Michael Harms finishes an Anatomy book and adds it to his stack. "That should do it," he says to himself as he rises from the couch in his dorm room living area. "I would like to run through it one more time, but I will do that in the morning. Right now I need a good night's sleep."
He heads into the bedroom where his roommates Ben and Charlie Prescott are already asleep in their own beds. He hops into his and settles in. "Just think, tomorrow it will all be over." He closes his eyes, drifting off.
There is suddenly the sound of something landing on his chest that knocks the wind out of him. He opens his eyes to see himself staring at a small purple dragon with orange horns. "Hello!" he greets in a loud nasally voice that causes Michael to let out a cry and roll out of the bed accidentally. "Watch your step!" the dragon giggles, floating in the air as he was flapping his orange wings. "You just fell off Mount Everest!" He spins around and when he stops he is now dressed in mountain climbing gear. "Or at least that's the fun way of think about it! Race you to the top!"
Both Charlie and Ben wake up as Michael stares up at their guest, only for all of their phones to go off at the same moment. Charlie looks at his. "Lori says the book just activated. We have a character." He instantly types a response.
Michael just continues staring up as the dragon climbs an invisible mountain, yodeling as he does so. "No kidding," he mutters, somehow just knowing he's not getting any sleep tonight.
"I reached the top! Hurry up and you could join me!" A full-size hook with rope attached suddenly hits Michael in the face, having appeared from thin air and been dropped on him. He lets out a long groan as Ben and Charlie flinch. "Sorry!" the dragon shouts from above, pulling the rope up. Soon it drags Michael into the air too as the hook has latched onto his pajamas. He just folds his arms as his roommates look on, now giggling about the situation.
They hear their door opening a closing a minute before two heads peek in. "Everybody decent?" Lori Fitzgerald asks sarcastically, earning a laugh from the boys. She then steps into the room in her pajamas with her roommate Hannah Frost right behind her. They spot the scene and have two very different reactions- Lori bursts into laughter while Hannah gasps with both hands to her mouth.
"It's Figment," Hannah declares. Everyone just looks at her. "Listen, he's popular with the hardcore Disney crowd, trust me. Or at least the older version of him is." They just keep staring at her. "He's from a ride at EPCOT- Journey into the Imagination."
"Did I hear imagination?!" Figment shouts, vanishing and causing Michael to drop to the floor. He then appears nose-to-nose with Hannah. "I love using my imagination!"
"Oh God, it's the annoying version," Hannah sighs. "Just our luck. Here I was hoping we could expect a visit from Dreamfinder." Nobody sees Figment look a little sad for just the briefest of moments.
"Hannah, I know I'm normally telling you to restrain yourself when it comes to the Disney knowledge that threatens to come endlessly pouring out of your mouth with every character," Lori admits apologetically. "But you are literally the only person in this room who has any idea what… that is. So I think the room would love to hear what you have to say… this once!" she punctuates with her pointer finger as Hannah opens her mouth.
"There was a ride that was amazing, called Journey into the Imagination. It starred Dreamfinder and Figment- the figment of your imagination. It was creative and fun and little Hannah loved it." Figment has grown bored and starts flying around the room. "But then they got rid of it, but luckily the fans revolted loud enough Disney agreed to bring it back. But it wasn't the same- Dreamfinder was replaced with an unfunny Eric Idle and the Imagination Institute. Figment turned from a lovable to scamp into what you see before you- loud and obnoxious." Hannah puts a hand on her chest. "It kind of hurts my soul to watch him now."
Lori puts a hand on her back. "You Disney people take everything way too seriously. It was a ride."
Hannah just looks at her. "We don't. We just want our childhoods and memories to be as good not only every time we come back, but every time we bring our kids back. Because they deserve it just as good as we had it. They deserve to see magic." Lori clearly grows more sympathetic and actually pats her on the back.
"It looks like he came to you guys for a reason," she tells the boys who groan.
"You're just saying that because you want to sleep tonight," Ben moans. They watch as Figment packs their window with dynamite and then back up, striking a match.
