Previously on Felicity: Noel went to visit a therapist and was prescribed medication for his depression. On Thanksgiving, Felicity told Javier and Meghan that Ben and Lauren were just friends. Later, Felicity returned Ben's call, but he didn't pick up the phone, because he was too busy making out with Lauren.
Ben walks down the street, wearing his regular green peacoat-style jacket. Felicity walks toward him, wearing her Michael Jackson red leather jacket and a stripy scarf that, while cute, totally doesn't match. ["I despise that jacket." -- Wing Chun] Felicity spots Ben and says hello. He stops and smiles back at her. They exchange pleasantries. Felicity notes that she is on her way to work, and that she hasn't seen Ben there in a while. He admits that he cancelled all of his shifts for the week. There's an awkward pause. Felicity asks Ben if he ever got her message. Ben looks guilty and then apologizes for not calling her back, since he's been busy. He has his O-Chem exam this week, and he's been studying every night. Well, except for that one night when he was having sex with Lauren. He leaves that part out, though. Felicity pauses, obviously disappointed, then assures him that he'll do well. Ben thanks her, and they go their separate ways. After walking away, Felicity turns and looks back at Ben, probably thinking, "So why did he call me and leave that cryptic message if he wants nothing to do with me?" Ben walks away, shaking his head, probably thinking, "I can't believe I slept with Lauren. Man."
Noel stands at a sink, having just finished shaving. He rinses his razor, and then grabs a prescription pill bottle and shakes out two pills that look a lot like Prozac. He gulps them down, and then places the razor and bottle in the medicine cabinet. He pauses for a second, then takes the bottle back out.
Noel visits Dr. Masur, who asks how the medication is working out. Noel says that the situation hasn't changed, but that things seem better. Dr. Masur asks him to be more specific. Noel struggles for the right words, and finally describes it as "clearer, like before [he] was looking through a dirty window, and now it's clean." Dr. Masur asks what is clearer. Noel says that it's clear that he needs a job, but that he screwed up his chance with his former employer. Dr. Masur asks if he still wants to work in graphics. Noel says he really wants to start his own business, but he "just keeps getting sidetracked somehow." Dr. Masur asks Noel what is distracting him, and reminds Noel that he said he didn't look for a job over the summer because he was spending all his time with Felicity. Dr. Masur suggests that Noel spend less time with Felicity until he finds a job. Noel looks a little upset at the prospect of his life without Felicity, and says that he doesn't know if he can do that.
Felicity is working at Dean & Deluca, and chatting with Javier. Felicity expresses admiration that Ben has found something he loves, and is working toward his goals. Javier is upset that Ben has cancelled all of his shifts in pursuit of his goal, and points out that Felicity loves painting, but still didn't cancel all of her shifts. Felicity thinks that maybe she should, and Javier calls Ben "a bad influence." Felicity tells Javier that she feels bad that she hasn't taken advantage of the opportunity she has in working with Jeremy Cavallo to try to further her art career. Javier compares it to when he used to live in the apartment below Tito Puente, and he never introduced himself, and now Tito Puente is dead. Javier feels like he "wasted the opportunity of a lifetime." Felicity thinks this over, then turns and tells Javier that she's going to go show Cavallo her work and force him to let her into the Honors Art seminar. Javier is glad to hear it, and then asks Felicity to take over one of Ben's shifts. Felicity sighs, and then agrees to do it, but says that she can't take any more. Javier agrees, "Okay, no more. No more. And Monday?" Felicity walks off, telling Javier no.
Sean is bitching about some store that is refusing to sell Schmegan shirts. Meghan rushes around the loft, cleaning things up in preparation for the arrival of her younger sister. The buzzer rings, and Meghan rushes over and recites some weird rhyme in tandem with her sister that goes, "Hey you! Hey you! Hey you you you! I hate you! I hate you! Bye! Happy holidays!" Meghan buzzes her sister in and assures Sean that he'll love her sister. Sean is preoccupied with his retail rejection. Meghan keeps telling Sean how great her sister is. Sean wants Lila (Meghan's sister) to wear a Schmegan sock shirt, but Meghan isn't having it. Meghan opens the door, and finds a very pregnant Lila walking down the hallway. Meghan asks Lila, "Are you...?" Lila claims that she's just gained a little weight, and sarcastically thanks Meghan for pointing it out. Sean clears his throat, and Lila walks over and introduces herself. Lila congratulates Sean on blowing her parents' minds with the wedding, and then asks if there's a bathroom where she can freshen up. Sean points it out. Lila leaves the room. Sean asks Meghan, "Okay, is she...?" Meghan thinks that she is. Pregnant! Just say it!
