Previously on Felicity: Felicity told Ben that she didn't know if he would be able to live with his decision to have nothing to do with his child. Noel kissed Zoe, even though they work together. Adam tried to kiss Felicity and it was all very awkward.
Mad props to Strega for an excellent and hilarious recap last week! I'm sure it was a nice break from my Ben-adoration for some of you. I hope. Because there will be more of a break in Ben-adoration this week from me.
Felicity walks into the loft. Noel says that Ben is still at Dean & Deluca, like it's nice that they acknowledge that Ben, Felicity, and Javier all are supposed to work there, and yet we haven't seen any of them doing any work in a few weeks. Felicity explains that she actually stopped by to talk to Noel. Felicity is still going with the straight hair, but at least in this scene the sides are pulled back so it looks a bit less unkempt. Felicity says that she's been avoiding Adam since he tried to kiss her, but that she really likes working with him and doesn't want it to be weird. Noel tells her to talk to Adam, because he's a grownup and will be able to handle it. Felicity agrees, and vows to follow Noel's advice. She grabs a bottle of water and says that she found out about an architectural walking tour of the city that happens the day at noon. She invites Noel to join her. Noel is supposed to have lunch with Zoe, so he can't. Felicity asks how things are going with Zoe, and Noel says that they are good, and can't keep from smiling. I've just noticed how unruly Noel's hair is, and it will continue to distract me for the rest of the episode. There's this piece in the back that is sticking straight out. Did they already fire the show's hairdresser in preparation for shutting down production or something?
Ben walks in and asks to talk to Felicity in private. Before leaving, Felicity tells Noel that there is another walking tour at 6 PM, and Noel says that he can make that one. Felicity and Ben enter Ben's room and close the door. Ben apologizes for interrupting their conversation. Felicity says that they were just talking about architecture. Did you know that the movie Playing By Heart was originally supposed to be called Dancing About Architecture? I think that would have been a much more interesting title. Anyway. Ben sits down with a big sigh and Felicity asks him what is going on. Ben says that he's been "trying to figure out this whole pregnancy thing." Ben says that it's "pretty screwed up," but it's "not this kid's fault." Ben knows what it's like to grow up without a dad, and he feels like he has to be there for the kid in some way. Felicity looks blank and nods and says okay. Ben asks if that's all she has to say. Felicity clarifies, "Well, what am I supposed to say? I mean, it sucks. It's the right thing to do, but it sucks." Ben promises that they will get through it. Felicity feels like it's just going to get more difficult, and asks how he can make the promise. Ben says that he knows that they will make it. They stare at each other, not quite believing it.
Ben arrives in the hallway outside Lauren's apartment. Of course, there is a guy struggling to put a screaming baby into a stroller. Whenever someone is contemplating parenthood in television or movies, they encounter a screaming baby. Lauren seems surprised to see Ben when she opens the door. She hears the crying baby and calls out hello to the father. Ben walks inside. Lauren is suddenly hugely pregnant. Well, not hugely, but way more than last week. Lauren complains about being fat. I hate it when pregnant ladies complain about being fat. You're not fat. You're pregnant! Ben tells her that she looks great. After a pause, Ben says that he's changed his mind, and that he wants to be a part of the child's life. Lauren is surprised and says that it's great. Ben says, "That's great, but..." Lauren says that there are no "but"s, and then admits that there is one thing -- she's moving to Arizona month. Ben is shocked. Lauren explains that her parents live there, and there are a lot of job opportunities. Ben says that he's going to help her out, so she won't need to move. Lauren points out that Ben is twenty-one, and wants to go to medical school, so he won't be around to help, while her parents are retired and available all day, every day. And I'm sure they don't have lives of their own and want to drop everything for her. Ben reminds Lauren that the kid needs a dad. Lauren doesn't disagree. Ben asks if he's supposed to move to Arizona. Lauren says that they have schools in Arizona. Ben retorts that his life is in New York. Lauren tops him by saying that she needs to do what is best for the baby, and right now that means moving to Arizona. Well, not really. That's what's best for her. Ben is speechless.
