My dad divorced my mom when I was 4 and married Jane. Jane is honestly amazing. She really looked out for us and made sure Dad supported us. Seriously, she’s nothing like those evil stepmoms in stories. Of course, my mom hated Jane, blaming her for everything.

But get this — last year, things got SUPER WEIRD. Mom started popping over to Jane’s place, all under the guise of making peace. She even showed up at their family dinners and started buying toys for my half-brothers, Jane’s kids with Dad. It was so suspicious because my mom NEVER LIKED them or Jane.

Then, just the other day, I overheard the truth. So, I got home earlier and found Mom red-faced and fuming, screaming into the phone, “MY PLAN FAILED! THAT OLD HAG JANE WON’T BUDGE!”

I froze, heart pounding, and listened further. “How could she be so stubborn? I thought by playing nice and getting close, I’d be able to make her look bad in front of the kids and your dad. But she’s impossible! Always so kind and perfect. Now they all love her even more!”

Then, just the other day, I overheard the truth. So, I got home earlier and found Mom red-faced and fuming, screaming into the phone, “MY PLAN FAILED! THAT OLD HAG JANE WON’T BUDGE!”

I froze, heart pounding, and listened further. “How could she be so stubborn? I thought by playing nice and getting close, I’d be able to make her look bad in front of the kids and your dad. But she’s impossible! Always so kind and perfect. Now they all love her even more!”

“But Jane’s amazing!” I countered. “She’s always been good to us, and she makes Dad happy. Why can’t you see that?”

Mom just shook her head, muttering about how she was the real victim. But I couldn’t take it anymore. I stormed out and went straight to Jane.

“Jane,” I said, tears streaming down my face, “I just want you to know that I choose you. You’ve always been there for us, and I won’t let Mom’s schemes ruin what we have.”

Jane hugged me tightly, tears in her eyes too. “Thank you,” she whispered. “That means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

I moved in with Dad and Jane after that. It was a tough decision, but it felt right. I still love my mom, but her actions were too much to forgive right now. She needed to understand that her bitterness and manipulation would only push me further away. A few weeks later, Mom called, crying and apologizing. She said she realized how much she had hurt me and that she was going to seek therapy to deal with her issues. I told her I hoped she would find peace and that maybe, in time, we could rebuild our relationship.

For now, I’m focusing on the family who loves and respects me. Jane has shown me what it means to be truly cared for, and I won’t let anyone take that away from us. Am I wrong for choosing her over my real mom? I don’t think so. Sometimes, family is about more than blood; it’s about who shows up and loves you unconditionally.