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.

visiting my great aunt Jenny at

lives on her own and is

her a giant tin of cookies

“That's

I burst out laughing.

didn’t drag you and Ryan along with them,” Easton

“Aunt Jenny hates children.

come around

that a few years ago.” I laugh

So does Easton.

Easton asks me once

trips over

you mean?” “I

you being a good mom someday,” he

hard, wondering how the conversation deviated

that’s a long time from now,” Easton

“You having kids.

Maybe even—us having kids.

dad, I'm not allowed to think like that, you know? No buns in

No babies.

on the pill.” “Right,”

come get you

down and I'll blast Christmas music for the entire

what my parents used to do

“Sounds fun.

soon.” We end the call and I stumble off my bed in a haze, going to my dresser to grab some clothes to

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

you been?”

I admit, pressing

thing go at

stayed for a while after Easton got you out of there, but we eventually

“It's like, five o’clock.

had lunch for the last four

grins like a

don’t want any

to the clothes I’m

“Taking a quick shower before Easton picks me

look at the Christmas

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

bathroom and shut the door, dropping my clothes on the

I start the water, I use

Kids.

Birth control.

Period.