The New Hairstyle
The paranoid man felt as though he was doing something wrong. He would never do anything to harm his child, but this was a special circumstance.
His quick fingers rummaged through her hair as he made sure the item was secure.
The poor child had no idea that there was a foreign object stuck in her hair.
The Strange Behavior
Jamie Letran was a devoted father to his little girl, Sam.
Every weekend, he would take her to his in-laws’ house so she could spend time with her grandmother and her mother, who had left them a year ago.
Despite the painful absence of his wife, Jamie never let it affect his relationship with Sam or his in-laws. They had always been close, or so he thought.
Family Comes First
Jamie was a man who cherished his family above all else. His life revolved around Sam.
Since Claire, her mother, was disloyal in the relationship and left, he was all she really had. They lived in an affordable semi in Bright Lakes, Michigan.
Ever since Jamie’s wife had left him, he made sure Sam spent every weekend with her grandmother, Louisa, and mother, believing it was essential for Sam to maintain a strong bond with both sides of her family.
A Moody Girl
One Saturday evening, 40-year-old Jamie noticed something peculiar about Sam’s behavior. She seemed withdrawn and unusually quiet, unlike her usual bubbly self.
He was an open-minded man and knew there were a lot of things he wouldn’t be able to help his daughter with.
He asked her what was wrong, but she just shrugged and avoided eye contact. Jamie thought it was just a phase and hoped she’d eventually open up.
The Unease Grows
As weeks went by, Sam’s strange behavior became more evident. She began to flinch whenever her grandmother came near her, and Jamie noticed how she avoided her touch.
He couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
When he questioned Sam about it, she merely mumbled, “I don’t know, Dad. I just don’t like it there.”
He Needs The Help
Despite his growing unease, Jamie continued to leave Sam with his in-laws every weekend, hoping things would get better. But they only seemed to worsen.
Sam started having nightmares and would wake up screaming in the middle of the night.
Jamie felt powerless, unable to protect his daughter from whatever was tormenting her. He had to find out what was going on at his mother in laws over the weekend.
Stuck In-Between
Jamie cherished every moment he spent with Sam. Their bond was unbreakable, forged through laughter, bedtime stories, and endless cuddles.
As a single father, Jamie took immense pride in raising Sam on his own, but he also valued the importance of family.
He maintained a close relationship with his in-laws, especially with his wife’s mother, whom Sam affectionately called Grandma Lu. But he couldn’t help observing that 70-year-old Grandma Lu’s attitude towards them was changing.
Sam’s Sullen Change
Jamie’s contented world was shattered when he noticed a peculiar change in Sam’s behavior whenever she returned from spending weekends at Grandma Lu’s house.
Normally, Sam was a bubbly and cheerful child, but lately, she seemed withdrawn and somber, particularly around her grandmother.
Jamie couldn’t shake off the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. He persisted, but Sam wouldn’t talk about it.
Grandma’s Influence
Jamie began to notice a change in Sam’s behavior whenever she returned from her weekends at her grandmother’s house.
At first, he dismissed it as typical childhood mood swings, but as the weeks went by, his concerns deepened.
Sam became withdrawn, avoiding eye contact and speaking in hushed tones whenever Jamie asked her about her time with Louisa. There was something visibly wrong with her; her character was changing.
Talking To Her Like An Adult
One evening, as they sat down for dinner, Jamie couldn’t help but notice the solemn expression on Sam’s face. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he asked, concerned about raising his voice.
Sam fidgeted with her fork before finally speaking up. “Nothing, Daddy. I’m just not hungry.”
But Jamie knew his daughter too well. He could sense her unease. “But Sam, it’s your favorite: fried chicken and baked potatoes. You can tell me anything; is something bothering you?”
A Confused Child
Sam looked uneasy, as though she wanted to say something but was held back. “Can I ask you a question, Daddy? Did you want me?”
Jamie was shocked that his child could ask him such a question. “Did Grandma tell you that?” he asked her.
Tears welled up in Sam’s eyes as she looked at her father. “Grandma Lu said you don’t give her enough money,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Don’t Listen To Them
Jamie’s heart sank at the revelation. He knew his ex-wife had harbored resentment towards him, but he never expected her to poison Sam’s mind against him.
Suppressing his anger, Jamie pulled Sam into a comforting embrace.
“Oh, sweetheart, that’s not true. Grandma Lu shouldn’t have said that. She’s getting old now. You know I’ll do anything for you.”
A Curious Man
The worried father knew that his ex-wife and mother-in-law were poisoning his daughter against him.
But he needed their help with raising her, at least until he got his promotion and could hire a full-time nanny.
Despite Jamie’s reassurance, a seed of doubt gnawed at his mind. What else had Grandma Lu said to Sam? And how long had this manipulation been going on?
Affecting Her Growth
Over the next few days, Jamie observed Sam closely, trying to decipher any more clues about what was happening during her visits to her grandmother’s house.
He saw Sam jump into the car with red eyes a few times. Did Grandma Lu make her cry?
But Sam remained tight-lipped, as if afraid to reveal more of Grandma Lu’s secrets. Perhaps the strict granny threatened her if she spoke.
You Can Tell Me
That evening, as Jamie tucked Sam into bed, he couldn’t hold back his curiosity any longer. “Sam, sweetheart, is there anything else you want to tell me about Grandma Lu?”
