The Night of the Limo: A Prom Story

When it was time for prom, I, Emily, was ready to go all out! I dreamed of an incredible outfit, perfect hair, and glamorous makeup. But of course, my troublesome stepmother, Carla, had other plans. She swooped in and canceled my hair appointment, thinking she could ruin my night. But then something unexpected happened: a limousine pulled up outside my house. Who could have arranged that?

Alright, let me take you back a bit to explain.

My name is Emily, I’m 17, and I’m a senior in high school. I live with my dad, my stepmom Carla, and her son, Mason, who is 11. Mason and I get along well; we’re like siblings, which is nice. But Carla? Well, let’s just say she and I have a rocky relationship.

It all started seven years ago after my mom passed away from a lingering illness. A year later, my dad was dating Carla, and before I knew it, they were married.

“Your father doesn’t waste any time, does he?” my aunt commented on the wedding day. “And who is Carla anyway? She’s nothing compared to your mom!”

At first, Carla tried to win me over, but soon her true colors showed. I remember one time she looked at me and said, “You look too much like your mother, Emily. It actually pains me to look at you. No wonder your father gives Mason more attention. He’s closer to Mason right now, isn’t he?”

Her words stung, but I tried to shrug it off. My dad, clueless as ever, seemed blind to her treatment of me. And that made her feel powerful.

Now, let’s fast forward to prom season. Just like every other girl in school, I was excited about the big night. I had saved up babysitting money for months to buy a stunning violet dress—my mom’s favorite color. I couldn’t help but wish she were there with me for this special moment.

Prom was going to be magical, I just knew it! I even booked a hair appointment at a fancy salon where all my friends were going. Everything was set for a perfect night.

But then, on the big day, Carla struck again. I arrived at the salon buzzing with excitement, but the receptionist looked confused when I checked in.

“Emily? Are you sure?” she asked, glancing at her computer. “Zelda told me that you canceled?”

“What? I didn’t!” I exclaimed. “Why would I do that? Prom is tonight!”

“Calm down, honey,” the receptionist said. “Let me get Zelda.”

I waited nervously until they returned. The hairdresser looked uneasy as she said, “I got a call earlier today saying that you wanted to cancel, Emily. I thought it was your mom?”

My heart sank. Canceled? How? I didn’t do it! What mom? I was still trying to understand what was happening when I saw her—Carla, sitting there getting her hair done. Of course, she was.

She caught my eye and smirked, her gaze icy. Carla had canceled my appointment!

“Is there any way you could still fit me in?” I pleaded with Zelda.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry. When your appointment was canceled, a woman called and booked her own. All our slots are filled.”

I stood there in shock. So, Carla had called pretending to be me? She wanted to see me disappointed. It made me sick.

I ran out of the salon, feeling like my perfect prom was slipping away. By the time I got home, I locked myself in my room, tears streaming down my face.

Sitting at my dressing table, I tried to fix my hair, but nothing worked. I felt stupid for even telling Carla my plans. I stared at my beautiful dress hanging there and wondered if it was worth going to prom at all.

Suddenly, I heard loud honking outside. At first, I thought it was just a random car, but it kept going. I wiped my eyes and dragged myself to the window, expecting chaos outside. But when I looked, my jaw dropped.

A glossy black limousine was parked right in front of our house!

I thought it must be a mistake. There’s no way that car was for me! My friends’ parents had all said no when we discussed it months ago. But still, I ran downstairs.

Standing at the door, I waited, and soon the driver stepped out and approached our front porch. My dad, blissfully unaware of everything, looked as confused as I felt.

“I’m here for Miss Emily, sir,” the driver said, holding out a small card.

Miss Emily? That’s me!

“She’s right here,” my dad said, nodding towards me.

I hesitantly took the card and opened it. Inside, in neat handwriting, it read:

“To my beautiful sister, Emily. I know you’ve had a rough time lately, but you deserve the best night ever! Enjoy the limo, and don’t worry about a thing. I’ve been saving all my birthday and Christmas money.

Have a magical night, sis.

Love, Mason.”

Mason? My 11-year-old brother did this?

Tears of shock and gratitude filled my eyes. I raced upstairs to find Mason in his room, grinning like he’d just pulled off the ultimate prank.

“I heard Mom on the phone this morning,” he shrugged casually. “I knew it wasn’t fair at all.”

He explained how he overheard Carla canceling my hair appointment. In true little brother style, he took action.

“But did you really use your money?” I asked, feeling guilty.

“Not really,” he replied with a grin. “See, Mom has been saving up for a fancy diamond necklace. She showed Dad, hoping he’d get it for her, but he said no.”

Good for you, Dad, I thought.

Mason continued, “After I heard her phone call, she left. So, I took some of her stash and went to Mr. Johnson next door. He owns the limo company, remember?”

But he didn’t stop there.

“There’s more, Em,” he said excitedly. “Mrs. Evans from across the road? Her daughter is a stylist at the mall. She’s coming here to do your hair and makeup soon.”

Just as he finished, the doorbell rang.

“That should be her!” Mason said. “Go wash your face; I’ll send her up.”

I marveled at how Mason had grown up as I hurried to do what he said.

Twenty minutes later, I transformed from crying in my bedroom to looking like a princess. I wished my mom could have been there to fuss over me and take photos. I longed for her hugs more than anything.

But still, Mason had saved prom!

When Carla pulled into our driveway, I was already outside, stepping into the limo like a movie star. Her jaw dropped as she got out of the car, stunned.

Her expression? Oh my God, I wish I had a picture of it! I’d stick it on my mirror!

“Richard? Did you do this?” I heard her shriek to my father as the driver closed the door behind me.

Moments later, the driver whisked me away.

Prom was everything I had hoped for. When I arrived at the hall in the limo, all eyes were on me. I was glowing, and I felt, for the first time in a long time, like my mom was right there with me.

The entire night was pure magic. I danced, laughed with my friends, and forgot all the drama at home.

As for Carla? I hoped she learned a lesson: you can’t mess with someone’s joy and get away with it, especially if your little brother is ready to save the day!

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!