Ben Prescott has just finished a day of classes on November 10th and is striding back towards the dorm eager to get started on his homework. As he passes the library he notices a figure that looks like Lori Fitzgerald stride and fall into step with him. The skintight white outfit gives its true identity away though.
"Hey," Ben greets DIZ v2.9 politely, obviously a little uncomfortable. "We were starting to wonder about you. It's been a week since the whole… debacle." It just looks at him blankly. He plays with his tie. "Listen, I'm sorry for how I reacted. It's just… with her…"
"You are human and thus you act illogical," it reasons in its superior monotone. "It is to be expected."
They walk for a minute in awkward silence. "So… what have you been up to?" Ben asks.
"I had an error I was seeking to repair."
They arrive at the dorm. "I thought you were 100%... you know what, never mind. I'll see you later." It follows him inside. "What are you-?"
"I wish to observe you and your habits so I can better comprehend my new environment."
"But I thought you didn't care about me?" Ben asks harshly, annoyed.
"I don't," it answers simply. At that moment his girlfriend Brittany Moore comes up to him and gives him a long kiss.
They pull apart and she kisses his nose. "Hey. You ready for some studying… or not studying?" He puts on a dopey smile as she notices DIZ v2.9 just standing there, eyebrow rising at her unusual attire. "How are you Lori?"
"I am not-"
"She's fine," Ben objects hastily. "Really. Struggling through organic Chemistry with a B-, but otherwise quite alright. Let's head up." Brittany nods and starts up the stairs, Ben turning to the program. "Can you observe me some other time?" he whispers before following.
DIZ v2.9 follows as well. "I will continue observing you now."
"Observing you?" Brittany questions from the landing, frowning.
"It's a project!" Ben shouts before DIZ v2.9 can open its mouth. "She has to… observe me…" Brittany taps her foot and narrows her eyes at him.
"Benjamin Prescott, I am a Criminal Justice major. Don't you dare attempt to lie to me because believe me you are not that good. Now you will tell me right now what is going on between the two of you."
Ben falters at her tone so DIZ v2.9 steps forward. "It's quite simple. I am DIZ v2.9- a program designed to protect Lori Fitzgerald and guide her along her quest since she holds the Disney Encyclopedia. Benjamin Prescott is one of her affiliates and currently I am observing him. You should logically comprehend that." Brittany's jaw drops, before she turns on her heels and storms off.
"Brittany!" Ben shouts, chasing after her. DIZ v2.9 follows right behind him.
"I made it easy enough to comprehend." She stops suddenly, eyes glazing over as she puts two fingers to her temple. "My connection to the book tells me it has been activated."
This catches Ben's attention. "You can do that? Are you sure?"
"Positive." He looks after where Brittany went but sighs and pulls out his phone. "We must start searching immediately," it informs him.
"This is my life," Ben mutters to himself. "Seriously, this is it." He takes a deep breath after sending the message. "Alright, let's go."
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 his first aid backpack and throws it on his shoulders)
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 Thirteen: Tie My Own Sandals and Everything
XXX
Kaity Klingbeil enters the art room at around the same time to see a commotion on the other side of the building. She walks over to the crowd of students who tower over and peers through them to see Dr. Collins being led out by the police. Another officer is holding back a young girl who is screaming and crying.
"What the hell is going on?" Kaity questions harshly, cogs turning.
"No!" the crying girl shouts. "No! I love him! You can't!"
A blonde guy from next to her nudges her shoulder. "It turns out Mr. Collins was sleeping with of his students- several it's almost starting to look like." Kaity goes white, expression becoming blank. "The problem being that girl over there is seventeen."
"How could you do this to me?!" the girl screams.
"It's a shame isn't it?" the guy continues, shaking his head and failing to notice Kaity's expression. "Her friend went to Principal Timmerman's this morning. Apparently three girls came forward as well when they found out about one another."