"Leader says he sleeps in the boy's room," Lori orders, crossing her arms. She and a smug Hannah start out, but she sticks her head back in. "Michael gets to come and spend the night with us because he has his test tomorrow." Michael smiles gratefully and goes to follow them; turning to face a glaring Ben and Charlie as Figment blows up some dynamite that shakes the room slightly though leaving no damage.
"Sorry, boys. Get a good's night sleep." They both just stare at the door after the three of them have exited for a moment.
"That was a completely logical decision," Charlie drops the act and climbs into his bed.
"Yes, but we're never letting him know that," Ben makes note, climbing into his own bed and shutting off the light. "Figment! Time for bed!"
"Okay!" The dragon lies down in a bed he created from thin air. "I can imagine in my dreams!" He closes his eyes and promptly starts snoring very loudly. Ben and Charlie both cover their heads with their pillows in a similar manner before trying to drift off themselves.
XXX
So follow me down
Lori stands with the glowing Disney Encyclopedia. She sighs and pulls out her phone.
Where to?
Outta this town
Charlie examines his map and grabs his flashlight.
With you
Girl, you're movin way
Hannah is typing away at her computer.
Too slow
So follow me down
Michael grabs his first aid backpack and throws it on his shoulders.
Which way?
Rachel is performing on stage when her phone rumbles in her boot.
Down, down, down
Ben looks at his phone, adjusting his tie.
I'll show you around
Kaity is drawing pictures of the group absently in her dorm room.
Okay
Andrew runs out the door, nearly tripping, removing his magician's cap from his head.
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 Andrew 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 Nineteen: How Our Minds Create Creations
XXX
Andrew Parker grabs a bowl of cereal the next morning, barely avoiding tripping on the carpet as he makes his way into the cafeteria. He sees Lori, Hannah, and Charlie at their usual table and starts to make his way over. "How am I going to be an optimist about this? Oh how am I going to be an optimist about this?" he sings to himself cheerfully before noticing Rachel Ellis enters the cafeteria. "Oh where do we begin? The rubble or our sins?"
He then reroutes himself so he can pull up next to her as she's being served breakfast. "Hey," he says with a small wave, not even realizing she can't see it. "It's Andrew."
She smiles. "I could hear you singing when I walked in." Andrew winces, embarrassed. "It's okay," she laughs. "Kaity and I are excited to have another person so dedicated to the Arts so we can off-set the Science Squad and the Computer Geeks."
Andrew nods before drumming his fingers on the counter for a moment, working up the courage to say something. "I wanted to apologize… for yesterday. For completely losing it on you. That was not definitely… definitely not the first impression I wanted to make."
She shakes her head. "No, I'm sorry for just grabbing you like that. It was just I reached out for anything I could get my hands on. I wasn't thinking about the germ thing which you made abundantly clear that first day and I didn't respect."
"It was still really uncool of me. Can we just start over?" She nods and he smiles brightly. "Good morning Rachel. Funny running into you here at breakfast. Can I escort you over to our table as a member of the Art Enthusiasts?"
She can't help but smile as well. "Why of course you can." He takes her tray and the two of them take a seat at the table with Hannah, Lori, and Charlie are sitting.
"So are you ready for opening night?" Lori asks, giving a wave to Andrew that he reciprocates.
"As ready as I'll ever be. I've just been trying to keep Finch from losing it," Rachel admits. "I think she's worried about how all of you will react to her trying something like this- that you'll make fun of her."
"Family doesn't do that to each other," Lori makes clear. "And anyone who swings otherwise can come have a talk with me and some time on the bench. We've all got tickets for tonight and we're going to be your biggest fans in the crowd. We would have made signs, but-"
"I'm blind?"
"I was going to say that it's the theatre and not a football game, but that also would have been a bit of a hurdle I admit." Andrew seems almost surprised for a moment that everything doesn't get uncomfortable after that moment. "Well, I am going to speak to a professor before class. The character is safe and sound in the boy's room so everyone just take it easy and focus on their studies and finals, okay?" They all nod as she rises and grabs her tray. "Except for Andy, who doesn't have to suffer like we do."
"I promise I'll be right beside you next semester, Fitz," he promises. "I signed the paperwork this afternoon that I'm officially going here come fall."
"So soon? Not that we don't want you here but you've still got two weeks in your visit before you make such a big decision," Hannah reminds him as Lori heads out with a final wave.
