On a cold Friday morning, Ben Prescott and Michael Harms are searching diligently through the forest preserve- flashlight probing every corner. They are up to their shins in snow and are shivering from the brutal wind despite layer upon layer of clothing.
"I can't feel my feet," Ben says through chattering teeth. He looks down. "Literally cannot feel my feet."
Michael pats him on the back. "Don't worry. I learned about frostbite in class and we've already covered amputations." Ben quickly looks up at him, panicking. "It was a joke, Prescott," he laughs and keeps walking.
Ben takes a moment before following. "Excuse me for not being in a joking mood. We are knee deep in snow at three in the morning on Valentine's Day," he complains.
"We volunteered for this," Michael reminds him.
Ben narrows his eyes. "Yeah, because you're chivalrous. 'Oh, you girls can check the usual places. We'll do the preserve,'" he says in a high mocking voice.
Michael raises en eyebrow. "I don't sound like that. But it was the right thing to do and you know it. We don't want the future Mrs. Kaity Prescott to turn into a popsicle."
Ben elbows him, embarrassed. "Stop it. I haven't even asked her yet."
"But you're going to and she's going to say yes. Hannah told you she's waiting on you, so you need to get yourself in gear. I wouldn't mess with Hannah Frost."
Ben shivers. "It's too cold to be having this conversation with you. I should have gone with ladies and left you out here with Finch." They keep walking in silence for a minute.
Michael kicks at the snow. "But I wanted you for split-ups," he finally admits. "This is our Friendiversary. Today it is a year from our sharing a meal at the café and becoming friends as we discussed our love lives."
Ben thinks before smiling fondly. "It is, isn't it? Well, it may be the fact that all the blood has gone to my heart to keep it running, but I just want to say that I'm real glad I have you for a friend, Harms."
"Same to you, Prescott." They both look around to see they are completely alone before giving each other a quick tight hug. Michael clears his throat. "Never happened."
Ben nods. "Don't know what you're talking about." They arrive at the clearing to find nothing and sigh sadly. "Let's keep moving. And to think our fearless leader is asleep right now."
Michael gives him a look. "You were the one who made that deal. 'We'll call you when we find them. Don't worry about it. You have that test tomorrow. Plus, Charlie had a real bad nightmare so you can stay with him,'" Michael mocks nearly identical to how Ben mocked him before.
"Now, I really don't sound-"
"Hello?! Is anyone there?!" a female voice echoes, barely heard over the wind. Both boys freeze and stand back-to-back. "I'm really quite cold so if someone is there I would really appreciate an answer… if someone is there I suppose!"
They both remain on their guard. "Yeah! Over here! We're here to help you!" Ben shouts as Michael kneels down and pulls a blanket from his backpack. A figure approaches on his side and he smiles in relief, draping it around her.
"Oh, thank goodness," she sighs happily. "Normally I would call on some animal friends, but they all appear to be hibernating."
"I'll text Lori," Michael says as Ben turns and sees who it is for the first time. He goes completely white and grabs the phone from his hand.
"No. No. We should let Lori sleep," he whispers, terrified of this person.
Michael looks at him confused. "What's wrong? Why-?" He then puts it all together and his eyes go wide.
The girl hugs the blanket to her, smiling and completely oblivious to their reactions. "Oh thank you so very much. It is nice to make friends in a new place so quickly. Last time I wandered around for quite a bit longer on my own. My name is Giselle," she introduces with a large smile.
"We know," Michael whispers.
Ben can only sigh. "Oh no."
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 Five: I Knew it Was You
XXX
About twenty minutes later, there is frantic pounding on the dorm door of Lori and Hannah's room. Lori Fitzgerald and Charlie Prescott both shoot up from opposite sides of her bed, him nearly having a panic attack.
Lori puts a hand on his shoulder to calm him down with a smile before hopping out of bed. "I'll scare them away." He nods and lies back down as she sulks to the door, throwing it open with her most intimidating face. She is abruptly yanked out into the hallway. "What the-?!"
Ben clamps a hand over her mouth that she immediately throws off. "It's an emergency. I have Michael distracting her upstairs," he informs her frantically.
Lori nods, her look becoming intense, and instantly makes the sword appear in her hand. She holds it up to him. "Who've we got? Ursula? Yzma? The Evil Queen?"
