Daria in the Background - Part 2

 Daria in the Background – Part 2

Lawndale High School; October 1, 10:23 AM

Art Class was interesting. Daria knew she didn’t have any real talent in the subject. She knew that her strengths lay elsewhere. However, even she could do basic things like perspective. “Perspective is hard,” came a high-pitched voice to her left.

 

Daria sighed.  She saw the Art teacher approaching.

 

“Good work, Daria. Your cube is bursting out of the picture plane. You’ve really created the illusion of depth,” Ms. Defoe said.

 

“Thanks,” Daria murmured.

 

“Ms. Defoe?” came the high-pitched voice again. “I need a new pencil. I used up the eraser.”

 

“Here, Brittany, take another pencil and a fresh piece of paper, and try again,” the exasperated teacher said.

 

“If I don’t figure this perspective thing out, I’ll have to take remedial art.”

 

“It’ll probably be a good thing,” Daria considered out loud.

 

Brittany shook her head. “I don’t think so. Hey, you’re smart. Show me how to do this?”

 

“Isn’t there someone else you can ask?” Daria asked in an annoyed tone.

 

“Umm, No!”

 

Daria quickly showed Brittany by drawing lines converging at a point and using the example of Cashman’s having a sale. Brittany got it but she was still confused. “Is Cashman’s really having a one day sale?”

 

“I don’t know,” Daria answered.

 

 

At lunch, Brittany came up to Daria again. “Thanks for helping me out in art.”

 

“No problem,” Daria responded.

 

“Maybe I can help you out with something.”

 

Daria shook her head. “No. I don’t need help,” she said. ‘Unless it’s how to twirl my hair around a finger while looking vacant,’ she thought. She brushed her hand through the bottom of her ponytail, but resisted the urge to twirl it as Brittany was doing with one of her pigtails. ‘It’s probably how she gets them to curl like that.’

 

“You seem rather lonely,” Brittany said. “I’m having a party Saturday night. I’d like you to come.”

 

“Is that an invitation?” Daria asked, the nervousness showing in her voice. ‘Oops!’ she chided herself. ‘I’m not lonely!’

 

“Yes,” the cheerleader answered.

 

“Parties are not my thing.”

 

“You did a favor for me. This is my favor for you,” Brittany said.

 

“I’ll think about it. I’ll get back to you by Friday.”

 

 

That evening as Daria left her room before dinner, she overheard Quinn chattering on in her room.

 

“Sheer, semi-sheer or opaque… Textured!”

 

“Isn’t one of you enough?” Daria quipped.

 

“Go away! I’m concentrating. I’m invited to party Saturday night and I have to choose the perfect outfit.”

 

Daria entered the room. “Countdown: only 72 more hours to go. Might this party be at Brittany’s house?”

 

“Yes,” Quinn answered. “And might you go away now. How do you know about it?”

 

“I’m invited, too. But I haven’t decided if I’ll go.”

 

Quinn was aghast! “But you can’t go! You’ll ruin everything!”

 

Daria smirked. “But I need to broaden my social horizons,” she added, with an imitation of their mother’s voice.

 

Quinn gave out a noise of frustration and ran out of the room. “Mom! Dad! Daria is ruining my life again!”

 

 

Helen was glad her older daughter was going to go a party. “Now, Quinn, don’t begrudge your sister an opportunity to gain a friend.”

 

“I doubt a friendship with Brittany would last,” Quinn groused.

 

“Touché, Quinn.”

 

 Quinn was still annoyed. “You should ground her, because, her room is a mess!”

 

Two could play that game. “If I go down for that one, I’m taking you with me.”

 

If only they could get along. “I think it’s great that you are going to be spending time together. Dad and I would be happy to drive you to the party and pick you up!”

 

“No!” both daughters said simultaneously.

 

“Thanks, but I’ll find some other way to get there,” Quinn said as she left the kitchen.

 

 

Daria watched Quinn leave. She wasn’t sure why she was going to the party. Was it just to annoy Quinn? ‘I can still find some out of the way place to watch what ever goes on, including what Quinn may get up to,’ she thought.

 

“Daria, I’d like it if you would look after Quinn at this party.”

 

Daria sighed. “I don’t know what I did, but it couldn’t have been that bad.”

 

“I mean it. And she doesn’t have to know about it.”

