When I mentioned that I hadn’t approved these changes, she said, “Oh, come on. Don’t be like that. We’re making it nicer for everyone. The bills piled up. Utilities, property tax, maintenance, dock repairs. I paid for everything.” Jessica never offered to contribute. When I brought it up once, she said, “You make good money as a cop. We’re struggling.
” I thought family helped family. There’s that phrase, family helps family. It’s a beautiful sentiment until it becomes a weapon, Clare noticed before I did how much my sister was taking advantage. She’s using you, Clare said after Jessica’s fourth weekend in a row at the lake house. She’s treating your property like hers and you’re letting her.
She’s family. I said the house would just sit empty otherwise. It’s your house. Clare insisted. You inherited it. You pay for it. you should be able to use it whenever you want without checking if your sister is there first. She was right, but I didn’t want to see it. I didn’t want to be the guy who pulled the rug out from under his sister.
I didn’t want family drama, so I let it continue. And every year, Jessica became more entitled, more certain that the lake house was hers by right of use, if not by ownership. Then came Emma’s 8th birthday party. Claire and I had saved for months to buy Emma the tablet she wanted. Not the most expensive model. We’re not rich, but a nice one.
For $100, educational apps preloaded, parental controls set up, a purple case she’d picked out herself. We threw the party at our house. 20 kids from Emma’s class, pizza, cake, backyard games. Jessica’s family came. Maya, Trevor, and Jessica. I was actually happy to see them. Despite everything with the lake house, I still loved my sister.
I wanted Emma’s birthday to be perfect. Maya saw Emma open the tablet and her face changed. Not happy for her cousin, just calculating, wanting. After cake, after the other kids left, Maya walked up to Emma and just took it out of her hands. Auntie says, “I can have whatever I want.” Emma looked at me confused. “Daddy, I looked at Jessica.
Tell your daughter to give it back.” Jessica crossed her arms. She’s right. Your kid has too much anyway. Maya never gets nice things like this. You make good money. We struggle. It’s only fair. It’s Emma’s birthday present. And Maya never gets presents like this. You could buy Emma another one. We can’t afford this for Maya.
That’s not my problem, Jessica. Family helps family. Simon, there it was again. That phrase, that weapon, Clare stood up. Give Emma her tablet back.
Jessica’s face went hard. You two are so selfish. You have everything. Nice house, good jobs, only one kid, so you can spoil her rotten. Maya deserves nice things, too. Then buy them for her, I said quietly.
But you’re not taking my daughter’s birthday present. I walked over to Maya, who was already swiping through Emma’s new tablet, and gently took it from her hands. She started crying immediately. Loud theatrical wailing. Jessica rushed over. Look what you did. You made her cry. I took back something that wasn’t hers. You’re so out of line.
Simon, you’ve always been like this. You have to have everything your way. You can’t share. Something in me snapped. Not loud. Not explosive. Just click like a lock sliding into place. Emma, I said calmly. Go upstairs and pack a bag. We’re going to grandma and grandpa’s for the weekend. But daddy, my friends now, sweetheart. Emma knew my cop voice. She went upstairs.
I turned to Jessica. You need to leave my house. Oh, we’re leaving. Don’t worry. Come on, Maya. Let’s go to the lake house where we’re actually appreciated. About that, I said, you have 30 days to remove all your belongings from the lake house. Jessica froze. What? The lake house is mine.
I’ve let you use it for free for 8 years. That’s over. You have 30 days to get your stuff out. You can’t kick us out. That’s the family house. It’s my house. I own it. Check the deed if you don’t believe me. Mom and dad will never forgive you for this. Then I guess I’ll deal with that. Trevor, who’d been silent this whole time, put his hand on Jessica’s arm. Let’s just go.
No. Jessica’s voice was getting shrill. This is ridiculous. Over a stupid tablet. You’re going to destroy the family over this. I’m not destroying anything. I said you did that when you taught your daughter she’s entitled to other people’s things. When you decided my generosity was your right when you forgot that boundaries exist.
Simon 30 days Jessica. After that you’re trespassing. They left. Maya was still crying. Jessica was calling me every name she could think of. Trevor looked embarrassed but said nothing. After they were gone, Clare hugged me. You okay? No, but I did the right thing. You did. Emma came downstairs with her packed bag.
Are we really going to grandma’s? Actually, I said we’re going to the lake house. Just us, our family, like we should have been doing all along. That weekend at the lake house was perfect. Emma swam in the lake. We grilled burgers on the dock. I taught her to fish. No Jessica, no Maya, no drama. Just my family enjoying property that was actually ours.
On Monday, I called a real estate agent. I need to sell a property fast. Sarah Kimble had sold houses in the area for 20 years. She took one look at the lake house and whistled. This will sell in a week. Beautiful property, great location. I can list it at $340,000 and we’ll probably get multiple offers. List it at $320,000. I said, I want it sold quickly.
You sure you could get more? I’m sure. She listed it Tuesday. By Friday, we had three offers. I accepted one for $335,000 from a nice couple from Boston looking for a vacation property. Cash sale close in 2 weeks. I didn’t tell Jessica. I figured she’d find out soon enough. Day 15 came and went. Jessica’s stuff was still at the lake house.
I drove by on day 20. Her car was there. They were using it like nothing had changed. Day 30 arrived. Closing day. The new owners, Mike and Laura Chun, met me at the lawyer’s office. Papers signed, money transferred. The house was theirs. I handed them the keys. There might be one small problem. What’s that? My sister’s family has been using the house.
They were supposed to be out by today. I’m not sure if they left. Mike frowned. Are they still there? Possibly. Do we need to get the police involved? I pulled out my badge. I am the police. If they’re still there when you arrive, call the non-emergency number. Officers will respond and remove them for trespassing.
Laura’s eyes widened. “Your own sister?” “My own sister, who’s been taking advantage of my generosity for 8 years and thinks she’s entitled to property she doesn’t own.” They drove to the lake house. I followed in my patrol car. I was on duty anyway. Sure enough, Jessica’s SUV was in the driveway. Smoke coming from the chimney. Lights on.
They were having a family weekend. Mike called the non-emergency line. We just purchased this property and closed today. The previous owner’s relatives are inside refusing to leave. We need them removed for trespassing. Dispatch sent two units. I watched from my car as my colleagues arrived. Officer Martinez knocked on the door.
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