"Giselle!"
Lori narrows her eyes, voice dropping threateningly. "Giselle…" She then realizes something and drops the act to look puzzled. "Wait…" He slowly shoves her arm down as she catches on and the sword vanishes.
"As in the girl who gets the two of us together," Ben reminds her, clearly in a state of mental panic. "She's upstairs right now." Lori takes a minute to process this, sighing as she slides down the door to the floor. "I mean I used to hope, but I haven't thought about it being her in forever," he admits.
She buries her face in her hands. "This can't be happening. I mean Shawn has all but made it clear this is my last chance. He's taking me out for dinner and it needs to be flawless," she explains. "No nonsense whatsoever."
"I was going to ask someone out," Ben says, voice barely a whisper.
Lori looks up at him. "So, to recap, you don't want this and I don't want this."
He nods, leaning against the doorframe. "But what can we do about it? We know by the time she leaves that we're together- happily ever after. It's hopeless."
She shakes her head, narrowing her eyes. "We fight it. We can't force ourselves to fall in love," she reasons as if it's obvious.
Ben sighs, annoyed that she's not getting it. "You can't fight destiny Lori."
Lori stands and clenches her fists, determined. "Well, I'm sure as hell going to try. I'm not the Lori I was last semester when this whole thing happened. Because the Lori I am right now is going to end up with Shawn Zimmerman and not Ben Prescott. And no amount of Disney princesses is going to tell me differently." She looks over at him. "You okay?"
"Yeah. Sure," he says with a smile, looking relieved. She hugs him.
"I know how you feel about her," she whispers. "Don't let this stop you, okay? Don't buy into this."
He pulls away and smiles at her. "Goodnight Lori Fitzgerald. I'll see you for breakfast."
"Goodnight Ben Prescott." She heads back in and he heads down the hallway, smile immediately dropping and not looking very sure at all.
XXX
Lori, Ben, and Michael sit later that morning at breakfast with their friends Finch Hale, Hannah Frost, and Kaity Klingbeil. Everyone is taking in the decorations- hearts looking as if they had exploded on every surface- with varying degrees of interest.
"Oh, it's just SO romantic!" Giselle shouts as she enters, hands clasped together and doing a little twirl. She is wearing one of Hannah's dresses and sits next to her with a smile. Charlie follows behind her holding two trays and takes his spot next to Lori. "Valentine's Day is my absolute favorite holiday! My absolute favorite! It's the day Robert and I got married you know!"
Hannah can't help but smile. "Oh, I do love a good happily ever after."
Charlie starts into his pancakes, but remember something. "Oh! I made everyone Valentine's and I think they came out much better than last year." He pulls them out of his backpack and starts handing them out to everyone.
Lori accepts a card that is noticeably larger than the others with a large smile. "Why thank you." She opens it and lets out a snort at a drawing of a clown holding a heart. Everyone raises an eyebrow. "It's an inside joke from our first date," she informs them while handing Charlie a card of her own. He hugs her, ecstatic.
"You went on a date?" Kaity questions, baffled.
"And you thought she was out of my league," Charlie says cockily before waving a hand. "No, it was a friend date. She humored me because she was my friend- the best best friend actually."
"Why aren't you two going out tonight then?" Kaity follows up with. "That seems like it'd be one of those cute little things that you have like the ruffling and the hugs."
Giselle bounces in her seat in agreement. "Oh, that sounds simply adorable!"
"I happen to have a double date this evening with my significant other," Lori informs the group, Ben just looking down. "But apparently I'm not supposed to make any lunch plans." She winks at Charlie, smiling. "It is going to be perfect. Hannah helped me shop for a dress and is actually going to do my make-up. Shawn will see I am completely together and I will not mention you-know-what."
"And neither will I as the second half of that double date," Michael chimes in.
"You and Jolene?" Ben asks, earning a nod.
Lori claps her hands, excited as well. "I'm so looking forward to properly meeting her!"
Michael takes a bite of his waffle and looks around the rest of the table. "What are the rest of you up to?"
Hannah speaks first, pointing her fork with a strawberry dangling off it. "Well, it's all good and beautiful that the two of you will go and eat expensive food in tiny portions to celebrate, but I will spend my evening with my two great loves in my room. Chocolate and romantic comedies. I'm talking a marathon!" She takes a bite for emphasis.
