Her Last Resort
Photocopying her picture over her daughters was the desperate woman's last resort. This wasn't her first time falsifying documents. She had been trying to access her bank account for some time.
Despite her repeated requests, she was unable to get her permission. In the end, she had no choice but to steal it from her daughter. The chances of getting caught were too great.
Anticipation
In the early morning sunlight, Amelia Caster, 17, lay in bed with her mind clouded with worry. The trust fund her father established for her would become hers when she turns eighteen next week.
Although she was anxious about the money, she knew that if her mother, Martha, found out, she would come back into her life like a hurricane.
Leaving Them Behind
The presence of Martha in Amelia's life had always been toxic. After she left her father, Robert, when she was just thirteen years old, Amelia was left to navigate the treacherous waters of high school by herself.
In contrast to Robert's kindness and love, Martha's manipulation and control left Amelia deeply scarred emotionally. In spite of loving her mother, she was powerless to control the decisions her father made.
She Left
Their lives were shattered two years ago when Martha, 47, disappeared, leaving a bewildered daughter behind. The long nights Robert spent at work made Martha angry, and she did not want to be a stay-at-home mother.
She had grown accustomed to navigating high school and life without her mother's guidance since her mother's sudden departure.
Setting Her Up
Despite the fact that she was scanning the pages of a history textbook, Amelia's mind was elsewhere. There was a dark cloud hanging over her next week as she approached her eighteenth birthday.
On that day, she would gain access to the trust fund her father had established for her, and it wasn't the typical excitement of adulthood that weighed on her. It was a trust fund that Martha had always coveted. This burden shouldn't be placed on her at her age.
Mixed Feelings
She stared blankly at the board as her mind buzzed with thoughts in her high school classroom. A mix of excitement and apprehension accompanied her impending eighteenth birthday.
After her father set up a trust fund for her, she would finally be able to access it next week. Not only was it the culmination of years of turmoil caused by her mother's abrupt departure, but it also marked her entry into adulthood.
Doing His Best
Martha disappeared without a trace two years ago, leaving Amelia and Robert behind. Like an unhealed wound, the pain of Amelia's abandonment still lingered in her heart.
Only the love and support of her father could sustain her through the tumultuous waters of high school. Despite the fact that she needed her mother so much as a child, she did not care about her.
Taking Care Of Her
She had always relied on her friends for support, and they knew the damage Martha had done. As they sat in the school cafeteria, Amelia's best friend, Sarah, asked her if she was okay. “It seems like you've been down a lot lately."
A sigh escaped Amelia's lips. She confessed, "I'm just worried about my eighteenth birthday." She knew her mom would show up, and she didn't know how to handle it. She'd always been the depressed, emo girl at school.
Best Friends
Sarah squeezed her hand across the table. "You don't need to handle it alone," she said. No matter what happens, we'll be there for you."
Sarah and her mother had met a few times when they were young. Her experience was similar to Amelia's. The feeling of impending doom persists despite Amelia's friends' support. She found herself constantly watching over her shoulder, expecting Martha to appear at any moment as her eighteenth birthday approached.
Begging For Forgiveness
In the days leading up to Amelia's birthday, she received a letter in the mail. Martha sent it. In the letter, Amelia said, "I know I haven't been the best mother to you. I've made a lot of mistakes, and I apologize deeply for that. I don't expect forgiveness from you, but I want to make things right with you."
The letter made Amelia's heart race. Has Martha really changed? Did she finally realize how damaging she was?
Asking For Help
But as she read on, her hope turned to despair. "I'm in a lot of trouble, Amelia," the letter continued. "I need your help. Please meet me at the old abandoned house on Maple Street tonight at midnight. I'll explain everything then."
Amelia knew it was a trap. She knew that Martha was trying to manipulate her once again. But she also knew that she couldn't ignore the letter. She had to confront her mother, once and for all.
What Is There To Lose
As midnight approached, Amelia made her way to the old abandoned house. She knew that Martha would be waiting for her, and she was determined to face her head-on.
This would be the first time she saw her mother in years, and she was determined to handle her like an adult. She didn’t tell her father because she knew that he would stop her.
Mother Daughter Reunion
When she arrived, Martha was indeed there, pacing back and forth in front of the house. "Amelia," she said, relief evident in her voice. "I'm so glad you came." Amelia didn't respond. She just stood there, her arms crossed, her expression stony.
