She finally told me the story of how my stepdad told her that was something had ruined their marriage. My mom had said that during dinner on Saturday, my stepdad asked her why she didn't pay attention to him as often, she responded with a, "Because I work too much." He then told her how she doesn't love him so he found someone who does. She looked up from her plate and she said, "Oh, yeah? Then get the f*ck out." She called my biological dad that night, he then went with my older brother outside, told me to stay inside, and he told my brother the news.

    My brother had to go home early because of the conflict I didn’t know about and my mom told me that when he got home my stepdad was packing all of his stuff. My mother also told me that my brother, Rosendo, was so mad that he threw all of my stepdad's belongings onto the dewy grass. After hearing the series of events that led to the now empty-feeling house, I broke down in tears not because of Tom (my stepdad) but because of me seeing such a strong woman so broken. My mom started drinking every night, and she started going out to clubs. She even started online dating. Basically, online dating didn't work out and she flirted with Tom's best friend to figure out information. She told me that Tom had been cheating since they met, especially when he went on "business trips" or to "football games". 

    I was involved too much and I can admit that but I wanted to help my mom cope. She kept inviting over Tom to help us with yard work but I know it was an excuse to see him. During the summer I usually go to New Hampshire to visit my grandmother and go to summer camp. When I came back in July, it was uncomfortably warm and the air felt dry. I went from my airplane's gate to baggage claim. When I look down from the escalator I saw my sister-in-law, and my mom hand-in-hand with Tom. My heart sank and I felt betrayed. After all, I had done to get over it, after countless days of empowering conversations with my mom, he was standing there. I didn't know what gave him the courage to try to hug me but I ran to my sister-in-law because I was too hurt to look at my mom. 

    A half a year later my mom and Tom got married for a second time on February 14, 2013. Since then, I've hated Tom with all of my being, my blood boils every time he tries talking to me. To my family he is manipulative, hurtful, and doesn't even pay the bills. He is a piece of baggage that my family doesn't need but my mom loves him to the point where my opinion doesn't matter. Everyone that hears these series of events tells me to, "Move on, Nichole." I just want them to know that there are things that are unforgivable. People like him don't deserve sympathy. Even now in 2018, I still am full of hatred for Tom. I learned that even if I’m hurt by someone else’s decision, in the end it is their decision and life moves on.