 

“Is this your way of saying how much more mature and trustworthy I am?”

 

Psalm 59

 Psalm 59

59 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Lord.

4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.

5 Thou therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.

6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?

8 But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.

9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.

10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.

13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

The Lord will defend us from our enemies.

Brittany - Party Time - Part 3

 Part 3

Saturday seemed to come around rather quickly. Ashley-Amber reminded Brittany that the state of the house was her responsibility. “If the house is in a state, I will help you clean it, but only if it’s not likely to be clean by the time your father gets home.”

 

“I understand, but my friends will help in that case.”

 

“Including Daria?”

 

Brittany twirled her hair. “I think so.”

 

 

Soon, Ashley-Amber had left to go to another audition and Donna arrived with some of the food for the evening. “You have informed the gatehouse of the evening’s activities?” she asked.

 

“An hour ago,” Brittany answered.

 

“Of course.”

 

 

At the same time, Daria and Andrea arrived at the Crewe Neck gate house. “We’re here for Brittany Taylor’s party,” Andrea announced.

 

“Names?” the guard asked.

 

“You know me; Andrea Hecuba-Thorne.”

 

“Of course, but formalities, you know.”

 

“Of course,” Andrea said with a small smile.

 

“Daria Morgendorffer.”

 

“You can both go in.”

 

“Thanks,” Andrea said.

 

 

“You’re here just in time!” Brittany exclaimed as Daria and Andrea entered the kitchen. “Kevin called and said he’ll be early. I’ll likely be occupied making sure he doesn’t mix up the chips.”

 

“What about Donna?” Daria asked.

 

“She’s already putting out the food.”

 

“Right.”

 

 

Half an hour later the sophomores and freshmen began to arrive. “Quick, Andrea. Start the music!” Brittany directed.

 

“On it,” Andrea said. She put on some pop music that she didn’t like, but Brittany and Donna did.

 

 

“So, I said just because people are cliquey and snotty is no reason not to like them,” Quinn said to one of the three boys who had been trying to gain her attention since she had started at Lawndale two weeks earlier.

 

They all agreed with her.

 

‘Now, where’s Daria?’ she wondered. “Jamal?”

 

“It’s Jamie!”

 

“Whatever. Could you look for my distant cousin?”

 

“Who?” he asked.

 

“That girl who was following me earlier this week?”

 

“Sure!” the boy said. He went off.

 

Jeffy looked confused. “Isn’t she your sister?”

 

“No! Get me a soda! Now!”

 

“Sure!” Jeffy said as he dashed off.

 

 

Tori Jericho found Sandi Griffin, who had arrived after her. “Your suspicion is correct. That new girl who was up at that assembly is here.”

 

“What is Brittany up to?” Sandi asked, not for the first time. “Then we will, like, cause a ruckus.”

 

Tori sighed. “I knew you would say that!”

 

 

Jamie White quickly found Daria. She was helping Donna pour drinks. ‘I don’t know why Quinn wanted me to find her,’ he thought. “Hi, Daria,” he said.

 

“Hi,” Daria said.

 

“If you don’t mind, Jamie. We’re a little busy at the moment,” Donna said. “You can come back later.”

 

“Quinn wanted to know where Daria was,” Jamie admitted.

 

“Then you can tell her to stop bothering me!” Daria said. “But when I have time, I will get her back.”

 

Jamie wasn’t sure what to think of that response. “Sure.”

 

 

Jeffy Brown-Mercer grabbed a soda can from a chiller in the kitchen. He saw Brittany telling Kevin not to mix up the chips. ‘Nothing new there,’ he thought. He then dashed back to where Quinn was.

 

 

But Quinn had moved. “Huh? Where did she go?” Jeffy asked himself. He started looking for her.

 

 

‘Just because people are snotty and cliquey is no reason not to like them,’ Quinn thought as she located Sandi and Tori talking near one of the ceramic tigers. She was sure she had overheard someone say that they were great!

 

“Quinn?”

 

She turned and saw Joey. She may have sent Jeffy and the other one away, but not him. “Yes, Joey?”

 

“Would you like a dance?”

 

“Not yet. But you can get me some crisps.”

 

“Sure!”

Psalm 58

 Psalm 58

58 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;

5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord.

7 Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

8 As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.

10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

...

