It is a stormy night with rain coming down strong enough to sting. Wandering through this is Lori Fitzgerald and all of her Companions: Charlie Prescott at her side, Hannah Frost who has her arm linked with Rachel Ellis to better guide her, Michael Harms, Ben Prescott, and Finch Hale. Everyone is wearing their coats and has umbrellas, but it does not appear to be doing much good as they fight against the downpour and blowing wind. Only Finch appears to not be miserable- raindrops going right through her.
Charlie nudges his best friend, who is doing her best to work with her crutches. "We might need to consider investing in some rain gear!" he shouts over the wind.
This makes her crack a smile. "I'll see if we have room in the budget!" She misses a puddle and nearly slips, but Michael manages to grab her from behind just in time. "Thank you," she tells him sincerely as he props her up. "Only two days left." They keep walking, eyes and flashlights probing the trees for any sign of a character.
Charlie comes to a stop, staring at a group of trees. "I don't have the map but I swear we've already been through here." Everyone groans audibly, having been out for quite a bit and rapidly getting sick of it.
"Which way do you suggest then?" Lori asks.
He points left after a moment. "That way." They start off in that direction, the rain somehow becoming much harder as they walk.
Ben turns to Finch beside him, shaking his head. "You are so lucky you can't get wet." Finch just genuinely smiles back at him, only to be pushed aside as Kaity comes up between them and puts her arm through Ben's.
"I don't see why we all have to be out here I this storm?!" she complains loud enough for everyone to hear.
Lori does a sharp turn and walks backwards so she can address her. "Kaity, I know it's been a very long afternoon and you're not in the best of moods. These comments are getting a little out of hand though. My patience is starting to run out a bit. Can you handle this?" she asks seriously.
Kaity rolls her eyes. "Of course I can. I wasn't speaking for myself, actually." She nods towards Rachel, who is stepping over a log slowly.
Rachel picks up on the silence. "I get the feeling she meant me. I'm perfectly fine," she answers honestly, without a hint of attitude. "Hannah's being a huge help." Everyone continues on normally.
Ben looks down at Kaity, who has her eyes narrowed. "You okay?"
"I'm great," she says in a way that makes it clear the opposite is true. "I'm just stuck out in the pouring rain when I should be working on my art. But I can't work on my art because lightning has not struck." Lightning and thunder echo, making everyone jump. "Oh, that had better not be any sort of lesson," she says, clinging to Ben tighter.
"I know," Ben sympathizes, squeezing her hand. "You're having a rough day- a rough week really. We're here for you. Take a deep breath." She does and he kisses her nose. "There."
Hannah smirks from behind them. "Good job keeping your woman under wraps." Everyone laughs at this, including Ben. Kaity is not amused however.
"Oh shut up!" Kaity says, in a bad mood once again. Everyone instantly goes quiet- awkward silence setting in. Kaity sulks on, no longer in any sort of bliss.
Charlie whispers so only Lori can hear. "That's just her mood talking, right?"
"Absolutely," she whispers back. "She doesn't mean any of it." They come to an abrupt spot at a little hut sitting between two trees made of branches and stone. "That wasn't there before," she says, handing off the book and her flashlight to Finch.
"There's an idea for an art project," Ben tells Kaity as Lori ducks to look in.
"Stop it," Kaity warns him, his smile vanishing. "Seriously. Not today."
Lori disappears as she heads in, everyone a little wary to have her out of sight. "Why hello there," he voice echoes, enthusiasm clear. "I believe you might have been expecting us. Sorry about the weather, but we don't have control over everything." She emerges with a huge smile a moment later, the one and only Donald Duck stepping out after her.
Hannah's jaw drops. "It's Donald Duck- as in the Fabulous Five Donald Duck," she says- voice becoming high and squeaky.
Donald regards the sky, grouchy. "I find myself to be pretty good when it comes to water, but this is ridiculous." Lori pulls a jacket from a bag on Charlie's back and hands it to him. "It took you a bit to find me so I made do," he says with a gesture to the hut as he puts on the coat.
"We do the best we can," Lori tells him honestly. "We'll take you back to our room and get you warmed up." They all start back in a similar manner. "So I take it you're well aware who we are."
"Oh, yes!" Donald says instantly, smile appearing. "Mickey has had me helping chronicle the book."
"The book?" Charlie voices for everyone.
Donald nods. "Every time a character has an encounter with you and your Companions an entry in made in the official book. It's starting to get quite large, but there are so many great stories. You're the talk of our world- Lori and her trusty Companions. It's honestly a real pleasure to actually meet you," he tells her with enthusiasm and sincerity.
She can't help but blush a bit and shrug him off with a wave of her hand. "Trust me; we're the ones who are honored." Everyone nods. "You're one of the biggest guests we've ever had. Hannah's clearly trying to restrain herself from tackling you in a hug right now." Donald laughs, seeing Hannah quickly put her hands behind her back and try to appear nonchalant.
He winks at her. "I'll give you an autograph if you give me one."
Hannah nods rapidly. "Deal. So a deal. The real Donald's autograph! I might faint!"
"At least I end up famous somewhere," Rachel joins the conversation with a smirk.
Kaity snorts. "Probably the only place a blind actress can-"
"Rude and uncalled for," Lori cuts in before she can even finish, tone serious.
Kaity shrugs, seeing Rachel doesn't appear to be bothered. "Sorry," she says coldly. "Let's just get inside." Charlie goes up to his brother.
"I can see why you like her," he says sarcastically, giggling. This manages to make everyone else join in, except Kaity who is now fuming.
