The camera closes in on a game of Boggle (probably tm) and I get all distracted in trying to find words and fail miserably, and then I have to rewind to hear what the hell Felicity was saying. FVO tells Sally that she's never been confused; she adds that something has happened that Sally won't believe, but Felicity doesn't know how to talk about it. We see that it's Felicity and Knoll playing Boggle, like, could there be a less sexy board game? I just asked J-Dawg to name a less sexy board game, and he said you would be hard-pressed to find one, so it's not just me. ["Mille Bornes?" -- Wing Chun] FVO tells Sally that she and Knoll have been hanging out because she finds Knoll comforting. Close-up on the timer running out of sand as FVO says that they could go to each other for anything, and that they had an understanding. Felicity accuses Knoll of cheating. Felicity starts reading her words to see how many Knoll also had, and thus determine the score (for those of you who've never played the game.) Knoll stares at her lovingly, and the voice track disappears as Knoll is beguiled by Felicity's beauty, I guess. Sexy music plays in the background. Felicity's last word is "hickey," and Knoll leans over and kisses her.
In her room, Felicity explains to Sally that she has to back up. Felicity thinks that she and Ben have been getting closer. Cut to Felicity weighing a package in the mailroom. Ben walks up and greets her. He makes small talk about pre-approved credit cards, and their high interest rates. Ben says that he's tempted to use the credit card, and Felicity asks what he would buy. Ben doesn't know. Felicity invites him to join her for dinner in the cafeteria. Ben says that he can't, because he's training to try out for the track team. Felicity mentions Ben's high school successes in that area. Ben seems flattered. Felicity wishes him luck, and Ben taps her on the shoulder as he leaves, then squeezes it. Felicity is totally focused on that squeeze as Ben says that if he had the credit card, he'd buy a couple of good pairs of running shoes. Felicity grins as she leaves.
FVO tells Sally that she and Julie are "sort of at an impasse," but that she's sure it'll be fine. In the laundry room, Julie loads clothes into a washing machine. Felicity walks in, and they greet each other awkwardly. Felicity offers up a dryer sheet, but Julie uses fabric softener. There's more awkward conversation until Julie finally accepts the dryer sheet. Felicity takes that as an opening to apologize for accusing Julie of lying, when Julie was just trying to be a good friend. Julie says that Felicity kept reminding her that she could do what she wanted with Ben, but Julie was so busy trying to protect Felicity that she lost sight of what she wanted for herself. Felicity asks what Julie wanted. Julie says that she had a good time with Ben. Felicity says that Julie should date Ben if she wants. Julie says that she's just going to do what she wants to do, which is what she should have done all along. Felicity looks nervous, but agrees.
Just then, a guy yells out "dammit" from the other side of the laundry room. It's Brian Krakow, and he thinks that someone put red food coloring into his laundry. He's very angry. Julie walks over and investigates as Krakow examines some pink underwear. Julie pulls a red shirt out of his washer and asks whether he's ever washed it before. Krakow says that he's never washed anything before. Julie suggests that he not mix whites with colors. Krakow thinks that they should tell you that on the box. Felicity points out that they do. Julie turns to Felicity and says that she feels much better about things between them. Felicity says that she does, too. Julie leaves, and Krakow grabs a handful of his laundry, lamenting that everything is pink. You know, I've been doing laundry for years, and I mix whites and colors all the time, and I've never turned anything pink. Well, that's not quite true. One time, I turned things slightly blue, but I just took out the blue article of clothing, and rewashed the load, and all the blue came out. Just call me Heloise, because I'm handing out hints.
Felicity is in Chemistry lab as the harried male TA with the obligatory ponytail hands out copies of their first experiment. He instructs the students to find a lab partner, and suggests that they look for someone they don't despise too much. Felicity looks at the girl seated to her, who totally disses Felicity by getting up and walking away. Felicity looks around the room and sees Elena sitting alone, also looking around the room. They see each other looking and share a smile. Aw.
