I hadn’t seen or spoken to my younger sister Kate in years. Not a call, not a text. Nothing. So when she suddenly showed up at our 4th of July celebration, I didn’t expect hugs or a warm catch-up… but I definitely didn’t expect her to bring absolute chaos into our family.
What started off as a happy summer day—with grilled burgers, old memories, and joyful news—turned into a twisted game of lies, stolen secrets, and a shocking fight over our grandmother’s inheritance.
Most people look forward to holidays because it means family time. My family was no different. Every 4th of July, we gathered at Grandma’s house like clockwork. Ever since I was little, this tradition never changed. Even now that I’m grown, married, and starting my own family, we still meet there.
My husband Mark and I were on our way to Grandma’s for the celebration. We had something big to share with everyone this year.
“When are we telling them?” Mark asked, glancing over from the driver’s seat.
I smiled, rubbing my belly gently. “Soon. At dinner. I want it to be special.”
He grinned. “Are you nervous?”
“A little. But they’ll be happy,” I said. Then I added, “Besides, I doubt Kate will show up. She saw me at the hospital with the ultrasound pictures, but she didn’t even say hi. Just turned and walked away like I didn’t exist.”
Mark let out a sigh. “Honestly? That’s probably for the best. She’d flip out if she knew the baby’s going to get part of Grandma’s inheritance.”
I shook my head. “I don’t care about that. The money’s not for me—it’s for our baby. And this child is getting the love Kate never gave.”
I was four months pregnant. Mark and I had kept it quiet until now because we wanted to be sure everything was going well. But today felt right. We wanted to tell the family under the fireworks, surrounded by joy.
When we arrived, the smell of barbecue was already floating through the yard. I smiled, taking in the scent of grilled meat and sweet summer air. My parents’ car was parked out front. Grandma’s hydrangeas were in full bloom.
Inside the house, Mom and Grandma were in the kitchen, bustling with food prep.
“Is Dad making his famous steaks?” I asked, giving Mom a hug.
“Oh yes,” she grinned. “And burgers. Sometimes I think he loves that grill more than me.”
“You’re lucky it’s just a hunk of metal,” I teased.
Grandma looked at me with a knowing smile. “You look different, Jane… glowing.”
I chuckled. “Is that a good thing?”
“It’s a very good thing,” she said. “Looks like Mark’s treating you right.”
Mark stepped in and smiled. “I’m trying my best.”
Then Dad burst into the kitchen, holding a tray of burgers. “Are we eating today or what? The grill’s hot, and the food’s ready.”
“Don’t rush us!” Grandma said, laughing.
We all headed out back to eat. The table was full—grilled steaks, burgers, salads, fruit bowls, and cold drinks. The air buzzed with chatter and the clinking of plates. Everything felt perfect. I reached for my water when Grandma looked over and raised an eyebrow.
“Water only?” she asked.
“Uh…” I glanced at Mark.
He squeezed my hand and gave me a nod. “We’ve got something to tell you all,” I started.
But before I could finish, we were interrupted by a loud voice.
“Hey! Family! Someone open the gate for me!”
Everyone turned toward the road.
It was Kate.
I froze.
I hadn’t seen Kate in five years, not since she stole a large amount of money from me and vanished without a word. She never answered calls or texts, never showed up for holidays. And now here she was, standing outside Grandma’s gate with a big fake smile.
Mom jumped up and opened the gate like nothing had ever happened. Kate strutted in and sat at the table like she belonged.
“So,” she said, looking around. “How’s everyone doing?”
Grandma narrowed her eyes. “Where have you been all these years, Kate?”
“What does it matter? I’m here now, aren’t I?” she shrugged. “Besides, I’ve got news—I’m pregnant!”
The whole table gasped.
Mom screamed, “Oh my God!” and rushed to hug her. Grandma followed, tears in her eyes.
Everyone went from cautious to celebrating. Except for me and Mark. We exchanged confused, tight-lipped glances.
Something was off.
Kate never shared good news. She didn’t do emotional connections. And she definitely wasn’t the type to show up just to reconnect.
I raised an eyebrow. “How far along are you?”
“Five months,” Kate said casually.
I frowned. “Your belly looks awfully small for five months.”
Kate smirked. “It happens. Mom was the same when she was pregnant with me.”
Mom nodded. “That’s true.”
They kept chatting about names and baby clothes, and I started to feel invisible. So Mark and I tried again to share our news.
“So, what I wanted to say earlier,” I said loudly, “is that Mark and I are expecting too!”
