Michael Harms awakens Saturday morning to the ear-shattering grinding of the coffee maker on the shelf. He gives a tried groan and turns to his clock to see that it's only five in the morning. He becomes so fed up he hastily rises and rips the cord from the socket to silence the machine.
Ben Prescott walks in, putting on his tie to finish getting dressed. "Hey, I was actually going to drink that now!" he exclaims. "I'm going to the hospital as soon as it opens."
Michael is clearly still upset. "Can't we just move it to the lounge?" He starts back for bed but ends up tripping over a stack of clothes. He becomes exasperated. "Charlie, you really need to start picking all these up."
Charlie Prescott sticks his head out from the top bunk, completely awake. "But it's not laundry day."
"I don't care," Michael answers. "This room is a mess as well as a safety hazard and it's all your clothes." Charlie takes a moment to examine the room, noticing the carpet isn't even visible with all the clothes scattered about.
"At least I don't forget to flush the toilet," he shoots back.
This makes Michael blush. "It was one time and I was in a hurry from Lori's text," he argues as if it has been said many times before. "Also, we need to get an air freshener for in there because I'm not sure what that smell is and it needs to go away."
This Charlie nods to. "Yeah, otherwise I'm only using the public bathroom."
Ben fills a mug with the coffee that has been made and takes a sip. "I'll look into it on the way home. And we are not moving the coffee maker. I need it close to me. Its gurgles are quite soothing."
Michael gestures to the row of half-filled and stained mugs covering the rest of the shelf. "Can you at least clean the mugs then, because they're all sitting there being gross and taking up shelf space."
Ben scoffs. "Well, the sinks are both already full of other dishes. It was someone's turn to wash!" he says accusingly.
"I will once I finish my lab write-up!" Charlie yells back. "While we're bringing things up though, someone clogged the shower drain with their hair again. I did not pick it out and I'm not going to." He curls back up in bed. "Oh, and we need more toilet paper," he mutters from under the covers.
Ben sighs. "Well, I'm heading out," he concludes, ending the conversation.
Michael climbs into bed and covers himself as well. "Take out the trash from the living room on your way. That food's not going to sit there pleasantly for long." Ben grabs the trash bag as he heads out the door and down the hallway to the stairs.
"It's almost as if three young guys living together with a million things to do isn't the smartest of ideas," he mutters to himself. "Way to go college."
XXX
At that moment, Lori Fitzgerald is curled up in her room downstairs sound asleep in her bed. The bed across from her remains neat and empty. She sleeps so soundly that she fails to notice the file cabinet next to her desk rumbling followed by a burst of light. She rolls onto her side.
"Excuse me," a kind voice says from in front of her. "I'm sorry to wake you, but I seem to be very lost."
She wakes up, sighing. "Hannah?" she mumbles, opening her eyes groggily. Kanga is right in front of her face, and this is enough shock to cause her to let out a scream and fall from her bed to the floor.
Kanga is distressed by this and helps her up. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she fusses, dusting her off. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'm just trying to find my way back." Lori manages to shake her head clear of sleep and look at her again with her usual expertise.
"Kanga," she deduces swiftly.
She gives a smiling nod. "Yes. Pardon me but how do you know my name?"
Lori sighs, folding her arms. "I should really make a pamphlet or something to hand out so I can save this speech," she mutters to herself. "Alright, where do I begin? You see, there's this book that brought you here- to another world."
"Oh my!" she exclaims, hands over her mouth.
Lori pulls over her desk chair. "Oh, have a seat. We're just scratching the surface."
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 Three: Always There for You
XXX
Later that morning, Hannah Frost sits in a hospital bed amongst a very sterile white environment with the only sound being the beep of a heart monitor. Her eye is still pretty swollen, bruises line her arms, and her leg hangs in a cast. She is playing with Jell-O on a spoon, bored expression on her face.
There is a knock at the door and she looks up to see Ben. He takes a seat in the chair next to her. "If you want to get out of here, you might want to consider eating the food," he offers.
She puts the spoon down, sulking. "They told me this morning they're considering another half a week."
He puts a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, that sucks," he admits. "But it's going to seem like a lot longer if you just play with your food." He pauses for a long moment before clearing his throat. "They found your car," he admits. This had her attention. "He left it in the gym parking lot last night- not even a scratch on it. The tank was almost empty though."
Hannah reflects on this for a long moment. "Then that's that," she concludes dismissively. "As far as I'm concerned the matter is now closed."
Ben buries his surprised look. "Hannah, you can't let him get away with this!" he shouts.
She physically flinches, looking down and fiddling with the blankets. "It's fine."
