Pick up my daughter from school, demanded Claire. Its not a big ask, is it?
It isnt, I answered, but
Later, later! Claire snapped. Im already running late for my nail appointment. Can you collect her from afterschool at three? Good?
Wait, Claire, I said firmly. Ill take little Milly today, but Ive told you a hundred times I work from home. That doesnt mean Im idle
Later, later! she waved me off. Thanks, love!
And the line went dead.
With nothing else to do, I had to fetch my nephews daughter from the school. Milly drifted into my flat without even taking off her trainers and flopped onto the sofa next to my work laptop.
Aunt Liz, turn on the cartoons on the big screen, she demanded, Moms tablet died.
I glanced at the clock. In fifteen minutes I was due to present a client pitch Id been polishing for two weeks. My lunch, a delivery from a nearby sandwich shop, was cooling in the microwave.
No cartoons for now, I said. Go read a book instead.
I dont want to read, Milly pouted, they make us read at school, Mum makes us read at home, and now you
Then find something else to do, I shrugged.
She sucked in her cheeks and buried herself in her phone.
***
Six months earlier Claire and her daughter moved into the flat above ours. Id imagined evenings of family dinners, teatime chats, maybe a few laughs. I even baked a batch of scones for their moving day. Claire took one, sniffed it and said:
Oh, Milly wont have raisins, shes allergic.
There was no allergy; a week later I saw her scarf down identical scones from the bakery opposite.
That was just the start. At first Claire would pop in for a minute: a pinch of salt, a dozen eggs, or a request to watch Milly for five minutes while she ran to the shop. Those five minutes stretched into three hours, the shop turned out to be a beauty salon, and Milly managed to turn the whole flat upside down.
Aunt Liz, Im starving! Milly tugged my sleeve. Mum said youd make me macandcheese, just how I like it.
I inhaled, exhaled, and counted silently to ten.
Milly, sit right here and dont touch a thing, I settled her at the kitchen table, handed her paper and crayons. Draw while I finish my meeting, and Ill cook you something, alright?
But I want it now! she whined.
I switched on the laptop and launched my presentation, trying to sound confident even as Milly began belting out the Let It Go tune from Frozen.
Sorry, whats that noise? the senior manager asked, puzzled.
Its um the neighbours, I lied, gesturing for Milly to quiet down.
She seemed to think I was playing a game, sang even louder, and started drumming her pencils on the table. I apologized, muted my mic, turned to her:
Milly, please, lower your voice, this is a crucial meeting!
Mum says your work is just nonsense! she chirped innocently. You just surf the internet and pretend to be busy!
The manager muttered something, but my mic was off, so I heard nothing.
***
In short, the deal fell through. Two months of effort vanished. The bonus Id been counting on for a new computer slipped through my fingers. I sat at the kitchen table staring at my laptop screen while Milly kept demanding her macandcheese.
That evening David came home, tired but smiling, his work day had been a success.
So, Millys here? he raised an eyebrow. Claire asked again?
Your sister didnt ask, she just stated it as a fact! I snapped. And because of her daughter I just lost a key client!
Why are you so upset? One client, youll find another. Family needs help, after all.
Family, you say? Whos going to help me?
Look David spread his hands. Youre home anyway. Does it matter if theres a child or not?
It matters enormously, David, I replied sharply. Yes, I work from home, but that doesnt mean Im not working at all!
Alright, alright, calm down, he stepped closer, wrapped his arms around me. Claire will pick Milly up soon.
***
Claire finally turned up at eleven at night, dragging a new boyfriend who was clearly in high spirits.
Oh Lizzie, youre a star! she clung to my neck. Did Milly eat? Did she do her homework?
All good, I said, trying to keep my tone steady. But Claire, this is the last time.
Oh, shove it!
Not shove it, listen to me I started, frustration bubbling.
David appeared in the hallway.
Liz, dont start, he said gently. Claire, take Milly, its late.
Ill take her, Claire snapped, but think, David, you have no kids. Your wife isnt in steady work, and you keep issuing me ultimatums
David and I have been trying for a baby for two years. Ive endured three rounds of hormone therapy and two surgeries. Doctors warned me stress and lack of peace would sabotage any chance.
How could there be peace when my sisterinlaw treats me as a free babysitter?
***
I had the night to think. I decided to drive to my mothers house, where things are quieter. David let him sort out his thoughts too.
In the morning my husband caught me packing.
What are you doing? he asked, voice edged with worry.
Going to Mums, I replied.
For how long? his tone tightened.
I met his gaze and said:
As long as I can.
He escorted me to the door, then hesitated.
Liz, listen is this because of Claire? Its ridiculous!
No, David, it isnt funny, I shot back. Tell your sister to find another nanny, or look after her own child.
And I left.
The first two days David called every hour, but I let it ring. On the third day Claire called:
Liz, stop playing games! Come back! Ive got nowhere to leave Milly!
Leave her with David. Hes home in the evenings.
He works! He has an important job!
So mine isnt important?
She slammed the phone. An hour later David called.
Claire dumped Milly and left! She says if you wont take her, I have to sort it all out!
Fine, sort it, I said with a smile.
But I have a big presentation tomorrow!
I had a big presentation too, and I blew it because of your niece.
He muttered something and hung up.
***
Five days later David called, his voice tentative.
Im sorry, he said. I didnt realise how hard it was for you. Those five days with Milly I almost lost it. She bounced on the sofa and smashed my work laptop, spilled juice on crucial documents, and because she suddenly wanted a game of hideandseek, I missed my meeting.
He exhaled sharply.
Claire said she wont leave her with me any more because I cant handle kids.
I smirked.
So Im the one who can?
Liz, please forgive me! desperation crept into his tone. I talked to Claire and told her you wont be with Milly any longer.
And what did she say?
She got upset.
And you?
Well, Im the one whos left holding the bag, David said. Her child, her problems
