About a week after Kuzco was sent home, Lori Fitzgerald is in the Chemistry lab looking over her notes. She is preparing for her midterm and doing her best to remain calm under pressure. She begins to put away the equipment from and attempted experiment when Caleb Dean sticks his head in.

"I figured I'd find you here," he smiles, stepping in.

She greets him with a smile as well. "I wouldn't expect to see you honestly."

"Ah, I was just walking back from the gym to a date with Hannah and saw the light. I thought I'd stop in since it had to be one of the three of you." He looks over the shelves with confusion. "Honestly, I try to avoid science as much as I can. One day I'll have to take it to graduate and this building will be the death of me. This all looks pretty complicated. But my advisor always tells me to do it soon rather than later." He sighs and Lori nods in agreement, so he tries to brighten the mood. "At least we have spring break at the end of the week."

This brightens her mood considerably as she packs her bag to go. "I'm honestly beyond excited. Charlie's coming back with me for the week."

"I know," he smirks. "It's all the two of you have been talking about."

The two head out the lab door and down the hallway. "Sorry."

"No need to be," he shrugs. "It's exciting for the two of you I'm sure given how close you are. So…are you looking forward to the usual conversation with your advisor?" he asks, broaching the topic from earlier.

Lori takes a moment before replying. "Sure…"

"I'm sensing some hesitation."

"Well, I've had a plan since Day 1 for all four years, so it's not the most interesting conversation."

"But that's not what's bothering you," he deduces. "You know you can tell me so you don't have to keep it all to yourself."

"Charlie and I have discussed it at length," she admits, before deciding to come clean. "I want to pick up a Psychology minor. That was a lie. I want to double major in Chemistry and Psych."

He raises an eyebrow. "Then why don't you? Easy enough."

"That would be pure insanity without my other activities," she snorts. "With them, I'm just asking to flunk out of school."

"What would you do with it?"

"I was thinking a biological psychiatrist. The type who is well acquainted with drugs and how the human brain works so they can best be equipped to help people. I don't want to just be a pharmacist anymore- I think I can help people. I've sort of decided that I didn't just need to stop being selfish in my personal life, but I think in my professional one as well."

He tentatively puts a hand on her as they reach the landing of the stairs. "Well, I think you should go for it. We'd all help you manage the best we could." He lets go just as something large and white drops on top of her, nearly sending her toppling down said stairs. "Lori!" He is greeted by the face of a very surprised white horse as it sits up, who soon glowers at him in suspicion. Caleb instantly recognizes the face. "Oh, hello. I know you. You're… oh it's been a bit… you're…"

"Crushing me," a winded Lori says from under his bottom. The horse looks down at her a little sheepishly before rising so she can sit. He glares at her as well, causing her to smirk at him and she steadies her breath. "Hello Maximus."

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

Caleb is right next to her doing the same, nudging her playfully.

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, Rachel, and Caleb 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 Thirteen: Fate… Destiny… A Horse

XXX

Meanwhile, Michael Harms and his girlfriend Jolene Dean have their faces buried in their individual Human Anatomy and Physiology textbooks in the living area of his room. While they do that, Hannah Frost is setting up for a movie by putting in the DVD. She takes a seat and rolls her eyes at the two of them.

"Are you two going to have your noses in those the whole time, because then it's not much of a double date, is it?" she tells them.

They don't look up, but Michael starts to smile. "Maybe."

"We'll see," Jolene echoes. Hannah snorts at them, finally causing Michael to look up at her.

"It's not just a test," he lectures his fellow Companion. "It's THE test, Hannah. You have to pass it to move into the second half of the Pre-Med program, otherwise you have to wait a whole year to try again."

"Or give up and pick another major," Jolene adds, a little annoyed. "Basically, our whole future is going to be decided in a month's time. Excuse us if we want to be ready."

Hannah could lash out at her, but restrains herself- trying to be sympathetic. "I'm sure with how… dedicated the two are to studying you will be just fine. You can spare an hour and a half to watch fast cars drive around," she tells them, batting her eyelashes.

"Fine," Michael gives in naturally. He puts his book down and Jolene reluctantly follows. He picks up on something and raises an eyebrow. "Why are we watching a car movie?"

"It was my choice," Caleb's voice informs him as he enters, giving Hannah a quick kiss. "I happen to be a big fan of the series, and she agreed to at least give it a chance. Sorry I'm late," he apologizes. "Lori and I had a situation in the science building."

Hannah smiles. "Who can I expect when I get up to my room?"

"If her and Charlie are successful- Maximus the horse."

Her smile drops. "I'm going to have a large animal in my room? That probably won't smell too good. How are we going to hide that?"

