Daria smiled at Trent, and stared at him, waiting. He smiled back and both got up.
When they were outside the cinema, Daria looked a little bit nervous. She
wanted to tell Trent something about her feelings for him, but she wasn´t sure
if that was a good time. Before she could say anything, he asked: - Daria,
have you seen Janey?
Daria: - No. Isn´t she here? – Daria asked knowing what her
friend had just done.
Trent: - I think she left. Do you wanna go somewhere else? – he
suggested waiting
for a good response.
Daria: - (To herself) This is my chance. Thank you Janey whenever you
are.
(Out loud) Cool. If you want to…
Trent: - Why wouldn´t I want to go out with you? – Trent
realized what he had just
said and tried to correct his words – You know, the night is young
and you
are a cool person, Daria.
Daria blushed and grinned. But she tried to look calm.
Daria: - Ok, where are we going?
Trent: - First of all, do you have to be at your home at a set time?
– he asked
wishing the set time was very late.
Daria: - Don´t worry – she said coolly – it´s Saturday
night and I´m supposed to
sleep at your house, you know, Jane invited me.
Trent smiled happily. This was his chance too. Both walked to his car.
Trent and Daria had been driving for 15 minutes and neither of them
talked to each other. It seemed like they were too nervous to talk. But Daria´s
curiosity was killing her and she broke the silence.
Daria: - Trent? – she asked shyly.
Trent: - (To himself) I hope she wants to tell me something about
herself. I really
want to get to know her better. It´ll be a good idea if I think of today
as a
date. Now talk to her, come on.
(Out loud) Yes, Daria?
Daria: - Where are we going? You haven´t told me yet.
Trent: - (To himself) Damn it! That´s not the subject. OK I have to
speak. I am the
man, so I have to begin that conversation.
(Out loud) It´s a surprise. You will like it. I promise.
Daria: - (To herself) I should have told him something about my
feelings for him.
Why is so difficult? I´m a bag of nerves. I can´t stand this anymore. I
have
to tell him. Now, say something!
(Out loud) Ok, I trust you.
(To herself) Well, that was a beginning.
Trent grinned and concentrated on the road. It seemed that they were
outside the city, but it was too dark to see. Trent asked Daria to close her
eyes, because they were closer to their destiny. She did so. Some minutes later
the car stopped. Daria heard Trent´s voice saying: ¨ Now you can open you eyes¨. Daria did so and saw
one of the most beautiful sights that she had ever seen at night. They were at
the top of a hill, which was a viewing point. They could see al Lawndale from
there. All the little lights seemed to twinkle. And the dark sky was full of
stars. There wasn´t any cloud in it.
Daria: - This is amazing, Trent. – she said with here eyes wide
open.
Trent: - Isn´t it?. I thought that maybe you hadn´t got the chance
to come before.
And I thought that you would like it – he said staring at her.
Daria: - Like it? . she said sarcastically, and staring at the
wonderful view – This
place is unique. You were right, I hadn´t got the chance to come here
before. Actually, I didn’t know that this place existed.
Daria, didn´t notice that Trent was still staring at her. This was a
great opportunity to kiss her. She was dazzled by the sight and wasn´t nervous
anymore. She was relax and comfortable. There were both in silence. Trent moved
his eyes to the sight. Daria rested her back on the seat and felt Trent´s arm
on it, but she didn´t mind. He almost took it out, but she told him it was ok.
Trent smiled to himself in the darkness of the night. At that moment Trent felt
better and decided to began a conversation. But he had no idea of how to begin
it. His mind was blank. Trent wanted to do that so that he could slowly lead the
conversation to the subject he wanted. He tried to think and think, but nothing
came up. Suddenly Daria spoke: - Trent? –
she said very softly.
Trent: - (To himself) Thank God, she finally talked.
(Out loud) Yeah, Daria.
Daria: - Do you think Jane is at home?
Trent: - (To himself) Who cares about Janey now? I´m almost sure that
she
planned all this.
(Out loud) Sure. She must be at home by now.
A long pause appeared between them.
Trent: - Do you want to hear some music?
Daria: - Sure.
Trent leant and turned on the radio. He tuned into a local radio station
where ¨Light my fire¨ by The Doors was on. He looked at her and asked her: - Do
you mind? This is one of my favourite songs by The Doors.
Daria: - It´s ok. I like this song, too.
Both stopped talking to hear the song. Trent´s arm was still behind
Daria´s head. She thought to herself that Jane was a great friend because
thanks to her she was with Trent at that moment. So, if Jane gave her this
chance, she should take advantage of it.
