Knoll sits in the cafeteria with that guy with the freaky hair, and discusses his plans to grow a goatee. Felicity walks up and says that she needs to talk to Knoll. Knoll hopes she's not going to draw another line, but Felicity replies that she's serious. The freaky-haired guy gets up to leave, but not before advising Knoll against the goatee. Knoll asks Felicity whether she's okay, and Felicity replies that something horrible has happened, and that Knoll can't tell anyone. Knoll agrees, and Felicity confesses that Krakow raped Julie. Felicity looks like she's about to throw up. Knoll asks whether Julie is okay, but Felicity doesn't know. Julie is okay physically, but Felicity doesn't know whether she's going to "do anything about it." Felicity asks whether Knoll is trained to deal with this situation in his capacity as an RA. Knoll starts spouting off statistics about rape from his RA handbook, like "95% of all rape victims don't report their crime." It sound callous, but he's saying them in a way that suggests that he doesn't really know what else to say. Felicity tearily asks to borrow the book, because she doesn't know what to do. Knoll absentmindedly agrees.
Felicity sits in her room, making a tape to Sally. Felicity explains that she didn't even know Julie a few months ago, and wonders how she came to care about someone so quickly.
Cut to Julie in her room, stuffing sheets in a bag. Felicity knocks and enters, asking whether Julie is ready. Julie asks who will play her in the TV movie, and when Felicity doesn't answer, Julie apologizes and says that going to the hospital seems silly because she's fine. Felicity offers to go in with Julie, but Julie doesn't want that. They leave the room, but not before Julie glances back at her bare bed.
Julie talks to some sort of medical person in the most dimly lit hospital room ever. Julie explains how she knew Krakow, and that on the night in question, they were recording some music and then went to a bar for a few hours. Julie cops to having "a little buzz," and says that then they went back to the dorm together. Julie explains that they started kissing on the bed, but that Krakow wasn't being forceful yet. Julie goes through the mechanics of clothing removal -- his shirt, her shirt, his pants. When the pants came off, Julie said that she didn't want to rush it, and Krakow said that it was okay. Julie explains that Krakow took off her bra, and Julie said that she didn't want to have sex. The medical person clarifies that Julie used those words, and Julie says she did. The medical person encourages her to continue. , Krakow put his hand inside Julie's underwear, and she moved his hand away and said no. The medical person prompts Julie to continue, so Julie explains that Krakow was on top of her with his arms around her, which made it difficult for her to stop him, so she said no "five times, maybe more." thing she knew, they were having sex, and Krakow told her that he loved her. Julie, her story finished, says that she doesn't want to be melodramatic, because she didn't scream, or hit him, and Krakow wasn't violent, and he just left the morning like nothing happened. Julie concludes, "You wouldn't call this rape, right?" The medical person calmly says, "Yes, you would." Julie looks taken aback. The medical person asks Julie whether they used a condom, and Julie says no. The interview continues. Whew! That's a hard scene to recap.
Felicity waits outside in the hallway. Julie walks out of the room and joins her. As they walk down the stairs, Julie explains that she has to take two pills now and two more tonight -- they don't add that it's to prevent pregnancy, but even if you didn't know that, you would find that out season. Felicity comments that it was a good idea for Julie to bring her sheets. A police officer calls out to Julie, because he wants to talk to her in the doctor's office. Julie says that she told the doctor everything, but the cop explains that this is to file a police report. Felicity encourages Julie to do it, but Julie wants to wait and do it later, if at all. Julie takes off and Felicity follows. As Julie and Felicity walk down the street, FVO tells us that if Felicity had never come to New York, she would have never met Julie, and Julie might never have told anyone about the rape. Of course, if Felicity had never come to New York, Julie might be with Ben and not Krakow, and the rape never would have happened. I'm just saying. In her room, Julie takes her pills.
Felicity is studying on her bed when there is a knock on the door. A girl is standing there holding a sleeping bag, and starts babbling about why she is late. Felicity doesn't know what the girl is late for, and the girl explains that she is the prospective student who's staying with Felicity for three days. Oh, remember this deal? The girl's name is Story, and the actress portraying her is one Riley Weston, who was hired to be a writer on the show largely based on her claim that she was nineteen, but then scandale! She turned out to be, like, thirty. Just then, Meghan walks in. Felicity excuses herself and explains the deal to Meghan, who's not happy about it. Felicity tries to ask Meghan to cover for her with Story, but Meghan's having none of it, saying that she doesn't want "to be responsible for an impressionable high-school senior." Story adds, "Um, I'm a junior?" Meghan says that Story can sleep in their room, but that if she touches Meghan's box, she's dead. Meghan stomps out, and Felicity turns and gives Story an apologetic smile. What kind of a name is Story anyway?