Felicity walks into Adam's studio and asks to talk to him. Adam shushes her because the judges for the library project are going to call any second. Felicity shuts up. The phone rings. Adam bounces up and down a few times before nervously answering it. He does the fake-out thing so that you think he's all disappointed, but then reveals to Felicity that they won. Felicity's hair is looking particularly limp in this scene, like, can't they afford to do a blowout every day? I guess it's more realistic that it would look limp, but come on. Adam and Felicity celebrate their win along with the others in the studio. Adam asks Felicity if she can be there year to help develop the library. Felicity says that she doesn't know. She thinks about it and says that her boyfriend will be there for his fifth year of pre-med. Adam says that it's perfect, and Felicity agrees. Adam remembers that Felicity wanted to talk to him about something. Felicity hems and haws for a minute before bringing up the kiss. Adam says that it wasn't good. Felicity says that it can't happen again. Adam agrees, and says, "Ixnay on the isskay." Is he supposed to be slow or something? Adam and Felicity laugh nervously.
Noel and Zoe eat lunch in a restaurant and discuss possibly going to Cape Cod for the weekend. Suddenly, Zoe sees a woman walk in and dives under the table. Noel, who has his back to the door, has no idea what's going on, so he dives under the table to ask. Zoe explains that Pauline, one of their co-workers, just walked in. Noel wonders if they are fighting. Pauline is clearly the office busybody because she has flippy hair. All office busybodies do. Anyway, Pauline marches right up to the table and asks Zoe and Noel what they are doing. Zoe says that they are discussing "the Brooker account." Pauline wonders why they are lying down in their seats. Zoe says that Noel got dizzy. Pauline offers to call somebody, but Noel says that it happens from time to time and it'll pass. Pauline tells him to feel better and says that she'll see them at work. She walks away. Zoe and Noel sit back up. Noel asks what that was all about. Zoe says that she doesn't want anyone at work finding out about them, and that Pauline is "a total rat" who will go straight to Mr. Webb. Noel realizes how secret Zoe wants their relationship to be. Noel says that he knows Mr. Webb doesn't like him, but he thinks that they should talk about it. Zoe doesn't want to talk. She just wants to leave. She's a little bit crazy, I think. What's her problem? Also, she looks like Mandy Moore. Noel follows her out.
Professor Snark finishes up a lecture on some science stuff that I don't understand, and encourages the students to ask questions. Class ends. Professor Snark notices Ben staring at him and asks if Ben has a question. Ben says that it's not about the lecture; he was wondering if Snark has any information on pre-med programs in Arizona. Snark thought Ben was staying in New York. Ben says that he probably is, but he's looking into Arizona. Snark reveals that he does know someone on the admission committee at the University of Arizona, but that it's probably too late to get in for the fall. Snark offers to call and find out. Ben appreciates that.
Meghan stands in front of acting class and flatly reads the part of the Herdsman in Sophocles's Oedipus. Javier is, of course, playing Oedipus, and it's the big eye-gouging scene. Javier plays it for all it is worth, while Meghan stands there and rolls her eyes. The class applauds. After class, Javier asks Meghan to "give it a little more oomph" so that he has something to work with. Javier tells Meghan that she has to give in order to get. Meghan doesn't care about acting. As they start to walk out, a guy named Paul walks up and introduces himself. Javier says that he's not really interested in dating right now. Paul claims to be a director. Meghan laughs and says that it's a nice try, but Javier already said that he's not interested. Paul continues, saying that he directs commercials, and he really enjoyed Javier's performance. Javier is flattered. Paul says that Javier would be perfect for a mattress commercial, and asks if Javier would be interested. Javier replies, "Interested? Does Rolaids spell relief?" Meghan still thinks it's all a scam. Paul says that he's interested in Meghan, too, because she has "a real attitude thing going on." Meghan says that she does have an attitude, and that attitude says no. Paul tells her that it pays $3000, and Meghan gets interested real quickly. Javier wonders what happened to his chances. Paul says that they would both try out, unless that's a problem. Meghan smarms that it's not a problem for her. Paul gives them the script and tells them that he will see them the day.