"Positive. I just need to figure out what to do about the roommate situation."
"Caleb-"
"Caleb is a great guy who'd bend over backwards to include me," Andrew insists, "but I know it's his Senior year and the group he's living with is a pretty tight group of friends. They've been together since Freshman year and all living together since Sophomore. I know in theory I wouldn't be intruding and he would insist that, but in a lot of ways I would and I don't want to do that to him if I can. So maybe I'll just go where there's space and meet some new people and hope they're not crazy."
"How about living with us?" Charlie inquires. Andrew looks over to him surprised. "We unfortunately will be down a person with Michael. So we can get the same room and you can join us- be with people you know are only a little crazy for sure."
"Charlie, I really appreciate it, but are you sure-?"
"Of course I am. You're a Companion and it makes it a lot easier when you're with people who understand why you're sneaking out in the dead of night or why there's a purple dragon snoring in your bedroom." He can see this isn't what Andrew is looking for though. "Plus you're my friend and I want to live with you. You seem like a lot of fun and not messy. Plus I can be your audience for whenever you want to practice a magic trick!" Andrew just looks at Charlie, almost floored by his words.
"I honestly can't think of anywhere else I'd want to more live… live more," he corrects with a huge smile that Charlie reciprocates.
"He'd hug you, but you're germy," Rachel cuts into the moment, making everyone laugh. "That room is going to be sterile, which will be a welcome change honestly. We could never figure out what the one smell was, but we're pretty sure it wasn't good."
Charlie rolls his eyes. "It wasn't that bad. All of you guys exaggerate. But we will try to keep things cleaner for your sake. I'll talk to Ben first chance I get and we'll all put you on our forms. And then I should get Michael's blessing. That only seems right." At that moment as if on cue, Michael sits next to him. "Michael-"
"He's following me," the blonde cuts in.
"Who?" Rachel questions, worried.
"The purple terror!" Hannah snorts. "He just appears next to me one minute and disappears the next. In my Math study group this morning he appeared and told me to think outside the box with my imagination… for Stats. That's impossible. But before I could tell him that he laughed and was gone. Now the whole class thinks I have a stupid laugh because I had to cover it up." He takes a bite of yogurt. "I can't do this today. What if he appears during the test?"
"Lori and I will take him," Hannah insists. "We will keep him distracted by any means necessary. I'm the best equipped to handle him and I will." This seems to put Michael slightly at ease. "I wonder why he's only appearing for you though? You'd think he'd be all about Lori like the rest, but he hardly eve acknowledged her."
"I have no idea," Michael sighs, frustrated. "But what were we talking about?"
"Roommates," Rachel brings him up to speed. "I personally have been speaking with somebody but am hesitant to reveal an identity in case I look like an idiot when they back out."
"Okay. What are you doing Hannah?" he asks curiously.
"Living with Lori," she says as if it's obvious. She notices Michael and Charlie just staring at her. "What? We get along… fine and it really worked out these past two years. At this point I really can't imagine anyone else."
"You might want to talk to her about that," Charlie says gently.
"Why? Does-does she not want to live with me anymore?"
"Of course she does," Michael cuts in before she can fly off the handle. "She just knows that she's not what you're looking for. That and the last time she put herself out there about wanting to live with you she got shut down pretty harshly."
"That wasn't me though," Hannah reminds him.
"Doesn't mean she's not scared to do it again," Michael counters. "She wants to live with you, but at this point she's really unsure what you want and doesn't want to hold you back if it's not her."
Hannah nods, taking this in. "I think I know just the thing to do then." She rises and nods to everyone. "Good luck on your test. Break a leg. I will see you all later." With that, she heads out in a rush-cogs clearly turning in her head as she heads back to the room.
Charlie turns to Michael now that there is a lull in conversation. "I asked Andrew if he wants to live with Ben and me next year. He'll inspire us to keep the room clean."
Michael looks at Andrew almost sadly, who sputters a bit. "Only if it's okay with you. I understand-"
"Of course," Michael says without hesitation, stomaching his own feeling. "You'll fit in with them just fine and they'll take real good care of you. It'll be great and you need to do it."
