Monday morning, in the Student Center of campus containing various offices related to campus life someone emerges from the Student Development office with a suitcase behind them and a packet under their arm. He is an extremely lanky gentleman that his clothes- a flannel red button-up shirt and jeans- seem to almost hang off of. He has emerald eyes, freckles, a Band-Aid on his cheek, and shorter red hair that sticks out crazily at all angles.
"I really appreciate it again!" he shouts back into the office he exited with a wide smile. "Trust me; you don't have to do any convincing. I'll be here next year for sure." He removes the packet from under his arm and pulls one of the sheets out. "Alright. It's been a while since we did the whole school thing properly. Let's see how rusty we are. I need to find Caleb Dean so I can move in."
He takes a deep breath to steady himself. "You can do this. This is good. Progress-"He stops suddenly at the sight of a frantic girl with a short brown bob rushing into the Student Center, sneaker squeaking with every step and book under her arm. She looks around wildly before spotting a table. She also notices him staring at her.
"You never saw me," she orders before diving under a nearby table behind him. He just stands there when the door is thrown open again.
"Lori! You get back here! You promised!" Another girl with long blonde hair in a headband with a matching skirt comes in, instantly noticing the boy standing there. "Have you seen my roommate?" she questions, clearly angry and in a hurry.
He takes a beat and clears his throat. "I saw a brunette with a book under her arm run that way," he tells her, pointing to the door that leads to the mail center. "I don't think I was supposed to tell you that though," he plays.
The girl waves him off. "It's fine. I'm the good guy. Thanks." She takes off through the door and the brunette, Lori, emerges from under the table with a triumphant smirk.
"Solid work," she compliments. "Love to stay and chat, but as you can see I'm obviously being pursued." She starts running for the door, but hesitates for a brief second. "She lies by the way. I'm totally the good guy." She then takes off. "See you around! Thanks again!" He just watches her go, almost in awe.
He finally pulls it together after a moment with a huge smile breaking out on his face. "Well, this place is pretty exciting already. And it isn't even lunch time." He heads out looking at the map he had been provided with. "Upperclassman Dorm. Caleb Dean."
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 Eighteen: One of My Better Landings, Bud
XXX
The same guy walks into the cafeteria for lunch later that day, showing a temporary id. He fills his tray up with the popcorn chicken bowl offered along with some vegetables before looking out over the tables at all the strangers in their own conversation. "First real obstacle," he whispers to himself, a little intimidated.
He then hears a laugh and turns to see the girl from under the table, Lori, who is laughing with a bunch of people at a table. There's her roommate, a blonde boy, a girl with a ponytail and glasses, a short girl in sweats, and a very fashionably dressed brunette with her all having a great time as well. He takes a moment before gulping, standing up a bit straighter and walking up to them.
"Hey," he greets, earning their attention. "We-we ran into each other earlier," he continues nervously, tray shaking a bit that he desperately stops.
The roommate speaks first with a raised eyebrow. "Yes. You lied to me about where she was… so she escaped."
Lori snorts. "You totally did the right thing. Don't worry."
Their kindness seems to put him more at ease. "I'm kind of new here. So would it be okay if-?"
"Of course it is," Rachel interjects. "Have a seat." He goes to next to the brunette, but she puts a hand across the chair.
"Sorry," she apologizes. "But my best friend's sitting here." He nods, understanding and takes the next seat over. "I'm Lori," she welcomes warmly. "These are my friends Hannah, Rachel, Finch, Kaity, and Michael." They all wave, Michael sticking his hand out as he is next to him.
The guy pales a minute before pulling it together, shaking his head. "Oh, no. I'm sorry," he says sincerely. "I mean no offense but I'm a bit of a germaphobe."
Michael takes his hand back, no signs of being offended at all. "No problem. We all have our quirks."
"I object to that statement," Finch interrupts. "I have no flaws." Everyone just looks at her- Rachel with a raised eyebrow. Finch sighs. "That was a joke. That was my attempt at a joke. It would be appropriate to laugh." They all do, loud and fake.
Lori turns back to their guest. "So what's your-?"To his surprise a young kid slides into the seat next to her while a guy in a tie sits across the way. Lori turns her attention to the younger one. "Well look who decided to show up! I was holding auditions for your replacement." She gestures to him. "This was my prime candidate…"
"Andrew Parker," he answers, addressing the whole table.
"Meet my new best friend Andy!" Lori exclaims, making him flinch.
"No. No. Always Andrew please."
She looks at Michael, who shakes his head. "Too bad. You responded. It sticks. I didn't make the rules. I just follow them."
"Well, what does Andrew have that I don't?" her best friend questions, playing along.
"Well, Charlie, he's a… he can…"she looks at Andrew desperately.
"I do magic," he offers.
"He does magic!" she iterates, before registering what's been said. "Really?!"
"Cool! Show us!" Charlie exclaims as Caleb Dean sits in the last free seat of the table. He notices Andrew and smiles.
"I see you found the friends I was talking about." Everyone look at him as he takes a seat, wondering how he knows the new guy. "Andrew is here until the end of the semester to get a feel for the school and see if he wants to be a full-time student come next year," he explains. "It's a new program the school is trying out. I am his Campus Brother- his guide to all things. And I feel I have already done him a great service by acquainting him with the coolest people on campus."
"Actually, he just walked over an acquainted himself," Hannah counters. "So he just has good taste. Don't think his timely arrival saves you from doing a magic trick though," she says to Andrew. "We're all waiting. Plus, you wouldn't want to disappoint the child."
