How to deal with an evil stepmom?

You've got a tough situation here. To begin with, you dad will believe whatever he wants to believe (we're all that way, incidentally). He will have to see for himself what the situation is with his new wife. I would bet he already has suspicions. He probably still misses your mother and wants to have someone around who makes him feel better. I doubt that Miranda is really making him feel better. So try to have a talk with your father. Point out that you need his support and help in your life. That he is and always will be your father. That you anticipate someday he will walk you down the aisle when you're ready to get married. Ask him if the two of you can go on a trip together, just the two of you, without anyone else. If he says he would want to bring Miranda then point out that if he does you would want to bring your boyfriend...but the real point of the trip is for you and dad to be together. If he agrees, then do your best to support him and work with him to have a nice time. Don't talk about Miranda unless he brings her up. He has to know, incidentally, that she and you are having troubles. I would be surprised if Miranda hasn't been talking to your dad about you, giving her opinions and so forth. Also, spend time asking your dad his opinions on your own life issues, questions about your boyfriends, your school subjects. Ask your dad questions you might like to ask your mother. The idea is to let your dad know that you trust him and love him and that he has a very important role in your life. Your dad will appreciate these overtures and hopefully, respond. Work on building a stronger relationship with your father and simply ignore, as well as you are able, Miranda. Sooner or later your Dad will wake up and make the right decision. He sounds pretty smart and he certainly has a smart daughter.