Hello everyone. Listen, it's been a long time. Too long of a time I know. But as a Biology major junior things got super crazy this back of the semester. But now I am on summer break and shall have no major obstacles. I will not promise to be perfect, but I will sincerely try. So I'm back and thank you each and every single one for your patience. I think this is a really good episode to come back on though- very poetic and sets up some big things. Enjoy and I will see you next week- promise.

XXX

Thursday at lunch, Kaity Klingbeil is looking over the selection of fruit, tray of meatloaf in her hand. She finally settles on a large red apple when Ben Prescott sneaks up beside her to give her a big kiss on the cheek- making her smile.

"Hello," he whispers in her ear intimately, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Hi," she whispers back, hand sliding into his beside her. They start heading for the table as he takes her tray in his other hand, balancing it expertly. "How chivalrous."

The two of them claim the usual table, which at the moment is empty. He clears his throat as he pulls out a chair for her. "I wanted to talk to you about this weekend."

Kaity sighs. "I'll be in the art room all weekend. My teachers are trying to push back my deadlines because of my hospital stay, but I refuse to have any of that."

He sits next to her, hand on her arm. "Don't push yourself too hard, okay?"

"Trust me. I can handle my limits," she says a little warningly before turning back into her smiling self. "If you want you can even keep an eye on me and just hang out. Why do you ask though?"

"I was thinking this weekend we could go on our first real date. I have the perfect place picked out," he boasts.

"It's not dinner is it?" she can't help but question. "I find that to be super boring."

"It's not," he assures her. "I know you better than that. It's something real simple but romantic. What do you say?"

Kaity instantly seems hesitant, but does her best to hide if from Ben with a nonchalant shrug. "I'll- I'll think about it."

He instantly picks up on this. "What's wrong?"

She takes a bite of the apple. "Nothing."

"Kaity, you're awfully hesitant about our first date. I thought we had moved past last week-"

"We did," she assures him, forcing a smile. "I'm really excited. I'm just a little distracted with all this art stuff swimming around my brain. It's nothing personal." Before he can say anything more Michael Harms, Charlie Prescott, and Lori Fitzgerald all sit across from them- Lori navigating on a pair of crutches. Kaity quickly turns her attention to them. "How was lab?"

The boys laugh as Lori sighs. Charlie speaks up. "Lori tried to grab a beaker with her crutch and knocked the whole shelf over." Ben lets out a guffaw.

Lori looks heavenward before playing with her food. "I know it was pretty unbelievable that I could be any more uncoordinated, but apparently is has happened. All it took was Commander Intense and Crazy becoming completely unhinged." She narrows her eyes at Charlie and Ben. "And with how much they're charging all of us a year we can afford some new beakers." A hand comes down on her shoulder and she looks up to see a smiling Hannah Frost.

"Don't worry," she tells her roommate as she sits next to her. "I'll show you the ropes."

"I don't need to be shown ropes," Lori grumbles, examining the cast on her leg. "I need a leg if you can spare one. Do you think I can sue? I know it's a very American thing to say, but I wonder. I could sue and then use the money to buy some new beakers since that seems to be such a pressing matter." Hannah just shakes her head at her roommate.

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 Eight: No Rap Music or Flashdancing

XXX

A short time has passed and everyone is clearing up their plates and putting on their coats. Lori and Charlie start to put their plates away when he pauses at a poster on one of the walls. It advertises students to apply for counselor positions at the local summer camp. Lori nudges him playfully. "Thinking about your summer job?"

He shakes his head. "Oh, no. It's nothing." She gives him a look and he instantly caves. "I've never been camping before," he admits. "Though my dad is as rugged as they come, it was always the indoor or workshop kind of rugged. I was so busy studying to get ahead over the summers…"

"You never made time for fun," Lori guesses, clearly identifying with the problem. "And now you can't help but wondering…"

"It's silly," he shrugs, embarrassed. "I've got nothing to complain about really. My life's pretty great. But you do look back on some missed opportunities." He looks at the poster again. "The chance to be in the outdoors with s'mores and scary stories."

