Ben Prescott sits at the desk of the school therapist, who is currently not present, tapping his fingers on the desk anxiously. He glances down at the note that requested he come here at three Wednesday afternoon. He waits for another moment, subconsciously adjusting his tie, when the door opens and he whirls around, only to be disappointed as his step-brother Charlie Prescott enters and takes the seat next to him.
Charlie turns to him. "Do you know-?"
"No idea," he shrugs coldly. They sit in silence for a crawling minute when the campus therapist enters, a tall dark-skinned man with a very relaxed attitude. He takes his seat and leans over the desk.
"Gentlemen," he begins in a deep, booming voice, "thank you for coming. I'm sure you'll be receiving a call from your parents soon enough, but it is campus policy that is these difficult circumstances we help you through this and provide support. Know you can come to me-"
"You're scaring him," Ben dismisses with a nod to Charlie, hiding he's also speaking for himself. "What is it? Just say it."
The therapist takes a minute before clearing his throat. "Alright. Your mother-"
"My mother," Ben cuts in again coldly.
"She went to the doctor and they have diagnosed her with leukemia." He lets this sink in for the two. Charlie sinks deeper into the chair hoping it will swallow him- tears appearing in his eyes. Ben doesn't even flinch- he looks frozen. The therapist slides them a pamphlet. "Specifically B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia," he continues. "Now, they think they may have caught it soon-"
Ben suddenly rises. "I'm sorry for being rude, but I'd rather hear all this from my parents." He heads for the door as Charlie stands as well. "Thank you."
They both exit and stand outside the door for a minute, glancing at one another as if wanting to say something. They eventually just settle for turning away and heading in opposite directions to go about the rest of their day.
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
(Ben looks at his phone and sighs, adjusting his tie)
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, Ben, 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 14: I've Always Wanted a Brother
XXX
The Companions are all sitting in the lounge after class. Hannah Frost is on the couch typing on her computer, the familiar book perched on her lap. Michael Harms is beside her drawing a diagram of the circulatory system. Ben and Charlie both have homework, but are instead staring off into space thinking about the news they received a few hours ago.
A panting Lori Fitzgerald runs into the room, hair windswept from her jog over to the dorms from class. She takes everyone in before noticing the book.
"It went off about three-thirty this afternoon. The Doctor and I already checked the usual spots out since we were finished with class."
Lori nods, still catching her breath. "Yeah, sorry about that. I would have gone with but I had to talk to my professor after class." She recalls something and sits next to Charlie on the floor, elbowing him. "Hey, how did meeting with the school therapist go? Did you find out what that was about?" She instantly senses his mood as he hugs his legs. "Oh no. What happened? "She asks, concerned. "Are they making you take those tests, because-"
"My mom has leukemia," Ben cuts in, holding his head in his hands. Everyone reacts accordingly with shock, sadness, and empathy.
Hannah speaks first after a long moment of processing. "Oh, I know we're all very sorry to hear that. That must have been quite a shock. I-I can't even imagine."
"I think we should head home this weekend," Ben says, almost to himself and not caring if anyone is listening. "Mom wouldn't want us to miss school, but I just need to talk to her. I talked to my dad about it earlier. Even if we don't find the character we still should-"
"Of course," Lori nods. "You should be with them. We'll manage just fine. More importantly, how are you two holding up?"
"I'm fine," Ben assures her.
Charlie shakes his head. "I'm not. I'm scared." Michael puts a hand on his shoulder. "Doctor, do you think you could look up some information? Maybe knowing the actual facts will help."
He nods. "Of course. I'll even do better than that. I'm going up with you guys this weekend."
"Harms, you don't have to-"
Michael turns to look at Ben, not wavering. "I'm going Prescott. I'm going to be there for you guys- help in any way I can. It's what friends do for one another."
Ben is touched by this but quickly buries his emotion. "You're a good person, Harms. Thank you." Charlie whispers to Lori and she nods.
"Sure we can go. Come on." They both rise. "I vote we postpone combing the preserve to tomorrow. I'm sure whoever it is will understand."
"I'll keep an eye on the monitors," Hannah agrees. "We should be good."
