Aunt Callista glared at her when she walked in the door. She had still beat Jalissa home so she shouldn't be mad. Scotty had gotten done with his homework faster than he said he normally did so they managed to beat the streetlights.

"Vanessa, I'm not going to have none of your mess!" Vanessa stared at her blankly. Her bark no longer caused her to flinch. She was just a mean, bitter woman.

"Aunt Callista," she said barely shielding her dislike. "As long as I'm here I ...