"I'm fifteen! Still a minor, but not a child." Andrew takes a moment before snapping.
"Does anyone have any change?" They start looking in their pockets with the one in the tie producing a nickel. "Thank you…"
"Ben. I'm the child's brother," he says with a laugh as Charlie glares. Andrew puts the coin in his hand, making a fist. He then puts both behind his back before presenting both fists to Charlie.
"Pick the hand with the coin." Charlie picks the right, but he reveals it's empty. Charlie thinks he has figured it out an opens the other one to see it's empty too.
"That's not magic," he accuses. "You just hid it behind your back."
"Are you sure about that? You might want to look under your plate." Charlie does, but it's not there. "Shoot. Now where could it have gone? Can everyone check under their plates?" They all just look at him. "Humor me." They do and Kaity lets out a bright smile and starts laughing.
"How did you do that?!" she holds up the nickel and everyone else reacts with smiles and clapping. "You're really good. You should do this for a living."
"I hope to," he admits. "I'm a Communication Arts major to help with the public speaking and presentation side of things. I want to play a part in helping make magic big again since it's done so much for me." He turns to Charlie. "And never insist you are not a child. It's not a number, but a state of mind. The best state of mind in my humble opinion." He smiles in a way that makes Charlie just have to smile too. "Was that satisfactory?" he questions Hannah as he begins to eat his lunch.
"Very," she answers. "You should hang out with us every meal. It's not often you get a show with it." Finch suddenly sits up a little straighter, eyes glazing over that everyone notices while Andrew eats oblivious. They all begin to rapidly finish their meals as she nods at Lori.
"I'm sorry to do this to you," Lori apologizes to the newcomer. "But something just came up and we all have to get going." She rises and everyone follows suit as he looks around, confused. "Feel free to sit by us any time though and I hope we see you around campus."
"Hear, hear," Michael agrees before they all head to get rid of their dishes, leaving Andrew sitting at the table by himself. He just sits there in confusion for a minute.
"You just had the pleasure of meeting Lori Fitzgerald and her friends," a voice says from behind him. He turns to see a girl with long dark hair. "Victoria. They're quite odd, that group. Might even say they have a few secrets up their sleeve." With that she walks away, leaving him to process this as he continues to eat his lunch.
XXX
An exhausted Lori wanders down the hallway towards her room with Hannah and Charlie following. "We'll find them," Hannah assures her roommate. Lori nods with a sigh. "I know what you're thinking. You're worried the fact that we couldn't find them means they don't want us to."
"I wouldn't be the first time," Lori reminds her. As she reaches their door, they all pause for her to pull the key out of her jacket pocket. "I kind of hope it is. I want to put those new skills to some use," she jokes with a smile though. "Let's see a villain try-"
"Lori! Lori!" They turn to see Caleb running down the hallway. "Follow me." They can tell he's serious and take off after him down the stairs to his room. He opens the door to reveal Andrew sitting on the couch. But what's surprising is who is perched on the coffee table talking to him.
"Well, Bernard and I have been all over the world," a female white mouse in purple explains. The mouse next to her nods as she looks at him for confirmation. "I think my favorite though was our trip to Egypt. The pyramids were marvelous."
"Too much sand," Bernard mutters. Andrew notices the group and stands up suddenly, looking a bit pale in the face but clearly trying to keep it together.
"Hi again," he says with a small wave. "I seem to have found something of yours. I believe. Or at least they say they were looking for you." Lori comes up next to him, kneeling so she is on eye level with Bernard and Bianca.
"Oh, there she is!" Bianca exclaims. "I would recognize her anywhere! It is such a pleasure to meet you! Isn't it Bernard?" she questions the mouse beside her, elbowing him.
Bernard removes his hat and bows. "It is. A real pleasure. We've heard really great things. You're practically considered an honorary member of the Rescue Aid Society." Lori waves her hand nonchalantly, noticing Andrew just staring at her.
"How did he find him?" Hannah questions a little harshly, pulling focus from the characters.
"They appeared in his room," Caleb explains, hand rubbing through his hair. "I came back and he was just sitting here talking to them. I assured him he wasn't going insane, but I thought I'd ultimately let our leader handle the explanation."
Lori groans. "I'm so tired of giving this speech," she says with a flop on the couch. "We need to have a pamphlet or something I can just hand out and be done with it. Charlie, I'm putting you on that one." Charlie salutes and she turns to Andrew, almost bored more than anything. "Okay, Andy, so-"
"I think I've got it actually," Andrew interrupts, sounding like he thinks he's crazy. "They helped I mean. The talking mice helped. The highlights involve you chasing Disney characters with a magic encyclopedia and then sending them home once you learned a lesson. And by you I mean you and your Companions- which is a Doctor Who term you totally ripped off."
"She also calls Michael the Doctor," Charlie adds. This seems to remind him of something and he pulls out his phone. "I'll text the others about this." Andrew sits back down, hands running through his hair to make it stick up even more.
"They were in my suitcase," Andrew explains, sitting down. "They were just in there waiting. I almost hurt them as I was panicking at first."
"Something he has apologized of far too many times," Bianca assures him, patting his hand. "I understand how we must have frightened you. But when we appeared we hid in the first place we could find."
"It wasn't our first time in a suitcase," Bernard adds. "Though at least your clothes were better organized and it smelt better than Medusa's." Charlie's phone buzzes and he looks at it, frowning.
