Are you seriously being flawless again? Ian asks, his voice tight as he tosses his jacket onto the chair. Come on, Natalie, who exactly is she giving birth for? For herself or for us? I get home from work, want to have dinner, relax, spend time with you, and instead Im stuck looking after someone elses kid!
Its not exactly a stranger, Natalie shivers, sighing. Honestly, I dont like it either, but Olivia asked. She needs her nails done, and you cant take a toddler to the salon.
Ian unbuttons his coat nervously, then slips it off. He needs to feed his nephew, and thats best done in comfy clothes. The odds of getting a smear of baby puree on his shirt are fifty-fifty.
I get it, but you cant go without nails? Are you the only one for her? he presses. Why is our family turning into a daycare centre?
Theres still Mum around, but she cant manage every day, Natalie begins, pulling a packet of spaghetti from the pantry.
And you, apparently, can, Ian cuts in. You can do everything for everyone except yourself and me.
He frowns at first, then relaxes, his expression softening. He knows his wife isnt his enemyshes just relentless.
Natalie, if you dont get this off your back shell keep coming around, and youll be the one blamed. Whoever drives the car decides who rides in it.
Natalie pretends to be absorbed in chopping vegetables, but she knows Ian is right. She just doesnt know how to handle it. She doesnt want to be a second mother to her nephew, nor argue with the family.
It all starts innocently.
Natalie, Im feeling under the weather and Sams in my arms. I need to pop to the chemist, but I cant leave him alone. Im scared to go out by myselfhelp me, please.
Without a second thought, Natalie dashes off, ignoring the fact she could order a delivery. Her sister is ill, maybe seriously, and needs rescuing.
Soon rescuing becomes routine. Olivia calls for a phone to be fixed, Natalies there. The pantry runs out, Natalies on it. A parcel arrives at the pickup point, and Natalie darts over like a personal courier.
She can afford this because she works remotely with a flexible schedule, but that doesnt mean its convenient. Olivias flat is a fifteenminute walk away. A round trip, plus shopping, queuing and all the little errands, easily eats an hour.
Natalie now works mostly evenings and sometimes nights when the house is quiet. Ian isnt thrilled, and neither is she. She tries to talk to her sister.
Olivia, whats going on with Peter? Doesnt he help at all? she asks, handing over a Deliveroo bag.
He helps when he can, Olivia replies. He works long hours and comes home exhausted. If I can get someone to watch Sam while I jump in the shower, the rest is on me.
Olivia protects her own husband but never thinks about anyone elses. Natalie huffs and falls silent for a moment.
What about his mum? Isnt she nearby? Natalie probes.
Dont even mention her! Olivia rolls her eyes. I dont want any of her drama. When she shows up, its a mental marathon until evening. Shes a fountain of unwanted advice. Id rather starve than ask her for anything.
Natalie wonders if theres anyone else to lean on. Oksana also has a toddler, about the same age as yours. Maybe you could team upone watches, the other runs errands. Or Kirsty, who doesnt work at all.
It feels wrong to bug strangers, Olivia admits. They arent obliged to help.
Our own people are easier to rely on, Natalie mutters under her breath.
She decides to try saying no, even before Ian nudges her. The opportunity comes the next day when Olivia rings, saying shes booked at the salon.
Natalie, come over, look after Sam for an hour.
The tone is commanding, not a request. Olivia assumes Natalie will comply, and that infuriates her. Why should she reshuffle all her plans just so Olivia can get a manicure?
No, Olivia. I cant today. Im sorry.
What do you mean you cant? Olivia snaps.
I cant solve all your problems. I have a life too.
I get that, but what am I supposed to do? Youre the only one I have. Ive already booked, I cant let the stylist down. Shes a bit of a character, she wont accept anyone else.
Olivia, you didnt ask me before you booked. Im not your errandgirl or a nanny. Sort it out yourself.
Youre easy to tell offyou have no kids. You dont know how hard this is.
She says it knowing it hits a nerve, because her nephew is slowly becoming her son. Natalie keeps quiet, preferring to avoid conflict; even this refusal feels like a small triumph.
Olivia doesnt give up. She drags their mother into it.
Mum, how can you let her do that? Shes your sister, she has a baby, and youre turning her down! Who else will help if not us?
Mum, when she asked me to pick up medicine I went because she was sick. But now she calls every day about little things today she wants a salon appointment as if its an emergency.
Its a womans right to look nice. Put yourself in her shoes.
Natalie raises an eyebrowno ones ever stepped into her shoes before.
Mum, since youre so wise, why dont you help her?
I? Im barely getting around! her mother replies. Youre young, its easier for you.
Youre always hearing young, childless, still at home. Im tired of that. That day I finally say no.
In retaliation, Olivia and her mother give Natalie the silent treatment for a whole week, acting as if she doesnt exist. Someone else might have breathed a sigh of relief, but Natalie cant find a place for herself and keeps wondering how to patch things up.
A week later Olivia calls again, asking Natalie to watch Sam while she gets her nails. Natalie agrees, hating herself for it, but she falls back into the unpaidnanny role. It feels like there are only two options: become the family outcast or endure.
Youre too soft, youll end up shoulderbusting, Ian warns after hearing the story. Be careful, otherwise shell never let go.
Natalie sighs and nods, staying up late thinking of a polite way to refuse without sparking a feud.
Just then, the phone rings predictably.
Natalie, I cant Sam has a fever, hes crying all morning, and Im running around like a hamster! I cant even sit down, let alone use the loo. Please come, well manage together.
I cant. Im working. Our computers now run monitoring software, so I cant even step away for lunch. Its as strict as an office.
A few seconds of silence pass. Olivia seems to be looking for a weak spot.
Please, just once, the last time! Ask someone to cover you or take a day off.
Olivia doesnt understand that Natalie truly has no choice. She pretends to concede.
Fine Ill figure something out.
Natalie hangs up and texts Peter, asking for his motherinlaws number, saying his wife urgently needs help. Peter doesnt refuse, and the motherinlaw agrees, surprising everyone by showing up at Olivias flat within minutes, flooding the chat with updates.
Youve gone mad! Olivia texts. Why did you get her involved?
You needed help, so I asked her, Natalie replies coolly. I cant be there myself, you know that.
Olivia reads the messages but says nothing. In that moment Natalie feels a small victory. It isnt a war, but its a win in this tiny battle. Yes, Olivia will be angry, yes Mum will probably gripe again, but now the sister will have to manage on her own or learn to rely on those willing to help.
