"So, the only explanation here is that you lied to me."Crystal said to Brock.

"I-I can explain everything!"exclaimed Brock desperately.

"I think everything is pretty much self explanatory."

"No, no. See, it's that, I didn't want you to think I was fond of kids, but…it's not like I have a choice, you know."

"Your parents alcoholics, or something? Then how did you and them turn out so normal?"

"No, no, I didn't lie to you about my parents. My mother is dead, and my father, well, we just haven't seen him for a while. A few years, can't exactly recall how many, but I guess five or six is a good estimate, so now, I have to take care of my brothers and sisters. I just didn't want you to think that I…"Brock didn't know what else to say.

"The only reason I listen to you is because I'm just a curious person, I should say. And I can't help but wonder just what you're going to say to me."she said. "Look, Brock, I…I was growing fond of you, but…I just don't think it is right. I mean, I do have myself to think of, for one, and, well, I know that I wouldn't be too happy with so many kids around. Then everything would just turn out into a big mess."

"Well, anytime you want to see me, they can just stay at David's. He's been really nice, looking after them for me, while you've been here. He just had a little emergency today, and simply couldn't, so…I had to bring them with me."

"Couldn't you get a baby sitter, or something?"

"I don't have the money for a baby sitter."

Crystal stared at him, wide-eyed.

"How could you not have enough money for a baby sitter? Doesn't my aunt pay you well enough?"

"Well, yes, but, I mean, I have ten to feed, plus myself, and well, all the other expenses, and I don't think you'll find many baby sitters willing to sit for ten kids."

"I certainly wouldn't. Or I might, for a very good sum of money."said Crystal.

"I don't have that kind of money."

"Then I can't tell you what to do. Uh, put the kids in an orphanage, I guess?"

"They're my siblings."

"You can't look after them yourself all the time. You'll never get a life then. It's not like I have much of my own, but,"she shrugged. "Well, I guess they won't have to worry about a role model, then. If they have you."

Brock grinned.

"I don't see why I couldn't get used to it."said Crystal. "My brother always said that you have to look for the best in things, so…why not give it a shot? I guess I'll just have to buy some earplugs. You should only know, that I don't tolerate lying, Brock. I'll let this one pass, because I know why you did it, but one more, and that's that."

Crystal decided she would just have to get used to the children, after all, they weren't so bad. They seemed like a well behaved bunch, and she really liked Brock.