Mum, youre 65 now. Its time to see the solicitor and sort out the house for inheritance, my sister prods while visiting.
A week ago, we celebrated my mums 65th birthday. She didnt want anything too extravagant, just invited us to her house for a quiet get-together. I brought her a lovely bouquet of roses, a cosy dressing gown, and a pair of slippers to match. I also slipped £80 in an envelope for her, as a little something extra.
Unfortunately, my wife and the kids couldnt make it. Our sons come down with something, our daughter had a competition, and Rita was suddenly sent on a work trip to London. The children drew a big picture for their nan with all of us together in front of her house.
My younger sister, Victoria, turned up from town that day as well.
Oh, listen, I forgot to buy something for Mum. Just say its from both of us, will you?
Fine, but did you honestly forget it was Mums birthday? A big one at that.
Oh God, James, you have no idea whats going on at work!
Victorias never been particularly independent. She had a child at nineteen by some lad she met at her uni halls, but he left her and never pays maintenance. Back then, I was working on building sites and would send her money every now and thenjust enough so she could get groceries, baby formula, and a few bits for my niece.
I even helped her get a place for Georgina at nursery and found Victoria a job at my mates shop as a sales assistant. She lasted just three months before she quit.
To this day, shes making ends meet with odd jobsdoing nails at a salon or putting in eyelashes. Last summer, she went to work in France, leaving her daughter with Mum to look after. She came back after three months with just £1,800, all of which she blew on a new phone for herself and a laptop for her daughter. I make that much in a month at the company, but only because I work hard.
Mum was over the moon that wed shown up, and she put on a beautiful spread. Her friend from next door and Auntie Nora came round as well.
Sadly, the evening ended in an argument, thanks to Victoria bringing up the inheritance at the dinner table.
Mum, who are you leaving the house to, then?
Oh, darling, why are you asking things like that? Youll split it evenly.
Evenly? James already has his flat and his own business. Im still renting! Why does he need this house?
She was talking as if Mum was on her deathbedI couldnt believe it. Not a shred of embarrassment discussing such things in front of guests.
Victoria, now isnt the time. Dont spoil Mums birthday.
Well, when are we supposed to talk about it? Mum, youre 65 nowthats not young. You should get this sorted, see the solicitor, and put me down for the house.
Auntie nearly choked on her tea hearing that. I couldnt put up with Victorias blatant cheek, so I took her by the arm and marched her into the kitchen.
Are you out of your mind? What nonsense are you coming out with at the dinner table? Already burying Mum before her time?
Look, you stay out of my business. Ive raised my child aloneunlike you lot.
Alone? Have you forgotten I gave you money, and Mum looked after Georgina with you? I swear, youre testing my patience.
Victoria was fuming. She grabbed her daughter and stormed out without even saying goodbye. Then she started sending me threatssaid shed take me to court or some such. I couldnt care less about her threats.
But Mums truly upset about it all. Victoria wont let Georgina talk to her gran, refuses to answer phone calls, all because of this house business. Mum is in tears and clutches at her chest in worry.
I just dont know what to do about my sister anymore. Shes an adult, but she acts like a spoiled child.
What would you do in my shoes? Should I try to make peace with her or just leave things as they are?
