I thought going on a cruise with my dad and stepmom would bring us closer as a family. Instead, I ended up stuck in a tiny room with two little kids and a never-ending list of responsibilities that no one warned me about.
It all started with a phone call.
I was cleaning my small apartment when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen. Linda’s name lit up.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she said, her voice sounding tired. “I need a big favor.”
I held my phone between my ear and shoulder as I wiped the kitchen counter. “Sure, what’s up?”
“We’re just… exhausted,” she sighed. “Your dad’s been working nonstop. I haven’t had a break in years. We need to get away.”
“A vacation?” I guessed.
“Yes! A cruise. Something easy. Family-friendly. Relaxing. You’re great at planning trips—could you help us put something together?”
I smiled. “Of course! I’d love to.”
She let out a relieved laugh. “Knew I could count on you.”
I hung up feeling good. My dad had married Linda a few years ago. Things between us had been… okay. Not bad, not great. She had two young daughters from her first marriage—Lily and Sophie. They were sweet girls, but I never really felt like I fit into their little family.
Still, I wanted to try. Maybe this trip would help. Maybe it would bring us all closer.
I spent the whole week researching. I read hundreds of reviews. Compared different cruise lines. Checked the kid’s club, the menu options, the entertainment schedule. I even called the cruise company twice to ask about child care and room arrangements. I planned every detail—everything tailored for them: Linda, my dad, and the girls.
When I emailed Linda the itinerary, she called right away.
“This is perfect,” she said. “You really thought of everything. You’ve always been so responsible.”
I felt warm inside. I liked being appreciated. Then she added, “You should come with us! It’ll be a great family memory. And after all this work, you deserve it.”
I hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“Of course! We’d love to have you.”
Her words touched me. I hadn’t had a real vacation in years. So, I booked my own ticket. Paid for it myself. No expectations. I just wanted to be included.
The day of the cruise arrived. I rolled my suitcase into the terminal and spotted them near the check-in line. My dad smiled. Linda wore a big sunhat. Lily and Sophie had matching backpacks with dolphins on them.
“There she is!” Linda called. “Our planner! Our lifesaver!”
I laughed. “I’m just glad we all made it.”
The ship was huge and beautiful. White and shining under the sun. I could already smell the salty ocean air. As we stepped on board, I had a good feeling. This was going to be special.
After check-in, Linda pulled me aside and handed me a keycard.
“Here’s your room key,” she said.
I looked down. My name was on it—along with Lily and Sophie’s.
“Oh,” I said slowly. “I’m staying with the girls?”
She smiled. “We made a last-minute change! They’re SO excited to have a big sister for the week!”
I glanced around. “I thought maybe I’d have my own room? Even a small one?”
Linda’s voice was sweet but firm. “Honey, it just didn’t make sense to get another room. Richard and I need a little privacy. You’re so great with the girls. This way, they’ll be comfortable.”
My dad nodded behind her, barely looking up from his luggage. “Thanks for being flexible, kiddo.”
I swallowed my disappointment. “Sure. No problem.”
Maybe it was just for one night. Maybe tomorrow would be different.
Day one started at the pool.
Lily didn’t want to wear sunscreen. Sophie wanted a different floatie. Within minutes, both girls were crying. Linda and my dad handed me a towel and disappeared toward the adults-only deck.
“You’re the best with them,” Linda said cheerfully. “We’ll just be an hour!”
It turned into three. By the time I got the girls dried off and back to the cabin, I was sunburned and exhausted.
Day two, I had planned to go on a snorkeling trip. I had my bag packed, ready to go.
At breakfast, Linda leaned over, sipping coffee. “The girls didn’t sleep well. They’re cranky. Could you stay with them this morning? They need a nap.”
I frowned. “Wait, what about the excursion?”
She smiled. “Richard and I booked a wine tasting. I figured you’d understand.”
So, instead of snorkeling in crystal-clear water, I spent the day stuck in the cabin, trying to calm a fussy nine-year-old and a tearful seven-year-old.
Day three? Same thing.
They went for a couple’s massage and a fancy lunch while I played board games and cleaned up spilled juice.
Every time I tried to sit alone, Linda would find me.
“Sweetie, can you take the girls to the arcade?”
“Do you mind skipping dinner? Richard and I need some quiet time.”
By that night, I’d had enough.
At dinner, I watched them laughing over glasses of wine while the girls fought over crayons beside me. My patience snapped.
“Linda,” I said, voice steady. “I thought I’d get some time to myself, too. I paid for my ticket. I just—”
She cut me off. “You’re not a child,” she said, smiling tightly. “Why wouldn’t you help out? That’s what family does.”
I stared at her. She turned back to her drink as if the conversation was over.
That night, I lay in the narrow bunk, staring at the ceiling.
“I came here to feel like part of the family,” I whispered. “Not to be the babysitter.”
My eyes burned with unshed tears. I couldn’t do this anymore.
The next morning, I woke up early and packed a small bag. Quietly, I woke the girls.
They rubbed their sleepy eyes as I helped them put on their sandals. Taking their little hands, I led them to their parents’ cabin. I used the spare key Linda had given them and opened the door.
The room was dark and silent. Linda and my dad were still asleep. I guided the girls inside and whispered, “Stay here, okay? This is where you belong.”
Lily nodded, curling up next to Sophie. Neither of them asked questions. Maybe they felt the shift, too.
I pulled a folded note from my pocket and placed it beside Linda’s sunglasses.
The girls are safe. But I need space, too. I’m not your help.
—A.
Then I left.
I went back to my cabin, opened the cruise app, and booked a last-minute upgrade to a solo room. It wasn’t cheap, but I didn’t care.
For the first time on this trip, I chose myself.
And it felt amazing.
