Putting a Cheeky Sister-in-Law in Her Place
I finally stood up to my husbands pushy sister.
Mum says the restaurants all booked, said Poppy breezily, oblivious to the tension in Eloises voice. Oh, and about the moneyhave you and Oliver transferred it yet?
Eloise hesitated, searching for words, but Poppy steamrolled on.
Its not even that much, honestly. I almost chipped in myself, but with my expenses You know how it is. Its for Mum, after all.
Hang on, Eloise cut in, forcing calm. We never agreed to this. Oliver didnt mention a thing.
Poppy laughed, as if this were perfectly normal. Oh, you know how forgetful he is! I told him youd only need to cover about thirty grand. Reasonable for a big occasion, right?
Her tone made it clear the matter was settled. Eloise clenched her phone, irritation rising.
Thirty thousand? she repeated faintly.
Yep! Got a discount and everythingcake, service, the works. Mumll love it. Relax, Ive already paid the deposit. Oliver said youd handle the rest.
And with that, Poppy hung up.
Eloise sat there, staring at her phone, a lump in her throat. Same old story: all take, no give.
***
That evening, the kitchen was thick with tension. Oliver rummaged in the fridge, pulled out a lager, and muttered without looking up,
Poppy says youre refusing to chip in for the restaurant.
Eloise froze.
Refusing? Thats what she told you? She stood, gripping the chair. Did I refuse? I wasnt even asked until she rang and dropped it on me!
Oliver turned, frowning. Come on, shes not doing it for herself. Mum doesnt celebrate every year.
And how is it normal for her to spend our money? Thirty grand, Oliver! Thirty thousand quid! Does that seem reasonable to you?
He shrugged, avoiding her gaze. Its for Mum. What dyou expect? Poppys sorted everything.
Eloise scoffed. Oh, brilliantsorted with our cash. Ever notice how generous she is with other peoples wallets? And youwhy do you just nod along? Did we discuss this? No. She decides, and you fold.
Give it a rest, Oliver muttered, grabbing a glass. Shes just trying to help.
Who? Herself? Eloises voice sharpened, then dropped to avoid waking their son. Oliver, Ive had enough. Its always transfer this, pay that, then she vanishes like its nothing.
He stayed silent, studying his drink.
What dyou want me to do? Thats just her. Talk to her if youre bothered.
I have, Eloise snapped. Know what she said? That its our duty.
Oliver sighed. Well, shes handling it all alone. Maybe her lifes harder than ours.
Handling it? Eloise exploded. Oliver, shes using everyone around her! And youre enabling it!
The conversation fizzled. Oliver muttered something indistinct and left, leaving Eloise fuming.
***
The next morning, an unwelcome call came. Eloise answered flatly.
Hey, El! You free? Poppy chirped, suspiciously cheerful.
Im listening, Eloise said drily, bracing herself.
Right, soI need a tiny favour. Started this little online boutique with my neighbour, proper side hustle, you know? Thing is, Ive hit a snag and need to pay for something ASAP. Thought I could borrow your card. Just a few dayspromise Ill pay you back!
Eloise blinked.
My card? Youre joking.
Why not? Poppy pressed. Ill be careful! Its temporary.
No. Not happening.
A heavy pause.
I dont get it, Poppy huffed. Its just a card. Whats the issue?
The issue, Eloise said evenly, is my peace of mind. And my bank balance.
Wow. You dont trust me? Poppys outrage rang hollow. Were family!
Eloise inhaled sharply. Poppy, were done here.
She hung up, equal parts relieved and furious. Poppy had crossed a line.
When Oliver got home that night, Eloise knew it wouldnt be pretty.
Oliver, she began calmly, your sister rang again.
He toed off his shoes, avoiding her stare.
And?
She asked for my card. For her business venture.
Oliver paused. Whatd you say?
Obviously no.
His face darkened. Why not? Its Poppy.
Eloise counted to three. Oliver, does no mean nothing in your family? Shes a grown woman.
El, its not like she asked for a fortune. You always overcomplicate things.
She gaped. I overcomplicate? Shes the one treating us like a cash machine!
He waved her off, retreating to the bedroom.
Eloise sat at the table, something inside her snapping. This couldnt go on.
***
The following week, at a family dinner, Poppy held court, gushing about her entrepreneurial spirit. Eloise watched, expressionless, as Oliver fidgeted beside her.
totally bootstrapping this, Poppy trilled. Its tough, but were hustling!
Eloise cleared her throat.
Poppy, funnyyou didnt mention your bootstrapping involves borrowing everyone elses money.
The table fell silent. Poppy stiffened.
Whats that supposed to mean?
You asked for my card last week. And Oliver lent you cash for your car repairswhich, by the way, you still havent paid back.
Poppys cheeks flushed. Thats private! Why bring it up here?
Because private stops when you keep taking advantage.
Youre just bitter! Poppys smile wavered. Family helps each other.
Helps? Eloise arched a brow. Or funds your whims while you ghost us?
Poppy slammed her hands on the table and stormed out. Oliver shot Eloise a wounded look.
Was that necessary? Shes my sister.
And why does that excuse everything? Eloise held his gaze.
He didnt answer, just followed Poppy outside.
Later, Oliver texted: *Need space.*
Eloise sat alone on the sofa. Shed done the right thingso why did it feel like losing?
