Lori Fitzgerald brings her sneakered feet to a halt outside a classroom door. She turns to face the projection known as Finch, who looks unusually wary at the situation.
"Here we are," Lori says with a smile, handing her a folder and notebook. "This is Introduction to Business, which will be your first sophomore class in working towards your major. Remember as a new transfer you have finished up your gen ed's and are ready to get right into the thick of things," she informs Finch, though it is clear they have been through this quite a few times.
Finch looks into the classroom at the people already there for a long moment before turning back to Lori. She extends the folder and notebook back to her. "I'm not so sure about this. Perhaps I should simply-"
Lori pushes the hands down. "Finch, I know you're nervous," she says gently."That's natural. But remember what we talked about. I may be your purpose now, but you are going to need to find a life when this is all over. The best way to do that it to get an education of some kind. Hannah fixed everything up for you in terms of transcripts and identity. We might as well use this college," she mutters under her breath.
Finch takes a step back. "What if-?"
"If you don't like this major, then we'll switch you. Just take a deep breath. Act like you're learning and don't answer every question right away. Throw in some wrong answers occasionally too. Be natural. Make some friends, but don't be too overzealous. This is really confusing advice," Lori admits, running a hand through her hair.
"Affirmative," Finch nods.
"Okay. Sorry. Just go in there and be yourself… whoever that is. Ben says he'll be right here when you get out."
Finch looks over the rim of her glasses. "I don't need to be-"
Lori gives a knowing smile. "Do you want me to tell him to forget it?"
She instantly casts her eyes down. "No…"
"I thought so," Lori nods before flashing a comfortable smile. She gives her a pat on the back quickly so as not to phase through her. "Now get in there. Finch Hale is about to officially start her first day of school."
Finch takes a deep breath and slowly enters the classroom, taking everything in. After a moment she makes her way to a seat by herself in the very back of the room, desperately trying to appear comfortable despite feeling quite the opposite. In fact, she finds herself shrinking back into her seat as the professor enters.
XXX
So follow me down
Lori stands with the glowing Disney Encyclopedia. She sighs and pulls out her phone.
Where to?
Outta this town
Charlie examines his map and grabs his flashlight.
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, 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
Finch puts the two fingers to her temple and her eyes glaze over.
Follow me, follow me
Lori, Charlie, Hannah, Michael, Ben, Kaity, and Finch 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 Two: By the Way… Great Mask
XXX
Later that afternoon, Ben Prescott sits on the couch as his roommate Michael Harms scribbles down organic Chemistry problems across from him. He takes a moment before clearing his throat and speaking up. "Hey, Harms." Michael looks up at him. "Have you ever met a Jolene Dean?"
Michael thinks a moment before nodding. "She's in close to every class with me yes, but I've never actually held a conversation with her. She's studying to be a doctor too I know. Why?"
Ben can't help but smile. "Oh, she's in my Stats class. It was just… she was talking about you with one of her friends. Like giggling about you," he informs him very excited, but it is clear Michael doesn't get it. "Harms, the girl's totally interested in you!"
"Me?" Michael answers, clearly taken aback. "Like I said I haven't held a conversation-"
Ben shrugs him off. "Apparently your, what was it, calm and focused demeanor is very sexy." Michael sputters, clearly at wit's end. "She also earns bonus points for seeing Lori and Charlie as you being a loyal friend and not an unhealthy level of attachment." He sighs at the fact that Michael is still reeling mentally. "Harms, do I have to spell it out for you?! You should totally ask her out. She wants you too and she seems really cool herself."
Michael finally pulls himself together to answer diplomatically. "I don't- with Lores and the book I just don't think I have the time." Ben sighs and rolls his eyes. "Though I try to be positive we see her relationship with Shawn is bringing her nothing but misery. I'm just not in that place. Sorry, Prescott. Ask her out yourself," he offers returning to his homework.
Ben narrows his eyes, crossing his arms. "This isn't about that and I will tell you why. One, we're close to being done with the book so now is the perfect time."
