Lori Fitzgerald is tucked up under her blanket examining a colorful card. Her arm remains slung within a cast. Her roommate, Hannah Frost, enters and climbs up into her bed. She looks at Lori examining the card and just shakes her head.
"I still can't believe you agreed to that."
Lori shrugs a small smile on her face. "He bought me flowers and everything. It was super adorable and just a touch flattering."
"But you're not thinking of it the way he's thinking of it," Hannah argues.
"I'm sure he understands I didn't mean a date-date."
Hannah just gives her a look. "You agreed to go out for dinner on Valentine's Day. That sends a certain signal Lori."
"It'll be fine. You're just upset you don't have a date."
This seems to upset Hannah a certain degree. "Yeah, I hear Tyler's planning on proposing. It's not like I wanted that… a boyfriend committing to me."
Now Lori rolls her eyes. "Cool your jets. You've got time. You're not even nineteen yet."
"That's easy for you to say," Hannah pouts. "You've got a guy who's willing to marry you on the spot."
"Yeah… sure." She sets the card down next to a plastic bottle with a few carnation flowers and clicks off the light. The card is from Charlie.
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 6: Deal With Me, O Prince
XXX
The next morning Hannah is sitting in her Elementary Science class by her lonesome. She looks around before class and can't help but notice all the couples paired up around her acting cute and in love. She quickly grows frustrated by the sight and buries her head within her workbook.
"Excuse me! If I could get everyone's attention for just a moment!" She looks up to see Tyler at the front of the room with Victoria. "You see, it was in this very class five months ago exactly I asked Victoria on our first date. We may have had some ups and downs, but I know deep down that there is no other girl for me but her." Hannah starts to sink back into her chair, looking down and trying to ignore the scene. "So even though tomorrow would be more romantic on Valentine's Day, I decided to be ahead of the curve." He drops to one knee and pulls out a ring. "Victoria-"
Victoria doesn't hesitate. "YES!" She tackles him in a kiss as the room, quite uninterested, politely applauds. Hannah can't help but smile sadly as Victoria holds the ring up to the light. She looks at her own empty finger.
"And to think that could've been mine," she whispers.
XXX
Hannah exits the last class of the day by herself, clearly fed up with all the couples as she starts walking back towards the dorm. It is already dark and it almost seems to reflect her mood. As she is in front of the library, she crashes into someone and her books fall into the ground. She gives a frustrated sigh and bends down to pick them up. She fails to notice the person she crashed into helping her, dressed in very out of place princely clothes.
"Thanks," she says hastily, never looking at him as she continues on her way.
"Of course," he says to her. He watches her a moment before wandering off in the opposite direction, looking at everything in curiosity. He is obviously very confused and lost.
XXX
Hannah enters the dorm to find Lori along with Charlie Prescott and Michael Harms. Michael is helping her into her jacket, the book at her feet on the floor. This seems to brighten her mood a bit.
"We have a live one?" she asks, depositing her books by her desk.
Lori gives a nod as Michael zips her up. "It appears that way. Get yourself bundled up." Hannah heads into the closet and quickly puts on a heavier jacket. "Can someone carry the book?"
Michael scoops it up. "I've got it L-Dog." She doesn't react, and Charlie scrunches up his face in distaste. Michael pats him on the back. "I didn't much like that one either. It sounded forced even to me."
"You know, with all the cute nicknames and such maybe YOU should have asked Lori out for Valentine's Day?" Hannah offers sweetly, batting her eyelashes. Both Lori and Michael look horrified at the thought. "What?"
Lori turns to Michael. "I really don't know, but for some reason that just sound gross. You?"
He nods. "Absolutely." They groups heads out the door and down the hallway. Charlie falls into step next to Hannah and notices her glum attitude under her excitement.
"What's the matter Hannah? You look upset."
"I need a boyfriend," she admits.
"I would love too, but I'm officially spoken for," Charlie says with a smile at Lori. She just shakes her head and looks at Hannah.
"I take it you saw the proposal today? It was all over Facebook."
Hannah nods. "They did at the front of the classroom before class. It was impossible to miss. She looked so happy and glowy. And there were couples everywhere."
"I give it less than a year," Lori concludes.
"Don't think they'll make it down the aisle at all?" Michael guesses.
