Anna's Twist On Dead Poets Society

Friends

As Rose entered Neil's room she noticed how similar it was to her own. The walls were an ugly yellow, that consisted of peeling paint. There was one window outlined in chipped wood. Two small, metal, beds lined each side of the room. Desks sat at the end of each bed. As she was surveying the room she noticed another boy sitting on the second bed. He had dirty blonde hair and blue eyes that matched her own. He looked up, a nervous look clearly displayed on his face. Rose knew just by looking at him that he was a gentle and friendly.

she smiled and said, " Hi, I'm Rose, I'm new here."

He timidly introduced himself, " I'm Todd, I'm also new."

"Well I guess we have something in common then!" laughed Rose.

Todd responded with a genuine smile, he figured he liked this girl, he saw some of himself in her (which was rare). Maybe it was her smile or eyes he couldn't quite place it though. Todd was the second Anderson boy to pass through Welton, his brother was known for his high intelligence and successful career. Todd was now forced to follow in his footsteps. He was just as unhappy here as everyone else. Just then a red-head kidwith freckles came by.

" Study group tonight?" he asked.

Neil responded, "Yeah, sure." He didn't seem to be too thrilled.

" Business as usual, huh." smirked the redhead. "Hey I heard you go the new kid, looks like a stiff!"

Rose looked at Todd, he looked unhurt but, she could tell it bothered him. Then the freckly kid noticed her.

"Damn! You got the girl already! You work fast!" he exclaimed. Rose shifted her weight uncomfortably. And then just as quick as he arrived he was gone. Neil sighed and apologized to both Rose and Todd. He explained that his name was Cameron and joked that he was born with his foot in his mounth. Rose did not like this Cameron he seemed rude and annoying. Another group of boys began approaching the dorm.

"Rumor has it, you've done summer school" stated the first of three boys.

"Yep, Chemistry my father thought I should get ahead" responded Neil as he walked over to greet them. Rose figured that these were Neil's friends.

Neil then asked "Hows your summer, slick?"

He replied with a simple, "keen."

They all laughed and entered the room. Rose was sitting next to Todd on his bed, she was slightly nervous to meet these boys. They seemed more out going and loud than Neil and Todd.

"Meeks, door closed" ordered the first boy.

Just then did they notice the young blonde in the room.

"Hello, I don't believe we've met, I'm Charlie!" he said seductively, while raising his eyebrows up and down. He held out his had but, Rose did not take it. She found him immature and arrogant, but then again so was every teenage boy ever.

She decided to make and obviously fake smile, and say hello. Neil shook his head in amusement.

"Guys, this is Rose and Todd, Rose, this is Charlie, Knox, and Meeks" introduced Neil. Rose shyly waved to everyone. Todd look up and nodded.

Meeks smiled and said, " Welcome to Hell-ton!"

"it's every bit as tough as they say!" added Charlie, "Unless your a genius like Meeks here."

Meeks looked at Rose and said, " He flatters me because I help him with latin...and English...and trig!"

Suddenly, there was a harsh knock at the door. In walked an middle aged man with a receding hair line.

" Dad, I thought you left" Neil said in shock. Rose took notice to how he tensed up in the presence of his father, he look rather uncomfortable or in pain.

" Neil, I've just spoken to Mr. Nolan I think you are taking too many extra curricular activities, so I've decided that you should drop the school annual." spat the man.

" But, I'm the assistant editor this year! I can't it wouldn't be fair!" defended Neil.

"Come with me" the mad whispered harshly. He then noticed the girl.

"And what's this!" he yelled grabbing Rose roughly.

" Father, please leave her out of this matter. She has done nothing and is my friend!" pleaded Neil. His father angrily threw her on the ground. Neil wanted to run to her and make sure she was alright, but before he could do so he was pulled out the door by his dad.

" Never dispute me in public ever again! Now you know how much this means to me and your mother!" boomed his father.

"You hurt her!" exclaimed Neil.

" Oh please! She will be fine, do yourself a favor and stay away from that little whore!" demanded his father.

Neil wanted nothing more than for his father to leave, so he agreed responding with just a simple "yes, sir." His father nodded and walked away.

When Neil walked back into the room he Rose was laying down on Todd's bed. The boys were gathered at the side of the bed asking how she felt or if she needed anything.

"I'm so sorry, you don't deserve that. I just met you less than 10 minutes ago and now your hurt!"cried Neil.

" It's okay, I'll be alright just a little banged up that's all! Plus the real thing that's killing me is this corset I'm required to wear, I can hardly breathe!" laughed Rose. She didn't want Neil feeling bad, it wasn't his fault his father was a monster.

"Okay, but if you need anything, I'm here for you. In fact, would you want us to walk you around the campus, so no more of these accident's happen?" said Neil.

" Yeah, we're here for you" chimed in everyone.

Rose smiled, " I'd love that! It's nice to know that I have some friends in a sea filled of judgmental or in my case aggressive people!"

Rose may have had a bruise or two and could not breathe, but for the first time in a long time she felt truly happy!