Martha sighed. "I know you're angry with me, and you have every right to be," she said. "But please, hear me out. I'm not the same person I was when I left. I've changed, Amelia. I swear." Amelia shook her head. "You can't just waltz back into my life and expect everything to be okay," she said. "You hurt me, Martha. You hurt me in ways you can't even begin to imagine."
Saying Sorry
Martha looked down at the ground, shame written all over her face. "I know," she said softly. "I know, and I'm so sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me, but please, let me make things right. Let me help you." Amelia didn't know what to say.
She wanted to believe that Martha had changed, that she was truly sorry for what she had done. But she couldn't shake the feeling that it was all just another one of Martha's manipulative games. But now, with her eighteenth birthday fast approaching, Martha's sudden reappearance had thrown Amelia's world into disarray.
I’m Your Mother
She had shown up unannounced at the school one day, in a desperate attempt to reestablish a connection with her daughter. Amelia couldn't bring herself to entertain the idea of welcoming her mother back into her life.
The wounds Martha had inflicted ran too deep, leaving scars that refused to fade. She confided in her father about Martha's return, and Robert wasted no time in taking action to protect his daughter. What could he do to stop Martha?
16. Dad Comes To Know
Just as she was beginning to find her footing, Martha reappeared out of the blue, like a ghost from the past haunting her present. She showed up unannounced one day, her presence casting a shadow over Amelia's already tumultuous life.
“Are you sure it was her?" Robert asked, his brow furrowed with concern as he sat across from Amelia at the kitchen table. Amelia nodded; her hands clenched into fists. "I saw her, Dad. It was her. She tried to talk to me, but I just couldn't... I couldn't do it." Robert reached across the table, his hand finding hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You did the right thing, sweetheart. I'll take care of it. I'll make sure she can't hurt you again."
Following Her
The next day, her mother was there after school again. She followed her in a taxi cab. "Amelia, honey, it's me," Martha's voice trembled with emotion as she reached out to touch her daughter's arm.
Amelia recoiled instinctively, her heart pounding in her chest. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice laced with anger and hurt. "I came back for you, sweetheart," Martha replied, her eyes pleading for forgiveness. "I want to make things right."
Trying Too Late
Amelia wasn't buying it. She had grown weary of her mother's empty promises and broken dreams. She knew better than to let herself be fooled again. "I don't need you anymore," she spat out bitterly. "You left us, remember? You abandoned me."
Martha's face fell, her eyes brimming with tears. "I know, and I'm sorry," she whispered hoarsely. "But please, give me another chance."
You're Embarrassing Me
Amelia shook her head resolutely. "No, Mom. I can't keep letting you hurt me like this. The trust fund Dad set up for me is for my future, not for you to squander away."
Martha's desperation turned to anger as she realized that her daughter was not going to yield to her manipulations. "You ungrateful child!" she hissed. "I gave birth to you, I raised you! I deserve a second chance!" But Amelia remained unmoved. She had made up her mind to protect herself and her future from her mother's toxic influence.
It Wasn’t My Fault
As Martha stormed out of the school, Amelia couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt gnawing at her heart. Despite everything, a part of her still longed for the mother she once knew, the mother who had held her hand and wiped away her tears.
This woman may have a biological connection to her, but she never truly cared for her. Because her father started losing interest in her. But she knew that she couldn't afford to let her guard down. Not now, not ever.
Robert Reacts
True to his word, Robert wasted no time in securing Amelia's trust fund. He transferred the funds to a new bank account, one that Martha couldn't access even if she tried.
But despite her father's efforts to protect her, Amelia couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. Martha's sudden appearance had dredged up memories and emotions Amelia had long tried to bury.
A Troubled Teen
As her eighteenth birthday drew nearer, the sense of impending doom only grew stronger. What if Martha found a way to get to her? What if she showed up on her doorstep, demanding what she believed was rightfully hers?
Amelia tossed and turned in her bed, unable to find solace in sleep. The clock on her bedside table ticked away the minutes, each chime of the hour a reminder of the approaching deadline. How could a daughter be scared of her own mother?
You’re Legal Now
The day of her eighteenth birthday dawned gray and overcast, the sky heavy with the weight of impending rain. But for Amelia, the weather was the least of her concerns. Today was the day she would gain access to her trust fund, the day she had both dreaded and longed for in equal measure.
As she made her way downstairs, she found her father waiting for her in the kitchen, a small wrapped box sitting on the table before him. "Happy birthday, sweetheart," Robert said, a warm smile lighting up his face as he pushed the box towards her.
