Everything was perfect at my wedding until I noticed my Mom was missing. Moments later, she burst in, disheveled and furious, pointing a trembling finger. We were stunned to learn she’d been locked in a closet by someone close for reasons we could never have imagined.
My whole family was buzzing with excitement about my wedding to Fabian, my longtime boyfriend. But the person floating on cloud nine was my mom, Adele. As an only child, I’d always been close to both my parents, but Mom and I shared a special bond. She’d dreamed of this day for years…
Wedding preparations | Source: Pexels
We’d spent countless hours planning every detail together. Choosing our outfits felt like a fashion show, cake tasting turned into a sugar-fueled adventure, and when we picked the song for the Father-Daughter dance, we both ended up in tears.
“Oh, Bella,” Mom had said, wiping her eyes as I tried on the wedding gown. “I can’t believe my little girl is all grown up and getting married.”
I hugged her tight. “I’ll always be your little girl, Mom.”
A young woman in a bridal dress sharing an emotional moment with her mother | Source: Pexels
On the big day, everything seemed perfect. I stood at the back of the church, my heart racing as Dad took my arm.
“Ready, sweetheart?” he asked, his voice thick with love.
I nodded, too choked up to speak. The doors swung open, and we began our walk down the aisle. I locked eyes with Fabian, his smile brighter than the sun. But as we neared the altar, my stomach dropped. Something was terribly wrong.
I scanned the sea of faces, panic rising in my chest. MOM WASN’T THERE.
An extremely shocked bride | Source: Midjourney
“Dad,” I whispered urgently, “where’s Mom?”
His brow furrowed as he looked around. “I… I don’t know. I thought she was here.”
I stopped dead in my tracks, the music screeching to a halt. All eyes turned to me.
“We can’t start,” I said, my voice shaking. “Mom’s missing.”
A startled bride covering her mouth | Source: Midjourney
Fabian rushed to my side, concern etched on his face. “Bella, what’s wrong?”
“My Mom,” I choked out. “She’s not here. We need to find her.”
I turned to my brothers in the front row. “Can you guys look for her? Please?”
They nodded, jumping up and rushing out of the church. Fabian squeezed my hand. “I’m sure she’s fine. Probably just got held up somewhere.”
A bride and groom holding hands | Source: Unsplash
But as the minutes ticked by, dread settled in my stomach. This wasn’t like Mom at all. She wouldn’t miss my wedding for the world.
Guests shifted uncomfortably, whispering amongst themselves. I paced back and forth, my wedding dress swishing with each step.
“Maybe we should call the police,” I said, wringing my hands.
Grayscale close-up shot of a woman’s teary eyes | Source: Pexels
Fabian put his arm around me. “Let’s give your Dad and brothers a little more time. I’m sure they’ll find her.”
But as an hour crawled by, I felt anything but sure. The church was filled with hushed conversations and worried glances.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I muttered to Fabian. “What if something terrible happened to her?”
He pulled me close. “Try not to think like that. We’ll find her, I promise.”
Grayscale rear view of a bride | Source: Unsplash
Just when I was about to insist on calling the authorities, the church doors burst open. Mom stumbled in, followed by Dad and my brothers. Her perfectly styled hair was a mess, her makeup smeared, and her golden dress wrinkled.
“Mom!” I cried, rushing towards her. “What happened? Where were you?”
But before she could answer, her eyes locked on someone in the front row. Her face contorted with rage.
“YOU!” she screamed, pointing a shaking finger.
An angry senior woman pointing her finger | Source: Midjourney
I followed her gaze, shocked to see my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Grace, shrinking in her seat.
“Mom, what’s going on?” I asked, my heart pounding.
She whirled to face me, her eyes blazing. “Your mother-in-law LOCKED ME in the closet! Can you believe that? Just because I wore an expensive golden dress.”
The church erupted into shocked gasps and furious whispers. I felt like I was in some bizarre dream.
Close-up side view of a casual older woman | Source: Pexels
“What? That’s crazy,” I sputtered, looking between Mom and Grace.
Grace jumped to her feet, her face pale. “This is ridiculous! I would never—”
“Oh, save it!” Mom snapped, rolling her eyes. “I overheard you telling your sister that you had to be the only one in gold! This isn’t the first time you’ve been jealous, but it’s the first time you’ve done something so horrible because of it.”
Fabian stepped forward, his jaw clenched. “Mom, is this true? Did you lock Mrs. Jacobs in the closet?”
A furious senior woman turning to her side and pointing her finger at someone | Source: Midjourney
Grace’s composure crumbled. She wrung her hands, her voice shaky. “I just… I thought… she was trying to outshine me!”
Fabian’s face darkened with anger. “Mom, this is Bella’s wedding day, not yours! How could you do something so petty and cruel? You need to leave. Now.”
“But…” Grace stammered, “I just made a small mistake! I couldn’t stand seeing her get all the attention in that dress.”
“No buts,” Fabian growled. “You’ve ruined enough of this day. Leave.”
Close-up of a man in a black and teal tuxedo | Source: Pexels
Grace’s face twisted into a scowl. “Fine! You’ll regret this!” She snatched up her purse and stormed out, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.