She turns to face him and it is clear that something has snapped drastically in her. "That is it! Screw you!" She then before anyone can process what's going on punches Charlie straight across the face, sending him to the wet grass.
She attempts to tackle him as everyone reacts- Ben easily holding her back. She loses all composure and starts kicking and screaming- rage coming surging out as everyone else gathers around Charlie- frantic and worried. "Let go of me! Let me go! I am going to rip him apart! I'm going to kill him!"
Everyone looks at her in horror- unsure what to do as she kicks and screams. Lori is protectively in front of Charlie, who is clutching his bleeding nose white as a sheet. "I hate him!" she screeches. "I hate him! I need to-"Before anyone can really react, Michael comes up beside her and shoves a needle into her arm he removed from his medical supply backpack. After a few second she slumps forward, quickly falling unconscious.
Ben looks from her up to his roommate in shock. "What the hell did you just do?!"
"I sedated her," Michael says matter-of-factly. "She'll be back up in a few hours." He kneels by a sobbing Charlie who Lori is holding in a tight embrace and starts looking him over. Everyone just loiters in silent shock at what has just happened in a matter of seconds.
"What just happened?" Rachel finally says, confused.
Hannah speaks first. "I-I don't really know…"
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?
Rachel is performing on stage when her phone rumbles in her boot.
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, Finch, and Rachel 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 Ten: Aw Phooey!
XXX
The next morning, Lori wakes up with a large yawn. As she sits up she sees Hannah atop her own bed typing away on her computer- already dressed in her usual skirt and matching headband. She hears the shower running in the bathroom and raises an eyebrow at the empty sleeping bag on the floor.
"He wanted to get cleaned up," Hannah answers the unspoken question. "I'm not plucking the feathers from the drain though."
"So yesterday wasn't just a dream?" Hannah shakes her head and Lori falls back with a groan. "That means I actually have to deal with this."
"Good luck with that," her roommate offers. "I'm actually not entirely positive on what happened… and I was right there."
"Kaity was in a valley and rather than do the responsible thing and tell her to go back I pushed her to a lashing out point," Lori summarizes bitterly as Donald enters with a towel around his waist.
"It seemed to me like she just lost her temper," he says simply. "It apparently happens to me all the time if Daisy is to be believed."
Lori sits up, runs a hand through her hair, and looks at Hannah. "Can you summon all of them?" There is a knock before she can even pull out her phone.
"Something tells me I won't have to." They both hop out of bed and pause. "Do what you feel you need to do. You aren't going to please everyone on this one." Lori nods nervously, causing Hannah to hug her. "You can do this. I have faith in you." They both go out and let everyone into the living area, all waiting expectantly as Lori stands before them- Charlie looking down, Michael calm, Finch a little confused, and Kaity putting on a brave smile.
She regards all of them before her attention naturally drifts to her best friend. "First thing, are you alright?"
Kaity snorts as Charlie tentatively looks up. "Of course-"
"I wouldn't push it," Hannah warns. "Charlie?" she asks kindly, seeing his cheek and right eye is black and blue.
"I'm fine," he mutters, earning a look from Lori. "Honestly, I'm fine," he says with more confidence. "It's okay. I'm sorry about what I said. I didn't mean to make you so upset Kaity." Lori is still staring at him, making him roll his eyes. "Lori, I'm okay."
She finally nods and turns to everyone else, hand going to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Alright, I'll be honest. I'm over the fence on what exactly to do. Both Kaity and Michael exhibited behavior that is making me question benching them." Everyone nods, understanding. "Charlie apologized for his comment and I feel he did nothing really in the matter to warrant such action. Any qualms to that?" Nothing. "I didn't think so. Anything to say about Kaity or Michael from anyone?"
Rachel immediately speaks up first. "I think we can't really blame Kaity for what happened. She has a special condition- just like my being blind. If I'm being perfectly honest I think the fault is yours as leader for not recognizing and properly handling the situation."
It's as if all the air has been sucked out of the room. Lori is clearly hurt and Hannah notes this- stepping up to the plate. "That's not really fair. Kaity and Lori have made agreements about the type of behavior allowed with her bipolar disorder. There were limits in place- physical violence certainly being one of them."
Rachel shrugs and crosses her arms. "But is still falls on her. She needs to provide a safe environment."
"I have to agree with Rachel," Ben adds, failing to notice Charlie look down at this- tears in his eyes. "You didn't stop anyone when you knew she was experiencing a valley. I know you're doing the best you can, but I think we can all agree forcefully sedating my girlfriend was not the answer," he adds bitterly.
"That also needs to be discussed, because that's just pure insanity," Rachel adds. "Is he going to pull one on me if I start shouting?"
Michael clears his throat, calm and collected. "If you'll allow me a minute." Lori nods. "I don't regret my actions yesterday and understand how they can be seen. My only thought and intention was on protecting Charlie and the rest of us. Kaity had physically assaulted him and showed no signs of letting up even after being restrained. I was not about to risk her doing something she regretted, both for her sake and ours really. I acted in the moment with what I feel was the right call and stand by it. I would do it again honestly," he continues, all eyes on him. "I protected Charlie and my conscience is at ease with that choice. It was not about Kaity and any feelings or grudges." She glares to indicate the same is not said for her. "I harbor no ill will towards her in the slightest and care very deeply about her as all of you. But that moment- that call was about Charlie. You know how protective we get." He puts an arm around Charlie, who smiles up at him appreciatively.