"Alright," Andrew agrees. "Just as long as you know that I'm just a new friend and by no means have any intention or desire to replace you. You're too tough of an act to follow really." Michael gives him a fake smile, but neither of them addresses it as they eat in silence before there is a small pop.
"Imagination!" Figment sings loudly from right next to Michael, causing him to fall over from his chair. He vanishes with a playful giggle as the rest of the dining hall turns to see what has happened. Charlie helps Michael back up into his seat where he lets out a very long sigh.
"It's going to be such a long day."
XXX
Hannah is sitting on the couch in the living area of their dorm, computer perched on her lap as she just stares at the door. It begins to open and she rockets up, balancing the computer in one hand, only to sit back down when it's her boyfriend Caleb Dean. "Expecting someone else?" he questions as he sits next to her.
"I'm waiting for Lori. I have something I need to tell her." She sees him tense next to her. "It's not about you, so don't worry. It's about roommate stuff." She notices he still looks down. "We talked about this," she reminds him, rubbing a hand up and down his arm for comfort. "We just don't tell her. She doesn't need to know."
"It feels like lying. It feels like every time I get a Companion text I am lying to her about my being here. Hannah, the book knows what it's doing. If I can't read it there is a reason behind it. I respect her too much to do this to her."
"She won't take you off as a Companion, so there is nothing to even fret about."
"Then why can't I tell her?"
"Because I don't want to see if I'm wrong," Hannah admits. "She has enough on her plate and might freak out. We're trying to keep her from having a heart attack by the time she's twenty-five." She gives Caleb a quick kiss. "It'll be fine. You're not even involved with this character. You're even graduating a year in front of all of us. Just… keep doing what you're doing. Lori's my roommate and I don't want to make things awkward between us if she makes a decision about you I don't like."
Caleb rises, clearly conflicted. "She's your roommate, but she's also my friend. And friends don't do this kind of thing to one another. I don't want to be the kind of guy who lies to my good friends about something this important." He heads for the door.
"I know. I hear you. Take some time and think it over. Just don't do anything without talking to me first, okay?" Hannah requests, rising and walking to give him another kiss. "We're a team and we'll do this together. Whatever you ultimately decide." He nods and opens the door.
"I hope she says yes," he offers her with a smile before heading out. Hannah sits for a minute before the door opens again and Lori walks in. Hannah rises and dramatically hits a button on her laptop.
"What are you doing?" Lori questions, raising an eyebrow.
"I just submitted you to be my roommate next year," Hannah tells her, putting the computer on the table. Lori's eyes go wide for a minute and she opens her mouth. "When I started college I did want something completely different for a roommate. I wanted a best friend who was popular and wanted to do everything together. But like the book that's not what I needed. I needed a person who infuriates me, who worries me, who challenges me, and who makes me a better person just by being around her. Who sends me on hunts for Disney characters and has a bow and arrow to keep us safe. And that is you. I need you and you are the only roommate I can see myself having these next two years." She walks up to Lori who is just staring at her. "You, Lori Fitzgerald, are an absolute nightmare." Lori snorts but doesn't argue. "But you are my nightmare and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Lori takes a beat before speaking. "You are the only hellish cross between sister and best friend for me. I would be ecstatic to keep being your roommate." The two of them hug for a long moment. "You and I have come a long way."
"We have," Hannah agrees as she pulls away. "It must be some kind of miracle because I was convinced it would never work."
"So was I!" Lori laughs. There is a knock at the door. "Come in!" Michael enters with Figment following behind- water-skiing on thin air.
"I have to get going to the big event, so if you could take this guy off my hands."
"Of course," Hannah agrees. "Figment! Let's go use our imagination to draw some pictures!" she shouts with fake excitement.
"Yes!" Figment shouts, clearly excited at her speaking his language. Hannah gives Michael a quick hug and starts for the bedroom. Figment goes to follow but appears next to Michael. "Remember, use your imagination." A box suddenly appears around Michael before vanishing as he goes to hit it. "Think with the box upside down on the ceiling."
Michael looks up to see the box is now indeed on the ceiling. It falls towards him and he flinches, only for it to vanish into thin air before it hits him. He dusts himself off as he tries to keep his patience with the laughing dragon. "I think I got it for the hundredth time. Use my imagination. I'll log it away. Now go have fun with Hannah." Figment gives him a confident nod and vanishes. "I have no idea why he's here." Lori gives him a long hug.
