AFTER A FASHION By M Man (This is the third episode of the spinoff series "Stacy!") The characters Jack Rowe, Jen Brock, Toby Sherman, LaTonya Willis and Laura Kelley are my own. The rest are carried over from MTV's "Daria", as are the locales. OPENING THEME - "Cunningham's Waltz" by SixMileBridge Stacy! "After a Fashion" SEGMENT 1 OF "AFTER A FASHION" (SCENE - Pizza King in downtown Lawndale. Stacy, Sandi, Tiffany and Quinn are sitting at a booth, eating pizza.) Quinn and Stacy (simultaneously): I have an announcement to make ... (They stop and look at each other.) Stacy: Uh, you first ... Quinn: No, you ... Stacy: No, go ahead, Quinn ... Sandi: Enough arguing! We'll do this alphabetically - you go, Quinn. Quinn: I've, uh, joined the pom-pom squad ... (The other girls look surprised.) Quinn: Gee, don't all congratulate me at once ... Tiffany: We'rrre jussst kinnnd of surprisssed, Quinnnn ... Sandi: Yeah, like, do they usually accept new members this late in the school year? And what happened to you joining the pep squad? Quinn: Um, actually, they're so short of members this year they were going to dissolve if they couldn't find a few new members. The pep squad has enough members ... Stacy: Why are they having trouble finding members? Quinn (uncomfortably): Um, because so many girls are going out for sports now ... Sandi: Gee, we don't know anyone like that, do we? Stacy: Sandi, those remarks are getting *really* old ... Sandi: Gee, Stacy, are you so sensitive you can't take a little friendly teasing ... ? Quinn (butting in to stop Stacy and Sandi from arguing): Stacy, what was your announcement? Stacy: Well, I'm starting the next volleyball match! Quinn: Stacy, that's great! Tiffany: Reallyyyy ... Stacy: Unfortunately, it's probably just this match. We have two players out sick with the flu, and yesterday in practice LaTonya Willis twisted her ankle. I probably won't start next week when they're all back. Anyway, it's a home game, so I hope you can all come. Quinn: Well, the pom-pom squad's going to be there anyway ... Sandi: Just Tiffany and me in the bleachers? Stacy: Sandi, if you don't *want* to come ... Sandi: Oh, I'll be there. You starting a volleyball game, and Quinn becoming a pom-pom girl. I wouldn't miss it. Have you seen your uniform yet, Quinn? With those cutesy little ankle socks? So geeky ... (Quinn looks uncomfortable.) (SCENE - At the volleyball match. Quinn and the other pom-pom girls are lined up in two rows to form a "funnel" for the volleyball players as they come out of the locker room. The girls' uniforms are blue sleeveless shirts with "Lawndale Pom-Poms" written on the front in gold, blue short-shorts with gold trim, white ankle socks and sneakers. Watching the pom-pom girls with lustful expressions are two freshman boys sitting in the front row of the bleachers. One is Sandi's brother Sam. The other, Toby, bears an uncanny resemblance to the late Tommy Sherman, who happens to have been his brother. Both are wearing Lawndale football jerseys, but no pads like Kevin Thompson would.) Toby: Those pom-pom chicks are total *babes*! Sam: Yeah! Toby: See the one with the curly blonde hair? Her name's Anita. She's my lab partner in science class. I think she has the hots for me. Sam: Yeah, big deal, I know that redhead pretty well ... Toby: Huh? Griffin, who are you trying to fool? That's Quinn Morgendorffer. She's a *senior*! She's so far outta your league ... Sam: Hey, after the game's over we'll go talk to her. You'll see. Toby: Yeah, right ... (Now the pom-pom girls cheer as the volleyball team come out of the locker room, led by Laura Kelley, followed by Jen Brock and Stacy. The players start going through their warm-up exercises.) (SCENE - In the stands. Sandi is sitting alone, an empty seat beside her. Tiffany comes climbing up the bleachers toward Sandi. Tiffany has a camera around her neck.) Sandi: Well, Tiffany, it's about time! I've saved a seat for you ... Tiffany: Uhhh, Sandiii, I won't be sittinnng with youuu. Sandi (bristling): What? Tiffany: I have to take picturrres for the yearboook ... Sandi: Why? What happened to Percival .. ? Tiffany: ... Pernellll .... Sandi: OK, *Pernell*! I thought he gave himself all the big assignments ... Tiffany: Pernellll quit ... Sandi: He *quit*!? Why?! Tiffany: He had a big argumennnt with Mr. DeMartinoooo. Sandi: So *you* have to do all the photos until they find a new photo editor? Tiffany: Sandiiii! *I'm* the new photo editorrrr! 