The little girl said that her granny always spoke about her and her mommy.
Sam hesitated for a moment before whispering, “She said you don’t love me as much as Mommy does.”
An Evil Mother-In-Law
Jamie’s heart shattered into a million pieces at Sam’s words. How could Grandma Lu fill his daughter’s innocent mind with such lies?
Anger and hurt surged through Jamie as he struggled to maintain his composure.
“Oh, Sam, that’s not true at all. I love you more than anything in this world. Don’t ever doubt that, okay?” He hugged his child tight, reassuring her that he would always protect her.
The Pains Of Being A Girl-Dad
As Jamie tucked Sam into bed, he couldn’t ignore the feeling of unease that gnawed at him. He asked, “Sam, is everything okay now? You still seem sad.”
Sam hesitated before replying, “I’m fine, Daddy. Just tired.”
The exhausted father didn’t know how else to console his daughter. It was difficult raising a girl child alone, and his ex’s family was only making things worse for him.
Talk To Daddy
Jamie’s instincts told him there was more to it, and wanted to find out exactly what Grandma Lu was saying.
He took a deep breath and asked gently, “Sam, is there something you’re not telling me about your visits to Grandma’s house?”
Sam fidgeted with her blanket before confessing, “Grandma says you don’t love us anymore because you don’t give her enough money.” The little girl looked innocently at her father.
A Girls’ Accessory
Jamie’s heart sank. He reassured Sam that he loved her deeply and promised to address the issue with Grandma. But deep down, he knew he had to investigate further.
The next day, Jamie decided to take matters into his own hands.
He discreetly placed a small recording device in Sam’s hair, hoping to capture any conversations between her and Louisa.
The Mini-Recording
That evening, Jamie listened to the recording with a mix of dread and determination. What he heard left him seething with anger.
Louisa was indeed badmouthing him to Sam, filling her head with lies about his lack of love and financial support.
She was telling little Sam what to say and how to manipulate her father for more money.
He Recognized That Voice
Jamie clenched his fists and cursed under his breath. How could Louisa say such things to his innocent daughter? He knew he had to confront her and put an end to this toxic influence.
He felt used and abused because he had ended the divorce amicably with his ex-wife Claire. He even gave her $3000 a month for child support.
How could they be so greedy and manipulate a child for money?
Real Proof
Jamie knew that it was illegal, but he kept the tiny voice recorder hidden in Sam’s hair. He needed more evidence against her as he planned to take her to court.
He knew that she was using her money on herself and expecting Jamie to foot Sam’s bills on his own.
It wasn’t fair or right; she was Claire’s mother, and it was her duty to provide for her, too.
You Have To Be Serious
The following day, Jamie sat Sam down for a serious talk.
“Sam, I’ve heard some things that Grandma has been saying to you. It’s not true, sweetheart. I love you more than anything in this world, and I’ll always take care of you.”
Sam’s eyes widened in surprise. “You heard us talking, Daddy?” Would Jamie tell her about the hidden device in her hair?
Here To Help You
Jamie wanted to be honest with his daughter.
“Yes, I did,” Jamie replied firmly. “I’m sorry I had to do it, but I had to make sure you were safe. From now on, you won’t be going to Grandma’s house until she changes her attitude.”
Jamie didn’t tell his daughter about the device. It made the child believe that her father had magical superpowers. She promised to listen to her father from now on.
An Understanding Girl
Sam nodded, her trust in her father unwavering. Jamie hugged her tightly, relieved that he had discovered the truth and put an end to the toxic influence in Sam’s life.
He knew that from now on, they would be stronger as a family, united against any external forces that sought to break them apart.
But how would he break the news to his mother-in-law?
The Face Of The Dragon
The next day was Friday, and Jamie decided to call his mother-in-law to tell her that he wouldn’t be bringing Sam over that weekend.
Granny Louisa was startled and asked if everything was okay. Jamie lied and said that Sam had a cold.
But he had no intention of ever sending her back there again.
Playing The Game
The next weekend, Granny Louisa called Jamie to find out where her granddaughter was.
But Jamie said that she was still sick and he was busy, so he wouldn’t be sending her through.
Louisa was annoyed at this and accidentally let slip that she had plans to go to the casino that afternoon. Jamie knew that she was using Sam’s money on herself.
They’re Asking For Too Much
A few more weeks passed, and Jamie kept his daughter with him. He ignored the countless calls from his ex and her mother. They wanted Sam to stay over.
Just as he suspected, they actually requested that he still deposit the $3000 into Claire’s account, even though she wasn’t living there.
Jamie laughed, knowing how annoyed they must feel that their cash cow left. But they deserved it.
Sam Is Better
The weeks went by, and Jamie noticed a positive change in Sam’s demeanor. She was no longer withdrawn and seemed more confident and happier. Their bond as father and daughter grew.
Jamie knew that they had made the right decision, and he was grateful for the bond he shared with his daughter.
He even learned how to do a few braid hairstyles for Sam’s school days; they were doing well.
Some Time Apart
As for Granny Louisa, she tried to mend the rift between them, but Jamie was firm in his decision. He would never allow anyone to poison his daughter’s mind again. Sam was his priority, and he would protect her at all costs.
In the end, Jamie Letran’s love for his daughter prevailed. They were a family forged in love and trust, and nothing could break their bond.
But he didn’t know that his ex-wife Claire was planning a spiteful revenge.