My sister found herself in a terrible situation after arguing with her boyfriend. She had two little ones and was juggling a handful of part-time jobs, struggling under the weight of it all. She had nowhere to turn, especially after ignoring Mums advice to secure at least a civil partnership. For years she lived with Matthew, only for him to eventually kick her out with the children. Getting any help or support from him was out of the question a month and a half after dumping my sister, hed already found a new girlfriend, someone young, carefree and with no children or responsibilities.
Emily, my sister, was no stranger to me, nor were my niece and nephew, so I decided to offer them the flat my husband and I had just finished renovating. Wed planned to start renting it out soon, but given how desperate Emilys situation was, we handed her the keys instead.
Emily promised us that shed only stay until she was back on her feet, but the years have slipped by and little has changed. Her kids have grown up, shes switched jobs more than once, and my husband and I have only occasionally asked her about moving out. Every time, Emily pleaded for another month, then another year, and before we knew it, my eldest nephew was fourteen. My husband and I now have children of our own, and the flat Emily considers home was always meant for our eldest son when he gets older.
The last time I went to speak with Emily about moving out and suggested she rent a flat from a friend who charges less, my fourteen-year-old nephew jumped in to defend his mum.
Who are you to keep coming in trying to throw us out? he shouted. Mum says we have a right to this flat too, because you bought it with Grandmas money!
I was genuinely lost for words. Emily looked startled, mumbling some excuse on his behalf.
Im sorry, I started, speaking quickly. This flat was bought by my husband and me with money we earned ourselves. Didnt your mum ever tell you that? And the so-called Grandmas money you mentionone-third of what the family got from selling the holiday cottageactually stayed with your mum. I have no idea what she did with that. But what I do know is that in all these years youve been living here, I could have charged you rent. I never even asked for the bare minimum when I let you use this flat. But now, Id like you to move out.
Im disappointed with my sister for painting me as the villain in front of her children, as if Ive somehow wronged them. All I ever did was ask them to leave the flat where theyve lived for over six years. Sometimes I wonder if I should have helped Emily at all, and if Id still offer that support knowing how she and her children see me now.