Elena is listening to music in her room when there's a knock at the door. Felicity enters and explains why Story is there, but that something "really serious" has happened, and Felicity wants Elena to take Story. Elena asks what's happened. Felicity pauses and asks Elena to be satisfied that Felicity can't tell her, and adds that she wouldn't ask if she didn't really need it. Elena says she'll do it, and Felicity thanks her. Story pops up and starts babbling annoyingly about going to parties and clubs. Felicity and Elena stare at her in horror, and Felicity repeats, to Elena, "Thank you." Elena responds, under her breath, "I think I'm going to have to kick your ass." Felicity wishes them luck and takes off. Story starts babbling again about some club she read about in a magazine. Elena looks disturbed as Story enters her room.
Felicity continues making her tape, explaining that she went to Julie's room and spent twenty minutes just convincing Julie to come to lunch with her. Cut to Julie and Felicity in the cafeteria, where Felicity is proclaiming that her favorite part of college is "the unlimited giant bins of sugared cereal." Testify, sister! Julie guesses that Felicity is trying to cheer her up, and admits that it's working a little bit. Just then, Krakow walks up to their table, all smiles. He says that he's been calling Julie, but Julie makes the excuse that she's been busy. He asks whether she'll be around later, because he wants to show her the movie, and Julie says that she should be. Krakow awkward pauses for a while and then walks away, still smiling. Julie looks disturbed, and on the verge of tears. Felicity watches Krakow joking around with Ben in another part of the room. Julie tries to hold back tears and says that she doesn't know what's wrong with her. Felicity hands her a napkin and looks concerned.
Felicity and Knoll talk to Julie's doctor in her office. The doctor explains that most rapes go unreported, and that even those who do report rape rarely seek counseling. Felicity says that they're worried about Julie because she's shutting off. The doctor suggests using common sense (which I guess never would have occurred to those two) -- that they should listen to Julie and make her feel safe. Felicity adds that Julie keeps saying that she's fine, and the doctor retorts that Julie is not fine. Knoll asks about reporting the crime, and the doctor explains that if Julie reports it to the police, the DA might not take the case, because it was acquaintance rape where alcohol was involved, which is too hard to prosecute. Felicity asks about reporting it to the university. The doctor explains that Julie would file a complaint, write a detailed description of what happened, and then the dean would gather all possible evidence, including testimony from Felicity. Knoll asks whether Julie would have to testify, and the doctor continues by saying that the dean would meet with Krakow, and if the dean feels that there is enough evidence, the case would be passed on to the Student Conduct Committee; then there would be a hearing at which Julie would probably have to testify. The doctor acknowledges that it wouldn't be a pleasant experience, but opines that doing nothing is worse. The doctor concludes that reporting is important, but that it's even more important that Julie talk to someone about it, because "almost one third of rape victims contemplate suicide."
Julie walks down the street and gets spooked by a passing car. Felicity joins her, and confesses that she went to Health Services. Julie is concerned that Felicity gave Julie's name, but Felicity assures her that she didn't. Felicity explains that she talked to a "really nice" counselor, and got some literature. Julie accepts the literature. Felicity suggests that Julie give the counselor a call. Julie says that she doesn't feel like she needs help. Felicity thinks that maybe Julie is too close to the situation to have perspective on it. Julie changes the subject, saying that she has to get to class, and that maybe she'll call later. Felicity mentions that Julie said the same thing about the police, but Julie is already gone.
Ben and Krakow play Need for Speed 3 on the PlayStation. Ben asks Krakow about his movie, and the agent who's coming to his class. Krakow says that the agent is coming week, and that Julie's music helped his movie a lot. Ben asks how things are with Julie. Sean interrupts and asks how much they would pay for a disposable camera, because he's working on disposable camera vending machines, which is actually a good idea. Ben mocks Sean's idea, and Sean tells them that soon they'll be working for him, and he'll fire them. The door buzzes, and Sean answers. It's Darryl, Krakow's RA. Krakow is puzzled, and then goes out to meet Darryl in the hallway. Darryl asks what happened on Friday night, because he heard something about Krakow and a girl. Krakow doesn't know what he's talking about. Darryl asks point blank whether Krakow raped a girl. Krakow is stunned by the accusation. Darryl says that if the rumor is true, he will make Krakow's life hell, because while Krakow is living on Darryl's floor, he is Darryl's responsibility. Okay, this is the one false note in this whole story line -- the RA would not really get fired if one of his advisees committed a crime. It was a really clunky way to get Krakow to find out about the charges. Anyway, Krakow looks like he's about to puke, and Darryl stomps off.
