All my life, I dreamed of being in my brothers place, but soon everything changed.
My mother fell pregnant with me when she was nineteen. My father left immediatelyhe didnt want the responsibilities of a family. His life was all about nights out and mates. My grandparents were furious with Mum, thinking it was a disgrace to have a child out of wedlock. They kicked her out, calling her an «irresponsible daughter.»
Mum struggled but managed to pull through. She enrolled in evening classes and found work. We were given a tiny room in student accommodation. I had to grow up fast, doing the shopping, cleaning, and heating meals. There was no time for play; from as far back as I remember, I was busy helping Mum.
I never complained. I knew I was the only man in the family, even though I was just a boy.
Eventually, Mum started seeing Oliver. I liked him straight awayhe brought sweets and groceries. Mum was happy. One day, she told me they were getting married and wed move into a proper house. I was over the moonI wanted a dad, and I hoped Oliver would step up.
At first, things were good. I finally had time to relax, listen to music, and read. I even had my own room. Oliver helped Mum, and she seemed content.
A few months later, Mum announced she was expecting. Soon after, Oliver told me I had to move into a tiny box roommy bedroom was becoming the nursery. I didnt understand why, especially since there were other spare rooms. The next day, all my things were moved. It felt unfair, but I kept quiet.
When Jack was born, my nights became chaos. His constant crying made school unbearable. My teachers scolded me, and Mum lost her temper.
*»You should be setting an example! Instead, youre just lazy and embarrassing us,»* shed say whenever my grades slipped.
As Jack grew, I became his minderpushing his pram around the estate, burning with shame as the lads laughed. The best things always went to him. If I asked for anything, Oliver would say, *»Moneys tight.»* I took Jack to nursery, fed him, and cleaned. I just prayed hed grow up fast.
When Jack started school, Mum told me to help with his homework. He was spoiled and stubborn. No matter how hard I tried, his grades were terrible. If I told him off, hed run to Mum, and shed always take his side.
Jack kept getting moved from school to school, never fitting in. Eventually, they paid for a posh private one where good grades were guaranteed.
I went to a technical college and studied mechanicsnot because I loved it, but to escape home. Later, I got into uni and worked nights, saving every penny for my own flat. Years later, I married.
Jack was given a flat by Oliver but still lives with my parents. He refuses to work, living off rent money.
At a New Years dinner, the whole family gathered. Jacks girlfriend was there too. Passing the kitchen, I overheard her complaining:
*»Youre lucky with Tom. Hes hardworking, responsible, committed. Why cant Jack be like that? I beg him to settle down, but hes still glued to his mums apron strings. Hes got rent money but does nothing else.»*
*»Toms wonderful,»* my wife replied. *»Leave Jackhes not worth it. Hell never be a proper husband.»*
She was right. Plenty of women tried to change Jack, but he didnt care. He spent whole days on the sofa, glued to the telly. Mum couldnt stand any of his girlfriendsnone were good enough for her boy.
Thats when I realisedI was proud of myself, truly happy. Life had rewarded me for all the struggle. Now, Ive got a lovely family, a loving wife, a sweet daughter, and my own homeall earned through hard graft.