Lori puts an arm around him and tries to lighten the mood. "Like not breaking an entire shelf of beakers." He laughs and keeps walking. Lori follows, but then looks at the poster over her shoulder lost in thought. They drop off their dishes and then head out the door- him holding the door for her.

Hannah follows behind them running to catch up. Michael intercepts her though with a hug and smile. "Hey."

She gives him a squeeze back, smiling as well. "Hello. What can I do for you Doctor?"

He gives an uncomfortable smile, gearing up for what he's about to say. "It's actually about what I can do for you. You see, Jolene and I were hanging out this weekend with her cousin and I discovered the two of you have a lot of things in common- including the Tenth Doctor," he begins.

Hannah just looks confused. "So?"

He claps his hands together, going for it. "So I thought the two of you would enjoy dinner together sometime. He was interested," he throws in.

Hannah takes a step back from him, mind clearly reeling. "Hold on. A date?"

He can tell how close she is to running, so he does his best to be calm and talk her down. "Hannah, you took time off guys for yourself. After the way you stood up to Brett I think you're at that point and can have a relationship. I think this guy might be a pretty great guy worthy of someone as great as you," he finishes encouragingly.

Hannah is still clearly very flighty and panicked at the idea. "Michael, I don't know. I mean I haven't even met the guy."

"Then we can do that! You can meet him this weekend if you're free with no pressure of anything. If you two hit is off then great, but-"

"I don't know it I want to," she admits in a quiet voice. "I trust your judgment and I know you're trying to do a good thing but… I don't know if I can do this."

He tries to reach out to her but she pulls back. "Hannah-"

She shakes her head, voice becoming sharper. "Michael… I won't do it. I don't want to," she tells him with narrowed eyes.

Michael looks at her and sighs, sensing the true issue. "Hannah, he's not like any of them. I promise."

She shakes her head again. "No. Thank you but no."

He nods, knowing she's made up her mind. "Okay then. It was just a suggestion. I'll see you later."

She hugs him to show there are no hard feelings with a small smile. "Absolutely." She heads down the road as Michael sadly watches her go.

"Oh Hannah," he asks himself, "What else can I do so you're not afraid anymore?"

XXX

That evening, Hannah and Lori are each sitting on their respective beds working on homework. Lori finishes a problem of Organic Chemistry and looks up, staring at her roommate a moment before finally speaking up. "Are you up to anything this weekend?"

Hannah looks up, clearly snapping a little. "I've got a paper but that's about it. Why is everybody so concerned about my weekend?!"

Lori holds her hands up at this sudden outburst. "Okay… are you going to elaborate on that little moment or do I need to start guessing?"

"Michael tried to set me up on a date," Hannah admits, putting her face in her hands. "Can you believe it?"

Her roommate beams. "That's really great." Hannah glares at her. "If he gets by the Doctor then he obviously must be a pretty great guy," Lori informs her. "Who is it?"

"Jolene's cousin."

Lori thinks a moment before snapping, smile widening. "Caleb? As in the really tall and cute Pre-Law major who gets into fights with his friends at dinner over the Star Wars Expanded Universe?! Where do we sign you up?!"

Hannah throws her hands up. "No. No. We're not happy about this!" she points at her roommate before crossing her arms.

"I don't see why. There's a great guy approved by very one of your best friends who wants to go on a date with you." She can see how Hannah's reacting and gets serious, closing her book. "Hannah, I've never known you to turn down an opportunity at finding the one."

"Well, maybe there is no one for me," Hannah throws out, anger becoming sadness. "So let's just drop this."

Lori nods, knowing pressing the matter won't help. "Okay. It's your life. But I think you should go for it. Someone in this room needs some luck in the dating department."

"Or he could end up hitting me," Hannah says under her breath, but Lori catches it.

"Okay, I would hobble over there and look you in the eye all serious, but that seems like too much effort. So just pretend." She locks eyes with her from across the room. "Not every guy is Kenny. There are some good guys out there- our trio included. Three upstanding gentlemen as I only recruit the very best," she says proudly. "He could be one of them. Fear-"

"I don't need a lecture," Hannah abruptly cuts her off, mind still closed on the matter. "Let's just move on. It isn't happening. Why did you ask about this weekend?"

Lori gives a winning smile. "I was thinking about a field trip."