'Bye, I have to gooo... (Sandi is left sitting by herself. We see Jen and Stacy run onto the gym floor as the starting lineups are announced. The PA announcer is Corey, of "Quinn the Brain" and other Daria episodes.) Corey: ... number eleven! Jenna Brock! Number fifteen! Stacy Rowe! And the captain, number twenty, Laura "Killer" Kelley! (Cut to quick shots of Quinn waving her pom-poms, and of Tiffany snapping pictures with her camera. Sandi, looking unhappy and angry, gets up from her seat in the bleachers and begins pushing past people to get to the floor. She walks out of the gym.) (SCENE - We see a long shot of Sandi exiting the school building. We can still hear sounds from the volleyball game. Next we see a long shot of Sandi walking up the sidewalk to her house. Sandi, still looking unhappy, walks into her bedroom at her house. She sees that someone has left a few pieces of mail for her laying on her bed. She picks up "Waif" magazine, looks at it furiously, angrily rips it apart, then starts to cry. While we hear the sound of Sandi's crying continue, we see a montage of scenes from the gym: Stacy serving, Quinn waving pom-poms, Stacy digging a low ball, Tiffany snapping a picture, Stacy high-fiving Jen after a play. Finally, we see an outside shot of the Griffin house. There is only one light on upstairs. We continue to hear Sandi crying until the next scene.) (SCENE - The game has ended. Players, fans, pom-pom girls are all lingering on the gym floor. Stacy, Jen and Quinn are together, talking.) Quinn: Wow! That was a close one! At least you won! Jen: Yeah, Quinn, Central Carter wasn't s'pposed to give us much of a game, but when you're missin' three starters ... (Jen shrugs.) Quinn: Stacy did pretty good ... Stacy (relieved): Well, I didn't make an idiot of myself, anyway. Jen: Ya did good for yer first start, Stace. Gotta work on those serve returns, though. They were startin' to pick on ya ... Stacy (rolls her eyes): I'm sure Coach will have me returning serves all next week. Anyway, Quinn, we've gotta get back to the locker room. See you later! Quinn: Yeah, 'bye, Stacy, 'bye, Jen! (Jen and Stacy head for the locker room. Sam and Toby walk up to Quinn.) Sam: Hey, Quinn! Quinn: Oh, hi, Sam! Sam (somewhat suggestively): You were lookin' good out there tonight, Quinn ... (Sam's suggestiveness goes over Quinn's head.) Quinn: Thanks, Sam! Who's your friend? Sam: This is Toby, Toby Sherman. Quinn: Sherman? You're not related to ... ? Toby: Yeah, Tommy Sherman was my brother. Quinn: Oh, I'm sorry! I mean, about what happened to him ... Toby: Don't worry about it. Mostly he just beat the crap outta me. (Quinn looks shocked. It sounds like Toby is glad his brother is dead. Maybe he should be glad?) Quinn (uneasily): Uh, OK. Sam, if you're looking for Sandi, I think she left the game early... Sam: Naw, I'm not looking for Sandi. Hey, Quinn ... Quinn: Uh, Sam, I have to go. I'll see you later! (Quinn leaves.) Toby: I see. She's Sandi's friend. Sam: What's *that* supposed to mean? Toby: You only "know" her because she hangs out with your big sister. Nice try, Griffin. Did she used to be your baby-sitter, too? Sam: Shut up, Sherman! It's not like that at all! (Anita walks up to Toby.) Anita (brightly): Hi, Toby! What's going on? Toby: (to Sam, but leering at Anita) See you later, Griffin. (Toby walks away with Anita. Sam looks across the rapidly-emptying gym, sees Quinn talking with another pom-pom girl, and stares pensively.) END OF SEGMENT 1 OF "AFTER A FASHION" SEGMENT 2 OF "AFTER A FASHION" (SCENE - Sandi walking by herself through the hallway at Lawndale High School. Her face still shows signs of last night's crying.) Ms. Li: Miss Griffin! (Ms. Li is standing with Jodie's sister Rachel. Rachel has a large folder under her arm. Sandi stops and turns to face them.) Sandi: Yes, Ms. Li? Ms. Li: Miss Griffin! This is Rachel Landon ... Rachel: Hi, Sandi ... Sandi: Uh, like, you must be Jodie's sister. Rachel: Yes. Ms. Li: Miss Griffin! Rachel is interested in joining the Fashion Club. Sandi: The Fashion Club? Ms. Li: Yes! You *are* president of the Fashion Club, aren't you, Miss Griffin? Sandi: Uh, Ms. Li, we sort of, like, disbanded the Fashion Club. Ms. Li: Nonsense! You can't terminate an extracurricular activity without filling out a form 29-A at the office! Well, I'll leave you two alone to discuss it! (Ms. Li leaves.) Rachel: I've been working on some drawings. Sandi: Drawings? Rachel: Well, fashion designs. I brought some with me ... (Rachel opens the folder and presents it to Sandi. Sandi looks at several pictures, slowly and intently.) Sandi: Uh, Rachel, can I get back to you on this? Rachel: Sure, Sandi. Sandi: Can I take some of these pictures with me? Rachel: Sure. OK. (SCENE - Quinn walking down the school hallway. Sam Griffin falls into step with her.) Sam: Hi, Quinn! Quinn: Hi, Sam. Sam: Yep. Sooo ... Quinn, when are we going out? Quinn: What? Sam: We're both in high school. We can date now. Quinn (gently): Sam, you're a freshman, I'm a senior. You're ... you're Sandi's little brother. Sam (defiantly): Little? I'm taller than *you* now. Quinn: You are *not* ... ! (Sam steps in front of Quinn so they're facing. Quinn looks up at him.) Quinn: Oh, my Gawd! You *are* taller! (frowns and looks closer) A *little* taller. (They resume walking.) Sam: And I'm a football player. You like to date football players ... Quinn: Uh, Sam, you're on the freshman squad, it's not the same thing. Look, the freshman class has lots of reeeeally cute girls ... (They come to a stop in front of Quinn's locker.) Sam: Not like you. You're the cutest girl there is. Quinn (blushing): Er, um, Sam, that's really, really nice ... Sam (smiling confidently): You'll come around. It'll just take some time. Quinn (disarmed by Sam's forthrightness): Um, uh ... Sam: 'Bye, Quinn! Quinn (uneasily): Uh, 'bye, Sam. (Tiffany walks up to Quinn's locker.) Tiffany: Uh, Quinnn, did Sammm say somethingg dirtyyy to youuu? Yourr faaace is allll reeed! Quinn: Uh, no, actually he said I'm really cute. Tiffany: Hmmmm. I thinnnk he has a crushhh on youuu. Quinn: Duh, Tiffany, he always did. (SCENE - In the lunchroom. Sandi, Stacy, Quinn and Tiffany together.) Sandi: What would you say to getting the Fashion Club back together? Stacy: You're kidding! No way! Quinn: I thought that was *over*! Tiffany: Yeahhh!!! Sandi: Officially, it never ended. The Fashion Club charter is still on file at the school office. It's listed as an active club. Quinn: Charter? Stacy: What charter? Sandi (from memory): "To promote awareness of the field of fashion and provide learning opportunities for students aiming toward future employment in the fashion industry." Stacy (puzzled): We never did that. Quinn: Whatever! It's over, Sandi. Tiffany: Yeahhh, overrr ... Sandi: Listen, I know that's not what we did, but what if we ... (hesitates) I brought something for all of you to look at. (Sandi pulls out Rachel's folder from beneath her chair and unfolds it on the table.) Quinn: So that's what you've been dragging around all day! (They all look at the drawings.) Sandi: Pretty good, aren't they? Quinn: Uh, yeah. Who drew them? Sandi: Rachel Landon. Jodie's sister. She wants to be a fashion designer. Stacy: Wow! I'd say she already is! This is good stuff! Tiffany: Yeahhh ... This is, like, reallyyy originallll .... Sandi: So what do you say? A new five-member Fashion Club? Concentrating on the fashion industry? Quinn: Uh, Sandi, I don't