Friday afternoon with the weekend finally within reach, Charlie Prescott packs up his notes and prepares to exit his last class of the day- Public Speaking. "Charlie!" his professor calls as he passes, causing him to stop and smile at her. "I was just looking over your speech proposal for Monday and I wanted to discuss the subject."

He looks a little nervous. "I know everybody's been doing celebrities and humanitarians, but I just thought I'd make mine more personal. Someone who means a lot to me that I actually talk to," he explains.

She shakes her head. "No, that's fine. Great even. It's just… I don't know if the proper subject for your speech is your best friend." Charlie's face falls dramatically. "It just seems like… a weak foundation to build upon," the professor explains.

"But to me she is a hero," he interjects, clearly upset.

The professor sighs. "That may be, but you have to think about what's best for your speech. Might I suggest a family member is you want to keep it personal?" Charlie looks down as she smiles. "How about your step-brother?" she says as if it's a new idea thought it's clears he thought it out well ahead of time. "He lives in your dorm and would be real easy to interview. If I remember, Ben was such a delight to have in class. Maybe he could even make it to see your speech."

"But-"

"Now you have a great weekend," she dismisses, gathering her things. He starts for the door perplexed and upset at this turn of events. "I'm really looking forward to seeing what you have for us on Monday." He exits to find the topic of their conversation, his step-brother Ben Prescott, waiting for him.

"Hey. Lori had to print something so she'll meet us in the cafeteria for dinner," he explains as they start walking.

Charlie takes a moment before looking at him. "This weekend do you think you could help me with a presentation?" he asks very quietly.

"Of course. What is it?"

"I have to give a speech on my hero. So maybe I could interview you and-"

Ben's face breaks into one of excitement. "Wow. I'm flattered," he interjects, clearly happy. "This means a lot. Whatever you need- we'll get it done and get you that A." The two exit the building, Ben so happy he fails to notice how upset Charlie is. "If I remember correctly I did mine on Michael J. Fox," he reminisces.

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 Fourteen: They Need a Hero

XXX

Saturday morning, Kaity Klingbeil sits straight in her chair with a small smile. She is clearly wearing new sweats and her hair is nicely brushed. Across from her is the school counselor who is smiling brightly as how she is presenting herself. "So overall I feel that in these past few days my mood has really come towards reaching a stable point," she concludes.

The counselor takes a moment before speaking. "Now, how can we be sure-?"

She deflects easily. "No offense, but I've lived with this condition my whole life. I have felt so high and low that I've come to recognize when I'm in control. And I feel that after a rocky patch with your help and the help of my friends I've finally found some calm seas up there. I'm okay." There is a snort that makes her flinch.

Out of the corner of her eye she sees the source of the sound, the hallucination of herself sitting in another chair, legs crossed and evil smirk on her face. "Liar," she hisses. Kaity ignores her and continues to smile.

The counselor puts down her pen and paper, smiling brightly. "Wow. It sounds like you've made some excellent progress," she concludes. "I think we can bump down our appointments from daily back to once a week. Keep up the good work."

Kaity rises and gives a humble nod. "Thank you." She exits to see Lori Fitzgerald waiting in a chair. She gives her a high five. "I'm back down to once a week. I've been cleared so I'll be able to get off the bench now before a character comes."

Lori looks instantly hesitant. "Really?"

"What's the matter?" Kaity questions, perhaps a little harshly.

Lori shrugs. "I just seems… sudden. You really had us all worried."

"I'm fine," Kaity assures her. "Let's get going. I don't like being here more than I have to." The two exit, walking past her hallucination.

"Liar, liar pants on fire!" the other Kaity shouts after them. "Keep trying, but they're all going to see the truth eventually!"

XXX

That afternoon, Charlie sits across from Ben in their shared dorm living room area with a notepad perched in his lap. He glances down and starts at his first question. "Alright, what have you overcome in your life?" he asks, clearly not into it.

Ben thinks a moment. "Well, there's my dad, but I'd really appreciate if you didn't mention that. Or jail. Or the fact that I run around chasing Disney characters as the Companion of my off-the-wall once possible girlfriend. Besides that… well… I once almost failed Philosophy." Charlie jots a few things before sighing and rising.

"Forget it. I think I have enough to go on," he says. Ben looks at him and frowns, instantly catching on to what this mood is about.

"Okay, I may be going out on a limb here but I get the feeling that you're not really into this."

Charlie forces a smile. "No, it's just I think I have enough-"

"Charlie," Ben warns.

