Everyone Helps Out, But You’re Truly One of a Kind

Everyone helps out, but youre just special, arent you?

Ellen, listen, could you come over today, maybe? her sister asked hopefully. George is away and I cant bear another day alone with the kids.

Ellen rubbed the bridge of her nose. Her mind spun through possible excuses, each worse than the last. If she blamed work, Jane wouldnt believe itits Saturday, after all. If she claimed to be tired, Jane would launch into questions, advice, and a lecture about self-care. Sighing, Ellen bit her lip, searching for the right words.

Jane, I cant today, Ellen tried to put enough regret in her voice to sound convincing. Susies not feeling well. Were stuck at home, not going anywhere.

There was a pause, then Jane sigheda heavy, performative sound.

Oh, what a shame, Jane drawled. It wouldve been lovely for a chat while the kids played together

Ellen rolled her eyes in relief that Jane couldnt see it. Play together? Susie would be running after Janes youngest, while the adults drank tea in the kitchen as usual.

Yes, its really a pity, Ellen agreed. When shes better, well arrange something.

Jane had a few more sighs, wished Susie a speedy recovery, and hung up. Ellen set her phone down and looked at the screen, feeling a strange amusement. The whole conversation had lasted just four minutes. Not once did Jane ask how Ellen was, or about her job, her health, her moodnothing. Jane only called for one reason: to see if Ellen could come over. She needed a free babysitter, simple as that.

Susie appeared in the doorway, observing her mother carefully.

Aunt Jane again? Susie asked.

Ellen nodded, putting her phone down on the side table. Susie curled up beside her on the sofa, her face a mixture of irritation and relief.

Mum, I dont want to go over there anymore, Susie declared, firm and clear.

Ellen looked at her nine-year-old, raising an eyebrow in expectation. Susie paused to gather her thoughts, then let it spill out.

She always dumps her kids on me. Makes me watch them, run about, play silly games, keep them entertained. Susie screwed up her face. The eldest is only five, mum. Im not their nanny.

Ellen couldnt help smiling. Susie already knew how to express exactly what was bothering hershe wasnt afraid to speak up. Pride bubbled up inside Ellen.

Dont worry, Ellen stroked Susies hair. We wont let that happen again.

Susie flashed a grateful grin and disappeared to her room.

Ellen leaned back and stared up at the ceiling, letting her thoughts drift. It was odd, really, how things had worked out in their family. Jane was four years younger than her, yet already had four children. Four! Ellen shook her head at the thought. She only had Susie, and she still needed so much time, energy and love from her mother. And Jane just seemed to keep adding more.

Ellen closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. Jane had long felt that everyone should help bring up her kids: their parents, Margaret and Peter, were first roped in. Later, Janes in-laws, neighbours, friends, even distant cousins were drafted. The whole extended family felt like it revolved around Janes four childrenwith one exception. Jane herself.

Ellen smirked. Shed always felt differently. She only ever called on her mum in extreme circumstances: illness, a meltdown at work, a true emergency. Most of the time, she just managed on her own. It was hard, especially in those first years. But she managed. Nothing terrible happened. Her daughter was turning out wonderfullyindependent, bright, her own person.

And yet Jane only got bolder every year.

Shaking off the heavy thoughts, Ellen rose from the sofa. At least for today, shed succeeded in avoiding her sister. Ahead were all the usual Saturday bits and bobs that couldnt wait. She headed to the kitchen, unloading the dishwasher as she went.

Days slipped by in their familiar whirlwind of work deadlines and home routines. By Friday evening, her phone vibrated: Janes name flashed up. Ellen took a deep breath and answered.

Hows Susie doing? Jane cooed with forced concern. Is she better now?

Perfectly fine, Ellen leaned against the wall. Up and about as usual.

Wonderful! Then you absolutely must come to ours for the weekendstay over and everything! Janes tone brightened.

Ellen rolled her eyes. Here we go again: round two, the weekend negotiations.

Its so dull on my own, Jane whined. The kids are bored, George is off at a conference

Jane, we cant stay the night, Ellen shook her head. But we could pop over Saturday morning if you like.

There was a disgruntled pause at the other end. Clearly Jane had hoped for more. But after a brief haggle, she settled for a daytime visit.

Saturday arrived grey and chilly. Ellen pulled on her coat and set off alone. A half hour on the bus and a ten-minute walk brought her to Janes door.

Jane answered, peering over Ellens shoulder.

