Severing Ties: My Mother Wanted to Drag Me into Family's Greed1
My cousin Whitney Barnett finished her SAT exam and asked me for a hundred thousand dollars.
She said all the other sisters rewarded their younger sisters, so she wanted one, too.
I flatly refused in the group chat: [I said I would reward you, but I can't give you what you're asking for.]
But my mom Rosalind replied: [It's okay, I'll give you the money you want.]
The next second, I was kicked out of the family group chat by Rosalind.
——
In the family group, Whitney sent a long message that specifically mentioned me.
[Cordelia, you promised to reward me, so I want a hundred thousand dollars. Here's why.]
[First, after the SAT, I want to go shopping for dresses.]
[Second, I want to buy clothes for my boyfriend because we want to wear matching outfits.]
[Third, I want to travel with my boyfriend, but we don't have any money.]
[Fourth, there are expenses while traveling...]
Whitney added: [Cordelia, I already promised my boyfriend. You wouldn't want me to be embarrassed, right?]
I was furious at Whitney's shamelessness.
[I said I would give you a reward, but you send me a list and demand a hundred thousand dollars? Do you even have any shame?]
Whitney replied with a wronged expression: [But you promised me a reward.]
I replied: [My reward is for you. What does your boyfriend have to do with me? You just finished the SAT and you're already dating?]
At that moment, my uncle, Sherman Barnett, who had been silent in the group, finally spoke up.
He messaged: [It's perfectly fine for Whitney to date. What's wrong with her wanting to find a good husband early on? Besides, we can't expect Whitney to wait until she's old to get married.]
Sherman's comment was a jab at my own unmarried status.
Whitney sent a smug emoji.
I couldn't take it anymore and replied: [Then why don't you pay for your daughter to go on vacation?]
Sherman replied with his usual obstinacy: [That's between you and my daughter. It has nothing to do with me.]
At that moment, my grandfather spoke up.
He sent a voice message saying, "Cordelia, I only have you and Whitney as granddaughters and only your dad and Sherman as children. You should love each other and help one another in times of trouble. Whitney is your sister; as the older sister, you should help her, right?