"He's being a little reluctant presently. They're trying to lead him stealthily with a trail of apples they stole from the cafeteria. We've got a pretty good idea what he's here for though." Michael and Hannah wait for him to continue but he shakes his head. "Lori will fill you in on that. It's something personal for her."

"How about we watch the movie?" Jolene cuts in. "You know I'm not the biggest fan of this line of conversation."

Everyone is hesitant to stop, but agrees as she just stares at them. "Sure," Michael says, putting an arm around her. "We can take care of business later." Hannah rises so Caleb can sit where she was, her falling into his lap with his arm around her. She is about to start the movie when a sad looking Ben Prescott comes in.

"Hey," Hannah greets him warmly. "We're watching The Fast and the Furious. Would you like to join us- maybe even invite Kaity down?"

He shakes his head. "Something tells me she won't be in the mood, and neither am I really. Sorry, but thanks." He heads for the bedroom, sparing a glance at the two couples sadly. Everyone clearly picks up on this.

It's Caleb who thinks of something fast enough. "Lori and Charlie might be able to use your help then. It involves apples and a horse."

Ben halts his progress and turns around. "I'll go check on them then. Thanks." He heads out back into the hallway.

"Thanks for that," Michael tells Caleb. "He's been… wallowing since Kaity turned down his offer. We've almost run out of chocolate."

"They'll be okay," Hannah says with confidence. "I know it." She finally starts the movie and snuggles closer to Caleb, completely happy and content.

XXX

The next morning at breakfast, seated around the usual table are Ben, Michael, and Caleb joined by Charlie Prescott, Rachel Ellis, and Finch Hale. Lori and Hannah join them- the former looking a little frazzled compared to usual.

Rachel hears them sit down and turns to them. "So I hear we have a very interesting one this time. It seems I really missed out last night."

"I think we finally managed to drop suspicions that we were kidnapping him by name-dropping Rapunzel. Then he seemed more willing to come with us and stay in the room, though he did try to perform his civic duty by attempting to take down anyone out past curfew. And then I did wake up to him staring down at me the morning, which fell into the realm of terrifying."

"She screamed," Hannah laughs.

"And you wouldn't?!" Lori questions her roommate. One of the girls who were at the audition walks by, but stops when she sees Rachel.

"Congratulations, Rachel," she tells her, only earning a look of confusion as Rachel looks in her general direction. The girl blushes. "Oh, sorry. You got the part in the play. He posted the cast list this morning. You're Carly."

Rachel nearly becomes over the moon, but manages to dial it back. "Thank you," she says politely waiting until the girl walks away to throw her fist in the air. "Sheer skill everyone."

"Congratulations," Lori offers, the other echoing her sentiment. "You'll have to let us know when tickets go on sale."

"Definitely," Charlie agrees.

"Oh, I will," Rachel promises, still ecstatic. "I guess I have my spring break project. I'll have to translate all my dialogue to Braille."

"Oh, I can do that," Finch offers suddenly. "I know many languages and could easily transcribe the script if given the proper paper."

"I have plenty of that," Rachel agrees, pulling a whole handful out of her bag that the projection takes. "Thanks Finch. I'll be in the theatre this afternoon if you're finished by then. No rush though."

"Affirmative. It will take approximately 2.5 hours and I do not have class until the afternoon followed by an appointment with my advisor."

"Are you sticking with Business or did something else catch your eye?" Ben asks as her first friend. "Because that's where you switch if you want to. Or get stuck with an extra two years," he adds a little bitterly. "Some of should have been considering graduation now."

Lori puts a hand on his shoulder. "We're glad we get to keep you though. You're essential. It's already bad enough we'll lose Caleb a year early- Junior that he is."

He waves his hand. "You'll cope I'm sure."

"I am comfortable with business," Finch decides. "In fact, I seem to be exceptional at it."

"I'm glad," Lori compliments her before turning her attention to her best friend next to her. "I got tickets for our hockey game- Wednesday night."

Charlie lets out a whoop as Hannah just looks at the two of them confused. "Hockey? Since when do you two like hockey- or even sports in general?"

"I watch the Olympics," Lori defends herself.

"It's a Canadian staple," Charlie adds as if it's obvious. "I'm so excited! This is going to the best week ever, until next year when we go to Disneyland of course."

Lori rolls her eyes, obviously having heard this many times. "Keep trying."

"Oh, I plan to," he combats, earning a laugh from the table.

Michael notes the absence and how late it's getting- looking at Ben. "Where's Kaity?"

He shrugs. "She wanted to work on her art so she skipped."

