No Relation
Jane sat on Daria抯 bed patiently waiting for her to finish typing up the playlist. It would have been much faster to have just written it on a piece of notebook paper but ever since she had joined up with Monique, the Harpies took up most of her free time. The playlist was a good excuse for her to spend a rare few minutes with Daria. Sitting there thinking about how much she missed spending time hanging out after school, her thoughts were interrupted by Daria抯 voice.
揟here. It抯 done.?Daria took the paper out of the printer and gave it to Jane. 揑 don抰 get this. Why are you doing so many covers? I figured Monique would want to do just the Harpies stuff. Even if it is a high school dance you抮e playing.?/span>
Jane took the sheet and looked over it. 揧ea but that抯 the thing. It抯 a high school dance. Mrs. Bennett抯 in charge and she let the students have a request sheet.?Looking over the list, she continued, 揟hanks for typing this out. I had to wait until after school to get the list from her.?/span>
揘o problem.?Daria said. 揑 wondered when you guys had started doing covers for boy bands. Although I could see you guys doing your one unique spin to the numbers. At least on my request anyway.?/span>
Shaking her head, Jane looked at Daria. 揘ot this time. We抮e doing straight covers. We need this gig. After we got stiffed at that club in Leansville last month we have to pay a few bills.?/span>
揙h so this is an act of desperation on the part of you guys??/span>
Jane nodded. 揗ore or less. Plus as you once said, a gig抯 a gig.?Stopping, she let Daria抯 earlier comment sink in. 揥ait a minute, YOUR request??Jane looked at the sheet again. Sure enough, hidden in the middle of the list was Daria抯 favorite song, looking at Daria, Jane asked, 揝o you抮e coming tonight after all??/span>
Daria couldn抰 believe it. Jane knew her better that that. 揂re you crazy? You remember what happened the last time I went to a dance. We almost socialized with Ruttheimers. No way will I risk something like that happening again.?/span>
揙h come on.?Jane said. 揧ou can hang backstage. It would be nice to have a friendly face as we lower our standards yet again for someone who will actually pay us.?/span>
Sighing, Daria said, 揈ven if I really wanted to I couldn抰. We抳e got company coming and I can抰 get away.?/span>
This interested Jane.
揜eally? Who??/span>
揗y Aunt Amy.?/span>
Jane抯 eyes got really big.
揟HE Aunt Amy!??/span>
Daria looked at her.
揥hat do you mean THE Aunt Amy??/span>
揥ell I抳e heard you talk about her enough. It抯 just I never expected to meet this woman.?/span>
揑f you do it抣l have to be quick.?Daria said, 揟hey抮e only staying tonight and tomorrow. They抣l be going back tomorrow evening.?/span>
Now Jane really was interested.
揟hey? Who else is coming??/span>
Daria slumped down in the desk chair.
揗y cousin Quinn.?/span>
Jane should have guessed. She had heard Daria mention her cousin once or twice before and it was just common sense that Aunt Amy wouldn抰 leave her daughter alone in the house for an entire weekend. She knew Daria didn抰 really care for Quinn that much but really wasn抰 sure why.
揝o it sounds like you抮e going to have a full weekend anyway.?/span>
Daria bowed her head and nodded slightly.
揧ea. Lucky me.?/span>
Standing up, Jane looked at Daria.
揥ell if they抮e not due for a while at least come and watch us set up. That抣l kill a few hours away from the casa.?/span>
As Jane put on her jacket, Daria looked up from the chair.
揑 don抰 think so. Watching seems like it could easily turn into helping move stuff.?/span>
Jane chuckled.
揇on抰 worry. If we draft you to do anything it will be to get us some sandwiches.?/span>
揙h that抯 much better. No way. You抮e on your own.?/span>
Sighing, Jane decided to give it one last shot.
揙kay, pizza instead of sandwiches. And you can choose the toppings.?/span>
Figuring it would be nice to spend more time with Jane, Daria said, 揑 guess I could waste a few hours. After all how difficult is it to dial a phone for delivery??/span>
As Jane opened the door, she said, 揟hat抯 the spirit. Let抯 go.?/span>
When they got in the hallway, Daria looked at Jane
揢m. Aren抰 you forgetting something??/span>
揥hat??/span>
Daria pointed at the piece of paper lying on her bed.
Jane ran back into the room and grabbed the playlist. When she got back into the hallway she looked at Daria.
揟hanks for noticing. I抎 be dead if I showed up with out this.?To be sure she didn抰 lose it again she folded it and placed it in the pocket inside her jacket lining. Looking back at Daria, she said, 揙kay. Let抯 go.?/span>
Walking down the stairs, Daria抯 hopes of leaving the house were soon destroyed when she heard Helen抯 voice come from the living room.
揇aria? Are you going somewhere??/span>
Walking into the living room, Daria said. 揢m yea. Jane asked me to go help her set up at the gym. I抣l be back soon.?/span>
Helen shook her head.
揑抦 sorry but you can抰 go. Amy and Quinn are due here any minute. You need to stay.?Turning to look at Jane she said, 揧ou抣l just have to do without Daria抯 help today.?/span>
Daria looked at Jane.
揝orry.?/span>
揘o problem. You can supervise some other time.?Looking at her watch, Jane said, 揥ow! It抯 getting late. I better get moving.?Jane looked at Helen. 揝ee you later Mrs. Morgendorffer.?/span>
As Daria and Jane turned to go to the door Helen said, 揃ye Jane.?/span>
Just as the pair got to the door, the bell rang. Looking through the peephole, Daria saw the distorted image of her Aunt. As she opened the door, she was stunned as a pair of arms wrapped tightly around her.
揌i Daria. It抯 great to see you again.?/span>
As she struggled to get free from the grasp, Daria said, 揌ey Quinn.?/span>
Looking up, Daria saw Amy standing in the doorway.
揌i Daria.?
Finally managing to free herself, Daria looked at Amy.
揌ey.?/span>
Noticing Jane, Amy asked, 揝o who抯 your friend??/span>
揙h right.?Daria said. 揂unt Amy, This is Jane. Jane this is my Aunt Amy.?/span>
Amy held out her arm and shook Jane抯 hand.
揌i Jane. It抯 nice to meet you.?/span>
揘ice to meet you too.?Jane said.
By now Helen had come over. When she saw her sister, the pair hugged.
揌ey Sis.?/span>
Amy smiled. 揌i Helen. You抮e looking good.?/span>
Laughing, Helen said, 揧ou too. Well both of you come in and sit down?
As Helen, Amy, and Quinn all went into the living room Daria said, 揑抣l be there in a second.?/span>
Once outside, Daria turned to look at Jane.
揑抦 sorry about this. I抣l see you later okay??/span>
Jane smiled. 揟hat抯 cool.?Changing the subject, Jane asked, 揂re you sure that抯 your Aunt??/span>
Daria nodded.
揙f course. Why??/span>
揥ell you said she and Helen were twins and they don抰 resemble each other that much.?/span>
揑 never said they were identical. But yes, they are twins and she is my aunt.?/span>
Raising her hands to stop Daria, Jane said, 揙kay. Sorry. Look, I really need to get going. If you change your mind about the dance you抮e more than welcome to hang out behind the stage. You can get in, Trent is security.?/span>
Daria rolled her eyes at the thought of Jane抯 little brother being security at a high school dance.