Julie folds clothes in the dorm laundry room when Krakow enters. Krakow explains about the conversation with his RA. He walks towards Julie, who visibly shrinks from his presence and timidly says that she doesn't know. Krakow asks whether she told anyone that, and Julie says that she doesn't think so. Krakow gets louder, asking her to think about it, because it would be a pretty hard thing to forget. Julie says that she's confused. Krakow asks her whether that's what she thinks happened. Julie continues to mumble. Krakow says that he likes her, and that maybe it wasn't perfect, but it wasn't a crime. Krakow starts blaming the victim, saying that Julie kissed him at the bar, and that he didn't attack her or rip her clothes off. Julie tries to get past him to leave the room, but he grabs her arm and pulls her back, asking whether she reported it, and if not, whether she plans to. Julie says that she doesn't know, and that she's confused. Krakow points out that if she does, he'll probably be expelled. Julie asks him to let go of her arm, and he looks down as if he didn't even know that he was holding it. Krakow repeats, "I didn't rape you!" Julie shoots him a look of contempt, and rushes out of the room.
Felicity answers the phone in her dorm room. It's Javier, asking whether she can work the day. Felicity explains that she got someone to cover for her, but the person who was supposed to cover has mono. Julie bursts into the room and angrily demands to know who Felicity told. Felicity admits that she told Knoll, and gets off the phone. Felicity tries to explain that she thought Knoll would know how to deal with it. Julie says that she's the one who has to deal with it. Felicity was trying to help her. Julie says that giving her pamphlets isn't the answer, and that Felicity is treating her in a condescending way, as if Julie doesn't realize what happened. Felicity gets upset, and says that Julie keeps saying that she's fine. Julie spits out that she and Felicity are totally different, and Felicity keeps telling her to do the right thing, but it's as if she's talking a different language because Felicity hasn't even slept with anyone. Felicity retorts, "I don't think I have to have sex to understand when someone's been abused." Julie pauses and then says that the rape was her own fault, because she gives out this message to guys. It's her talent. Felicity tells Julie to listen to what she's saying. Julie says she knows what she is, but that she thought she could start over at college. Julie admits that this is not the first time something like this has happened to her, and that she doesn't think that's a coincidence. Felicity points out that it doesn't mean it's Julie's fault. Julie tells Felicity to give it up, because she's not going to report it or go to the crisis center. Felicity refuses to sit there and watch Julie do nothing. Julie concludes that she's so pissed off that Felicity told Knoll, and she doesn't know why she thought Felicity would understand. Felicity looks stricken as Julie stomps out.
Knoll examines his non-existent goatee in a mirror. There's a knock at the door, and Felicity enters, asking whether he told the other RAs what happened. Felicity is upset, but Knoll explains that, as an RA, he was being responsible, because if there is a known rapist in the dorm, and he raped someone again, Knoll would be in big trouble for concealing that information. Um, thanks Mr. Judge and Jury. Felicity explains that Julie feels betrayed, and that Felicity might have betrayed her. Knoll asks whether Julie's going to call that counselor, and Felicity says that the worst part is that Julie feels that it's her own fault. Knoll explains that there's really nothing Felicity can do, as frustrating as that is. Felicity notices Knoll's goatee and comments on it disparagingly.
Elena studies on her bed while Story very loudly flips through a magazine. Elena tells her to quit it. Story starts talking about some club again, and asks Elena whether she wants to go. Elena asks Story why she wants to go to college. Story says that she wants to become a cytogeneticist. Elena wonders why Story keeps talking about clubs, and blah bling blah. This "story" line is so boring. It was clearly just a ploy for Riley Weston to get some screen time. I mean, Elena is funny when she's pissed off, but I really don't care. I'll shorthand the rest of the scene for you. Elena isn't going to any club. Story is annoying.
Felicity sits in class. Ben walks in and sits to her, asking about Julie. Felicity says that she hasn't talked to Julie. Ben asks what's going on with her, because he heard Julie was raped. Felicity tells Ben that he should talk to Julie. Ben takes that as confirmation, and asks whether Krakow knows about it. Felicity just scrunches her eyes at Ben, and it finally dawns on him that Krakow was the rapist. Ben swallows real hard.
In the cafeteria, Ben walks up to Krakow and asks what happened with Julie. Krakow feigns ignorance, but Ben presses for details. Krakow says that they were hanging out and kissing, and that Julie wanted to have sex. Ben heatedly whispers, "Did you force her?" Krakow murmurs something in reply, and Ben flips Krakow's tray up so that food goes flying everywhere. Ben says that he heard a different story. Krakow repeats that Julie wanted to, and reminds Ben that he was with Julie, so he knows what she's like. Ben says that he and Julie never slept together, because Julie didn't want to. Krakow replies that Julie wanted to be with him. Oh, like she would pick Krakow over Ben in the sex department. Yeah, that's likely. Ben shoves Krakow, who shoves Ben back and accuses him of being jealous. Ben jumps on Krakow and starts beating the pulp out of him. Finally, Krakow pushes Ben off while yelling at him to stop. Ben says, "You see, the difference is when you said stop...I did." Wow. I'm really not about men avenging women's honor or any of that crap, but that was freaking cool. Everyone just stares at Krakow sitting on the floor, his mouth bleeding.
