Michael Harms enters the school cafeteria for breakfast. He proceeds to make himself a bowl of cereal, humming a tune to himself, before grabbing an apple and yogurt. He then head to the usual table where all of his close friends are talking and laughing with one another: Lori Fitzgerald, Charlie Prescott, Ben Prescott, Rachel Ellis, Finch Hale, Kaity Klingbeil, Caleb Dean, and the birthday girl Hannah Frost.

He sets his tray down, but the moment he sits in the remaining empty chair it buckles beneath him and sends him to the ground. He glances at the pieces of chair around him in shock before shaking his head. "Happy Birthday Hannah."

Everyone begins laughing as he rises to his feet, Hannah taking a bow. "Thank you. That's what you get for being late though," she adds to him though.

Michael examines the remains of the chair, looking impressed. "You worked fast. This is effectively dismantled." She tosses him a screwdriver that he barely catches. "I have to put it back together?"

Hannah pouts, crossing her arms. "I'm the birthday girl, Doctor." He sighs, giving in instantly, and gets to work. She turns her attention to the rest of her friends, locking eyes with each one. "But don't all of you rest easy. He is but my first victim on what is going to be a historic April Fool's Day based on what I have up my sleeve."

"Ahem," Lori coughs, eyeing her.

Hannah sighs and rolls her eyes dramatically. "Except Lori. Because she 'will not put up with any of the nonsense', which is another way of saying party pooper."

"Darn right," Lori responds proudly as she takes a bite of her muffin. "Try anything and you will be sorry."

"And Charlie is exempt as well, given the horrible awful mess I made of things last year," Hannah adds, gently patting him on the back. "I value his friendship too much to put him through something he's uncomfortable with."

He beams up at her. "Thanks Hannah."

She narrows her eyes and looks over everyone else again. "The rest of you are fair game though. Especially my boyfriend, who is taking me out for what is sure to be a grand, romantic dinner."

Caleb leans in and kisses her cheek. "It's going to be perfect."

Kaity raises her hand. "What if I said pranks make me uncomfortable?"

"I'd tell you to suck it up," Hannah says harshly, clearly being silly though. "You're going to be fine. It's only momentary humiliation."

Ben merely smirks at her, cracking his knuckles. "Let the war begin then."

"Who knows?" Rachel chimes. "There are some new players in the game this time around. Maybe someone this year can best you."

Hannah can't help but laugh. "Oh, I'd like to see you try. I was born on this day. I own it."

Rachel smirks. "Well, perhaps your lease just ran out." Everyone reacts as if Hannah just got burned, laughing soon after.

Hannah doesn't appear bothered though, more amused at the new challenger. "Then I'll just have to renew it. Step carefully, grasshopper."

Lori rolls her eyes at all this and nudges her best friend. "Like I always say- crazies out of the woodwork." Charlie nods in agreement.

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 Fifteen: See All the Trouble You Started?

XXX

That afternoon, Ben is about to enter this dorm room when he hesitates, realizing something. "Think like Hannah," he tells himself, adjusting his tie. "I have to think like Hannah." He turns his key in the lock very tentatively and opens the door, jumping back as far as possible.

Immediately nothing happens but he knows better. He cautiously takes off his shoe and throws it through the door. It soars through the air with no problem at first, but then bounces off what appears to be merely air in the middle of the room. He smirks. "Got ya."

He walks forward and sees she has made a wall of cellophane in the middle of the room, taping it to the corners. "I supposed you wanted me to run into this?!" he announces loudly, ripping it down as Hannah emerges from the bedroom-clearly annoyed. "You're going to have to do better than that, Birthday girl."

She merely sighs. "You suck the joy out of everything."

"I learned my lesson last year. But while you're here, let me grab your present." He heads back into the bedroom as she falls onto the couch. "I imagine Michael let you in?"

"Charlie," she corrects. "He even stuck around to help."

"I swear you are such a horrible influence."

Hannah shrugs. "Lori balances it out."

Ben emerges with a box, handing it to her. "I think she's worse honestly."

Hannah looks up at him, holding the large box to her chest. "You didn't have to-"

"This year I did." She rips it open it to reveal a customized computer case with her name etched on it, causing her to react with glee.

"Oh wow. I love it." She jumps up and hugs him. "Thank you so much. This is amazing!" It is suddenly grabbed out of her hand. "Hey!" she shouts, pushing Ben away only to see he doesn't have it.

"I don't know," a lisping voice says from the couch. "This is the oddest looking teapot I have ever seen."

