My sister was the golden child, and I had to raise her baby when she got pregnant. But my parents would not give me any love and did the unspeakable years later.
By the time I was five years old, I could tell that my parents preferred my sister, Madeline, over me. Although I was younger, they barely paid me any attention. My birthdays were small and simple, whereas they would throw big events for my sister.
The worst part is that she knew it too. Madeline would laugh when my mother would scold me for something she did. I got blamed for everything that went wrong in our house, no matter who did it. Soon enough, I started fending for myself.
I had a ton of chores around the house, and my father would yell at me often. But Madeline would sit around the house doing nothing. It was so unfair. I had no idea why my family didn’t like me but couldn’t do anything about it.
I secretly worked part-time and hoped that my 18th birthday would come by quickly. But when I was 16 years old, Madeline announced she was pregnant. Our parents were delighted because she could do no wrong in their eyes.
“That’s wonderful, honey,” my mother said.
“I’m just telling you so you can give me money for an abortion, Mom. I’m not going to keep it. It’ll ruin my life,” my sister replied.
“No, Madeline, you can’t do that to your baby. You’re carrying our grandchild. We’ll do anything to help you, but abortion is out of the question,” my father told her, almost angrily. It was the first time in my life that I had seen him seemingly displeased at their favorite kid.
“I don’t know, Tom. Maybe we should think about what Madeline needs right now,” my mother suggested. I knew she would cave to Madeline’s wishes quickly.
“I’m sorry, Priscilla. I support women’s choices, but that’s our grandchild. Madeline, you’re going to love your baby, and we’ll support you completely. It’s that alright?” my father continued. “Your sister will be there for you always.”
Of course, he volunteered me without my consent. “I’ll think about it,” Madeline finally answered. I knew she would cave because a baby would guarantee that our parents would support her forever. And my big sister wanted an easy life.
She decided to keep the baby, and I had to be at her beck and call during the pregnancy. But things only got worse when the baby came around. Madeline got up once or twice during those first few days to feed her son, Brandon, but then, it was all up to me.
Madeline went back to her old ways and partied all the time while I had to stay home raising her baby. Despite their promises, our parents refused to help with the baby, and it was clear that they didn’t like Brandon at all either.
So, I had to step up and eventually dropped out of school to care for him. I still worked part-time and studied to get my G.E.D. to continue my plans of moving away at 18. But one day, Madeline came home after a week away with a new announcement.
“Mom, Dad. I’m leaving,” she said.
“What do you mean you’re leaving?” I asked.
“Chloe, shut up. I’m not talking to you,” she snapped at me.
“Honey, it’s ok if you need a few days away. When are you coming back?” my mother asked her.
“I’m not coming back. That’s what I’m telling you. I’m going on the road with my boyfriend, Zak, and I’ll probably never come back,” Madeline continued.
“What about Brandon? You can’t abandon your baby,” I yelled at her, trying to make her see reason. “I’m leaving for college in a few months. Who is going to raise the baby?”
“That’s not my problem. Bye!” Madeline said and walked away. My mother started crying, and Dad could only comfort her.
