Meghan is in her dorm room, staring into the mirror and apparently applying something to her nose. There is a knock at the door and she distractedly tells the guy to come in. Some guy enters, and Meghan tells him to hold some ice to her nostril. The guy obliges and asks for Felicity. Meghan yells at him not to touch her nose with his hand, and adds that Felicity's not there. The guy apologizes about the nostril thing and cautiously asks if Meghan knows where Felicity is. Meghan proceeds to stick a needle into her nostril and then groans with pleasure. The guy is clearly freaked out as he asks if Meghan knows when Felicity will be back. Meghan ignores him as she admires her new piercing in the mirror, and says, "I can't even feel it! Bet that's the first time I've said that." There is a knock at the door; Noel walks in and asks Meghan if she's seen Felicity. He notices the needle sticking out of her nose and cringes. As you do. Meghan snarks that she's got better things to do than "keep track of [her] adorable roommate." The guy asks if Noel is the RA, and Noel confirms that he is. The guy introduces himself as Todd Mulcahy, an old friend of Felicity's. Todd asks Meghan if he can leave a message for Felicity. Noel asks if Todd is just visiting. Todd says that Felicity was his first crush, and that he ran into her in the supermarket in Palo Alto over Christmas. Noel asks if Todd came to New York to see Felicity. Todd smiles and sheepishly admits that he came to kiss her. Meghan cracks up on the other side of the room. Noel is shocked. Todd says that he and Felicity almost kissed before, and he needs to know what it feels like. Meghan says, "Well, I think you guys would make the perfect couple." Todd, thinking she's talking about Felicity and him, thanks her. Meghan clarifies that she was talking about Todd and Noel, and then walks out. And...credits.
Felicity sits on her bed and makes a tape to Sally. She asks Sally if she's ever wanted anything so badly that she found herself doing incredibly superstitious things, "like holding your breath until the second hand gets to the twelve, just for good luck." They have a name for that, Felicity. It's called OCD. FVO continues, explaining that she was in a seminar with Dr. McGrath, a well-known geneticist. FVO lists all of McGrath's credentials, and adds that if you are published under him, you can get into any medical school you want. Felicity and Elena sit in the seminar, taking notes. FVO explains that, every year, two hundred students apply for the seminar and only ten get in. McGrath explains that he will give them all an exam on Thursday, and will be interviewing them as well, and then will make his final selections. FVO says that when she told her dad about the seminar, he said that getting the seminar is "monumentally important."
Felicity is highlighting something in a book when Noel walks up and sits down, saying, "Todd Mulcahy." Felicity asks how he knows Todd, and Noel explains that he just met him. Felicity is surprised. Noel says that Todd was in her room, and asks who he is. Felicity says that he's just a guy she knew from summer school. Noel hands her the message Todd wrote. Felicity reads it aloud: "Felicity, guess who? Come on, guess. I'll give you a hint. T - - - Mulcahy. I'm staying at the Hotel Rockmore. Call me. It's urgent." Noel says that apparently Todd came to New York to kiss her, and that Felicity saw him over Christmas. Felicity explains their supermarket run-in and expresses surprise that Todd said he wanted to kiss her. Noel says that, as her boyfriend, that kind of put up a red flag. Felicity thinks that Noel must have misunderstood, but Noel is sure that he didn't.
Cut to Felicity on a pay phone, saying that she's panicking. Noel thinks that proves that Todd affects her. Felicity says that she's panicking about the seminar thing, and about the possibility of having an interview. Noel advises her to talk to someone who has taken the class. Felicity says that she thinks that's a good idea, as she gets through to the hotel and asks for Todd. Noel whispers something to her that I can't quite make out, and Felicity tries to ignore him. Richard walks up and asks if Noel got his request. Noel says that he submitted it to the student council, but they said that no dorm resident is allowed to install a satellite dish in his room. Richard is disappointed. Noel tries to blow him off and listen in on Felicity's conversation. Richard spits, "How can you live with yourself?" Noel asks what he's talking about, and Richard points out that Noel doesn't care so much about the rules when it comes to his relationship with Felicity, his advisee. Noel looks confused. Felicity tells Noel that Todd's visit is totally innocent, and that Todd's going to meet her at work. Richard tells Felicity that she makes him sick, and then tells Noel, "That dish is going up, or you're going down." Felicity asks what that was all about, and Noel asks if he should be concerned about Todd's visit. Felicity assures him that it's fine.
