You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Harper 

I don't feel...right.

After my epic, over the top hissy fit about my grades at school, Easton took me straight home, quiet the entire drive while I sobbed as if someone had gutted our family dog and left him on the front porch for us to find.

He tried to reassure me, but his softly spoken words only made me wail harder.

Once I got home and composed myself, I emailed my history teacher and luckily enough, he responded quickly.

I reminded him about my extra credit work, he apologized for forgetting to include it and my grade moved to a solid B+.

Not the A I wished for, but good enough.

I FaceTime Easton a few hours later, after I've taken a nap and feel like a rested, semi—well—adjusted human.

“You better?” he greets me once his handsome face fills the screen.

Nodding, I smile at him.

“I took a nap.” “So did I.” “I emailed my teacher and he added the extra credit assignments.

Now I have a B+.” He grins, running a hand through his hair.

Did I mention he’s shirtless? And his biceps are bulging? Heart eyes all day for Easton, I swear.

“That's great, babe.

I bet you're happy.” “So happy.” “And less stressed.” Not all the way.

For some reason, something is still hanging over me.

Something I can’t quite put my finger on.

“Sure,” I tell him, not wanting to delve into something I can't really explain.

“What are you doing tonight?” “I thought I’d take my favorite girl out,” he says casually.

“We could grab some food.

Check out the Christmas lights around town.” Butterflies flutter in my stomach at him calling me his favorite girl.

I will never grow tired of that.

“That sounds fun.” “You want me to come pick you up in about an hour?” He hides a yawn with his hand.

“Will your parents let you out of the house?” “Yes,” I say firmly.

“Because they're not here.

my great aunt

own and is

tin of cookies as an early Christmas

toothless, she loves sweets.” “That's probably why she’s

I burst out laughing.

surprised they didn’t drag you and Ryan along with

“Aunt Jenny hates children.

come around when I’m

few years ago.” I laugh

So does Easton.

like children?” Easton asks me once

trips over

mean?” “I don't

being a good mom someday,” he says

swallow hard, wondering how

time from now,”

“You having kids.

Maybe even—us having kids.

that conversation with your dad, I'm not allowed to think like that, you know?

No babies.

on the pill.”

“I'll come get you in about an

the windows down and I'll blast Christmas music

my parents used to do when I was a kid,”

“Sounds fun.

bed in a haze, going to my dresser

my bedroom door, stopping short when I spot Ryan standing there,

have you been?”

I admit, pressing

thing go

you out of there, but we eventually left

“It's like, five o’clock.

for the last four hours?” I lift

like

want any details,

me.” His gaze drops to the

you up to?” “Taking a quick shower

drive around and look at the Christmas lights,”

with Aunt Jenny.” A full body shudder seems to take over my brother at

into the bathroom and shut the door, dropping my clothes on the

I start the water, I use the bathroom, realization dawning slowly but

Kids.

Birth control.

Period.