I never imagined that my stepmother, Tracy, would steal from my college fund. My mom had set it up before her passing, intending to ensure my future. It wasn’t a large sum, but it was something my dad and I had been contributing to over the years. My part-time jobs as a tutor and babysitter helped to grow that fund, and it felt like the foundation for my education and my future. That is, until Tracy came into the picture.
Tracy’s Vanity Takes Over
Tracy, my stepmother, always had an obsession with her appearance. I mean, she spent more time in front of mirrors than I could even comprehend. Her perfect wardrobe, immaculate nails, and well-maintained hair seemed to be her priority, often at the expense of meaningful relationships and responsibilities. I started to see her as someone consumed by vanity, like a real-life Barbie doll. It wasn’t just about looking good—it was about making sure everyone knew she did.
The Shocking Announcement
One day, I returned home to find Tracy practically glowing, grinning from ear to ear. I thought something had gone right for once, maybe she’d finally figured out how to do laundry without flooding the house. But no, her excitement wasn’t about anything practical. Tracy announced that she was getting veneers, with an exaggerated enthusiasm. “Guess what your amazing stepmom is going to do?” she beamed. I couldn’t help but wonder why this was such a momentous occasion.
The shock hit me when she casually mentioned, “I borrowed a little from your college fund. Just $5,000!” At that moment, I felt a cold wave of disbelief wash over me. My heart dropped—this wasn’t just a careless mistake; it was an act of selfishness. “You did WHAT? You STOLE my college fund?” I could hardly process the words that followed, as Tracy dismissed my concerns. “I’m family. It’s not a big deal,” she claimed. That was a lie, and deep down, I knew it.
The Consequences of Her Actions
Tracy didn’t seem to grasp the magnitude of what she’d done. She proceeded with her veneers and paraded her new smile around the house, showing it off like she’d just won a beauty pageant. One evening, she even had the nerve to comment on my smile. “Don’t forget to smile at your tutoring class. Although, maybe you should keep your mouth closed. You wouldn’t want to scare those kids away with those ugly alligator teeth of yours!” It was hurtful, but her vanity blinded her to the real issues.
I felt a growing anger, especially when she mocked me, claiming she put a roof over my head—implying that her actions were justified. I wasn’t having any of it, though. My dad promised to talk to her, but I knew that was just his way of avoiding the confrontation. Tracy’s behavior didn’t change, and neither did my frustration.
The BBQ Fiasco
A month later, Tracy decided to throw a BBQ to showcase her new smile to the entire neighborhood. She clinked her wine glass, gathered everyone around, and proudly announced, “Ladies, gather ‘round! I simply must tell you about my transformation!” It felt like a disaster unfolding right before my eyes. Watching her flaunt her new veneers was like witnessing a train wreck—embarrassing and cringe-worthy, yet I couldn’t look away.
I couldn’t contain my frustration. I rolled my eyes so hard I thought I might hurt myself. Tracy didn’t care about anything other than her appearance, and she had used my college fund to get the look she’d always wanted. What was supposed to be a positive family moment had become a mockery of priorities and values.