"You're going to rock it Doctor," she tells him without a hint of doubt. "Don't worry."
"Thanks, Lores. I'll see you for the play tonight." She nods as he heads out the door, her watching him make his way down the hallway.
"What are you trying to tell him, Figment?" she asks herself before heading back to join her roommate.
XXX
Michael sits in a chair that lines the wall of the Science Building- five or six kids in similar chairs around him. He mutters to himself, seeing Jolene Dean across the way buried in her notes. The door opens and everyone sits straighter as a student exits and heads out. A moment later Doctor Bosscher, a young guy with a kind smile, emerges and locks eyes with him. "Michael Harms."
He looks over at Jolene, who locks eyes with him and gives a small nod. He rises and follows Bosscher into a room where he sits on one side of a desk. On the other side are a total of five men- three of his professors and two medical advisors. He makes sure to look all of them in the eye- doing his very best to seem calm and collected.
Dr. Boomsma, the oldest and toughest, speaks first. "We are going to ask you five questions and then judge you on your responses from a one to a five. If when tallied the score reaches above a certain amount you will be notified of your ability to move forward in your Pre-Med degree. Otherwise, you will have to embark upon this venture again next year. Is that understood, Mr. Harms."
"Yes sir."
"Your first question: you encounter a victim of a third-degree burn on their arm. What is your process of treatment?"
Michael opens his mouth, ready to launch into his rehearsed recitations. But then he realizes something and hesitates. Everyone waits. "Would I be able to request more information?"
Dr. Boomsma raises an eyebrow. "I'm sorry?"
"I could launch into a treatment plan, but I'm afraid I don't know much about the situation. Are we in a hospital setting where all the supplies I need are necessary to me or out in the middle of a preserve with just a first-aid kit? I also need more details about the patient. Are they conscious and able to give me details about their medical history or am I winging it because I just stumbled across them? Is the source of the fire still around and is it even safe to approach? I'm sorry, sir, but what you gave me just isn't enough."
They all just stare for a long moment before Doctor Bosscher speaks up. "We'll allow you to come up with the situation. Whatever you want."
Michael smiles, knowing what to do. "The patient is a female student who has been burned and has fallen off the balcony a great height. She is conscious but clearly out of it. I have only a first aid kit backpack with me to treat her."
"What exactly happened to her?" a medical examiner can't help but ask.
"She got thrown off the balcony by Hades from Hercules," Michael says with a completely straight face. They all just look at him. "The point is it ultimately doesn't matter. I'm here and I need to take care of her with the little supplies I have so I can get her to a hospital alive." He doesn't notice a small purple dragon watching outside the window. He's smiling with pride before vanishing. "So the first thing I'm going to do is get her some ice from the training room downstairs. I send someone else as I'm calling 911 because I'm not leaving the patient." He just keeps plowing through as the members of the panel struggle to keep up with their notes.
XXX
Figment appears back in the room where Hannah and Lori are waiting. "Well," Lori questions. "How's he doing?"
The dragon throws confetti in the air. "He figured it out! He's doing it!" He calms down a bit. "I only hope he figures out the other part too."
"What are you talking about?" Lori asks.
"I just get so excited it gets hard for me to say what I really mean," the dragon admits. "Especially when it comes to using your imagination. But I really came to help. I heard what was going on with you guys and I knew what he had to do. I just had to hope he could realize what I really meant- and it seems like he did!"
"What did you really mean?" Hannah asks.
"That's between me and him," Figment says coyly. "I'm sure he'll tell you all about it." They both just look at each other confused and a little frustrated. "I'm going to keep giving him moral support!"
"No!" Lori and Hannah shout but it is already too late. He vanishes again.
"Please don't screw this up for him," Lori prays, falling back into her desk chair.
XXX
"Final question: why do you want to become a doctor?" Dr. Boomsma asks.
