The Sister-in-law Who Loves to Take Advantage

My sister-in-law, Ellie Cooke, was notorious for being a freeloader.

She'd ask me to cover her utility bills when she couldn't pay them.

She'd have me pay her property management fees.

On her birthday, she'd say she'd treat everyone to a meal, but when the bill came, she'd disappear, claiming she was in the bathroom and asking me to cover it.

When I asked her for the money, she'd snap back at me.

She complained, "We're family, and you're asking me for money? You eat my food and live in my house, and I've never asked you for money.

"Don't you consider me your sister-in-law?"

Out of respect for my parents, I didn't pursue the matter further.

This time, she had her eye on a dress that cost twenty thousand dollars, and she turned to me again.

I said, "Ellie, if you like it, just buy it."

She was thrilled and, afraid I'd change my mind, she ripped off the price tag and put the dress on right away.

But when it came time to pay, it was my turn to disappear.

*****

She asked, "Myra, does this dress look good on me?"

Ellie stood in front of the mirror, admiring herself.

I could tell she really liked the dress, and she was only asking me because she wanted me to pay for it.

Ellie was notorious for being a freeloader.

She'd take advantage of others outside, and at home, she wouldn't spare me either.

She'd ask me to cover her utility bills when she couldn't pay them.

She'd have the property management bills sent directly to me.

Even though I rarely lived at home, she'd find a way to make me pay for anything that cost money.

She'd use excuses like, "I'm short on money this month. You cover it, and I'll pay you back as soon as I get paid next month."

Or she'd disappear when the bill came, calling me to cover it and promising to pay me back later.

But what?

When I asked her for the money, she'd get angry and snap back at me.

She said, "We're family, and you're asking me for money?

"You eat my food and live in my house, and I've never asked you for money."

She'd act all self-righteous, as if I'd committed some terrible crime.

But the truth was, she lived in my house, and I paid for the daily meals.

She and her family were living in my villa for free and still trying to take advantage of me.

In the past, out of respect for my parents, I didn't make a fuss.

But now, Ellie was getting worse, constantly taking advantage of me, and I couldn't take it anymore.

She said to me, "I'm talking to you."

Seeing that I didn't respond, she hurriedly pushed me.

I replied, "Of course, it looks good, Ellie. You look great in anything."

I forced a smile.

Her eyes lit up, but then she looked uncertain, glancing at me.

She said, "It's just a bit expensive, costing 28 thousand dollars."

I smiled and said, "Ellie, if you like it, just buy it."

She was overjoyed and even cut off the price tag, not planning to take the dress off.

In the past, whenever I offered, she'd find a reason to make me pay.

But this time, I excused myself to the bathroom and left the mall.

In the past, it was always her disappearing when the bill came.

I muttered, "Ellie, this time it's your turn to feel what that's like."