Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 236

A three-minute video played, set to the tune of an old classic—“Friend”—capturing the spirit of their youthful days.

As the song reached its final verse, Cecilia took the lead, with Jared and Hanley joining in, their voices full of heart:

“We walk together through life, my friends—those days won’t come again. Just one word, a lifetime’s bond, a love for life, a toast to all we’ve shared…”

By the end, both Jared and Hanley had tears shining in their eyes.

“Theo! Happy birthday! To friendship!” Cecilia cried out, pushing a cake into the room.

On the cake, in bright, messy letters, it read:

Happy Birthday to our dearest Theo! From your best mates!

Theodore’s eyes welled with emotion. “Thank you… Thank you, all of you…”

“Don’t thank us!” Jared grinned, nudging Cecilia toward him. “Thank Cici—she planned the whole thing! She even made the cake herself. If you want to know who really cares, there you have it. Plain as day.”

“Theo, I hope when we’re old and gray, we’re still just as close,” Cecilia said, dressed in a classic campus style that matched one of her old photos exactly.

Theodore nodded fiercely. “We will be. Thank you, Cici.”

“Alright, everyone, take a seat! No more standing around. We’re here to eat, aren’t we? I’ve been starving myself all day just for this feast!” Cecilia laughed, her smile bright and mischievous. “Theo, you won’t mind if I eat too much, will you?”

“Don’t be silly,” Theodore replied. “It’s my birthday—of course I want you all to enjoy. Trust me, I can afford to feed my friends!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

Theodore glanced at his phone again—half past six. Still no messages.

“What’s up, Theo? You seem distracted,” Hanley asked.

“Oh, nothing. Just need to make a call,” Theodore said, heading for the restroom. He dialed his grandmother’s number.

Every year, she was always the first to remember his birthday, calling the day before to ask if he and Emma could come home for dinner.

Theodore raised his glass and downed it in one go. “No matter what I become, I’ll always be your clueless kid!”

Jared and Hanley exchanged a look and laughed. “He’s Cici’s, not ours. Us two guys don’t need another guy!”

Cecilia refilled Theodore’s glass. “To you, Theo.”

He clinked his glass against hers and drank again.

Tonight, there was no leaving until everyone was tipsy.

Theodore got the drunkest of all; Jared and Hanley weren’t far behind. Only Cecilia stayed completely sober.

She steadied Theodore and helped him up. “Come on, Theo. Let’s get you home.”

As she supported him, her gaze lingered on his loosened shirt collar, catching a fleeting glimpse of his collarbone.