SEPARATION original plot and outline by April UsagiRyu1@aol.com turned into a full fic by Mitch wells17@gte.net "Ah, it's ge-REAT ta be back at the ol' home base." Jake fumbled for his keys. When he found them, he couldn't remember if they were the right one's. Well, he would just try the lock and see if any of the keys would fit. As he looked for the lock, the door opened for him. An angry Helen was in the doorway. "Oh, hi honey. You look luv-ley this e'ning." "Jake, you're drunk!" "-Drunk-? -Me-? Of course I ams!" "I -thought- I told you to cut down!" "Well, I woulda, but that McGrundy's Pub is sooo cheap!" "I...I can't believe this, Jake! I mean, all last week, you kept worry over some imagined concern about Daria being on drugs and while she was actually in the middle of a crisis, you left her and bought a soda! In fact, during what almost seems like a -year-, you've been so...-incompetent-!" "Hey, I don't remember being incompetent!" "That's because YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ANYTHING THAT EVER HAPPENS!" "So, what should I do about it, Helen?" "How about you GET THE BLAZES AWAY FROM THIS HOUSE!" Helen slammed the door. A while later, she returned with all of Jake's belongings in a suitcase and threw it at him with content. She shut the door again and left it locked for the rest of the night, despite Jake's muffled and slurred protests. ----- Helen sighed. Part of her really hated to do that, but Jake had it coming for a long time. For quite some time, she thought she could do a better job of parenting by raising the girls on her own anyway. She turned around and saw Quinn and Daria sitting in the living room and staring at her. In all her anger, Helen had forgotten they were there the entire time. Helen was embarrassed. Quinn stared at her wide-eyed. Daria was, well, just Daria. Helen felt a slight headache coming on. Her actions would take a -heck- of a lot of explaining to their teenage minds. ----- Jake couldn't believe this was happening. He had spent the past twenty-three years as one of the happiest, if just as troubled, men on Earth. He was now without the wife he loved and the daughters he prided himself on. A couple of hours ago, he took a cab to his office at Jake Morgendorffer Consulting, Inc. There, he checked the phone book to find a nearby apartment building. When he got to the building, he found an available apartment there. Jake spent the rest of the night unpacking and thinking. He was thinking about Helen, how much he loved her and how she may have been right about him. Jake thought of his daughters, his beautiful daughters. Jake thought about how he was never really involved in Daria and Quinn's lives. Would they even remember him? ----- It was the middle of the afternoon. Quinn was at a Fashion Club meeting. Helen was at work. Daria was alone at home. The time was ripe. She went to her room, opened the closet, and removed a prepared suitcase. In this case, she placed her heart model, wedge of cheese model, her TV (it was a big suitcase), her prized assortments from under the bed (which were very few), her poster of a partially unearthed human, her skull and bones, microscope, notes to self, boom box, dog collar, and carpeting. Daria dragged the case down stares, found a blank post-it note in the kitchen, and left the following message: To Helen and Quinn, I don't want to live here anymore. I've had it with this family. I'm moving in with Jane. 'Bye Daria The TV and boom box made the case rather heavy. Fortunately, a cab was going down the street. She hailed it and stepped in. "Where to?" asked the cabby. "111 Howard Drive, please," answered Daria. The cabby looked in his rear view mirror. "Hey, I remember you. You're that kid with the rash. Glad it cleared up." "Uh, I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring that up," said Daria. "Oh, sorry." ------ Jane Lane went downstairs to answer the door. Not surprisingly, it was Daria. "Hey, Daria," said Jane, "looks like you got the rash under control." "Jane, no jokes right now, okay?" Daria lifted a suitcase. Jane realized something was wrong. "Whoa, what happened?" "Remember this morning when I said that my parents are now separated?" "Yeah?" "Well, let's just say that Mom only has to worry about feeding Quinn now." "They...kicked you out?" "No, I -left- them." "Oh. Wow. C'mon in." Daria entered. "So," started Daria, "can I..." "Sure, " Jane answered