3 Unpredictable Stories Where People Learn the Shocking Truth about Their Neighbors

Neighbors often seem familiar and predictable, but they can sometimes harbor the most astonishing secrets. That was precisely the case for the people in the following stories. They were left shocked when they discovered what was happening next door. Let's dive deeper into their experiences.

1. I Helped to Deliver My Neighbor's Baby and Found Out My Husband Is the Father

I'd known Erica Vernon for over six years. The Vernons had moved in next door the same week as Kieran and me, and we'd fallen into an easy friendship.

But within a year or two, I realized the Vernons were in trouble. Lester Vernon seemed to be jealous and suspicious, making his poor wife's life a living hell. I pitied Erica, who was as faithful to her husband as I was to Kieran — or so I thought.

Things became more and more unpleasant as time went on. The screaming fights from next door grew increasingly raucous, and we stopped going out together.

I would often see Erica looking weepy and unhappy, and even though Lester was always pleasant and polite to me, he never gave me a chance to speak up for my friend.

One day, I ran into Lester at the supermarket and decided to take the bull by the horns. "Lester," I said carefully, "I know it's none of my business, but I hate to see you two so unhappy. Have you thought about couple's counseling? Erica loves you so much..."

Lester looked at me for a long moment, and then he said, "Listen, Sarah, if I were you, I wouldn't defend Erica. You think she's your friend, but she isn't." And with that, Lester turned his back and walked away.

Just three weeks later, Lester walked out on Erica, and I was horrified to discover that my friend was three months pregnant. "But Erica, did you tell him?" I asked.

Erica couldn't stop crying. "I did, Sarah, but he said it wasn't his, that I'd been cheating! I can't have this baby on my own, I can't!"

I raised my chin resolutely. "You won't be! I promise you, Kieran and I will be with you every step of the way!"

Erica threw her arms around me, sobbing with 'gratitude.'

That evening, I told Kieran what was happening next door. "I told poor Erica that we'd be with her, help her through her pregnancy."

Kieran didn't look the least bit thrilled. "Honestly, Sarah, I wish you wouldn't be so impulsive! It's a huge responsibility, and I don't even know that woman that well!"

"We've been living next door to her for six years, Kieran!" I exclaimed. "She's my best friend, and I thought you liked her!"

"Not really," Kieran said. "She's OK, I guess, but she's always been more your friend than mine."

"Oh honey," I said tenderly, wrapping my arms around my husband's neck and kissing him.

"Please be nice to the poor girl; she has no one!" Cunningly, I nibbled at the side of my husband's neck, at a sensitive area he called his 'lucky bump.'

"You minx," Kieran growled. "You always know how to convince me!"

I giggled and gave the 'lucky bump' a lick. "Your mom told me it's the Harper men's only weakness, and I'd better take full advantage!" The rest of the evening ended in lovemaking, and Kieran agreed to help Erica as much as we could.

So it was I who accompanied Erica to all her doctor's appointments and her scans, to the nutritionist, to the Lamaze classes, and even to the natural childbirth course that promised to have mom and helpers ready to usher the baby into the world without medical help.

"Not that I intend to have this baby anywhere but a hospital with lots of painkillers!" Erica said. "But it's good to be prepared!"

And it was a good thing, too, because one afternoon, Erica phoned me gasping. "Sarah, I think it's time!" she cried. I rushed over immediately and was shocked to find my friend in a pool of liquid.

"Your water has broken!" I cried. "I'm calling the hospital."

The hospital advised that it would be at least half an hour, if not more, before the ambulance could be with us, so I made Erica as comfortable as possible.

I noticed that Erica's contractions were closer and closer together... I peeked and saw, to my horror, that the baby's head was crowning!

"Erica," I cried, "the baby's coming!"

"He can't!" Erica screamed, clutching at her belly. "It's supposed to take hours!"

"Well," I said. "Ready or not, he's on his way!" And I ran to get hot water, a warm blanket, scissors, and some cord. Kneeling by Erica's spread knees, I encouraged her to push.

I watched breathlessly as the baby emerged from Erica's straining body. I tenderly caught him and laid him on the soft blanket while I tied off and cut the umbilical cord — just like they had taught me in the natural childbirth class.

Then I picked up the baby. "It's a boy!" I cried to an exhausted Erica. "A beautiful, perfect baby boy!"

I started wiping the baby down gently, and I discovered that the baby wasn't quite perfect.

On the side of his neck was a small, hard bump, a familiar bump. A 'lucky bump.' Looking down at the tiny, innocent creature in my hands, I suddenly understood it all.

"Lester..." I whispered. "Lester was right, wasn't he, Erica? You were having an affair, and it was with my husband."

Erica gasped and tried to sit up. "Oh no, Sarah, never..."

"Don't lie to me, I have the proof right here!" I said, raising the baby in my hands.

"Don't hurt him!" screamed Erica. "Yes, he's Kieran's. We've been lovers for six years; I'll tell you anything you want, but don't hurt my baby!"

"I would never hurt your baby, Erica," I said scornfully. "I'm not like you. I don't destroy other people's happiness."

I put the baby in Erica's arms and left her to wait for the ambulance on her own.

That night, when Kieran arrived home, he found the house empty and silent. I left him without a word and filed for divorce. It took me a long time to learn to trust again, but a few years later, I met a wonderful man and remarried.

I am a happy woman, and my husband and I are now expecting our second baby. Sometimes, the people we trust the most are the ones who betray us, but the truth always comes out in the most unexpected ways.

As we close the curtain on these startling neighborly tales, remember: the most ordinary facades often hide the most unpredictable stories. Stay curious, for the next remarkable revelation might be just over your fence.

2. I Brought Milk to My Elderly Neighbor Daily & Found a Shocking Letter on Her Doorstep One Day

I'm your typical hard-working American mom who had recently moved to a new neighborhood due to a job transfer. I had a lovely family, including a daughter and a husband who adored me as much as I loved them.