Emily’s Prom Night Surprise
When Emily gets ready for prom, she dreams of a beautiful outfit, perfect hair, and stunning makeup. But her troublesome stepmother, Carla, decides to ruin everything by canceling Emily’s hair appointment. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, a shiny limousine pulls up outside Emily’s house. But who could have planned this amazing surprise?
Buckle up, because you’re going to love this story!
Hi! I’m Emily, 17 years old, and a senior in high school. I live with my dad, my stepmom Carla, and her son, Mason. He’s 11, and we actually get along pretty well, like siblings should.
But Carla? Well, let’s just say she’s not a fan of mine.
The whole mess started seven years ago when my mom passed away after a long illness. Soon after that, my dad started dating Carla, and just a year later, they got married.
“Your father doesn’t waste any time, does he?” my aunt said with a frown on the wedding day. “And who is Carla anyway? She’ll never be your mom!”
At first, Carla seemed nice. She tried hard to be friends with me, but soon her snide comments began to pile up. I remember one day, she looked at me with a smirk and said, “You look too much like your mother, Emily. It actually pains me to look at you. No wonder your father pays more attention to Mason. He’s closer to Mason right now, isn’t he?”
I just sighed and tried to ignore her hurtful words.
My dad? He never seemed to notice a thing. It was like he couldn’t—or just wouldn’t—see how Carla treated me. And she loved that! It was like she took joy in teasing me while he remained oblivious.
Now, let’s fast forward to prom season. Like every girl in my class, I was dreaming about my perfect night. I saved up all my babysitting money to buy a gorgeous violet dress. It was my mom’s favorite color, and I wished she could be there to enjoy it with me.
Prom was going to be my night. I could just feel it!
I was so excited that I even booked a hair appointment at a fancy salon, where all my friends were going too. Everything was ready for the big day.
But of course, Carla had to step in and ruin it.
On the day of the appointment, I walked into the salon feeling excited. But when I got there, the receptionist looked confused.
“Emily? Are you sure?” she asked, glancing at her computer. “Zelda told me that you canceled?”
“I didn’t!” I exclaimed, shocked. “Why would I cancel? Prom is this evening!”
“Calm down, honey,” the receptionist said kindly. “I’ll get Zelda for you.”
I waited nervously for what felt like ages until they finally returned. The hairdresser looked uncomfortable.
“I got a call earlier today saying you wanted to cancel your appointment, Emily. I thought it was your mom?”
My heart sank. Canceled? How could that be? I didn’t cancel! What mom?
As I tried to process this shocking news, I saw her—Carla, sitting in the salon getting her hair done. Of course.
She looked at me and smirked, her eyes icy. Carla had canceled my appointment!
“Is there any way you could still fit me in?” I pleaded with Zelda.
She shook her head sadly. “I’m sorry, but when your appointment was canceled, another woman called in and took it. All our slots are full. I’m so sorry, honey.”
I felt stunned. Carla had pretended to be me or my mom to take my appointment just to watch me fall apart? That was so cruel!
Trying to hold back tears, I rushed out of the salon, feeling dizzy and sick. My perfect prom was crumbling before my eyes. By the time I got home, I locked myself in my room, tears streaming down my face.
I sat at my dressing table, attempting to fix my hair myself, but nothing worked. I felt dumb for even sharing my plans with Carla.
Look where that got me!
I stared at my beautiful violet dress hanging on the door. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go to prom anymore.
I gazed at my makeup on the table, wondering if it was even worth it. Why should I even try when I felt so miserable?
Suddenly, a loud honking interrupted my thoughts. I ignored it at first, thinking it was just a passing car.
But it kept going.
Wiping my eyes with the back of my hand, I dragged myself to the window, expecting to see a car honking at nothing. But when I looked out, my jaw dropped.
A shiny black limousine was parked right in front of our house!
I thought it had to be a mistake. There was no way that fancy car was for me. My friends’ parents had said no to a limo when we talked about it months ago. But I couldn’t resist running downstairs to see what was happening.
I stood at the door, heart racing, waiting for something to happen. The driver stepped out and walked up to our front porch, where my dad stood looking as confused as I felt.
“I’m here for Miss Emily, sir,” the driver said, holding out a small card.
Miss Emily? Me?
“She’s right here,” my dad said, pointing to me.
With trembling hands, I took the card from my dad and opened it. Inside, written in neat handwriting, were the words:
To my beautiful sister, Emily. I know you’ve had a rough time lately, but you deserve the best night ever! Enjoy the limo, and don’t worry about a thing. I’ve been saving all my birthday and Christmas money. Have a magical night, sis. Love, Mason.
Mason? My 11-year-old brother did this?
Tears of shock and gratitude filled my eyes. I rushed upstairs to find Mason, who was grinning like he’d just pulled off the best prank ever.
“I heard Mom on the phone this morning,” he said, shrugging as if it was no big deal. “I knew it wasn’t fair at all.”
He had overheard Carla canceling my hair appointment, and in true little brother style, he decided to take action!
“But did you really use your own money?” I asked, feeling guilty.
“Not really,” he grinned back. “See, Mom has been saving for a fancy diamond necklace she wants. She showed it to Dad, hoping he’d buy it for her, but he said no.”
Good job, Dad, I thought, impressed.
“Anyway, after I heard her phone call, she left home. So, I took some of her money and went to Mr. Johnson next door. He owns the limo company, remember?”
But Mason had more surprises up his sleeve.
“There’s more, Em,” he said. “Mrs. Evans from across the street? Her daughter is a stylist at the mall. She’s coming here to do your hair and makeup soon!”
Just as he finished speaking, the doorbell rang.
“That should be her!” Mason said, excitement in his voice. “Go wash your face, and I’ll send her up!”
When did Mason grow up so fast? I wondered as I quickly washed my face and got ready.
Twenty minutes later, I went from crying in my room to looking like a princess! I just wished my mom were here to fuss over me, to take endless photos, and to tell me how proud she was. I wanted a hug from her more than anything.
But Mason had saved prom!
When Carla drove into our driveway, I was already outside, stepping into the limo like a movie star. Her jaw dropped when she saw me. She got out of the car and just stood there, completely stunned.
I wish I had a picture of her face! I would’ve stuck it on my mirror as a reminder.
“Richard? Did you do this?” I heard her shriek to my dad before the driver closed the door.
Moments later, the driver whisked me away.
Prom was everything I had ever hoped for! When I arrived at the venue in the limo, everyone turned to look. I was glowing, and I could feel my mom right there with me.
The whole night felt like magic. I danced, laughed with my friends, and completely forgot about the drama at home.
As for Carla, I hoped she learned a lesson that night. You can’t mess with someone’s joy and get away with it—especially when your son is there to save the day!
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