I should’ve realized my birthday was doomed the moment I caught my niece and nephew exchanging mischievous glances, whispering like little troublemakers with their eyes glued to me. But nothing could’ve prepared me for what came next.
The backyard BBQ was supposed to be a stress-free celebration. I had my hair done, slipped into a brand-new dress, and was hoping for a peaceful day.
Instead… chaos.
First, I spotted my niece and nephew attempting to shove my elderly neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, into the pool. She barely managed to steady herself, but my sister-in-law? She just laughed it off like it was some harmless joke.
Minutes later, I noticed them huddled together again—whispering, giggling, scheming. One of them had their phone out, recording. That’s when it hit me—I was their next target.
Sure enough, they charged straight at me, aiming to send me into the water. But instead of resisting… I simply stepped aside. SPLASH.
Both of them flailed in the pool. But my SIL didn’t rush to check if they were okay—no, her concern was entirely focused elsewhere.
SIL: “Their PHONES! You just stood there and let them ruin their iPhones!”
Me: “Maybe you should’ve been watching your kids.”
Her face burned red with fury. But I wasn’t about to waste my energy on an argument. I handed them towels, helped them dry off, and moved on. I figured that was the end of it.
I was wrong.
The next morning, I woke up to a message. A link to two brand-new iPhones.
SIL: You should’ve let them push you in. It’s not like you’d melt. So YOU OWE US FOR THESE.
I didn’t even bother responding.
The day after, she showed up at my door, screaming loud enough to entertain the entire neighborhood. And then, Mrs. Thompson, the very woman they had tried to push, casually strolled over, phone in hand. She held up the screen to SIL.
Whatever was on it made Jessica’s face drain of color. Her world came crashing down in an instant.
Then, Mrs. Thompson turned and knocked on my door.
She flashed a mischievous smile, her eyes dancing with amusement. “She won’t be pestering you about the phones anymore.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “And what exactly changed?”
Mrs. Thompson chuckled. “I simply informed her that I, too, happen to possess a rather interesting little video—one featuring her darling children attempting to shove me into the pool. And, of course, I’d be more than willing to share it with the authorities.”
Jessica’s face went pale. Without another word, she spun around, yanked Ava by the hand, and stomped away.
For the first time in history, Jessica was speechless.
Shaking my head, I turned back to Mrs. Thompson, unable to hide my grin. “You might just be my favorite neighbor.”
She winked playfully. “Oh, I already knew that, dear.”
By the following morning, our family group chat was in chaos, overflowing with messages. As always, my mom played the role of mediator, doing her best to calm everyone down. My dad, on the other hand, stayed completely silent—probably sipping his coffee, enjoying the show.
Mark, never one for deep apologies, sent a half-hearted text: “Hey, sorry about that.” It was meaningless, of course.
And Jessica? Not a single word.
At least, not until I was finishing my morning coffee. That’s when a new notification popped up.
Jessica: Ava’s party was ruined because of you. Hope you’re pleased with yourself.
I stared at the message for a moment, then smirked.
Me: Oh, I definitely am. Appreciate the update.