother.
00:21:16At the woman who'd let me raise these children for four years and was now telling me to step
00:21:20back so my sister could play house with them.
00:21:23Paige was watching the whole scene with this thoughtful expression like she was taking notes.
00:21:27Of course, I said.
00:21:29I gently untangled myself from Chloe's arms.
00:21:32You two be good for your mom, okay?
00:21:35Mason's eyes filled with tears but he didn't cry.
00:21:38He just nodded.
00:21:39They followed Melissa upstairs, looking back at me twice before they disappeared around the corner.
00:21:45I went back to addressing invitations.
00:21:47My handwriting stayed perfect.
00:21:49Each loop each line exactly where it should be.
00:21:52I finished the stack by 4.30.
00:21:55197 envelopes.
00:21:57All ready to mail.
00:21:58You're amazing, Melissa said, gathering them up.
00:22:02Seriously, I owe you.
00:22:03Don't worry about it.
00:22:05I helped mom clean up the sandwich plates and the glasses with condensation rings on the bottom.
00:22:10Paige had left at some point without saying goodbye to me.
00:22:13When I went to get my purse from the hall table, I heard voices upstairs.
00:22:18Melissa and mom, talking in mom's bedroom with the door half open.
00:22:22She's being weird about this, Melissa said.
00:22:25She's fine.
00:22:26She's just adjusting.
00:22:28That was mom.
00:22:29Paige thinks she might be struggling more than she's letting on.
00:22:32Like, emotionally.
00:22:34Joanna's always been resilient.
00:22:36She'll be fine.
00:22:38I just don't want her making this about her, you know?
00:22:41This is my time.
00:22:42I stood very still in the hallway.
00:22:44The stairs creaked under old wood, but they didn't hear me.
00:22:48Melissa, honey, Joanna agreed to be your maid of honor.
00:22:51She's helping with invitations.
00:22:53What more do you want?
00:22:54I want her to be actually happy for me.
00:22:57Not just going through the motions.
00:22:59There was a pause.
00:23:01Then my mother said something I'll never forget.
00:23:03Your sister doesn't know how to be anything but useful.
00:23:06It's all she's ever been good at.
00:23:08Just let her do what she does best and try not to take it personally.
00:23:12I walked out the front door.
00:23:14I got in my Civic and I drove to the harbor.
00:23:16I parked near the battery and watched the water for a long time,
00:23:20until the sun started going down and the tourists with their cameras went back to their hotels.
00:23:24Beautiful.
00:23:25That's all I'd ever been good at.
00:23:27My phone buzzed.
00:23:29A text from Melissa.
00:23:30Thanks again for today.
00:23:32You're the best sister ever.
00:23:34I didn't reply.
00:23:35I sat there until the streetlights came on,
00:23:38and then I drove to my grandfather's condo on the other side of the peninsula.
00:23:42Donald answered in his old cardigan and reading glasses,
00:23:45holding a book with his finger marking the page.
00:23:48He took one look at my face and stepped aside to let me in.
00:23:52Tell me, he said.
00:23:53So I did.
00:23:54If you've ever felt like you were only valued for what you could do for someone,
00:23:58not for who you are, I need you to know you're not alone.
00:24:01Hit subscribe and join this community.
00:24:03We're building something here.
00:24:05And trust me, what happens next is worth staying for.
00:24:08What happened next came faster than I expected.
00:24:11Donald and I had talked for two hours that night at his condo.
00:24:14He'd made tea in his old kettle, the one that whistled when it boiled,
00:24:18and we'd sat at his small kitchen table overlooking the water.
00:24:21He didn't give me advice.
00:24:23He just listened.
00:24:24When I finally left around nine, he walked me to the door and said,
00:24:27You're stronger than they think you are.
00:24:29Don't forget that.
00:24:31I went home and slept for ten hours straight.
00:24:33When I woke up, it was Sunday morning and Trevor had texted me at 6.47 a.m.
00:24:39Can we meet for coffee?
00:24:40Need to talk.
00:24:41I stared at that message for five minutes.
00:24:44Part of me wanted to ignore it.
00:24:46Part of me wanted to throw my phone across the room.
00:24:49But I texted back.
00:24:50Coastal coffee.
00:24:5210 a.m.
00:24:53He was already there when I arrived, sitting at a corner table with two cups in front of him.
00:24:58He'd ordered for me.
00:24:59A vanilla latte, the same thing I'd been getting since we started dating.
00:25:03He looked tired.
00:25:04His shirt was wrinkled like he'd slept in it.
00:25:07Hey, he said when I sat down.
00:25:09Hey.
00:25:10He pushed the latte toward me.
00:25:12I didn't touch it.
00:25:13We sat there in silence for maybe thirty seconds before he finally spoke.
00:25:17I know this is weird, Trevor said.
00:25:20The timing of everything.
00:25:22Which part?
00:25:23You asking for space or you getting engaged to my sister?
00:25:26His jaw tensed.
00:25:28It wasn't planned, Joe.
00:25:29It just happened.
00:25:31How does that just happen?
00:25:32She was around.
00:25:34We started talking.
00:25:35She understood what I was going through with the business with the stress.
00:25:39He ran his hand through his hair.
00:25:41You were always so focused on the twins on your family drama.
00:25:44I felt like I couldn't breathe.
00:25:46I took a sip of the latte.
00:25:48It was too sweet.
00:25:50He told them extra vanilla the way I used to like it two years ago before I switched to regular.
00:25:54He hadn't noticed I'd changed.
00:25:56When did it start?
00:25:58I asked.
00:25:59Does that matter?
00:26:00Yes.
00:26:01Trevor looked out the window.
00:26:03A family was walking by with a stroller, the dad carrying a toddler on his shoulders.
00:26:08April, he said quietly.
00:26:10Maybe late March.
00:26:11I'd been raising Melissa's children in March.
00:26:14I'd been taking Mason to speech therapy twice a week because he wasn't talking as much as he should.
00:26:20I'd been staying up late helping Chloe through a phase where she was terrified of the dark.
00:26:25Trevor had come over for dinner on a Tuesday in March, and I'd apologized for being distracted
00:26:30because Chloe had thrown up that morning and I was worried it was the flu.
00:26:33You proposed to me in January, I said.
00:26:36I know.
00:26:37Were you already interested in her then?
00:26:40No.
00:26:40I swear Joe it wasn't like that.
00:26:43He leaned forward, his elbows on the table.
00:26:46I meant it when I proposed.
00:26:47But then everything with Melissa coming back and your mom needing help with the house,
00:26:51and you were just so consumed with fixing everyone else's problems.
00:26:55I started feeling like I wasn't a priority.
00:26:58I set down the cup.