Ben and Trevor walk down the street. Ben apparently just told Trevor about Felicity and Noel, and Trevor thinks that Noel doesn't waste any time. Ben wonders what Trevor is talking about. Trevor says that Ben and Felicity are trying to deal with stuff and Noel is moving right in. Ben protests that Noel doesn't even know about Lauren. Trevor says that Noel doesn't have to because "guys like that can sense it." Ben doesn't think there's anything going on. Trevor thinks it sounds a lot like "Making Out on the Rooftop Two." Ben, increasingly frustrated, says that it's just a walking tour. Trevor asks what a walking tour is, anyway. Ben yells, "I don't know! But it's fine!" Trevor is still doubtful. So really, all the bad things that happen in this episode are stupid Trevor's fault. I knew I didn't like that guy.
Felicity arrives at the loft to pick up Noel for the walking tour. First, she reveals that Adam's design won the competition. Noel thinks that it's "amazing." Felicity gives her second bit of news -- that Adam asked her to work with him, so she "might actually have a job year!" Wait, did he offer her a regular job-type job? I thought he was just saying that she could help out on a volunteer basis, or for credit or something. Either way, it's a great opportunity, if that's what she wants to do. Noel suddenly remembers that Professor Snark called and left a message for Ben. Noel recalls, "[Snark] needs to talk to Ben today about some pre-med program in Arizona." Felicity is confused about the Arizona part. Noel figured that she would know what it's about. Felicity doesn't. Just then, Ben walks in and ask if they are going on the walking tour. The way he says "walking tour" is pretty funny, actually. Noel says that they were just about to leave. Ben sullenly says that he's going to study. Felicity waits for a moment and says she'll be right back. Noel shrugs and resignedly takes off his coat.
Felicity walks into Ben's room and asks, faux-nonchalantly, "So, what's in Arizona?" Ben is surprised and whips around to look at her. Felicity explains that Noel gave her the message from Professor Snark. Ben is irrationally angry at Noel (get used to that) for giving the message to Felicity instead of him. Felicity says that it doesn't matter and asks what's going on. Ben thinks for a minute and then slams his door shut. Keri Russell has the perfect reaction shot that non-verbally communicates, "Oh, oooooookay, Mr. Big Slam the Door Man. What the fuck?" Ben confesses that Lauren is moving to Arizona. Felicity is stunned, and asks Ben if he is moving. Ben says that he doesn't know. Felicity asks when he was going to tell her. Ben says that he just found out that morning. Felicity points out that he already told his professor. Ben says that Snark is looking into possibilities for him. Felicity asks if there is a possibility that he'll be moving. Ben repeats that they'll figure it out and it'll be okay. Felicity says that he keeps saying that, but suddenly, he might be moving to Arizona. Ben sits on his bed, overwhelmed, and says that he wishes that Noel would mind his own business. Felicity points out correctly that this has nothing to do with Noel, and everything to do with the two of them. Felicity sits down and tells Ben that Adam won the competition and wants her to stay in New York and work with him. Ben says that's great. Felicity says that it's not great if Ben is going to be in Arizona. Felicity says that they have to talk about what's going to happen after graduation. Ben doesn't know. Felicity asks if they are even going to be together and Ben yells, "I said I don't know! I'm trying to figure it out! I don't have all the answers right now, okay?" Felicity looks at him in disbelief, says "okay," and walks out. Ben sits there for a minute, and then walks to his door just in time to see Felicity leaving with Noel.
Noel returns home from the walking tour. Sean is making dinner and Ben is sitting at the table. Sean asks how the tour went, and Noel says it was pretty cool. Ben quietly tells Noel that in the future, Noel should give Ben's messages directly to him. Noel doesn't know what Ben is talking about, because Ben is being a jerk. Ben reminds Noel about the message from Snark. Noel explains that it was important, and he thought that Felicity would see Ben first. Ben says that Noel should just tell Ben directly time, and Noel agrees. Ben walks into his room. Noel looks at Sean like, "I have no fucking clue, but I'm trying to be nice because I think he's crazy and might kill me for no reason."
Sean follows Ben into his room and asks what that was all about. Ben sighs and tells Sean to come in and close the door. Cut to Sean saying, "Oh, my God," Ben having clearly just spilled it about his impending fatherhood. Ben says that Noel doesn't know. Sean promises to keep it to himself. Sean points out that, legally, Ben could keep Lauren in New York, because fathers have rights. Ben wonders if he's supposed to get into some legal battle. Sean says that he could. Ben doesn't want to do that. Sean pauses and says he's heard that Santa Fe is beautiful. Ben breaks it to Sean that Santa Fe is in New Mexico. Aw. Poor Sean. He tries.