Giselle smiles as if she's getting an idea, looking around the cafeteria. "I'm sure-"
Hannah shakes her head. "For once in my life I have absolutely no interest in spending this day with a guy. He's going to come along eventually, but I'm not just dating any old guy until he shows up. Instead, I'm going to work on myself in the meantime," she vows. "So no men for me this evening!"
"Can I join you?" Charlie inquires, looking down and fiddling with his jacket. "I'm not up to anything tonight and I've haven't seen a lot of romantic comedies."
"Absolutely!" Hannah replies instantly, thumping him on the back.
Kaity narrows her eyebrows, not understanding. "I thought you just said no men?"
Hannah drapes an arm around him. "Charlie Prescott is the exception to every rule."
"It's true," Lori concurs.
Hannah turns her attention back to Kaity. "You're welcome to join us as well."
Kaity shakes her head, sending her hair spilling into her eyes. "No, I've fallen behind on my art projects. I will spend the most romantic of Valentine's Days with my sculpture." She moves the hair out of her face while leaning coyly over towards Ben. "What about you Ben?"
"Nothing of interest," he replies, clearly not picking up on her intent as he is distracted himself. "I might show Giselle around."
"I'm so excited to be in a new place," Giselle tells them between bites of breakfast. "And unlike last time I met such nice people already. And in the middle of such a romantic holiday too. Who knows who might meet their true love?!" She sighs romantically, leaving an awkward beat as no one quite knows how to respond or what to say to that- glancing at Ben and Lori out of the corner of their eyes.
"Finch?" Hannah says suddenly, trying to establish normalcy. "Any plans?"
Finch pushes her glasses farther up her nose. "I find the whole thing to be very pointless. First off, I personally do not understand the emotions involved in caring for someone on a romantic level, nor do I have any interest," she recites. "Today is just another day and I will treat it as such. And the fact that is in celebration of a man who was killed for-"
"I know it's silly," Lori agrees, trying to restore the fun atmosphere. "Hallmark invented it for evil. And now we're all paying the price."
Hannah instantly raises her cup. "I'll drink to that." Everyone follows suit, clicking their glasses together before gulping down the milks, teas, and juices.
XXX
That afternoon, Giselle is perched on the couch in the boy's dorm sewing a dark purple fabric together while humming to herself. She looks up with a smile as Ben enters, done with his classes for the day.
He gives her a wary smile before noticing the fabric she's using. "Is-is that my comforter?!" He grabs it and sees that his comforter is now a very nice looking dress but also beyond repair.
Giselle is instantly on her feet, nearly in tears. "I'm sorry. I just saw it and was so inspired! I run a clothing store back home. I was all by myself and I tend to sew when I'm stressed, because I know Lori says she can bring me home but what if she can't and I never see my family again! Or even worse, what if the same thing happens again and I choose to stay there over living here. What if I abandon them?" She wipes her tears away as he takes a step back, having no idea what to do. "Anyway, I'm sorry. Robert tells me I need to stop doing that, but I see a pattern and-"
"Its fine," Ben concedes, still reeling from her outburst. "Just… ask first next time." He hands it back to her and stands in awkward silence for a long moment. "So… how do you and the other princesses get along?" he asks, obviously circling the real question.
Giselle gives a small smile as she sits. "They are so unbelievably nice. I'm technically not a princess because I didn't marry Edward, but they include me at all the meetings anyway." As she talks, she returns to her more cheerful demeanor. "There's this one girl- she's actually a queen… she sounds exactly like my friend Nancy. And then… oh, enough about me. Let me ask the real question. Why aren't you going after her tonight?" she asks knowingly.
Ben is clearly on the verge of mental panic. "Excuse me?"
She gives a knowing smile as she returns to her sewing. "It's pretty clear how you feel about her. But she's never going to know unless you tell her that you love her."
Ben sits next to her, fiddling with his tie as he decides how to word what he wants to say. "Listen, I don't love Lori," he tells her gently. "I know we're supposed to be together, but-"
Giselle looks up at him, shaking her head. "No. No. I was talking about Kaity. It's so blindingly clear you're in love with Kaity. Why would it be Lori?" she asks him, confused. "And what do you mean by supposed to? There's no such thing in love." She sighs and puts a hand on his arm.
