Michael Harms and Ben Prescott are grabbing an early morning breakfast together. They go to take a seat at their usual table, Michael noting a tall blonde girl with thick glasses watching them. However, when the two meet eyes she looks away- blushing and picking at her food. He turns to Ben who hasn't noticed. "Prescott, she's totally staring at you again."

Ben shrugs, looking for the others. "And why do I care?"

Michael gestures to her. "Come on. You can at least talk to her. She's obviously interested." Ben sighs. "Listen, rebounds are of scientific and emotional value. It might make you feel better and stop eating so much candy."

"I'm not interested, Harms," Ben says seriously, tired of the conversation. "Lori's my destiny."

Michael looks at him before speaking. "Well, looking at the here and now she's moved on. And quite frankly you deserve to be happy too," he informs his friend. "It wouldn't hurt to just have a conversation with the girl." Ben rises and goes toward her before simply walking past her to the drink station, leading Michael to just glower at him. He gets a text and pulls out his phone noticing Ben is doing the same.

'Will be late- book went off'

XXX

Hannah Frost and Charlie Prescott hang behind their leader Lori Fitzgerald as she enters the art center, book tucked under her arm. "Alright, were could they be?" she asks herself, taking in the empty building from it being so early.

Hannah maneuvers her crutches to face her. "I'll look down here if you want to take upstairs-"

"There goes Kaity!" Charlie shouts, pointing as Kaity Klingbeil ducks into a hallway. "We can get her help and see if she's seen anything." They follow her down a hallway and see her enter an office. Lori opens the door a moment later only to reveal Kaity perched atop the desk making out with a younger professor. She notices them over his shoulder and Lori quickly shuts the door in shock.

"Oh my God…" Hannah whispers as Lori begins to frantically pace.

"Why? Why? Why? So not equipped to handle this. So not," she mutters to herself, the cogs turning.

Charlie slides down the wall. "I need something to burn images out of your brain."

Lori extends the book towards the two, still mentally panicking. "Anybody else want a spin as leader? Because I'm so not looking forward to the mess this is going to be."

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 Nine: Fight! Win!

XXX

After class that day, everyone but Kaity has gathered in the lounge. She is clearly lost in thought as the others go about their homework. Charlie nudges her. "Want to talk about it?" She shakes her head. "I'll be right here," he reminds her.

Michael has clearly notices her mood too. "What's going on? What'd you find?"

"Is it a villain?" Ben adds, concerned as well. "Do we need to protect you or-"Kaity enters, desperately trying to appear as if everything is normal as she takes her seat.

"Who'd we-"

"You called her?!" Hannah cuts in, glaring at Lori. "You actually called her when she's the problem?!"

Kaity instantly drops the air of happiness and becomes somber. "It's not what you think."

Lori puts her head in her hands. "She deserves a chance to explain. We can't just condemn her," she reasons.

"We know what we saw!" Hannah shouts back, losing her temper in pure disgust.

Michael raises his hand. "Can someone lend me a hand here? I'm a little lost." Ben nods in agreement.

Hannah obliges. "She's sleeping with her professor." They both look at her- faces showing clear confusion and disgust.

Kaity rolls her eyes. "I have not slept with him or anyone for that matter. And it is none of your damn business who I'm seeing."

Michael cringes. "But that's all kinds of wrong. He could get fired or you could get in trouble."

Ben puts a halt to the conversation, having thought of something. "Let's get one thing cleared up first. We're all jumping to conclusions. Is this of her free will or is this a situation she needs help getting out of? Is your professor blackmailing you for a grade or-"

"Oh, it's completely my choice. Don't you doubt that," Kaity growls.

Hannah turns to Lori- who still has her head in her hands. "She needs to go. She needs to leave right now. Lori, you took a chance on her but this… this is too much. It didn't work out."

Kaity pounds a fist on the table, escalating things. "Oh, but they went through you and Kenny without throwing you out on the curb when he actually was forcing himself on you."

"That was different!"

"Like hell it is! You don't get to just stand here and preach to me about-"

Michael gets between the two. "I think we all need to take a step back and-"

"Quiet!" Charlie shouts, quieting everyone down. "There's only one opinion that matters here and we know it." Everyone turns to Lori who finally looks up-face blank. "We'll respect whatever you decide."

She sighs. "I need to think about this one- really think about this one. In the meanwhile, we still have a character we need to find. Let's focus on the task at hand." She starts gathering her stuff as everyone just stands awkwardly staring at her.

