Charlie Prescott is finishing up a study session in the library with his friend Rachel Evans, both putting away their books in a comfortable silence. She finishes first and rises. "So the same time as usual for Saturday?" she inquires.
He shakes his head. "Actually, if we can I'd like to take a break." She looks at him quizzically. "The 17th is my birthday, so we're having a bit of a party," he admits, almost embarrassed. "I'm going to be fifteen."
"The 17th?" Charlie nods. She points to herself excited. "That's my birthday too! I'm going to be twenty."
He instantly lights up. "What are you doing?"
She shrugs. "Nothing really. My family's back home, so-"
"You have to come to the party!" he shouts, practically jumping up and down. "We can celebrate together!"
She is much more hesitant. "I don't want to-"
He is already going- his mind three steps ahead. "Oh, I'll have to get you a present. I might have an idea."
"Charlie, really-"
"It's in Lori's room. I'll see you then." He heads out, still very excited as she hangs back still unsure of this development. "This is going to be so great! I've never been part of a double birthday before! I hope it's not too late to get her name on the cake." He pulls out his phone and starts a text.
XXX
About ten minutes later, Lori Fitzgerald is throwing things everywhere about her desk looking for something. The room is covered in streamers, balloons, and other party décor. She is on the phone with someone who's starting to aggravate her.
"Yes, I do have the confirmation number… somewhere. There's no need for the attitude," she snaps at them, coming up empty on her desk. "One second, maybe it's with my roommate's things." She opens the drawer of the other desk and start rooting around, rolling her eyes. "Yes, I want it changed from Happy Birthday Charlie to Happy Birthday Charlie and Rachel." She hears an unexpected rattle and pulls out a bottle of pills, her expression becoming stony. "Listen, I will call you back. Yes, before you close."
She hangs up and examines the bottle, noting it is definitely not prescription, a sad frown etched on her face. "Oh, Hannah." There is a knock at the door and she hides it. She opens it to reveal Shawn Zimmerman. "Oh, right. The study date," she remembers, slapping her forehead.
"Is something the matter?" he asks, noting her stress.
She shakes her mind clear. "It's Charlie birthday in three days so I'm just working on the details. Come on in." He walks into her bedroom and takes in the mess as she grabs her Psychology book from her shelf.
"You're a pretty awesome friend for doing all this."
"Oh, this isn't all me. He's very popular in these parts. Have a seat." The filing cabinet starts rattling, Lori freezing in place to flinch.
Shawn naturally notices. "What's that?"
"My alarm clock," she shrugs, acting casual. "I stuff it in there when I don't want to know what time it is. I set it to remind me of our meeting." There is a flash of light and Shawn starts towards it.
"Then what's this clock next to your bed?" he questions, curious.
"My back-up in case I don't get the message the first time," Lori answers calmly, stepping between him and the cabinet. "I left some of my stuff in the lounge. Be right back."
She exits and he hesitates before quickly giving in and opening the cabinet. All that sits in there is an old book and alarm clock. "Just like I told you," Lori says from behind him, causing him to jump.
"Sorry," he apologizes instantly. "That was rude. Curiosity just got the better of me."
"It's fine." They both climb onto the bed, brushing elbows. "Let's get started." She opens her book while typing a text with her other hand to her Companions.
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
(Kaity is drawing pictures of the group absently in her dorm room)
Okay
There's a place we gotta go
(The Disney Encyclopedia begins to glow. Lori sighs)
Follow me, follow me
(Lori, Charlie, Hannah, Michael, Ben, and Kaity 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 Eight: Vice President, Uptown Chapter
XXX
The next morning, Hannah Frost is sitting in her Thursday Sociology class, perking up at every person that walks in only to be disappointed. This switches to surprise when Rachel takes a seat next to her.
"Charlie's getting me a birthday present," Rachel laments, not wasting a beat. "I have no idea what to get him. I mean, I have to get him something too. It's only polite."
Hannah registers who's talking to her before tentatively answering. "Last year I got him a Chemistry set, a really silly little kid one. He used it, even showed me the stuff he was making. My point is, just get something from the heart and he will adore it."
Rachel sighs. "Of course he will."
"I didn't know you two were friends," Hannah probes.