Javier performs his commercial audition script for Elena. He's way over the top, but extremely cute. Except that he mispronounces "lumbar" as "lumber." But it's cute. Elena applauds. Meghan bitches about Javier's mispronunciation. Elena tells Javier to try it again. Meghan asks if he's going to "do the whole thing like that." Javier wonders what she's talking about, but Meghan tells him to forget it. Meghan walks into the kitchen. Javier follows and accuses Meghan of playing mind games. Elena tells Javier to relax, and Javier screams, "No, she should relax! She's trying to steal my dream!" Meghan denies it. Javier says she doesn't care about acting. Meghan agrees, but says that she cares about the $3000. Elena hears about the money and thinks that maybe she should audition, too. I wish she would, if only to get some screen time. Javier says that a real friend would drop out of the competition, and Meghan says that a real actor wouldn't care. Javier vows to nail the audition, and tells Meghan that she shouldn't "come crying spilled milk" to him when it's over. Meghan says that the only one who will be crying after the audition is Javier. That Meghan. She's sassy. Also, are she and Sean still married? Doesn't she live at the loft? Why is she hanging out at Elena, Javier, and Felicity's place?
Felicity walks into Adam's studio. Adam tells her that he has some books she should look at. Felicity pauses and says that she doesn't think she's going to be able to work with him. Adam thinks that it's because of the kiss. Felicity assures him that it's not, and says that she doesn't know where she's going to be year. Adam thought she was going to be in New York with her boyfriend. Felicity says that he might not be in New York. Adam asks if her boyfriend knows what a Big Deal this is. Felicity says that he has his own Big Deal. Adam asks, "So why does his Big Deal trump your Big Deal?" Felicity obviously hadn't considered that question, and I'm glad that she finally is. Adam apologizes for prying, and Felicity tells him that it's fine. Adam wishes that she could work with him. Felicity does, too. So, do it! I obviously am a huge Ben/Felicity fan, but I'm also a fan of Felicity figuring out what she wants to do on her own and then factoring Ben in. Especially when Ben's acting like a huge jerk. ["And knocked up some other girl." -- Wing Chun]
Zoe catches up with Noel in the hallway at work and says that she talked to Pauline, and she thinks she covered for them adequately. Something is wrong with me because suddenly I am finding Noel really attractive. Except for his hair. Noel suggest that they just tell Mr. Webb what's going on. Zoe refuses. Noel says that Mr. Webb is going to find out eventually, and would probably rather hear it from them than from Pauline. Zoe looks around and says that she doesn't want Mr. Webb to hear it from anyone. Noel asks what she means. Zoe hesitates and says that it's not just her dad. Maybe she's really a guy! I don't know what other secret she could have that would be so devastating. Zoe says she doesn't want to talk about it and makes for the door. She's loony. Noel says that he doesn't want to be in the kind of relationship where they have to hide it from everyone. Zoe doesn't, either. Noel asks again what's wrong. Zoe says she doesn't think it's going to work out. Noel is confused. Zoe says that their relationship was "obviously a mistake." Noel doesn't know what she's talking about, since this is totally from left field. Zoe runs out of the office as quickly as she can.
Professor Snark talks to a student in the hallway. They make small talk that we're not supposed to hear, and I'm reminded of that scene in Star Wars where the two stormtroopers are making small talk and one asks if the other has seen the new P2-16 and the other replies, "I heard some of the other guys talking about it. I hear it's quite the thing to see." And then Obi-Wan uses a jedi mind trick to sneak by them. Anyway. Ben walks up and says that he got Snark's message. Snark says that the deadline at the University of Arizona was last month, but that they'll consider Ben's application as a favor to Snark, if Snark faxes Ben's transcript and a letter of explanation by the day. Ben can't believe how quickly it's all happening. Snark says that his friend is going on a lecture tour, and that it's a big favor, so he doesn't want to ask unless Ben is sure that he's going to do it. Ben understands, but he doesn't know what he's going to do yet, because it's all happening so fast. Ben promises to let Snark know. ["The hell? He's just applying. He could very well get rejected. It's not like he has to decide that second whether to go to Arizona for sure; he should worry about that if he gets in. Whatever with the urgency and indecision." -- Wing Chun]
Ben and Lauren meet in a restaurant. Lauren apologizes for all the pressure Ben is under. Ben asks if she could wait another year to move, because he could take classes at night and help with the baby during the day. Lauren has everything worked out in Arizona. Ben reminds her that she wants what's best for the kid. She agrees that she does. Ben points out that it's probably best for the kid if the parents live in the same state. Lauren sits there for a moment, then apologizes and says that she's still moving to Arizona. Or Leap of Faith. Ben is disgusted, and gets up and walks out.
