Dont tell me how to live.
Lauren, let me in! I cant stand living with them anymore. Its not a homeits a prison, sobbed the younger sister, standing on the threshold.
Chloe looked every bit the runaway bride, mascara smudged down her cheeks, trembling lips barely holding back tears. In her hands was the handle of an enormous wheeled suitcase.
Lauren, caught still between sleep and waking, yawned and reluctantly stepped aside. Whats happened this time?
Theyre making my life hell, Lauren! You cant imagine what its like. Last night, I got home at ten instead of nine, and Dad grilled me like some detective, sniffing me as if Id committed a crime! Mum still hasnt learnt to knockshe barges in when Im getting changed, video chatting, or on the phone I have no personal space at all!
Chloe rattled off her complaints, gasping and indignant. And at age twenty, being micromanaged felt like torture. Who would enjoy their parents rummaging through pockets, barging into your room, demanding explanations for every move?
Dont go there, dont eat that, dont hang out with them! Chloe continued, voice rising. Im not ten years old anymore. I have the right to live how I want, not at their convenience. Yesterday I said Id stay at a mates to revise for my exams, and Dad declared: No sleepovers, study at home! Is that normal? What am I, in Year Five?
Lauren listened patiently, feeling a brief pang of sympathy. Her parents were, truth be told, a bit old-fashioned and neurotic.
She herself had endured the same regime. At twenty, she rebelled tooshe hated how Dad waited by the window until eleven and Mum checked if she wore her scarf. But Lauren confronted it head-on.
Im switching to part-time studies, she announced seven years ago. And moving out.
Where? How will you manage on your own? Mum had gasped.
My friend works at a salon; they need a receptionist. The girls and I will rent a room togetherwell manage. And if I cant, Ill come back.
Lauren managed, albeit with difficulty. For the first six months, she lived off plain porridge, slept on a saggy sofa. No one dictated her bedtime. Parents tried helping with groceries and money, but Lauren stubbornly refused.
Im fine. Ill sort myself out.
Eventually, she was handed keys to her grandmothers flatnot so much a gift, but acknowledgement of her own independence.
It was different for Chloe.
Two years ago, their other grandmother passed. Chloe inherited her cosy two-bedroom flat. She had just turned eighteen.
Well, thats it! Chloe announced triumphantly. Im a catch now, with my very own place. I can live on my own!
Parents exchanged bewildered glances.
Okay, love, but consider Dad began. That flats yours, but bills in winter are at least £200 a month, even with stretching. Foods depending what you eat, £350 or so. Travel, clothes, makeup, internet All together, for paying rent and uni, youd need at least £1,400 per month. Where are you getting it?
Chloe batted her lashes, speechless. She believed she was already doing the world a favour just by studying on her parents tab.
And that was where it ended. Chloe wasnt too fussedshe wasnt rushing to move out. But she was stung when her parents began renting out her inherited flat, taking the cash for her covering fees, bills, food, clothing. Occasionally, Chloe got pocket money, but she still wasnt satisfied. She wanted her own placeand no responsibilities.
Lauren, recalling those rows, looked over Chloes outfitnew coat, leather boots, designer handbag Chloe hardly looked like a victim of tyrannical jailers, more like a princess suffering the pea beneath ten mattresses.
They took away my car keys, Chloe sniffled. Said, not until you clear your failures, Ill have to travel by bus. Can you imagine? The bus, Lauren! At least half an hour wait!
Oh, the horror, Lauren replied dryly, watching Chloe drag in her suitcase. So, whats the plan now?
Sympathy swiftly faded.
Ill stay with you. At least until they calm down and apologise. Youve got a two-bed, loads of space. I wont be a bother, honest. Ill keep to myself and study
Lauren pursed her lips. She didnt want to judge her sister, but something wasnt adding up.
Chloe, she sighed. Lets get serious. You want to live like I do? No rules, no questions, no curfew?
Of course! Chloes eyes sparkled. I want to decide when I come home and what I wear.
Brilliant. Then why are you here and not renting your own place? Or a room in halls?
Chloe blinked, baffled. Clearly, she thought it a stupid question.
What do you mean? Ive got no moneyIm a student.
Exactly. Youre a full-time student living off Mum and Dad. You eat their food, wear clothes they buy, drive a car Dad keeps fuelled, Lauren counted off on her fingers. Freedom costs, Chloe. I worked and studied at your age. You want your cake and eat it too.
