A Babysitter for My Brother
Whats the matter, Kate? Still not answering?
Shes not! Kate tossed her phone onto the kitchen counter. She hasnt replied since six oclock! I didnt even get to see Mum in hospital because of her I needed to cook there and cook here, and now theres no one to look after Ben We raised a helper, apparently!
Just then, the front door clicked open.
Oh, youre all still up? Emma called over her shoulder, headphones still in, brushing past us straight to her room, ignoring her parents entirely.
But her mum wasnt letting her off the hook that easily.
Emma! Stop right there! Mums shout froze Emma mid-step but didnt make her turn around. Where do you think youre going? Youre late by how much? Six hours! Any explanations for me?
Emma yanked out her headphones.
Whats all the fuss about?
You promised! Kate said, crestfallen. You promised youd watch Ben tonight!
Emma, who clearly wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed, muttered, Well, it didnt work out. No one died. You were at home, werent you?
I told you a week ago I needed you to mind your brother tonight! Your dads on the late shift, he wont be back in time, and I had to see Gran. You dont care about your brother, your gran nor even your mother!
Honestly, Emma just lost track of time. Shed been sitting around with her friends from course, then Sam invited everyone to his place to hang out She barely noticed the time whizzing by. Just drifted. Thats how she excused herself, anyway.
The truth was, her phone hadnt died shed switched it off herself.
I did promise, Mum, but then my plans changed.
Breathe out, Mum demanded, suspicious.
Oh, what is this now, prison rules? Emma fired back.
Youve been drinking, Mum declared. Parties are more important than your family, are they?
Thats when Emma snapped.
Yes, theyre more important! I didnt sign up to be your babysitter, and Im not staying in with Ben. Do it yourselves. If you wanted another child later in life, thats your business. I have my own life.
Her father, whod never once shouted at Emma or really lost his temper, listened quietly before finally stepping in.
Were not making you a full-time nanny. Youre only rarely asked for help! Tonight really mattered and you gave your word Em, youre six hours late. You shut your phone off, then act as if its our fault?
Im not blaming you, but Bens your responsibility. I was out is it my crime to have friends too?
Theyd always tried not to overload Emma with chores at home. Shed only just left school last year, enrolled at a good university on a tough course. They got that. They really did.
Emma, though, didnt really care.
You know whats worse? Mum cut in, because you wouldnt help, I couldnt go see your gran. She cant even cook for herself! But I cant split myself between a toddler and a sick mum!
Emma, unwinding the intricate braid her course mate had styled for her, shot back coldly, Well, thats your problem, Mum. If you wanted a child so late, deal with it. I dont owe you anything.
The words stung so deeply Dad physically recoiled.
Thats enough, Emma!
Why is it? she retorted. Im at uni, I need to socialise, make friends, maybe even meet someone for the future! I cant sit at home with you lot all day and your son!
Dad sat her down.
Emma, listen No ones asking you to be a full-time nanny. We just ask for help, not work help. Just this once. You agreed.
Having started, Emma saw no point backtracking. I agreed, then changed my mind. Life happens.
Sure, life happens, Dad replied, but this wasnt outside your control, Em you just changed your plans and didnt let us know. I understand your course is hard, you want to see your friends. But youre part of this family. We dont lock you up. All we ask is the odd couple of hours for Ben so we can get to the doctor or, like today, see Gran.
Emma didnt even let him finish. She snorted dismissively as hair grips tumbled from her head.
No.
Why not?
Because its not my responsibility, Dad. Im not sacrificing my life for your choices.
Inside, Emma braced herself for a full-blown row. The old lot would really kick off now
Alright, Dad said, calm and steady. Ive heard you.
What? Heard her? So, no shouting? No threats to take away her phone? No clichés about remembering her parents when theyre gone?
So thats it, is it? Emma tested.
Yes. For today, consider the matter closed.
A little disoriented by how easily they let her go, Emma quickly ducked into the bathroom to scrub off her makeup, then straight to bed she was knackered. Still, what a draining evening. And now her parents were on her case!
