Jalissa looked confused. "Mom, we don't really need any-"

"We need a better place to live!" Jalissa rolled her eyes and put the cereal in the pantry. "Vanessa … I hate to ask," aunt Callista said, "but do you think you could help us out with a bit of money so that we can move out of here? Girl this area has gotten so dangerous! This is no place for the baby, and we really should move out before the baby comes-"

Vanessa's mouth parted as she tried to find the words to ...