"She'll have to talk to me eventually," Lori says with a mouthful of pancake.

"For her that seems to be up for debate," Ben disagrees. "I've been trying though… when she talks to me."

"Are things still awkward for the two of you?" Rachel asks.

"I'm okay," Ben says, clear it's slightly true. "I don't know about her, but I'm okay."\

"You sure, Prescott?"

"Absolutely, Harms."

"You should visit Maximus," Hannah offers. "He has a way of doing crazy things to make you smile. Like scaring Lori in the morning."

"It wasn't funny!" she shouts.

XXX

Lori is sitting with her advisor, thick notebook on her lap as he finishes typing some details in. "Well, that about wraps everything up," he says with a final tap of the keys. "We're on track to graduate in two years with a Chemistry degree."

"Yes," Lori says, looking down. "Sounds good."

"You seem hesitant," he notes. "Is there something else-?"

She rises, not wanting to bring it up. "No. No." She is about ready to go when she notices Maximus in the window behind the advisor, looking every which way. She goes white and her jaw drops.

Her advisor has not notices. "Alright, then my next appointment is in five minutes." He starts to turn in his chair to the filing cabinet below the window, just as Maximus spots her and presses his nose to the glass.

"Wait!" she shouts frantically, earning back his attention before typing a message frantically on her phone. She tries to think of something to say, and finally knows what it has to be. "I just thought of something. Psych."

"Psych?"

"Majoring in Psych," she rephrases, sending the text to Hannah.

He just looks at her. "Instead of-?"

"In addition to majoring in Chemistry," she corrects politely, though still continually glancing back as Maximus is looking for a way into the room from outside. "This is completely hypothetical of course." He goes to turn, confused by her continual glances over his shoulder. Desperate, she slams her fist on the table to earn back his full attention. "I would appreciate it if you looked at me while we were discussing my future!"

He just blinks at her before clearing his throat to recover. "Yes, well, that would certainly be difficult. It would be keeping you on tack while condensing a whole other set of course to two years." Maximus let out a neigh. "What-?" Lori sprints around the desk, jumping in front of the window and closing the blinds.

"I cannot concentrate with this light!" She manages to shut them except for a small corner to her right by the time he turns to face her. She smiles; acting like this is nothing unusual. "Back to my question- it is doable?"

"I wouldn't recommend it honestly." Maximus peeks through the remaining hole, so Lori slides down awkwardly to block his- practically doing the splits in front of the window. The advisor tries to press on professionally, despite his concern at what is occurring. "Your grades are good, but the difficulty this challenge would provide I don't know your GPA could stand."

This really hits her hard, making her almost become genuinely upset. "So you don't believe in me?" She hears a snort of frustration behind her. "Oh be quiet! But not you," she tells the advisor. "Continue."

He back-pedals. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply- could you please sit down?"

She grips the filing cabinet to keep herself steady. "Nope. Do all my best thinking like this." Maximus neighs, so she mimics the noise. "Loosening my vocal cords," she says to her advisor's stare. "Think I'm coming down with something so I'm doing some exercises."

He scribbles some things on her file, clearly fraught with worry over her behavior. "Ms. Fitzgerald, it's clear you're under a lot of stress as it is. Maybe we will return to this after spring break, when you're more rested." She notices through the blinds, Hannah appear with Caleb. They try to bribe Maximus with apples but he is reluctant to leave, so they start trying to drag him with minimal success.

"Let me just ask one question," Lori says serious, not that the trouble is over. "Do you think I can do it- manage a double major?"

"I've been doing this for twenty-"

She folds her arms, stern. "Yes or no."

"No. I do not," he admits. "I think you would end up flunking out and extending your stay by a number of years, if you don't drop out first. I know your type- the stress gets to be too much. Always."

She takes this in with a deep breath, trying to appear as if this doesn't upset her though it clearly does on all levels. "Well, thank you for your time." She starts for the door now the Maximus is out of the view of the window.

"It was nothing personal."

"Yeah," she agrees, coldly. "It's clear you don't know me at all. I'll be in touch… before spring break with my final decision." She exits the building and finds Hannah and Caleb trying to drag him the long way around the buildings. He runs up to her as attracts his attention. "I'm alright. I'm okay," she tells the horse. "You, meanwhile, are nothing but trouble."

Hannah and Caleb approach her. "Well, that was interesting. Sorry, he managed to-"Lori suddenly buries her head in his mane and breaks out into hysterical laughter. "Lori?" Hannah asks, concerned.

"You alright?" Caleb echoes.

"You should have seen his face," she says through gasping breaths. "He thought I was certifiably insane. Thanks boy. After that conversation, I really needed a laugh like that." He nuzzles her face and she pets him. "You did good."