Hannah groans. "Please tell me we're not going on another boat."

"You all loved the boat!"

"As a one-time thing."

Lori looks mock offended before getting back on track. "I was thinking about going camping- the whole lot of us."

Hannah snorts. "I'll take this dorm room, thank you very much. Where do you even come up with these schemes?"

"Charlie wants to," Lori admits. "He regrets the fact that he missed so much growing up and never got to be a real kid who went camping or to camp. So I want to give him a weekend and I know he'd want all of us there." She starts playing with her hands, looking down. "I know what it's like to give up a lot of your childhood. He deserves any moment he can get before he's grown up."

Hannah is clearly more sympathetic, but still very reluctant to the idea. "But-"The filing cabinet starts rattling, making them both jump. After a flash of light there is suddenly a loud thud and groan from outside the bedroom. Lori and Hannah both look at one another and climb off their beds, Hannah grabbing a nearby jewelry box.

The two creep towards the door, Hannah in the lead. She notices Lori almost trip over her crutches and raises an eyebrow. "Don't worry. I'll beat him with my crutch," she whispers. The two nod and jump out of the room weapons raised only to be met with screaming.

They take in the guest as Russell, complete with large backpack and Wilderness Explorer outfit. Something about him looks different though- older perhaps. "Russell?" Lori says as they all catch their breath and the two lower their weapons.

He smiles at them, hand over his heart. "Oh boy did you two ever scare me." He starts wandering around, taking in the place. "This room is smaller than the last one," he comments in his usual manner, very comfortable and casual.

Lori clears her throat. "I'm sure you're a little confused. I'm-"

"You're Lori and she's Hannah," he says as if it's obvious. He looks at them and kneels down. "When did you break your leg?" He then rises and gestures to a wall. "And where'd the other bedroom go?"

Hannah and Lori both stare at him, uncomfortable with how knowledgeable he seems to be. Hannah vocalizes what they're both almost scared to say. "Okay, going out on a limb here- but you seem to more than just know us. You seem to have met us before."

He looks at them confused. "Of course we've met before." Lori nearly falls over at this- Hannah supporting her. "When-"

Lori holds her arms out at him. "Ah! It hasn't happened for us yet!" He just stands there staring so she pinches the bridge of her nose. "If it makes any sense you're meeting a version of us that hasn't met you yet."

He processes this, nodding slowly. "Alright… that makes sense why you knew me when you saw me last time. You guys told me it was because I was in a movie you liked." He goes into their bedroom and looks at the moon out the window. "It seems pretty late." He shrugs off his backpack and pulls out a sleeping bag. "Good thing a Wilderness Explorer is always prepared!"

Lori claps her hands, suddenly excited as she twirls to face Hannah. "It's a literal sign! You can't ignore that!"

Hannah realizes what she means and sputters. "Lori, you're on crutches. We could wait-"

"There is no time like the present! He's here for a reason!" Hannah puts a hand to her face, obviously still now very onboard. "I'm going to suck it up for a weekend and so can you."

"You love Charlie more than you hate camping," she diagnoses, earning a nod. She sighs, giving up any hope of fighting her off. "If it's for him then I'm in. We can go out tomorrow and get some supplies."

Lori and Russell high-five. "Great! I'll text the others."

Hannah climbs back on her bed and flops down. "I can't believe I just agreed to surrender internet for forty-eight hours."

Russell starts combing through his bag. "We're going camping! This is going to be so much fun! I haven't been camping since… "He pauses and frowns. The two turn to him and he forces a smile, though it's very sad. "In a long time. They are about to say something when the front door is thrown open.

"Finch," they say in unison as Finch Hale enters the bedroom, very serious.

"I sensed someone was-"

Lori puts an arm around Russell. "Good guy. We're fine." Finch drops her intense posture, nodding. "Finch this is Russell. He's going camping with us this weekend."

Finch raises an eyebrow. "I am sorry, but I do not understand…"

Hannah snaps, thinking of something. "Maybe I could hook up a USB to you so I can have internet. Let's try it." She starts looking through the endless amount of cords she has stored under her bed and Finch regards the situation warily.