Michael doesn't look up. "We don't know-"
"Two, Lori would never want you of all people to hold yourself back from being happy. It would make her upset, and I know you hate making her upset. So what's the real reason?" Michael looks up exasperated but says nothing. It takes Ben a minute of looking at him before slapping his forehead in realization. "It's Hannah, isn't it?" He rises as Michael bows his head in confirmation. "Harms, after all this time? You spend more time with Lori than her nowadays."
"And why do you think I do that?!" Michael fires back, clearly not enjoying this conversation. "Because… because every time I look at her I'm reminded of how much of a coward I am. I love her, but because I didn't do anything about it she ended up with Kenny and then Brett. Of course it's still her."
"Okay, what you're doing is unhealthy," Ben informs him after taking all that in. "You're torturing yourself by keeping yourself from moving on. It wasn't your fault. She may have ended up with Kenny somehow anyway. If you're not going to do anything about Hannah, and I can understand if you feel the ship has sailed, then you deserve the ability to move on with someone else."
At that moment, the door is thrown open and then slammed shut by Charlie Prescott. He is obviously fuming, something that looks very unnatural on him. "I hate them," he begins ranting as he pulls out his homework. "I caught one of those officers in the bathroom with me in the Classroom Building. It was creepy and they're really starting to make me angry because they won't leave me alone!" He hits the door in frustration. "And I hope they heard that!"
Ben pats next to him on the couch. "Whoa. I think someone needs to calm down. Have a seat. Take a load off." Charlie sits and he drapes a brotherly arm around him. "Now I know we're all being a bit paranoid-"
"It's not paranoia," Michael cuts in, earning a glare from the older brother. "I will back him up on that. I'm growing more and more disillusioned with them, because if they're watching us that closely then they are worried about something."
"We don't know that," Ben argues, turning his attention back to Charlie. "They're just doing their job and protecting us. The two of you need to calm down, because in the end this is a good thing. This is how it's supposed to work."
Michael and Charlie both give him a look with the former vocalizing their thoughts. "Prescott, to be honest I'm a little worried that you're more concerned about your personal angle than Lori's safety. We can't afford to start thinking like that- especially when I get the inkling DIZ wouldn't mind us apart."
"Don't worry," Ben assures them. "You know what team I'm on. I think we've all proved ourselves enough to trust one another. I just… I see the light at the end of the tunnel. And that may open a few things I'm considering," he muses. Michael and Charlie exchange a knowing look as he smiles to himself.
XXX
Meanwhile, Lori enters her dorm room and enters the bedroom where her roommate Hannah Frost is perched on her bed typing away at her laptop.
"How goes it?" Lori asks as she sets her books down.
Hannah lets out a huff. "They're blocking me at every opportunity. They obviously have some pretty sophisticated technology, but I still wasn't expecting this much difficulty."
Lori pats her leg dangling over the edge. "Well, keep up the good work. I want some concrete proof of what Commander Intense and Crazy is up to," she admits.
Hannah flashes a smile. "I live to serve. Anything to nail the bastard. I swear that he's monitoring my computer habits. Do you know how insulting that is? A person's browser history is their own business- especially when I'm attempting to hack them."
The filing cabinet starts rumbling from its place next to Lori's desk, and she retrieves the book just as it lets out the golden glow. Hannah shuts her laptop and jumps off the bed. "How much homework do you have?"
Lori glances at her bag before shrugging. "It can wait. The first few days back are never bad." She pulls out her phone, noticing Hannah narrowing her eyes. "I feel like you're judging me."
"No, I get it," Hannah sympathizes. "They did a pretty good job minus the whole almost killing you part. The best way to play this is to keep them involved- just at a distance."
Lori starts scrolling through her contacts with a confident smile. "And that is exactly why I'm going to tell him things will be done my way. Who should we do for split-ups? I was thinking Ben and Kaity could use some time together," she says conspiratorially.
Hannah lets out a guffaw. "You're an evil genius and I love it. I'll start getting ready." She exits as Lori calls- the phone being picked up in the first few rings.
Her tone suddenly becomes very cold and business-like. "Commander Lucas, we have another one. Actually, we'll be handling this unless you're needed. Oh, I'm pretty sure. Have a great day." She then abruptly hangs up and heads for the closet where Hannah is already pulling on her jacket.
XXX
A little while later, Kaity and Ben are walking through the library together, very comfortable to be around one another as they search in silence. She keeps glancing over at him though as if unsure to say something or not.