"Ben doesn't seem too happy," he brings up.
Lori waves her hand. "He'll get over it." She turns back to Andrew. "Don't worry about any of this, okay? We have things pretty much down to a science by now. We know what we're doing and I'm sorry you got dragged in. You can go back to pretending your visit was absolutely normal. Don't even think about it." He just stares at her. "Okay… I think it's time we take these two back to our room and see if we can put our heads together on what they're here for."
"Oh, this is going to be so exciting," Bianca exclaims as Bernard helps her into Lori's hand. "We actually get to work with Lori Fitzgerald, Bernard. We get to help her!"
"Yes, Miss Bianca. Watch your step now." Once they're both in, Lori rises and starts for the door with the others following.
"Is it true that you defeated Hades?" Andrew asks suddenly. "That you beat him and sent him back along with a whole list of other villains?"
Lori nods, a little embarrassed. "Though I certainly would've been dead without my Companions. They have saved me more times than I can count."
"And you help the other ones- the good ones," he continues, excitement building. "You figure out what they need to go home and you do it. You… you protect them." Lori just shrugs. "Can they stay with me? They said they have so many stories about their adventures and things like that. I could look after them tonight-"
"I think it's for the best we take them," Lori says gently. "We need to get to work on sending them back. Like I said, don't even give it a second thought." With that, she heads out the door with Charlie and Hannah as he just stares after her almost in awe. Caleb just stares at him, arms folded.
He suddenly turns to Caleb, completely serious. "How do I become a Companion?" Caleb blinks at the suddenness of this question. "Because I want in. I want to help them and protect them too. I want to have adventures with Disney characters and hear their stories. I want to be a part of you guys, one of the Lori Fitzgerald's Companions. I want to be part of this." He stands up. "I think I'm meant to be part of this."
Caleb takes a moment before nodding. "I'll go talk to her. I don't have much pull since I'm the new guy, but I know exactly how you're feeling right now. I was there once- we all were. Perhaps we could use a little more of that now." He starts for the door. "I'll be back."
"Thanks," Andrew tells him sincerely as he exits, having a seat and twiddling his thumbs impatiently while he waits.
XXX
"I'm afraid the answer's no," Lori says seriously about fifteen minutes later. She is sitting in the living area with Caleb across from her, the bedroom door closed though Hannah and Charlie are obviously leaned up against it listening. Bernard and Bianca sit next to her, looking up observing her.
"Might I inquire why?" Caleb asks with respect. "So I have a reason to give him."
"Caleb, with you joining us we're at nine people altogether. That is eight people I need to look after and lead besides myself. That is eight people I need to keep safe. I don't think I have the energy in me to handle any more. I'm stretched pretty thin and stressed out enough as it is."
Caleb nods. "Okay. I can respect that. We don't want to put more on you than we have to, I agree. And I will convey that to him." He rises to go, but hesitates. "I just have to ask one question though. I know I was unplanned and you took me on. Maybe you had a limit but then you changed your mind for me because I could help you. You're sure there's no way you'd consider-"
"He's too bright and shiny," Lori cuts in. "We're in a place now where we need to be serious so we can handle what comes at us and work on finishing this before any of us get killed. Every one of us is prepared and equipped to do that- even Charlie is past the wonder stage at this point."
"So he's a nice guy."
"That's exactly the problem. I don't need nice. I can't afford nice. He can be around in the same capacity as Jolene is and can still sit with us and be a friend. But I will not let him be a Companion. So the answer is and will continue to be no." Caleb can see that is her final word on the manner and backs down.
"I will tell him that… in slightly kinder words. Thanks for talking to me Lori. I appreciate it."
"Of course," she says kindly to show him there are no hard feelings between the two of them. "Thank you for understanding." He gives her a quick hug before heading out. She sees Bianca whispering to Bernard who nods quickly. "What?"
"Miss Bianca believes she knows our purpose here now," Bernard speaks for them. "And I think she has to be right… like she usually is."
"Oh, Bernard, you are too sweet," she coos. "But I do believe I know our reason for being here, Lori. We'll help you out any way we can with this."
"No," Lori disagrees. "This had nothing to do with Andy. It's something else and we'll figure out what in the morning." Bianca nods, but as Lori turns around her and Bernard lock eyes. He nods to her and she smiles. "You two can come out now," Lori says to the closed door where a moment later Hannah and Charlie emerge. "I'm sure you heard every word."
"We might have," Charlie offers coyly, causing her to ruffle his hair. "We get why you're doing it. It makes sense." He pauses but then smiles. "I'm glad he can still be our friend though. I want him to teach me how he did that magic trick." He heads back for the bedroom, Lori grabbing Hannah's arm to keep her from following.
"I'm just saying, he's a pretty great and respectful guy," she offers. "He's been good and patient. You shouldn't leave him hanging for very much longer, because he is going to wait for you as long as it takes. And a guy like that deserves to know sooner rather than later."
Hannah takes a deep breath. "It's not about staying together or not. Of course I want to be with him. He's amazing. It's just… his fiancée-"
"Is dead," Lori reminds her. "It was awful and it changed him without a doubt. I don't speak lightly of it because from what he told me she was amazing. But she is not your competition and you can't turn this into that. He wants to move on from the girl he was going to marry with you. You make him that happy because you're amazing too." Hannah hugs her.
"I swear I will solve this soon so you can stop giving me these kind of talks. I know it must be driving you insane," the blonde laughs as they pull apart.