My Neighbor Totoro

 49.      My Neighbor Totoro

Rewatch. The story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to a new house in the Japanese countryside. This is a rather good film, showing the sisters as they settle into their new home, and their concern for their mother who is in hospital. The Totoro and the Catbus were interesting additions. However, the concluding scenes where Satsuki searches for Mei were particularly well done. 9.4/10.

...

Brittany - Party Time - Part 2

 Brittany – Party Time Part 2

Donna saw Andrea come into the kitchen. “You’re here. Good,” she said.

 

“Your father asked if I was here for your sister,” Andrea said to Daria as she sat at the table. She looked at the food on the table. “Carrot sticks.”

 

“One way of annoying her. Dad can get confused. He also thought Brittany and Donna were Quinn’s friends.”

 

“That explains that,” Andrea said. “So, you’ve started planning the party.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Cool,” Andrea said.

 

“Donna and I will buy the food and drinks,” Brittany said.

 

“As you usually do,” Andrea said with slight mirth.

 

“Of course,” Donna said.

 

“And Daria can help with the set up.”

 

“I can do that,” Daria said, seeing that Brittany was easing her into the idea.

 

“Very good,” Brittany responded.

 

“Another thing,” Donna said, as she picked up another carrot stick. “Do you want Quinn to come?”

 

“If you want to be party to another humiliation, then yes,” Daria answered.

 

“How much of a humiliation?” Andrea asked.

 

“Enough for her to stop denying that I’m her sister,” Daria answered.

 

Donna thought about that. It seemed that it would have the opposite effect, that it would reinforce Quinn’s behaviour rather than cause it to stop. “So, Quinn’s coming,” she asked Brittany.

 

“She’s coming,” Brittany said.

 

“So, what is Andrea doing?” Daria asked.

 

“Choosing the music,” Andrea answered. “You’ll find that Lawndale teens favour a wide mix of genres, rather than just Pop,” she then said to Daria’s look of surprise.

 

“I see,” Daria said.

 

Donna smiled. ‘Another way Lawndale has surprised her.’

 

“So, it will be on Saturday night?” Daria asked.

 

“Yes. Ashley-Amber will still be home on Friday night,” Brittany answered.

 

“Oh, so you don’t want them to know?” Daria asked.

 

“In case it does get out of control,” Brittany added.

 

“Of course.”

 

 

They talked more about the party before just talking as the friends they were, with Daria slowly coming out of her shell more. This camaraderie was interrupted by Daria’s mother coming into the kitchen, having come home half an hour after Andrea had come over. “Oh, you must be Andrea, Brittany and Donna,” she said.

 

“Yes, I’m Brittany.” She indicated both Donna and Andrea in turn introducing them to Mrs. Morgendorffer.

 

“I’m happy Daria has made friends,” Mrs. Morgendorffer said. There was something about her expression that made Brittany think that there was more to the statement than she let on. She looked to Daria, but she had her usual neutral expression.

 

“Yes. I think she has found Lawndale to be better than she expected it to be,” Andrea said guardedly.

 

“She has said that,” Mrs. Morgendorffer said whilst glancing at her daughter.

 

“Although your husband was a little surprised that we were her friends. He thought we were Quinn’s,” Donna said.

 

“He did?” Mrs. Morgendorffer asked.

 

Brittany nodded.

 

“Well, consider that Daria hasn’t really had friends until now. And Quinn is rather outgoing.”

 

“That’s understandable,” Andrea said.

 

“In any case, it’s time to begin preparing for dinner.”

 

“Don’t we usually just have frozen lasagne?” Daria asked.

 

“We’ll be having that, but there will be frozen vegetables too,” her mother said.

 

“Of course.”

 

Quinn then entered the kitchen. “Mom. Sandi says there’s a party on this Saturday night.”

“Word is already spreading,” Donna whispered.

 

Mrs. Morgendorffer perked up on hearing both Quinn and Donna. “What was that?” she asked both of them, although she was mostly looking at Quinn.

 

‘She didn’t miss that,’ Brittany noted to herself. ‘Certainly more on the ball than Ashley-Amber is.’ That wasn’t to say that Ashley-Amber was just a dimbo of course.

 

“A party this Saturday night. In Crewe Neck,” Quinn answered.

 

“I see,” Mrs. Morgendorffer responded. She turned back to Donna. “What do you know about this?”