Finally, she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and whispers in his direction. "So…can I ask you a question? It's hypothetical."
He gives her a winning smile. "Of course. What can I do for you?"
"Relationships," she begins simply. "It's just… I've been thinking during winter break about what I want in the future. And I couldn't help but notice that my family doesn't seem to consider it an option for me at all. But I find myself starting to trust the opinions of my friends more than- the point is do you think my being bipolar means-"
He lifts her chin up so she's looking at him. "No, I don't. We've all got our fair share of issues and illnesses. But I suppose what it comes down to is that the good things about you far outweigh any negative that comes with your being bipolar."
Her eyes remain locked on his. "So you think I stand a chance at a happily ever after?" she dares to whisper.
He brushes a finger over her face. "I think you deserve it complete with Prince Charming. Even though some people would say no such person exists."
She takes the hand on his face in her- their eyes still locked on one another. "Lori's wrong about that. There's a few in the world. I just think she hasn't met hers yet." Her meaning behind that is clear, and Ben goes to say something. But in that moment she notices something that makes her pull away from him. "Hold on a moment. Someone's up hiding in the ceiling."
Ben looks where she is, but notices nothing. "How can you tell that?"
She gives him a look, pointing to herself. "Six siblings. Master of hide-and-seek. The only trouble would be discerning them from the hallucinations." She frowns upon seeing that falls flat and he looks uncomfortable. "That was a joke. You have permission to laugh."
"What's the plan?"
Kaity plays with her hair, thinking. "I can't tell if they're hiding because they're scared or because they want to sneak up behind us and kill us without our noticing. But I've got a plan." She starts up the stairs at a run towards them.
Ben hastily follows. "And what is that?"
"Hey!" she starts shouting, attracting all the attention of studying students. "Up there! We see you!"
Ben grabs her arm but she pulls free. "Kaity, we're in the middle of the library."
"Got it handled. Come on down! We're here to help you! We can get you home!" The figure vanishes into the shadows as a librarian cuts them off, arms folded and lips pursed.
"What in Heaven's name is the meaning of this?" she questions the two harshly.
Kaity gives a wide smile, hitting her head playfully. "Oh, there's no on up there. I'm sorry, madam librarian. I have hallucinations sometimes… because I'm bipolar," she drops, watching the librarian instantly soften. "It won't happen again. I'm awfully embarrassed and sorry. I just… I can't…"
"Oh no, dear. It's alright," the librarian assures her. "Just… try and remember you're in a library." She heads back down the stairs with Kaity smiling after her.
She turns to Ben, still smiling. "And now we leave." She takes off down the stairs and out the main door with Ben breathlessly behind her. She stops at the side of the building.
"What're we waiting for?"
"For them to come to us. We made our point clear in there." They stand for a moment in silence when suddenly a figure drops from the alcove in front of them. Kaity literally jumps, grabbing Ben's arm. "Jesus!"
The figure rises to his full height, very apologetic. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I went to the roof and down because I didn't want anyone to see me. I figured you didn't want to be seen with me either." The two finally see that it is Quasimodo standing there sheepishly and uncomfortable.
Kaity takes a step forward as he shrinks back. "That is absolutely not true. We do not discriminate here."
Quasimodo still looks quite unsure, taking another step back. "I've just- I've never been outside the cathedral before. But then I ended up here and I knew my master would be so angry at me. I don't know how to get home and I just have to. He won't believe me if I tell him what happened," he mutters, looking around blindly.
"No one's even going to know," Ben assures him. "It's going to be alright. Let's get you to our friend Lori before you freeze."
"Will she be afraid of me?" the hunchback whispers.
Ben takes in his absolutely sad face and shakes his head, heart a little broken. "I don't think she's afraid of anything at this point," he promises him.
Quasimodo doesn't get to answer, because Hannah and Lori come up from behind at a run. "I got your text. Who-?" The hunchback turns to them, taking them by surprise. Lori is able to instantly digest, but Hannah lets out an involuntary gasp.
She instantly realizes what she has done, but the damage is there. Quasimodo shrinks back, upset and afraid. Hannah reaches out, but he just shrinks farther into the wall. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean- it just took me a second to adjust. It's fine," she says desperately, trying to fix things.
