Chapter Text
"Neil did what...?" Todd's reaction to news about Neil shooting himself was one of disbelief, then heartbreak. But then,
"But he's okay, he's in the hospital." Charlie's simple words were enough to bring Todd to tears of relief.
"Oh, Jesus Christ, you scared me, jerk!" Todd wasn't a religious person, but he was thanking every god and goddess he could think of that Neil was alive. Aka, not a lot. "Do you know if we can see him?" He asks, hope in his eyes.
Charlie visibly winces and looks at the rest of the poets. Their answer is obvious, but it still hurts.
"We can't, can we..." Todd's eyes well up again. This was so unfair. His best friend almost dies, and he can't even see him? What a bunch of bullshit. Todd groans and flops back on his bed, looking over at Neil's empty one.
"Hey, don't look so down in the dumps, pal. We want to see him too." Cameron snaps. Todd glares at him.
"Yeah well it's different. I'm not like you guys." He swallows the lump forming in his throat. "When i hang out with Neil, it's different, okay? He's my- best friend."
Charlie gives a soft understanding smile. They get it. Of course they do. Cameron, however, does not. "What do you mean, it's 'different'? That's dumb."
"Can it, Cam."
"Whatever."
Meeks pats Todd's back. "I'm sure he'll come back. It's Neil, after all. But for now, we cannot mope, for we have English class!" He adds a funny voice at the end in an attempt to make Todd smile. It works. Slightly. The poets head to English class, where Mr. Keating is waiting.