While working on the experiment, Elena asks Felicity whether she went to private school. Felicity says she didn't and asks why Elena thought so. Elena asks whether Felicity is good at chemistry. Felicity can't believe that Elena's asking whether Felicity's going to drag down her grade, and says that she got an A in AP Chemistry. Elena says that Felicity can't get mad at her for asking, and Felicity claims that she's not mad. Elena explains that she's straightforward and asks questions when she has them. Felicity's all, "Apparently." After a pause, Elena asks Felicity whether she's sleeping with the RA. Felicity is shocked and tells Elena that she's unbelievable. They bicker some more, and Felicity says she's not sleeping with him. Elena thinks that Knoll is cute, even though "white guys don't usually do it for [her]." Felicity is doubtful about Knoll's cuteness; Elena says that she didn't see it at first, and then she suddenly found herself wondering whether he had a girlfriend. Felicity stares at Elena.
Back to Felicity, apologizing to Sally for jumping around. I'll say! I've stopped trying to get the timeline straight. Anyway, Felicity explains that the university has program by which used dorm room refrigerators are distributed by means of a lottery, and that Knoll was in charge of the lottery. Felicity says that Elena thought Knoll looked cute on the day they had to hand in their lottery registrations. Felicity gets indignant and continues insisting to Sally that she and Knoll are just friends, like, defensive much?
Back to the Boggle game. FVO says that they were just sitting there playing Boggle. Once again, we see Felicity saying "hickey," and Knoll leaning over to kiss her. He leans forward so that she is lying on her back, with him on top, and they continue to kiss. Suddenly, Felicity says, "Wait a minute," and they stop, just as the door opens and Meghan walks in. They stammer and quickly stand up. Meghan says that she doesn't care, and Knoll quickly ducks out. Meghan says that it's premium that Felicity is having "a forbidden affair," because Meghan had her pegged as "this uptight, no fun, follow-the-rules kiss-ass bore." Felicity says that's who she is. Meghan tells Felicity that she "just went up, like a notch." Felicity looks confused and touches her fingers to her lips as we fade to black.
Felicity packs up her book bag in her room as FVO tells Sally that she's been feeling confused lately. Felicity tries to roll up the blind and it falls off the window. FVO says that she's "screwed up" and "on edge." As Felicity goes to rehang the blind, there is a knock at the door. It's the refrigerator guy. He asks if she is "Frotisserie Porter," and Felicity decides that is close enough. Felicity is psyched that she got a fridge. The delivery guy brings in the fridge and calls it "a symbol of independence." Elena sees the fridge and walks in, saying that she didn't get one. Felicity is sure that there are others, but delivery guy shoots that idea down, saying as he leaves that Felicity got the last one. Elena says, "See you in class," and leaves dejectedly. Felicity looks at her fridge, then opens it up and peers inside. She looks around the room and finds an apple on the desk. She places it inside the fridge, and then shuts the door.
FVO tells Sally that she has thought the Knoll thing through "extensively," and that she believes that "the most mature way to handle it...is to avoid [Knoll] at all costs for as long as possible." If only she had stuck to that plan. Felicity rushes down the hall and into the elevator. FVO says that it's a sad feeling to avoid someone who might be her best friend. Felicity sees Knoll sitting in the lounge, but the elevator doors close before he looks over and sees her.
In the cafeteria, Julie sees Brian Krakow wearing a newly pink oxford shirt over a pink t-shirt. She asks whether he's tried bleach, and he says that he has, twice. Julie tries to cover by saying that pink is fine, but Krakow confesses that his whole wardrobe is now pink, and that people call him "The Pink Guy." Krakow says that his favorite jeans have a pink glow. Julie tries to look on the bright side, saying that at least now he knows better than to mix his whites and colors. Krakow says that he'll never forget Julie, if only because of that, and she smiles, so he asks where she's sitting. They grab their trays and head for a table together.
Felicity works in the admission office, looking at files. Knoll barges in and says that they need to talk. Felicity says that she agrees because she's "a big believer in dealing with issues." Heh. Felicity says that they will talk "shortly, for sure," and Knoll presses her to set a specific time. Felicity keeps dodging the issue and making excuses, very awkwardly, finally agreeing to check her schedule and let Knoll know. Knoll replies, "Just for the record, you've never been weirder." Felicity says, "I know." Knoll walks out.
Krakow talks to Julie about the film school, and that it's competitive, but also a great experience. Julie asks whether he's showing his movie to people, but he says he's not yet. Julie makes a joke about his pink underwear.
