The narrator, Amber, shares a story about her childhood and the difficulties her family faced when her aunt and cousin, Shirley, moved in with them. The aunt stirred up trouble and manipulated Amber's father, causing tension in the family. As a result, Amber's parents eventually separated, and she, her sister Rose, and their mother had to move out. Rose fell ill and needed a heart transplant, and Amber applied for a funding program to help with the costs. Meanwhile, Amber discovered that her aunt had been using her mother's credit card to buy expensive gifts, including a Rolex watch for herself. Amber exposed her aunt's deceit, and her father finally realized the truth. In the end, Amber's father apologized and made amends, and the family was reunited.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Amber, is from New Orleans.
2. Amber's father built her a treehouse when she was 4 years old.
3. Amber's sister, Rose, is 2 years younger than her.
4. The family's life changed when Amber's aunt and cousin, Shirley, moved in with them.
5. Amber's aunt was her father's twin sister.
6. Amber's parents had a party planned for her and Rose, but it was canceled due to her aunt's claims of being sick.
7. Amber's aunt and cousin, Shirley, started to become a nuisance in the household.
8. Amber was chosen as class president in 7th grade, but her presentation was sabotaged by Shirley.
9. Amber got into a physical altercation with Shirley and was removed as class president.
10. Amber's mom started to feel sick and later left the house with Amber and Rose.
11. Amber's mom rented a small apartment, but things were difficult due to her and Amber's father's small salary.
12. Rose started to feel sick and was diagnosed with a heart problem, requiring a donor.
13. Amber applied for a funding program to help pay for Rose's treatment.
14. Amber's aunt was accused of stirring up trouble between Amber's parents.
15. Amber's mom was carjacked, and her car engine overheated.
16. Amber's dad took her aunt and Shirley to his house, but Amber and her mom were not welcome.
17. Amber and Rose snuck out of the hospital to visit their old treehouse.
18. Shirley and her boyfriend were found in the treehouse, and Amber got into an argument with them.
19. Amber's parents arrived and helped her down from the treehouse.
20. Amber discovered that her aunt had used her mother's credit card to buy a Rolex watch.
21. Amber showed her dad the video evidence, and he was shocked.
22. Rose's application for a heart donor was approved, and she would receive a new heart.
23. Amber's dad apologized to her and her mom, and they started to rebuild their relationship.
24. Amber's aunt and Shirley were kicked out of the house for good.
25. Amber's family slowly became whole again, and her parents gave each other a second chance.