Sean digs into a giant mixing bowl filled with cereal, and tastes it. Ben walks in. Sean asks if he wants to try it, and Ben doesn't. Sean finally talks Ben into trying a spoonful. Ben immediately grabs a bowl and spits it out, asking what the hell it was, and advising Sean, "Whatever that is, don't pursue it." Sean admits it needs a little work. Sean says he's going to the market and asks if Ben needs anything. Ben immediately retorts, "Mouthwash." Hee! Sean leaves. Ben walks over to the table and sets down a glass of juice. He picks up a piece of paper and reads it, and then rubs his eyes. Julie walks out of the bathroom in a towel and says that she couldn't get the shower head to stop dripping. Ben holds up the piece of paper and Julie says that she just filled out an application. Ben says he thinks that it's incredibly stupid for her to apply for a job with her birth mother, Carol, before she tells Carol that she's Julie's birth mother. Julie looks taken aback at Ben's venom. Julie hesitantly says that it would be a chance for her to get to know Carol. Ben snaps, "Whatever. It's stupid." Julie sarcastically thanks Ben for his permission and walks off. Ben follows her down the hall and apologizes, saying that he's in a stupid mood and it has nothing to do with her. Julie looks receptive, so Ben continues, "I talked to my dad this morning. He's being a real dick. He's going to cut me off. He doesn't want to help support me anymore." Julie asks why, and Ben says that he doesn't know why his dad does anything. Ben adds that he doesn't want to see Julie get hurt. Julie nods. Ben apologizes again and kisses Julie on the cheek.
Elena walks into the mailroom in her dorm. Blair walks in and says hello, adding that he left her a hundred messages. Elena says she doesn't want to talk to him. Blair asks what's going on, and whether she wants to get some food. Elena says, "I'm warning you. Walk away." Dude, listen to her. Blair doesn't, asking what's wrong now. Elena turns and decks him. Blair falls to the ground. Elena says, "I saw you. I saw you with her. Stay away from me." Elena walks off.
Felicity highlights some stuff in a book at Dean & Deluca as FVO says that it was a challenge to balance her school work, her work study job, her job at Dean & Deluca, and studying for McGrath's exam. Felicity tells Sally that she felt like everything was under control "until it happened." Javier walks up and asks Felicity if he looks thinner. He tells Felicity to look carefully, and does a slow turn. Felicity notices Todd walk in and asks if she can take her break now. Javier thinks that means he looks fat. Felicity says that Javier looks great, but that her friend is there. Javier tells her to ask Todd what he thinks. Felicity gives Todd a big hug. Todd says she looks great, and they sit down at a table. Todd asks if she minds if he just jumps in. Todd says, "I've come to kiss you." Felicity looks confused. Todd says that, at one time, they had a pretty intense relationship and almost kissed. Felicity's like, "We did?" Felicity says that she was only twelve. Todd says that he just wants one kiss. Felicity says that she has a boyfriend, Noel, and that their relationship is pretty serious. Todd says, "For once in my life, I'm disregarding logic. I'm taking this huge romantic risk." Felicity says that she's actually done that, and that it doesn't turn out the way you would expect. Todd stands up, but doesn't seem that upset. Felicity says it was good to see him again, and tells him to have a safe trip back home. Todd says that he came to New York to get that kiss, so he'll call her. Felicity looks kind of disgusted as Todd leaves.
Felicity and Elena sit in the lobby of their dorm and talk to a woman who took McGrath's seminar when she was an undergrad. The woman says that it's weird to be twenty-four years old and have one of the most profound experiences of her life behind her. Felicity can't believe that McGrath's seminar was that good. The woman says that McGrath "challenges you in ways you could never predict." Elena chuckles and says that McGrath also has "a sexy thing going on." The woman very seriously agrees. Felicity asks what they should expect from the exam. The woman starts listing off the topics and Felicity and Elena start taking notes. Felicity looks up from her notes and sees Todd standing in the doorway, waving goofily. She excuses herself and tells Elena that Todd is there.
