You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Harper

Walking onto campus the day after it comes out that your boyfriend has banged an administrator twice his age is nerve wracking.

Anxiety inducing.

It's just as bad as I thought it would be, but thankfully, not worse than yesterday.

That day had been the ultimate test.

Even though Easton explained everything and I believe him, what we believe doesn't always matter.

The rumors and the stares and the whispers behind hands make me crazy.

They're not as bad today.

I have Sadie by my side walking into the building, a defiant look on her face just daring anyone to say something.

I think she's fully prepared to fight to the death for me.

I couldn't have a better, more loyal friend I swear.

"They're still whispering,"

I say to Sadie, my voice low so only she can hear me.

We walk past a cluster of girls, all of them giggling when they see us.

Me.

"Ignore them,” Sadie says firmly, her gaze scanning the hallway, as if she's looking for someone.

Easy for her to say.

Of course the next person we have to see is Aisha.

God, that bitch.

If she so much as opens her mouth...

"Oh Harper, it's your lucky day,” she sing songs, looking pleased.

"A certain administrator who's been accused of fucking your boyfriend has been put on leave until the case is examined."

"You can't keep your mouth shut to save your life, you stupid bitch."

Sadie lunges for her and I grab hold of her arm, keeping her back.

Aisha smirks.

"So defensive.

Always running in to save your best friend.

Someday you're going to get in trouble, Sadie.

Or someone's going to steal your man right out from under you.

If he even is your man.” She sneers, her gaze alighting on me.

"What are your thoughts on your best friend, the brother fucker?"

"Let me do some damage,"

Sadie pleads with me, struggling to get out of my grip.

"Please."

getting

keeps talking all this

we won't

your

your life a whole

fills her tone and

sight I let go

"I can’t stand her.

let me

bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful

agree,

let

let anyone

"Hey."

familiar male voice, relief flooding me

guys

he sweeps

face against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my racing

told us to

supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his

"Whoops.

my

see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating

Easton's right.

show up so

at Easton's

it all out? I don't

via text since he was still with them

going to keep

"Did you hear? Mrs.

leave as they investigate the allegations

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

her ass,

Sadie says.

you has common sense,” Ryan tells

"Hey."

duck out from under his arm but he grips her too

stare in open

isn't

my family, and definitely not with girls he’s

operates

see him be so open with

of warms my

if Aisha called my best friend a

Ew.

hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had one

me,” I

He frowns, facing me.