Exploited by My Older Cousin—But My Dad’s Clever Lesson Gave Her What She Deserved
My Older Cousin Used Me as a ‘Free’ Maid for Months – My Dad’s Lesson to Her Was Perfect
You would anticipate that your family would be the last to exploit you, correct? That was my conviction until my cousin Ella began treating me as her personal attendant. Things ultimately took a turn when my father devised a brilliant plan.
You are aware that every individual has a cousin who is slightly eccentric. Well, that is Ella to me. I am Zoe, a 25-year-old who has recently completed her graduate studies and is currently in the process of determining her next steps.
I am employed part-time at a nearby bookstore, which is sufficient to maintain the lighting while I search for a more suitable position. In all honesty, my life is relatively tranquil: I enjoy reading, drinking coffee, and occasionally embarking on a hike. I am content with my limited social community.
I am from a large family in which everyone is perpetually involved in the affairs of others. Ella, my cousin who is a few years older than me, is situated at the epicenter of the situation. She exudes an energy that is nearly unbearable to be around.
It would be reasonable to assume that she would have relaxed, given her marriage to Mike and the presence of their two-and-a-half-year-old son, Tyler. However, Ella is not included. They reside in a cramped cellar apartment beneath her parents’ residence. It is a snug fit, but hey, it is home.
Although I had only visited the location on a few occasions for family gatherings, I always felt slightly out of place. I suppose I had always been more of a spectator than a talker in the family, content to sit back and observe the drama of others.
Ella’s sudden, urgent phone call one afternoon was not entirely unexpected.
ZOE, I require an immense favor. Is it possible for you to visit and supervise Tyler? Something has arisen, and I must depart immediately. I could discern that she was in a haste, as her voice was higher-pitched than usual.
I briefly observed the time. I did not have any specific plans. “Certainly, Ella.” I will be there in ten minutes.
I mean, why not? Tyler is charming, and I believed it would be a pleasant diversion from my typical routine.
When I arrived, I had scarcely had the opportunity to knock before the door swung open. Ella and Mike were nearly colliding as they attempted to exit.
“Oh my gosh, thank you so much, Zoe!” Already halfway out the door, Ella blurted out.
Mike quickly waved, “We owe you one!” and then they vanished without a trace.
Tyler, on the other hand, was beaming and extended his arms in anticipation of an embrace. “Hey, buddy!” I lifted him with a grimace. I did not give much consideration to the hasty departure of Ella and Mike.
I was too preoccupied with Tyler’s small chuckle and his large eyes, which were fixed on me as if I were his most beloved individual.
He then pulled on my sleeve and said, “Hungry, Zozo.”
I cheerfully said, “Okay, let’s see what we can find,” as I carried him to the kitchen.
The chaos was revealed to me at that moment. I mean, the location appeared to have been struck by a tornado. A stench that caused me to wince was present, as well as crusted old food, dirty dishes, and garbage spilling out of the bin. My spirit plummeted.
“What… happened here?” I murmured, primarily to myself. Tyler was unaware as he pointed to the refrigerator.
“Okay, Ty, let’s, uh, find something to eat,” I said, attempting to elicit a positive response. However, I was aware that I would be unable to prepare anything for him with the kitchen in this state. Consequently, I donned my work gloves and began to work.
I cleaned until I could at least see the counter again, after scrubbing pots, rinsing dishes, wiping counters, and discarding crates.
“Wow, they weren’t kidding about needing help,” I commented. Tyler chuckled, believing that I was joking; however, I was beginning to question the terms of my agreement.
Ella contacted me once more the following weekend. “Zoe, would you be able to visit?” For only a few hours?
I hesitated before responding, “Certainly, I will be present.”
However, upon my arrival, it was as if I had been there before. The same chaos, potentially more so. The stove is crusted with food, there are dishes scattered throughout the area, and garbage is accumulating.
I exhaled and began to clean, ensuring that Tyler would have a reasonable meal. I couldn’t help but think that they must be experiencing a difficult time. It will improve in the near future. However, this was not the case.
Ella contacted me on a weekly basis, and I arrived to the same state of disarray each time. Ella would quickly depart with a brief “Thank you!” and leave me to manage the pandemonium.
On one Saturday, the situation was at an all-time high; the sink was overrun with dishes and the refrigerator was nearly impenetrable due to filth.
I spent nearly two hours attempting to create a clean area in which to prepare a straightforward meal for Tyler. As I cleaned, frustration surged within me. I had discontinued my role as a babysitter. I suddenly realized that I was being employed as their personal domestic.
Upon my arrival home that evening, I was in a state of rage. My father immediately recognized the situation. “Have you had a difficult day?” he inquired, raising an eyebrow as I flung my bag down and collapsed onto the couch.
I exhaled deeply. “Dad, you would not believe it.” Ella consistently requests that I supervise Tyler; however, the environment is consistently in a state of disarray. I find that I spend more time cleaning than I do caring for Tyler. It appears as though she is employing me as a gratis maid service.
Dad listened attentively, his head nodding gradually. “And you’ve been doing this… how long?”
“Months!” I raised my hands in the air. “I didn’t want to leave Tyler in the middle of that mess, but I’m so tired of it.”
“Why have you not instructed her to tidy up before you arrive?” he inquired, his brow furrowing.
“I am uncertain…” “I was hesitant to appear impolite,” I murmured. “Ella’s always saying how stressed she is, and I didn’t want to add to it.”
Dad crossed his arms and reclined back. “Zoe, you are assisting Tyler, not cleaning their home.” You should not experience feelings of remorse for declining to address their mess.