Kaity just stares at him and suddenly he locks eyes with her. His expression says it all, petrifying her. 'Did you think you were special?' Her breathing becomes shallow and she breaks eye contact.
"What a sleaze," another student cuts in. They lead Dr. Collins out the door. "Oh! Kaity, can I just say your sculpture-"She's not there anymore and he looks around puzzled. "Huh?"
XXX
Hannah Frost bolts through the preserve with her umbrella, rain coming down. She reaches the clearing and whirls around as she hears sobbing. Kaity is crouched in a ball under a tree, tears streaming down her face as she's soaked to the bone. Hannah kneels in front of her, using the umbrella to cover them both.
Kaity hiccups. "I'm sorry I called you, but-"
"Don't you ever be sorry," Hannah says seriously. "That's what friends are for." She helps her up. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up and out of this rain. You're shivering. Then we can talk."
XXX
At the same time as the previous two events, Michael Harms is working in the training room. He is currently shining a penlight in the eye of Lori Fitzgerald before jotting notes down. A few athletes mill about with Jen and Sara hard at work. Charlie Prescott is fiddling in the taping closet.
Lori continues what she way saying. "So, overall, the headaches aren't nearly as bad though I do get the occasional feeling that someone is taking a hammer blunt force trauma to my skull." Michael makes another note, nodding. "I'm going to need an exact quote on that one," she jokes with a smile.
He smirks. "Well, we're making excellent progress Lores. You didn't lose too many of your marbles. How's it going over there Charlie?!" he shouts over his shoulder.
Charlie beams. "I think I have completely revolutionized the way you guys store tape." He gestures to a highly organized cabinet. "I went by kind and then put the older stuff up first so that we can use that up first before the newer things."
Jen can't help but give him a thumbs-up. "That is brilliant. How long until we can start paying you?"
He goes back by Lori and Michael, sitting next to her on the table. "Less than a year."
Sara turns to Jen. "We need to keep a countdown." Lori's phone vibrates and she looks- her face instantly telling Michael and Charlie what it is.
"I think I need to be going," she says politely. "Something just came up. Soccer will be in here soon anyway."
Michael gives her a serious look. "He asked about you again, just like yesterday." She sighs. "You have to talk to him eventually. You promised and now he's really confused."
"I just don't know what I'm going to say," she admits. "Before I had plans, but now I feel like I'm trapped in Limbo again." He puts his hand over hers.
"You're not there alone though." Charlie nods in agreement. Lori gives Michael a long, tight hug. "I'll see you later then?"
She nods as she rises. "Thank you as always, Doctor." She head for the door.
Charlie is less than a step behind her. "See you later everybody!"
"Bye Charlie!" nearly the whole training room responds, making him beam. They head for the stairs.
"Who was it?" he inquires.
"Ben. He said the robot thinks the book's been-"She crashes into someone. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't-"
"Chill. It's no big deal." She looks up recognizing the voice to see a woman towering over her. "I have a feeling it was me you were rushing to find anyway. So why don't we get this over with?"
Charlie recognizes her and gives a wave. "Hi Megara." She winks at him. "So I take it you know what's going on?"
She rolls her eyes, arms folded. "Of course. And it's Meg by the way. You guys are the biggest thing back home since they put the pocket in the pita. Hercules still raves about you," she says with a gesture to Charlie. "Phil won't shut up about you," she adds pointing at Lori. "Well, I suppose now it's my time to have my life changed. Let's get this over with." She starts up the stairs.
Charlie is a little taken aback. "She's-"
A huge smile breaks out on Lori's face. "Only the greatest Disney animated heroine they created. I always loved her so much growing up. She was an inspiration. We had so much in common."
"Hey, I could paint a vase faster than you two can climb a set of stairs!" Meg's voice echoes from the top of the stairs. "Come on!"
Charlie scoffs. "Yes, she seems like a true role model. I'll text the Doctor so he's not wondering back there." They start up the stairs as he sends a message. "Did they ask you about the job again?" She nods. "What'd you say?"
