Rebecca Manning now 28 still experienced a sharp pain in her stomach as the end of the year approached sipping her cold coffee she looked at her smartphone screen seven missed calls all from her mother her apartment was small but it was her own space after graduating from University she had just started working as a copywriter at an advertising agency finally achieving Financial Independence the job was busy but fulfilling having control over her own time was a luxury that after years living with her family seemed Priceless as she hesitated to answer the phone Rebecca reminisced about past Christmases they were supposed to be fun Gatherings but for her they always followed the same pattern while the adults laughed and shared wine she was invariably tasked with taking care of her cousins over the years it had become an obligation a right her family took for granted without considering her feelings Rebecca put down her coffee cup took a deep breath and answered the phone you finally picked up said her mother Debbie her voice carrying its usual hint of mild reproach I called you several times I was at work Mom in reality she had noticed the calls after work was already over she just wanted to delay talking to her mother what are your plans for Christmas Debbie asked her voice had a scheming tone and Rebecca grew weary usual stuff planning to go to the family home like always well this year is going to be a bit different what do you mean Rebecca frowned Aunt Sandra has come up with a wonderful idea all of us adults are going on a Caribbean Crews from Christmas to New Year's day isn't that great while she said said all of us it was clear Rebecca was not included me too she checked oh about that Debbie hesitated you have a different important role Rebecca's stomach tightened further what role taking care of Nicole Chris and Alex they're still too young for a cruise wait so you want me to look after an 11-year-old an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old for a whole week while everyone else sunbathes and sips cocktails in the Caribbean don't put it like that you get along well with the kids and you don't have plans for Christmas anyway right plus you don't have your own kids so this will be a good experience for you Rebecca felt a shiver of anger mom I have my own life I have plans with friends and work deadlines but it's for the family besides the tickets are already bought they're non-refundable Rebecca fought the urge to hang up maintaining her composure when were you planning to consult me or did you assume i' just agree of course I didn't think you'd say no you've always been a good girl always doing everything for the family mom I'm not a child anymore Rebeca spoke calmly I have the right to control my own time I'm saying no there was a pause on the other end Rebecca don't just think about yourself this is supposed to be a special vacation for the whole family except for me Rebecca retorted I can't believe your selfishness is ruining everyone's fun plans selfish you're the ones who planned without consulting me expecting me to be happy to sacrifice a whole week isn't that selfish that's enough I'll get your father to call you you'll live listen to him before the call ended Rebecca declared if I'm expected to babysit I won't be coming home for Christmas it was unclear if her words reached her mother that night Rebecca felt Restless in her apartment her phone rang continuously with calls from her parents all of which she sent a voicemail there was also a short text from her Uncle Richard Rebecca won't you think about the family she smirked with disdain in my family thinking about the family always meant sacrificing myself to fulfill the wishes of others sitting on the sofa Rebecca called her friend Gina she was well aware of Rebecca's family situation so are they trying to make you babysit again Gina asked immediately after answering the phone this time it's different I said no I don't have to go along with what they decide on their own good for you you've always been too accommodating to them you have the right to have time for yourself but it seems they haven't given up yet Rebecca side my dad keeps calling don't answer Gina advised your answer isn't going to change right they're just trying to change your mind thank you I'm not wrong am I absolutely not Gina asserted you're an adult you have the right to have your decisions respected after hanging up Rebecca boldly answered a call from her father dad my answer hasn't changed she stated without Preamble Rebecca James's voice was calm we just want you to show some compassion for the family me lacking compassion you guys don't respect my time or plans all right let's spend this year apart then but could you come just for Christmas morning the kids really want to see you Rebecca was skeptical but her father's proposal sounded reasonable all right I'll come for Christmas morning only but stop asking me to babysit I promise thank you Rebecca after hanging up Rebecca was slightly uneasy it felt unnatural how easily her father had acquiesced however she was satisfied that she had made her boundaries clear in the weeks leading up to Christmas Rebecca kept contact with her family to a minimum only occasional text messages came through and there was no more talk of babysitting she was relieved yet couldn't shake the suspicion that something was off on Christmas Eve before going to bed late she texted her parents I'll arrive around 11: tomorrow morning Merry Christmas the reply came quickly it was from her mother understood Rebecca looking forward to seeing you tomorrow Rebecca smiled her relationship with her family had been complicated for a long time but she was ready to reconcile in the spirit of Christmas while still maintaining her boundaries the next morning Rebecca woke up early carefully wrapped the presents and loaded them into her car she had chosen the gifts for the children with special care for Nicole a set of the latest young adult novels for Chris a Lego set and for Alex the stuffed animal he had wanted on the way to her parents house Rebecca felt calm Christmas songs played on the radio and she hummed along today will be a good day a short visit see everyone hand out the presents and then back to my own time however when she parked in front of her parents house something felt off there was no sign of her parents car Aunt Sandra's or Uncle Richards the house lights were on but it lacked the usual Christmas Buzz Rebecca frowned as she approached the front door with the presence the doorbell rang and she heard Little Footsteps running the door opened and Nicole appeared Rebecca she exclaimed joyfully You Came Of course Rebecca smiled and hugged her Merry Christmas Nicole where is everyone they all went out Nicole answered innocently mom and dad and the others went on a trip you were going to take care of us right Rebecca froze what did you say Rebecca Chris and Alex ran up and hugged her did you bring presents Rebecca tried to smile at the children but inside she was trembling with anger yes of course let's bring these into the living room first as she led the children to the living room Rebecca looked around the house was neatly decorated and presents were stacked under under the Christmas tree on the table there were leftovers from breakfast and a note while the children were engrossed in their presents Rebecca picked up the note to Rebecca we left on the 9:00 a. m. flight we prepared breakfast for the children there is a week's worth of meals in the fridge please follow the instructions emergency contact numbers are also on the fridge put Alex to bed by 700 p.
m. Nicole and Chris should go to bed at 8:30 p. m.