"She looks very different," Russell whispers to Lori, which surprises her slightly.

"Well, so do you… which is odd. I haven't seen the movie in a while though. Let's get you settled and do some planning for the weekend. Adventure is out there!" She heads out into the living area on her crutches, missing the fact that Russell needs to take a moment to compose himself before following.

XXX

The next afternoon, Friday, Kaity is sitting on Ben's bed as he attempts to pack for their trip in a few hours. She notices how clueless he is over picking a type of shirt and shakes her head, grabbing one. "I can't believe you've never been camping before."

He gives her a look. "We didn't exactly have a whole clan we'd go and spend the weekend with like your gigantic family."

Kaity shrugs. "My parents were also convinced it could help with what they was just depression at the time. Fresh air and- don't take those," she warns, grabbing ties from him. "You're not going to need it. Campers don't wear ties unless their name is Yogi Bear."

Ben rolls his eyes at her antics, but gets serious as he continues packing. "I'm sorry we're going to have to postpone our first date because of this though."

"Oh that's fine," Kaity says, it clearly being no big deal to her.

"You don't seem very broken up," he can't help but note.

She plays it off by shrugging and trying on one of his hats which is far too big for her. "I get it. He's your brother and we all want to do this thing for him. I can take the time off my art for a few days, especially given that I'm at a peak right now to go out and have an adventure with my favorite people."

Ben takes it of her head, leaning into her. "Okay, because to be honest with you it almost feels as if you keep trying to postpone the date. Which I hope since we're a couple you'd want to go on a date."

"Sure." She kisses him quickly before pushing him back. "Now keep packing. I'm going to check in on the little guy- or in my case same-size guy." She rises and steps into the living area where Russell and Charlie are making all sorts of plans- both ecstatic.

"And we'll definitely have to tell ghost stories!" Charlie exclaims, circling something on his list.

Russell nods. "I have a whole book of them!"

Charlie is nearly bouncing up and down. "I can't believe we're doing this. This is going to be without a doubt the greatest weekend ever! We're going to spend a whole weekend just the group of us having a great time in the great outdoors!" Kaity smiles and a moment later a somber Finch enters. "Are you packed yet?"

Finch shakes her head, taking a step back from his clear enthusiasm. "I do not need to pack anything. In actuality I was questioning the validity of my going. I do not find enjoyment in any of the activities you have described," she tells him bluntly.

"Finch, you have to go!" Charlie whines. "We all are and this will be great for you. Because you never got to be a kid either."

Finch crosses her arms. "I was never intended to have a childhood."

"And that stinks, because you can't even remember anything before we came along. You don't even have fake memories." Finch can't help but reflect on this, frown looking a little sad. "So we're going to go out and make some new ones. Because this weekend isn't just about me anymore- it's about us."

She sighs. "Charlie Prescott-"

"It'll be fun. Trust me."

Finch looks at him a long moment before nodding. "Though I do believe your statement to be incorrect, I will try." She then heads into the bedroom where Ben has almost finished packing. He takes in her expression, seeing that she's clearly not very enthused.

"Be lucky you don't have the struggle of trying to pack," he tells her, trying to zip the suitcase.

"If I were lucky then I would not have to attend." Kaity comes back in and slaps her on the back.

"Come on, Finch. Camping is fun. Just because you are literally all machine doesn't mean you can't get along with nature. Wow that was actually pretty deep on my part." Ben gives her a high-five as Finch just stares at the two of them, clearly not amused.

XXX

That evening, everyone arrives at a large clearing after a long hike. Everyone has huge packs with them except for Lori who has none as she navigates on her crutches. The group throws everything down and falls to the ground- exhausted already just from the hike over.

Lori pulls a piece of paper from her jacket pocket. "Alright, according to the Camp Lori itinerary drawn up by this expedition's leader, that being myself, our first activity will be to set up camp. Firewood, tents, the whole nine yards."

"Who decided on Camp Lori?" Hannah questions harshly.

Lori crosses her arms defensively. "We all took a vote and everyone suggested their own name, except Charlie who suggested mine. Thus I win."