Cavallo sorts through Felicity's paintings, as she explains each one to him. How come whenever Cavallo is on-screen, they play jazz? Cavallo compliments one of Felicity's paintings. Felicity realizes that they are good, but not great. Cavallo urges her to keep at it, and walks away. Felicity takes a deep breath, summons up some courage, and tells Cavallo that she wants to try to get into his Honors program again, and asks him to be "honest, brutally honest." Cavallo tells Felicity that she has "no cohesive theme," and that "the work should deal with a singular idea." Felicity tells him that he's right, and thanks him for being so helpful. She asks if she could show him the paintings again when she has a theme, and he says that he'll look forward to it.
Professor Snark is going over what will be on the final exam. Ben diligently takes notes. Trevor is just sitting there, smiling, and not writing anything down. Moments later, the two guys walk out of class. Trevor says that he just wants to pass the test. Ben asks when he wants to get together to study. Trevor says something about Elena, but Ben insists that it should just be him and Trevor, because Elena is a distraction for Trevor. Trevor promises that they will behave, and Ben agrees very seriously that they need to focus. Trevor laughs and asks Ben when he got so uptight. Ben doesn't laugh.
Noel walks out onto the street, holding a bunch of papers, and looking at his watch. Some random guy runs into Noel, knocking all of the papers to the ground. Noel stoops to pick them up, and suddenly Felicity is there, helping. Oh. Felicity has her hair in a braid in the front, which is kind of cute, but kind of Sarah Jessica Parker in Footloose all at the same time. Felicity asks what is on the paper, and Noel insists that they are just ideas. They all say "Noel Crane Graphics." Noel continues to downplay their importance, but admits that he wants to start his own business. Felicity thinks that is great, and then shares that she's trying to get into Cavallo's program again. Noel tells her to try to get Cavallo's input. Felicity says that she already has. Noel offers to help in any way that he can.
Cut to Noel at his therapist's office, complaining that he's "saying yes to questions that she hasn't even asked yet." The therapist asks why that is, and Noel guesses that he wants Felicity to be happy, because that makes him happy. Because they're friends. The therapist reminds Noel that being with Felicity seems to get him off-track. Noel realizes that he needs to stop doing that. I don't know how many sessions these two have planned, but maybe instead of concentrating on Felicity, they should work on Noel's people-pleasing problem in general. Then again, I still don't really care about this storyline in general, so I guess I should be glad they're tying it in to Felicity somehow.
Meghan walks into the bathroom, where Lila is running water in the sink. Meghan gently notes that Lila has been in there for a while, and asks if everything is okay. Lila says that her sweaters "reek of pot." Meghan is shocked that Lila has been getting high; Lila blames it on her roommate's smoking habit, and then accuses Meghan of turning into their mother. Since that's probably Meghan's worst nightmare, she looks a bit shocked, but quickly recovers and gives Lila the "I'm your big sister and you can tell me anything, because I'll help you no matter what" speech. Lila doesn't admit anything. Meghan insists that she'll be there for Lila, who looks up and begs, "You can't tell Mom and Dad." Meghan doesn't want to make that promise, but she eventually does, and Lila hugs her.
Felicity lies on her bed and looks through some reference books. She stops, places a book on her desk, and then consults the Magic 8-Ball. Apparently, she got the answer she wanted, because she smiles and takes off. Meanwhile, Noel is working late in his office, eating Chinese food. Felicity shows up at his office, and asks if she can come in. Noel agrees. Felicity sits down at his desk and asks what he thinks about piñatas. Noel uncertainly says that he likes them. Felicity explains that she was looking in the dictionary for inspiration for her paintings, and she settled on piñatas because "they're colorful [and] they're full of surprises which you only get to see what's inside them after they've been knocked around a little." Felicity confesses that she has kind of felt like a piñata this year, then asks Noel what he thinks about using it for a theme for her artwork. Noel thinks it's fine. Felicity thinks that he hates it. Noel says that there is "emotional stuff" going on. Felicity assumes that he's talking about her paintings, and Noel clarifies that he was "sort of talking about [himself] this time." Felicity looks puzzled. Noel tries to explain, and Felicity realizes that he's trying to start his business. Noel says that it's not just the business; he's trying to get his life back on track. Felicity heaves a big sigh and asks what he's saying. Noel swallows and says that he's not sure. Felicity nods and says, "That maybe we shouldn't be spending time together." Noel says that he loves spending time with Felicity, but that he just can't right now. Felicity agrees. Noel says that he should get back to work, and Felicity slowly grabs her bag and walks out. Noel calls out that he likes "the piñata thing." Felicity leaves, and Noel looks after her, seemingly unsure if he's doing the right thing here.
