Hannah Frost exits her dorm room bathroom after having just showered, wringing out the last of her blonde ponytail. She examines her blouse only to freeze as Charlie Prescott exits the bedroom, Louis under his arm. At the sight of him, she promptly shrieks and covers herself, only to realize she is of course fully dressed.

"Sorry!" he says quickly, hands up. "Sorry! I was trying to head back to my room!" She takes him in confused and still a little in shock.

"Charlie?! What are you doing here… in our room… in the morning…. In your pajamas?!"

Charlie looks at his feet, put off by how horrified she seems. "I- well- nightmare- Lori- I'll go!" He runs out the door as Lori Fitzgerald exits the bedroom yawning and her clothes for today under her arm. She notices Hannah cross her arms and glare.

"What?" she says. "He slept on the other side of the bed. I was adorable, not creepy. I promise."

This doesn't placate Hannah. "Do you have any idea how many rules we just broke?!"

"Do you have any idea how good it must feel for him to have gotten a few hours of sleep?" Lori counters. "How good I feel right now for doing right by him?" This causes Hannah to soften.

"Yeah, that was actually really selfless of you." She calms down. "Just… let me know if it happens again so I'm aware… don't strut around naked or something."

Lori raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, just so long as your promise to never do that for the rest of the time we're living together."

Hannah ponders this. "Deal. You up for breakfast? I could really go for some pancakes."

"I was actually just thinking the same thing! Let me get changed and we'll go before class." The two switch positions as Lori heads into the bathroom, smiles on both their faces.

XXX

Michael Harms is exiting the large lecture hall of his Anatomy class, books and carefully taken notes in his arms. "Michael, may I speak to you for a minute?" his professor calls out. Michael comes up to him by the desk as the last trickle out, leaving the two of them alone. "I just thought I'd ask you if everything was alright."

Michael's look turns to one of confusion. "Yes, absolutely. Why?

"This is your test from last week." He shows him a stapled packet with a C- marked up top, constant red marks on the first page. Michael's face completely falls. "Now, for the semester and month I've had you I admit, I've never seen you go below a B+. So it leads me to think something's going on," his professor concludes.

"I've just had a lot on my mind," Michael explains hastily. "What with basketball in full season in the training room, my mom, and other things-"

"Michael, I have never seen a student more determined to become a doctor. But at the end of sophomore year you'll have to sit for the interview of if you are capable of handling the upper level medical classes. This isn't good footing to have."

He nods, in complete agreement. "I know. I'll try to square everything away-"

The professor puts a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, take a week. You can take the test again. Breathe word of this to anybody and you can forget it," he adds pointedly.

Michael nods, ecstatic. "Thank you, Professor! Thank you! I won't let you down!"

"Ambition isn't enough Michael. You need commitment if you want to succeed." This seems to stick with him as he exits the hall, bumping into Lori and sending his books and notes everywhere.

"Hey, I was just trying to find you," she says as she helps him gather everything up. "The book went off right before Hannah and I left for breakfast."

Michael looks torn before looking up at her. "I have work tonight."

"Great! You can scope out the gym and meet us at the preserve afterwards," Lori says with a smile, rising.

"Do you think… maybe this one might be for me? I could really use one. And I'm starting to wonder-"

"I hope it is if you need it," Lori answers honestly. "What's the matter?"

"Class stuff."

She pats him on the back as she starts walking. "Ah, you've got this Doctor."

XXX

So follow me down

(Lori stands with the book)
Where to?
Outta this town

(Charlie examines his map)
With you
Girl, you're movin way

(Hannah is typing away at her computer)
Too slow

So follow me down

(Michael grabs the first aid kit from a cabinet)
Which way?
Down, down, down
I'll show you around
Okay
There's a place we gotta go

(The Disney Encyclopedia begins to glow. Lori sighs)

Follow me, follow me

(Lori, Hannah, Michael, and Charlie are running through the preserve, freezing once on each of their faces)
Fa la la la la

Follow me, follow me

Fa la la la la

(Lori comes to a halt and the others crash into her, sending them all to the ground)

Lori Disney? (Not Likely!)

Episode 4: I'm late! I'm late!

