My Sister Got a Lavish Wedding, But My Parents Skipped Mine...

my name is Julie I was the first child my mom had while she was still figuring things out she married my dad Thomas right after high school they were in love but didn't have much money and that didn't work out for them I was still a little kid when she met Richard a man with lots of money and a fancy car she left my dad took me with her and never looked back except to get the alimony checks Richard seemed nice at first he would bring me treats and let me play in his big office

with shiny things things but Mom acted differently around him she looked at me like I reminded her of past she wanted to forget one evening I overheard them talking in the kitchen while I was supposed to be watching TV mom said she's too much like Tom in a sharp tone I didn't understand then but it hurt to hear her talk like I was a problem I loved my real dad even though he lived in a small apartment across the city every moment with him was fun whether we were playing ball in the park or eating

cheap pizza mom's harsh words stay with me and she kept using them whenever I tried to help or do my schoolwork she would say things like can't you do anything right Dad was different he would always tell me you're doing great Julie whenever I showed him my grades or drawings he encouraged me to ignore anyone who said otherwise things with Mom and Richard got tougher when I started school mom cared a lot about appearances and always complained about my clothes and friends she would compare me to other kids and criticize me me for not fitting

in one day after a particularly harsh scolding about my muddy shoes I snapped back saying at least dad doesn't yell about a bit of dirt her slap was quick and stung my cheek before I even saw it coming don't talk about your father like that she hissed her breath smelling of coffee and anger I wanted to cry but held back just like dad taught me that night lying in bed I promised myself I wouldn't let her see me cry or give her the satisfaction when Mom announced she was pregnant again the house felt different like

something was about to change but maybe not for the better mom had that glow people talk about but it never seemed to be for me she told us one evening rubbing her belly I'm having a baby with Richard it's going to be perfect Richard always Charming added we'll need to redo the guest room to make it fit for a little princess my heart sank when I realized they were talking about my room I asked what about my room trying to stay calm mom gave me a tight smile and said you can move into the smaller

room Julie it's only fair the baby needs the space the way she said it made it sound like there was no room for discussion so I packed up my things and moved to the smallest room in the house barely bigger than a closet the months went by quickly and soon Lily was born everyone was talking about her saying how beautiful she was Mom would gush to her friends cradling lily as if she were made of the finest porcelain yeah she's cute I would say trying to join in Lily was adorable and I loved her the

moment I saw her I wanted to be a good big sister and help out one afternoon I tried to sneak into Lily's room while Mom was busy in the kitchen I tiptoed in and peered over the crib at my baby sister who was happily gurgling hey there Lily I whispered reaching out a finger for her to grab mom must have heard me because she appeared at the door suddenly her voice sharp what are you doing Julie I told you you need to ask before going into her room I just wanted to see her I protested

feeling tears well up in my eyes I wanted to help but Dad was different one weekend when I was with him we were having pizza at our favorite place and I opened up about how Mom was always on edge with me around Lily I told him it felt like she thought I'd break her or something dad thought for a moment and said you know Julie some people have a hard time sharing love they think there's only so much to go around but you've got a big heart don't let your mom's ways make you think otherwise

his words made me feel a little better but back at Mom's house things didn't improve even when I tried to talk about school or friends mom was always half listening her attention mostly on Lily one day I came home with a school award for second place in the science fair I was excited and showed mom the certificate while she was feeding lily look Mom I won this I said holding it out that's ni steer she replied without looking up put it on the fridge or something I put the certificate on the fridge a bit crooked

and stepped back it felt like just another piece of paper another day overshadowed by Lily by the time I reached high school things were really rough at home mom was cold and Richard seemed indifferent I felt more like a guest than a family member then out of the blue mom said it was time for me to live with Dad permanently she told me at dinner just the two of us while Richard was still up work and Lily was already asleep Julie we need to talk about your future mom said pushing her food around her plate

with a fork her voice was cold and businesslike which made me nervous what about it I asked trying to sound casual but my heart was racing we've been discussing things mom said and we think it's best if you move in with your father with the new baby coming things here are complicated you're not a child anymore you need your own space and we can't provide that here not with the new situation it's cramped and frankly the financial burden is more than we expected I almost choked on my water move in with Dad but why I

thought everything was fine here Mom sighed deeply look Julie it's just not working out Youk be better off with your dad it's better for everyone this way mom said I push my plate away no longer hungry what about school and my friends I asked you can go to a new school and make new friends she replied as if it were that simple like I could just erase my old life and start fresh without any trouble the next few weeks were a blur I packed up my things books clothes and a few keepsakes that meant something