"Perhaps it isn't a teapot then," another voice suggests. "I believe you put the sandwich fixing between it. It is a form of bread!" She peeks around Ben to see the Mad Hatter and March Hare not occupying the couch together. "Allow me to sample if it is edible or not." He goes to take a bite but Hannah quickly rips it away from him. This causes the two to notice her and Ben for the first time. "Excuse me, but it is quite rude to steal a man's sandwich. Didn't they teach you that in sandwich school?" the March Hare questions with his hands on his hips.

The Mad Hatter gasps and grabs his friend's arm. "Wait. I never went to sandwich school." He begins sobbing.

The March Hare begins sobbing as well. "I have a confession. I never did either."

Hannah can't help but smile at their antics, elbowing Ben. "Oh, Lori is going to love the two of you. The crazies truly came out of the woodwork this time."

They both suddenly snap out of their moods and jump on the couch. "Lori?!"

Hannah puts her hands up at their excitement. "I take it you've heard of her."

The Mad Hatter pulls a large scroll from in his sleeve, unrolling it to stretch back into the bedroom. "She is at the very top of our Tea Party Celebrity List. We simply must meet her as soon as possible."

"She has a few more classes, but then I will be more than happy to introduce you. Ben, do you-"She finally looks as him to see his jaw has effectively dropped and rendered him speechless. "Ben?"

"It's the Mad Hatter and the March Hare," he whispers.

"I can see that."

He beams, more excited than she may have ever seen him before. "It's THE Mad Hatter and THE March Hare, Hannah. Oh, Alice in Wonderland is my absolute favorite Disney movie."

"Animated or Burton?" she questions.

"Animated," he answers automatically.

She nods as if that was the right answer. "Good. I almost lost some respect for you. You worked too long and hard on that to lose it all in one fell swoop."

"But it isn't the worst thing ever. It was visually-"

Hannah slaps him on the back. "Ben, save yourself the effort." She heads for the door. "Spend some time with your idols."

"I vote we have a tea party!" Ben shouts to the two.

The Mad Hatter claps his hands in delight. "Why didn't you say so sooner?!" He pulls an entire tea table from his hat and places it in the middle of the room, chairs and cups included. "A man is always prepared for a tea party with strangers." Ben takes a seat at one end, completely overjoyed.

"Thanks again for the present," Hannah adds, but she sees he isn't paying her any mind. She exits with a smile. "It explains so much. So unbelievably much."

XXX

About an hour later into the afternoon, Finch and Rachel are sitting next to one another in the seats during practice. A scene is currently being run that neither is in, so Finch watches passively while Rachel scribbles in a notebook. She scratches something out violently, earning Finch's attention to see she is drawing up plans for pranks.

"I dislike pointing this out, but I feel the futility of you writing needs to be discussed as you will not be able to look back over your work later," Finch cautiously brings up.

Rachel shrugs it off. "It's more just so I can write it down. Gets the brain going." There is a beat as she writes some more, before ripping out the page entirely after some fumbling. She sighs and turns toward the projection. "Help me think of something."

"I'm not sure I understand the purpose," Finch admits.

Rachel gives her a look as if it's obvious. "You're super smart and so observant you could probably tell me Hannah's weaknesses like that based on previous observation alone."

"Negative as to my intent. I don't understand the purpose of this exercise," Finch rephrases. "Why do we desire to publically humiliate someone we consider to be a close friend? Especially on the day of her birth in which she is from my understanding entitled to some forms of special treatment. That and once again I must bring up your lack of sight in seeing her experience this prank you will design."

Rachel lets out an annoyed huff, earning a glare from the other actors she doesn't notice. "Listen, I get I won't see it. But it's the purpose of the action, Finch. I'm going to teach you an important lesson for a Business major. Monopolies are a very bad thing and other people should try to prevent them. Hannah believes she has a Monopoly on the pranking trade, but we are going to show her the benefit of free enterprise and knock the monocle right off her face."

Finch is lost on that last part. "But-"

"It's a reference to a board game," Rachel brings her in the loop. "I'd say we could play it sometime, but it would be much too easy for the other jokers to cheat me since I wouldn't see any of my actual funds." Lori sneakily enters the theatre and comes up behind them.

Finch of course notices her first. "Lori Fitzgerald, you appear to be in distress. I know the book has been activated, but we received knowledge from you that the character was immediately found."

Lori lets out a laugh. "Well, the two of them have been unfound according to a text I just got from Ben. They managed to slip out under his careful surveillance."