She shrugs- the thought obviously far from her mind at this moment. "The same thing I always do- hopefully my engagements will clear up so I can do it."
XXX
Ben is sitting in the living area of his dorm plucking away at his Calculus homework. His eyes glance up to see DIZ v2.9 sitting directly across from him just staring. He takes a moment before glancing up once again to see it still doing the same thing. "Can you stop?" he inquires, very annoyed.
"I'm observing."
"It's creepy. Ask me some questions or something. Don't just stare at me." Charlie comes bounding in. "That was fast."
"She was already in the gym," he explains. "It's Meg from Hercules. Hey DIZ v2.9. It's been a while." He sits next to it on the arm of the couch.
DIZ v2.9 starts to rise. "If she is with the character, I should-"
"I think it's best you stay put," Ben comments. "I'm not sure if Lori's going to be comfortable having you around characters after what happened last time."
"But my objective-"
"So can your hand do that changer thingy into just a gun or can you do like a can opener?" Charlie interjects excitedly. DIZ v2.9 just looks at him- noticing how he's looking her over in amazement.
"He's going to sit there until you answer him," Ben notes at the long silence, eyes back on his homework.
"My arm has the capability to form many shapes," it finally responds.
"Sweet! And how much stronger are you than a person?"
"I have not tested-"
"Can you lift this couch with me on it?!"
"Affirmative. Is this what you meant by asking questions, Benjamin Prescott?"
Ben laughs. "He is demonstrating exactly what I meant. It gets pretty annoying though too."
"Do humans always have these many questions?"
"That's Charlie."
Charlie bows, laughing. "You're welcome."
DIZ v2.9 is lost by this expression. "What-?"
Charlie instantly catches on and decides to inform her. "It's what someone says when they do something nice for another person. I was saying it because I acknowledged that you're an awesome robot! So of course I have questions Ben!"
"I am not a-"
"Can you fly?" Charlie interjects once again.
XXX
Michael knocks on a dorm door and Hannah opens it- obviously very distressed and worried. "I came over as soon as I got off work," He says, pointing to the backpack on his shoulders.
"I don't know what to do," she admits, letting him in. "This whole afternoon and evening she's just been lying on her bed curled in a ball. It's probably the worst I've seen her."
"The professor?" She nods and Michael sighs. "We figured as much though. Have you told-?"
"Not yet. I don't want to worry her if we don't need to." Michael nods in agreement and enters the bedroom, taking a seat next to a curled up Kaity on her bed- still in her damp clothes.
"Hey," he says gently. "I heard it's been a pretty rough day." There is no response. "But just so you know we are here for you. We'll help you get through this." He starts digging through the backpack. "Now I have some pills you can take-"
"You shouldn't give them to me," she mutters.
He pulls out the bottle. "I know you hate medication, but-"
"You can't give them to me," she says, voice stronger.
He remains patient. "And why is that?"
"Because I want to die," she chokes. Hannah and Michael both freeze, completely unsure of how to react. "That's why I didn't want to be left alone. I want to say I won't, but…"
Michael points to Kaity's laptop. "Hannah looks up the therapist's hours right now." She does, sitting down. "Lori has you seeing someone, right?"
"I skipped my meeting this week. I figured I didn't need it."
"She's in first thing in the morning," Hannah informs him. "I'll call her right now to make sure we can get her in."
Michael rises and pulls her aside. "Can you stay with her tonight? I don't think we should leave her alone." Hannah nods. "I need to go talk to Lori. We can't keep this from her."
Hannah nods. "I know. She's with Meg from Hercules at the café." Michael exits after giving Kaity a comforting shoulder squeeze. Hannah takes a seat next to her and strokes her hair. "I know it doesn't feel like it, but I promise this will get better. Trust me, I know."
Kaity turns to she's facing away from her. "Unfortunately, you don't have a brain that believes it gets a say in the matter," she mutters defeated.
XXX
Lori and Meg sit at a table in a corner of the café- Meg now dressed in jeans and a hoodie from Hannah's closet.