Felicity walks up to Todd and says hello. He says that it's probably a bad time, but that he was going to drop something off and saw her sitting in the lobby. He hands her a small gift. After a beat, Felicity takes it. Todd tells her to open it and says it's nothing. Felicity tears off the paper to find one of those mini-license plates with her name on it. Todd reminds her that she always said she could never find one with her name on it. Felicity smiles and says that she not only remembers that, but every time she's in a toy store, she looks at the rack to find one. Todd admits that he had it specially made. Felicity smiles, and Todd says that it's stupid. Felicity says that it's really sweet, but that it's not a good time in general because of all of her obligations, including her boyfriend. Todd admits that Noel seems like a good guy. Todd swallows a couple of times and then tells Felicity to take care. Felicity thanks him again for the license plate. Todd walks off sadly and waves goodbye. Felicity tells Sally, "I thought that was it [eye-roll]. That was not it."
Felicity and Julie check their mailboxes. Julie reminds Felicity about the application from Carol's office. Felicity remembers. Julie says that she applied for the job and that they called her yesterday. Felicity asks if she's going to take it. Julie says that she has training that day and asks if she looks okay. Felicity checks her mail and asks Julie if she's talked to Carol yet. Julie says that she hasn't, but admits that she has a fantasy that they can get to know each other before the truth comes out. Felicity walks up to the counter and hands over a slip to claim a package. Julie says that she wants to get to know Carol before she says anything. Felicity assures Julie that she looks great. The counter guy puts this giant box up on the counter. Julie asks what it is, and Felicity says that she guarantees it's from Todd. She tells Julie that if anything happens today, good or bad, to call and they can meet to talk it over. Felicity's a good friend. Julie asks Felicity if she needs help with the gigantic box, but Felicity says that she's got it. She puts her mail in her mouth and struggles to pick up the box and carry it off.
Ben enters some numbers into a calculator and then looks sad. He walks up the stairs to Sean's room and says he needs to talk. Sean reads a letter he's been working on about his breakfast cereal invention. Ben says that the letter sounds good, and then admits that he's out of money and he was hoping that he could owe Sean rent. Sean sighs and says that he would agree, but he can't. Ben says that he understands. Sean says that his monthly mortgage payments kick his ass, so until one of his ideas hits, he has to supplement his income with roommates. Sean keeps going on and on about how he hates roommates, and hates not being able to walk around naked, and not being able to watch porno, and Ben looks like he wants to interrupt but is also frightened. Sean concludes that since the other guys moved out, Ben is his only source of income. Ben says that he understands. Sean looks at Ben, who sighs heavily. Sean says that Ben can be late one month, but he can't carry Ben beyond that. Ben thanks Sean profusely and says that he'll find a job right away. Ben compliments Sean's letter again, and walks off.
Julie gets a tour of her new workplace. The tour guide points out the offices of the various partners, including Carol Anderson's. Julie interrupts to ask what Carol is like. The tour guide says that Carol is really great and then continues the tour while Julie stares forlornly at Jane Kazcmarek...I mean, "Carol Anderson."
Noel walks into Richard's room to find Richard welding something. Noel asks what's going on, and Richard says that Noel should give up being all sanctimonious. Noel asks what Richard is making, and Richard says he's making a support arm for his satellite dish. Does anyone else think that there's no way Richard would know enough about anything to weld something? Noel says that he already told Richard he couldn't do it. Richard says that the only way he will get in trouble is if Noel reports him, and if Noel reports him, Richard will tattle about Noel and Felicity's relationship. Noel asks if this is blackmail, like duh, Noel, obviously it is. Richard returns to his welding. Noel ineffectually shields his eyes from the sparks.
