The Nerdy Twin ✔️

Chapter Twenty

HENRY'S POV

"Hi Willow."I greeted her as I sat down at our usual table in the library.

Ever since we became closer we made it a thing for us to have lunch at the library together. We didn't have any common classes so it was the only time we got to hang out other than at the arcade, where she was working most of the time.

"Yeah, hi."She mumbled without lifting her eyes off the paper in front of her.

I frowned because on a normal day she was always cheerful or sassy but never dismissive and dull.

"Are you okay?"I asked retrieving my lunch from my bag.

"Yes."She replied in auto mode.

"Are you sure?"I insisted noticing how she was chewing her lip nervously.

"Uh-huh."She responded absent mindedly.

I let her be for five minutes until I realized she was too lost in whatever was disturbing her. She was not eating, she hadn't said a word to me since I sat down or even looked at me. Risking her wrath, I pulled the paper she was glaring at away from her line of view.

"Hey I was looking at that."She scolded before her eyes widened in surprise."Henry? When did you get here?"She inquired looking shocked.

"A while ago? What's wrong?"I demanded softly wanting to know knowing what was eating her up.

She rubbed her hands over her face before she sighed.

"I'm just having a rough day that's all. I mean it's like everything today has been designed to test and break me. First of all Jack got sick yesterday and I was scared Charlie and I would catch what he had so I pumped us full of antivirals which made Charlie extra irritable this morning. My mom and I got into an altercation about Thanksgiving, she wants us to travel to see Robert's family for the holidays but I refused which caused a huge fight that lasted a while. Then when I finally got to class late, that crazy bitch Miss Johnson gave me a hard time. She actually gave me a pop quiz all on my own as punishment. To top it all off I just remembered Charlie has a science fair this Friday and I promised to help but I have no idea what project he'll do yet I have only three days. So yeah it's been a terrible day so far."She ranted out.

She looked better after letting it all out, making the saying, a problem shared is a problem half solved idiom true. I passed her my juice which she took gladly and helped herself to a big swig.

"Jack called to tell me he was okay and to check up on you to make sure you aren't sick too. I'm sorry about your mom and Miss Johnson. About the science fair project not to gloat but I've won a few trophies over the years and would be happy to help you come up with a great idea for your brother."I suggested hoping to ease her worry.

She met my gaze and a smile finally graced her pretty face.

"You sure?"She asked looking uncertain.

"Totally, since neither of us can work at our homes properly, we can meet up at the arcade later and brainstorm."I assured her.

"That would be perfect. Jack did cancel my shift today and Charlie has a sleepover later so it will be perfect."She concurred.

"Great, now wipe that frown off your face and let's eat out lunch as we start thinking of some ideas."I recommended.

"You Henry are a life saver. Thank you."She grinned.

"What are friends for?"I shrugged happy to be of help to her just like she had been to me many times before.

After school let out I drove to the arcade to help Willow out as promised. As I walked into the building I found myself smiling when memories of Halloween flooded my mind. A few weeks had already passed since that day but the memories were still fresh like it just happened. I'd given into Willow's request of drinking with her halfheartedly but I found myself enjoying it immensely. We'd gotten drunk as we played games until we couldn't form coherent thoughts anymore. We passed out on the sofa after a wonderful night. Drunk Willow was just as fun as sober Willow if not more.