A solid relationship is based on mutual support and understanding, and if these aspects lack, things often turn heated.
On the “AITA” subreddit, a woman posted the story of how her relationship with her boyfriend crashed and she’s now wondering if she’s the one who’s in the wrong.
Namely, she shared that the two dated for around three months and when she realized he was having troubles paying rent and was unwilling to return to his parents’ home, she suggested that he moves in with her.
However, she didn’t mention the fact that she owned the place. She didn’t ask him to pay rent, they just split the expenses over the groceries.
The two lived on the second floor of the home her father gave to her while the first floor was rented to other people.
One day, the tenant from downstairs looked for the woman to tell her that the fridge wasn’t working properly. She said she would go and check and she would have it repaired. If that wasn’t an option, she said she would buy a new one.
Listening to this conversation, the woman’s boyfriend just stood there, confused. He asked why would she offer to either fix someone’s fridge or even buy a new one. That’s when she told him that she owned the place and that the people who were looking for her about the issue with the fridge were the tenants.
The boyfriend got extremely mad at that point and started yelling at her. He called her evil for not telling him she was the owner and demanded that she give him half of the rent money she was receiving.
This came as a crazy demand. The woman didn’t think he was entitled to a portion of her rent, but when she told him that, he became even more mad at her.
In the days to come, the boyfriend acted weirdly so she decided to call the relationship quits. But he had a hard time accepting the reality.
It was then that OP’s father got involved. “My boyfriend just laughed and told us both he never wants to see us again and that he was out.”
Some Redditors advised the woman to change her locks.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales released their annual family Christmas photo.
With the celebrations being over, the royal children are back to school following the well-deserved break. This year, they were given the chance to accompany their mom to the Carol service at Westminster Abbey which the Princess hosts on December 8 for the third year in a row.
The siblings were actively involved with the service and learned a lot about the importance of volunteering. Among the rest, they shared messages and wishes for children who might be struggling with Christmas by writing them down and placing them in a special card box. They also got to enjoy singers Beverley Knight and Adam Lamberg perform.
Regarding the service, the Palace announced that “the service will be a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children, and families in our communities across the UK and a celebration of the golden opportunity that the birth of a new baby brings.”
The event significantly adds to the Princess’ popularity.
“What Kate has done brilliantly is elevating her status and position within the broader royal family brand. Having a slot on Christmas Eve, it’s evidence of her appeal,” PR expert Andrew Bloch told Mirror.
“If ITV didn’t think there would be any audience interest in that, they wouldn’t give her that slot, which is a prime time slot over the Christmas period. Not necessarily consciously a power move, but she is positioning herself as a key member of the royal family and developing a brand in her own right.”
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The Prince and Princess of Wales are always keen on celebrating the most magical day of the year with the rest of the family. This is because they want to give their three children a yearly family tradition.
“It’s important to them that their kids share childhood traditions like their school pals,” an insider told Us Weekly in 2018.
“They’re going all-out to make it extra special.”
They, however, always attend the formal dinner on Christmas Eve, often including Norfolk shrimp and lamb.
The morning, as per tradition, is reserved for a classic English breakfast consisting of eggs, sausages, bacon, and beans.
Following the traditional visit to St Mary Magdalene Church, the royals have their Christmas lunch, the main course of which being a roast turkey.
As per US Weekly, the family members also have upheld Henry VII’s tradition of “weighing in before and after Christmas lunch.”
At 3 p.m., the family sits down to watch the annual Christmas speech on television. Over the years, late Queen Elizabeth’s annual speech was a highlight for many, but as of last year, it is the new head of the monarchy, King Charles, who is giving a speech.
Samir Hussein – Pool/WireImage
The truth is that tradition is the core of the royal family, and of course, Christmas at Sandringham is one of them, and apparently knowing what order in which to arrive is essential.
“The royals usually arrive the day before Christmas, and they arrive in order of seniority. The least important members arrive first,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun.
