I had no way to defend myself. And Derek's words sealed it: "If you didn't push her, why were you taking care of her?"
I lost the case.
So now that I'd been given a second chance—why in the world would I make the same mistake twice?
I booked a plane ticket before anything else. Then I posted it in the family group chat, announcing my holiday travel plans for everyone to see.
Within minutes of posting, my phone rang. Aunt Patricia.
"Jennifer Dickerson, what is going on?"
"Why are you suddenly going on a trip?"
Her voice dripped with displeasure. "You know perfectly well that I'm not in good health!"
I listened, and I smiled.
Before—in my old life—hearing her say that would've made me feel guilty. I would've told myself she was just scared of being alone.
But now? I knew exactly what she was. I was nothing but free labor to her.
"Aunt Patricia, I have my own life."
"And there's nothing wrong with me going on vacation, is there?"
Silence on the other end. A beat. Then she recovered.
"Jennifer, your aunt is not a well woman. It's the holidays—of course you should be here helping me!"
"Leaving without a word—does that seem right to you?"
I let out a light laugh. "What's wrong with it, Aunt Patricia?"