He sits back down, fidgeting. "Honestly, you weren't exactly… my first choice. I originally pitched to do my speech on Lori," he comes clean.

Ben nods, understanding and clearly hurt by it. "Of course you did," he whispers to himself.

"But Dr. Lake thought it wouldn't make a strong speech. She wants me to do it on you. So I'm trying but naturally I'm a little disappointed."

"So I'm not your hero?" Ben whispers.

Charlie instantly sits on the arm of the chair beside him. "Don't be silly. Of course you are. You're my big brother. I just wanted to talk about Lori. I thought she'd like it. She always gets so down on herself. But that doesn't matter now."

This clearly doesn't help Ben. "Right. Well, be sure to let me know if you have any other questions." Both of their phones go off at the same time on the table. "That must be the boss." They both look at their messages and rise. "Let's get bundled up. Michael!"

"I got it!" Michael Harms shouts as he exits the bedroom. The three head into the closet and get bundled up before heading out. They meet Lori with the book under her arm, Kaity, and Hannah Frost by the stairs. "Hello ladies."

Lori smiles at them "You ready for a fun Saturday? I just hope it doesn't take too much time. I have plans." He smiles back at her and they head out the door. "Ben, do you know how we can contact Finch?" she asks.

"I don't. I haven't seen it all week since it laughed and then took off. But I'm sure it knows the book went off and should be able to find us."

Lori nods. "Alright- wait a second, did you say it laughed?" she questions, the others looking baffled as well.

"It was creepy," Michael informs them.

Hannah shakes her head. "That's impossible."

Ben narrows his eyes. "We both heard it."

"It's a projection- a collection of one's and zeros," she argues. "I know computers and I know programs- it's impossible. Besides, I've been becoming acquainted with the details of its programming to find some sort of kill switch."

Lori gives her a sharp look. "I don't know if that'll be necessary. It's trying. You have to give it that."

Hannah stares back, not being intimidated. "I still don't trust it. And you know me, I like to be prepared." This makes Lori snort and everyone but Kaity laughs. "I'm serious!" Hannah shouts in frustration.

"How are you feeling Kaity?" Charlie asks as he walks next to her.

She smiles. "I'm fine. The therapist cleared me this morning so I'm back in the game here." Michael gives Lori a look. She nods, showing she's on it.

They arrive in front of the library. Lori turns to face them, tapping the book. "Alright, it's about that time. Charlie goes with-"

"You," everyone says in a monotone. She raises an eyebrow.

"It's like in Scooby Doo," Michael explains with a shrug. "We all end up with the same people every time." The others murmur in agreement though Charlie clearly has no problem with it.

Lori holds her forehead and groans. "Okay. Okay. Then Charlie gets Michael, Ben goes with Hannah, and I get Kaity. Will that work?" Everyone nods and gears up to go when someone that looks exactly like Lori but in a leather white jumpsuit approaches. She has a jar under her arm and comes to stop in front of them. "Finch," Lori greets it.

"I have located the character," she announces in her monotone- the only thing that truly distinguishes her from her look alike. Everyone groans but Lori smiles happily.

"Thank you." Finch extends the jar and we see a terrified hamster cowering in the corner.

"I want my ball," he whispers. "I want my ball. I want my ball." Lori is instantly concerned and rips the jar from the projection's grasp.

"Why would you do that?" she calls it out. "The poor guy is terrified." She gently deposits the hamster Rhino into her hand.

"I merely secured the character for your benefit." Everyone gives it a glare.

Lori pets the little ball of fluff, voice gentle. "Hey, it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I promise."

"He's so cute," Charlie smiles, petting him as well.

The hamster finally looks up at them, still very nervous. "Can-can I have my ball back please? I really feel almost naked without it."

"Did his ball come through with him Finch?" Michael asks.

"Yes. I crushed it to retrieve him." Everyone groans but it fails to notice. "Well, now I have brought you to the character. I shall leave you to you mission as I have fulfilled my directive. He obviously poses no danger to you." It hastily walks away. "Mission of minimal interaction complete. Will continue course of action."

The others pay it no mind, focusing on Rhino. "We'll go to the pet store first thing tomorrow," Michael decides.

Rhino suddenly becomes very excited. "Can it be a blue one? I've always wanted a blue one. My old one at home is red."

Everyone laughs. "Anything you want," Michael winks at him.

"Can I take him tonight?" Charlie asks. Lori nods and gently places him in his hand.

"This is Charlie," she tells him. "He's going to take care of you. We all are. We just have to figure some stuff out and then we can send you back home."