揋reat.?Sighing she said, 揥ell I better get back in there before Mom sends Quinn out to hug me again.?/span>
Jane chuckled at the thought of that happening twice. 揙kay Bye.?She said. Getting in the Tank, she looked through the passenger side window. 揥ell have fun.?/span>
揧ea right. Fun.?Daria said.
Standing there, Daria waited until Jane pulled away before going back inside. Going into the living room where everybody else was, she sat in the empty chair next to Quinn and tried to figure out where the conversation was.
揟hat抯 great.?Helen said. Turning to look at her daughter, she asked, 揇id you hear that Daria??/span>
Daria looked at her mom.
揌ear what??/span>
換uinn has made the honor roll the past two semesters.?/span>
Turning her attention to her cousin, Daria said, 揢m, Congratulations.?/span>
Quinn smiled.
揟hanks.?/span>
Daria had to admit to being a little impressed. When they shared a room for two years back in Highland, Quinn didn抰 seem to care anything about education. At that time school was merely a place to hang out with her friends. Something must have happened during their separation to make her take learning more serious.
揝o Daria, how has Lawndale been for you??Amy asked. 揑 see you抳e made a friend. Do you have any others??/span>
揑 know a few people.?Pausing for a second, Daria figured she should qualify that statement. 揥e抮e on friendly terms at least.?/span>
Amy chuckled.
揟hat抯 nice.?Turning her attention back to Helen, she asked, 揝o where抯 Jake??/span>
揌e抯 off fly fishing with his dad again. I don抰 really get it. They work together every day and then in their only free time they go off to hang out with each other. I guess it抯 their way of letting their success not wear them out.?
揝o business is good??Amy asked.
Helen nodded. 揧es. It抯 allowed me to finally get away from being at the law firm all the time. Perhaps soon I can actually get away from that place for good.?Turning from Amy, Helen looked at Daria and smiled, 揈very second I抦 there keeps me away from where I want to be the most.?/span>
揑f that抯 what you want.?Amy said. Standing up, she looked around. 揑t was a long drive. I need to freshen up some. Where抯 the restroom??/span>
Helen got up. 揑抣l show you.?Looking at Daria she said, 揇aria, why don抰 you show Quinn where the guest room is. You can takes Amy抯 bag up there.?/span>
Daria nodded. 揙kay.?Picking up one of the bags, she looked at Quinn and said, 揊ollow me.?/span>
The two went up the stairs. As they passed Daria抯 room Quinn peeked in. Stopping for a second to get the full effect, She asked. 揑s that your room??/span>
Turning to look at her cousin, Daria said. 揘o we rent that one out to transients on a weekly basis. Right now we have a sideshow freak staying there. He抣l be back after his shift ends at midnight. Don抰 let the horns scare you. He抯 really harmless, just don抰 look him directly in the eyes.?/span>
Setting her bag down, Quinn put her hands on her hips. 揌a Ha Daria. That would have worked a few years ago. I抦 not eight any more. Actually I think your room is kind of cool. It looks like it fits you perfectly.?/span>
This was definitely unexpected. When they lived together, Quinn made sure she had a screen to separate the bedroom so she didn抰 have to see Daria抯 d閏or. Daria guessed she was okay with it now since she wasn抰 going to have to sleep there. All she could say was, 揢m. Thanks.?/span>
After they put the bags in the guest room both went downstairs into the kitchen. As they entered, Daria saw her mom and Amy sitting at the table. Daria walked over to the refrigerator and got out a cola. Before she could close the door Helen spoke up.
揇aria. Aren抰 you going to see if Quinn wants something to drink??/span>
Figuring she had no choice, Daria turned to look at Quinn. 揇o you want something??/span>
Quinn tried to look in the fridge but Daria was blocking the view.
揇o you have anything diet??/span>
Looking back inside, Daria checked the stock of beverages. Turning back around she looked at Quinn.
揓ust a couple bottles of dihydrogen-monoxide.?/span>
揥hat!??Quinn exclaimed.
Once again, Amy chuckled.
揇on抰 worry Quinn. It抯 water.?/span>
Letting out a sigh of relief, Quinn said, 揙kay. That sounds fine.?/span>
Daria reached into the fridge one more time and gave Quinn a bottle of water.
揟hanks.?/span>
揝ure.?Daria said.
After pouring her drink in a glass, Daria excused herself and went upstairs with the story of needing to take care of something for school she left on her computer. The truth was pretty easy for Helen to figure out. Daria wasn抰 in a mood to talk. Knowing better than to try to force Daria into staying, she turned her attention back to Amy and said, 揝o tell me about the interview.?/span>
After going to her room, Daria shut the door and turned on the TV. About a half hour later the phone rang. A minute later there was a knock on her door.
揧es??/span>
Daria recognized Quinn抯 voice.
揢m. Aunt Helen says there抯 a call for you. She asked me to bring you the phone. Can I come in??/span>
Sighing, Daria said, 揙kay.?/span>
Quinn opened the door, walked in and gave Daria the phone. As Daria started to put the phone to her ear, Quinn stood at the foot of the bed and tried to watch the television. Not having much success, she asked, 揗ay I please sit down. I can抰 see the screen.?/span>
Daria moved over slightly to let Quinn sit down, putting the phone to her ear, she asked, 揌ello??/span>
On the other end, Jane said, 揌ey, Um Daria. Did you save the file with our playlist??/span>
Looking over at the computer, Daria saw the file was still up.
揧ea. Why. Have you lost the original??/span>
Jane knew she wouldn抰 hear the end of this for a while but she had no choice but to tell Daria the truth. 揂ctually yes I have.?/span>
Almost dropping the phone, Daria said, 揧ou抮e kidding right. I saw you put the list in your pocket. How could you lose it so fast??/span>
揑 don抰 know.?Jane said. 揑 guess it fell out of my pocket as I got the keys or something. It抯 not important what I need to know is can you make us a new copy. I抎 use the original but that抯 there too.?/span>
Seeing the original sheet on her desk, Daria said, 揧ea I抣l run you a new copy. You gonna send someone to get it??/span>
揝orry but no. The dance is about to start and I抦 in the band remember.?/span>
Daria sighed.
揑抣l try to get out of here. I can抰 promise anything. If I can抰 make it I抣l call you and you抣l have to send Trent. What抯 the number there??/span>
After writing down the number, Daria hung up, printed a new copy of the playlist and headed downstairs. In her haste, Daria never paid attention to Quinn tailing her. Heading to the kitchen, she looked for Helen. Not finding her, she went to the living room. There she found her mom and aunt still having their conversation. When they saw her and Quinn enter, both parents looked at their daughters.
揌ey Daria.?Helen said. 揌ow抯 the homework going??/span>
揢m fine. Jane just called.?Holding up the playlist, Daria continued. 揝he needs me to run a copy of this to the gym. I won抰 be long okay.?/span>
揅an抰 she come over and get it??Helen asked.
