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.
My Friend Asked Me to Find out What Her Date Thinks of Her While I Was in a Clown Costume, but I Had No Idea How It Would End — Story of the Day
Being a radio host who gives dating advice doesn’t make navigating love any easier—especially when I crashed my best friend’s first date dressed as a clown. What happened that night was unexpected, and now I’m caught in a situation I never saw coming. Sometimes, life takes you where you least expect.
Once again, I found myself in Lucy’s cozy kitchen, she animatedly talked about yet another man who had caught her attention. Lucy’s love life was always buzzing with activity, unlike mine.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Finding a partner wasn’t easy for me—I didn’t want to date just to avoid being alone.
I believed it was better to wait than to settle, even if that meant coming home to my cat instead of a husband.
“He’s perfect!” Lucy said, pulling me out of my thoughts. “We’ve been texting nonstop. He’s so sweet. I think he might be different.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“So, you haven’t actually met him yet?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not yet, but we’re meeting Friday. I’m so excited. I can feel this is going to be great!” she said.
I smirked without meaning to.
“What’s that look for?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Nothing. It’s just… you don’t even know him yet. People can seem amazing online but be completely different in real life,” I said.
“You’re so distrustful. That’s why you don’t have a man,” Lucy replied, crossing her arms.
“I don’t have a man because men are idiots,” I said with a shrug.
“Not Mike. He’s wonderful. I think he might even be the one,” she said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Listen to your heart,” I replied. That was my go-to advice, though Lucy said it about every guy she met.
After that evening, I forgot about Mike and Lucy’s upcoming date—until Friday arrived, and I received a message from her.
There I was, dressed as a clown, surrounded by kids—my niece’s friends—because my brother had forgotten to hire an entertainer for her birthday party.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The striped clown suit was too tight, and the red wig itched like crazy. I could feel sweat dripping down my back as kids tugged at my oversized shoes and poked my sides.
“Well, you can do it,” my brother had said, as if asking me to juggle balloons and make kids laugh was no big deal.
“I’m a radio host, not an entertainer!” I snapped.
“It’s basically the same thing,” he replied with a grin.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Even though I wanted to storm out, we both knew I wouldn’t. I always stepped in for family, no matter how ridiculous the request.
As I tried to keep the kids from snatching my wig, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I quickly checked it, careful to keep my clown nose in place.
@Lucy
When will you be free???
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
@Me
About half an hour
@Lucy
I need your help!!!!
@Me
What happened??
I frowned. Lucy was on her date with Mike. Had something gone wrong?
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
@Lucy
I don’t know if Mike likes me! I need you to find out!
@Me
How am I supposed to do that?
@Lucy
You do this all the time on your radio show!
@Me
I’m in a clown costume!!!
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
@Lucy
Pleaseeeeeee
@Me
Fine, but you owe me.
@Lucy
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I sighed, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. After peeling off the kids and saying goodbye, I messaged Lucy for the location and called a cab.
When I walked into the dimly lit bar, Lucy spotted me instantly and waved enthusiastically.
I hesitated, adjusting my ridiculous clown wig as a group of strangers gave me confused looks. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to their table.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Lucy beamed as I sat down. “Mike, this is Trish, my best friend,” she said.
“Nice to meet you,” Mike said. His eyes briefly flicked to my bright red nose.
“Hi,” I replied, trying to ignore how ridiculous I looked.
Lucy launched into small talk, but the conversation quickly shifted. Mike mentioned a classic movie, and I couldn’t help but jump in.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You’re into old films?” I asked, intrigued.
“Big time,” Mike said, his face lighting up.
We exchanged favorite titles, diving into directors and scenes. Lucy fidgeted, looking uninterested. I tried to change topics, but Mike kept steering it back.
When Lucy excused herself, I leaned in. “So, what do you think of Lucy?” I asked.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Um… I mean, she’s cute,” Mike said, glancing away like he wasn’t sure how to answer.
“Nice? Lucy is more than cute. She’s amazing,” I said, my voice firm. “She’s funny, smart, and a great cook. I go to her place for dinner sometimes because I can’t stand cooking.”
“I love cooking,” Mike said, smiling a little.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“See? You two already have something in common,” I said, trying to be encouraging. But then he looked right at me.
His eyes seemed to study mine, and for a moment, I felt something strange. It was like a spark, something unexpected. My cheeks got warm, and I quickly smiled back.
“But I don’t want to argue over who cooks dinner,” Mike said, breaking the moment. “There should only be one chef in the kitchen.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I laughed. “So, you’re the chef?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Always,” he said with a grin, and we both laughed.
Just then, Lucy returned to the table. “What’s so funny?” she asked, looking between us. “Were you talking about me?”
“Sort of,” I said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mike’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself to take the call. The moment he left, Lucy turned to me eagerly. “So? What does he think of me?”
“He thinks you’re cute,” I said carefully. “What do you think of him?”