Rhino smiles, getting it. "Okay. So right now it's like I'm undercover on an episode of Bolt?!"

"Sure."

"Awesome!" They start heading back.

Kaity crosses her arms. "What was up with the rob-?"

"Finch?" Ben interrupts. "I have no idea. She wasn't that… callous when I was hanging out with her last week." Hannah taps Lori on the shoulder.

"Remember, I'm prepared. Just in case." Lori gives a nod, though still uncomfortable at the idea.

XXX

Later that evening, Caroline, the RA of the third floor, opens her dorm door to find Hannah who gives a small wave. "She's in her room of course." Hannah nods and enters. "I don't know what's up," she sighs. "Yesterday she cracked the mirror with her hairbrush shouting at her reflection. Hopefully you and your friends can fix her because I'm about done with this assignment."

Hannah enters the room to find Kaity perched over a blank piece of paper at her desk. "Hey. Having trouble?"

She doesn't even look up. "Inspiration just hasn't struck me yet. It'll be here soon though. I'm sure of it."

Hannah takes a moment, playing with her skirt before beginning. "So I heard about the mirror. You said you were fine."

"I am," Kaity dismisses, still not looking up. "Listen, I'm really busy with the deadline for the art show approaching. I still have to re-do my sculpture and submit a black-and-white work to cover all the categories. So do you think we can talk about this some other time? Please," she adds.

Hannah sighs, knowing she's not about to get anywhere. "Alright. You know you can call me-"

"Right." Hannah heads back down to her room where Lori is waiting in the living room in a borrowed skirt. She frowns upon seeing her roommate back already.

"You need to go talk to her," Hannah says before Lori can speak.

"What? I sent you up there to-"

"I know," Hannah interrupts as she flops onto the couch. "But she's not going to talk to anyone but you. She has her shield up to the highest degree and I know you're the only one who can crack her when she's like that. She looks up to you. She doesn't look up to me."

Lori rises, hand running through her hair. "I just thought with Shawn coming while I was gone you could-"

"I know. Like I said, I tried." Lori sits and she puts her head in her roommate's lap. "She broke her mirror yelling at her reflection apparently." Lori lets out a troubled sigh. There is a knock at the door and they both shoot up. "But don't think about it now. Enjoy your date."

Lori can't help but smile. "I will." She pauses at the door. "Listen, he's mentioned some friends on the soccer team-"

Hannah shakes her head as she pulls off her computer from the coffee table. "I've sworn off guys for the time being. I think I need some me time."

"Of course. Stay out of trouble."

"Nope," Hannah replies, typing. "I'm planning on burning the dorm down and there's nothing you will be able to do to stop me." Lori laughs loudly and exits to hug Shawn Zimmerman.

"Let's go before you change your mind again," he says, leading her down the hallway.

XXX

Rhino sits in his newly purchased blue ball chewing loudly on sunflower seeds. His eyes are glued to the television as Michael and Ben are watching Breaking Bad while Charlie's out of the room.

"He didn't want to do the speech on me," Ben says suddenly.

Michael sighs. "I figured as much. Don't beat yourself up too much. He obviously still loves you."

"But the fact remains that he considers Lori to be more of his hero than me. And it's my own fault," Ben says bitterly.

Rhino pivots to face them suddenly. "Did you say hero?" he gaps, practically dancing. "My hero is the one and only Bolt! He's so cool! He has super powers and saves the world from Doctor Calico while protecting his human Penny! It's the best show ever!"

"But he's fictional," Ben sighs. "You just have him built up in your mind instead of looking for something real."

Michael chuckles, and Ben shoots him a look. "Well, someone's telegraphing how he feels."

Rhino is still rolling back and forth on the coffee table. "But he always does the right thing which is so awesome! He makes me want to go explore and do amazing things. It doesn't matter that I've never met him. What matters is that he inspires me and always has. He pushes me to be better than the simple hamster I am now." This seems to catch Ben's attention when Charlie enters a minute later and heads right to Rhino.

"Man that was a rough group meeting. Hey little guy." He reaches into the ball and starts tickling Rhino.

Ben fiddles with his tie before clearing his throat. "Charlie, I wanted to talk to you about your speech."

"I honestly still have to start it," Charlie admits. "This paper for-"

"You should do Lori despite what Professor Lake says," Ben cuts in. Charlie goes to speak, but he shakes his head. "She's wrong. Lori is an absolutely brilliant choice and I know nothing will make her happier. You shouldn't be afraid for your grade because with how much you love her that presentation is going to be better than Bill and Ted's."

