My sister, Madeline, was always the golden child, and when she became pregnant, I found myself stepping in to raise her baby. Despite all my efforts, my parents never showed me love—and years later, they did something unimaginable.
From the age of five, it was clear my parents favored Madeline. While my birthdays were low-key, they threw lavish parties for her. She would laugh as I took the blame for her misdeeds. I was constantly scolded, while she got away with everything. Eventually, I learned to fend for myself.
Then, at 16, Madeline dropped a bombshell: she was pregnant. While I braced for the worst, my parents were thrilled at the idea of a grandchild.
“That’s wonderful, honey,” my mother said, beaming.
“I just want money for an abortion,” Madeline replied casually. “I’m not keeping this baby; it’ll ruin my life.”
My father, usually calm, became upset. “No, Madeline. You’re carrying our grandchild. We’ll support you, but you’re not getting an abortion.”
For the first time, my parents didn’t immediately give in to her wishes. They convinced her to keep the baby, but it always came at my expense.
Despite their promises to help, once Madeline gave birth to her son, Brandon, she returned to her carefree lifestyle, partying and disappearing for days. I was left to raise him, having to drop out of school and sacrifice my future. My parents did nothing to help and seemed indifferent to Brandon.
Madeline eventually left town with her biker boyfriend, Zak, without a second thought for her son. When I asked my parents what we would do with Brandon, they brushed me off, telling me not to disturb them while they mourned Madeline’s departure. At that moment, I realized I was on my own, both with Brandon and in life.
A few months later, after turning 18, I saved enough money to move out, taking Brandon with me. I worked hard to provide for him and enrolled in online college to continue my education. It was challenging, but I was determined to give Brandon the love and care he deserved. Though he was my nephew by blood, I became his mother in every meaningful way.
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