Summary: In this chapter Jeannette gets a job at the local jewellery store, because Rex and Rose don't have jobs and the family is very poor. Jeannette says she's seventeen so she can get the job. She's actually 13. When Lori gets back from her summer camp she tells Jeannette that as soon as she's done high school she's getting out of Welch, and going to New York City. She looks forward to leaving her family. Jeannette decides to stand up to her family. Rex gets mad and hits her with his belt. She decides to start an escape fund. Like her sister she wants to get out of Welch as soon as possible. Lori and Jeannette come up with a plan. The plan is that Lori go to New York City when she graduates, get a job, and a place. Jeannette will follow her to New York City as soon as she can. Jeannette starts babysitting, doing other kids' homework, and tutoring kids for extra money.

Main characters: The main characters are Jeannette, Lori, Brian, Maureen, Rex, and Rose.

Character development: Jeannette finally sees that her parents aren't like other parents. She's taking on a lot of jobs because she wants to get out of Welch, and away from her parents as soon as possible. She's very close to Lori and Brian.

Setting: The chapter takes place in Welch. It's the summer and fall that Jeannette is 13 years old.

Quote:

"You can't quit your job, we need the money."

"Why do I always have to be the one who earns the money? You have a job. You can earn money. Lori can earn money. I've got more important things to do."

This quote is important because the family is very poor, and Rose doesn't want to do anything about it. She tells Jeannette and Lori to make the money. Most people in that situation would go get a job, but Rose wants to spend time on herself.

Vocabulary: Cajole: To persuade by flattery or promises; wheedle; coax.
Oblige: To place under a debt of gratitude for some benefit, favor, or service.