Felicity walks in slow motion across the street as FVO tells Sally that the track was on her way home, so she dropped by, not knowing whether Ben would be there practicing. Felicity walks into the track and sees Ben running. FVO tells Sally that she remembers watching Ben run in high school, wondering how he learned to run like that. Scott Speedman's long curly locks float in the breeze -- another shot that is now memorialized in the credits. Also, in my opinion, this is about the worst Scott Speedman looked throughout the run of the series. I totally didn't see the attraction until he cut his hair.
Elena knocks on Felicity's door, but Meghan is sleeping inside. Elena asks after Felicity, and Meghan grumpily replies that Felicity is "probably in Noel's room, getting some." Elena is confused, so Meghan clarifies, "She's doing the RA!" Elena is surprised, and Meghan says, "I didn't think she had it in her either." Elena looks disgusted and walks out.
The day in lab, Elena asks Felicity whether she's enjoying her new fridge. Elena keeps going on and on about the new fridge that Felicity just happened to get. Felicity calls her on it, and Elena says she's pissed at the way Felicity got the fridge. Felicity doesn't get it. Elena finally hisses, "I know about you and the resident advisor!" causing Felicity to drop a beaker on the floor. Everyone in the class turns and stares. Felicity starts to clean up. Elena kneels to her and says that Felicity can't deny it because Felicity just "went whiter than usual." Felicity demands to know who told Elena, and Elena says, "That Halloween costume you live with." Elena is upset because Felicity started a "sexual conspiracy" over "a procedure as benign as a fridge lottery," and it makes her wonder what Felicity would do for something really important. Felicity can't believe that Elena thinks that she is dating Knoll to get an appliance. Elena clarifies that Felicity is dating Knoll and getting an appliance, and walks away.
A horror movie plays on the lounge television, and a woman screams loudly as Felicity quickly marches over to Knoll's door, demanding that they talk. Knoll agrees, and points out that he has thought so for a while. The horror movie music continues in the background, as Felicity pulls Knoll around the corner. Felicity says that people are saying that the two of them are dating. Knoll asks how she feels about that. Felicity thinks that they need to figure out what's going on. Knoll agrees and says that he's made dinner reservations for the night. Felicity wonders whether it's a date, but Knoll says it's just a dinner reservation to have a discussion. Felicity agrees to go as the horror movie music continues. Knoll walks away and FVO tells Sally that she and Knoll have "a maybe date."
Julie eats popcorn and watches Krakow's movie, which seems to be a film noir of some sort. The movie ends; Julie says that it was great, and that she loved "the writing and the angles." Krakow asks whether she has any suggestions. Julie says that she doesn't know anything about movies, but Krakow pushes her to say something. Finally, Julie asks about "that little squiggly line at the end." Krakow explains that it's a marker for an optical effect, and Julie feels dumb. Julie says that she didn't understand how Donny died. Krakow's face falls as Julie explains why it was confusing. Julie then says it was disorienting in another scene as Krakow explains that it's a technique and looks more and more pissed off. Julie is just getting warmed up, though, and brings up a boom in the shot. Krakow says that he needs to get back to work, like, get out Julie, and Julie finally realizes that she was kind of insensitive and says that the movie was really good. Krakow doesn't seem appeased, so Julie tries to apologize, but he dismisses her pretty harshly. Julie walks out.
We get an inside-the-fridge cam (which is another shot from the credits) as Felicity sees something that apparently disgusts her in there. Oh, it's a pair of leopard-print underwear. Felicity pulls them out just as Meghan walks in. Felicity asks whether they are Meghan's; Meghan says that they are, and that cold underwear "feels so good in the morning." I can neither confirm nor deny that statement. Felicity asks whether Meghan can avoid putting her underwear in the fridge in the future. Meghan protests, "They're not dirty!" Felicity asks about Felicity's apple, and Meghan says that she ate it because she thought they had an agreement. Felicity says that they don't have an agreement, because they've never had a conversation before. Meghan says that she replaced the apple. Felicity bends down and sees that she replaced it with a tub of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, which Meghan claims "tastes so much like butter." Felicity gets more upset and says that's not the point, and then asks why Meghan told Elena about Knoll. Meghan says that she was proud of Felicity. Felicity says that she's not dating Knoll, and that Meghan is spreading false rumors. Meghan says, "Fine! From now on, I'll keep my mouth shut and my underwear out of your fridge!" If I had a nickel for every time I've heard that line...