 

“Actually, Mrs. Morgendorffer, it’s Brittany’s party,” Donna clarified.

 

“Is it?” Quinn asked.

 

“So, Daria is going to this party?” Mrs. Morgendorffer asked, glancing between Daria and Brittany.

 

“I’m going to be helping Brittany with it,” Daria answered in a wary tone.

 

Mrs. Morgendorffer smiled. “Good, Daria. We’ll talk more about this later,” she said in a tone that brooked no argument.

 

Daria nodded.

 

“And, this party isn’t going to get out control, is it?” Mrs. Morgendorffer asked Brittany.

 

“No, Mrs. Morgendorffer. I have learned my lesson,” Brittany answered.

 

“I hope so. I know how uncontrolled those parties can get.”

 

 

Brittany arrived home at the same time as her father. “Late practice?” he asked.

 

“No, I was at a friend’s place.”

 

“Daria is it?” her father asked.

 

“Yes.”

 

“That’s good then.”

 

 

Ashley-Amber saw Brittany enter the kitchen. “Dinner will be ready soon,” she said, turning from the steaming pot on the stove.

 

“That’s good. It’s been a long day.”

 

“I know you’re planning something for this weekend.”

 

“Of course, but it will be small,” Brittany said.

 

But Ashley-Amber knew that Brittany did not do those things small. “Just make sure the house isn’t a mess,” she said quietly with a smile on her face. She remembered what it was like to be that age.

 

 

The next morning, Daria met Brittany at the door. “Good Morning.”

 

“Good Morning, Daria.”

 

“Mom says I have to watch Quinn at the party, make sure she doesn’t get into trouble.”

 

“Is she likely to?” Brittany asked.

 

“Not that likely. She knows how to look after herself,” Daria said. ‘May as well tell her,’ she thought. “It’s more likely that she’ll cause boys to fight over her.”

 

“Oh!” Brittany said. “Don’t worry. Andrea can break them up. She may not like doing so, but she can.”

 

“And seeing her squirm when Mom laid down the law about it was worth It,” Daria smirked.

 

“No doubt.”

Mysteries of Lawndale - Night of the Coffee House - Part 5

 Mysteries of Lawndale – Night of the Coffee House Part 5

“You’re here just in time,” Helen said to her daughters as they entered the kitchen. “Dinner is ready.”

 

“You know these things can go into the evenings,” Daria said.

 

“But not often. You can’t solve every crime you come across, Daria.” Her older daughter may have been a successful detective in Highland, but she there were times when she did fail.

 

“Of course not!” Daria said with slight annoyance as she sat at the table. “But I was getting somewhere… I just need to think about it more.”

 

“How was your day, Quinn?” Helen asked.

 

“It was great. The Anime Club meeting was good, and I was able to join the relay team.”

 

“That’s great!” Jake said.

 

“That’s good, Quinn.”

 

 

After dinner, Quinn began to read Lawndale in the Post War Years 1945 – 1985.

 

 

 

Thursday, October 16^th, 1997

Daria arrived at the Lane’s house at 7:45. Jane was yawning as she sipped at her coffee. “I don’t think you can do much in half an hour,” she said.

 

“No, but I will get copies of the sketches to Officer Peterson after school,” Daria responded.

 

“I doubt Ms. Li would approve of that use of any of the school’s photocopiers.”

 

“She doesn’t have to know.”

 

“Of course,” Jane said. She went to get the sketches.

 

 

Daria then went to the phone. “I’m sure Corey, Alecia and Upchuck are still at home...”

 

There was no answer at the Bateman’s and Alecia’s mother said she had already left for school. Daria sighed and called the Ruttheimers.

 

 

Charles was about to leave for school when the phone rang. “Hello?”

 

“Charles? This is Daria.”

 

“Yes, Daria?” he asked in his usual way.

 

“Charles…” Daria said in a warning tone.

 

“Sorry, Daria. Mystery Club business then?”

 

“Yes. Meet Jane and I at the entrance 10 minutes before homeroom. See if you can find Corey or Alecia.”

 

“Sure, Daria, but what are we going to be talking about?”

 

“About the sketches Jane has made.”

 

“I knew she was good at art…” Charles began.

 

“Yes, she’s that good,” Daria interrupted. “I’ll see you at school.”

 

“Yes. I’ll try to find Corey and Alecia.”

 

“Good,” Daria said, before hanging up.

