Bought My Parents A House But They Gave It To My Golden Child Sister Because "She Needs It More!"...

my name is Julia and I've worked at Meridian Investments for almost a decade now I started as an entry-level analyst and clawed my way up to investment manager through countless late nights and sacrificed weekends the past year has been particularly intense I led three major client Acquisitions that are CEO called transformational for the company the stress nearly broke me but the bonuses that followed made it all worthwhile last Thursday I was reviewing my accounts when I realized something that stopped me mids siip of my morning coffee between my regular salary and these recent bonuses I

had accumulated enough money to do something i' dreamed about for years by my parents a proper house Mom and Dad have lived in the same dilapidated two-bedroom on Cedar Street for over 30 years the roof leaks every time it rains the foundation is cracking and the heating barely works in Winter they've always refused my offers to help with repairs saying it wasn't worth throwing good money after bad but they also refused to move citing Financial constraints I called my realtor friend Diane immediately I need a house I said without Preamble when she answered well hello

to you too Julia she laughed tired of that downtown apartment already not for me for my parents something small but solid in a safe neighborhood walking distance to groceries and medical facilities and with a a good-sized yard for Mom's gardening dad's arthritis is getting worse so minimal stairs would be ideal within a week Diane had found the perfect place a singl story ranch style home in Oakwood a quiet suburb with excellent amenities three bedrooms a spacious kitchen and best of all a beautiful self-facing garden plot at $385,000 it wasn't cheap but my bonuses could cover

it entirely I Ted on a Tuesday and signed the papers on Wednesday the closing process was expedited since I was paying cash and within 3 weeks I had the keys in hand I hadn't told my parents anything I wanted it to be a complete surprise that Saturday I drove to my parents place for our regular family dinner my sister Anna would be there with her husband Mike and their 5-year-old daughter Lily Anna is 2 years younger than me and we've never been particularly close where I'm practical and focused Anna is emotional and impulsive she's bounced

between jobs and apartments for years never quite finding her footing mom greeted me at the door with her usual tight hug Julia you're early for once come help me finish the potatoes the house smelled of pot roast and cinnamon Comfort scents from my childhood that always made me feel at home despite the peeling wallpaper and sagging ceiling dad was in his recliner watching baseball and rubbing his knes absent there's my big shot he said with a wink how's the investment world treating you can't complain I replied kissing his cheek House Retirement boring as hell he

grinned your mother keeps threatening to give me a honeydew list a mile long but there's not much Point fixing up this old dump the doorbell rang announcing Anna's arrival Lily burst and first launching herself at my legs Mike nodded to me already making his way to the kitchen to grab a beer Anna gave me a quick perfunctory hug nice blouse she said expensive just picked it up during a sale I lied there was no point telling her it was berbery dinner was the usual Affair mom's cooking dad stories about neighborhood gossip and Anna talking about

her latest job prospect that was definitely going to work out this time I sat quietly the envelope with the house documents burning a hole in my purse as mom started clearing plates I stood up I have something for you all I said well for Mom and Dad specifically Anna looked up sharply what is it I pulled out the envelope and handed it to my father open it he fumbled with the clasp eventually extracting the papers mom leaned over his shoulder her brow furrowed what is this dad asked confusion evident it's a house I said simply

your house if you want it fully paid for no mortgage it's in Oakwood near the shopping center and the medical plaza three bedrooms all on one level and mom there's a garden that gets perfect Southern Exposure the silence was deafening Mom's hand flew to her mouth and Dad just stared at the papers I don't understand Mom finally whispered you bought us a house yes I nodded you deserve a nice place for your retirement somewhere safe and comfortable that won't fall down around your ears I pulled out my phone showing them pictures of each room ending

with the garden mom started to cry and Dad wasn't far behind they both stood and enveloped me in a hug that nearly knocked me over over their shoulders I could see Anna's face her smile seemed forced her eyes hard Mike was staring at his beer clearly uncomfortable well Julia Anna finally said that's really something congratulations mom and dad but the congratulations sounded Hollow and her smile never reached her eyes the next day I picked up my parents early in the morning to show them their new home dad was uncharacteristically quiet during the drive but Mom

couldn't stop talking I still can't believe this is real she said for the 10th time our own house and an Oakwood of all places Janet from from my book club lives there and she's always bragging about how nice it is when we pulled into the driveway mom gasped the house wasn't large or Fancy by any means but compared to their old place it was a palace red brick with white trim a covered porch with enough space for two rocking chairs and a neatly trimmed lawn this is ours dad asked his voice small I nodded handing

