I’ve been my sister’s go-to helper for her kids, but a 10-hour flight to Rome was where I said no. I’m Ava, and a week before our trip, my sister, Nicole, called with no small talk. “You’re watching the kids on the plane,” she said, wanting time with her boyfriend, Chris, and assuming my single life meant I was free. Nicole, a single mom post-divorce, always counted on me to step in. Our parents had treated us to a two-week stay at their Italian villa, but Nicole thought that included me as her in-flight nanny.
I told her I wasn’t up for babysitting mid-air. “It’s simple,” she said, hanging up. Her entitlement hurt, especially after a past trip where she left me with her toddler for days, handling meltdowns while she relaxed. I wasn’t repeating that. I called the airline, asking about business class. “Two seats, $50 with miles,” the agent said. I booked one, picturing a quiet flight. I didn’t tell Nicole, letting her believe I’d be next to her, stuck with her kids while she and Chris chilled.
At the airport, Nicole arrived in a frenzy—stroller, diaper bags, her five-year-old wailing about a lost toy, her baby fussy. Chris was clueless, fumbling with bags. I stayed calm, boarding passes ready. At the gate, I said, “I upgraded to business class.” Nicole stared, shocked. “That’s selfish!” she snapped. “I told you I wasn’t babysitting,” I replied, heading to my gate. In business class, I settled into a comfy seat, sipping champagne, a warm towel in hand. Through the curtain, I saw Nicole in economy, her kids chaotic, Chris lost.
A flight attendant approached two hours in. “A woman in 34B wants you to swap or help with her baby,” she said. “No, thanks,” I said, smiling. “I’m fine.” I savored a gourmet meal and a movie, free from cries. Nicole’s glare met my grin, her hair frazzled, spit-up on her shirt. As we landed, her exhausted look was telling. At baggage claim, her stroller was wrecked, while my bag waited. “No guilt?” she asked. “None,” I said, grinning. “I’m free.” Choosing myself was a story worth sharing, a lesson in standing firm.
