Time Doesn't Change the Past
Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the Dead Poets Society. If I did, would I be writing this? Most likely not.
A/N: I hope you enjoy! Please review if you have at least thirty seconds to spare.
How do you go on? How do you return to every day, normal life as if it had never happened? Those questions and more raced through Todd Anderson's mind as he stared up at the familiar door of Welton Academy's Chapel. It was a new year at Welton but the summer break hadn't been long enough. The past still haunted the youngest Anderson boy wherever he went. In fact, he was certain enough that if you asked any Dead Poet Society member how they were dealing, they'd tell you they weren't. Neil Perry's death had forever shaped their lives in numerous ways. Charlie had been expelled and sent to a new school. Cameron was no longer in the friend group of the Dead Poet's. Todd had finally broken free from his shell, if not for just a moment to show Keating that he would be missed. Neil was forever going to be the image stained in their mind's eye. The bright, charismatic boy they had all befriended and so suddenly, tragically lost in the blink of an eye. Before Todd's thoughts could stray much further into the misery of his deceased friend, the sounds of the Chapel's doors opening snapped him from them. Todd had been so caught up in the past that he had missed the entire welcoming ceremony. Then again, it wasn't much of a loss. Todd was rather certain it had been just about the same as last year. Possibly, much more boring but nonetheless the same. Students and parents filed out to say their goodbyes. Todd's parents had left him at the gates. They were in too much of a hurry to go see Jeffrey, his older brother, off to another year of college. Todd didn't mind. It was easier when they pretended he didn't exist.
Todd leaned down to pick up his belongings. They consisted of two suitcases packed to the brim with clothes, personal belongings and school supplies. The last thing he snatched up was the desk set he had received two years ago now for his birthday. It seemed that no matter how hard he tried to escape it, it wouldn't happen. Todd had "accidentally" left it on the table in the living room while heading out the door to be driven to Welton. However, his ever so loving brother decided to pick it up and toss it into the trunk. Much to his dismay, Todd couldn't leave it behind without his parents questioning him about why he didn't like it. Belongings in hand, Todd walked across the school grounds and to the dormitories. The senior boys had the very top floor. Five staircases later, he found himself in the hallway of complete chaos. Luggage, books and even pillows flooded the hall as the faculty member announced where each boy would be staying. Todd waited patiently as the rooms were assigned. It was going to be strange not having Neil with him. It would be even stranger without an empty room because Neil was no longer around. He was going to have a roommate for the whole year if things went right. "Anderson!" was shouted from somewhere to his right. Todd turned to find Knox Overstreet motioning for him to come over. Struggling only slightly with his personal effects, Todd managed to get into Knox's room. The shy boy ended up grinning at the sight of his old friend. "Knox! How was your summer?" he asked.
Knox gave Todd a grin of his own. "It was a little too short if you ask me. I did get to spend a lot of time with Chris, though," he informed him. Chris Noel had officially been Knox's steady girlfriend since the night of the play. She had left Chet for him. "I saw Charlie a lot too since our parents are friends." Knox plopped down on the bed he had claimed for himself. "How was your summer?"
Todd held back a wince. "Oh, it was alright. It consisted of having to study and the like." The more time he spent with his family, the more he wanted to be away from them. School this year was both a blessing and a horror.
Knox nodded once. "Welton parents and their worry of grades," he laughed. He could understand studying to pass the class but Welton was ridiculous. Deciding to change the topic from studying, the teenager grinned again. "Another reason I called you in here is because we're roommates!" he exclaimed.
Todd's eyes widened for a moment. "Really?" he asked in middle shock. "That's great!" It was better than a stranger or Cameron. Heck, he'd rather take the stranger over Cameron. He was still incredibly bitter. If Charlie hadn't thrown the punch, he might've himself. In fact, if Cameron got under his skin so much this year, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to hold himself back. Todd crossed the room to the available bed and set his suitcases down. Carelessly, he tossed the desk set on the wooden desk beside his bed. Todd went back to the suitcases and opened them. He began to put his clothes away as Knox carried on about Chris and all of the things they had done together during the summer. By the time he was settled, Knox had finally finished and Todd took a seat on his bed. "Sounds like a really good summer then."
Knox sighed in content. "It really was." He lay back on the bed and rested his head on the pillow as he stared up at the ceiling. Both of the boys grew quiet as they both grew lost in their own thoughts. Minutes later, Knox turned over onto his side and looked over at Todd. "It…will never be the same here, will it?" he asked quietly.
Todd closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to compose himself well enough to supply an answer. "No," he whispered. "It won't."
Knox sighed again and sat up. "Charlie's parents are trying to get him back here. From what Charlie's been saying, if they can be persuasive enough, he should be around within the first week."
Todd's eyes opened at the news and settled on his roommate. "They'll probably let him back. They won't refuse the funds. You know Charlie's parents."
Knox nodded with a grin. "Money talks."
Todd managed a small, lopsided grin. "Let's just make sure he doesn't punch anyone else." The comment caused a laugh to erupt from Knox. "Or at least let's make sure they deserve it as well."
"Deal," Knox agreed and the two shook hands on it.
The two dropped hands just in time for the dinner bell to sound. The boys got to their feet and exited the newly assigned room. "Meeks and Pitts are probably saving us a spot already," Knox informed Todd. Todd nodded. It would be good to see them as well. The two friends were soon in the middle of the dinner rush. As Todd sat down across from Meeks and Pitts, he had a strong feeling he couldn't shake that the year would be anything but boring.