My mother looks furious, and haggard. “Where’ve you been, girl?”
I glance at the front window of the cabin, my shopping bags in hand. Tyler walked inside so I could talk to my mom. I don’t see him, but I take her through the side gate to the back of the house anyway.
My mother’s eyes narrow on the bags in my hands as she shuffles along the dirt and pine needles, her gait slower than I remember. “Shopping? Is that how you been spending your time while I been lookin’ everywhere for you?”
She turns abruptly and knocks one of the plastic bags from my hand. “Your mother got people after her, and you’re out shopping?”
For a moment, I am filled with guilt and shame; then reality sets in. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I paid off the debt that had my mother’s life in danger, according to her. “I have a new job and I needed clothes.”
“A new job, eh?” Her gaze is calculating. “The pay any better?”
“Yeah.” I pick up the shopping bag she knocked to the ground, and clench it in my hand.
“That’s good. You’ve been saying you want to earn more.”
I wouldn’t need to if it weren’t for her, but I keep that to myself.
“I could use money myself right now. Been hard up since you didn’t show the other day. That boy”—she frowns toward the front of the house—“he said you got in a scrape.” She scans my body. “You seem okay.”
“I’m okay,” I agree.
“Good. How much you got on you? You went shopping, so you must have a lot.”
I swallow. This is the moment I’ve been dreading.
“Mom…”
“What is it? Spit it out, girl. I don’t have all day.”
“I—I can’t give you any more money.” I’m rattled, my voice not at all smooth.
“Why not?” she snaps.
“Because I don’t have it to give.” It’s the plain truth, but the meaning is double. I don’t have extra cash. It’s all going to paying off my debt. And I can’t keep helping her at the expense of my life.
She nods, her mouth twisting. “I see how it is, Mira. You got enough for yourself, but nothing for your mom.”
“That’s not how it is. I’m cash-strapped too, but I also don’t want our relationship to be all about money. I’d like to spend time?—”
“Relationship? What relationship? You’re a selfish little bitch is what you are.”
I can’t breathe. Heat and pressure build behind my eyes. “Please don’t say that.” My voice comes out on a whisper.
“Oh, I got more to say, but I won’t. Won’t waste my breath.” She knocks into my shoulder on her way past me.
I stare after her. “Mom, please don’t leave.”
I am pitiful, even to myself.
My mother ignores my words and slams the gate closed behind her.
I turn and face the tall pines in the backyard, trying to regain my composure. I knew this was coming. Knew she’d react this way when I told her, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.
I wipe a tear from my eye and straighten my shoulders.
At least Tyler didn’t witness the humiliation of my mother leaving me. Again.
Chapter Twenty
