Times may stay the same, but people change.
“Clara, have you no shame left at all?” Olivia asked her younger sister, her voice trembling.
“Liv, you’re the last person who should talk about shame! Mum and I have done our part—now it’s your turn to take care of her. Go on, live with her and Theodore in that cramped flat. See how you like it. We’ve had enough!” The last words were practically shouted before Clara slammed the phone down.
Olivia listened to the dial tone for a moment before murmuring, “The nerve of her. Just unbelievable…”
Olivia and Clara were sisters, born to Harold and Margaret Whitmore, who had married as students. A year after their wedding, their first child, Olivia, arrived. Money was tight in those early days, barely enough for essentials.
Years later, Harold was granted a modest two-bedroom house by the firm he worked for, easing their struggles. Margaret, too, found ways to stretch their income—teaching piano at the local academy by day and giving private lessons in the evenings. By the time Olivia turned ten, Clara came into the world.
From the start, Clara was doted upon. Every whim was indulged, every demand met without question. It didn’t take long for her to notice this pattern and seize every chance to pull the spotlight her way.
“Liv, you’re older—let your sister have it!” Margaret would chide whenever Olivia protested.
“But Mum, I bought that notebook for myself! She’s too young for it anyway!”
“I want it, Mummy!” Clara would wail, and within moments, the coveted item would be in her hands. She refused to read, avoided speech therapy, and insisted on having her way. Any resistance provoked tantrums, and the household would erupt.
When Olivia turned sixteen and Clara was just six, tragedy struck. Harold collapsed at work from a sudden heart attack. He was only forty—too young, everyone agreed. A life cut short before grandchildren could fill his days. Margaret was shattered. Something inside her broke, and she withdrew, barely noticing Olivia anymore. All her love poured into Clara, who bore a striking resemblance to Harold.
“Mum, my jeans are falling apart, and you keep buying Clara new dresses! Her wardrobe’s overflowing!” Olivia would protest.
“Oh, Liv, must you fuss? You’re nearly grown—soon you’ll finish school, go to university, earn your own way. But poor Clara… so young to lose her father. And how he adored her…” Margaret would wipe away a tear.
Olivia did just that—finished school and left for university in another town.
“You know, Liv, I thought I’d miss you terribly. But honestly, it’s a relief. I want to redecorate Clara’s room—make it fit for a princess!” Margaret announced brightly.
“Wait—are you throwing out my bed the second I’m gone? I was planning to visit on weekends!” Olivia replied, stung.
“Of course I am! That old thing? You can sleep on the fold-out in my room or the kitchen. But Clara needs her own space—she’s got her whole school life ahead.”
So Olivia left, and Margaret dove into renovations.
“Liv, I wish you’d gone sooner! We could’ve finished before term started. Clara’s desperate for her own room,” Margaret complained over the phone.
“Mum, why even bother? It was fine as it was! Speaking of—there’s a freshers’ event. Could you send some money?”
“Honestly, Liv, if you need extra cash, get a job like I did at your age! This renovation’s cost a fortune—I took out a loan! And Clara’s outgrown half her clothes. Then there’s cinema trips, ice creams… the costs never end!”
“But you buy her everything. Why can’t I—?”
“You’re an adult now. Time to stand on your own feet!” Margaret cut her off.
Olivia visited rarely, working weekends to make ends meet. She met Theodore, and they moved in together, later marrying and taking on a mortgage.
“Darling, I’d help if I could, but you know how things are…” Margaret sighed.
“How are things, Mum?”
“Clara’s studies, tutors—it’s all so expensive!”
“I managed without tutors!”
“Times were different then. And Clara’s set on studying languages—likely a paid course, so I’m saving. You and Theo will manage. Think before you commit next time!”
Olivia didn’t argue. She knew Clara’s word was law now.
When Olivia and Theodore had their first child, James, she called again.
“Mum, could you come help, even for a bit?”
“Oh, Liv, I can’t just leave! Clara’s preparing for her A-levels—she needs me!”
“When I sat mine, you weren’t there. And Dad had just died.”
“That was different! I want Clara to have every advantage.”
Clara graduated, married swiftly, and stayed with Margaret. Two years later, her son, William, was born. Margaret adored him, spoiling him as she had Clara. Olivia kept her distance, agreeing only that William was his mother’s double—just as demanding, just as indulged.
“Mum, did you quit your job?” Olivia asked once.
“Yes. William’s at prep school now—someone has to take him. And his grammar school’s across town!”
“But it’s a twenty-minute bus ride! This is too much. Let me talk to Clara—”
“No! William’s brilliant—he can’t waste time at the local school. I’ll take him.”
Years passed. William grew, and Clara’s family bought a house elsewhere, leaving Margaret behind. The stress triggered a heart attack.
“Clara, Mum needs care. Either take her in or stay with her,” Olivia insisted.
“Are you mad? We’ve just done up the place! Do you know what that cost?”
“So you’re leaving her alone?”
“Not my problem. Your turn now.”
“After all she’s done for you?”
“Spare me the lecture. She’s got her own house!” The line went dead.
Margaret returned from hospital to an empty home. Clara had already moved.
“Liv, Clara’s not answering—is everything alright?”
“They’re in Spain, Mum. Don’t worry—you’re coming to us.”
Olivia and Theodore took her in. Slowly, Margaret realized the truth.
“Liv, I’ve wronged you so… I pushed you aside your whole life, and look at you—you’ve done so well. I’ll never forgive myself…”
“Mum, it’s over. Why not take on a few pupils? You’re a wonderful teacher.”
“Won’t I be in the way?”
“Don’t be silly. We’re glad you’re here.”
Weeks later, Clara called. Olivia hoped guilt had finally struck.
“Liv, is Mum staying with you for good?”
“Yes. She’s recovering—even teaching again.”
“Good. Then I’ll rent out her house. William’s tutors cost a fortune these days…”
“Clara—” The line went dead.