Ben clears his throat, looking down at the hand before back up at her. "Honestly… Aurora told me that you got me together with Lori, my true love. She came to us from a future where- to make it simple we don't meet anyone is order."
She is deep in contemplation at this. "Why did she say Lori's your true love? Because I've never known Aurora to lie but I just don't see it. And why would I tell her that I got you together with her when I know that's not who you should be with?" She sighs. "This is all very confusing. What exactly did she tell you? She said I got you together with Lori who I thought was your true love?"
Ben goes to speak, but suddenly realizes something that makes him go pale. "She technically didn't name a name," he whispers. "It was just… Lori was… and I hadn't even met Kaity, so…"
"Then who's to say it can't be Kaity?!"
"But…"
Giselle squeezes his arm. "Listen, we don't always see the whole picture when it comes to love. I thought Edward was my true love, but I hadn't met Robert yet. He is my happy ending. Things change, but I have every faith that you and Kaity could live happily ever after if you work at it. She could be your true love, but you're never going to know unless you do something about it," she challenges him.
This finally seems to get through to him. "The whole time… I've been such an idiot," he declares, rising. "I'm going to need your help."
She rises with him, smiling brightly. "Absolutely! Anything for the possibility of true love!"
He pulls out his phone, her excitement catching. "I'm just going to call Finch. I think I have an idea and we need to get moving before the night is up!"
Giselle claps as he dials. "I'm so excited!"
Now it is his turn to put a hand on her shoulder. "And just so you know, I have no doubt you would never run out on Robert. He's your true love and your happy ending. You are so smart and brave that I know you would never do anything like that. So don't worry. Lori will get you home, especially after how much you've helped me."
She chokes up at this and hugs him. "Thank you," she whispers.
XXX
Hannah is turning on the DVD player, bowl of popcorn under her arm as Lori comes in. She is wearing a strapless red dress that makes her look good, but also makes her seem really uncomfortable. Her hair has been curled and she staggers a little in her matching heels. "How do I look?"
Hannah gives the thumbs-up. "Like a knock-out. Which means you're really nervous," she guesses, instantly able to see she is correct. "It's going to be fine. Michael's there and you know the Doctor will always have your back."
Lori takes a deep breath, trying to keep her hands from trembling. "I hope so. What's on the agenda?"
Hannah starts looking through a stack of DVD's. "I was going to start with When Harry Met Sally, but I'm worried about that with Charlie here," she admits, throwing it over her shoulder. "So I'm leaning towards The Proposal."
"Looks like I'm not missing out on much," Lori smirks. Hannah gives a fake laugh as she looks at the time on her phone. "I'll see you later." She gives her roommate a quick hug.
Hannah rubs circles on her back comfortingly. "Deep breaths. You've got a boyfriend on Valentine's Day. It's great."
"Sure." She pulls away and heads out the bedroom to the front door. Just as she is about to open it there are knocking sounds from the other side. She opens it to reveal Charlie. "She's waiting for you," she tells him as he gives her a thumbs-up. "Have fun," she says with a hair ruffle before exiting.
"You too!" he shouts after her before walking into the bedroom. "I brought candy and unrealistic expectations of what love is."
Hannah smiles and pats a spot next to her on her bed. "Then you are in the right place." He climbs up and she starts the movie with the remote before shutting off the lights.
They sit in silence for a minute before Charlie speaks up. "Oh, they're going to end up together."
Hannah looks impressed. "Wow, you're good. But, my young grasshopper, it is not about the who of the romantic comedy but the how," she says, mimicking a sensei.
"Ah… the journey not the destination," he says in the same accent. "I see I have much to learn. Tonight I shall receive as true education from a master."
"Count on it." They bow to one another before turning their attention back to the film.
XXX
Lori and Shaw are seated across from Michael and Jolene at the same fancy restaurant Charlie attempted to take her to last year. The four are all sipping drinks with Michael and Jolene appearing much more at ease than the other couple- hands clasped under the table.
Jolene gives Lori a sincere smile, pearls sparkling in her ears. She is wearing a very simple but sophisticated black dress. "But it's so good to meet you. It's clear the group of you is really close and means a lot to one another."
Shawn snorts at this but Lori does her best to ignore him, forcing a smile. "We've been really lucky to become such great friends so quickly. But honestly I'm the one who's excited to meet you. And I must say you're even more adorable in person."
