HENRY'S POV

It had been a while since I had dated anyone and I might have been out of touch but I was determined to be the best boyfriend to Willow. She deserved that and so much more. Our first month anniversary fell just in time with valentine's day. I'd never celebrated that day before but I'd observed how kids from school made such a big deal out of it. I had been planning it for a week and I hoped that Willow would like what I had in mind for her.

Sadly enough her truck had been fixed after a week so I didn't drive her around anymore. That was okay though because I'd made sure to arrive in school just in time to set up my first step of the plan. I stood hidden between two rows of lockers and waited for Willow. In perfect time as always she walked in and went directly to her locker. She looked gorgeous dressed in a red mini skirt, white cropped top and white boots. She had dyed he hair back to its original brown color that I absolutely adored.

I watched her open her locker and smile when she saw the bouquet of roses I'd put there. She pulled them out and sniffed them her smile getting wider. I knew she'd said that she wasn't a flowers kind of girl but it felt wrong not getting her any. Happy that my plan had worked I walked towards her and gave her a back hug careful not to startle her.

"Happy valentines day girlfriend."I whispered kissing her hair.

"You're too sappy for your own good but happy valentines to you too boyfriend."She chuckled turning around to loop her arms around my neck as leaned up to kiss me.

One of the perks of dating Willow were her kisses. They were addictive and her lips were always so soft.

"I didn't know we were doing valentines."Willow expressed once we pulled apart.

"We are a couple and couples do celebrate valentine's right?"I countered.

"I know but it's normally just a silly excuse used by women to take advantage of their significant other."Willow reasoned.

"Well you're not taking advantage I assure you. I wanted to do this, you deserved to be spoilt and I'm not going to give you reasons to leave me."I explained.

"We've only been together a month Henry so calm down and I'm not leaving you. Who would I share Doritos with?"She asked grinning cheekily at me.

"Glad to know, I'm only worth a packet of Doritos to you."I pouted.

"I didn't say that so don't twist my words but before you assume anymore we are going to get to class."Willow declared turning back around to grab her books.

She put the flowers back in the locker carefully before locking it. She took my hand and led me away towards her class. Everywhere you looked all you could see were either happy faces as they celebrated valentines with their significant other, disappointment from those who didn't get any morning surprises and looks of sorrow and longing from the single ones.

I'd been a member of the single club for so long but thanks to Willow I had someone to share my love with. When we got to Willow's first class I kissed her forehead before quickly pecking her lips.

"Thank you for being my Valentine."I whispered against her cheek.

I didn't give her a chance to reply, just quickly walked away before it became too sappy like Willow was accusing me of. She just had no idea how much she had done for me. I had been slowly downing in a never ending cycle of being bullied by my brother and my parents neglect. Willow was my fresh breath of air and for as long as I could hold onto her I would. I would treat her like the precious jewel that she was because without her I'd lose that happiness that came with having her in my life. She made me happy so I would in turn keep making her happy.

When I got to my class I took my seat already hoping for the day to end so Willow and I could continue with the plans I had. The teacher came in and I took my history book out ready to start jotting down the never ending notes.

Ten minutes later someone entered the class and the teacher groaned.

"For crying out loud. Fine get on with it."Mr Forrest groaned clearly not happy with the intruder.

A girl dressed as red riding hood costume stood at the front holding a basket of roses. As a school tradition for valentines the student body planned for students to give each other roses to be delivered on valentines day. I didn't sign up because I had already planned to give Willow flowers myself, I thought that would be better because it added a personal touch to it.

The girl went around the class giving roses to everyone who'd been sent one. Others got more than one from different people. I expected her to skip me but when she got me she smiled and gave me a rose. The roses didn't have cards, just a tag attached to the stem with the name of the sender and the receiver. Mine had Willow's name on it written in perfect calligraphy. I smiled when I realized that she had thought of giving me a rose. The class was still buzzing with excitement so I pulled my phone out and texted her.

Me: Sappy huh?

I didn't expect her to reply since her first class was biology and her teacher was pretty strict but I was surprised she replied a few seconds later.

💙Melanin_Queen💙 : I couldn't afford to leave you hanging. Don't be so smug though its just a rose.

Me: You're even more sappy than I am.

💙Melanin_Queen💙 : Don't push it, just say thank you.

Me: Should I expect chocolates next.

💙Melanin_Queen💙 : Not after that statement.

Me: Come on, I was just joking.

I hoped I hadn't taken it too far but it was just fun messing with her.

