Hannah Frost is in the library Wednesday evening, tugging self consciously at her long sleeves as she carries a handful of books towards the check-out desk. Her phone goes off twice in her skirt pocket and she sets them down as the librarian checks her out. She has two texts- one from Lori and one from Kenny. The second attracts her attention, and the message is enough to cause her to scoop up her books and take off at a jog- hand going to the necklace he gave her at her throat. She ends up colliding into Ben Prescott and sending all the books to the ground around them.
"Whoa, slow down there," he jokes with a smile. She starts gathering the books, obviously on edge. He notices and grows more serious as he helps. "Hey, are you alright? I'm sorry. I was just kidding about the slowing down bit."
She forces him a quick smile. "Oh, I know. I'm just… Kenny's waiting for me so I'm in a bit of a rush. He's taking me out to dinner. Lori knows so she shouldn't be expecting me with whatever her message was."
He nods. "Well, have fun and be safe." He stands and immediately helps her up by her wrist, only to notice her wincing. "What happened? Did I hurt you?" he asks concerned as he starts to pull her sleeve up.
She tries to yank her arm away panicked. "No!" He manages to see the bruises on her wrist and pulls up her sleeve to reveal her whole arm spotted with similar bruises. His face hardens. "I-"
"Don't," he warns her, furious- though not at her. "He's not touching you ever again. I am not going to let him hurt you anymore in any way."
"It's not what you think," she tries desperately. "He's waiting for me. I have to-"He grabs her arm and she hisses in pain. He looks her in the eye.
"I'm not letting you go with him."
Hannah shakes her head. "You have to," she pleads. "Otherwise-"
"Hannah, I've seen my mom go through what you are. And she's emerged from the other side stronger and with a guy who genuinely loves her. But it took her years. I will not let my friend Hannah Frost go through that." She thinks for a moment before letting out a hiss.
"Ben, please, you're hurting me." He immediately lets go and she punches him in the shoulder, taking off at a run out the door. "I'm sorry!"
He rubs it for a second. "Hannah!" He starts after her, though obviously slower. "You're not losing me that easily."
XXX
Two freshman girls open up the door to their dorm which previously inhabited Lori and Hannah last year. Standing in front of them is the wide-smiling trio of Michael Harms, Charlie Prescott, and Lori Fitzgerald.
"Hello there!" Lori begins in a fake cheerful tone as the two regard them suspiciously. She extends her hand and they reluctantly shake it. "We are here with the Custodial Staff, Rodent Division," she says expertly.
Charlie nods, shaking their hands as well. "We received a report that strange scurrying noises had been heard in your room, so we're here to check them out."
The first regards him, crossing her arms. "You guys look like you're students, not that you work here."
The second elbows her, smirking. "He looks like he should be in kindergarten."
Michael puts hand on Charlie's shoulder as he glowers at them. "Well, looks can be deceiving."
"He's our son," Lori throws out. The two simply nod, going along with it and showing no hint of surprise at her improvising. "It's a family business," she continues at the girl's looks. "One that we'd really like to get a move on with if that's okay with the two of you." They all enter the room and the three start looking around "Now, where have they been coming from?"
"So are you guys like married?" the first asks, still dwelling on the situation.
"And how old are you to have a son his age?" the second adds.
Michael puts his hands up. "Please do not judge our life choices. Answer her question."
"In the ceiling," the second offers. Lori looks up and goes to stand under the vent shaft.
"Give me a boost, significant other." Michael lifts her with a smile and she crawls up into the vent out of sight. Everyone stands awkwardly as a muffled shout echoes followed by what almost seems to be a muffled conversation.
"She's obviously talking it down," Michael tells them.
Charlie elbows him. "That's Ma for you." This makes Michael laugh when Lori's head pops into view upside down- her face red. "How are we doing up there?"
She clears her throat professionally. "I'm going to need the room cleared and these girls moved to the lounge… for their own safety. I will meet you two back at headquarters." The two start moving the two girls out.
"Is it dangerous?" the first asks.