"I didn't plan to be. I never intended on associating with your kind," Rachel responds bitterly.
Hannah looks at her offended. "We're a group of friends with a common goal, not a completely different species."
"A goal that is this close to destroying my life's work. But then… how can you not be his friend?"
"When I first met Lori, she held out longer than I thought possible. She batted him around, locked him out of her room, etc. But now she's planning him a birthday party. Last year she didn't even get him a present! The kid's a miracle worker."
Brett then walks in and just ducks down and walks past as she waves happily. She frowns and sits for a moment before turning back to Rachel. "I never apologized… for not listening to you about Kenny."
Rachel gives her a pitying look. "Hannah, I should be the one apologizing to you! I knew he was bad news, but I had no idea he was capable of what he did to you. You must have been so scared."
"Most of the times, I still am," she admits, clutching her book to her chest.
XXX
That evening, Lori is wandering through the preserve with Hannah, Charlie, Ben Prescott, Michael Harms, and Kaity Klingbeil bringing up the rear. Lori has the sword clenched in her right hand and her flashlight in the other.
Kaity gently nudges Charlie. "Where'd she get that?"
"It was a gift from Merlin- magic of course. She's the only one who can use it and only can when her intentions are pure and worthy. Since we didn't find the character last night she's worried it might be a villain."
"Where can I get one?" He laughs. "All I've got is an old set of binoculars I painted for a project in high school." He continues giggling when suddenly there is a rustle from the bushes. Lori is instantly in front of Charlie protectively- something Kaity notes.
"Hello?" Lori calls, but nothing answers as the group huddles together tensely. "Stay put. I'm going in."
"I've got your back," Charlie whispers, following her into the bushes. The others wait when something runs out and hits Kaity in the leg. She looks down to see a muddy, dirty, orange kitten.
"I think I found him!" she shouts, kneeling. "You won't be needing the sword on this one!" The two reemerge as everyone gathers around the cowering kitten.
Charlie is instantly taken. "He's so cute. It's Oliver right?" Hannah nods. "He must be looking for his family."
"I don't- I don't have a family," the kitten admits, breaking everyone's heart. Charlie wastes no time in scooping him up and hugging him.
"Well, now you do," he comforts. Oliver looks at him in awe. "Let me take you home and get you cleaned up." He starts heading back and the others follow.
Michael drifts next to Ben. "How're you holding up?"
"I'm fine," he dismisses, eyes fixed on the back of Lori's head. "Really."
"You know you can always talk to me, Prescott."
Ben sighs. "There's nothing to talk about in this case, Harms."
XXX
The next afternoon, Friday, Lori exits her last class of the week with Michael and Charlie. The group splits off with a wave as Michael heads for the classroom building and the other two towards the dorms.
Lori turns to look at her best friend. "So are you going to tell me why your backpack was rustling the entire class?" she asks sternly.
Charlie looks at her innocently. "I don't know what you're-"She gives him a pointed look. "I couldn't just leave him by himself! Plus, he wanted to come with!" He pulls Oliver out of his backpack.
"So you kept him in there for hours on end?"
"I was okay with it," Oliver vows. "I just didn't want him to leave me alone."
"I'd never leave you," Charlie vows, snuggling with him. "You and I are pals."
Oliver purrs. "I'm so glad I got sent here. Now I can stay with you guys and never see a street corner again!"
Lori sees what's going on and is clearly uncomfortable with the situation. "But… Charlie, you realize-"
"Hey Lori," Shawn greets as he meets up with him. Charlie hides Oliver behind his back as the two put on large smiles. "Who were you talking to?"
"Me!" Charlie covers. "Just me. Nobody else here- especially not a cat that talks because that would just be silly."
"I could've sworn I heard three voices," Shawn says before laughing. "Maybe it was a talking cat."
Lori and Charlie give fake laughs before she clears her throat. "How rude of me! Charlie this is Shawn from the soccer team. Shawn this is my best friend Charlie." They shake hands.
"I've heard a lot about you, buddy. Happy early birthday. If I remember fifteen is where it all goes crazy."
"Can I meet him?" Oliver says from behind his back, Charlie struggling to hold him. "Can I?"
Shawn looks at the two quizzically. "Did you two-?"
