BREAKIN' UP THE BAND by Mitch wells17@gte.net NOTE: This story takes place before Lucille came into Daria and Trent's lives. Daria was sitting at home alone, waiting for Trent to return. Earlier, Jesse had called right after Trent left for rehearsal. She received some startling news. She finished gathering her thoughts when Trent's car pulled up. When he entered, she took a deep breath. "Hey, Daria." "Hey, Trent. Jesse called earlier." "Oh?" "Yeah, he told me everything." "He did?" "Yeah. You know, this bothers me." "It...does?" Daria couldn't believe he just said that. "Yes. It. Does." She facevaulted to the floor and put her hand up to her head. "Look, just go on your little year-long tour with your Mystik Spiral friends, but if you expect to find me here when it's over...-sigh- I'll be waiting for you." Daria looked up and saw Trent staring at her wide-eyed. "Daria, when -did- Jesse call?" "Right after you left, why?" Trent smirked and smacked himself on the head. "So, -that's- it!" "-What's- it?" "Daria, he called you too soon." "What do you mean?" "Daria. I quit Mystik Spiral." Daria's eyes opened wide. "What?" "You heard me. It's over." "But...why?" "Same reason you just mentioned. I couldn't stand being away from you for a year. Besides, I have enough trouble getting away from female fans at home already." Didn't Daria know it! She was always seeing Trent chased around by girls half his age. "So, I told the guys that I'd rather stay home with you than miss a year of Daria." "But..., Trent, you've always wanted to go on tour..." "Well, it was kinda a pipe dream and I was young. Besides, now I can do what I -really- want to do, become a freelance guitarist. I don't want the glamour or the money, I just want to play the guitar. It's the -music- that matters to me." "But you're doing this for...me? God, Trent, I feel so...I mean, I thought you would...I'm an idiot." "No, Daria. You said you would wait on me. I...I love you for that." She reached for his face. "I love you, too." They held each other for a while. "God," whispered Daria, "why'd I have to jump on your case so fast? Why didn't I hear you out first?" "-shhh-It's okay, Daria. It's okay." There was some silence. "Daria, their throwing a farewell ceremony for me tonight. You're invited." "Um, gee, thanks." ----- "Hey, Trent." "Hey, Jesse." Jesse gave Daria a confused look. "Say, Trent, who's your date?" "Jesse, this is Daria. We've known her for years now." "Oh, uh, hey Daria. I didn't recognize you. You look...different." "It's called 'development' Jesse. Great to see you too." "Look," said Trent, "I'll get us some bottles and you two can catch up, okay?" Trent did so, and Daria and Jesse caught up on the years after Jesse stopped dating Jane, Trent's sister. "Sometimes, I think I should call her back, y'know?" "Well, she was doing fine last I checked. Still, maybe you should call her just to let her know you still care, if not too personally." "Well, maybe, yeah! Thanks." Jesse gave Daria a flirting look which made her uncomfortable. Trent was saying goodbye to the other two guys in the band while Daria and Jesse were talking. She was feeling lightheaded somewhat after a few sips of her drink and her vision was blurring. "Hey, Daria, you okay?" Jesse's question was the last thing she heard before she passed out. ----- "No! Not...Jesse! Trent...TRENT!" Daria found herself sitting upright in bed back home. Immediately, Trent came in the room. "Daria, you okay? I heard you..." Daria put her hand up to her head. She now had a headache. "I'm fine, Trent, but I feel..." "It's your first hangover. Take it easy for awhile." Trent was whispering this as he put his arm around Daria. She looked at herself and saw that she had the same clothes as last night. "You passed out and I drove you back home. I guess the alcohol didn't agree with you." "I guess. God, that dream I had...I dreamt I awoke next to...Jesse. Ugh, why did he have to look at me that way?" "Well, maybe he was trying to be friendly and wanted to 'compliment' you. I don't think I've ever known him to flirt. You know he's harmless." "I know, I guess I was still feeling hurt from earlier that day when I jumped to conclusions about you. What a lousy day. I'd better..." "I called you in sick for you already, Daria. You just rest for awhile." "Thanks." They kissed. "Buy the way, I only drank just for the sake of the party. Now I know why I don't make a habit of it," she said. "Well, it didn't take much to knock you out. Don't worry about it." He hugged her and left the room. "Goodnight." "'night, Trent." As Daria drifted off to sleep she thought it ironic that Trent would be awake today instead of her. END