Michael takes a beat on this one. "I used to play my tragic backstory here to get pity points- and it was true. My dad never got to be a doctor when he was killed and I was going to bring everything home for the both of us. But I've been thinking about that less these days. Instead I know there are people out there who count on me to keep them safe. It may be rough and not quite what I want, but it's about what they need. I can give that to the girl who falls from the balcony. I'm the only one who can do what I do for them. I have a part to play in this world… and I fully intend to play it." He rises and nods with respect. "Thank you for your time." They all nod back and he exits with Dr. Bosscher behind him. He locks eyes with Jolene who raises an eyebrow and looks at the clock. It has been close to an hour. He merely shrugs and heads out of the building, releasing a deep breath as he does so.
"I fully intend to play it," he mutters to himself. He stands there for a moment in thought. "Think with the box upside down on the ceiling." Something then seems to hit him and he takes off at a run towards the Dean's office.
"Bingo!" Figment exclaims with glee from his hiding spot. "I hope I did you proud Dreamfinder," he says with a glance upward. "I did what I promised I could. I did it." With that, he goes to follow Michael and keep an eye on him.
XXX
That evening, Lori and her Companions have gathered in the theatre with a missing seat and no Michael in sight. Currently they are wrapped up in the final scene of the play where Rachel and Finch Hale are confronting one another.
"He was my husband," Finch growls in her flawless British accent, completely in the moment. "He was my husband and you-"
"I only did what we both wanted," Rachel shouts right back. She is holding her own but Finch is blowing her out of the water honestly. "He wanted me. I wanted him. It was simple." She takes a step back, but forgets and nearly stumbles into the table. Finch makes the hasty decision to pull her forward to avoid it, making it look purposeful as she slaps her in the face.
"Screw you!" she shouts, storming for the door. Rachel falls to the floor. "Friendless and alone, just like you always wanted!" With that, she slams the door and leaves a crying Rachel as the lights go down. The group is on their feet cheering and clapping as they come out for bows before moving to meet them out in the hallway, everyone but Andrew hugging them.
"That's my roommates," Kaity Klingbeil announces to the surprise of everyone. "What? We're Art people together. Plus we've got a place for Finch to crash when she wants."
"I love it," Lori assures them. "Just like you. You were a rock star," she tells Finch. "I didn't know you had that in you."
"She totally saved me almost falling," Rachel gushes. "I wasn't expecting the slap but she phased her hand right through me. It was great judging by the reaction."
"But you were awesome too Rachel," Andrew assures her. "It took the two of you together to make it work." Rachel smiles proudly at the compliment, Finch noticing something.
"Where is Michael Harms?"
Lori sighs. "We're not sure. He's been missing since he went to take the test. Figment too. We're going to try calling him. He wouldn't just skip for no-"
"We know," Rachel assures her. "I just hope he's okay." They go through another group of hugs before the others head out, leaving Finch and Rachel. "They didn't even mention that I did well for a blind person," Rachel can't help but notice.
"They know you better than that," Finch shakes her head. "We picked good friends."
"Yeah," Rachel says with a dazzling smile. "We really did."
XXX
Everyone arrives at the dorm and the girls go to head upstairs after Hannah gets a kiss from Caleb. Kaity puts an arm around Ben as he watches Andrew and Charlie talk animatedly. "So I heard you found a new roommate," she begins.
"I still don't like him, Kaity. There's something he's hiding."
She sighs. "Ben, you need to let it go for now. Lori's right. You have no proof."
"I don't," he agrees. "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to find some when we're living together next semester."
"Well, I'm not letting you go overboard. The poor guy doesn't deserve you torturing him," she comments as Andrew pulls a quarter out of Charlie's ear and makes him applaud. "He seems like the type of guy we need around here."
Ben kisses the top of Kaity's head. "We'll see," is all he'll admit to, causing her to roll her eyes but drop it as she kisses him and heads up after the girls. Ben watches her go before grabbing Charlie and practically dragging him towards the room.
Caleb comes up next to Andrew. "Have fun with that."
Andrew shrugs. "It'll all work out. I just need to earn his trust… and I will. It'll just take time to do like all good things." They start towards their room. "I happen to be a very patient person."
Caleb snorts. "We'll see about that."