think so. Stacy: I don't really think I want to work in the fashion industry ... Tiffany: I reallyyy like photographyyy ... Sandi: Tiffany! The fashion industry employs photographers! Tiffany: No, Sandiii. The Fashion Club is overrr ... (Sandi grabs the folder and angrily walks away, leaving her lunch tray behind. The other girls watch sadly as she leaves.) (SCENE - Sandi at a secretary's desk, behind a glass window that reads "Lawndale High School Administrative Office. Angela Li, Principal". The secretary is typing on a computer. She looks up and notices Sandi. Sandi looks depressed.) Secretary: Yes? May I help you? Do you wish to see Ms. Li? Sandi: Uh, no. I just need a form. Form 29-A ... Secretary: OK. (She opens a desk drawer and pulls a form out of a folder.) Secretary: Here you go. (She hands it to Sandi.) Sandi: Can I fill it out here? Secretary: Sure. Use that desk. (Sandi sits at the unused desk. The top of the form reads "LHS Form 29-A Termination of Extracurricular Activity." Sandi fills in the blank labelled "Name of Activity" with "Fashion Club." Then she fills in the blank labelled "Reason for Termination" with "Insufficient number of members". A tear falls from her eyes and lands on the form. She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes to fight back tears and writes in the date. The secretary notices Sandi crying.) Secretary: Are you all right? Sandi (choking voice): I'm fine! (Sandi signs her name, gets up, puts the form on the secretary's desk, and quickly leaves, still fighting back tears.) (SCENE - Stacy and Jen in an exercise room. Stacy is doing leg raises on a Nautilus-type machine. Her face shows the strain.) Jen: C'mon, Stace! Gimme one more rep! Stacy: Jen, I don't know about this ... Jen: This is what ya need, Stace! It's not enough to stay skinny by eatin' carrot sticks and crap like that. Ya need to stay in shape ... Stacy: By the time I see results, volleyball season will be over. Jen: This isn't just about volleyball, Stace, this is ... (They both go silent as Meg Monaghan walks in, eyes them both, sits down at a stationary bicycle and begins pedalling.) Meg: Well, well. Look who's here. (Stacy looks scared.) Jen: Yeah, I'm lookin'. It's makin' me sick. Meg: What's up, Rowe? Still keeping my boyfriend warm until I decide to take him back? Jen: Go to hell, Meg. Meg: Let's see, Jenna May, the last time we met up you tried to break my arm. What sort of crude brutality do you have in mind this time? Are you going to shoot me? Maybe drop a bomb on my head? Jen: It's a thought. Meg: What's the matter, Rowe? You haven't said anything. Stacy (voice shaking): I have nothing to say to you ... Jen: C'mon, Stace. We were done anyway. I don't like the smell in here ... (Jen and Stacy leave.) (SCENE - Jen and Stacy in the locker room.) Jen: Gee, Stace, ya gotta stand up to her! Stacy: She scares me, Jen. I don't know why. She seems so confident that she's going to get Brig back. Jen: Naw, she burned that bridge forever. But ya can't let her get to ya that way ... Stacy: I know, I know! I just don't know what to do about it ... (SCENE - Sandi at her locker by herself, exchanging books. Rachel walks up.) Rachel: Hi, Sandi! Did you check out my drawings? Sandi (unhappily): Rachel, your drawings are ... great, but I'm afraid there is no more Fashion Club. Rachel: But Ms. Li said ... Sandi: I'm sorry, Rachel. It's now officially over, and I don't want to talk about it anymore. Here are your drawings back. (Sandi hands them to Rachel and closes her locker.) Rachel: But ... Sandi: I said, I don't want to talk about it. Excuse me. (Sandi leaves. Rachel watches sadly as she does.) (SCENE - Stacy in her bedroom by herself. She has a guitar, and is strumming some chords hesitantly. Her father Jack walks in.) Jack: Well! I haven't heard you play your guitar in years! Stacy: Yeah, it's been a while. I'm surprised at how much I remember. Jack: You sounded pretty good just now. Stacy: Uh, thanks, Dad. Maybe