"No it's not! I don't know how long he's been hurting you, but he should face justice for what he's put you through. Telling the police you were assaulted by a random hitchhiker you couldn't describe because it was too dark-"
"I didn't want to lie, but I had to," she mutters so quietly he almost misses it. "What if he comes after me? He did this to me when he thought I loved him. Imagine what he would do if he knew I turned him in to the police."
"We wouldn't let him do any of that. We'd protect you," he tries to assure her.
She shakes her head, unconvinced. "By getting your ass kicked again?" He opens his mouth, but she starts a fit of coughing that last for a good minute.
When she finishes, he takes in her broken expression and form- instantly softening. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't push you this hard after everything. Just promise me you'll think about it." There is a long pause before she finally gives one slow nod. "Have you read those books I brought you?" he asks, changing the subject with a forced smile.
"Yeah. They're really stupid." She realizes what she said and looks at him apologetically. "I know I'm being a bit of a grouch, but don't underestimate how thankful I am for everything. I mean, even my parents haven't made it home yet."
"They're trying though. I talked to them yesterday. They think they might be able to get on a flight tomorrow." This doesn't seem to calm her any, instead making her tremble in fear.
"And Lori and Michael are AWOL. I don't blame them though… after everything I've done."
"Hannah…"
She obviously doesn't want to hear it and sinks back. "Can I get some sleep now? I'm tired," she says with a weak whine.
He doesn't waste a moment in nodding. "Of course you can. I'll just sit here with you for a while." She turns on her side so she's facing away from him and closes her eyes as he moves the tray with the Jell-O away from her.
"Thank you Ben Prescott," she mutters, already drifting off.
"You're welcome Hannah Frost." He picks up one of his books from the bedside table and starts flipping through it absently as she dozes off.
XXX
Early that afternoon, a frowning Lori sits next to a large hamper in the boy's room picking up clothes from off the floor. Michael is beside her doing the same. Kanga is over at the sink working on the dishes with a smile.
"Oh I am so glad you brought me down here," she says happily as she scrubs a cup. "I can't imagine anyone living like this, especially young people like you. A healthy house equals healthy people."
"You really needed a character to help you with cleaning Doctor?" Lori scoffs.
"Lores, you have three single men with no one to impress," he explains. "Of course the place is going to be a mess!"
"Well, in the future try to impress me then," she requests. "Because this is gross," she tells him, holding up a dirty sock for emphasis.
"But you're a good friend for helping me and I appreciate it. Ben's with Hannah and Charlie's somewhere."
"He's doing a study session with Rachel," Lori says as if it's obvious. Michael gives her a look to say it's not. "Just keep quiet. We're not supposed to know about it."
"He's keeping secrets. Isn't that almost traitorous?" he treads cautiously.
Lori silences that train of thought with a harsh glare. "He told me the second he did it. The kid is fourteen. Do you think he can really keep a secret from his best friend for more than ten minutes?" They work for a moment, Michael understanding and dropping the topic.
"Have you visited Hannah yet?" he asks after a moment.
"No," she admits, guilty. "You?"
"No," he answers, just as guilty. "Ben called and told me she doesn't want to report Kenny because she's so scared of him. I think I should go make things right with her. In fact, I know I should. But I'm just worried she'll still hate me."
"That shouldn't stop you for trying. Because that's the kind of things friends do for one another." She throws the lat shirt in the hamper and the two rise. "And my being here helping you clean your room is proof of that."
"You really are learning Lores," he says with a smile. "Maybe my dirty room isn't the only thing she's here for." She shrugs and goes to answer when Kanga peeks in.
"Alright. Those are all finished. How about we get a broom in here and then you two can take on the bathroom?"
Lori rises, already shaking her head profusely. "That one's not happening. There is a line and I draw it there." Michael attempts his best Charlie face which makes her laugh. "Fine. But you had better appreciate this!"
"You know I'd be lost without you Lores." He hands her a nose plug from the counter, puts one on himself, and they both head in.
She examines the toilet disgusted. "Just promise me we'll never have to do anything like this again." He hands her rubber gloves.
Kanga pauses in her sweeping of the floor in front of the shower. "I'm working on a little schedule so we can make sure everyone does their part in keeping things up. I made one for the Hundred Acre Wood that works splendidly," she says very proudly.
Lori laughs and Michael rolls his eyes, handing her a scrub brush. "Yep, we're so bad we need a chore chart."
"It's like preschool all over again!" she giggles. They poise themselves in front of the toilet. "Well, let's do this," she says resigned. They both plunge their hands in.