Charlie notes this. "Well, you all heard her. Let's move out." The others nod and gather up their belongings. Lori bumps Charlie's shoulder and gives him a small smile.

XXX

That evening, Hannah enters the atrium of the library and spots Brett Edwardson seated in a chair waiting for her. As she goes over to him he rises- clearly nervous. "Thanks for coming. Please have a seat." She does and he clears his throat. "I don't know what to say, so I'm just going to see what comes out- as unorthodox as it is."

Hannah gives him a polite smile. "Take your time."

"You perplex me," he begins, pacing in front of her. "Our simple partnership was to be just that, but as we spent time together I felt inklings. I was always looking forward to seeing you again. And I had never felt- I didn't know how to cope. So I tried avoiding you, but that only made the pain worse."

"Wait, are you saying you like me- in an absurdly complicated way of course?" Hannah asks, catching on.

"I'm not sure," he admits. "I've never encountered this before." He sits across from her. "But is completely unfair given everything that you have battled to simply present such woes-"

Hannah gives him a sharp look. "Brett. I'll take it from here." She works up her nerve and takes his hands. "I like you too. Would you consider going on a date with me this weekend?"

He takes a deep breath. "I'd like that." He smiles. "That wasn't as awful as I built it up to be in my mind." He abruptly pulls his hands away and rises, fumbling. "I will text you details then. Have a great night." He takes off and she sighs leaning back into the chair.

"At least it looks like we'll be taking it slow."

"You should be proud of yourself darling," a high voice says from behind her. "You saw what you wanted and you went for it." She turns to see a small woman with black glasses and a black bob sitting behind her with a magazine in her lap.

"Edna Mode?"

She throws the magazine down. "The one and only."

Hannah looks around, seeing no one else around. "What… how…?"

Edna plays with her nails, bored. "I've just been sitting here reading these atrocious excuses for fashion magazines while I waited for one of you to track me down." She jumps up and comes around to in front of Hannah. "So you can save me the speech because I'm very much in the loop about what's going on. Now, I believe I must be escorted to a Lori Fitzgerald."

"Right. I'll take you." They start walking down the path to the dorms.

Edna sizes her up along the way. "We simply must fix you up for that date. I can design something very bold, yet elegant."

"As long as it's not a superhero costume," Hannah jokes.

"Please!" Edna rolls her eyes. "I do not have the proper materials for that. Plus, one must be super for me to make them a suit. You seem to be very much ordinary."

Hannah frowns, but clearly doesn't take too much offense. "Thanks."

XXX

Two days later, Friday, after class Charlie sits in the library study room staring at the clock. It is a half hour past their meeting time and there is no sign of Rachel Ellis. He sadly packs up his belongings and heads out. He stops on the stairs when he notices Lori clench her fists as she walks across the space to Shawn Zimmerman by the printer.

"Shawn." He turns and smiles at her. Charlie can see she's nervous and is confused as to why. "I was wondering if I could ask you something about the two of us."

"I'm all ears."

She looks down, twiddling her thumbs. "Well, I was thinking that I like you…" Charlie sees her mentally backpedal as she runs out of steam. "As a friend and as a friend I wanted to ask you…"

"Are you alright?" Shawn asks, concerned.

"Umm… prefect," she lies. "You know what, it was a Psychology question but I just figured it out mentally… as I was talking to you. So… I will see you next week. Sorry for bothering you." Charlie raises an eyebrow from his spot as she starts walking away.

Shawn doesn't notice, turning back. "Alright. Feel free to text me any other questions you have."

"I will. I certainly will." She walks out of sighs and Charlie follows to see her hitting her head against a shelf. He comes up next to her. "How bad was it?" she asks, clearly embarrassed.

"I didn't see…"he lies, but she gives him a look, "nobody else saw. At least there's that. Maybe next time-"

"That was my next time," Lori moans. "My second attempt and all I can say is that we're friends? I'm so pathetic."

"No, you're not," Charlie comforts. "But something is holding you back, and you're probably going to have to deal with that before you try again."

"I actually don't think I will. Maybe it wasn't meant to be," Lori says with a shrug.

Charlie gives her a pointed look, knowing what she's doing. "But if you never ask then you'll never really know."

"Well, I'm alright with that," Lori responds, neither buying it. "I should get back. Edna was considering fixing up my clothes and that's the last thing I need right now."

