Everyone helps out, except youyou’re always so special
Anne, listen, maybe you two could pop over today? asked her sister, Hope, her voice brimming with optimism. Simon’s gone off for work, and it’s dreadfully dull here with only the children for company.
Anne rubbed her brow, her mind awhirl with excuses, each one more implausible than the last. She couldn’t claim urgent workHope would never believe her, not on a Saturday. Saying she was tired would just open the gates to a series of questions, unsolicited advice, and gentle lectures. Anne bit her lip and exhaled, steeling herself for her response.
Hope, it’s not going to work today, Anne tried to lace her voice with as much regret as she could muster. Harriet’s a bit unwell, so we’re lying low at home, not venturing out.
A long silence hung over the phone line, followed by Hope’s heavy sigh.
Oh, what a shame, Hope drawled wistfully. We could’ve had a nice chinwag while the children played…
Anne rolled her eyes, glad her sister couldn’t see. Of course, the kids would play together. Harriet would be running about after the little ones while the grown-ups drank endless tea in the kitchen.
Yes, such a pity, Anne agreed, nodding to herself. We’ll call you once she’s feeling better, definitely.
Hope sighed a bit more, wished Harriet a speedy recovery, and ended the call. Anne put her phone down and stared at the screen, suddenly amused by the whole spectacle. The conversation had lasted all of four minutes. Her sister hadn’t even asked her how she wasnothing about Anne’s job, health, or mood. Hope had only rung for one reason: to find out if they’d be coming over. A free babysitter was all she wantedthat much was clear.
Harriet appeared in the doorway, peering at her mother thoughtfully.
Aunt Hope again? Harriet asked.
Anne nodded, dropping her phone on the little side table. Her daughter walked in and curled up beside her, tucking her legs under herself, her face a mix of irritation and relief.
Mum, I don’t want to go there anymore, Harriet announced, all determination.
Anne raised an eyebrow, waiting for elaboration. Harriet pressed her lips together, gathering her thoughts, then let loose all the words she’d bottled up.
She just dumps the kids on me, Harriet complained. Always asks me to watch them, chase after them, entertain them. And the oldest one’s only five! I’m not their nanny, Mum.
Anne looked at her nine-year-old daughter and couldn’t help but smile. Harriet knew exactly how to articulate her boundaries, and she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself. Anne felt a surge of pride swell in her chest.
Don’t worry, Anne patted her daughter’s head. It won’t happen again.
Harriet smiled in relief and headed back to her room.
Anne stared up at the ceiling, letting her thoughts drift. The situation in their family felt so peculiar. Hope was four years younger than Anne, yet she already had four children. Four! Anne shook her head at the thought. She herself only had the one daughter, and Harriet was still so young. How much more time, effort, and love did she need to invest in her child, her singular priority? Hope, meanwhile, had four all at once.
Anne massaged her temples and closed her eyes. Hope had always believed that everyone should help raise her childrenher parents, Margaret and John, had been her first targets. Then came Hope’s in-laws, then neighbours, friends, distant relationseveryone in the extended family seemed to have some responsibility for Hope’s brood. Everyone, that is, except Hope herself.
Anne smirked to herself. She’d always seen things differently. She only asked her mother for help in the direst of emergencieswhen she fell ill, when a crisis at work threatened her job, or when it was physically impossible to do otherwise. Otherwise, she managed on her own. It had been difficult, especially in the early years, but she’d managed. Nothing catastrophic had happened. She’d raised an independent, clever girl with a mind and will of her own.
Meanwhile, Hope only grew bolder year after year.
Anne brushed off the heavy thoughts and got up from the sofa. Escaping her sister today was already a minor victory. The usual Saturday chores awaited, matters that didn’t like to be put off. She walked to the kitchen and began emptying the dishwasher.
…The days blurred by in the usual commotion of work and housework. By Friday night, her phone buzzed again, and Hope’s name appeared on the screen. Anne inhaled deeply and answered the call.
Anne, how’s Harriet doing? Hope’s voice made a show of concern. Is she feeling better now?
All good thanks, Anne leaned against the wall. She’s racing about as usual.
Brilliant! Hope grew more animated. Then you simply have to stay over this weekend!
Anne rolled her eyes. Here we goanother round in the negotiations.
It’s so dreary here on my own, Hope went on plaintively. The kids are restless, and Simon’s away for work.
Hope, staying overnight just won’t work, Anne shook her head. But I can pop in for a visit on Saturday morning.
On the other end, Hope went silent with disappointment. She’d clearly expected more. After a little back and forth, she reluctantly agreed to a daytime visit.
…Saturday morning arrived grey and chilly. Anne dressed, threw on a jacket, and set off alone. It took half an hour by bus and another ten minutes on foot to reach her sister’s house.
