Let The Favorite Daughter Save You

The day my sister and I both moved back home, divorced and dragging our baggage, she posted a smug update on social media.

Who says a woman needs to pay her way back to her parents house after a divorce?

I havent given Mom and Dad a dime in years, and I walked in with two leftover mandarin oranges.

Mom was thrilled! Said shed happily take care of me forever.

Later, while I was cooking dinner, I mentioned the post to Mom.

She offered a cold, dismissive chuckle. You know, I actually think youre quite selfish. Thats where you fall short compared to Sandra. At least when Sandra was eating those oranges, she thought of me.

She turned to face me, her eyes hardened. You? When was the last time you ever thought of your mother while you were eating something good?

A sudden, deep weariness settled over me. In ten years of marriage, I had funneled over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars into this family. I had returned home after my divorce with boxes and suitcases full of things I thought they could use. Yet, I was still less valued than Sandras half-eaten snack.

See? Youre silent again. What, did I say something wrong? Youre just not as thoughtful as your sister. Never have been, not since you were a child.

Then you continue to enjoy Sandras kindness and her oranges, Mom, I said, stripping off the apron. Im done serving you.

I pulled out my phone, immediately canceled the shared credit card I kept for them, grabbed Luna, and walked out of the house without a backward glance.

A heavy snow had fallen over Crestview. Luna and I struggled through the blizzard, but I felt a complete, lightheaded sense of release.

For a decade, I had bought them a house, kept them on an unlimited shared card, gifted Dad an expensive watch, and bought Mom a heavy gold bracelet. I believed my childhood home was my sanctuary.

But when I came back, defeated and carrying everything I owned, Mom had been unwelcoming. The fridge and washer are broken, Alexandra. You wont be comfortable. And your old room is filled with storage. Maybe you should just go back to Todd?

He was almost killing me, Mom.

Then you just have to tolerate it, shed said, flatly. All men get heated sometimes. Give him another chance.

I saw no genuine pity, only inconvenience. I replaced every broken appliance in the house, and only then did Mom grudgingly clear out my old bedroom.

They called it my home, but I tiptoed around them, waiting on them, cleaning up their messes, feeling like a squatter in my own space. Now I finally understood: without love, no amount of money could buy me a place at their table.

I hailed a cab. Just as I settled in, Dad yanked the door open and dragged me out.

Youre leaving because of a couple of oranges? Are you serious? Get back in there and apologize to your mother. All our relatives are here, and theyre waiting for you to cook.

The relatives gathered behind him murmured their support.

Yes, Alexandra. Its just two oranges. Youre the older sister, dont be so petty about your sibling.

Exactly. Youre both divorced now. You need to stick together. Dont be so small-minded.

As I wrenched my arm from Dads grip, Sandras voice drifted over, cool and indifferent.

Youre just jealous, arent you? Jealous that Mom and Dad actually like me. Youre dull, unpleasant, and you wonder why they dont dote on you. Why dont you reflect on your own personality for once?

I just got home, and all our friends and family came to check on me, and already your feelings are bruised. Youve had to compete with me since we were kids. Dont you think its pathetic? You know youll always lose.

The careless remark twisted the knife in my chest. She was right. I had always been second best.

From the moment Sandra, the surprise second child, arrived, Moms patience and soft words for me vanished.

Sandra is younger. Sandra doesnt know any better. Give it to Sandra. Be the bigger person. Dont be so small-minded, Alexandra. Why do you always compare yourself to your sister?

These phrases had defined my entire life, even though I was only a year older than Sandra.

I have every right to prefer Sandra, Mom sneered, emerging from the house.

When I was in the hospital last year, it was Sandra taking care of me. You were nowhere to be found. What use are you, really? And you have the nerve to compare yourself to her.

I was shaking with fury. Mom had been in a coma; I had paid the bills and handled the logistics. She was the one who insisted I focus on work, claiming Sandra had it covered. Now she was rewriting history.

I couldnt take it anymore.

Youre absolutely right. You cant rely on me. The next time you need money for a hospital or a bill, go find Sandra. Since shes the one you prefer, you can count on her. As far as Im concerned, you have no other daughter!

Dad slapped me across the face, his eyes blazing. What did you say? Its your duty to honor your parents! Are you trying to disown us?

Yes! Im disowning you! I dont want this father and mother anymore!

I pulled Luna into the waiting taxi, slamming the door shut. From this day forward, I was an orphan. No matter how poor or desperate I became, I would never return and allow them to drain me dry again.

I had no home, so I took Luna to a cheap motel near my office.

As soon as we settled in, Mom posted several photos in the family group chat.

[Some people have the nerve to compare themselves to Sandra. Why dont they reflect on how wonderful Sandra is? Look how much class she has when entertaining family.]

[She booked the best steakhouse in Crestview, gave us so much face. And others? They just storm out in a fit of pique.]

[If a certain ungrateful daughter would come back and pay the bill for this lavish dinner, I might consider letting her live here again.]

In the photos, Moms hand rested affectionately on Sandras. The heavy gold bracelet I had bought for her was now on Sandras wrist.