Charlie looks at the carpet. "What're you doing about-"

"I still don't know," she admits- clearly still at war with herself over the decision.

XXX

At around the same time Hannah and Michael are sitting in the lounge of their dorm simply talking to one another. "So a real date?" Michael asks, impressed and trying to act happy.

Hannah nods, ecstatic. "I looked it up. It's a really fancy restaurant. I tried to talk him out of it, but he insists on doing this right."

"Wow. Well, if anyone deserves it you do."

She hugs him. "Can I just say that you are being an awesome best friend right now? I'm trying to take this slow and stay calm after everything that's happened and you're helping me so much with that."

Michael smiles. "Absolutely anything for you." They take a beat before she pulls away. "Has Lori said anything to you about Kaity?"

Hannah begins fuming. "No. She still seems lost on the subject and I really don't understand why. I mean I'll admit I'm always looking for Prince Charming but even I wouldn't stoop so low."

Michael hesitates. "Maybe we shouldn't be judging her though."

"I don't see why not. She opened herself up to that kind of critique. And that is the straw that breaks the camels back on her being a Companion. Not only do we have someone who's bipolar but now add sleeping with a professor on top of that."

Michael still hesitates. "We all have our flaws."

Hannah shakes her head, adamant. "But in my mind there has to be a line- a standard. And Kaity Klingbeil has never fit into that despite Lori's attempts to be fair."

"Well it's good to know where one stands." They look up to see Kaity leaning in the doorframe. "I was just putting a water bottle in the freezer when I stumbled upon this pow wow. Go back to ignoring me though."

They both rise- backpedaling and awkward. "Kaity-"

She narrows her eyes at them. "I may be bipolar and I may be dating my professor, but at least I'm not so cowardly that I speak ill of others behind their back."

"We're sorry," Hannah sputters.

"Oh don't give me that bullshit," she says through gritted teeth. "But you of all people should know we don't get to choose who we fall for. It happens across all situations. So you can go ahead and judge me all you want because it won't change anything. I refuse to be ashamed of any of it."

"Even when it's wrong?" Hannah inquires, not budging on her opinion.

Kaity refuses to bend either. "I suppose that depends on your definition. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Lori's is. Because the two of you aren't going to chase me off by gossiping about me."

Michael is feeling very awkward in the situation. "We weren't-"

"Well excuse me if I missed the welcome wagon you never parked outside my door!" Her water bottle shatters from her holding it to tight, dousing her. She groans. "Now I'm going to have to answer questions from my RA. Great. Have a great night guys. Thanks for the feedback." She exits, clearly upset.

Hannah and Michael just look at one another before she speaks up. "I'll talk to Lori."

Michael grabs her arm. "No. You're not," he warns. "This isn't a democracy remember? She's unstable enough as it is." Hannah can't help but agree. "Let her work through this on her own. She hasn't steered us wrong before. She'll make the right decision and we'll respect it whatever it is."

"Even if she makes the wrong one with that stupid bleeding heart of hers?"

Michael shrugs. "Yeah, it'll suck but even then. Because she needs us. It's what friends do."

XXX

Hannah is finishing up her make-up for her date as Edna is putting the finishing touches on a glittering silver dress. "This looks really nice," Hannah compliments. "It actually might work with the crutches and everything."

"Of course it does," Edna scoffs. "I made it." Lori enters from dinner, gives Hannah a thumb up, and then flops onto her bed.

"I'm having the absolute worst day."

Hannah doesn't even bat an eyelash. "Go ahead. Say it. It'll make you feel better."

"Stupid book!" Lori shouts before sitting up. "You look nice though."

"Brett's taking me to that French place on Harlem."

Lori gives an impressed look. "Somebody makes the bug bucks. That's where Charlie tried to take me for Valentine's Day. A salad would have cost him a week's allowance."

"So why is your day so horrible?" Hannah inquires as Edna finishes and admires her work.

Lori frowns. "I humiliated myself in front of Shawn instead of asking him out like I planned. Instead, I panicked and choked."

Edna suddenly whips around to face her, matching her height as Lori is sitting on the bed. "So you were a coward?!" she accuses.

Lori shakes her head. "I wouldn't go that far. I just-"Edna slaps her across the face, sending her reeling.

"Lori!" Hannah shouts, shocked.

Lori holds her cheek, pretty shocked as well. "Oww! Oww! What was that for?!"

Edna points at her. "That was for being a coward! You get nothing in life by being that way! Be like the sun! Shine bright! Dominate!" she shouts, leaping onto the bed and posing dramatically.

