**Diary Entry**
“Either you let my brother move in, or pack your things and get out!” my husband declared.
Charlotte had stayed late at worktwo whole hours. Two new clients had booked appointments after glowing recommendations.
“We only want you, Charlotte! You’re the best hairdresser in town!” Those words had made her smile all the way home.
Maybe it really was time to take the leap and start her own business. Enough waiting for “the right moment.”
Lost in thought, she barely noticed arriving at their terraced house in Manchester. In the hallway, unfamiliar voices drifted from their flat. She pushed the door open and froze. A battered rucksack lay in the corridor, muddy trainers sprawled on the floor, and the stench of stale beer wafted from the kitchen.
“Char, look whos back! Its Jamie!” Her husband, Oliver, leaned out from the kitchen with a strange smile.
His younger brother, Jamie, slumped on the kitchen sofa, staring blankly at the table. The same Jamie whod left four years ago to chase after a dancer from some nightclub.
“Hey,” Jamie muttered without looking up.
“Mum, whos that?” whispered Lily, just back from ballet class.
“Thats your Uncle Jamie, Dads brother,” Charlotte replied evenly. “You were too young to remember him.”
“Whys he so… weird?” Lily murmured.
“Go to your room, love. Well talk later.”
Charlotte locked herself in the bathroom, turning on the tap. She needed a moment. The mirror reflected a tired face. She ran a hand through her hairroots needed touching up, but that wasnt what weighed on her.
Four years ago, when Jamie left, Oliver had barely spoken to his parents for weeks, blaming them for driving his brother away. Then hed buried itno calls, no mention of Jamie. Until now.
Oliver followed her into the bedroom, hesitating before speaking.
“Hes staying with us. Just for a bit. He needs help. His ex cheated on him. He cant go to Mum and Dads.”
“And you decided that alone? Without even asking me?” Charlotte turned sharply. “You dont think thats outrageous?”
“What was there to discuss? Hes my brother. Hes got nowhere else.”
“Ollie, weve got a teenage daughter. Look at the state of him! You think its right for her to see this every day?”
“Thats why he *needs* us. Family sticks together,” Oliver met her eyes for the first time all evening. “You know I cant abandon him.”
“How long?”
“As long as it takes.”
“And Lily? Did you think about her?”
“Char, enough!” His voice rosesomething he never did. “Hes my brother. My *little* brother. I wont leave him alone in this.”
Charlotte opened her mouth but stopped. There was something in his tone shed never heard before.
“Fine,” she turned to the window. “But he doesnt drink here. And he finds a job.”
Oliver left without a word. Through the wall, she heard him murmuring to Jamie in the kitchensoftly, like he didnt want her to hear.
It was past midnight when the voices finally stopped. She lay awake, listening to Oliver shuffling around, probably settling Jamie on the sofa.
“Itll be alright,” he whispered, slipping into bed. But she wasnt so sure anymore.
***
Morning brought the stench of stale beer. Charlotte silently made Lilys breakfast, ignoring the empty bottles and overflowing ashtray.
A month in, their kitchen had become a permanent pub for two.
“Mum, off to school,” Lily whispered, edging past her snoring uncle. Lately, she spent as little time at home as possiblejoining clubs, staying at friends.
Watching her dash out, Charlotte felt fury simmering inside.
Their “temporary” guest had dismantled everything theyd built: cosy family evenings, shared meals, Lilys trust.
“Morning,” Oliver strode in, already suited up. “Coffee?”
“Leftover from yesterday,” she nodded at the pot. “We need to talk.”
“Not nowIm late,” he grimaced at the cold brew.
“When, Ollie? Youre *always* late. Evenings are for Jamie.”
He paused at the door. “Whatre you saying?”
“That this isnt working. We cant keep supporting a grown man. Its not fair!”
“Hes depressed, Char. Cant you see hes a mess?”
“And what about us? Lily *hates* being here. The flat reeks. Youve”
“*Ive* what?”
“Youve changed. Like I dont know you anymore.”
Oliver set his cup down. “Tonight. Well talk properly.”
“No. *Now.*” She blocked the door. “I want Jamie gone in a week. He can rent a flat, get a jobwhatever. But not on our dime!”
“Are you serious?” Olivers eyes narrowed. “Youd toss my brother out?”
“Im saying stop being his free B&B! Hes not even *trying*!”
“He *needs time*! Its obvious!”
“How much? A year? A lifetime?” Her voice cracked. “Do you even care what this is doing to *us*?”
“And do *you* care that hes *family*? I wont abandon him like our parents didnot even for you!”
“So thats your choice?” Tears spilled.
“Its not a choice. Its duty. You just refuse to see it.”
He left, gently closing the door. Jamies snores rumbled from the living room. Charlotte sank onto a chair, staring at Olivers abandoned coffee.
He used to kiss her goodbye every morning.
***
Days passed in silence. Charlotte left early, returned late. Oliver pretended not to notice, glued to Jamies side. Lily tiptoed between them, met with curt replies: “Its fine, love. Dont worry.”
At night, hushed kitchen voices carried: “*She doesnt get it family comes first youre too soft on her*”
***
Friday, Oliver came home early. Jamie dozed; Lily blasted music in her room.
Charlotte stirred soup, the rhythmic motion calming.
“Ive sorted it,” Oliver leaned in the doorway. “A solution that works for everyone.”
She kept stirring. Silence had become easier.
“He can stay at your flat.”
Her spoon stilled. That flat was her safety netleft by her godmother, always *hers*.
“Its rented,” she said flatly.
“So? Give them notice. Theyll find somewhere.”
“Ollie, theyve paid a year upfront. *Kids* live there. Its not happening.”
“Fine. Jamie stays *here*. No discussion!” He scoffed. “Your call.”
She turned slowly. “Youd *evict* a family for him?”
“What choice is there? *You* wanted him out.”
“I wanted him to *grow up*. Not mooch off us!”
“Hes *depressed*!”
“Or just lazy?”
Olivers fists clenched. “Dont *dare* insult my brother! One more word and”
Charlotte studied him. This wasnt just helping Jamie. It was a choice. Already made.
“Alright,” she smiled faintly. “I understand.”
He faltered. “Understand *what*?”
“Everything. Dinners ready. Call Jamie.”
Baffled, he left. Once alone, she dialled her solicitor.
“Marina? That legal firm you mentionedI need them. Urgently.”
Lilys music still played. Charlotte pressed her forehead to the cool bedroom door.
“Itll be okay, sweetheart,” she whispered. “Mums got this.”
***
Three weeks passed. Charlotte barely came home. Extra salon shifts, training courses.
Lily stayed with Gran”revising for exams.”
Oliver didnt protest. Evenings were now his and Jamies: football, takeaways, loud debates.
She felt like a stranger in her own home.
Mornings revealed the aftermath: beer bottles, pizza boxes, ashtrays overflowing.
Oliver ignored itkissing Jamies head before work, barely glancing at her.
Then, one evening, he burst in, beaming.
“Good news! Jamies moving out!”
Charlotte nearly dropped her tea. “Really?”
“Yep! Said hes done sponging. Found some work, making plans!”
“Thats wonderful.” Hope flickered. Maybe they could salvage this.
“Just one thing,” Oliver sat. “He needs a place first. Ring your tenantsgive em a month. Well cover relocation.”
“We *discussed* this. Its *not* happening.”
“But its *different* now! Hes trying!”
“No,” she said firmly. “If he wants independence, he rents like
