What are the downsides of being “the golden child” that no one talks about?

The Weight of the Golden Child

My sister publicly humiliated me after I risked my life to save her from abuse. So, I kicked her to the curb. Three years later, she’s at my doorstep, desperate for me to take her in. My parents always favored me over my little sister, and it broke my heart.

I didn’t even notice it until I was nine years old. It was Christmas time, and all the gifts were neatly wrapped with ribbons and personalized tags, except when I got to the last gift. I realized all of them were for me.

“Where are liies?” I asked.

That’s when they pointed to a black bin bag. I saw tears form in Lily’s eyes, but she opened it anyway. Inside was an envelope, which was a list of instructions on how she could improve her grades. Well, nine-year-old me wasn’t having it.

Mommy, this isn’t fair.

Lily deserves a real gift.

Shut the f up.

She cut me off. Meanwhile, my dad started yelling at the top of his voice.

Don’t tell me how I should raise my kids.

But as soon as they weren’t looking, I hugged her and we spent the entire morning secretly playing with my new toys together. This set the tone for the rest of our childhood.

To my parents, Lily was the definition of a disappointment. So, even when she did things like forget to do her chores or accidentally sleep in on the weekend, they never let it slide.

My dad would either force us all to completely ignore her for 48 hours straight or she’d only be given dry toast to eat for the whole week.

All rules which I of course broke when they weren’t looking. So, when she turned 15 and got a boyfriend, I didn’t tell anyone because I was the only one she trusted and there was no way I was breaking that.

But one night, she came to my door crying her eyes out and that’s when she took out an easy at home pregnancy stick with double lines. My mind jumped into problem-solving mode.

I told her we could live with our aunt for a while, that I’d tell my parents I was the one who was pregnant. I knew she didn’t understand what my plan was, but I didn’t care because she was safe and that’s all that mattered. She slept in my bed and the next morning I woke my parents up, pinching myself to fake cry.

Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant.

My dad looked like he wanted to lay hands on me, but then looked at my stomach and decided against it. I effing told you Lily would be a bad influence on her was the first thing my mom said.

We’ll be out of your hair in a few hours. We’re going to stay with Auntie Lisa until.

Damn right you are.

My dad said. I retreated to the bedroom and me and Lily tried to pack up our things as fast as we could before ordering an Uber.

In the car when Lily cried, I noticed barcode marks all along her wrist. My chest tightened, but I just stayed silent, not saying anything. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get her to stop crying by the time we arrived, and we were forced to tell Aunt Lisa everything.

But instead of screaming at us or telling our parents, she gave us a hug, told us she understood that she knew our parents were crazy and that it was only a matter of time before we turned to her for help. I smiled and in that moment, I knew I had done good for my sister.

In the next two weeks, Lily had a successful baby un alive, and Auntie Lisa managed to convince our parents to let us come home. That’s when something I never expected to happen happened. Lily was the new golden child.

The entire wall of photos that used to feature our family was now filled with pictures of Lily that I had never even seen before. And for dinner, I was the one getting the borderline expired food no one wanted, while Lily got freshly cooked meals.

Honestly, the whole thing made me smile because all I wanted was for Lily to experience some sort of loving family, even if it was at my expense. But Lily betrayed me. Whenever they were talking about how filthy and unpure I was for getting pregnant, she’d join in.

It’s weird how I’m the younger one, yet I’m the one who’s more responsible, she’d say with a laugh.

At first, I let it slide because I thought she was just covering her tracks. But then came Thanksgiving. The entire family was over, and she clinkedked her water glass with a fork.

I just want to thank my parents for making sure I turned out so responsible and smart because the last thing I’d want is to end up like Laura over here, pointing to me. The entire crowd snickered, and she kept going.

I mean, I can’t imagine putting your whole life on the line just because you couldn’t keep your legs closed. My mom was laughing so hard the champagne nearly came out of her nose.

“Don’t even think about it.”

I was about to chime in, but my dad said through gritted teeth at a volume only I could hear. So, I just gulped and stayed silent.