XXX
The next morning, everyone looks up from the breakfast table as Michael sets his tray down. Lori is instantly on her feet. "Where have you been?!" she questions. "We've been worrying about you since you ditched the play and Figment never-"
"He's right here with me," Michael assures her, the dragon appearing next to his tray and starting in on his pancakes. "I went to the Dean right after the test and have been on the phone practically all night because I figured it out."
"Figured what out?" Hannah asks curiously.
"My mom needs help and for me to be around," he reminds them, earning nods. "But I want to stay here in school and be with you guys. I need to think of my future too. But it came to me when I was sitting in the test about what I needed to do. I needed to think outside the box and see the other option. So I went and spoke with the Dean and then the President, plus getting my mom to agree to it."
"Agree to what?" Charlie questions, everyone on the edge of their seat at his whirlwind of energy.
"Agree to come to a facility here," he says almost without a breath. "We'd lease out the house and she'd move down here while I'm in school. I'd visit her as often as I could and keep her stable by being around. The President even offered to help find me some Scholarship so I can afford to go to school here still. He said it would be a shame to lose me with my track record and what the faculty says about me."
Everyone lets this sink in with Lori being the first to truly grasp it, hands going to her mouth. "Do this mean-?"
He nods, confirming what she is almost afraid to say. "I found the other way- a way that works for everybody. I'm staying, Lores. I'm going to be back in the fall!" She doesn't waste a beat in tackling him in a hug, Charlie barely a step behind her as they cry and laugh together.
"You're staying," she sighs in relief, clutching him tight. "Thank God!" Andrew observes as the entirety of the Companion group gets up and joins the hug, not even caring the slightest if they're in public. "We get to keep you!" she cheers, unable to contain her excitement. When they pull away she kisses Figment on the head. "Thank you, you brilliant little scamp. You did great."
He blushes. "Thank you. That means a lot. I'm glad I could do what I was sent here to do. Merlin was a little doubtful I could get the job done with me being the way I am."
Hannah pets him on the head. "You did great. Dreamfinder would be so unbelievably proud of what you did and how you used your imagination." He leaps up and hugs her, almost crying himself at hearing that.
Michael locks eyes with Andrew. "I hope you're okay with four to a room next year," he tests cautiously.
Andrew doesn't waste a beat in nodding enthusiastically. "I couldn't dream of a better room. I'm just so glad everything worked out. I had faith it would because that room combination is too good to pass up. The more the merrier after all." They all take their seats again, clearly in a better mood than they have been for a long time.
"I'm sorry I missed the play," Michael apologizes. Rachel and Finch shake their heads, not even concerned. "I bought a ticket for Saturday night and this time I promise I'll fill it. Plus I'll buy two for the play next semester." Everyone can't help but smile at that. "That felt real good to say."
"I felt great to hear," Lori agrees. "The absolute perfect band, now that we have Andy, gets to stay together with nobody feeling like they're a replacement or being replaced and nothing is going to change that. We have our family."
Andrew lifts a glass. "To Lori and her Companions."
They all follow. "To Lori and her Companions!" No one notices Caleb taking a deep breath and look down outside of Hannah, who slides her hand in his comfortingly.
XXX
Friday Finch is with Rachel in her room going over opening night for about the millionth time when there is a knock on the door. Lori sticks her head in with a smile. "I figured I could find Finch here." She steps into the room. "I wanted to talk to you while I'm thinking about it on the subject of what we're going to do with you this summer."
Rachel rolls her eyes. "I've tried to convince her to come with me, but she's not having it."
"I will remain on campus this summer and monitor the situation."
"But Finch, this isn't like the other breaks. This is three months not a few weeks. I just don't like the idea of leaving you by yourself for that long with nothing to do and no place to hide out," Lori speaks her worries.
"I will be fine, Lori Fitzgerald," Finch insists. "I know where I am needed. I will find ways to keep myself occupied- perhaps read in the library and get ahead on next year's studies."
Lori nods reluctantly. "Okay. But if you change your mind I know a lot of people who wouldn't mind taking you home with them, including myself. It's not like you'd eat us out of house and home."
"Did you and Charlie work something out?" Rachel inquires.
Lori smiles. "We did. I get him for a whole month and I can't wait. Hockey game here we come. Nothing is going to stop us this time!" She lets out a cheer. "I'm practicing my Canadian spirit. Break a leg tonight ladies."