in a quiet voice, "but...we have to ask Mom". They both walked downstairs. "Daria, I..." "Don't say anything, Jane. Just think of what to tell your mom." She did. ----- Finally, Amanda Lane had finished her twentieth ceramic piece of the day and it was only the afternoon. She wasn't really tired, but she felt like a little rest. She laid back, closed her eyes, and listened to her radio. A while later, the music abruptly stopped. Amanda awoke and saw Jane by the radio. "-sigh-What is it, Jane?" "Mom, I need to ask you something." "What?" "Can Daria live here?" "What?" Coming down the steps was a girl about Jane's age with brown hair, glasses, a green jacket, a black skirt, and boots. "So," Amanda surmised, "this is Daria, that girl you keep mentioning?" "Yeah." "And she wants to live here?" "Her parents are separated." "Oh." Amanda thought for a second. Mainly, she wondered how -this- family was any more stable. After all, she hadn't seen her husband or most of her kids in a year and wasn't so worried about them. Anyway, it wouldn't hurt having another kid around. Heck, she had three kids in this house before. "Sure, I even know where to put you." "Excuse me," said Daria, "I think I'll stay in Jane's room until I know for sure if this is for good." "Okay." Jane and Daria went upstairs. Amanda turned the music back on. She thought of a new ceramic piece. She had another mouth to feed. ----- "Jane, I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate this," said Daria as she unfolded her sleeping bag. "Hey," said Jane, "don't mention it." Jane wanted to get her and her friend in a better mood. She got out her collection of Anime tapes and tried to find something they would both like. "Say, Daria, want to watch my sole "Pokemon" episode?" "I thought you -weren't- into Y rated anime." "Yeah, but this is the one where a chandelier falls on Ash and Pikachu and they finally -die-, and...return to their bodies by the end of the episode." "So," surmised Daria, "their teaching kids that if they die, they can come back in less than a half-hour if they want to?" "Way to go dark, Daria. Ah, how about 'No Need For Tenchi'?" "What's it about?" "It's about a decent high school boy who winds up having to boarder a group of beautiful alien girls who have a crush on him." "Now -that- sounds like a fantasy. I only know -one- nice high school student and he's taken." "I never knew you were jealous of Jodie, Daria." "I'm not and shut up." ----- "I just want to let my anger out...Now!" Daria listened to Ryoko's threat on the TV as she munched on the popcorn she and Jane made. "Say, Jane, how old is Ryoko supposed to be?" "Well, she's really something over 700 but she's supposed to look 17." Daria stopped eating. "Wait. She's only a year older than us and has a body like -that-?!" "Yeah, there's some sort of rule about Anime girls maturing super-fast. I think that the animators are just lonely." "Hmmm," murmured Daria, "sounds like an ideal job for Upchuck. We should send him to Ganax to start his new job." ----- Trent was in the kitchen having a late snack. Actually it was pretty early in the morning. He had been writing music all night was about to get back to his room and spend the morning and afternoon catching up, or indulge in, some sleep. He was finished up and went to the bathroom. After washing his hands, he saw Janey walk by in her Monday morning glory, which consisted of messy hair and baggy eyes. "'Morning Janey." "'Morning Trent," she grumbled, "Are you finished in there?" "Yeah." "Good. Daria's in after me." "Okay. I..." Trent paused. "Daria? But...this is Monday. Daria always sleeps over on Saturday." Jane had a look on her face that looked like her mind just woke up. Daria showed up in a sleeveless pajama shirt and shorts and slightly messy hair. Trent almost didn't recognize her without her glasses. She looked at Trent and her eyes opened wide. Trent half-grinned and said "Hi Daria. Didn't know you were here. Don't worry. You don't look too bad this morning. If it's any consolation, you look better than Janey does." Janey smacked him. "Uh, thanks," said Daria. Trent heard the bathroom door shut behind him. He decided to learn what was happening. "So, what were you doing here on Sunday?" "Well..., I was thinking of moving in. My parents broke up." Trent was stunned. He didn't know too many people whose parents were still together, but he had hoped Daria's