Rachel raises an eyebrow. "Who pulled that off?"

"The Mad Hatter and March Hare," Lori practically groans. "Crazies out of the woodwork I tell you."

"More than one?" Rachel questions, surprised.

Lori nods. "It has been known to happen. I know you have practice, but if you guys see or hear anything let me know. I'm aware art students drink a lot of tea so they might find their way here. Charlie and I are doing rounds around the campus."

"That is a stereotype," Rachel argues. "We just take really good care of our voices!"

Finch nods. "I will be on high alert."

"Good. Thanks. Have fun though." Lori puts a hand on Finch's shoulder. "I'm still so proud of you for being here and doing this. I can't wait to see the show."

Finch smiles sincerely. "Thank you Lori Fitzgerald." She slips out. Finch sits there for a long moment. "I feel asleep over Spring Break. I thought it was impossible, but I did. I even dreamed." Rachel just stares, not sure what to say. "I may not be fully human, but I find myself getting closer to the idea than I ever thought possible. So perhaps engaging in a holiday despite not understanding the full purpose would be a good idea after all."

"Are you saying-?"

"I have an idea for a prank, Rachel Ellis."

Meanwhile, Lori almost runs into Kaity outside. They both stare at each other, Lori making it clear that this is the moment if Kaity wants it to be. She, however, just greets her friend with a nod and continues towards the art room. Lori lets out a disappointed sigh as she goes, but then keeps running to meet up with Charlie outside.

XXX

Hannah and Caleb are walking back from their last classes of the day, arm in arm, as he carries her books for her. "I honestly never pictured him as an Alice in Wonderland fan," Caleb comments on their conversation. "Especially to the point where he's practically jumping up and down. It honestly always fell towards the bottom of my list."

"You value substance over style?" Hannah asks playfully.

"Of course. Why else would I be dating you?" He quickly kisses her nose as they enter the dorm building. He hands over her books. "So I will pick you up promptly at seven. Dress nice because we might be going somewhere slightly more upscale than a fair."

She can't help but giggle. "Don't spoil me too much." He goes to head for his room when she grabs his hand. "I do have something I need to tell you though. Something that I haven't even told Lori." He nods for her to continue as she hesitates. "I'm actually turning twenty-one today instead of twenty."

He smirks. "April Fool's Day! What's the plan? Try to get us both arrested as you order a drink at dinner tonight?"

"Caleb, I'm honestly being completely serious," she says in a tone that conveys that. "You can even check my driver's license if you want."

"But you're a sophomore?" he questions, trying to figure this out. He then puts it together and smiles as she blushes and looks down. "Were… were you held back?"

"Shush!" Hannah shouts embarrassed, covering his mouth. "It wasn't because I wasn't smart enough to move on or anything like that. But yes." She removes her hand, running it down his arm. "I didn't adjust well to my first week of kindergarten, so my parents made the call to wait a year. It wasn't my fault… I was just very attached to being with my mom."

Caleb reflects on this information. "So tonight's a much bigger deal than you've told anybody which includes you roommate and best friends… except me. I'm very flattered to be in said confidence," he tells her sincerely. "Boy, this puts some extra pressure on me to make it even more spectacular."

"It is, but don't worry. I'm very easy to please. Tonight all I want is to have my first official legal drink with my boyfriend!" She doesn't notice the sudden shift in Caleb's expression before she gives him a large kiss that sends his head spinning. "That felt good to get out honestly. I'm so glad I decided to tell you," she giggles to herself, even more excited than before. "I will see you tonight, fellow legal adult. This is going to be the absolute best!"

He watches her take off for her room, smile faltering into worry. "Sure it is."

Hannah charges down the hallway, jumping over a nearly invisible wire that stretches the length of it. "You're going to have to do better than a trip wire that will set off a series events leading to a pie swinging into my face," she shouts over her shoulder as she keeps running. Finch and Hannah stick their heads out of a nearby closet- Rachel looking rather angry that their hard work has gone to waste.

Finch turns to her. "It appears she will be keeping the monocle," she says completely serious. Rachel just groans and stalks away, the projection following and helping her narrowly avoid the wire herself.

XXX

Meanwhile, Michael is working with an athlete in the training room when he hears a crashing noise from outside. "Let me make sure everything's okay." The athlete nods and steps outside, looking down the hallway. He is suddenly knocked to the floor by the Mad Hatter and March Hare.

"Michael Harms!" the both exclaim, practically pulling him to his feet.

