When Lena agrees to help her neighbor Karen by driving their daughters to school, she thinks it’s just a one-time favor. But as Karen’s requests become a daily expectation, Lena starts feeling used. When Karen refuses to return the favor with a blatant lie, Lena decides to teach her a lesson.
I used to think I was one of those people who could just go with the flow, you know? Avoid drama, and keep things pleasant. But that all started to change the morning Karen knocked on my door.
A woman looking at a front door | Source: Midjourney
“Lena, hey! I’m so sorry to bother you this early,” Karen said, flashing that overly sweet smile of hers.
I was still in my pajamas, trying to coax my brain into waking up with a cup of coffee. Sophie, my eight-year-old, was upstairs getting dressed for school. The last thing I expected was a surprise visit from the neighbor.
“No bother at all, Karen,” I replied, yawning as I opened the door wider. “What’s up?”
A woman answering her front door | Source: Midjourney
“I have an early meeting today, and I was wondering if you could take Emily to school with Sophie. Just this once? I hate to ask, but I’m in such a bind.”
I hesitated. Not because I didn’t want to help, but because I wasn’t sure if I could juggle two kids in the morning rush. But then I remembered how much Sophie liked Emily, and how sweet Emily always was, so I shrugged it off.
“Sure, no problem. I can drop them both off.”
Karen’s face lit up like I’d just offered her the winning lottery ticket.
A happy woman | Source: Midjourney
“You’re a lifesaver, Lena. I owe you one!”
I waved her off, smiling. “Don’t worry about it, really. It’s just a quick favor.”
That’s where it all began. A ‘quick favor’ that turned into something much more complicated.
The next morning, Karen was at my door again, looking just as polished and perky as before. “I have another early meeting today. Would you mind taking Emily again? She loves riding with Sophie, and it would be such a help.”
A woman asking a question | Source: Midjourney
This went on for weeks. Every morning, there was Karen, all smiles and gratitude, asking me to take Emily. At first, I didn’t mind. Emily was well-behaved, and Sophie loved having her along.
But soon, it started to feel less like a favor and more like an obligation. Karen wasn’t asking anymore — she was expecting.
One morning, Sophie and I were running late. I’d hit snooze on my alarm one too many times, and the house was a whirlwind of chaos. Sophie couldn’t find her shoes, the cat had knocked over a vase, and I hadn’t even had a chance to brush my hair.
A woman rushing to get ready | Source: Midjourney
As I scrambled to get us out the door, my phone buzzed with a text from Karen: Can you take Emily today?
I stared at the message. I was already frazzled, and the thought of adding another kid to the mix made me want to scream. But then, I had an idea, a simple, desperate one.
I texted Karen back: Actually, I’m running late today. Can you take Sophie?
A cell phone | Source: Pexels
I figured it was only fair. After all, I’d been driving Emily to school for weeks now. Surely Karen could handle one morning, right?
The reply came almost immediately: Sorry, the car’s too full today.
I blinked at the screen, disbelief flooding over me. Too full? Karen drove a massive SUV! And all she ever transported in there was Emily!
My mind raced, trying to come up with any reasonable explanation for that blatant lie, but there was none. Karen had just shown her true colors, and they weren’t pretty.
A woman reading a text | Source: Midjourney
That was the moment I realized I’d been played. My goodwill had been mistaken for weakness, and Karen had been taking advantage of me, plain and simple.
I wanted to march over to her house and confront her, let her know exactly what I thought of her flimsy excuse. But instead, I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm. This wasn’t the time for a confrontation. Not yet.
Instead, I got Sophie ready, drove her to school, and spent the rest of the day stewing in my anger. Every time I thought about Karen’s text, a fresh wave of frustration washed over me.
A woman near a window | Source: Midjourney
I wasn’t going to let Karen get away with this. Not anymore. She’d poked the bear one too many times, and she was about to learn that I wasn’t as much of a pushover as she thought.
The next morning, sure enough, I got the text: Can you take Emily again today?
I could practically see Karen’s smug smile as I read those words. She was so sure I’d say yes, just like every other time. And I did say yes — only this time, I had a plan.
A woman smirking | Source: Midjourney
“Hey, Sophie, how about we stop at Rosie’s Donuts on the way to school today?” I called up the stairs as I finished packing her lunch. Sophie’s favorite donut shop was just a few minutes out of the way, but I knew it’d add enough time to our trip to make Karen notice.
“Really? On a school day?” Sophie’s voice was full of excitement as she came bounding down the stairs, her backpack slung over one shoulder.
“Yep. It’s a special Friday treat. What do you say?”
A woman looking up a flight of stairs | Source: Midjourney
“Yay!” Sophie practically danced her way to the car, her ponytail bouncing behind her.
I smiled to myself, the bitterness of Karen’s betrayal easing just a little at the sight of Sophie’s joy.
As expected, Karen was waiting outside with Emily.
“Good morning, Lena!” Karen chirped, her smile bright but her eyes sharp, assessing. “Thanks again for doing this. You’re such a lifesaver.”
