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, you can't imagine waking

that person holding your hand and standing by

you really love each other, you'll get through it, fight for it, and come out on the

claps her hands. “He's

burst into tears again. "I'm sorry, I'm just

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

still feel like a true crime story ready

head. "Blake seemed extra friendly

"He was pretty

to be my partner in gym. I let him because honestly everyone else was pairing up while I

"Was he nice?"

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

was. We had

"He barely flirted and it at least distracted me for nearly an

nods. "I still think something's off

"Yeah."

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

"Blake?"

then rush to my laptop and

at my

beautiful, mind

kisses Sadie on the

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

right now, you both need to listen to the reason. Yes, I knew, blah, blah, blah, you all want to murder me, who runs

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

fill my

“Anytime.”

pulls her out of my room, leaving me alone

deep breath and

And then I type.

I know we

letting life kick my ass, but I miss you. I don't want

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

And I'm still yours.