Charlie rises, getting his second wind. "I learned it from Pirates of the Caribbean 3. I'll start getting some firewood! Finch can help me with it." He pulls the projection up and starts dragging her off. Everyone watches him go, chattering on to Finch.

Ben smiles as he goes, patting Lori on the back. "You know, Lori, I had my doubts but this looks like it might actually really work out."

Lori gestures to the paper. "I've got everything planned out- water balloon fights, campfires toasting marshmallows, and I even threw in at Russell's suggestion going swimming in the nearby creek. It's all going to be perfect- what any kid could dream of!"

Hannah plays with a rock as the others go about getting the tents set up. "I do miss my computer though."

"I thought the ten minute good-by was a little much though," Lori says, nudging her. With Kaity's help the tents all seem to go up pretty smoothly, outside Ben being hit across the face by a snapping pole- sending everyone into hysterical laughter when he's alright. Finch and Charlie returns a moment later and drop and armful of logs.

"I do not understand how this is meant to be a fun pastime," Finch tells everyone as Kaity goes about trying to show Charlie how to start a fire. "This stuff is no longer necessary given how advanced society has become. Plus I have a horrible headache since the reception out here is so bad."

Michael gives her a look. "Just smile and go with it… for him." She turns to where Charlie is struggling and with a sigh starts the fire by making a lighter out of her hand.

Charlie immediately puts it out. "That's cheating, Finch. We have to do it right." She just takes a seat next to him, folding her arms. Michael gives her a pat on the back and takes a seat next to them to offer some help.

XXX

That evening, everyone is sitting atop their sleeping bags bundled up around the campfire. Marshmallows are roasting on sticks as chocolate and graham crackers are scattered around them. Charlie pulls six off of his stick and shoves them all in his mouth, earning a laugh from Lori.

Michael is weaving a story- having everyone's attention as he quickly eats a s'more. "And then the scalpel was floating… all by itself!"

Hannah puts up a hand. "Is this going to get gross, because I can't handle gross scary stories?"

"Mine is a hospital one," he informs her playfully. "That's the point."

Finch just stares at the fire, expression neutral. "I don't think I understand the point of these tales. Why do we try to inspire others to feel negative emotions?"

"It's tradition," Kaity tells her. "Just settle down and listen. Maybe you can come up with one."

Finch nods, thinking of something. "I could hybrid all of your fears-"

"Bad suggestion," Lori cuts in. "If she tells one, we might actually not sleep tonight. I've got a feeling she's good."

Kaity licks marshmallow off her fingers, delighting in how sticky they are. "Man, I haven't done this since I was a kid. You miss out on a lot of things being diagnosed as bipolar. Suddenly, camping isn't a great idea anymore."

"That sucks," Hannah offers.

Kaity shrugs. "You do the best you can." Hannah seems to reflect on this, staring into the fire intently as the gears turn.

Michael sighs, impatient. "Can I get back to my story? So, then the doctor follows the scalpel to the surgery ward where he finds a room covered in blood." Charlie and Russell gasp as Hannah suddenly rises in determination.

"I'll do it!" Everyone looks up at her. "I'll meet this Caleb."

"Really?" Michael asks, surprised.

"Really?!" Lori squeaks, delighted.

Hannah nods, sitting again. "It's time to stop being scared. So I'm not going to panic when this story get really gory because it's just a story. And holding myself back and keeping up a wall when it comes to the idea of relationships is just as unhealthy as the one I was in. I need to take a chance- I deserve a happy ending." Michael and Lori look at one another before smiling.

"Indeed you do," Lori assures her. "Continue Doctor."

"So the blood starts oozing-"

Hannah is one her feet again, shaking her head. "No. Still can't do this. Goodnight guys." Everyone breaks into hysterical laugher as she rolls up her sleeping bag and ducks into her tent.

XXX

Lori sits by where the fire was shouting as everyone else in engaged in a three-legged race. Ben leads with Kaity, Russell and Charlie try to close the gap, and Michael, Hannah, and Finch are in some terrifying arrangement with all three of them that has them in last place. Ben and Kaity manage to trip over the finish line- throwing their arms up in triumph.

