Thought family would use you last, right? I thought so until my cousin Talia started treating me like her maid. Things changed once my dad devised a cunning scheme.

Everyone has that annoying cousin, right? That’s Talia for me. Brynn, 25, just graduated from graduate school and trying to figure out my next move.

I work part-time at a bookshop to pay the bills while looking for a better job. Books, coffee, and occasional walks make up my quiet life. I’m happy with my little group of buddies.

Everyone in my large family is in each other’s business. My older cousin Talia is at the center. Her intensity is almost exhausting.

She should have calmed down by now, being married to Declan and having Jett, their 2-and-a-half-year-old kid. Not Talia. Their modest basement apartment is under her parents’ house. The space is small, yet home.

My few family gatherings there always made me feel out of place. In the family, I’ve always been a listener, content to observe others’ drama.

I wasn’t surprised when Talia called me one afternoon, sounding anxious.

“Brynn, I need a big favor. How about watching Jett with me? Something happened, therefore I must leave now!” Her voice was higher than normal, indicating a haste.

Looked at the clock. Nothing was planned. “Sure, Talia. I’ll be there in 10.”

Well, why not? Since Jett is attractive, I thought it would be a good variation from my routine.

I knocked briefly before the door swung open. Declan and Talia tripped over each other to depart.

Brynn, thank you so much! Talia shouted halfway out the door.

Declan waved, “We owe you one!” Just like that, they left.

In contrast, Jett smiled and hugged. “Hi, buddy!” I grinned, lifting him up. Talia and Declan’s quick departure didn’t bother me.

I was too concentrated on Jett, his little chuckle, and his wide eyes staring at me like I was his favorite person.

But then he yanked my sleeve and murmured, “Hungry, Bibi.”

“Okay, let’s see what we can find,” I remarked happily, taking him to the kitchen.

I saw the mess then. It appeared like a storm hit. I saw dirty dishes, crusted old food, trash spilling out of the bin, and a foul smell. Heart plummeted.

“What happened?” I mumbled primarily to myself. Jett pointed at the fridge, confused.

“Okay, Jett, let’s, uh, find something to eat,” I remarked, trying to be optimistic. I knew I couldn’t cook in this mess. I rolled up my sleeves and worked.

I washed pots, rinsed dishes, wiped countertops, threw out boxes, and cleaned till I could see the counter.

“Wow, they weren’t kidding about needing help,” I mumbled. Jett laughed, thinking I was joking, but I wonder what I consented to.

Talia phoned again the weekend after. “Can Brynn come over? Just a couple hours?

I hesitated but responded, “Sure, I’ll be there.”

When I arrived, it was like reliving the same day. The mess may worsen. Dishes, trash, and stove-sticky food.

I groaned and cleaned enough to feed Jett, thinking, They must be struggling. Soon, it will improve. No, it didn’t.

Talia called every week, and I arrived to discover turmoil. Talia left with a brief “Thank you!” and left me to clean up.

One Saturday, the sink was full of dishes and the fridge was nearly sealed with filth.

It took nearly two hours to clear up a spot to cook Jett anything basic. I became angry while scrubbing. I stopped babysitting. I realized I was their personal cleaner.

I was upset when I went home that night. My dad noticed immediately. “Rough day?” he inquired, raising an eyebrow as I dropped my suitcase and sat on the couch.

Inhaled deeply. Father, you wouldn’t believe it. Talia constantly asking me to watch Jett, but the place is always a mess. I spend more time cleaning than caring for Jett. Like she’s using me for free cleaning!”

Slowly nodding, Dad listened. “How long have you been doing this?”

“Months!” I raised my hands. I didn’t want to leave Jett in that mess, but I’m exhausted.”

Why haven’t you advised her to tidy before you arrive? He asked, frowning.

I am unsure… I didn’t want to seem mean,” I muttered. “Talia always talks about being stressed, so I didn’t want to add to it.”

Dad crossed his arms and reclined. Brynn, you’re assisting Jett, not cleaning. You shouldn’t feel bad about avoiding their mess.”

