«I wont be a servant to strangers, no matter their name.»
«Im nobodys maid, not even for family.»
That evening, after a gruelling shift at the chemists, I shuffled into the lift, dreaming only of a hot shower, comfy pyjamas, and a quiet cuppa. But before I could even change, my husband, James, called out. His voice, casual and unapologetic, announced:
«Get ready, Emilyweve got guests tonight. My sister, Lily, is staying over for a few days!»
A hollow feeling settled in my chest. It wasnt a request or a discussion, just a statementmy time wasnt my own anymore. I was stunned. *Which* Lily? Why hadnt anyone mentioned this? Oh, righthis little sister, whom Id never met, never even exchanged a text with. All I knew were a few storiesa country girl from near Manchester, still in sixth form, supposedly sensible and practical, the way farm kids are. But hearing about someone is one thing; having them turn up unannounced in your home is another.
James, as if it were nothing, was already chatting with her in the kitchen when I walked in. They were sipping tea, and Lily looked perfectly at ease, like she owned the place. After dinner, she started snooping around the flat with barely disguised curiositywandering into every room as if it were a museum exhibit, lingering especially in our bedroom, which she clearly fancied. She even snapped a few selfies, rifled through my skincare, and tried on some of my jewellery. I stood frozen.
«Lily, excuse me, but this is my personal space. You walked in without asking and touched my things. I dont appreciate that,» I said, calm but firm.
She ducked her head, playing innocent.
«I didnt think youd mind I just wanted to see how you live.»
I didnt reply and went to shower. When I got into bed, I realised there wasnt a single teabag lefttheyd drunk it all. No tea, no peace, and worst of all, no consideration. Before turning in, James added,
«Maybe think about what we could do with Lily this weekend. Shell be bored otherwise!»
I bit back a sigh. Why should I rearrange my plans for a girl Id just met? Id already organised a day outshopping, lunch, and a stroll with my best mate, whom I hadnt seen in nearly a year. Now what? Cancel everything for a teenager her own mother hadnt even bothered to bring?
The next morning, while I was still thinking over breakfast, Lily was already dolled up in sparkly jeans, phone in hand, waiting by the door.
«So, are we off? I wanted to hit the shopping centre, maybe grab a bite after?»
I looked at her and replied evenly,
«Listen, Lily, youve got GPS on your phone. Heres a spare keygo wherever you like. But please, dont bother me.»
«What?!» She gaped. «I thought you and James were taking me out. Ive no cashMum didnt give me any, I was counting on you…»
«We can walk around without spending. And if youre hungry, you know where the fridge is.»
Silence. She slumped at the kitchen table, sulking. I grabbed my things and left for the shops. Simply because I refused to feel like a stranger in my own home.
By evening, the whole family had descended. Too late, I realised it was an ambushwhy had I upset poor Lily? Why wouldnt I give her money? Why was I so selfish? No one let me get a word in. They were all shouting. Lily, in the other room, was milking it, playing the martyr to my supposed cruelty.
I let them finish, then said,
«Im not a servant. I owe nobody anything. Lily means nothing to me. I didnt invite her. My wages barely cover my own bills. If youre so bothered about your niece, sort it out amongst yourselves.»
James stayed quiet. Only late that night, after everyone had gone, did he mutter,
«Youre right I didnt want a row with them.»
End of story. Im not selfish. Im just a woman who expects respect. And if anyone thinks «family» means free labour and obligation, they ought to look in the mirror and ask if theyre really entitled to barge into someone elses life unasked.