"I understand," Quasimodo dismisses. Lori gently pushes Hannah aside and walks slowly up to him. He looks at his feet. "If I'm inconveniencing you, I can-"She pulls him in for an unexpected hug, pulling him in, completely unafraid and compassionate. When she pulls away he is left staring at her in awe.
She gives a warm smile and touches his cheek gently. "I think if anyone could use one… it's you." Quasimodo finally gives a real smile and takes her hand. She starts leading him towards the dorm as the other follow- taken aback at what they have just seen their leader do and what she has demonstrated.
XXX
The group has all gathered back in Hannah and Lori's dorm for dinner. Quasimodo sits with them; clearly just enjoying being with other people as he tries what is called a hamburger. After a bite he can't help but laugh to himself. Everyone watches him with a warm smile.
Hannah turns her attention to Finch. "How did class go?"
Finch begins a logical report. "It went successfully, but yet I feel it did not. I entered the class, sat through the lecture contributing two points to conversation, and then I left to meet Ben after I was dismissed."
"Did you not like the material?" Lori inquires.
"I very much enjoyed it," Finch informs her. "I even think I may have learned some. But… we all went around and introduced ourselves. Everyone had a clever fact to say, but I had nothing to contribute that I could say. So I said that and everyone merely stared at me. I came to a realization."
"What's that?" Kaity pushes when she hesitates.
"Now that I have established my own identity and free will I do not know who I am," Finch admits, getting to the heart of the matter.
"That's what's so great about being stuck at a college," Michael contributes, trying to lift her spirits. "You're at the perfect place to figure that out."
Quasimodo suddenly gets an idea and rises excited. "Do you think the same is possible for me then? I could stay here with you guys rather than go back to-"
Lori gently cuts in, being strong but sympathetic. "Listen, nothing would make me happier than to get you out of that situation. But everyone has their story, and I can't take you away from yours. You are too important to hide here for the rest of your life. It's just not how this works because of that. Understand?"
"I think so," he admits sadly.
Charlie raises his hand as a thought strikes him. "I have a suggestion, Finch. Next class you should sit by someone and introduce yourself." He takes in her wary expression. "It's okay to talk to people and have friends. It might go a long way to helping you figure things out if you actually spend time with other people. I made a choice to sit by someone my first college class and I never looked back," he reminisces. Lori ruffles his hair with a smile.
Finch takes the scene in, contemplative. "I will take that suggestion into account. But I'm worried about how they will view some of my… more peculiar and inhuman behaviors."
"It's a risk you take," Lori tells her simply with a shrug. "But if you never put yourself out there and try then you're never going to know what could have happened." She nudges Charlie with her shoulder. "You could meet your best friend." She then turns to Quasimodo. "That goes for you too, big guy. Frollo doesn't get to define you. You're the one who decides who you are," she lectures, almost parent-like.
Quasimodo looks down, almost ashamed. "I could never have friends though. No one would want-"
Kaity won't have any of that as she deposits her plate in the trash. "Well, we're your friends. So I don't want to hear any more of that talk."
The group continues eating in silence before Ben looks over at Michael. "Have you considered what I said about Jolene?"
This catches everyone's attention, especially Lori who quickly swallows so she can speak. "Jolene? As in the girl who makes it a point to walk really slowly in front of the Doctor every lab?" she says with a raised eyebrow.
"She does not do that!" Michael argues.
"She does," Charlie backs his best friend up, causing Michael to sulk. "We've noticed. Are you finally going to ask her out?" he questions, excited.
"He should," Ben informs them. "Because she likes him."0
Michael puts his hands up, trying to gain control of the conversation. "I am not doing anything."
"But you should," Lori tells him bluntly.
Michael is clearly becoming exasperated by the subject and wants to end the conversation. "I wouldn't even know how to. You know I can't do anything about girls to save my life."
Lori turns to Hannah and extends her hand with a fake deep voice. "'Hi, my name is Michael Harms. Will you have coffee?' It's not that hard."
Michael is not enjoying this in the slightest. "Can we just drop this?"
