Everyone helps out, but youre our special exception
– Sarah, listen, maybe you could come round to mine tonight? my sister sounded hopeful over the phone. – Hes away and Im bored stiff with the kids.
I, Sarah, rubbed the bridge of my nose as my mind scurried for a decent excuse. Each idea sounded even more absurd than the last. If I said I had urgent work, Emma wouldnt buy it: it was Saturday. And if I claimed I was too tired, shed only interrogate, offer advice, or guilt-trip me. I bit my lip and finally exhaled, mustering my reply.
Emma, not going to work tonight, I tried for extra sympathy in my voice. Sallys feeling under the weather, so were just staying in, not seeing anyone.
There was a pause, then Emma gave a heavy sigh at the other end.
Oh, what a shame, she drawled. We couldve had a little chinwag while the kids played…
I rolled my eyes, relieved she couldnt see. The kids playing together. Of course. Sally would end up running after the little ones while the adults brewed tea in the kitchen.
Yes, real shame, I nodded. Well call you when shes better, promise.
Emma sighed a bit more, sent Sally her best, and hung up. I set the phone aside and stared at it, bemused. That whole call had taken four minutes. My sister hadnt even asked after me. Not a word about my work, my health, my mood. Shed called for one reason only: to see if wed be coming over. What she needed most was a free babysitter, plain and simple.
Sally appeared in the doorway, peering at me.
– Aunt Emma again, mum? Sally asked.
I nodded, sliding my phone to the table by the sofa. She walked over and folded herself beside me, her face a mix of irritation and relief.
Mum, I dont want to go there anymore, Sally declared firmly.
I turned to her, eyebrow raised. She pursed her lips, gathering herself before letting it all out in a rush.
She keeps dumping her kids on me, Sally scowled. Making me look after them, run about, play games with them. And the eldest is only five! Im not their nanny, mum.
I looked at my nine-year-old and couldnt help but smile. Sally already could articulate clearly what she found unfair. She knew how to stand up for herself and say it out loud. It made me proud.
Dont worry, I stroked her hair. That wont happen again.
Sally gave me a grateful grin and drifted off to her room.
I lay back, staring at the ceiling as my thoughts wandered. Odd how things were in my family. Emmas four years younger than me and already a mother of four! Four! I shook my head. I had just the one, and shes still got a way to go before shes grown up. Theres so much more love, energy, and time left to give her. But Emma, she had four kids in the blink of an eye.
I massaged my temples and closed my eyes. Emma always did seem to believe raising her children was a job for the whole family. Our parents, Margaret and William, were the first to be roped in. Then her husbands folks, neighbours, any relation within reach. The entire clan was at her beck and call. Everyone except Emma herself.
I laughed to myself and sat up. For me, it was always different. I only ever asked for mums help when it was absolutely vital: illness, work crises, times I physically couldnt manage on my own. Otherwise, I did it myself. It had been tough, especially those early years. But I pulled through and look at Sally, growing up wise, independent, full of spirit.
Emma, meanwhile, just grew more entitled every year.
Shrugging off the gloom, I stood and stretched. Id dodged my sister for today a small victory. Ordinary Saturday chores were waiting and wouldnt do themselves. I wandered into the kitchen and started emptying the dishwasher.
Days passed in their normal blur of work and home. Then, Friday evening, my phone buzzed with an incoming call: Emma again. I took a steadying breath and answered.
Sarah, hows Sally doing? Emma oozed concern. Is she feeling better now?
Shes fine, I leaned against the wall. Completely back to her usual self.
Brilliant! Emma perked up. Then you simply must come over for the weekend! Stay the night!
I rolled my eyes. Here we go again.
Its so dull here alone, Emma complained. The kids are restless, my husbands away.
Emma, staying over isnt really possible, I shook my head though she couldnt see. But I could come round tomorrow morning for a bit.
A grumpy silence followed. Emma had obviously been hoping for more, but after a little debate she gave in and agreed to a daytime visit.
Saturday morning was dreary and cool. I got ready, slipped on my coat, and left the flat alone. The bus ride to her place took half an hour, with another ten minutes walk.
Emma opened the door, craning her neck to look behind me.