Daria: - So, Trent, did you like the movie? – she asked looking at
the sight.
Trent: - (looking at her) Yes, it was pretty cool, don´t you think?
Daria: - Yes, it was. The best part was the Babies fight.
Trent: - Which part?
Daria: - You know, the part where the mothers put two little babies in
a ring and let
them fight. Don’t you remember?
Trent: - Yes, now I remember. Yes, I liked that part, too.
Another long pause started and Trent tuned into another local station. He
stopped when he heard a romantic song. He looked at
Daria, but she didn’t say
anything.
Daria: - (To herself) Oh God! He is staring at me. And this song!
Should I talk?
Yes, I think I should.
(Out loud) Is this one of your favourite songs, too?
Trent hesitated and the said: -
Yeah, you know, the guitarist is very good.
Daria realized that he was as nervous as her. This was a good sign.
Trent: Hey Daria, are you going to come to our gig on Friday night?
Daria: - You mean, with Mystik Spiral? Sure, why?
Trent: - Because…I really want you to come.
Daria blushed. She couldn’t believe her ears.
Daria: - But don´t you
care that your friends would see you with a 16-year-old-girl
like me?
Trent: - (Out loud) Not at all, why?
(To himself) But if you were older…you have no idea. Stop it. She´s
too
young.
(Out loud) Actually, I was wondering if you want to…
The sound of a car parking next to them made Trent stop talking. He
turned to see whose car it was. What a surprise! Quinn and Ben, his boyfriend
for the weekend were there.
Daria: - (To herself) Great! The only person who can ruin a moment
like this.
(Out loud) It´s my little sister.
Trent: - (Out loud) Yes, and his boyfriend.
(To himself) Damn it! Just when I was about to ask her out after the gig.
I
wonder if she realized that.
Daria´s eyes were almost closed. She was planning something. Suddenly
she talked: - Hey Trent! Do you want to have fun?
Trent: - (To himself) If the fun didn´t include clothes at all…
(Out
loud) Tell me. I´m in.
Daria got closer to Trent´s ear and whispered her plan. Trent listened
very carefully and then nodded. After that, Daria got out of the car and walked
to Ben´s car.
Daria gave a tap on the window. Quinn´s face appeared, looking sharply
at Daria. She lowered the window.
Quinn: - What do you want Daria? – she asked very angrily.
Daria: - Excuse me, but you and you boyfriend must find another place
to…you
know. We are waiting for customers.
Quinn: - What?
Daria: - You know, our special customers, Quinn.
Ben: - (To Daria) Aren´t you Quinn´s cousin?. Nice to meet you. I´m
Ben, Quinn´s…
Quinn: - Shut up, Ben! Daria, what are you doing?
Daria: - Hello Ben! Sorry
for interrupting but you must go somewhere else. We´re
waiting for an important customer.
Quinn: - What are you talking about, Daria?
Daria: - Don´t worry,
Quinn. He should know what kind of family yours is.
(To Ben) You see, Ben, Trent is waiting for me in the car and if you don´t
want to upset a drug dealer like him, go now.
Ben: - Drug dealer? Quinn, you´ve never told me that your family…
Quinn: - What are you saying, Daria?.
(To Ben) Ben, this is not true.
Daria: - Don´t you believe me, Ben?
(To Trent) Trent! Come here, please.
Trent got out of the car and walked to Daria´s side. He smiled at her
and put his left arm round her shoulders.
Daria: Trent, this is Ben. Please explained to him why it is dangerous
for them to stay here.
Trent: - My pleasure, sweetheart.
(To Ben) Hi Ben! Well, this is very easy. You are parking where our big
customer should be and he would be pretty mad if he arrived and realized
that his place is occupied.
Ben´s face went white and began to sweat.
Quinn: Stop it you both!!! – she said shouting.
Ben: - I´d better take you home, Quinn. I´m sorry.
Quinn: - (To Ben) No, it´s ok, Ben. They´re lying. Don´t believe
them. They´re
joking.
(To Daria) You
are dead!! I hate you!!!
Ben: - Sorry for everything. We are going now.
Ben drove off as fast as he could. As soon as they had gone, Trent began
to laugh. Daria just smiled, proud of herself.
Trent: - You were incredible. Did you see his face?
Daria: - Thanks. I think we are not going to see him again. You know,
I´m used to
dealing with Quinn and her boyfriends. This time was very easy.
Trent: - You are amazing, I mean, that was amazing.
Daria: - It´s ok, Trent. I know what you mean. You were amazing, too.
And thanks,
I really wanted to teach Quinn a lesson.
Trent: - Oh, it´s ok. It was very funny.