Charlie can't help but smile though he is tentative about this. "Are-are you sure? I don't want you to think-"

"I'm not worried. I know." Charlie hugs him.

"Thank you! Thank you! You are the absolute best and I love you so much! You are the best big brother there ever was! I have to go start interviewing her right away!" He takes off at a run.

"Isn't she on her date?" Michael asks Ben, clearly proud.

Ben shrugs. "I'm sure Hannah will keep him busy until then." He hears sniffling and looks down to see Rhino wiping his eyes. "Are-are you crying?"

"It's just- you were a hero," he smiles. "You did exactly what Bolt did- you sacrificed your pride for his happiness. It was inspirational. You and Bolt should totally team up for an episode! You didn't even look for recognition! You're so awesome!" Ben can't help but blush. "That's what being a hero to someone is." Finch enters, nearly breaking the door off its hinges.

"Why is the character here?" it questions, roughly picking up the ball. "It should be with Lori so she can learn her lesson. I will take it to her."

"Finch put him down," Ben says harshly. "He's fine with us for now." Finch exits and they both sigh and follow.

XXX

Shawn and Lori stop outside the dorm. She kicks at the ground shyly. "That was incredibly nice and almost too relaxing," she says, taking his hand. "I'm glad we did this."

He nods. "I am too." He just looks at her a moment. "I'd like to say I'll wait to tomorrow to text you, but I don't know if I can wait that long."

"I look forward to it. I'll be waiting." He leans in and quickly kisses her cheek before moving to her lips for a nice quick first kiss. They slowly pull their hands away. "Good night."

"Good night." He watches her walk in before leaving. She does a happy spin around the lobby.

"There you are," a monotone voice snaps her out of her reverie. Finch hastily comes down the stair with Rhino trembling in his ball. "You must learn a lesson from this character."

"Finch! Stop!" Ben calls him and Michael arriving at the bottom of the stairs. "Just let her-"

"Lori!" Charlie shouts, sprinting down the hallway and tackling her in a hug as Hannah follows. "I have something so cool to tell you."

Lori takes a step back, currently overloaded with information. "Slow down. What's-?" Finch thrust the ball into her hand.

"I will escort you to your room."

Rhino looks up, much more comfortable in Lori's hands. "What's going on? I was watching television with my boys."

Michael steps up to her, sensing her confusion. "You look nice," he compliments reaching out his arms. "I'll take him back so Charlie-"

Finch steps between him and Lori. "Negative. Come along."

Lori takes a step back. "Finch, stop. This isn't how-?"

"I said to proceed with me." It grabs Lori's arm and gives a tug, causing a sudden crack that makes her let out an agonizing scream. Finch pulls away as the ball almost clatters to the ground, Hannah sliding on her stomach to catch it. Rhino lets out a sigh of relief.

"Lori?!" Charlie shouts, worried. She starts silently crying as she pulls her wrist to her chest to hide it from view. Michael instantly steps in and looks to see the bone sticking out of her arm. He doesn't even flinch.

"It really hurts," Lori whispers, desperately trying to keep it together.

He squeezes her shoulder, keeping calm for her sake. "I know. I'll get my car keys and we'll go to the hospital… again," he adds bitterly to Finch. He walks past Finch to head up the stairs, walking right through it. It notices everyone is glaring at it looking murderous as he heads up.

It takes a step towards Lori. "I never intended-"

She takes a step back. "Stay-stay away from me! I mean it! I don't want you anywhere near me!" Hannah steps between the two parties, glaring at the projection. Michael comes back down the stairs and takes the extra coat he has and wraps it around Lori.

"Charlie you're with me," he orders, taking charge. "I'm worried about her going into shock as she's obviously trying to not look at it. I worry what'll happen when she does."

"I won't leave her side," he reassures his friend, standing next to Lori.

"Hannah, take care of Rhino. I don't want to have to buy another ball. I'll keep you posted about when we're coming back." She nods. "And Ben, get that robot out of my sight and out of everyone else's before we do something drastic."

Ben groans. "Why-?"

"Because you have the most patience and restraint," Michael says, causing him to nod. He turns back to Lori, instantly becoming gentle again. "You ready? "Lori nods, clearly in agony. He wraps an arm around her. "You wait here and I'll pull the car up so you don't have to walk far. It's going to be fine, Lores."

She forces a grateful smile. "You're the best, Doctor." He heads out. Hannah sneaks a look at her arm and turns green, exiting hastily with Rhino. Charlie notices this and reaches to hold her other hand, also not flinching at the injury. Ben gestures for Finch to follow him. It seems confused and hesitant but seeing Lori's glare follows him up that stairs.