to me into boxes Richard barely said goodbye and Lily too young to understand gave me a confused hug moving day was hard dad lived on the other side of town in a modest apartment it was clean but cluttered with reminders of a life that had been on hold since Mom left him when I arrived dad was there waiting with open arms and a worried smile the apartment was nothing like the house I grew up in my new room was much smaller with walls that needed painting and a window facing a brick wall but it was

quiet and dad was trying his best the first day at my new school was tough as I walked down the crowded hallways I could feel the stairs and hear The Whispers that's the new girl as if I were some kind of odity in class I kept to myself doodling in my notebook to block out the murmurs when the bell rang I was the first to leave not wanting to linger at home dad noticed my mood how was school he asked trying to sound upbeat it was fine I lied shrugging off my coat and dumping my

bag by the door if it gets tough you tell me okay we're in this together you're not alone Julie he said his words meant a lot but the loneliness I felt was deep and gnawing it wasn't just about missing my old friends or the big house it was about feeling unwanted and pushed out like I was a burden adjusting to life at Dad's wasn't easy but I knew if I didn't pull myself together things would only get worse one morning I woke up looked around my small room and decided it was time to take charge

of my life no one else is going to do it for me and muted to myself dad noticed the change right away over breakfast one day he looked up from his coffee and said you seem more determined these days Julie what's on your mind I stirred my cereal trying to find the right words I want to make something of myself dad I don't want to end up stuck I said he nodded a serious expression on his face I hear you Kido so what's the plan that big scholarship for top students I'm going to get it

I declared more to convince myself than him dad's smile was just the encouragement I needed if anyone can get it it's you just let me know what you need from me school was tough I spent long hours catching up and even more time buried in books my teachers noticed the change even the strict ones seemed to respect my effort one day Mr Jensen my math teacher kept me after class Julie your work has improved a lot what's the goal he asked I need that scholarship I replied bluntly packing up my stuff I've got plans and

they don't include being stuck here forever Mr Jensen studied me for a moment before nodding well keep at it and let me know if you need extra help I'm here making friends wasn't easy but I found a few people who didn't mind that I wasn't always the life of the party during lunch I sat with Maria and Luke two kids who weren't exactly popular but knew how to laugh so Julie you're like a library ninja now Luke choked one day nudging me as we sat down with our trays I cracked a smile yeah got to

be stealthy if I want to snag the best study spots Maria her voice soft but sincere said it's cool what you're doing Julie most people wouldn't bother as the days turned into months and the pressure built up with the approaching application deadlines dad was my rock he was always there with a hot meal and a listening ear whenever the stress became too much the day the scholarship letter arrived my hands were shaking as I opened it Dad was right there holding his breath I read the words with my heart pounding and when I realized I

had one I let out a cheer so loud I'm sure the neighbors heard I got it Dad I got it I yelled waving the letter like a victory flag dad swept me into a big hug laughing and cheering with me I knew you could do it he said a few months later as I packed up my things for college I felt ready the future seemed bright and for the first time it felt like it was truly mine I was leaving but I was taking all the lessons love and hard-earned wisdom with me after graduating with

honors and starting a solid career I felt like I was finally on stable ground I was 28 doing well professionally and had just started seeing a wonderful guy from work Jack who had been nothing but supportive then out of the blue my mom called we hadn't spoken much since I moved out but suddenly she was back with a request or rather a demand Julie your sister Lily is going to college in your city we've paid her tuition and think it would be best as she stayed with you mom said her tone making it clear this

wasn't just a suggestion I hesitated remembering our strain Rel relationship but I wanted to believe things could be different okay Mom I'll help Lily out it might be nice to reconnect I said trying to sound positive Lily moved in a week later and it was clear we were very different she was always focused on her appearance and had high maintenance needs on her first evening she asked can you make sure we have almond milk and kale I'm on a special diet sure I'll add them to the grocery list I replied trying to be accommodating but

living with li was harder than I expected she partied all the time coming home at dawn with loud laughter while I was anxious about work one afternoon Jack came over while Lily was getting ready for a night out I noticed how she smiled at him a little too sweetly after she left Jack said Julie I think Lily's got the wrong idea about me she's been flirting I felt a mix of anger and embarrassment thanks for telling me Jack I'll talk to her when I confronted Lily she laughed it off oh come on Julie I'm just

being friendly besides can I help it if he likes me back that's my fiance Lily you need to respect that I said firmly her laugh chilled me Julie I'm used to getting what I want I always have been that was the last straw I couldn't live like this constantly feeling I had to guard my life for my own sister you need to find another place to live Lily this isn't working out I told her firmly she stormed out slamming the door behind her within an hour my song rang it was mom her voice cold and