A short silence. Both stared at each other. Daria broke the silence, when
she realized what she was doing.
Daria: - Weren´t you saying something? – she asked nervously.
Trent: - Uh?
Daria: - You know, before Quinn interrupted…
Trent: - Oh, yeah! I was wondering if you…
An inopportune drop appeared on a lens of Daria´s glasses. They looked
at the sky. The storm began. The sound of a thunderbolt made Daria shake. It was
pouring with rain and they decided to continue their conversation in another
place.
Trent: - Let´s get into the car, Daria.
They ran to the car, but Daria slipped and fell onto the ground. Trent
didn´t see her falling, because he was busy looking for the car´s keys.
Daria: Trent!!!! – she shouted, lying on the ground.
Trent turned his head and saw her. Immediately he ran to her side and
lifted her up.
Trent: - Are you ok, Daria? – he asked very worried.
Daria: - No. My
knee hurst
– she said in pain – and…my glasses!! – she shouted – Trent,
where are they?
Trent: - Don´t worry, I´ll find them for you.
Trent got down on his knees and started to look for them. Suddenly, he
shouted: - Here they
are. I´m sorry, Daria. Their lenses are broken.
Daria: Damn! I can´t see without them.- she said still in pain.
Trent: - It´s ok. I´ll take you to the car.
Trent guided Daria to her seat and put her belt on. Then he entered the
car and drove off to his house.
Jane went out of the cinema before anyone could see her. But she didn´t
want to return home. She was very excited about having Trent and Daria alone in
the cinema. She wanted to shared the news with someone, but nobody was at sight.
The image of a known-face crossed her mind. ¨Of course, Jesse¨, she
thought.
Jesse´s house was very near the cinema. Jane rang the doorbell some
minutes later. Nobody replied, so she rang again. This time, she heard a woman´s
voice, shouting. Jane took a step forward and put her ear against the door. She
heard fast footsteps coming right to her. Jane put her ear away and waited.
Jesse opened the door and closed it behind him pushing it with his back.
Jesse: - Oh…Hey Jane!
Jane: - Hey Jesse! What the hell is going on?
Jesse: - My mom, you know, she´s crazy again because of the band. She
wants
me to get a job soon. Anyway, what are you doing here?
Jane: - Eeehhh…well, you know, I was bored and I thought that maybe
you were
bored, too.
Jesse: - Yeah, I was bored, but where are Daria and Trent?
Jane: Actually, I want to talk to you about them. Do you want to go
for a walk?
Jesse: - Cool, let´s go.
They walked for a few minutes in silence. Jesse was waiting for Jane to
talk, but she didn´t. She was busy, wondering if her plan was being carried
out.
Jesse: - Well, tell me, where are they?
Jane smiled and arched an eyebrow: You will never believe it. They are at
the cinema, alone.
Jesse: - What?
Jane: - You´ve heard me, Jesse. They are there and, if my brother is
smart
enough, he will do the right thing.
Jesse: - What?
Jane: - You know, kiss her.
Jesse: - Cool.
Jane: - (To herself) This Jesse! He´s a dumb, but he´s nice. Shut
up! I don´t like
him. Or do I?.
Jane´s eyes opened wide. It was true. She like him. But why? They were
different. They had nothing in common. Jane looked at him. He had an strange
expression on his face: he was thinking.
Jane: - What are you thinking Jesse?
Jesse: - Eeehhh….I know that I forgot something…
Jane: - (To herself) Your brain?
(Out loud) What could it be?
Jesse: - Eeehhh…I know! My guitar! It is in your brother´s
basement.
Jane: You know that it´s my basement, too.
Jesse: - I need it to practise. Can we go?
Jane: - No problem.
Jesse was playing his guitar while Jane was sitting in front of him and
was staring at him with some kind of admiration.
Jane: - (To herself) Hey! Stop looking at him like that. He would
think that I like
him. My God! I do. I like Jesse.
(Out loud) Are you playing Ice-box woman?
Jesse: - Yeah.
Jane: - (To herself) That´s all. Ok. Plan b = Change that subject.
(Out loud) Trent told me that you´ll have a gig on Friday night.
Jesse just nodded. Jane was beginning to lose her temper.
Jane: - (To herself) Damn it! Does he know how to talk? Maybe I
shouldn´t say
that. Plan C.
(Out loud) Do you mind if I paint your portrait you while you´re
playing?
Jesse: - Cool.
Jane got up and ran to her room. She took her note book and some pencils.
Then she went again into the basement, where Jesse was still practicing. She sat
again in front of Jesse. He looked
at her and smiled. Jane opened her notebook, took her pencil and began to draw
him.
