Its your duty to pay for me, just as my father did. I have every right to it!
Poppy decided to buy some socks. She needed them.
Will you cover all your expenses with the money your dad sends for me? the boy asked.
His mother, Claire, was reluctant to answer. Her exhusband had recently transferred childsupport into his former wifes account and urged her to buy the necessary clothes for their son, since she had been wearing the same garments for years.
What does that mean? Claire asked her son, thinking she had misheard. Why do you spend the support my father sends only on things you need?
Hearing this, Claire almost burst into tears and put the socks back on the shelf.
This is a nice sweatshirt, she said, heading to the changing room to try it on.
James chose a few sweatshirts to see which would fit him best.
Claire checked the price tag and saw it was £50. Adding up the cost of everything, she realised the support payment was far short, so she would have to top it up.
This is brilliant for me! James ran out of the fitting cubicle, tossing the sweatshirt into a basket with other items.
The cashier at the city centre mall bagged the purchases.
Please pay £525, the cashier announced.
I only have £400 in my pocket. Leave some things you dont need right now, Claire told her son.
I wont leave anything, so Ill also use your money, because not only my father has to support me. By law Im entitled to it.
Fine, Poppy said, pulling out her wallet, placing the cash on the register. Thats a months worth of money. Do what you like. Pay for your clothes, but remember to pay for your meals too. I wont give you any more money. Goodbye. With a solemn look she left the shop.
That evening James came home with several bags of new items from brandname stores.
I managed to buy shoes. Theyre really stylish. Do we have any food left in the fridge?
Youve got leather shoes now, right? I suggest you cook something.
Mum, Im seriously done with this.
Did you think I was joking? James snapped. Id better call my dad, because youre talking nonsense.
Alright, good luck, Claire replied with a faint smile.
Hey Dad, could I stay with you for a month or so? What? Why are you on holiday? Could you at least send some money? Ive got nothing Okay, talk later.
How did the conversation with Dad go?
James trudged back to his room, his face downcast, while his father called his exwife.
Whats happened between you two? she asked.
Your son decided today that everything belongs to him and that we must provide for him, she explained in detail.
Hes got nerve, but we have to feed him or hell starve, and then you can take the childsupport money, give him whats left, and keep the rest.
Three hours later the internet at home cut out, and James turned on his mother again.
Why do you think Ill pay for the internet now? Youre getting cheeky, just as Dad said.
From next month Im moving in with my father.
Do you think youll be needed in a family that already has three kids?
I promise Ill live with him.
Fine, but you need to know you wont get any more support next month, because Dad told me I should feed you, and the money I give you will be deducted from the childsupport later.
Claire then told him how much she spent each month on their total living costs far more than the support payment. James realised he had been unfairly rude to his mother, apologised to both her and his father, and took a parttime job over the holidays to help his mother a little financially.
He learned that true responsibility means accepting ones share, appreciating the effort of those who care, and earning ones own way rather than expecting handouts.