Hannah is obviously not amused either. "If he wants you to stop pestering him, then I recommend the group of you let it be. Relationships haven't always worked out for us," she almost sighs.
"Yours are not the book's fault," Lori clarifies. "Mine is, but I understand my burden. We'd work around it for you just like with work."
"He said to leave him alone," Hannah says icily. This determination catches Michael's interest.
He puts a hand on her arm. "Thank you, Hannah. I'm on her side."
Ben rolls his eyes at the dramatics occurring. "We're pushing because we understand the only reason he's resisting is because of some silly fears he has built up in his mind."
"I just don't know if it's a good idea," Hanna reiterates her point. "I don't want him to get hurt."
Finch speaks up before Michael can, puzzled. "But didn't we just discuss how putting yourself out there can be worth it and have amazing results?"
Lori throws her hands up. "I believe we just did. Thank you, Finch. Even the projection thinks you should ask the girl out. I think you can ask for no bigger sign from the universe."
"I'll think about it, okay?" Michael concedes.
"Sure you will. I'm here is you need to talk it out though," Charlie offers. "Apparently I make an excellent sounding board."
Lori pulls him over to her, locking her arm around his head playfully. "Come here." She begins to ruffle his hair, making him laugh.
Quasimodo takes the whole scene in with a look of amazement. "I want this. I want friends," he announces to the group.
Hannah gives a knowing smile. "Don't worry. I have a feeling it might just be in your cards."
XXX
Lori sits with Michael, Ben, and Charlie at breakfast the next morning with eggs and bacon. Quasimodo sits with them trying to hide his face from everyone who passes by as he enjoys three plates worth. The group is having a casual conversation about classes and everyday things.
Lori suddenly lets out a gasp as someone grabs her shoulder. She turns around to see Commander Lucas towering over her. "I believe the two of us need to talk, Ms. Fitzgerald," he says coldly, though his annoyance is clear.
She remains neutral and uninterested. "I'm listening."
Lucas narrows his eyes, becoming fed up. "And I do believe this conversation will be better carried out alone." He says it with enough force that she reluctantly follows him to an empty table- the two locked on one another. "You're not being very cooperative when we have a lot at your disposal. I find your lack of manners at our generosity to be a bit alarming."
She folds her arms, staring him down. "We seem to be doing quite fine. I believe the lesson is underway. He's safe and comfortable with us. We just didn't need you."
He leans forward menacingly. "You're being quite rude."
She leans in as well, unafraid. "Then let me be honest. I'm not quite sure I trust the DIZ Corporation, especially you," she puts it bluntly. "We have our way of doing things and they seemed to be working. I think the best you can do is stand back and help when necessary until we reach that point."
Lucas gives her a dark smirk. "Now see, I have a feeling that won't happen. You rely too much on them to ever rely on us," he says with a gesture to the other table where her friends are explaining bacon to Quasimodo, who seems to be slightly more comfortable out in the open.
"Well, we discussed that they're staying."
"We discussed nothing," he practically growls. He then reaches and grabs her chin. "And I do not take orders."
She pulls her face away, now a little intimidated by his intensity. "You know, your friends seem to be really important to you," Lucas muses with an evil smile. "It would be real unfortunate if this took a toll on their grades- perhaps even prevented them from the future they had planned." Lori is instantly on edge, knowing what he's really saying. "I heard the one has wanted to be a doctor his whole life. And who knows how far things might escalate."
She's turned white by this point with him now clearly having the upper hand in the conversation. "You're not-"
He leans forward and starts playing with a lock of her hair as she remains frozen. "But I am. I hold the power here and you'd best not forget it."
Back at the table, Michael is on his feet at the scene. "It doesn't look like it's going particularly well over there."
Ben holds him back as Lucas leans back from her, putting his feet on the table. She has started talking. "I'm sure she's doing fine, Harms," he tries to assure his friend.
As Michael takes his seat, Charlie says what they're all thinking. "She's fighting for us, isn't she? We can't leave her."
Michael puts a hand on his shoulder, sensing his worry. "I know. We won't." He takes a long moment before speaking up again. "I'll talk to her."