As the house cleared out, everyone congratulated my parents on what an excellent job they did at raising Lily, as if I hadn’t been the one to raise her. So, I decided to play the long game. And a few days later, the doorbell finally rang. It was CPS.

You see, I had made an anonymous report on everything my parents had ever done to Lily. So, when it was time for my interview, I laid it all out for them. No truth was left untold.

I was hoping they’d take Lily or me away, but instead they just left and said they’d be back for a surprise home visit. As soon as the door closed, I found out my parents had heard everything I said. What they did next is something I still get nightmares about.

My dad’s face was a shade of red I’d never seen before. His eyes were bulging out of his head, and his fists were clenched so tight his knuckles were white. My mom just stood there completely still.

Her face blank in that scary way that always meant the worst was coming. I backed up against the wall, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat.

“You ungrateful little bitch,” my dad finally said, his voice eerily calm.

“That was scarier than if he’d been yelling.” after everything we’ve done for you.

I wanted to laugh at that. Everything they’d done for me. Like what exactly? Giving me presents while starving my sister, treating me like the golden child while making her life hell. But I kept my mouth shut.

I wasn’t stupid.

I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.

I managed to get out, my voice shaking despite my best efforts. My mom finally moved, walking toward me with slow, deliberate steps.

“You’ve always been such a disappointment,” she said, which was rich coming from her after years of telling me I was the only good thing she’d ever done.

“We give you everything, and this is how you repay us.”

I glanced toward the stairs, wondering if I could make a run for it, but my dad was blocking the way. Lily was nowhere to be seen, probably hiding in her room, and I couldn’t blame her.

“Go to your room,” my dad finally said.

“We’ll deal with you later.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I bolted up the stairs, locking my bedroom door behind me, even though I knew it wouldn’t keep them out if they really wanted to get in.

My hands were shaking so bad I could barely text Aunt Lisa.

CPS came. Parents heard everything.

“Help!”

She responded immediately.

“Stay calm. Don’t antagonize them. I’m coming tomorrow. Tomorrow felt like a lifetime away.”

I sat on my bed, listening to my parents arguing downstairs, their voices rising and falling, but never quite loud enough for me to make out the words. After about an hour, I heard footsteps on the stairs and held my breath, but they passed my door and went to Lily’s room instead.

I pressed my ear against the wall we shared, straining to hear.

“Your sister’s fault,” I heard my dad say.

“She’s always been jealous of you.”

I couldn’t hear Lily’s response, but whatever she said made my parents laugh. My stomach twisted into knots. Had she really turned on me that completely after everything I’d done for her?

I didn’t sleep that night. I kept waiting for my door to burst open, for my parents to drag me out of bed, and I don’t know what, but nothing happened. The house was quiet, too quiet, like the calm before a storm.

In the morning, I waited until I heard my parents moving around downstairs before I ventured out of my room. I needed to pee so bad. My bladder felt like it was about to explode. I made it to the bathroom and back without seeing anyone.

But when I opened my bedroom door again, Lily was standing there.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” she hissed, pushing past me into my room and closing the door behind her.

“Why would you tell CPS all that stuff?”

I stared at her, not believing what I was hearing.

“Are you serious right now?”

After everything they did to you,

“They’re better now,” she said, not meeting my eyes.

“They treat me good. You’re just jealous because you’re not the favorite anymore.”

I felt like I’d been slapped. Jealous? I pretended to be pregnant for you. I took the fall so you wouldn’t have to, and now you’re acting like I’m the bad guy.

Lily’s face hardened, but there was something in her eyes. Fear, maybe, or conflict.

Yeah, well, maybe I didn’t ask you to do that. Maybe you just wanted to play the hero.

Before I could respond, there was a knock at the front door downstairs. We both froze, listening. I heard my mom’s fake, cheerful voice, the one she used for company. And then Aunt Lisa’s familiar tone. Relief flooded through me.

That’s Aunt Lisa, I said. She’s going to help us.

Lily’s eyes widened in panic.

You called her? Are you crazy? Dad’s going to unal alive you.

