My Daughter Said I Was No Longer the Mother She Needed and Moved in With Her Stepmother — Story of the Day

“You are still her father. Not just her friend. She needs a dad who teaches her what’s right and what’s wrong.”

“Jessica says this behavior is normal for teenagers,” Ben replied. “She says we should let her express herself.”

I let out a heavy sigh and covered my face with my hands. Then I looked at Ben again. “Jessica has never had children, Ben. She has no idea what this feels like. She doesn’t understand how dangerous this is. She doesn’t care what happens to Mary-Ann.”

Ben frowned. “Stop it. What’s the worst that can happen? Jessica does care. She’s Mary-Ann’s stepmother now.” He looked uncomfortable. “Look, we haven’t told anyone yet, but Jessica is pregnant. So soon she will be a mother.”

Before I could even process that, the front door opened. Jessica walked in, followed by Mary-Ann. She looked excited. Her eyes were glowing.

“Mom, Jessica gave me a motorcycle!” Mary-Ann shouted.

I stared at her, shocked. “What?!” I could barely get the word out.

Ben smiled like it was no big deal. “Yes, it’s our surprise for Mary-Ann’s fifteenth birthday.”

“Did you not think to discuss it with me first?” I asked, looking from Ben to Jessica.