Lori nudges Charlie. "Come on. Let's go." They enter her room and take their seats up on her desk, him curling up into a little ball. They stare out for a moment before she comments. "Boy, it's pretty windy here today."
"Yeah, but it's not that bad. The sunset's still amazing," he adds with a smile. The two continue to sit in silence, failing to notice the other three peeking through the door at them.
"Now she has him doing it too," Hannah sighs.
"What is it?" Michael questions.
She gives him a shrug. "I have no idea. She just does it when she's particularly upset."
Michael turns to Ben. "Have you talked to him?"
"He obviously doesn't want to talk to me," Ben says, almost bitterly. "Let's just leave them. We're encroaching on a private moment." They close the door quietly and leave the two of them.
XXX
Hannah climbs up into her bed later that night. Lori just sits under the covers in hers, lost in though. "I just can't believe this is happening to them," she thinks aloud.
Hannah nods. "I know. We'll help them get through this though. We'll be there for them." She goes to click off the light but remembers something. "Oh! I forgot something!" She runs back and unlocks the door. "I know it makes us a little nervous to leave it unlocked, but I want to make sure he can get in if he needs to."
Lori gives a sad smile. "I'll send him a text and let him know." She grabs her phone from the dresser and sends a message. "Thank you."
Hannah climbs in bed and clicks off the light. "Anything for him."
XXX
Ben is merely wandering around campus in the dead of night, bundled up in a hat and gloves. His mind seems to be running a million miles an hour, but he pauses out of sight as someone exits the freshman boy's dorm.
As they pass a lamp he recognizes Charlie, his stuffed animal under his arm, as he hikes across the way to slip into the freshman girl's dorm. He just watches as a light clicks on in an upstairs bedroom to click off a minute later. But he just continues to stare, almost seeming to want to go there himself.
He shivers in the cold and keeps walking, attempting to clear his head of what he just saw. He obviously can't though as he turns back to give one last glance before disappearing into the night.
XXX
The next afternoon, Charlie arrives at the entrance to the preserve fresh out of class. He looks at his watch to see he is a few minutes early. Ben arrives a minute later and stands next to him, looking really tired. They both stand in awkward silence for a long moment, glancing at the other when they aren't looking.
"Did you talk to Mom today?" Charlie attempts at a conversation. Ben gives a slow nod.
"Twice, actually. She's… she's doing alright I suppose." Charlie sees right through him and puts a hand on his arm.
"How are you doing?"
Ben shrugs the hand off and takes a step back. "What do you mean?"
Charlie refuses to be deterred and closes the gap he just created. "I know you get like this when you're really upset," he explains sadly. "And why wouldn't you be? So I just… I'm just trying to talk to you and help you. She's our mom after all."
Something about this seems to strike a chord in Ben. "No. She's my mom," he glares.
Charlie laughs this off, a little uncomfortable. "She's my mom too, Ben."
He shakes his head, his annoyance building onto his cold tone. "No, because you and Thomas came into the picture when I was fourteen. She is mine. You never had to see her cry or suffer because of him. You never saw him hit her. You never clung to her because you were scared one day he might just kill her. But I was. I was!" Charlie steps back, almost afraid, as his anger builds.
"You weren't there. You just got to see the good parts. It is just the two of us, and to me it will always only be the two of us! So she is mine. She is my mom. She is your step-mom, but she is my mom!" Charlie is crying this point, but decides to push back- angry himself.
"So that's how it is," he answers in a voice too angry and cold to be recognized from his normal demeanor. "I should have expected as much. You've never wanted me as brother."
It is at this moment Lori comes down the path, book under her arm, with Michael and Hannah laughing and talking. They all halt at the scene and approach slowly.
"It looks like you get lucky then!" Charlie shouts, completely losing it. "If she dies we won't be related anymore! Then you won't have to care about me! Oh, you never have!"
Ben sticks his finger into Charlie's shoulder- now letting out every emotion he has built up in anger and bile. "That is not true and you know it! Ever since you came into my life I've done nothing but look out for you!"