Daria shook her head. 揘o. The dance is starting soon and she can抰 leave. I plan to just drop it off and come right back.?/span>
揙kay.?Helen said. 揓ust see if Quinn wants to go along. If you抎 like you two can stop off and get something to eat. I really haven抰 started thinking about dinner yet.?/span>
揑 don抰 know.?Daria said. 揑 mean I just plan to run to the school and right back. I抦 sure Quinn would find it boring.?/span>
揘o I wouldn抰 Daria.?Quinn interrupted. 揑抎 like to see where you live. If you don抰 mind I would like to tag along.?/span>
Turning to look at her cousin, Daria sighed, 揙kay I guess.?Turning her attention back to Helen, Daria said, 揧ou mentioned getting something to eat while we抮e out.?/span>
Helen nodded.
揥ell I抦 broke so we抣l have to come back here inste厰
Before she could finish, Amy interrupted, reaching into her purse, she handed Quinn a twenty.
揌ere. Have whatever you two want. My treat.?/span>
Taking the bill, Quinn pocketed it and said, 揟hanks Mom.?/span>
揧ea. Thanks.?Daria said. Looking at Quinn, she continued. 揥e need to get going. Jane really needs this.?/span>
After going outside, Daria went over to the curb and looked down. Sure enough the folded playlist was lying on the pavement where it had fallen out of Jane抯 pocket. Picking it up. She stuck it with the other copy and the duo was on their way to the gym.
The walk turned out to be an exercise in patience for Daria. All the way to the school, Quinn never stopped asking questions. Where is the mall, How many cute guys are at the school, are there any really cool hangouts around. Sometimes Daria could answer the questions but many times she had no real good answer about life in Lawndale. It made her really curious about why Quinn was so interested in life here since there was no way she could do anything in just one night but she tried to be patient. Quinn was trying to be friendly so she wanted to be civil too. Eventually they made it to the school. Heading to the gym, they avoided the quickly filling front entrance and found the back door where Trent was sitting in the door of the van with the Harpies equipment.
Going over to where he was sitting, Daria cleared her throat. When nothing happened, Daria walked over and stood in front of him. When she got a better view she realized why there was no reaction. Once more Trent was asleep. 揝ome security.?Daria thought. 揓ane and Monique are lucky there抯 anything left in the van at all.?Before she could wake him, Quinn went over to stand next to Daria.
揌ey. He抯 cute.?Quinn said. 揥ho is he??/span>
揓ane抯 little brother.?Poking him in the shoulder, Daria said, 揟rent, wake up.?
Trent slowly opened his eyes. When he saw Daria, he immediately jumped up and tried to look more alert to his surroundings. How could he have been so sloppy? And the worst part was he was a fool in front of Daria. Of all the people to see him at his worst, it had to be her. Hoping to not embarrass himself more, he said, 揌ey Daria. What can I do for you??/span>
Immediately after saying that, Trent wanted to slap himself. Here he was talking to the girl of his dreams and he was acting like a salesman at a store in the mall. Before he could try to fix his stupidity, Daria interrupted and saved him from embarrassing himself any further.
揑 need to see Jane. She asked me to bring her something. Is she inside??/span>
Before Trent could reply, Daria heard the music start. Looking at Trent, she said, 揑 guess that抯 a yes. I抣l just go in. Okay??/span>
揢h yea.?Trent said. Before he could say anything else, he saw Daria and Quinn heading through the door. Sighing in frustration, he wondered who that girl with Daria was.
Once in the gym, Daria stood backstage and waited for Jane to notice her. When Jane saw her standing off to the side, she nodded and gestured for Daria to wait. Once the song was over, Jane unstrapped her guitar and grabbed the list.
揟hanks for bringing this.?She said. 揥e抎 have been stuck for sure without this. You really saved our butts here.?/span>
揝ure. No problem.?Daria said.
揕ook I have to get back but stick around. We抣l play your request next.?/span>
揢m. Thanks but we抮e going to get some food.?/span>
揙h c抦on. It抯 just three minutes. Surely you can spare that long.?/span>
揙kay.?Daria said. 揃ut you better get to it quick.?/span>
Jane looked over to see Monique glaring at her. Looking back at Daria, she said. 揑 need to get back. Thanks again.?Rushing over, she handed the list to Monique, whispered something in her ear and picked up her guitar. A second later they began playing Brandy (You抮e a fine girl). Oddly enough it sounded great. Monique must really like the song too. After it was completed, Jane looked at Daria and grinned. Daria nodded back and turned to Quinn.
揙kay. Let抯 get going.?/span>
揅an I just look in the gym for a minute before we leave??Quinn asked.
Once more, Quinn抯 behavior confused Daria. 揥hy would you want to do that??she asked.
揑抎 just like to see what part of the school looks like.?Quinn said.
揥hy??/span>
揓ust humor me Daria. Please? It won抰 take too long. Then we抣l get some pizza and I抣l explain. Okay??/span>
Daria shrugged. She didn抰 see any harm in letting Quinn see the gym but she hoped the explanation would be worth going out into the crowd. 揙kay. Follow me.?She said and opened the door to go out onto the dance floor. Once in the gym, Daria immediately regretted the action when she heard a familiar voice.
揇aria I didn抰 expect to see you here.?/span>
Turning to the voice, Daria looked up.
揌ey Mr. O扤eill.?/span>
揥hat made you change your mind about coming tonight??/span>
揑抦 not really here for the dance. Jane needed me to drop something off. We抮e leaving in just a minute.?/span>
揓ane抯 here too??he asked.
Daria was once again amazed. Just when she thought she抎 heard everything Mr. O扤eill had to say, he never failed to surprise her. Pointing to the stage, she said, 揧ea. She抯 in the band.?/span>
Looking the direction she was pointing, he finally noticed Jane.
揂h. So she is. Well stay as long as you want.?Pausing for a second, he asked, 揧ou did remember to buy a pass, right??/span>
Shaking her head, Daria said, 揘o. Like I said we just peeked in for a second after giving Jane her playlist. We抮e leaving in a second.?/span>
It was then Mr. O扤eill finally saw Quinn standing there.
揌ello. I don抰 think I抳e seen you around the school before.?/span>
揟hat抯 because I抦 not a student here. Daria抯 my cousin. I抦 here visiting this weekend.?/span>
揂h. I see. Well I hope you enjoy yourself.?Now that he had noticed Quinn, he couldn抰 help but feel there was something familiar about her. What it was he couldn抰 say but there was something that reminded him of someone. Deciding there was no real harm in bending the rules he looked at Daria and said, 揧ou know. If you抮e with the band you can stay a while without buying a ticket if you would like. I won抰 tell anyone if you won抰.?/span>
揢m. Sure. Thanks.?Daria said.
Before he could embarrass Daria any more Ms. Barch came over and accosted him.
揅抦on Skinny. There抯 a slow one coming up.?/span>
As she dragged him away, Daria let out a huge sigh of relief that was over. Looking at Quinn, she said, 揙kay have you seen enough??/span>
揧ea.?Quinn said. 揃ut I like this song. Let抯 stay until they finish it. Okay??/span>
揤ery well. But then we go to get something to eat.?/span>
Daria really was beginning to get a little hungry and the noise was starting to give her a headache. She really wanted to get going.