Mom gasped again. “What?! Two grandbabies? This is amazing!” She and Dad hugged me tightly.
Grandma followed, beaming with pride.
But Kate just sat there with a sour look on her face.
“Is something wrong?” I asked her directly.
Kate crossed her arms. “It’s just… weird. The second I say I’m pregnant, you suddenly are too.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Are you suggesting I’m lying?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you’re just saying it to get Grandma’s inheritance,” she said sharply.
“Are you serious right now?! Grandma’s sitting right here!” I snapped.
“I just think it’s convenient,” she muttered.
“I brought ultrasound photos to show everyone,” I said, opening my bag. But when I looked inside, they were gone.
“What? Where are they?” I whispered.
“Maybe they’re in the car?” Mark offered.
“I’ll check,” he said, standing up.
Kate, with perfect timing, pulled photos from her purse. “I can show you mine,” she said sweetly.
I snatched them and stared at them hard.
“These… are my pictures!”
Kate gasped. “Wow, Jane. I know you hate when I get attention, but accusing me of stealing your ultrasound? That’s low.”
“It’s true!” I shouted.
“Jane, that’s not very nice,” Mom said.
“You believe her?” I said, stunned.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Mom asked.
“Because it’s KATE! She lies!”
Kate started crying, right on cue.
“I’m your sister! How could you talk to me like this?” she sobbed.
Mom pulled her in. “Jane, apologize to your sister. She’s pregnant—she doesn’t need stress.”
“I’M pregnant too!” I shouted.
“Now I think Kate might be right,” Dad said. “You’re just trying to grab attention.”
Mark came back. “They’re not in the car. You must’ve left them at home.”
“No, I didn’t,” I said. “Kate stole them!”
Kate wailed louder.
“Jane, maybe you should take a walk,” Mom said.
“I need to,” I growled. “Before I throw a burger at her face.”
Mark followed me outside. “Don’t let her stress you out. Think about the baby.”
“They think I’m lying,” I said, furious. “But she stole my pictures. That means she’s faking!”
Mark blinked. “Wait… you’re right. Why would she take your photos unless—”
“I just need to be alone,” I said, and started walking.
I didn’t get far before I got tired and headed back. On the way to the bathroom to wash up, I caught Kate popping some pills.
“What are you taking?” I asked casually.
“Retinoids. My dermatologist prescribed them,” she said.
And that was it. She was caught.
“You’re taking retinoids while pregnant?” I asked.
“I’m not lying,” she snapped quickly.
“You do realize pregnant women can’t take that, right?” I asked calmly.
“I’ll just say I need Grandma’s money for the baby,” she muttered. “She’ll give it to me.”
“What happens in nine months, Kate? Are you planning to steal someone else’s baby?”
She said nothing.
I stared at her. “You did all this because you saw me at the hospital. You knew my baby might get Grandma’s inheritance.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, then walked out.
Back at the table, Kate was chatting with Mom about painting the nursery.
“It’s time for fireworks!” Dad yelled, heading toward the yard.
We all stood up to watch.
I turned to Kate. “Remind me again—what pills are you taking?”
She smirked. “Retinoids. What, you already forgot?”
I looked at Mom and Grandma. Their faces went pale.
“You what?!” Mom shouted.
“You can’t take those while pregnant!” Grandma yelled.
“Why not?” Kate asked, confused.
“Because they’re extremely dangerous during pregnancy! Your doctor should’ve told you that,” Mom snapped.
“Mine didn’t,” Kate said quietly.
“That’s because you don’t have a doctor,” I said.
Kate’s face twisted with panic.
“Let’s take a test,” I said. “I’ve got one in the car.”
“I’m not proving anything to you!” Kate yelled.
“Why? Afraid you’ll be caught?”
“I need a drink,” she muttered.
“A drink?! You’re supposed to be pregnant!” Grandma said in shock.
“Kate… were you lying to us?” Mom asked.
Kate hesitated, her eyes darting between them. Everyone waited.
Then she snapped.
“Why should the inheritance go to Jane’s baby?!”
Grandma stood up. “So that’s what this was about? My money? I was going to split it between both babies. But after this? Forget it! You want my money while I’m still alive?!”
And right then, the sky exploded with fireworks.
Kate looked around, face twisted in rage. “I hate this family!” she screamed.
She stormed out as fireworks lit the sky.
And me? I stood there, hand on my belly, finally feeling peace. The truth was out—and this time, everyone saw it.
The end.