"The glass was thin… so we heard," Hannah admits, knowing what she means about the conversation.

"That's why he didn't want to leave you," Caleb deduces. "He clearly believes in you."

Hannah hugs her roommate. "And so do we."

Lori responds to the hug before pulling away. "Let's get you home." She starts walking with Maximus, tearing up as they go. He notices and nudges her with his head, earning a watery smile.

XXX

Meanwhile, Finch enters the theatre to find Rachel in an already decorated set all by her lonesome. It is a living room with ornaments all along the walls, a couch in the middle, and the beginning of a kitchen complete with table off to the side. She is muttering to herself and trying to navigate around the couch with minimal success.

Finch takes in the scene confused. "I thought it was a group practice."

Rachel jumps and grabs her chest. "Gave me a heart attack, Finch."

"Negative. I merely scared you."

Rachel snorts before answering the question. "I'm putting in a lot of time on my own to learn the set and how to navigate, so I can do it from memory." Finch walks down to the stage and hands her the sheets of Braille and the old version of the script. She puts a hand on her arm, only for it to go through. "Thank you so much. Listen, if you have some time I could use a hand. I think it would be easier to navigate if someone told me how close I was- and I know you'd be exact."

"I will assist you," Finch agrees instantly.

"Great. Can I count on you tomorrow too, so we can run it one more time before spring break? It's fine if you have something else."

"Affirmative. I promise to be there."

"Okay, so I'm making my way to center stage. So… help me get there." She starts to slowly try to get around the couch without awkwardly grabbing it.

"There is a couch between you and your destination," Finch begins, earning a look from Rachel. "Adjust to the right and now start a semi-circle to clear the perimeter." Rachel follows her instructions, still going slow but with a lot more confidence. "You are now ten feet from center- it is about three steps to your left on a diagonal." She makes it. "You have arrived."

"Great. Then I talk about some stuff before heading to the table."

"May I ask a question?" Finch asks before she starts moving.

"Shoot."

"You are blind, and that does not make acting a proficient employment choice for your situation," she says bluntly. "That does not seem logical."

Rachel is a little put off, but gets Finch is different and tries to be patient. "No, it's not. But it's my dream. Has been since I was little."

"Perhaps the new situation means you should adjust your expectations," the projection persists. "The amount of extra hours-"

"I'm willing to do it," she snaps. "Now stop. You sound like my parents."

"I still do not understand why a dream means more than actually having a career."

Rachel sighs loudly, showing her annoyance. "Because without it any other job would mean nothing. You have to do what you want with life, or it's just going to suck. Mine already has some suckage considering I can't see!"

Finch reflects on this before speaking. "My opinion is that your acting will never be on par with the others because you will be so focused on compensating for your lost sense. You would be wasting valuable time trying."

"Okay," Rachel decides. "We're done for today." She starts for the door.

"But-"

"Finch, stop talking," she warns. "I have half the mind to knock you off your feet."

"How would you locate my position?"

Rachel turns to look right at her. "You're running your mouth enough I know exactly where you are."

"You would phase through me," Finch also adds. "It is a pointless endeavor as well."

"Screw you!" Rachel shouts, losing it. "You don't just get to come in here and talk to me like that! Friends don't do that!"

Finch is taken aback by her outburst, not understanding. "I was merely being honest like you yourself are."

Rachel runs her hands through her hair. "I know, and I shouldn't be pissed at you because part of you has no idea. But I'm leaving." She starts for the door again.

"You are on trajectory to hit the door actually."

"Shut up you tin can robot!" she lashes out, plunging Finch into silence. The projection is clearly very hurt by those words she hasn't heard in a long time. "At least I was born with the capability to express emotions and every moment having them isn't a struggle for me like it is for you!" Finch doesn't respond and the silence goads Rachel to continue. "You couldn't even act if you wanted to! Your career choices are even smaller than mine! Nobody wants to hire a machine that can talk when we have ones that don't! You can't even understand the idea of a dream, let alone have one!" She storms out, making a big show of navigating through the door, leaving an upset Finch on the stage by herself.

XXX

Later that day, Michael is finishing up his shift in the training room by cleaning and wiping everything down. Jen and Sara have already left for the night. He comes to a halt as Shawn Zimmerman of all people enters to grab a bag of ice.

"Haven't seen you around for a while," Michael says, trying to be civil.

Shawn smiles. "I've been keeping healthy." He waits a best before adding, "Honestly I've been seeing someone too."

"Hey. I get it. I mean, I'm on her team, but-"

"It's just so much easier. A relationship was not supposed to be what we had. I'm just saying."