"It sounds like you lead an interesting life," Lori comments.
Meg takes a sip. "I'm just getting started. And so after that Hades and Persephone-"Shawn Zimmerman enters laughing with a bunch of the soccer boys but halts when he sees Lori. Meg notices as he heads over- Lori's back to him. "It looks like you have your very own Wonder Boy," she smirks.
"Excuse me?" Meg nods and she turns just as Shawn towers next to her.
"We need to talk," he says, glancing at Meg.
Meg smiles as she takes a sip, obviously enjoying this. "Oh go on. Pretend I'm not even here."
Lori stumbles. "I don't know what to say. Things didn't work out the way I planned," she tries to reason dismissively. "So I don't-"
"Lori, I chickened out," he admits. "I lied about being sick for the dance. I just… I knew how you felt about me and-"
Lori folds her arms, eyebrows knitting. "Trust me. I would have been able to control myself. We're going," she tells Meg, who rises.
Shawn blocks her. "And I realized that maybe my feelings aren't that different." Meg sits down again, leaning her head on her arms interested. "That scared me, so I chickened out. But now just looking at you-"
Lori takes a step back, obviously very thrown off. "You said you didn't… you embarrassed me- I believe your words were something about higher standards." Meg sighs and rises again.
Shawn stumbles as well. "I didn't know it at the time, but then I started thinking maybe-"
Lori cuts him off harshly. "We're done here. Let's go."
"Are you sure?" Meg asks and Lori nods. "Sorry," she whispers to the dejected Shawn as the two head for the door.
"I'll be willing to talk whenever you are!" he shouts after her. She slams the door behind her.
Meg walks with her for a moment before Meg finally speaks. "So what's the deal with Wonder Boy?"
"Let's just say he hurt me and leave it there," Lori huffs. "I feel a long-winded explanation is pointless."
Meg shrugs. "He seems to mean well though. Trust me I know how to tell the good ones from the bad ones. He's not perfect but he was really trying back there. And the way he was looking at you…"
Lori narrows her eyes, not buying this. "The thing is less than a month ago he assured me he wasn't there. Excuse me if he's sending mixed signals."
Meg refuses to become frustrated, remaining calm. "Maybe his heart was closed off then- especially if you took him by surprise," she reasons. "I'm just saying it takes someone really special for those kinds of people. You should be flattered and hear him out." She can see Lori softening. "Feelings are a Greek tragedy waiting to happen- way too complicated. But sometimes you have to climb on the flying horse and take a leap of faith. Maybe you're scared too."
"In case you haven't noticed, my life's pretty complicated for a relationship."
"Isn't it always going to be though?" Meg inquires. Lori falters. "I know you're worried about all the things that could happen, but you need to stop dwelling on the negative." Lori bites her lip. "Don't you deserve some source of happiness instead of pushing him away because of your guilt complex? It's legendary in our world," Meg says with a nudge of her shoulder.
"Great," Lori sighs.
Meg can see she's getting through but doesn't want to push her luck. "Listen, decent guys are hard to find. Just think about it."
XXX
Kaity stands in the art room the next morning staring blankly at her half-finished sculpture on the table in front of her. She glances at the chisel at her hand, but can't think of anything. She begins to look more defeated as she keeps staring. She is still in the same clothes from yesterday and her hair nearly covers one of her eyes.
"It's a shame, isn't it?" a voice filled with venom says. She turns around to see another version of herself leaning against one of the cabinets, smug look on her face. "Here we were thinking we could change our stars," she mocks. "We thought we could become a different person."
"We still could," Kaity tells her hallucination, standing her ground though obviously mentally panicking.
"Isn't it obvious?" the hallucination rolls her eyes and walks to stand next to her. "Your mind's never going to let us. It'll always be a peak or it'll always be a valley. You can forget being normal. You're never going to have a real relationship that doesn't end in him getting arrested."