Julie (gack!) plays her guitar in the lounge as Felicity walks in. Felicity asks whether Julie is okay. Julie starts to explain about seeing Krakow's movie, and then says that she hasn't seen Ben since the laundry-room discussion. Felicity says that she doesn't have to explain, but Julie kindly says that she knows Felicity was wondering. Felicity admits that she was. Julie goes back to the Krakow story, explaining that she gave her opinion and that Krakow got mad. Felicity says that Julie was just giving her opinion, but Julie thinks that she might have been a little harsh. Julie asks Felicity whether she's okay. Felicity leans forward and says that Knoll kissed her. Julie already knew, because Meghan told her, and asks what it means. Felicity says that they are going on a "maybe date" to discuss it. Julie giddily asks whether Felicity likes him, and Felicity says that she does, but in that "best guy friend way." Julie can't believe that Knoll kissed her, and they giggle. Felicity says that she's going to have to let him down tonight, and hopes they can still be friends. Julie says that she's somehow managed to avoid giving that speech. Felicity asks how, and Julie says that she usually dates them all until they break up with her, which sounds harder, "but it's actually a pretty efficient system." Felicity mulls that over.
Ben gets his mail from his box, as Julie greets him. Ben asks whether she got his message, and Julie replies, "Which one?" Wow, that was kind of mean. Ben reminds her that there's something going on after tryouts tomorrow; the team is going to some bar, and he thought Julie might be interested. Ben asks whether Julie is interested -- if she likes him -- and wishes that she would just tell him. Julie says that she does like him, and that she had a good time with him. Ben asks whether she had too good a time. Julie says that they both know where it would go -- they would date for a few weeks and then get tired of each other and break up, and then feel awkward around each other for the four years. Julie suggests that they "feel awkward with the other people that [they're] going to date and break up with." Ben asks whether she's doing this because of Felicity. Julie says that she wants to keep on thinking that Ben is "a really special guy." Ben smiles. Julie says that she also doesn't want to think that Ben is pursuing her just because she doesn't return his phone calls. Ben says that she knows that's not true, and Julie brightly replies, "Now I always will."
Knoll and Felicity are seated at a fancy restaurant. Knoll catches Felicity looking at him. Felicity asks to be excused, and Knoll stands up when she leaves the table. He grabs some water out of his water glass and flicks it on his neck. Felicity goes to the pay phone and calls Julie. Felicity says that Knoll "looks really cute tonight." Julie asks whether Felicity is drinking. Heh. Felicity says that she's not, and explains that she had to call. Julie tells Felicity to take a deep breath and remember that she can do whatever she wants. Felicity takes a deep breath. Julie adds that Knoll is a great guy, and Felicity agrees. Julie tells her to have fun. Felicity thanks her and hangs up, then heads back to the table.
Once she's seated, Felicity asks when "the actual talking" starts. Knoll says that it can start now, and Felicity tells him to go first. Knoll says that he kissed her, and that she knows that, and that it's something he's wanted to do for a long time. He can't believe he did it, not because he wanted to for so long, or because he was nervous. Felicity asks why he can't believe it, then. Knoll says, "I can't believe I did it, because I have a girlfriend." Felicity looks taken aback and says, "What?" Knoll explains that his girlfriend is in Chicago. Felicity sputters and fumes as Knoll tries to backpedal. Knoll says that he wants to be honest. Felicity asks whether he knows what he is. Knoll suggests, "A philanderer?" Felicity raises her voice and says that Knoll is "a fake, a manipulative phony." Felicity tells Knoll that he is "every long-distance girlfriend's worst nightmare," and asks his girlfriend's name. Knoll manages to get out, "It's Hannah." Felicity stands up and says, "You're disgusting!" and when other patrons look at her, she repeats, "He's disgusting." Knoll asks her to sit down, so she does and hisses that she feels sorry for Hannah, because she's in Chicago while the man she loves is "on a maybe date with another woman." Knoll says that he's been a friend to Felicity and listened to her problems, gave her advice, gave her the fridge, and did everything he could to make her happy. Felicity asks what he means about giving her the fridge. Knoll admits that he made sure she got one. Felicity says that she feels physically and emotionally revolted. Knoll nods. Felicity leaves.