“Oh, no problem at all,” I replied, matching her fake cheerfulness with some of my own. “It’s always a pleasure.”
A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney
Sophie and Emily climbed into the backseat, chatting away about their favorite YouTube videos, and I pulled out of the driveway, waving to Karen as we drove off.
I could feel her eyes on us, probably already mentally checking off another morning of childcare that she didn’t have to worry about.
But today, things were different.
Instead of taking the usual route to school, I turned left at the next intersection, heading straight for Rosie’s. Emily noticed immediately.
“Miss Richards? Aren’t we supposed to go that way?” she asked.
A girl in a car | Source: Midjourney
“We’re stopping for donuts this morning, Emily,” I said with a wink.
Emily looked confused. “Won’t we be late?”
I glanced at her in the rearview mirror and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll get there in time.”
Except that wasn’t exactly true. By the time we reached the donut shop, we were already cutting it close. But I wasn’t in any rush. We strolled inside, and I let the girls pick out their favorite treats.
Donuts | Source: Pexels
“Mom, this is the best day ever!” Sophie exclaimed, her mouth full of a donut.
I smiled, savoring the moment. “Glad you think so, sweetie.”
We took our time eating, chatting about nothing in particular, while the clock ticked on. I wasn’t usually the type to make my kid late for school, but this wasn’t about Sophie or Emily. This was about making a point.
By the time we finally left Rosie’s, the morning rush had died down, and the roads were blissfully empty.
A car driving on a city street | Source: Unsplash
When we finally pulled up to the school, the parking lot was nearly empty. I could see the school staff starting to pack up from the morning drop-off, and I felt a twinge of guilt. But it was quickly drowned out by the satisfaction of knowing Karen was probably already fuming.
“Alright, girls, here we are,” I said as I parked the car. “Have a great day, and don’t forget to tell your teachers we had a special morning!”
Sophie grinned, giving me a quick hug before she and Emily hurried inside. As I watched them go, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the fallout.
A woman in her car | Source: Midjourney
Sure enough, when I got back home, Karen was standing on her porch, arms crossed, waiting for me. She looked like she was trying to keep it together, but her eyes were practically blazing with anger.
“Lena, what happened? Emily was late for school! I thought you were going to drop them off on time!” she snapped the moment I stepped out of the car.
I walked up to her, keeping my expression as innocent as possible. “Oh, Karen, I’m so sorry! But you know how it is.”
A woman looking innocent | Source: Midjourney
Her jaw tightened, and I could see the wheels turning in her head. “I see,” she said through gritted teeth. “Well, try not to let it happen again.”
“Or maybe you could take Emily yourself? Just a thought.”
Karen didn’t reply. She just turned on her heel and marched back inside, slamming the door behind her. I watched her go, feeling a wave of triumph wash over me. It wasn’t often that I stood up for myself, but this time, it felt good. Really good.
A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney
And that was the last time Karen ever asked me to take Emily to school. From then on, she made sure to get her daughter ready early enough to handle the drive herself.
She also avoided me whenever possible, clearly embarrassed and resentful, but I didn’t mind. She’d finally learned her lesson.
And I’d finally learned mine too. Being a good neighbor doesn’t mean being a doormat. Sometimes, you’ve got to stand up for yourself, even if it means taking the scenic route to get there.
A satisfied woman | Source: Midjourney
Here’s another story: Who charges a $500 bill for a family BBQ? My stepsister Karen, that’s who. Instead of paying, I decided to teach her a lesson in family hospitality — with a twist she never saw coming. Click here to read more.
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.
HOLLYWOOD SHOCK! MERYL STREEP’S 33-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER COMES OUT AS QUEER ON HER MOM’S SPECIAL DAY
Louisa Jacobson, the daughter of famous actress Meryl Streep, has publicly come out as queer. She shared the happy news on Instagram with a photo of herself and her partner, which made fans and social media users very excited.
The 33-year-old actress, known for her role in “The Gilded Age,” posted pictures with her partner, Anna Blundell, on June 22. This date was special because it was both her mother’s birthday and during Pride Month.
In her post, Jacobson shared how happy she felt, writing, “blessed to be entering the Joyful New Era bb.” Her caption referred to a recent New York Times article called “We’re Entering a Joyful New Era of Lesbian Fashion.”
Support for Jacobson’s announcement flooded social media. Blogger Sky Maddas praised her choice of timing, saying, “COMING OUT AT YOUR MOM’S BIRTHDAY IS SO ICONIC.”
Socialite Derek Blasberg also joined in with a happy “Happy Pride.” Fans left encouraging comments like “omg so happy for you!” and “We’ll support you in every era kiddo!”
Earlier in June, Jacobson gave hints about her relationship by sharing ten photos on Instagram that showed her close bond with Blundell. One photo showed them taking a mirror selfie in an elevator, both wearing matching black outfits.
