I thought a surprise trip to Disneyland Paris with my aunt would be a dream come true. Instead, it became a lesson in betrayal and taught me exactly how to get even.
The “Generous” Invitation
When Aunt Marie invited me along on a last-minute family holiday, I was thrilled. She was treating herself to a birthday celebration with her twin sons, Pete and Chris—flights, hotel, park tickets, the whole package. Then, at the eleventh hour, a friend backed out and Marie turned to me:
“Want to join us? Just pay for Chris’s pass,” she said cheerfully.
I was sixteen, flat broke, and more interested in saving money for new sneakers than splurging on theme-park thrills. Still, Disneyland Paris hadn’t changed much since I was a little kid, and the lure of princess parades, cotton candy, and roller coasters was too strong to refuse. “Okay,” I agreed, handing over my debit card information.
What Marie didn’t mention was that she intended to check out the gift shops, health spa, and fancy cafés—without supervising her own kids. I was supposed to be “helping,” but really I became the unpaid nanny on a two-day assignment.
Becoming the Babysitter
From the moment we arrived, Aunt Marie was impossible. She snapped at cast members, skipped ahead on rides, and left Pete and Chris in my charge at every turn.
Snack Ministry: “Get them churros,” she ordered, then vanished.
Line Wrangler: “Hold the spot,” she said, then disappeared for coffee.
Stroller Sherpa: “Watch our things,” she instructed, and promptly strolled off.
I carried heavy bags, juggled fast-food runs, and tried my best to keep the boys’sugar highs and meltdowns under control. I gritted my teeth, reminded myself this was family, and told myself it would all end happily… until Day Two at noon.