The Nerdy Twin ✔️

Chapter Forty Five

HENRY'S POV

I paced back and forth in my bedroom trying to get in the right frame of mind for what I was about to do. I had given myself numerous pep talks and rehearsed what I was going to say in front of the mirror but none of it was working. If it were up to me I would leave in the dead of night so my family wouldn't see me leaving but Willow had insisted on a proper goodbye.

I knew I had to get some things off my chest so I could move on without regrets but standing up to my family was no easy feat. Anytime I had spoken up in the past I had been shot down with ridicule and criticism and I didn't want to go through that again. I had worked so hard to get my confidence to where it was and I didn't want them taking that away from me. To make matters worse Willow had promised to be there with me as I talked to them but she hadn't arrived yet.

I texted her one more time demanding that she hurry before tossing my phone on top of the bed. I looked around my room and realized just how empty it was now that I'd packed everything. I hadn't left a single trace of me in the house. I'd even taken down all the family photos with me in them, the few that existed that is. I wanted it to seem like I never even existed in the Brown family. My parents had been wishing for so long to have just one son, Matthew and I was going to fulfill their wish.

I'd moved everything of mine to Willow's house during the day and all that remained were the two boxes on top of my bed. I was leaving my childhood home never to be back and instead of feeling bad, I felt relieved. It was time to turn a new page in my book and start my life afresh. I deserved that much.

"I'm here, don't call 911."Willow yelled barging into my room.

I turned to look at her and I immediately felt less tense but not completely. She looked out of breath as if she had run up the stairs.

"Where were you?"I asked walking fast towards her and pulling her into my arms.

She wrapped her hands around me laying her head on my chest so I buried my face in her hair inhaling her intoxicating shampoo. It calmed me, making me feel all better.

"Sorry had to drop off Charlie with Alex for their final sleep over before our move."She replied.

"I'm so glad you're here but I don't think I can do this, I'm too nervous."I said and pulled away to start pacing.

"You can do this. They are all downstairs having dinner. It's now or never and I'll be there with you the whole time."Willow consoled.

I looked at her hoping I could be as courageous as her.

"You've come so far Henry, don't give up now. This is the final step then you and I can move on with our lives."She encouraged.

I exhaled loudly and pulled her back into my arms. I needed to feel her so I could absorb some of her courage. Willow didn't fight me, just wrapped her hands around my waist and let me take all the time I needed. I was so lucky to have her.

"Okay let's go."I declared letting her go.

Willow went on her tiptoes and kissed me softly. I would have deepened the kiss but once we started making out we'd never stop and I needed to talk to my family before I changed my mind.

"You take the big one."Willow declared taking the small box on my bed.

"What makes you think that's lighter?"I asked with a laugh putting my phone in my pocket before grabbing the other box.

"Just a hunch."Willow answered with a shrug.

"Will you miss it?"Willow asked me as we stood at the door looking at my empty room.