He’s not going to do anything with Aunt Lisa here, I said, more confident than I felt.

Come on, let’s go downstairs.

But Lily shook her head.

I’m not going anywhere with you. You’re trying to ruin everything.

She stormed out of my room, leaving me standing there in shock. After everything, she was chewing them over me. I took a deep breath and headed downstairs, my legs feeling like jelly.

Aunt Lisa was sitting in the living room with my parents, a cup of untouched coffee in front of her. When she saw me, relief washed over her face, but she kept her expression neutral.

Laura, honey, my mom said in that fake sweet voice.

Isn’t that nice?

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. My dad was watching me like a hawk, his eyes promising consequences if I said the wrong thing.

I thought maybe the girls might want to come stay with me for a few days, Aunt Lisa said casually. School’s out for spring break and I could use some company.

That’s very kind of you, my mom said, her smile not reaching her eyes.

But we have family plans.

Actually, I said, finding my voice. I’d really like to go with Aunt Lisa.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop 10°.

My dad’s jaw tightened. But before he could say anything, Lily came bounding down the stairs.

Aunt Lisa, she exclaimed, all smiles and sunshine. I didn’t know you were coming over.

Aunt Lisa looked between us, clearly sensing the tension.

I was just inviting you girls to stay with me for a few days.

Oh, that sounds fun, Lily said.

But then she glanced at our parents.

But mom and dad already promised to take me shopping for new clothes this weekend.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She was choosing new clothes over getting away from this house.

But then I saw the fear behind her eyes. The way she was carefully positioning herself away from our dad. And I understood. She was scared. She’d learned to survive by playing their game.

Well, maybe just Laura then, Aunt Lisa suggested, looking at me with concern.

My dad cleared his throat.

Actually, Laura’s grounded. She’s been telling some pretty serious lies lately.

Aunt Lisa’s eyebrows shot up.

Is that so?

It’s not a lie, I said, my voice stronger than I expected. Everything I told CPS was true.

The room went dead silent. My mom’s fake smile vanished and my dad half rose from his chair before catching himself.

I think Aunt Lisa said slowly that Laura should come with me today just to give everyone some space to cool down.

She’s not going anywhere, my dad said firmly.

Aunt Lisa stood up, her full height making her almost as tall as my dad.

James, I’m not asking. I’m telling you that Laura is coming with me today.

I held my breath watching the standoff. My dad looked like he wanted to explode, but something in Aunt Lisa’s eyes must have warned him off.

Fine, he finally spat. Take her. She’s nothing but trouble anyway.

I ran upstairs to grab some clothes, my hands shaking with relief. As I was throwing stuff into a backpack, Lily appeared in my doorway again.

“You’re really leaving?” she asked, her voice small.

“Come with me,” I pleaded. “At Lisa will protect both of us.”

She shook her head, tears in her eyes.

“I can’t. You don’t understand. Then help me understand.”

She glanced over her shoulder, then stepped into my room, closing the door behind her.

“Dad said, if I don’t play along, he’ll hurt you.” He said he’d make it look like an accident.

My blood ran cold.

What?

That’s why I’ve been saying all that stuff. I thought if I was mean enough to you, you’d stay away and be safe. A tear slid down her cheek.

But now you’ve made him really mad and I don’t know what he’s going to do. I hugged her tight, feeling her thin shoulders shaking.

“Come with me,” I whispered again. “Please!”

But she pulled away, wiping her eyes.

“I can’t. Just go. Be safe.”

I finished packing in a days, my mind racing. If what Lily said was true, my dad was even more dangerous than I thought. I needed to get her out, too.

But how? Downstairs, Aunt Lisa was waiting by the door, car keys in hand. My parents stood nearby, my mom’s arms crossed, my dad’s face still red with anger.

“We’ll see you soon, Laura,” my mom said, the threat clear in her voice.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. As Aunt Lisa and I walked to her car, I felt my dad’s eyes burning into my back. I didn’t breathe properly until we were driving away, the house disappearing behind us.