In her dorm room, Felicity opens her giant package and starts pulling things out. Noel knocks and enters and says that he wishes his parents sent him packages like that. Felicity says that it's from Todd, and Noel immediately gets all insecure. Felicity tells him to check the answering machine. Noel listens to a message from Todd asking Felicity to give him a call at the hotel. Noel asks if she called him, and Felicity just points to the answering machine, where another message from Todd has begun playing, asking her to call him. A few more messages follow from Todd, all begging Felicity to call. Noel says that Todd called Felicity his first crush, and wonders if that's accurate. Felicity shushes him to listen to the following message: "Meghan, it's Bridget. You have my boots, you bitch. Call me." Felicity says that she meant the one. It plays: "Felicity, I just want to sit down with you so I can make my case, but you won't call me back. I can't believe it's come to this. I dare you to go out with me. [pause] It's Todd." Noel looks shocked and says that this is a problem. Felicity finds a letter inside the box and starts reading it. The letter explains that the contents of the package are "a Felicity time capsule, circa 1992." Todd hopes that it will "rekindle a childlike sense of wonder" that he's afraid she has lost. Noel is excited to find some Mallomars in the package, and then asks if Felicity told Todd to get lost. Felicity asks if Noel thinks she's lost her childlike sense of wonder. Before Noel can answer, Meghan walks in. Felicity asks what happened to her nose, which is all red and swollen. Meghan says that it's infected, thanks to Todd Mulcahy. Felicity asks how Meghan knows Todd. Meghan just glares. Noel asks if he should be concerned about Todd. Felicity says that she was twelve, and never had a crush on him. Noel asks if she's going to be firm. Felicity says that she doesn't have time to be firm with all of her other problems. Meghan says that if Bridget calls, "tell her if she wants her boots back, she can pry them off my cold, dead feet." Noel asks Felicity if there is a plan regarding Todd. Felicity says that she doesn't want to be cruel, so she guesses she should go talk to someone who knows what it feels like to be stalked. Noel, scared, asks, "Who?" Cut to Felicity knocking on Ben's door. Ben answers and asks what's going on. Felicity asks if he's got a minute. And...commercial.
Felicity and Ben sit at the table. Felicity says that she knows this is sort of a touchy subject, but when they first came to New York, she was "a little, uh, stalkeresque." Ben laughs. Felicity laughs, too, and says that he was afraid. Felicity says that she needs some advice, because now she's on the other side of the equation. Ben asks if she's stalking somebody else. Felicity explains about Todd Mulcahy, concluding, "He came all the way to New York, convinced that we're, like, soulmates or something." Ben says, "Imagine that." Ha! Ben laughs at his own joke. Felicity asks if she ever apologized to him, and Ben says that it's in the past. Sean walks in and asks how it's going. Ben says that Felicity has a stalker. Sean asks, "Got, or is?" Felicity looks disturbed. Sean asks if they'll try out some milkless cereal. Felicity agrees to try, and then explains her situation to Ben some more. Sean walks over and gives Felicity a bowl of cereal. Ben asks if Felicity knows where Todd is staying, because he'll go talk to Todd. Felicity thinks she should deal with it herself. Ben says that he'll deal with it. Felicity thinks that would be great, since she has so much going on, and thanks Ben. Sean asks her to try the cereal. Felicity takes a spoonful and immediately looks like she's going to throw up. Ben hands her a coffee cup to spit the cereal into. Sean asks, "What? No good?" Ben says, "No, she loved it." Hee!
Ben arrives at the hotel where Todd is staying. He knocks at the door and asks for Todd, and then orders Todd to open up so they can talk. Todd opens the door and Ben and Todd stare at each other for a minute. Finally, Ben laughs and says, "Dude!" Todd responds, "'Sup?" They hug and Todd invites him in.
Carol Anderson works on something while talking on the phone. Julie delivers her lunch. Carol gets off the phone, introduces herself to Julie, and thanks her for lunch. Julie kind of stands around like an idiot until Carol invites her to share her lunch. I wish I had a job where people had to bring me lunch. Carol asks if Julie is studying architecture. Julie says she's thinking of majoring in music. Carol says that she used to play guitar, too. Julie asks weirdly if Carol is happy, and then adds that she was referring to Carol's career as an architect. Carol mumbles something that I don't quite catch and Julie says that she was born in New York but grew up in Maine. Carol says that she's a Manhattan native, and that she moved to Connecticut with her husband. Julie asks if they have kids. Carol does, and produces a picture to show Julie of her twelve-year old and ten-year-old. Julie looks at the picture and says that the kids are beautiful.