XXX

Lori, Charlie, and a very impatient Hannah are standing around waiting towards the entrance of the preserve. Lori begins to pace as Hannah leans back against a tree. "Can we just go?" Hannah asks, grumpy. "I'm sure he'll catch up or maybe get eaten by whoever's in there if we're lucky."

Lori gives her a quick look. "Come on. We had pancakes this morning. You should be in a better mood," she jokes lightly.

"I'm still upset I wasn't invited for this," Charlie adds.

Hannah smiles at him. "It was a roommate thing. You'll understand next year when you get one again." She looks at her phone. "He got off and hour ago. Just text him and we'll start looking."

"Alright. I wonder if something happened," she wonders, worried. "Let's head in." She pulls out her phone and flashlight from her backpack. The group heads in, Charlie consulting his map, and walks for a few minutes before Hannah whirls around suddenly.

"I heard something." They both turn around as well and the trio combs behind them with their flashlights. "I know I heard it," she defends when they find nothing.

Lori nods. "Okay, just stay close. Everyone be careful." They walk closer together and after a few moments Hannah whirls again with the other two this time.

"I heard it too," Charlie says, frightened.

"I know. It's following us," Lori concludes, fear evident in her as well.

Hannah looks at Lori, just as scared as the other two. "Do you think it could be a villain?" Lori takes a step ahead of the two towards the noise, passing the book behind her to Hannah.

"Just in case. Split it and me up if we're forced to run. Charlie, you go with Hannah and do whatever she tells you." They both nod. She pulls out Charlie's phone from his bag and starts texting. "I'm sending for help. I don't know if it'll do any good though." Charlie grabs her sleeve.

"Lori, I'm really scared. I don't want you to get hurt again."

She faces him and gives a comforting smile. "I'm going to be fine. I promise. But you are going to listen to every word I say. Understand?" He nods.

The footsteps begin to circle around them, leading them to turn in a slow circle around their position, Lori always consciously putting herself between whatever it is and her companions. Footsteps come thundering suddenly from the other side behind them and Lori immediately tackles the two to the ground. Those run past them to the other circling pair as Lori squeezes her eyes shut.

She opens her eyes a moment later to see a pair of feet. They all look up to see Ben holding a squirming White Rabbit. He is clearly not amused by these antics.

"This is the life-threatening emergency." He drops him to the ground, where the Rabbit adjusts his glasses and dusts his coat.

"Oh dear. Oh dear," he mutters as the three rise back to their feet. Ben is clearly furious and doesn't waste a moment once they're up.

"So, I get a text from Charlie's phone saying the three of you are in danger and I find a rabbit!" His rage makes the trio take a few steps back. "Here I think the three of you could have been shot or worse-"

Hannah musters the courage to butt in. "In our defense, we didn't know it was him. We thought-"

Ben ignores her, his attention completely on Lori. "I should have known. I should have expected this from you," he nearly spits.

Charlie steps beside her. "Now, wait a minute-"

Hannah joins him. "She didn't-"

"Of course you would make something up!" She holds her ground. "It seems to be the next logical step after sabotage." He starts away and she follows after him, knowing now it's her turn, now being very angry as well.

"Do you really think that little of me?! Do you think I'd-"

He whirls so he's facing her. "I know you would! Because you are a terrible, selfish person!" She immediately backs off a few steps, more upset now than angry. "I don't care anymore. You can virus me! You can throw a dozen kids at me! I'm done! I'm not having anything to do with this anymore and there is nothing you can do to bully me into it! Because that is what I see- a Grade A Bully! The camel's back is broken! The end!" He waits for her response as she just looks at the ground.

"Okay," is all she whispers in response.

Ben doesn't catch this and readies his next tirade. "So… wait what?" he asks in confusion.

"Okay," she repeats, stronger. "I didn't realize- I'm sorry if I pushed."

This seems to set him off more than any other answer she could have given. "You've got to be kidding me! That's apparently all it took. Well, I don't buy it and I'm not falling for any more of your tricks. Goodnight!" He storms away as Hannah comes up next to a still shattered Lori.

"Well, I'm glad you finally realized you were beating a dead horse."

"So that's why you followed us?!" Charlie exclaims. They both turn to see he is kneeling by the White Rabbit in a deep discussion that has been going on the past few minutes. They both head over as the Rabbit nods.