"I know! I feel like that was the last one I had in me. I'm tapped out." With a laugh the two of them head for the bedroom, Bernard and Bianca following.
"It reminds me of the two of us," Bianca smiles nostalgically at him, taking his hand. "And look where we are now."
"I can never thank you enough for that, Miss Bianca," Bernard tells her sincerely. "Every-everything good about my life is-is because of you. Though all the stressful stuff is too, though I think the positives might outweigh the minuses if I-"He is silenced by a kiss on his cheek.
"Oh, Bernard," she sighs, putting her head on his shoulder, content, as they continue to make their way across the living room. He just smiles to himself.
XXX
Andrew stares at Caleb as he paces back and forth a few minutes later. "Listen, she has her reasons," he offers his Campus Brother. "It's alright. You tried. As a Disney character would say- let it go," he smiles brightly.
"I won't because she's wrong," Caleb says as he is deep in thought. "She's wrong about you and she's wrong about what she needs. About what we all need. And the book doesn't care about what you want but what you need. So I'm not going to give up because someone like you needs to be a Companion- her Companion."
"I don't want you to get in trouble," Andrew pleads for him to drop it. Caleb ignores him. "She seems to have a lot going on, and I don't want to intrude where I'm not welcome and stress her out even more. Caleb, please-"Caleb stops suddenly, snapping.
"The book! The book knows what she needs." He turns to face Andrew. "So in the book there's a poem that details the rules and what happens. Hannah told me the only people who can read it are those meant to be Companions. We get you the book, you see the poem, and that is evidence that Lori cannot deny," he declares, excited. "We can get you in!"
"What if I can't see the poem?"
"You have to," Caleb dismisses, making Andrew huff because that does not answer his question. "But the question is how to get our hands on it without her knowing our motive. She keeps it in her filing cabinet when it's not on hand."
"I don't think we should be-"
"We'd almost need a way in from the outside," Caleb ponders, continuing to ignore Andrew. "We need… a man on the inside. Hannah." He pulls out his phone and starts typing a message. "We're in a weird place, but she'll understand. She'll help us."
Andrew snatches the phone from him. "You're not listening to me. I don't want you to do this. You're going to make her hate me, she's not going to be a fan of you, and now you want to get her roommate involved. You don't have to plan and steal from Lori."
Caleb extends his hand, but Andrew doesn't give it back. "Andrew, I agreed to be your Campus Brother. That means I promised I would help you find out if you fit in here and if so where that is. You found the place. We both know it." He sees Andrew hesitate. "So let me do what I promised I would do. You need us, but I was right when I said we need you. She needs you and this will help her realize that. Why else would it be Bernard and Bianca in your suitcase?" Andrew finally gives in and hands the phone over, Caleb quickly typing up his message.
"If this doesn't work-"
"I will take all the blame," Caleb vows.
"I was going to say I would," Andrew disagrees. "You're already a Companion. You can't afford to get in trouble like I can. It's okay if she hates me as long as she doesn't hate you." Caleb sends the message and the two of them just look at one another for a minute. "I know. I tend to be too focused on making others happy sometimes."
"You're going to be perfect," is all Caleb says back before the two of them settle in, waiting for a response.
XXX
Michael is studying in his bedroom the next morning when Lori sticks her head in with a smile. "I brought you some sustenance," she offers with a smile. He raises an eyebrow and she tosses him a bag of gummy worms before sitting on the desk next to him. "I figured desperate times call for desperate measures."
"You're the best," he thanks her as he tears into bag, popping two into his mouth. "So Charlie told me about Andrew. What's the plan?"
Lori sighs. "Caleb came to me to say that he wants to be a Companion. I told him the roster was full, which is for my own sanity, and that I just didn't think he had what it took." Michael gives her a look. "Level with me here. Maybe freshman year we would've had a place for that, but now he's just too much for where we all are. We're serious and know what's out there. He just thinks it will be fun and I can't afford to for him to get hurt because of that. Do you get where I'm coming from?"
Michael thinks on this for a minute. "I do. But I think there's something else you need to consider." He turns slightly, resting his hands on her knees. "In a few weeks your roster is going to be down by one permanently."
"Don't talk like that," Lori instantly tries to shut him down.
"But it is," he persists. "You're going to have an opening, and I can't help but think it's not a coincidence he appeared right now as this is happening. Lores, they were in his suitcase," he reminds her, which seems to catch her attention. "Of anywhere they could hide they hid with him."
"He won't replace you," she says adamantly.
"He won't," Michael agrees. "He's going to be somebody completely different with his own set of skills to bring to the table and his own demons to overcome. Maybe one of the reasons he wants to be a Companions is because he knows he needs it. That would put him one step ahead of all of us when we started. And the Lori I know you've become would never deny someone that. I wouldn't want to leave with you any other way." He pats her knee.
She just stares at him for a long moment before clearing her throat. "I've been good, right? At supporting you and helping you through this?" she said in a choked voice.
"Lores, you've been the best," he tells her adamantly. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you."
"Then can I have a selfish moment," she asks, voice cracking. "I'm sorry but I really need to rely on you for just one moment and then we can go back." He nods and she just starts crying. "I'm going to miss you so much. Please don't go. Please don't leave me." He pulls her in for a hug as she sobs into his chest. "You promised you'd always take care of me." He just rocks her back and forth as she cries; chin resting on top of her head.
"It's okay," he whispers, being her rock. "It's going to be okay, Lores. Things are going to work out because they have to. Keep moving forward and all that," he laughs bitterly as he just continues holding her.