Jolene blushes. "Thank you. You're-"
Shawn finishes off his drink, being the only one over twenty-one. "So what do people say about you guys?" he cuts in. "I know what the sports teams say, but I'm curious on the scientist perspective."
Michael tries to keep the mood light. "They apparently call us a cult," he jokes.
"That's the closest theory I've ever heard." Shawn turns to face a very uncomfortable Jolene. "Have they told you what they do? The disappearances, the always being busy and always being together. Because I can't get a straight answer out of this one."
Lori is clearly getting upset and worried but tries to hide it. "Shawn…"
He points to her. "You see, she keeps feeding me some story about a magical Disney encyclopedia and hunting characters." He starts laughing as Lori sinks into her seat, hand covering her face.
Jolene takes a moment before speaking up, very politely. "Wow, that's creative I suppose."
"Let's change the subject," Lori declares, earning nods from Michael and Jolene.
Shawn looks at her, almost offended. "What? She doesn't get to know. Do your lackeys not get to inform their significant others of this huge double life you lead?"
Michael is becoming frustrated at the situation. "Okay, that's not-"
Lori folds her arms, narrowing her eyes. "Okay, now you're being an asshole."
The whole table goes silent before Jolene speaks up. "Is-?"
Lori cuts in, now in full controlling mode. "You're the one who said you didn't want it brought up, so I dropped it. You said you need to trust me, so here I am doing everything I can possibly think of to make this work. We're here to have a nice Valentine's Day dinner with one of my friends, not make me feel horrible like we tend to do all the time lately." She points to herself. "I'm even wearing eye shadow! I stabbed my eye twice! I'm trying, but you need to as well."
Shawn grabs her elbow as other tables are starting to look over. "Lori, you're making a scene."
She takes a deep breath and drops into a sad frown. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm ruining everything," she apologizes sincerely, taking the blame so as to end this conversation.
Michael can see that and it is very clear his protective instinct towards her means he does not agree with what she is doing. "No, you're not. I won't let you keep doing this to yourself, Lores." He turns to Shawn, completely serious and sincere. "Shawn, she's telling the truth." This takes no one by more surprise then Lori, though Jolene looks very baffled and trying to process as she knows he's serious. "There is a Disney encyclopedia and-"
"I need some air," Shawn declares, rising. He heads out onto a terrace and after a moment Lori follows him. Both stand side-by-side at the railing for a long minute, shivering in the cold but not saying anything. They are both clearly very unhappy.
Finally Shawn speaks, not even looking at her. "I don't think I can do this anymore. I'm at my wit's end."
Lori nods, understanding. "Then we'll go home and do something just the two of us. This was too much."
Shawn turns so he's facing the restaurant, but still not looking at her. "Lori, I didn't just mean tonight. I meant this relationship." He sounds completely exhausted and done with the situation.
Lori takes a breath, this honestly being something she had not been expecting this evening. She tries to speak, her mind reeling. "Oh…"
He finally looks at her. "Lori, I think we've both seen the writing on the wall for a long time now. I know you like me and I genuinely liked you at first too."
She bites her lip, forcing herself to keep it together though it's clear he's cutting right through her. "At first. Alright."
He sighs at her reaction. "Lori, the stress of being with you is more than the benefits and fun we have. That's not how that ratio should be. This shouldn't feel like work."
She stares at him, gaining her prickly exterior as a defense and crossing her arms. "Listen, you've made your point clear. You deserve better than me."
"Thank you for understanding," he says, almost relieved. Lori instantly loses her tough act and looks on the verge of tears. He doesn't notice as he's already headed for the door. "Just take a lesson from this… be honest with the guy. Try trusting people. Tell Michael and Jolene I said good night." He walks out, leaving behind a shivering Lori who's now crying.
"Happy Valentine's Day," she whispers after him. She notices that she's crying and starts desperately wiping at her eyes to stop it. Taking a shuddering breath she heads back in and over to where Michael and Jolene are clearly having a great time trying each other's food.
"Hey! We were going to wait but-"Michael can tell instantly something's wrong and rises. "What- what's-"
She rubs her arms trying to get warmer. "Well, I just- Shawn just broke up with me. I think I'm going to head home," she says, trying to not sound pathetic.
