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."

you getting in trouble,” I

talking all

knows we won't

to your

your life a whole lot

her tone

I let go

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let

shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to witness Sadie tearing the hair straight out of

agree, She

can't let her get to

can't let anyone get to

"Hey."

at the sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding

you guys wait for

approaches, his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me

face against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm

us to wait for

tell Sadie,” Easton says,

"Whoops.

my

Sadie to see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating now that they boys

Easton's right.

waited for them to show

stayed the night at

it

vague via text since he was still with them and he promised to explain

keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

they investigate the allegations brought against

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

sinking my teeth into

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

wanted to beat her ass, but Harper wouldn't let

Sadie says.

one of you has

"Hey."

his arm but he grips her too tight

stare in

isn't

definitely not with girls he’s been

operates in stealth

see him

of warms my

my best friend a

Ew.

Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.