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.

in it because on those good days, the really good fucking days,

imagine breathing one more second without that person holding your hand and

each other, you'll

her hands. “He's dead to

I burst into

I was sick, and I feel so much

like a true crime story ready

tilts her head. "Blake seemed extra friendly

shrug. "He was

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

"Was he nice?"

fingernails. "For Blake, I mean,

was. We

it at least distracted me for nearly an hour, which I

nods. "I still think something's

"Yeah."

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 to

"Blake?"

say, then rush to my laptop and open it.

at my door.

mind if I borrow

Sadie

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

Yes, I knew, blah, blah, blah, you all want to murder me, who runs the world,

on you. Besides, if he did,

my eyes. "Thanks,

“Anytime.”

out of my room, leaving me alone with my laptop and

deep breath and get

And then I type.

I know we need

kick my ass, but I miss you. I

and how things got so complicated so fast, but... can't text you, so I at least thought

And I'm still yours.