My Stepmom Tried to Kick Me Out — What She Found Made Her Reconsider

After a long day at work, I was completely exhausted. I had college classes during the day and worked shifts at a gaming store at night. It felt like I was always busy. I never wanted a part-time job, especially since my dad’s income was enough to pay for my needs.

But my stepmom, Karen, insisted that it would “teach me responsibility.” As soon as I walked in the door, my dad and Karen started questioning me. Karen immediately asked, “Why are you late? You were supposed to clean today!”

I tried to stay calm.

“I had a long day. I’ll clean tomorrow,” I said.

My stepmom crossed her arms and replied sharply, “Tomorrow? That’s not how responsibility works, Marcus.”

I couldn’t help myself. “You’re home all day. Is cleaning really that hard?”

Her face turned red. “How dare YOU speak to ME like that!”

Just then, Dad came into the room, looking back and forth between us. “What’s going on?”

“Marcus refuses to clean,” Karen said, crossing her arms.

“I’m not refusing. I said I’ll do it tomorrow. I’m tired,” I explained, trying to hold back my anger.

Dad sighed and looked at Karen. “He’ll do it tomorrow. Let’s just leave it at that.”

Feeling relieved, I turned to go to my room, but Dad stopped me. “Don’t go anywhere tonight, son. We have news to share.”

I nodded and headed upstairs.

Later, when Dad came to get me, I dragged myself down to the table, where a cold plate of leftovers was waiting. As I picked at my food, I felt Karen’s and Dad’s eyes on me.

“What’s this big news?” I asked, looking up.

Dad shared a quick look with Karen. “We’re pregnant!” they announced together.

I froze and almost choked. “Uh… congratulations,” I managed, forcing a smile.

Dad looked excited, but Karen’s face remained cold.

Turning serious, Dad began, “Son, I don’t know how to say this… but…”

“Actually, Marcus,” Karen interrupted, cutting Dad off, “YOU need to move out.”

“What? Dad, what is she talking about?!” I stammered, shocked.

Karen looked unfazed. “My baby is on the way, and we need to prepare the house. You’ll just be in the way. We need space for our child.”

“Dad? Where will I go? I can’t afford rent… I work part-time and study! And… this is my home too! Dad, say something! Please!” I pleaded, feeling betrayed.

Dad shifted uncomfortably, looking at me and then at Karen, but stayed silent.

Realizing I was alone in this, I said, “You know what? You two can go to hell!” and stormed off to my room, slamming the door.

That night, I lay there feeling lost and abandoned. They couldn’t just throw me out like this, I thought desperately. As I listened to their muffled voices through the door, I pressed my ear against it.

Dad sounded unsure as he said, “Maybe he should stay until he finishes school…”

Karen replied sharply, “Tom, we’ve talked about this. He has to go.”

At that moment, I felt completely alone.

Karen suddenly walked into my room without knocking. “You have three days to figure it out,” she said.

Heat rushed to my face. “I’m a student with a part-time job! I can’t afford a place, let alone in three days!”

But I was talking to her back as she walked away.

Then I thought of Grandma Rose. Maybe she would help. I dialed her number, my hands shaking.

“Grandma Rose? It’s Marcus,” I managed to say.

“Marcus? What’s wrong?” she asked, sounding concerned.

I told her everything, barely holding back my tears.

Rose listened quietly, then said, “Do nothing, sweetheart. I’ll be there soon.”

The next day, my great-aunt Rose arrived at our door, her eyes blazing. She didn’t waste any time.

“Everyone to the living room. Now,” she commanded.

Karen glared at Rose, but my grandma spoke first.

“How dare you throw a child out of his home?” she demanded, her voice strong.

“Marcus isn’t a child,” Karen shot back.

“Until he finishes school, he is,” Rose replied. “But none of that matters. This is Marcus’s house. He isn’t going anywhere.”

I blinked, shocked, as Karen scoffed. Rose’s next words silenced her.

“My late sister left the house to Marcus before she passed. It’s been his since he turned eighteen.”

There was silence, and Karen’s face twisted with anger. But Rose continued.

“And by the way, Karen, how’s that wine you were drinking? Odd for a pregnant woman.”

Karen’s face went pale. “What? How do you know about that?”

“I saw you this morning at the café with your friend on my way here,” Rose said.

“There is no baby!” Karen exclaimed, horrified by her mistake.

Dad looked at her, stunned. “You lied?” he whispered.

Karen tried to recover, but Rose’s calm voice interrupted. “Pack your things and go.”

Within minutes, Karen was gone. Dad looked at me, filled with regret.

“I’m sorry, son. I don’t know what came over me.”

For the first time in a long time, I felt safe. I hugged him, relieved to finally be home.