💙Melanin_Queen💙 : 😒😒

Me: I'm sorry. Thank you for the rose, I really do appreciate it.

💙Melanin_Queen💙 : You're welcome. Now I've gotta go. I think Miss Withers is onto me.

Me: Bye, see you at lunch.

💙Melanin_Queen💙 : 😘

After that I put my phone away and concentrated back on the lesson happy to have a thoughtful girlfriend.

When lunchtime rolled I passed by my locker to grabbed my pre-packed lunch before walking to the library. Willow came in a few minutes later carrying roses in her hand.

"You don't have to take those everywhere with you you know. They were just fine in your locker."I pointed out.

"Oh, these aren't from you. You know just because I'm dating you now doesn't mean I don't have a few admirers."Willow grinned putting the roses away.

It alarmed me that Willow would never be short of male attention but I took comfort in the fact that she was mine and loyal to only me.

"Well they can suck it because you are my girlfriend not theirs."I retorted biting into my sandwich.

"Jealousy is not a good color on you babe."She teased digging into her food.

"I'm not jealous."I replied a little bit too defensively.

"Keep telling yourself that. Say it enough times you might actually start to believe it."Willow grinned tweaking my nose.

I swatted her hand away but didn't bother replying. She was right but she didn't have to be so blunt about it.

"I can't believe I have to work today of all days."Willow groaned taking my apple and biting into it angrily.

She had a rule about me eating her food but she never found fault in her eating mine.

"You're not working today."I said choosing to ignore her stealing my apple.

"Yes I am."She argued.

"No you aren't."I assured her.

"It is a Friday so yes I am."Willow insisted.

"Your shift was cancelled today."I informed her.

"What do you mean cancelled? I was with Jack yesterday and he said he'll be open today. What aren't you telling me?"Willow asked eyes narrowed at me..

"Nothing much just that you're not working today and that we have plans after school."I answered with a shrug not wanting to reveal my plans just yet.

"You need to give me a little bit more than that if I'm to go along with whatever you have planned."Willow demanded.

"I know you don't like surprises but just this once please trust me."I requested.

Willow gnawed at her lip deep in thought about what I'd just proposed.

"In the spirit of Valentine's day, just this once I will let you lead me blindly."Willow agreed making me smile.

"Perfect."

The rest of lunch went on just fine except for a little argument when I tried to take Willow's banana. It was only fair since she took my apple but pointing that out had just earned me glare. It was all in good fun though. After lunch we tossed all our trash away in the bin before gathering our stuff and leaving the library.

On our way to our lockers Willow spotted a girl sniffling to herself as she left the girls bathroom. Willow detached herself from me and approached her.

"You are too pretty to cry. Whoever he is, he doesn't deserve you so chin up and show him that you're stronger than he realizes."Willow consoled handing her all the roses she had received during the day.

I just watched in awe as the girl smiled as she took the flowers. Willow hugged her before walking back to my side.

"Have I told you just how amazing you are?"I asked kissing her hair.

"Once or twice but I'll never tire of hearing it."She smiled.

"Well you are and I'm lucky to have you."

"I'm lucky to have you too. I just hope I never have to cry in front of the bathroom mirror because of you."Willow said getting vulnerable for a moment.

I stopped in my tracks and pulled her to the side so we were away from everyone. I cupped her face and tipped her chin so she would meet my gaze.

"I never ever want to hear those words leave your mouth again. I don't think you have an idea of just how much you mean to me Willow. I would never hurt you, it would be like hurting myself. You are my everything Willow and hurting you is unthinkable so please never think that."I pleaded.

"You could have just said you like me you know."Willow shrugged trying to make light of the situation.

"That wouldn't be enough."I replied pulling her in for a hug.

"I like you too."Willow mumbled against my chest.

I pulled away and kissed her lips softly hoping I relayed all the emotions I was feeling in that one kiss. We were forced to pull apart by the warning bell. Willow and I rushed to get our books before separating at our lockers since our classes were on different sides of campus. We agreed to meet at my car after the last class.

All afternoon my thoughts were bombarded by the vulnerable look Willow gave me when she thought of me ever hurting her. I knew Willow didn't like dating, especially white guys and that she had taken a huge chance when she chose to date me. It was the reason I had vowed to myself to never allow her regret the decision of agreeing to be mine.

After school let out I walked outside towards my truck and to my surprise Willow was already there waiting for me.

"Eager are we?"I teased.

"Could you be anymore smug?"Willow retorted.

