“Youll never forgive me for this!” shrieked his sister as Ignatiusor rather, *Nigel* nowdecided to walk away from the family drama, refusing to be guilt-tripped over his niece.
During Sunday roast at his mums, Nigel couldnt help but notice the odd glances exchanged between his mother and sister, punctuated by nervous gigglesutterly out of character for them.
*Probably plotting something again*, he thought, suppressing a sigh. *Probably another harebrained scheme. Bless them, theyre far too trustingany con artist could sweet-talk them into anything. And the worst part? Theyll never admit theyve mucked it up until its too late to fix. Mums excusableshes getting on a bitbut my sister, Emily? Shes no fool, yet she falls for every scam under the sun!*
His gaze flicked between his mum, Emily, and his niece, Sophie, who sat quietly, lost in her own world. To break the awkward silence, Nigel turned to her.
“So, Sophie, hows uni treating you? Enjoying it?”
“Youll never forgive me for this!” Emily blurted suddenly, as if the words had been waiting to erupt.
“Yeah, Uncle Nigel, its brilliant,” Sophie replied, though her voice wavered. “Just… well…”
“Whats wrong?” Nigel frowned. “I went to the same uni, you know. Landed a cracking job right afterpractically fought over, they were. Built my career from there. Educations everything.”
“Oh yes,” his mum, Margaret, chimed in. “Your uncle got in on his own merit, no favours, graduated with first-class honours. A proper self-made man. You could learn a thing or two from him, Sophie. Never caused me a lick of trouble, always helping your mum out too.”
Emily beamed at him. “Nigels been an absolute gem. Stood by me through thick and thin. Helped raise Sophie after the divorce from that good-for-nothing Simon. And after Dad passed, he stepped up for Mum. A real gentleman, our Nigel.”
*Somethings off*, Nigel thought, eyeing them warily. *Theyre buttering me up like a Christmas pudding. Normally, Emily blames me for her divorce, claims I never got on with Simon. How could I? The bloke was more interested in the pub than a job. I got him three positions, and he quit each one in a fortnightalways moaning about the pay, insisting he was too creative for proper work. And now suddenly Im Saint Nigel? Pull the other one.*
After tea, they settled in the lounge, the telly humming in the background. But the tension was palpable.
“Listen, Nigel,” Margaret began hesitantly. “Theres… something we need to discuss.”
Emily leaned in, saccharine-sweet. “Sophies grown up now, darling. She doesnt want to live with me anymore.”
“Hardly surprising,” Nigel chuckled. “Shes what, nineteen? Probably has a boyfriend by now. Eh, Soph?”
Sophie flushed, ducking her head.
“Perfectly normal,” Nigel continued. “Time to spread her wings. Uni halls, maybe?”
“*Halls?*” Margaret gasped. “Good heavens, have you *seen* the state of those places?”
“Nothing wrong with halls,” Nigel said firmly. “Teaches independence. High time she learned to fend for herself.”
“No, Nigel, youve misunderstood,” Emily cut in. “Sophies met a lovely ladOliver, very bright, very polite. Might be serious. But we must think ahead. Halls are temporarywhat after graduation?”
“Get a job, rent a flat. Or take out a mortgageplenty do. Theres even schemes for graduates to work in rural areasdecent stipend, housing provided.”
“No, Uncle Nigel,” Sophie pouted. “I *hate* the countryside. I want to move to London. But flats there cost a *fortune*.”
“Which is why,” Margaret said bluntly, “we need your help. Youve got that IT job, connectionsyour old mate, Jeremy, mentioned a *special* mortgage scheme. Weve scraped together some savings, but we need you to take the mortgage in your name. Jeremy said hed sort itjust a few formalities.”
Nigels jaw tightened. “Mum, Ive told youI wont touch anything dodgy. No special schemes.”
“But Jeremy said”
“I dont *care* what Jeremy said. Its fraud. Sophie can work, save up. Ill chip in when shes ready to buy *properly*.”
“Uncle Nigel,” Sophie pleaded, “this scheme might never come again! The interest rates are *tiny*. Mum and Gran have it all plannedyou just sign a few papers, work for Jeremy for five years”
“*Absolutely not.* And Ill be having words with Jeremy about his helpfulness. Have you paid him already?”
Emily paled. “How *dare* you! Hes doing this out of kindness!”
Margaret looked at him, dismayed. “Nigel, I dont even know you anymore. Family helps family. Youre breaking our hearts.”
“*Im* breaking hearts?” Nigel laughed bitterly. “Youve already spent my money in your heads without asking!”
Emilys tears spilled over. “See? The second its about money, he bolts. Sophie will *slave* for decades on a normal mortgageand you wont lift a finger!”
Nigel stood. “Im leaving. Well talk when youve calmed down.”
“Youll *never* be forgiven for this!” Emily shrieked.
Sophies sobs echoed from the kitchen.
Margarets voice trembled. “Youve destroyed this family today, Nigel. Shame on you.”
As he walked out, the slam of the front door struck him like a physical blowa sharp, final severance.
