Chapter 5 - Uninvited Guests
They didn't wait long. By noon, a familiar luxury SUV tore into my driveway. I had already sent the kids to my best friend Sarah’s house for a New Year's Day movie marathon, anticipating the fallout.
I stood on my front porch, arms crossed, as Mom, Dad, and Brent piled out of the car. Mom’s face was red, her carefully styled hair slightly unraveled.
“Julia Marie!” she shrieked, marching up the walkway with the manila envelope clutched in her fist. “What is the meaning of this absolute garbage?”
“It means exactly what it says,” I replied, not stepping back. “You are living in my property, and your lease is terminated.”
Dad stepped forward, trying to use his booming, authoritative voice. “Now listen here, young lady. We had an arrangement. You helped out the family—”
“No, Dad,” I interrupted sharply. “I saved you from bankruptcy. I paid 100% of the mortgage, the property taxes, and the insurance for five years. Legally, the house belongs to my LLC. The ‘arrangement’ was that I would let you live there out of the goodness of my heart. Last night, you proved you don’t deserve that goodness.”
Brent scoffed, stepping onto the first stair. “You can’t just kick our parents out on the street because you got your feelings hurt over some kids' toys!”
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“It’s not about toys, Brent. It’s about respect. And since you’re so concerned, they can move in with you.”
Brent’s face went completely pale. He lived in a cramped two-bedroom apartment that my parents partially subsidized. He couldn't take them in, and we all knew it.
