Lori Fitzgerald is biting her nails as she studies a Chemistry book frantically on her bed in her dorm room. She flips through pages, muttering to herself. Hannah Frost, her roommate, looks over from where she is messing around on her computer. Lori lets out a huge sigh and runs her hand through her hair.
"It's one lab practical," Hannah tries to assure her. "You're going to do just fine. Charlie and you literally have spent the last week prepping for it. That and you hardly ate your pancakes this morning."
Lori doesn't look up or any calmer at this. "You know how I get about big tests."
"Yes. But just calm down. It's no use getting yourself riled up over nothing." They sit for a minute when Lori gets up and heads for the closet to grab her coat. She grabs the book from off her bed.
"I'll be back. I'm going to check some last minute things in the library."
"Take your time," Hannah says as Lori exits. She walks down the hallway still reading her book. As she exits the dorm building something catches her attention in the text. She takes out her phone but pauses, frowning. Finally, she goes through her contacts and dials.
There is a click a moment later. "Lori?" Michael's voice asks, confused.
She gives a forced smile. "Hey, I'm really sorry to bother you, but I have a few questions on this whole practical and-"
"And it's past Charlie's bed time?" Michael jokes. "What can I do for you?" he asks after an awkward pause.
XXX
Hannah is thumbing through some articles on computer programs when the filing cabinet starts rattling. She reaches for her phone and starts texting as the glow emits.
XXX
Michael Harms is sitting in his dorm room, orderly and organized. A book lies open at his desk as he talks with Lori. "So you calculate-"A beep sounds. "What was that?" he asks.
"I got a text," Lori's voice comes through nonchalant. "Don't worry about it. I'll check it in a minute."
"Okay. So like I was saying you calculate the theoretical yield by finding the limiting reagent."
"Thank you so much! One more-"There is suddenly a loud growl from over the phone followed by Lori letting out a spine-tingling scream. Michael's eyes widen.
"Lori?!" he shouts frantically. There is huffing followed by more snarling and cry of pain. The line goes dead. Michael stands on his feet, frantic and panicked. "Lori?! Lori!" He grabs a flashlight from his drawer and hangs up the phone, obviously worried.
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
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, 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 5: Danger's No Stranger Here
XXX
Michael is running through the preserve, shining his flashlight every which way. Lori's phone is in his hand, slightly crushed. "Lori! Lori! Lori!" he shouts desperately.
He spots a glint of red in the snow. Kneeling, he sees bloody paw prints in the snow. Her Chemistry book lies next to it. "LORI!" he stands up and shouts at the top of his lungs.
"I'm up here," a tiny voice comes through. He shines the light up a tree to find Lori huddled on a high branch. Michael lets out a huge sigh of relief. She slowly starts down the tree.
"Lori, what happened?!" She reaches the ground, cradling her right arm to her chest and obviously in pain. He just looks at her, taking her in.
"I managed to get up there and threw the book to scare him away. I think I broke my arm when he tackled me though. He just keeps staring. "Michael?" Suddenly, he just hugs her tight. "Oww!"
He instantly pulls back. "Sorry. I just… I thought… I'm so glad you're okay. When I heard you screaming, I thought…"He shakes his head. "Never mind. Let's see it." She hands over her arm and he begins to examine and prod, making her wince. "Who was it?"
"It was the leopard, from Tarzan. He jumped at me right as I got to the library. I tried- I ran towards the preserve and he chased me. He's a lot faster than me. Then I decided to climb. He ran off into the preserve."
"You ran towards the preserve?! You ran away from help and people and buildings you could hide in?!" Michael yells at her. She narrows her eyes.
"I couldn't run anywhere else!" she defends. "I had to lead it away from people! No one should get hurt because of this!" He sighs and lets go of her arm.
"Well, it's broken pretty bad. You need to go to the hospital."
Lori nods, looking pained and tired. "I'll get Hannah to drive me."
"No. I am taking you right to my car," Michael says confident. He picks her book up off the ground and dust off the snow.
Lori shakes her head. "We have the practical tomorrow. You should go home and study. I'm fine."
"Lori, I'm taking you to the hospital," he says in a final tone.
"I'm trying to give you what you wanted," Lori argues. "I'm trying to keep you away from me."
"What I need right now is to get you fixed up so you're okay. Trust me; I'll be fine on the practical tomorrow. You're more important."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." He makes a sling out of his coat for her. "Come on. Let's get you out of this place," he says soothingly. Lori pauses as they start walking out of the preserve.
"I'm going to have to find him and face him again. I have to send him home."
"Not tonight you aren't," Michael says as he gently leads her forward.
XXX
Lori sits on a table in an ER exam room, looking tried and nervous at the pale blue walls. She tries to move her arm and winces. Michael sits in a chair to the side flipping through medical pamphlets. He looks up as she lets out a hiss of pain.