him the keys all yours want to do the honors his hand trembled slightly as he unlocked the front door the entryway opened into a bright living room with large windows that flooded the space with Morning Light I'd had the real estate company stag your leave some basic Furniture so it wouldn't feel empty oh Mom exclaimed rushing forward she ran her hand over the kitchen countertop opened and closed cabinets tested the faucet look at all this counter space and a dishwasher dad slowly made his way through each room touching walls and door frames as if confirming

they were real when he reached the backyard he stood for a long moment staring at the garden plot mom joined us already talking a mile a minute I'll put cucumbers along that fence and maybe some zucchini over there and flowers dalas and maragold to keep the bugs away from the vegetables and right there we could set up a little table and chairs for morning coffee we spent the next hour going through every room with Mom pointing out where each piece of their Furniture would go and which wall she wanted to paint dad was mostly concerned

with the water heater and furnace checking them thoroughly and nodding with approval this is quality stuff he said not like the junk we've been dealing with so when can we move in mom asked eagerly whenever you want I told her the utilities are already turned on and in your names I paid the first year of property taxes too a week later I took a rare day off work to help with moving day I'd hired professional movers of course but I wanted to be there for support dad hated accepting help almost as much as he hated

change and I anticipated some grumbling the movers arrived at 8:00 a.m. sharp and by noon most of my parents belongings were packed and loaded there wasn't much worth salvaging their old furnit was mostly worn out and many of their appliances barely functioned still they insisted on bringing everything by late afternoon we were at the new house directing the movers where to place Furniture mom seemed energized by the whole process darting from room to room with instructions and ideas dad on the other hand looked overwhelmed I found him sitting on the front porch steps staring at

the moving truck you okay I asked sitting beside him just taking a breather he replied lot of changes today good changes though right he nodded slowly good changes just a lot of them he patted my hand I'm proud of you Julia you've done well for yourself better than I ever did that night after the movers had left and we'd ordered pizza because no one had the energy to cook I helped mom make up the beds while Dad fiddled with the TV setup what are you going to do with the old house I asked Mom sighed

tucking in hospital corners with practiced deficiency put it up for sale I suppose not that anyone will want it except for the land that part of town has gone downhill you might be surprised I said though I doubted it their old neighborhood had high crime rates and few amenities whatever you get for it will be a nice little messed egg we'll need it mom said pragmatically property taxes and insurance will be higher here even with you covering the first year over the next few months I threw myself back into work a new client had approached

Meridian with a complex portfolio that needed restructuring and I was determined to land the account between late meetings and weekend strategy sessions I only managed to call my parents once a week and visit maybe twice a month each time I visited the house looked more and more like a home mom had planted her garden as promised and was already harvesting the early vegetables dad had set up a workshop in the garage and was building bird houses to sell at the local farmers market they both seemed happier and healthier than I'd seen them in years during

one of our calls mom mentioned that Anna had been visiting frequently she brings Lily over almost every weekend mom said it's so nice having them close by Lily loves helping in the garden that's great I said ignoring the slight twinge of jealousy I was glad Anna was spending time with our parents but it stung a little that she could do so regularly while my career kept me too busy Anna mentioned she might be looking for a new apartment soon mom continued her landlord is raising the rent again and Mike's hours got cut at work is

she hinting that she needs money I asked perhaps more sharply than intended no no Mom said quickly just thinking out loud I suppose you know how Anna is I did know my sister had never been good with money or planning ahead every few months she'd find herself in some financial crisis that required bailing out usually that fell to me well tell her to call me if she needs help with a security deposit or something I said you're a good sister mom replied warmly I wasn't so sure about that but I tried 3 months flew by

in a blur of meetings presentations and late nights at the office I'd managed to land that big client I was working on which meant another substantial bonus but even less free time I called my parents when I could keeping our conversations brief but warm they always sounded cheerful settling into their new routines and neighborhood dad had joined a veterans group at the community center and mom was now part of the local Garden Club One Tuesday evening as I was about to head home after a 14-hour workday my phone buzzed with a text from Anna having