Michael looks back and forth between him and Jolene. She nods. "I'll-"
Lori puts on her jacket. "No. Stay here with her. Have a great night. You deserve it." She hands him money from her purse, looking at their uneaten meals. "This should cover our part of it. Let-let me know if I owe you." She starts out, in tears once again.
Michael stares after her when he feels Jolene hitting him. "Go hug her." He looks confused, so she insists again. "Michael, go hug her before she leaves." Michael instantly runs up and gives Lori a tight hug before she leaves, whispering to her. They then head their separate ways with him coming back to the table and sitting. "Go check on her when we get back okay?"
He smiles at her, taking her hand once again. "Will do, boss."
XXX
Kaity is in the art room chiseling away at her statue when her phone vibrates. She ignores it as she is in the zone, but just as she is about to get started on another area the lights in the building go out.
"What the-?!" she asks, clearly angry to have her work interrupted. She walks over to the light switch and flips it for nothing to happen. "Seriously, what the hell?"
She then jumps at the sound of footsteps running down the hallway and holds the chisel blade tighter. She peeks cautiously into the hallway but sees nothing in the darkness. "This isn't funny!" she shouts to the empty building, voice echoing. "Some of us actually have things to accomplish!"
There is no response, so she takes a step out into the hallway with the chisel behind her back. "If you're somehow a character you should know you don't want to mess with me," she announces loudly, stepping into the middle of the hallway. "Lori will take you out. And if you're Commander Intense and Crazy then you're even more screwed."
She only becomes more confused when light piano music comes on over the intercom system. One of the lights comes on behind her and she spins to see it is only Ben standing there playing with his tie nervously. "Hey."
She sighs in relief, dropping the chisel. "Oh thank God!" Once she gets over her relief, she starts up to him with her eyes narrowed. "What kind of stunt-?!"
He puts a hand up. "You can be mad at me later. Right now I just want to say something that I need to get off my chest." He pulls a rose out from behind his back and hands it to her. Her anger instantly fades, and she looks at him confused.
"Kaitlyn Klingbeil," he begins, "you are the reason I want to get up each morning because your smile just awakens something in me I've never felt before. I live for making you smile, because you being happy is more than enough to make me happy." He grows more confidant, and she just looks to be in disbelief that this is happening. "I know how I feel about you, and I know it won't be easy. But you are worth it. Because Kaity Klingbeil…" The lights go up in the building to reveal it is covered with painted paper hearts in every color. She grasps her chest, face completely lighting up as she looks around. He takes her hand, regaining her attention. "I am in love with you. So I want to be with you."
She is clearly in shock at all of this, but in a good way. "Oh my…"
"So how about you answer that text I sent you?" She suddenly remembers and pulls out her phone to reveal a text from Ben that reads 'Date Me? Yes or No'
She takes a moment to take everything in, breathless and blushing. "This is… no one's… yes. Yes!" She pulls him down to her level and they kiss for a long moment. When they pull away they still hover with their faces close to one another, breathless and all smiles. "Ben, this is the most romantic thing anyone could imagine. I love it so much. How did you-?"
"I had some help. Finch worked the lights. Sorry for scaring you, but we had to get you attention somehow. You tend to ignore things when you're working on you art." Singing echoes through the building and he pulls back, extending his hand. "Now… can I have this dance?" She nods and they start swaying as Giselle sings from the upper level, looking down at them over the balcony. Finch stands next to her, hands a myriad of colors and a small smile on her face at the scene.
"So close to reaching that famous happy ending Almost believing this one's not pretend…"
Ben kisses her again as they dance. "Happy Valentine's Day Kaity."
"Happy Valentine's Day Ben." She puts her head on his shoulder, both of them completely content.
XXX
Michael and Jolene come to a stop in front of her dorm door. She peeks down the hallway. "Are you sure she's okay?" she asks, clearly concerned and almost guilty she had such a great time.
"I'm going to drop over there right now," Michael promises. "But it might have been for the best." They stand for a minute. "About what they were saying- the Disney thing-"
She shakes her head, still clearly at odds with the information. "Listen, I think I know enough about you and her to know you're very sincere people who don't do the lying thing. And I saw how much his not believing her hurt her." She lets out a sigh. "But for my own sake of mind and wrapping my head around the whole situation… can we just say it's a fantasy game you play with your friends?" she asks. "Like Dungeons and Dragons. I understand how important it is that you be there for each other… for the sake of the game."