Charlie looks at him puzzled. "Lori? But-"
"No. Jolene," he clarifies. Ben practically pumps his fist in triumph. "I thought about it a lot last night. I'm not promising anything, but I should at least take the chance to talk with her. It isn't often the ones you like feel the same way," he admits darkly. "I can understand that. So she at the least deserves me to shoot straight with her."
"And if you like her back?" Ben probes coyly.
Michael takes a deep breath. "Then I'm really in for a new experience. Especially since I'm only capable of speaking with four women in my life my own age at the moment," he admits nervously.
Finch has appeared behind them and takes a seat after handing her tray to Quasimodo. "You counted me in that number?"
"Sure I did. It would be rude not to," Michael gives her a nudge, but quickly pulls away when it passes through her. He completely misses how overjoyed this makes the program.
"You're taking the chance," Quasimodo muses as he starts in on Finch's breakfast.
Michael pats him on the back, making him smile. "Indeed I am, my friend.
They eat in silence for a moment observing Lori and Lucas in spirited conversation, though luckily he keeps his hand off her. Quasimodo speaks up after a moment. "So back home there's this festival they have every year. And every year I just watch-"
"You should go to it," Charlie cuts in with everyone nodding in agreement.
"Really?"
"Absolutely," Ben concurs. "I think it's what's meant to happen." They watch as the two shake hand and she makes her way back over as he exits cockily whistling to himself. "What did Commander Intense and Crazy say?"
She puts on her backpack, closed off. "Nothing of importance. I won the day in the end. Let's get to class, everyone." They all start cleaning up. "Best of luck, Finch."
"You'll be fine," Ben tells his friend as she looks nervous.
"Just remember… pick the friend over the empty seat," Charlie re-iterates as they head out.
XXX
Kaity is working by herself in the art room when Charlie comes running in, hiding under one of the tables. She takes this in for a moment before squatting so she can see him. "What're you doing in this neck of the woods?"
"I just couldn't take it anymore," he laments, clearly very upset. "They're following me and I absolutely hate it! Everyone else-"
Kaity puts a hand up. "Trust me I of all people can understand that. It gets pretty suffocating."
"I want them to leave me alone, but I know there's nothing I can do," he says almost in tears. She takes him in before he rises, pulling himself together. "I'm sorry for just barging in here, but I needed a moment to breathe."
"Hey," she comforts him kindly. "There's no need to apologize. Give me a minute." She throws the window open and sticks her head out it. "Hey assholes! I know you're out there trying to be all covert! But know this- if you do not leave my friend alone I will not hesitate to drive a sculpting chisel through your kneecaps!" she bellows, completely letting lose. Even Charlie looks a little scared at her intensity. "I'm bipolar and crazy-"
"No you're not," he whispers.
"They don't need to know that," she whispers back before sticking her head out the window again. "So back off you freaks! If I so much as get the inkling you're following him- so help me Commander Lucas can expect a chisel through places I dare not even name! So back off and don't push me!" She slams the window shut multiple times, before instantly turning it off like a switch to her normal demeanor. "That should cover you for at least a few hours. I blew their cover in the very least."
He smiles at her, clapping at her acting performance. "Thanks. That was really cool of you. You didn't have to-"
"I know that. But I wanted to." She returns to her project. "Like I said, I completely understand the concept of breathing space."
Charlie takes in the art room before casually leaning on the counter. "You know, I think this has been the first time it's ever been the two of us without characters involved. We should hang out more since we're friends," he says almost as if it's a question, earning a look from her. "I'd hate to assume-"
"I certainly consider you to be my friend."
He breaks into a large smile. "Then do you want to get lunch… the two of us? You can tell me all about how you got into art and other stuff we should know about each other."
She puts down her supplies and goes to wash her hands. "I'd like that. Let me grab my coat. Should we also as each other random get to know you questions like when we first met such as favorite color? I'm an artist so I'm still not allowed to have one."
"Yellow. But how about a new one? Who's your favorite author?"
She puts her coat on. "Easy. Dr. Seuss. What's that face for?"
Charlie practically starts bouncing up and down. "He's mine too! Oh, I sense a great lunch discussion! Favorite book of his?"
"The Grinch. I can relate. You?"
"The Lorax."
"Classic."