Felicity arrives at the loft. She spots Noel lying on his bed, drinking a beer. He tells her that Ben isn't there. Felicity asks if she can join Noel in doing nothing. Felicity sits on the edge of Noel's bed and asks what's wrong. Noel admits that Zoe broke up with him. Felicity asks what happened. Noel doesn't know. He thought Zoe liked him, but he was wrong. Felicity looks sad. Noel asks if she's okay. Felicity nods unconvincingly. Noel asks what's wrong. Felicity starts crying and says she's "going through kind of a hard time right now." Noel asks if it's about Adam. Felicity says no. Noel asks again what's going on. Felicity sighs, hesitates, and blurts, "Ben got Lauren pregnant." Noel is shocked. Felicity adds, "And she's going to move to Arizona, and he might go with her." Noel expresses how sorry he is for Felicity. She continues crying, so he puts a friendly arm around her and lets her cry on his shoulder. Of course, Ben walks in and sees them. Felicity sits up guiltily. Ben's only comment: "Unbelievable." He walks into his own room and slams the door again. Noel tells Felicity to go talk to Ben, and she does.
Once Felicity walks in, Ben asks her what's going on. Felicity wants to know what he means. Ben says that every time something goes wrong in their relationship, Felicity runs to Noel. Felicity says that she actually came there to talk to Ben. Ben doesn't think it looked that way. Felicity says that she and Noel were just talking. Ben asks if they were talking about him and Lauren. Felicity says that it's really hard for her, and that she needs someone to talk to, and Ben won't talk to her. Elena? Meghan? Toni Pavone? I don't think this is at all Felicity's fault, but I am saying that she does have other people she could talk to. Felicity protests that Noel was making her feel better, and Ben goes way over the line when he says, "Yeah, I'll bet he was making you feel better." Felicity points out that this has nothing to do with Noel. Ben says that if Felicity hadn't slept with Noel, none of this would have happened. Felicity can't believe that Ben is blaming her. Neither can I. He's acting like such a jerk. Ben explains that if Felicity hadn't cheated, he never would have been with Lauren. Felicity tries to reason with Ben, saying that no one forced him to sleep with Lauren. Ben shouts that no one forced Felicity to sleep with Noel. Felicity realizes that Ben's never going to get past her infidelity. Ben says that she must be right, and he's sick of it. Felicity storms out. Noel watches from his room. Ben gives Noel the stink-eye, and slams his door again. Who knew fatherhood would turn Ben into such a jackass?
Adam comes into his studio and finds Felicity looking at some books. Felicity's hair looks really bad in this scene, which I guess is realistic if she just had a fight with her boyfriend. Actually, it's realistic because she has really curly hair and probably has to use tons of product on it to make it straight; it's bound to look limp and straggly by the end of the day. Adam offers her a cheesy puff, which makes me think of Cartman. Felicity asks if it's too late to change her mind about working with him. Adam says that it isn't, and seems really happy that she's changed her mind. Felicity says that she really wants to work with him. Adam asks if he can pry, and Felicity gives him permission. Adam asks if something happened with her boyfriend. Felicity admits that they broke up. Adam asks if she wants to talk about it, because he gives really good breakup advice since he has plenty of experience. Felicity gently refuses. Adam points out that at least she's doing her Big Deal now instead of his. Felicity agrees and takes a cheesy puff.
Noel and Sean walk down the hall at Webb Graphics. Noel says he's skipping their upcoming meeting to do some work from home because he doesn't want to see Zoe right now. Sean doesn't get it, so Noel tells him that they broke up. Sean wants to know what happened. Noel says he doesn't know; they were talking about her father and "that was it." Sean wants to know what he means. Noel says that Zoe doesn't think it's going to work out. Sean is sorry to hear that, because he thought Zoe really liked Noel. Turns out that Noel thought so, too. Pauline walks by with her flippy hair and asks if they are coming to the meeting. Noel says he's having a dizzy spell and needs to go home. The cowlick at the back of Noel's head is distracting me again. It's like he has this one piece that just sticks straight out. I think it would help if his hair were a bit shorter. Time for a trim, Scott! Over Pauline's shoulder, Noel sees Zoe in the conference room before he turns and leaves.