Jane: - (To herself) Interesting model…
(Out loud) Tell me, Jesse. Do you think that Mystik Spiral has a future?
Jesse: - Yeah.
Jane: - (To herself) Great! He likes talking.
(Out loud) Why?
Jesse: - I don´t know.
Jane: - Damn it! Don´t you know more words that ¨yeah¨, ¨cool¨ or
¨I don´t know¨? –
she shouted throwing her pencil and notebook onto the floor. – I´m trying
to talk to you, don´t you see? Do
you know how to speak?
Jesse stared at her but didn´t say a word. Jane got up and walked to
Jesse´s seat. He left his guitar on the floor and got up, too.
Jane: - Why is it so difficult to talk to you? – she said
angrily – You´re a dumb!!
Jesse took a deep breath and said: - I know how to talk. But the only
thing that I want to say is not suitable.
Jane: - What do you mean? – she said, still angry.
Jesse: - That you´re the most beautiful girl I´ve ever known.
Jane was speechless. Jesse took a step forward and kissed her. She put
her arms around his neck and Jesse held her round her waist.
Trent parked his car and helped Daria get out of the car. He took her
hand and they walked to the door of the house. Trent could see that Daria´s
knee was bleeding.
Trent: - Does it hurt?
Daria: - Yes. – she said in pain.
Trent opened the door and kept his keys in his pocket. Then he took Daria
and lifted her in his arms.
Trent took Daria to the kitchen and gently placed her on the chair.
Trent: - Wait here.
Daria: - (To herself) Where do you think I could go without my glasses
and with my
knee bleeding?
(Out Loud) Ok.
Trent ran to the bathroom and came back some minutes later. He brought
some alcohol, bandages, adhesive tape and cotton. Trent got down on his knees,
dampened a piece of cotton and cleaned Daria´s wound. Daria shook and Trent
blew on her wound. When he had finished cleaning her wound, he covered it with a
bandage and held it with some adhesive tapes.
Trent: - Do you feel better?
Daria: - Yes, thanks Trent.
Trent: - You´re welcome. – she said looking into her eyes.
Daria began to feel nervous and turned her eyes away from his.
Trent: - Do you want to be the first one to hear the new Mystik Spiral´s
song?
Daria: Yes.
Trent got up and took her hand.
Jesse and Jane were lying on the couch, kissing. The couch was facing
away from the door, so when the door opened, they didn´t realized.
Trent helped Daria go downstairs.
Trent: - I hope you like the song.
Jane´s head appeared from behind the couch.
Jane: - Trent! Daria! – she said, getting up.
Trent: - Here you are, Janey. We were worried about you.
Jesse got up as well and looked at Trent´s wondering eyes.
Trent: - What are you doing here Jesse?
What…what were you doing on the couch?
Jane´s red shirt was lying on the floor, she was only wearing her black
T-shirt. And Jesse wasn´t wearing his waiscoat. Neither of them looked at
Trent. They looked at the floor.
Trent: - Jesse? –
he asked seriously – What were you doing with my little sister?
Jesse didn´t answer. Daria realized what was going on, even though she
couldn´t see them.
Trent: - Oh man! Why? Why didn´t you tell me? I´m your friend,
remember?
Jane: - Trent, I…
Trent (interrupting): - Janey, you didn´t tell me either.
Jane: - Trent. Let me talk.
Trent: - That´s unnecessary. Come on, Daria.
Trent took his guitar and held Daria´s hand.
Daria: - See you guys.
Jesse walked forward to stop his friend, but Jane held his arm and
whispered: - Wait!. He´ll hit you if
you try to explain something now.
Jesse: - You are right. – whispering.
Trent and Daria left the basement and he guided her to his room very
slowly.
Trent and Daria were sitting on the floor. He was angry and disappointed
in his sister and his best friend. Daria hardly saw his face, but she could feel
his sadness through his voice. He wasn´t even holding his guitar, which was
lying next to him.
Daria: - Are you ok? – she asked shyly.
Trent: - Did you know anything about this?
Daria: - No, maybe I just felt it.
Trent: - But they hated each other, how…
Daria: - From love to hate, there´s only one step…
Trent: - Maybe.
Daria: - Can I ask you something?
Trent: - Sure.
Daria: - Why are you so mad at them?
Trent thought for a moment.
Trent: - I thought that I was important for them. I thought that if
something like this
happened, I´d be the first one to know.
Daria: - Well, I wasn´t the first one either.
Maybe it happened some minutes before we entered the basement.
Trent: - Yeah, maybe you are right.
Daria: - And you shouldn´t be mad, you should be happy for them.