As Daria impatiently waited for the song to finish, she never noticed the mass of young men moving her direction until it was too late to move out of the way. The first time she noticed anything was when Jamie bumped into her without apologizing. Standing there with an irate look, she listened to the events with little surprise.
揌ey are you new here??/span>
揥ould you dance with me??/span>
揅an I get you a soda??
It was as if the years had washed away and they were back together at the pool in Highland again. She was pushed out of the way as the boys quickly discovered girls, or a girl to be more precise. Quinn had some weird effect on guys. When they got around her it was as if no other female existed, and Quinn knew how to use it to her advantage from the very beginning. That was why it was such a shock when she heard Quinn抯 reply.
揢m thanks but no. I抦 here with Daria and we抮e going to get something to eat.?/span>
Daria couldn抰 believe it. What had happened to Quinn? Any surprises from earlier paled in comparison to what she just heard. Standing there, she waited for the boy抯 replies to what Quinn had just said.
揥ell can I drive you to the restaurant? There抯 a really nice place called Chez Pierre not far from here.?Jeffy said. 揑 can change into my tie and get you there in fifteen minutes.?
Jane and Monique were playing the lead-in to the next song. Looking over at Daria, Quinn nodded slightly to indicate she was ready to get going. She seemed uncomfortable with all the attention she was getting so Daria nodded that she was also ready to leave. Unfortunately it wasn抰 early enough and they were cut off by Ms. Li at the exit.
揗s. Morgendorffer. I don抰 recall seeing you buy a ticket.?/span>
Looking up at Ms. Li, Daria said, 揑 didn抰 come in through the front door. I had to give Jane something and just peeked in for a minute to show Quinn the gym.?/span>
揂h.?Looking over at Quinn for just a second, Ms. Li continued. 揝o that answers my second question but I have one more. You aren抰 a student here are you.?/span>
Shaking her head, Quinn said, 揘o Maam. I抦 not a student here but you see厰
Before she could continue, Ms. Li interrupted, 揟hat抯 it. This is a function for only the students of Lawndale High. I need to know how you got in and why you抮e here.?/span>
揝he抯 with me.?Daria said. 揕ike I said, we just peeked in for a second. Mr. O扤eil saw us and said we could stay for a few minutes longer. We were just leaving when you came over.?/span>
揝o Mr. O扤eill抯 in this as well.?Dividing her attention between the two young women, she said, 揧ou two aren抰 going anywhere. This is a violation of school security. Follow me right now.?/span>
Not really knowing what they had done, the two felt they had no other choice and followed her as she found Mr. O扤eill. Walking to the office, the four sat down and waited as Ms. Li phoned Helen.
Helen was shocked to hear that Daria was in trouble for merely doing Jane a favor and immediately said she would be right there. After hanging up, Ms. Li and the other three sat there in almost complete silence waiting for Helen to arrive. After about ten minutes they head her voice in the foyer.
揌ello??/span>
Looking at the two young women and Mr. O扤eill, Ms. Li said, 揥ait right here.?Getting up she left the office and closed the door behind her. They sat there for a second. Eventually the expected reply came and Daria heard Helen抯 voice get louder the angrier she became at hearing why they were in trouble. While she had not been overly concerned about being in trouble as much as she was annoyed at the idea that she still hadn抰 eaten dinner yet she was comforted knowing that her mom抯 lawyer gene had kicked into high gear and she would soon be out of hot water. Sure enough, a few seconds later the door opened and a somewhat humbled Ms. Li silently gestured for Daria and Quinn to follow her.
Once in the hallway, Daria and Quinn saw Helen and, much to both their surprise, Amy waiting for them. Looking at her daughter, Helen asked, 揂re you ready to go now??/span>
Knowing there was no reason to say anything, Daria and Quinn both went to their respective parents and stood there. A moment later, Helen spoke again.
揗s. Li. I believe you have something to say.?/span>
Taking a deep breath, Ms. Li sighed and began.
揗s. Morgendorffer, Ms. Barksdale. I want to apologize for my treatment of you. You didn抰 violate any school policies and my actions weren抰 justified. Ms. Morgendorffer, please be assured this will not be noted on you permanent record.?/span>
Looking up, Ms. Li quickly glanced at Helen to see if that was adequate. Once Helen acknowledged that she had done enough, Ms. Li spoke again. 揤ery well. Now I need to get back to the gym to make sure everyone抯 behaving.?/span>
Suddenly, Ms. Barch entered the hallway. 揥here抯 Timothy??she asked.
That was when Ms. Li remembered Mr. O扤eill was still waiting in her office. Looking through the door she said, 揧ou can come out now. We need to get back to the dance. I抣l speak to you later.?/span>
From inside the office everyone heard Mr. O扤eill meekly say, 揤ery well.?/span>
Amy thought the voice sounded vaguely familiar. Stopping at the door for a second, she waited to see if her suspicions would be confirmed. A moment later she got the surprise of her life when she saw Mr. O扤eill come out.
揟here you are Skinny.?Ms. Barch said.
Mr. O扤eill bowed his head. 揝orry Janet.?/span>
揟IM!??Amy said.
Turning to the voice, Mr. O扤eill couldn抰 believe his eyes. 揂my??he said. 揑s that really you??/span>
Amy nodded.
揑t抯 been a long time.?/span>
Still in shock, all Mr. O扤eill could say was, 揑t sure has.?/span>
揟imothy? Do you know this woman??Ms. Barch asked.
Nodding, he said, 揧es. We knew each other many years ago when I was a college student. We had something unique that ended suddenly. It was a great loss to me.?Looking at Amy he smiled. Finally noticing her arm around Quinn he asked. 揂my is this厰
Smiling, Amy said, 揧es Tim. This is Quinn. Your daughter.?/span>
After all the shocks today this was the prizewinner for Daria. In spite of all her efforts to absorb this bit of information she found herself lacking and did the only thing left to her. She fainted.
When she finally regained consciousness, Daria saw Helen and Ms. Barch staring at her.
揇aria? Are you okay??Helen asked.
Slowly getting up, Daria said, 揑 guess so. Just clear something up for me. Did I hear what I thought I heard??/span>
As she became completely vertical, Daria saw Aunt Amy, Quinn, and Mr. O扤eill all standing in a corner talking to each other. 揘ever mind.?She said. 揑 guess I heard right.?/span>
Before anything else could be said, Ms. Barch spoke up.
揟hat抯 the woman who broke his heart? She doesn抰 look like Skinny抯 type.?/span>
This took Daria by surprise once more. 揧ou mean you knew about this??She asked.
揙f course Daria. We all did. He抯 never made any secret about his long lost daughter.?/span>
揑 never heard about it.?/span>
Ms. Barch grinned.
揥ell this was grownup talk Daria. You didn抰 know because you抮e still a kid.?/span>
Daria gave Ms. Barch a cross look.
揙h. I see.?/span>
Just then, Quinn came over to where they were.