"You simply must sign our teapot, my good friend," Hatter adds, thrusting a purple teapot in his face. "We have been on a hunt to get all of your signatures. It is quite the game."

"The best scavenger hunt we've ever partaken in. Lori certainly knows how to treat her guests right," the Hare agrees.

Michael just stares before deciding he should play along to keep them around. "She certainly does. Has anyone else seen you though… and stared at you oddly?"

The March Hare looks insulted. "Please! We know the number one rule of a scavenger hunt is not to be seen by anyone until you are found."

"I think that's hide-and-seek," Michael comments.

"That's what we said," the Hatter argues. "We're playing Scavenger Hide-and Seek. It's the only way to play in Wonderland so we assumed you knew."

"Well, now I do. Listen, why don't you step inside while I grab a marker and sign this?"

"No," the Hatter disagrees, shoving a marker into his hand. Michael signs it with his doctor scrawl.

"Just consider-"

The Hare grabs the teapot from him violently. "We must be off. We haven't even been able to find the small one yet, let alone Lori." They both bow, the Hatter tipping his hat. "We thank you for your time though."

"It has been a pleasure. You simply must come by for a pot of tea sometime," Hatter adds as the two take off. Michael can only wave as they go, unable to chase after them. A moment after they vanish Lori and Charlie come running up to him.

"They went that way," he points with a sigh. Lori nods and the two take off after them, leaving Michael to just shake his head as he steps back into the training room. "That was weird, and that it really saying something these days."

XXX

Hannah, in a modest green long-sleeved dress, and Caleb, in a sweater-vest and tie, are led to their seats in the restaurant. It is clearly a more upscale place, though with the whimsical touch of appearing as if they are on a beach complete with umbrellas over the tables and sand under their feet. Hannah just looks around in awe, taking it all in. "I can't believe this place."

Caleb smiles at her large smile, taking her hand from across the table. "I figured it was grown-up, but not too much. Just because you're twenty-one doesn't mean you can no longer have fun." A waiter comes up to the two of them as she strokes his hand with hers.

"You are the best."

The waiter smiles at the couple. "Hello and welcome, especially to the birthday girl. My name is Ethan and I will be your server this evening. I will give you some time to peruse the menu, but first what can I get you to drink for this evening?"

Hannah speaks up before Caleb. "We will be sharing a bottle of nice, but not overly expensive, wine that I will be paying for." She shows him her driver's license, earning a nod as he examines her birthday.

Caleb, meanwhile, has gone a little pale. "Hannah-"

She waves him off. "Hush. It's fine. You're already taking care of dinner and I sprung this on you last minute. I'll take care of it." The waiter quickly exits as she picks up the menu to look it over.

Caleb is silent for a minute, before deciding to speak up. "It's just I'm not sure if…"

She gives him a look over the menu, trying to be patient. "Caleb, please stop worrying about this. I'm not trying to stress out my boyfriend on my birthday. I'm just trying to have a good time with the person I want to spend my birthday with. Okay?"

He looks at her sincerity and seems to make a decision, nodding. "Okay. Yes. Sorry." The waiter soon returns with a bottle and two glasses, filling them up.

"I recommend this always for the first drink," he tells them with a flourish. "It is sweet with a bit of a punch- perfect for a lovely lady such as yourself. I will be back in a few minutes to take your orders then." He leaves the bottle on the table and heads back once again.

Hannah enthusiastically lifts her glass. "Cheers!"

Caleb follows her lead, clinking his glass against hers. "Happy birthday." They both then take a drink, Hannah just a small sip while Caleb downs the entire glass. "This is actually- wow. You must have really liked it," she can't help but comment.

He smiles awkwardly, pouring himself another. "I was just thirsty and got a little enthusiastic. It is really good though." Hannah nods and begins looking over her menu again and he does the same. "Pace yourself," he whispers so she can't hear.

XXX

Meanwhile, Rachel and Finch are sitting in Rachel's dorm room which is covered from head to toe with posters for plays and musicals. They are both looking over their lines, but Rachel suddenly puts her script down. "So you seriously fell asleep?"

Finch doesn't even look up. "Affirmative."

"What did you dream about?"

Finch shrugs. "Nothing in particular. It was the principle of the matter that was more important."

Rachel nods. "I get that. Listen, I came in a little late to the game. So I never got to know this apparently vastly different version of you that once existed. So I'm not the most informed on your history or have known you as long as the others. But if you ever start struggling or things don't make sense… I'm here for you."

"I know. That's why you're the first one I told about the dream."

"Really?"