00:26:59So you started sleeping with my sister.
00:27:02Don't say it like that.
00:27:04How should I say it?
00:27:05Trevor's voice dropped.
00:27:07I'm sorry.
00:27:08I am.
00:27:09But you have to understand Melissa was different.
00:27:12He was fun.
00:27:13She didn't have all this baggage weighing her down.
00:27:16Baggage.
00:27:16He meant the twins.
00:27:18He meant the four years I'd spent raising children who weren't mine so their mother
00:27:22could find herself on a beach in San Diego.
00:27:24When were you going to tell me?
00:27:26I asked.
00:27:27I tried.
00:27:28That's why I asked for space.
00:27:30I was going to talk to you after the wedding, explain everything properly.
00:27:34You were going to wait until after you married her to tell me you'd been cheating on me for
00:27:38months?
00:27:39We're not married yet, Joe.
00:27:41That's why I wanted to talk now.
00:27:43To clear the air before things got more complicated.
00:27:46I looked at him.
00:27:47At this man I'd thought I was going to spend my life with.
00:27:50He'd helped me paint my apartment last summer.
00:27:53He'd fixed the loose cabinet door in my kitchen.
00:27:56He told me he wanted three kids and a dog and a house with a big backyard.
00:28:00Does she know you proposed to me?
00:28:02I asked.
00:28:03Yeah.
00:28:03She knows.
00:28:05And she didn't care?
00:28:06Trevor shifted in his seat.
00:28:08She said you'd understand eventually.
00:28:10That you're practical like that.
00:28:13Practical.
00:28:13Youthful.
00:28:14Low maintenance.
00:28:15I was collecting descriptions like scars.
00:28:18I need to go, I said.
00:28:20Joe wait.
00:28:21I want us to be okay.
00:28:22Melissa wants that too.
00:28:24We're going to be family and it would mean a lot if you could.
00:28:27Could what?
00:28:28Be happy for you.
00:28:29Just not make this harder than it has to be.
00:28:32I stood up.
00:28:33I'm her maid of honor.
00:28:35I'm addressing invitations and planning showers and showing up to every fitting.
00:28:39What more do you want from me?
00:28:41Trevor looked relieved.
00:28:43Like I just agreed to something reasonable.
00:28:46Really.
00:28:47This means a lot to Melissa.
00:28:49I walked out of the coffee shop and sat in my car in the parking lot.
00:28:52My hands were shaking so badly I couldn't get the key in the ignition on the first try.
00:28:57I finally started the engine and drove to the library even though it was Sunday and we were closed.
00:29:02I let myself in with my staff key and sat at my desk in the quiet.
00:29:06My phone rang.
00:29:08I let it go to voicemail.
00:29:10She called again.
00:29:11I answered.
00:29:12Joanna, where are you?
00:29:14We're all at the house for Sunday brunch.
00:29:16Melissa made mimosas.
00:29:18I'm at work.
00:29:19On Sunday.
00:29:20Honey, you need to take a break.
00:29:22Come join us.
00:29:24Paige is here and she brought the most beautiful centerpiece ideas for the reception tables.
00:29:29I can't.
00:29:30I have things to do.
00:29:31There was a pause.
00:29:33Trevor called me.
00:29:34He said you two talked this morning.
00:29:36He did.
00:29:38He's worried about you.
00:29:39We all are.
00:29:41Mom's voice got softer, the way it did when she was about to say something she thought
00:29:45was kind.
00:29:46Sweetheart, I know this is hard.
00:29:48But you have to let go and move forward.
00:29:50Trevor and Melissa are happy together and that's what matters.
00:29:54You wouldn't want to stand in the way of that.
00:29:56I pressed my forehead against the cool surface of my desk.
00:30:00No.
00:30:01I wouldn't want that.
00:30:02Good.
00:30:03I'm glad you're being mature about this.
00:30:05Now come have brunch.
00:30:06Melissa really wants you here.
00:30:08I'll try.
00:30:10I hung up.
00:30:11I didn't go to brunch.
00:30:12I stayed at the library until the sun started setting, reorganizing the biography section
00:30:18even though it didn't need it.
00:30:19When I finally went home there were seven texts in the family group chat.
00:30:23Photos of mimosas of Paige's centerpiece ideas, of the twins wearing matching outfits
00:30:29Melissa had bought them.
00:30:30In one photo Chloe was sitting on Mom's lap.
00:30:33In another Mason was holding Melissa's hand.
00:30:36The last text was from Melissa.
00:30:38Missed you today Joe.
00:30:40Next Sunday for sure.
00:30:41I was about to put my phone down when it bussed again.
00:30:44Not the family chat.
00:30:46A private text from Donald.
00:30:48Dinner this week?
00:30:49Wednesday work for you.
00:30:51I typed back.
00:30:52Yes.
00:30:54He replied immediately.
00:30:56Harbor club.
00:30:576 p.m.
00:30:58And Joanna?
00:30:59Bring a pen and paper.
00:31:00We need to make a list.
00:31:02I stared at that message.
00:31:04A list.
00:31:05I didn't know what kind of list he meant, but something about those words made me sit
00:31:09up straighter.
00:31:10For the first time in months I felt something other than numb resignation.
00:31:14Wednesday couldn't come fast enough.
00:31:16Wednesday came.
00:31:17I took a half day at work, told my supervisor I had a dentist appointment.
00:31:21I got to the harbor club 15 minutes early and waited in my car, watching the sailboats
00:31:27rock gently in their slips.
00:31:28The restaurant sat right on the water, the kind of place with cloth napkins and a wine list
00:31:33printed on heavy paper.
00:31:34Donald was already inside when I walked in.
00:31:37He'd gotten us a table by the window, away from the lunch crowd.
00:31:41He stood up when he saw me, gave me a brief hug and we both sat down.
00:31:45The waiter came by with water and menus.
00:31:48Donald ordered the crab cakes without looking at the menu.
00:31:51I ordered a salad I knew I wouldn't finish.
00:31:53Did you bring what I asked?
00:31:55He said once the waiter left.
00:31:57I pulled out a small notebook and a pen from my purse.
00:32:00I wasn't sure what kind of list you meant.
00:32:02The kind that helps you think clearly.
00:32:04He took a sip of water.
00:32:07First question.
00:32:08Do you still love Trevor?
00:32:10The question caught me off guard.
00:32:12I opened my mouth, closed it then finally said,
00:32:15No.
00:32:15I don't think I do anymore.
00:32:17Good.
00:32:18That makes this easier.
00:32:20He leaned back in his chair, his hands resting on the armrests.
00:32:24Second question.
00:32:25Do you want to stop the wedding?
00:32:27I don't know.
