I spent four years on maternity leave. As fate would have it, our children came along close together, so I embraced my role as a mother. My husband worked two jobs, and we had our own little flat, so we managed well enough.
What had you accomplished by 25? You shouldve had a career, like my daughter, my mother-in-law proclaimed one blustery afternoon.
My sister-in-law, Rebecca, showed no rush to settle down. She had ambitions, dreams of seeing the world and living for herself. Her youth and beauty were her priority; she wasnt keen on giving up her freedom for the sake of children. That was her path, and mine had been chosen five years before. Truth be told, her career stagnated she spent more time spreading rumours than getting ahead, always rather envious of others.
Rebecca lived fast: travelling, taking holidays abroad, wrapped up in a whirlwind lifestyle. Yet a month ago, she hurried over with an urgent request. Her supervisor would soon begin maternity leave, and the firm needed someone to step in. The best project proposal would win the management post. Technology wasnt her forte, and it was clear shed never manage the task alone.
My mother-in-law started pressing me as well. I had no idea how on earth Id manage both the project and my children. But my husbands mother assured me shed look after everything at home, just so that I might help her precious daughter. I agreed, hesitantly.
The very next day, though, she rang: I cant take the children, Im off to the countryside. Ive got preserves to make, youll have to manage without me.
Rebecca never came by, either. I was left to slog through the night, nearly collapsing from exhaustion. I truly wanted to help her, but there was simply no time not once had anyone actually taken my children off my hands throughout those years.
Why isnt it done yet? You promised! Rebecca shouted down the line.
You and your mother promised me help with the little ones. I never had the chance to do genuine work, I replied, weary.
She flew into a rage and claimed shed manage it all herself, but, as ever, laziness got the better of her. She did nothing, and the job passed her by.
Youre dreadful! You sabotaged my daughter, youre jealous! her mother accused me.
I found myself with nothing to explain. What mattered most was that my husband saw the truth of the situation and forbade any further contact with his sister. Now Rebecca can steer her own ship free and independent, just as she always wanted.