"Oh no, I believe that. But then it will come to a screeching halt of cheating, scandal, and divorce. Especially knowing how much of an ass Tyler is." They arrive in front of the library. "Alright, Charlie and I will head over to the gym. You two-"Hannah moans in frustration. Lori gives her a sharp look. "You two take the cafeteria and library. We will meet at the usual spot."
"Can I please get Charlie today?" Hannah almost begs.
"No," Lori says in a final tone. The two of them head off, leaving Hannah and Michael, who turns to her with a large smile.
"Should we-"
"Let's get this over with." She storms off into the library.
"Alright, still wants you to walk off the face of the earth. At least she's consistent." He follows after her.
XXX
Lori and Charlie are walking away from the gym towards the preserve. She drops her flashlight and he quickly helps her. She notices that he looks worried.
"What's on your mind?" she asks kindly.
"I'm just hoping this one doesn't try to kill us. Especially you. I don't want you to get hurt again. So I'm hoping this one is easy."
She gives him a smile and ruffles his hair. "You read my mind, buddy." There is suddenly a loud shout from inside the preserve.
"What was that?!" Charlie asks. Lori immediately takes off towards it at a run. He follows after her shouting, "Lori! I thought we agreed to stop just recklessly running into danger!" They see headlights in the distance and run up to see two forest rangers in a Jeep. They are talking to a man backed up against a tree, Prince Phillip.
"Sir, it's alright," one ranger says soothingly. "Just calm down."
"That's our guy," Lori announces and then runs up to the situation. "There you are Phillip!" she exclaims, grabbing his arm. He turns confused at his name. "Sorry, he must have gotten lost," she explains to the rangers.
The second ranger stares at her. "He tried to assault our Jeep- was shouting something about curses and witchcraft."
"He's… Amish," Charlie hastily explains as Lori starts to drag the still very confused Phillip away.
"Thank you!" she shouts to them before dragging him out of the preserve and releasing her hold.
"What's going on?!" he asks. "Who are you?! What was that?!"
Lori puts her hands out and speaks slowly and calmly. "Listen, we're here to help you. We're the reason you're here. I'll explain everything. Text the others," she says behind her to Charlie. He nods and pulls out his phone. "Everything is fine and we will get you home as soon as we can. I'm Lori and he's Charlie."
"I'm Prince Phillip," he responds, calming slightly.
"Ah, the first prince with some semblance of a personality," Charlie says. "Not much mind you. But he did have some." Lori laughs as Hannah and Michael approach.
"Prince Phillip!" Hannah shouts ecstatic. She tackles him in a hug. "Oh, you're even cuter in person!" Michael hands Lori the book and she flips to see no poem is glowing.
"I'll take him for tonight," Michael offers. "I'll get him some normal clothes and bring him to breakfast tomorrow morning."
"I'd appreciate that," Lori agrees. "Now let's head back and get some sleep."
"Yeah," Charlie agrees. "Some of us have a big date tomorrow." The group starts to head back, Hannah slipping her hand in Phillip's and leading him with a huge smile on her face.
XXX
Michael opens the door to his room and Prince Phillip follows behind him. "Now try to be quiet. My roommate is probably sleeping by now." He walks into the closet. "I'll get you some normal clothes so you won't… stand out as much."
"So she will send me back, this Lori?"
"Yeah, she keeps her promises."
"Honestly, I'm not sure if I want to go back," Phillip admits. "My father is forcing me to get married to this girl I've only met once."
Michael hands him a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. "Well, I'm sure it'll end up working itself out."
"That Hannah maiden is very pretty. Is she betrothed to anyone?" Michael blushes slightly.
"Not that I'm aware of. And I guess she's alright looking. She can be pretty mean and bossy though, especially if you get on her bad side. But enough about that, let's get to bed. I have a sleeping bag you can use." He pulls one down and hands it to Phillip, walking into his bedroom abruptly.
XXX
Hannah climbs into her bed, smiling and giggling to herself. "A prince! A real live Disney prince!" she shouts, hugging her pillow. Lori just rolls her eyes and turns out the light.
XXX
Lori gathers up items for breakfast, having a much easier time at balancing everything in one hand because of her broken arm. She heads to a table where Hannah has just sat. Michael is already there with a more contemporary looking Prince Phillip.