 

 

Jane returned to the kitchen. “I have the sketches, ready to go?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 

Quinn and Stacy arrived at the school at the same time as Daria and Jane. “So, where are the other members?” Stacy asked.

 

 

“I was only able to reach Charles,” Daria answered.

 

“Right,” Quinn said.

 

 

It was then that Charles arrived with Alecia. “We haven’t been able to find Corey,” Alecia stated.

 

“That’s OK,” Daria said.

 

“So, we’re going to hand the sketches out to our classmates?” Stacy asked.

 

“Pretty much,” Jane answered.

 

“More like, show them to the other students, but yes,” Daria added.

 

“That’s fine,” Stacy said.

 

“We’re going to photocopy the sketches before homeroom,” Daria said. There should be enough time.

 

 

In a few minutes the members of the Mystery Club came to the Faculty Office. They saw that Mr. DeMartino and Ms. Defoe were the only members of staff present.

 

“Ms. Defoe, I would like to use the photocopier to copy these sketches,” Jane said.

 

Ms. Defoe looked over the sketches. “These are very good, Jane. You’re continuing to improve. I’d say that being a sketch artist would be a good idea while you also do other work.”

 

“Thanks, Ms. Defoe.”

 

“Hurry. There isn’t much time before homeroom,” Claire added.

 

“Of course.”

 

 

As Jane began photocopying the sketches, Quinn went up to Mr. DeMartino. “I’ve had a look at the first chapter,” she said.

 

“Very good, Quinn. But that just sets the stage before the more recent history.”

 

“It was also more understandable than the books on the local history of the town in Texas we used to live in.”

 

“Some historians are more obtuse than others.”

 

 

“That is one lot,” Jane said. She handed the pile to Upchuck. “You can go now!”

 

“Sure, Jane,” he said in his usual tone.

 

“Charles…” Daria said from behind him.

 

“Sorry, Daria,” Upchuck said as he started walking off.

 

 

Jane managed to print most of the sketches before the bell rung, “I knew there wouldn’t be enough time!” she groused.

 

“Better hurry,” Ms. Defoe said before she left the Faculty Office.

 

Jane handed the remaining sketch to Alecia. “This will have to do,” she said.

 

“Thanks.”

Daria in the Background - Part 1

 Daria in the Background – Part 1

Daria Morgendorffer just wanted to be left alone. As she had grown up, she had found she was different to the other children, and to her sister Quinn. She was more intelligent and not as outgoing as others. Over the years she had found ways to blend into the background so others would not notice her. It didn’t always work. Teachers always noted how good her work was, even if her writing was unusual for a child her age. Then there was that dumb duo in Highland who hung around her sometimes.

Things were to change when the Morgendorffers moved to Lawndale, a middle-class small city in northern Maryland. The description of the town made it seem perfect for someone who wanted to complete their High School education without drawing too much attention, but she didn’t know that her efforts would be to no avail.

 

1111 Glen Oaks Lane, Lawndale; September 15, 1997 7:30 AM

Having finished cleaning her teeth, Daria looked over herself in the mirror. She wanted to be sure that her impression of an average teenager was infallible. That no one other than the people she wanted to notice her would look twice at her. Mousy auburn hair tied back in a high ponytail. ‘Check,’ she thought as she looked at herself sideways. Tied back so, the hair fell to just below her shoulder blades. There was some length to it, but it was still shorter than Quinn’s. She then looked lower. Face washed.

Check. Understated clear lip gloss. Check. Understated light green dress. Check. She was about as different from Quinn as she could be. And right on cue, there was knocking on the door. She then went to open it, allowing Quinn in. “There you go.”

 

“Gosh, Daria, you’re going like that?” Quinn asked.

 

“At least I’m not dressed in pink,” Daria shot back as she left the bathroom.

 

“Ha!” Quinn said as she slammed the door.

 

 

Lawndale High; 8:30 AM

Arriving at Lawndale High, Quinn drew all the attention, with a girl in pigtails asking her name.

 

“Quinn Morgendorffer,” she answered. She didn’t understand why Daria didn’t want any attention.

 

“Cool Name,” another girl with lustrous brown hair said. Quinn wondered what products she used to gain that effect.

 

She glanced at Daria walking slowly towards the school without drawing attention. ‘That’s what she does best,’ she thought. She then heard a boy ask her out. ‘A bit quick,’ she thought.