"Affirmative." They sit in comfortable silence before Finch's head snaps up. "We are having a moment." Rachel raises an eyebrow. "My defenses are down and I could be subjectable to attack right now."

"Finch, I'm a little lost."

"Hannah will be having a large moment on her date tonight. It is when her defenses will be lowest. That is the time to strike and upset her monopoly."

"Wait. Slow down. You're not saying we drive to their date-"

Finch smiles. "I'm suggesting we place a phone call and let Hannah's lack of guard take care of the rest." Rachel nod and grabs her phone. "I will search through the phone directory using the known GPS location of Hannah Frost."

"Oh, I like being your friend Finch Hale," Rachel smiles, excited to have a second chance.

XXX

Hannah comes back to the table after using the restroom to see Caleb is pouring himself another glass. She gently takes his hand, trying to keep things light. "Caleb, I may not be an expert in these things, but you might want to pace yourself. You are driving us home after all."

He seems a little out of it, but merely shrugs. "Ah, it's no big deal. I know how much I can take. It's just… been a while." He shivers as he looks down at the glass. "You know I forgot how good it feels to have a buzz- like you have no problems in the world. I could handle anything right now," he declares grandly. "We should go dancing after this. I never dance, but right now I feel like I could."

Hannah squeezes his hand. "Trust me, the feeling may be good at the time but it sucks after. When I was taking the pills-"

"Ah, I think you've done enough talking," he cuts her off, clearly hurting her feelings. "Let's just enjoy the music." He starts humming to himself the completely wrong tune, and she has to keep him from standing up.

"Caleb, I was talking about something it's usually pretty hard to open up about. You-"He puts a finger to her lips.

"What did I say about talking?" Hannah pulls back and looks at him, very concerned with his behavior.

"I forgot- I'll be right back." She rises and heads for the bathrooms again, sneaking his phone from his jacket pocket as she does. She heads into a stall and dials, pacing nervously.

"Caleb?" the voice of Jolene Dean greets her.

"No. Hannah. I'm sorry but I'm just not sure what to do. Caleb's honestly acting like an asshole right now," she admits.

"Well that's close to impossible. I talked to him earlier and he could not shut up about that restaurant he picked for the two of you. He was adorable in how he was trying to make you happy."

Hannah is on the verge of crying. "I know, but he had a few drinks and now-"

"Drinks?" Jolene says in judgmental alarm. "You let him drink?"

Hannah turns defensive. "I turned twenty-one and wanted to have a drink with my boyfriend. I don't think that's a crime."

"Oh my God. How much has he had?" Jolene questions frantically.

"Three glasses."

"Did you walk away?"

"For the washroom, yes."

"Double that amount then. Plus you've walked away again." Hannah hears her take a deep breath. "Oh, you need to get him out of there. He's going to hate himself so much in the morning if he does something stupid on your birthday."

Hannah registers what she is saying with a bitter laugh. "Jolene, you're making it sound like-"

"Like my cousin is an alcoholic," she cuts her off harshly. "That's because he was. It tends to happen when your fiancée dies on you." Hannah brings a hand to her mouth. "Just… please get him out of there. I cannot go through this again."

Hannah nods, wiping her eyes with toilet paper. "Okay, we'll leave."

"What were you thinking?!"

"How was I supposed to know?! He never told me!"

Jolene scoffs. "Well, you must have pushed him because he swore off all forms of alcohol two years ago and had been going strong until today."

Hannah takes this in and almost starts crying again. "I'm… I'm sorry. I didn't-"

She just hears a sigh. "Just get him back here. I'll take care of the rest when you get back." Hannah hears her hang up and she takes a deep, shaky breath before heading back out into the restaurant. She is stopped by a female waiter.

"Hannah?"

"Yes. What can-?"She can no longer speak as a cream pie is shoved into her face, leaving her in a state of shock.

"That was compliments of Rachel Ellis," the waitress says, offering a napkin. Her face crumbles though when Hannah starts to sob in earnest. "Oh no. I'm sorry. It was just supposed to be a joke. They said you would find it funny."

"Yes. Hilarious."

XXX

Kaity stands outside the boy's dorm room and knocks. There is no answer, but she still opens the door and peeks into the seemingly empty and trashed room. "Ben? Are you here?" She hears a grunt and runs into the bedroom to find him tied up with rope and gagged on a tipped over chair. She sighs and kneels next to him, removing the gag. "Had a bit too much fun, did we?"

