I learned from my sister that I owned a beach villa because 82 people would be attending her graduation party. When I asked my parents why they let her do this, they told me that I should not be selfish and that the party was “for the family.” However, what they did not know was that I had already sold the villa. Therefore, the real nightmare for my parents began the day of my sister’s graduation party…
For almost four years, I owned a beach villa in Hilton Head without ever telling my sister about it because anything beautiful that I owned would be considered a family possession as soon as Rachel found out.
My name is Amanda Collins and I am 36 years old. I purchased this villa after selling my small logistics company; however, I did not purchase it as an investment but rather to have a quiet place in my life that was not affected by the demands of my family.
The villa had white shutters and a wrap-around porch, pale hardwood floors, and a private path through the sea oats that led directly to the beach.
Both of my parents had visited the villa twice and both times said they would never tell Rachel, as they understood that I needed at least one location that was not impacted by Rachel’s sense of entitlement.
Rachel called me on a Wednesday morning when I was in Charleston going over contracts for my new consulting company. She said, “We have 82 people coming to your beach house for Madison’s graduation party this weekend.” She was cheerful and quick with her words.I asked Rachel what she needed me to do, and she said to have it ready by Friday. Madison is Rachel’s 18-year-old daughter, who is quite sweet. However, because Rachel raised Madison to believe that people ask permission only when they haven’t planned ahead, Madison did not ask me for my permission.
I was shocked. “How do you know about the villa?” I asked.
Rachel replied with a laugh, “Mom told me. Don’t be weird; we need tables, parking, and bathroom facilities, and I’ll probably need to supply more towels.”
After I spoke with Rachel, I immediately called my parents.