I Rented a Room to a Stranger and Uncovered a Shocking Family Secret

All the hardship I faced seemed never-ending until a stranger showed up and brought us comfort and serenity. But what if it becomes hard to tell when someone is trustworthy or not? All of a sudden, my assumptions were proven wrong and everything changed.

It was a continuous struggle for me since my adoptive parents died. It was hard to look after my six-year-old daughter, Isla, in our small and simple home. I went through every day with chronic exhaustion taking over. My body was not happy as I woke up at 5 a.m. and got out of bed.

Time for us to get up, Isla, I said gently and brushed a hair back from her face.

Stirring, she opened her eyes and poked her smile at me. Although these times helped me feel accomplished, they did not ease the burden I had.

The early hours of the day were always full of activities. Usually, I would quickly make toast or cereal when we were trying to get out the door before breakfast.

Would it be alright if I had a little extra jam before breakfast?

Not much more than that, okay? Put some food by for tomorrow,” I said, and kissed her.

I dropped my daughter at school and right away headed to my job, just managing to arrive at the right time. My job was very demanding, and what I was paid barely met my essential costs.

Even on the evenings, there was no improvement. After picking up Isla, I would cook pasta or some scrambled eggs for dinner.

We played some games after finishing our dinner. As Isla ran and I tried to catch her, we both laughed loudly and the sound sounded in every room. It gave me a chance to forget about everything I was going through.

Money problems still existed for us, despite working two jobs at once. Debts just kept coming and I felt I could never handle them all.

Another day, a bill of a huge amount caught my attention while I was paying.

What am I supposed to do to cover the costs?

Margaret, being my only remaining family, used to arrive without letting me know ahead of time. She would say she cared, yet her visits were a lot like being assessed.

One day, she did not appear at the usual time, right away checking for flaws in our work.

Elizabeth could tell Eloise was tired, and she could even see the pile of laundry by the corner when she looked around.

Had you taken my advice from the start, you wouldn’t be experiencing this currently.

I made a polite, yet hesitant smile and did not react.

I am making as much effort as I know how to, Margaret.

Make sure you think of Isla’s interests. A child requires a stable environment, according to her. I can keep the house running, but to do that I have to be in your official papers, understood?

Of course, that’s something I am aware of. You would like to come to my house. Go ahead and bite me if I am wrong.

By myself in the kitchen, I looked at the bills that needed to be paid. What Margaret said made my doubts seem louder inside me.

It could be that she is accurate in her prediction. I might not measure up to what is expected.

Needless to say, the thought of going to Margaret with my issue was unacceptable to me.

After struggling with myself for a long time, I did something I had never planned to do. I chose to rent out the space in our house that we don’t use regularly.

What option do I have?

I placed the ad on the internet.

This place is available for rent.

As soon as I posted, I reminded myself I was simply stopping the leak until I discovered a solution out of the situation.

About four days after, a woman called Delphine replied to the ad. Her politeness helped calm some of my concerns when I got her message.

Having a conversation with her face to face made her appear even more supportive. At sixty-something, Delphine had a silky gray mane and twinkled-eyed gaze. Her gentle smile almost made everyone like her as soon as they met her.

Thank you very much for looking at my application, she said. I want to book a place that is quiet and peaceful. If you need an extra person to help around the house, I can assist you.

How she acted put me at ease and made me feel comfortable to trust her. In spite of this, I was unsure about taking the final step. Alowing someone we didn’t know into our home was a big thing.

What makes this place desirable? I used a detective-like tone as I found out more about the place.

She acknowledged that she needed something new in her life. We want a place that feels peaceful so we can begin again.

What she said about her challenges surprised me a lot. In addition, I did not get any other job offers.

“All right. You will be able to move in next week.

The trouble began soon after Delphine joined us, things appeared to be great in the beginning. She offered more to the landlord than only being a nice tenant. I felt better whenever she was at home.

Should I read a story to Isla tonight for her? she asked the question one evening as we finished our dinner.

My fear lasted merely a little while, but Isla’s excitement glistened in her eyes.

“Please, Mom! Delphine brings the story’s princess to life in a believable way.

“All right. Do what you want, Delphine.

Reading the book, Delphine’s lively voice made the story seem real in the room. I stared at Isla as she looked very curious.

You are doing a great job, I have to say.

She was smiling as she fixed her eyes on the book.

“I thank you,” was her reply. At one point, I made it a habit of reading to my niece.

She then went into the kitchen after I did.

Why not go and put Isla to bed? Delphine suggested and began to prepare herself for the job. I’ll take care of cleaning the dishes today.

I was surprised by what happened and blinked.

There is no reason you need to act that way.

She smiled at me in a friendly way. “I insist. It is really the least I can give.

“Thank you.”

While putting Isla to sleep, I heard the sound of the dishes being cleaned in the kitchen. I hadn’t felt alone in doing what needs to be done at home for months until that moment.

Yet, Margaret was not happy about the way things worked out.

