Westminster Academy (Part One)

forty-three

The days after Henry had finally found out about the secret lessons were strange. We barely talked to each other, and as much as I wanted to make it better, I had to focus on studying. Mr. Salzman put a lot of pressure on me, on top of the pressure I put on myself, and it was exhausting. But I couldn't slow down, or take a break, or relax. Because this exam would literally decide my future.

The notes Henry had given me were very helpful, but having his active support would have helped more. I knew that it was too much to ask, he was already doing enough by not telling his father about my secret endeavours. But I missed him, and I felt horrible.

The night before the exam was the worst. I sat on my bed, surrounded by notes I had already studied a million times, and felt like I would fail. It wasn't rational, because I was very well prepared, but anxiety got the better of me.

What if I don't pass?

It wasn't an option. It simply couldn't happen.

Just as my anxiety started to increase exponentially and headed unerringly towards a panic attack, there was a knock on my door.

Please let it be Henry.

I climbed out of my bed and stumbled towards the door. And there he was, looking handsome as ever.

"You look horrible" was the first thing he said. He was right, I hadn't showered in days and my hair was a mess. But I was too happy to see him to be offended.

"What are you doing here?" I barely managed to look him in the eye, I still felt too guilty.

Henry sighed. "I figured you could need some support."

He didn't look at me the way he used to look at me, there was sadness in his eyes and it was obvious that previous events stood between us like a thick wall. But he had come, and that alone let tears well up in my eyes.

"Yeah, I really, really could" I replied, laughing with relief, and opened the door for him. Henry nodded, a million emotions playing on his face, and entered my room.

We spent the whole night together, going through everything I could possibly need to know for the exam, and I was beyond grateful for Henry's help. It was a small sign that he still cared about me, and that he did support me, he was just in a bad position.

If his father found out what I was doing, and that Henry had not only known but helped me, we would both be in a lot of trouble. But Henry risked all that for me, and it made me feel a million times better.

Around three in the morning, he got up from the floor where he had spent the last five hours, and collected some of the loose paper that was lying around.

"I think you should get a bit of sleep."

...ace.

Now that he didn't say it anymore, I realised how attached I had grown to that nickname. I pushed the thought away and nodded.

"Yeah, I guess I should."

Henry looked at me like he wanted to say so much more, but he stayed silent.

"Thanks for your help" I added awkwardly.

He nodded. "You're well prepared. You'll be fine."

"W-will I see you again before taking the exam?" I asked, hesitantly.

Henry seemed hesitant as well. It was as if we were two children, slowly getting closer to each other but both afraid to go too far.

"I can pick you up in the morning" Henry suggested. His jaw muscles clenched. "Take you to...the office."