Lori is clearly buying into what he is saying, as is everyone but Kaity, Ben, and Rachel. "Kaity, is there anything you want to say?"
Kaity tries to dial back her anger, being only somewhat successful. "I'm pissed at him, like really pissed, but I'm honestly glad I didn't hurt anybody more. Charlie, you don't need to apologize to me for my getting out of line- which I was," she admits. "I do think Rachel and Ben have a point though. I was not in the right mind and would have liked the leader of this group to have shown more initiative in my behavior. I think if I get benched then you deserve to be as well for the situation I was put in," she says point blank, taking Lori very much by surprise.
"Okay, that's enough," Hannah moderates as Rachel goes to speak again. "Lori, what's your official call? You have all of our support," she says sympathetically.
Lori thinks a minute before nodding to herself. "I've made my decision. Kaity is benched for a week. Michael is not."
"Of course," Kaity mutters to Ben, who nods. Michael glares at her while Charlie shrinks back into the couch.
Lori clears her throat to gather their attention. "Now before you all go screaming favoritism-"Donald now emerges from the bedroom fully dressed and placing his hat atop his head.
He notices everyone staring. "Am I interrupting something?" he asks finally.
Kaity rises. "No. I think we're pretty much done here."
"Kaity-"Lori begins.
She puts her hands up, trying to reel her feelings in. "I get it. I shouldn't be around him anyway. That was harsh and wrong. I'm sorry. I just need a minute." She heads out, Ben following.
Lori looks at everyone else. "I will never fault a member for trying to protect another. But physical violence is something I will not tolerate. It made sense in my head at least," she admits sadly.
"It is logical to me as well," Finch comforts, still now quite grasping the whole situation and dynamics at play.
Lori gives her a thumbs up. "At least the projection gets it. Dial down on the emotions and I'm sure everyone else would as well."
Charlie hugs her. "Thank you for sticking up for me."
She ruffles his hair. "Always, buddy. You didn't do anything wrong, okay? It could have been anybody who set her off." She notices him staring at Donald in awe. "You want to talk to him?" He nods and she pushes him forward.
"Donald, I was wondering if you wanted to go fishing with me… if you're free," he asks shyly.
Donald beams up at him. "Oh, I'd love to. Do you have a spare pole I can borrow though? I seem to have forgotten mine."
"I'll see what I can do." He turns to Lori. "Do you want to come with too?"
She shakes her head. "I have some homework. Have fun. I have a feeling we know who this one is for," she whispers to him, earning a nod. "We need to give her some time in the meanwhile."
Finch rises. "I think I shall head out as well. I am meeting Karen and Robert for some Business studies." She heads out, Rachel following with a disappointed and judgmental frown. Michael gives Lori a pat on the back before silently following. After Donald and Charlie sneak out she sighs and falls on the couch- exhausted despite just having woken up.
Hannah smiles down at her. "Well, it wasn't that bad."
"I just hope it doesn't get any harder."
"When do we ever seem to get what we want?"
"Fair point." Hannah starts for the door. "Where are you off to?"
"Something I need to do. I'll be back." She goes to exit but pauses. "He's not-"
"I'm well aware of the current state of my best friend," Lori tells her politely. "I will take care of it." Hannah nods, accepting this. "Go give Ben hell for me," Lori adds, smiling at how well she knows her roommate. Hannah winks and heads out, leaving Lori to fall back on the couch and let out a groan of frustration and stress.
XXX
Meanwhile, Ben is sitting on the couch running his hand over Kaity's back in his room. She lets out a noise of frustration, coming close to throwing something on her coffee table. "Why do I feel I spend more time on the bench rather than off it? I'm that person."
"I've had my fair share," Ben comforts. "We'll-"Charlie walks in and goes white at the sight of them, edging unconsciously towards the wall. They both just look up at him- Kaity narrowing her eyes.
"I-I was just grabbing a fishing pole," he says quickly, nervous and uncomfortable. "Donald and I are… are going fishing if-if that's okay. Lori said-"
"Alright then," Ben nods, a little confused to his demeanor. "Could you maybe hurry it up? Kaity and I are kind of-"
Charlie practically sprints to the closet, giving a wide berth around them. "Yeah. I'm-I'm sorry." Ben turns back to Kaity, but the door opens once again and Hannah enters.
Ben just gives her a look. "Seriously?"
Hannah folds her arms, showing no sign of backing down. "We need to talk."
"Can it wait?" Kaity whines. Charlie hastily exits, fumbling with the poles, Hannah stopping to give him a comforting squeeze on the shoulder as he passes.
She then narrows her eyes at Kaity once he's out of earshot. "No, because I think Lori went far too easy on you. I'm taking it upon myself to properly convey how disappointed all of us are in you Kaity," she lectures seriously. "We have come to expect a lot more from you- bipolar or not."
"Are you just here to be a bitch Hannah?" Ben cuts in sharply. Hannah looks at him in surprise, not expecting him to say that. "Because she doesn't need that."
She quickly lets the comment bounce off her and continues. "Look, I get you being protective but your turn is coming. My point to Kaity is that she has a lot to repair with all of us- starting with Charlie who is clearly petrified of you."
"But-"
"You didn't even apologize to him," Hannah points out, making Ben start to think a bit. Kaity still looks at her defiantly. "He did to you and you didn't even have to. He made a comment like all of us to his brother and you punched him in the face. Plus, you were totally hiding behind your illness back there despite what I know you and Lori have talked about at length. That isn't the Kaity I know," she finishes, disappointment clear.
