Sometimes, the individuals who ought to love us the most are the ones who are the most cruel. Never in my life did I imagine that somebody could be so cruel to a child. The outfit that my daughter wore to the school pageant was destroyed on the morning of the presentation. Knowing who was responsible for the destruction and why it was done was the thing that stung the most.
While I was taking out the final plate of chocolate chip cookies, the kitchen timer began to beep. The aroma of these cookies filled our home in the suburbs, which was warm and inviting. Laughter could be heard coming down the hallway from the upper floor, where my daughters were lying on the floor, deliberating over what they would wear to the school pageant.
Even though I have been married to Jett for six years, those noises continue to make my heart feel warm. One of the most enjoyable aspects of our blended family was witnessing our girls, Nia and Vina, who are actually my daughter and his daughter from previous marriages, develop into the best of friends.
“Mom! ” May we have cookies at this moment? Nia called from the upper floor.
But only if you have completed all of your assignments! Again, I yelled back.
Both of the girls, who were now 15 years old, burst into the kitchen laughing as they heard loud footsteps rushing down the stairs.
Vina stated in a theatrical manner, “We are starving,” while rapidly grabbing a cookie. I was the one who gave Nia her golden waves, while her dark curls were a perfect complement for her father’s.
Is it true that Dad is going to be late once more? Sitting on a stool, Nia posed the question.
I nodded and then handed each of them a glass of milk. “A meeting at work. It was his advice to not wait up.
Have you seen the flyer that I sent out? With regard to the Spring Pageant? Vina inquired, her eyes gleaming with the want to learn more. “We ought to go ahead and do it.”
Nia was frightened. “I am not certain…”
“Get moving! “We could wear dresses that matched each other and everything else,” Vina added.
“Who is it that is making these dresses that are a match?” When I realized that I would be the one, I raised an eyebrow.
It was the same expression of imploring that they both gave me.
Do you mind, Mom? “I am blown away by your skills with the sewing machine,” Nia remarked.
Is it possible, Kalia? Vina chimed in. Although she never referred to me as “Mom,” the way in which she uttered my name was just as affectionate.
What would I do if I were to refuse those faces?
Okay, I laughed out loud. “However, the two of you are contributing to the ideas.”
When Jett finally made his way into bed next to me later that night, I hushed him and said, “The girls want to participate in the Spring Pageant.” Collectively”
He drew me in towards him. “That is wonderful. Just so you know, my mother called. It is her desire that we all eat together on Sunday.
My stomach became more constricted. “Tina invited each and every one of us?”
Even though it was dark, I could feel him pausing. “To be honest, she was primarily concerned with Vina, but—”
I cut him off by saying, “It’s fine.” All of us are going to leave. When was the last time she… commented? It’s been weeks.
Jett had a sigh. “Kalia, I have had a great deal of conversations with her. I am at a loss for something else to do.”
His hand was squeezed by me. We simply continue to demonstrate to her that we are a family… all of us.
Patience was always put to the test when it came to Tina’s Sunday dinner at her large house. Nothing was different about that day.
After we had finished eating her renowned beef stew, she added, “Vina, sweetie, I have something more for you.” A little jewelry box was the gift that she gave to her granddaughter.
As Vina opened it, she discovered a lovely silver bracelet that had a heart charm attached to it. “Wow, Grandma, you are so kind!”
In silence, Nia sat next to her, her gaze fixed on the empty dish she was holding. It was a familiar agony that I felt in my chest.
“The girls have big news,” I remarked, attempting to maintain a positive tone of voice. The Spring Pageant is being performed by both of them at the school.
Tina’s smile began to fade from her face as she said, “That’s nice.” “Vina, you are going to be wonderful on stage. You have the same allure as your late mother.
Jett cleared his throat before continuing. Both daughters are going to be wonderful.
Tina swiftly responded, “Of course,” and then shifted her attention to Vina. Do you happen to be wearing the blue dress that we saw in the store a month ago as well?
I immediately rushed in and said, “Actually, I’m making their dresses.” The ones that match.”