Wheres Susie? she demanded.

Shes busy, Ellen stepped into the hallway. Shes got a test coming up, loads of revision.

Janes face darkened, as if shed bitten into a lemon. The door slammed behind them.

Niece of mine is getting a bit stroppy, isnt she? Jane folded her arms. Doesnt call. Doesnt visit.

Ellen hung her coat on the hook by the door. Somewhere in the house, children shrieked and banged about. She met Janes gaze directly.

Shes just tired of being your babysitter, Ellen said, calm but firm.

Jane went crimson, eyes narrowing with fury.

Its perfectly normal! Janes voice rose. Getting the older ones to help out with the youngers!

No, Jane. Not when its someone elses children, Ellen didnt back down.

Theyre not strangers! Shes their cousin! Jane threw up her hands.

Shes only ten, Jane, Ellen clenched her fists. Shes a child, not hired help.

Jane stepped closer, glowering. The youngests wails echoed from the back, but Jane didnt even glance round.

Itll do her good! Shell learn how to handle little ones!

She doesnt need those lessons! Ellens voice rose to match Janes. She hasnt got siblings herself.

Exactly! Jane screamed. Thats why she should be with minelet her practise!

Ellen stepped back, hardly believing what she was hearing. Jane wasnt even trying to hide what she wanted.

Do you hear yourself? Ellen shook her head in disbelief. You just want my daughter as a free nanny!

And why shouldnt I? Jane planted her hands on her hips. Im drowning here!

Then why have four kids? Ellen burst out before she could stop herself.

Jane choked with outrage, her face scarlet, veins bulging.

Youve nearly got a grown-up daughter! The least you could do is let her come over after school sometimes!

That was the final straw for Ellen. Something snapped inside, and all the resentment poured out at once.

Youre out of order, Ellen hissed. You offload your problems on everyone else.

Im just asking for help! Jane insisted.

No, youre demanding, Ellen snatched her coat from the hook. You act like the world owes you, Jane.

So what? Mum and Dad help, Georges mum too! Youre the only one who turns up your nose!

Mum and Dad arent young anymore, Ellen pulled on her coat. They deserve a break, not endless babysitting.

They dont mind! Jane grabbed for Ellens sleeve.

Ellen yanked her arm free and moved to the door. Jane stood fuming in the hallway.

Were not coming anymore, Ellen said, voice steady. Find someone else to be your nanny.

She left, shutting the door behind her, shutting out Janes shouting.

That evening, her mum called. Ellen checked the screen, then picked up.

Ellen, what have you done? Margarets voice trembled. Janes in tears, youve upset her terribly! Your sisters at breaking point!

Mum, I just told her the truth, Ellen said, sitting down.

What truth? Her mum sounded offended. That you cant spare a moment to help your own sister?

Theres a difference between helping and being a doormat, mum. Ellen gripped her phone tighter.

Shes alone with four kids! George is always away! Its hard for her!

That was her choice, not mine. And not Susies either.

Susie could help out sometimes, at least! Everyone helps Jane, but youyou have to be special!

No, Ellen cut her off. My daughter wont be a nanny for other peoples kids.

Theyre not strangers! Margaret nearly shouted. Theyre family!

Ellen moved to stand by the window. Outside, dusk was falling and the streetlamps flickered on.

Mum, if you and Dad want to devote all your time to Janes children, thats fine, Ellen said quietly. But thats your decision, not mine.

Youre being selfish! her mum accused.

I have my own familymy husband, my daughter, Ellen said, unyielding. Im not living life for my sister.

She ended the call before her mum could reply. The phone dropped onto the sofa; Ellen covered her face with her hands.

Warm arms wrapped her from behind. Susie leaned her head on Ellens shoulder.

Mum, I heard everything, she whispered.

Ellen turned and hugged her tightly, breathing in the scent of her hair.

I did it all for you, Ellen murmured, stroking her head. I always will.

Susie gazed up at her and smileda smile full of gratitude and love.

I know, Mum. Thank you. Susie squeezed Ellens hand.

They stood together by the window, watching the city lights bloom in the evening. Somewhere across town, Jane was likely weeping to her mother-in-law. Margaret was probably calling relatives, telling them all about her heartless eldest daughter. But here, in this flat, there was only warmth and peace.

Ellen had made her choice, and she wasnt going to budge. Even if it cost her ties with her sister and mother, Susie mattered more. Her childhood, her freedomher right just to be a child.