Elena knocks and angrily walks into Felicity's room, bitching about Story. Elena explains that, at 2 AM, Story went through Elena's clothes and picked out an outfit for her so that they could go out. Felicity stifles a giggle. Then, Story woke Elena up and told her to take a risk because she only lives once. Elena replied, "Go to bed, you sixteen-year-old freak!" Felicity thinks that it sounds sweet, but Elena thinks that it's eerie. Elena is sending Story back to her original owner. Felicity thanks Elena for taking her. Elena replies, "You don't even know how big you owe me," and storms out. I love Elena.
Julie cleans her guitar in her room. Ben knocks on the door and enters. Julie notices that Ben's hand is all taped up, but doesn't say anything about it. Ben grabs Julie's shoulder and says that he wanted to talk to Julie, but he's not there to preach to her. Julie half-smiles and agrees. Ben launches into a story about how, when he was a kid, his father would always make promises to be places, and then break them. Ben says that it took him forever to realize that his father is "a raging alcoholic." Ben spent his whole life trying to figure out what he was doing wrong, or how he offended his father. But when he got to college, and got some perspective, Ben realized that it wasn't his own fault that his father drank, or hurt him and his mom. Ben repeats, "It was him. It wasn't me. It was him." As "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush plays, Ben and Julie hug, and Julie starts to cry.
The song continues as Krakow examines his face where Ben punched him. Fade to Julie leaving her dorm room and then entering the counselor's office.
A film projector turns off in a classroom, and the blinds are pulled up. Krakow is sitting near the back. An official-looking woman comes to the door, and the professor motions to Krakow to come forward.
Story and Felicity walk into the dorm. Story is, as usual, being really annoying. Felicity sees Knoll, and tells him that Julie went to the counselor. Knoll thinks that Felicity should take the credit. Felicity introduces Knoll and Story. Story asks Knoll out. Someone please shoot her. Felicity tells Knoll to get rid of the goatee, but Story likes it. She even calls it "super-sexy." Okay, I just threw up.
Story listens to headphones while lying on Felicity's bed. Ben, Julie, and Felicity study poetry. Ben tries unsuccessfully to lighten the mood. Meghan bursts in and gives Story a really fake smile. Meghan takes a spray bottle of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter out of her bag, leading to a conversation between Story and Meghan about how awesome that stuff is. Hee! I just remembered that this scene inspired me to buy that stuff for the first time. It is pretty awesome. Even if there is not one natural ingredient in it. Meghan asks Story whether she looked in her box, but Story didn't. Meghan puts on some gloves and prepares to leave. Story figures out that Meghan is going to a club, and offers to pay if she can come along. The two girls leave together. Julie gets up and says that she needs to talk to Krakow, because he has no idea what's going on. Ben and Felicity offer to come, but Julie says that she needs to do it herself, and leaves.
Julie knocks on Krakow's door and enters to find him packing his things. Julie tells him that she reported what happened, that she's going to testify, and that even though he thinks it wasn't rape, it was. Julie continues, saying that he didn't rip off her clothes, but that it was still rape. Krakow doesn't argue at all, and looks very upset. Krakow explains that he knows he's guilty, and that he's going home to Minnesota. He called his parents and told them what happened, and they want him home. Krakow hands Julie a letter that he wrote, telling her that it expresses how sorry he is and how horrible it must have been for her. Julie takes the letter. Krakow adds that he's probably going to be expelled. Julie protests that she didn't want that to happen. Krakow tells her that it isn't her fault, and admits that he had never had sex before, even though he knows that's not an excuse. Krakow grabs his bag and starts to walk out, telling Julie to read the letter, and that maybe one day she won't hate him so much. He concludes, "I'm sorry." I'm of two minds about that scene. On the one hand, it's really unrealistic that a guy who commits acquaintance rape would apologize to his victim, and tell her that it wasn't her fault, and go gently into that good night. On the other hand, that was totally the non-Afterschool Special way to go, by semi-redeeming the villain.
Some crap-ass Jewel song plays as Sally begins her voice-over. Ben plays a videogame in his apartment. SVO says that it's amazing how we blame ourselves, and that she blamed herself for John's accident. Meghan and Story walk into the dorm laughing together. SVO says that it's human nature to try to make sense of random things. Felicity holds a mirror so that Knoll can shave off his goatee. SVO says that the scariest part is realizing that sometimes bad things just happen for no reason, and we're left to pick up the pieces. Julie reads Krakow's letter in her room. SVO concludes, "I guess that's what we're all doing all the time. Just picking up the pieces the best we can." God, this show was depressing in the first half of the first season. Seriously. Someone kill me now.