when volleyball is over I can get back into music. Jack: I think you lost interest in your music when that Fashion Club started. Stacy: Yeah, I think you're right ... (Jack leaves. The phone rings.) Stacy: I'll get it! (She picks up the phone. We see Jen on a split-screen.) Jen: Hey, Stace, ya doin' anything right now? Stacy: Playing the guitar, actually ... Jen: Hey, I didn't know you could play the guitar! Stacy: Well, it's the first time in years I've tried it ... Jen: Hey, Stace, some of us are goin' downtown. Wanna come? (SCENE - Jen, Stacy, LaTonya and Laura walking downtown.) Jen: OK, where are we goin' next? LaTonya: I know: Dega Street! Stacy: Isn't that a bit, uh, dangerous? Laura: C'mon, Stacy, there's four of us. Live a little! Jen: Yeah, Dega Street sounds cool ... (SCENE - The four girls walk into the Zen. Mystik Spiral is on stage, playing "Behind My Eyelids." The girls stop and watch Mystik Spiral.) END OF SEGMENT 2 OF "AFTER A FASHION" SEGMENT 3 OF "AFTER A FASHION" (SCENE - The Zen. Stacy, Jen, LaTonya and Laura watching Mystik Spiral, who are now playing "Icebox Woman." Finally the song is finished, and the girls clap for them.) (On the stage) Trent: We're taking a break, folks. But we'll be back in ten minutes. (Back on the floor.) Laura: Hey, girls, let's go meet the band. Whaddaya say? They look pretty hot. LaTonya: I'm cool. Jen: Good idea. That rhythm guitarist has pecs to die for. Stacy (uneasy): Uh, sure. (They walk up to the band members, who have come off the stage.) Jen: Hey, guys! Jesse: Yo. LaTonya: Cool music! Trent: Uh, thanks ... Jen: Are you guys local? Trent: Yeah, we're from right here in Lawndale. Laura: Wow! You mean, you went to Lawndale High? Trent: Uh, yeah. I'm, uh, Trent, and this is Jesse, Max and Nick. LaTonya: I'm LaTonya, and this is Jen, Laura and Stacy. Jen: Hey, Trent, Stacy plays the guitar, too! Stacy (pleading): Jen! (Stacy is blushing. The other girls are grinning at her.) Trent: Really, you play the guitar, Stacy? Stacy (embarrassed): Um, I'm not a real musician like you guys, I just sorta fool around with it at home. Jen's exaggerating ... Trent: Hey, that's how we all got started. Then take a few lessons, get together with some friends, start a band ... Jen: There ya go, Stace! I'll bet Trent here knows where ya could take some lessons ... Stacy (still a bit embarrassed): That's enough, Jen ... Jen: Maybe Trent even gives lessons himself! Trent: Uh, lessons? Well, I ... Jen: C'mon, Stace, at least get his number. It couldn't hurt! Here, I got a pen. Anyone got somethin' to write on? (Trent pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket and writes down his number and gives it back to Jen. She hands it to Stacy, who takes it reluctantly.) Trent: Well, um, we gotta get back on stage. Jen: Yeah! Good meetin' ya! (The band goes back on stage. The girls go back to the rear of the Zen.) Stacy: Uh, Jen, did you have to go out of your way to make me the center of attention? Jen: Hey, I gotcha a lead on some guitar lessons, didn't I? Call the guy, Stace! What can it hurt? (SCENE - Sandi in her bedroom, laying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, looking pensive and depressed. The phone rings. She lets it ring. Someone else picks it up.) Sam's voice: Hey, Sandi! Phone for you! Sandi: Who is it? Sam's voice: Hell if I know! Sandi (to herself): ... like I feel like talking to anybody or whatever ... (She picks up the phone.) Sandi: Hello? (Split-screen of Sandi and Rachel.) Rachel: Sandi! This is Rachel. Sandi: Rachel, I already told you ... Rachel: Sandi, my sister told me that you were probably the most dedicated leader of any extracurricular group at Lawndale High ... Sandi (surprised): Jodie said that about me? Dedicated? Rachel: Or maybe it was fanatical. Something like that. Sandi: Look, Rachel, if you want to be in a club, start one yourself ... Rachel: Sandi, I'm not the leadership-type that my sister is. Or that you are. I wouldn't know