Michael narrows his eyes. "Yeah, well she did the best she could. And I personally think you're an idiot for letting her go."

Shawn punches him in the shoulder. "Well, you knew her better than I was ever going to." Lori comes into the training room.

"So Maximus- Shawn," she grinds to a halt.

There is a beat before Shawn raises an eyebrow. "Maximus? As in the horse? "She nods. "Exactly what I'm talking about," he tells Michael. "I'll see you around." He stops at Lori. "You're looking good Lori."

He reaches a hand out, but she steps back. "No thanks to you. But you look good too, happy," she admits. He heads out and she groans. "I hate today. I really hate today with a passion."

"I take it things didn't go well with your advisor?" Michael asks as he finishes wiping down the tables.

"I want to double-major," Lori admits, earning an impressed look. "He thinks I can't do it- told me point-blank I'd either quit or fail out."

"And what do you think about that?" he probes.

"Well, at first I got all difficult and was like I will do it just to stick it to him! But then, I thought about how Maximus nearly crashed the meeting and that maybe there isn't room in my life like he says. We already know I'm going to die of a heart attack by age thirty."

"But this is clearly what you want to do," he argues, stepping towards her. "I can tell, Lores. I think you should go for it."

She gives him a look. "Of course you do. You all do. But that doesn't mean I should because your vision of me is very colored by God-facing and bullet-taking."

"Hear me out. I happen to think you are one of the most determined and stubborn people I have ever encountered in my life. It can be a positive or sometimes it is the greatest negative you have. Either you are going to back down or the double-major is. And I can tell you with certainty it's not going to be you."

Lori folds her arms. "You're just-"

Michael tries a different tactic. "Lori, Maximus is in your room right now. You know what that film is about. The book clearly wants you to go for it. It wants the best for you too."

She rolls her eyes. "I wouldn't give it too much credit."

"Everyone and everything believes in you except yourself. Why is that?"

She unfolds her arms and shrugs, admitting her worry. "The idea of failure, naturally."

Michael puts an arm around her and makes a dramatic gesture of painting a horizon with his hand. "Walt Disney had the exact same thing from what Hannah's told me. But did that stop him from building everything we have seen since this all started? Did it?"

"You seriously pulled Walt Disney?" Lori says with disbelief.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures. Take a page from his book and stop worrying about failure. Just keep moving forward until you succeed. And, Lores, you will succeed."

She takes a breath before nodding, smiling at him. "We are going to get a Robinson one day and it is going to be awesome." There is a beat before she looks up at him. "You'll have my back, even with all this crazy doctor stuff?"

"I'll always make time for you. So…?"

"I'll go back in there tomorrow and do it." He hugs her tight. "Thank you so much."

"I've always got your back." He pulls away and thinks of what had just happened before. "Shawn said-"

"I've seen them," she admits sadly.

"You alright?"

"I have to be."

"Have you considered-?"

She shakes her head. "Not now. Just saying he's going to have to be a hell of a guy to make me change my mind."

Michael nods, getting it. "I'm sure he will be. I can feel it. Let me go sign out and then we'll grab some ice cream and apples."

"I hope the ice cream's for us." He laughs and heads into the office as she waits for him, going to sit on a table. "Don't even think about it!" his voice shouts, making her step away with a smile.

XXX

The next morning, Hannah opens her door to find the one and only evasive Kaity Klingbeil in her usual sweat and hair covering one of her eyes. "Well, you're a sight for sore eyes," she tells her friend.

"Lori's out taking that test right?" Hannah nods. "Then can I come in?" Hannah opens the door and she sits on the couch, eyebrow raising as she notices Maximus curiously stick his head out of the bedroom door. "Why is there a horse in your dorm room?"

Hannah sits beside her, lecturing. "If you weren't avoiding Lori, you would know he's been our guest the past few days. He hasn't really done too much but eats apples and attempt to take down late students, but he makes a pretty good guest." He walks over and Hannah pets him. "You want to-?"

She instantly shakes her head, drawing back. "No thanks. I'm not an animal person. No offense horse."

Maximus looks sad, so Hannah rubs his stomach, making him lie on his back as she continues. "She doesn't mean it. We both know you're the best horse. Yes you are! Yes you are!"

Kaity moves past the situation. "I wanted to make sure we were still carpooling home."

Hannah nods. "I just assumed we were. You are literally on my way. Actually, I was wondering- since you're so glum and gloomy this week- if you wanted to come home with me? You seem like you could use some time away from your family, given the whole suffocating nature. Plus, I was thinking of inviting Finch so she isn't trapped here all break again."

