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

talking all

knows we won't

your

make your life a

her tone

she's out of sight I let go of

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear her eyes

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

totally agree,

let her get

anyone get to

"Hey."

voice, relief flooding me when I watch Easton and Ryan approach

you guys wait

approaches, his gaze eating me up as he

face against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his

us to wait for

tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

and Sadie to see his arm slung around her

Easton's right.

should've waited for them to show up so we could all walk

brother stayed the night at Easton's

worked it all out? I

vague via text since he was still

keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

is on leave as they investigate

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

sinking my teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but

Sadie says.

of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

to duck out from under his arm but he grips her too tight and hauls her

stare in open

isn't overly

family, and definitely

usually operates

him be so open with

of warms my

called my best friend a

Ew.

continue walking down the hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.