"That really hurt," Lori still reels. "I hope you know I can't even take anything for this!"

"Boys, darling, are obtuse," Edna lectures. "You must tell them how you feel! You will not win the fight if you don't even show up!"

"But I don't want to fight anyone!" Lori moans, cheek having turned red.

Edna grabs her by the shoulders. "Love is always a fight. A fight to be yourself. A fight to make him see." This seems to affect Hannah. "But not even trying because you're obviously afraid of rejection?"

Lori is now officially uncomfortable. "I'm not… well not really…"

Edna nods and hops down. "That is a coward," she diagnoses. "And thus you will live with the regret. Unlike this beautiful, perfect girl before me." Hannah blushes and giggles.

Lori folds her arms. "You do realize I am the one who sends you home, not her."

"And you're also the one I must teach," Edna retorts. "You have nothing to be afraid of for you have and will battle much worse," she continues, softening. "A silly boy should be the least of your worries, just as supermodels and their drama were the least of mine. I like to focus on the heroes."

Lori falters at what she's implying. "I'm by no means-"

Edna shakes her head. "I know what you are. Don't make me slap you again."

Hannah lets out a huff- knowing she's been stealthily insulted. "She gets hero and I get lumped in with the supermodels? That is so unfair. Stupid book!"

XXX

Kaity arrives late for Friday night dinner and finds the place has already emptied out pretty much. She grabs spaghetti and some water before spotting Ben at their table. She slides in next to him, noticing the girl looking at them as well.

"It appears your shadow is here," she kids.

"I have no interest in her," Ben says, clearly tired of this subject.

"That's strange because you haven't even talked to her. I was always taught to never judge a book based on its cover. And you have to admit even her cover isn't bad." Ben looks at the girl, but quickly looks down again.

"I just don't think I'm ready for all that yet and the pushing isn't really helping," he snaps.

"It wouldn't hurt to just be friends with her," Kaity offers. "Don't be such a scaredy cat."

Ben looks at her- insulted."That was real mature," he says in a kidding tone. She smiles. "What're you doing here?"

"I obviously can't go on a public date on Saturday nights," Kaity attempts, but his face shows her joke didn't stick and she flinches. "I'm sorry. That was my attempt at a joke. I shouldn't- if you're half as disgusted as the others are-"

"Oh, I'm not judging you," Ben informs her matter-of-factly. "It's not my life. But I do have some advice for you."

Kaity narrows her eyes. "If you say dump him, I swear-"

"Talk to Lori," Ben advises. "She's honestly really on the fence about this one and I'd hate to see you go when I was just growing accustomed to you. So what you need to do is go to her and plead your case because you're the only one who can."

Kaity plays with her hair. "What if she-"

"Now who's the scaredy cat?" Ben questions. "If it's a relationship worth defending then go defend it. If Lori has taught you anything by now, it's that everything comes down to choice… not chance."

Kaity thinks on this before turning to face him. "Will you at least consider talking to her? She could be your soul mate after all."

"And this professor could be yours." They eat in silence for a moment. "I'll think about it though," he finally admits.

XXX

Hannah and Brett are sitting at dinner in the fancy restaurant, Hannah obviously shifting uncomfortably at her surroundings. Brett notes this and tries to calm her. "You look perfect."

She smiles. "Thank you."

As she goes to speak his phone goes off. "If you'll excuse me for just a moment. It's my charity." He rises and leaves, once again causing her to become very uncomfortable as she gazes around the place and listens to the orchestra in the room. She finally starts unscrewing the lid on the salt by the waiter's cart, finishing with a smile before he returns.

"Charity?" she inquires politely.

He gives a genuine smile. "I work with a charity organization my parents run. You see…" He stops for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm sorry. Every time I look at you I seem to lose all train of thought." She blushes, holding her napkin up to hide her.

"Does this help?" He actually laughs when the food is delivered. "Thank you."

"This does look quite good," Brett admits. "May I have some salt for my salmon?" The waiter goes to pour but he takes it himself, tipping it only for it all come out. Hannah starts laughing uproariously. "What… what just… I don't see how this is funny," he accuses, serious. The waiter sputters around.

"It was just a little prank," Hannah smiles.

Brett narrows his eyes, face accusing and stony. "You did this. Well, that was rather immature." The waiter clears it off and a cloud has settled on Brett's mood as the waiter bows and leaves. "Where were we?"