"No," they say in unison a little too quickly.
Shawn decides to dismiss it. "Anyway, I just wanted to talk to you about maybe increasing our sessions since we're almost at mid-terms. I don't want to detract from your studies though, so if-"
"It's fine! I'd love to!" she answers before dialing back her excitement. "Just text me and we can iron out the details."
He nods. "I was heading off to practice, so I'm glad I ran into you. Have a great birthday tomorrow Charlie." The two watch him go before sighing in relief.
"I approve," Charlie tells her, earning a lost look. "We said I get to screen your potential dates to make sure they're up to my high standards for you. And I think he'll do."
"It's not like that," Lori deflects. Charlie just looks at her. "I hope it ends up like that though," she admits.
"Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to take Oliver back home and read him a story before getting him some dinner. I'll meet you for dinner like usual."
Oliver climbs onto his shoulder as Lori frowns. "Sounds great! Maybe we can add a nap in there? Today's been almost too exciting."
"Of course. Whatever you want." The two heads upstairs and Lori watches them go, unsure of what to do.
XXX
Charlie is playing hide-and-seek with Oliver when Michael enters the dorm from his last class, collapsing on the couch exhausted. "Ben home?" he inquires.
"He's locked up in our room with a chocolate bar," Charlie answers while tickling Oliver. "I think he's trying to put himself into a candy coma."
Michael takes a moment before leaning forward, serious. "Remember when we made our little deal, back when Hannah was in the hospital? We said that if Hannah and I made up then you would properly forgive your brother for last year."
"I'll get there," Charlie says absentmindedly. "I just… don't know what to say. Plus, it all seems rather pointless now."
Michael remains serious. "I think now may be when he needs it the most."
"But I'm playing with Oliver," Charlie whines.
"Charlie." Charlie takes only a brief moment before agreeing. He rises, handing Oliver off to Michael before entering the bedroom. He takes a seat next to an upset Ben and the two just sit in silence.
"I'm sorry it didn't work out," Charlie offers finally.
Ben sighs, finishing off his chocolate bar. "Yeah, me too."
There is another long pause before Charlie speaks again. "I forgive you." This gathers Ben's attention. "I forgive you for that whole mess last year. And I just wanted you to know that even though you lost Lori… you didn't lose me. You'll always have me." His look becomes one of disgust. "Wow, I actually said that. That was absolutely pathetic. Let me try again." Ben just hugs him tight. "Everything's going to be alright. And even when it isn't… you know exactly where to find me."
Ben pulls away and just looks at his brother. "You're really growing up. Can I just say I'm really looking forward to seeing what the adult Charlie Prescott is like?"
"I hope he's like you a bit- especially when it comes to maturity." Charlie rises. "Do you want to play with Oliver with me?"
Ben shakes his head, so Charlie starts to exit. "Charlie, be careful. We are going to have to send him back."
"I know."
Ben watches him go. "I'm not so sure you do."
XXX
Lori and Hannah enter their bedroom after lunch Saturday, Hannah going rifling through her drawers. "Hey, have you seen my-"
"Pills? They're in there." The room goes cold and Lori flinches at her choice of words.
Hannah proceeds cautiously. "I was going to say my card for Charlie. What-?"
"Granted, that was not how I wanted to reveal I knew that information," Lori says through gritted teeth. "Any chance we can go back and start again?"
Hannah however crosses her arms. "You went through my stuff."
"I was looking for the cake order form. It was innocent. But we do need to have a serious talk about what I found."
"It's none of your business."
"That's crap and you know it," Lori responds, voice harsh.
Hannah takes a deep breath to calm down. "Charlie's party is in an hour. We're not doing this now."
Lori nods in tentative agreement. "I'm not letting this go. Just letting you know."
"I didn't think you would. But let's save this for a time when we can sit down like adults. Later."
There is a knock at the door. "Later. Now go answer the door. Spit spot. I have a day to make perfect." Hannah laughs as she limps off on her crutches.
XXX
The party is in full swing at Lori's dorm with the decorations hung and music playing from a borrowed stereo. Lori is talking with Michael, Ben, and Hannah when there is a knock. She opens the door to reveal Kaity with a wrapped package.