"How bad is it?" he asks, sympathetic.
"I kind of want to pass out from the pain," she admits, but with a brave face on. "And the realization is dawning that I'm going to just have to cope with this for about six weeks. Oh, why did I have to be allergic to pain medications?" she laments.
"Try to distract yourself," Michael offers.
"Yeah, but anytime I think of something else its how I'm going to tell my parents I broke my arm. I assure you it won't be a pleasant phone call." At that moment a doctor walks in examining a clipboard.
"Alright, Lori Fitzgerald, so we might have a broken arm, ay?" he says in a cheerful tone.
"Oh, it's definitely broken," Michael comments. "Comminuted fracture. I'm guessing about six or seven pieces."
The doctor regards him coldly. "And you are?"
Michael seems to realize his last comment was out loud. "Oh, sorry. Michael Harms. I'm studying to be a doctor."
The doctor frowns even more. "You realize only family is allowed back here. I'm going to have to ask you-"
"Oh… I'm her brother," Michael says quickly as he notes her reaction. "Well… step-brother, hence the different last names. We go to the same college and everything." The doctor looks at Lori who nods frantically.
The doctor takes a moment. "Alright then." He starts poking around harshly on her arm, causing her to let out a few cries of pain. "We're going to need an x-ray to be sure, but it does look like a comminuted fracture. Now for the pain-"
"I can't have anything," she quickly says.
"She's allergic. It should be on her chart," Michael adds. The doctor gives him another cold look.
"Someone will be down to take you to get an x-ray shortly." He walks out the door, muttering to himself about kids thinking they know everything.
Lori gives Michael a smirk. "Way to be a backseat doctor."
He shrugs. "I can't help it."
XXX
Hannah and Charlie are sitting in the dorm later that night, Hannah staring at her phone. They hear the door open and get up to see Lori enter with her arm now in a cast and sling. Michael follows behind her.
She's on the phone, looking annoyed. "Mom, I know. It was stupid. I shouldn't have climbed the tree. It was a stupid dare from my roommate. I admit it. But you don't have to come down here. I got a cast and I can handle the pain. Mom… Mom… Mom! I need to get some sleep. I'll call you back tonight. I love you too." She hangs up and groans.
"That wasn't too bad," Michael offers. She gives him a look.
"That was just the beginning. She's just getting started." She sees Hannah and Charlie. "So I'm guessing you want to know-"
"After Michael called from the ER, I pulled the security feed from the library. They won't see anything, but we got a pretty clear picture on what happened to you. It was Sabor from Tarzan." She pats her shoulder. "We're glad you're okay." Charlie nods emphatically.
"He's still out there though," Charlie comments.
"We will take care of that. Now though I need to get some sleep." She grabs some pajamas from her drawer and heads into the bathroom. Hannah turns to Michael after the door is closed.
"Why are you still here?" she asks coldly.
"I'm here because once again she managed to get hurt. She's my patient for the moment again. Plus, she's going to need a lot of help from the three of us these next couple of weeks, no matter how independent she tries to seem."
Hannah scoffs. "Lori? Need help?"
A groan sounds from the bathroom. "Uggh! I can't get my flipping shirt off!" Lori grumbles. Michael gives Hannah a smirk. She heads into the bathroom.
"Let me help you." Michael then notices Charlie is in his pajamas.
"Isn't it past your bedtime?"
He looks down. "I… I had a really bad nightmare. And Lori said that when I have nightmares I can come over here and sleep in her room. It makes me feel better." There is a loud banging and a cry from Hannah in the bathroom.
"Everything okay in there?" Charlie asks concerned as Michael chuckles to himself.
"Perfect!" they both shout in unison, emerging a moment later. Lori is now dressed in her pajamas and Hannah is dripping wet and carrying Lori's clothes. Michael starts full out laughing.
"Alright, so how are we going to deal with this?" Lori asks as she climbs into her bed.
"I'll pull up the cameras- keep an eye on the campus to make sure we don't have a repeat of the lion."
"We'll head out first thing tomorrow morning if you're up for it," Charlie agrees.
Lori yawns and settles in. "Why wouldn't I be? We need to take this guy down as soon as we can."
"Don't forget we still have that practical tomorrow," Michael adds. "I know this take priority, but you still need to pass Chemistry class. Now get some sleep."
"Again, why are you still here?" Hannah questions. He rolls his eyes.
"I'll check on you before class, alright?" She nods and closes her eyes. He heads out the door and down the hall.
XXX
The next morning Hannah is struggling to help Lori into a shirt. "I'm sorry you're stuck with all this," Lori says.