"Oh yeah, totally edible," Michael promises as Phillip hold up his fork questioningly. He reluctantly takes a bite before smiling. Lori takes her seat after Michael helps pull her chair out for her.
"Thanks," she says as he passes her an extra glass of orange juice he grabbed.
"This is actually pretty good," Phillip announces after a few more bites. "What is it exactly?"
Hannah smiles. "French toast sticks. Try it with some syrup," she offers, handing him some of hers. The two of them continue talking a giggling as Lori nudges Michael.
"How's he holding up?" she asks, taking a bite of her pancake.
"He almost destroyed my fridge for being witchcraft, but otherwise we're actually holding up pretty well. He is apparently on "his last trip of freedom" before he is forced to marry some "princess he only met once when he was a baby"," he explains.
"So he hasn't met her in the forest yet?"
"Nope." Phillip starts to choke. "Not all at once. Not all at once!" Michael warns, rising as Phillip manages to clear his throat. At that moment Charlie comes up to the group with his step-brother Ben Prescott trailing behind.
Ben nods towards Phillip. "I couldn't help but… notice… you new friend." Lori just gives a forced smile before turning to ignore him.
Charlie sits down next to Lori and begins to pull things out of his backpack. "Alright, Happy Valentine's Day everyone!" He hands Hannah a rose and a hand-drawn card. "This is for you."
Her face lights up as she takes it. "Oh, that was so unbelievably sweet of you. Thank you."
"And… "He hands Michael a card and a box of candy hearts, "this is for you."
"Thank you."
Ben puts his head in his hand and grimaces. "Charlie, guys don't get other guys things for Valentine's Day. It's weird." Charlie's face freezes as if he's done something wrong, but Michael smiles at him as he examines the card.
"I'm sorry. It's just it's my first Valentine's Day with fr-"
Michael pats him on the back. "Come on, Ben. It's fine, squirt. I love it. You even drew a stethoscope." This gets Charlie to smile again and he hands Lori a large box of chocolates.
"Charlie, you didn't have to-"
He shakes his head to cut her off. "And dinner is at 5:30 tonight. It's within walking distance, so dress nice but wear comfortable shoes."
"Absolutely. So what're we going to do with him?" she asks, gesturing to Phillip as he chugs the last of his milk.
"I've got it! I'll take of this and babysit!" Hannah shouts, throwing her arm up in the air.
"You sure?" Lori asks, a little concerned at her enthusiasm.
"Yeah, I've got no other plans. It'll be fine," she says with a smile.
Michael turns to her. "I could help-"
Her eyes narrow. "I said I've got this one. Back off." He immediately puts his hands up, surrendering. She turns and smiles at Phillip, who gives an equally dazzling smile back.
XXX
Hannah watches from her window as Lori and Charlie head down the path and towards the end of campus. She claps her hands and turns to Phillip, who is warily examining her laptop.
"Alright, let me get my coat on and then we'll leave!" She heads for the closet as he looks at her confused.
"Leaving? Lori said-"
"Lori isn't the boss of us. We are both going to go out and have some nice Valentine's Day fun, alright? I've got some ideas and looked into a few places. Oh, and you should put your old clothes on. They look much better on you and you'll fit in where we're going."
"But-"
She sticks her head out and looks at him. "Listen, Lori is like your father. Telling what you can and can't do. Let's not listen."
He reflects on this a moment before smiling. "Alright!" She smiles back and hands him his old clothes.
XXX
Charlie, who is in fancy pants and a sweater-vest, and Lori, who is wearing a nicer top but still in jeans and gym shoes, are seated at a very fancy restaurant. The tables have candles, the ceiling is painted, and a classical band plays music in the corner. Lori examines all this with a frown. "Charlie-"
"Order anything you want," he says suavely. "I've been saving up my allowance for this, so I can afford it." He helps a struggling Lori open her menu and her eyes widen comically at the prices.
"Seriously, this is too much," she says, looking at him.
"It's our first date… and probably our last date. I wanted it to be special," he says sadly.
She smiles sweetly at him. "It doesn't have to be expensive to be special, buddy. Come on. Follow me." He follows her towards the door.
"Where are we going?"
"To have an equally great time at somewhere a lot cheaper," she announces.
