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

why she keeps talking all this shit

knows we won't do

your little

make your life a whole lot

tone

I let go of Sadie, who

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear

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

totally agree,

can't let

can't let anyone

"Hey."

sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when I

you guys wait

he sweeps

and close my eyes trying

us to

Sadie,” Easton says, his

"Whoops.

my

around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger

Easton's right.

to show up so we

stayed the night at

it all out? I don't

still with them and he promised

to keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

leave as they investigate

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

admit, sinking my teeth

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

to beat her ass,

Sadie says.

least one of you has

"Hey."

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

in

isn't overly

with my family, and definitely not with

operates in

him be so open with

warms

called my best

Ew.

pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had one of our many recent

to me,” I

He frowns, facing me.