Lori smiles wider. "It's all going to be fine." They exit and she drops the face, exhausted. "The coast is clear," she tells someone in the vent as she drops down. A moment later Roo jumps into her arms. "Let's get you back to my room."
He looks down sheepishly. "I'm sorry about kicking you in the face."
She shrugs. "Trust me, I've had a lot worse." She ducks out, hitting the wall facing the lounge thrice. She heads down the stairs and Michael and Charlie easily catch up to her. She high-fives them triumphantly.
"We make a good team!" Charlie announces as Michael expertly helps Roo into his backpack.
Lori smiles at the two of them, proud at how well it went. "We sure do."
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 Two: 'Cause It's All for Naught
XXX
Hannah climbs into the passenger seat of her car a few minutes later, putting her books in the backseat. She forces a smile at the already waiting Kenny in the driver's seat with her keys.
"Let's go," she says with a forced cheeriness. He starts the car and heads forward when Ben runs in front of the two.
Kenny abruptly hits the brake. "What the hell?!"
"Just ignore him," Hannah begs. "Go backwards." Ben walks over and taps on her window. She tries to ignore him.
This doesn't deter him. "Hannah, just come out of the car. We'll go talk to someone right now and-"Kenny exits the car and starts around.
Hannah tries to grab him but it too late. "Wait-"He knocks Ben to the ground with ease and kicks him in the stomach. She puts her hands to her mouth, horrified.
Kenny pulls Ben up by his tie so they're inches from one another. "You leave my girl alone, you hear me!"
Ben spits at him, just making him even more furious. "You don't deserve to have a girl, let alone her." Kenny punches him in the face, sending him sprawling into the pavement. His nose is clearly broken, but he tries to rise only to be kicked. He is then pulled up to his feet and shoved against the car.
As Kenny goes to hit him again, Hannah desperately wedges between the two. "Wait! He's just confused. Please… let's just go to dinner. Just please… I don't like seeing you like this." She kisses his cheek and watches him soften- loosening his grip. "I love you." He drops Ben next to the car and the two climb back in. "Thank you."
Ben coughs and sputters for a moment. "Han…nah…" They go peeling off and he slowly forces himself to his feet- an effort which is clearly quite painful.
Hannah and Kenny sit in silence for a long moment when her phone rings. "Lori." She picks it up only after his nod, clearly putting on an air that she's okay. "Hey. No, I'm fine. I'm on a date right now. Lori… please. I said I'm fine!" Kenny gives her a glance and she gets more desperate. "No! Do not follow me! I'm fine!" She desperately fumbles through her head for something. "You're- You're the reason Cody's dead!" She sighs with relief and puts her phone away. "She hung up," she almost smiles.
Kenny nods, still not very happy. "Good."
XXX
Lori sits in her desk chair, still holding the phone in shock. Charlie, Michael, and Roo observe in confusion as she starts to fight back tears.
Michael steps up, putting a hand on her shoulder. "What's- what did she say?"
Lori takes a moment. "She said I'm the reason Cody's dead. How did she even- I don't-"
Charlie instantly engulfs her in a hug. "It's not true. You've told me the story and I know that is not true. There is nothing you could have done," he assures her.
Michael is obviously lost. "Who's-"
Charlie shakes his head. "She doesn't-"
"He was my brother who drowned when I was younger," Lori offers instantly, wracked with guilt. "I wasn't at the pool and should have been. I should have been there. I don't know how she knew. I never told her." There is a knock at the door and she gains her composure. "Yeah?" Ben enters and they take in his ragged appearance with the proper shock. "Ben!"
Michael sits him down as Lori vacates the chair and starts looking him over. Charlie hovers over him. "What happened?!"
"Kenny happened." He notices Roo on the desk next to him. "Hey there."
"Hello," Roo offers kindly with a smile. "You don't look so good."
Michael moves his finger in front of Ben's face before taking a step back. "Your nose is broken. And you might have a broken rib. This is hospital worthy," he concludes. "I'll get my car and we'll-"
Ben shrugs him off, rising. "No. We need to find her. She's with him. I saw… he's been hitting her." They all reel from this. "It's why she's been so nervous and wearing the long sleeves. I tried to help her."