XXX
Hannah purchases two tickets and leads Phillip into a large dance hall where a waltz is being playing. She sighs romantically as he bows and leads her out onto the floor. The two begin to dance grandly around the floor and it is quite obvious that she is falling pretty hard for him.
XXX
Michael knocks on the girl's dorm door. No one answers. "Hannah, I just wanted to see if you needed any help," he shouts. Nothing. "Hannah, I know it's me but is everything okay?" No answer. He puts his hands in his pockets awkwardly. "Weird." He walks off and out of the dorm building to see Ben heading down the path.
"Ben!" Ben turns and he runs to catch up with him. "Where are you headed?"
"I was going to grab dinner at the café," Ben says politely.
"Aren't they having a sale today?"
"Yeah, two meals for the price of one. Why, are you offering to be my date?" Ben smirks. Michael laughs.
"I haven't had dinner yet, so if you're offering…"
Ben nods. "Come on." The two continue walking. "So why are you dateless today? You seem like the type of guy who would have the girls swarming around you."
Michael laughs. "You're joking right? I don't have the time or the patience." Ben nods and he takes a moment before hastily adding, "And I'm not interested in Lori so you don't have to worry."
Ben noticeably takes a beat to recover before responding, "Why would I care about that?"
Michael gives him a knowing look. "Contrary to what she believes, you don't hate her. You two clearly have something going on. There's just sparks whenever you two start to go at it."
"It's called hatred," Ben attempts to clear up. "She's a meddling, cold, temperamental girl who chases Disney characters."
"But you wouldn't have her any other way, would you?" Ben doesn't answer which makes Michael grin in triumph. "You should ask her out before your step-brother ends up marrying her. He knows how to win a girl over and has that whole adorable thing going for him."
"If I wanted to, I would. But I don't," Ben says hastily and emotionless. They arrive at the café and enter, getting in line. "Now let's drop it."
"I got you," Michael says with a laugh. "Don't want to talk about other girls while we're on our date. Fine by me." This manages to get Ben to smile as well.
XXX
Charlie and Lori are sitting in a booth at McDonald's enjoying cheeseburgers and fries with a smile. He occasionally glances over at a huge cardboard cutout of Ronald McDonald warily.
"You should have let me pay," Charlie protests as she takes a sip of her hot chocolate.
"This is the twenty-first century. I can handle it," she tells him. "So you're afraid of clowns, you say?"
"They absolutely terrify me. I know a lot of people don't get it-"
"Who am I to judge? I'm scared of the flying monkey from the Wizard of Oz." This causes Charlie to crack up as she joins in. "See, now isn't this just as fun?" He nods as he wipes tears from his eyes. "I know this is the best date I've been on."
"Have you ever been on a date before?" She pauses, and he instantly back peddles. "Of course, we don't have to talk about personal stuff. I'm sorry-"
"No. No. It's alright. Yes, I have been on a few. I had a boyfriend back when I lived in the states," she offers, both of them finishing their meals.
"And then you moved?" he deduces. She nods.
"You are very perceptive. Long-distance relationships don't really work out."
"Did you really like him?"
She takes a second to think about that, giving a sad smile. "I did. I really did. Jeremy Stevens. I haven't even heard from him since we broke up. Apparently, he didn't go to college but wanted to see the world or something. But that was high school."
"I don't know why he wouldn't make it work. You're too good to let get away."
"Charlie-"
"No, you need to hear this. You're really awesome and smart and when you want to you can be really nice. But I knew all that when I walked into the first day of class."
She smiles at him, obviously flattered. "You are way too nice."
"I have a stuffed alligator in my room that proves it. I made a good choice when I sat next to you, even after everything." She takes this in before rising.
"Ice cream sundae?" He nods enthusiastically.
"This is the best Valentine's Day ever!"
XXX
Ben and Michael are walking back from the café. "Well, that was an interesting Valentine's Day," Ben finally offers after walking a while in silence.
"Hey, you saved money on a meal," Michael defends. Ben nods.
"At least you're less complicated than any girl would be."
"Tell me about it!"
"I don't know who's worse sometimes," Ben begins, "Lori or Hannah? Oh, wait it's definitely Lori. It's not even a contest."
Michael looks at him like he's crazy. "I'm going to have to disagree. Lori is civil and nice. Hannah makes me want to pull my hair out with her attitude."
"And that's why you like her, right?" Ben says with a smile. Michael halts, shaking his head.