XXX
Rachel and Finch enter Lori's dorm room that afternoon to find all of the Companions and Lori sitting around the living area. "This had better be good," Rachel warns as Finch helps her into a seat. "It's tech week which means every moment we're not in rehearsal needs to be spent doing the homework we can't do because we're in so much rehearsal."
"I'll be okay," Finch offers, playfully smug.
"Oh, shut up. Some of us can't be flawless projections," Rachel fires back with a smile and elbow her way.
"It was actually Ben who called this," Lori explains. "He said he has something big he feels we need to discuss, a serious matter is how I think he phrased it; so I'm going to let him have the floor." She makes a gesture and Ben steps in front of the group, clearing his throat and adjusting his tie.
"He even wore his dress tie," Hannah jokes to Charlie, both of the giggling. Ben gives them a sharp look and she puts her hands up. "Serious matter. I get it."
He looks over the group before he begins speaking. "I have called you here today because I believe something has been set in place by the DIZ Corporation as a trap for us." He instantly has everyone's attention. Lori looks at Hannah.
"I haven't heard or seen anything," she tells her roommate. "But I don't work in Security. What did you see Ben?"
He can see no easy way to say this, so he just comes out with it. "I think its Andrew." Nobody responds. "I think Andrew was sent here to pose as student, get in with us, and then take us down from the inside." He lets this hang in the air as everyone processes.
"Wow," Kaity mutters in shock. "He seems so nice." Hannah nods.
Caleb is much more hesitant. "What exactly is the proof you have about this?" he questions.
Ben gets a lot more hesitant, but keeps going. "Well… I think it's all just rather convenient. He shows up for less than a month and ends up with you of all people-"
"I volunteered," Caleb deconstructs.
"And then one of his first acts is to find two characters on his first day… in his suitcase."
"We climbed in there, remember," Bianca speaks up.
"Yes, that was completely our fault," Bernard echoes.
"Maybe he knew they would be there or something. Then he begs to be a Companion, desperately trying to work his way in here as quickly and efficiently as possible."
"By your logic I could be DIZ too," Caleb argues. "I could have integrated myself through Hannah, put Charlie in a situation where you needed me, and now I'm in to destroy you."
Ben is getting frustrated. "That's not-"
"Well, you have just as much evidence for that one as you do for Andrew," Caleb cuts in. "Maybe its Rachel playing a long con to the point she lost her sight. Maybe Kaity is only faking being bipolar. Maybe Hannah had been a plant in her room since the very first-"
"Enough!" Lori cuts in, instantly silencing him. "You've made your point, so stop." She then turns back to Ben. "But he does have a point Ben. You're basically accusing Andy of working for the enemy with nothing to go on… unless you do have concrete evidence."
Ben just looks down and everyone groans and sighs. "But-"
"Okay," Lori dismisses. "We are tabling this discussion until you find some sort of proof to your claim. As far as it stands right now, Andy is a guy who knows our secret and is new to campus looking for some friends. We will treat him as such," she orders. "This meeting is dismissed."
"Complete waste of time," Rachel grumbles as she and Finch head for the door. Finch gives an apologetic glance back to Ben, but he nods for her to go. Kaity wraps her arm around his and starts to lead him out.
"There's something about him Kaity," he mutters to her, not completely shut down.
Kaity pats his arm. "Then you'll figure it out," she assures him. "But for now we do what Lori says. If you have to, you'll get him."
Caleb is the last to head for the door, glancing back at Hannah. She gives him the smallest of nods and he heads out with a relieved smile, leaving her to turn her attention to Lori, Michael, and Charlie.
"Note to self: screen meeting before we have them," she laments as she pinches the bridge of her nose. "Next week will be why Kaity is clearly a Transformer."
"May I make a comment about your meeting?" Bianca inquires with her hand in the air. Lori gestures for her to go ahead. "It was quite well conducted, but I feel you need something to unify all of you in the beginning. I believe you need a song."
Lori turns to Charlie. "I'm going to put you on that one as well."
"We could recite the poem from the beginning of the book," Hannah offers without thinking.
"That is actually a really good idea," Charlie agrees. "I could come up with a tune." Bianca claps joyfully.
"Oh that will be brilliant," she exclaims. "Won't it Bernard?" He nods in agreement. "I hope we get to be part of this next meeting so we can join you."
"I'm going to try and have you guys home before the Kaity is a Transformer meeting next week," Lori quips with a smile. "But you will be on our minds every time." Hannah looks at her phone and grabs her bag from next to the couch.
"We might be here a while if she has to figure out what you believe," Bernard whispers to Bianca, earning a laugh from her.
"Oh, she will catch on. She's very smart," Bianca assures him. "Then we can go back to the Rescue Aid Society with so many good stories."
"I'm kind of insulted but also flattered," Lori admits. "I'm not exactly old hat at this."
"I have my group meeting," Hannah cuts in. "See you in a bit." Lori nods as she heads out; stopping in the hallway to make sure the book is in her backpack before continuing down the hallway quickly.
XXX
A few minutes later, Hannah stands in the alcove next to the library, shifting from one foot to another nervously. She looks around before leaning against the wall. "I can't believe I'm doing this," she groans. After a moment though, she regains her composure and stands tall until Caleb comes up to her.
"Thank you," he tells her instantly.
She reaches into her bag and pulls out the book. "She's going to kill me and then I won't have time to warn you when she comes to kill the two of you."