 

 

“…As you can see, our Lawndale High students take great pride in their school,” the Principal said as she finished the tour. “That’s why we’ll be taking a small psychological exam to stop any little clouds on the horizon as you sail the student seas of Lawndale High.”

 

‘SOS girl overboard,’ Daria thought. ‘Why does there need to be a psychological test! I just want to get to class!’

 

“Nobody told me about any test!” Quinn objected.

 

‘You’re automatically exempt!’ Daria thought. As much as she wanted to say it, she knew it would draw attention.

 

“That’s why it’s a surprise test,” the Principal said.

 

Quinn scowled.

 

 

“Now, Quinn,” the School counsellor, Mrs. Manson said. “What do you see here?”

 

It was obvious what it was. “It’s a picture of two people talking.”

 

“That’s right. Can you make up a little story about what it is they’re discussing?”

 

“Oh. Okay, then. Let's see... they've been going out for awhile, and he's upset because other people keep asking her out, and she saying she can't help it if she's attractive and popular, and besides, nobody ever said they were going steady, and if he does want to go steady he's got to do a lot better than movie, burger, back seat, movie, burger, back seat, because there are plenty of guys with bigger back seats waiting to take her someplace nice!”

 

“Very good, Quinn!” Mrs. Manson said. She then turned her attention to her sister. Quinn wasn’t sure why she was testing the two of them together. “Now, Dora, let’s see if you can tell a story as vivid as your sisters?”

 

“Do I have to?” Daria asked with annoyance.

 

“Yes!” Mrs. Manson said.

 

“Alright then. It’s a guy and a girl, and they are discussing how their daughter doesn’t seem to want to do anything other than study and that she needs friends. They disagree on what to do about it.”

 

“That’s interesting.” Manson said. “But good.”

 

 

The first lesson Daria went to was History. “Class, we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Daria Morgendorffer,” Mr. Anthony DeMartino said. “Daria, raise your hand please.”

 

Daria raised her hand. Reluctantly, DeMartino noted. ‘Time to test her!’ he thought. “Well, Daria! As long as you have your hand raised…” he gave an evil chuckle. “Last week we began a unit on westward expansion. Perhaps you feel it’s unfair to be asked a question on your first day of class.”

 

Daria gave a sigh. Perhaps she just wanted to slip in amongst the existing students unnoticed. Other teachers would oblige her. But not Anthony DeMartino, who despite his better judgement tried to reach the unreachable. “Daria, can you concisely and unemotionally sum up for us the doctrine of Manifest Destiny.”

 

“A slogan used in the 1840s, to promote the ideal for the US to reach all the way to the Pacific Ocean,” Daria murmuired.

 

“Very good, Daria.” DeMartino then steeled himself for his usual battle against Kevin Thompson’s dim wits.

 

 

 

1111 Glen Oaks Lane; 7:34 PM

The Morgendorffers were having their dinner late, as Helen had stayed late at work, hoping to impress upon the Partners that she was a hard worker.

 

“…Then they asked me to join the pep squad. They said I didn't have to try out, but I said, "Look, I'm new here. Give me a chance to get used to things." So, for now, I'm vice president of the Fashion Club, and that's it,” Quinn said.

 

“Sounds like a like a well-thought-out decision, honey,” Jake said.

 

“As long as you can join pep squad later, if you want. Never know how much we can handle till we try, though,” Helen added.

 

“What about you, Daria? How was your first day?”

 

Daria sighed. “Well, my history teacher called on me as soon as I entered the class, but there are some interesting idiots in it.”

 

“That’s great!” Jake said.

 

‘What?’ Helen thought. ‘Jake!’

 

“I mean…” Jake began as he tried to correct what he just said.

 

Helen interrupted. “Daria, your father's trying to tell you not to judge people until you know them. You're in a brand-new school in a brand-new town. You don't want it to be Highland all over again.”

 

“Not much chance of that happening... unless there's uranium in the drinking water here, too.”

 

“I'm talking about you making a friend or two. Don't be so critical. Give people the benefit of the doubt.”

 

“You’re saying that It all boils down to trust?” Daria asked.

 

“Exactly. It all boils down to trust. Show a little trust.”

 

Daria looked thoughtful.

 

‘She needs to understand that being in that shell doesn’t help her,’ Helen thought. The dinner continued without incident.