Charlie knocks his hand aside, getting so angry he's turning red. "Out of obligation! Not because you wanted to like Lori! She's better at this and she's not even related to me!"
Lori realizes this is going too far and desperately slides herself between the two, trying to be in control and calm. "Okay, guys-"
They both don't even acknowledge her, Ben shoving her aside so he's right in his step-brother's face. "Forget about this weekend! You're not coming home with me! I won't let you in my car!"
"I hate you!" Charlie responds.
Then is happens in a swift motion. Charlie is knocked to the ground as Ben shoves him. "Shut up! I hate you too! I wish you or Thomas would die instead of her!" This is obviously too much and Charlie starts sobbing as his step-brother towers over him.
Lori has had it, stepping between the two of them again- still calm but much more commanding and authoritative. "That is enough! From both of you!" Michael helps Charlie to his feet and he buries his face in the Doctor's chest sobbing. Lori gives him a sad glance before turning to Ben. "I know this is a really stressful time, but you two are taking it out on one another when you should be relying on each other."
Ben's eyes narrow. "You don't get to talk. You think you can just stand here and preach wisdom at me. You've never had anything you care about that you could lose! You're heartless. You deserve to be alone." She just faces him, taking it as he continues to lash out viciously. "I hope something like this happens to you. Maybe then you'll have a flicker of comprehension. You're nothing but an ice cold bitch."
Hannah and Michael both look at him, find this unacceptable. "Ben-"
He backs off, hands in the air. "No. I know. I'm benched. Good-bye." He walks away from the group back towards the dorms. The group watches him go. Charlie is still sobbing. Lori looks sad. Michael looks worried. Hannah looks pissed.
They take a moment before Hannah turns to her roommate, concerned. "Lori, I'm sure he didn't-"
"I know he didn't. I'm fine," she says, making it clear that indeed his words just rolled off her. "He needed to get that out and better me than any of you." She looks at Charlie and her face falls. "He's in no condition to do this today. Doctor-"
He nods. "I'll take him back to my room. Maybe even get some ice cream on the way."
She smiles at him. "Thank you." The two girls watch as Michael gently pries Charlie off him and starts leading him down the path to the café. Lori slaps Hannah on the back. "Let's head in. I don't know if we can give it another day. I just-"
"Lori, don't move." Lori just looks at her as Hannah is staring into the preserve. She leans over and whispers, "I think our character is staring at us right now. I can see him. Don't turn around. You'll scare him."
Lori nods, understanding. "Who is it? What is it?"
Hannah puts a hand on her shoulder, trying to keep her calm. "It's a bear." Lori's eyes widen. "A baby bear though," she immediately follows with.
"Brave?" Lori questions. "Winnie the Pooh maybe?"
Hannah gives her a look. "No. Pooh's a stuffed bear. Just… stay still and calm." She leans back and takes a step forward. Lori turns to face the preserve.
"Koda, I can see you," Hannah coos. "Now you don't have to run. We're not here to hurt you. We know you're lost and scared. We can get you home." She steps closer, almost half-way to where a pair of ears are sticking out from behind a tree. "It's-"a branch cracks under her feet and he takes off. "Shoot!"
"Let's go," Lori calls as she starts after him. Hannah follows, easily catching up to her roommate. They run through the trees, dodging trees and branches. They don't have to run too long as they come across Koda desperately trying to pull his foot out of a tree root. Hannah starts towards him, but Lori bars her.
"Hey. Hey. Hey. It's fine," she whispers soothingly. She slowly walks up where he is still struggling panicked and lays down on her belly. She looks into his eyes."I'm not going to hurt you," she promises, never breaking eye contact. "I know humans are scary, but I've got no stick. I just want to send you home."
"I want my mom…" he whispers to her, obviously still terrified.
Lori realizes where he is in his story and gives a sad smile. "And I'm going to get you back to her." In a show of trust, she gently and tentatively pulls his foot free. She just sits on her knees and he doesn't run from her, examining her curiously. "If you want, we'll take you somewhere warm while we get this sorted."
He waits a long beat before nodding and taking a step towards her. She picks him up so his head is peeking over her shoulder. He still looks ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble though. She heads back to Hannah and the two start out of the preserve.
