**Diary Entry: Putting an Impertinent Sister-in-Law in Her Place**
I finally stood my ground against my husbands overbearing sister.
“Mum says the restaurants booked,” said Emily casually, ignoring the strain in Amelias voice. “And about the moneyhave you and James transferred it yet?”
Amelia hesitated, searching for words, but Emily ploughed on.
“Its not a huge amount, really. I even thought of chipping in myself, but with my expenses… Its for Mum, you understand.”
“Hold on,” Amelia finally cut in, struggling to stay calm. “We never agreed to this. James hasnt mentioned a thing.”
“Oh, you know how forgetful he is,” Emily chirped, as if it were perfectly normal. “I told him itd come to around thirty thousand pounds. Reasonable for the occasion, dont you think?”
Her tone made it sound like the matter was settled. Amelia clutched her phone, irritation rising.
“Thirty *thousand*?” she repeated, barely a whisper.
“Yes, and I got a discount! Cakes, serviceyoull see. Mum will love it. Anyway, dont stressIve already paid the deposit. James said youd cover the rest.”
Emily hung up before Amelia could reply.
She sat frozen, staring at her phone. A lump formed in her throat. *Here we go againanother one-way street.*
***
That evening, the kitchen air was thick with tension. James opened the fridge, grabbed a beer, and muttered without looking up,
“Emily said youre against paying for the restaurant.”
Amelia stiffened.
“*Against*? Thats what she told you?” She stood, barely keeping her voice steady. “Did I refuse? I didnt even *know* about it until she rang and dropped it on me!”
James turned, frowning.
“Come on, shes not doing this for herself. Mum doesnt celebrate every year.”
“And how is it normal for *us* to foot the bill? Thirty grand, James! Does that seem reasonable?”
He shrugged, avoiding her gaze.
“Its for Mum. What do you want? Emilys handled everything.”
Amelia scoffed.
“Of course she haswith *our* money. Do you even realise, James? We never discussed this. She decided, and you just nodded.”
“Drop it,” he snapped, pouring his drink. “Shes only trying to help.”
“Help *who*? Us? Mum? Or *herself*?” Amelias voice rose before she lowered it, mindful of their son asleep upstairs. “Ive had enough, James. Its always, *Pay this, transfer that.* Then she vanishes like nothing happened.”
Silence. He stared into his glass.
“What do you want me to do? Thats just how she is. Talk to her if youre bothered.”
“I *have*,” Amelia shot back. “And you know what she said? Its your *duty*.”
“What did you expect? Shes managing this alone. Maybe her lifes harder than ours.”
“*Managing*?” Amelia nearly laughed. “James, she uses everyone around her. And you *enable* her!”
The argument fizzled out. James shook his head, mumbled something inaudible, and left.
***
The next morning, Emily called again. Amelia answered flatly.
“Hey, Ames! You free?” Emilys voice was unnervingly bright.
“What is it?” Amelia braced herself.
“Look, I need a favour. Started an online boutique with my neighbourthose side hustles, you know? Need to pay a supplier, but Im skint. Could I borrow your card? Just for a few days.”
Amelia went still.
“Emily,” she said slowly, “*my* card?”
“Yes! Whats the issue? Ill be carefulpay you back straight away.”
“No. Not happening.”
A heavy pause.
“I dont get it,” Emily said, voice faltering. “Its just a card. Why the fuss?”
“Because my peace of mind *and* my card are non-negotiable.”
“Ames, dont you *trust* me?” Emilys feigned hurt was transparent. “Were *family*.”
Amelia bit back a sharper retort.
“Were done here, Emily.”
She hung up, equal parts relieved and furious. Emily had crossed every line.
When James returned that night, she knew it wouldnt be easy.
“James,” she began calmly, “your sister called again.”
He unlaced his shoes, avoiding her eyes. “And?”
“She asked for *my card*. For her business.”
James froze. “Whatd you say?”
“I said no.”
“Why *couldnt* you help her?” His tone hardened. “Shes *family*.”
Amelia exhaled slowly.
“James, does your family not see the difference between a request and a *demand*? Cant she sort her own mess?”
“Ames, its not like she asked for a fortune. You always overcomplicate things.”
She stared, incredulous.
“*Im* overcomplicating? *Shes* the one treating us like a piggy bank!”
He waved her off, retreating to the bedroom.
Amelia sat at the table, something inside her snapping for good. Emily wasnt just intrudingshe was *eroding* their lives. That night, Amelia plotted her move: calm, calculated, and final.
***
The following week, at a family dinner, Emily held court, boasting about her “brilliant venture.” Amelia watched, expressionless, as James fidgeted beside her.
“bootstrapped it all ourselves,” Emily prattled. “You know how tight things are.”
Amelia cleared her throat.
“Emily, did you mention youre funding this with *other peoples* money?”
The table fell silent. Emily blinked.
“Whats *that* supposed to mean?”
“You asked for my card. And James lent you cash for your car repairsstill waiting on that repayment, by the way.”
Emily flushed.
“Those are *details*. Why air this here?”
Amelia didnt flinch.
“Theyre not details when you *expect* handouts.”
“I dont get why youre so *bitter*,” Emily snapped, smile brittle. “Were *family*.”
“Family?” Amelia arched a brow. “What kind of family *takes* and throws a tantrum when told no?”
James tried to interject, but Amelia cut him off.
“No, James. Stop defending her. Weve poured enough money and patience into this. Let *her* explain why she wants my card.”
Emily slammed her hands on the table and stormed out.
James stood, eyes wounded. “*Why* did you do that? Shes my *sister*.”
“And why do you *let* her?” Amelia held his gaze.
He left without another word.
That night, James didnt come home. Just a text: *”Need time to think.”*
Amelia sat on the sofa, certain shed done rightyet it felt less like victory than surrender.
**Lesson learned:** Boundaries mean nothing if youre the only one enforcing them.