Eloise, you ought not to let people in so easily into your home, Margaret remarked in a spiteful tone.

Being trusting with a person you just met is not smart. People’s real intentions can never be predicted.

I worked hard to not listen to her criticism, but Margaret was fast to plant seeds of worry in my head.

I had a surprise for Isla, and so I arrived home earlier on that night with her all-time favorite dessert. The door leading to my bedroom was open slightly as I roamed around the hallway.

when I opened the door, I saw Delphine looking through my drawers.

What is it that you are doing right now? I said it in a louder voice than I was expecting.

Feeling embarrassed, Delphine jumped in the air.

“I… I’m truly sorry,” she repeated with trouble. I wanted to find a packet of aspirin. I was not feeling good and decided not to bother you.

I was not sure, but the situation where she stood right next to me bothered me.

Although I tried to dismiss the doubts, they stayed with me just like a shadow, always whispering to me.

Weeks after that, my job sent me away from home for a couple of weeks. Isla loved Delphine because of how kind and caring she was. Therefore, I chose to have Isla stay with Raquel.

I had counted on Margaret to be with Isla while I was at the conference, but she had an unexpected issue and chose to leave at the last minute.

Nevertheless, I did not manage to go on the trip. My phone rang right as I put the car in the airport parking lot. Margaret was the person who did it.

Please Eloise, come back this instant.

“What happened?”

When I looked at Isla’s house, I noticed something seemed wrong.

What you are saying isn’t clear. What is taking place?

I can’t give all the answers over the phone, she said angrily. Go straight to your place like right now.

I didn’t even stop to think, and I quickly sped back to where I was living. I pictured the biggest catastrophe in my mind.

When I was finally there, Isabel was hugging Margaret who stood in the living room, shielding her. Delphine was standing there closely, her bag held tight in her hand.

What is happening now? I demanded.

Margaret gave Delphine a look full of jealousy.

Tell her is all she said. Explain to her the plans you had.

I wanted to take Isla out on a walk this evening. That’s it, she said, and sent me a pleading glance.

My wife Margaret came in and began blaming me before I could share what happened.

So, open the bag if it’s true,” solved Margaret, pointing to the bag. Let us inspect your backpack if it doesn’t hold any danger.

I slowly went over to the bag and opened it by unzipping it. I was able to find Isla’s birth certificate and a box that held my ring inside. Everything became hard to focus on.

“Why?” I ended up choking. Why did you decide making this mistake?

Under the stress, Delphine’s face showed signs of anguish.

Eloise, I really do not know! I swear…”

I innocently said, “I trusted you.” I let you be part of our family life. But now…” Not casting my eyes on her, I said what I felt. Get off your seat and go somewhere outside.

Delphine felt that she should open her mouth, but she was frozen and no words came out. After that, she walked out and left the space.

Margaret embraced me with lots of strength. But while she was holding me, I couldn’t get over the hollowness inside. Delphine was dismissed, but it didn’t feel right to do it.

The following morning, I heard soft feet coming up on me as I was in the kitchen.

Grandma Delphine is not here, Mom.

Moving forward, Isla began to speak before I got an opportunity to reply.

She disclosed the solution to me. This is the nickname I gave to my Granny.

Real Granny?!

“She… She said those things to you?” I got out two softly whispered words.

She said that you didn’t know, and she wanted you to understand. Aunt Margaret continued to be mean towards her.

They also said, “She’s no fun at all.” She goes through your things and simply hides them from you.

What exactly do you mean? I asked the question with extra attention.

I met my Aunt Margaret. Grandma Delphine’s bag now has your jewelry and important papers because LaMoine packed them there.

The parts of the puzzle started to align, overwhelming me just like a large wave.

That can’t be possible! Margaret is responsible for setting up Delphine. Why?

Delphine was eventually sitting shocked and skull-like on a park bench when I arrived after calling all day.

I am so sorry, dear. Before, I had to deal with a challenging time. I was not able to take care of you, so I decided to give you up for adoption.

She took an old picture from inside her bag. They showed a picture of a young woman with a baby, which was exactly like a picture I kept at home.

She explained that she went to look for the photo in your house. To prove that I was already correct in my assumptions.

As I finally realized, tears started flowing from my eyes.

Margaret was aware of these things, continued Delphine. I tried to get her support by telling her about my problems. Even so, her only aim was to have you under her power.

Delphine caught me and I fell into her arms while crying. She didn’t say anything and simply held me in her arms. She gave me a bankbook that did not look big.

She mentioned that she’s saving what little she has.

Worry about your debts is unnecessary. Focusing on your job and your relationship with Isla can help you handle cross-dressing well.

As soon as I got home, I talked to Margaret for the last time. She did not say anything and just walked away.

As I saw her walk into the house, a calm and definite look could be read in her eyes.

“Grandma!” Runnin into her mother, Isla gave a loud squeal. Delphine picked Berdene up.

At that point, I understood that we now had the freedom to be the family we always could be. Isla was loved by her grandmother, and I found the caring and support I was looking for all my life.