still would. "Woah. Sorry." "That's okay. It's never a big deal unless someone from Lawndale High finds out." "I guess." Trent looked at her again. He meant it when he said she looked good for someone who just woke up. In fact, she was kind of cute. Still, it was degrading to think like that about someone her age and he had some sleep to catch on. "I'm afraid I have to go before I pass out, Daria. Great seeing you." "Same here," responded Daria as Trent left. Trent didn't like the circumstances, but he was glad that Daria might be staying with them. ----- Shortly after Trent left, Jane poked her head through the bathroom door. "Thanks for letting me hold the bag, Jane." "You're welcome. You know, I heard everything." "You did?" "Yeah. I'm impressed. You didn't sound like a nitwit around him. Say, did your rash break out?" Daria went to the mirror and saw herself. "No," she said in some amazement. "Your growing up, kid!" "Please, I was too asleep to freak or break out back there." "Well, maybe. Remember, you may be -living- with Trent from now on". "That would scare me if he was more likely to leave his room." ----- "Uh-hmmm. Uh-hmmm. I see. Very well. Thank you, Mrs.Lane. Good bye. -click-" Angela Li had just gotten some very disturbing news. Ms. Morgendorffer, the ever thorn in her side, was now living at fellow student Ms. Lane's house after the separation of the former's parents. She had never understood Daria or even wanted to. If Daria would not live with her parents, it would not be something Angela would not allow, but what could she do about it? Apparently, there was only one way to deal with this situation: exploit it. ----- Daria was at her locker. She had just gotten rid of Kevin and Brittany and was ready to face another grueling day that would be considered as business as usual. Just then, the intercom came on with Principal Li's voice booming, "Attention young people. I have just been informed of some very -sad- news. It seems as though Ms. Daria Morgendorffer is no longer living with her parents. That is all. Good day." Many students stopped what they were doing and rushed over to Daria's locker. Fortunately, the majority of students in the hallway didn't even know her, much less were affected by the news. Still, only one thought was in Daria's head, I'm going to kill that woman. ----- "This has been one hell of a week," said Daria on Friday after she and Jane returned to their room. "What do you mean," asked Jane, "The only difference I've seen about you at school are people asking you what it's like not living with your parents." "Yeah, but that -is- what's bothering me. Of course, based on past experience, they'll probably forget about it Monday and they'll be another hot topic of debate in its place." Daria turned and looked at Jane's alien sculpture. "I've been meaning to ask you, Jane, who's that?" "Oh, I was working on that during your rash. Y'know that time capsule Ms. Li sent us a memo on?" "Yeah?" "This," said Jane proudly, "is my donation: Milton, King of the Earth, 1999." "Oh, yeah. I forgot about him," Daria said sarcastically, "He doesn't appear in public much during his reign, does he?" ----- Quinn hated Daria. That's what she kept thinking. She hated her now, but...why? Ever since her second day at Lawndale High, Quinn had claimed to be the only child in her family and now she had gotten her wish. One of the things that kept her going was the knowledge that Daria was older and, in turn, would move away sooner. So, why did she hate Daria now? Daria left so soon after dad left. Things changed so fast. First, her dad abandoned her and now her sister. Still, for her to hate Daria now, she would have to -like- her first. Did she ever like Daria? Quinn wasn't sure. It didn't matter now, anyway. All Quinn knew was that the next time she saw Daria, she wouldn't be happy to see her. *** "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Good to see you again, Daria!" laughed Iron Quinn from the apparent safety of her glass case attached to her mecha body. "Hehehehehehe! You won't be able to get out of this one!" claimed Peeping Upchuck, who was clinged to the wall thanks to his many mechanical spider legs and watching the fight with his camera-like eyes. In the corner, Trent was watching nervously. He wasn't sure if Daria could get out of this one. "Well," said Daria to Iron Quinn, "just hope there are Fashion Club meetings...IN HELL!" Iron