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.

he says, clinking his

He looks up at

“Damn, you're on fire.

you were that good at bowling.” “Neither did I,” I admit, laughing, watching Sadie’s ball head straight into the gutter, missing all the

this has been a blast.” “A few more of those”—he nods toward my glass—“and

that's all we've ever been, and I know that.” “Damn it!” Sadie shouts at her

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

don’t want anyone

thought of that makes 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 Aisha

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

“Good.” His grin grows.

for you.” “What am I doing wrong?” Sadie whines, a quick glance telling me

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

turn back to Blake, my thoughts become

this drama—the spray painting and the name calling and the WHGOSSIP posts—go away.” When I realize how silly I

but it’s getting to be a lot.”

does it keep happening? Who am I hurting so badly that they want to hurt me?” His stare shifts

“I wish I knew.

away and replace it with happiness.”

with a full glass of punch and a drink

grabs them off the

news

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

start of a new

it off with a fucking dud of

the last New Year's

to college, everything is going to

for the holidays, who knows if we'll

We could lose touch.

be totally different

this party,”