"Yes, you see I must get to the Queen right away. Her croquet tournament cannot begin without my announcement. And the animals here are very unhelpful," he concludes.

Charlie gives a smile and gestures to the other two. "Well, we were the people to find. We can send you home." The White Rabbit looks at them in awe, Charlie having completely sold him. Charlie looks at Lori and catches her up to speed. "He heard you mention wonder back at the entrance and thought you might know something about where he needs to get to."

Hannah sits beside him, sighing. "This is probably my least favorite Disney movie. It makes no sense and doesn't even try to have a coherent plot. And don't get me started on the Tim Burton version."

Lori is completely in agreement. "Oh, you mean Mad Hatter: The Motion Picture. At least that's how the posters made it seem. I never watched it."

"I'd hate to interrupt," the White Rabbit cuts in. "But about my getting home-"Lori opens the book to find nothing.

"It's going to take me a bit," she admits after reaching the end. "We can take you back-"

"Oh no. I'd much rather stay here. There might be a rabbit hole I'm missing. No offense, but I simply have not time to waste."

"None taken. There's a clearing down the path from here. We'll come there is we need to find you." The Rabbit looks at his watch. "We will get you back with plenty of time to spare," she promises.

The White Rabbit starts hopping back for the preserve. "Oh I hope so. I'm afraid to lose my head."

XXX

Michael is studying in the library, multiple Anatomy books open. Ben enters and spots him, heading over curious.

"Hey, what're you doing here?" he asks, causing Michael to look up. "They're all out in the preserve with the White Rabbit."

Michael's eyes widen. "Oh shoot!" He looks at his phone to see he has four messages from Lori. He leans forward, head in his hands. "It completely slipped my mind. I should-"

"Hey, you're fine," Ben comforts him. He looks up at him. "I'm sure they have it under control for the moment." He examines all the books. "You seem pretty busy."

"I'm trying to fix some mistakes," Michael admits. "My life's pretty busy."

"Especially now that you're a "companion"," Ben says understanding the hidden meaning.

"Yeah. I can honestly say that."

"Why do you still go then?" he asks, honestly curious.

"Because-"

"I mean if you seriously consider it Lori's a slave-driver who expects to have you at her whim, Hannah just doesn't want you there and isn't afraid to show it, and Charlie-"

"We get to interact with Disney characters!" Michael counters. However, the wonder isn't quite there like in his first few days. Ben picks up on this and asks the tough question.

"And how will that help you on your MCATs?" Michael falters and he puts his hands up. "I'm not trying to be the bad guy. I'm just saying. I'm just looking out for what you want."

Michael takes a moment before shaking his head. "No. You're right. You're completely right."

"Good luck," Ben says sincerely as he starts away for the stairs.

"Thanks."

XXX

Lori and Charlie are both sitting in Chemistry when a very tired Michael enters and takes his new usual seat of behind them. They turn to face him as he gets his stuff out. "Hey, what happen to you last night?" Charlie asks.

"Is everything okay?" Lori adds, taking him in.

"I… I got tied up. Sorry."

Lori takes a moment before nodding. "Okay." She pats her backpack at her feet. "Charlie and I are heading out there after this class if you want to join us."

He bites his lip and shakes his head. "Sorry, I have other plans." Lori looks at him, confused and desperately trying to read him, when the Professor comes in. The two turn back forward and start taking notes as he immediately begins to lecture.

"There's a chance he might be for you," she says quickly over her shoulder. This seems to catch his interest slightly, like it's his last hope.

"I guess a little bit won't hurt."

XXX

The trio walks into the empty clearing and Lori puts her hands to her mouth. "White Rabbit! White Rabbit!" He appears a few moments later, obviously frustrated.

"Oh, my fur and whiskers, it is simply impossible to get good directions around here."

"I'm working on finding you a way home," Lori tries to assure him.

"If anyone can do it, Alice can," Michael contributes.

"Alice," Charlie asks as Lori doesn't react. "That's a weird nickname, just giving someone a completely different name."

"Well… she fell down… never mind. Anyway, she's got you covered Mr. White Rabbit."

The White Rabbit waves his arm. "Oh please. Mr. White Rabbit was my father." Charlie sits across from him, settling in.

