137 - The chapter with the advice for Theo

Rose

I watched the road that flanked the sea from outside the car as the driver drove us to the Van Derr Waal family mansion. Despite our initial surprise about the kind of celebration we would have today, I felt eager to get there soon and see the place my friend had been talking about so much for the past few days. I looked at the imposing gates across the road, which I was sure hid amazing houses, wondering which one would be my friend's. Then the driver pulled off the main road. That's when the driver turned off the main road, following a floating lane over the sea, making me turn to Liam with a stunned expression.

" Why are you looking at me like that? " he frowned.

" 'Are you serious? Your fucking house is on an island?”

" My dad bought this place last year, it's amazing." He smiled.

I thought about making any more comments, but the gates at the edge of the road opened, giving us a full view of the mansion's driveway, taking our breath away.

The car drove along a well-tended avenue lined with lush green flowerbeds while a long white building sprawled majestically across the grounds. The car circled a large oak tree that stood in the center of the courtyard, stopping for us to disembark.

Liam was the first to get out, looking a little apprehensive and I couldn't judge him when I saw the amount of colorful balloons that adorned the entrance of the house. I got out of the car staring in amazement at the decorations, and all my friends seemed unsure how to react. After all, it was one thing to hear Liam talk about what was going to happen, but it was another thing to witness it. Liam headed towards the entrance of the house, looking a little embarrassed about the whole situation, so, to ease that little tension, I did the only thing that was in my power at that moment.

" You know, you won't believe who was holding my hand during the flight, almost fainting with fear " I commented, receiving a shocked look from Christian when everyone stopped walking, turning to face us.

" Are you afraid of flying? Really? " Theo laughed.

" Chris, why didn't you warn us, we would have distracted you " Cam sighed, sympathizing with the boy.

" 'Not me, I'd make a point of reminding him how pathetic he is,” Liam scoffed.

" Why? " Christian looked lost.

" Sorry, I got nervous," I whispered in response.

Liam opened the door, revealing a large and luxurious living room, but what was really striking were the giant characters scattered around the place, forming a corridor that led to the large glass doors at the other end, which led to the backyard, where an infinity pool went to the edge of the island. We followed Liam there, where Maeve and Thomas were lounging on a sun lounger, enjoying the balmy Floridian evening temperature as they waited for us.

" Darling, you've finally arrived! " Maeve was the first to see us, getting up and coming towards us.

My gaze focused on the large and luxurious movie theme table, containing the most diverse treats and a large cake — or at least I suspected it was — in the shape of Andy's bed with all the main characters.

" Mom, you rocked it as always " Liam went to give his mom a kiss on the cheek " Let's start celebrating the existence of the most amazing person in the universe?”

" Liam, don't overdo it " Sky laughed, hugging her boyfriend and soon we all put aside the strangeness of that situation, allowing ourselves to enjoy every detail of that party.

The night passed in a pleasant way, everyone was divided between playing board games, enjoying the heated pool and eating the most diverse treats that only children's parties were able to provide us.

Christian momentarily forgot about my little slip-up earlier, and it was already past midnight when I settled on the couch in the living room while everyone was in a game of detective, I chose to move away when everyone started playing, I didn't want my friend's parents to find out the hard way how competitive I was. I grabbed the TV remote, choosing something to watch to pass the time and it wasn't long before Theo sat down next to me.

" I've never seen you run away from a game,” he commented, lying down on my lap.

I started stroking her hair with the tips of my nails, casting a brief glance outside where everyone was gathered by the pool.

" I thought it best not to frighten the Van Derr Waal with my competitive demon. And you, did you run away too? " I turned my gaze to him.

" 'I wanted some time with my friend,” he winked at me.

I raised both eyebrows at that sentence, not knowing exactly what he meant by it.

" What's going on? Since when do you want some time in my company?”

" Can't I want to stay here with you? " he returned the question.

" Theo…”

" 'It's okay, I wanted some advice. Normally I would talk to Sky, but Liam is not letting go of her and you're here alone," he shrugged.

"Thanks for making it clear that I'm your second choice,” I wryly said.

" 'It's about Cam. I don't know if she told you, but…”

" She decided to agree to share a room with you on this trip," I added, "I thought you'd be excited about it, why do you look scared?"

He sat up in a jump, taking a deep breath, looking around as if to confirm that we were really alone, lowering his tone to almost a whisper when he spoke again.

" 'I'm excited, that's not the problem.”

" Is there a problem? " I raised both eyebrows.

" 'I'm a bit anxious about this situation, Rose. This is all new to me.”

" Having sex? Theo, I know it's been a while, but it's not like you can unlearn how to do it,” I tried to reassure him.

He stood up, looking frustrated with the conversation. As if I didn't understand what he meant.

" 'It's not that, Rose. The point is that I've never been in that position. I mean, she's a virgin, and taking someone's virginity is a big responsibility, isn't it?". " he lowered his tone.

" Ohhh so that's the problem " I finally understood what was bothering him.

" 'I know this is a big deal for girls, right? I don't know how to act," he blurted out.

I grabbed his hand, pulling him back to lie on my lap, starting to stroke his scalp as I thought about how to answer him.

" Theo, I'm not exactly the right person for this, I didn't have the romantic idea of saving myself for a special person, I just wanted it to happen with a nice guy who would make things easier for me and that's what happened " I commented " Cam certainly doesn't think like me, but she decided on her own that she's ready for this and that you're the right person, so you don't have to worry."

" Don't I? " my friend didn't seem convinced of that.

" No. What you have to do is let her set the pace and make it great for her. That's all. It's not a big deal, Peterson. Just let it all happen," I emphasized.

" 'Let it happen,” he repeated, sitting down once more.

" 'Let it happen,” I said, getting up and deciding to watch the others' game, leaving my pensive friend behind.