Lori begins announcing as the other groups cross as well. "And we have the official winner of the Camp Lori Olympic Games!" She hands them medals of chocolate coins with rope around it. "You two have served your country well. And now we shall move onto the Art and Crafts project of the day- making buttons." She pulls out the materials as they all get untied and sit in a circle. She hands them each a button and dumps stickers, glue, sparkles, felt, and various other items into the grass.

Everyone gets to work, chattering with one another happily. "Pass me that sticker," Ben asks, for the first time not wearing a tie but a plain t-shirt. Hannah likewise is in pants rather than a skirt. Kaity hands him a White Rabbit sticker. "Thank you."

"What're you putting on yours?" she asks.

"It's a surprise." She tries to look but he cradles it against his chest. "You're going to have to wait." He touches her nose and she smiles, content. "Besides, it will be nothing compared to yours- Artist."

They sit working diligently for a bit before Kaity suddenly speaks up; trying to say something before her nerves gets the better of her. "We should go on our date Sunday night when we get back. I'm tired of waiting."

He tucks the hair away from her eye. "Kaity, there's no rush. Nothing is going to ruin this for us."

"Except me," she admits to him. "I almost ruined this. I was scared like you said- of going on a first date. It made things… real and I wasn't sure I was ready for that. I wasn't ready to take such a huge step forward."

He just looks at her, taking this information in. "Then what changed?"

"This weekend- being around you," she tells him, completely happy and giddy. "I'm ready to become a full couple because it's going to be with you. I have nothing to be scared of. I love you."

He kisses her. "I love you too. I'll call and see if we can do Sunday night."

Finch examines her button- random shapes glues here and there. Charlie smiles at it. "That looks really cool."

She smiles proudly down on it. "Thank you. You know at first I was very hesitant to see any merit in this trip we are currently participating in. But I think I have found it."

"Really?"

She nods, putting what she has gathered together. "Being with your friends is always worth it- no matter what activity you are doing. I do not wish to remember anything before I became a member or your group."

"So you're okay with not having a childhood?" Charlie asks.

"Yes, because I get to experience such things whenever I am around the group of you," Finch concludes, adding some glitter.

Lori can't help but smirk. "Finch, I don't know how to break this to you but we're anything but normal. Most people don't have these lives."

"Lori Fitzgerald, I find myself quite content with the way things are." She rises, much more comfortable in her skin. "I think I shall take a walk and observe the native flora and fauna. Would anyone like to join me?"

Lori goes to say something, but rises instead. "It wasn't exactly on the schedule but how about we all go?" Everyone nods and rises, heading into the trees for a little hike with Finch at the lead.

XXX

Lori wakes up in her tent the next morning, smacking her dry lips. She hobbles up on her crutches, doing her best not to disturb Kaity or Hannah, and ducks out of the tent. She notices a figure sitting in front of the now merely ash fire and goes over, seeing it's a very pensive Russell.

"What're you doing up?" she asks, making him jump. "Sorry. I didn't- I was just getting some water." She grabs the canteen next to him.

"I was just… thinking," he admits, unusually sober. She notes this and takes a seat next to him, giving him her full attention. "Mr. Fredrickson used to take me camping a lot after everything in South America," he says, playing with his hat. There is a long pause before he speaks again, voice barely above a whisper. "He's been in the hospital for about a month now. My mom told me she doesn't think he's going to be leaving- thinks the next few times we see him might be good-bye."

Lori is floored, but instantly recovers to put an arm around him. "Oh, Russell…"

He looks at her, tears in his eyes. "He's been like a dad to me. We did so much that I don't know what my life's going to be like without him," he admits, voice choking up and fear showing through. "I always wanted to grow up, but I didn't realize my getting older meant he did as well. I wish I could take it back."

She pulls him in so her head is on her shoulder, stroking his hair in a very motherly, comforting fashion. She does her best to hold it together for his sake. "Unfortunately, life only gets to move in one direction. All you can do is make the most of the time that you have."

He nods. "That's why you did this. I know. That's why I'm glad I came here. It gave me some time to be a kid one last time before I have to go back and grow up." He pulls away from her and wipes his eyes, her staring at him with pure sympathy. "So I didn't want to sleep so I could enjoy it as long as possible."