Meanwhile, her parents continued their conversation in the bedroom.
How can she be so heartless? Kate sighed, now more sad than angry. We didnt raise her wrong We never skimped, we never banned anything without reason, we never tyrannised! Sometimes I wonder, does she even love us? What do we do now, beg her to help with her brother if we need it?
No, John shook his head. Were not begging. If she thinks she owes us nothing, we owe her nothing either. Not until she learns what being independent means.
***
The next morning didnt start with a cuppa, but the sharp feeling that last nights argument was far from over.
Emma was up first, drank some water, picked at some bland sandwiches left in the fridge. When Mum entered, carrying Ben, Emma ducked into her phone to avoid another lecture. But Mum ate her breakfast in silence. Dad came in next, greeting her with a quick, Morning, Emma.
Oo, conversation. What a treat, Emma muttered.
Dad pulled out the family budget file.
Emma, can we have a word?
She rolled her eyes. About responsibility again? Ive told you
No, not about responsibility, he interrupted. Well partly. But mostly about money. This month, we expect your share for food and bills. As in, your share of expenses.
Emma laughed, sure Dad was trying to get a reaction after the previous evening. Shed wound them up last night, theyd wind her up this morning fairs fair.
Very funny, Dad. But Im not falling for it.
But Dad was prepared.
Not a joke, Emma. From today, if you see yourself as independent, you pay your share of costs. All of them.
Even Ben, cheeks puffed as he smeared breakfast over the table, stared at Dad. Not that he understood, but the tone was alarming.
What? Emma gaped.
You said you owe us nothing. Fine. Then youre not dependent on us for day-to-day life. From this month on, you pay for your own food, bills, and most importantly your studies.
Emma concluded Dad wasnt winding her up he really did mean to take money from her. Clearly the argument had cut deeper than shed thought.
Dad, do you hear yourself? Alright, starve me if you must, but education thats sacred. Youll never forgive yourself if I miss out on a degree. You couldnt not pay, I know you.
I can, he replied. Youre nineteen. An adult now. Adults pay their own way. Weve always said wed support you while you lived here and studied, but that support was conditional on mutual respect and some involvement in family life. Youve said you want out. So you forfeit our involvement in yours, completely.
Kate shot her husband a worried glance Did we go too far?
Emma, still clutching a slice of cheese, dropped it back onto her plate and stood abruptly. Wont bother eating, then! Dont want you pinning debts on me too!
The three of them finished breakfast together. Emma got changed in her room, deliberately slamming every drawer, and rushed off to lectures thankfully, still paid for for the moment.
Did we overdo it? Kate asked softly.
John gnawed at his cheese, barely able to swallow.
No, Kate. Its exactly right. If no one owes anyone, then as an adult she pays her own way. Its tough, but its got to be done. Else shell keep walking all over everyone
Emma was barely home anymore. Shed leave at dawn and come back late. She never ate at home. Kate, despite Johns bans, sometimes quietly checked if her daughter was starving Emma would just shoot her a hurt look and carry on.
She managed to land a job at a café, covering a friend’s shift, then taking over for her altogether. Emma now spent four hours a day after lectures ferrying plates around the dining area exhausting, but at least it brought in some cash.
Her parents worried, but stood their ground.
Emma didnt come for dinner again, John. She must be starving herself. I know its for her own good, but how far will she go? Kate mused.
Shell calm down, Kate. Shell realise that families help one another out. Its all pride for now.
And then, three months into their standoff, Emma finally said,
Alright. I suppose your little blackmail trick worked. I cant keep working after lectures and café moneys peanuts. Look, Ill babysit Ben, two or three times a week, three hours at a time. Call it my job. You win. Heres my bit for the rent, too its all I could scrape together.
She put a hundred pounds on the table. She couldnt manage more. But her parents wouldnt touch the money.
Emma we never wanted to hurt you. Were not manipulators, said her mum. We helped you not because we were legally obliged, but because were your parents and we love you. Just show us something in return some involvement.
I understand now, Im sorry And she finally hugged them herself.