For a moment, no one moved. Then Dad cleared his throat. “Alright, everyone. Let’s get back to celebrating this wonderful couple!”
Slowly, the tension eased. Fabian turned to me, his eyes filled with remorse. “Bella, I’m so sorry. I had no idea my mother would do something so awful like this.”
Portrait of an older woman smirking | Source: Pexels
I squeezed his hand. “It’s not your fault. Let’s just focus on us now, okay?”
He nodded, a small smile returning to his face. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I whispered.
As we retook our places at the altar, I caught Mom’s eye. She gave me a reassuring nod and relief flooded through me. We were going to get through this.
Rear view of a bride and groom seated in front of the altar | Source: Pexels
The ceremony resumed, and despite the earlier drama, I felt a surge of joy as Fabian and I exchanged our vows. When the priest pronounced us husband and wife, the church erupted in cheers.
As we walked back down the aisle, now as husband and wife, I leaned close to Fabian. “Well, that wasn’t quite how I imagined our wedding going.”
He chuckled softly. “Me neither. But hey, at least it’ll be a wedding no one forgets, right?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s one way to look at it.”
A newlywed couple holding hands and walking together | Source: Unsplash
The reception was in full swing, the earlier chaos all but forgotten as guests danced and laughed. I found myself by the punch bowl, finally able to breathe.
“Some wedding, huh?” a voice said beside me. I turned to see Aunt Wima, shaking her head. “I can’t believe Grace did that. What a nightmare of a mother-in-law.”
“I know,” I sighed. “It’s still hard to process.”
Another guest chimed in. “I’m glad Fabian stood up to her. Shows what kind of man he is.”
People dancing at a wedding reception | Source: Pexels
I smiled, spotting Fabian across the room. He caught my eye and winked, making my heart flutter.
“Speaking of nightmares,” Aunt Wilma continued, “where is your Mom? Poor thing must be traumatized.”
I scanned the room, realizing I hadn’t seen her in a while. “I should go check on her.”
A smiling bride holding a bouquet | Source: Unsplash
I found Mom sitting alone on a bench in the garden, staring at the stars. She looked up as I approached, a sad smile on her face.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she said softly.
I sat down beside her, taking her hand. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that, Mom.”
She squeezed my fingers. “It’s alright, sweetheart. The important thing is that you’re happy and married to a wonderful man.”
A bride smiling with her eyes closed | Source: Midjourney
I felt tears prick my eyes. “But it’s not alright. This was supposed to be perfect, and instead…”
“Hey,” Mom said, turning to face me. “Life isn’t perfect, Bella. But it’s how we handle the imperfections that matter. And you? You handled today beautifully.”
I leaned my head on her shoulder, feeling like a little girl again. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, sweetie,” she whispered, kissing the top of my head.
A smiling senior woman in a shimmery golden dress | Source: Midjourney
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment before she spoke again. “Now, enough moping. It’s your wedding day! Let’s go dance.”
Back inside, the party was in full swing. Fabian swept me onto the dance floor, pulling me close.
“Everything okay?” he asked, concern in his eyes.
I nodded, smiling up at him. “Better than okay. I was just thinking about how lucky I am.”
A bride smiling | Source: Unsplash
His brow furrowed. “Lucky? After everything that happened today?”
“Absolutely,” I said firmly. “Because at the end of it all, I’m married to you. And that’s all that matters.”
Fabian’s face softened, his eyes shining with love. “I promise, Bella, I’ll always protect you and stand by your side. No matter what.”
I reached up, touching his cheek. “I know. And that’s why I love you.”
Grayscale shot of a bride and groom embracing each other | Source: Unsplash
As we swayed to the music, I caught sight of Mom and Dad dancing nearby. Mom winked at me, and I felt a rush of gratitude. Despite everything, we were all here, together.
The evening ended with laughter, dancing, and a sense of relief that the worst was behind us.
As Fabian and I said our goodbyes, heading off to start our new life together, a thrill ran through me. Whatever challenges lay ahead, we’d face them together, surrounded by the love of our family and friends.
A newlywed couple dancing | Source: Unsplash
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Children Kick Poorly Dressed Girl from School Bus, ‘You Stink!’ They Say until They See Her Photo on TV — Story of the Day
Children made fun of a poorly dressed girl they’d ride the school bus with, teasing her that she stunk. They were surprised to see her on TV one day, which changed how they saw her entirely.
Nikki was not like everybody else in the first grade. She was a lot shorter than her classmates and was frail and fragile.
Everybody in her class knew that Nikki only had her mother living with her and that they lived a poor life. Unfortunately, one day, things went from bad to worse.
Nikki would take the bus home every day as her mother worked two jobs to raise her. The bus driver, Mrs. Evans, was already used to Nikki riding the bus by herself and would expect her every day.
Nikki would walk to the bus stop alone every day, and no one knew why. | Source: Pexels
One day, Mrs. Evans noticed that Nikki looked very sad as she waited for the bus. She was dressed in old clothes filled with holes, runs, and stains.
“Good morning, Nikki!” Mrs. Evans greeted. “Are you alright?”