Felicity and Elena study in the library. Felicity says that she just got a rush of confidence, and she knows that she and Elena are going to do very well on the McGrath test. Ben walks up and says that he talked to Todd. Felicity hopes that Ben wasn't too mean. Ben explains that he and Todd used to "party" together, and used to skateboard together, but that he never knew Todd's last name. So they ended up watching some movie together in the hotel room. Elena cracks up, but Felicity says that it's not funny, because the guy won't give up until he kisses her. Ben says that Felicity should let Todd kiss her, because he's a good guy. Felicity says that Ben was supposed to help. Ben says that he needs a job, and asks if they need anyone at Dean & Deluca. Elena looks at Felicity like, "Do you really think this is a good idea?" Ben asks Felicity to put in a good word for him. Felicity agrees to do so. Ben repeats that Todd is a good guy, and walks away.
Elena and Felicity (along with a bunch of other students) take the McGrath exam as "Rapture" by Blondie plays. Felicity looks up and sees Todd leering at her from the window in the classroom door. He waves and holds up one finger. Then he holds up a series of papers that say, "When can we sit down? Tonight?" Felicity tries to get him to go away, but she finally agrees just to get him out of there. He holds up one last sign that says, "Good luck!" Felicity shakes her head at him in annoyance, and he waves again and leaves.
Javier interviews Ben at Dean & Deluca. Ben admits that he's never worked in food service before, but says that he thinks he'd be pretty good at it. Javier asks if Ben likes coffee. Ben says that he does, and Javier admits that his skin breaks out when he drinks it. Ben acts all interested. Javier makes small talk about Ben's job in a sporting-goods store. Ben finally cuts to the chase and asks if he has a shot at the job. Javier says no. Ben can't believe it and sighs. Javier says, "I'm keeeding! You know I love you. I just have to go through the motions." Ben looks relieved. Javier asks if he can start the day, and if he has any aversion to wearing a black hat. Ben asks if he has to wear it.
Noel slips flyers under the doors of the residents. When he gets near Richard's room, he hears revelry inside. He enters to find Richard with his dish installed, and many people watching some boxing match. Noel stares at Richard for a while, and then just hands him a flyer and leaves. Out in the hall, Noel sees Todd sitting on the floor outside Felicity's room. Noel asks what Todd is doing there. Todd says, "Hey!" all happy. Noel responds, "No! No 'hey'! No 'hey'! You're here to see Felicity!" Todd guesses that Noel is mad because he's Felicity's boyfriend. Noel says that he's not mad, but that he wants Todd to stay away from Felicity. Todd asks if he's supposed to turn off his heart. Noel thinks that Todd should, adding that he wants Todd to stop hanging out with Felicity. Todd admits that he's supposed to have dinner with Felicity. Noel can't believe they made plans. Todd apparently has ADD because he tells Noel that his t-shirt is awesome. Noel, of course, brags that he designed it himself. Noel tries to get back on track. Todd brings up Photoshop and they talk about computers and Noel totally forgets about Felicity.
Elena, Ben, and Julie eat lunch together at Dean & Deluca. Julie says that she really likes Carol, even though she thought she would be mad or upset when she saw Carol. Elena clarifies that Julie still hasn't told Carol. Julie says that she hasn't, and that she feels bad about it. Elena thinks that "taking that job without telling [Carol] is wack." Because Elena's black, so she has to say things like "wack." Elena asks Ben if he's tried to talk some sense into Julie. Ben says that he's just trying to be supportive. Julie gives him a kiss. Ben says that they have to go. Julie protests that she's still eating, but Ben insists. Julie looks up to see that Blair has joined them at their table, so Ben and Julie leave. Elena chews her food and ignores Blair, who asks if she will hear him out. Blair says that he wanted things to work out between them, which is why he freaked out when she said she might have to drop out of school. Blair adds that Elena is tough, and that she disappears when she has work to do. Oh, blame Elena because you cheated. Good one. Elena points out that Blair could have talked to her about it before sleeping with one of her friends. Blair says that he didn't sleep with her. Elena says, "Well, you really should. That way, I know you're sleeping with a bitch, and she's not that satisfied." Ooooooooh! Burn!