Hannah giggles. "How you lose thought when you look at me."

"Well, hopefully I'll be able to keep my head on straight from here on out," Brett responds bitterly as he takes a bite. "Just as I thought, now it's much too salty."

Hannah is baffled at his attitude. "It was just a joke," she squeaks.

Brett sighs. "I just wasn't expecting it from you. But let's continue on with our evening."

Hannah won't let it go. "I was just… I do it all the time. I was just being myself upfront."

"I can see that. And now I may have to reevaluate some opinions. But we'll see. Ugh. I need another. This has just become too much to stomach. Waiter!" Hannah looks down, becoming engrossed in her food instead of looking at him.

XXX

Kaity sits on her bed staring at a folded note in her hand. She is snapped out of her stupor as there is a knock on her closed door. "Come in." Lori enters and comes to stand in front of her. "I just wanted to talk with you before you decided anything. Have a seat." Lori does, obviously willing to listen. "I want you to read this. I've had it in my dresser drawer for six years, but no one has ever known about it until now." Lori takes it as she buries her head in her knees.

"'There was never any point to me being in this world and I stand by the fact that I did everyone a favor any leaving it early. To my mom and dad I apologize…'" Her face hardens. "This is a suicide note, isn't it?"

Kaity nods, tears in her eyes. "Ever since I was diagnosed, I was positive my life was leading to that point. I could fight for as long as I could, but eventually my depression would get the better of me and there would be no point. Art became an outlet and I hoped for a while but that started to die out as soon as I came here." She looks up, meeting Lori's eyes. "But then I met you. You make me believe I can change my stars."

This profoundly affects Lori, but she tries to remain objective and as a leader. "This… still… this is nothing to be taken lightly. The fact that you have this ready-"

Kaity continues, ignoring her. "He's the only other person who makes me feel that way. Dr. Collins. It only started about a week ago… before Charlie's birthday. He gives me an anchor to here and I need that connection. So I can't break up with him… but I can't- I don't think I can change my stars without you guys either. So I'm asking you to not judge me and cast me off. I'm asking you to understand," she pleads.

"I'm not sure that I do," Lori admits.

Kaity gives a small smile. "There's a but though."

"But I'm not going to take hope away from you," Lori decides. "You need to start seeing someone though- someone professional. I'm not budging on that. Because I can't and won't take this note lightly. And you have to tell them everything- even about Dr. Collins. That is my condition."

Kaity doesn't hesitate in nodding. "I'll see if they can set me up with someone. For you and for this chance I'll do anything." Lori hands her back the note. "The others-"

"Will listen to me," Lori declares. "I can't stop what they're thinking but if anyone says a word to you tell me. We've all made hard decisions before." She receives a text and rises. "Charlie has a surprise for me in the library apparently. Are you-"

"I'm good. I have a project I need to be working on. Go ahead." Lori nods. "Thank you for listening."

"Absolutely anytime. Keep me updated on that therapy situation, alright?"

"It's a deal." As soon as Lori exits, Kaity groans. "Oh, this is going to suck. I swore I'd never go back." She gets a grip and rises. "Oh well. I guess tunes change. At least you're still a Companion."

XXX

Lori enters the library to find it abandoned as is typical for a Friday night. She looks around confused when Shawn comes in and runs up to her. "Lori! What's the emergency?" he asks, panting.

"What?" Lori asks, lost.

Shawn takes a deep breath. "Charlie came pounding on my door and told me there was an emergency with you and to meet here. He even gave me this note for you." She takes in, unfolds it, and reads 'You're welcome :)'

She smiles and crumples it in her hand. "It's nothing serious. He was just trying to help me out, but he exaggerated," she explains. "I just had a question."

Shawn is clearly curious. "Well don't leave me in suspense."

"I'm just going to go for it." He nods and she musters her courage. "Will you go out on a date with me?"

His face falls and he freezes. "Oh."

She raises an eyebrow, hopeful. "Oh?"

He looks uncomfortable. "I didn't… I wasn't expecting… you really think of me like that?"

"Yes," she says proudly. "And there was no way of knowing if you did too unless-"

He puts a hand on her shoulder. "Lori, I'm flattered really. And I'm glad you told me this so we could get this straightened out and stop wasting your time."

"Huh?"

"It's just… you're my tutor. We're friends. I don't really see you as more than that or becoming more than that anyway."

She is clearly devastated, but buries it quickly beneath a brave smile. "Well, now I know."