XXX
At around the same time, Charlie is sitting with a very nicely dressed Rachel Ellis in one of the library study rooms. She writes something on a piece of paper, looks it over, and finally hesitantly slides it over to him.
He looks it over, tracing her steps, before breaking into a huge grin. "This is really good- a vast improvement from where we started." She sighs in relief. "You're starting to get the formulas down and I think we'll be ready for that test next week." He hands it back to her and rises. "So we'll meet next Tuesday and Thursday after dinner to prepare."
She rises, smiling proudly. "That sounds great. Thank you so much." The two pack up their books, and she hesitates before speaking up again. "Listen, I heard about what happened to Hannah. And I mean what really happened." He stops, looking down. "I'm sorry. I just thought he was a creep. I never thought-"
"I know. I just wish we could find him for her."
"When will she be back?"
"I'm not sure," Charlie answers honestly. "I visited her yesterday with Ben and she still… she's there but she's not. And it didn't help that she felt guilty about shoving me." Rachel looks at him. "It was no big deal," he defends hastily. "Actually, I was pushing her so it was mostly my fault. But it seemed to make her happy that I visited," he concludes.
"Has Lori gone over there yet?" she probes further. Charlie doesn't answer. "Or is she letting the guilt get to her?"
"It's not her fault either," he replies, voice suddenly more clipped and cold. "This had nothing to do with the book. It was a terrible circumstance that happened just because. If anything, that book saved her because it gave her people who cared about her and went out looking for her. You can tell they're lost without being around each other, let alone if they weren't living together," he argues, slamming his final book shut. "You're an actress, start reading the subtext. Not everything should be taken at face value." He heads for the door, but pauses. "I'll see you Tuesday," he forces out in his chipper tone. She just watches him go, baffled.
XXX
Hannah lies asleep in her bed a few hours later- Ben having left for the day. There is the softest of knocks and Michael peeks his head in. He steps into the room, approaching her slowly as he takes in her physical appearance. He sits in the chair next to her, tears in his eyes. She doesn't wake up though as he stares at her for a long moment.
"You know, somehow you still take my breath away," he whispers.
He holds up a plush pink teddy bear tucked under his right arm. "I got you something from the gift shop downstairs. I just saw it and thought of you." He takes minute, wiping the tears. "I'm sorry Hannah. I'm sorry for not being the friend you needed. I could have done something about this. But I am going to spend however long you're willing to keep me around making it up to you. I will watch as many Tenth Doctor episodes as you want. In a row. Just hurry up and get well so I can get started. Because the way I feel about you… I love you."
He rises and kisses her forehead. "I wish I could be this coherent to you when you're awake." He puts the bear next to her on the bed and heads for the door. "I'll see you soon." He exits, leaving the soundly sleeping Hannah unaware he was ever there at all.
XXX
After the sun has gone down, Ben enters the dorm with a bag under his arm. He sets it down on the living room table to the puzzling sound of drawers opening and shutting. He then notices how clean the living room is and is officially lost. He steps into the bedroom to find Kanga supervising Lori, Charlie, and Michael as they all fold freshly washed clothing and put it away.
He takes a moment before attracting their attention. "I got Chinese… what's going on?" They all look at him, Lori blushing and dropping the pair of his underwear she was folding.
"We're straightening the room!" Charlie announces. "Lori and Kanga have been working all day. The Doctor helped this morning and I helped this afternoon when he went to the hospital."
"You went to the hospital?" Ben inquires, crossing his arms.
Michael nods. "She was asleep though. I did leave her a small something so she knew I was there."
Ben turns to a still blushing Lori. "And you've been in our room all day…with my things… like my underwear," he deduces awkwardly.
She nods, rising to stand by him. "I was just doing a friend thing," she says just as awkwardly. "You know, because we're friends." She hits him in the arm.
He grimaces in pain. "Still hurt from Kenny."
"Sorry! I'm sorry!" she shouts too loudly. Michael and Charlie finish as the two just stand next to one another not really sure how to continue or what to say. "So… should we have some Chinese?" she finally offers.
Ben fiddles with his tie. "I didn't know you'd be here… so…"
She nods, catching on. "Oh, okay. That's fine. The two of us should get going anyway," she offers, nodding to Kanga. "It was nice spending the day with you guys. It's been… lonely downstairs."
"I'll come down there later," Charlie says, feeling bad for her. "We can watch some Doctor Who together."
"You don't like that show," Lori reminds him.
He nods. "But you do." She gives him a quick tight hug.
"We'll see what's on Netflix." She exits with Kanga and the three boys head into the living room to eat.
