An Extraordinary Life - an anderperry story

Chapter Five - April 1962

Johnny Angel
"'Cause I love him/And I pray that someday he'll love me/And together we'll see/How lovely Heaven will be"

It had been four months since Jeffrey's and Catherine's wedding. Todd, surprisingly, had a great time and was the happiest he had been since his summer in the Hamptons. Catherine's family was just as warm and friendly and he spent most of the night socializing with them or dancing with her grandmother.

Todd kept his promise of being their best man and only shed a few tears during their vows. As he stood there by his brother's side, he couldn't help but think of how their relationship had changed in just a few months. He couldn't help but think Catherine helped Jeffrey realize what was important to him. Todd would forever feel grateful to his new sister.

Jeffrey and Catherine honeymooned in California, a generous gift from the Andersons. When they returned, they made the drive from Washington D.C. to New York to see Todd and tell him all about it. At the end of that trip, Todd and Catherine had a moment alone while Jeffrey went to get the car. He asked her, "Why do you always make a big deal out of visiting me?"

Catherine turned, a little taken aback. "Because you're our brother!" She replied, placing her hand on his arm. "I never had any siblings before. I always told Jeffrey just how lucky he was to have one. And that he was the oldest and had someone to look out for. And when I finally met you... I knew you were the only brother I'd ever need."

Todd looked down at the ground. He felt his eyes start to well up and clearly Catherine noticed. She pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you," he whispered quietly.

As the semester went on, Todd would go through waves of feeling like himself again and times when he didn't want to get out of bed. He only had a few Valium pills left so he saved those for the hardest days. He and his roommate got along well and James would often invite Todd to go out with his friends. Once in a while he would go and have a good time, but there were times his anxiety would get the better of him and he'd leave not long after. At least he was doing better.

Living in New York caused Todd to feel this odd dichotomy of who he wanted to be and the old Todd he was holding on to. In New York, people were more accepting of homosexuality and he could go to gay clubs if he ever wanted to. When people asked why he was studying English and he said he wanted to be a writer, he was met with awe and excitement... not fake pride or disappointment. Yet, he couldn't help but not move past the emotional neglect from his parents or the pain of losing Neil. He was stuck in the past while trying to move forward.

Charlie started calling more regularly and his mentions of Neil ceased. Todd thought it odd at first, but then he stopped thinking about it all together. Charlie and Ginny were still going strong, which did and didn't surprise Todd. And from what it sounded like, she was Harvard bound as well.

April was coming to an end and Todd was starting to feel like stress of final exams creep in. He had a few more weeks to prepare but he wanted to do well. His first semester grades were all A's, which warranted a toast at one of his family's dinners over the Christmas break. It helped that he loved what he was studying. Even the days he felt his lowest, he never missed class. Reading works of great writers from all over the world always boosted his spirit.

Todd was finishing up an essay on "As I Lay Dying", a book he absolutely hated reading, when he heard the phone ring out in the hallway. There was one phone on each floor of their dormitory and whoever was closest usually answered.

There was a knock on the door. "Anderson," he heard a boy say, "it's for you."

Todd shut his book and went out into the hallway. He walked over to the phone and picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Todd!"

It was Nuwanda.

"How are you, Charlie?"

"Fantastic," he said cheerily. "How's everything with you?"

Todd leaned against the wall. "Great," he half-lied. "Everything's good."

"So," Charlie said, pausing. Todd figured he was about to ask him something. "Knox and I were wondering if we could come visit one weekend. Like maybe after exams are over? What do you think?"

"That sounds great, Charlie," Todd smiled. He had missed his friends. And a weekend with Charlie and Knox would be perfect.

But Charlie hadn't mentioned Neil. Should he ask? Todd was starting to think he might be okay if he saw Neil again. It had been almost a year since they last saw each other. Since they kissed. He figured the ship had sailed on trying to mend their romantic connection, even though he would be the one to kiss Neil first if given the chance. But Todd missed him as a friend more than anything. Neil understood him in a way the others didn't.

But Todd didn't ask about his old roommate. "I'm sure James will be fine if you stay with us. We've got a couch and a floor."

Todd could hear Charlie's grin as he spoke, "Excellent. So I was thinking the first weekend in June..."