Another photo featured Blundell, wearing an “ITALIA” hat, kissing Jacobson’s cheek. Jacobson, in orange-tinted sunglasses and a grey denim jacket, looked happy.
One more photo showed them holding hands while walking down the street, both in denim and black long-sleeve outfits.
In the final photo, they stood in a living room, each holding a drink and looking towards a table outside where a child was sitting alone. Jacobson captioned the post, “Cute spring things.”
Even though Jacobson has come out publicly, she has kept her romantic life mostly private. She has shared photos with Blundell, but Blundell has only posted about their relationship once on Instagram.
On December 15, 2023, Blundell, a producer, posted a similar photo with the caption “Annual update,” showing herself looking away while Jacobson smiled at the camera under red light.
Jacobson’s new relationship is similar to her mother’s romantic life. After separating from her long-time husband, Streep was rumored to be dating one of her “Only Murders in the Building” co-stars last March after their appearance at the Golden Globes.
Before the recent rumors, Meryl Streep had been married to Don Gummer for 45 years. They got married in September 1978 after knowing each other for less than a year. They met through Streep’s brother, Harry.
Now, Streep and Gummer are separated. In 2023, a spokesperson for Streep revealed that they had been living apart for more than six years. The last time they were seen together was at the 2018 Oscars.
The spokesperson said that even though Streep and Gummer still care about each other, they have decided to live separate lives.
After their split, there have been rumors that Streep might be involved with her co-star from “Only Murders in the Building,” Martin Short. The rumors started when they were seen together at the 81st Annual Golden Globes.
At the event, Streep and Short were sitting with Selena Gomez, their co-star. All three were nominated for their roles, which added to Streep’s record as the most-nominated actor in Golden Globes history.
Fans noticed the chemistry between Streep and Short and began speculating on social media about whether they might be a couple. One fan said, “Sitting with the knowledge that Meryl Streep and Martin Short might be in love but I have no proof.”
Fans thought that if Streep and Short were dating, it would be a big deal. “If Martin Short and Meryl Streep are dating, that’s the biggest power couple going,” one fan said. Another fan added, “Martin Short and Meryl Streep — be the power couple of 2024 we all need if you aren’t already.”
Like Streep, Short was also in a long-term marriage. He married his wife, Nancy Dolman, in 1980, and they were together until she passed away in 2010.
Dolman died of natural causes after Short called 911 from their Los Angeles home. They had been married for 30 years and had three children: Oliver, Henry, and Katherine.
Reports said Dolman had been battling ovarian cancer since 2007. In 2019, Short talked about his marriage and losing his wife, calling it “a triumph.” He said he still feels connected to her and seeks her guidance on decisions, especially about their children. He believes that those who have passed away continue to have an impact on their loved ones.
Short explained, “This idea that it just ends, and don’t speak of them — that’s wrong. That’s based on denial that we’re all going to die. So to me, she’s still here.” Losing his wife also led him to embrace risk-taking.
The Canadian-born actor doesn’t believe in bucket lists, focusing instead on daily happiness. He keeps a list of categories like health and career, periodically giving himself a report card to identify areas for improvement.
Short reminisced about a childhood question: “What is the most important thing in life?” His response was simple yet profound: “To be happy.” For Short, part of that happiness comes from being helpful to the people he loves. “That’s what takes you from day to day,” he added.
Now, fans speculate whether Streep is one of the people Short loves. Rumors of a romance between them intensified after they were seen together at the 2024 AFI Luncheon.
Moreover, Streep and Short’s characters in “Only Murders in the Building” fell in love during the third season of the Hulu comedy. Fans have noted their great on-screen chemistry. “Only Murders in the Building” is a collaborative creation by Steve Martin and John Hoffman.
Hoffman shared that Streep expressed gratitude to him for crafting the romantic storyline involving her and Short’s characters in the series, noting their incredible on-screen connection. In season three, episode five, Streep and Short’s characters share a date on a ferry overlooking New York City.
Hoffman recalled Streep’s fondness for the ferry location, ranking it among her top two favorite filming sites. “It was the most magical night of shooting, and they were completely beyond wonderful together,” Hoffman remarked about the scene and the chemistry between Streep and Short.
Besides their on-screen chemistry, Streep and Short have been enjoying their time together off-screen. On February 21, 2023, the pair had dinner with friends at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, California.
For their outing, Streep wore black pants with a hot pink button-down shirt and a red jacket. Short wore a gray sweater and a black blazer.
An insider shared details about their dinner. The source said, “They were really enjoying their meal and having a blast the whole time,” mentioning there was “lots of laughing” and that the group “couldn’t have been having a better time.”
Despite their close friendship, Short has denied any romantic relationship with Streep. In a January 2024 interview, Short said, “We are not a couple; we are just very good friends.”
Both Streep and her daughter Jacobson are moving on to new phases in their lives. Jacobson is in a new relationship with Blundell, and Streep is enjoying her close friendship with Short. They are both embracing these new chapters with love and support.
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