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Woman in a red dress | Source: Amomama
Woman in a red dress | Source: Amomama

My Friend Talked Trash about My Daughter, So I Made Her Regret It

author
Jun 04, 2024
02:28 P.M.

When lifelong friends Eleanor and Lucy clash over a shocking revelation about their children's secret relationship, their Monday gatherings take a tense turn. As buried insecurities and long-held grudges surface, their bond faces the ultimate test of loyalty and forgiveness.

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Each Monday, we gather at my house with my friends of 55 years, finally resting and chatting after babysitting our grandkids. This week, it was just Lucy and me, savoring the peace.

Eleanor and Lucy drink tea | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor and Lucy drink tea | Source: Midjourney

Suddenly, Lucy burst out, "I'm mad as hell! I've been trying to introduce my Barney to that nurse for a year. My dear son decided to do everything on his own. Can you imagine, I found this rag at his apartment?!"

I nearly choked on my tea. I knew those clothes! Lucy waved a red silk shirt and a headband.

Eleanor nearly spits her tea out | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor nearly spits her tea out | Source: Midjourney

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"Who wears this? A woman of easy virtue? Oh, God, some girl from the streets has ensnared my son!"

I felt dizzy. Those were 100% my daughter's clothes! That gorgeous red silk shirt and headband were a gift from me.

The red skirt | Source: Midjourney

The red skirt | Source: Midjourney

"She doesn't deserve my son. Period. And be sure, I'll get rid of her!" Lucy declared.

While Lucy was plotting her next move, I created my own plan to teach her a lesson for insulting my daughter.

Lucy judges the girl | Source: Midjourney

Lucy judges the girl | Source: Midjourney

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"Lucy, maybe there's an explanation. Barney's a grown man, after all," I said.

Lucy huffed. "Explanation? My Barney has poor taste in women, clearly!"

"Don't you think you're being harsh? You don't know her," I challenged.

Eleanor tries to soften Lucy | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor tries to soften Lucy | Source: Midjourney

"Harsh? Protecting my son isn't harsh!" she snapped.

"Lucy, you're jumping to conclusions," I argued. "You don't even know who she is."

"I don't need to know her! Look at these clothes. They scream trouble," Lucy insisted.

Lucy doesn't believe Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

Lucy doesn't believe Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

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I took a deep breath. "Lucy, let's not make hasty judgments. Maybe she's not what you think."

Lucy glared at me. "Why are you defending her? You don't know her either."

"Because everyone deserves a chance. Even if she's not what you envisioned for Barney, he must see something in her," I reasoned.

Eleanor calms Lucy down | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor calms Lucy down | Source: Midjourney

Lucy's eyes narrowed. "I'm not convinced. But for now, I'll play along. I'll talk to Barney."

I nodded. "That's all I'm asking. Just keep an open mind."

Lucy sighed, "Fine, but if she hurts my son, I won't stand by and watch."

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Lucy remains judgemental | Source: Midjourney

Lucy remains judgemental | Source: Midjourney

"I wouldn't expect you to," I replied.

We sat in tense silence, each of us lost in thought. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Eleanor talks to her daughter | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor talks to her daughter | Source: Midjourney

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That evening, after everyone had left, I sat down with my daughter, Emily, in the living room. The warmth of the evening sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on her face.

"Emily," I began gently, "can we talk about something?"

She looked up from her book, curiosity in her eyes. "Sure, Mom. What's up?"

Eleanor timidly asks who is her daughter's partner | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor timidly asks who is her daughter's partner | Source: Midjourney

I took a deep breath. "I need to ask you about who you're dating."

Emily blushed, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Oh, Mom, I didn't want to say anything yet, but... I'm dating Barney."

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. "Lucy's son, Barney?"

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Emily admits to dating Barney | Source: Midjourney

Emily admits to dating Barney | Source: Midjourney

She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, he's wonderful, Mom. We've been seeing each other for a few months now."

I reached over and took her hand. "Emily, you know Lucy is one of my oldest friends. Things got a bit tense today because she didn't know it was you."

