Mum, youre giving our flat to your sons brother? And then youll come live with me? I wont let you!
Dont even think about it! Mum, are you out of your mind? Can you hear yourself? Hell kick you out the minute its hisdont you see that?
Sophie, dont argue with me! Ive made my decision!
At first, Mum held her ground, trying to seem firm, sure of herself. Then she burst into tears because deep down, she knew it wasnt fair to her own daughter.
The thing was, Matthew, Sophies younger brother, had always been the favourite. It just happened that way. Elaine had him when she was already in her thirties, while Sophie had been a youthful mistake.
So, her attitude towards her daughter was simpleshe existed, and that was enough. Sophie was mostly raised by her grandmother because Elaine had made a vow to finish university back then.
But Matthew? He was planned, deliberate, born after she remarried and basked in motherhood.
Sophie saw it all clearly. The one thing she couldnt understand was why her mother made the favouritism so blatant. Most parents at least tried to hide it, but Elaine didnt even bother pretending.
Then she had the nerve to wonder why Sophie and Matthew never got along. Funny, that. Almost as if there were reasons.
Matthew got the best of everything growing up. Sophie had to make do with scraps and wasnt even allowed to complain.
And money? He always got more. Because he was the man, thats just how it should be. Never mind that he was years youngerthat didnt matter.
Mark my words, Sophie! When Matthews grown, hell earn his keep and provide for his family. Until then, its my duty to help him!
And what about me, Mum?
What about you? Your job is to marry well and cling to your husband, Elaine declared, setting the table with a finality that brooked no argument.
Sophie shot back, saying she had no intention of depending on a man and wanted to grow as her own person, professionally included.
What utter nonsense! Are you even listening to yourself?
Whats so funny about that?
No one in our familys ever thought like that.
Then Ill be the first.
Sophie never understood her mothers logic and refused to follow it. Soon enough, she moved into a rented flat, gulping down freedom like fresh air. Living under the same roof as her brother and mother had become unbearable. The older she got, the worse it was.
Not that they minded. More space for them.
Five years passed. Sophie bought a flat on mortgage and paid it off. Meanwhile, Matthew still lived with their mother and even moved his wife in. A few months later, they had a baby.
Elaine was the sort to make do with what she haduntil she wasnt.
Dyou know, love, our neighbours got herself a dishwasher? Not that she bought it, mindher kids did.
Thats nice.
Wish I had one, but I darent even mention it!
Why not?
Matthews struggling at work. Any day now, theyll sack him, and hell be job-hunting again. And Alice, his wife, is on maternity leave with pennies for pay.
Matthew had another charming habit: he hated sharing his own money. Living off Mum suited him just fineas if groceries materialised in the fridge by magic.
Matthew, whens your conscience going to kick in? Sophie snapped when she bumped into him at the supermarket.
He was loading his basket with beer and crisps for the big match.
Whats your problem?
You could at least help Mum out! Shes on a pension, not made of rubber. Do you even realise she buys all the food herself?
Matthew looked away, because he knew she was right.
Whats it to you? You dont even live with us.
I feel sorry for Mum!
Feel sorry for yourself. No husband, no family. Just traipsing about pitying everyone else!
With that, he walked off, leaving Sophie stunned. He knew exactly where to strike to hurt the most.
At thirty-five, Sophie had never been married. Her last boyfriend, after years together, cheated on her, and she wasnt ready to trust again.
Need any help, love? the shop assistant asked.
No, no, Im fine. Thanks.
Sophie knew she was right. Matthew wasnt a boy anymore. He was a grown man, a father. He should be taking responsibility, not leeching off their mother while living for himself.
Sophie, how dare you say such things to him? Elaine launched in the second Sophie walked in.
Mum, I was just telling the truth. Standing up for you.
Did I ask you to? Now hes in a foul mood, shouting all over the flatweve got a baby here, have you no sense?
Me? How is this my fault?
Sophie didnt even know how to respond.
Because you shouldnt have said anything! You know how sensitive he is.
Funny how Elaine always defended Matthew without a thought for Sophies feelings. Even now, when Sophie had spoken up to teach him a lesson and protect her mother, she was still the villain.
Six months of silence later, Elaine called out of the blue and asked Sophie to visit.
Nothing had changed. No dishwasher, of course.
Wheres Matthew and Alice?
Theyve been invited to a wedding. Im looking after little Jack. Fancy some tea?
No, Mum. You wanted to talk?
Yes. Ive made a big decision. Im giving this flat to Jack.
For a second, Sophie thought it was a jokeor a test.
Youre giving our family flat to your sons child? Mum, are you serious?
Sophie, dont argue! Its final.
Of course, Sophie tried to explain the consequences. Elaine wouldnt budge.
So not only do you wait on them hand and foot, but now youre signing over the flat too?
Dont exaggerate. Im just helping.
And whats Alice doing?
Looking after the baby. Harder than any job, you know.
Did she tell you that? Because all I see is her posting on social media.
You dont understand, Sophie! Youve no children of your ownits easy for you to judge.
Sophie realised coming had been a mistake. Half a year apart, and nothing had changed.
I see youve got a new car. On finance?
No. I bought it.
Really? Couldnt help your brother, though. You heard hes been made redundant? Moneys tight while he looks for work.
Sophie marvelled at her mothers logic. Matthew was a grown man whod chosen a family. He should be supporting them.
What are you hinting at?
Im not hinting. The baby needs a new cotwe had to get a second-hand one. And I could do with a dishwasher, my hands ache from scrubbing.
I should go, Mum.
Sophie headed for the door, but Elaine wasnt done.
Before leaving, Sophie asked just one question.
Mum, if you put the flat in Jacks name, they could throw you out. Where would you go then?
But Elaine still refused to listen.
Oh, Sophie, youre so stubborn! Jacks my only grandchild. Youll never give me onenever even marry, at this rate. Not surprised, with that attitude. Selfish, thats what you are!
After that, Sophie gave up. If they were all so wonderful, they could buy their own dishwasher.
Shed handle her own life. It hadnt been easy, but what choice did she have? Elaine had made her decision long ago.
Well then. You make your bed, you lie in it. Silly woman, forgetting old age was just around the corner