"We also have put together a chore chart," Michael says, pointing to the wall. "Every day a chore gets done. Every week we rotate jobs." He points to a chore wheel beside it for emphasis. "This way we keep the room neat and livable. And we also have a list of common rules tacked next to that. Kanga has turned us into a well-oiled machine."
Ben shrugs. "Whatever. Just don't touch my underwear ever again. Let's eat."
"More than happy too," Michael instantly agrees as he opens the bag.
XXX
That night, Hannah is reading one of Ben's books clearly bored with her teddy bear under her arm. Lori enters the room, shutting the door behind her, with Kanga tucked under her arm like a stuffed animal. Hannah's jaw drops at the sight of her.
"Lori? You shouldn't have-"
"Hello dear," Kanga offers, standing on her own two feet. Hannah yelps.
"It's the real thing." She takes a deep breath. "Okay, let's not give a heart attack to the girl in the hospital."
Lori is clearly apologetic. "Sorry. I did bring you something though." She pulls Hannah's laptop from her backpack. Hannah's eyes light up and she almost looks like her old self. "I figured you would be missing this."
"Oh my God yes! I hate books so much!" She tosses the book over her head and grabs it, running her hand over the top before opening it. "I missed you," she whispers.
Lori takes a seat. "I missed you- oh, you're talking to that."
"No. I was talking to you." They sit in comfortable silence as she starts it up. "I guess there's a lot we should say," Hannah finally admits.
Lori shrugs. "I've never been one for wasting time. No matter what's happened these past few days you're still my roommate and I can't wait to have you home."
This makes Hannah smile genuinely and give in to normalcy a bit. "You're my roommate and I can't wait to be home." She starts clicking around as Lori sits back. "Thank you."
Lori clearly has something bothering her that she just has to bring up. "Just one thing though. Cody-"
Hannah rolls her eyes. "Yeah, that was pathetic. I was trying to hurt your feelings so you'd shut off your phone. My first idea was to bring up our fish that clearly died because I turned the heater up to high and barbecued him."
Lori takes this in. "Our fish?"
Her tone makes Hannah look up. "What did you think I meant?" She stares at a stumbling Lori before it hits her. "Wait, Cody was named after someone who drowned. Lori, I don't even know anything about that," she says sympathetically.
"I know. I feel silly now," Lori admits.
"We all do sometimes," Kanga soothes her. "It's all going to be alright."
The door suddenly bursts open and Kenny rushes in. Hannah goes pale and shrinks back in the bed, terrified, as their eyes meet and his face lights up.
"Hannah," he sighs with relief. "It's really you. I've missed-"Lori is immediately between them the second he takes a step forward.
"You're not going to take another step," she practically growls, defensive and in control. Hannah's eyes widen at this action.
Kenny narrows his eyes, put off by this. "I believe I am." He raises his hand, but Lori grabs it and pulls it back down to his side harshly.
"You're not going to touch me either. I can promise you that you will regret that," she says, voice filled with calm but enough edge to make even Kenny unable to doubt her.
He turns pleadingly to Hannah, who shrinks back further. "Hannah-"
"Yes, let's ask Hannah what she wants," Lori smiles, turning. "Do you want to never see him again, turn him in to the police, and officially dump him because you are an unbelievably smart and beautiful girl who deserves more than an asshole?" Hannah just stares at her, wide-eyed. Lori gives her an assuring smile. "Take your time. I'll wait for your answer."
"I love her," Kenny argues.
Lori faces him, her look back to anger and disgust. "You don't even know the meaning of the word. Let me make this simple for you. When she says yes you are never coming near her ever," she says threateningly. "After the years in jail I mean, because there will be jail time. And if you do she will tell me. And I swear to you…" Her fist clenches and in a puff of smoke the sword appears in her hand. He backs up, now terrified, and she holds it to his chest threateningly. "You will regret it," she smiles creepily, pressing the sword against his cheek enough to draw blood.
"What… how…?!" Kenny panics, putting his hand to his face and looking at the blood.
"Magic," Lori answer simply, making it vanish once again. "Not that anyone's going to believe you," she can't help but laugh. "Hannah, do we have an answer?"
Hannah looks at her roommate, and some of the bravery seems to work its way into her as she sits up and finally looks Kenny in the eye. "Yes," she says strongly.
Lori smiles widely. "There we go." He takes a step towards her, nut Kanga kicks him square in the head and knocks him out cold. "Wow Kanga. I didn't know you had it in you," Lori says to her proudly.
"I only do it when I need to protect the things I care about," Kanga replies. "Just like you."
