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 his

looks up

“Damn, you're on fire.

admit, laughing, watching Sadie’s ball head straight into the gutter,

of those”—he nods toward my glass—“and I just

ever been, and I know that.” “Damn it!” Sadie

game.” “You do know I've only ever wanted to protect you, right?” he says when I glance at him

want anyone

you,” I whisper, feeling his words, the impact of each one nestling into

had my back.” That's

were times I’ve doubted him, but that's when I've allowed Sadie

went by my heart and the way it’s felt, I’ ve been

“Good.” His grin grows.

I wouldn't do for you.” “What am I doing wrong?”

Sadie who’s throwing her hands up in the air, like

turn back to Blake, my thoughts

for me is keep Aisha tamed and make all this drama—the spray painting and the name calling and the WHGOSSIP posts—go away.” When I realize how silly I sound, that Blake doesn’t have control over any of that, and I’m just venting, probably to the wrong person, I add, “I’m

in your control, but it’s

why does it keep happening? Who am I hurting so badly that they want to hurt

“I wish I knew.

take it all away and replace it

with a full

grabs them off the tray and hands

news is,

points to her as she attempts a fourth try and fails again, cursing at the lane like

start of a new year and that’s hella

it off with a fucking dud of a night.” He's

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

go to college,

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

We could lose touch.

be totally different

having this party,” I