You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Easton School sucks.

The last bell rings and I'm ready to hang the principal from the flagpole, salute him and burn the place down.

I need time with my girl.

But I also need to get away.

The pressure is too much.

The fact that that fucking detective cornered me not once but twice has hives breaking out on my body, not really, but it feels like its inevitable.

I can only handle so much and right now I just need to be with my calm.

Harper.

I rush out of my class and grab my shit, then send a text to Harper to meet me at my Jeep along with Ryan and Sadie.

I'm running, not realizing where I'm going when a body slams into me, and my bag goes flying across the ground.

look up.

It's Blake.

He's not glaring though.

No, instead he looks almost..sad.

"Hey, man."

I still hate him right now, but I'm not going to show weakness just in case.

I want to know his aim—keep your friends clase, enemies closer and all that.

“Sorry, wasn't paying attention.” He shrugs and laughs.

"No big.” He grabs my bag off the ground and hands it to me.

"You seem distracted.

Excited about the weekend?"

Yeah."

Sudden memories of us at the cabin over the last four years fill my stupid brain.

All the laughter, drunken moments, near drownings after being drunk and thinking skinny dipping was a good idea with all the girls.

I feel sick.

I know I've fucked up lately.

And while I'm sure Blake wants Harper, I feel like I'm being too harsh.

He eyes me up and down in curiousity not as a threat, and maybe I'm just too excited about spending time with everyone, but I offer the olive branch because if he's going to fuck up, he's going to do it soon.

May as well be around for it if he is for sure guilty.

"Actually."

I clear my throat.

"We're headed to the cabin this afternoon for the weekend.

You're more than welcome to come if you want."

eyes narrow, and then

thanks for the invite, man but...l don't want to be—what I'm assuming—is the

Is Ryan going?"

"Sadie too,"

I add.

“And Harper, of course."

"Thought so."

back on

have fun

Be safe, yeah?” "Yeah,"

away, lowering his head like

a shake and shove open the

what's going to be the best

I do feel a bit

later, everyone's in the Jeep belting out The Weeknd and living their

the front seat, holding my hand while I drive with

the mountain smell is

The Evergreen trees.

All the beautiful land.

up to

I knew my dad had his liquor cabinet stocked last time we were

going to be

Fucking perfect.

Harper's hand up to my lips

over

Fuck, she's beautiful.

over and over again how much I

It's everything.

So pure.

So amazing.

I'm so pussy whipped it's

kiss her hand

She giggles.

"None of that,"

quips from the

please, like I can't see that you've had your

I laugh.

"Whyyyyy!"

her eyes like she can see it

“Ryan! Sadie!"

"I was quiet!"

yells while Ryan

"My best friend!"

Harper yells.

"My sister!"

Ryan argues.

and then, “Wow, is that your lakehouse?” I pull into the driveway and smile,

"Yup."

of the lake, has two docks, a boat,

of perfection with floor to ceiling

and small pool and hot tub are

and has been in three magazine articles for

what can I say? “Master's

and have balconies, so you won't be complaining.” Sadie claps her hands and jumps out of

leaving me and Ryan behind to unload the

get in without us,

Ryan asks.

The girls start complaining.

I laugh.