揗om and my, uh, dad, I guess, want to talk.?She said. 揅an I get a ride home with you? I抦 really not in a mood for food right now.?/span>
揙f course Quinn. You can ride home with us if you want.?Turning to look at Daria, Helen asked, 揇aria do you want to get a sandwich or something on the way back??/span>
Daria hadn抰 really considered anything food wise for a while but the thought of Mr. O扤eill being her uncle really killed any appetite she had. Looking at her mom she said, 揘o. I抣l get something at the house.?/span>
揤ery well.?Helen said. Looking at her sister, she saw Amy nod that everything was okay and she should go on without her. 揙kay you two. Let抯 leave them to talk.?/span>
As they walked out of the school building, Quinn turned and said, 揝ee you later Mom.?Looking at Mr. O扤eill she wondered if she should say anything. Since she couldn抰 think of anything, she just turned and followed Helen and Daria.
About an hour later, Daria was sitting in her room reading a magazine when Quinn stuck her head in. 揢m. Hey.?/span>
Lowering the magazine, Daria looked at her cousin. 揧es??/span>
揗ay I come in? I won抰 get in your way.?/span>
While they had never really gotten along when they were younger, Daria had noticed Quinn was different now and she also felt sorry for her after the big reveal earlier. Figuring she should be nice for the moment, she said, 揙kay.?/span>
Closing the door behind her, Quinn sat in the chair at the desk while Daria returned to her reading. After a minute, Quinn asked, 揇o you have any more magazines??/span>
Daria gestured to a pile of books in the corner and Quinn went over to browse through them. As she did, Daria looked on with interest. She wondered what Quinn would pick. All her magazines were more serious in nature than the usual teen targeted stuff she undoubtedly liked. Because of this assumption, Daria was shocked when Quinn selected one of her favorite literary magazines and sat back down to read a story or two. Figuring the time had finally come, she asked, 揙kay I give up. Who are you and what did you do to my cousin??/span>
Quinn looked at Daria.
揚(yáng)ardon??/span>
揑 mean. When we lived together in Highland you were more interested in playing with your friends and what boys could do for you.?Daria said. 揝ince I saw you this morning all you have done is stick next to me and act totally opposite of how I remember you. I have to admit that has me more than a little confused. So level with me. What抯 happening??/span>
Quinn sat there for a second and let Daria抯 question sink in. Without warning, she burst into tears. Not knowing what to do, Daria sat up on the edge of the bed for a second and decided what to say. She wanted to prevent making things any worse. Finally, she said, 揝orry Quinn. Didn抰 mean to upset you.?/span>
As she sniffled, Quinn looked around for a tissue.
揟hey抮e on the bookcase.?Daria said.
Reaching over, Quinn grabbed the box and said, 揟hanks.?/span>
揝o do you want to talk about it??Daria asked. 揑抣l understand if you say no.?
揧ou really want to know??/span>
揑sn抰 that why you came in here??Daria asked. 揟o talk.?nbsp;
Quinn nodded. It was true. She didn抰 figure she could hide her intentions from Daria anyhow. Taking a deep breath, she said, 揧ea it is. But I want you to tell me if I talk too much okay??/span>
Once more Daria was surprised. The tough thing used to be getting Quinn to shut up. Now she抯 asking for help in doing it. 揙kay.?She said. 揋o ahead.?/span>
Sighing, Quinn looked at Daria. 揑t抯 all too much. This was supposed to be a simple weekend to get to know Lawndale but things have gone crazy all of the sudden.?/span>
Holding up her hand to stop Quinn, Daria asked, 揋et to know Lawndale? What do you mean??/span>
揧ou mean you don抰 know??/span>
Daria shook her head.
揗om抯 in town for an interview tomorrow morning. She抯 said the job抯 a lock but they wanted to meet her personally before making a formal offer. In a few weeks we抮e moving here.?Quinn said. Looking at Daria for any response she waited a few seconds before giving up. 揧ou really didn抰 know that??/span>
Once more, Daria shook her head. Finally, she worked up a question.
揝o are you two planning on moving in with us again??/span>
Smiling, Quinn said, 揘o you can rest easy this time. Mom said we抮e finally going to buy a house. It抯 why I was asking about where things were when we walked to the school. You don抰 have to worry. You won抰 have to share your room or your precious canopy bed with me.?/span>
Before the discussion became a personality conflict, Daria changed the subject.
揙kay great. But I抦 sure that isn抰 what抯 really on your mind. Like you said, Things seem to have suddenly gone crazy.?/span>
揧ou抮e right.?Quinn said. 揑 always wondered what my father was like but never expected to find him. At least not like this. I mean when Mom and I lived with all of you, I always a little jealous you knew who your dad was and what he did. Getting to know my father was something I dreamed about but never thought it would actually happen, at least not this way. ?Pausing for a moment, Quinn waited to gather her thoughts and hoped Daria would chime in. When she didn抰, Quinn spoke again. 揇o you know him??/span>
Daria wondered if Quinn would ask her that. Not really knowing where to begin, she decided to stick to the basics.
揧ea. He抯 been my English teacher for the last year. More than likely I抣l have him for classes the next two as well.?/span>
揥hat can you tell me about him.?/span>
Daria thought for a second. She knew more than she figured Quinn would want to hear. While people felt she never cared about others feelings, Daria never wanted to hurt anyone. Figuring Quinn would learn the facts over time, she decided to hold back and merely stick with the basics.
揥ell I can抰 tell you much but I can give you the basics厰
For the next half hour, Daria told Quinn what she knew and tried to answer any questions. From time to time she had to lie and say she didn抰 know the answer. Soon she felt she抎 shared enough and looked at Quinn.
揟hat抯 all I know. Really. Sorry I can抰 help more.?/span>
Smiling, Quinn said, 揑t抯 okay. I know more from the past few questions than I抳e known for the past fifteen years. Mom never told me anything about him. You抳e made me very happy. He sounds nice.?/span>
揥ell he抯 harmless.?Daria said. 揊or the most part anyway?she thought
A second later, Helen stuck her head through the door.
換uinn, I thought I抎 find you here. Your Mom抯 back now. She wants to talk to you in private.?/span>
Turning to look at her aunt, Quinn asked, 揑s my father here??/span>
Helen shook her head.
揘o. He dropped your mom off and left. She wants to speak to you in private.?/span>
揙kaaay.?Quinn said. Getting up, she walked through the doorway and stopped for a second, looking back at Daria, she said, 揟hanks for talking with me.?/span>
Daria nodded slightly.
Once Quinn was gone, Helen looked at her daughter.
揝o you two are getting along now??/span>
揑n a sense.?Daria said. 揝he wanted to know a little about Mr. O扤eill. I gave her just the basics.?/span>
揙h okay.?Helen said.
Looking at Helen. Daria asked, 揑s it really true. Is he really Quinn抯 father??/span>
Nodding, Helen said, 揑t seems so.?/span>
揝orry about passing out earlier. I didn抰 expect that much of a shock.?/span>
Helen smiled.
揂t least you抮e feeling better now.?/span>
揧ea. But how can I go to class anymore. I mean, Uncle Timothy? That抯 almost too creepy.?/span>
揧ou抣l have to work it out somehow.?Helen said, 揧ou still have another week of school, and two more years after that. You can抰 avoid him forever.?/span>
Daria sighed.
揑 guess you抮e right. But still. You have to admit it抯 going to take some adjusting. By the way, why didn抰 you tell me Aunt Amy and Quinn were planning on moving here.?/span>
揧ou mean I didn抰??Helen asked. 揑 thought I had. I抦 so sorry. But don抰 worry. They抮e not going to live with us again. I love my sister but that抯 a situation we can avoid now.?/span>
揑t抯 okay.?Daria said. 揘o harm done.?/span>
Suddenly Helen realized something.