"It'll be fine. First thing in the morning, we'll sneak it back. I need to do this for him. He's a good guy who was dealt a bad hand and he deserves to be one of us and not held back by some made-up cap on Companions."
"Dealt a bad hand?" she questions.
"That's for him to tell you. The only reason I know is because they thought it was necessary for me to know before he started living with me. He doesn't even know that I know. I'm worried he'll act different otherwise. But he deserves this… more than I did honestly. You guys let me in on something really great and I want him to be part of it."
She just stares at him. "You know, you're a good guy too." She hands him the book. "One of the best I know."
"Thanks," he smiles before remembering their situation and taking a step back. "I'd better get this to him so we can figure this out." He starts away from the alcove, but not before offering her a smile. "It'll be fine."
"Sure it will," she agrees, obviously not convinced. "Tell him he owes me one! A huge one! But don't make it sound dirty like I just did please."
XXX
That evening, Lori is sitting in her room at her desk working on homework while Hannah is up on her bed reading. Bernard and Bianca sit on the desk watching her, everyone turning to the door as Charlie sticks his head in. "What can I do for you, Charlie?" she asks pleasantly.
"Can I borrow the book?" Hannah's head shoots up. "I want to write than song while I have some free time."
"You know where to find it," Lori says with a nod towards the filing cabinet. Charlie makes his way over when Hannah desperately throws herself off the bed. "Hannah?!"
"Are you okay?!" Charlie asks, running over to help her up. Lori is right behind him.
"Yeah," she groans. "I just suddenly felt dizzy and must have lost my balance."
"I'll text the Doctor," Lori decides, concerned. "You just stay right there. Take it easy." She goes to her phone and sends out a text.
"I'm fine, Lori," Hannah says weakly, playing it up.
"Sure you are," Lori agrees while disagreeing. She looks at Charlie and remembers what he came here for, pulling open the filing cabinet. "Let me get you the book while we wait, buddy."
"No!" Hannah shouts, shooting to her feet. She then grabs her back. "That actually really hurt."
"Sit back-"Lori looks into the cabinet and her face becomes unreadable. She shuts the cabinet and walks up to Hannah who is desperately looking at anyone but her. Her eyes meet Charlie, but he just takes a giant step back out of the confrontation. "Where's the book Hannah?" Nothing. She crosses her arms. "You're acting awfully squirrely I have to say." Hannah looks down. "I can wait all night but you are going to tell me." She shakes her head. "Yes. You're going to tell me or I'm going to bench you until I change my mind."
Hannah holds on for another minute before she makes the mistake of looking Lori in her eyes. Then it just comes out. "Caleb has it. I gave it to him earlier."
"Why?" Lori responds in an impatient tone when she says no more.
"The poem," Charlie gasps. Both look at him. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Hannah. I didn't mean-"
"Don't even," Hannah chides him. "It was my choice to give it to him… so he could see if Andrew can read the poem." Lori lets out a groan of frustration. "He just wants him to have the opportunity to be part of this. He's-"
"You're going to stop talking," Lori commands. Hannah instantly closes her mouth. "I will deal with you as soon as I get back." She starts for the door. "Charlie, make sure she doesn't jump out the window in a desperate escape while I'm gone."
"Will do… for her sake," Charlie agrees as he puts a hand on her arm. "It's going to be fine." Hannah just scoffs at him as Lori slams the door to the room. "I'm pretty sure she won't kill you."
"She won't," Bianca agrees. "You just merely did what needs to be done for things to move forward. Trust us on that."
Hannah gives a fake smile. "You get my laptop," she tells Charlie. "I know you'll take good care of it. Lori would drop it… and she's the one who's going to kill me. We shouldn't reward her for that." She slides back to the floor, wincing in pain. "The things we do for our boyfriends."
XXX
Meanwhile, Caleb is sitting on the couch of his room staring at the front cover of the book- unreadable expression on his face. The door opens and he slams it closed, hiding it behind his back only to see it is Andrew. "Sorry I'm late. The meeting went long." He hands him the book.
"You're sure about this?" the magician asks.
"Of course," Caleb nods. He sits back down as Andrew takes a deep breath and goes to open it. The moment is shattered by a pounding on the door.
"I know you have it, you disobedient shrimp!" Lori's voice shouts. "Your girlfriend gave you up!" They both look at one another. "Let me in or I will pick this lock!"
"I'll handle her," Caleb assures Andrew as he opens the door a crack, only to be blown off his feet as she bursts in. "Never mind." She snatches the book in Andrew's hand.
"You two-"
"It was all me," Caleb defends as he gets to his feet. "I practically had to force the kid to do it. He was ready to give up but I pushed him."
"I expected so much more from you," Lori practically scolds. "When I say-"
"But it's not about what you want," Caleb interrupts. "It's about what you need."
"I know what I need!" she shouts, escalating things.
"No! The book does, so you should let him read it! This is unfair and you know it!"
"He isn't a good fit! We've discussed this!"
"You've become so dark and focused you can't even see that's why we need him!" Caleb shouts, causing Lori to take a step back. Caleb just stares at her as she looks taken aback. "I-I didn't-"
"'To you who has now broken the bind Unusual magic in your world you will find." They both turn to see Andrew with the book in his hand. "Though they will arrive at moments inopportune They have much to teach and need your help soon." Lori looks at the book in her hand and sees it's one on Marvel Comics. "Sleight of hand," Andrew answers for her. "I'm sorry… truly." He hands her back the real book. "I can read the poem. Do with that what you will. I think I could be a big help to all of you- to you."