how to begin. Isn't there anything I can do to make you change your mind? (Sandi sighs and stares into space, thinking.) (SCENE - Lane residence. Stacy, carrying a guitar case, walks up to the door and knocks. The door opens, and there stands Jane.) Jane: Stacy? What are you doing here? Stacy: I'm here to see Trent. Jane: Uh, sure. I think he's actually up. What for? Stacy: Guitar lessons. Jane: I didn't know Trent gave lessons. (shouting) Trent! Stacy: Weren't you a senior last year? At Lawndale High? Jane: Uh, yeah. I'm Trent's sister, Jane. I'm hanging around until I start college in the winter. (Trent appears.) Trent: Hey, Stacy. Let's go out to the kitchen. (SCENE - In the Lane kitchen. Stacy sitting in a chair, holding the guitar ready for play. Trent is leaning against the kitchen table.) Trent: Uh, you've played before, right? That's what that girl said ... Stacy: Yeah, but not for a while. That is, until a few days ago. Trent: What sort of stuff have you been playing? Stacy: Oh, simple stuff, Stephen Foster, that sort of thing. Trent: Do you know "Oh! Susanna!"? Stacy: Uh, yeah, I think so. I mean, I've played it before. Trent: Let's hear it ... Stacy (singing and playing): Oh, I come from Alabama with a banjo ... (Her voice cracks and she stops.) Damn, I feel so self-conscious! Sorry! Trent: It's OK. Would it help if I sang along? Stacy: Uh, sure. Trent: OK, try it again. Stacy and Trent (singing with Stacy playing guitar): Oh, I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee ... (SCENE - Hallway at Lawndale High. Sandi is walking down the hallway, alone. She is striding purposefully, no longer looking depressed. She sees Rachel Landon waiting for her next to a closed classroom door.) Sandi: How many? Four? Rachel: Six. Sandi (smiles): Overkill! Rachel: Hey, I was afraid they might not all show up! (They enter the classroom together. Six well-dressed girls, none of whom we've ever seen before, are sitting at desks, watching Rachel and Sandi enter. Rachel goes to sit with the other girls. Sandi goes to the front of the classroom.) Sandi: Good to see you all here. I'm Sandi Griffin. Let's get the first meeting of the Fashion Careers Club underway ... END OF SEGMENT 3 - END OF FANFIC "AFTER A FASHION" Alter-egos: Fashion Club pictures Cheryl as Stacy, Barch as Sandi, Greene as Quinn, Li as Tiffany Jen as Quinn, Rachel as Sandi, LaTonya as Stacy, Meg as Tiffany Stacy as Sandi, Quinn as Tiffany, Sandi as Stacy, Tiffany as Quinn Sam as Quinn, Brig as Stacy, Trent as Sandi, Toby as Tiffany Stacy as herself, Sandi, Tiffany and Quinn CLOSING THEME - "Will It Go Round in Circles," by Billy Preston I've got a song I ain't got no melody How'm I gonna sing it with my friends I've got a song I ain't got no melody How'm I gonna sing it with my friends Will it go round in circles Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky Will it go round in circles Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky I've got a lil' story ain't got no moral Let the bad guy win every once in a while I've got a lil' story ain't got no moral Let the bad guy win every once in a while Will it go round in circles Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky Will it go round in circles Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky ***** NOTES Thanks to beta-reader Firah again! According to ages given in "The Daria Database," some of you may think I'm stretching things to put Rachel in high school while Stacy is a senior. Probably. So I'm stretching. Maybe with Sam, too. So there! A snippet of "Cunningham's Waltz" can be heard at http://www.loosegoose.com/6mb/html/sound_clips.html. SixMileBridge, unfortunately, broke up in the middle of 2001. However, I can recommend the music of the Maggie Drennon Band, a follow-on group with several members of SixMileBridge. ***** Please e-mail (mman37x@cs.com) your reactions to this fanfic. As always, fan-artists are strongly encouraged to draw pictures based on this fanfic.