揧ou haven抰 had dinner yet have you? Do you want something??/span>
Shaking her head, Daria said, 揘o thanks. I still haven抰 recovered my appetite. I抣l get something later. Right now all I want to do is finish this article.?/span>
揤ery well Sweetie. But if you change your mind let me know and I抣l get you a sandwich or make you something quick. Okay??/span>
揙kay Mom.?/span>
Helen closed the door and left her daughter to her thoughts.
It began to get late. Several hours had passed with everyone wrapped up in their own thoughts or discussing things with their mother. Daria had long ago quit reading her magazine and was now watching a bad movie. Sitting there staring at the screen she figured the dance was over. Jane and the rest of the Harpies were probably packing up and trying to wring a check out of Ms. Li. Looking at the clock she decided to give Jane another hour before trying to call. She needed to talk to someone and Jane was the only one she felt she could share her real feelings about this with. Her only concern was how would she take the shocking news. She knew if she asked, Jane would keep quiet about it but if she passed out would Jane act any different? Since this wasn抰 something to be broadcast over a cel phone, she抎 just wait until Jane was back at her house. Laying there rolling all her thoughts around in her mind, it took a moment for her to hear the faint knocking on the door.
揧es??/span>
Opening the door, Quinn came in with a pillow and blanket under her arm
揌ey Daria.?She said, 揗om and I got through talking. I don抰 really feel like sleeping with her tonight. Can I sleep in your room? I抣l stay on the floor and be quiet. You won抰 know I抦 here. I promise.?/span>
Feeling pity for her, Daria said, 揢h sure. But why don抰 you use one of the sleeping bags? They抮e more comfortable.?/span>
揑 don抰 know where they are.?/span>
Deciding she抎 been through enough, Daria got up. 揥ait here. I抣l get one out of the garage.?She said. Stopping for a second, she looked at Quinn. 揑抦 not really watching the movie. If you want to change the channel it抯 okay.?/span>
Grateful that Daria was being so nice to her, Quinn said, 揟hanks. I抣l see what抯 on.?/span>
Walking down the stairs, Daria realized she wouldn抰 get to talk to Jane tonight after all. She figured it wasn抰 that bad. She sort of liked this new Quinn and felt a little sorry for her. Tonight she抎 be nice, tomorrow she抎 be herself again. Once downstairs she started to go into the kitchen to go to the garage when she heard Aunt Amy talking to someone. It took a second to recognize the voice but when she finally did, she stopped before they saw her. Standing there, she listened to some of the conversation before deciding whether she should interrupt them.
揝o Tim.?Amy said. 揥hat are we going to do now??/span>
揑 really don抰 know.?He replied. 揑抦 still in shock at seeing my daughter after all these years. I never thought I抎 ever see her.?Before he could continue, Daria heard him start crying. That made her mind up, she was definitely not going in there now. In spite of that, she stayed there a few minutes more eavesdropping. Leaning against the wall next to the door, she heard Amy speak again.
揌ere, take a tissue.?/span>
揟hanks Amy.?/span>
揟im. We抳e been talking for a few hours now and I want to ask a question.?/span>
After hearing him blow his nose, Daria heard him say. 揙f course.?/span>
揈xplain something to me if you don抰 mind.?/span>
揥hat??/span>
Daria抯 stoic exterior and seclusion was almost betrayed by uncontrolled laughter when she heard Amy抯 question.
揥hen did you become such a woman??/span>
She could hear Mr. O扤eill抯 shock.
揥hat!??/span>
揘o offense Tim but when I met you all those years ago you were a confident young man finishing his junior year of college and looking forward to getting into graduate school. It was your confidence that convinced me to break my rule and fall for a much younger man. Now over fifteen years later I meet you and you抮e some feel good wishy-washy goofball. What happened??/span>
揂 lot of things made me what I am now.?He said. 揙nce you left me after telling me you were pregnant I became depressed. After all I never knew if I抎 ever see my child. It was because of that that I began trying to make a difference and learned about all my new age therapies. I have a question too.?/span>
揧es??/span>
揥hy did you hide Quinn from me for so long??/span>
Daria heard Amy sigh.
揑 didn抰 try to hide her. I was much older than you and you were just starting your life.?She said. 揑 didn抰 want you to throw that away for the sake of Quinn. Several years after she was born I did make an attempt to find you but the alumni association had no record of where you had gone. From time to time I checked in there but they never heard from you.?/span>
揧ea.?Mr. O扤eill said, laughing slightly. 揑 guess I should have filled out one of their questionnaires.?/span>
揑t would have made finding you easier.?/span>
揟rue. Sorry.?/span>
揑t抯 okay.?Amy said. 揘ow that we抳e finally caught up, we need to work out the details about you formally meeting Quinn.?/span>
Things were quickly getting uncomfortable for Daria. Her stance made her right leg start falling asleep. Shifting her weigh to remedy the problem, she accidentally knocked over an umbrella. The noise wasn抰 much but still loud enough that Mr. O扤eill heard it.
揥hat was that??he asked.
揙ne second.?Amy said. 揑抣l check.?/span>
Hearing the chair slide away from the table, Daria knew she didn抰 want to get caught snooping. Quickly she ran upstairs. Hiding at the top of the steps out of site, she heard Amy say, 揑t was nothing, an umbrella fell over.?/span>
Rushing to her room, she jumped on her bed and hid under the covers.
Shocked at the commotion, Quinn looked at Daria.
揥here抯 the sleeping bag??/span>
Pulling the spread from around her head, Daria said, 揑 couldn抰 find it.?Grabbing the comforter, she tossed it at Quinn.
揌ere use this. I抣l be fine with just the blanket.?/span>
Fumbling with the comforter, Quinn said, 揢h thanks. Just one more question.?/span>
揥hat??/span>
揇o you normally sleep in your jeans and sandals or is this a special occasion??/span>
Daria scowled at Quinn. 揑抣l change in a second. Okay??/span>
揥hatever you want.?Quinn said. 揑t抯 your bed.?/span>
After about an hour, both young women went to bed. It took a while for them to get the thoughts of earlier events to slow down enough to allow sleep but eventually the strain of the day caught up and they both got a decent amount of rest. Since it was Saturday, neither got up very early. About mid morning Daria opened her eyes to see Quinn leaning against her closet door reading another magazine.
揑 don抰 think I抣l ever get used to this Quinn.?Daria thought.
Noticing the movement, Quinn looked up from her reading.
揌ey Daria. I woke up about a half-hour ago. I hope you don抰 mind me reading another magazine. It helps me wake up.?/span>
Sitting up on the edge of the bed, Daria said, 揙f course not. Just don抰 take it with you. Okay??/span>
揇on抰 worry.?Quinn said. 揑抣l probably have this issue in the mailbox when I get back to the apartment. I抣l finish reading it then.?/span>
Putting on her glasses, Daria leaned over and stared at Quinn.
揥hat are you doing??Quinn asked.