00:32:28That's an answer too.
00:32:29The waiter brought bread and Donald waited until he left before continuing.
00:32:34Here's what I've been thinking about since we talked.
00:32:37Your grandmother left that ring to you in her will.
00:32:40Did you know that?
00:32:41I shook my head.
00:32:43She wrote it down specifically.
00:32:45My engagement ring goes to Joanna Marie Reeves.
00:32:48Your mother was supposed to give it to you when you got engaged.
00:32:51Instead she gave it to Melissa.
00:32:53He buttered a piece of bread slowly, methodically.
00:32:56That's theft, technically.
00:32:58But I don't think you want to take your mother to court.
00:33:01No.
00:33:02So we need to think differently.
00:33:04He set down the butter knife.
00:33:06Tell me what you want.
00:33:07Not what you think you should want.
00:33:09What you actually want.
00:33:11I stared at the notebook in front of me.
00:33:13The blank page felt enormous.
00:33:15I want them to know what they did.
00:33:17I want my mother to see that I mattered.
00:33:20I want Melissa to understand that she can't just take whatever she wants and call it destiny.
00:33:24And the twins.
00:33:26My throat tightened.
00:33:28I want to see them.
00:33:29I want them to know I didn't abandon them.
00:33:32Donald nodded.
00:33:33Write that down.
00:33:34Top of the page.
00:33:35What you want.
00:33:37I wrote it in careful letters.
00:33:39The pen felt heavy in my hand.
00:33:41Now, Donald said, here's what I know that you don't.
00:33:44I visit your mother every Sunday after church.
00:33:47I've been doing it since your father died.
00:33:50She thinks I'm just a lonely old man who needs company.
00:33:53He smiled but there was something sharp in it.
00:33:56Last Sunday I was there when Paige and Melissa were talking in the kitchen.
00:33:59They didn't know I was in the hall.
00:34:01What did they say?
00:34:03Paige asked Melissa if she was sure about Trevor.
00:34:06Said something about him being a rebound about whether the wedding was moving too fast.
00:34:11He paused.
00:34:11Melissa said it didn't matter because once they were married, Trevor would have access to the trust fund his parents
00:34:17set up for him.
00:34:19$50,000 that unlocks when he gets married before he turns 35.
00:34:23I set down my pen.
00:34:25He's 33.
00:34:27Exactly.
00:34:28And Melissa knew that.
00:34:29Paige knew that.
00:34:31They were laughing about it, actually.
00:34:33About how easy it was to convince him he was in love.
00:34:36The waiter brought our food.
00:34:38I looked at the salad on my plate and felt nothing.
00:34:41Donald cut into his crab cake, chewed thoughtfully, then continued.
00:34:45I'm telling you this because you need to know who you're dealing with.
00:34:48Your sister didn't steal your fiancé because she fell madly in love.
00:34:52She did it because Paige told her to and Paige is coaching her through this whole thing for money.
00:34:57Why would mom agree to that?
00:34:59Because Paige promised her something too.
00:35:01I haven't figured out what yet but they're too friendly for it to be random.
00:35:05He took another bite.
00:35:07The point is this isn't about love.
00:35:09It's about money and control and your mother trying to fix the daughter she actually cares about.
00:35:14I picked up my fork, put it down again.
00:35:16What am I supposed to do with this information?
00:35:19Whatever you want.
00:35:20But you asked me what kind of list we're making.
00:35:23He tapped the notebook.
00:35:24We're making a list of facts.
00:35:26Things you know for certain.
00:35:28Things you can prove.
00:35:29Things that other people will believe when the time comes.
00:35:32I wrote, Paige is being paid.
00:35:35Melissa knows about Trevor's trust fund.
00:35:37Good, Donald said.
00:35:39Now write this.
00:35:40The twins ask about you.
00:35:42Constantly.
00:35:43I've heard it four times now.
00:35:45Melissa tells them you're too busy that you've moved on.
00:35:48I wrote it down my handwriting getting messy.
00:35:51She's lying to them.
00:35:52Yes.
00:35:53And that matters.
00:35:54Because at the end of this, whatever you decide to do, those kids need to know the truth.
00:35:59He finished his crab cake and pushed his plate aside.
00:36:02Here's my suggestion.
00:36:04You accept the maid of honor position.
00:36:06You show up to everything.
00:36:08You smile.
00:36:09You help.
00:36:10You make yourself indispensable.
00:36:12Why?
00:36:13Because the closer you are, the more you see.
00:36:16The more you hear.
00:36:17The more you understand exactly how this whole thing is supposed to work.
00:36:21He pulled out his phone, scrolled for a moment, then turned it toward me.
00:36:24Watch this.
00:36:25It was a video shaky and clearly filmed without anyone knowing.
00:36:29I could see mom's backyard through the window.
00:36:32Mason and Chloe were building a fort out of couch cushions and a bedsheet.
00:36:36They were laughing the way kids do when they're completely absorbed in play.
00:36:40Then Mason stopped and looked up.
00:36:42When's Aunt Jojo coming back?
00:36:44The camera stayed on the kids, but I heard Melissa's voice from somewhere off screen.
00:36:49She's busy, honey.
00:36:50She doesn't really have time for you anymore.
00:36:52But that's okay because mommy's here now.
00:36:55Chloe's face fell.
00:36:57But I miss her.
00:36:58I know, sweetie.
00:36:59But sometimes people leave.
00:37:01It's not your fault.
00:37:02The video ended.
00:37:04I handed the phone back to Donald with shaking hands.
00:37:07When did you take that?
00:37:09Sunday.
00:37:10I was out back pretending to check on the garden.
00:37:13You put the phone away.
00:37:14I've got three more like it.
00:37:16All the same pattern.
00:37:17The kids ask, Melissa lies and your mother says nothing.
00:37:20I looked down at my notebook.
00:37:23At the list that was starting to form.
00:37:25Facts.
00:37:26Evidence.
00:37:27Truth.
00:37:27What do I do?
00:37:29I asked.
00:37:30First you finish that salad.
00:37:32You're paying for it.
00:37:33He smiled just slightly.
00:37:35Then you go home and you think.
00:37:37You've got three months until the wedding.
00:37:39That's a long time to decide what kind of person you want to be when this is over.
00:37:43What kind of person do you think I should be?
00:37:45The kind who doesn't let people rewrite history.
00:37:48The kind who shows up for kids who need her.
00:37:51The kind who takes back what was stolen, even if it's just the truth.
00:37:55He signaled for the check.
00:37:57You're stronger than they think, Joanna.
00:37:59You always have been.
00:38:01We left the restaurant around, too.
00:38:03Donald walked me to my car and before I got in he handed me a business card.