XXX

Ben enters the dorm moments later with Finch right behind him. He keeps his back to it for a long moment before pounding his fist on the coffee table and whirling around to bear down on it. "I can't believe this! You sent her to the hospital… again! Do you have any idea how big of a pain in the ass you are?! To all of us!"

Finch doesn't react. "It was unintentional. I did not realize the power of this form when-"

"You've been with us for three characters and not only have you screwed them up but twice now you have sent Lori to the hospital because you can't control yourself!"

"I was not designed-"

He pokes a finger at it, phasing right through its chest. "Oh, stop with the excuses!" He looks at it before taking a step back, reining his feeling in.

"I don't even know why I'm getting so mad at you," he admits, anger giving way to venom. "You're a tin can. You can't understand and you can't feel. But you are going to have to get your act together because all of us are about ready to mutiny on you. And that includes me. You ever heard of baseball? Three strikes and you're out. I'd ask you to start showing restraint but I'm convinced I need to be like Charlie and define every word for you for you to comprehend what we mean!"

"My programming is not what you describe," Finch says in her monotone after a long, tense moment.

"What?!" Ben questions harshly, challenging it.

"I'm not a tin can," it responds.

"Then what are you?!"

Finch has had enough. "I'm angry!" she shouts, monotone shattering for the third time since her creation as her voice rises with fury. "Ever since I have been brought here I keep experiencing things that are outside my limits as a program!" she rages, not reining this outburst in but continuing to let it drive her. "I don't understand! I'm becoming frustrated that no one will trust me and that I was designed for a whole set of regulations the group of you don't keep to! And that I can't figure this out! So I feel angry!" She realizes what she's said and takes a step back, noticing Ben's petrified look. "I feel… no… I-I can't…" she says trying to force her voice back to monotone but being unsuccessful. She looks down to see her fists are clenched and instantly open them.

Ben wraps his mind around what has just occurred. "No. There's no way. You know what that would mean," he says.

"I'm not supposed to be this way," she mutters, still looking at her hand. "That's why I tried to stay away from everyone- to stop the anomalies in my programming. But I cannot deny them." She looks up at him. "My anger is currently giving way though to something else equally as strong."

"Finch, you know what this means," Ben repeats. She nods, breathing becoming uneven. This solidifies it for Ben. "It means that you're human."

"I-I understand that." She sinks into a chair. "Fear. That is the other emotion that has taken hold of me. Just like when Lori looked at me after I had harmed her." She looks up eyes meeting Ben's. "I'm scared, Benjamin Prescott. I'm so scared," she says, whispery voice almost a whine. He kneels down as she starts trembling and takes her hand only for his to phase through and hit the chair fabric. "I'm still not very good at controlling that yet."

"It's going to be okay," he soothes her. "We'll-we'll figure this out somehow. We'll talk to Lori and get this whole thing cleared up. Just… breathe I suppose." Finch takes a deep breath and just keeps looking at him.

XXX

The next morning, Lori enters Kaity's room with a new cast on her right hand to find the small girl exactly as Hannah left her the night before. She clears her throat and Kaity turns to face her, immediately noticing the cast. "What happened?"

"Finch." Kaity looks confused. "She grabbed me and pulled so… snap. They couldn't even numb me for the sutures. I probably would have taken off running down the ER hallway if Charlie and Michael weren't there."

"That sucks so much."

Lori nods, not able to deny it. "Hannah's now hell bent on shutting it down. She's hunting through the program like it's her job."

"What's your opinion on the matter?"

"I tried, it tried, we all tried… but I honestly don't think it's going to work."

Kaity nods, agreeing. "Then that's that." They stand in silence for a minute.

"Do you remember what you promised me when I let you become a Companion?" Lori finally speaks up.

Kaity instantly knows where this is going. "That I would never lie to you."

Lori nods, sitting on the bed so they're at eye level. "Now, I'm not trying to accuse you of anything, but I imagine you have seen a lot of therapists. And I imagine you have become quite good at knowing what you need to say so you can stop seeing them, despite the fact that you are very much not fine."

Kaity shrugs. "Theoretically."

Lori nods, keeping her tone steady but not too harsh. "But you promised not to lie to me, so I am going to believe whatever you say to this next question at face value. Are you alright and out of this valley or do we need to keep getting you help?" Kaity stares at her for a long moment before smiling and putting her tiny hand on the cast.

