Angela-angelic and softly spoken, had always been about money, power and fame. The golden girl. The family’s shining star. Angela always won, it wasn’t arrogance, not in her mind.
The fifth of six children, but the only one who made it to Uni and accomplished it with a first-class honours’ degree. And she never let anyone forget it. From the moment she crossed the graduation stage, she believed the world owed her something. Maybe it did-or so she thought.
Her parents doted on her. Teachers praised her, and employers too. Their parents boasted about her to family, neighbours and strangers alike. Whatever Angela wanted, Angela usually got. She was relentless, charming when she had to be and cold as ice when she didn’t.
The other siblings; Exhausted. Forgotten. Her eldest sister Ann – had long since tired of the praise heaped upon her. At family functions, any mention of Angela’s latest achievement was met with polite nods, rolled eyes and tight smiles. It was like the rest of the siblings didn’t exist. No one said it out loud but, everyone felt she was exhausting.
Their Aunt Lynn said it best:
“A degree doth not maketh a man, for without common sense, he is nothing.”
But Angela didn’t hear that kind of wisdom. She only heard applause.
Eleven years earlier
Their father died suddenly. A stroke. His death changed everything. The Will was meticulous down to the last full stop. Except for the car. A Mercedes-Benzes, less than a year old, metallic silver grey, with navy blue leather seats. It still smelt as new and as fresh as the day it left the showroom floor. It was his pride and joy. Kept in pristine condition – You could literally eat your food off it, it was that clean.
Angela believed it should’ve been hers, no if or buts…
Angela of course made the loudest case… “Dad would’ve wanted me to have it. He always said I was the clever one – had taste – class – ambition, I made it to Uni, which is more than any of you did, and I achieve my degree. I have letters after my name. I’m the only one who could appreciate it.” She argued.
Ann the executor to the Will wasn’t moved by her outburst. But came back with a reply that stopped her in her track… “I have letters in front of my name.” Ann came back without hesitation. For the first time in forever, Angela was stump. “What do you mean in front.?” She looked confused. Her brows raise and forehead creased. “You may have BSc behind yours but, I have MRS in front of mine, and I didn’t need to go to University to earn it.”
Angela was not amused now as she believed that she was being put down in front of her other siblings.
“There’s no mention of the car, so we’re left with a dilemma, and to decide fairly,” Ann said, “It’ll either go to the eldest-me-or to the eldest son.”
Angela was livid… “Fairly? I have the degree, I earned it.” “It should be mine, no question about…” But before she could finish her sentence… “Exactly!” Ann cut in. “You think that makes you more entitled.”
Angela didn’t answer, but her silence said it all.
She didn’t speak to Ann again until their mother health started to decline.
Present day
Their mother’s health was fading. At 89, her memory was patchy and was recently diagnosed as having slow on set dementia. Her mobility was also declining. The once proud matriarch once ruled the kitchen, now shuffled through her days in confusion and silence.
She still lived in the family home. The one they all grew up in, three bedrooms, one bathroom, with wallpaper and furniture that were stuck in yesteryear.
Angela saw an opportunity, and boy was she going to grab it with both hands. As her mind moved faster than the second hand on a clock.
She arrived one Monday afternoon, strutting into the living room like she owned the place. Ann was already there, sitting quietly with a cup of tea in hand. Their mother dozed in her usual recliner chair, legs elevated to help prevent her ankles from swelling.
Angela sighed deeply. “Mum wouldn’t have any problems.” She said brushing away invisible lint from her designer neon green blazer, “If only she’d listen to me.”
Ann glanced up, “What do you mean?”
“I told her, if she sold the house, and I sold mine, we could pool the money together and buy a new bigger property in a more affluent area with a granny flat in the garden for her. She could live comfortably, knowing I’d be right there on hand to take care of her.” She wore that same smarmy smile when she thought she was in the right, like butter wouldn’t melt.
Ann tilted her head, slowly digesting the words, her expression unreadable.
“Let me repeat back what you just said as I’m understanding it,” she said slowly, and calmly. “You don’t own a house, you have a flat which is part owned by the council, I believe. So, your plan is to sell her home-our family home, so you can buy a house in a nicer area. You get the main house whilst mum gets the shed in the garden?”
Angela’s jaw tensed…
“Is that right?” Ann’s voice raised.
“That’s not what I said!” Angela snapped.
“No?” Ann took a sip of tea before placing the mug down on the glass coaster. Clearing her throat she began. “Then let’s talk money. Your contribution would just about cover the cost of legal fees, stamp duty and possibly the removal cost. And who’s name would go on the mortgage? Mum’s? At 89? No bank would accept that, Angela. That means the property goes in your name alone. So, it would essentially be yours.”
Angela opened her mouth but said nothing.
Ann’s voice grew firmer. “And when mum passes, where does that leave the rest of us? Do we just trust you to divide it fairly?”
“Where’s the inheritance?” “Tied up in a house with your name on it.”
Angela dropped her gaze, “I never said…”
“Yes, you did,” Ann interrupted. “The trouble with you,” she continued, “Is that it’s all about you. You’re mean, self-centred, manipulative, and greedy. You talk like a saviour but act like a vulture. This isn’t about mum. It’s about you. It always has been.”
Angela’s hands clenched into fists. Her face flushed red. Rage simmered behind her eyes…rage at being exposed.
Ann stood up “The difference between us? I never needed a degree to understand what family means. You’ve always known how to get what you want. But not this time Angela, you won’t not this time.”
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Interesting story. I wanted to hear more about Angela’s reaction after Ann told her off.
Thanks for taking the time to read and leave me a comment. I think Angela’s reaction would be another story.
Very good read. Alot of people will be able to relate.
Thank you. I’m glad you found it relatable and I hope others enjoy the read.
Never before have I so much appreciated those three letters MRS…. Nice going Val. Look forward to the next Whispering Dialogue
I’m with you Glyndene… I appreciate those three letters even though they are in front of my name.