Kaity covers her ears, tears coming to her eyes. "Stop."
The hallucination walks around the table to stare across at her. "You'll end up pushing all of them away and end up alone."
Kaity squeezes her eyes shut. "I said stop!"
The hallucination leans forward, voice a chilling whisper. "You can't even do art. You're pathetic! You should die and maybe the world would be better off!"
"Shut up!" She lashes out and shoves the sculpture off the table at the hallucination. It merely fades and her art project shatters to pieces on the floor. She sinks to her knees sobbing- hands on her head. "Shut up. Shut up." The other Kaity appears kneeling behind her.
"I told you so," she whispers in her ear. Kaity cradles the pieces of her sculpture to her chest. "It's never going to let us." She vanishes with a dark chuckle as Kaity starts hiccupping from crying so hard.
Michael comes in casually to visit only to be taken aback at the scene in front of him. Unsure what to do he sits next to her and takes the sculpture from her.
She wraps her arms around one of his, eyes still squeezed shut. "Don't leave me alone. I don't want her to come back," she begs.
He is taken aback by this contact, but slowly wraps a comforting arm around her. "I'm right here," he soothes her. "We're taking you to the therapist right now. Come on." He helps her up and leads her out- completely at a loss.
XXX
Ben walks into the café between classes that afternoon, DIZ v2.9 merely a step behind him. He notices Brittany at a table with two coffees, head in a book. He takes a deep breath and turns to face the blank projection.
"Okay, you really need to go away now," he informs her, desperately trying to keep his voice level and patient. "I'm in enough trouble as it is."
"My observation-"
He loses him calm, built-up annoyance having pushed him over the edge. "Okay this is like the bathroom. It's not okay. Especially when you look like Lori." It just continues to look at him. "It's a long story but we were almost together," he waves off.
Brittany had spotted the two and makes her way over, arms crossed. "What is she doing here? You promised me a one-on-one talk."
"I'm working on it," Ben reassures her. "You need to go somewhere else and leave me alone," he demands.
DIZ v2.9 looks between the two of them for a moment. "I do not understand. She wants to isolate you from other human interaction, but that disrupts my findings that humans seek comfort and conversation with many others both male and female." Ben physically smacks his forehead.
"Seeking comfort?" Brittany quotes. "Who was seeking comfort? And why the hell is she talking like that?"
"My voice is my own. The rest of me is-"
Ben goes to cover its mouth, but hesitates knowing it will give everything away if her passes right through it. "Okay! A little too much information, Lori. Can you please just leave? Just go… stand outside or something." He looks at it, silently pleading. "Please."
DIZ v2.9 takes in that look for a moment, frowning. "Affirmative." He sighs in relief as it walks out and literally just stands outside the door staring at them through the window.
Brittany has now lost her patience and gathers up her books. "I-I can't do this. I'm trying to be reasonable but between her and the tech girl and the med student and your step-brother and the bipolar chick-"
Ben narrows his eyes at her, defensive. "Whoa. That's pretty rude. They're my friends and we've been through a lot together."
She comes to stand in front of him. "It's either me or them, Ben," she lays it out. "I didn't want to do this but I find myself recently wondering if when you're hanging out with them-"
Ben is officially becoming angry with her. "Nothing is going on. If this is going to work you need to trust me."
"I don't," she admits. He recoils. "So you need to make a choice. Now. Those freaks or me."
Ben glances out the window before adjusting his tie. "Them," he admits proudly without hesitation. She takes a minute to let that sink in before dumping her coffee on him. He just takes it. "I'm sorry but I have the type of friends I would not throw away for anything in the world. I'm sorry you can't understand that. If you want to talk or-"She storms out without a backward glance. Ben takes a moment before exiting as well, leaning against a railing as he stands next to the waiting DIZ v2.9.
DIZ v2.9 stares at him for a long moment. "Why did you make that choice?"
