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 Jenny

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

her a giant tin of

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

I burst out laughing.

they didn’t drag you and

“Aunt Jenny hates children.

come around when

few years ago.”

So does Easton.

Easton asks me once our

trips

mean?”

I can see you being a good mom someday,” he

how the conversation

long time

“You having kids.

Maybe even—us having kids.

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

No babies.

God you're on the pill.”

I’m on the pill.” “I'll come get you in about an hour, okay? Dress

I'll blast Christmas music for the entire

to do

“Sounds fun.

and I stumble off my bed in a haze, going to my

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

have you been?” he

admit, pressing

thing go at school?”

you out of there, but we eventually

“It's like, five o’clock.

lunch for the last four hours?” I lift my

like

want any details,

to the

up to?” “Taking a quick shower before

around and look at the Christmas lights,”

A full body shudder seems to take over my brother

the bathroom and shut the

I start the water, I use the bathroom, realization

Kids.

Birth control.

Period.