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.

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

more second without that person holding your

I know if you really love each other, you'll

hands. “He's

I can't help it, and then I burst into tears again. "I'm sorry, I'm just so emotional

I was sick, and I feel so much pressure over finals

true crime story ready to unravel and

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

was pretty

be my partner in gym. I let him because honestly everyone else was pairing up while I was throwing a

"Was he nice?"

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

was. We

least distracted me for nearly an hour, which I totally

"I still think something's

"Yeah."

that I'm back to wondering what exactly 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 that I can't talk

"Blake?"

say, then rush to my laptop and open it. "Let me

sounds at my door.

in. "Hey, beautiful, mind

kisses Sadie

wait, you're friends with

here and right now, you both need to listen to the reason. Yes, I knew, blah, blah, blah, you all want to

never cheat on you. Besides, if he did, I'd cheerfully kill

my eyes.

“Anytime.”

her out of my room, leaving me alone with my

breath and

And then I type.

know we need to

or if I'm just letting life kick my ass, but I miss you. I don't want to break up, I just need some

at least thought I could email

And I'm still yours.