"Uh… no. She's just pretty and smells nice. I can appreciate the little things! That doesn't mean I like her." They keep walking before Ben shakes his head.
"Girls. They just don't get it."
"Yeah," Michael agrees.
XXX
Hannah and Phillip are walking along through the preserve, admiring the stars. Her arm is linked through his and she cradles a rose to her chest. "Tonight has been… perfect," she whispers dreamily. "Just the Valentine's Day I always pictured."
"I've had a pretty great time," Phillip agrees. They walk for a moment before he turns to her seriously. "You should come back with me."
This pulls Hannah completely out of her daydream and she pulls away. "Huh?"
He takes her hands gently. "I don't care what my father says. I don't want to marry some girl I only saw once when I was a child. I want someone I love." She slides to her knees in shock and he joins her on the forest floor, cradling her face. "I don't care if I have to give up the crown or-"
She pulls him in and kisses him passionately for a long time before pulling away, tears in her eyes. "What's-"He doesn't finish because she knocks him in the back of the head with a rock she has grabbed from the ground. He slumps into the snow.
"I'm sorry," she whispers before breaking out into choking sobs, cradling the rose to her and gripping the rock tightly in her other hand. "I'm sorry."
XXX
Lori enters the dorm room to find it empty. She looks to see she has a missed call from Michael. She dials him back. "Hey. No, I just got here." Her brow furrows. "Yeah, she isn't here. I'll try calling her. Yes, I'll let you know." She hangs up the phone and dials again, clearly worried.
"Hey, where are you?" she asks. "What do you mean you messed up? You didn't?! Where are you? Yes, I'm bringing the book. Just… hold on." She grabs the book and exits quickly, hanging up her phone.
XXX
Lori comes running up to the pair in the preserve to find Hannah sobbing next to an unconscious Phillip in the snow. She takes the scene in and notices the rock. She kneels down next to her roommate and pulls it out of her hands, dropping it on the ground. Hannah looks at her and she sighs. "Oh, Hannah."
Hannah just tackles her in a hug, sobbing. Lori is clearly uncomfortable, but doesn't stop her."I know," she hiccups between tears. "I just wanted one special Valentine's Day. I didn't think- it was going so perfectly. But then he said things and I remembered it's not real. He's- he's not mine. He's supposed to love Aurora. And what if I messed that all up by doing this? He's not mine," she hiccups again.
"It's alright," Lori says comfortingly. "I'll send him back. He'll probably think it's all a dream. It's going to be fine." Hannah pulls away and looks at her, her eyes red and puffy.
"Why won't anyone love me? I deserve better than Tyler, but where is he? I deserve someone like him. I get that now. But I can't force love on someone who isn't mine. I need to find him. But how long until I find him?" she asks desperately.
"You're going to find your prince," Lori says confidently, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I just know it. You just need to wait for a real guy who's worth it. Now, let me send him back. I think you got the lesson." Hannah wipes her eyes and nods.
Lori opens the book and finds the glowing poem. "Skumps! A toast to this night The outlook is rosy and our future is bright"There is the usual blast of light and he vanishes, leaving only an indent in the snow. Lori stands up. "Now, let's go makes hot chocolate and watch some Doctor Who, just the two of us." Hannah rises and then realizes something.
"Why didn't you call the others?"
"I figured I'd be enough here. Come on." They start walking out.
"Wait!" Hannah says suddenly. She runs back and lays her rose down in the indent, fighting tears once again.
Lori watches her with a sad look. "I didn't want anyone to get hurt on this one." After a moment, Hannah rejoins her and the two continue walking out of the preserve.
"How was your date?" she asks, trying to strike up a normal conversation as she wipes her eyes.
Lori smiles. "It was actually pretty great. He's a pretty amazing kid, and the fact that he likes me is pretty astounding. Oh, I got you those chocolate chip cookies that you love from McDonald's."
"Thank you."
"It was nothing." They walk for a moment before she bumps Hannah's shoulder. "Happy Valentine's Day Hannah."
Hannah returns the bump, a small smile appearing. "Happy Valentine's Day Lori." They exit and head down the road as a lone rose sits in the snow.
XXX
Tune in next week as Charlie faces some bullying from some of his meaner peers and the question is asked of whether his step-brother will step up in ways he hasn't before.