my birthday at Mom and Dad's next Saturday 6:00 p.m. family and some friends be there I frowned at the screen Anna hadn't mentioned planning a party during our last awkward coffee meet up 2 weeks ago it made sense though Anna and Mike's two-bedroom apartment was cramped even for just the three of them the new house had a spacious living area and backyard perfect for entertaining I spent the next few days trying to figure out what to get Anna finally I settled on a high-end coffee maker the kind that grinds the beans fresh and makes everything

from espresso to cold brew Anna was obsessed with coffee but always complained about the cheap machine she had this would be perfect Saturday arrived and I pulled up to my parents house just after 6 the driveway and Street were already lined with cars I grabbed the gift wrapped coffee maker from my passenger seat and headed inside without knocking it still felt strange to do that at my parents new house the living room was full of people mostly relatives I recognized from holidays and family gatherings plus some friends of Anna I vaguely remembered meeting over the

years a long table had been set up with an impressive spread of food and music played from a portable speaker in the corner I spotted Anna immediately she was sitting at the head of the dining table Mike beside her holding Court as she told some animated story to a group of admirers she looked happy confident almost glowing my parents on the other hand were off to the side serving drinks and looking oddly nervous Julia mom called when she saw me hurrying over you made it can I get you something to drink mom's eyes darted around

the room never quite meeting mine your father grilled those kobs you like better get some before they're gone something was definitely off with her but before I could ask she was rushing away to refill someone's glass I set the gift with the others and made my way around the room greeting relatives and accepting congratulations on the house purchase everyone seemed impressed with what I'd done for my parents which made me uncomfortable I hadn't bought the house for praise dinner was served buffet style and I ended up sitting between Aunt Marge and Uncle Pete e making

small talk about my job and their recent cruise to Alaska every so often I glanced over at my parents who seemed to be growing more anxious as the evening progressed dad kept checking his watch and mom was fidgeting with her napkin meanwhile Anna looked completely at ease laughing loudly and refilling wine glasses after dessert a beautiful cake from the expensive bakery across town Anna announced it was time for gifts she sat back at the head of the table while everyone gathered around to watch she opened each present with exaggerated excitement making sure to thank each

Giver effusively once all the gifts had been opened and admired I expected the party to wind down instead my father cleared his throat and stood up wine glass in hand mom Rose to stand beside him her expression a mixture of nerves and determination we've got one more announcement to make dad said his voice slightly shaky Barbara and I have been talking and we decided to give this house to Anna and Mike for a moment I thought I'd misheard him the room went eerily silent then erupted in confused murmurs our relatives looked from my parents to

me clearly uncomfortable mom stepped forward we've signed the papers already the house will be transferred to Anna's name next week she finally looked at me her expression almost pleading we think it's for the best I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach Anna wasn't surprised at all she jumped up and threw her arms around our parents tearfully thanking them for the best gift ever Mike Stood Beside her grinning widely as he shook dad's hand the relatives and attendance shifted uncomfortably shooting sympathetic glances my way they all knew I'd bought the house for my parents

just a few months ago I stood up legs unsteady beneath me can I talk to you I said to my parents trying to keep my voice level privately the four of us my parents Anna and I stepped into the kitchen while the party guests pretended not to notice what is going on I asked once the door was closed I bought this house for you and we appreciate that Mom said quickly but it's our house now and we can do what we want with it you've had it for 3 months I exclaimed I spent nearly $400,000

so you could have a safe comfortable place to live in your retirement not so you could give it away it's not like Anna's kicking us out dad said defensively we'll still live here until we figure out our next steps next steps what next steps this was supposed to be your forever home Anna stepped closer to me her face a mask of sympathy that didn't reach her eyes Julia you need to calm down mom and dad made their decision if you were really being being generous you'd be happy for me too I have a family after

all Lily deserves a nice home to grow up in I've helped you plenty over the years I shot back every time you've needed money for rent or car repairs or lily School tuition who paid for it me this was different this was for Mom and Dad those were just handouts mom said her voice suddenly cold in a way I'd never heard before quick fixes so you didn't have to really get involved in our lives I stared at her stunned what are you talking about I bought you a house and you visited what for time since

we moved in dad added Anna comes by several times a week she brings Lily they have dinner with us they help around the house because I've been working I protested someone has to earn the money that pays for all of this if you cared about your sister the way you claim to care about us dad continued as if I hadn't spoken you would have bought her a house too you know they've been struggling living paycheck to paycheck in that tiny apartment I looked at each of their faces Anna's barely concealed Triumph dad's stubborn defensiveness and