揓ust checking to make sure you抮e really my cousin.?Daria said. 揧ou抳e definitely changed since I last saw you.?/span>
揑 didn抰 change Daria. I started growing up. I can抰 stay a kid forever. After all, there抯 more to life than boys, music and clothes.?/span>
揑s that why you抮e wearing that green jacket and military boots??Daria asked.
揝ort of.?Quinn said. 揑 just quit worrying about how I looked. If people like me it抯 because of who I am and not what I look like. Plus the jacket and skirt are very comfortable and the boots are cool.?/span>
揑f you抮e okay with it I guess I am too.?Daria said. 揂lthough I抎 do something about the hair. It抯 got great potential. It looks like you don抰 even try to give it any body though. I mean it just lifeless and brown. Surely you could make it bouncier.?/span>
揚(yáng)robably. But I don抰 really have much success in that department.?Looking at Daria抯 hair, she continued, 揂fter all not everybody can have beautiful long read hair like you.?/span>
揟hanks.?Daria said. 揃ut you could still give it some life.?Getting up, she went to the dresser and got out her favorite shirt, the pink one with the butterfly on it and set it on the bed. Grabbing her robe, she looked at Quinn. 揥ell I抦 going to take a shower. If you go downstairs, tell Mom I抣l be down soon.?/span>
揙kay.?/span>
Leaving the bedroom, Daria went down the hall and past the old bedroom with the creepy padded walls. Looking at the door, she shuddered slightly and went into the bathroom.
A little while later, a now dressed Daria went into the kitchen. After making a bowl of cereal, she sat at the table between Helen and Quinn. Looking at her mom, she asked, 揥here抯 Aunt Amy??/span>
揂t her interview.?Helen said.
揂fter she gets back. We抮e going to go meet my father.?Quinn said.
Sensing Quinn was nervous, Daria decided to let her guard down a little more and be supportive.
揑 hope it goes okay.?/span>
Laughing slightly, Quinn said, 揗e too. I never thought it would ever happen. Now that it is I抦 a little scared.?/span>
揟hat抯 understandable Dear.?Helen said. 揂fter all it抯 new to all of us. Just remember you aren抰 alone here. None of you expected this. Just be yourself and I抦 sure things will be okay.?/span>
揟hanks Aunt Helen. I抦 sure they will.?/span>
After that, nobody had anything else to add. Wrapped in their thoughts they sat there in silence for a while. Eventually Quinn got up.
揥ell if you抣l excuse me. If I抦 going to meet my father I want to be ready. I抦 going to take a shower. Okay??/span>
揙f course.?Helen said. 揟he towels are under the sink.?/span>
揟hanks,?Quinn said and left the room. After she was gone, Daria turned to look at Helen.
揝o how抯 Aunt Amy doing??/span>
揝he抯 taking it in stride. It抯 been a shock but she has to try to stay focused on her interview. After that she can try to deal with this turn of events.?/span>
揧ea. She does seem to have a lot to deal with right now.?Daria said. 揌ope her interview goes okay.?/span>
Helen smiled at Daria.
揇on抰 worry about that Daria. We Barksdale women can handle anything. She抣l be fine.?/span>
揑f you say so Mom.?/span>
Later on, after Amy had returned, all four women were sting in the living room. Amy was telling them about the interview and how they had offered the job immediately after the meeting ended. She said they would be visiting again in about two weeks to go house hunting and would likely be moving to Lawndale by the end of the month. Turning to look at Daria Quinn asked, 揑s it okay if I stay with you some more? That is until we get a house of our own.?/span>
揑 guess.?Daria said. 揑f it gets to be too much we could always put up a bed in the other room. Hope you don抰 mind padded walls.?/span>
揑t sounds cool.?Quinn said with enthusiasm. 揂re there bars on the windows too??/span>
Daria nodded.
揅ool! I抎 like to see that.?/span>
Just then the doorbell rang.
Helen stood up.
揑抣l get it.?/span>
Looking through the peephole, Helen turned to look at her sister.
揂my it抯 for you.?/span>
Knowing what that meant, Amy sighed and said, 揟hanks.?Getting up she opened the door.
揌ey Tim. Come in.?/span>
After entering, Mr. O扤eill followed Amy into the living room. Once there, they went over to the chair where Quinn was sitting. Looking at their daughter, Amy said, 換uinn. This is Tim. He抯 your father. Tim this is Quinn.?/span>
Standing up, Quinn stepped back slightly to get some space, looking at him, she said, 揢m hi uh厰 Not knowing what to call him. She decided to just greet him and figure it out later. 揢h hey.?/span>
Before Quinn could realize what was happening, Mr. O扤eill reached over and hugged her tightly. As the shock wore off she heard him sobbing uncontrollably. Standing there powerless to move in his grasp, Quinn thought, 揟his is the man who gave me life? What a wuss.?/span>
Finally managing to pry herself away, Quinn looked at her father.
揢h I appreciate the fact this is an emotional moment but until we get to know each other better could you not hug me like that again??/span>
Stunned at her response, Mr. O扤eill said, 揑 uh guess so. Sorry.?/span>
揑t抯 okay.?Quinn said. 揘o harm done.?/span>
揘o harm done??Daria thought. 揑 wish I hadn抰 seen that. I抳e got two more years looking at him and it抯 not going to be easy shaking that image from my brain.?Getting up, she looked at everyone and said, 揥ell I抦 going to go upstairs for a while. I need to get ready. Jane doesn抰 have a gig tonight so she wants to go see a movie. I need to see if it抯 still on.?/span>
It was then that Mr. O扤eill finally noticed Daria.
揙h hello. Sorry I didn抰 see you. I had other things on my mind.?/span>
揑t抯 okay.?Daria said. 揑抦 not the reason for your visit. Now if you抣l excuse me.?/span>
Before anyone could say anything, Daria went to her room. Sitting on her bed, He reached over and hugged her green stuffed dinosaur and wondered whether she should tell Jane about this when they finally met up. After all, news like this spreads pretty fast. All she would be doing is starting the gossip mill. Putting it out of her mind, she figured the first thing to do is see if the movie was still on for the evening. Picking up the phone from where she had left it when Quinn gave it to her the night before, she dialed. After a few rings, Jane answered. Yawning, she said, 揌ello??/span>
揌ey Jane. Sorry to wake you厰
About thirty minutes later, Daria went downstairs, Helen was sitting alone in the living room watching the news. Turning to where Daria was, she said, 揌ey Sweetie. Are you going to meet Jane now??/span>
Nodding, Daria said, 揧es. We抮e going to get some pizza and catch the first showing. I抣l be back early.?Pausing for a moment, she figured she should at least comment a little about the situation.
揝o I guess they抣l be gone a while then.?/span>
揚(yáng)robably.?Helen said. 揂fter all. They have a lot of time to catch up on.?nbsp; Looking At Daria she asked, 揧ou aren抰 going to talk to Jane about this are you??/span>
Shaking her head, Daria said, 揘o. I thought about it and decided things would likely get out soon enough. If Jane says anything, I抣l say only what I need to. Other than that I抣l keep quiet until I have to say something.?/span>
Helen smiled.