"They suggested playing a maypole game," he informs her. "Little did I realize they intended for me to be the maypole." She starts untying him. "I managed to get a text out to Lori though since my phone was in my pocket- knocked myself over trying to get it out. "Did she find them?"

"I'm not sure. I'm not exactly in the loop these days."

"Kaity…"

She pulls on a knot a little too hard and he winces. "I know. I know. Sorry about that. I will talk to her when I'm ready to. I promise. Please don't push me though. It's been a rough couple of weeks and I want to make sure my apology isn't hollow." She finishes and he sits up, rubbing his wrists.

"Okay," he agrees, being supportive. "Thanks. Without you, who knows how much longer I'd have been stuck."

She smiles at him. "Yeah. I knew Lori would take care of the character. I needed to make sure someone was taking care of you." She plays absently with his tie. "You wouldn't let a character slip out without a good reason. Though I don't know if being tricked into a human maypole qualifies as such."

He smirks at this. "Ah, I wasn't thinking straight. They are among my favorite Disney characters, so I would have said yes to nearly everything."

She beams up at him. "Alice in Wonderland is my favorite too! That's honestly why it's killing me that I'm still benched. I want to meet them so bad. I know it doesn't have substance per se, but it is just so out there and creative. It always seemed bipolar in a way, like me." They just sit silently for a moment, enjoying each other's company.

"The Tim Burton version?" Ben asks after a minute.

Lori takes a deep breath before speaking up. "Don't tell Lori and Hannah, but I absolutely love it. The visuals are amazing and the story is different enough it work. It may not be Wonderland as we know it-"

"But he put his own spin on it!"

"Exactly!" Kaity agrees, equally ecstatic. She pulls on his tie a little. "I knew there was some profound reason I was attracted to you." They both laugh a minute before she pulls him in for a kiss by his tie. "You are such a dork and I love you."

"I love you too. At least we'll always have each other for support now in the fight when the sequel comes out."

"Only if you go see the midnight showing with me?"

"Deal."

XXX

Hannah exits the restaurant, practically dragging Caleb along as she tries to appear collected for his sake. "Come on. We're going home."

"But I didn't get to finish my dinner… or my drink," he slurs, fighting her a bit. She easily overpowers him at this point though.

"Oh, you did enough drinking." She carefully dumps him in the passenger seat of her car before climbing into the driver's side, helping him in and into his seatbelt.

"I thought I was driving?"

"Well, you're wasted on wine," she reminds him as she starts the car and heads out of the parking lot. "Don't want to add car crash to this already stellar birthday," she adds sarcastically. "I didn't get to prank Ben, Rachel beat me at my own game, and now my boyfriend is drunk. It's been the best birthday a girl could ask for."

He seems to catch her tone, making him angry as well. "I didn't want to drink. You made me."

"And how did I do that?" she questions, meeting his anger.

"Because I would do anything to make you happy," he informs her, gloating. "Because I love you." He crosses his arms as if he has just proven his point.

She has to take a deep breath to keep herself from crying. "Great. This is exactly how I wanted you to say that for the first time. You probably don't even mean it." There is a long pause as she keeps driving, glancing over at him every few seconds. "Why didn't you tell me? I wouldn't have pushed if I had just known-"

"Because I don't like to remember!" he shouts violently, pain clearly eating him up inside. "Megan was my soulmate. I was meant to be with her forever and she complimented and completed me in every way. Imagine that being ripped from you and imagine hating yourself because you always knew how it would end. You did. But you chose to love her anyway. You chose to put yourself through this." He starts sobbing and Hannah clearly does not know what to do. "Megan's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead."

Hannah pulls over and turns to him. "Just… please. Stop." She puts an arm on his shoulder, but he shrugs it away. She desperately tries to think of a way to change the topic. "Why did you stop? What got you to stop? Remember that instead."

"It was the fact that I was disserving her memory. She wouldn't want me like this." He seems to become aware of what has happened and starts trying to claw his way out of the seat. "I don't want to be this again. I don't want it. I need to get out. I need-"

Hannah tries to hold him down. "It's going to be okay."

"This is all your fault!" he shouts in her face. He raises a hand as if to strike her, but she grabs it and yanks it down.

"I'm not going to let you do something you'll regret later," she tells him violently, throwing his arm back at him. "You and I are going to have a very long talk when you're sober again, I promise you." She starts driving again, exhausted. "And here I thought you were as close to perfect as a guy came."

"And you think that wasn't on purpose," are the words he says, staring at his hand as he realizes what he was about to do. "You think I didn't make myself appear that way." At that he puts his head on the window, both of them sitting in absolute, deafening silence.