XXX
Michael receives a pat on the back from Lori and Charlie before class starts and he clumsily makes his way over to where Jolene is talking with her friends. She is a very pretty tall girl with long black hair and dark eyes.
"Jolene," he fumbles. She instantly turns around, already blushing with a winning smile. He instantly loses his nerve at the sight of her. "Hi. I'm-"
"Michael Harms," she says quickly in awe, before wincing to herself. "I mean, I know," she tries again, casually. "We've been in a few classes together."
They both stare for a long moment, before he forces something out. "Coffee."
"Coffee?"
He clears his throat. "It's a beverage, from what I understand. I actually don't drink it because I feel it messes with my concentration. But I do drink hot chocolate."
She nods politely. "I'm sorry, but I'm lost."
He clasps his hands into fists. "I'm trying to… you see… coffee."
She bites her lip. "Yes, I believe I got that part." He just looks at her, willing her to put the pieces together. She suddenly blushes again, giggling happily. "Oh! Really?!"
He nods, sighing with relief. "Yeah."
"Me?!" she shouts a little too loudly with glee.
"Yes. You. So… coffee?"
"Coffee," she nods, clasping her hands together. "Or hot beverages, since I don't drink it either." She scribbles on a piece of paper and puts it in his hand. "Here's my number. Just… text me a date that works for you. I'm pretty busy, but I will definitely make time for you. That sounded desperate. Ignore that part."
He nods, laughing to himself. "Only if you ignore how I went about this entire conversation." She shakes his hand, laughing as well.
"That sounds like a deal to me." He walks away and she starts gushing and giggling with the girl next to her, practically jumping up and down.
Lori claps her hands together, clearly delighted. "That looked like it went well. What're we thinking?"
Michael can't help but give a goofy grin as he runs a hand through his hair. "That she's pretty adorable," he admits. "She wants to be a doctor, so I'm sure we have some stuff in common to at least hold a conversation. And I'm definitely willing to have hot beverages with her. She'd make a pretty great friend, but I can see the possibility of it being more than that."
"I would hope so," Charlie smirks. "You're completely red."
"And you're a comedian," Michael fires back dryly. At that moment the professor walks in and they all scramble to their seats. Lori does give Michael a brief hug before she sits in front of him.
"I'm happy for you," she tells him sincerely.
"Thanks, Lores."
XXX
Meanwhile, Finch stands in front of the classroom door with her notebook and folder. She takes a steadying breath and glances down to see she changed the color of her outfit for appearance's sake. As she is about to step in her eyes glaze over.
"'An urgent meeting of the DIZ v2.9 program is requested by Commander Lucas of the Active Division of the DIZ Corporation at current Headquarters,'" she recites in monotone. "'Presence is demanded and expected immediately.'" She touches her temple and regains her senses, almost disappointed. She turns to walk away but stops herself, glancing over her shoulder into the classroom. She debates for a moment before making a decision. "I'm sure it won't matter if I miss one meeting," she says to herself. "I need to put me first and I'd hate to be that type of student."
She enters the classroom and looks around, trying to heed Charlie's advice but clearly out of her element and unsure.
"I just have no idea." She turns her head to see a boy and girl in the second row pouring over a piece of paper. They both look very similar with ash blonde hair and almost hazel eyes.
"I know," the girl responds. "It's a pretty tough problem."
Finch can't help but gravitate over to them. "Which one are you speaking of?"
The girl looks up at her, fixing her glasses. "Number twelve on the homework. The two of us cannot-"
Finch instantly grabs a pencil and circles something. "Oh, in this case you need to multiply instead of divide. When he was talking last class about exceptions to the rule this is one of the cases where it is applied." The boy does some math with her advice and then hits the book.
"Well, there we have it. Thanks…"
The girl elbows him. "Finch, remember? She's the new transfer student. It's a really cool name."
Finch can't help but give a small smile. "Thank you. It was selected for me quite carefully." She winces at her word choice, but they seem to think nothing of it.
"Not my parents," the girls sighs. "I just got my mom's name- Karen. This is my twin Robert." The professor then enters and Finch looks to the empty seat in the very back.
"I should-"
"Sit by us," Robert insists, patting the empty chair. She quickly does before she can change her mind. "Where are you from?"
