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.

on those good days, the really good fucking days, you can't imagine waking up

without that person holding your hand and standing

really love each other, you'll

her hands. “He's dead to

into tears again. "I'm sorry, I'm just so

was sick, and I feel so much pressure

true crime story ready

Sadie tilts her head. "Blake seemed extra friendly today. Wanna talk about

shrug. "He was

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

"Was he nice?"

fingernails. "For Blake, I

We

barely flirted and it at least distracted me for nearly an hour,

still think something's off

"Yeah."

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

"Blake?"

rush to my laptop and open it.

sounds at my door.

mind if

Sadie on the

then shoves him. "Nope, wait, you're friends with the devil.“ He rolls

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

you. Besides, if

my

“Anytime.”

room, leaving me alone

take a deep breath and get on

And then I type.

know we need to

I'm just letting life kick my ass, but I miss you. I don't

text you, so I at least thought I could email and let

And I'm still yours.