I spent half my childhood with my twin sister in various childrens homes, until our auntMums sisterturned eighteen and took us in. She and, later, her husband became our true parents, and I love them deeply. Im so grateful for everything theyve done for us.
On our eighteenth birthday, they brought us to a three-bedroom flat in the centre of Manchester, which used to belong to our parents. The place had been rented out for years, and now they suggested we sell it and split the money so we could each buy our own home. The idea really appealed to us. The flat was rather nice and fetched a good price, so we received a decent amount. It was enough for me to put down on a smart two-bedroom flatadmittedly, I needed a mortgage, but I managed to pay it off in a year. Then I set about redecorating and picking out furniture.
Mum and Dad were pleased to see I was settling down, but they worried about my sister. They were always trying to help her get her life in order. She wasnt in a rush to buy a place, thoughshe spent her share on expensive gadgets, dinners out, and holidays abroad.
Eventually, our aunt lost her patience and threatened to throw her out if she didnt buy a flat before spending every last penny. My sister ended up not having enough left for a deposit, so she started renting somewhere instead.
By this point, she had a boyfriend and they moved in together, saving where they could. I was honestly relieved shed started to sort herself out. As for me, I got a promotion at work, helped my parents out, went on holiday, and met a wonderful bloke with whom I was making plans to move in.
Not long after we started dating, we all got together at my place. My sister shared some lovely news: she was expecting a baby. Then she launched into a whole speech about how hard it was to afford rent these days, especially when it costs more than they earn. I didnt really know what she was getting at until she turned to me.
Could I have your flat? Ill be having the baby soon, and youre living on your own anyway. What difference does it make if you move in with our aunt for a while so I can have the extra room? my sister said.
I told her no. She burst into tears, took her partner, and left.
She called me a handful of times afterwards, checking if Id changed my mind. But I wasnt backing downI worked so hard to fix up that flat, earning every bit I put into it. Was I supposed to just hand it over?
It wasnt my fault she didnt think ahead about her future.