Trent: - You´re absolutely right. Now Jesse is part of my
family.
Daria grinned and looked at the guitar. Trent took it and played the new
song for her. Daria heard it, but didn´t pay attention. Watching Trent was more
interesting than she had thought. When she had finished, Daria nodded and said:
- Cool song, Trent.
Trent: - Thanks, Daria.
Do you play any instrument?
Daria: - Yeah, the harmonic.
Trent: - Do you want to learn some guitar?
Daria: - Cool!
Trent gave her the guitar, came closer to her and arranged her fingers to
the chord A.
Trent: - Try this one.
Daria played it. And asked him which chord was that.
Trent: - A. Try again.
She did it.
Trent: - Good. Now. Play every cord one by one.
Daria: How?
Trent held Daria´s fingers and showed her. She could feel his breath
over her and smell his skin. She really liked him, but something was bothering
her.
Daria: - Trent?
Trent: - Yeah?
Daria: - Why did you say that Jane was your ¨little sister¨and you
put emphasis on
¨little¨?
Trent: - I don´t know.
Daria: - Do you think I´m little?
Trent: - No. actually I don´t think about you as Janey´s little
friend.
Daria: - Really? – she said surprised.
Trent: - Yeah. But…Jane is not little anymore.
Trent: - I know and I can´t stand it sometimes. And Jesse, well, he
is coward. He
should have told me.
Daria: - (Out loud) I think he isn´t a coward. Actually, he wa brave
enough to tell
Jane how he feels about her.
(To herself) Not as you and me.
Trent looked into her eyes: - You´re right. I´m not as brave as he
is.
Trent came closer to her lips and whispered: - But sometimes words are
unnecessary.
He touched her hair softly and kissed her on her lips. Both closed their
eyes.
Daria: - (To herself) You´re right. Words are unnecessary when eyes
say it all.
Daria put the guitar away and let him hold her.
Jane and Jesse were sitting on the couch. Both were sad because of the
argument with Trent. Jane held Jesse´s hand and said: - Everything is going
to be all right, you´ll see.
Jesse: - I want to believe it. I really do, but Trent was very angry.
– looking at the
Jane: - He´ll get over it. – she said, passing a gentle hand
along his long hair.
Jesse looked at her: - What are we, Janey?
Jane stopped her hand, got up from the couch and walked a few steps away.
She turned her back on Jesse.
Jane: - We´re going too fast. I…I need to think.
Jesse: - Come on, Janey. Give us a chance.
Jane: - I don´t know. – she said indecisively. – I can´t
get used to the idea of being with you.
Jesse got up and walked to her. She didn´t move or speak. He put his
hands on her shoulder and asked her again: - Janey Lane, would you like to be
my date?
Jane laughed and turned round to see him.
Jane: - Well, what about tomorrow?
Jesse: - Ok. Tomorrow at 5 pm?
Jane nodded and kissed him.
Jane: - We should talk to Trent.
Jesse: - Ok. Let´s go.
Jane and Jesse were outside, Jane knocked, but there was no reply. She
was sure that they were in there. She slowly opened the door and saw Trent lying
on the floor and Daria on his bed. Both were sleeping. Jesse entered first and
tried to wake up Trent.
Jesse: - Trent?…Trent!
Trent: - Uh?
Jesse: - It´s me, Jesse. I´m sorry.
Trent: - Jesse! No, I´m the one who is sorry.
Jesse: - Me too. Are we ok?
Trent nodded. Jane entered the room and ran to his brother´s arms. Daria
was still sleeping.
Jane: - Why is Daria sleeping in you bed?
Trent: - Because my girlfriend is not going to sleep on the floor.
Jane smiled and said: - My plan worked!!!
Trent: - Thanks, Janey.
Daria woke up and discovered everybody looking at her.
Jane: - And Sleeping Beauty woke up.
Daria: - Very funny, Jane.
Jesse: - We don´t want to bother you two.
I´m going home now.
Jane: - I´m going with you. Sweet dreams, sister-in-law and brother.
Jane and Jesse left the bedroom. Trent looked at Daria and said: - Can
I sleep in the bed with you? The floor isn´t comfortable.
Daria smiled and nodded. He got up and arranged himself on the bed. Then
he held Daria.
Daria: Just remember…
Trent: - I know… this is our first date and we had enough for today.
Try to sleep.
Daria closed her eyes.
Trent: - Daria?
Daria: - Yeah?
Trent: - Would you like to go out with me after Friday´s gig?
Daria: - Sure. It´s a great opportunity to get to know you better.
Trent: - I thought the same.
The End