She just stares at him. "You will never speak of this again," she threatens him. He nods sadly before she turns to Caleb. "I am very disappointed in you. I expect more from my Companions." She heads for the door. "Plus your girlfriend threw herself off a bed to defend you, so you better fix that sooner rather than later because I am done with the crazy!" With that, she it out the door-slamming it behind her and leaving two shell-shocked men behind.
XXX
Michael walks through the preserve and spots Lori sitting under the tree with the library ladder in place. He sits next to her and takes a long beat before speaking up. "Have you ever seen The Rescuers?" he asks. She just looks ahead. "The reason I ask is… in the beginning of the movie Bianca gets told to pick a partner for going to save Penny. She has her pick of everybody. But she ends up choosing the janitor because he's just so sweet and dedicated. She sees him for what he can be and he ends up becoming the greatest thing that ever happened to her." He waits a beat before nudging Lori with his shoulder. "If someone had to learn a lesson…" She says nothing and he sighs. "Charlie would know what to say, but he's comforting Hannah. He wanted to come though."
"Mulan said I'm dark," Lori finally speaks up. "She said I'm so dark from what's happened to me. And once she said it… I started noticing that in all of us. I can't stop noticing it." She finally looks at her friend. "Even… even Charlie is all for getting rid of the book now. He has no wonder left. I got rid of it all. I can't do that to anyone else-especially someone like him. I can see how great he is. We'd tear him apart. He's a magician for Pete's sake!" She wipes her eyes before she starts crying. "Bianca wasn't going to ruin his life by picking him."
"You seem convinced that our darkness will drown him out. Maybe the opposite will happen. Did you ever give that any thought?" He pauses. "I haven't seen Kaity laugh like that ever. Or Charlie embracing the fact that he is a kid. Or Hannah being willing to fight for a new Companion instead of against him. It seems like he's already doing some good and that was one lunch." Lori thinks on this for a long moment before he puts an arm around her. "I would be happy knowing you're happy back here, Lores. Just saying."
She gives the smallest of nods before rising and dusting herself off. "Call a group meeting Doctor- minus Caleb. He should be left to suffer for a bit." Michael rises and pulls out his phone as they start back together, her threading her arm through his.
XXX
"'You cannot run from your destiny my friend Until every Disney character reaches their happy end," everyone finishes singing as Charlie leads. He claps his hands.
"I'm so glad we got to be here for that," Bianca tells Bernard from their spot of the coffee table. "It was beautiful!"
"Great! I will now turn over this group meeting to Lori." He takes his seat as she comes to stand before them.
"I wanted… I'm actually going to allow us a moment of democracy." Everyone playfully gasps. "I rejected Andy becoming a Companion because I was worried about him. But I figure you guys know more about that experience than I do. So I want you to remember all the good moments and all the bad ones- everything. Rachel becoming blind, Hannah almost drowning, Charlie being kidnapped- all of it. And then I want you to vote if you think that if he's willing he should be allowed to experience all that. Everything that you get put through by being my Companion." She turns her back. "Michael can lead the vote."
"All those against," she hears him say before a moment later, "All those in favor." She turns around a minute later. "Counting Caleb who made his opinion very clear, we have seven votes for becoming a Companion versus one against. I'd say it's pretty close to unanimous." Lori looks at all of them, smiling.
"Then I think I owe someone a visit."
Rachel claps her hands. "Meeting dismissed? Because I must once again emphasize tech week and our need to be there and not at useless meetings."
"Dismissed," Lori agrees.
XXX
Caleb opens his door to find Lori with her arms crossed and eyebrow raised. He is instantly apologetic. "I'm so sorry for going behind you back. You have been nothing but welcoming and I used that against you. I-"
"You can save it," Lori says gently. "You and I both know what you did was right, but the how was incredibly stupid." He nods. "I forgive you though. I forgive you for doing it, because I see now you were doing it for me."
He pulls her in for a quick hug. "Do you want to talk to him? He's playing games with the guys, but I'm sure he'd take a break for you."
Lori smiles and nods. "I was thinking we could use a bit more bright and shiny around here."
He smiles widely back. "I'll grab him." He runs into the bedroom and Andrew emerges a moment later, clearly very nervous but giving a small wave.
"Hey," he greets, sitting in a chair.
She sits on the couch. "Hey. We need to talk about what you did."
He winces. "I know. I'm so sorry. I was out of line-"
"Because if you're going to be a Companion you at least have to have some respect for my authority, are we clear? You have to listen to me at least eighty percent of the time." She watches a smile break out across his face.
"You mean-? "
Lori extends her hand to him. "Andy Parker, I would like to welcome you onboard as an official Companion. And not just because you can read the poem, but because you deserve to be here with us. It's going to be rough, but we'll help you just as much as you'll help us." He puts his hand close to hers and makes a shaking motion. She follows suit.
"I absolutely accept Fitz."
She grimaces. "No."
"Too bad," He parrots. "You responded. It sticks. I didn't make the rules. I just follow them." This makes her laugh as she pulls Bernard and Bianca out of her pocket.
"And as your first official act, I thought I'd let you see a little magic." She pulls the book out from under her arm and looks at the two mice. "Thank you so much for all your help and good ideas."
Bernard takes off his hat and plays with it. "It-it was our pleasure really. And… and thanks for taking a chance on a guy like us. It means a lot." Bianca merely chuckles and kisses him on the cheek, making him turn red.