Javier and Meghan wait outside room where their commercial audition will take place. Meghan walks up and tells Javier that she can't take it anymore. Javier says that no one is forcing her to do it, but Meghan isn't talking about the commercial. She was thinking about Oedipus; there was a guy who had problems. She and Javier don't have problems. Well, she's got him there. Accidentally sleeping with your mother is a bigger problem than an audition for a mattress commercial. Meghan offers to drop out of the auditions if that's what Javier wants. Javier thinks that she's playing more mind games. Meghan insists that she isn't. Javier suggests that they both try out, and that the one who gets the part has to take the other one out to dinner. I guess they can't imagine that someone else entirely might get the part. Meghan agrees to the deal. They stare at each other for a second, and Javier asks if they can hug. Meghan says no. She's a cold, cold woman.
The meeting at Webb Graphics comes to an end. Zoe asks Sean what happened to Noel, and Sean makes an excuse. Zoe asks if Noel is all right. Sean says that he is, and Zoe starts to walk out. Sean catches up to her and says that he knows it's none of his business, but he's a buttinski. Well, he doesn't say that last part. He says that Noel is "one of the best guys [he's] ever met." Zoe knows this. Sean is confused, because Noel said that Zoe called things off. Zoe says that it's complicated. Sean asks if it's about her father. Zoe says she doesn't want to talk about it and starts to rush off. The way she tries to run out of the room when anyone mentions her father made me think that he wasn't really her father; he was her lover. Sometimes I think I should write soap operas. Sean stops her and says that if she lets Noel go, she will always be sorry. Ah, tertiary character praise. It's like Tori Spelling all over again. Maybe Jennifer Garner had a little talk with J.J. Abrams and said that her husband was looking like a sad sack and he had better be redeemed before the show ended so that he could get work. At least that's what happened in my imagination.
Felicity knocks on the door at the loft. Noel answers. Felicity determines that Ben isn't there, and says that she wanted to get a few of her things. Noel lets her in and asks if she's okay. Felicity doesn't know. Noel asks whether Ben really thinks that there's something going on between Felicity and Noel. Felicity doesn't think that Ben can get past what happened. Of course, Ben walks in. Noel says hello, and Ben doesn't respond. Felicity explains that she's just picking up some stuff. Ben remains silent and starts walking to his room. Noel actually acts like the only adult in the room and says that the whole thing is ridiculous, and asks to talk to Ben, who refuses. Felicity tells Noel that he doesn't have to say anything. Noel yells out that there's nothing going on between him and Felicity, and that if Ben thinks that there is, Ben is wrong. Ben turns. Noel says, "God! She loves you. She loves you! [pause] Not me." No one says a word. Finally, Noel says that he has enough relationship problems of his own, and that he doesn't need to be a part of theirs. Noel reminds Ben and Felicity that they love each other, and that they should be together. He begs them to work it out, and then walks off. Ben and Felicity both just stare at the ground. I guess it's kind of fitting that since Noel had a part in destroying Ben and Felicity's relationship that he should have a part in restoring it. And thus, the redemption of Noel.
After the break, Felicity and Ben are still standing there. Finally, Felicity turns and looks at Ben. She asks whether he wants her to go. Ben tells her to do whatever she wants. She starts to leave. Ben tells her to wait. She stops. He says that he shouldn't have said what he said. She waits some more. Ben admits that what happened with him and Lauren wasn't Felicity's fault. It was his fault. He was angry and hurt. Felicity takes a deep breath and sets down her bag. She walks over to Ben and says he has to know that there is nothing going on between her and Noel. She made a horrible mistake and it will never happen again. Ben says that he knows. Felicity asks if he really does. Ben does. Felicity asks why he got so angry. Ben sighs and says that things are so crazy right now, and he feels like he's drowning and pulling her down with him. Ben adds, "The thing is, I...sometimes I think you should be with somebody else. Sometimes I think you should be with Noel." Felicity softens and says, "Ben, I want to be with you." Ben looks up, like he can't quite believe it. He says that he wants to be with her, too. They hug.