Another one is the annual Christmas card which the public waits for with a huge dose of anticipation.
This year, the photo of William, Kate, George, Charlotte, and Louis was black and white and lacked a festive background and ornate settings.
The caption under the photo taken by photographer Josh Shinner was simple, “Our family Christmas card for 2023.”
Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace via Getty Images
“Those children look pretty happy with life,” the palace insider told People Magazine earlier this year. “A lot of it is the stabilizing normality Kate brings — and that’s how she grew up. William absolutely loves it.”
“Coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time,” a source close to the royal household added. “She wasn’t brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day.”
Shinner, who has taken a few more photos of the family, emphasized the theme of ‘normality.’
“It was such a pleasure to photograph The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family for the Christmas portrait this year,” Shinner shared on his Instagram page. “Without doubt one of the most relaxed and enjoyable sittings I’ve ever had, and I now have a whole new set of jokes that are right on my level thanks to the children…”
One of the photos featured George, Charlotte, and Louis sitting on a bench, with Princess Charlotte embracing her brothers with her arms. “Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours! W & C,” the message read.
The cute photos of the siblings were widely shared and commented on and one thing many noticed is that Charlotte seems to be ‘the boss.’
“Wonderful photo of the young princes and princess. Merry Christmas to you all, your Royal Highnesses,” one user wrote on X, formally known as Twitter, as reported by Express.
Another added: “What a beautiful child! You can see that Princess Charlotte is going to be the glue that will keep the brothers together.”
A third commented: “Aww what a beautiful picture and surprise!!! Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to the entire Wales family! We all love you very much.”
Except for the royal fans, royals experts also noticed the same thing. Body language expert Judi James spoke to The Sun and said, “It’s so easy to see who is in charge of this sibling group. Sitting in the middle of the pose between her two brothers, Charlotte sits splayed in signal of confidence.”
James added: “With an arm round each brother, suggesting she sees herself as not only in charge when necessary but also in the role of protector. Her body language role mirrors both her mother here, but also Princess Anne in the look of perhaps being the strongest and most grounded member of the sibling group.”
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Charlotte’s facial expression says that she’s proud of her brothers.
“Louis leans in show his affection and respect for his big sister. That one swinging leg between them suggests he also sees her as a playmate,” James added when speaking to The Sun.
“George is increasingly the grown-up in the trio: his torso is a little more distanced but his body language has the most symmetry. His smile is even, and his legs are splayed, showing he is increasing in confidence as he gets older.”
Aren’t they a beautiful family?
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Ever since the devastating diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome, a neurological disorder that leads to muscle rigidity and excruciating spasms, singer Celine Dion has been on a roller coaster of ups and downs.
Sadly, this condition forced her to step down from singing and performing, and pretty much from a number of things she has been doing her entire life.
In the past year, the singer posted two videos on her social media, one in English and one in French, in which she explained that due to her serious sickness, she is unable to “sing the way I’m used to.”
She added that the muscle spasm impacts every aspect of her everyday living. “It’s been incredibly difficult for me to face these obstacles and talk about everything that has happened to me,” she continued. “I’ve had health problems for quite some time.” Her tours have been postponed again. “I can only sing,” Dion added. “I’ve done that my whole life. And it’s what I’m most passionate about.”
Shutterstock
Recently, her sister Claudette provided a health update on Dion.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed in the quest to find a remedy for Celine’s distressing ailment. The spasms are uncontrollable,” Claudette said.
“You know how people often abruptly wake up due to a leg or calf cramp? It’s somewhat akin to that, but it affects all her muscles. There’s little we can do to ease her suffering.”
“She’s putting in every effort to regain her health. She’s a resilient woman,” she added, appreciating her sister.
Claudette revealed that Dion is taken care of by her other sister, Linda, and that her children are also by her side.