Mom's cold disapproval the weight of the Betrayal hit me all at once fine I said quietly you're right it's your house and you can do whatever you want with it I turned and walked back into the the living room grabbing my purse from where I'd left it on the couch I nodded stiffly to the remaining guests some of whom tried to stop me with concerned questions and headed for the door behind me I could hear Anna saying something about me being dramatic followed by forced laughter the next morning my phone started ringing before I'd even

have my coffee cousin Rachel Aunt Marge Uncle Pete all calling to check on me and express their disbelief at what had happened for the next next few weeks my parents called daily I let each call go to voicemail the messages started apologetic then shifted to irritated then finally moved to guilt tripping I listened to each one but couldn't bring myself to call back what was there to say I threw myself into work with renewed intensity 60-hour weeks became 80-hour weeks I took on clients no one else wanted I volunteered for business trips that kept me

out of town for days at a time anything to avoid sitting in my empty apartment with my thoughts 6 months passed this way fall turned to Winter I declined the usual invitation to Thanksgiving at my parents house or Anna's house I supposed I made plans to spend Christmas in Bali alone my parents stopped calling as frequently down to once a week then once every two weeks one Tuesday evening in December I arrived home from from work to find them standing outside my apartment building suitcases at their feet they looked older tired and out of place

against the Sleek modernist architecture what are you doing here I asked not bothering with pleasantries we need to talk to you Mom said please I sighed and led them up to my apartment they exchanged glances before mom spoke we were hoping we could stay with you for a while just until we find our own place I stared at them incredulous are you serious we had to leave the house Dad explained not meeting my eyes Anna and Mike wanted to renovate and there wasn't room for all of us with construction going on so you gave them

your house and now you have nowhere to live I said flatly we rented an apartment with the money from selling our old house mom said but the leas is up next week and we can't afford to renew your father took a part-time job at the hardware store but it doesn't pay much no I said simply what do you mean no dad demanded I mean no you can't stay here I bought you a perfectly good house to live in and you gave it away that's not my problem to solve mom's face crumpled how can you be

so heartless after everything we've done for you what exactly have you done for me lately I asked besides throw my gift back in my face face and accuse me of not being generous enough you're being cruel mom said tears filling her eyes I'm being realistic I countered I already solved your housing problem once it cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars and earned me nothing but criticism and ingratitude I'm not doing it again then where are we supposed to go dad asked how about Anna's house the one that used to be yours the one I

bought for you surely your favorite daughter can make room for her beloved parents they looked at each other uneasily Anna says there's no space with the renovations mom murmured then that's between you and Anna it's not my problem I walked to the door and held it open they stood there for a long moment staring at me in disbelief before finally Gathering their suitcases and walking out without another word after they left I called Anna she answered on the fourth ring her voice wey Mom and Dad just showed up at my apartment expecting to move in

with me I said without Preamble they said you kicked them out because of Renovations she laughed dismissively I wouldn't say kicked out we're converting the guest room into a proper playroom for Lily they could have stayed but it would have been cramped besides it's our house now it was supposed to be their house I reminded her I bought it for theml I don't need another lecture from you they gave the house to us end of story if you're so concerned about where they live why don't you let them stay with you she hung up before

I could respond I blocked her number immediately after the next day my cousin Rachel called to tell me that my parents had moved into a small one-bedroom apartment in a less desirable part of town dad had taken on a second part-time job as a night security guard and mom was looking for work as a cashier they're telling everyone it's your fault Rachel said that you cruy turned them away in their time of need let them say what they want I replied I know the truth for what it's worth most of the family is on your

side she added we all saw what you did for them and how they treated you that was 6 months ago I haven't spoken to my parents or Anna since from what I hear through the family Grapevine they're struggling financially but still won't admit they made a mistake Anna and Mike are enjoying their spacious home my gift while continuing to badmouth me to anyone who will listen sometimes I wonder if I should have handled things differently if I should have seen the warning signs of my family's true nature earlier if I should have been less generous

or more forceful in my expectations But ultimately I know I did the right thing both in buying the house initially and in refusing to be manipulated further I was tired of sacrificing myself for people who couldn't even recog recogniz the sacrifice I've started saying no more often at work too I've taken up painting classes on weekends and joined a hiking group I'm dating someone new who values my time and my boundaries this Christmas I'm going to New Zealand instead of Bali and I won't be alone