Quinn was a bit taken by that remark. "Just who do you think you are, saying something like that?" Daria smirked. "Sometimes, I'm a student. Sometimes, I'm a writer. And sometimes, I'm the most ignored girl in Lawndale...BUT THE TRUTH IS...HIGHLAND FLASH!" Daria's green jacket and black skirt changed shirt. It happened so quickly discreetly, that she remained decent. In the end, Daria was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans and holding a green sword, "I'M CYNICAL WARRIOR DARIA MORGENDORFFER!" She jumped at Iron Quinn and Trent felt very uncomfortable... *** Trent awoke in a cold sweat. That was one heck of a dream. He wondered what he should do, watch less Anime or stop listening to Janey's stories about Daria. He needed to get out of his room for a minute. He passes Penny's room, which was next to his and heard a groan. He opened the door slightly and, after adjusting his eyes, saw Daria in the previously abandoned bed. "Daria, you okay?" Daria got up with a start. "Trent? Uh, well.." "I thought you were in Janey's room." "I...was put here by your mom. Apparently I'm staying." Trent thought that was cool but, not knowing what Daria thought of her situation, didn't say anything about it." "Uh, I'm sorry. I thought I heard you moan or something. Thought you needed help. I'll just..." "Actually,...you're right, Trent. Would you...come in." "Sure." Trent entered and sat next to Daria's bed. "I guess," said Daria, "that I'm just not used to sleeping in a new bed in a new room. Don't get me wrong. You guys have been wonderful and it's great to get away from the Morgendorffers after 16 years but...I'm still adjusting some and...I'm still afraid of what might happen." Trent held her hand. It was softer than he expected and also very strong. "Daria, I can't say what you might expect, but I do know this, we're behind you. Mom's behind you. Janey's behind you. I'm behind you. So whatever happens, just turn around and we'll be there for you. Okay? Daria?" Trent looked at Daria and saw that she was asleep. She was also smiling. Trent smiled too and got up. He looked at her for a second, wondering how someone so strong and independent can be so..., well, she would make the right guy happy. (April, I think this is better. Last time, I meant that Trent called -Daria- lovely by the way). ----- Daria was bored. She had her homework done. Jane was off with Jesse. It was late afternoon. She wrote a little in her journal and looked at the ceiling. Trent walked by and stopped at the doorway. "Woah," he said, "I see you've made yourself at home quickly." Daria looked up and answered with, "Well, it's arranged like my last room but I miss the padded walls, the bolted TV, the sawed-off metal bars, and the support bar...well, maybe not so much the support bar." "Uh, were you doing something just now?" "Actually, Trent, I'm bored." "Well, you could join me in watching some Anime." Daria shrugged. She was still nervous around Trent, but that sounded better than nothing. "Sure." She went to Trent's room. Trent looked through his collection of Anime tapes. "Well, we could watch 'New Cutey Honey', but it's adult. Then again, I don't think there's anything here you haven't already seen." "What's on it?" "Well, there's violence, female nudity, a redhead with two to three guys ogling her, an evil redhead, a perverse guy with a creepy smile and red hair, a city condemned to darkness, more fashions than are even nessasary, a dysfunctional family..." "You're right," said Daria, "there's nothing there I haven't seen before." They watched it for a while. "Jane was right," said Daria, "the animators -must- be lonely." Trent chuckled. "Say Daria, I've kinda had my fill of Honey right now. Want to do something else?" "Sure. I've been wanting to visit my mom..." "I'll drive you. What are neighbors for?" "Uh, okay." ----- "Okay, Trent. You wait here in case I need to leave sooner than expected, okay?" "Sure." Daria walked up to Morgendorffer Home Base. It hadn't changed any, but she still felt strange being there. She hadn't seen Helen for a while, but did know that Amanda took custody of her and had told Helen. Daria didn't know what to say to Helen or even if she should ask about Quinn. She had heard that Quinn hated her now for abandoning her like Jake did, which didn't seem to make sense when one considers that Quinn didn't want Daria around in the first place and that -Helen- kicked Jake out. Well, Daria knew better than to dwell on Quinn's excuse for logic. She rung the doorbell. Helen answered it. "DARIA!" She pulled the embarrassed Daria inside. "Oh, I've missed you so much! I..." While Helen was smothering her, Daria looked at her hands. A familiar red rash was appearing on them. She knew her neck and face would be next. "Um, itsbeengreatmombutihavetoattendtosomethinggoodbye." Daria broke hold of the confused Helen and bolted out the door. ----- Trent was listening to the radio and trying to stay awake when Daria showed up with that weird rash she had a couple of weeks earlier. "Trent, plan B. Floor it." It was like that for a couple weeks. Daria tried to visit Helen but her anxiety rash kept her from doing so. The last time, when Trent picked her up, he almost looked like he was staring at her. He said she had beautiful eyes. Anyway, she went to see Amanda Lane about the visits. "Mrs. Lane..." "Amanda." "Okay, Amanda, I can't visit my mother anymore. I think she makes me nervous or something." "Okay, sure, if you don't want to." Daria didn't quite understand why Amanda was so easygoing with her, but why wonder about what works? ----- One night, Trent went to see Daria. When he looked in her eyes the other night, he saw it. It was something he had been looking for in a girl all his life. He saw a bit of her soul and it matched his own. He had been working up his courage to confront her about it. Now was the time. "Hey, Daria." "Hi, Trent." "Daria, I've been thinking, would you like to have dinner at...Chez Pierre?" "Uh, Jane's out tonight, Trent." "I know." Daria looked stunned. "You mean, just you and...me? You're...asking me out?" Trent nodded. "You mean you...-like- me?" "Yeah, you're a cool girl, Daria. I mean, I like us as friends too, definitely, but...could we...or am I being too direct?" "You are, Trent." Trent felt down. "Forget Chez Pierre. Let's just get pizza." Trent perked up. It wasn't a very eventful evening, but they enjoyed each other's company and Trent paid for everything. They went home and Daria thanked for that evening. "Can we do it again?" asked Trent. "Sure," said Daria, "just don't act so nervous next time." ----- That night at Chez Pierre, another couple was discovering each other. They looked at each other's eyes and liked what they saw. They smiled and enjoyed each other's smile. They held hands and almost forgot to eat. After dinner, they looked at each other. "Jake," said Helen, "I...admit I missed you." "Same here." There was silence. "Do you think we could..." "Yes." ----- "Daria?" "Hi Mom." "Hey kiddo!" "Dad?" "Your father and I are giving our marriage a second chance." "Terrific." "Yes, now you don't have to stay with Jane and can come back home..." "Mom, I'm not coming back." "What?" "Nothing was solved by the separation. You've been together for over 20 years and I've seen the two of you fighting for 16 years." "But...sweetie, we miss you..." "Does Quinn miss me?" "Um, -yes-!" "Nice try Mom." "Last I heard, she hated my guts for leaving you guys. Besides, I think it's a little dangerous for you two to get back together so fast. You should take your time so you won't stretch your marriage and snap it." "Now Daria, what do you have over there that keeps you from coming here?" "Well, I have friends, shelter, a boyfriend, and people who listen to everything that happens to me." Without judgment, Daria thought to herself. "Say ''bye' to Quinn for me.-click-" "I got a call from my parents Jane," said Daria, "They're back together." "Oh," said Jane with disappointment in her voice. "Does that mean..." "No. I just told them. It's taken me 16 years to get away from them and I wouldn't change my mind in a week. Helen and Jake were never really stable. I don't think anything in their lives got better during the separation and I don't think it ever will." "What about -your- life? Trent mentioned that he enjoyed your little outing with him." "What else did he say?" "Nothing! I tried everything but he wouldn't give me a single detail! So, what -did- happen..." "I'm not saying." Daria smirked. "I want to torture you by withholding that information". On their second date, Trent walked Daria up the door. After kissing Trent on the cheek, since she wouldn't kiss on the first date, Daria looked at the Lane homestead and Mystik Spiral mail drop. "Ah,it's gr-REAT to be back at the old homestead." THE END