Felicity uses a blanket to drag her fridge down the hallway. She knocks on Elena's door, and then tries to give Elena the fridge. Elena says that she doesn't want "a pity fridge." Felicity explodes that it's not a pity fridge, and that she doesn't use it, so Elena can either take it or give it back to the university. Elena says that Felicity can use the fridge whenever she wants. Felicity thanks her, and Elena thanks her back. Felicity says that Knoll has a girlfriend, and leaves.
At the track, Ben warms up for the tryout as Felicity watches from the stands. FVO says that it was just like high school, and relates a story about a time she watched Ben trying out in high school, quietly, wanting to cheer him on. Ben takes his mark. FVO tells us that Ben came in first in the tryouts in high school, and now she's in the same situation, three thousand miles away. The starter's gun goes off, and Ben starts running.
Knoll knocks on Felicity's door, and when there is no answer, walks in to find Meghan sitting there. Knoll asks where Felicity is, and Meghan tells him about the track team tryouts.
At the track, Felicity watches Ben running. FVO says that maybe one of the reasons Ben runs so fast is because he loves it, and that it must be amazing to be so good at something you love. Knoll walks in and sees Felicity watching Ben. Another runner passes Ben, and some people in the stands start cheering. A second runner closes in on Ben and Felicity whispers, "Come on! Come on!" The second runner also passes Ben. Felicity looks disappointed. Knoll looks over at Felicity and leaves without saying anything. A third runner passes Ben. Felicity looks devastated as Ben comes in last. Ben runs his hands through his hair and shakes the other guys' hands. He squats near the track, looking upset. Felicity just sits there.
Krakow goes to see Julie in her dorm room. He's still wearing a pink shirt as he apologizes for being "so reactive." Julie tells him he was a grump. Krakow explains that he didn't tell her that he hadn't shown the film to anyone before, so there was a lot riding on it. Julie tells him that he was still a grump. Krakow says that he was thinking about Julie's suggestions, and that he came up with some solutions, and that he would love for Julie to watch the movie again. Julie agrees to do that. They smile at each other.
In the cafeteria, Felicity sits alone. Knoll walks in and joins her, saying that he met Hannah his senior year of high school, when she was a junior, and that they've been going out for almost two years. Felicity stares at him. Knoll hands her a picture, and she looks at it and says that Hannah is pretty. Knoll says that he knows, and that last year, when he was a freshman, Hannah was in high school in Boston and they saw each other every weekend, but this year is different. Knoll says that they've agreed to see other people. So doesn't that mean that he doesn't really have a girlfriend? I've never understood that "seeing other people" thing, or "taking a break," either. You're either together, or you're not, in my mind. Knoll says that Hannah was his first girlfriend. Felicity wonders why Knoll's telling her all this. Knoll says that it wasn't fair of him to hang out with her, and that even though it may not seem true, he respects and loves Hannah. He kissed Felicity for a million reasons, but one of them is that he misses his girlfriend, and he's sorry for doing that. Felicity gives back the picture. Knoll takes her hand and they look at each other.
Felicity walks down the street and sees Ben sitting on a stoop. They greet each other and she sits down to him. Ben says he was watching some guy play ball with his dog. Felicity asks about the track team. Ben says that he decided not to go out for it because he needs to concentrate on his classes. Felicity is silent. Ben says that he's heading back to his apartment, and takes off.
"Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star starts playing. Sally voice-overs, "It's funny. Your crisis with Noel is how John and I got together." Julie and Krakow watch his movie together, smiling and sharing licorice. Sally continues, "We met at a garage. I was getting my car smog-checked, and he was getting some part for his motorcycle. We became friends and a few months later, we were at dinner at a restaurant, and to my complete shock, John leaned across the table and kissed me." Elena takes a study break and goes into her new fridge for a drink. Sally says, "I'm just saying that you can't know who that person is, the person who will become your ultimate confidant, your soulmate." Ben walks through the darkened track, alone. Sally adds, "He may be someone you've had your eye on for years, or he might be that guy standing to you in torn jeans, buying some part for his motorcycle." Knoll talks to Hannah, presumably, on the phone. Sally says, "Whoever it is, he starts off as a stranger, so it could be anyone. Since John, I think about that quite a bit." Felicity walks in slow motion down the crowded sidewalk as the Mazzy Star song fades out.