00:38:07It had a name on it I didn't recognize and a phone number.
00:38:11What's this?
00:38:12A lawyer.
00:38:13Family law specialist.
00:38:15Just in case you need one down the road.
00:38:17He squeezed my shoulder once.
00:38:19Call me if you need anything.
00:38:21And Joanna?
00:38:22Don't tell your mother we had lunch.
00:38:24Not yet.
00:38:25I drove back to my apartment with the notebook on the passenger seat and that business card
00:38:29tucked into the sun visor.
00:38:31When I got home I sat at my tiny kitchen table and I finished the list.
00:38:35Facts.
00:38:36Things I knew.
00:38:37Things I could prove.
00:38:38By the time I was done it was three pages long.
00:38:41The next morning I called Melissa and told her I'd be honored to be her maid of honor.
00:38:45She squealed on the phone, said I was the best sister in the world, said she knew I'd
00:38:50come around.
00:38:50I agreed to everything she asked.
00:38:53Every dress fitting, every planning session, every family dinner.
00:38:56I showed up early.
00:38:58I stayed late.
00:38:59I took notes.
00:39:01I watched.
00:39:02I listened.
00:39:03And I waited.
00:39:04What would you do if you had the chance to finally set things right?
00:39:07Tell me in the comments.
00:39:09And if this story is hitting close to home hit that like button and subscribe.
00:39:13The people in this community understand.
00:39:15I waited three months.
00:39:1792 days of showing up, smiling, taking notes and saying yes to everything Melissa asked.
00:39:22The first planning meeting was at a bridal boutique on Broad Street.
00:39:26Melissa brought Paige, Mom, and two bridesmaids I'd never met before.
00:39:30The consultant pulled dresses in shades of blush and ivory while Melissa sat on a velvet
00:39:35couch drinking Prosecco at 11 in the morning.
00:39:37Joe, you'll look great in champagne, Melissa said, holding up a swatch of fabric against my
00:39:43face.
00:39:43It washes you out a little, but that's fine.
00:39:46I want to be the only one who really pops in the photos.
00:39:49I tried on the dress she picked.
00:39:51It cost $340.
00:39:53That was more than my rent.
00:39:55The consultant pinned the hem while I stood on a platform in front of mirrors that showed
00:39:59me from every angle.
00:40:01Paige took a photo and posted it to Instagram with a caption about sisterhood.
00:40:05Over the next two months I went to 11 planning meetings.
00:40:08I addressed the rest of the invitations Melissa didn't feel like finishing.
00:40:12I called caterers to confirm head counts.
00:40:15I picked up centerpieces from a wholesaler in North Charleston because Melissa's car was
00:40:20too small.
00:40:21I drove the twins to their flower girl dress fitting when mom had book club and Melissa
00:40:25had a spa appointment.
00:40:27Every time I saw the twins they asked when they could come to my apartment again.
00:40:31Every time I told them soon.
00:40:33Every time I watched them believe me.
00:40:35The rehearsal dinner was on a Friday night in early June.
00:40:39Magnolia Plantation the same place where I'd taken the twins for a birthday party when
00:40:43they were three.
00:40:43The gardens were in full bloom, azaleas and camellias everywhere.
00:40:48The Spanish moss hanging from the oak trees like something out of a postcard.
00:40:52I wore a navy dress I'd owned for four years.
00:40:55Melissa wore white even though it was just the rehearsal.
00:40:58The dress had lace sleeves and cost $480.
00:41:01I knew because she'd texted me a photo from the boutique with the caption,
00:41:06Too much?
00:41:07JK I'm getting it anyway.
00:41:09Dinner was served on long tables under string lights.
00:41:12Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, some kind of pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes.
00:41:17I sat at the end of one table, next to Trevor's cousin who spent the whole meal talking about
00:41:23his boat.
00:41:24Paige sat at the head table with mom and Melissa, the three of them like a unit.
00:41:28Halfway through dinner, Paige stood up with her wine glass.
00:41:31The conversations died down.
00:41:33She tapped the glass with her fork and everyone turned to look at her.
00:41:37I just want to say a few words about this incredible woman.
00:41:41Paige began, gesturing toward Melissa.
00:41:43I met Melissa four years ago when she was at her lowest point.
00:41:46Lost.
00:41:47Searching.
00:41:48Trying to figure out who she was meant to be.
00:41:51She went on for three minutes about transformation and authentic love and the courage it takes
00:41:55to follow your heart.
00:41:56People nodded.
00:41:58Some of them teared up.
00:42:00Paige finished with,
00:42:01Melissa, you are a light.
00:42:03And Trevor, you are so lucky to have found her.
00:42:06Everyone clapped.
00:42:08Melissa wiped her eyes and mouthed thank you across the table.
00:42:11Then she stood up and took the microphone from Paige.
00:42:14I want to thank my amazing life coach for that beautiful toast, Melissa said, her voice
00:42:19catching.
00:42:20And I want to thank my mom for supporting me through everything.
00:42:23But most of all, I want to thank my sister Joanna.
00:42:26She looked directly at me.
00:42:28Every head at every table turned.
00:42:31Joe, you raised my babies when I couldn't.
00:42:33You gave up four years of your life to make sure they were safe and loved.
00:42:37You're a saint.
00:42:38She pressed her hand to her chest.
00:42:40I'll never be able to repay you for that sacrifice.
00:42:43Everyone clapped again.
00:42:45Louder this time.
00:42:46I could feel them looking at me expecting some kind of response.
00:42:50I raised my wine glass and nodded.
00:42:52That was all I gave them.
00:42:54Trevor's mother caught my eye from across the table.
00:42:57She'd been quiet all night, barely touching her food.
00:43:00When Melissa sat back down, Trevor's mother leaned over to her husband and whispered something.
00:43:05He shook his head.
00:43:06She whispered again, more insistently.
00:43:09I couldn't hear what she said but I saw the way she looked at me.
00:43:13Like she wanted to apologize for something that wasn't her fault.
00:43:16After dinner, people mingled in the gardens.
00:43:19Father Tim Brennan found me standing near the fountain away from the crowd.
00:43:23He was a tall man in his 60s with gray hair and the kind of calm presence that made people
00:43:28confess things they hadn't planned to say.
00:43:30You're handling this with remarkable grace, he said.
00:43:34I'd started seeing him for counseling in April after Trevor asked for space.
00:43:38He knew everything.
00:43:40The twins, the engagement, the stolen ring, all of it.
00:43:43I'm doing what I need to do, I said.
00:43:46God sees what people do in the dark, Joanna.
00:43:49Remember that.
00:43:50I'm counting on it.
00:43:51He studied my face for a moment then nodded.