In November of last year, Dion made a rare public appearance at a hockey game in Las Vegas. She looked positively radiant and that gave her fans hope that she would be even better and that her health would further improve.
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Singer Celine Dion performs onstage during the 2015 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Sadly, the All by Myself singer is now experiencing issues with her vocal cords as well.
According to Radar Online, Dion is desperate to perform again, even if that means her being on stage in a wheelchair.
At the moment, Dion is undergoing extensive treatments. Sadly, her sister revealed that the prognosis isn’t promising.
“She doesn’t have control over her muscles — and vocal cords are muscles,” Claudette told the National Enquirer last year.
“It’s true that in both our dreams and hers, the goalis to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don’t know,” she added.
Reports are that those living with this syndrome can end up being confined to a wheelchair, but this isn’t what bothers Dion the most. In fact, she’s mostly concerned because of the possibility of losing her voice.
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 14: Singer Celine Dion is seen on June 14, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/GC Images)
“Celine would be content to just sit in a chair and sing to entertain her audiences,” an insider told Radar Online. “But her voice is just not coming back the way that would allow her to perform or record again.
“She has spasms in her vocal cords. She can sing fine — just like you know Celine for a few notes, then a spasm kicks in and throws what she’s singing completely out of whack.
“Sadly, it’s doesn’t seem to be repairable — whether through surgery or therapy.”
We are so very sorry to be hearing this. Our thoughts and prayers are with Celine Dion and we all hope she would be able to perform again in the future, just as she wishes and hopes.
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After Lucy’s husband passed away, she was welcomed to live with her son Connor and his wife Eve.
Being elderly and fragile, Lucy needed company, at least for some time, until she was able to accept her reality and be ready to move on.
When she moved in with her son, he decided to let her stay on the first floor in order not to use the stairs because of her weak knees.
Connor worked at the IT sector and was at work for long hours while his wife was a housewife. That meant that Lucy and Eve spent most of the day together, and what’s most, they got along nicely.
While Eve was doing most of the housework, Lucy always offered help, either with the household chores or in the kitchen.
Eve was willing to accept her mother-in-law’s help, but as time passed by, she somehow let Lucy do most of the work.
A couple of days before Christmas, Eve was at the house, watching TV, when she turned to Lucy and said, “Lucy, after you finish the laundry, please go out and buy groceries for tonight’s dinner and Christmas dinner, too. Nine people are coming over. I’ll give you the money before you leave.”
This request came as a shock to Lucy. The two always did the shopping together, and Lucy was way too fragile to be able to shop for groceries all by herself.
At that moment, Lucy realized that as long she stayed at the house, she would fell like a maid more and more.
She did feel it was the time to leave and return to her home, but she first wanted to teach Eve a lesson.
Lucy’s home wasn’t empty at the time. When she moved in with her son and his wife, she decided to rent her home and give the money from the rent to Connor. So, even if she wanted to, she couldn’t leave Connor’s place at that moment.
For Christmas, Lucy prepared all the food, including the side dishes and the desserts.
When the guests arrived, they all praised Lucy for her cooking skills.
“Aunt Lucy,” said one of the friends of her son, “This food is amazing! Did you cook all of it yourself?”
“I did, Ross,” Lucy answered with a smile.
“Lucy,” Eve said, “I doubted that you would make so many delicious things!”
“Thank you, Eve,” Lucy responded, believing that the words from the guests would make Eve question her choice not to help around the dinner but leave Lucy do everything by herself.
After dinner, Lucy went to the kitchen to wash the dishes, and that’s when Eve approached her.
“Lucy, can we talk?” Eve asked her.
“Sure,” Lucy said. “What’s on your mind, Darling?”
“I didn’t realize how much you do around the house. I’ve wanted to take it easy, so I added it to your load. I’m so sorry,” Eve uttered.
Then Lucy smiled, as she figured it out that Eve had her lesson. “It’s more than fine,” she said, “I just need you to know that as much as I want to help around the house, I’m old, and my knees aren’t the same anymore.”