Felicity walks into Noel's room, where Todd and Noel are giggling over something at the computer. Todd says that he was just showing Noel this webpage, "The Contemptuous Sardonic..." Wow. Now that is a shout-out. Felicity wonders why Todd is hanging out in Noel's room. Noel explains about the computer. Todd and Noel both ask about the McGrath exam, which Felicity says was fine. Todd says that he came to pick Felicity up. Felicity says that she's not ready yet, and Todd promises to wait. Felicity thinks they should just meet there. Felicity gives Noel the stink-eye as she walks out.
In her room, Felicity pulls on a sweater as a knock comes at the door. She makes sure that Noel is alone before she lets him in. He tells her that she looks beautiful, so she immediately changes her outfit, because she wants to look "way below average." She tells Noel to lock the door and then asks when he and Todd became such good friends. Noel says that he was also freaked out at first, but he feels bad for the guy, and he's confident enough in his relationship with Felicity to think it's nice that Felicity is going out with Todd, because most people would blow him off. Felicity says that she tried that, but that she doesn't want to be mean or hurt Todd's feelings; she just wants him to go home. Julie knocks on the door, and Noel lets her in. Felicity reminds him to lock the door. Julie asks if Elena has called, and explains that they were eating at Dean & Deluca on Ben's work break when Blair showed up. Noel is surprised to learn that Ben is working at Dean & Deluca, and Felicity brightly says, "It was Todd's idea." Felicity asks what happened with Elena, and Julie says that she left before anything happened. Julie asks where Felicity is going, and Felicity says she's going out with Todd. Julie says that she likes Todd, and Felicity asks how Julie knows him. Julie says that he came over to Ben's apartment last night and cooked dinner. Julie says that Todd thinks she should definitely send Carol the tape she made. Felicity points out that Julie is taking advice from a guy she barely knows. Julie says that Todd seems really cool. Noel points out that Julie is not his target. Felicity is ready to go. Noel makes sure that there is no way that Felicity is going to fall for him, and Felicity kisses Noel and says she won't.
Felicity meets Todd at Tribeca Food, a restaurant. He thanks her for showing up. Todd says he'll cut to the chase. He tells a story about going to the supermarket twice on the day they ran into each other, so he thinks it was fated that they ran into each other. Todd reminds Felicity that she was really stressed out about her grades that day, and that she said, "See, nothing's changed." Felicity claims that it was a figure of speech. Todd says he knew what she meant, because he's still the same guy he was when they knew each other, and he thinks she's the same girl. Felicity sighs and says that this is flattering. Todd reminds her about a time they sat together and watched the sunset. Felicity remembers that. Todd says that there was a moment when they almost kissed. Felicity says it was a long time ago. Todd says that's what he means, because he should have forgotten about it, but he hasn't, and that Felicity hasn't, either. Felicity says that, at the time, it was a big deal. Todd asks why. Felicity doesn't know. Todd says that they represented something to each other. Felicity wonders what they could possibly represent. Todd answers, "An alternative. Because even then, we knew there were expectations. And you and I always encouraged each other to do what we wanted to do. I mean, that's why I gave you those art supplies." Felicity looks stunned. Todd reminds her that she used to draw. Felicity tries to downplay it, but Todd says that she secretly wanted to be an artist. Felicity says that she appreciates what he's done, but that she's not interested in him, so she wants him to stop calling. Felicity tells him to take care and gets up. Todd asks if she's just going to walk away. Felicity says that she is.
Todd follows Felicity outside and says that he should have kissed her six years ago. Felicity tells him that he's being rude. Todd says that their kiss would have meant something, but that he missed his window of opportunity, and now he's trying to reopen that window. Felicity thinks this should go on record as "the most failed seduction in history." Todd keeps begging her to kiss him, because it will only take a second, and they'll know immediately. Todd says, "Felicity, we can run off together and do anything we want." Felicity asks how he knows she's not already doing what she wants. Todd asks if she is. Felicity thinks a minute and then tells him goodbye. Todd walks backward out into the street, facing Felicity on the sidewalk. He promises her that they will kiss. Felicity looks to the side and warns, "Todd." Todd concludes, "I am down, but I am not, in any way, out." The last word of that sentence is barely out of Todd's mouth before a bus creams him. Felicity recoils in horror. Man, I remember watching that scene when this episode aired and screaming. I so didn't expect that to happen and it looked so realistic. To be continued.