Hannah just shakes her head in awe. "I don't know how you do it."
"I really don't know either," Lori admits.
XXX
Hannah knocks on the dorm door with Lori and a moment later Michael pokes his head out. He gives a smile at them and steps out, shutting the door behind him.
"He's in the bathroom," he reports. "I finally got him to stop crying. We had some ice cream- he really didn't eat much. We talked about the kind of leukemia she had- treatments, side effects. That seemed to calm him down more than anything. He's really hurt though."
Hannah gets angrier with every word he says. "Oh, I have the mind to go beat his face in," she growls.
"I honestly consider joining you," Michael admits. They both look at Lori, almost for confirmation. However, she is a mask of calm and is almost disappointed in them- crossing her arms.
"Guys, he's upset," she reminds them. "Should he have taken it out on Charlie? Absolutely not. But it's his mom. She's literally all he has left of his family. You'd be lost and upset too. We just need to be there and support him as much as we are for Charlie. He may need it in different ways, but he needs it just the same."
Michael can't help but smirk at Hannah, anger faded. "How is the Captain the most level-headed of the three of us right now?"
Hannah snorts. "I don't know who that is. I know who Lori is. And yes, I'm surprised too."
"Anyway, who have we got?" Michael asks, changing the subject.
"Koda from Brother Bear. He's asleep in our room right now," Lori informs him. He puts his hand to his chin in mock thought.
"Brother Bear? Huh, I wonder who that's for," he says sarcastically. Hannah elbows him playfully and he laughs. "I couldn't help it. You have to enjoy when it spells things out to make it easier for us. But we can't force this. They're going to need each other for what's ahead, and the air has to be clear for that to happen."
Lori nods but Hannah looks skeptical. "I just hope it's sooner rather than later."
XXX
That night, Lori lies on her back just staring at the ceiling, debating something in her mind. Hannah is out on her bed and Koda is sleeping next to her, bundled in covers. However, she hears Charlie tossing and turning on the opposite side of the bed. She turns to her alarm and sees that it is three in the morning. Finally, she sits up and hugs her knees.
"Can't sleep?" she whispers. He sits up too and looks at the sleeping Koda before scooting closer so he can be quieter.
"No," he whispers. He pauses before talking again. "Michael's been telling me some facts, and she only has a fifty percent chance of making it five years. She's just as much my mom as Ben's, you know," he defends. "I just wish I'd gotten her and not him," he finishes darkly.
"You don't mean that," Lori challenges him.
"He meant it and so do I," Charlie says with determination. "I wish I was still an only child like you and Hannah and Michael."
This is the moment. Lori seems to have an internal battle as Charlie just looks at her confused. Finally, she makes her choice. "I'm not an only child," she admits to him, hugging her knees tighter.
He just looks confused. "But-but you've told me you don't have any brothers or sisters. You lied to me?"
She quickly shakes her head. "I don't, but I did. I had a little brother. It seems like a long time ago. He…"she stumbles, her mouth almost unable to form the words. She tries again, but no sound comes out. Charlie instantly sees why the subject has never been approached before.
"You don't have to talk about it if this is getting too personal… or too hard."
She slowly shakes her head. "No," she whispers, trying to work up the nerve. "Because for the first time in my life I feel like I actually want to tell somebody this. And I can't ignore that. Especially because you might need this story."
"What was he like then?" Charlie asks. She smiles with nostalgia.
"His name was Cody, like that stupid fish we had for like two weeks last semester before it died," she begins. "I was six years older than him, so he would be twelve now- starting junior high. He was wired- I mean you could not get him to sit still if you tried. He would annoy me to no end. It was always play with me now, watch movies with me now, and on and on." She laughs quietly at the memories. "I got to name him. He was named after The Rescuers Down Under. I was obsessed with that movie."
"Was he sick?"
"No. When I was eleven and he was five we went to the neighborhood swimming pool. It was summer and hot- he had begged Mom to go," she says with a roll of her eyes. "I just tagged along. We had a great time but I decided to walk to a friend's next door and invite him swimming."
