Ejecting the Cuckoo From the Nest

Blood rushed to my head, and I could hear it roaring in my ears.

It seemed that the post I saw about the unwelcome sister-in-law was indeed about me.

I stood rooted to the spot and felt cold all over. But then, flames of rage started burning, nearly turning my rationality into ashes.

Just then, I heard the sound of the front door unlocking.

Naomi walked in on high heels and a brand-new luxury bag on her arm.

When she saw me, the smile on her face froze.

Her voice was shrill as she said, “How did you get in here? Shouldn’t you tell the owner of the house before you’re in? How rude!”

My voice was frosty as I said, “This is my home. Why shouldn’t I be in here?”

Naomi scoffed. “Your home? You’re only my sister-in-law. Don’t act like you own the place. You should take a good look at yourself and think if you’re worthy of being here. People will laugh at your overreach.”

Naomi threw her bag to one side and walked forward, blocking the way to her closet.

Her posture made it seem like she was defending her territory.

She looked me up and down with a disdainful gaze.

“Didn’t your mother book you a hotel room? Why are you shameless enough to barge into someone else’s home? And look at what you’re wearing! Is that even worth $100? Don’t bring your stink of poverty into my house.”

‘My stink of poverty?’ I thought.

I looked at her wool coat. It was the one I had sent to my mother just last month.

If it were not for me, Naomi would not even be standing here talking to me about this.

I took a step forward.

“The name on this property’s deed is mine: Jacqueline Selavy. Listen carefully. This is my home, not yours.”

Naomi’s expression shifted. She said loudly, “Stop this nonsense! This place is the Selavy family’s gift to me for my wedding to your brother. Jon and I are the ones who own this place. How dare an outsider like you make demands?”

“This place was given to you for your wedding?” I was so angry that I nearly started laughing.

“Did you hit your head somewhere, Naomi? Or are you just playing dumb? I’m only letting you live here because I consider you family. Have you or Jon ever spent a single cent on this place?”

Naomi’s face reddened when I hit a nerve.

“You’d better mind your tongue! Do you think you’re so great just because you pay? You should rightly be helping out your family! Your parents have agreed to let me use your room. Who do you think you are?”

“Who do I think I am?” I repeated. Rage made my heart thunder in my chest.

“I’ll show you who I think I am.”

I could not bother to speak with her any longer and pushed her aside. I walked into the room that used to belong to me and started recording a video on my phone. I made sure everything was captured, from the wardrobes to the dressing table and the shoes scattered everywhere. I even filmed the windowsill and her skincare products.

Naomi shrieked and pounced at me, trying to grab my phone.

“I didn’t let you record my closet! This is my private space! Get out!”

I dodged her hands. She staggered and nearly fell, and this made her even angrier.

Just then, the front door opened. My parents and Jon were home.

Jon frowned when he saw the commotion inside and Naomi’s red eyes.

“What’s going on? Have you upset Naomi right after coming home?”

Mom’s expression also darkened. “Didn’t I tell you to stay at the hotel? Why are you causing such a ruckus right after coming home?”

Dad tugged my sleeve.

“Jackie, you shouldn’t get in a fight with Naomi so soon after returning. Can’t you work things out?”

This was supposed to be my family.

They did not care about the facts or what was actually going on. I was always the one at fault.

Jon’s tone was matter-of-fact as he said, “You’re only home for a few days a year. The room was going to be empty anyway. Naomi has a lot of clothes. What’s so wrong about using the room for her clothes? We’re a family! Are you really going to get into a fight because of this?”