As Promised
It was a Saturday morning and Robert had a fun-filled day of activities planned for her. Amelia's heart swelled with gratitude for her father's unwavering love and support. She reached for the box, her fingers trembling slightly as she untied the ribbon and lifted the lid.
Inside, nestled among layers of tissue paper, was a key. A key card to her new bank account, her father explained, a symbol of her newfound independence and security.
Not Mine Alone
But even as she thanked her father and hugged him tightly, the worry still gnawed at the edges of her mind. What if Martha found out about the new account? What if she came back, demanding her share of the money?
Amelia tried to push aside her fears as she went about her day, surrounded by friends and family who had come to celebrate her birthday. But no matter how hard she tried to suppress them, her worries lingered like a shadow, a constant reminder of the danger lurking just beyond the horizon.
A Call She Didn’t Expect
Just as the party began to wind down, Amelia’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen, and her heart sank. It was Martha. Reluctantly, she answered. “Happy birthday, Amelia,” her mother's voice purred. “I hope you’re enjoying your new fortune. I just wanted to remind you, I deserve some of that.”
Amelia clenched her jaw. “You’ll never get it,” she replied, hanging up before Martha could respond. She tried to focus on the celebration, but Martha’s words echoed in her mind.
Unexpected Visitor
The next morning, Amelia was startled by a knock at the door. She opened it cautiously, only to find a stranger standing on the porch, holding an envelope. “Amelia Caster?” he asked.
Nodding, she took the envelope from him, her heart pounding. As the man left, she tore it open, revealing legal documents. Martha was suing her for a portion of the trust fund. Amelia’s hands shook as she skimmed through the papers. “This can’t be happening,” she whispered.
Robert Steps In
Amelia rushed to her father, her face pale as she handed him the documents. Robert’s expression darkened as he read through them. “This is outrageous,” he muttered. “She’s not entitled to a cent.”
He hugged Amelia tightly, promising to handle it. “I’ll get the best lawyer we can find,” he said firmly. “She won’t touch your money. Not if I can help it.” Amelia wanted to believe him, but a nagging fear remained that Martha would find a way.
How Could She
Amelia was beside herself. How could her own mother do this to her on her birthday when she was ready to receive guests for her party? Her mother had never changed after all. She was the same manipulative and vindictive person she had always been.
However, she was going to let this put a damper on her special day. Her father promised that nothing would come of it. She trusted him.
Trying To Enjoy Her Party
Throughout the day, Amelia tried to enjoy her party however, she kept thinking about her mother and what she could do next. “Honey, don’t worry so much. Please enjoy your day. All these people are here for you. I’ll handle your mother,” her father reassured her.
Amelia hugged her mother, and she knew that he would do everything he could to protect her, but she just couldn’t help but worry. Her mother was unpredictable.
An Unhappy Birthday
As the day drew to a close and the guests began to leave, Amelia found herself alone in her room once again. The silence of the house enveloped her like a suffocating blanket, amplifying the sound of her own racing heartbeat.
She sat at her desk, the key to her new bank account clutched tightly in her hand. Outside, the wind howled mournfully, rattling the windows in their frames. And in that moment, as she stared out into the darkness, Amelia couldn't shake the feeling that her mother was out there somewhere, waiting, watching, ready to pounce when the time was right.
A Legal Nightmare
The next morning, Amelia received another call, but this time it was from her father’s lawyer. “We’ve received the lawsuit. It’s a long shot, but we’ll fight this,” he assured her.
Amelia's anxiety only deepened. She had always dreaded confrontation, and now her own mother was dragging her into a legal battle. Despite the lawyer’s reassurances, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of Martha’s attempts to manipulate her.
A Desperate Mother
Martha was relentless. Days passed, and Amelia received message after message, each one more desperate than the last. “You owe me this, Amelia! I gave you life, and you’re just going to take all that money for yourself?”
The emotional manipulation was suffocating, but Amelia refused to respond. She knew better than to engage, knowing any interaction would only fuel Martha's fire. But her mother’s persistence made her feel trapped.
Seeking Refuge
Amelia started spending more time at Sarah’s house, trying to find refuge from the chaos her mother was creating. “You need to focus on yourself, Amelia,” Sarah said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “This isn’t your fault. She’s just trying to guilt you.”
Amelia nodded, but deep down, she felt the weight of guilt anyway. Could she have done something differently? Could she have stopped this before it spiraled out of control?