Ben, Trevor, and Elena are having a study session. Or rather, Ben is trying to study while Trevor and Elena flirt outrageously. Ben, disgusted, picks up his things and says that he's going to the library. Trevor chases Ben out of the room and asks what's going on. Ben says that he can't be the only one in the room who wants to focus. Trevor claims that there are other things besides studying in college. Ben says that there aren't for him. Trevor can't believe that Ben is that upset about it, but Ben walks away.
"Sweet Girl" by Natalie Hemby plays as Felicity walks towards the art studio carrying a piñata in a bag, passing Noel's door on the way. She looks in, but doesn't stop. In the studio, Felicity listens to music on her headphones while she stares at the blank canvas. She finally picks up a brush and starts painting.
Meghan looks through the telephone book while Lila eats something from a bowl. Meghan suggests a doctor they can see, and Lila thanks her for helping her "take care of this." Meghan wants to know what Lila means. Lila says, "I know some people think it's a sin, but I'm in high school; I'm not going to have a baby." Meghan points out that Lila is fairly far along in her pregnancy, and doesn't have any other options besides having the baby. Lila looks shocked, but doesn't say anything. Meghan suggests calling their parents. Lila doesn't want to. Meghan says that their parents will find out eventually, since Lila is on their insurance. Lila wants Meghan to pay the doctor, and Lila will pay her back. Meghan doesn't have that kind of money. Lila says, "Great!" and storms off. Lila says that she thought Meghan was going to help her. Meghan says that she is, but Lila doesn't want the kind of help that involves calling their parents. Lila storms out.
Ben and Trevor sit down to take their exam. Professor Snark keeps an eye on the students. Trevor rubs his face and looks over at Ben, who is writing like crazy. In pen. Later, they hand in their exams and walks out. Elena greets Trevor outside, and they hug. Ben watches them, and looks a little sad, like maybe he wishes Felicity had been there to greet him. Or Lauren. But hopefully Felicity.
Cavallo walks into the art studio where Felicity is still painting with her headphones on. She notices him and takes her headphones off. Cavallo takes a look at one of her paintings, and calls it "interesting." Felicity explains that the theme is "undiscovered contents; the surprises that come after life beats you around a little bit." And, they're piñatas. Cavallo tells her to "keep it up" and walks out. Felicity looks happy, and resumes painting. I wonder if Keri Russell had to learn how to look like she knew what she was doing while she was painting.
Noel sits in his office. The phone rings, and he answers it, just as a student appears in his doorway and calmly informs Noel that he thinks that there's a fire in the building -- a big fire. Noel runs out into the hallway, which is filled with smoke. Noel wonders why the alarms aren't going off. The student says that he called 911. Noel tries to pull a fire alarm and nothing happens. Meanwhile, Felicity is just down the hall, painting away, still wearing her headphones, blissfully unaware of the commotion. Noel runs down the hall and yells for everyone to get out of the building. The power goes out. Felicity notices that something is going on, and takes off her headphones. The student comments that he hopes no one is in the studio, because of all the paint and turpentine in there. Noel clarifies that the fire started in the Art department. Noel says that he's going to go see if there's anyone in there. The student doesn't think it's a good idea. Noel instructs the student to tell the fire department that he's on the second floor, east wing; Noel takes off toward the studio.
Felicity approaches the door to the hallway, but the doorknob is hot when she grabs it. She can see flames outside the door, and smoke is coming in underneath. She grabs some rags and stuffs them under the door to keep the smoke out. Meanwhile, Noel runs down the hallway and coughs. Felicity rushes to the window and tries to open it, with no luck. She goes over to her worktable and finds a scraper of some sort, and tries to use it to pry the window open. Noel reaches the studio, and calls Felicity's name. The scraper breaks in Felicity's hand, and then she hears Noel. She tells him that she can't open the window. Noel tells her not to open it, because it will let oxygen in. Instead, she should get down on the ground and cover her mouth. Sparks fly. Felicity yells that she can't get out of there, and wonders what she will do. Noel tells her to stay calm, and promises that he'll be right back. He takes off. Felicity looks on in horror as more glass breaks, and the flames climb higher.