Hope answered the door, craning her neck to see around Anne.
Where’s Harriet? she frowned.
Harriet’s busy, Anne stepped inside. She has homework, big test coming up.
Hope’s face soured as if she’d tasted a particularly tart lemon. She slammed the door behind Anne with a huff.
Your daughters plain stubborn these days, Hope huffed, folding her arms. Never visits, never calls, never writes.
Anne took her jacket off, hanging it by the door. Somewhere deep within, the children clattered and banged about. She looked her sister straight in the eye.
She’s just tired of being the babysitter here, Anne replied calmly.
Hope flared at once as if Anne had lit a match in a dry field. Her face turned crimson, her eyes narrowed in anger.
It’s normal! Hope snapped. Older ones are supposed to look after the littler ones!
Not for children who aren’t hers, Anne stood her ground.
They’re not strangers! Hope threw her arms up. They’re her cousins!
She’s only ten, Hope, Anne clenched her fists. She’s a child, not the hired help.
Hope took a step closer, glaring at her like a storm. The wail of the youngest drifted from the other room, but Hope didn’t turn an inch.
It’s good for her! she jabbed a finger towards Anne. She’ll learn how to look after children!
She doesnt need those lessons! Anne raised her voice in turn. She hasn’t any siblings and that’s just fine.
That’s exactly why! Hope shouted. Let her fuss with minelet her learn!
Anne stared in utter disbelief. Hope wasnt even trying to hide her real intention.
Can you hear yourself? Anne shook her head. You want to use my daughter as free childcare!
And why not? Hope snapped, hands on hips. I can’t cope alone!
Then why have four children? Anne blurted, unable to stop herself.
Hope gasped in outrage. Her face deepened in colour, veins standing out on her neck.
You have an almost grown daughter! she shrieked. She could come round after school every other day and help out!
That was the last straw for Anne. Something snapped inside, and all the pent-up resentment flooded out.
The nerve of you, Anne hissed. You dump your responsibility on everyone else.
I’m only asking for help! Hope insisted.
No, youre demanding it, Anne grabbed her jacket. You act as though the whole world owes you.
So what? Mum and Dad help me! Hope stamped her foot. Simon’s mum helps! You’re the only one who refuses!
Mum and Dad aren’t young anymore, Anne pulled on her coat. They need their rest, not endless babysitting.
They love it! Hope caught Anne by the sleeve.
Anne shook off her grip and backed towards the door. Hope stood, red-faced, at the heart of the corridor.
We’re not coming back, Anne opened the door. Find yourself another babysitter.
Anne strode out, ignoring Hopes shouts that echoed up the stairway. The door shut with a bang behind her.
…That evening, her mother rang. Anne looked at the screen, then answered the call.
Anne, what have you done? Margaret trembled with indignation. Hopes in tears! Youve driven your sister to the brink!
Mum, I just told her the truth, Anne sat on the sofa.
What truth? her mums volume rose. That you wont help your own sister?
Helping and becoming her servant are different, Anne gripped her phone tighter.
Shes got four children all by herself! Margaret lamented. Simons always away on business! Its hard for her!
That was her decision, Anne said firmly. Not mine, not Harriet’s.
Harriet could keep an eye on the littlies sometimes! her mum pressed. Everyone lends Hope a hand, just not youyou always have to be different!
No, Anne interrupted. My daughter isnt going to be an unpaid childminder for someone elses children.
They aren’t someone elses! Margaret nearly screamed. Theyre family!
Anne stood and wandered to the window. Dusk pressed in outside; street lamps blinked awake.
Mum, if you and Dad want to spend your lives raising Hopes children, go ahead, Anne said, her voice even. But I didnt sign up for that.
Youre selfish! her mum accused.
I have my own family, Anne said, unyielding. A husband, a daughter. Im not living my life for my sister.
She hung up before the reply came. The phone fell onto the sofa, and Anne buried her face in her hands.
Warm arms encircled Anne from behind. Harriet snuggled up, her head resting on her mothers shoulder.
Mum, I heard everything, her daughter whispered.
Anne turned and hugged Harriet tight, breathing in the fresh scent of her daughters hair.
I did it for you, Anne stroked her head. And Ill always do it for you.
Harriet looked up and smiled. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude and love.
I know, Mum, she squeezed Anne’s hand. Thank you.
They stood by the window, arms entwined, gazing out at the night-draped city, all orange glow and crooked chimneys. Somewhere, at the other end of town, Hope was likely sobbing to her mother-in-law. Somewhere Margaret was speaking to every relative she could reach, bewailing her unfeeling eldest daughter. But here, in this flat, there was only warmth and peace.
Anne had made her decision, and she wasnt going backnot even if it cost her ties with her mother and sister. Harriet mattered more: her childhood, her freedom, her simple right to be a child.