"No," Kaity argues, being stubborn. "I did something wrong, but it wasn't really my fault. And I don't appreciate Lori playing favorites just because she has always liked the Doctor more than me."
"You have a lot to repair with us Kaity," Hannah tells her simply with a shrug. "That's all I'm saying. Yesterday is going to have long term consequences and I hope you can meet them." She then turns to Ben. "As for you, Prescott, I get you need to be a supportive boyfriend but not at the cost of your little brother."
He looks at her genuinely confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Back there, you didn't see how your sticking up only for Kaity affected him. He's pretty scared and disappointed in you as well- though we know how easily the poor kid forgives. You need to fix that a whole lot more than she does even. He needs to know you have his back."
Ben thinks and quickly nods, that clearly not being his intention by any means. "I-I didn't realize he felt that way. I'll be sure to talk to him."
"Thank you," Hannah says simply.
He rises and hugs her. "No… thank you. And I'm sorry about my comment. It was completely out of line and nowhere close to true."
She gives him a smile before playfully shoving him off. "Get you germs away from me." She smiles in a manner that conveys she forgives him and he smiles back. "I just wanted to convey that to the two of you- have my roommate's back because she's getting real close to an anxiety attack," she admits to them. "Though naturally she'd never admit it. And I kind of want to keep her. Don't tell her that though."
Ben nods while Kaity merely sulks. "I won't. See you around." She nods and exits as he sits back next to his girlfriend. "Kaity…"
"No," she says stubbornly. "I have nothing to apologize for."
He sighs, tired. "Now I think you're just being difficult for the sake of being frustrated and angry. You are still very much in the valley."
He goes to put an arm around her but she rises. "Listen, I'm going to lie down. I'll text you later."
He nods, knowing not to push her too much. "Alright. I love you."
She shrugs. "Sure."
"Just… think about it," he tells her as she reaches the door. "I know the Kaity I love would never want to hurt Charlie." She just exits and he leans forward, head in his hands. "There needs to be a handbook on this type of stuff." Michael then enters and the two stare tensely at one another before Ben just rises and heads to the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
Michael watches him go sadly. "Okay then…"
XXX
Finch is sitting at the café with the twins Robert and Karen Rowell studying their Business textbook. They reach the end of the chapter and shut their books with clear satisfaction- the twins looking exhausted.
Everyone starts packing up as Karen speaks. "Well, I think we should all do pretty well on the quiz tomorrow. I expect another A for Finch at least." She rises quickly, something clearly on her mind. "I'm going to get going."
Finch misses her nudge Robert with a supportive smile before leaving with a wave. She throws her messenger bag over her shoulder. "I should probably head back as well. I have an e-mail I need to write."
Robert clears his throat, clearly nervous, and earns back her attention. "Finch, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something."
She gestures to his book. "Is there something you still need to understand?"
He hides the book behind his back, foot dragging along the ground. "No. It's more about… you and I."
"I'm afraid I do not understand," she answers honestly, not understanding these social cues.
"That's because I'm doing an awful job of explaining myself," Robert admits. "What I'm attempting to do is ask you out on a date, because these past few months I've developed a major crush on you," he admits, wincing. "That made it sound like we're in high school. I'm sorry. I just thought I'd… see if you were in any way on the same page."
Finch thinks for a moment, fingers instinctively going to her temple. "Dating is the social activity in which a person has romantic interests, correct? Like Kaity Klingbeil and Ben Prescott?"
He can't help but let out an uncomfortable laugh. "If you need a definition- that would be a pretty solid one."
She nods, clearly upset at what she's about to do. "I want to convey this to you in a manner that does not hurt your feelings," she tells him honestly.
He can immediately see where this is going and shrugs- trying to be brave. "Sometimes you can't prevent people from getting hurt- especially at times like these."
She gently puts a hand on his arm, meeting his eyes. "It is not my primary objective, nor my intention. I do find it necessary to be honest in that I do not believe I was designed to have emotions of that nature towards anyone."
Something about that catches Robert off guard and makes him look almost sad for her. "That's not giving you a lot of credit."
"I am sorry," she tells him honestly. "I wish I could comprehend those kinds of emotions to give you a more deserving answer."
He shrugs and backs away. "No. It's alright. I was just… going out on a limb."
"I still very much value your friendship and desire to keep it."
"That's fine," he tells her, confused at how worried she seems. "You're still a very good friend. Things may be awkward for a bit, but I'm sure we'll get back on the same page soon enough." He pats her on the back. "I hope you figure that stuff out though- everyone deserves love. Especially someone as great as you. And you can overcome whatever is holding you back." He exits and Finch watches him go. Suddenly, a tear slides down her face and she touches it, completely unsure at what is happening and how she feels.
She shakes it off and starts for the library. "I need to protect Lori Fitzgerald," she mutters her usual mantra, clearly not as into it this time.
XXX
That afternoon, Rachel is entering the building with her arm linked with Charlie. "Thank you for taking a walk with me," she tells her friend. "I'm still not good enough on the path to do it by myself. And the cane is not preferred on terrain like that."
He smiles at her. "I'll take any excuse to hang out with one of my friends." He lets out a yawn and stretches as they start towards his room. "I'm pretty tired though. It's been a long day."
"How was your fishing trip?"
"We didn't catch anything, but it was nice to just spend time talking to him," Charlie says with clear enthusiasm. "I mean he's done so much just in terms of with Mickey and Goofy. He told me about how important the book is to him. He's actually a lot nicer than I was expecting."
