Support your sister whos struggling, their mother reminded them after the divorce.
Dont you want to help your sister? Shes in trouble after the split, she scolded.
The two siblings sat around their mothers round table, listening to her accusations.
Your Jules is really a spoiled kid! Madame Dupont blurted without hesitation. He works temporary jobs, yet he only brings home pocket money!
Mom, three thousand euros isnt enough for you? the youngest, Chloé, snapped.
It doesnt matter to me. What matters is that he can meet your needs, their mother replied, pursing her lips.
He does, the young woman muttered, looking displeased.
I dont see it! Yesterday you borrowed two hundred euros from me, Madame Dupont reminded him. If he cant feed you, get a divorce! Find someone better! Besides, he seems to be missing a brain cell.
Mom, I think youre overstepping, Charlotte said, finally speaking up to defend her sister.
Im only telling the truth! Hes a bit redhaired and even stutters, Madame Dupont scoffed, rolling her eyes. Honestly, Chloé, you deserve better. Before its too late, you should divorce, she added, turning to the younger daughter.
Mom, Jules has golden hands. And its not about looks, Charlotte replied, watching how her mother was pressuring her sister. If you count everything in money, he has an apartment, a car, and he loves Chloé. Its obvious!
Madame Dupont stared at her eldest with contempt, thinking she was meddling in affairs that didnt concern her.
Youre single and nearing forty; stop giving advice, the mother retorted sharply, pushing Charlotte away. At forty youll take whatever comes
Chloé remained silent, alternating her gaze between mother and sister with indifference.
Youre bragging about him a studio in an old building, a car with no flair nothing impressive! Madame Dupont said disdainfully.
Chloé, what do you think? Charlotte asked her quiet sister. Got an opinion?
I dont know, maybe Moms right, the young woman whispered, who at first defended her husband but was beginning to sway toward her mothers view. He recently told me I should look for a job
See! Madame Dupont crossed her arms over her belly. Were already there. Its scary to imagine what comes next!
And why shouldnt Chloé work? Few can afford to do nothing. Im surprised Jules hasnt pushed her to work sooner, Charlotte retorted.
Why are you defending her like that? their mother asked.
Because Im afraid that by putting that pressure on you youll ruin my sisters life, the young woman explained calmly.
Thats none of your business, Madame Dupont roared at the elder. You give advice, but Chloé deserves more. If Jules truly loved her, hed do everything to make her happy. Lacking good looks, he has neither money
Chloé, mouth open, was spellbound by her mothers words.
Madame Duponts accusations took effect. Soon Chloé began to criticize Jules.
Are you happy with your salary? she asked her husband.
Its fine, why?
I dont think so, Chloé shook her head. You should find another job.
Another? Im fine where I am, he replied, nonchalant yet slightly uneasy.
Not for me! she declared firmly. A tiny flat, a modest car nothing I can be proud of in front of the neighbors
Its odd, you liked it before, Jules replied thoughtfully. What changed?
Nothing, but my perspective shifted. Love once blinded me; now I see clearly, Chloé justified herself.
Fine, he answered indifferently, expecting her to stop.
Under Madame Duponts persistent influence, Chloé kept harassing Jules.
Listen, your dissatisfaction is getting on my nerves, he growled through clenched teeth. I hear you, but I cant change anything.
I want a husband who grows, not one who stays stagnant, she said sternly.
Sorry I cant meet your expectations! Jules replied coldly as he headed to the bedroom. Pack your bags!
Where am I supposed to go? Chloé asked, raising an eyebrow.
Where theres a nice flat and a luxury car, he replied sharply. Id never forgive myself if I spent my life with a goodfornothing like me. Im sure youll find someone who can cover you in gold and diamonds. I cant
Madame Dupont was the first to hear that Jules had thrown Chloé out.
What a scoundrel! Who would have thought he could do that?! You shouldnt have married him, the mother fumed, hurling curses at her soninlaw.
I only asked him to improve and earn more, Chloé sobbed.
Anyway, you cant expect anything good from a brute. Dont worry, youll find someone better, and Jules will end up regretting it, coming crawling back to you, Madame Dupont reassured her daughter.
Without an apartment or a husband, Chloé moved into her mothers former bedroom.
What will you do now? Charlotte asked, answering their mothers call.
Nothing, Chloé replied, staring at her phone.
How about looking for a job? Thinking about it? Charlotte hinted subtly.
No. I see no point. Ill find a man richer than Jules, Chloé said confidently.
Why bother your sister? She needs rest after what shes been through, Madame Dupont intervened to protect her younger daughter.
For almost two months she supported her immobilized daughter on the couch.
Soon she realized she couldnt manage alone and called Charlotte for help.
After work, Charlotte visited her mother, assuming an emergency.
You dont want to help your sister? Madame Dupont asked sternly.
With what?
Not with what, but how, her mother corrected. Financially. Its hard for both of us.
Who forced you to fill Chloés head with divorce ideas? Charlotte challenged. Without your interference, everything would be fine.
Oh! Madame Dupont exclaimed, clutching her heart. How dare you say that? Jules is an idiot, a coward! He couldnt handle someone like Chloé and left. Im telling you to leave; I dont want to see you anymore! Instead of helping, you criticize us!
At that moment Chloé appeared, standing in front of her sister.
Youre defending the one who betrayed me and kicked me out?
Youre the cause! Stop listening to Mom
You want to teach me life? Youre still single? Chloé snapped.
Charlotte shook her head, hearing the clash between her sister and mother, and walked toward the door.
She no longer wanted to argue with them, just as Chloé and Madame Dupont no longer sought contact with her.
Support Your Struggling Sister, Their Mother Reminded Them After the Divorce.
