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

own and is mostly toothless, but she’s also living her best

is bringing her a giant tin of cookies as

sweets.” “That's probably

I burst out laughing.

they didn’t drag you and Ryan along

“Aunt Jenny hates children.

can come around when

a few years ago.” I laugh

So does Easton.

asks me once our laughter has

heart trips over

do you mean?”

I can see you being a good mom

hard, wondering how the conversation deviated

that’s a long time from now,”

“You having kids.

Maybe even—us having kids.

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

No babies.

on the pill.” “Right,”

come get you in about

windows down and I'll blast Christmas music for the entire

to do when I was a

“Sounds fun.

I stumble off my bed in a haze, going to my dresser to grab some clothes to wear before I head

door, stopping short when I spot

have you been?”

pressing my lips

volunteer thing

after Easton got you out of there, but we eventually left and went to lunch,” he

“It's like, five o’clock.

lunch for the last four hours?” I lift

grins like a

don’t want any details,

me.” His gaze drops to the clothes I’m clutching in my

“Taking a quick shower before Easton picks

to drive around and look at the Christmas

Dad?” “Having dinner with Aunt Jenny.” A full body shudder seems to take over

dodged that bullet.” I slide into the bathroom and shut the door, dropping my

start the water, I use the bathroom, realization dawning

Kids.

Birth control.

Period.