“We make a great team,” Eve said, “Come on, let’s go put your feet up. I’ll make you a cup of tea.”
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A woman named Kate posted a story of how her son chose silence instead of defending her when his wife insulted her.
Namely, Kate loved to cook, but since her husband’s passing things changed and she somehow lost hold of that part of her. However, whenever a holiday was around the corner she would prepare the most delicious dishes to her son John, especially for Christmas when he would always come for his annual roast dinner.
This year, however, was a bit different since John’s wife, Liz, attended the family dinner for the first time. The two dated for quite some time, but over the course of a couple of years, she would always spend Christmas at her parents’ house.
Source: Unsplash
Kate woke up early because she knew she needed time to prepare the main course, which was a chicken with gravy on the side, all the side dishes and desserts that her son loved.
As she was preparing the food, Liz entered the kitchen with her phone in her hand and started looking around. At that moment, she made a face as though she smelled something terrible, but Kate, already sweating away, decided to ignore her and didn’t say a word.
Roast chicken on plates | Source: Pexels
Sadly, things turned for the worse when Liz suddenly exclaimed, “Hey, Kate, maybe we should order food. Not everyone wants what you’ve cooked. I don’t know if everyone enjoys your cooking, either. Every aspect of Christmas is supposed to be enjoyed by everyone. They should enjoy the food, too!”
As expected, Kate was shocked by her daughter-in-law’s harsh words.
“I saw John leaning against the archway, nibbling on a carrot. He altogether avoided my gaze, looking over me and out the window across the room. I held back my tears and bit my lip,” she wrote in her post.
Source: Pexels
As most of the guests arrived and sat on the table, it seemed like they all enjoyed the food Kate prepared for the night.
At one moment, John asked, “The food’s great, right? Everyone’s enjoying it?”
John’s uncle helped himself to another serving of roasted potatoes and asked, “Why wouldn’t we enjoy my sister’s food?”
“Because Liz said that the dinner might be ruined by Mom’s dishes. She wanted us to order in,” John explained.
“Nonsense!” Kate’s brother said as he dipped his potatoes into the gravy.
Roasted potatoes | Source: Pexels
Hearing this, John looked at his mom and smiled. Kate then realized that her son didn’t react before because he was waiting for the right moment to teach his wife a lesson.
Liz turned red as everyone starred at her and Kate admitted that she even felt bad for her because it was her first Christmas with the family.
Later on, while packing the dishwasher and emptying dishes of food, Liz approached Kate.
“Kate, I’m sorry,” she said. “I was so wrong to do what I did. I am sorry, please understand.”
“Understand what?” Kate asked her.
Loaded dishwasher | Source: Pexels
“I only said that because John loves your food. He always talks about how you make all these special things for him. I can’t make a basic mac and cheese without him saying yours is better. I looked at the food, smelt all the delicious smells from this kitchen, and panicked.”
“Liz, you should know that a boy and his mother’s food is a relationship in and of itself,” Kate said with a laughter as she tried to diffuse the tension. “I can teach you how to cook just like me. My mother taught me everything I know.”
“Really?” Liz asked. “Even after I’ve been so horrible?”
“Yes,” Kate replied.
Thankfully, Kate understood that Liz’s intention wasn’t a nasty one, she simply felt threatened by her mother-in-law, but she soon learned it was for no reason.
Kate then took Liz to the Christmas tree and handed her the present she bough for her.
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An iconic singer and a blonde bombshell, Dolly Parton truly is unmatched.
This country music legend who is a songwriter, businesswoman, and humanitarian among the rest, has given the world of country music a lot over the years. Not only she is under the spotlight for decades because of her songs and vocal, but she’s also widely known as someone with a heart of gold who has always spoken openly about everything in her life.
Dolly Parton attends the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on May 11, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, as one of 12 children, Dolly Parton‘s family struggled to make ends meet at times, but they were very close and the children grew up in a loving home where music was always present.