"I was produced in California." She sighs to herself. "I mean I lived in-"
Karen laughs. "Oh no, you obviously have your own way of saying things. It's very cool and technical."
Robert nods. "You're definitely in the right place."
Finch gives a smile that reaches her whole face before she pulls it back. They reciprocate with smiles of their own. She then turns to face the professor as he begins, but her eyes glaze over once again. She instantly shakes her head clear and begins taking notes, clearly much more comfortable in her own skin this time around.
XXX
That evening, Hannah wraps a blue cloak around Quasimodo as Lori observes. He looks at it, obviously very touched. "You didn't have to do this."
Hannah straightens it out with a kind smile. "As soon as you told me how cold it gets up there it simply wasn't an option anymore. Besides, it really suits you."
He looks at the two of them. "Thank you. The group of you has been really great this past day. I don't think I could thank you enough."
"It was our pleasure," Lori assures him. "So just… keep that in mind. You have friends and are perfectly capable of making more."
"Okay," he says with a nod, obviously encouraged by this. "You need to come visit me sometime at Notre Dame. I can show you all the bells and you can meet the gargoyles."
Lori forces a smile, though it is a sad one. "That sounds great."
Her roommate has the same expression. "Hopefully we can do that sometime." Lori grabs the book from the desk and opens it to a glowing poem. "Are you ready?" He nods before quickly pulling the two of them in for a tight hug. Hannah squeezes back. "Stay safe."
Lori pulls back and looks at the book. "What I'd give What I'd dare Just to live one day out there" He vanishes in a burst of light and she tucks the book back in the filing cabinet. "I hate when we have to lie to them," she admits.
Hannah comes up next to her. "It's better to keep them optimistic. Plus, you never really know. You and I could travel abroad one day." Lori nods, but Hannah knows her well enough that something else is bothering her. "So what did Lucas want?"
"He wanted you guys," she admits after a moment. "He's trying to force you out of the equation by any means necessary."
Hannah looks at her with concern. "What'd you do?"
Lori sighs and nods. "I took care of it. That's all that matters. I'm never forcing you guys out. It will always be your choice until the very end."
Hannah looks her in the eye. "You know none of us are running out on you. You're stuck with us."
Lori gives a ghost of a smile, though she's obviously troubled. "Then so be it. Now you have the chance to."
"What'd you have to do?"
"It's nothing for you to worry about." Hannah goes to say something, but she shakes her head. "Trust me. It didn't matter. What mattered was keeping all of you here and safe." Hannah watches her for a moment before just pulling her into a tight hug. Lori is taken aback. "What…?"
"You just seem like the type of person who could use more of these." Lori relaxes into it. "I love you."
"I love you too, Hannah."
XXX
In the dead of the night, Lucas opens his office door to a very sour Lori. He smiles grandly. "I've been expecting you. Come in and have a seat."
She just holds out the book. "Like we agreed," she says mechanically. "They're safe and they stay."
Lucas takes it from her, not pleased by how cold she is. "Like we agreed," he says reluctantly. "The moment something happens to them because of us, well then you can have this back. Have a great night, Ms. Fitzgerald." She turns and heads out without another word. He frowns and enters the office where Higgins is beside his desk.
"Well, that could be considered progress," the second-in-command offers. "You're finally holding it."
Lucas looks the book over. "I am enjoying the moment." He then throws it onto the desk. "But now is not the time for that. We need to keep moving forward with the plan. We need to be the only she trusts."
Higgins nods a little reluctantly, remembering the plan. "It will be pretty heartbreaking when after all these efforts she finds out one of them sold her out and has been feeding us information."
"Do we know who?"
"I think we have a pretty clear idea of who is the most unstable of the group," Higgins informs him. "I plan to make contact with her tomorrow."
"Great. Thank you, Higgins. Then not only will they be disbanded, but we will hold the book. She'll be driven right into our arms." He smiles at the thought, running a finger over a picture he has of her on the wall. "And I'll be happy to receive her after she's been completely dismantled. Someone has to pick up the pieces."
XXX
Tune in next week as the Prescott brothers struggle with their roles in this changed way of doing things, Finch tries to fulfill her primary objective, and Lucas goes after the weakest link.