Calvin's expression softened . For the first time , there was warmth in his eyes . " Of course . " Maeve added , " I didn't bring anything with me . I'd rather not wear Rosalind's clothes . Could you grab a few pieces for me ? " " Sure thing . " With that , he stepped out and closed the door quietly behind him . Maeve started pacing the bedroom , letting her gaze wander . The sheets were freshly changed , faded from washing but carrying the scent of the sun . The chipped nightstand was spotless . The vanity was cluttered with empty skincare bottles and bright stickers that shouted " You got this ! " Rosalind was clearly chasing her own version of the Andrea Sachs dream . Beside it sat two cardboard boxes . Maeve opened one and found small , cheap gifts like plush toys and Barbie dolls . A lump formed in her throat , and her eyes burned . She'd never gone without food or clothes . But no one had ever given her things like this . A quiet envy crept in . Then low , hushed voices came from outside . The place was too small for secrets , and Maeve caught every word . " We're barely getting by . Cal's paying his own tuition . Finnick's grades are too good to let him drop out . Maybe we should talk to Mae . She's family now . " " No. She just got here . You want to crush her like that ? Let's figure something else out . Don't drag her into this . " I " Mom , we'll find a way . I'll get another job if I have to . " Chapter 5 286 VoucherS " You're already stretched thin , Cal . Sorry , I can't even give you guys what you need ." Who would have guessed Debra would have quintuplets ? The second through sixth boys were all born together . Their parents had hoped for a daughter and got Maeve . Jasper came along later , despite every precaution . Finnick jumped in , calm but blunt . " Forget it . I'll drop out . I'll get a job . " " Don't be ridiculous , " Boyce snapped . " A part - time job isn't gonna get you far ." Then the front door slammed - one of the boys had left . Silence settled over the living room . Maeve couldn't hold back . She opened the door and stepped out . Her parents and three brothers turned to look at her , faces drawn and heavy with worry . " If Rosa were still here , none of this would be happening , " Marlon muttered , his voice dripping with sarcasm . " Marl . Watch your mouth , " Calvin said sharply . This wasn't about Rosalind or Maeve . Poverty had always been their reality . But Marlon kept going . " It's true . We had a plan . Rosa would take a gap year , and once you graduated and started working , we'd send her to a better high school . But now we've got another mouth to feed , and she goes to some fancy private school . How are we supposed to afford that ? " Calvin's face darkened , but he couldn't argue with that . Maeve chuckled despite herself , her eyes dark and bright . Marlon bristled instantly , glaring at her . " What's so funny ? " Chapter 6