Helping family is one thing. Not being taken seriously is another. When my sister left me with her daughter’s $250 birthday cake cost, I cleverly served her a sprinkled retribution.

Sisters return your shirt with juice stains. My bank card is borrowed and returned exhausted with a smile. But my sister pushed me too far this time.

My phone buzzed while I sorted clothing in my modest flat. I should have noticed Tessa’s name flashing on the screen as a warning. “Liana!

Great timing!” Her voice gleamed with her phony excitement when she wanted something big. I need your party-planning skills.”

My stomach dropped. “What skills?”

“Nia turns eight next weekend, and I want to throw her the party of the decade.

Remember the jump house, hired jester, and more! I chose the perfect Sunnyfield Park spot.”

I rubbed the cool window with my forehead. That sounds expensive, Teresa.”

“That’s where you enter, sis!” I need planning help.

Could you arrange the jester and cake? I’ll repay you after the party.”

My first caution should have been “right”. Right for Tessa was between never and cows flying.

But then I thought of Nia, my adorable, toothy niece who still believed in birthday miracles. What cake are we talking about? “Just something plain from Sugarbloom Bakery.”

Plain.

Sure. Shoulda known better. Three days later, I stared at Tessa’s messaged photo in Sugarbloom Bakery.

The dessert resembled royal food. Three layers of colorful sponge, pixie dust-like sparkles, and a custom dragon topper that probably cost more than my food budget. Felix the baker remarked, “This design will cost you $250,” pushing his glasses down his nose.

“Add $300 for the jester booking you mentioned.”

$550? My rent was due in 2 weeks. I called Tessa from the bakery parking lot.

“Tessa, this cake costs $250. “I cannot”

Yes, I know! Liana, look at Nia’s reaction when I showed her the picture.

She nearly yelled. This party will be her year’s highlight.”

“Fine. You’ll repay me by Friday.

Without excuses.”

“Promise! You’re the greatest sister!”

I returned inside and handed him my bank card with trembling hands after the call. Friday arrived like a debt collector.

But Tessa didn’t. I called her three times. Texted twice.

She replied at suppertime with a giggling emoji and four words: “Money’s tight, sis!”

A rage flared. I called her immediately. “What do you mean money’s tight?”

“Tight, silly!” She chuckled.

Look, party planning went nuts. Bank cards depleted. I’ll settle up with you later.

“Sometime? I spent $550 on your daughter’s party!”

“Be less dramatic. No kids, house payment, or real responsibilities.

You’ll manage.”

Words hit me like cold water. “Did you just…?”

I must leave. Make this house shine for Owen’s parents’ supper.

We’ll talk later!”

She hung up. I threw my phone into my couch with enough force to make the pillows bounce after staring at it until it turned dark. Another SMS message on Saturday morning made my coffee taste like dirt.

TESSA: “FYI My decision is to not repay you. Just cake and laughter. You’re helping Nia, remember?

Join us at the party! XOXO :)”

Read twice, my hands shook. Then three times.

How could Tessa exploit me as a cash machine again? This must end. I knew just how.

I found Sugarbloom Bakery’s number in my contacts. Felix answered second ring. “Felix?

My name is Liana. I must adjust the cake order for today.”

“Yes, sure. You think of what?

“Can you add words to the bottom layer? Classy gold writing?”

“Absolutely. You want it to say what?

I breathed deeply and smiled for the first time in days as I told him. “Oh! Remember the top cash emoji.”

Felix chuckled.

“Nice! Trouble with family? “Oh, you know nothing!”

The party met Tessa’s expectations.

Twinkling lights illuminated Sunnyfield Park. The jump house was full of kids shrieking. People laughed hard at the jester.

Nia’s sparkling crown and smile could light up the town. Tessa charmed the crowd with gentle nods and modest smiles as she accepted accolades for her “awesome party planning”. I clinched my teeth when people praised her “planning talents.”

Time for cake!

Tessa clapped as the bakery box, still cool from the van, hit the picnic table. Owen gingerly raised the lid as the mob surrounded the masterpiece. Phones popped from bags and pockets.

Nia squealed on her toes. “Oh my goodness,” Owen’s mother said, reading the bottom layer. “How sweet!” exclaimed someone.

“It states…” Auntie says Happy Birthday. Full Payment by Me!”

“Look at that money sign emoji!” someone chuckled. The words resonated around the park like a dinner bell.

Chats ended. Faces turned. And Tessa’s face changed from party-host pink to flaming red in three seconds.

Her manicured nails pierced my skin as she tugged me toward the garden shed. “Are you insane? That was crazy inexpensive, Liana!”

I thought you’d like the honesty.

I funded the entire celebration.”

Don’t turn this around on me! You promised to assist Nia’s party!”

I helped. I bought it.

Every penny.”

“You’re mean and petty! A child’s birthday, not your stupid money!”

“My stupid money? Tessa, $550 isn’t my pocket change.

When I overspend, I eat noodles for weeks.”

Oh, please. You’re dramatic.”

“Dramatic? You said I had no responsibilities because I have no kids!

You ignored my whole life!”

Tessa blushed. I never stated that! You said it perfectly.

Per word. “It’s not like you have kids or real duties.” Should I replay voicemail? “You twist everything!

I was anxious about party planning…

“No, Tessa. You expected me to cave like always. You were banking on me being nice and afraid of family fights to challenge you.”

You humiliated me in front of Owen’s parents!

Before everyone! His mother undoubtedly thinks I’m a freeloader!”

Are you? From my perspective, refusing to repay borrowed money appears like freeloading.”

I can’t believe you’re my sister.

A true sister would have brought the cake and celebrated her niece’s milestone.”

“A real sister wouldn’t promise to pay someone back and laugh about breaking it. A true sister wouldn’t dodge fairness with guilt and familial responsibility. “You know?

Fine! You want your money so badly? Tessa scanned the party.

Owen remained still by the dessert table as his mother whispered urgently. Other parents looked at each other and took out their phones. Nia remained dancing with her friends near the jump house, unaware of the adult drama.

Tessa’s phone appeared magically in her hand. Her fingers sped across the screen. She pushed the screen into my face, shouting, “There!” Five hundred fifty.

You happy now? Is this enough public shame? Looked at the payment note.

“Thrilled!”

You’re selfish, Liana. Cruel and selfish. You ruined my daughter’s money party.”

I didn’t damage anything, Tessa.

I let everyone know who made this party possible.”

“You’re nothing to me.”

She stomped back to the party, her shoes clicking on the stone path. Nia was opening gifts when I left 30 minutes later. Family texts flooded my phone on the way home.

Mom: “Tessa call crying. She said you disgraced her during the party. What could you do to her?

Your sister.”

Dad: “Your sister has abused people for years. Someone should call her out.”

Mom again: “You could have brought the cake without the message. Consider Nia.”

Dad says, “Tessa needs to learn that actions have results.

Kids, proud of you!”

Aunts and uncles fought online like a history war. Turned off my phone and made a toasted cheese sandwich. Sometimes the smallest delights taste best after standing up for yourself.

Three weeks later, Tessa and I were silent. The family split between Liana and Tessa.