“Music was such a large part of our whole family,” Parton recalled. “All of my mama’s people were musical. They all played some musical instrument. Of course, I took my music real serious, and I was always plucking along on somebody’s instrument — whatever they would leave lying around or whenever my family would come. But I always loved the guitar.”
Parton, although being someone who emphasize the importance of aging gracefully, has undergone several cosmetic procedures over the years.
Asked why she opted to go under the knife, she simply answers, “Because I need it.” According to her, despite the plastic surgeries, she’s a person who is “real where it counts.”
“I am not a natural beauty,” she once shared with Chicago Tribune, but added that she had never gone to extremes. “I just do little bits and pieces, just to try and keep things touched up, just tweaking,” the singer added back in the day.
Speaking to Larry King, she said she underwent a facelift, breast implants, liposuction, eye surgery, excess skin removal, lip injections, and botox, among other procedures.
“I don’t want to lie about it, so I’ve got to — I think sometimes it might help. You know, it’s not like — I mean, I look so totally artificial, you know, but I hopefully am totally real,” Parton said.
“I try to pick the best doctor, and I don’t do it that often,” she added about her plastic surgery.
“I just — I actually do it in little bits and pieces, because I don’t want to do a whole big drastic thing. I’ve never had, like, just the whole big thing done, because I don’t want to look like, you know, tighter than a banjo head.”
She always has her hair done and her makeup on because she loves looking beautiful all the time.
Had she not undergone any plastic procedures, this beauty would have certainly looked different and in today’s world, when the advance of technology is immense, AI shows us what Parton would have actually looked like if she had aged totally natural.
1977: When she was in her 30s, Parton was stunningly beautiful. Her face, and her dimples, shined with confidence.
Dolly Parton in London, California in 1977 | Source: Getty Images
1981: The photo below shows Parton in all her glory. Her infectious smile, full lips, and radiant skin are yet another proof why she stole millions of hearts.
Dolly Parton in New York City, circa 1981 | Source: Getty Images
1987: In her 40s, Parton’s face didn’t show any sign of any form of cosmetic surgeries. On the contrary, every feature of her face sparked confidence and a timeless allure.
Dolly Parton at an event in the US in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
1993: Reaching her late 40s, Parton kept her authenticity, but it was probably the time when she slightly enhanced her beauty with the help of cosmetic procedures.
Dolly Parton attends a Taping of “The Joan Rivers Show” at CBS Broadcast Center in New York City on March 1, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
2000: During her 50s, it was evident that the Jolene singer altered her lips and cheeks. However, it was again a slight change which didn’t leave her unrecognizable, just beautified, although many would agree that she didn’t even need the procedures at the time because she looked stunning the way she was.
Dolly Parton portrait taken in 2000 | Source: Getty Images
2003: This year marked a period in Parton’s life in which she relied on cosmetic procedures in a way that she still retained her youthful radiance yet there were still features on her face that showed a glimpse of aging.
Dolly Parton poses at the Distinctive Assets “Women in Rock” talent gift lounge backstage at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, on September 29, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
2009: In her 60s, Parton’s face almost transformed. She used makeup to ‘hide’ her wrinkles, but she still sparked vitality.
Dolly Parton addresses an audience at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on February 10, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
2016: At this point, Parton’s gorgeous face shows signs of aging as well as signs of plastic surgery. The wrinkles are gone and the skin on her face is smooth. Many agree that she had also undergone eyes and nose surgery that enhanced her looks even further.
Dolly Parton Visits “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” at Rockefeller Center on August 23, 2016 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
2019: Who would have thought that this woman is in her 70s on this photo?
Dolly Parton visits The Cast of “9 To 5” The Musical at The Savoy Theatre in London, England on February 17, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
2023: Honestly, nowadays Parton doesn’t look a day older than 50 and defies age. She does embraces her age and her looks, but not without little help from the plastic surgeons who allow her to dress like she’s in her 20s.