"Listen, growing up doesn't mean you give up everything you were when you were a kid," she tells him simply, looking over to the tent where Charlie is. "Pieces of you change in ways that can't go back, but in a lot of ways it's for the better. Bad things will happen but you'll feel better equipped for dealing with all of it," she says with a gesture. "It's going to be okay. I promise," she vows, eyes locked on him.

He nods, wiping his nose on his sleeve and looking down at his Ellie Badge. "I hope so. I don't like good-byes. They make me sad."

"Me too." She adjusts the sash for him, fingers running over the soda pop lid upon it with a sad smile. She then rises. "Come on. Let's start getting things packed up." He nods and the two get to work putting things away, comfortable silence between them.

XXX

Ben and Michael's cars pull into the parking lot of campus Sunday morning and a very tired, disheveled, but still pensive group exit. Charlie points up. "Guys, it's the sunrise." They all stand around him taking in the colors, enjoying the moment despite how tired they all are. Ben puts a brotherly arm around him as Kaity nudges an awed Finch while Michael supports Lori. They all just stand there as a group taking the moment in together.

After a few minutes of silence, Charlie turns to all of them- smiling so wide it makes them all smile in return. "Thank you everyone. This whole weekend, thanks to you guys, was great."

Lori roughly pulls him in for a hug. "Anything for you." Everyone joins around her to make a large group hug.

Charlie looks up at her. "I may have had to grow up, but I wouldn't change a moment of my life. It brought me right where I'm supposed to be- with all of you."

"I think I can echo that sentiment," Michael voices as everyone nods in agreement.

Hannah pulls away; bringing things back to the real world a bit. "Come on. Let's go get some homework done since we spent all weekend slacking."

Ben takes himself in. "I think I need a real shower first."

"I also echo that sentiment- especially since I'm meeting Jolene tonight," Michael jokes. "I've come too far to chase her off now." They all start heading back as a clear and definite unit- including a very humbled Russell among them.

XXX

That afternoon, a much fresher and dressed-up Hannah and Michael enter the café. She is clearly nervous but a hand on her shoulder inspires a calming breath. They walk over to where Jolene is sitting and laughing with a tall, shaggy blonde-haired gentleman with sparkling blue eyes and a polo shirt. She takes him in with a slight smile as they approach and can't help but notice that when he sees her his jaw drops a little before pulling himself together.

Michael greets Jolene with a kiss on the cheek. "Hello." They all hang around awkwardly for a minute before he clears his throat. "I'll just go order something for myself. I'm really hungry."

Jolene is instantly on her feet. "I'll join you." They walk off quickly and the two stand there doing their best not to stare at each other, but being slightly unable to help it.

Hannah speaks up first, shy. "So, you're-"

"Prince Charming." Her face drops at this and instantly she spins around to leave- shutting down. He runs around to stand in front of her, ducking down so he can look her in the eye. "Whoa, I'm sorry," he tells her very sincerely. "I tend to make jokes at awkward times to diffuse tension. I didn't mean to offend you."

She shakes her head, pulling herself together. "No. Honestly, I had an ex-boyfriend who went the princess route and it still kind of hurts," she admits.

He can't help but smile at her openness before nodding seriously. "Okay. I appreciate the honesty and will refrain from any sort of royal vocabulary." He lights up when she smirks at this. "You can see what I mean about the jokes. They're not even that good either. If lawyers truly are clowns like my grandfather says then I'm in trouble." This one makes her openly laugh and he extends his hand, relieved this is going well. "Let's start from the top. I'm Caleb Dean. You're Hannah Frost- who is very well dressed for the occasion." She shakes his hand.

"This is dressed down for me. I always tend to do skirt over pants- especially after a whole weekend of camping with my friends."

"I don't envy you. I'd much rather be in front of my computer than out in nature- even though one is going to be my ruler one day and the other my only hope of escape," he jokes much more naturally.

Hannah starts to grow comfortable and play along. "Oh, nature lost me years ago. I will totally be serving our new lord's and masters."

This makes him let out a goofy laugh that she can't help but cover her mouth giggling at. The two just stand for a moment before he speaks up again. "Do you want to grab something to drink and sit… so we're not just kind of standing here sort of awkwardly?"