He just sighs, not in the mood. "Listen, you're not going to understand this but after all Lori and the others have put me through and helped me through… I could never just… they're my best friends. Even in the worst moments I wouldn't change having become part of this. And when someone I've known for a few weeks hands me an ultimatum like that- well, the choice was obvious to me. We have so much history that it inspires loyalty which you'll never get because you're a projection." He puts his head down.
DIZ v2.9 reflects on this before speaking again. "When you said please, your tone compelled me to exit. Though I did listen to that entire conversation for observations purposes."
He snorts, looking at it. "What's your verdict?"
"Human emotions and loyalties are very complicated." This makes Ben laugh. "You chose to not isolate yourself and thus lost your mate."
Ben stares off, lost in thought. "Yeah. I appreciate you stepping out and giving me some space," he offers politely after a pause.
"You're welcome," she says instantly in a completely natural friendly tone. They both freeze, him turning to it as it takes a step back, baffled.
XXX
Lori enters the library that evening with her laptop to do some homework. Charlie follows behind with his and both glance around the practically empty library and notice DIZ v2.9 scanning a monitor in the far corner.
Lori approaches her doppelganger, trying to be friendly. "Hey. I'm sorry I haven't talked to you since everything. I just wanted you to know there are no hard feelings for the whole concussion thing."
DIZ v2.9 just looks at her. "Why would there be? I was not wrong in my decision." It glances around the library before rising. "I should go. We cannot be in the same place for our physical similarities will create confusion."
Lori shrugs. "There are not many people around. Ben tells me you've been… observing him?"
"Affirmative. I seek to gather data so I can better fulfill my objectives. I actually must return to that." It goes to exit.
"Before you go, DIZ v2.9 I have one more question. What-?"
Lori blanches, interjecting. "We need to change that," she decided. "He may be silly enough to say that every time, but the rest of us are not going to use that mouthful. And I'm sure you'd prefer something other than 'the robot'." She turns to Charlie. "Any ideas?" Charlie thinks.
"But my program name-"
"Lori's right," Charlie agrees. "You need a real name." He smiles. "Glados?"
Lori laughs. "Too on the money."
Charlie notices DIZ v2.9 staring and decides to offer up more information. "That was laughing. You do it when something's funny to you. Everyone laughs at different things though."
"That observation is noted."
Lori snaps, smiling. "How about Finch? After the guy in Person of Interest."
"Clever, but not too obvious." Charlie and Lori both stare at the program. "It looks like a Finch to me."
"Finch it is then," Lori concludes.
"If that is what you wish to call me, I suppose I shall accept it. I must go to Ben now. There is much I still have to observe. Then I shall re-join you with the characters to fulfill my objectives once I have gathered all necessary data." It exits as Lori takes a seat, grabbing a book from a nearby shelf.
"Lori," Charlie catches her attention. He points to where Meg enters the library with Shawn behind her.
"Great," Lori groans. "Just what I need." She walks up to him. "Listen-"
"One date," he cuts her off. "No one chickening out- not me and not you." Lori gives Meg a glare before simply looking down. "I've been an idiot in practically every way," he admits, voice pleading. "I know that. But I think you could be different."
She finally looks at him, pausing before finally nodding. "You up for the cafe?" He beams and hugs her.
Meg applauds from the side. "It's about time," she cheers. Charlie can't help but laugh as Lori glares at her once again.
XXX
Ben and Michael are both studying in the lounge area of their dorm, though it seems clear their conversation is holding their interest more. "I just feel so useless," Michael admits. "First Lori and now Kaity's falling apart."
"You can't beat yourself up, Harms. This is out of your league. You're not a doctor yet," Ben reminds him.
"I just feel like I'm failing everyone and I hate it. My part as a Companion it to-"At that moment the newly named Finch enters. Both of them stare at it. "That… that was locked."
"I picked it," it informs them as it sits in the chair. "I need to continue my observation."
Ben merely sighs, but Michael narrows his eyes. "Haven't you been following him everywhere for like three days? You even ended his relationship," he reminds it coldly.