"And she let him do this to you?" Lori concludes coldly.
He emphatically shakes his head. "No! She went with him to stop him from hurting me. She's in danger. We need to go wherever they were having dinner."
Lori is hesitant as the other two nod. "I don't know… she seemed alright on the phone…"
Ben gives her a look, tension forming between them. "Of course she did. She's trying to keep us out of this. But I refuse because I will not sit by and let this happen again."
Michael is in agreement. "Harms is right. I'll stay here in case she comes back and babysit." He hands Lori his key. "You take my car so the two of you can cover more ground."
Lori fiddles with her thumbs. "I'm not sure about this."
Everyone gives Lori a look, Charlie being the first to speak up. "Lori, she hurt your feelings on purpose. She didn't mean it. You can't turn your back on your roommate. You wouldn't. I know that," he says with confidence in her.
"She's your family isn't she?" Roo asks. Lori just looks at him. "She does live with you here, right?"
Lori scoffs. "That doesn't-"
Roo walks over so he's standing face to face with her. "I would do anything for my family. All of them. Tigger, Piglet, Pooh. It doesn't matter if they're not related to me. I love them and they're part of my family. When Tigger ran away everyone went out looking for him even though it was a blizzard. Even Rabbit! Because he cared about him. So you have to find her since I know you care about her too. Because my mom told me about the things you do for them. And I don't want all those stories ruined for me. I don't want to stop looking up to you."
Charlie nudges her. "He's right."
Lori looks at the two of them, obviously having already caved despite how hurt she is. "She's just a friend… but that's more than enough. You're right. Charlie's with me. Let's go." The three head out, Charlie and Michael obviously proud.
Michael leans against the desk and looks at Roo. "She might take a moment, but she always does get there."
"I didn't doubt her. My mom said you never could."
"So your mom met us."
Roo nods. "Yeah. It's actually a pretty funny story. I don't think I can tell you though."
"Oh, I'm sure I'll live it soon enough. It looks like she isn't getting rid of the book as quick as she wants though."
XXX
Kenny is driving in silence along a long stretch of forest preserve on either side, still fuming. Finally, he pulls the car over and sits for a minute. Hannah sits perfectly rigid, not even breathing.
"I didn't tell him," she says finally, voice choking. "I swear." He turns off the ignition and she grows more desperate. "He just saw my arm and assumed… I'm sorry. It was my fault. It won't happen again."
"He's going to tell people. They aren't going to understand."
She puts her hand over his. "But I do. And that's all that matters. I still love you." He simply climbs out of the door and walks around, opening hers. "What-"
He harshly pulls her out and she kisses him passionately. He simply pulls away furious and hits her so hard she is sent to the ground down a slope towards the trees. He follows after her and muffled screaming echoes for a few minutes before he emerges, dusting himself off. He drops a necklace he gave her on the pavement, climbs into her car, and drives off into the darkness.
XXX
Lori is driving Michael's car down a busy street towards the restaurant, physically trembling as she keeps her eyes peeled. Charlie observes her white knuckle grip from the passenger's seat.
"You need to calm down," he tells her. "The Doctor won't be happy if you crash his car," he tries jokingly.
She is neither calmed nor amused. "How did I not see it? How did I not know?"
He sighs. "How did I know you were somehow going to twist this into blaming yourself? Lori, you're human. We miss things. It happens."
"But your mistakes don't kill people!" she snaps. "They don't hurt people the way mine do!"
"Lori, she was just trying to-"
"She was right. You can say what you want, but I know she was right." Charlie just sits for a moment before pulling out his phone and dialing. It is quickly picked up.
"Doctor, I'm putting you on speaker," Charlie informs Michael as he presses a few buttons.
"What? Did we find her?" Michael's voice crackles through.
"No. But Lori's pushing herself down another guilt trip. So far it's just Hannah and Cody, but I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up bringing in the Yeti or something." Lori gives him a glare.