"That was a very smooth way to transition from meeting to date. I have to give you credit for that one."

Caleb reels a little, blushing. "That was never-"

Her eyes meet his, everything seeming very natural. "I'd love to."

"That was completely my intention." He offers her his arm. "I figured we're not at hand-holding yet." She links it with his and they head up to the counter as Jolene and Michael come to sit down with their food.

Michael is clearly ecstatic. "I told you it would work out."

"I'll never doubt your match-making abilities again." She gives him a quick kiss, aware of how he usually handles these sorts of things. He just stares at her. "What?"

"It's all a learning process but I'm getting better at this," he tells her before leaning in to give her a real deep kiss that leaves both of their heads spinning when they come up for air. "You just have to patient with me."

She leans close so their lips are almost touching. "For moments like that… absolutely." They go in for another round as Hannah and Caleb roll their eyes from in line.

Hannah looks at him. "Just upfront, if we become a couple we're never going to be that couple."

He nods, completely in agreement. "Amen!"

XXX

Meanwhile, Lori and Charlie stand in her dorm room as Russell puts on his now very full backpack. "I packed you more than enough chocolate to last for a long time," she tells him.

"That was really nice of all of you."

She shrugs. "We get so much at the front desk a semester and all of us wanted to thank you for such a great weekend that was past our expectations. You'll always have a place here," she vows, meeting his eyes.

He frowns, getting upset. "But I've already met you… so does this mean I might not see you again?"

"That's why I wanted to give you these." She places all the buttons the group made into his hand and folds it over them. "They're a badge from each of us so you will never forget what you have done for all of us," she tells him, getting emotional. "Because that way we can always be with you." He just stares before tackling her in a large hug that she reciprocates.

"I'm scared of growing up," he whispers into her shirt, crying.

She rubs circles on his back. "Shh, it's okay. It's going to be okay."

"I don't want to watch Mr. Fredrickson die."

She pulls back to look at him, wiping the tears from her eyes to keep calm. "Don't focus on that. You know he would never want that from you. Instead, remember how he lived. Remember all the great things you two did together. Grow up but always remember what it felt like to be a kid. Okay?"

He nods, completely sincere. "Goodbye."

Lori shakes her head. "No. I hate goodbyes." Charlie hands her the book and she opens it to a glowing poem. "It's merely I'll see you again, even if not for a long time." He nods, wiping his tears and gathering himself together. "Be brave. 99 red balloons Floating in the summer sky" He vanishes in a burst of light and Lori openly starts crying as she closes the book. "As if I needed another reason to cry when I watched that movie."

Charlie looks up at her almost crying as well. "You're getting really good though." She ruffles his hair for a long moment. "Shall we tackle Organic Chemistry?" She nods, taking a deep breath to steady herself, and the two head into the bedroom only to see a red balloon tied around her bedpost. She grabs her heart and can't help but break out into a huge smile as what this experience has given her.

XXX

Kaity and Ben pull up to a very worn-down building with a fence surrounding what had to be a multi-acre backyard. She regard the situation confused as he un-buckles his seatbelt. "What…?"

"You're going to need this." He hands her a helmet and they exit the car together- her baffled. As they enter she sees paintball guns lining the walls and lights up as she realizes what is about to occur. "I figured it would be perfect for an Art major," he tells her going up to the counter.

She smiles brightly. "I love it! It's perfect!" He hands her a smaller gun before selecting one for his self. "Thank you."

He goes and pays at the counter before moving them in line with some others, tying a blue flag to her hip. "Thank you. I'm glad we finally got around to this. Now it truly begins." He ties a blue one to himself just as the doors open. The two start through with everyone, but he stops to reach back and offer her hand. She takes it without any form of hesitation and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"For luck."

He puts the helmet on her head. "I won't need it. Something tells me you're a great shot."

She starts to look competitive, getting geared up. "You'd be right. They aren't going to know what hit them." She pumps her gun. "I'm about to compose a masterpiece," she says dramatically, earning a laugh as the two run into the arena hand-in-hand.

XXX

Tune in next week as a familiar favorite returns to campus and the group looks back on their pasts while hoping for an even better future- possibly with a new Companion.