Raising an Ingrate

I was at a loss for words and turned to Howard to complain, but he urged me to be more understanding.

"Lorelai, Maddi and I have relied on each other since she lost our mother at just 13. She must feel an overwhelming sense of maternal love from you, which is why she feels comfortable being her truest self around you.

"This just shows she genuinely accepts you," he explained.

I didn't care for her so-called "acceptance". It felt like a thorn lodged in my throat. With no other option, I bought her a small washing machine specifically for washing underwear.

Though I was reluctant, I kept telling myself that her SATs were approaching. If I'd helped her this far, I might as well go all the way.

It was just a few more months—how hard could it be? So, I swallowed my frustration and persevered day by day.

Howard worked in sales and frequently traveled all over the country. Hence, that would leave most of the responsibility for taking care of Madeline on my shoulders.

Over the years, I woke up at 6:30 am every day to make breakfast for her. I worked hard to pay for her expensive private tutoring classes and spent weekends cleaning the house and doing laundry.

I had lived up to Howard's standard of being a mother-like figure for her sister.

Just like that, I finally dropped Madeline off at her university at the start of the month. I had barely caught my breath when, just two weeks later, she returned.

Seeing me stunned, Madeline said to me softly and sweetly, "Lorey, the food at the cafeteria is so bad it gives me a stomachache. Your breakfasts are much better."

"Of course they are. Lorey treats you like her own daughter. The cafeteria can't compare to the breakfast spread she prepares for you every day," Howard chimed in while giving me a thumbs up as if to praise me.

He didn't even notice how dark my expression had turned.

Madeline hadn't done well enough in her SATs to get into a public university. She ended up attending a private arts college with tuition fees of 18 thousand dollars a year. So, their cafeteria wasn't exactly low-quality.

I didn't hold back. "Maddi, college cafeterias go through rigorous bidding processes to get chosen. You grew up in the countryside eating simple, humble meals and still made it to 13, didn't you?"

Pressing a hand to my forehead, I added, "Howard, I haven't been feeling well these past few days. Maybe it's the heat or the exhaustion from my recent trip.

"I was just hoping to use the time now that Maddi's in college to focus on my health."

I tried to keep my tone calm, but every vein in my body felt like it was about to burst.

Regret washed over me. I shouldn't have ignored my mother's advice and insisted on bringing Madeline to live with us. It was easy to invite her in, but sending her away was proving impossible.

There had to be limits to how much I gave. Even a maid would get a break, and I was still a 30-something beautiful young woman, not some full-time servant.

Almost all my energy had gone into Madeline for years. Even the conversations between me and Howard revolved around her.

I increasingly felt like I was just the free babysitter Howard had found for Madeline. I glanced at Howard, hoping he'd back me up.

But when he didn't, I pinched his thigh hard. He struggled for a moment, clearly trying to find something to say.

Before he could speak, Madeline burst into tears. "Lorey, do you and Howard not like me anymore? Are you going to stop caring about me now that I'm in college?"

She sobbed so dramatically that anyone watching would think I had bullied her. Howard was heartbroken, and he immediately pulled her into his arms and shot me a furious glare.

His voice rose several notches. "Maddi, this is my house, and I make the decisions. You're staying here, and I'd like to see anyone try to stop me!"

I took ten deep breaths, silently telling myself to stay calm. I had to persevere!

After a long pause, I finally spoke slowly. "Howard, Maddi just started college. I was just thinking that we should help her adjust to her new environment as soon as possible."

"Lorey, I want to, too, but the campus is so big and far out in the suburbs. It's so inconvenient to get around. Can't you…"

Madeline deliberately left her sentence hanging.