"That Steven guy you dated?" Charlie deduces. She looks surprised for a moment before shaking her head clear.
"The very same. When I got back…" she stumbles, tearing up. She tries again, swallowing. "When I got back it had already happened. The lifeguards were doing CPR, but he was gone." At these words, for the first time in who knows how long, Lori allows herself to cry in front of someone- allows the tears to start coming and doesn't wipe them away. "And I didn't have a little brother anymore," she finishes sadly, putting a hand over her trembling lips.
Charlie has never seen his best friend like this, and honestly is a little unsure how to proceed. He settles for sympathy. "Oh, Lori. I'm so sorry."
"Some older kid had been drowning, and my little brother in his water wings swam out to save him. He wanted to be a hero, I suppose," she chokes. "The kid pulled him under and didn't let go. He was fine and I don't blame him. I don't. It took a long time, but I realized it wasn't… I shouldn't blame him. But I would never wish that experience on anyone else," she finishes with gritted teeth.
Charlie thinks all this over. "I can't even imagine…"
"And I don't want you to," she admits, gaining some of her composure back. "You have a brother, Charlie. It may not be through blood, but he is your brother and you love him. I would give absolutely everything to have mine still in my life. So don't be so quick to throw yours away."
"I don't know what I would do if Ben- I'll talk to him in the morning," Charlie vows. "I promise."
Lori looks at him, serious. "You don't have to promise me anything. That story wasn't to scare you or force your hand. I was just providing some perspective. The choice is entirely up to you." He nods, understanding. They both sit for a moment before she pats his shoulder. "We should get some sleep."
"Thank you for telling me all that. It helps me understand you better and as your best friend I always want to understand you better."
"Like I said, that's the first time I've actually wanted to tell the story. I've been forced to tell it to more therapists and school counselors than I care to remember. But this time I actually wanted to say the words. That fact is not lost on me- will never be lost on me. I trust you," she concludes to both him and herself, almost amazed.
"Well, that's what a best friend is for. They're the kind of person you can tell things to."
Lori doesn't quite believe that. "I guess so. But then again, you're also a pretty special best friend." He smiles genuinely as they both lie down again. Koda snuggles into her and she tentatively puts a hand around him.
"How did it affect your family- your brother dying?" Charlie asks, clearly reflecting on his own family.
"My parents fell apart. I grew up," she tells him matter-of-factly.
"You were eleven."
"Except I wasn't anymore," she admits. "Not really."
XXX
The next morning, Friday, Ben opens his door to find Charlie in his pajamas as well standing there clutching Louis to his chest. Ben instantly looks guilty as Charlie stares at his feet, unable to meet his eyes.
"I'm sorry to bother you," he whispers.
"No. No. It's fine. Come in." Charlie steps into the living room of the dorm and takes a seat on the couch. Ben just stands back against the door, giving him as much space as possible.
"I was hoping you would let me come with you this weekend to see your mom," Charlie mutters, nervous. Ben is instantly racked by more guilt, running his hand through his hair.
"Charlie, she's our mom," he begins cautiously. "I'm sorry. This whole thing just…"
Charlie looks up at him. "I know," he says, voice gaining more strength. "You're even more scared than I am. Because if she… you think you won't have anyone left. You'd be on your own" he concludes. Ben just hangs his head.
"But you would have me," Charlie continues and Ben's head shoots up to look at him, surprised and confused. "We're in this together now. You will always have me," he promises. This seems to take Ben off guard more than anything and he starts gasping.
"Ben?" Charlie asks concerned, heading towards him. Ben just puts a hand up. "Ben, what's wrong? Ben." Ben pulls off his tie and throws it into the room before letting out choking sobs. He slides down the door, falling apart. Charlie cautiously walks up to him.
"I'm sorry. I just…" Charlie just drops to his knees and hugs him tight. This makes Ben cry harder.
"It's okay. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. Just let it out." He continues to hold his brother as he cries and finally hugs him back, clutching him like a lifeline and shaking because he's so scared.
XXX
That afternoon after their classes, Ben and Charlie are both sitting on the floor in front of Koda. Lori is standing behind them, silently leaning on the desk providing support and comfort to all the three of them.
