Chapter 4

• SOPHIA’S POV
• The sun sneaked through my curtains the next morning, a new day beginning. I shuffled out of bed, my thoughts heavy with the conversation from last night. Henry's impending departure echoed in my mind, a heavy weight in my chest. This was going to be a heavy blow on me, and there was all the other things I needed to deal with, like confessing my feelings to Henry. I got off my bed and went downstairs.
• Downstairs, I heard Dad's laughter, the familiar sound of amusement he reserved for Henry. My heart clenched. They were on the phone, and I strained to listen without seeming obvious.
• "...traveling tomorrow for a few months," Henry's voice came through the receiver. "Won't be back for a while."
• Devastation crashed over me like a tidal wave. A few months? It was like someone had punched the air out of my lungs. This was it, the moment I had been dreading. I couldn't let him leave without telling him how I felt. It was more than a crush; it was real.
• Decision in mind, I grabbed my laptop and settled on my bed. I opened my messenger app on my phone, fingers hovering over the keyboard. But doubt crept in. Did people like Henry even read text messages? My fingers paused, and I let out a frustrated sigh. I didn't know what would be the best place to reach out to him.
• I needed his email, a surefire way to reach him. He is a millennial of course and that is what they use mostly. Gathering my resolve, I headed downstairs where Dad was still on the call. "Hey, Dad?"
• He looked at me, nodding for me to continue.
• "I was wondering if you could give me Henry's email address," I said, trying to sound casual. I didn't want him to suspect something more.
• Dad's brows furrowed in curiosity. "Henry's email? Why do you need that?"
• A lie came to mind, one that was half-truth. "I want to send him a paper for review. It is for a class project and it is really important to me,"
• Dad smiled, clearly surprised by my sudden interest in academics. "Sure thing. I can review it for you if you want. I am really good at reviewing and I give the best feedback,"
• My heart raced. "No, it's a paper on mechanical engineering. You know, Henry's area of expertise. I just need it to be real good that is why,"
• Dad's expression shifted from surprise to understanding. "Ah, I see. Well, let me find that email for you."
• My heart pounded in my chest as he looked up the email address and handed it to me. I thanked him and retreated to my room, my hands shaking as I typed in Henry's email. This was it, the moment of truth. With every keystroke, my heart raced faster, the weight of my emotions heavy on my shoulders.
• You have got this Sophia, I whispered to myself.
• Hey Henry,
• So, I'm sitting here at my laptop, typing this out with a pounding heart and a million thoughts racing through my head. I know, it's kind of unexpected, but I've got something to say. Please bear with me, okay?
• First off, I want you to know that I get it. I mean, I get that you might find this a little strange, even shocking. After all, I'm young, you're... well, not so young. But here's the thing: what I feel for you isn't some teenage crush that's going to fade away like a passing breeze. It's real, Henry. As real as it gets.
• Yeah, I know you might be thinking about the age difference. You being twice my age, it's a big deal to some people. But not to me. I'm not just some starry-eyed kid. I'm growing up, and I know what I want. And what I want is you.
• I know we've got obstacles ahead, like the fact that you're my dad's best friend. I mean, talk about complicated, right? But hey, I've always loved a challenge. And let's face it, if we can conquer that, we can conquer anything. Together.
• I also know that I'll be turning 18 soon. Yeah, it might seem like a far-off future, but it's really not. And when that day comes, there won't be any legal barriers between us. We can make our own choices, and decide our own path.
• Henry, I'm not asking you to make any decisions right now. I just needed to let you know how I feel. I've spent nights thinking about this, weighing the pros and cons, and I keep coming back to the same conclusion: I love you.
• It's not some impulsive emotion. It's a deep, steady feeling that's been growing inside me for a while. I've seen the way you laugh, the way you listen, the way you make people feel special. And I want to be the one who's there beside you, making you smile, making you happy.
• I'm not asking for an answer now. Just think about it. Think about us. Because, Henry, I'm willing to wait. I believe in us, and I believe that if we're meant to be together, we'll find a way.
• Take your time, and remember, no matter what, my feelings won't change.
• Love,
• Sophia
• The email was ready, a confession I couldn't keep inside any longer. With a deep breath, I clicked the send button. The email disappeared into the digital void, and I felt a mix of exhilaration and there was a lot of fear running through my blood. The truth was out there, and now all I could do was wait for his response, praying that somehow, some way, it wouldn't be the end of our story.
• And let the worst happen. I had already done all I think I can do, it was up for the universe now to be on my side and that was what I hope for, if not I was screwed and my dad would get to find out and ground me for life.
• I picked up my phone and texted Kylie.
• "I have finally done it."