A/N: Okay, I'm messing with the timeline, I'm SORRY but it's my story and I get to choose the timeline 😁

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Even though light bouts of snow had began to settle on the grounds of Welton, Gwendolyn still felt the need to sit outside and immerse herself in nature's natural beauty. The trees had put on their crystal gowns and the lake had started to develop ice sheets, winter's feeble attempt to freeze it over. The winds had gone from crisp to chilled, leaving Gwendolyn's cheeks and lips chapped with cold. Gwendolyn had always despised her easily-chapped lips, but Todd never seemed to mind.

Often, Gwendolyn sat underneath her favourite maple tree, one she had picked earlier in the year. The one where she had thought about someone she'd lost and the one where she and Todd shared a blissful near-silence. Sometimes Gwendolyn would sit by herself, revelling in the quiet. Other times she would sit with Todd, the steady sound of his pen scratching against his notepad grounding her, along with the feathery, warm kisses he would give to her cheek or her forehead. Anywhere he could reach without it being heavily noticeable.

It was one of the days that Todd was with her. They had talked awhile about Gwendolyn's upcoming birthday which would be tomorrow.

December 15.

Gwendolyn used to enjoy her birthdays but lately they seemed lacking. It didn't feel the same without her. Todd didn't forget to leave out the tiny surprise party that the Dead Poets were cooking up. He had told Neil, who told the entire group. Everyone had loved the idea, except Cameron, who protested with numerous whines. Charlie had told him to "put a sock in it or you won't get any cake" and that seemed to shut him up, for the time being.

Todd then went back inside without her, remembering some unfinished bits of homework in urgent need of completion. He had left his coat with her, putting it around her shoulders. Gwendolyn had laid her own coat out on the ground, as to not get her skirt wet and Todd noticed her shivering at random intervals.

He had full trust she'd give it back and departed with a loving smile and another kiss on her lips, leaving Gwendolyn warm and deeply content.

It was three quarters past four, when Neil had rushed up to her and spoke in a louder than expected voice, "Hey, can I talk to you?" Gwendolyn's eyes snapped up from her book at the sound of distress in his voice. Something was amiss.

"What's wrong?" Gwendolyn closed her book and stood up, putting on Todd's coat and carrying hers. She tried to focus on Neil and not the intoxicating earthy scent of Todd's coat, a challenging feat.

"Can we walk? I feel like walking, especially today." He said, shoving his hands deep in his pockets.

"Sure," Gwendolyn nodded. She too felt the need to stretch her legs, "Around the lake?"

"Yeah." The pair began their trek round the lake.

"So what's eating you?" Gwendolyn asked and when Neil threw her a look she rolled her eyes, "Don't play dumb. Your face is all pinched up, and I would think the world was ending by the sound of your voice. Something is obviously not right."

"It's the play..." Neil said glumly.

"What about it? Are you nervous? Is that why you seem stressed?" Gwendolyn asked her array of questions while rolling up the lengthy sleeves of Todd's coat.

"No it's not that. It's my father." He said as tears pricked the edges of his eyes, "He...he found out about my part in the play and yesterday, he was sitting in my dorm when I came back from rehearsals. He was really angry and he told me to quit."

Gwendolyn's eyes widened a fraction, "But aren't you the main—"

"—Yes I'm the main part!" Neil exploded, throwing his arms in the air, "There's no way I can just walk up and quit! Not when opening night is tomorrow!" He looked to Gwendolyn helplessly, "What am I going to do Gwen?"

Gwendolyn bit on the inside of her cheek in worry. She had no idea what to say that would make Neil feel better. He was in a very tough situation, and tough situations weren't exactly her strong suit. Her mind raced as she thought of an answer, "I do agree that it's most likely too late to quit but what to do about your father..." she furrowed her brows, searching the deepest depths of brain for a solution, "Have you ever talked to him about your passion for acting? Really talked to him?"

"I have." He sounded weak, like an injured animal, "He just doesn't listen."

"Then you have to make him listen, Neil. That's the only way you'll get what you want." Neil's face drained of all colour at the idea of telling off his father. Gwendolyn added, "You know who's great with advice?" Neil eyes held a glimmer of hope, "My father. He'll tell you what to do about everything. I always go to him when I'm having a problem. You can probably see him this evening in fact, although you'll have to wait until half past seven, that's usually when we finish our chat."

Compared to moments ago, Neil actually seemed uplifted, "Yeah. I'll do that. Thanks Gwen." He smiled softly, the corners of his lips flipping upwards the tiniest bit, "Oh!" He exclaimed, surprising Gwendolyn. Reaching inside his pocket, he pulled out something, "I forgot to give this to you. I found it hanging off a tree about a week ago or so. The wind must've blown it around. Anyways, as far as I know, no one else at Welton owns ribbons so I guessed it was yours. Here." He dropped the ribbon in her cupped hands.

The ribbon was black and was made with a satin fabric, much like the white one that Gwendolyn's wrist held. It was crumpled, in need of some ironing and was beginning to fray at one edge. Gwendolyn released a trembling breath, a cloud of mist puffing from her open mouth. She knew this ribbon too well.

"Oh..." she turned the ribbon in her hands, terrified to accidentally let go of it.

"Is it yours?" Neil asked, confused as to why she was acting like that. It was just a piece of ribbon right?

"Where—?" She could barely muster the words.

"It was in a tree, like I said before...are you alright?" Neil dipped his head down, as Gwendolyn turned away, hiding the tears that were running down her face and freezing to her cheeks.

"Yes." She laughed, wiping at her eyes, "Yes, I'm fine. It's just...I'd thought I'd never see these again...I thought it was lost forever..." she locked eyes with Neil, his brows furrowed in concern. With a jolt, Gwendolyn threw her arm around his shoulders. Neil squeaked quietly, before coming to his senses and receiving her unexpected hug.