"Ben asked me the same thing," Kaity admits, opening up slightly. "I turned him down, and now he's really upset. It's beyond awkward. I've been avoiding him."

"That tends to be your modus operandi, isn't it?" Hannah notes. "You upset someone and then backpedal so far they don't have a chance to make up with you. That might keep things from getting better. Just saying. "

Kaity rises so she can stare down at her. "I didn't come here for relationship advice. I came to see if you were giving me a ride. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon." She starts for the door.

"So I take it you're not coming with me?"

Kaity pauses, clearly feeling a little guilty. "I just really don't want to be around any of you right now, honestly. But that has more to do with me then with you."

"You should talk to someone… at home," Hannah suggests. "Get a fresh sort of view on everything."

"Thanks for the advice," Kaity notes, clearly with no thoughts of taking it. "Have a good night."

Hannah tries a different tactic, as kind as she can be. "Kaity, we're never going to give up on you. You're a part of what I consider to be this family. But it helps a lot if you let us in."

Kaity stares at the doorknob, almost in tears. "Trust me, I know." She exits, leaving Hannah to pet Maximus, concerned for her friend.

XXX

Rachel is working again the next day in the theatre, standing in the center of the stage. She doesn't notice Finch enter and make her way down silently. "So then I cross stage left." She starts that way slowly, on path to collide with the couch at her angle.

"You are about to run into the couch," Finch says. "Adjust yourself two steps right."

Rachel turns in her direction. "Finch?"

"Affirmative."

Rachel can't help but smile and adjusts as the projection suggested. "I need to make it to the table, okay?"

"Affirmative." Rachel starts walking. "There is currently a table at ten feet… eight feet…. four feet…stop." Rachel puts her hand on it, running her finger over her Braille script.

"And from here I say, 'He wants me to call him the Captain. Can you believe that? The man buys himself a boat so small it could be called a raft and suddenly he goes all naval on me.'" She says in a still-in-progress British accent. Finch can't help but laugh. "You like that one? Please tell me it was the joke and not the accent."

Finch walks over to the table. "I did indeed find it to be what is considered humorous."

Rachel addresses the elephant in the room. "Are you sure you're not just being overly nice so I don't storm off on you again? I was surprised you even showed up."

"I made a promise to continually help you with your performance," Finch states logically. "I do not need a lesson from the book to establish how important the practice of keep promises is to trust and companionship. Especially when it seems I upset you."

"I kind of flew of the handle though- fault of an actor," Rachel admits. "We're naturally overdramatic." She sits. "I suppose I should get used to what you're saying though and come up with a better response. Lord knows I'm going to be asked that so many times in my life. My parents pretend to support me, but even they're desperate for me to realize through this play that it's a stupid idea."

"Then how do you remain so persistent?" Finch inquires curiously.

"It's my dream," Rachel says with passion. "It's the only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life since I was the tree in my preschool play. It is worth fighting for, and I will do just that. Things may not have gone exactly to plan, but if this was willing to make me give up… then it wasn't something I really wanted, was it? So when the world pushes me I just have to keep pushing back until I show them. Because eventually I will," she says with determination. "I am going to be something the world has never seen before and- wow. Sorry. Overdramatic speeches are another fault of being an actor."

"Negative. I wish I had something akin to a dream."

"Finch, I didn't mean any of that. Especially the robot comment was out of line when I know you're trying so hard and learning something that doesn't come easy to you like to us. I'm sorry."

"Still, I only have my primary objective of protecting Lori Fitzgerald and her Companions."

"You'll find something, because you're going to have to figure out what you're going to do when we're all done with the book."

Finch nods. "That is why Lori Fitzgerald insisted I take business classes. She hoped I would find something to drive me. May I also state something?"

"The floor is yours."

"I have in the past been under the assumption that when we are finished with the book… that it will be finished with me as well," Finch admits, opening up. "I will no longer be sustained. Thus there is no meaning to taking classes and gaining a higher education. I will never be able to apply it."

Rachel doesn't quite agree and makes it known. "Here's the thing though. We have no idea that's what's going to happen- if there even is an official ending. Finch, you owe it to yourself to believe and look forward. Hope goes a long way," she tells her friend. "Especially as the creation of a Disney book- happily ever after and all that. Except Old Yeller."

"What happens in the film Old Yeller?"

"The boy has to shoot the dog. It's pretty traumatizing," Rachel informs her. "We'll have to watch it sometime."

"How will you do that?" Finch asks, and there is a beat before she realizes what she has said. "I'm afraid I-"Rachel breaks out into laughter.