"Still, I know from experience that really hurts. Not that he doesn't deserve it." They both look at her. "Your son," she explains. "He was practicing stranger danger though, so you taught him well."
"I'll call the nurse so we can get the police in here," Hannah says, pushing the button next to her bed. "How did you do that with the sword?"
"I have no idea. I just… I needed to protect you and it knew that. I know nothing about the intricacies of this stuff. That's your job." At that moment, two people enter along with the nurse.
Hannah stares at them, tears appearing in her eyes. "Mom? Dad?" she chokes.
Her parents start crying as well as they rush to her. "Oh baby!" her mother sobs and they engulf her in a hug, everyone crying and babbling.
The nurse however notices the figure on the floor. "Who is this?" she asks nervously.
"She'll tell you the whole story," Lori promises, tucking the once again pretending to be still Kanga under her arm and heading out. "And tell her I'll be back tomorrow."
XXX
The next morning, Ben wakes up at nine and heads out of the bedroom to find the coffee maker filled from its new spot on the bathroom counter. He takes mug from underneath, chugs it, and puts it in the sink. He turns to head back into the bedroom.
"Ahem." He looks next to him to find Kanga, who crosses her arms. "Number seven- we wash things as soon as we're done with them." He sighs dramatically and scrubs the mug clean before putting it away. Charlie exits the bathroom dressed a moment later with his clothes and promptly puts them in the hamper. She gives him a warm smile as Michael enters from the living room, also already dressed.
Michael gives her a thumb up. "I just made sure all the trash is taken out. The chore for today is done."
Kanga is beaming. "Good. I'm so glad this is working."
Michael takes in the clean dorm. "Me too." There is knocking at the door and he lets Lori in, book under her arm. She notices Ben is still in his pajamas, which consist of only his underwear. She blushes and turns around.
"Hey," she greets them, fumbling. "Uh… I folded that underwear." Ben is beat red and ducks into the bathroom at lightning speed.
"She just can't come barging in here!" he shouts through the closed door.
She fiddles with her thumbs. "Sorry. I just figured she'd be missing her son and if everything is good here…"
"I think we'll make it," Michael decides. "Thank you for everything Kanga," he says warmly, shaking her hand.
Charlie hugs her. "Yes, thank you."
She waves her arm at them, embarrassed. "It was my pleasure. I'll be sure to tell my son all about you so he knows what good hands he'll be in."
Lori nods, opening the book to a glowing poem. "And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down And the flood rose up, up, upper"She vanishes in a burst of light. "So…I'll let Ben get dressed and then are we up for breakfast?"
"Sure!" Charlie shouts.
Michael nods. "Definitely." There is a stilted pause. "Ben's too embarrassed to speak, but he'll be there."
"Okay. I'll meet you downstairs in a half hour. Sorry Ben!" She exits the room and lets out an embarrassed, awkward breath.
XXX
Wednesday morning before classes and even before the sun is up, Lori spots Hannah as she navigates her crutches out the door. Ben follows behind, hovering.
"Raving like a madman?!" Lori asks, practically howling with laughter.
Hannah nods, laughing so hard she's crying. "He was talking about how you had magic after they put the handcuffs on him." They arrive at her vehicle and she grinds to a halt, face falling as she goes pale. "That's-that's my car," she whispers, reverting back to the girl in the hospital bed.
Lori is baffled by this sudden switch. "I know. I borrowed it to come pick you up. It missed you too."
"That's the car he took my virginity in," Hannah says simply, walking up to it.
Lori looks unsure of how to proceed. "Hannah-"
Hannah just suddenly lets out this howl of animalistic rage as she begins wailing on the car. She pounds on her hood, kicks the tires, even throws small rocks at it as she screams and carries on in words no one can decipher. Lori stands petrified as Ben pushes past her.
He pulls Hannah back from the car and spins her before pulling her into a tight hug as she breaks down crying. "It's okay," he soothes her. "It's okay. We'll take my car home." He starts to lead her away as she just cries and mutters to herself.
Lori takes in this broken form guiltily. "I'm sorry. I didn't-"
"It's fine," Ben answers sincerely and sympathetically. "You didn't know. We'll meet you back at campus." She climbs into the car and looks at the book on the passenger seat next to her for a long moment.
"I'm only going to say this once, but I'd welcome help on this one. I know it won't be overnight, but I don't even know where to start. We both know I'm not the best at this." She starts the car and glances at it again. "Like I said- once in a lifetime thing. Think it over."
XXX
Tune in to a special episode Friday (I leave for the Disney Fantasy Saturday) as Hannah returns to campus and tries coping with a new reputation, but at least she won't have to do it alone.