fire

Felicity runs into Ben on the street. She asks if he ever got her phone message. He says he did - he's been meaning to call her back, but he's been really busy studying every night.

Noel tells his doctor things seem more clear. Before it was like looking through a dirty window. He says he really wants to start his own graphics business. The doctor asks what's holding him back. Noel says he keeps getting sidetracked somehow. The doctor reminds Noel that he didn't look for a job this summer because he spent all of his time with Felicity. He advises Noel to spend less time with Felicity so that he can get his life back on track. Noel says he doesn't know if he can do that.

Felicity realizes she should be taking advantage of the fact that she works with a great painter Jeremy Cavallo every day. All she wanted 6 months ago was to get into his honors program. She resolves to work toward getting in his class. She says she's going to show Cavallo her new stuff and she's not going to give in until he lets her into the program.

Meghan's younger sister Lila arrives. Meghan is shocked that her teenaged sister is pregnant. Lila makes Meghan promise not to tell their parents. Meghan wants to call their mom and dad. She tells Lila she's on their insurance, so they're going to find out anyway. She asks if Meghan can pay the doctor's fees and she'll pay her back. Meghan says she doesn't have that kind of money. Lila gets angry and leaves. Meghan calls her mother. She comes over to discuss Lila's situation. Meghan is furious that her mom is more concerned about what friends of the family will say about Lila's pregnancy. Meghan reminds her that Lila is wondering around New York City alone. Meghan tells her mother that Lila is terrified of her. She tells her mother that she's the first person Lila should have told, instead she came to Meghan and made her promise not to tell. Meghan tells her mother it breaks her heart. Meghan is relieved when Lila returns to the loft. Lila tells her mom that she's sorry. She tells Lila everything's going to be fine.

Felicity shows Cavallo her work. He says he likes her composition and advises her to keep at it. She asks him to be brutally honest. He says she has lots of ideas, but no cohesive theme. She agrees with him.

Felicity stops by Noel's office for advice on her thesis. She asks what he thinks about piñatas. She says this year has felt like a piñata, like she's been shaken up and she's waiting for the surprise to come out. She would focus on the emotional aspects. He tells her he knows he said he would help her, but he's trying to start his business and trying to get his life on track. He tells her he loves spending time with her - he just can't right now. He tells her he likes the piñata thing.

Ben prepares for finals. He gets fed up with Trevor and Elena playing around when they're supposed to be studying. Trevor tells Ben there's more to life. Ben says there isn't - at least for him, right now.

Felicity works for hours on end in the art studio on her piñata thesis. Cavallo tells her it looks interesting. She tells him her them is undiscovered contents - surprises that come after life has hit you around a little bit. He tells her to keep it up. Felicity continues to work with her headphones and music blaring. She doesn't hear the building being evacuated because of a fire. By the time she realizes what's happening it's too late. The flames are right outside the art studio door. The doorknob is too hot to touch. She tries to open a window, but it's stuck. Noel arrives and yells for her to keep the window closed to keep oxygen from getting in and spreading the fire. He tells her to get down on the floor and cover her mouth. She tells him she can't get out of there. She asks what she's going to do. He tells her to stay calm - he's going to get help. The flames intensify. Felicity begins moving flammable containers away from the fire. She coughs from all of the smoke that's filled the room. Noel returns with a fire extinguisher and helps Felicity out of the room. They make it outside safely. The fire department says the fire was electrical.

Noel and Felicity walk home wrapped in blankets from the fire department. She invites him in for hot chocolate. He tells her they should both get cleaned up. She asks if he's sure he can't come inside for a little while. He tells her he's glad he's ok. She says thanks to him. Later, she tells Javier she doesn't know what would've happened if Noel hadn't been there. Javier says it's too awful - he doesn't even want to think about it.

Ben and Trevor both pass their o-chem exam. Ben scored a 95 while Trevor scored a 79. Neither one can believe Ben got an 'A'.

Noel tells Ben and Sean that there was a fire in the administration building. He tells them Felicity is a little freaked out, but she's ok. Ben calls her. He asks how she's doing. Felicity says she's ok. Ben says he just wanted to call and make sure. She tells him Elena told her he got an 'A' on his o-chem exam. She congratulates him. He says it's no big deal. She tells him it is a big deal. He asks if Elena and Javier are there. He wanted to make sure she's not alone. She tells him she's fine and thanks him for calling.

Felicity visits the art studio. Professor Cavallo tells her he's really sorry about her work. Felicity tells him she thinks she's going to need an extension. He tells her he really liked what she was doing - it's the kind of work students in the honors seminar do. He invites her to be a part of the class. He says her piñata took another hit, let's see what spills out as a result.

Felicity stops by Noels office and tells him the good news about the honors class. He congratulates her. She asks if they're still friends. He says they are, he just needs to change some things about himself - get back on track. She tells him that's good.

Noel tells his doctor that it was weird letting go, but it doesn't feel right for him to wait around for Felicity anymore.