Tina began to raise her eyebrows. “Can we match? On the other hand, Vina ought to stand out. She has a perfect appearance.
“Mom?” said Jett in a stern tone.
“What is it? It’s just that some children are more skilled than others in certain areas. It’s a matter of genetics.”
Nia moved her chair backwards by a small amount. Will you allow me to use the restroom?
When she had departed, I leaned in closer to her. “Tina, we have discussed this topic before. Both girls are deserving of being loved equally.
“Is it our love?” She chuckled to herself. Please don’t take it personally, Kalia. I am being truthful. This is YOUR daughter, Nia. And not Jett’s. What’s the point.”
Jett said in a forceful voice, “Because we are a family.” We are all of us.
Tina yelled out in a chilly tone, “Family is everything—blood.” The dreams you have won’t be able to change that. Nia is not my granddaughter in any way. Additionally, she will never be.
It is “Mom, please—”
I told him in a low voice, “Jett, it’s okay,” as I made my way toward the stairs. Let’s just go home, shall we?
I made my way to the females’ area.
I stayed up late for several weeks in order to create the gowns, which were made of light blue satin and had flowers hand-stitched on the tops. During the process of trying them on, the girls would spin around in front of the mirror while arranging their hair and cosmetics.
“I have never seen dresses more beautiful than these!” As Nia touched the delicate lace edges during their final try-on, she made the statement.
Kalia, you are an absolute genius! While looking at herself in the mirror, Vina voiced her agreement.
Although I was exhausted, I smiled. “Both of you are going to be the stars of the show.”
On Saturday morning, the pageant was scheduled to take place at the community center that is located close to Tina’s neighborhood. Jett recommended that we spend the night before at his mother’s house because the event began at an early hour.
After I had a moment of hesitation, he said, “It makes sense.” She will be there in five minutes. In that case, we would have to depart ridiculously early.”
However, the dresses are—”
We are going to bring them and maintain their safety. Kalia, it’s only going to be one night.”
I caved in and told myself that I was overthinking the situation. In order to destroy a child’s special day, Tina would never do something terrible. So, would she?
We made ourselves comfortable in Tina’s guest rooms on Friday evening. I hung both gowns in the girls’ wardrobe with due care, taking precautions to ensure that they would not wrinkle.
Tina’s behavior over supper was surprisingly kind, as she inquired about the girls’ plans for the pageant and their schoolwork. When I started to relax, I began to consider that perhaps I had misjudged her.
Once dessert was finished, Nia turned to Tina. “Grandma, would you mind if I tried your dress on one more time? merely to make certain that it is flawless?”
A hush fell over the room. When Nia addressed her as “Grandma” for the very first time, it was a momentous occasion.
Tina’s smile became more rigid. It is not a good idea to do it. “You could make a mess of it.”
In a pledge, Nia said, “I’ll be extremely careful.”
Tina had a chilly response, “No.” It’s important to remember that pageants are all about elegance and natural beauty, kid. Although some girls have it, some do not… The words lingered in her mouth.
Nia’s expression softened before she managed to pull herself together. “You are absolutely correct. It’s going to be saved till tomorrow.”
After that, while I was tucking the kids into their beds, Nia murmured, “She doesn’t like me, does she?”
I lied and said, “No, sweetie.” It’s simply that she hasn’t had the time to figure out how to love both of you yet.
The phrase “Mom, it’s been six years”
Honestly, I was at a loss for words.
Showers, breakfast, and hair were all things that were to be done by seven o’clock in the morning. At nine o’clock, everyone was frantically trying to get ready. As soon as we arrived at the location, the girls made a beeline for the dressing room, while Jett remained behind to unload the car.
While I was attempting to mend my earring, Nia suddenly came out crying with tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Mom! ” This is my dress…
My heart sunk to it. “Pretty lady, what’s the matter?”
“It must be ruined.”