Dolly Parton performs at halftime during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 23, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
So, what would Parton look like without any procedures?
She would still have that unique charm that make us fall for her, but with a wrinkle or two on her forehead and her cheeks.
Dolly Parton Via AI | Source: Midjourney
Dolly Parton Via AI | Source: Midjourney
AI created images of Parton in all her natural grace and her natural glow that certainly doesn’t come from cosmetic surgery but from acceptance and self-confidence.
Dolly Parton Via AI | Source: Midjourney
Dolly Parton Via AI | Source: Midjourney
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Besides for chatting, connecting with friends, and posting images, social media sites, Facebook and Reddit in particular, are a good place when people need advice regarding various issues.
Recently, a mom posted a series of images of peculiar black specks along her skirting board and wall on a Mrs. Hinch fan page and asked fellow users if they had any idea what those specks might be.
“Anyone have any idea what this is?” the mom asked. “Just appeared this last week or so on the skirting board in my dining room, also bits on the wallpaper and the floor which gets mopped every day! It’s not bumpy, it looks like some sort of paint splatter but it isn’t,” her post continued.
As always, the netizens didn’t disappoint. Many provided answers of what those strange specks could be.
Some were convinced the photos posted showed flies’ poo and others claimed it was spiders’ poo.
“It happens a lot this time of year, spiders pooing everywhere, Dettox spray is good for it,” one person commented. “It’s spider poo after they’ve eaten flies. I get it on my window sill,” another added.
Spiders often find their ways into people’s homes but they are not considered to be invasive pests. What’s most, some spiders are even known to be beneficial as they act as a natural insecticide.
And, of course, as any other living creature, spiders do poop, but do you know what their poop looks like?
Well, spider feces are more like highly viscous liquids with a dark appearance and resemble a paint splatter.
In addition to poop, some spiders create something known as a “bolus”, which is essentially an indigestible ball of the carcasses of their prey or a webbing they ate unintentionally. These look like white balls of mangled insect parts.
It’s important to note that spiders’ droppings aren’t toxic, but if not removed immediately, they are hard to get rid of and can seriously stain the furniture, upholstery, fabric, and walls.
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Joe believed he did the best thing for his ailing mother when he placed her in a nursing home. His fiancée, Emily, was the one who convinced him it was for the best for everyone if the elderly lady was out of her home. “You did the right thing,” she said with a grin on her face. “Your mom will have a better life in the nursing home…and we can turn her old crafts room into a lovely nursery for our baby.”
However, upon returning from the nursing home, Joe and Emily were shocked to see some people moving the furniture from their house. They rushed to inspect what was going on, still shocked from the sight.
“What the heck is going on over here?” Joe yelled as he exited the car and ran towards the porch. “Hey, who are you…and what are you doing in my house?”
“You must be Joe!” the man replied. “I knew you would come. By the way, this isn’t your house anymore! Your mom sold it to us. Here are the papers…and there’s your stuff.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Joe was looking in confusion, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing and was unable to move. But Emily acted. She grabbed the paper from the man’s hand and started analyzing the agreement. Her facial expression said it was true. Joe’s mom really sold the house.
“You fool!” she yelled. “Your mother tricked you right under your nose…and you had no clue? Everything is ruined now.”
“Emily…don’t say that. I don’t understand why Mom did this. But we still have each other. We can…”
“There’s no more WE, you loser! Forget about me,” she said as she pulled the ring and threw it on the ground.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Joe ran after her, pleading, “Wait…what about our baby?”
But Emily laughed at his face as she replied, “You’re so stupid! There’s no baby. Now get out of my way.”
“Wha—what do you mean? Emily…Emily? Stop….” Joe called out, but she left the place and left his life.
Heartbroken, Joe stood on the porch and that’s when he noticed a letter under one of the boxes.