"Ah, it comes with being a Companion," Hannah shrugs with a smile. She continues to struggle. "I'm sure we'll become experts by the time the six weeks are over." A moment later she speaks up. "So… Michael…"
Lori gives her a look. "I called him for Chemistry help last night and he heard me get attacked. He ran out, found me, and kind of… hugged me. It was weird." Hannah looks at her. "We're all not huggy people okay!"
"No, we're just the kind who helps each other pull their pants down people," she comments.
Lori frowns. "I'm working on being able to do that one on my own, I swear. It's just as bad for me as it is for you." Hannah finishes up. "Anything last night?"
"Nope. You're lucky it's my free day so I was able to pull an all nighter."
"Alright, grab the book, text Charlie, and let's head out there."
XXX
Charlie is waiting at the preserve, back in his orange vest. Lori and Hannah approach- Hannah armed with a broom and Swifter along with Lori's backpack on her back.
Lori gives a smile and ruffles his hair. "It's nice to see that vest again. Let's head in." They start into the preserve.
XXX
Lori is trying to grab breakfast but is having major difficulties balancing her tray with one arm. She nearly drops it only for Ben Prescott to help her.
"Thanks," she says with a tried smile. "It's been a long day already."
"Should I ask the obvious question?" Ben fishes awkwardly as they head for the tables.
"You're on the right track. It was a character. And we do have it under control. Hannah has her eyes glued to the campus cameras to make sure he doesn't come out of the preserve. We searched this morning. We'll search again after class. Don't worry."
"Be careful." They arrive at a table and he sets the tray down. "You look pretty worse for wear," he admits to her.
"Ah, it's becoming the story of my life. I might need to find a new hobby," she says jokingly.
"I think we can both agree on that." He goes to leave, but pauses. "Charlie told me about how you've been helping him with the nightmares."
She rolls her eyes. "He's been over a few times. I know its breaking rules-"
Ben puts his hands up. "No. It's good. You're doing nothing wrong in my mind." He adjusts his tie.
"His mom died in a car accident with him and his dad when he was one. They were on the passenger side and she was hit square on. So ever since he was little he dreams he's in this car, often with someone he cares about. It helps to have the person he sees by him when he wakes up so he knows it's all in his head."
Lori looks confused. "But he can't possibly remember the accident. He was a baby."
Ben shrugs. "I can't explain it. I leave that to the shrinks he had to see. But you're helping him and I appreciate that. It just makes him adore you even more."
"You've discovered my secret plan." He smirks at her and leaves.
XXX
Michael stands outside the Chemistry lab as Lori comes walking up. "Any luck?" he asks. She shakes her head.
"None. Hannah's back on the monitors until I'm done with this. Charlie said it's easy though."
"That's Charlie though. Theoretical physics is easy for him," Michael jokes. Lori winces. "How you holding up?" he asks, nodding towards her arm.
"Fine," she admits with a fake smile. He gives her a look.
"Lori, you can be honest with me. How are you holding up?"
"I'm kind of at the point where I want to rip my arm off for some momentary relief," she admits after a moment. He starts gently examining her arm and her expression turns sad. "You don't have to do this, you know. You took me to the hospital. You can get back to your life. You don't have to be around me." He looks at her confused and she just heads into the classroom.
XXX
Michael exits the Science Building to find Charlie waiting. "She was flying through it. She should be out in a minute or two," he tells him and starts walking down the path to the dorms.
"She thinks you don't want to be around her," Charlie calls after him. Michael walks back over to him confused.
"What?"
Charlie looks him straight in the eye. "You see, it happens too often where people have different views or feelings and what needs to get said doesn't. I hate those situations. So I'm just telling you why she thinks you really left."
"Because I can't stand to be around her? Why would she ever think that?!"
"You have to see it. Lori obviously doesn't think very highly of herself. She might even be worse than Hannah in that regard. Especially after Ben called her selfish. So she thinks that's why you left, because that's why everybody leaves in her mind."
Michael shakes his head. "I left because I need to focus on being a doctor. My life was just getting too full and I couldn't handle it all! And I'm starting to think I don't want it- the time and responsibilities o being a Companion."
Charlie stares at him a moment. "You never met the original Lori Fitzgerald did you? I'm not talking about the girl taking that practical right now. I'm talking about the girl who walked onto campus the first day and hated me with every fiber of her being and was rude and selfish and cowardly and irresponsible."
"I can't say that I have," Michael answers honestly.
Charlie nods. "And that's because of that book. It has made her into a better person, granted not a perfect person, but a better person. She didn't chase Simba off campus to keep it away from people getting hurt. She ignored him. It's even helped Hannah and me. We're all better people."
Michael is losing a bit of patience. "What's the point Charlie? This has to be leading somewhere."
"The book doesn't give you what you want. It doesn't make things easy for you. But it gives you what you need. So maybe you should listen to it a little closer." Lori comes running out ecstatic.
