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.

exists and you live in it because on those good days, the really good fucking days, you can't imagine

one more second without that person holding your hand

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

her hands. “He's

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

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

feel like a true crime

"Blake seemed extra friendly today.

was pretty

him because honestly everyone else was pairing up while I was throwing a pity party and he

"Was he nice?"

Blake, I mean, since all

We

and it at least distracted me for nearly an hour,

still

"Yeah."

I can't put my finger on it. "Maybe. I don't

"Blake?"

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

sounds at my door.

in. "Hey, beautiful, mind if I borrow you real

kisses Sadie on the

him. "Nope, wait, you're friends with the

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

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

fill my eyes. "Thanks,

“Anytime.”

my room, leaving

deep breath and

And then I type.

I know we need to

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

so I at

And I'm still yours.