Thought family would use you last, right? I thought so until my cousin Talia started treating me like her maid. Things changed once my dad devised a cunning scheme.
Everyone has that annoying cousin, right? That’s Talia for me. Brynn, 25, just graduated from graduate school and trying to figure out my next move.
I work part-time at a bookshop to pay the bills while looking for a better job. Books, coffee, and occasional walks make up my quiet life. I’m happy with my little group of buddies.
Everyone in my large family is in each other’s business. My older cousin Talia is at the center. Her intensity is almost exhausting.
She should have calmed down by now, being married to Declan and having Jett, their 2-and-a-half-year-old kid. Not Talia. Their modest basement apartment is under her parents’ house.
The space is small, yet home. My few family gatherings there always made me feel out of place. In the family, I’ve always been a listener, content to observe others’ drama.
I wasn’t surprised when Talia called me one afternoon, sounding anxious. “Brynn, I need a big favor. How about watching Jett with me?
Something happened, therefore I must leave now!” Her voice was higher than normal, indicating a haste. Looked at the clock. Nothing was planned.
“Sure, Talia. I’ll be there in 10.”
Well, why not? Since Jett is attractive, I thought it would be a good variation from my routine.
I knocked briefly before the door swung open. Declan and Talia tripped over each other to depart. Brynn, thank you so much!
Talia shouted halfway out the door. Declan waved, “We owe you one!” Just like that, they left. In contrast, Jett smiled and hugged.
“Hi, buddy!” I grinned, lifting him up. Talia and Declan’s quick departure didn’t bother me. I was too concentrated on Jett, his little chuckle, and his wide eyes staring at me like I was his favorite person.
But then he yanked my sleeve and murmured, “Hungry, Bibi.”
“Okay, let’s see what we can find,” I remarked happily, taking him to the kitchen. I saw the mess then. It appeared like a storm hit.
I saw dirty dishes, crusted old food, trash spilling out of the bin, and a foul smell. Heart plummeted. “What happened?” I mumbled primarily to myself.
Jett pointed at the fridge, confused. “Okay, Jett, let’s, uh, find something to eat,” I remarked, trying to be optimistic. I knew I couldn’t cook in this mess.
I rolled up my sleeves and worked. I washed pots, rinsed dishes, wiped countertops, threw out boxes, and cleaned till I could see the counter. “Wow, they weren’t kidding about needing help,” I mumbled.
Jett laughed, thinking I was joking, but I wonder what I consented to. Talia phoned again the weekend after. “Can Brynn come over?
Just a couple hours? I hesitated but responded, “Sure, I’ll be there.”
When I arrived, it was like reliving the same day. The mess may worsen.
Dishes, trash, and stove-sticky food. I groaned and cleaned enough to feed Jett, thinking, They must be struggling. Soon, it will improve.
No, it didn’t. Talia called every week, and I arrived to discover turmoil. Talia left with a brief “Thank you!” and left me to clean up.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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