00:43:54If you need anything tomorrow you let me know.
00:43:57I'll be at the church all morning.
00:43:59Thank you, Father.
00:44:00He walked away.
00:44:01I stayed by the fountain until Melissa found me and asked me to help load gifts into Mom's
00:44:06car.
00:44:07I carried boxes of picture frames and kitchen gadgets while Melissa directed me on where
00:44:12to put them.
00:44:13Paige supervised from the porch, sipping wine and laughing at something on her phone.
00:44:17The rehearsal ended around 10.
00:44:19I drove home with the windows down, the warm summer air blowing through the car.
00:44:24My phone buzzed at a red light.
00:44:26A text from Donald.
00:44:28Everything's still on schedule?
00:44:29I typed back, yes.
00:44:32Tomorrow morning.
00:44:33He sent back a thumbs-up emoji.
00:44:35Nothing else.
00:44:36I set my alarm for 4.45 a.m. and went to bed.
00:44:40When it went off the next morning I didn't hit snooze.
00:44:43I got up, made coffee and sat on my balcony in my pajamas.
00:44:47The historic district was quiet at that hour.
00:44:50A few joggers, some people walking dogs, the street sweeper making its rounds.
00:44:54My bridesmaid dress hung on the back of my closet door.
00:44:57Still in the garment bag from the boutique.
00:45:00My phone started buzzing at 9.30.
00:45:02The bridal party group chat.
00:45:0417 messages in 10 minutes.
00:45:07Melissa, everyone needs to be here by 10.
00:45:10Hair and makeup starts at 10.30.
00:45:13Bridesmaid 1.
00:45:14On my way.
00:45:15Bridesmaid 2.
00:45:17Just parked.
00:45:18Melissa, Joe where are you?
00:45:20I didn't respond.
00:45:22I got dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.
00:45:24I drove to the bakery on King Street and bought flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract and food
00:45:30coloring.
00:45:31Then I drove to the address Donald had given me the day before.
00:45:34It was a small house on a quiet street in West Ashley.
00:45:38Donald's car was already in the driveway.
00:45:40I parked behind it and grabbed the grocery bags from the passenger seat.
00:45:44Donald opened the door before I could knock.
00:45:47They're in the kitchen, he said.
00:45:49Other grandmother dropped them off 20 minutes ago.
00:45:52Thinks I'm watching them until noon.
00:45:54I walked into the kitchen and saw them.
00:45:57Mason and Chloe, sitting at a small table coloring in activity books.
00:46:01They looked up when they heard my footsteps.
00:46:04Aunt Jojo.
00:46:05Chloe screamed.
00:46:07She jumped out of her chair and ran to me.
00:46:09Mason was right behind her.
00:46:11They wrapped their arms around my waist and I knelt down to hug them properly.
00:46:15We missed you so much, Mason said into my shoulder.
00:46:19I missed you too, buddy.
00:46:20Are you coming to Mommy's wedding?
00:46:23Chloe asked.
00:46:24Maybe later.
00:46:25But right now I thought we could bake cookies.
00:46:27Would you like that?
00:46:29They both nodded so hard I thought their heads might fall off.
00:46:32I set the grocery bags on the counter and started pulling out ingredients.
00:46:36Donald stood in the doorway, arms crossed, watching.
00:46:40You're sure about this?
00:46:41He asked quietly.
00:46:42Completely.
00:46:44My phone buzzed again.
00:46:45And again.
00:46:46And again.
00:46:47I turned it face down on the counter and didn't look at it.
00:46:50The twins and I spent the next two hours making star-shaped cookies with blue and yellow frosting.
00:46:56They got flour all over their clothes.
00:46:58They licked the spoons.
00:47:00They laughed so hard Mason got the hiccups.
00:47:02At noon my phone rang.
00:47:04Not a text.
00:47:05An actual call.
00:47:07From Melissa.
00:47:07I let it go to voicemail.
00:47:09She called again.
00:47:11I let that one go too.
00:47:12At 12.45, Donald's phone rang.
00:47:15He stepped into the other room to answer it.
00:47:18When he came back he said,
00:47:20That was your mother.
00:47:21The wedding's supposed to start in an hour and ten minutes.
00:47:25Melissa's hysterical.
00:47:26They can't find the twins.
00:47:28Where are they?
00:47:29I asked, looking at Mason and Chloe who were carefully placing sprinkles on their cookies.
00:47:34Donald smiled.
00:47:36With me.
00:47:37Safe and sound.
00:47:38Eating cookies with their Aunt Jojo.
00:47:40I smiled back.
00:47:42Exactly where they should be.
00:47:44At 1.15 the twins and I finished decorating the last batch of cookies.
00:47:48Blue frosting yellow stars.
00:47:50Sprinkles scattered across Donald's kitchen table like confetti.
00:47:54Chloe had frosting on her nose.
00:47:56Mason had it in his hair.
00:47:58They were happy.
00:47:59My phone started ringing at 1.45.
00:48:02Melissa's name flashed across the screen.
00:48:05I let it ring.
00:48:06It stopped then started again immediately.
00:48:08I silenced it and set it face down on the counter.
00:48:11Who keeps calling?
00:48:13Chloe asked, licking frosting off her finger.
00:48:16Nobody important, I said.
00:48:18Donald checked his watch.
00:48:20Ceremony starts in 15 minutes.
00:48:23I know.
00:48:24The phone buzzed 17 more times in the next 10 minutes.
00:48:28Calls, texts, voicemails piling up.
00:48:30I didn't look at any of them.
00:48:32We took the cookies outside to Donald's porch and sat on the steps in the shade.
00:48:36The twins ate two cookies each while I drank water from a plastic cup Donald handed me.
00:48:41At exactly 2 p.m. Donald's phone rang.
00:48:44He answered it, listened for 30 seconds, then said,
00:48:47They're with me.
00:48:48They're fine.
00:48:49No, I'm not bringing them.
00:48:51He hung up.
00:48:52Who was that?
00:48:54I asked.
00:48:55Your mother.
00:48:55She's panicking.
00:48:57He sat down next to me on the steps.
00:49:00The ceremony was supposed to start five minutes ago.
00:49:03You're not there.
00:49:04The twins aren't there.
00:49:06Apparently Melissa is losing her mind in the bridal suite.
00:49:09Good.
00:49:10Mason looked up at me.
00:49:12Are we supposed to be somewhere?
00:49:14Not if you don't want to be.
00:49:16We want to stay here, Chloe said immediately.
00:49:19With you.
00:49:20At 2.15 a car pulled up to the curb.
00:49:22The twins' other grandmother, Patricia, got out looking flustered.
00:49:27She was wearing a coral dress and heels that were too high for her.
