I looked at all their faces, trying to understand why they wanted me out of my own house. "Fine, at least let me sleep on the couch. I don't have anywhere else to go."

"It would be better for you to stay in prison," Lisa said. "You already have a bad record."

Jackson quickly put his hand around my shoulder as he led me towards the main door that led to the street.

"Don't take this the wrong way sis , but I have a young child coming. He can't grow up in the same house as an ex-convict."

I cast his hand off my shoulder. "If things had gone right, your son would be the child of an ex-convict."

"You have to understand, Kathy."

I turned to my mother. She has always been able to convince Jackson to do the things he didn't want to do.

"Mom please, I don't have anywhere else to go. I've been fired from my job. None of my friends will talk to me. You didn't even visit me in prison."

My mother threw some dollar bills on my face. "Find a motel or a cheap hostel. That's the best I can help you with."

"This isn't enough to rent a small room for a day." I bent down to pick up the money.

"I have other pressing responsibilities. My grandson is coming soon." My mother frowned.

"Mum, please. Remember, I'm your only daughter..I gave my life to Jackson." I knelt down and tried to hold her skirt.

She kicked me off, then smiled at Lisa. "My daughter-in-law is the only daughter I have. Get out, you have no use here."

Now I could see everything Portia had said; why they never visited, why they never returned my calls. Even though I told them about the investments I made to secure my family's future, they didn't even bother to send me some of the money in prison.

I turned back to my brother, "You owe me, Jackson. My life is ruined because of you. At least, consider that and help me get back on my feet. Please, I'm still your little sister."

Lisa pushed me, "Don't talk to my husband like that. Have you forgotten that he's older than you?"

"Then he should act like an older brother and not throw me out of the house that I saved when the debtors wanted to take it."

"Your loss. Things have changed. Jackson has other priorities. Since you left, this family has been so much better. You must have bad luck."

I turned back to Jackson. He was the one who would have the final say.