"I don't see how anyone could ever be mean to you," Rachel admits, when he comes to a halt. Kaity is in front of their door but no one has answered. She starts towards them, but her expression becomes much more hostile upon seeing him. She shoulder checks him angrily, nearly knocking him and Rachel over as he goes spinning into her.
Rachel rights herself, clearly very confused. "What just happened?"
"Nothing," he says as he enters his room, clearly on the verge of crying.
She instantly picks up on that and follows him. "Why do you sound so upset? Who was that?"
"Kaity. She just-"He then catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror and puts his hand to his bruised face. It all just becomes too overwhelming and he starts crying violently like the child he really is. Rachel steps forward, reaching out for him. "Charlie?" He tackles her in a tight hug that sends them sliding down the counter to the ground.
She speaks up after a moment, a little uncomfortable. "Do you want me to get Lori? I'm sure she-"
He shakes his head. "No. We shouldn't bother her. We know how busy she is." He lets out a bitter sob and goes to pull away. "I'm sorry. I just-"
She pulls him back into her, comforting. "It's fine. You're fine." Her expression is one of judgment though- clearly not very happy about this situation and how it is being handled.
XXX
Kaity is still storming back to her room when she is stopped by a feathered hand grabbing her arm. She turns to see Donald has been waiting for her, and she rips her hand away violently. "You shouldn't be out in public like-"A fishing pole is thrust into her hand, causing her to lose her train of thought.
"You and I are going fishing," he says simply, starting for the stairs.
Kaity crosses her arms defiantly. "I'm not in the mood."
He gives her a look, serious. "Listen, I'm just as stubborn as you and have seventy years of practice. You're not going to win this one. Now come on." She lightens a bit but still tries to hold strong in her demeanor.
"Why would you want to spend time with me?" she asks honestly, being harsh at him and herself. "As you've seen the past few days I'm not exactly the best company right now."
"This is exactly why I think you need my help. Fishing is my favorite thing to do when I almost lose my temper- and it happens quite often if my nephews are to be believed." Kaity can't help but let out a snort. "It's true. Apparently you can't even understand what I'm saying."
Kaity looks down, kicking at the carpet. "I am being quite monstrous if my friends are to be believed," she admits, letting the walls down a little.
"Oh, you believe it," he tells her, causing her head to shoot up. "That's why you're so upset about it. You know it's true and you feel horrible about it. But you think it's too late to apologize… too hard. Am I getting any of this right?" She doesn't say anything. "And just because you have temper issues doesn't necessarily make you a bad person."
"I don't know if I believe that," she admits sadly. "I really hurt one of my close friends."
"Then you must think I'm monstrous too, because I've done the same thing before." She looks at him, lost in thought for a long minute.
Finally she holds up the pole with a small smile. "Perhaps some fishing and conversation will be good for me," she admits.
Donald smiles and they start down the stairs. "I knew you would come around. Then again, I see a lot of myself in you."
"I think the feeling is mutual."
XXX
Ben enters the room a short time later and finds Michael studying on the couch. He walks right past, looks in the bedroom, and finally comes to a stop in front of his roommate- squaring his jaw. "Have you seen Charlie?" he asks, cold and detached.
Michael looks up at him confused at his tone. "He just went to the library to get some studying done. He doesn't seem to really want to be around anyone today."
Ben nods, still very cold. "Alright. I just really need to talk to him when he gets back." He starts heading to the bedroom again.
"Hey, is something wrong?" Michael calls after him. "You're being awfully… monotone, Prescott."
Ben just stares at him. "Harms, you forcefully sedated my girlfriend," he says as if it's obvious. "Forgive me if I'm not feeling very friendly towards you right now."
"I did what needed to be done," Michael argues, rising. "She had just punched your younger brother and was presenting a danger to both herself and all of us. I did what any doctor-"
"But I didn't need you to be a Doctor, Harms!" Ben shouts. "I needed you to be my friend and not make this hard for me!" He calms himself as Michael back up against the couch. "Because honestly I kind of agree with you and see your point. As your friend I absolutely side with you. But she is my girlfriend and I need to defend her to the ends of the earth," he adds passionately. "And what you did put those two things at odds and I pick her."
Michael is clearly starting to grow upset and panicked. "Then what do you want from me?"
"To trust that as her boyfriend and as your friend that I could handle it instead of doing the doctor thing and stepping in."
"You couldn't have… and that's okay, Prescott."
"No it's not!" Ben argues, but pulls back. "So I need- I need to be angry at you. I need to be pissed, and you need to give me space," he tells his friend harshly. But the look on Michael's face- one of terror- is enough to bring his anger under control. "You aren't losing a friend," he assures him. "It's not like that. Don't panic. I wasn't expecting you to panic like that."
Michael shrugs. "You know I'm not an expert at the whole friend's thing. I just didn't want to lose that with you," he admits.
"You won't," Ben promises. "But I need you to back off and give me some time. I need to come to terms with what my friend did to my girlfriend."
"I could apologize for-"
"No. It's not you. It's me and my feelings." Michael nods and silently heads into the bedroom. Ben goes to follow when there is a knock at the door. He opens it to find a very frazzled and tired Lori.
"Is Charlie here?"
"Library. Michael feels he wants some alone time from all this." She nods, sighing. "Where's the duck?"
"Fishing with Kaity." Ben raises an eyebrow. She waves her phone. "I have Finch keeping an eye on them, don't worry. Besides, I'm pretty convinced he's one of the good guys."
"That doesn't sound like being benched to me," Ben can't help but say.
"The character is for her. There's no way around it. After that, we do things proper."