sharp you're such an envious girl Julie can't stand to see your sister happy can you I just want respect Mom that's all I replied but it felt like talking to a wall after that things went quiet with Lily I heard she dropped out of college and was living off her charm and social connections I focus on my life with Jack my work and rebuilding my boundaries 2 years later things were going well for me I was advancing at work and life with back was great then I heard about Lily she had dropped out and was

getting married to a rich guy she'd met feeling a mix of curiosity and Goodwill I called home to offer congratulations mom answered her voice as cold as ever don't bother we're not waiting for you at the wedding it's for rich people only and we don't need any Beggars there her words cut deep I tighten my grip on the phone feeling the old sting of rejection really Mom that's how you're going to be what did you expect Julie you've always been the difficult one just stay away she said before hanging up I stood there the dial

tone echoing in my ear the hurt was real but I wasn't going to let it break me I later found out that Lily's wedding was lavish with popular artists and actors life moved on for me too Jack reposed and suddenly I was planning my own wedding nothing extravagant but filled with love and sincerity I called Dad to share the news that's wonderful Julie I wouldn't miss it for the world he said his voice brimmy with happiness encouraged by Dad's reaction I decided to make one last attempt to reconnect with Mom I dialed mom's number my

heart racing when she answered I said Mom I'm getting married I'd really like you to come her reply was icy no Julie I'm not interested in some modest Gathering count me out I swallowed hard fighting back tears okay mom take care I I hung up knowing it might be the last time I'd invite her into my life our wedding was simple but beautiful dad walked me down the aisle and his presence was a steady Comfort the room was filled with genuine smiles and heartful congratulations unlike the Grandeur and coldness of Lily's wedding our modest reception

was full of laughter dancing and stories Jack and I celebrated with friends and family who loved us for who we were not for our money or status life was moving along well Jack and I were thrilled to be expecting our first child one ordinary afternoon my phone rang and turned my day upside down it was Mom and she wasn't calling with congratulations Julie you have to take us in we're desperate she said skipping any pleasantries what's going on I asked though I was afraid to hear the answer Richard's business failed we mortgaged the house for

L's wedding and now it's all gone L's marriage is over and her husband kicked her out out demanding money for her cheating she explained her voice full of panic I took a deep breath trying to process everything okay slow down what exactly are you asking we need a place to stay all of us we're coming to your house she said as if it were obvious her demand Hit me hard no Mom you can't just decide to move in with us it doesn't work like that you was after everything we've done for you she snapped I

felt the surge of anger oh my mom remember how you were when I needed you most you pushed me out and chose everything over me now you expect me to open my doors her voice Rose you're being selfish Julie where is your family spirit I am your mother being a mother doesn't mean making demands I shot back it's not about debts her Fury was palpable you'll regret this Julie I might even take you to court to get what I deserve I laughed though it was more from disbelief go ahead and try dad was my guardian

when you kicked me out what will you claim your daughter wouldn't let you live off her after you threw her out there was a pause and I could almost hear her thinking this isn't over Julie she hissed before hanging up after that call life felt like a fresh start Jack and I were busy preparing the nursery picking paint colors and assembling the crib on a sunny Sunday morning I was folding baby clothes and putting them neatly into the new dresser Jack was busy drilling something while I was organizing baby things he looked over with a

smile and asked how's it going Julie need any help I've got it thanks I said running my hand over a tiny wi just thinking about everything it's really happening huh it really is we're going to be parents Jack said his voice a mix of awe and nervous excitement then there was a knock at the door Jack went to answer it while I continued organizing I heard voices and Jack called out Julie it's for you I was surprised to see my dad at the door holding a teddy bear and grinning surprise he said dad what are

you doing here I asked rushing over to hug him I wanted to see how my favorite daughter is doing he said handing me the teddy bear and I brought something for my future grandchild thank you Dad it means a lot that you're here I said feeling emotional dad looked around at the baby furniture and books looks like you're almost ready we're trying crying it's a lot but we're excited I told him then I hesitated dad I had another call with Mom it didn't go well Dad's smile faded I heard she wasn't pleased no she wasn't

I said firmly but I had to Stand My Ground we need peace here for me Jack and the baby the day passed with Dad sharing stories and giving us some amusing parenting advice we enjoyed our time together as the sun set painting the sky in shades of Orange and pink we sat on the porch Jack put his arm around me and I leaned into him despite everything with Mom and the drama I feel lucky we have each other I said looking at the fading light we're about to start this amazing new chapter and I think

it's going to be great Jack kissed the top of my head it will be we've got this Julie as night fell and dad said his goodbyes I felt a deep sense of contentment and Readiness for the future the challenges with Mom and the uncertainty of Beginnings have been tough but they had led me to this moment surrounded by love and support