She smiles warmly. "Welcome! You can place that on the table. Charlie, Kaity's-"She is suddenly hit by a jet of water from around the corner.
"I thought I said not in the dorm!" Hannah shouts as Charlie runs by with a Super Soaker laughing. She catches Kaity's puzzled expression. "His dad got it for him as a joke gift. I doubt he knew he'd use it to torture us."
"Well, I'll just have to take it from him," Lori decides, playfully chasing after him as Oliver dances around their ankles excited.
"Fat chance!" Charlie shouts after there as they head for the door. "Thanks for coming Kaity. I'll be over in a minute." They take off down the dorm hallway, Ben coming up next to Kaity.
"We're not actually related," he says under his breath. She merely looks at him. "I was trying for a joke, but I see it obviously didn't work out that way I planned."
She returns to staring off into the distance. "What's the intense look for? It's a party."
She sighs, knowing she'll never shake him off. "This week I've been keeping my distance a bit- trying to get a feel for the group dynamic so I can fit in and all that. But more than anything it made me realize how much I want a Charlie," she offers.
Ben frowns but tries not to judge. "Well, he's fifteen. You're nineteen. In a few years-"
She nearly gags. "No. Gross. I'm as involved as someone with my condition can hope to be. I mean… look at the two of them. I have never seen two people who trust and care about each other more than when I see the two of them just talking to one another. She protects him. He's the first to her aid. I would give anything for half a connection like that with someone," she says wistfully in a rare moment of vulnerability.
"Well, it wasn't that way overnight," he reminds her, serious as well. "She initially pushed him away- was actually pretty dismissive of him. She was a lot like how you feel, except she was happy that way."
"What happened?"
"He wore her down. An old soul like you- you're going to wear everybody down to."
"Easier said than done."
Ben shrugs. "Things like that often are." Charlie and Lori run back in and he tackles her to the ground, the two of them crying from laughing so hard.
"This is the best birthday ever!" Charlie shouts before they rise. Rachel apprehensively enters the dorm and all eyes are instantly on her.
Michael is the first to speak up. "Can we help-?"
"Happy birthday Rachel!" Charlie cuts in, giving her a quick hug. "Hold on. I have your present in Lori's room." He takes off for the bedroom and she stands there awkwardly as everyone just looks at her- even Kaity who's not really sure where the tension is coming from.
"He… he invited me," she mumbles, biting her lip.
"Happy birthday," Lori offers, dissolving some of the tension. "How old are you?"
"Twenty." Charlie returns and hands her a small package and she hands him hers. "You shouldn't have."
"Of course I did. How about we open them together?" She nods and they rip their packages open to reveal identical books on Disney History. They both start laughing and soon everyone but Kaity joins in. "Great minds think alike. I thought with you living in California-"
"I love it," she assures him.
"We should have cake," Charlie decides as Oliver climbs onto his lap and rubs his head against Rachel's arm. She looks down and recognizes him which seems to wake her up to where exactly she is.
"I should go," she decides suddenly.
Charlie is lost by this turn. "But you just got here and it's your birthday. The cake even has both our names on it."
She just shakes her head. "Still… I didn't know what I was thinking. I don't want to be part of this. We may be friends but that doesn't mean I'm joining Lori's cult like the rest of you. Our deal is off.
"But I still want to be your friend," he says sadly.
"So do I. But not like this with all of them. I can't. This was too much. I'm sorry." She opens the door. "Happy birthday Charlie." She exits and Lori instantly pulls Charlie into a hug.
"I don't… understand," he croaks, upset and lost.
"I'll get the cake," Lori offers, heading down the dorm hallway for the lounge fridge.
Hannah taps the stack of gifts. "You should open your other presents- especially mine."
"Yeah, you shouldn't be frowning on your birthday," Michael agrees. He nods, giving Oliver a squeeze before putting him on his shoulder and grabbing a wrapped package. Lori enters with the cake- Rachel's name hastily removed from it- and he can't help but smile at his gathered friends.
XXX
Hannah and Lori finish putting the last of the wrapping paper in a garbage bag before taking a seat on the couch. Hannah turns to her, apologetic. "I've been really unfair to you. Last year I was so harsh and pushing you to care about others. And here you are worrying about me and I'm asking you to stop. Talk about mixed messages."