00:49:31She walked up the driveway quickly, her purse swinging against her hip.
00:49:35Donald, what's going on?
00:49:36She said.
00:49:37I got a call from Karen saying the twins need to be at the church right now.
00:49:41They're happy where they are, Donald said calmly.
00:49:45Patricia looked at me then at the twins covered in cookie crumbs and frosting.
00:49:49Joanna, the wedding is starting.
00:49:50They're the flower children.
00:49:52Melissa is waiting.
00:49:54They don't want to go, I said.
00:49:56That's not really their decision to make.
00:49:58They're six years old.
00:50:00I stood up.
00:50:01Actually, it is their decision.
00:50:03Mason, Chloe, do you want to go to the wedding?
00:50:06Chloe shook her head.
00:50:08Mason said, we want to stay with you, Aunt Jojo.
00:50:11Patricia's mouth opened and closed.
00:50:13This is ridiculous.
00:50:15Melissa specifically chose them for this.
00:50:18It's important to her.
00:50:19Where was Melissa when they had nightmares?
00:50:22I asked quietly.
00:50:23Where was she when Mason needed speech therapy?
00:50:26When Chloe learned to read.
00:50:28That's not fair, Joanna.
00:50:30She was going through something.
00:50:31So were they.
00:50:33And I was here.
00:50:34Patricia looked at Donald for help.
00:50:36He just shrugged.
00:50:37They chose, he said.
00:50:39I'm not going to force them into a car.
00:50:41She stood there for another minute, her face going red.
00:50:44Then she turned and walked back to her car.
00:50:47She called someone as she drove away.
00:50:49I could see her gesturing wildly through the windshield.
00:50:52By 2.30 my phone had 43 missed calls.
00:50:56Donald's phone rang again.
00:50:57This time he put it on speaker.
00:50:59It was mom.
00:51:00Her voice was tight and sharp.
00:51:02Donald, this isn't funny anymore.
00:51:04The guests are getting restless.
00:51:06Melissa is beside herself.
00:51:08You need to bring those children here immediately.
00:51:11No, Donald said.
00:51:13What do you mean no?
00:51:14I mean I'm not doing it.
00:51:16The twins are happy.
00:51:17They're safe.
00:51:18They're exactly where they want to be.
00:51:20This is Joanna's doing, isn't it?
00:51:23Mom's voice cracked.
00:51:24She's sabotaging her own sister's wedding out of spite.
00:51:28I took the phone from Donald.
00:51:30I didn't take anything from you, Melissa.
00:51:32I said calmly.
00:51:34I just stopped giving.
00:51:35There was silence on the other end.
00:51:37Then mom said, what are you talking about?
00:51:40Joanna, this isn't about you.
00:51:42It never was.
00:51:43That's the problem.
00:51:45I hung up.
00:51:46The twins were watching me with wide eyes but they didn't look scared.
00:51:50They looked curious.
00:51:51At 2.45 another car pulled up.
00:51:54Trevor's brother, Jake, got out wearing his groomsman tux.
00:51:58He walked up to the porch slowly, his hands in his pockets.
00:52:01Hey Joanna, he said.
00:52:03This is awkward.
00:52:05Yeah.
00:52:06Melissa sent me to get the twins.
00:52:08She says the ceremony can't start without them.
00:52:11I stood in the doorway with my arms crossed.
00:52:13They don't want to go.
00:52:15I get that.
00:52:16But there are 200 people sitting in that church and it's getting weird.
00:52:19He ran his hand through his hair.
00:52:22Look, I know this whole situation is messed up.
00:52:24Trevor shouldn't have done what he did.
00:52:26But can you just let them walk down the aisle?
00:52:29Five minutes.
00:52:30Then I'll bring them right back here.
00:52:32No.
00:52:33Joanna, please.
00:52:34My mom is already crying and not in a good way.
00:52:37They're happy here, I said.
00:52:40That's all that matters.
00:52:41Jake looked at the twins who were now coloring again at the kitchen table inside.
00:52:46He sighed.
00:52:47Yeah.
00:52:48I can see that.
00:52:49He turned to leave, then stopped.
00:52:51For what it's worth, I think you're doing the right thing.
00:52:54My brother's an idiot.
00:52:56He drove away.
00:52:57Donald checked his phone and started laughing.
00:53:00What?
00:53:00I asked.
00:53:02Your mother just texted me.
00:53:04Said if I don't bring those kids in the next 10 minutes, she's calling the police.
00:53:08Let her.
00:53:09But she didn't call the police.
00:53:11Instead, according to the text Donald got from Father Brennan at 3.05, something else
00:53:15happened.
00:53:16Melissa was in the hallway outside the sanctuary, crying and yelling at mom.
00:53:21Guests were filing out into the hallway to see what was happening.
00:53:24Trevor was standing near the groomsmen looking shell-shocked.
00:53:27Father Brennan, trying to calm everyone down, asked Melissa a simple question to clarify
00:53:32his notes.
00:53:34Just to confirm from my records, you mentioned you and Trevor have been together for two years?
00:53:39Melissa, distracted and furious, snapped back.
00:53:42Yes, two years we've been over this.
00:53:44The hallway went quiet.
00:53:46Trevor's face drained of color.
00:53:48He looked at Melissa, then at Father Brennan, then back at Melissa.
00:53:52Two years.
00:53:53Trevor said slowly.
00:53:55Melissa realized what she'd said.
00:53:57Her eyes went wide.
00:53:58I meant, no I.
00:54:00Melissa, I proposed to Joanna 18 months ago.
00:54:04Trevor's voice was flat.
00:54:05We were engaged six months ago.
00:54:07If you and I have been together for two years, that means...
00:54:10It was a mistake.
00:54:12I misspoke.
00:54:13When did we start dating?
00:54:15Trevor asked.
00:54:16Melissa looked at mom for help.
00:54:18Mom stepped forward, her hand on Melissa's shoulder.
00:54:22Trevor, this isn't the time.
00:54:23Everyone's upset.
00:54:25Let's just get through the ceremony and we can talk about this later.
00:54:28When?
00:54:29Trevor said again louder this time.
00:54:32April?
00:54:33March.
00:54:33When I was still with Joanna.
00:54:35People were pulling out their phones.
00:54:38Bridesmaids were whispering to each other.
00:54:40Trevor's mother had her hand over her mouth.
00:54:43Father Brennan cleared his throat.
00:54:45I think we need to pause and take a moment.
00:54:47No, Melissa said.
00:54:49No, we're getting married.
00:54:51Right now.
00:54:52Everyone's here.
00:54:53We're doing this.
00:54:54Trevor shook his head.
00:54:56You lied to me.