"Thanks," the both say as she heads out, for once completely content with how everything seems to be going as she casually makes her way down the hallway.
XXX
Friday afternoon, Lori, Charlie, and Michael are all exiting class together. They head down the hallway when a voice calls after them. "Michael!" They turn to see Dr. Boomsma approaching from his office. "Can I speak to you for a moment?" He nods and the two head into a nearby lab, Lori and Charlie waiting. "We typically put the news in your mailboxes, but I figured you deserved to know now."
"I passed?" Michael asks.
"Michael, not only did you pass by a landslide, but you had the highest score anyone has received since we started this method five years ago." Michael is simply taken aback by that. "You unique perspective and your commitment is astounding. You are going to make a great doctor someday and I look forward to helping you get there."
Michael shakes his hand. "Thank you so much! Thank you! I'm sorry but I have to-"
"Go ahead. Can't leave them in suspense." Michael rushes out of the room and tackles his two friends in an excited hug as Dr. Boomsma watches with a smile. He heads out back towards his office. "I'll see you kids for the big grand opening of the new half of our Science Center." They nods, still clearly ecstatic.
Lori pulls the two into the closet. "Figment!" she shouts and he appears a moment later. "He did it. He passed."
"He passed!" Figment repeats, cheering.
"I couldn't have done it without you buddy," Michael assures him. "You are officially on my top five Disney characters list. I cannot thank you enough."
"I'm just happy you're happy," Figment informs him. "I've been by myself for a while, so it's great to have good friends again." He takes a beat before making a decision. "I think I need to go back now. Everything's how it's supposed to be so you guys can deal with what's coming."
Lori is peeved by things getting cryptic, but buries it. "We can," she assures the dragon as she pulls out her book. "One little spark of inspiration Is at the heart of all creation" Figment gives a last wave they reciprocate before vanishing in a burst of light.
They all head out with smiles on their faces when Michael gets a text that makes him sigh. The other two look at him. "Jolene just checked her mailbox. She didn't make it." He sends something back. "I'll see you guys later," he tells them, taking off to find her.
XXX
Saturday, Rachel and Finch march onto stage closing night to take their bows, hearing cheering from the audience. They squint through the light to see Lori, Charlie, and Michael in the third row of the audience- holding up a sign with both their names and ignoring all the dirty looks they're getting. "Woo! Way to go Rachel! We love you Finch!"
"They made a sign," Finch informs Rachel, a little embarrassed.
Rachel can't help but beam as she nudges her friend. "It's a good thing Finch. It just goes to show that we have excellent taste in friends." They bow with the group and Finch helps her offstage. "Imagine what it's going to be like when one of us gets the lead next time?"
"I'll be expecting a parade," the projection quips, earning a laugh from Rachel.
"And that is why you're my best friend." Finch lets that sink in and goes to say something, but is interrupted by Charlie tackling her in a hug as the other two come up as well. She just decides to take in the moment, happier than she's ever been before.
XXX
Lori walks back to her room after saying goodnight to her best friends. She comes to a halt as she sees Caleb sitting outside her dorm room. "Did Hannah throw you out or-?"
"I came to see you," he tells her, rising. "No offense to Hannah but this is between me and you- our friendship. She isn't happy about it, but it's my choice."
Lori can sense something is wrong and grows more serious. "What is it, Caleb?"
He takes a deep breath. "When I stole the book for Andrew, I looked at it. I was just waiting for him so I decided to glance through it." He pauses before continuing. "Lori, I can't read the poem. The book won't let me see it and I don't know why or what it means. Hannah said to just keep hiding it, but I couldn't do that to you. I couldn't do that to my friend."
Lori just stares at him for a long moment, honestly not knowing what to say. Instead she settles for taking a few steps forward and hugging him. "I want to be a Companion," he lets her know. "I want it more than a lot of them. I want to be part of this."
Lori nods. "We'll figure this out," is all she can offer him, clearly lost in thought trying to figure this out. "We'll come up with something." She looks him in the eyes. "I promise."
XXX
Next week in the first part of a special extended two-part season four finale our heroes face off against one of the most fearsome and famous foes of all time, and someone's not walking away from the encounter.