"I just thought the whole saga was behind us," Lori says, tired. "I was surprised and didn't want you to put yourself through any of it again."
Hannah takes a moment before starting up. "I kept them because I was-am scared. Every day I pictured the group of you finding out and rejecting me. Most days I still wake up wondering if this is the day you realize how much I messed up and wipe your hands of me."
Lori rolls her eyes, elbowing her. "Well, you need to get over that Hannah. It's been close to a month and none of us have budged an inch. We're your friends and we love you. You have nothing to be scared of." She softens. "We're not going to be able to protect you from all the bad stuff, but you can be sure we're going to be right by your side."
Hannah latches on to a sentence and is floored. "You just said…"
Lori realizes what she's done, but continues forward determined and confident. "I know what I said. I love you. And you can bet I meant it." Hannah doesn't waste a bit in hugging her.
"I love you guys too. I'm throwing those pills in the lake the first chance I get- this evening even. If you're not scared then I'm not scared."
"Why would I be scared when I've got Hannah Frost as my Companion? Before you go though, I think we need to pay Oliver a visit."
Hannah becomes a little sad. "Charlie's gotten so attached."
"That's why it should be sooner rather than later."
XXX
A few minutes later, Charlie opens the door to find Hannah and Lori- book tucked under her arm. "I think I know why you're here," he mutters sadly.
Lori sighs. "I know it's your birthday-"
"It's alright. He's asleep in my bed." They head in past where Michael and Ben are studying on the couch. "I was going to ask you if we could keep him."
Lori puts a hand on his shoulder. "You know it doesn't work like that."
He continues, almost as if he hadn't heard her. "But then I looked around at my party. This isn't his family. This is mine. And I would never want someone to take away mine. So I can't take away his. But I don't want him to think I abandoned him."
"I won't." They see Oliver standing on his bed. "I have to go back. I may not want to, but what you're saying is that it's going to be okay. And I believe you, because we're pals."
Charlie hugs him one last time. "It's going to be so much better than okay." He looks over his shoulder at Lori and Hannah. "You're going to feel absolutely complete."
Oliver nods and puts on his brave face. "Then I'm ready." Lori opens the book to a glowing poem as Hannah puts a hand on Charlie's shoulder.
"Keep your dream alive Dreaming is still how the strong survive" He vanishes in a glow of light, Charlie wiping away tears. "I'll go put this upstairs." She heads out as the boys peek their heads in.
"She never ceases to amaze me," Hannah admits. "That's your masterpiece Charlie- what you've created astounds me."
"I didn't create it. She was always like that. She just needed someone to care about."
Hannah gives him a look. "Right. She didn't even get you a birthday present last year. How's that for caring?" He narrows his eyes and deposits Louis in her hands.
"This was sent to me through the mail after my birthday last year- no idea who the sender was. But I think we both know who would get me this to help with my nightmares." Hannah's eyes widen as she realizes what he means. "I always knew who Lori Fitzgerald was. Why else would I choose her to be my friend? Because that's what I wanted- not a project. So don't go giving me credit for her, because she always was her."
There is a beat of silence that Michael finally breaks, entering. "This is getting too deep for me. Though in my defense, I always saw it too." Hannah merely rolls her eyes. "Any word from Brett?"
"None. I'm convinced it was all in my head."
"We can blame the book," Charlie suggests. "It's what Lori would do."
"What's what I would do?" Lori asks, her head popping back into the room.
"Blame the book."
"Of course! It's all its fault!" Lori exclaims. "What are we blaming on it?"
Charlie just smiles at her, looking at everyone. "Nothing."
XXX
Hannah stands at the edge of the lake, thumb trailing over the lid on the bottle of pills. She finally furrows her brow and grips it tighter, throwing it as hard as she can. It lands in the water and sinks to the bottom as she looks as if a weight has been lifted. She starts back on her crutches when she receives a text.
'Can we meet tomorrow? There is something pressing I must speak to you about.' She almost giggles when she realizes who it's from- Brett.
XXX
Tune in next week as Kaity has a troubling secret discovered, Ben has an admirer, Lori makes some hard decisions in areas of her life, and Hannah faces an unexpected situation.