Sandras own social media updated again:

Congrats to me for escaping my marriage! Mom was so proud of my courage, she gifted me this beautiful gold bracelet. She says her Golden Girl deserves the best of everything.

I had worked myself to the bone, spending my own savings on that bracelet for Mom, never once buying myself anything so lavish. Now shed given it away and was trying to shame me into paying for dinner.

It was repulsive.

I opened the group chat and sent a voice message. One dinner gives you class? I spent a quarter of a million dollars on you! Without me, youd still be stuck in that run-down farmhouse! Why didn't that give you face?

Who is the white wolf here? I poured hundreds of thousands into this family, and a stray dog wouldve shown more loyalty!

I hit send, left the group, and blocked every single one of them.

A moment later, Uncle Richard called.

Alexandra, why did you block your parents? Why would you say those things? Theyre still your parents, for heavens sake.

I know youre upset Dad hit you. I talked to him, he says it wont happen again. Just come back, honey. Were celebrating Sandras freedom tonight

Freedom? I interrupted, the words thick with unshed tears.

When Sandras husband yelled at her, Mom and Dad rushed to bring her home. What about me? Todd was beating me senseless.

I cried and begged Dad to help me, to let me come home, and he told me to tolerate it. He said a beating was better than him cheating, and to give Todd another chance. Hed learn his lesson.

Uncle, there is no after. Not a single person in that house cares about me. Im done.

I hung up. Luna wrapped her arms around my waist, sobbing. Mommy, I care about you. I love you. Im going to grow up fast and make lots and lots of money, and buy you a real home.

Tears streamed down my face. I hugged her fiercely.

Instead of fighting for their approval, I channeled all my energy into work. I needed to buy a house. We needed our own home.

One afternoon, I went to pick Luna up from daycare, and the teacher told me her grandmother had already taken her.

I raced to the house. Doris was dumping out Lunas backpack, handing the prized jumbo scallops Luna had saved from the school cafeteria to Sandras daughter, Paige.

I was so busy working multiple jobs, I often ate takeout. Luna hated it, so she often saved the best parts of her school lunch for mea few prized shrimp, a piece of roast chicken. Today, it was the jumbo scallops.

Those are for my Mommy! Luna tried to snatch them back, but Doris shoved her to the ground.

Paige is younger than you, so you let her have them, understand? Your mother has taught you to be small-minded, havent she? Getting upset over a couple of scallops.

Paige stuck her tongue out at Luna. Your mom is jealous of my mom, and youre jealous of me! Go ahead, make Grandma give them to you, if you dare.

When Sandra was small, I had to cater to her. Now, they were forcing my daughter to cater to Sandras daughter.

I snapped.

Just as I was about to grab the scallops from Paige, Doris stood up and shoved an apron into my chest. She let out a frustrated sigh.

What are you doing standing there? If youre willing to come back, get in the kitchen and start dinner! Do you know what day it is?

She glanced behind me, her expression darkening. Youre truly a disappointment. Its my birthday, and you came back empty-handed.

Sandra chuckled softly. Looks like Alexandra forgot your birthday, Mom. Dont be sad, you still have me.

Doris instantly beamed, praising Sandra for her thoughtfulness. She then turned her gaze of pure annoyance back to me.

See? Your sister is just better than you. Now go! Sandra already started the oven; all you have to do is the main courses.

Sandra added, Dont forget to make Mom a plate of pasta. Hand-made, of course. She likes those best.

I picked up the kitchen table and flipped it. Plates, utensils, and Sandras carefully placed fruit bowl crashed to the floor.

Why on earth would I give you a birthday gift? Why would I cook for any of you? We are no longer related!

Doris was so enraged she hit me across the face. You dare defy me? I am your mother! Its my birthday! You will honor your mother!

I covered my stinging cheek, then whirled around, grabbed a handful of Sandras hair, and slapped her twice across the face. Doris screamed.

Alexandra! Are you insane?

I am! You drove me insane! Im telling you right now, my daughter and I are done with the Callahans. If you ever, ever touch my daughter again, or lay another finger on me, I will double the abuse onto Sandra. Try me.

I pulled Luna toward the door. Doris let out a cold laugh, utterly composed now.

No relationship? Alexandra, dont you forget who raised you. Your father and I worked hard to feed you, clothe you, and send you to school. Now you want to walk away? You can leave once you pay back every penny we spent on you!

I froze, turning back to look at her. Fine. You want to settle accounts? Lets settle them, properly.

I hired a lawyer immediately. We compiled every expense they claimed to have paid for my first eighteen years.

When the final tally came to barely sixty-five thousand dollars, Sandra scoffed.

You bribed the lawyer. Sixty-five thousand for eighteen years? College alone cost more than that! Mom and Dad gave us three thousand a month in college!

Doris nervously tugged at Sandras sleeve. Her eyes betrayed a flash of guilt.

My heart was cold. When I got into college, they tried to force me to drop out and get a job.

Youre smarter than your sister. Youll make money without a degree. Sandra is delicate and not as sharp. Shed be ruined without a degree.

To get my education, I took out student loans and worked three jobs, clawing my way through to graduation, saving my career from being aborted.