"Once again your decision making skills shine." He instantly sees how the comment affects her and regrets it.
Lori bristles back. "Just because she's you girlfriend doesn't mean you have to be an ass. I have to make decisions like that, and I do the best I can with what I have."
"You feel like I was being an ass?" She nods. "I definitely feel like I was being an ass too. I've been pretty bad today," he admits, making her crack a smile.
She runs a hand through her hair. "Well, it's been a rough day for all parties."
"Today really stressed you out, huh?"
"I tend to have a lot of pent-up anxiety on stressful days like these. It can be quite maddening, but I don't really lie to bother others with it."
"Something tells me you have an appointment with the Doctor," he tells her kindly. She thinks a moment before nodding and heading towards the bedroom. "Hey." She turns back to him. "You're doing a damn good job. Alright? And you know I'm always honest with you." This makes her smile and he watches her head back before falling back on the couch.
XXX
Kaity and Donald are sitting on the bank of the pond at dusk, poles bobbing in the water. Kaity takes everything in and lets out a content sigh, looking much more at ease than before. "This is pretty relaxing. I don't know if we'll catch anything though."
Donald waves his hand. "Ah, that's alright. It's about sitting out here, not the fish. Especially since we already had dinner," he adds, making her laugh.
Kaity thinks a moment before speaking again. "Your friends forgive you right… when you snap at them…"
He nods. "They've come to expect it from me, which I'm sometimes sad about. But they do their best, especially Daisy, to let me be myself without exploiting it too much. I may be stubborn but they don't always let me get my way. It is never allowed to be an excuse for anything."
"That's what we said about my bipolar disorder. But then I tried to go back on that because it meant I was the bad guy." She thinks before speaking, tearing up. "I wasn't doing what I promised I would always do and I blamed everyone else for it. I was so out of line in what I did- unbelievably so. I was just so awful to Charlie- to all of them. No offense meant to you, but I hope my friends won't expect that kind of behavior from me."
"At the same time though you have to acknowledge that your temper- though different origins- is a part of you that you are going to need to keep under control. It always something that you need to be aware of, otherwise things can quickly grow out of hand again. You need to control it- for their sake and especially yours."
She nods, wiping her eyes. "What do you suggest?"
"What we're doing right now. Find someone to fish with. And that you should apologize to your friends."
"I know. What if they don't forgive me?" she whispers, like a scared child.
"They will," Donald assures her. "I've read the book and know how close all of you are. If Mickey and Goofy can forgive me, then they will certainly forgive you for anything you said or did. You're a family just like we are."
"Can you come with me?" she asks quietly.
He puts a hand on her arm, and this time she doesn't move away. "Of course. As long as you need me." He jerks his pole and puts it back in the water. "You're not as much of a monster as you seem to think. I believe you don't give yourself enough credit sometimes."
"Perhaps," she admits. "I also don't catch my mistakes as early as I would like either though."
"But next time before you go off on any of them, remember everything you're thinking now. About how you don't like feeling like this. About how much your friends mean to you. Take a deep breath and try to go fishing before you hurt someone again. Then they won't grow to expect it- it'll have just been a one-time thing. A distant memory."
"I will keep that in mind. I don't know if I want to go fishing without you though."
"You'll be alright. I'll be here with you in a way." She smiles sadly when suddenly something pulls on her rod.
"I-I think I have something!" she shouts, ecstatic as he begins to coach her on reeling it in.
XXX
Lori is sitting with Michael on his bed, lying back so her head is on his stomach. They just sit in comfortable silence for a long minute before she looks down at her leg and shakes it. "I'm so excited to get this cast off tomorrow," she notes before changing the subject. "How's Jolene?"
"She's going great. We're doing great," he says with a huge smile. "I think I'm falling pretty hard for her- beyond what I thought it was going to be."
"And those feelings as compared to… Hannah?" she probes.
"I don't think I'll ever stop loving Hannah," he admits seriously. "She's a big piece- a big what if for me. I'll never know what could have been, and in some ways that will haunt me. But that doesn't mean I can't be happy with who I actually do have. And I am very happy with Jolene," he tells his friend content.
Lori smiles up at him. "I'm glad. And Hannah is pretty much glowing about Caleb. They're on a date right now in fact."
"He's a great guy. He's been through some rough things just like her. I figured they'd make each other stronger. I feel like that would make them a good couple and help her get over her fears… and him with his demons."
She slaps his arm. "Well, you pick good ones. Let me know if you find one for me."
"He'd have to be the best for my metaphorical little sister." He tickles her and she squirms and laughs. "Are you feeling better? You seemed sad when you came in."
"Yeah," she says quickly, but he sees right though her. "I just… I worry that I'm somehow the villain in this story. What if in that book Donald has I'm this horrible person who manipulates my friends and is really ruining everything with my awful decisions."
Michael meets her eyes, serious. "Lori, you're never the bad guy. And if you don't believe me, which you should always, then I'm sure Donald could tell you the very same. We don't fear you like Commander Lucas and his goons. We trust you and love you. You are very much the reluctant hero type."
She sighs, okay with that answer. "Now I really feel better." She rises and grabs her crutches. "I'm going to head back. I have to wake up early to get this removed tomorrow. Tell Charlie to swing by tonight or in the morning please."
"Will do." He rises and hugs her tight. "Love you, Lores."
"Love you too, Doctor. I'm glad everything's going so well for you. You deserve it."
He waves as she heads out. "So will you when everything comes together."