XXX

Meanwhile, Lori is sitting on her bed with her head in her hands, covered in cake somehow. Cake is splattered all about the room and the Mad Hatter and March Hare are having a tea party below her. Charlie enters after a beat, pulling Michael behind him.

"So we found them, brought them back here, they promptly set off firecrackers in a cake, and then she hasn't moved since," Charlie informs him, clearly worried. Michael doesn't miss a beat in hopping on her bed to sit next to her.

"Hey. We doing okay, Lores?" She mumbles into her hands. "I'm sorry but I missed that."

"She was quitting I believe," Charlie pipes in as he hops onto the bed to sit on her other side.

"Ah, we all know you don't mean it," Michael tells her. "You're just at your wit's end right now. Wonderland tends to drive you a bit… over the edge. We'll figure out what we need to do-"

"We already did," Lori lifts her head up, exasperated. "I let them prank me."

"I'm confused," Michael admits, seeing her despair.

"The exploding cake. I should have known. I did know. I've seen the movie. But nope, they got me."

Michael suddenly looks at her like she's crazy. "Wait a minute. You're not mad that it's them and today has been crazy. You're made that you went out on April Fool's Day to a cake exploding in your face. And as soon as you accept that-"

"The book should work," Lori finishes. "The book couldn't prank me itself, so it sent these two to do the job. And I fell for it." She glares down at the book. "I hate you."

Michael can't help but laugh. "You are absolutely ridiculous. You had me worried, Lores."

"Ah, I was just giving the book a hard time," she answers, snapping out of it to hop off the bed- completely fine. "Sorry if I scared you. April Fools."

"And now she's become one of the crazies herself," Charlie laughs, catching on to what has just happened. She hands the Hatter and Hare a signed teapot.

"Gentleman, thank you for making this a fun day," she tells them sincerely. "Scavenger Hide-and-Seek will now be my sport of choice. And thank you for the tea as well. I can see why art students are so drawn to it."

The both eagerly shake her hand. "The pleasure was ours," the Hatter informs her with delight. He sticks the pot under his hat. "We shall always treasure this. Unless we drop it or lose it or cover it in jam." Lori smiles and opens the book to a glowing poem as the Hare somehow shoves the tea table up his sleeve. She can only laugh at that. "And there is one final thing we must say."

"Don't spoil this with the song," Lori pleads.

"And why shouldn't we," the Hare questions. "It is very popular and beloved."

"Because I'm about to sing it to you," she responds, gesturing to the book.

They both clap their hands in delight. "Oh why didn't you say so?!" the both say, leaning so their heads rest on their hands. "Please… continue."

Lori clears her throat, Charlie and Michael joining her on the song. "Now blow the candle out my dear and make your wish come true A merry merry unbirthday to you!" The two begin to clap as the light builds around them.

"We hope you come visit us sometime at our tea party in Wonderland," the Hare comments.

Lori smiles. "I hope I can someday."

The Hatter shakes his head. "My dear, how can you have forgotten, you already have." Lori's jaw drops at this, but the two have vanished in the burst of light before she can say anything more. Both Charlie and Michael just stare at her for a long moment.

Lori eventually throws her hands up. "I've decided I'm not even going to touch it. I'm not. I'd like to just chalk it up to them being mad, but who even knows at this point. "She takes a deep breath. "Let's just go watch a movie or something." The two of them nod and start to exit, not seeing the look of panic that crosses her face as she puts the book back in the filing cabinet.

XXX

Late that night, Ben opens his door yawning in his pajama pants and t-shirt. He sobers when he sees Hannah standing outside the door, clearly having been crying. "I thought you were on a date?" he asks cautiously, confused at how upset she is. "With Caleb- the nicest guy in the world who could not possibly be an ass to you on your birthday."

Hannah takes a deep breath, playing with something behind her back. "Things… that's for another time. I don't want to get into that now."

Ben guides her in, clearly concerned. "You can talk to me about it. Did Caleb-?"

"No," Hannah halts the conversation. "I came here to give you this." She extends her hand with small box in it. "I know it's my birthday, but I thought it was important that I get you a gift too."

Ben smirks as he takes it. "I see. Trying to get one last prank in before midnight. Well, you seem to be having a slightly awful end to your birthday. So I'll play." He opens the box without hesitation. "Is something going to jump out at me or is this just the distraction? What could- ?" He stops upon seeing what it is and looks at her.