A Cold Realization
One evening, as she sat on Sarah’s porch, Amelia realized that her relationship with Martha was beyond repair. No matter how much she wished her mother would change, the reality was that Martha only saw her daughter as a means to an end.
“She never really cared about me,” Amelia whispered. Sarah looked at her with concern but didn’t argue. “I just wish I could forget she ever existed,” she added, tears brimming in her eyes.
More Demands
Despite Amelia’s silence, Martha didn’t stop. A few days later, just when Amelia thought it was safe to go back home to her dad again, Martha showed up, shouting through the door. “You can’t ignore me forever, Amelia! You’ll see—I’m not going anywhere until I get what I deserve!”
Amelia sat on the stairs, her body trembling with anger and fear. Robert was at work, and she felt vulnerable without him there. She texted him urgently, and within minutes, Robert was on his way home.
Police Involvement
Robert arrived home to find Martha still at the door, shouting and banging. Without hesitation, he called the police. “I’m sorry, Amelia, but she’s left us no choice,” he said.
When the police arrived, they escorted Martha away. “This isn’t over!” she screamed as they led her to the car. Amelia stood by the window, watching in disbelief as her mother was taken away. It was a scene she never imagined would be part of her life.
A Brief Respite
After the police intervention, things quieted down for a while. Amelia hoped that maybe, just maybe, Martha would finally give up. But she knew better than to let her guard down completely.
“I can’t believe she’s pushing it this far,” Amelia said, sitting on the couch with her father. “She won’t stop, will she?” Robert sighed, his face lined with concern. “I’m afraid not, sweetheart. We’ll just have to be ready for whatever comes next.”
Bracing for Battle
The days leading up to the court hearing were tense. Amelia tried to focus on school and her friends, but Martha’s shadow loomed large over everything. Her father did his best to shield her from the worst of it, but Amelia knew there was no escaping this battle.
As the court date approached, she braced herself for what was to come, determined to protect her future—no matter the cost.
A Swift Decision
As the hearing came to a close, the judge looked sternly at Martha. “This court finds no legal grounds for your claim to the trust fund. The money was set aside solely for Amelia by her late father, and you have no right to it,” she declared. Martha’s lawyer tried to interject, but the judge cut him off. “The case is dismissed.”
Amelia let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Relief washed over her as she squeezed her father’s hand. It was over.
Moving Forward
As they left the courtroom, Robert hugged Amelia tightly. “You did it,” he said, his voice filled with pride. Amelia nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. Martha stormed out of the courthouse, still muttering threats under her breath, but Amelia didn’t care anymore.
For the first time in years, she felt free. Free to live her life without fear of her mother’s manipulations. And as she walked away with her father, she knew she could finally move forward, leaving the past behind.
Family Stress
With a heavy heart, she slipped the key into her pocket, a silent vow to remain vigilant against the threat that loomed on the horizon. Amelia knew that even though her mother may have been gone for now, she would always be lurking in the shadows, ready to strike when least expected.
And until that day came, Amelia would do everything in her power to protect herself and the life she had fought so hard to build. She had to protect herself from her own mother.
Martha Made A Move
When she returned home that evening, she found her father waiting for her with a solemn expression on his face. "Your mother came by," he said quietly. “I got rid of her,” he said suspiciously. "I've transferred the trust fund with $ 500,000 to a new account. It's in your name now." Amelia nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
With her father's unwavering support, she knew that she would be able to chart her own course in life, free from the shadows of her past. Over the following days, Amelia threw herself into her studies with renewed determination. She poured over college brochures and scholarship applications, dreaming of a future where she could leave behind the pain and uncertainty of her adolescence.
Martha Is After Her
That Monday, after her eighteenth birthday party, she went to school feeling like herself. As she stood before her classmates, a sense of triumph welled up inside her. She had made it against all odds.
But even as she celebrated her newfound independence, a nagging fear lingered in the back of her mind. What if her mother decided to come back? What if she tried to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers?
Amelia’s Money
As she looked at all her gifts from her birthday, a sense of foreboding settled over her like a dark cloud. She knew that the battle was far from over and that she would have to remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt the fragile peace she had fought so hard to achieve.
But for now, she allowed herself to bask in the glow of her achievements, knowing that she had overcome every obstacle that had been thrown in her path. And as she drifted off to sleep that night, she whispered a silent prayer, hoping against hope that her mother would never darken her doorstep again.