"It's fine," Ben assures him, voice tired. "I've resigned myself to the robot-"
"Finch," it cuts in. They both glance at her, confused. "Lori Fitzgerald has given me a title. She and Charles Prescott have decided that I shall be called Finch. I would prefer you address me as such too to establish conformity."
They both just sit for a minute before Ben clears his throat, giving a small smile. "Alright. It's much easier than DIZ v6.789 or whatever it was."
Michael nods. "Yeah, I feel sorry for the child of whoever created you- KID v8.9 or something." Finch laughs loud and clear at this for a moment but quickly grabs her mouth as the two look at her in shock.
"I don't- that was funny," it reasons, voice back to monotone.
Michael voices their perplexed expression. "How…?"
Finch takes a step back, hand going through the door handle once before it manages to grab it. "I need to consult my programming. I am postponing observation until further notice." It swiftly exits and they both look at each other.
"Is this really our life?" Ben voices.
Michael can only smirk as they return to their homework. "Yep. It certainly is, Prescott."
XXX
Lori enters her dorm room to find Meg reading a magazine on the couch. "How'd it go?" she asks sweetly, though the smugness comes through easily.
"It was nice," Lori openly admits. "We're going to do it again… more formally and with planning next time." She takes a seat. "You're right. He's one of the good ones and I deserve to feel good too."
Meg can't help but smile as she puts the magazine down. "The idiots always are. I know that from experience too." Lori notices the book on the table. "I had Hannah grab it before she went to visit Kaity. I figured it was getting to be that time."
Lori takes the book, but pauses. "Before you go, does anyone in your world know-?"
Meg raises an eyebrow. "We both know I'm not saying anything."
"But you know?"
"I do," Meg admits. "Just… remember what I told you. You deserve to be happy with someone." Lori finally accepts this is all she will get and nods before opening the book to a glowing poem. Meg gives her a mock salute. "Well, it's been a real slice."
"Thanks for wreaking havoc in my personal life."
"I'm ready for Round Two whenever you are."
Lori goes white. "Wait… is there…?"
"That was sarcasm."
Lori sighs in relief. "Thank God! Girl don't be proud It's O.K. you're in love" She vanishes in a burst of light and Lori takes a deep breath as she shuts the book. "Round two. Nearly gave me a heart attack."
XXX
Finch is once again in the library combing through her programming, clearly becoming frustrated. "It makes no sense. None of these anomalies are anywhere in my initial programming. What is my malfunction?" It takes a moment before reaching a conclusion. "Obviously observation has caused too much error on my part. Thus I must do the opposite to protect more anomalies from arising. If I want to fulfill my objective I must remain detached. It is the only logical solution," it concludes with finality.
XXX
Kaity sits on her bed staring at the wall of all her paintings and pictures in almost disgust. She turns at a knock and Lori sticks her head in.
She gives a warm smile before entering and sitting next to her. "How'd the therapist go today? I got a report from Michael, but I really don't want to believe that one," she warns.
Kaity nods, ashamed. "I did hit her. I just felt so down and she wasn't… I don't know. I'm not very rational right now in case you couldn't tell."
Lori sighs. "Kaity, I cannot begin to comprehend what you're feeling right now but-"
"So you're through with me?" Kaity deduces.
Lori looks taken aback at the very idea. "Kaity, I am never going to be through with you. You are very much a part of my life now. And you are going to stay that way for a long time. I won't give up on you. We will get you help," she promises. "Whatever it takes. We'll keep you on the bench until you're cleared- give you the time you need."
Kaity clearly does not like this, but gives the smallest of nods. "Okay." Lori gives her a kind smile but she notices another Kaity leaning against the wall behind her smugly.
"The ending's still very inevitable though," the other Kaity mocks. "She can't change that. Nothing ever can."
XXX
Tune in next week a Kaity continues to struggle, Finch starts a struggle, and finally Charlie faces a struggle of a different kind when he needs inspiration on a project.