XXX
That night, Charlie enters Lori's room with Louis under his arm. Lori steps out to greet him with Hannah and Rachel right behind her. She ruffles his hair and is about to say something when Kaity comes in with Donald sheepishly.
She looks at Donald, who nods, and gathers her courage. "I-I was wondering if I could talk to Charlie please… alone." He shakes his head, hiding behind Lori.
She gives a kind smile. "I don't know if that's the best idea. I can stay here and just keep quiet." Kaity looks to Donald; a little thrown off, but at his look of encouragement decides to move forward.
"I just wanted to apologize to you, Charlie. To all of you really but especially you. For these past few days, but especially in the preserve. I lost my temper and did something I very much regret. You know that we're friends-"
"Friends don't do that," he says hesitantly. "They don't threaten to kill one another."
"That was unacceptable," Kaity agrees, trying to remain approachable.
"And then they apologize for it rather than treat the other person like it's their fault," he adds.
"I know. I handled the whole thing poorly. I'm not perfect and I hid behind my disorder which I try to never do. But I've had a long talk with Donald about temper and I've learned a lot about myself. I'm going to be better. So I was wondering if we could put this behind us and move on."
He steps out from behind Lori, but still keeps a good distance between them. "I… I want to, but I'm still scared. I still get really nervous around you. I'm trying, but I don't think having a friend is supposed to feel this way."
She reaches out to his bruises. "Charlie-"He backs up, shaking his head.
"I just- I need some time."
She tries one more time. "Listen-"He just can't take it anymore and runs out.
Kaity looks at Donald desperately. "He just needs some space," he comforts. "It's okay. You did the right thing." She nods, trying to calm down.
Rachel looks around confused at the lack of reaction. "Isn't someone going after him? Lori?" she asks accusingly.
"I think I need to grab the book," Lori disagrees. "Besides, he clearly needs-"
Rachel shakes her head, almost disgusted. "I'm going to find him. He probably went to his room or the library." She heads out with her cane, scoffing at them.
"She won't," Lori says knowingly. "He obviously ran to hide in the lounge on the freshman dorms, where he thinks no one will look. That's where he goes when he wants to be alone. He'll come to me when he wants to." She notices all of them staring. "I don't push."
"You two are perfect," Kaity voices for everyone, earning a smirk from Lori as she retrieves the book.
"I imagine it's time," she says, tapping the book.
"I believe so," Donald admits. Kaity turns to him, tears in her eyes.
"You're the first one I don't want to go." She hugs him and he rubs comforting circles on her back.
"That's alright. We'll see each other again. I feel it in my webbed feet." She laughs at this and wipes her tears, nodding to Lori.
Lori goes to open the book, but pauses. "Can I just ask one question?"
"I actually have something I want to say first," Donald cuts in, taking her hand. "Lori, in our world we've been afraid for a long time about who would open that book. Would it be someone who would imprison us? Or even worse someone who would try to control us as an army of some sort? What horrors were we going to be subject to in this world? But then people came to us and started talking about you- the girl who gives nothing but kindness and wants to get us home to where we belong. The girl is reluctant to accept her destiny, but does so for us. Who would never hurt anyone on purpose. We were worried, but the book put us with one of the greatest heroes we could have asked for." Lori is clearly floored by this while everyone else just looks at her, having known this for a while. "This has been a great privilege for me and I can only hope one day the others, especially Mickey, get to convey the same."
Lori stands silently, blinking back tears, before she tackles him in a hug. "You don't know how much I needed to hear that. Thank you. I think Hannah might actually faint when that day happens."
"Oh yeah I will," Hannah agrees.
Lori turns back to Donald. "Speaking of, have your autographs?" He holds up his signed towel smiling widely. "Don't be a stranger."
"I'll do my best." He looks at it. "It's a shame I couldn't get everyone," he whispers so low no else can hear it. With a last wave at Kaity, he turns to face Lori bravely.
She opens the book to a glowing poem. "Who gets stuck with all the bad luck? No one… but Donald Duck" He vanishes in what seems to be an especially bright burst of light. She closes the book with a smile, content at the answer she received. She looks up, anxiety lessened to see a Kaity who looks very much the same.
XXX
A short time later after the sun has set; Lori opens her knocking door, now with two working legs, to find a very peeved Rachel waiting to greet her. "What the hell was that?!" she shouts with pure fury, causing Lori to falter in too long of a pause. Rachel then looks embarrassed. "I am at the right door right? I swear I counted-"
"It's Lori," she squeaks. "A very confused Lori, but me nonetheless. I assume you want me, because Hannah's out with Caleb."
Rachel instantly reverses back to her angry expression, crossing her arms. "That whole thing back there with Charlie? You chose to stay with the character and sent him back rather than go after your supposed best friend. A best friend who by the way has been sobbing but afraid to bother you because he thinks you are too busy for him!"
Lori processes as quick as she can, remaining calm. "He needed space and time to think. He knows he can come to me with anything." She glances at the time on her phone. "I actually expect him to be here any minute now and I'll be ready. As for the crying I'm not psychic. He or someone else sometimes needs to tell me things I'm not aware of. And the character had a name- it was Donald. He certainly deserves our respect."
"You're avoiding the problem," Rachel accuses, not budging.
Lori shrugs. "Honestly, I don't see one. Rachel, when I said I appreciated your input I didn't expect you to pick a fight with me about everything. I know we're going to have disagreements, but you need to trust me on some things. I'm not as inexperienced as that girl who fought the Yeti."
"I… I just feel like I can't trust you when it comes to him," Rachel admits. "I keep waiting for him to realize how you feel and break his heart."