I nodded, understanding my folly for not seeing it sooner. Then I saw Dad’s plans light in his eyes. I felt his plan would be good but didn’t know what it was.

Dad leaned close, his mischievous eyes shining. “Here’s what we’re going to do,” he said, revealing a strategy. Next time Talia asks you to babysit, agree. When it’s time to make dinner, I’ll contact her mother-in-law and tell her there’s an emergency and you must leave.”

I blinked to follow his notion. “And you want me to leave her kitchen like that?”

He smiled wider. Not exactly. I’ll tell her mother-in-law to bring a pot and plates without explaining why. Watch how Talia manages that situation on her own.”

My fury subsided as I laughed. “You’re cunning, Dad. I like it. But will it work?

Dad shrugged. We won’t know till we try. Sometimes folks need a new perspective.”

The following Saturday, Talia called again, frantic. “Brynn, rewatch Jett? This is last minute, but—”

“Sure, no problem,” I said, attempting to seem nonchalant despite my beating heart. I arrived at her house smiling, played with Jett, and watched the clock for Dad.

Dad finally texted, “Time to go.” at suppertime.

I breathed deeply and faced Jett. “Hey, buddy, I need to leave, okay?”

He glanced up at me with huge eyes. “You goin’, Bibi?”

“Just for a little while,” I comforted him, feeling guilty. I texted Talia that I had to leave immediately due to an emergency. I brought my stuff to the door. Maris, Talia’s mother-in-law, drove up as I exited.

Maris left with a large pot and plates, unhappy. “Brynn? What’s happening? She remarked, “Talia didn’t mention needing a meal,” looking confused.

I tried not to giggle while smiling politely. I’m sorry, Maris, but I must leave. Thanks for visiting! I fled before she could ask additional questions.

I could image Maris coming in and finding the kitchen in disarray and Talia explaining why it looked like a hurricane had hit. I skipped home to await the aftermath.

I got home and my phone buzzed within 10 minutes. Talia sent frantic texts.

“What happened, Brynn? Why didn’t you clean? one read.

And another. “Mom is angry. What should I do?

I let her worry. Dad received a thumbs up as I put my phone down. “Mission accomplished.”

Dad chuckled. “I bet she’s panicking now.”

I delayed responding to Talia’s texts. I thought she should clean up the mess for a time. Finally, my phone rang, and I answered, sounding innocent. “Hi, Talia! Everything okay?

She spoke shakily, panicked and frustrated. Brynn, why did you leave like that? Why didn’t you clean the kitchen?

I breathed deeply and spoke calmly but firmly. “I’m not your cleaner, Talia. It’s the same wreck every time I come over for weeks. I’ll babysit, not clean your house. I left, and I believed you should handle it.”

Her silence was followed by a heavy sigh. “I didn’t realize its severity… I just… I was overwhelmed and may have taken you for granted. Brynn, I’m sorry.”

Hearing her genuine regret, I softened. I understand, Talia. Please realize, this is unfair to me. I love Jett, but I can’t always clean up.”

Talia became more serious. “I know. You’re right. Promise not to repeat. So sorry.”

We continued talking, and she apologized again, sounding ashamed. I forgive her but made it clear: “If you need help in the future, the place must be clean before I come over.” Otherwise, find another Jett watcher.”

She nodded immediately, “Yes, Brynn. I pledge to clean everything.”

I smiled at Dad after hanging up. “Well, I think that worked.”

Smiled back, twinkle in eye. People sometimes need a nudge to see things properly.

You know what? It works. Next time Talia asked me to babysit, the apartment was practically clean. No filthy dishes or overflowing trash. She prepared dinner beforehand.

Things have improved subsequently. Talia now manages her time and respects mine. And Jett? He’s still a sweet boy, but he plays in a cleaner, happier area when I’m there.

Dad’s plan was brilliant. Talia learnt that family isn’t free labor and that sometimes the greatest way to teach is to let someone pay the price.