**Putting an Impertinent Sister-in-Law in Her Place**
I had enough of my husbands bold sister.
*Mum said the restaurants booked,* said Charlotte casually, clearly ignoring the tension in Emilys voice. *Oh, and about the moneyhave you and James transferred everything yet?*
Emily hesitated, searching for words, but Charlotte ploughed on.
*Its not even that much, honestly. I even thought about chipping in myself, but with my expenses Its for Mum, you know.*
*Wait* Emily finally cut in, trying to stay calm. *We never agreed to this. James hasnt mentioned a thing.*
*Oh, you know how he forgets everything!* Charlotte laughed, as if it were the most normal thing. *I told him itd be around thirty thousand quid. Fair for an occasion like this, right?*
Her tone made it sound like the matter was already settled. Emily gripped her phone, irritation rising.
*Thirty thousand?* she repeated slowly, almost whispering.
*Yes, and I even got a discount! Cakes, serviceyoull see. Mumll love it. Anyway, dont stress, Ive already put down the deposit. James said youd cover the rest.*
Charlotte hung up without waiting for an answer.
Emily sat frozen, staring at her phone, a lump in her throat. *Here we go againalways on her terms.*
***
That evening, the kitchen was thick with tension. James opened the fridge, grabbed a beer, andwithout looking at Emilymuttered,
*Charlotte said youre against paying for the restaurant.*
Emily stiffened.
*Against? Thats what she told you?* She stood, struggling to stay composed. *Did I refuse? I wasnt even told about it until she rang and dropped it on me.*
James turned, frowning.
*Come on, shes not doing this for herself. Mum doesnt celebrate birthdays every year.*
*And since when is it normal for her to make us foot the bill? Thirty grand, James!* Emily bit back a shout. *THIRTY THOUSAND. Does that seem reasonable?*
James shrugged, looking away.
*Well, its for Mum. What dyou want? Charlottes handled everything.*
Emily scoffed.
*Oh, brilliant workspending other peoples money. And tell me, James, why do you just roll over? Did we discuss this? No. She decides, you nod along.*
*Drop it,* James waved a hand, reaching for a glass. *Shes just trying her best.*
*For who? Us? Mum? Or herself?* Emilys voice rose, then dropped, mindful of their sleeping son. *James, Ive had enough. Every time its “Pay this, transfer that”then she vanishes like nothing happened.*
He stayed silent, staring at his drink.
*What dyou want me to do? Thats just how she is. Talk to her if you like.*
*I have.* Emilys tone was sharp. *And guess what she said? That its our duty.*
*What dyou expect? Shes organising it all alone. Maybe her lifes tougher than ours.*
*Organising?!* Emily exploded. *James, she uses everyone around her. And you encourage it!*
The argument fizzled. James shrugged, muttered something unintelligible, and walked out, leaving Emily alone with her thoughts.
***
The next morning, an unexpected call came. Emily answered flatly.
*Hi Em! You free?* Charlotte sounded oddly cheery.
*Im listening,* Emily replied, bracing herself.
*Listen, I need a quick favour. Started this little online shop with a neighbouryou know how it is these days. Thing is, Ive got a payment due and Im skint. Thought you could lend me your card? Just for a few dayspromise Ill pay back.*
Emily froze.
*Charlotte are you serious? My card?*
*Yeah! Why not? You know Im careful. I wont overspend, just need it sorted.*
*No. Not happening.*
A heavy silence followed.
*I dont get it,* Charlottes voice wavered. *Its just a card. Whyre you being like this?*
*Because my peace of mind matters. And so does my money.*
*Em, dont you trust me?* Charlotte sounded offendedor maybe just cornered. *Were family.*
Emily held back sharper words.
*Lets leave it there, Charlotte. Ive got things to do.*
She hung up, equal parts relieved and furious. Charlotte had crossed a line.
When James got home that evening, Emily knew it wouldnt be easy.
*James,* she started calmly, *your sister rang again.*
He kicked off his shoes, not looking at her.
*So?*
*She asked for my card. For one of her “projects”.*
James paused, surprised.
*Whatd you say?*
*Obviously, no.*
*Why couldnt you help?* His voice sharpened. *Its Charlotte.*
Emily exhaled slowly.
*James, does your family not see the difference between a favour and exploitation? Cant she sort her own mess?*
*Em, she wasnt asking for a fortune. You always overcomplicate things.*
She stared, incredulous.
*I overcomplicate? Shes the one who thinks this can go on forever.*
James stayed quiet, then muttered,
*She just needed a hand, thats all.*
*Yeah, then she vanishes, and we clean up.*
He waved dismissively and walked off.
Emily sat at the table, something inside her finally snapping. She couldnt take it anymore. Charlotte wasnt just meddlingshe was wrecking them.
All evening, Emily plotted. Calm. Rational. Final.
***
The next week, they were at a family gatheringgrandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Charlotte, as usual, held court, bragging about her “big plans”. Emily watched, silent and still.
James sat beside her, tense, as if sensing trouble.
*So,* Charlotte announced, *me and my neighbour are launching this amazing online boutiqueall self-funded, you know how tight things are.*
Emily cleared her throat.
*Charlotte, forgot to mention the part where you try funding it with other peoples money?*
The table froze. Charlotte blinked.
*Whatre you on about?*
*You asked for my card. And before that, James lent you cash for your car repairs. Did you pay him back?*
Charlotte flushed.
*Thats beside the point. Why bring it up now?*
*Because constantly freeloading isnt a “detail”,* Emily said coolly.
*Youre blowing this out of proportion!* Charlotte forced a laugh. *Were family.*
*Family?* Emily raised a brow. *What family takes without giving, then sulks when called out?*
The room was silent. James tried to speak, but Emily cut in.
*No, James. Stop covering for her. Weve wasted enough time and money. Let her explain why she needed my card.*
Charlotte stood abruptly, fists clenched.
*Youre just jealous! I do everything for everyone, and youre obsessed with petty sums.*
*Jealous?* Emily smirked. *Of what? Your talent for guilt-tripping? Dont flatter yourself.*
Charlotte slammed the table and stormed out.
James stood, pained. *Whyd you do that? Shes my sister.*
*And why do you let her walk all over us?* Emily didnt look away.
He said nothing, just nodded and followed Charlotte.
Emily knew shed wonsort of. The truth was out. But it felt hollow. The others avoided her gaze, uneasy.
That night, James didnt come home. A single text arrived: *Need time to think.*
Emily sat on the sofa. Shed done what she had to. But it didnt feel like victory.