"Lores don't do this to yourself," Michael tells her in his soothing tone. "We all know you have a complex. You're doing the best you can like we all are. You just have more on your plate than most. And like always-"
"You guys are here for me," Lori parrots. She rolls her eyes, but is obviously much calmer. "I know."
They pull up to the restaurant and Lori scans the parking lot. "Her car isn't here," she mutters, upset. "They would have made it by now. Let's head back and keep looking. Maybe Ben will spot them on his route."
Charlie thinks of something. "They hurt him pretty bad. What're we going to do if we find them?"
"The sword's in the trunk," Lori offers simply as she heads back onto the road. "And I'm sure it will see this as a worthy circumstance."
Michael laughs. "Now that's our Lores. Stay in touch. Roo refuses to go to bed until you find her."
"Will do," Charlie answers before hanging up. "Better?" Lori gives a nod and a smile. He leans back in his seat, hands behind his head. "Then my work here is done. Ben has the keys, Michael has the medicine, Hannah has the technology, you have the book, and I have your mental sanity." This causes her to give a genuine laugh.
"It's actually pretty true," she says a moment later after thinking about it.
XXX
Ben is driving his car down the road surrounded by the forest preserve, eyes scanning every which way desperately. A glint catches his headlights from the side of the road and he pulls over immediately. He runs back and finds her necklace.
"Hello!" he shouts into the trees down the slope. A sound echoes back and he slides down the slope to find Hannah curled up at the bottom. She turns to look at him and he can only let out a sad sigh. She is unable to open one eye from the swelling, a sleeve is torn off revealing a long cut runs down her arm, her hair is a mess full of branches and leaves, and her leg looks pretty misshapen.
"Please don't say… I told you so…" she croaks before coughing up blood on the grass. He shakes his head and kneels in front of her, pulling her in for a gentle hug. She cries into his chest for a brief moment before he scoops her up bridal style, carrying her back up the slope to his car. He gently lays her in the back, covering her with a blanket and shutting the door. As he heads around he pulls out his phone and dials.
"I found her," he says with relief. "No, it's bad. I'm taking her straight to the hospital. Yes, Harms, I will also have my nose looked at," he mutters unhappily. "There's no sign of him. Tell the two of them to head back- she's probably not up for all of us tonight. Listen, I need to get going so I'll call you when I have more news. Thanks." He hangs up as he climbs back in and starts driving.
"We're not going back are we?" Hannah mutters from the back. He doesn't answer. "I don't know if I can do this. What-what are my parents going to say?" He continues to drive as she starts crying. "Why couldn't he just love me?" He finally reaches a hand back and takes hers, holding it as he turns on a road leading to the hospital.
XXX
The next afternoon, Lori is sitting in the familiar alcove outside the library attempting to study- though her heart obviously isn't in it. Ben takes a seat next to her, still in the same clothes and looking exhausted, and she shuts the book to give him her attention.
"Did you just get back?" she inquires. He nods. "How is she?"
He fiddles with his tie. "Physically: she can barely walk and can only see out of one eye. She isn't saying anything but they worry he may have assaulted her… in other ways. Emotionally: she didn't stop crying until she finally fell asleep. She's mortified and terrified and broken."
Lori takes his hands from the tie and holds them to calm him. "I imagine they called her parents."
"They're on a planned tour vacation in India," he informs her. "It's going to take some doing to get back but they're working on it. At least she managed to hear their voices for a few minutes before their connection cut out," he admits. "She wouldn't say anything to them though." He kicks at the ground frustrated. "I hate leaving her alone, but they made me leave so she could rest. As soon as classes are done I'm heading back."
Lori nods, taking a moment before intertwining their fingers. "Thank you for doing all this for me," she says completely sincere.
Ben takes a moment before something about that rubs him the wrong way. "Excuse me?" he questions a little harshly.
She picks up on his tone. "I'm sorry," she responds, confused. "Did I do something wrong? I was just-"
"You said for you. What makes you think I did all this for you?" He pulls his hands from hers, becoming angry.