“I don’t know,” she said, her brow furrowing. “Watching you two, I feel like he’s more your type.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Pfft. What? No. What? No,” I stammered.
“Not very convincing,” she said with a smirk.
“It doesn’t matter. He’s your date,” I said firmly. “There’s a rule—never go after your friend’s guy.”
“It’s just a first date,” Lucy said with a shrug. Then she smiled. “But I’m glad you reacted like that—I think I really like him.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I smiled back, but deep down, something felt off. A tiny pang of sadness hit me, and I wasn’t sure why.
We stayed a bit longer, and I tried to shift the focus so Mike and Lucy could talk.
But every time I said something to steer the conversation, Mike directed his answers back to me. It was hard not to notice, and Lucy didn’t seem thrilled.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
When we decided to leave, Lucy headed to the restroom again, leaving me alone with Mike. The night air was cool, and I shivered a little.
“So, do you work as an entertainer?” Mike asked, his tone light.
“Why do you ask?” I replied, narrowing my eyes playfully. Then I saw him glance at my outfit, and it hit me. “Oh, no! I host a radio show. Dating advice, mostly. My niece had a birthday party, and my brother forgot to hire an entertainer.” I gestured to my clown costume with a sheepish smile.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Well, that’s bold of you,” Mike said, grinning.
“It was fine until the kids tried to tear my costume apart. They’re little savages,” I joked.
Mike laughed. “Kids can be wild. They’ve got endless energy.”
“Yeah, but they mean well,” I said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
He paused. “Listen, Trish…” he began, his voice softer, but before he could finish, Lucy appeared.
“Want to walk me home?” she asked him brightly. “I live close by.”
“Of course,” Mike said, stepping toward her.
He turned back to me, and we both hesitated. He went for a hug while I offered a handshake, and we ended up with an awkward high five.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
It made us laugh, but as they walked away, I felt something strange, a little twist in my chest.
The next few days passed quietly. Lucy didn’t say much about Mike, which was unusual for her.
She only mentioned that he hadn’t wanted to come up to her apartment after their date.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She shrugged it off, but I could tell she wasn’t thrilled. I didn’t press her for details.
One morning, as I was sipping my coffee, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number.
@Unknown
Hey 🙂 It’s Mike. I know this is weird, but would you like to meet up sometime?
I stared at the screen, my stomach flipping.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
@Me
How did you get my number?
@Unknown
Secret 😉 So, what do you think?
I frowned, trying to steady my thoughts.
@Me
Sorry, I don’t go on dates with men my friends like.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
@Unknown
Lucy and I only had one date. But I haven’t felt a connection like this in years—with anyone. Not until I met you.
My chest tightened. I stared at the words longer than I should have.
@Me
Sorry, but no.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I set my phone down. Saying no felt like the right thing, but his words lingered, leaving a knot I couldn’t untangle.
I tried to shake it off and focus on work. During my radio show, I put on my usual cheerful voice, pretending my own heart wasn’t a mess.
“Hi, this is Trish. How can I help with your love troubles?” I said, wishing someone could help with mine.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Hi,” a man’s voice said, calm and familiar. “I don’t date much. It’s hard for me to find a connection with someone. But recently, I went on a date with one woman. Her friend showed up in a clown costume. And, well, with the friend, I felt something I haven’t felt in years—maybe ever.”
I froze. My heart skipped a beat. It was Mike.
“But she won’t go out with me. She says it’s wrong. I don’t know what to do,” he said. “I really like her.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
My mouth went dry. “Maybe you should listen to her and let it go,” I managed, my voice unsteady.
“She’s unforgettable. The kind of person who stays with you for a lifetime,” he said softly.
I smiled, caught off guard. “You probably just think that because she was wearing a clown costume,” I said, my tone lighter.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I’d remember her no matter what she wore,” he replied without hesitation. “So, will this girl go out with me?”
I hesitated, feeling torn. “I’m afraid that’s impossible,” I said quietly.
Before I could say more, my producer buzzed in. “Take the next call—it’s important,” she said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I switched lines. “Go out with him! You have my blessing!” Lucy yelled through the line. I blinked, stunned. “Finally, a guy you like!”
“But you like him,” I stammered, realizing we were still live.
“Not really. He likes you,” Lucy said.
“It’s not right,” I protested weakly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Forget right or wrong. Listen to your heart. You always say that to others. Take your own advice for once,” Lucy urged.
“So, what do you say?” Mike’s voice came back, gentle but insistent. “Her friend gave her blessing.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I sighed, my walls crumbling. “Yes,” I whispered.
The sound engineer played an applause track, and I couldn’t help but laugh. My face burned as I blushed, feeling completely exposed—but strangely happy.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Attending my daughter’s wedding was supposed to be a joyful moment, but facing my ex-husband and his new wife turned everything upside down. Old wounds resurfaced, and new betrayals came to light. I thought I’d left the past behind, but this trip forced me to confront truths I wasn’t ready to face.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers 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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