00:54:57You told me you and I got together after I broke up with Joanna.
00:55:01I didn't lie.
00:55:02I just...
00:55:03You've been planning this the whole time, haven't you?
00:55:06Trevor's voice broke.
00:55:08Page your mom all of it.
00:55:09This was a setup.
00:55:10He turned and walked out of the church.
00:55:13Just walked straight through the main doors into the parking lot.
00:55:16Melissa tried to follow him, but her dress was too big and the train caught on the door frame.
00:55:21By the time she got outside, Trevor's truck was already pulling out onto the street.
00:55:26Donald got all of this in texts from Father Brennan who wrote,
00:55:30Weddings off.
00:55:31Trevor left.
00:55:32Melissa's having a breakdown in the parking lot.
00:55:35Your mother is yelling at Page.
00:55:37Guests are leaving.
00:55:38This is the most dramatic thing I've seen in 30 years of ministry.
00:55:42I read the text twice then handed the phone back to Donald.
00:55:46The twins were watching a cartoon on his iPad, completely oblivious.
00:55:50I sat down on the couch next to them and closed my eyes.
00:55:53You okay?
00:55:54Donald asked.
00:55:55Yeah, I said.
00:55:57I'm okay.
00:55:58My phone buzzed one more time.
00:56:00A text from an unknown number.
00:56:02I opened it.
00:56:03This is Page.
00:56:04We need to talk.
00:56:05Now.
00:56:06Type karma if you believe secrets always come out eventually.
00:56:09Share this with someone who needs to hear that standing up for yourself is never wrong.
00:56:14And subscribe because stories like this need to be told.
00:56:17I deleted Page's text without responding.
00:56:20Donald called me at 4.30 that afternoon.
00:56:23You need to come to the church parking lot, he said.
00:56:26Right now.
00:56:27Bring a notebook.
00:56:29I left the twins with Donald's neighbor.
00:56:31A retired teacher named Ruth who'd been bringing over cookies all afternoon.
00:56:35I drove to St. Philip's Church with my windows down and my hands steady on the wheel.
00:56:40The parking lot was nearly empty when I got there.
00:56:43A few stragglers loading gifts into cars.
00:56:46Some teenagers in catering uniforms breaking down tables.
00:56:50Donald was standing near Mom's sedan.
00:56:52Page was there too, still in her expensive dress from the rehearsal dinner, her arms crossed.
00:56:58Mom was leaning against the car door, her face blotchy and red.
00:57:01I parked and walked over.
00:57:03Nobody spoke until I was close enough to hear clearly.
00:57:07Tell her, Donald said to Page.
00:57:09Page looked at me with something like disdain.
00:57:12Your mother and I had a business arrangement.
00:57:14She hired me to help Melissa secure a stable future.
00:57:17I did my job.
00:57:18Now she's refusing to pay.
00:57:21How much?
00:57:22I asked.
00:57:23$40,000.
00:57:25I looked at Mom.
00:57:26Where were you getting $40,000?
00:57:28Mom wouldn't meet my eyes.
00:57:30She was picking at the hem of her jacket.
00:57:32A nervous habit she'd had since I was a kid.
00:57:35Karen, Donald said.
00:57:37Tell her.
00:57:38It was going to come from your inheritance eventually, Mom said quietly.
00:57:43I'm the executor until you turn 35.
00:57:46I have discretion over the funds for family expenses.
00:57:50This qualified.
00:57:51Paying someone to manipulate my sister into stealing my fiancé qualified as a family expense?
00:57:57It wasn't like that.
00:57:59Mom's voice cracked.
00:58:00Melissa needed help.
00:58:02She was lost.
00:58:03Page had a plan to get her back on track to give her stability, to...
00:58:07To make me look pathetic so Melissa could feel better about herself.
00:58:11I finished.
00:58:12Page pulled out her phone.
00:58:14I have recordings.
00:58:15Karen agreed to everything.
00:58:17The strategy, the timeline, the payment structure.
00:58:20Play them, Donald said.
00:58:22Page hesitated.
00:58:24She looked at Mom, then at me, then back at Donald.
00:58:26This is a private business matter.
00:58:28Play them or I call my lawyer right now and we discuss fraud, conspiracy and theft from a trust fund.
00:58:34Donald's voice was calm.
00:58:36Almost friendly.
00:58:38Your choice.
00:58:39Page pressed play.
00:58:40The recording was clear, no static.
00:58:43Mom's voice came through the phone speaker.
00:58:45Tinny but unmistakable.
00:58:46Unmistakable.
00:58:47So you'll coach her on exactly what to say to Trevor?
00:58:50How to position herself as the better option.
00:58:53That was Page.
00:58:55Absolutely.
00:58:56Will make Joanna look like the burden.
00:58:58The martyred sister who's too focused on everyone else's problems to be a real partner.
00:59:03Meanwhile, Melissa will be spontaneous, fun, uncomplicated.
00:59:07And the kids.
00:59:09Perfect leverage.
00:59:11Melissa reconnects with them just enough to look maternal but Joanna's still doing the work.
00:59:16Trevor sees Melissa as a ready-made family without the actual responsibility.
00:59:21It's brilliant, really.
00:59:22Mom's voice again.
00:59:24And you're sure this will work?
00:59:26Karen, I've done this 17 times.
00:59:28Trust me.
00:59:29By June, they'll be engaged and Joanna will never know what hit her.
00:59:33What about payment?
00:59:3540,000.
00:59:36Half up front, half when the wedding happens.
00:59:38You can pull it from Joanna's inheritance.
00:59:41She won't see the account statements until she's 35.
00:59:45By then, Melissa will be settled and Joanna will have moved on.
00:59:49Pause.
00:59:50Then Mom said something that made my stomach turn.
00:59:52Joanna will never know.
00:59:54She's too trusting.
00:59:55The recording ended.
00:59:57Page slipped her phone back into her purse like she'd just played a voicemail about a dentist appointment.
01:00:03You see.
01:00:04Page said to Mom.
01:00:05I fulfilled my end.
01:00:06Melissa and Trevor got engaged.
01:00:09The wedding falling apart isn't my fault.
01:00:11You still owe me the second half.
01:00:14Donald reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his checkbook.
01:00:17He clicked his pen, wrote something carefully, then tore out the check.
01:00:21He handed it to me.
01:00:22It was made out to me.
01:00:24For $67,000.
01:00:26My entire inheritance from my father plus interest.
01:00:30What's this?
01:00:31I asked.
01:00:32Your money.
01:00:33All of it.
01:00:34Karen used $20,000 for Page's first payment.
01:00:37I'm covering that plus what was left.
01:00:40He turned to Mom.