Noel makes his way down the hall, tripping over a garbage can. Inside the studio, Felicity puts all of the cans of paint on one table. Noel finally reaches a fire extinguisher. Sparks continue to fly around him. Felicity is still stacking things on the table for some reason. She tries to grab a dropcloth, but manages to spill a bunch of turpentine in the process. Noel gets back to the door and uses the fire extinguisher to put out the flames in front of it. He kicks the door in, and runs in to find Felicity coughing on the floor. He puts out his hand, and she takes it, and follows him out. As they exit the studio, Felicity looks back and sees all of her piñata paintings on fire, but she hurries out behind Noel anyway.
Ben drinks a beer at Epstein Bar. Trevor walks up and orders a beer, then helps himself to Ben's French fries. Trevor asks how Ben did on the exam, and Ben says that he doesn't know. Ben asks how Trevor did, and Trevor claims that he aced it. They laugh. Trevor apologizes for bringing Elena to their study session. Ben claims that he's just stressed out. Trevor tells Ben that he should just call Felicity. Ben says that he's stressed about the exam, not about Felicity, but Trevor seems to know that he's lying. Trevor suggests that they go and see if their exam grades are posted yet, even though they aren't supposed to be up until the day. Ben agrees to go. Trevor grabs some fries for the road.
Felicity sits glumly on the bumper of a fire truck, her face covered in soot. The red lights of the sirens shine on her face. Nearby, Noel accepts some blankets from a fireman, and hands one to Felicity. He sits to her and says that the damage was contained on their floor, and that it was probably an electrical fire. Felicity asks if anyone was hurt, and Noel says that he doesn't think so. They sit there sadly for a minute, and then Noel suggests getting out of there. Felicity agrees, but makes no move to go. They both stand up just as snow begins to fall. Felicity looks up and notices that the snow is pink. I guess, because of the fire or something. Felicity says, "I swear, when you least expect it, this city is so beautiful. You could never describe it to someone who wasn't here." Felicity and Noel stand in the street, and stare up at the pink snow falling, looking much less glum.
Ben and Trevor knock on Professor Snark's office door. He answers and asks if he can help them. Ben explains that they wanted to see how they did. Snark invites them in. While he looks for their grades, Trevor makes inane small talk. Snark hands Trevor his exam; he got a 79. Trevor is overjoyed, and compliments the teaching skills of Snark. Ben discovers that he got a 95. Ben stares at the exam, unable to believe it. Trevor points out that Ben got an A. Ben breaks into a broad grin, and the two exit the office. After they leave, Snark allows himself a small smile.
Sean and Meghan talk to Mrs. Rotundi in the loft. Mrs. Rotundi wants to know how pregnant Lila is, and Sean gives an estimate of five to six months. Mrs. Rotundi sarcastically says that she can't wait for "the Booths to find out." Meghan shuts her mother down by saying that April Booth got pregnant in tenth grade, and she's also a kleptomaniac. Mrs. Rotundi wonders what they are supposed to do about school. Meghan asks whether her mother is worried about Lila at all, since she is wandering the streets of New York City. Mrs. Rotundi claims to be thinking about Lila's future. Meghan points out that Lila is terrified of her mother, and as evidence, points out that Lila went to Meghan before her mother, and that breaks Meghan's heart. The buzzer rings. Meghan answers it; Lila is downstairs. Meghan goes down to see her.
Felicity and Noel arrive back at Felicity's apartment, still wearing their blankets. Felicity realizes that she left her bag at the studio, but luckily, she has her keys on her. Felicity asks Noel if he wants to come in. Noel says that he should go. Felicity offers to make hot chocolate, and says they could sit and talk just a little bit. Noel reaches out and rubs Felicity's face, and then says that they should both get cleaned up. Felicity asks what time it is, and then says that they day has felt like a lifetime. Felicity pauses, then looks up with tears in her eyes, and asks Noel if he's sure that he can't come in, even just for a little bit. Noel nods sadly, and then gives Felicity a hug, and says that he's glad she's okay. Felicity responds, "Yeah, thanks to you." Noel slowly walks away. Felicity waves goodbye, then turns and walks to her apartment, looking incredibly forlorn.