Are you are you not letting me stay?
Lauren sighed, unwilling to get involved but left with little choice.
First, Im ringing Mum, she said. I want to hear their side.
Chloe hesitated but couldnt stop her.
It was late, but Mum was awake. The conversation was fraught and bluntat one point Lauren switched to speaker. It turned out Chloes car keys and freedom were taken because she wasnt just behind. She was at risk of expulsion.
The lecturers just dont like girls! Chloe protested, blushing.
Right, but everyone else has passed, Dad shot back. Thought youd swan over to Laurens and carry on shirking?
Dads right, Lauren said, meeting Chloes gaze. I dont shelter debtors here. I wont be your babysitter.
Chloe threw her a fiery look.
Fine! Everyones against me? Whatever. Ill live in my flat! Kick out the tenantsIll stay there alone, and no one can say a word.
Silence hung heavy. Chloe lifted her chin, convinced shed cornered her parents.
Alright, Mum said calmly. No problem.
Chloe leapt.
Seriously? Youll kick them out? Tomorrow?
Not tomorrow, Dad replied. As per the contract, theyll have two weeks. You stay with us, finish your exams. But Chloe you understand youll be living independently now?
Yeah, Chloe hedged warily.
Therell be no rent coming in, so Dad paused, letting the reality sink in. You pay your own uni fees, flat bills, groceries, clothes, everything. We wont give you a penny. Youre an adulttime to act like one.
Chloes face slackened in surprise. She mustve thought her parents wouldnt risk fighting and would support her anyway.
But Im studying! I cant work! Im full-time!
Lauren managed, Mum reminded. Switched to part-time, got a job. Its your choice. You want to live alone? Fine. But expenses are yours. Or you live with us, under our roof, our rules, and we support you. No third option.
Chloe cast a pleading look at Lauren but found only a sardonic smirk.
Well, sis? Lauren chuckled. Welcome to adulthood. That cake comes with bones, eh?
Six months passed. Their contact was reduced to polite check-inshow are things? Fine, thanks. Lauren knew only that Chloe no longer lived at home, and kept her distance, wary of being guilt-tripped or taken advantage of.
One rainy afternoon, Lauren ducked into a coffee shop near Hyde Park. Behind the counter stood Chloe.
Medium cappuccino, no sugar, right? her younger sister asked tiredly.
Her appearance had changed. No glamorous lashes up to her brows, no glittery manicure. Nails were trimmed shorthealth and safety standards, nothing to be done. Instead of a designer hoodiejust the coffee shops signature green apron and badge. Shadows sat under her eyes, not hidden by even foundation.
Hi, Lauren smiled, bittersweet with pity and admiration. Yes. And a croissant, if its fresh.
Chloe nodded wordlessly, turning to her work.
Fresh. Delivered this morning.
She moved fast and careful. No more languid demandsthe world wouldnt pause for her now.
Hows uni? Lauren asked, watching Chloe froth the milk.
Sorted. Switched to part-time. Easier. By the way, Mum rang the other day, asked if I needed groceries. I said no. Ill manage.
Laurens eyebrows rose.
When did you get so proud?
Not proud. Smart. If I take groceries, theyll start nagging againwhy arent the shelves dustedId rather eat porridge and have peace.
Lauren chuckled. Chloe pushed the cup across the counter.
Thatll be £3.50.
Lauren tapped her card. A beep.
Is it tough? Lauren asked quietly.
Chloe froze for a moment. In her eyes flashed something childishthat same helplessness from six months backbut she pulled herself together.
Its alright. No one lectures me. Sold the car, by the waytubes quicker. And cheaper.
Good job, Chloe. I mean it.
Her sister smirked crookedly.
Yeah, good job. Just sometimes I fall asleep right here. Anyway, youd better go, or Ill get fined for chatting to customers.
Lauren settled by the window, watching as Chloe scrubbed the counter furiously.
Well, Chloe got what she wanted: adulthood without parental control. And really, it wasnt all bad. Only, that freedom came with sharp bonesand you had to chew carefully, so you didnt choke.
Lauren finished her coffee, placed a crisp fifty-pound note under a napkin, brought her cup to the counter, and left.
It wasnt pity for a poor relative. It was a tip for a good barista whod finally learned to balance expectation with reality.