Later, Felicity and Ben sit facing each other, talking. Ben asks Felicity if she would come to Arizona with him. Felicity sighs and says that she's been thinking about it, too. She says, "I just can't do that. I just feel like I need to find my own direction. I need to find out what my life is. And I want to find that with you." Ben smiles and says that there has to be some way they can do this. Neither of them offers up any suggestions, though. ["Long-distance relationship? Hello? People do that all the time, and often they work out!" -- Wing Chun]
Sean and Noel stand in some woman's office discussing whether or not something on the screen is hideous. Zoe walks in and asks to talk to Noel. Sean says he needs to go to the kitchen anyway. Noel follows Zoe into an office and closes the door. He asks what's up. Zoe says that she wants to tell him the truth, which is that her father doesn't hate Noel. Her father is just protective. Noel says that he's not going to do anything to her. Zoe says it has nothing to do with him; it's her. She's "been going through a really hard time for about three years." Noel asks what happened. Zoe thinks it will sound stupid, but admits that she fell in love with someone who was in love with someone else. Noel can't help smiling. Zoe thinks that it's stupid, but Noel says that's not what he was thinking. Zoe says she got really depressed and ended up in the hospital. She's fine now, but that's why her father is worried about her. Noel is all backlit and you can really see the hair sticking out. I'm sorry that I'm obsessed with this. Noel says that Zoe should have told him. Zoe thought that if she did, he wouldn't want to see her anymore. Noel asks why she would think that. Zoe says that it's embarrassing. Noel says he knows more about this than she thinks. They kiss. Pauline bursts into the room and interrupts the kiss, then backs out, apologizing. Zoe suggests that they go and tell her dad, but first they hug. That whole "Zoe paralleling Noel's life" thing was kind of dumb.
Javier is sitting in his room, reciting a speech from Oedipus. Meghan walks in and asks if Javier has heard yet that he got the part. Javier asks if Meghan has heard. They both can't understand why the other hasn't heard anything. Finally, Javier admits that he flubbed his lines on purpose so that Meghan would get the part. And in a real Gift of the Magi twist that no one could see coming (unless you've watched television before), it turns out that Meghan flubbed her lines, too. Javier is touched and says that it's the sweetest thing he's ever heard. Meghan points out that they got nothing, because neither of them got the part. Javier says that they have "a real friendship." Javier holds out his arms. Meghan tells him not to hug her, but he does anyway. Meghan smiles and pats Javier on the arm.
Ben walks up to Lauren's apartment. Does Lauren not have a telephone? He's always going to her apartment every time he needs to tell her something. It seems like such a waste of time. That's why God invented email. Although I guess when it has to do with such major life decisions, in-person meetings are best. Lauren comes to the door and invites Ben inside. He prefers to stay in the hall. Ben says that he knows that there are a lot of good reasons for her to move to Arizona, but he asks her to reconsider one last time. Ben points out that he has rights and legally could try to prevent her from going. Lauren can't believe he's even suggesting that. Ben says that he doesn't want to, but it's his kid, and he wants to be involved. Lauren went and made a lot of decisions without him, and she can't do that anymore. Lauren seems touched, and agrees to think about it. Ben walks away without even saying goodbye. If I were Ben or Lauren, I would lawyer up so fast it would make your head spin. Neither of these two has a very reliable track record when it comes to responsibility.
Ben walks into the kitchen of the loft. Noel is getting something to eat. Ben says that he's going to meet Felicity at Epstein Bar, and wonders if Noel would like to come along. Noel recognizes this for the peace offering that it is, and agrees to go. The two men take off.
At Epstein Bar, Felicity watches as Ben and Noel laugh and joke at a table. She gets her three bottles of beer from the bartender, but doesn't pay for them. Maybe she's running a tab. She carries the beers back to the table and joins Ben and Noel. They all share a toast.
week: Meghan tells Felicity that she's not going to lose Ben, but Felicity can feel him drifting away. Then, Meghan gets a shocking phone call and Felicity rushes to the hospital, where Ben is lying in a bed. All of their friends are sitting in the waiting room, and Felicity is crying. Uh oh.