"And then I felt better," Ben concludes his story. "I wasn't perfect, but I was the best I'd been since I heard the news. And so that's why having a brother can be pretty awesome."
Charlie nods. "It's about having someone to protect you."
"Someone to guide you," Ben adds.
Charlie nudges his with his elbow. "And someone to love you."
Koda looks between the two of them amazed. "Wow, that was great story!" he exclaims, jumping around the room. "Having a brother sounds awesome! I want one!" he tells Lori, stopping in front of her.
"Well, everything will work itself out," Lori promises, quoting her father to hide the sadness of what this little, excited bear is about to go through.
"Why'd you have to tell me that story so I would go home though?" he asks as Lori grabs the book from next to her. She opens it to a glowing poem and smiles at Ben and Charlie, proud of them. "That's just how the Great Spirits around here work," Charlie covers as Koda stares at the glow- his jaw having dropped.
"And it might come in handy," Ben adds. "Just keep it in mind."
"Do I get to see my mom now?" the bear asks Lori.
She smiles. "Yeah. You do."
"Thanks for everything Lori. You're cool."
"So are you. Just… everything's going to be alright. Just remember that." She pats his head and he lets her, comfortable and trusting. "Ready?" He nods, barely containing his excitement. "And the feeling of the wind in your face can lift your heart Oh, there's nowhere I would rather be"
He vanishes in a burst of light and Charlie rises to stand next to her. "Do we have any idea how long until his mom-"
"They're on their way to the Salmon thing, so not long at all," Lori informs sadly. "He's about to lose his mom."
Ben puts an arm around her, but instantly pulls it away. "Don't worry. He'll be fine. We know he will."
Charlie also sees how sad she is and tries to lighten the mood. "Up for some ice cream Lori? I'll call Hannah and Michael. They're probably in his room watching Doctor Who."
"Am I up for ice cream? What kind of silly question is that?" He runs out laughing. They both just watch after him, happy to see a smile back on his face.
"You are my worst enemy and my best ally when it comes to him," Ben admits.
She turns to face him. "I do admit it's a complicated relationship. Oh, your tie." She moves closer to him and adjusts the familiar ugly striped tie, smoothing it out. She looks up at him and smiles.
"It's the one Hannah gave me, so ice cream might not be that fun."
She puts a hand on his arm. "Something tells me she'll go easy on you today." They stare at one another, but instantly pull apart when Charlie bounds back in with Michael and Hannah.
"Come on Lori!" He starts dragging her out at everyone laughs.
XXX
That evening, Ben is driving down the expressway. Michael sits next to him in the passenger seat fiddling with the radio. Charlie is asleep in the backseat, head against the window. The car sputters and Ben shrugs.
"She's a piece of junk, but she gets the job done. He out?" Michael turns and looks back.
"Yeah."
"He always falls asleep on long car rides." Michael eventually just gives up and turns off the radio. They sit in silence. "Lori wasn't too upset about those things I said to her, was she? I just realized I didn't even really apologize. But usually she'd be so mad she'd make me remember." Ben asks awkwardly.
"It didn't even faze her. She knew you were lashing out," Michael shrugs.
"And she just took it," he says in awe. He thinks on this for a minute. "She is an amazing person, isn't she? She takes my breath away," he admits. "And I'm-I'm starting to think she's in the same place I am."
Michael rolls his eyes. "Listen to you." He nudges him, both failing to notice Charlie open his eyes. "Lori's an amazing person, like it's a question. She takes my breath away. Wow, somebody's a Casanova." His eyes widen in shock, so he quickly yawns to halt the conversation. They both glance at him.
"We're almost there, Charlie," Michael informs him. "I can't wait to meet your parents."
"Thanks for coming Harms," Ben says for about the hundredth time.
"Anything for the Prescott step-brothers."
"Prescott brothers, actually," Ben corrects. He doesn't see how wide Charlie beams at this."Sorry to nitpick, but it's an important distinction."
XXX
Tune in next week when Hannah meets someone new, Ben wants to talk to Lori, and Charlie and Lori's relationship faces its ultimate test