Michael understands what she's doing and goes to speak. She puts her finger on his mouth. "Seriously, don't say anything more. I know. And I trust you." They both become aware of how close they are once again and he takes a deep breath and goes for it. At the last moment though he diverts course and it lands on her cheek.
He instantly regrets it, fumbling. "I'm sorry. I'm just not very good at- I over think it and-"She silences him by kissing him, a quick peck that is just enough to make him smile like a dork.
She runs a hand down his arm. "Happy Valentine's Day." She heads in and he lets out a long sigh of pure happiness.
"Happy Valentine's Day." He takes off at a run down the hallway; not even trying to appear cool or collected as his joy comes pouring out.
XXX
Charlie opens the door for Michael a few moments later. "How's she-?"
Charlie lets him in, frowning. "Hannah ran out and bought ice cream as soon as she got back. She's in her pajamas on her bed right now." They head into the bedroom where Leap Year is now playing on the television. Hannah has moved to sit next to Lori on her bed, who is in her Doctor Who pajamas with puffy eyes, smudged make-up, and a pint of ice cream. Michael nods with Hannah before sitting on Lori's other side with Charlie sitting next to him. They watch the movie for a moment as Lori takes a bite.
"Did you kiss her?" she asks once she's swallowed.
He puts and arm around her and pulls her close. "She kissed me, actually," he says, clearly excited.
Lori gives a small smile. "I knew I liked her." There is a pause before she speaks again, choking up. "My chest hurts… and I might have run out of tears. They keep coming out no matter what I do."
He puts his chin on top of her head. "I know," he sympathizes. "It's going to be okay. Someone as great as you has to have a counterpart out in the great wide world somewhere. Someone who makes you happy rather than adding onto the world you carry on your shoulders." Hannah nods, running a hand up and down her back for comfort.
Lori lets out a sad laugh. "Yeah, our relationship sucked. But break-ups also really suck." She takes a moment. "He said-"
"Let's not even talk about it," Hannah cuts in, earning nods from Michael and Charlie. "Let's watch Amy Adams find love in the Irish countryside." They sit in silence when they hear the front door open and close. "That breaking and entering can only be one person," Hannah says as everyone straightens up. Finch enters a moment later with Giselle behind her. "And there she is. What have you two been up to?"
Giselle gives a coy smile. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. What are you watching?" She looks at the television and notices a woman identical to her grab a man and kisses him. Her jaw drops and she draws back, offended. "But that's… what sort of magic is this?" Everyone scrambles with Hannah switching it off, but the damage is done. "I would never!" she tells them, offended. "My true love is already accounted for!" Everyone tries to comfort her but Lori catches onto something.
"True love… "She says to herself so low no one can hear. "She gets Ben together with… I could end up not being alone." She looks at her ice cream, resigned to her fate now. "It's not really what I want… but anything would be better than this."
She refocuses on the situation as Hannah claps to gain everyone's attention. "I recommend we try a different movie." She pulls one from the pile. "This, Charlie. Is the piece de resistance. The absolute king of the crop."
"The Princess Bride?" Michael and Lori ask at the same moment.
"27 Dresses!" Hannah says, holding the box above her head. They both just give her a look.
"After that we're so watching The Princess Bride," Lori finally says, earning a nod from Michael as Hannah merely sighs. "I also think we need some more popcorn and the sleeping bags."
XXX
The next morning, everyone but Finch is sleeping peacefully in the bedroom. Lori and Charlie are in her bed, Hannah in her own with Finch sitting on the edge of it lost in thought, and Michael and Giselle in sleeping bags on the floor. Knocking sounds from the front door waking everyone up- Lori instantly grabbing her bow and arrow.
"I'll take care of it," she yawns, heading for the door with an arrow drawn. She throws it open to reveal Ben and puts it down to her side. "You're lucky I like you because you came this close to having-"
"A plunger to my head?" he remarks. "Scary."
She gives him a look, hair askew at every angle. "I also have a sword. Don't forget that."
He smirks at her appearance, but moves on to the matter on his mind. "I wanted to talk to you real fast before Kaity gets here and we tell the others."