Eleanor listens to Emily | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor listens to Emily | Source: Midjourney

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Emily's smile faded a little. "I was worried about that. Barney and I weren't sure how to tell you and Lucy."

"Well, it's out in the open now," I said, squeezing her hand. "I want you to know that I support you, but this might be a bit tricky to navigate."

Emily and Barney | Source: Midjourney

Emily and Barney | Source: Midjourney

Emily nodded, looking relieved but also a bit apprehensive. "I understand, Mom. I really care about Barney, and I hope you and Lucy can work things out."

"We'll find a way," I assured her. "Just be honest with each other and patient with us. We'll figure it out together."

Eleanor hugs Emily | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor hugs Emily | Source: Midjourney

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Emily hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Mom. That means a lot."

As I held her, I couldn't help but feel a mix of worry and hope. This was just the beginning of a new chapter for all of us.

Hopeful Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

Hopeful Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

The next time Lucy asked about the huge discount from my daughter, who is a dentist and has been treating her teeth for several years, I was ready.

"Eleanor," Lucy began, "could you please ask your daughter to give me the usual discount for my dental treatment?"

Lucy came to ask for a discount | Source: Midjourney

Lucy came to ask for a discount | Source: Midjourney

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I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Well, Lucy, a woman of easy virtue, unfortunately, doesn't deserve to cure your teeth anymore."

The room fell silent as my words hung in the air. Lucy's face turned pale. She finally got it and couldn't believe it was my daughter she had been talking about. She stammered, trying to find the right words.

Eleanor refuses to provide benefits | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor refuses to provide benefits | Source: Midjourney

"I... I'm so sorry, Eleanor. I didn't know. I was wrong. Of course, I accept her, and I apologize."

"Lucy, I hope this teaches you to think before you speak. My daughter is a wonderful person, and she deserves respect."

Lucy nodded, tears forming in her eyes. "I understand, Eleanor. I'll never speak ill of her again. Please forgive me."

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I nodded, my heart softening just a bit. "I appreciate that, Lucy. Let's move forward with kindness and understanding."

Remorseful Lucy | Source: Midjourney

Remorseful Lucy | Source: Midjourney

And with that, our group resumed our usual chatter, but there was a new sense of respect and caution in the air. Lucy had learned her lesson, and my daughter's honor was restored.

My Brother Kicked Our Grandma out Because She Had No Money Left – She Taught Him a Lesson He Will Never Forget

When my brother Paul kicked Grandma Eleanor out for not contributing financially, I took her in, driven by love and loyalty. As she rebuilt her life and found unexpected success, Paul's regret surfaced, but I wondered if it would be enough to mend our broken bonds.

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"Rachel, I can't keep doing this," Paul said, slamming his cup down on the table. "She's costing too much."

A man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Pexels

A man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Pexels

"Paul, she’s our grandmother. She raised us, remember?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. I could see the tension in his jaw, the frustration in his eyes.

"That was then. Things are different now," he said, crossing his arms. "She doesn’t bring anything to the table anymore. She just sits there, painting and wasting time."

"Those paintings mean something to her," I said. "And they could mean something to us if we let them."

A man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Pexels

A man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Pexels

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Paul scoffed. "Sentimental nonsense. I need to think about the future, Rachel. We can’t afford dead weight."

I felt a lump form in my throat. "Paul, it’s not about what she can give us now. It’s about what she’s already given."

He stood up, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I’ve got a family to think about. Expenses are through the roof. If she can’t contribute, I don’t see why we should carry the load."

"Because she's family. She's more than family; this is Grandma Eleanor we're talking about," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

A woman makes a call on a cell phone | Source: Pexels

A woman makes a call on a cell phone | Source: Pexels

Weeks passed, and Paul’s demeanor only grew colder. Grandma Eleanor tried to hide the hurt, but I could see it in her eyes, the way she clutched her paintbrushes like lifelines.

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My kids adored her, always sitting by her side as she painted, their laughter filling the house with a warmth Paul’s home had long since lost.

One evening, Paul called me. "Rachel, it’s time she moves out. I can’t do this anymore."

I felt my heart sink. "Where will she go?"

Click here to read the rest of the story.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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