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.

great aunt Jenny

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

a giant tin of cookies as an

“That's probably why she’s toothless,”

I burst out laughing.

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

“Aunt Jenny hates children.

around

told us that a few years ago.” I

So does Easton.

you like children?” Easton asks me

trips

you mean?” “I don't

can see you being a good

wondering how the conversation deviated

that’s a long time from now,”

“You having kids.

Maybe even—us having kids.

dad, I'm not allowed to think

No babies.

you're on the pill.”

I’m on the pill.” “I'll come get you

the windows down and I'll blast Christmas music

parents used to do when I

“Sounds fun.

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

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

have you been?”

I admit, pressing my lips

did the volunteer thing go at school?”

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

“It's like, five o’clock.

last

grins like a

want any details,

the clothes

a quick shower

look at the

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

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

water, I use the bathroom, realization dawning slowly

Kids.

Birth control.

Period.