It was from his mother.
“Dear Joe,
I’m sorry this happened. I wish I never had to take such drastic steps. But you left me with no other choice. It all started the day you first brought Emily home… the letter started.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Some weeks ago…
The decision to sell the house was made weeks ago, while Joe’s mom, Nora, was resting in her armchair.
Joe entered the place, and there was a woman with him, Emily. “…Joe is so funny…and charming,” Emily chuckled as she sat next to Joe on the couch. “I couldn’t say no when he first asked me on a date to the funfair.”
“It’s been just three weeks…but it feels like we’ve known each other for ages. That’s why I insisted Emily move in with me,” Joe said with visible delight in his eyes.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Her son’s words stunned Nora. She needed time to compose herself as she placed her oxygen mask on her face.
“I’m sorry if this has come as a shock, Mom,” Joe rubbed Nora’s shoulder. “Things might seem sudden…but trust me…Emily is the one for me. We’re soulmates!”
Nora turned to Emily, took her hand, and said, “Emily, darling, if you don’t mind, can you please make me some tea, dear? The warmth soothes my throat. The kitchen is that way…”
As Emily left the room to make some tea, Joe looked at his mother and whispered, “Isn’t she the best, Mom?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“She seems like a lovely girl. But don’t you think you’re taking things a bit fast, Joey?”
“Mom, I understand your concerns. I didn’t want to tell you everything because of your health. But you deserve to know…I’m planning to propose to Emily this weekend.”
As expected, Nora believed that was way too soon since Joe knew Emily only for a few weeks.
“Mom, relax. You’re the one who taught me to fight for love. That’s what you and Dad did when you eloped, right?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“But, Joey, that and this are entirely different.”
“Mom, I love Emily. I can’t live without her. Please trust me… she will be a great wife and a wonderful daughter-in-law.”
This sudden rushing didn’t give Nora peace.
However, when Emily moved in the following day, things seemed to have fallen into place as she and Nora got along well. The two knitted together, watched documentaries, and chatted.
Nora started to like her soon to be daughter-in-law until one night, when she woke up at midnight to take her pills, she heard Nora talking to someone over the phone and saying, “That old crone and her oxygen machine… she is such a thorn in my way… but Joe is madly hooked on me. So I should be able to get rid of her soon.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Nora froze. At that moment she wondered what could Emily possibly do to get rid of her, but then Emily continued, “Just a lil sweet talk, and he should agree to stick his mother in a nursing home. Then, I’ll kick him out, and this house will be mine!”
Nora’s initial plan was to tell her son what she had heard, but she knew he was too smitten with his girlfriend to trust her.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Over the course of the next couple of days, Emily acted as though she enjoyed Nora’s company.
One day, however, Joe approached Nora and told her they needed to talk.
“It’s about Emily…” Joe said.
“Oh, dear, I’m so sorry things didn’t work out between you two…”
But Joe frowned. “What? Things are great between Emily and me, Mom. I’ve never been happier.
“Actually, Mom…” Joe swallowed hard. “…Emily’s been running her own business while working through the temp agency. She needs help with buying more machinery. But she can’t afford it right now. So I’d like to help her…but there’s only one way to get the money I need.”
“What is it, Joe?” Nora asked dreadfully.
“Mom, you know…your health isn’t improving. I think you need a better place where you’re cared for well…I think it’s time you moved into a nursing home.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Mom, it’ll be comfortable there,” said as he squeezed his mom’s hand. “…and if you agree to sell your house, I can put that money in Emily’s business. I promise to repurchase this property as soon as we see a return on the investment.”
Feeling betrayed, Nora said with sadness in her voice, “I don’t want to leave…my home.”
“Mom, I’m just trying to look out for you. Please…” Joe pleaded.
Knowing there was not much that she could do at that moment, Nora nodded her head.
“I’ll think about it, Joey. Just give me some time,” she said.