01:00:41You're no longer executor.
01:00:43I'm filing paperwork Monday morning.
01:00:45You'll never touch Joanna's money again.
01:00:48Mom's face went white.
01:00:50Donald you can't do that.
01:00:51I'm her mother.
01:00:53You're a thief.
01:00:54And you're done.
01:00:55I folded the check and put it in my pocket.
01:00:58I looked at Page.
01:00:59You're not getting the rest of your money.
01:01:01Sue her if you want.
01:01:02I don't care.
01:01:04Page's jaw tightened.
01:01:06This is breach of contract.
01:01:08Then take it to court.
01:01:09Explain to a judge how you conspired to defraud a trust fund.
01:01:13I smiled.
01:01:14I'd love to watch that.
01:01:16Page left without another word.
01:01:18She got into a rental car and drove away,
01:01:21her tires squealing slightly as she pulled out onto the street.
01:01:24Mom and I stood there in the parking lot.
01:01:27Donald had walked a few feet away,
01:01:29giving us space but staying close enough to intervene if needed.
01:01:32Joanna.
01:01:33Mom started.
01:01:34I was trying to help Melissa.
01:01:36He was struggling.
01:01:37You've always been fine on your own but Melissa.
01:01:40Don't, I said.
01:01:42Just don't.
01:01:43I'm your mother.
01:01:44I deserve a chance to explain.
01:01:47You spent my inheritance paying someone to ruin my life.
01:01:50There's nothing to explain.
01:01:52Mom reached for my hand.
01:01:54I stepped back.
01:01:55Please.
01:01:55I made a mistake.
01:01:57But we're family.
01:01:58You can't just walk away.
01:02:00Yes I can.
01:02:01I got in my car and drove back to Donald's house.
01:02:04The twins were watching a movie with Ruth.
01:02:07I thanked her, collected Mason and Chloe and drove them home.
01:02:11Not to Mom's house.
01:02:12To my apartment.
01:02:13They had spare clothes there from all the weekends they used to visit.
01:02:17I made them dinner.
01:02:19Spaghetti with butter and Parmesan, Chloe's favorite.
01:02:21And we ate on my small couch watching cartoons.
01:02:24Three days later, Melissa showed up at my apartment.
01:02:27It was a Tuesday evening, just after seven.
01:02:30I was washing dishes when I heard the knock.
01:02:33I looked through the peephole and saw her standing there, no makeup, wearing sweatpants and a stained t-shirt.
01:02:38I opened the door but didn't step aside.
01:02:42Joe, she said.
01:02:43Her voice was hoarse.
01:02:44Can we talk?
01:02:46No.
01:02:46Please.
01:02:47Trevor won't answer my calls.
01:02:49Mom won't stop crying.
01:02:51Everything's falling apart and I just...
01:02:53I need you to help me fix this.
01:02:56Fix what?
01:02:57All of it.
01:02:58Talk to Trevor.
01:02:59Tell him it was a misunderstanding.
01:03:01Tell him we really did fall in love naturally.
01:03:04Please.
01:03:05You're the only one he might listen to.
01:03:07I looked at my sister.
01:03:09At the woman who'd left her children with me for four years.
01:03:12Who'd stolen my fiancé.
01:03:14Who'd let someone weaponize my kindness against me.
01:03:17I didn't take anything from you, Melissa.
01:03:19I said calmly.
01:03:21I just stopped giving.
01:03:22What does that even mean?
01:03:24It means you're on your own now.
01:03:26He started crying.
01:03:27You're my sister.
01:03:29You're supposed to be there for me.
01:03:31I was.
01:03:31For four years.
01:03:33While you were in California.
01:03:35I stepped back.
01:03:36I'm done now.
01:03:37I closed the door.
01:03:39She knocked three more times then left.
01:03:41I stood in my hallway listening to her footsteps fade down the stairs and I felt nothing.
01:03:46Not satisfaction.
01:03:48Not anger.
01:03:49Just a flat, quiet peace.
01:03:51That was a year ago.
01:03:52I'm writing this from my new apartment, a two-bedroom place in a better neighborhood.
01:03:57I passed my foster parent certification in November.
01:04:01Mason and Chloe come every other weekend.
01:04:03Melissa has supervised visitation on Wednesday afternoons at a facility downtown.
01:04:09She shows up half the time.
01:04:11Donald filed a report with CPS documenting Melissa's four-year absence.
01:04:15The state opened an investigation.
01:04:17Melissa didn't lose custody completely but she didn't get it back either.
01:04:22The twins live with their other grandmother during the week.
01:04:25They stay with me on weekends.
01:04:27They're adjusting.
01:04:28Mom tried to reach out twice.
01:04:30Once through a text, once through Father Brennan.
01:04:33I didn't respond to either.
01:04:35Donald handles anything legal that involves her.
01:04:37I don't have to see her.
01:04:39I don't have to forgive her.
01:04:41I'm allowed to just move on.
01:04:43Trevor sent me a letter four months ago.
01:04:45He apologized.
01:04:47He said he was sorry for everything that he'd been selfish and stupid.
01:04:51He said he hoped I was okay.
01:04:52I didn't write back.
01:04:54What would I say?
01:04:55I'm better than okay.
01:04:56I'm free.
01:04:57This morning Chloe called me mom for the first time.
01:05:00We were making pancakes and she said,
01:05:02Mom, can I have chocolate chips in mine?
01:05:05She froze right after she said it like she'd done something wrong.
01:05:08I just smiled and said,
01:05:10Of course you can, sweetheart.
01:05:12If you've ever had to choose yourself when everyone around you demanded you choose them
01:05:16instead I see you.
01:05:17I know how hard that is.
01:05:19I know what it cost.
01:05:20Here's what I learned.
01:05:22People will take what you give freely and call you bitter when you stop.
01:05:25Setting boundaries isn't cruelty.
01:05:28It's survival.
01:05:29When you stop doing everything for everyone they'll tell you you've changed.
01:05:33They're right.
01:05:34You have.
01:05:34That's the point.
01:05:35The people who truly love you don't need a crisis to show up.
01:05:39Donald called me every Sunday for a year.
01:05:41Father Brennan still checks in.
01:05:43Real love is quiet and consistent.
01:05:46It doesn't wait for drama to prove itself.
01:05:49Thank you for staying until the end.
01:05:51If this story meant something to you hit like, subscribe and check the description for
01:05:55more true stories about family, betrayal and finding your people.
01:05:59This community we're building.
01:06:01It's for people like us.
01:06:02People who know what it means to stand up, walk away and start over.
01:06:06You're not alone in this.
01:06:07To show us all the wages of life.
01:06:08It's so much for our hearts.
Comments