You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

 Harper

 I didn’t want to go to Blake’s party, and I tried to come up with every excuse in my head to back out.

I even ran a few of them past Sadie once I found out Easton was dead set on going.

But each excuse I gave to my best friend, she returned with the same reply—that I was going no matter what, and her sassy self didn't want to hear any more abott it.

Anxiety ate at me all day.

I could feel it in my hands while I was getting ready, my eye liner a wobbly line, far too thick and beyond repairable.

But after that joint we smoked in the car and the electric blue punch that I've been sipping from Blake’s kitchen—that probably has thirty different kinds of alcohol in it, oops, whatever—I hate to admit that I’m actually having fun.

But I really am.

Blake’s game room, which is more like an arcade, is where we've spent most of the night.

The boys have been battling out an epic game of beer pong, Sadie and I jumping in to partner with them when we're not lost in our own war of Ms.

Pac—Man or bowling— because, of course Blake has a bowling alley in his basement.

And whenever we run low on drinks, Blake sends one of his servers to refill our glasses.

I've never been to a high school party that has waiters.

Not even Easton hires them for his ragers.

But I’m not surprised that Blake has gone all out, he doesn’t do anything half—assed.

Even as he’s standing next to Easton, partnering with him on this round of pong, he looks perfect.

His hair is more styled than mine.

His outfit is so put together, I swear he uses a Stylist.

He catches me looking at him and smiles and when he finishes the round with Easton, he comes over to the bowling area where Sadie and I are hanging out.

clinking

time?” He looks up at the TV

“Damn, you're on fire.

at bowling.” “Neither did I,” I admit, laughing, watching Sadie’s ball head straight into the

“A few more of those”—he nods toward my glass—“and I

Sadie shouts at her second attempt, which turns out to be

only ever wanted to protect you, right?” he

anyone hurting

me fucking crazy.” “Thank you,” I whisper, feeling his words, the impact of each one nestling

had my back.” That's

doubted him, but that's when I've allowed Sadie and Easton and

if I went by my heart and the way it’s

“Good.” His grin grows.

glad you feel that way and you know there isn’t anything I wouldn't do for you.” “What am I doing wrong?” Sadie whines, a quick glance telling me she went for a third try, even though

in the

to Blake, my

I realize

your control, but it’s getting to be a lot.”

I hurting so badly that they want to hurt me?” His stare

“I wish I knew.

replace it with

of the servers returns with a full glass of punch and a drink

the tray and

good news is,

to her as she attempts a fourth try and fails again, cursing

of a new year and that’s hella

it off with a fucking dud of a

is probably the last New Year's I'll ever

to college, everything is going

for the holidays, who knows if we'll all even get

We could lose touch.

totally different

this