It was a mad dash to the girls’ room. Vina continued to stand there, appearing stunned while wearing the ideal outfit. There was Nia’s dress lying on the table. Not only did a tear run down the side, but a disgusting brown stain spread over the front, and the worst part was that a charred spot covered the flowers that had been sewn.
Oh my goodness… So, what took place? As I picked it up with trembling hands, I mumbled something.
Nia cried out in awe, “I don’t know.” It was perfectly OK in the closet the night before. On the other hand, when I carried it out to get dressed, it looked like this.
When a gentle cough sounded from the direction of the entryway, I peered around. Tina stood there, looking at us as she was dressed to the nines.
It was in a voice that was full of phony pity that she said, “Such a shame.” However, there are some things that simply aren’t meant to be. It could be a sign that…”
A sign of what, exactly? It was a snap.
That some young women have no business being on stage. Don’t be concerned, Nia. You can experience Vina’s brilliance.
There was Jett, hiding behind his mother. “What exactly is going on? It will be five minutes before the performance begins.
Vina moved closer with a determined expression on her face before I could respond. It appears that Nia’s outfit was destroyed by Grandma.
“What is it?” In the midst of all of them, Jett peered. “Mom, did you get…?”
Tina scoffed and repeated, “Of course not.” Do not act like a fool.
“You were there,” Vina remarked. The night before. You entered the room while you believed that we were sleeping. You have claimed Nia’s dress. What I assumed was that you were mending it?
Tina’s expression became more stern as the room fell into silence.
“Vina, my darling, you must have been dreaming,” the man said.
“No, I wasn’t.” The tone of Vina’s voice remained constant. Following that, she unzipped her dress and stepped out of it, which caused everyone to be shocked. She presented Nia with the blue gown when she was dressed in her slip and tights.
Take this one, it’s mine.”
Nia retreated from the situation. No, I am unable to—”
“You can,” Vina encouraged while hugging her. “Yes, you can.” This is a sisterhood. It is the way that sisters behave.
It’s Vina! Tina let out a gasp. Please put the outfit back on as soon as possible!
Vina simply ignored her and assisted Nia in putting on the outfit. Regardless of who wears it, it is irrelevant. Every one of us has a place on that stage.
“I am not going to do this.”
Jett did not remain silent. Certainly, you will. You might also explain to everyone who is attending the pageant why one of the dresses is ruined and your granddaughter is not participating in the competition.
Tina’s face became quite pale. It’s not true that she’s my granddaughter.
Vina retorted in an angry voice, “Yes, she is.” Moreover, if you are unable to recognize that, it is possible that I do not wish to be your granddaughter either.
Family after family was crammed into the chairs in the community center, which was buzzing with excitement. While Vina sat nearby wearing trousers and a shirt, I assisted Nia in repairing the dress that she had borrowed from the stage.
The second time around, Nia informed her, “You don’t have to do this.”
Vivian gave a shrug. Pageants will be held in other places. “However, there is only one of you.”
As Nia made her way onto the platform, she moved with an elegance that emanated from the knowledge that she was loved deeply. Certainly not by everyone… but by the few who were most important.
However, she did not come out on top. In second place, she came in immediately behind Emma, who was wearing a gorgeous fitted gown. However, as the girls exited the stage with their crowns in hand, Nia’s eyes glowed with a sense of pride that was more valuable than any reward.
By sneaking out of a side door without uttering a single word, Tina exited the ceremony before it was over.
That evening, as the four of us were celebrating with pizza in our living room, Jett’s phone buzzed with a text message from his mother. The message read, “I hope you’re happy with your choice.”
He then replied back, “I am,” after he had revealed it to me. It is time for you to make your own.”
Following that, we did not see Tina for a period of six months. She finally called, and when she did, she wanted to come over. In addition, she arrived with two gift bags that were identical to one another, one for Vina and one for Nia.
Not at all, was it an apology. It wasn’t fully accepted by everyone. On the other hand, it was a beginning.
Families are not formed by blood alone. It is love that does. It is sometimes necessary for a child to explain to an adult what the meaning of that phrase actually is.