Lori is quickly becoming insulted by this conversation. "Break his heart? I would never-"
"It just seems obvious to me that he cares about you a lot more than you seem to care about him," Rachel cuts her off simply. "And I can't just keep hearing you treat him like that."
"That is the furthest thing from the truth," Lori answers, trying to convey exactly how she feels- emotion spilling out. "Charlie is my best friend and I would… I would walk through fire for him. He is all of my best friends in one person and somehow that doesn't even begin to cover it." She runs a hand through her hair. "Rachel, I actually need him in my life- like completely and totally need him. If that doesn't come across then I don't know what to say. But that's how I feel and I'm pretty sure he knows that I would do anything for him. He has to."
Rachel shakes her head, unconvinced at her impassioned speech. "I'm sorry, but I don't see that. And you said you could never fault one of us for trying to protect another."
"I'm unclear what you're doing here," Lori admits, becoming a little more agitated at her dismissal. "Is this an observation or are you threatening me in some capacity?"
"I believe I am. What are you going to do… bench me?" she counters with the raise of an eyebrow.
"Okay, I can understand the attitude if I hurt him in some way. I would hate myself enough. But the reason you couldn't find him as I suspect is that he didn't want to be found when he ran off earlier. I knew that because I know my best friend. There is no reason for this."
Rachel falters a little, but remains just as accusing. "It's just something I've been noticing and I wanted to bring it up. I know you care for him in some capacity, so use that to drive your desire to not hurt him. You need to talk to him and make him aware of how you feel compared to him."
Lori narrows her eyes, voice conveying they are now in dangerous territory. "I think we have nothing to discuss, just as I feel we have reached an impasse on this conversation." They stand staring each other down when they hear the filing cabinet rattling from the bedroom. "Already?" Lori sighs, heading back there and emerging a moment later with the book and her coat. "I'm texting the others. I'm putting you with Charlie and me in the gym. Maybe then you can see some of the things you're looking for."
"I'm sure I'll see a fine acting performance from you," Rachel says with sarcasm. "I've observed quite enough as it is."
"Oh, you're really starting to make me angry," Lori warns as they start out. "You're being very close minded and honestly hurting my feelings. I won't tolerate this type of behavior."
Rachel laughs. "Then you'd be a hypocrite or something."
Hannah comes down the hallway and instantly spies the tension between the two of them. "Everything alright?"
"Perfect," Lori says through gritted teeth. Her phone rings and she instantly halts. "It's Charlie," she tells the other two, answering.
XXX
Meanwhile, Charlie arrives in front of the preserve and sees that no one is there. He looks at his phone to see he has a text from Lori that reads 'Preserve in five minutes everyone.' He looks down the path but sees no one on their way. "Weird."
His phone then vibrates and he sees it's another text from Lori. This one reads 'We have a live one. You're with me and Rachel in the gym.' He stares at it a minute in pure confusion, gears turning. "But…" He calls her, relieved when she answers. "Hey. Yeah, I just got it. But… didn't you just send me a text five minutes ago to meet by the preserve?" His frown deepens and he looks around nervously. "You didn't… I received one from you that said just that." He starts to walk away, clearly panicking a bit. "But if it wasn't you who- "He is suddenly grabbed from behind by Commander Lucas and screams, dropping his phone. Commander Lucas promptly crushes it with his foot, looking completely disheveled and mad.
"You're coming with me little man," he threatens. Charlie easily breaks free with a solid kick to the knee and starts running towards the school only to hear the click of a gun. He freezes and turns slowly to see Lucas pointing one between his eyes and is instantly beyond terrified.
"You can ask Lori. I don't miss kid," Lucas threatens. "Now come back over here or all they'll find is the body." He slowly walks back over and has his hands handcuffed together so abruptly it makes him wince. "Now… come with me. We're going someplace very special and then we're going to make a call to your best friend."
"She's going to kill you," he tells his captor defiantly as they start heading into the preserve. "I hope you know that."
Lucas shoves the gun into his back. "And I hope you know you aren't walking out of this alive. Now, I'd walk faster if I were you," he whispers menacingly. "Otherwise, this bullet goes in your spinal cord. It won't kill you necessarily, but it will be a lot of pain to endure for where we're going." Charlie picks up his pace, trying to hide his fear though.
"You're not going to win," he says confidently.
Lucas laughs. "But you see, now that I have you, I already have. There is nothing she can do. I'm going to crush Lori Fitzgerald's heart." The two vanish into the trees, out of sight.
Mere moments later, Lori is sprinting down the sidewalk- sword in hand and face one of pure determination. She spots his phone and her look becomes one of terror as she goes white, whirling around in every direction trying to find something or anything. Hannah pulls up beside her, typing away on her phone.
"He cut the camera," she growls, throwing her phone back in her pocket. "I've got nothing."
Lori continues to spin in circles, look one of pure desperation as she cups her hands around her mouth. "Charlie!" she bellows into the preserve. "Charlie!"
Suddenly, a gunshot echoes in the preserve. Lori lunges in that direction. "CHARLIE!" Hannah manages to grab hold and forcibly holds her back despite her desperate clawing to get out of her hold. "No!" she cries, tears streaming down her cheeks. "CHARLIE!" she calls into the preserve, voice breaking in fear as Hannah holds her. "CHARLIE!"
There is no answer.
XXX
Tune in next week as Lori and Commander Lucas showdown with Charlie's life at stake. She would do anything for her best friend, but can she beat a ticking clock?