The Spider Catcher (Redemption by A.L. Tyler Book 1) by A.L. Tyler

walked into the kitchen.
    Ember looked back to Thalia, whose lips had sunken to a sullen frown. “Excuse me,” she whispered, standing and moving toward the stairs.
    Gina rinsed off the dishes in the sink, and shut the water off, wringing her hands on the rag that rested over the sink divider. Taking a deep breath, she turned and stared Ember straight in the eye as she walked over to fetch Thalia’s plate and fork. With the plate in hand, she paused, her nostrils flaring slightly, and then turned to go back to the sink.
    “Are you going to yell at me?” Ember finally asked.
    “It wouldn’t make a difference.” Gina responded levelly. “You’ve got your key. Take it, use it, and enjoy your vacation. You’ve got school again in the fall.”
    “I don’t want the key.” Ember said, taking a few steps toward her.
    Gina took a few steps back. “And I don’t want you, Ember.”
    They both froze. Gina slowly brought her hand to rest on her stomach, and then stood up straight. “It’s neither of our faults. I’m a mother, and I know what that feels like. I feel it with Thalia, and I’ve never felt it for you.”
    With the morning sun angling through the window, making both of their faces bright and without shadows, Ember felt exposed. It was like they were standing there, staring at x-rays of each other’s souls.
    “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. What I never had the words for.” Gina continued slowly. “You can’t be my daughter any more than I can be your mother. I wish you no ill, and I hope you have a happy life. But you are not my daughter, and you’ll have to leave. You’ll have to leave the key when you leave, too.”
    Ember nodded, and looked at the floor.
    “What is it?” Gina demanded.
    Feeling much smaller than she was, Ember looked back up, and shrugged. “I won’t have a mother, or a sister. I won’t have a family.”
    Gina turned back to the sink, and flicked the knob to turn the water back on, picking up the brush to wipe down Thalia’s breakfast plate. “If you want a family, then be a good person. Finish school, get a job, and live a normal life. You’ll find someone. You’ll have some kids. That’s your family.”
    Ember shook her head. “But, I won’t have a legacy. I won’t have a history, or a past—“
    “The past doesn’t matter!” Gina snapped, making Ember jump. “You have a future. That’s all that matters. Go and live your life, Ember. That’s what I gave to you, and what I can give to you now: your life.” She paused, gripping the sink as she stared at the bits of oatmeal and toast clinging around the lip of the disposal. “Take it, and go, and be happy. Then we’ll both be happy. That’s what you really want, isn’t it?”
    Ember had shut her eyes; her jaw was throbbing. When she realized she was clenching her teeth, she opened her mouth and forced herself to exhale.  When she opened her eyes, she saw that Gina was watching her.
    “You own the island.” Ember said, surprised at the vehemence in her voice.
    Gina turned her back to the sink, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the counter. “That’s what you want? The land? The money?”
    Ember continued to glare at her.
    “You can have the money.” Gina said, almost too calm. “But the island belongs to Thalia. That’s…already done. It’s legal, and it can’t be changed. But if it’s what you want, I will make it right in my will—take the money and buy your own island.”
    “I don’t want my own island!” Ember said through gritted teeth. She felt her shoulders begin to shake as Gina rolled her eyes and licked her lips, crossing her arms as she looked to the floor. Ember’s eyes, meanwhile, were darting around the kitchen, but she didn’t know what she was looking for.
    There was nothing there that she could break.
    “You need to go now, Ember.” Gina said finally, taking a few steps forward without making any move to touch her daughter. “Come back when you