Stay With Me, Use Me, And Even Kick Me Out - Chapter 1
The day I landed my first job, my cousin–in–law, Jessica, announced she was pregnant. We were all thrilled, but then she dropped a bombshell.
“Now that Sarah’s got a job, and I’m expecting, it’s going to be crowded,” she said, her eyes fixed on me. “Maybe Sarah should move out.”
The room went silent. When it was clear no one agreed with her, she backpedaled. “Fine, if you have to stay, you’ll need to pay $1,500 a month for living expenses.”
Except, the house was mine. The food, the utilities – everything was paid for with my money. Who should be paying whom?
My uncle, John, had cooked up a feast to celebrate my job offer. He even brought out his fancy whiskey. My cousin, Mark, Jessica’s husband, rushed home from work. After a few drinks, Jessica made her announcement.
“I’m pregnant.”
For a few seconds, everyone froze. Then the room erupted in cheers. Mark’s face was flushed with excitement. “Really? Jess, why didn’t you tell me?”
She gave him a coy smile. “Wanted to surprise you.”
John and my aunt, Mary, were ecstatic. Mark and Jessica had been married for three years, and they’d been desperate for a baby. This was huge news. I was happy for them, too. I started planning the massive gift I’d get for my new niece or nephew.
But the celebratory mood didn’t last. Jessica put down her fork. “There’s something else,” she said.
Mary, beaming, asked, “What is it, dear?” “Sarah should move out,” Jessica stated flatly. “She’s got a job now, and with the baby coming, it’s just not going to be practical.” The room went quiet again. John and Mary looked uncomfortable.
Jessica was usually quiet, but she’d never been openly hostile towards me. I’d always gotten along with her, so I tried to be reasonable.
“It won’t be a problem. I’m not a guy, you know? I can help with the baby once he or she arrives.”
“There won’t be room once the baby’s here,” she insisted.
“Sure, there will,” I said. “We can clear out the third floor. Plenty of space up there for you guys.” The house was huge; each floor had multiple bedrooms. We were currently living on the second floor.
Jessica shot me a strange look. Mary chimed in, “Don’t you worry, Jess. We wouldn’t let you and the baby be inconvenienced.”
“When the baby comes, I’ll be recovering, not exactly dressed or behaving like I normally would. It’s weird having someone else around all the time.”
Then her tone shifted. “Look, Sarah, it’s not that I want to kick you out, but you’ve lived with us for years. It’s time you were on your own.”
Seeing my face fall, she added, “Your parents died young, and John and Mary paid for everything – college, grad school, everything. Girls your age want to be independent. You should have some self–respect and stand on your own two feet.”
I looked at John and Mary, speechless. John slammed his hand on the table. “Enough, Jessica! That’s enough! Mark, take your wife upstairs.”
Mark protectively put his arm around Jessica. “Dad, Jess is pregnant! Why are you yelling at her? Besides, what she said is true.”
John, now furious, threw his drink on the floor. “Get out! Both of you!”
Jessica was right about one thing my parents had died in a car accident seven years earlier, leaving me an orphan just before my senior year of high school.
They were both in a coma, and I spent months shuttling between the hospital and school. Eventually, I realized I couldn’t manage alone and started looking into hiring nurses.
That’s when John stepped in. “Sarah, you don’t need nurses. Mary and I can take care of them.”