There are three years between me and my brother; hes older than I am. A few years back, he got married and moved with his wife into a rented flat. They get along well, although they never seem to have any money. My brother works as a taxi driver. After Dad passed away, he inherited the car, so thats how he earns his living. He also does odd jobs in home repairs. He doesnt have a steady income: if theres a job, theres moneyif not, its nothing. Thats why things are tough for him and his wife. But honestly, its their own fault theyre always broke. For one thing, they fritter their money away on nonsense. They order takeaways, buy pastries, splash out on pricey clothes and gadgets.
My brother also dabbles in betting. Between them, they can blow through a paycheque in a single day. Whats more, theyre expecting their third child even though they havent got a flat of their owntheyre just, as they themselves say, careless about it. I live with my mum and work two jobs. Im the only one who buys groceries for the house and pays the bills, because Mums entire pension goes to my brother. My mums convinced Im fine on my ownan independent womanbut my brother needs support since hes got a family. I dont agree with her. Im saving up for my own place; its hard enough to cover all the expenses and put money aside. I save so I can eventually have what I want. Im happy using my old phone, but my brothers wife will go into debt just to get the latest model.
The other week, my brother rang me. He wanted to borrow money. Calmly, I told him no, knowing full well he wouldnt pay me back. He was offended and spilled everything to Mum. Mum started coaxing me to lend him the money. I explained I wasnt going to hand over such a large sum for nothing. Youre family. You should help, even if he doesnt repay you. If you lend him the money, Ill sign this place over to you. When Im gone, youll own the flat, Mum offered. I turned her down; it just didnt sit right to be waiting for her to pass so I could benefit.
Mum took it badly. Now Ive been booted out because my brother and his family are moving in with Mum. Nobody seems to care that Ive got nowhere to go. Mum says Ive got money, so its not a big deal, and my brother refuses to talk to me. To be honest, I dont feel guilty. I did what I thought was right.