Lori opens the book to a glowing poem. "Hands held high Touch the sky You mean everything to me" The two vanish in a burst of light and she sees Andrew staring in pure amazement with a face-splitting smile on his face. It's enough to make her smile too and then start laughing as he looks at her. "I will see you tomorrow for breakfast, Andy."
"Of course, Fitz," he shoots right back. "I'll be there whenever you need me," he promises brightly.
XXX
Ben is studying that night in the library, clearly frustrated as he slams the book shut unable to focus. He heard someone clear their throat and looks up to see Andrew, who gives a small wave. "Hello fellow Companion."
Ben just rises with narrowed eyes, turning to go. Andrew quickly runs in front to block him. "Listen, I heard from Fitz and Caleb that you don't trust me. You think I might be a member of the DIZ Organization, I think it was. Or was it-?" Ben just glares at him, so he skips to the chase. "I just wanted to say that's okay."
This takes Ben a second, but when it does he just looks confused. "Excuse me?"
"It's fine that you don't trust me. After everything you guys have been through I get it. I would be hesitant about the new guy with mice in his suitcase too. So I'm not going to argue or fight with you. Take all the time you need to grapple with things and let me just show you I can be trusted over time. Then I'm sure we can still be friends. You seem like you'd be a great friend with how much you're trying to look after the others," he finishes with a smile. "You're a good guy. I can tell."
Ben adjusts his tie before taking a step forward, the small amount of distance making Andrew uncomfortable. "You seem like a good guy too. Which is exactly why I'm going to find out what you're really up to and unmask you for everybody to see," he threatens in a low voice. "When you think you're just seeing you shadow it's going to be me following your every step. You're going to make a mistake and I will be there. You're right about me looking after my friends. And that is why when I find what I'm looking for I'm going to destroy you."
Andrew stares for a moment, nods, and then steps around him completely unphased by the threat. "I hope you find what you need," he offers over his shoulder kindly as he exits.
"I will," Ben says more to himself as he storms off in the opposite direction to put the book back, determined.
XXX
Meanwhile, Hannah is heading down the stairs to buy something at front desk when she notices Caleb coming up. They both come to a halt on the landing, her looking down instantly. "I'm sorry I ratted you out," she apologizes.
He shakes his head. "I wouldn't have lasted nearly as long as you would have. One of those looks from her and I would have been a goner." He waits a beat before speaking again. "It worked though and we have you to thank for that."
"You have everyone to thank for that," she disagrees. "We took a vote in our one moment of democracy. It was everyone but Ben, which is something we'll need to deal with promptly. I probably could seeing as I have lots of experience in being horrible to the new guys unfortunately," she laughs in a self-deprecating manner.
He just smiles at her. "I miss you," he admits.
She takes a deep breath and closes the distance between them. "I missed you too," she says back. They both stare at each other for a long moment before she punches him in the arm, making him cry out in pain. "Don't ever not tell me about something again, especially when it comes to your past. Got it?"
"I got it," he answers sincerely, rubbing his arm. "That really-"She silences him with a long kiss that sends them both coming up for air. "The things you do to me Hannah Frost."
She merely kisses him again. "How does a date on Friday sound?"
"It sounds like I'll be counting down until then," he answers with a wink. She merely rolls her eyes and starts past him down the stairs. He watches her for a moment before remembering something that makes him somber. "Hannah!" he calls after her desperately. She looks up at him, smiling. "There is something I should tell you because it's… I can't see the poem." Her face drops as he rubs the back of his head, almost panicked. "I can't see the poem and Lori doesn't know and I'm not sure what I should do about it."
XXX
The next day, Andrew is looking around the theatre in his free time. He vaults himself up onto the stage and pulls a deck of card from his sleeve, shuffling them wildly. "Alright miss, I know for a fact that… this is your card!" he addresses the empty audience with his performing voice, holding a card up. "'Why, that's right!'" he then says in a falsetto. "And the crowd goes wild," he adds, mimicking cheering as he bows before hopping down and putting the card back. "Someday, Parker. Someday."
He heads out of the theatre to see Rachel approaching the door. He runs over and holds it open grandly for her. "My lady."
"Andrew?"
"That would be me."
"Sorry," she apologizes quickly. "It takes a bit to get the voice down. Give me half a week and I'll know you just by your footsteps alone."
"It's fine. What brings you here this evening?"
"Tech week for-"She nearly trips over the carpet in the entryway, but manages to grab his upper arm to balance herself. It's only for a moment, but the change is instant as he pulls it away from, gasping and going pale. He steps back from her, withdrawn, as she just manages to catch her balance by swinging her arms. "Andrew?" she asks confused. He starts pacing the room, taking deep breaths as his body trembles. She is concerned as she hears all this. "Andrew? Is everything-?"
"I'm sorry," he manages to get out. "I'm… I need to go. I'm sorry." He takes off around her out the door, leaving her standing there concerned and confused.
"Andrew? What-?"
XXX
Tune in next week as Michael takes his exam and makes his decision about his mother with a little help from a very special imaginary dragon. Meanwhile, it's opening night for a certain play.
XXX
I would like to send a shout-out to a tumblr I discovered that is all about Disney .com. I was mentioned on there with several other great fics and wanted to thank the author for making my day.
I also go through so much music writing this series, I want to give my music recommendation for this episode, a new thing I hope to do every week. For this week it is a song I find very fitting for Andrew Parker and the start of his journey, entitled "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon. Thank you.