"Lori, I'm fine," she assures her.

Lori nods, keeping her promise and rising. "Okay then. I'm sorry for prying. I know how busy you are."

"I hope you feel better," Kaity calls as she heads for the door. Lori smirks.

"God, I hope so too." She exits as Kaity turns to see the hallucination of her looking down on her from atop the desk, eyebrow raised.

XXX

Monday afternoon, Charlie takes his place at the podium as Professor Lake takes a seat in the front row of the desks. He pulls out his flashcards and on the screen a picture of him in high school appears. It's clear the photo version of Charlie is beyond miserable.

"When I was little, I was often picked on because of a lot of things I'm sure you all are quite aware of," he begins, voice steady. "So when I came to college I was determined to make at least one real friend. I never expected for her to not only become my best friend of many but my hero. So instead of choosing a world leader or such ilk I decided to present the one person who truly turned my life around. I present Lori Fitzgerald." She enters class smiling as Professor Lake frowns.

XXX

Kaity sits in her room, looking over that piece of paper. She finally becomes so frustrated she crumples it into a ball and tosses it into the trash can in disgust.

"Having trouble?" a voice coos. She doesn't have to turn around to know who it is.

"Just go away. Leave me alone."

The other Kaity crosses her arms. "Oh, that's rude. I even have a suggestion for you this time. I'm sure you know what it is." Kaity goes white and she continues. "It's right where we always leave it. Just… think about it." She vanishes and Kaity shakily makes her way over and pulls the familiar note from her dresser. She sits on her bed and looks it over, lost in so many thoughts and feelings, before finally grabbing a pen.

"To Lori and the others," she narrates as she scribbles, "You did the best you could. I was just a hopeless case. Thank you for everything and being my first real friends." She slowly looks the entire note over and starts shaking from crying so hard. "I don't want to do it," she whispers.

"It's better for the rest of the world this way though." She starts sobbing loudly, clutching the note to her chest.

XXX

Charlie is wrapping up his presentation. The room has clearly not tuned out, invested even, and Lori is beaming over at him from a spot she took in the first row. "So those are just a few of the ways my best friend Lori has inspired me. She is the bravest, strongest, kindest, and most giving person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. And I didn't even get to dig into some big examples besides the ones I talked about." He sees Lori laugh at this. "She has made me a better person and I thank her for it with all my heart. Thank you." The students start clapping and Professor Lake finally joins in, making her way to the front of class.

"Class is dismissed." Everyone packs up and starts to head for the door. "Charlie!" He freezes and turns to her, Lori beside him. "I expected nothing less from you after hearing all of that. I was wrong." He sighs with relief as she shakes Lori's hand. "Keep up the good work, Ms. Fitzgerald. With your friendship, he is clearly turning into a fine young man." She winks at Charlie. "You can rest easy and expect your typical grade." The two nod and exit. She ruffles his hair.

"Who knew you were a speech rock star?"

"Yeah. I had good material to work with. I just wish Rhino-"Lori instantly pulls the hamster ball out of her backpack. "Rhino!"

"Well, I couldn't very well leave him behind."

"I wasn't about to miss it for the world!" Rhino adds. "You were amazing!" She hands the ball to him and also pulls out the book, opening it to a glowing poem.

"You ready?" she asks a little sadly.

Rhino puts on a brave face and nods. "I hope I have another adventure like this soon. It was super cool."

"You will," Lori assures him. "Who knows, you may even meet your hero. Thank you."

"Ah, I'm sure I'll see you guys again." He cracks his neck. "Let's do this."

"Like you could ever be replaced And I could never walk away from the promises we made" He vanishes in a burst of light, Charlie dropping his empty hands. "At least he got to keep the ball," she comments as she closes the book. "You didn't have to be so flattering and exaggerate."

"I didn't," he instantly assures her. "That's what you really are to me- a friend for life."

She kneels down and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Well, the same here because my presentation would be about you and how you made me all those things you described." She notices him suddenly frown. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just sometimes I wonder if there's a reason I didn't get all the best friends you have throughout your childhood. Because usually everyone gets a preschool one and a grade school one and even a high school one. I had none of that. And I think I know why. It's because I have you- all of my best friends wrapped up in one person. All this time I've just been waiting for you."

She pulls him in for a long hug, tearing up. "You're all of my best friends too." They exit together, hand in hand.

XXX

Tune in next week as Ben struggles to get everyone else to see what he sees, Kaity tries to not give in to her depression, and Finch comes to grips with what exactly she is with help from a favorite character.