AITAH for walking out of my own birthday dinner after my mom invited my estranged sister and announced she's "giving her another chance"?
I (32F) turned 32 last Friday. My mom offered to take me to dinner — just the two of us, she said. I was actually looking forward to it. We've had a rough few years.
Background: My sister "Kayla" (29F) stole from me. Not small stuff. Three years ago, she took my credit card, racked up $8,000, and when I confronted her, she told everyone I was "overreacting" and "always playing the victim." My mom took her side. Said I should "be the bigger person." I went low contact with Kayla and kept things civil with my mom.
So Friday. I show up at the restaurant. My mom is already there. And so is Kayla. With a gift bag.
I froze. My mom smiled and said, "Surprise! I thought this would be a good time to heal."
I said, "Mom, you lied to me."
She said, "I didn't lie, I just didn't tell you everything."
Kayla pushed the gift bag toward me and said, "I'm sorry, okay? Can we move on?" She didn't mention the money. Not once.
I looked at my mom and said, "You invited the person who stole from me to my birthday dinner and didn't think to ask me first?"
My mom said, "Family forgives. You're being dramatic."
I grabbed my purse and left. I heard my mom call after me, "This is why no one wants to be around you!"
I spent my birthday alone with takeout. Honestly? Still better than that table.
Now my mom is telling everyone I "ruined a beautiful gesture" and that Kayla cried. My aunt texted me calling me "cold." My best friend says I did the right thing.
I don't think I owe anyone forgiveness on demand. But was walking out too much?
AITAH?