I Had to Skip My Prom Because My Stepmom Stole the Money I’d Saved for My Dress
On the Morning of Prom, a Red SUV Rolled up to My House
In our small town where gossip moved faster than the wind, I worked after school at CVS, stashing every dollar in a red coffee can under my bed. That money was my dream prom dress—something my late mom always wished for me.
By junior year, Dad had remarried Linda, who spoiled my stepsister Hailey and treated me like an afterthought. One night, I came home to Hailey twirling in a $489 boutique gown—bought with the $312 I had saved. Linda shrugged it off as “family money,” and Dad stayed silent. I gave up on prom, feeling invisible.
The next morning, my Aunt Carla arrived. She whisked me off for coffee that reminded me of Mom, a tailor who remade her old dress into something magical, and donuts while curling my hair. Back home, Carla confronted Linda with receipts until Dad finally stood up for me. Linda stormed out, Hailey chose to stay, and for once, I felt seen.
That night, I went to prom in blue chiffon with Alex, my neighbor-turned-date. I laughed, danced, and even posed with Hailey—stepsisters, not stepmonsters. Later, Dad repaid me and began separating from Linda. I realized sparkle isn’t just a dress—it’s family who shows up and love that finally speaks out loud.