"You are as brutally honest as they come, my friend," she says as she wipes away tears. "It's refreshing. Now-"

"I think I may have a dream," Finch says suddenly, thinking of something. Rachel nods. "My dream is to outlast the end of our adventures with the book and have a life of my own. Then once we get there I will acquire another dream."

Rachel smiles. "That sounds like a plan to me. Don't forget shoving aside everyone who stands in your way and you've got the idea."

"I will draw upon your persistence for inspiration."

"Glad you find me inspiring. Now, help me run my lines," she requests. "Be Sharon." She holds out the original script.

Finch pushes the hand away. "Negative. I do not have the proper skills-"

"Finch, I didn't mean what I said about you not being able to act. I promise. There's no one here but me. You're fine, and you'd be really helping me out. Just read them the best you can. I think you can do it." Finch looks down, but takes it.

"'Now that's one treasure hunt I wouldn't mind going on,'" she begins very quietly, but Cockney accent clear and perfect. Rachel's jaw drops. "'Oh go ahead and laugh, but-' I'm sorry, but why are you staring at me like that?" Finch questions.

"That's a flawless accent," Rachel says in disbelief.

"I have many dialects stored within me," Finch informs her. "I only use my current one so as to match Lori Fitzgerald and her Companions."

"Keep going."

Finch nods, growing more confident as she gets going. "'Go ahead and laugh, but you'll have to get used to the motion of the ocean if you're marrying him.'"

Rachel starts her line. "'Sharon, you're terrible!'"

"'I'd just go with the flow and say Aye, Aye Captain.'" Rachel laughs, hand covering her mouth. Finch immediately puts the script down like it burned her.

"I know you're worried, but you're actually not very bad at this. You just need to work on the timing a touch. Just put a little more punch into that delivery and you'd have them rolling. Let's try it again."

Finch raises an eyebrow. "I thought this was about your performance."

Rachel waves her hand. "We'll get to that. Right now, I'm fostering new talent."

XXX

That night, Kaity opens her door to find Ben standing in the hallway. Both stand for an awkward moment before she speaks up. "Hey. I was expecting you a little earlier."

"There was- Maximus snuck out of the room again. He wanted to walk the security beat of campus. We had to basically sneak all of the apples out of the cafeteria in shifts to lure him back. It was actually a lot of fun," he admits.

Kaity gives him a look as she folds her arms. "I'm sorry, but I wasn't invited."

Ben realizes his mistake and plays with his tie. "Kaity… you should talk to her. The longer you wait-"

"I'm aware," she cuts him off. The two just stand in tense silence, and she sighs at how she's acting. "Well, I need to keep packing so have a great spring break. I hope everything goes good for you and your mom while Charlie's off experiencing his first hockey game," she tells him sincerely, trying.

This makes Ben smile. "I'm afraid he's going to come back an addict to the Canadian way of life. He may even get Lori to embrace it more since she'd do anything for him."

They then stand for another long beat. "Good-bye."

"Bye Kaity," he echoes. "At least it's only a week."

"Yeah… "He kisses her forehead quickly.

"I love you, you know," he says, looking her in the eye.

"I do," she says with a small smile. "I love you too."

"I know." He heads down the hallway back to the room as she shuts her door upset with herself, heading straight for his bedroom. Charlie can see how upset he is while the younger Prescott packs all his warmer clothes.

"How'd it go?"

Ben falls back on his bed. "At least you'll have a fun spring break." He stares at the ceiling while Charlie just sadly stares at him, guilty. Ben sees this and sits up, feeling bad. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm glad you're going to have a great time with your best friend. Don't worry about me and my bad attitude, okay?"

Charlie nods and continues, unable to hold back his excitement. "We're going to Niagara Falls."

"That sounds great," his brother says sincerely, helping him fold his clothes. "Bring me back a souvenir if you can."

"I planned on it. I had a list in mind actually," he says, pointing to a piece of paper tucked in the corner of his suitcase.

Ben is clearly touched, putting an arm around him. "What did I ever do to end up with the best brother?"

"Same thing I did," Charlie smiles up at him. The two continues packing, but Charlie can still see a hint of sadness in his older brother that has him thinking.

XXX

The next afternoon once the last class has ended, Lori is finishing packing up her suitcase with a determined Finch standing right beside her. She sighs and runs a hand through her hair, reluctant. Maximus hovers between the both of them. "For the last time are you sure. I know for Hannah the offer still stands."

"My mom would love to have you," Hannah adds from her bed where she is packing her suitcase.

Finch nods. "Affirmative. I will remain on campus with the book in order to ensure that nothing happens while Lori Fitzgerald and the rest of her Companions are gone. Besides, I am unsure if a perimeter of sorts has been established so that if I am either separated from the book or attempt to leave campus that I will cease to exist," she admits to help her case. "I do not wish to risk that."