My college was paid for with student loans. They paid for nothing, I told the lawyer. However, I have receipts for over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars I subsidized this family in the last ten years. That is far more than sixty-five thousand.

Also, this house. Its titled in both my name and Doriss, but I paid the entire mortgage. I want her compelled to pay me back.

I glanced at the gold bracelet on Sandras wrist. That bracelet was a gift I purchased for my mother. I have receipts. It is now on Sandras wrist. I reasonably suspect theft. I want it back.

Sandra was furious. Mom gave it to me! Youre just jealous!

When the lawyer confirmed my demands were reasonable, Doris panicked.

Why should I pay her back? Shes my daughter! Buying a house for her mother is her duty! If I want to give her gifts to Sandra, thats my right!

And what is your relationship with Ms. Callahan? the lawyer asked calmly. You, as parents, were simply fulfilling your duty by raising a child. You forced her into existence; she didnt ask to be born.

The lawyer looked at them with thinly veiled disgust. Furthermore, Ms. Callahan has repaid you more than ten times over. Isnt that enough? Mrs. Callahan, you must stop being so transparently biased. They are both your children.

Doris was speechless, flushed with shame.

She tried to pretend nothing happened, but I wasn't having it. I was direct: if they refused to return the house value and the bracelet, I would sue. We would drag this through court and see who ended up looking worse.

Give it to her! Walters face was beet red. I will not be humiliated. I wont have my own daughter sue me!

Alexandra, you heartless snake! I wish Id never given birth to you! I still have one daughter left. I dont need you to survive!

To protect myself, I had the lawyer draw up a formal contract legally dissolving all financial and familial obligations.

Doris and Walter moved out that day. They cried to the neighbors, painting me as a ruthless, ungrateful child. I used to be terrified of neighborhood gossip, terrified of being labeled "unfilial." Now, I simply didn't care. Let them talk. My life was none of their business.

Luna and I couldn't bear to stay in that house, so I listed it with a realtor.

That night, Uncle Richard called. A real shame, Alexandra, all this fighting. Did you know the property in the old town sold? Your parents got a cash payout of over forty thousand dollars. If you hadnt left, you wouldve seen half that.

I knew better. Even if I hadnt left, I wouldnt have seen a dime. They wouldnt have even told me the money existed.

Uncle Richard forwarded me Dads recent social media post.

[From this day forward, I, Walter Callahan, have only one daughter, Sandra. If anyone mentions a certain irrelevant person again, I will cut ties.]

Sandra commented below:

Mom and Dad, I promise to take good care of you. Im not an ungrateful white wolf like my sister.

I switched off my phone. Their drama was no longer my concern.

Tired? Vice President Jensen handed me a contract. Sign this, and you can take a week off. I hear youve officially cut ties with your family and are couch-surfing. This project bonus should be enough for a down payment on a place.

I accepted the folder, hesitating. How did you know? Dont you think Im an ungrateful monster?

Jensen smiled. Someone anonymously blasted a nasty email to the whole company, claiming you threw your parents out and disowned them. I intercepted it.

Im not surprised by the outcome. I knew years ago. You were always working multiple part-time jobs in college, skipping lunches. I knew your home life was bad.

He tapped the contract. You did the right thing. Sometimes you have to quit. Sunk costs do not factor into major decisions. Go get that house.

My eyes stung with unexpected emotion. For days, all Id heard was How could you? How heartless! Youre a white wolf!

For the first time, someone was on my side. Thank you.

I saw Sandra again while picking up Luna. She was blocking the street in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, looking smug.

Aw, look at this. How pathetic. Riding a scooter now? If you hadnt started a fight, maybe this Benz would have been yours.

I glanced at the SUV. Sixty-thousand dollar car. Financed, I presume?

Sandra gave a faint smile. Doris, sitting in the passenger seat, spoke up dismissively. I paid the down payment. I also bought Sandra a nice condo. Were handling the monthly payments, of course. We only have one daughter now; she deserves to be spoiled.

Some people are too late, she added, giving me a pointed look. We thought about giving her a little something, but shes not my child anymore. I wont waste my time on an outsider.

Since Id set up the shared credit card, Doris and Walter hadnt held a job. Yet the monthly twenty thousand dollars was always spent. It hadn't been spent; it had been quietly saved and siphoned off.

I ignored them, taking Lunas hand and navigating around the SUV.

Sandra shouted, One more thing! Mom and Dad had their wills drawn up. All their assets are going to me. You tried to start a fight, and now youll live with the consequences!

Three days later, the contract was signed, and my bonusa full fifty thousand dollarslanded in my account. I used it as a down payment on a small, move-in-ready condo.

We were finally home.

Just as Luna and I were celebrating with takeout, the lawyer showed up with a court summons.

Your mother, Doris Callahan, has suffered a severe brain bleed. Your father, Walter Callahan, was in a drunk driving accident. Your sister, Sandra, is unreachable. We have to come to you.

Your mother claims you stopped the shared credit card, leaving them destitute and unable to pay medical bills. She is suing you for Elder Neglect and Non-Support.