"What's it like to live in Wonderland?" he asks, curious.

"Well, it's very different," he begins. "That's for sure. I found my way there when I was just a young bunny striking out on my own for the very first time. I was used to seriousness and never asking questions, simply how I was brought up. But then I foolishly hid in this rabbit hole one day and next thing I knew I was falling!"

"Down the rabbit hole!" Charlie adds, engrossed. The Rabbit nods, delighted at the attention of his audience.

"At first I was terrified and perplexed by where I ended up. But Wonderland has a way of making you embrace it." Michael seems to realize something at this statement and frowns. Lori notes this from next to him.

"Charlie, keep him busy for a moment," she says. Charlie nods. "Michael?" They pull off to the side at the edge of the clearing.

Michael looks at her sad. "He isn't for me. " Lori goes to say something. "Lori, we both know he's meant to lead Ben. Ben's the one who needs to fall down the rabbit hole- give in to the madness happening around him. I'm meant to do the opposite."

She looks defeated. "I know… wait, opposite-"she comments on the end part, perplexed.

"You know, you could talk to him," Michael encourages. "It might work better than sending a virus to his computer."

"And you could just shut up!" Lori shoots back harshly. She immediately realizes her mistake and her look turns to one of regret. "Sorry. I didn't-"

He shrugs. "It's fine. Listen, I'm going to head back." He starts away through the trees. She watches him for a moment.

"What's happening?" He looks back at her confused. "I just want to know," she adds, almost desperate.

"Nothing," he lies, both of them knowing it. "Everything's fine." He continues walking, and she seems to realize what's happening. After a moment she rejoins Charlie.

"Now I understand everything!" he exclaims to a nodding White Rabbit. "Wow, who knew Wonderland was actually so simple."

"What's that now?" Lori asks, intrigued.

"Oh, it'd take too long for him to explain again," Charlie jokes with a huge smile. He rises and she ruffles his hair, laughing as well.

"Alright, smart Alec, let's get going."

"Where's Michael?"

"He had to run ahead." She turns her attention to the White Rabbit. "I'm afraid I've made no farther progress on getting you home. I have an idea and will try to be as quick as possible. I promise." He nods in acceptance, obviously disappointed. She takes Charlie by the shoulder. "Let's go."

XXX

Lori is sitting at her lab station the next day working formulas diligently. Michael observes this from across the room and then notes her open backpack on the storage shelves by the door- the book clearly there. He walks up to turn in his lab and walks past it to the door, stopping. He seems to have an internal war before glancing to make sure Lori is still engrossed in her work.

He swiftly pulls the book from the bag and flips to the cover, looking carefully before coming to an obvious conclusion that makes his face fall. He puts it back and heads out.

"I thought so."

XXX

The next day, Friday afternoon, Lori is sitting in the lounge with all her companions flipping frantically through the book. Michael stands at the far end of the room while the other two kneel at the table. They are all obviously frustrated and brainstorming.

"So we need Ben to send him home," Hannah concludes.

Michael nods. "Ben has to give into the madness and fall down the rabbit-hole."

"Well, how are we going to do that?" Charlie asks Lori. She groans as they all turn their attention to her.

"I have no idea! He's not going to listen to any of us. I pushed too hard and now we're stuck," she concludes, lost. "We have a character that might never go home."

"Can't we explain the situation to him?" Hannah tries. Lori shakes her head immediately.

"We can't force falling down a rabbit-hole. He has to do that on his own. The question is what are we going to do if that moment never comes? We need to prepare for that moment honestly."

Hannah tries again. "There has to be a way. The book sees-"

Lori shakes her head again and her frustration pours out. "Let's face it, even though Merlin and your research helped us out, we still know next to nothing about this stupid book. We don't know the rules when it comes to these things." She puts her head in her hands, exhausted by this. "When I find out who gave this to me, I swear-"

Michael clears his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Listen, I'm going to head out. It doesn't look like we're really getting anywhere and I have things I need to get done." He exits, Lori staring sadly after him, almost debating whether to follow him.

"I could try talking to him again," Charlie offers, winning back her attention to the subject at hand.

"I could punch him really hard in the face," Hannah offers. "We might have reached that point and I would take one for the team and do it."

