**Diary Entry**
All my life, I dreamed of being in my brothers place, but soon everything changed.
Mum fell pregnant with me when she was just nineteen. Dad left us straight awayno interest in the responsibilities of a family. His life was all about nights out with his mates. My grandparents were furious with Mum. To them, it was shameful to have a child out of wedlock. Grandad kicked her out, calling her an «irresponsible girl.»
Mum had a rough go of it, but she managed. She enrolled in evening classes and found work. We were given a tiny room in student housing. I had to grow up fastdoing the shopping, cleaning, and heating meals. No time for games; as far back as I remember, I was always helping Mum.
Never complained. I knew I was the only man in the house, even if I was just a boy.
Then Mum started seeing Simon. I liked him straight offhe brought sweets and food for the house. Mum was happy. One day, she told me they were getting married, and wed move into a proper house. I was thrilled. I wanted a dad, and I hoped Simon would be that for me.
At first, it was good. I finally had time to rest, listen to music, read. My own room. Simon helped Mum, and she seemed lighter somehow.
Months later, Mum said she was expecting. Soon after, Simon told me I had to move into a tiny roomused to be a storage spacebecause mine was becoming the babys nursery. Didnt make sense, with other rooms sitting empty. But the next day, my things were shifted anyway. I knew it wasnt fair, but I kept quiet.
When Oliver was born, my nights became a mess. His crying never stopped. At school, I started slipping. Teachers scolded me; Mum lost her temper.
*»You should be setting an example! Instead, youre just lazyan embarrassment!»* shed snap whenever my grades dipped.
Oliver grew, and I became his minder. Pushed his pram around the neighbourhood, face burning as lads from the estate jeered. Couldnt do a thing about it.
Everything went to Oliver. If I asked for something, Simon would say, *»Moneys tight just now.»* Id drop Oliver at nursery, pick him up, feed him, tidy the house. Just waited for him to grow up.
When he started school, Mum said I had to help with his homework. Spoiled, fussy. No matter how hard I tried, his marks were rubbish. If I told him off, hed run to Mum, and shed always take his sideshouting at me instead.
Oliver bounced from school to school, never settling. Ended up in some posh private place where good grades came with a hefty fee.
I went to a technical college, studied mechanics. Didnt care for it, but I needed out.
Later, I got into uni, found work. Saved every penny, day and night, until I could buy my own flat. Years on, I married.
Oliver got a flat from Simon but still lives with my parents. Wont workjust lives off the rent.
At a New Years dinner, the whole family gathered. Olivers girlfriend came too. Passing the kitchen, I overheard her:
*»Youre lucky with James. Hardworking, responsible, committed. Why cant Oliver be like that? I ask him to build a life together, but hes still clinging to his mum. Gets rent money but does nothing else.»*
*»James is wonderful,»* my wife agreed. *»Leave Oliver. He isnt worth it. Never will be a proper husband.»*
Plenty of women tried to change Oliver, but he didnt need anyone. Spent whole days on the sofa, telly blaring. Mum couldnt stand any of his girlfriendsnever good enough for her boy.
Thats when it hit meI was proud. Happy, truly. Life paid me back for every hard day. Now Ive got a lovely family, a wife who adores me, a sweet little girl, and a home of my own. All earned. All mine.