"I think I performed admirably!" She puts an arm around Charlie's shoulder. "This calls for ice cream to celebrate! Oh, after the preserve of course. Let's go get Hannah."
Michael nods. "Let me grab some things and I'll meet you there."
"What?" Lori says, confused.
"Sabor got you last night because you were all alone. We've got to stick together. I am family after all as your official fake step-brother." Lori stares at him a moment before beaming.
"We'll see you there Doctor."
"Sure thing Trouble." There is no reaction as she takes off with Charlie. "One day. One day."
XXX
Lori is struggling with her key as Charlie leans against the doorframe thinking about something. "What's your favorite color?" he asks suddenly.
"Why do you want to know?" Lori asks, frustrated.
"I'm trying to make you a get well card. But not just any boring card- one that's special. And then I realized I don't really know anything trivial about you." He takes the key from her and opens the door.
"I should be the one making you a card," she admits as she walks in.
"Mine's yellow then. I'll be waiting for the card when you get your other arm back." She holds the door open.
"For the record, yellow is mine too." He smiles and heads into the room.
XXX
The group is walking through the preserve, flashlights out. Hannah has the broom and Michael the Swifter. Lori is balancing the book in her one free hand. Charlie is plastered to her side.
"What's the plan when we find him?" Charlie asks, fear evident.
"We stick together and work on something on the spot." They come across a rabbit that has clearly been made a meal. Charlie grabs her jacket. "Well, at least he's not too hungry," she offers.
As they keep walking, Lori struggles and drops the book. "Shoot!" Hannah and Michael are a few steps ahead as she struggles to pick it up. "Sorry. I'll get better." Charlie hands it to her.
Hannah looks around, nervous. "Take your time. I'm just-"
Sabor suddenly leaps out of the tree and tackles her to the ground. "LORI!" Hannah takes the broom to his head, knocking him off Lori. Michael pulls her up and away, Charlie following. She has a slash in her shoulder. Hannah hits him with the broom again for good measure.
"Come on!" Michael shouts. Lori starts flipping through pages as the group takes off together. They hear rustling from the trees up above following them. "He's going after you for some reason!"
"It probably has something to do with the book!" They duck under a tree. "Glad you came back yet?!" They come to a stop and all form a circle back to back, shining flashlights all around them as Lori reaches the end of the book. "We don't have a glowing poem yet!" Lori shouts, terrified. The rustling get closer and Charlie is physically shaking next to her.
"Somebody learn something!" Hannah shouts. After a moment of staring, Michael looks at Lori and smiles at her.
"I am glad I'm back. I genuinely like being around you guys." She smiles back. "This is why it's good I can read the poem." Lori's look turns to one of confusion and anger.
"What?! You said-"Rustling sounds from directly above her.
"Oh no!" Charlie shouts, getting behind her.
Michael nods at Lori, who is still looking at him. "I know. I lied. I was trying to get what I wanted. I wanted to make things easier. But it's not about what I want. It's about what I need."
"And what do you supposedly need?!" Sabor lands in a few feet front of Lori.
"To learn whatever that crazy book and its crazy owner have to offer me!" Lori beams at him and the book begins to glow in her hand.
"Let's catch a leopard," she says, confident. They pull back as he charges, all sticking together. "Raise your head up"
Sabor leaps but Michael and Hannah cross their tools to catch him and launch him back away from Lori. Charlie is still behind her. "Lift high the load"
Sabor knocks Michael onto his back, gnawing at the Swifter handle. Hannah knocks him off with the broom."Take strength from those who need you" she finishes triumphant.There is a flash of darkness as Sabor lets out one last growl.
Lori sinks to her knees in relief once he's vanished. "We did it," she sighs happily.
Hannah joins her. "Yeah. We did."
XXX
Lori tucks the book into the filing cabinet and smiles at the card she has displayed on her desk. It is yellow with ice cream and a TARDIS on the front with Get Well scrawled across it. Hannah enters and helps Lori into her jacket.
"Don't forget to lock it," Hannah comments.
Lori shrugs. "I'm sure it'll be fine. I trust everyone who lives or comes in here." Hannah beams to herself from behind Lori. "And I know you still don't like him. But you can't argue with him being on the team now."
Hannah takes a moment before answering. "I'll just silently judge. But remember if he flaked out on you once, he can flake out on you again when you really need him. I don't want your feelings to get hurt again."
Lori steps away and turns to face her as Hannah finishes. "I appreciate that. It looks like we're all pulling together. It's different. I kind of like it."
"Does that mean you want a hug?" Hannah jokes, opening her arms.
"Yeah, still not that kind of person yet." They both start laughing.
XXX
Tune in next week in the New Year on our usual day as Valentine's Day comes to Trinity campus. Lori has a date, Hannah feels lonely, Charlie goes overboard, and Ben and Michael have a classic "men just don't get girls" talk.