Theodore: “Are you really into her?” Carlos asked. “I absolutely have no idea,” I said, turning to face him. He sat upright, setting the controller aside. “She’s going to take this to heart,” Carlos said. “I can’t help it… I can’t let her go. That’s the thing!” I blurted out. “But you have a reputation, Theodore. You’re known for playing the field. You have no idea what you’re getting her into!” he exclaimed, snatching the controller from my hands. “Carlos… I’m confused. I genuinely have no idea. I can’t help it. I like her,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “You don’t want to hurt her, do you?” he asked. “You like her? Is this some kind of elaborate drama show?” I asked, a note of frustration creeping into my voice. “No… She’s a sensitive girl. I had a chat with her once. She’s sensible, not your usual type.” He said, his brow furrowed. “Usual type? What am I?” I asked, leaning forward. “I mean the ones addicted to gloss, to attention. She’s probably the most intelligent person I’ll ever meet,” he replied. “I understand that. She’s really great. I just don’t want to label this,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Believe me… She’s waiting for you to label it,” he retorted, his tone dry. “Carlos… What should I do?” I asked, desperate for guidance. “You’ve been in more relationships than I’ve had hot dinners. It’s Rose’s first… Bloomingham won’t possibly want you to let her go. She’s fully into you,” he said, his eyes fixed on mine. “I like her. I like irritating her and making her laugh,” I admitted, a small smile playing on my lips. “You like her,” he replied, smiling back. “I know that! What if I’m imagining things? She probably is a virgin… What if I misinterpret things? What if all she wants is a fling?” I asked, my anxiety rising. “You’ll need to ask someone else about that,” he replied, his tone firm. “Like who?” I asked, exasperated. “Like her sister,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “You’re right. It’d be better if I sorted things out rather than waste my time playing video games with a douche,” I said, a wry grin spreading across my face. He laughed, a sound of relief. “Your jokes will be the end of me,” he said.
I drove over to Rose’s house. I had never been inside Rose’s room. I had been on the porch, in the garden, and in the living room (thanks to her sister).
I walked out of the car, locking eyes with Skylar as she stood up, setting down the book she was reading. “Theodore,” she smiled brightly. The sisters were so different. I smiled and walked over to her. “I shall call Rose out,” she said, her voice cool and composed. “I’m here to talk to you,” I said. “Go on,” she said after a moment of hesitation. “You probably don’t know much about me unless Rose talks about me,” I said, watching her carefully. “Oh no! You’re quite popular in the entire school,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “Oh… Thanks… Does Rose mention me often?” I asked, hoping for a clue. “She does once or twice,” she replied, her tone measured. “Can you please not judge me on the reputation that I have?” I asked, my voice pleading. “I won’t. Nobody is perfect,” she said, her smile gentle. “Is Rose into me?” I asked, my heart pounding. She looked at me wide-eyed, then quickly stood up and began stacking books. “Please tell me,” I urged. “I…” she stammered, then, in a matter of minutes, she was gone, disappearing into the house.
I smiled.
I went back home and dressed for the start-of-term party. I wore a light blue tee with black pants and a white jacket.
I drove over to the party. Rose stood there with Casey. A sudden urge to pull her apart and claim her as mine surged through me. I didn’t. I walked over to her as Casey left us alone. “Rose… I’ve been meaning to…” I started, when I overheard someone say something. “Really? You saw Dakota Green?” I asked Lindsey. Dakota walked over to me smiling.
Dakota Green was one of us until she left the school to study in China for two years. Dakota was Alison DiLaurentis to her gang.
She walked over with her arms swaying at her side. “Pleasure to meet you,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. “I…” I said, looking at her and then at Rose. Rose sighed as she jerked her hand away and went inside. “What are you up to?” I asked her, suspicion tightening my grip. “I am better and more focused to get you with me,” she said, her eyes glittering. “In your dreams, Dakota. Last time you put up a rumor… Let’s see what you can do,” I said, my voice laced with warning. “I see you got yourself a good piece up there… Who is she?” she asked, her gaze sweeping over me with disdain. “Rose Bloomingham,” I replied, my voice flat. “Aww… The clichéd couple… I bet it won’t last,” she said, her lips curling into a sneer. “You’ll see,” I said, smiling as she smirked and walked back inside. I pulled out my phone to call Rose. She didn’t pick it up. I walked in and sat down amongst people playing games.
I sat down right opposite Rose. She parted her lips and looked away.
The bottle spin and fate landed it on me and Dakota. “I guess we’ll have to do!” she said as she came closer to me. I looked at Rose. She looked away. I pecked Dakota’s lips before she could plan out her schemes. “Your turn Theodore.” she said. I spun the bottle as it landed on Rose.
She looked at me. She bit her lip. Shit! She hadn’t had her first kiss… I looked at her as her eyes scanned mine nervously. I came closer to her. I put my hand on her neck. She shivered a bit. “Just trust me… I won’t waste your first kiss,” I said, my voice soft. “I can’t,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Trust me… Breathe,” I said.
She looked at my eyes. I put my thumb on her lip just before I pecked my thumb instead of her lips. Her eyes remaining wide open.
I parted away and got up. She looked at me. I picked up my jacket and left the club. I sat down in my car as I heard a knock on the window of my car.