Meghan and Lila stand on the street, talking. Meghan apologizes for calling their mother, saying that she didn't know what else to do. Lila says that Meghan was right -- that she went to a clinic, and found out that she's too far along to get an abortion. She's sixteen, and she thinks that you can get an abortion at six months? I find that hard to believe. Anyway, Meghan offers Lila whatever she needs -- a place to stay, advice, a sweater. But, Meghan concludes, Lila needs a mother. Lila is worried that her mother will make it Lila's fault. Meghan promises not to let that happen. Lila asks if she can live with Meghan and Sean. Meghan wants to talk to their parents first, but allows that it might be possible. Meghan urges Lila to come upstairs with her, and they head in.
Upstairs, Sean is telling Mrs. Rotundi about the success of the sock shirt. Mrs. Rotundi actually seems interested. Meghan and Lila walk in. Mrs. Rotundi starts crying and hugs her daughter. (Lila, not Meghan.) Lila apologizes, but Mrs. Rotundi assures her that everything will be okay. Meghan and Sean look at each other and smile.
Felicity, having just taken a shower, explains to Javier what happened in the fire. Javier says that Noel was Felicity's hero. Felicity doesn't know what would have happened if Noel hadn't been there. Javier doesn't even want to think about that. Felicity thinks over what they just said. Javier stands up and starts to gather Felicity's clothes to throw away, since they are smoke-filled. Felicity wants to keep them. Javier thinks they will remind her what happened. Felicity says that's why she wants to keep them. Javier advises her to bag them up, or "otherwise [her] whole closet is going to smell like barbecue." Felicity sits on her bed, hugging the clothes, and staring off into space.
Ben makes some quesadillas (I think) at the loft. Sean walks by and comments on how great they smell, and Ben offers to make him some. Ben just turned into the best roommate ever. Ben tells Sean about the test, and says that he did well. Sean laughs, but Ben admits that he got an A. Sean thinks that's incredible. Ben grins. Their conversation is interrupted by Noel walking in the door, all sooty. Sean asks what happened. Noel tells them about the fire. Ben's first question is if Noel is okay. Noel says that he is, and that no one was hurt, and then he adds that Felicity was there. Ben wants to know if Felicity is okay. Noel says that she is, but that she's a little freaked out. Ben looks freaked out as well. The best song that they could have picked for this scene, "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star, starts playing. Noel says he's going to get cleaned up.
Javier knocks on Felicity's door, and says that she has a phone call. Felicity asks if it's Noel. Javier says that it's Ben. Felicity gingerly takes the phone and says hello. Ben asks if it's too late to call, then says that he heard she was in a fire. Felicity says that they're okay. Ben says he wanted to make sure. Felicity thanks him, and then says that Elena told her Ben got an A on his exam. Ben says that it's not a big deal. Felicity knows that it is a big deal. Ben asks if Elena and Javier are there, so that Felicity isn't alone. Felicity assures him that she's fine, and then thanks him for calling, and congratulates him on his grade on the exam. There is much unsaid during this conversation. They say goodbye and hang up. Both of them stare at the phone, wondering what else they should have said.
Felicity walks into the burned art studio, and finds Cavallo there. She walks over to her former paintings, now just pieces of black canvas. Cavallo says that he's sorry about her work. Felicity jokes that she's going to need an extension. Cavallo says that he liked what she was doing, and adds that "it's the kind of work that students in the Honors seminar do." He asks Felicity to join the seminar. Felicity is stunned, but quickly agrees. Cavallo cheeses, "Your pinata took another hit. Let's see what spills out as a result." He walks out, and Felicity smiles sweetly.
Noel packs up his office. Felicity walks in and asks where his new office will be. Noel says that he's just going downstairs, and asks if Felicity made the piñata she's holding, "because it's really realistic." Felicity says that she brought it for Noel, and then tells Noel that Cavallo let her into his class. Noel thinks it's great, and Felicity says that she's excited. She brings up what Noel said the day before, and wonders if they really aren't friends anymore. Noel says that they're still friends, but that he needs to change some things about himself. Felicity looks puzzled, and wonders why he wants to change, because she loves the way he is. Noel doesn't know what to say. Felicity supplies that he needs to get back on track. Noel agrees. Felicity thinks that's good.
Dr. Masur asks if Noel did it. Noel says that he thinks so. Dr. Masur asks what happened. Noel says he doesn't know, and that it was weird letting go of something that he thought was so important, but it doesn't feel right for him to wait around for her anymore. Good! That should clear the way for Ben and Felicity to get back together. And spell the end of mopey Noel. I hope.
week: Ben runs to reach Felicity at the airport and tell her that he loves her. Oh, God. It's my reward for suffering through all their angst this season.