Hannah shifts on the balls of her feet awkwardly. "It took a long time to find- like a really long time. As you know it's ancient." He pulls out a piece of glass, seeing it fits perfectly over the cracked one piece of glass on his watch.

Ben is at a loss for words. "Hannah-"

"I know you said you didn't mind," she begins babbling. "And I knew you would never accept a new watch. So I did the best I could. It was custom made."

Ben is still in disbelief. "That must have cost you a fortune. Why-?"

Hannah grabs his arm, being completely sincere. "Ben, I might not even be alive if it wasn't for you. You saved me on the side of the road and despite how we go back and forth I get through a lot of seconds in the day knowing that you are always there for me. So I wanted to make right the last thing that still haunts me about the way I used to treat you. Because you have gone from someone I slammed the door at to someone who I value as much as you do that watch," she says, tearing up. "Michael may be Lori's metaphorical big brother, but you… you're mine." He hugs her for a very long moment.

"I never thought I'd have one sibling when I was a kid. Let alone two. I got luckier than I could ever expect." He pulls back. "Do you want to talk about the date?"

Hannah shakes her head. "Not before I talk to Caleb. And that will have to wait until tomorrow… when he's sobered up and has a hell of a hangover I can aggravate."

"It sounds like you're on the warpath."

Hannah heads for the door. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned on her birthday." She pauses, looking over her shoulder at his concerned look. "I'll be okay."

He nods. "I'll be here even if you're not, okay?"

"I know." He gives her a look. "I won't ever forget that. April Fool's Day."

"April Fool's Day," he echoes as she heads out, replacing the glass of his watch with a large smile before heading back into the bedroom.

XXX

Meanwhile, Lori is sitting on her couch with Michael and Charlie barely watching Jurassic Park. She lets out a yawn despite herself. "I don't know about the two of you, but I am completely exhausted. Like completely exhausted. I probably won't be able to move to my bed."

"I think it was a good day," Charlie counters. "We made it a good one for her. I hope her-"He is cut off as Michael's phone rings loudly.

"Sorry," Michael apologizes as he looks at it, sobering instantly. "I need to take this." They both nod, pausing the film, and he answers it. "Hello? This is him." There is a long pause and he starts pacing as he listens, Lori and Charlie watching in concern. "Okay. Okay. Yes, I understand. I'll drive back immediately." He hangs up and lets out a deep breath.

Lori is on her feet and gently grabs his arm. "What is it? What's the matter?"

Michael takes another deep breath before answering. "It's my mom. She had a… episode might be the best way to describe it." He begins pacing again as Lori nods in sympathy. "They have her in the psych ward of the hospital back home. She… she won't stop screaming." Lori manages to get him to stop pacing as she hugs him tightly from behind.

"I-I need to go," Michael informs her. "They need me there. I'm the only one who stands a chance at calming her down." He gently pulls away from her, slightly panicking. "I-I have to get my stuff together. I-I need to call Jolene. We were supposed to go on a date this weekend." He pulls out his phone but pauses. "It's like you always say, Lores. This day brings the crazies out of the woodwork."

She vehemently shakes her head. "No. I'm never talking about you mom. Never."

He gives the smallest of smiles at that. "It'll be a long drive to Ohio, but I should be able to make it without… without stopping."

Lori doesn't miss a beat. "I'm coming with you."

"Lores-"

"Doctor, I'm coming with you," Lori says in her tone that leaves no room for arguing. "You are not going to have to go through this alone. I will be by your side every step of the way," she vows. "There isn't anything big coming up in the next few days, so we should be fine. If a character appears, the others can handle it."

He just looks at her, floored. "Lores…"

"I'm coming to," Charlie pipes in, speaking again before either can argue. "It's the three of us against the world right? So we need me too. I'm good at keeping others sane."

"Ben-"

"Will understand," Charlie tells Michael. "Especially how you jumped at going out with him when he found out about our mom." He just stands there staring at the two of them.

Lori clears her throat to get his focus back. "We should get packed so we can get on the road. You and I can take shifts?" He nods and starts for the door, but not before he stops and pulls them both in for a tight hug.

"I love you guys," he says, choking on the words.

"We love you too," Lori assures him.

Michael pulls away, wiping the tears that have appeared in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm a mess right now."

Lori shakes her head. "Don't worry about it even a little bit."

"It's going to be okay," Charlie promises. "We've got your back."

Lori nods in agreement. "We've always got your back."

XXX

Tune in next week as Michael returns from home with some troubling news about his future at Trinity, making everyone question and grapple with the definition of "family".