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

tin of cookies as an early Christmas

“That's probably

I burst out laughing.

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

“Aunt Jenny hates children.

can come around

a few years ago.” I laugh

So does Easton.

asks me once our laughter has

trips over

do you mean?” “I

a good mom someday,” he

swallow hard, wondering how

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

No babies.

God you're on the pill.” “Right,” I say,

on the pill.” “I'll come get you in about an

have the windows down and I'll blast Christmas music

my parents used to do when

“Sounds fun.

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

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

you been?” he

pressing my lips

volunteer thing go

got you out of there, but we eventually

“It's like, five o’clock.

had lunch for the last

grins like a

want

the clothes I’m

up to?” “Taking a quick shower

look at the Christmas lights,” I

dinner with Aunt Jenny.” A full body shudder seems to

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

the water, I use the bathroom, realization

Kids.

Birth control.

Period.