4

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."