I nodded, acknowledging my folly for failing to recognize it sooner. Afterward, I observed the recognizable gleam in Dad’s eyes, the one he acquires when devising a plan. I was unaware of his intentions; however, I was aware that they would be intriguing.
Dad’s eyes were alight with mirth as he leaned in close. “We are going to do this,” he murmured, as if he were revealing a secret mission to me. “The next time Ella requests your assistance with childcare, respond affirmatively.” However, when it is time to prepare dinner, I will contact her mother-in-law and inform her that there is an emergency and that you must depart.
I attempted to execute his strategy by blinking. “And… you want me to just walk out and leave her kitchen like that?”
He extended his grin. “Not quite.” I will instruct her mother-in-law to bring a pot and a few dishes, but I will not provide an explanation. Let’s observe Ella’s response to the situation when she is personally confronted with it.
I laughed, and a portion of my frustration dissipated. “You are a cunning individual, Father.” I appreciate it. However, will it function as intended?
My father simply sighed. We will not be able to determine the answer unless we make an attempt. Occasionally, individuals require the opportunity to view situations from a unique perspective.
Ella contacted me the following Saturday, and she was just as agitated as she had been. “Zoe, would you be able to watch Tyler once more?” However, I am aware that it is a last-minute matter.
I interrupted, attempting to maintain a casual demeanor, despite the fact that my pulse was pounding with anticipation. “Sure, no problem,” I replied. I arrived at her residence with a cheerful disposition, engaged in play with Tyler, and intermittently observed the clock, anticipating Dad’s signal.
I received a text message from my father around dinnertime, informing me that it was time to depart.
I exhaled deeply and then turned to Tyler. “Hey, buddy, I’ve got to run out for a bit, okay?”
He gazed upward at me with those expansive eyes. “You goin’ Zozo?”
“For a brief period,” I assured him, feeling a slight sense of remorse. Ella received a text message from me informing her that I was required to depart immediately due to an emergency. Afterward, I went to the door by collecting my bag. Just as I emerged from the building, I observed Barbara, Ella’s mother-in-law, arrive in her vehicle.
Barbara emerged from the kitchen, holding a sizable pot in one hand and plates in the other, with a grimace. “Zoe?” What is the situation? Ella expressed genuine confusion, stating, “I did not mention anything about requiring a meal.”
I conjured a courteous smile, attempting to suppress my laughter. “I apologize, Barbara, but I must depart.” I appreciate your visit. And with that, I hastened to my departure before she could pose any further inquiries.
I could easily envision Barbara entering the kitchen and discovering it in its typical state of disarray. Ella would be compelled to explain why it appeared as though a tornado had struck. I practically skipped home, anticipating the consequences.
My phone vibrated within ten minutes of my arrival at home. Ella was the one who sent a series of frantic messages.
“Zoe, what transpired?” One individual inquired, “Why did you neglect to tidy up?”
Then another. “Mom is present, and she is enraged.” What is I expected to do?
I resolved to permit her to perspire for a brief period. I lowered my phone, turned to my father, and extended a thumbs-up gesture. “Mission accomplished.”
Dad laughed. “I bet she’s panicking right about now.”
Ella’s communications were not responded to immediately. I wanted her to linger with the debris for a brief period, both literally and metaphorically. Eventually, my phone called, and I answered it, attempting to appear innocent. “Hello, Ella!” Is everything in order?
Her voice was a combination of apprehension and frustration, resulting in a shaky quality. “Zoe, what was the reason for your departure in that manner?” Additionally, why did you neglect to tidy up the kitchen?
I inhaled deeply, maintaining a composed yet assertive demeanor. “Ella, I am not your maid.” I have been visiting for weeks, and each time, the same catastrophe occurs. I consented to supervise your children, not to conduct a thorough cleaning of your entire residence. I was compelled to depart, and I believed it was time for you to address the matter.
After a brief period of silence, she exhaled profoundly. “I was unaware of the severity of the situation…” I simply… I have been so inundated that I may have overlooked your presence. Zoe, I am truly apologetic.
The genuine regret in her voice caused me to soften a bit. “I comprehend it, Ella; I do.” However, you must comprehend that this is unjust to me. I am fond of Tyler; however, I am unable to continue clearing up in this manner on a regular basis.
The tone of Ella’s voice underwent a change; she now appeared more serious. “I am aware.” You are correct. I assure you that it will not occur again. I am deeply apologetic.
We continued our conversation, and she apologized once more, her voice betraying genuine embarrassment. I expressed my forgiveness to her, but I also underscored the following: “If you require assistance in the future, the premises must be tidy prior to my arrival.” As an alternative, locate an alternative individual to supervise Tyler.
She concurred promptly, stating, “Indeed, Zoe.” I assure you that I will ensure that all surfaces are immaculate.
I turned to my father with a smirk after we had finished speaking. “Well, I think that did the trick.”
He reciprocated the gesture with a smile and a glint in his eye. “Sometimes, people just need a little nudge to see things clearly.”
Additionally, you are aware that? It functioned. The apartment was nearly spotless when Ella requested my assistance with the children the following time. There are no piles of dirty dishes or overflowing garbage. Additionally, she had dinner prepared in anticipation.
Since that time, circumstances have improved. Ella has acquired the ability to effectively manage her time and is now more considerate of my needs. Additionally, Tyler? He is still the same lovely little boy; however, when I am present, he is granted access to a cleaner, more enjoyable environment to engage in play.
Ultimately, Dad’s strategy was not only ingenious but also flawless. Ella discovered that family is not a form of free labor, and that at times, the most effective method of teaching a lesson is to allow someone to experience the repercussions of their actions.
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