Page 25 of Little Sunshine

“Then get it.”

It took everything in me. Every ounce of resentment, anger, fear, and stress was channeled into my backbone.

Because I knew what would happen when I pushed.

I’d lose her.

She may not have been much, but she was still the one relative I had in the world. The thought of losing that single strand of connection tore at my heart, leaving me feeling isolated.

Just so completely alone.

But I pushed anyway.

“Otherwise,” I continued, raising my voice once again, “I’m calling the cops. How many warrants do you?—”

“Monday,” she rushed out, hatred dripping from her words. “Just give me the weekend to get the money together.”

“The weekend. That’s it.”

I could practically hear the vile names she called me in her head.

It was better than hearing them out loud… again.

After hesitating for a moment, I decided to push my advantage. “I need money for a taxi home.”

“All that way? That’ll cost—” Her protests cut off abruptly when I opened my mouth, the threat of more yelling clear. With a grudging sigh, she stomped to her car before returning a moment later to thrust some crumpled twenties at me. “This is coming out of what I’m giving you.”

‘What I’m giving you.’

Like it was a gift or loan and not what she’d stolen.

“Good,” I said, and I meant it. I had no interest being indebted to my mother.

The interest and strings she’d attach to each penny would be never-ending.

“I’ll see you this Monday,” I added. “Not Tuesday. Not two Mondays from now. Otherwise, I’ll be back for another family reunion, Mother.”

I didn’t wait around for her to try to manipulate me, throw insults my way, or maybe follow through with slapping me.

I took my money and walked away.

I had no intention of actually paying for a taxi. A little—or a lot—of walking never hurt anyone. Even once I was at the closest bus stop, I ignored the sleazy catcalls and went about my own wild Friday night.

First, I stopped at the store for a small restock of staple groceries to get me through the weekend. I was extra cautious with what I chose because once I was done, I splurged on a fast-food burger.

It wasn’t as good as the one I’d had for lunch.

And eating it alone in my apartment wasn’t the same as sitting across from the behemoth.

But at least no one was bossing me around. That was way better.

Right?

Chapter 4

Watch Your Mouth

MILA

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