Stay With Me, Use Me, And Even Kick Me Out

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.”