"It's only for you darling."I grinned earning myself an eye roll.

"Oh please, now can you tell me where we are going. I do need to know if I'm to drive there."Willow asked.

"I'm driving. We're leaving your truck here and will pick it up tomorrow morning."I replied.

"Is that even safe?"

"Yes, otherwise I would have thought of something else. Now please get in milady. We have quite the afternoon ahead of us."I assured her opening the passengers door for her.

Willow got in halfheartedly still skeptical about leaving her car behind. I closed the door before going around and getting into the driver's side driving away from the school before Willow changed her mind.

"Wait, what about my brother?"Willow asked reaching for her phone.

I took it from her before she could dial.

"Charlie and Alex are having a sleepover tonight."I informed her.

"How long have you been planning this?"Willow asked eyes narrowed at me.

"Long enough to have all bases covered so just relax and enjoy the ride."I assured her.

"That will be tricky but I will try."

"That's all I ask."

Our first stop was at Walmart because we needed to do a little shopping. Willow went all out when it came to picking out snacks but I didn't stop her. It was my day to spoil her and I was going to do that to the best of my ability.

"We are going to the lake aren't we?"Willow asked hand deep in a can of pringles.

"Yeah I felt bad about ruining new years for you so I thought you and I could camp out here overnight, roast marshmallows by the fire and swim in the lake without the risk of hypothermia."I replied revealing my bug surprise.

"That's a wonderful idea and I love it but don't feel guilty about new years. It was a great night except for when you got beat up."Willow answered.

"I think it was more like I beat him up but I understand what you mean."I replied.

"Whatever floats your boat. But you should have at least let me carry a change of clothes, this will be very uncomfortable for me."Willow lamented pointing at her clothes.

"No it will be fine, I brought you one of my hoodies and a pair of sweatpants."

"Food,overnight camping and you giving me your clothes. You're definitely ticking all the right boxes for me Henry."Willow smiled winking at me.

I smiled back because I had no idea how to respond to that. I was just proud of myself for making her happy. We got to the lake and Willow helped me pick out the perfect spot to set up the tent. While I put the tent up Willow carried all our stuff from the car. An hour later everything was already set up and it was time for the fun to begin. We decided to take a swim first before the sun went down completely. Since we hadn't carried our swimsuits we had to swim in our underwear, not that either of us minded.

"Last into the lack is a rotten pineapple."Willow yelled already making a run for the boardwalk.

"That's not fair, you had a headstart."I laughed running after her.

I caught up to Willow just as she was about to jump, we lost our footing and end up falling into the lake very ungracefully. We emerged a few moments later sputtering water.

"You just couldn't bare losing could you?"Willow asked splashing water at me.

"I don't like being a loser."I retorted splashing water back at her.

That started a water fight that ended up with us trying to drown each other. It was all in good fun though since none of us really intended to harm the other. The water was warm, clear and I was in the best company so I was having a blast.

Later when our skin started getting wrinkled from being in there too long Willow and I got out, dried up and changed into some warm clothes.

I started a fire while Willow looked for the marshmallows among the pile of snacks we had bought.

"Found them."She exclaimed victoriously holding the bag up.

I laughed as I took it from her scooting over to make room for her on the log. We hooked a few marshmallows on sticks and roasted them over the fire.

"You remember that night at the arcade as we worked on Henry's project and I told you about my dad?"Willow asked.

"Yeah."

"That night you told me that I will find my person and that I won't care if they are white or black. I known it's only been a month but you are my person Henry and I really really really do like you."Willow confessed.

My heart started beating three times faster hearing her say that. I had been looking for my place in the world for a long time and I'd found it with Willow. She made me feel like I belonged and that I was treasured.

"I really really really like you too Willow and I'm honored to be your person."I smiled leaning in to kiss her.

The kiss was short and sweet, perfect for the moment we were having. I was so distracted that my marshmallows caught fire. Willow laughed as I jumped around trying to extinguish them and even though I was making a fool out of myself I couldn't help but admire just how happy and beautiful Willow looked in that moment with me.

As Willow slept soundly in my arms later than night I couldn't help but thank my lucky stars for the chance to meet and fall for the most incredible girl ever. Yes I was falling in love with Willow and instead of being scared I embraced that feeling. Soon Willow would be my love and I couldn't wait to be irrevocably and undeniably in love with her.

"Happy valentines my beautiful Willow."I whispered kissing her cheek before I finally closed my eyes and succumbed to sleep.