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

that person holding your hand and

sucks, I know if you really love each other, you'll get through it, fight for

claps her hands. “He's dead

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

and I feel so much pressure

still feel like a true crime story

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

was pretty tame.

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

"Was he nice?"

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

was. We

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

"I still

"Yeah."

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

"Blake?"

my laptop and open it. "Let me just send this real

at my

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

Sadie

then shoves him. "Nope, wait, you're

let me just say right here and right now, you both need to listen to the reason. Yes, I knew, blah, blah, blah, you all

"He loves you. He would never cheat on you. Besides, if he did, I'd cheerfully kill him and

my eyes. "Thanks,

“Anytime.”

room, leaving me alone with my

deep breath and get on

And then I type.

I know we need

or if I'm just letting life kick my ass, but I miss you.

I at least thought I could

And I'm still yours.