"Alright," Lori gives in at that point. "Just don't sit the whole time though," she orders. "Do some homework, read a book, or even binge watch and entire television series. Have fun. It's a break for you too. Nobody's going to be in danger."

"Thank you," Finch says with a smile at Lori's treatment. Charlie enters and walks right over to pet an excited Maximus, giving him an apple.

"This is the last one. I think the cafeteria is now officially out. I wonder how that happened."

Lori joins him in giving the horse a pat. "We should probably send you back boy."

Charlie raises an eyebrow at her. "Will we be able to?" Maximus mimics his look, making Lori laugh.

"Despite some trials on my advisor's part to dissuade me, you are now looking at Trinity's newest double major." She bows and everyone applauds. "It'll be quite a lot of extra work, but I should still be able to fit within my four year timeline," she says dramatically as if giving a speech.

"I'm very proud of you," Charlie tells her, earning a ruffle of his hair.

"That means a lot buddy."

"As are the rest of us," Hannah adds. "Just don't touch my hair. Our fearless leader going for her dreams no matter how difficult things may seem in the end. She doesn't give up." She gives Maximus a hug, cooing at him. "Always gets her man, just like you."

"You think way too highly of me," Lori shakes the compliment off, opening the book to a glowing poem. She looks the horse in eye. "Maximus, you didn't say or do much admittedly- you simply conveyed the message of the movie with your presence. But it's still a good message and you are very much a good horse." She scratches him behind the ears, making him kick out like a dog. "Yes you are. Yes you are. You made this week a lot brighter, and though we may not miss the smell- we're certainly going to miss you." Hannah and Charlie give him a last hug before Lori puts her forehead to his- closing her eyes. "Thank you so much for being the bravest horse I've ever known."

He neighs and she goes reads as he salutes her in respect as well. "Call us brutal, sick, sadistic, and grotesquely optimistic Cuz way down deep inside we've got a dream" He vanishes in a burst of light, leaving a lot more room in their bedroom. She closes the book and hands it off to Finch just as her phone vibrates.

"Our ride's here," she tells Charlie, missing how he looks down and bites his lip as she hugs Finch quickly so not to phase through her. "Have fun."

"I shall try."

She then hugs Hannah, who gives a quick, "Love you."

"Love you too." She then notices Charlie and his downcast expression, halting. "What's wrong?"

He looks at her, nearly crying from guilt. "I think I'm going to go home. Don't get me wrong I absolutely want to go with you- especially with everything we planned to do in Canada," he adds quickly as her face falls. "But Ben's really upset and his week's going to be miserable if he doesn't have me. So I need to go with him because he really needs me right now," he says with confidence, before taking a step back scared. "I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't apologize," she tells him, quickly getting over it with a smile. "I will never fault you for doing what you think you need to for Ben. I agree that being with you will really help make his week easier. We'll figure something out for the summer, okay? No hard feelings." He hugs her tight. "I will Skype you first thing tomorrow morning, okay?"

"It's a deal. You're the best." The two head out together. Hannah finishes packing a few minutes later and nods at Finch.

"Listen to what she had to say. Have some fun." She quickly hugs her as well before putting a key on the dresser. "So you can leave and get back in the proper way." They both let out a laugh. "See you next week."

"Affirmative." Hannah exits as Finch follows her to the living area, taking a seat on the couch with the book in her lap. She looks around the room for a long moment. "Have fun…" Instead, she sits for a long time before growing so bored her eyes flutter closed.

XXX

Finch finds herself in the middle of a grand stage as the crowd has all their eyes on her. She is at first terrified and looks around with wide eyes, before gaining her courage and taking a step forward to direct center and the spotlight.

"'I am riveted,'" she recites, earning enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation from the entire crowd. She takes a bow, before suddenly becoming confused.

"Wait a moment. How did I get here?"

XXX

Finch opens her eyes and sits up suddenly, a little disoriented. She becomes even more confused by sensing in her internal clock that it is now the evening. She goes to check in the bedroom, book held tight against her chest, and does indeed see the moon is out. She thinks for a moment before realizing what has just occurred.

"I was sleeping," she whispers in disbelief. "I actually fell asleep. I wasn't aware that I was capable of such functions." She looks at the stars and something else suddenly comes together, making her smile in disbelief and excitement. "I… I was dreaming…"

XXX

Tune in next week as everyone arrives back to a very different Kaity, Hannah faces a small struggle with her past and present, and Finch does something quite unexpected with a push from her new friend.