He smiles. "I know it hurts and I'm sorry. I just have higher standards than…" She steps back and he realizes what he's said. "That came out completely wrong."

Lori has channeled how upset she is into anger now. "At least now I know where we stand. I'm not good enough for you so I'm just your tutor. Thank you for clearing that up."

He runs a hand through his hair. "Lori-"

"No. No. It's fine. It really is. At least I won't wonder what if. So thank you for making everything crystal clear." She whips around, but he runs in front of her.

"I didn't mean-"

"But you did," she disagrees. "Have a great night. I'll text you about our next session." He just looks at her. "I can still be professional. I can live up to that standard at least." She walks around him and he kicks the desk in frustration.

XXX

Saturday afternoon everyone but Ben is gathered with their lunches in Lori and Hannah's living area of their dorm. "So I start on Wednesday at a clinic just down the street," Kaity whispers to Lori.

Lori nods. "Sounds good." She is flipping through pages in the book baffled. "I don't understand it. I went for it. Why isn't it working?"

Michael notices Hannah constantly checking her phone. "Has he texted you back yet?"

"Nope," she says, clearly frustrated. Lori groans as she reaches the end of the book. "Lori, maybe that's not all there is to it."

Edna claps her hands together, smiling. "Perhaps you should let me get started on your closet. I looked through it this morning and darling we need to get you out of the Jurassic and into the now."

Lori goes back to the beginning to flip through it again. "I swear if that's the lesson…"

"How'd the date go Hannah?" Kaity asks politely.

"I think it went alright," Hannah lies. "You see me and my date can go out in public without-"

"Hannah," Charlie warns.

"Sorry. Like I said, I think it went alright." Lori reaches the end once again.

Edna rises and heads for the closet. "After lunch we'll get started. This is going to be so much fun." Lori desperately decides to flip through it one more time.

XXX

Ben arrives at the cafeteria and grabs a to-go container so he can join the others. As he grabs his taco he notices the blonde girl struggling to balance her tray and grab fruit. He takes a beat before walking over and taking her tray to help her.

"Thank you," she smiles, only to become a little star struck upon realizing who it is.

He extends his hand and she eagerly takes it. "Hi. I'm Ben Prescott."

"I know," she smiles before reigning herself in. "I recognize you as the guy who did that adorable date thing. I'm sorry about how it turned out though. You would have had me in a heartbeat."

Ben smiles, flattered. "Thanks. And you are?"

She flushes. "I'm so sorry. How rude of me. I'm Brittany Moore, a criminal justice major."

"Business," Ben says, gesturing to himself.

She nods and takes her tray back. "I should get going and eat."

She starts off and he catches up to her without hesitation. "Can I join you?"

"You have a to-go box though. I'm sure-"

He shrugs. "So one will go to waste. I'll take my fifty lashes later."

She smiles at him as they sit. "I'd take a few… just to be chivalrous."

XXX

Lori flips through for the third time when suddenly she comes across a glowing poem. She kisses the page. "I apparently just missed it. It looks like my closet if going to remain Jurassic Park."

Edna returns and shrugs. "I tried."

"Ready to head home?"

"Absolutely," Edna nods. "I have so many deadlines- this was a welcome vacation though. Call me and we'll do it again sometime. Or just chat- I love long distance phone calls."

"Thanks for all your help," Lori admits.

"Just don't forget it the second I'm out of sight," Edna warns.

"Oh, I have a feeling the cheek burn won't be wearing out for a while," Lori says, pointing to her still red face.

"We'll get it taken care of," Michael calms her.

"It'll tingle whenever I think of you," Lori says with a fake sappy smile.

Edna takes a bow. "Then I have just finished my masterpiece here."

"You better work Work it, girl Do your thing on the runway" She vanishes in a burst of light and Lori shuts the book, sighing in relief. "I have a feeling I won't be missing her too much."

Charlie nudges her, apologetic. "I'm sorry these past few days have stunk for you Lori."

"Ah, there's always today," Lori shrugs.

Hannah looks at her before tapping her knuckles on the table. "Maybe I should look into that program now that the computer's back. It might be time to retire the stupid book."

Lori locks eyes with Kaity. "I think I could stand a little bit longer," she admits with the smallest of smiles. "I think we've all still got things to learn."

XXX

Tune in next week as we reach the halfway point of the season with an episode that promises important developments in everyone's lives- including one who is about to have everything crashing down in an event that changes everything.