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.

take sides. It simply exists and you live in it because on those good days, the really good fucking days, you can't imagine waking up

breathing one more second without that person holding your hand and standing by

yeah, while this all sucks, I know if you really love each other, you'll get through it, fight for it, and come out on the other side. Until

claps her hands. “He's dead to

laugh, I can't help it, and then I burst into tears again. "I'm sorry, I'm

and I feel

feel like a true crime story ready to

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

"He was pretty tame.

him because honestly everyone else

"Was he nice?"

"For Blake, I mean, since all

We had

it at least distracted me for nearly

still think something's

"Yeah."

that I'm back to 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 I

"Blake?"

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

at

in. "Hey, beautiful, mind if

Sadie on the

"Nope, wait, you're friends

knew, blah, blah, blah, you all want to murder

He would never cheat on you. Besides, if he

my

“Anytime.”

out of my room, leaving me alone

take a deep breath and get on

And then I type.

we need

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

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

And I'm still yours.