Just Your Average Summer

Every summer was the same as the one before it. I'd watch my friends take off to beaches, mountains, National Parks, and grandparents' homes. Meanwhile, I'd be stuck watching my little brother and sister.

I was 12 when my dad took off with some bimbo, leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. Mom couldn't afford to take him to court to get child support, so we were living on her single income.

Just when I turned 13, I had to spend my summer at home, watching 9-year-old Tammy and 11-year-old Sam. They weren't much trouble, but they tied me down and cramped my style. I'm pretty sure there were laws against a 13-year-old being in charge, but I knew my mom needed my help.

Sam was inquisitive. He was constantly asking questions that required looking up answers. "Jenny, why is the sky blue?" "Jenny, how much salt is in the ocean?" "Jenny, why does it rain?" I think Sam will be a scientist when he grows up.

Tammy liked to watch me do make-up, even though I was just learning myself. It's like she was memorizing how to do it when she got old enough. Maybe she'll be a model or do makeup for movie stars.

That first summer, Mom laid out a schedule.

First, I made us breakfast - usually pancakes or eggs - cereal if I was feeling lazy. We all had to clean up the kitchen and do set chores. We all got two hours of free time. Usually, Sam went on his device and Tammy watched Netflix. I tried to read, but often, my mind would wander, wondering what my future held. Would I ever stop feeling like Cinderella? Would I ever be free to move away and lead my own life?

By then, it was time for lunch. I made sandwiches. If we were lucky, we got meat or cheese. More often than not, it was peanut butter and jelly. Luckily, I like PB&J. Sam likes peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. We always had fruit or carrot sticks on the side. If we were lucky, we also had chips or popcorn.

We cleaned up the kitchen again.

Then, we walked to the park or the public pool, weather permitting. Luckily, in our small town, everything was within walking distance. If it was raining, we took our umbrellas and went to the library. That was my favorite place in town. Sam and Tammy made a beeline to the children's section, but I liked to try out something new every time we went. Books were my best friends.

When we got home, we spent one hour playing a board game or a card game. That was admittedly fun. My kid brother and sister made me laugh, sometimes with how naive they were. Sometimes, because they were being intentionally goofy.

When I turned 17, I realized that Tammy was at the age I was when I started watching them. I bought her a cheap makeup kit and helped her apply just enough to make her look pretty. "Never put too much on," I said. "It should always just enhance your beauty." Tammy gave me the warmest hug. I could have cried.

The following Saturday, Mom surprised us all. "I have taken a week off. We are going camping as a family! I think we still have that big tent in the garage."

Sam was jumping up and down. He was much too energetic for a 15-year-old.

We spent that day packing and shopping for some things we didn't have.

Mom drove us to the perfect spot. There was a small stream, beautiful tree cover, and plenty of level grass on which to set up.

I noticed right away that the air smelled different. The mood felt lighter without the weight of the world on us. Colors seemed brighter.

I got my own small tent even though everyone else was together. Mom even surprised me by setting up a hammock where I could read.

She pulled me aside that first afternoon and told me, "Jenny, you don't need to watch Tammy and Sam anymore. I want you to know I appreciate all that you've done for this family. I know it hasn't been easy."

"Mom, I..."

"No, let me finish. There's more. I've been saving up for you to go to college. It won't cover everything, but you can save money by taking classes online and staying home. Maybe you can get a part-time job. It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing."

By then, tears were trickling down my cheeks. I had never been happier. I held my mom for a full five minutes before I would hold her at arm's length to say, "Thank you."

That week, we spent our days exploring, wading, climbing trees, skipping rocks. I got to experience all the things I had missed out on for four summers.

In the evenings, we did different activities. We played games. We made s'mores. Sometimes, we sang. What we lacked in pitch, we made up for in enthusiasm. We told spooky stories and enjoyed each other's company.

Just your average summer.