Nikki looked up at Mrs. Evans and smiled. “Good morning, Mrs. Evans. Yes, I’m fine,” she said, getting on the bus. She was glad that someone spoke to her, as she was used to everybody else ignoring her.
As she boarded the bus, there were already several children inside. One girl, Martha Reeves, was a spoiled rich girl from the second grade. She spotted Nikki immediately and laughed at her clothes.
“Oh my gosh!” the young girl exclaimed. “Look at that scarecrow!” she said, pointing at Nikki.
Nikki was embarrassed that the girls in the school bus decided to make fun of her. | Source: Pexels
Nikki looked down, ashamed at the sudden attention being placed on her. She quietly sat on her seat on the last row of the bus and cried.
“Where did you find these clothes? In the garbage?” Martha asked, going closer to Nikki’s seat to tease her. As she got closer, she suddenly pinched her nose.
“Ew! You stink like a garbage bag!” she told Nikki. Martha’s friends chimed in, pinching their noses as well.
“Do you bathe or even brush your teeth?” one said, laughing.
“You can’t be serious. You can’t go to school looking and smelling like this,” Martha said, pulling Nikki from her seat. “Come on, go home! Get out of the bus and return to your filthy home,” she said, tugging at her arm.
Kids would make fun of Nikki for how she looked every day. | Source: Pexels
Nikki was in pain, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she quietly sobbed as the girls picked on her and tried to kick her off the school bus.
Then, suddenly, the girls jumped at a scream. “That’s enough! Stop torturing this poor girl,” she said.
Mrs. Evans heard everything and decided to stop the bus to stand up for Nikki. She walked towards the back as soon as she yelled and asked Nikki to sit in front, right behind the driver’s seat.
After they were dropped off at school, Mrs. Evans could not stop thinking about the incident on the bus. She decided to find out why Nikki would show up to school in dirty-looking clothes.
So, after work, she dropped by Nikki’s house. She learned the whole truth and was surprised at what she saw there. Mrs. Evans’ daughter worked in a media company. She called her daughter and immediately told her Nikki’s story.
Nikki would sit quietly at school everyday because she didn’t want to draw attention to herself. | Source: Pexels
The following week, Nikki showed up at the bus stop in ragged clothes. Martha and her friends covered their noses and whispered amongst themselves. Mrs. Evans shook her head, but she was glad that the girls no longer said anything mean to Nikki’s face.
A couple of days later, there was a meeting at school for teachers, children, and their parents. Nikki and her mother did not show up. Mrs. Evans walked into the classroom and turned on the TV in the middle of the meeting.
One of the most-watched TV channels was airing a story about Nikki. It was shot by Mrs. Evans’ daughter and picked up by the station.
A famous TV station decided to cover Nikki’s story to inspire others. | Source: Pexels
When Mrs. Evans learned about Nikki’s story, she realized that the whole country could learn a thing or two about how she lived. Despite being a small and frail girl, she had a powerful character that inspired the bus driver.
Nikki grew up without a father and had learned the value of independence. Nikki’s mother fell ill, and insurance decided not to cover the treatment. So, as Nikki’s mom was bedridden, she could no longer take Nikki to school, cook her meals, or clean the house.
Nikki took on the responsibilities of taking care of herself and her mother while her mom was sick. She cleaned the house, took out the garbage, cooked food for her and her mom, washed her own clothes, and fed her mom medicine.
After watching the show, Martha and Nikki’s other classmates realized why Nikki’s clothes were always tattered and dirty – she had been taking on responsibilities even before going to school.
The TV news glorified the small yet brave and strong Nikki. Mrs. Evans revealed the real reason why she decided to turn on the TV, addressing the parents in the room.
Mrs. Evans attended the parent-teacher conference to share Nikki’s story. | Source: Pexels
“Your children mock Nikki on the bus every day. Kids, I hope the show taught you how important it is to be kind to everyone we meet every day. Everybody is fighting a battle not everyone knows about, and it’s best to be kind no matter the situation,” she told them.
Since that day, nobody mocked Nikki ever again. The kids would always say hi first and treat her with kindness by offering her snacks and drinks on the way to school.
Martha and her friends also gifted Nikki with some of their dresses so that she could wear clean clothes to school every day. Their parents also pooled money so Nikki’s mom could undergo surgery.
Soon after, the woman was able to return home from the hospital and begin working again. As they got home, they were surprised to see the director of the TV station waiting for them with a check.
“These are donations from the TV viewers moved by your story. We hope you use this to secure Nikki’s future and better your living situation,” the director said as she handed the check.
With the money, Nikki and her mom could secure her college tuition. They were also able to buy themselves a small new house and live comfortably.
What can we learn from this story?
- A Scottish proverb once said: “do not judge by appearances; a rich heart may be under a poor coat.” The children were quick to judge Nikki for how she looked, without realizing that she had been struggling to take care of herself while her mother was sick. It’s important not to judge others quickly, as we never know what they’re going through.
Share this story with your loved ones. It might inspire them and make their day.
If you liked this story, you might like this one about a school bus driver who found out one of the students riding his bus did not get off at the last stop for the reason that taught him a valuable lesson.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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