揟hat抯 probably for the best.?After all, we don抰 have the whole story either. Much of what we could say might be misinterpreted.?/span>
揋ood point.?Daria said. Looking at her watch, she continued, 揥ell I have to meet Jane in fifteen minutes. I need to get going.?/span>
揌ave fun Daria.?Speaking up to stop her daughter before she got out of the door, Helen asked, 揇o you have any money to pay for the show??/span>
Reaching into her pocket, Daria pulled out a five and a few ones.
揧ea. I have enough. I found this in a jacket pocket while getting dressed this morning.?Realizing she might Miss Aunt Amy she said, 揑n case I don抰 get back before they leave, tell them bye for me.?/span>
Once more, Helen smiled.
揇on抰 worry Sweetie, you抣l be back before they leave. Because of what happened, they抮e staying tonight too. They won抰 be leaving until tomorrow morning.?/span>
揙h.?Daria said. 揑n that case, I might be a little later then. Jane wants me to look over some lyrics before she shows them to Monique. I was going to do it tomorrow but this will get it over with sooner.?/span>
Helen laughed. In one of the moments when Daria shared her life with her she discovered how bad a lyricist Jane was. After hearing a few recitations of examples, Helen understood completely why Daria wanted to get that task over with as early as possible.
揥ell I really need to go.?Daria said. 揑抣l be back in a few hours.?/span>
揃ye Sweetie. Have fun.?/span>
Daria caught up with Jane right on time. Because it took longer to get to the Pizza King, Daria was ten minutes late and Jane showed up twenty minutes earlier than Daria expected so they had timed it perfectly. Sitting there eating, Jane noticed Daria seemed more distracted than normal. Finally having enough of the silence, Jane spoke up.
揝o how was the visit??/span>
揌uh??/span>
揧our Aunt and cousin. How was their visit.?/span>
揙h. Okay.?Daria said. 揥hy??/span>
揥hy what??/span>
揥hy are you so interested??/span>
This shocked Jane slightly. Daria wasn抰 one to talk very much but she never really got defensive around her. There had to be some reason for her friend抯 behavior.
揘o real reason.?Jane said. 揓ust trying to make conversation. Is there something I should know??/span>
Wondering if she should spill the beans to Jane, Daria looked around the restaurant. There was Kevin and Brittany in the booth across from them. Sitting at a table nearby and well within earshot were the three fashion fiends. There were others she knew as well. Realizing none of them would keep anything they overheard to themselves, she decided to keep quiet.
揘ot really. It抯 just that the visit isn抰 over. They抮e staying one more night. They won抰 be leaving until tomorrow.?/span>
揙h I see.?Jane said. She suspected there was more to it than that but she didn抰 want to pry. 揂re you about done? If so let抯 pay and get to the theater, I want to try to get my favorite seat.?/span>
揝ure.?/span>
The rest of the evening was spent in silence. There were brief moments of conversation but nothing of any real importance. After the movie, Daria decided she wasn抰 in the mood to review Jane抯 lyrics and decided to call it a night. Looking at her friend, she said, 揝orry but I抦 just going to go home. I抣l catch up with you tomorrow sometime okay??/span>
揑 understand I guess.?Jane said, 揇o you want me to drive you home??/span>
Realizing that Mr. O扤eill might be at the house, Daria felt it was too risky having to explain why he was there. 揘o thanks. I want to walk. It抯 a nice night and I need to think some.?/span>
揑f you insist.?Jane said. 揑抣l see you later.?/span>
揧ea. Later.?Daria said and turned to head home.
When she got to the house, Amy and Quinn were back but Mr. O扤eill was nowhere to be seen. Before she could get caught up in a conversation, she excused herself and went to her room. Sitting there, she let her mind move back to the current situation. Just like the night before, her thoughts were interrupted by Quinn opening the door.
揇aria??
揧es Quinn??/span>
揑抦 going to have to spend several hours with Mom in the car tomorrow. I don抰 really want to stay with her tonight. May I sleep here again??/span>
揑 guess.?Looking over, She saw the pillow and comforter still on the floor. 揧our stuff is still there. Or do you want the sleeping bag tonight??/span>
Quinn shook her head.
揘o, it抯 okay. The comforter will be fine. But thanks for being so nice.?/span>
揧ea. Sure. No problem.?/span>
Quinn looked at Daria.
揝o aren抰 you going to ask??/span>
揂sk what??/span>
揌ow things went today.?/span>
Daria had avoided the topic on the grounds that the less she knew the happier she抎 be. Realizing that was no longer an option, she decided to ask.
揙kay so how did it go??/span>
揚(yáng)retty good. He seems nice enough although he抯 definitely NOT what I抎 expected him to be like. The little bit that Mom said about him over the years made him sound more, uh, normal.?/span>
揝o are you going to see him again??Daria asked.
揑 have no choice. Like you said he抯 the English teacher here.?Quinn said. 揥e抮e going to meet a few more times over the summer after we move here. Mom抯 going to be with us at first until we get to know each other better, eventually though we抣l spend time alone.?/span>
揝ounds nice.?Daria said.
Quinn rubbed the back of her neck nervously.
揑 guess. I wish I were happier about this. I guess nothing could have met my expectations though.?
揚(yáng)robably not.?Daria said. Deciding to change the subject, she picked up the remote and cut the TV on. 揥anna watch some TV??/span>
揑 guess.?Quinn said. 揥hat抯 on??/span>
Daria replied, 揇on抰 know. We抣l find something though. We just got a satellite dish.?/span>
Just like the night before, the two young ladies stayed up late, but unlike the night before, they talked a little about their lives. If they were going to be living in the same town one more, they needed to start getting to know each better. Eventually the discussion ended and they went to bed. Unlike the night before, they were more comfortable with the situation and went straight to sleep.
The next morning, Amy roused both of them out of slumber when she told Quinn they needed to get going. After a little stumbling around, Quinn managed to get all her stuff together and make it downstairs. As the four women stood there they all said their respective goodbyes. Eventually Quinn went over to where Daria was.
揢h Thanks for being so cool about everything this weekend. I appreciate it. Sorry is I was a pain.?/span>
Daria shrugged, 揘o problem. Um look. When you come back in a few weeks. You抮e welcome to stay in my room. I抣l even remember to bring the sleeping bag in from the garage next time.?/span>
Quinn laughed.
揙kay Thanks.?/span>
Amy looked at her daughter and asked, 揝o Quinn. You ready to go??/span>
揑 guess.?/span>
Helen and Daria followed them onto the porch and watched them drive away. As
the car vanished from their site, Daria wondered what the conversation home
would be like. It had to be more than just about the weather to be sure.
Figuring she抎 never know, she quit thinking about it and went inside to get
dressed for the day.
Not too much later, she heard the garage door open, a minute after that she heard Jake抯 voice and went downstairs in time to hear Helen say, 揘ot now. You smell like a pond. Get those stinky fish out of here and take a shower.?/span>
Entering the kitchen, she interrupted the exchange before it erupted into the usual play fight.
揌ey Dad.?/span>
揌ey Kiddo.?/span>
揌ave a good visit with your cousin Quinn??/span>
揑t was interesting.?/span>
揥hat do you mean??/span>
Looking at her watch, Daria said, 揑 really need to get to Jane抯. I抣l tell you later.?/span>
The End.
As always, Daria belongs to MTV. This was written for my own amusement.