Chapter 7 - THE REPERCUSSIONS
Within ten minutes of hanging up on my mother, my phone turned into a war zone.
Diane didn't call; she texted a series of frantic, furious paragraphs that read like a masterclass in narcissistic rage.
Diane: You are a miserable, bitter person. You’ve always been jealous of me because I have a complete family and a husband who provides, and now you’re taking it out on my kids. Mason is crying in his room right now because Grandma had to tell him the trip is off! I hope you’re happy with yourself! Diane: You think you’re so high and mighty with your tech job? You’re nothing without this family! When you were crying on Mom’s couch after Mark left you, who was there for you??? WE WERE! And this is how you treat us!
I read the texts while eating a bowl of oatmeal at the kitchen counter. I didn't reply. I just slid her thread into the "Hide Alerts" category.
At 9:00 AM, my door bell rang.
I looked at my security monitor on the wall. It was my brother, Mike. He was standing on my front porch in his heavy work jacket, shuffling his feet in the cold, looking visibly uncomfortable.
I opened the front door, leaving the glass storm door locked between us.
"Hey, Maya," Mike said, his voice quiet. He rubbed his hands together against the chill. "Can I come in for a minute?"
"Zoe is still sleeping, Mike," I said, standing in the entryway with my arms crossed over my chest. "If you’re here to talk about the Florida trip, don't bother."
Mike sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked tired. Of all my family members, Mike was the least malicious, but he was completely spine-less—a man who drifted along on whatever tide my mother and sister created.
"Look, Maya... Mom is in tears over at the house," Mike said softly. "Dad is pissed off. Diane is yelling at Greg. It’s an absolute mess over there."
"They brought it on themselves, Mike," I said.
"Come on, Maya... it was just a stupid comment by a kid," Mike pleaded, leaning closer to the glass. "Mason’s a brat sometimes, everyone knows that. But canceling the whole family trip? My kids were so excited to go to the water park. You know I can't afford to take them on my own right now."
"I know you can't, Mike," I said, looking him straight in the eye. "Because you've been relying on my monthly transfers for eighteen months instead of taking extra contracting jobs."
Mike flinched as if I had slapped him across the face. His face flushed bright red. "That... that’s not fair, Maya. I thought family helped each other out when times were tough."
"Family does help each other out, Mike," I replied. "When it’s mutual. When there’s respect. But for four years, I’ve been the designated bank account for this family while everyone treated me and Zoe like second-class citizens."
"Nobody thinks you're second-class—"
"Mason told my nine-year-old daughter her gifts were cheap because they came from Walmart," I cut in, my voice icy sharp. "Mom laughed and said we couldn't afford Apple. Dad sat in his chair and said nothing. And you sat at the table eating pie while my daughter held a clearance toy and felt embarrassed to exist."
Mike opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He looked down at his boots, suddenly unable to meet my eyes.
"Did you say anything to Mason, Mike?" I asked. "Did you tell Mom she was being rude to her own granddaughter?"
"I... I wasn't paying attention—"
"You were paying attention," I said. "You just didn't care, because it wasn't your kid being humiliated. You all thought I’d just take it, like I always do, and then hand over six thousand dollars for your vacation."
"Maya, please..."
"The monthly three hundred dollars stops today, Mike," I said firmly. "I suggest you take a weekend shift."
"Maya, don't do this to me!" His voice cracked with genuine panic now. "That money pays for the baby’s formula and diapers!"
"Then go ask Diane for it," I said. "Or ask Mom. They seem to have plenty of money for iPads and trips to Colorado."
May you like
I closed the heavy wooden front door, locked the deadbolt, and walked back into the kitchen.
My hands were completely steady.
