You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 125

Harper

"It would be so much easier if I still didn't feel like shit!"

I throw myself onto my bed as Sadie paces back and forth as if that's going to help the trauma of the day. Why can't things be easier?

I do love him. I do. I just feel betrayed. Hurt.

And exhausted, quite honestly, I could nap for ten days and probably still not feel rested.

Maybe it's the fact that I was so sick and jumped right back into school, the trauma of my mom finding us, or feeling guilty over not telling my parents about the love of my life.

Wow, take your pick.

"He's an asshole,’ she finally says. "Let him sweat it out a bit."

“Would you?"

I ask. "Let Ryan sweat it out?

Or would you communicate?

Hear him out?

Be mature?

I don't even know what I want to do. One minute, I want to run Easton over, the next I want to hold him and never let go.

He's mine, Sadie. Mine. I love him. I just...I don't understand this side of him. The one that's still holding back, the one that's afraid.”

She sighs. “Love is scary, babe. No matter how young or old you are.

It has no prejudices, it is what it is. One day, it cuts you so deep you think you might bleed out, the next day you wonder how you ever lived without that feeling.

because on those good days, the really good fucking days, you can't imagine waking up without

imagine breathing one more second without that person holding your

you'll get through it, fight for it,

hands. “He's dead

laugh, I can't help it, and then I burst into tears

school when I was sick, and I feel so much pressure over finals and getting

with Aisha still feel like a true crime story ready to unravel

myself. Sadie tilts her head. "Blake seemed extra friendly today.

was pretty tame.

partner in gym. I let him because honestly everyone else was pairing up while

"Was he nice?"

examining her fingernails. "For Blake, I mean, since all the Aisha

We

smile. "He barely flirted and it at least distracted

"I still think

"Yeah."

is off because I can't put my finger on it. "Maybe. I don't know. Either way, it was a horrible day and I hate

"Blake?"

my laptop and open

sounds at my door.

lets himself in. "Hey, beautiful, mind if I borrow you

kisses Sadie

wait, you're friends with the

need to listen to the reason. Yes, I knew, blah, blah, blah, you all want to murder me, who runs

on you. Besides, if

my eyes. "Thanks,

“Anytime.”

room, leaving me alone with my laptop and all my

a deep breath

And then I type.

I know we

my ass, but I miss you. I don't want to break up, I just need some

you, so I at least thought I could email and let you know that no matter

And I'm still yours.