"Tell the others what?"
"Lori, I told her I loved her." Lori merely blinks, processing. "Giselle and Finch helped me set this whole thing up- grand and romantic. It turns out I was wrong. You weren't necessarily the true love Aurora was talking about. Giselle seems pretty convinced that it's Kaity. Can you believe that? We've been panicking this whole time over nothing!"
He looks at her expectantly and after a moment she forces a smile. "That's… great. Sorry, early and I'm processing. So you two are a couple now, like officially?" He nods and she beams, forcing own any personal feelings. "Oh Ben, I'm so happy for you," she tells him sincerely, quickly hugging him. "You deserve her. She's clearly one of the best people I know and so are you. It's perfect. We'll have to go over some rules and guidelines for how this affects you as my Companions." They both start laughing as Kaity comes down the hallway, hand instantly sliding into Ben's. "He just told me. Congratulations."
"Thank you. I can't stop smiling honestly. I have a boyfriend!" she says, clearly very happy and excited.
Lori claps her hands, very pleased with this development. "Well, let's let the others in on this. I'm sure they'll want to know." The group heads in where everyone is hanging out, waking up and becoming alert. "We were in the middle of The Princess Bride before we all fell asleep." She cups her mouth and shouts to get everyone's attention. "Kaity and Ben sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" She gestures to their held hands and everyone is suddenly alert and reacting with whoops and applause as the two blush.
"Well, it's about time!" Hannah shouts.
"I told you it was going to be Valentine's Day that was the how," Charlie nudges her. "It's a magical holiday."
"I know!" Giselle agrees happily. "I can't wait to see what happens next year! What do you say, Finch? Now do you see the magic?"
Finch crosses her arms, but with a small smile at Ben. "I suppose if it has the capability of making my first friend smile like that than it could be worth re-evaluating."
Giselle throws her arms up triumphantly. "I'll take it!"
"So I got the one that mattered," Charlie tells Hannah, going back to his silly voice.
"I have taught you well, she confirms, using hers as well.
"The student is now the master." They bow to one another once again. "Now how about we restart The Princess Bride while we're awake?" Everyone piles on the two beds, happy to spend a Saturday morning with one another. As the movie starts Kaity puts her head on Ben's shoulder. Lori sees this and gives a sad smile.
XXX
Later that day, Lori enters the clearing with Giselle, book under her arm. Giselle wanders aimlessly, hand running over the bark of the trees. "Don't get me wrong. I will miss all of my new friends, but it will be so nice to tell Morgan and Robert of my adventures when I see them again."
Lori taps the book. "We should be good. You got Ben together with the girl who you believe is his true love," she says, trying to bury her emotions.
Giselle sees right through her though. "Lori, I know what's happening. It's the same reason I almost went back with Edward," she sympathizes. "It was safer and what I thought was meant to happen. I was wrong though… and so are you."
Lori nods, fighting back tears. "I know I'm being silly, but it would have been so much easier if it was him. I wouldn't have to work for it because destiny said so. It would always be something safe to fall back on when I got hurt so I couldn't get hurt."
Giselle grabs her by the shoulders. "But that would not be fair to the man who will hold your heart. Because he is going to find you and it is going to be so much better than playing it safe. It is going to be true love," she tells her with a smile.
This gets Lori to smile as well. "Thank you… for everything." They hug for a moment.
"I left something for you in your room. Not to be rude, but red is not your color and strapless is not your style. So I want you to promise me you'll wear it to your first date, no matter how long it takes."
"I promise." She opens the book to a glowing poem. "Ready?"
Giselle hesitates. "One more." They hug again. "Oh, I will miss you. And I will make sure I tell the Princesses everything, so that Aurora doesn't draw the wrong conclusion."
Lori shrugs. "I get a feeling everything still works out the way it did. It's meant to be. That's how she knows that you love her That's how you show her you love her" She vanishes in a burst of light, leaving Lori by herself. She rubs her arms to keep warm and starts heading back while putting on a brave face and knowing everything will be okay in the end. "Well, book, it looks like it's just you and me again." She goes to say something, but chooses another attitude. "I can honestly think of worse company."
XXX
Tune in next week as a watery foe wants to offer Lori an easy way out of her heartbreak or otherwise have her meet a watery grave. And someone is going to end up hospitalized because of it.