Wheres Sally? she frowned.
Sallys busy, I stepped inside. Got to revise, theres a big test coming up.
Emma made a face like shed just tasted vinegar and slammed the door behind me.
Your daughters getting very difficult, she huffed, arms folded. Never visits, never calls, never texts.
I hung my coat near the door. Somewhere deeper in the house, the childrens noise echoed: thumps, bangs, shouts. I turned to face my sister, steady.
Shes just sick of being the resident babysitter, I replied calmly.
Emmas face flared, her eyes turning sharp.
Thats normal! Emma raised her voice. Older children should help look after the younger ones!
Not when theyre not her own siblings, I didnt budge.
Oh, come off it! Emma threw up her hands. Theyre her cousins!
Shes only ten, Emma. Shes still a child, not a servant.
Emma stomped closer, glaring. Somewhere a little one started crying, but she ignored it.
Its good for her! Emma jabbed her finger at me. She should learn how to deal with kids.
Thats not a lesson she needs, I raised my voice too. She doesnt have siblings, so she shouldnt be forced to play mum to yours.
Exactly! Emma was shouting now. Thats why she should help me with mine! Let her learn!
I stepped back, stunned. Emma wasnt even attempting to hide her real intentions.
Do you hear yourself? I shook my head. Youre using my daughter as unpaid childcare!
And what of it? Emma planted her hands on her hips. I cant cope on my own!
Then why have four kids? The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Emma gasped in outrage, face turning crimson.
Your daughters nearly grown! she shrieked. You could have her come help me every other day after school!
That was the last straw. Something clicked inside. All the old frustrations spilled out.
Youre beyond cheeky, I spat back. You dump your problems on everyone else.
Im only asking for a bit of help!
No, you demand, I snapped, grabbing my coat. You expect the world to revolve around you.
So what? Mum and Dad help, his mum helps! And youre the only one turning up your nose!
Mum and Dad arent young anymore, I jammed my arms into my coat. They need to rest, not supervise a squad of grandkids.
They love helping!
Emma seized my sleeve, but I pulled free and backed towards the door. She glowered at me, raging.
We wont be coming round any more, I told her, opening the door. Find yourself another babysitter.
I left, shutting her shouts behind the door with a resounding bang.
That evening, Mum called. I saw her name light up and picked up.
Sarah, what have you done? Mums voice was trembling with indignation. Emmas in bits, youve driven your sister to breaking point!
I just told her the truth, I slumped onto the settee.
What truth? she retorted. That you wont help your own sister?
Theres a huge difference between helping and becoming someones slave, I gripped my phone tight.
Shes alone with four kids! Mum protested. Her husbands always away! Shes struggling!
That was her decision, not mine. And not Sallys either.
Sally could help mind the little ones now and then! Mum insisted. Honestly, everyone pitches in for Emma, youre the only special one!
No, I cut her off. My daughter will not play babysitter to someone elses children.
Theyre not strangers! Mum was nearly shouting. Theyre family!
I got up and stared out the window, watching the street lights flicker on as dusk set in.
Mum, if you and Dad are happy to devote yourselves to Emmas lot, by all means do it, I said earnestly. But I never agreed to that.
Youre selfish! Mum accused.
I have my own family, I said, voice steady. A husband, a daughter. Im not living my life for Emmas sake.
I hung up before she could reply. The phone dropped onto the sofa and I pressed my palms to my face.
Warm little arms wrapped around my waist. Sally squeezed me from behind, resting her head on my shoulder.
Mum, I heard everything, she whispered.
I turned and hugged her tight, breathing in the reassuring scent of her hair.
Ive always done it for you, I stroked her head. And Im always going to.
She looked up, smiling with gratitude.
I know, mum, Sally squeezed my hand. Thank you.
We stood at the window, arms around each other, watching the city twinkling into night. Somewhere out there, Emma was probably sobbing to her mother-in-law. Mum was no doubt ringing round, telling them all about her heartless eldest. But here, in our flat, it was warm and peaceful.
Id made my choice, and I wasnt backing down. Even at the cost of ties with my mother and sister, Sally mattered most. Her childhood, her freedom, her right to just be a child came above all else.
