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

lives on her own and is

tin of

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

I burst out laughing.

didn’t drag you and Ryan along with

“Aunt Jenny hates children.

can come around

few years

So does Easton.

like children?” Easton asks me once our laughter

heart trips over

do you mean?” “I

being a good mom someday,”

wondering how

a long time

“You having kids.

Maybe even—us having kids.

I'm not allowed to think like that, you know?

No babies.

on the pill.”

on the pill.” “I'll come get you

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

my parents used to do when I was a

“Sounds fun.

stumble off my bed in a haze, going to my dresser to grab some clothes

I spot Ryan standing there,

have you

admit, pressing my

did the volunteer thing

you out of there, but we

“It's like, five o’clock.

had lunch for the last four

like

want

His gaze drops to the clothes

up to?” “Taking a quick shower before Easton picks

to drive around and look at

full body shudder seems to take

the bathroom and shut the door, dropping my clothes

use

Kids.

Birth control.

Period.