"I just- you don't like Hannah," she fumbles, still lost. "You only put up with her because she's my roommate."
He gives her a cold look, now close to fuming. "No. She is my friend and I care about her just for that. I did what I did for her and no else, especially you." He hastily rises and turns to face her. "And you are so selfish for belittling and thinking so little of me. Honestly, I'm insulted. I'd never say something like that to you if it was Charlie or Harms."
Her voice rises as she starts to grow angry as well. "That's different. I'm sorry, but-"
Ben throws his hands in the air, cutting her off. "How can I be with someone who thinks of me like that?!" She rises and begins to glare back at him. "I'm just wondering if maybe Charlie was the least of our issues," he admits.
"Don't be dramatic! It was a mistake. I'm sorry! I'm trying-"
"No. You made your view of me apparent. Thank you for that." He starts to walk away but she chases after him.
"Ben. Let's not be on the outs already. This is just ridiculous."
"Her hospital room is 34501. Please visit her and don't just do it for me," he says mockingly before veering off and away from her.
"Ben!" He doesn't look back and she quickly gets the message, hitting her head with her book accompanied by a groan of frustration. "Why am I so bad at this?!"
XXX
Charlie and Michael are doing their homework in the living room area of their dorm room later that day in comfortable silence. Charlie finishes and turns to his roommate. "Are you going to visit her?" he asks innocently.
"I don't know," Michael admits, not looking up. "I'm not really sure that she wants to see me. Remember she wasn't even speaking to me."
"And that's why you should go make up with her," Charlie concludes. "She's going to need you now more than ever. You two need to. She'll forgive you," he says as if it's obvious.
Michael finally looks up. "I'll make you a deal, squirt. I will go to Hannah and ask her for forgiveness if you talk to Ben and forgive him for the Lori thing."
"I've already forgiven him," Charlie says confused.
"Not in the same capacity you have Lori," Michael corrects. "He needs to hear it from you. Trust me."
Charlie thinks about this before nodding. "It's a deal then." They shake hands and Michael returns to his work. Charlie sits for a minute before speaking up again. "So… when are you going to visit her?"
Michael gives him a quick glance. "Please don't rush this. Let me get my head together first. We know I don't have a good track record."
"Absolutely!" There is another pause before Charlie can't help but speak again. "Is it because there's a second chance for you now?"
Michael thinks on this for a moment before admitting a secret hope. "Maybe."
XXX
Lori sits in her chair with Roo sitting on her desk. The book lies between them. "Obviously, I have a lot to learn about this whole thing," she admits.
"I think you're doing alright," Roo answers. "No one's perfect."
"Thanks. I think I've got enough of the basics down though. Never underestimate people caring about one another. It'll make you do anything from go out in a snow storm to drive someone to the hospital." She opens the book to a glowing poem and Roo nods, almost sad.
"That's a great place to start. I know you're going to do great. I almost just wish I had more time. There was so much I wanted to do with you," he admits sadly.
"Maybe we'll see each other again," she offers him. He nods, smiling slightly. "Tell your mom I said hello and that I look forward to meeting her."
"I will." She goes to read when he suddenly hugs her. "Thank you for taking care of me."
She pats him on the back. "I should be thanking you." He pulls away and nods towards the book, putting on a brave face. "We can do it! We can do it! Look at us! We're almost through it!" He vanishes with a wave in a burst of light. She almost sadly locks the book up before looking at the empty desk behind her.
XXX
About an hour late, Lori stands in front of hospital room 34501, hand raised to knock. In her other hand she holds a bouquet of colorful dyed daisies. She hesitates, however, becoming wrapped up in her thoughts and what Hannah said to her.
"Are you going in?" a voice asks. She jumps around to see a kind nurse holding a tray of food.
She pulls her hand away, shaking her head. "Sorry. Wrong room." She heads back to the elevator, throwing the flowers into the trash in front of it before entering and heading back down to the lobby.
XXX
Tune in next week as Lori and her Companions try to move forward in many aspects- through a spectrum of events from mundane to potentially life-changing.