Nora needed time in order to be able to put her plan of revealing Emily’s true face into action.
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The following day, Nora’s knitting was interrupted by the front door creak. As she looked towards the window, Nora saw Emily exiting the house.
Although she hadn’t driven in a long time, Nora decided to follow Emily.
After some time, Emily parked her car and entered a coffee place where she met with a man. A few minutes later, they started kissing passionately. Nora took her phone to film them, but at that moment, they stopped kissing and could only be seen holding hands.
“Joey, I’m sorry for bothering you at work…but this is important. Can you meet me outside the café on the corner of 3rd Street?” Nora called her son.
Joe arrived after around 10 minutes and Nora told him what she had witnessed.
“Look there, Joey,” Nora pointed toward the café window. “Emily is cheating on you.”
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Raged, Joe stormed inside the place.
“What the heck is going on here??” he slammed the table, startling Emily and her lover. “How long have you been seeing this chump behind my back?”
“What?? You think I’m cheating on you? How could you, Joe?” Emily asked with a crying voice.
“I saw you kissing,” Nora interrupted.
“God…he’s my cousin! It was just a peck on the lips. I grew up in New York, and that’s how we always greeted family.”
“Your cousin? And why haven’t I heard of him?” Joe frowned.
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“Because…I’ve worked really hard to be where I am now. I didn’t want you to know my family’s background, Joe. If you still don’t believe me, I’ll prove how much I love you.”
Wiping her tears, Emily pulled a positive pregnancy test from her bag.
“I wanted to surprise you. You’re going to be a Daddy, Joe!”
It was more than enough for Joe’s anger to fade away. He embraced Emily and started kissing her as his mom kept saying, “Snap out of it, Joe. She’s lying. She’s a gold digger.”
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“Stop it, Mom!” Joe cut through Nora’s pleas. “Why are you hellbent on proving her evil all the time? She’s only ever been kind to you.”
“What? I’m not lying…I saw them kissing. Nobody kisses their cousin like that.”
“Baby, it’s okay. Don’t be hard on her,” Emily told Joe. “It’s not her fault…remember I told you? She’s getting confused.”
“Confused? Don’t you dare give me that! What other lies did this viper whisper to you, Joe?” Nora fumed.
“Mom, I think we should discuss this at home,” Joe said angrily as he entered his car.
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“…part of why I pushed you so hard to get you into a nursing home,” Joe tried to explain to his poor mother. “…you need proper care, Mom. You’re confused and have started showing signs of senility. I love you…and I only want the best for you.”
Nora was aware she couldn’t fight her son. Unable to defend herself, she told Joe that she would move to a nursing home and she would sell her home so that he could help his future wife with her business.
But Nora had another plan.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
Present day…
“…I only wished the best for you, son. I hope you’ve now realized I was telling you the truth all along.”
Joe realized his mom was right the entire time. He realized he was a fool who let Emily turn him against his own mother.
As he wiped his tears, Joe entered his car and headed to the nursing home.
“I’m here to see my mother, Mrs. Brady,” Joe told the receptionist.
“Thank Goodness you’re here,” she exclaimed. “We’ve been trying to reach you for the past half hour. Your mother had respiratory failure and had to be hospitalized.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
Joe rushed to the hospital and waited in front of the emergency room. After what felt like an eternity, the doctor exited the room and Joe asked how was his mother doing.
“I’m sorry, Joe…but your mother…she didn’t make it.”
“What? But her condition was under control, doctor…how did this…God…how did this happen?” Joe cried.
“She was stable, but her health started to give in recently. I thought you knew…I advised a more aggressive treatment plan during her last check-up. But she never showed up after that.”
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Heartbroken, Joe started crying. He couldn’t believe his mom was no longer there. He regretted not believing her when she tried to tell him what kind of person he wanted to marry.
As he was sobbing, he received a text message saying $500.000 were transferred to his bank account. It had to be the money his mother got from selling her home.
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