"No, we're going to have to let him get there," Lori says with a note of finality.

"But that's not going to happen," Charlie laments.

"Then we'll figure something else out!" Lori is clearly out of her element as the two continue to stare at her, waiting for her to think of something. "I don't know what to say. I don't. I honestly don't know what to do."

XXX

That Monday in Chemistry, class ends and Michael gathers up his stuff. He rises to see Lori standing in front of him waiting, having sent Charlie ahead. They both just stare for a moment.

"Can-"She begins at the same time he speaks.

"I have to-"She puts a hand on his arm and then immediately pulls it back in.

"Please. It'll only take a minute." He gives a nod. They are the last two in the room as she stands for a long moment trying to figure out what to say.

"I'm sorry about this weekend," he says awkwardly as she still stands there. "I just was busy… with things. And I know you're still having trouble figuring out how to send the White Rabbit home, but I don't know how I can help."

There is another long pause when she finally finds the words she's looking for. "So I guess you're handing in your resignation," she begins sadly. "I've noticed. Then again, you were making it obvious."

He nods. "I've been losing my focus. Becoming a doctor… it's all I wanted since I was five. I can't… I can't let anything… or anyone jeopardize that." He looks down ashamed, but she gives a sad smile.

"I understand," she says with a degree of comfort for him. He looks at her.

"It wasn't meant to be. I can't read the poem. I'm not meant to be a companion like Ben is." She shakes her head.

"I wouldn't have cared. You would always have been a true companion to me. I wish you nothing but the best though." She heads for the door. "I'll see you around Doctor."

"Yeah…"

XXX

The trio is sitting with the White Rabbit in the clearing. Charlie is playing with him, the two having clearly bonded over the weekend. Lori just sits against a tree upset and Hannah nudges her with her shoulder.

"Hey, maybe it's for the best. I told you I didn't like the guy." The White Rabbit looks at his watch and begins to panic.

"It's been a week. Oh me. Oh my. I'm so very late! I'll have to hurry double time!" Lori starts flipping through pages madly.

"What're you doing?" Charlie asks.

"I'm looking for an override or something. There has to be an answer for when the lesson is never going to be learned! There has to be something!"

XXX

Michael accepts his retaken test from a beaming Professor. It has an A+ at the top and he lets out a hollow smile. He exits the lecture hall staring at it, only to throw it in a trash can he passes down the hallway.

XXX

A much calmer and more peaceful Ben is waiting in line at the library when he notices a bin of VHS movies available for rent. He skims the titles and notices a copy of Alice in Wonderland. He keeps glancing at it several times before finally adding it to his pile with a nostalgic smile. "Always was my favorite."

XXX

Lori is still flipping madly when suddenly a poem starts to glow. She sighs in relief as if a weight has been lifted.

"What does it mean?" Charlie questions. "Did Ben-"

"I don't know and I don't care," she admits, beaming at the White Rabbit. "You're going home." She skims the poem only for her face to fall.

"What're you waiting for?" Hannah asks. She nods and starts to sing.

"I'm too late and when I waved,"she pauses, wavering. "I lost the one I should have saved" There is the typical flash of light and the White Rabbit is finally sent home. She closes the book and the three rise up to their feet. "I lost the one I should have saved," Lori whispers to herself.

"Lori, don't read too much-"

Lori frantically wipes a tear that threatens before it can escape. "You know what's the suckiest part of letting people in? When they realize how horrible you truly are and walk back out again. Let's go." They start through the preserve, Hannah and Charlie unsure of what to say.

"Maybe we could watch the Tim Burton version of Alice in Wonderland," Charlie offers finally.

"That sounds great!" Hannah concurs. "We can make fun of it the entire time!"

"So I guess its back to the three of us, huh?" Charlie notes.

Lori turns back and gives him a fake smile. "Yeah." She then adds under her breath, "At least until you two decide to leave too."

XXX

Tune in next week when a predator sends Lori to the hospital and requires more teamwork than ever before to make it through this one alive.

Thank you so much for your patience. Finals took up my time as they should, but now we're back on schedule! Also I am leaving for California next Saturday, so Episode 5 will be put up Friday so that I don't miss another week. Enjoy your holiday! Stay safe!