A/n: This IS the last chapter, so I'm sorry to those of you who loved this! Thank you to my reviewers, and I'll tell you what. If I think of more to add, I will. :) Read on.....

Chapter 4

The door opened, Todd wiped his eyes hastily and turned towards the figure stepping through. For an instant, Todd thought it was Charlie - er, 'Nuanda' - or Knox. Then the moonlight from outside hit his face and Todd saw that it was Neil.

"Neil!" Todd jumped up so fast that his pillow fell off his bed onto the floor. He didn't even notice. "What happened? Are you alright? You're not leaving, are you? Is your father making you leave? Are you ok? He didn't hurt you or anything, did he?" Todd asked his questions as fast as his tongue would let him, and he barely took a breath.

Neil chuckled, glanced at the floor and then lightly tossed his bramble-crown from the play onto his bed.

Todd held his breath, waiting for the answers, licking his lips expectantly. "Well?" he prodded, jiggling his leg impatiently. Guessing by the way Neil wasn't responding, he was probably gathering his strength to say 'yes' to the question about him leaving Wellington's. Todd gulped.

"Todd, my friend," Neil grinned, and Todd swallowed. "I'm here to stay."

Todd let out his breath in a gush, but sucked it in again. "But you have to leave next year. That's the other part of it, right?"

Neil shook his head and plopped down on his springy bed, avoiding crushing his crown by grabbing it and placing it neatly on his head. "I'm here, to stay."

Todd sank down on his bed in relief. "So what happened?" he asked, much less panicked than before.

"Well - "and Neil told Todd exactly what happened.

Todd sat, open mouthed when Neil had finished, ending with how his father had given him a ride back to Wellington's with his agreement and encouragement to Neil's acting career, leaving Neil with the promise that he was going to talk to Mr. Nolan and put in a good word for Mr. Keating.

"Are you for real?" Todd asked quietly, happy, but not sure if he believed.

Neil's grin spread, if possible, even wider. "I am. Isn't it great!?"

Now it was Todd's turn to grin. As down as he was 5 minutes ago, he was happy times ten. He shot up off the bed, so happy that it felt as though the happiness was bursting out of his chest. "So what are you waiting for!? Aren't you gonna tell the other guys!?"

Neil laughed and jumped up. "Of course!"

The two boys rushed out of the room, Neil's crown brushing the doorway, Todd patting his back, and leaving his previous sadness melting away from the room, like an old misty memory.

A/n: How everybody liked it! Check out my other stories, and please review, no matter what you think! (just no swearing please)