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

each other, you'll get through it, fight for it, and come

her hands. “He's dead to

then I burst into

was sick, and I feel so much

a true crime story ready to unravel

her head. "Blake seemed extra friendly today.

was pretty tame.

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

"Was he nice?"

examining her fingernails. "For Blake,

We had

barely flirted and it at least distracted me for

nods. "I still

"Yeah."

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

"Blake?"

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

at my door.

mind if I borrow you real

kisses Sadie on the

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

to the reason. Yes, I knew, blah, blah, blah, you all want to murder me,

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

my eyes.

“Anytime.”

of my room, leaving

breath

And then I type.

we need to

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

complicated so fast, but... can't text you, so I at least thought I could email and let you know that no matter what, right now, in this moment, you're

And I'm still yours.