Carla saw her world fall apart once more as her father insisted that she move out to make place for a new baby. She regained the strength to start afresh and discover the family secrets that made her choose between her freedom and her links to her family with the support of her tenacious grandparents. Carla is my name, and I am twenty-one years old. I lost my mother when I was ten years old, so life has not been easy. My world fell apart when she passed away because she was my rock. Carla is my name, and I am twenty-one years old. I lost my mother when I was ten years old, so life has not been easy. My world fell apart when she passed away because she was my rock.
“Yes, we do. Her daughter is about your age. You might find it comforting to have company.” After Linda took over, everything was… different. Linda was initially gracious yet aloof, but we made it work. Over time, Megan and I became extremely close. We grew close to one another, sharing everything and supporting one another during difficult times.
Following Jimmy’s birth, Linda was a stay-at-home mother. That is when the real shift occurred. When I reached sixteen, I began working. I wanted to be independent of my father and have my own money. Being independent felt nice, especially since I worked at the neighborhood grocery store. I put money aside for small purchases, school supplies, and clothes for myself.
When I was eighteen, my father called me into his “office” one day. Making no eye contact, he replied, “Carla, you are an adult now.” “You must begin making rent payments. It is merely $500—a symbolic sum.” It stunned me. “But why, Dad? My goal is to attend college. He emphasized, “It is time to give.” “Food and other necessities will still be provided.” After much debate, I decided to agree. Although difficult, I succeeded.
It all changed again five months ago. Dad and Linda arrived to my room. “Carla, we really need to talk,” he replied firmly. Linda is expecting, and we require your room for the unborn child. You have got two months to become settled. “I looked in shock at him. “What? You work out of two offices! Why are you unable to use one of those? Linda said nothing, but she had a remorseful look. Dad said it again: “You have to move out.”
My world seemed to be collapsing once more. I had no idea what to do. I sobbed as I called my Aunt Lisa. “My dad is throwing me out, Aunt Lisa. Is it okay for me to stay with you?” Aunt Lisa was enraged. You can remain with me, of course. Rent is not required. I will take care of your dad. We had Grandpa visit us the following day. He and Dad had a lengthy conversation. I heard rising voices, but the words were indiscernible to me. Grandpa then came over to me. He said softly, “Carla, you have three choices.” “I will pay the rent whether you move in with Grandma and me, stay here, or find your own apartment.”