"Thank you! Thank you!" She said into his coat, her words muffled, but Neil could hear them.

"Uh...you're welcome." Neil rubbed her back and let out a breathy laugh. He was still heavily confused as to why she was crying over a ribbon.

Gwendolyn knew that Neil wouldn't understand. It would take to long to explain. He couldn't have known how much seeing that ribbon meant to her.

He couldn't.

***

"Father look." Gwendolyn held out the rumpled ribbon to her father, whose eyes widened. He set down his cup of tea on the little desk in his personal living space and took the ribbon out of Gwendolyn's hands.

"But—didn't you say that it had disappeared?" Mr. Keating asked, looking at the black ribbon and holding it close.

"Neil Perry found it hanging on a tree! Can you believe our luck father? I was sure it was lost forever!" She exclaimed taking a sip of her own tea and glancing outside at the blackened world. She could only see the shadows of the trees dancing in the slight wind. Gwendolyn tapped her fingernails on her cup, making a tinkling sound as she watched her father inspecting the ribbon underneath the light of his lamp.

A quiet laugh bubbled out of Mr. Keating's chest, it's tone sounding sad despite it being a laugh, "Night and day, sweets and sours, black and white, Gwendolyn and—" The name evaporated from his throat, leaving only silence. He gave the ribbon back to his daughter, "It's your birthday tomorrow. Anything you would like?"

Gwendolyn could only think of one thing she would love to have back, but that certainly wasn't possible. She shook her head, "Not particularly. Although I'm sure mother will send a gift regardless of what I say." She let out a short exhale, "You don't have to get me anything. Tomorrow, I plan to act as if it was a regular day. Birthdays aren't the same anymore."

Mr. Keating nodded in understanding. Inwardly, he smirked. He knew very well, what the plans for tomorrow would contain.

***

"Alright!" Charlie slammed his hands on the table, scaring Cameron half to death, "Ribbon's surprise birthday party. We know what we've planned, now have we put it all together. Meeks, decorations?" He pointed to Meeks who held up a packaged box filled with birthday decorations, "Nice. Knox, you bring your record player?"

Knox lifted his record player, "You bet."

"Great. I got some records from home we can play for music. Pitts, I hope you have a uneaten cake for us?"

Pitts gently put a pastry box on the table, "I haven't taken a sliver."

"What flavour is it?" Neil asked licking his lips.

"Chocolate of course. Got it from the bakery not far from here." Pitts answered proudly.

"Cameron." Charlie came close to his face, smiling a sweet false smile, "Did we bring drinks?" He batted his eyelashes.

"I brought water." Cameron mumbled gesturing to the shopping bag beneath his feet.

Charlie slapped his palm to his forwards, falling back into his chair, "Water." He whispered to himself, "Water?! Are you shitting me Cameron. We're bringing water? To a birthday party?! What the hell is wrong with you?!" He pinched his nose bridge, heavily annoyed.

"Well, that's all I have!" Cameron said angrily.

"Don't worry guys. I brought soda." Neil piped up pointing to the small case of bottles in his lap.

"Oh Neil, thank God for you, you beautiful soul." Charlie was now smiling, quite widely, "Okay, here's the plan," he grew suddenly serious, "Captain has let us use his classroom as a location for the party, we are gonna go down there at 9:30, decorate and do all the necessary stuff. We can take our time since tomorrow's Saturday so no classes. Todd, since you spend the most time with her, you're gonna stay with Ribbon so she won't come looking for any of us, then, he's gonna lead Ribbon to the classroom and boom surprise!" He waved wildly, "And then we are gonna have the party and clean up so Captain doesn't have our heads. Sound good?"

Everyone agreed.

"Okay, now, presents, what did we get her. Neil you first." Charlie pointed.

"Alright. I got Gwen a brand new book of poetry. Her other one is looking a little bit worn." Neil said, looking proud of himself.

Meeks went next, "I got her a pen with her name engraved on it with a little drawing of a radio as well. It's a very practical pen but it's eye-catching as well. Expensive too...but she doesn't have to know that. " he flushed.

"I got her some earrings!" Pitts stated enthusiastically, "I thought she would like them."

Knox smiled, "I got her flowers. Some pretty buttercups."

Charlie snorted, "Flowers? She's not your girlfriend Knoxious."

"I know!" Knox argued, "I just thought she'd appreciate them." He mumbled, crossing his arms in front of him.

Charlie puffed out his chest, "Well, I got her a pack of hair ribbons in all different colours and materials to add to her collection. Cameron what about you?" He looked to Cameron who straightened in his chair.

"I got her a notepad. She can fill it with whatever nonsense she wants." He grumbled. Charlie looked as if he was about to wipe the floor with him.

"Why I outta—"

"Todd! What did you get Gwen?" Neil asked loudly, hoping to distract Charlie, "Something nice?" He waggled his eyebrows and leaned forward momentarily, "An engagement ring?" Todd choked on air.

"No. No engagement ring...uh it's a surprise." He said quietly.

"Engagement ring?! Did I hear engage—"Meeks slapped a quick hand over Charlie gaping mouth.

"Shh. Not so loud." Meeks hissed.

"Is there something you're not telling us Todd?!" Charlie whisper-screamed.

Todd's cheeks went red, "No! Neil-he was joking! I'm-I'm not—"

Neil finished for him, "No, Charlie, Todd is not giving Gwen an engagement ring." Charlie visibly deflated, "Anyways I gotta go guys, see you later!" Neil stood up and started to walk away.

"Where are you going? What are you doing?" Knox asked.

"Changing my fate." Neil responded, smiling.