Brittany - Party Time - Part 1

 Brittany – Party Time Part 1

“I don’t know why you had to drop me,” Brian complained as Brittany turned the corner to his school.

 

“Because Ashley-Amber has to go to an audition in Oakwood, and Dad to an auction in Middleton,” Brittany explained.

 

“I could have got the bus!”

 

“Do you even know where your bus pass is?” Brittany asked.

 

“Um…”

 

“I knew you lost it!”

 

“I could’ve found it,” Brian objected.

 

We’re here!” she said as she pulled up in the drop off zone. “Try to behave yourself!”

 

Brian stuck out his tongue as he got out of the car. Brittany sighed as she drove off.

 

 

Brittany and Daria were in art class. “I’ll be having a party Saturday night,” Brittany said.

 

“Parties aren’t really my thing,” Daria said. “I’ve been fine with making friends with you, Donna and Andrea.”

 

“You don’t have to hang out with everyone. Besides, it would provide another chance to embarrass Quinn.”

 

“That’s certainly a plus.”

 

The teacher, Claire Defoe came over to look at their work. “I see you’ve improved, Brittany.”

 

“Thanks,” Brittany said. She may have got perspective right, but it seemed she lacked the patience to get the other aspects of drawing right. The landscape didn’t seem right.

 

“The chiaroscuro has improved, but it still needs work,” Defoe added. She moved to Daria. “Yours is about the same.”

 

“The glasses don’t help with the depth of field vision,” Daria admitted. “I’m more of a writer than an artist.”

 

“Both of you are still good. A little basic, perhaps, but good.”

 

“Thanks,” Daria said, feeling encouraged. “Still, I would leave it to others to do the illustrations.”

 

“Not everyone is suited for that,” Defoe said.

 

 

“So, about the party,” Brittany asked again, once Defoe had moved on.

 

“You’re inviting Andrea too?”

 

Brittany smirked. “She comes to all my parties, and I go to hers, when she holds them. I also need someone to help set up. Kevin is useless in that regard.”

 

Daria sighed. “I’ll come.”

 

 

After school, Donna and Brittany arrived at the Morgendorffer’s house. Brittany rang the doorbell. “Daria has mentioned she’s a writer,” Donna said. “But she hasn’t really said anything about what she writes about.”

 

“She’ll share if she wants to share,” Brittany said.

 

The door was then opened by a middle-aged man. “Quinn! Your friends are here!” he called out.

 

“Actually, we’re Daria’s friends,” Brittany corrected.

 

“Really?” he asked.

 

“Yes,” Donna said.

 

“Daria! Your friends are here,” Mr. Morgendorffer called out. “She’ll be right down,” he added as he held the door open.

 

 

“Daria’s friends?” Quinn said as she came down the stairs. “How did Daria become friends with cheerleaders?”

 

“I suppose she didn’t tell you,” Brittany said. Something about Quinn’s tone had gotten on her nerves.

 

“She doesn’t tell me anything! I’m certainly not her beeper!”

 

“What?” Donna asked, confused.

 

“They are my friends, Quinn,” Daria said from the top of the stairs in a tone that brooked no argument.

 

Nervous, their father went back to watching the TV on one of the nearby lounges. “OK,” he said.

 

Daria and Quinn passed each other on the stairs as the latter went back up, giving her sister a thoughtful look.

 

“Let’s go to the kitchen,” Daria said.

 

“Good idea,” Brittany said.

 

 

Quinn wasn’t sure what to make of what just happened. Daria was up to something. She was sure of it. ‘Maybe those cheerleaders aren’t the usual cheerleaders,’ she thought. Maybe it was something she could ask Sandi about.

 

 

Brittany and Donna sat at the kitchen table while Daria looked in the fridge. “Carrot sticks and soda?” she asked.

 

“Is that Quinn’s snacks?” Brittany asked.

 

“Yes,” Daria answered.

 

“I’ll have some of them, but I’ll have what you’re having?” Brittany responded.

 

“Sure,” Daria said as she got out the cola as well as the soda. She smirked as she took out a third of the remaining carrot sticks.

 

“The same,” Donna added.

 

 

“Do you usually plan your parties?” Daria asked.

 

“I didn’t use to, but I found that they got out of control,” Brittany answered. “Hopefully that won’t happen this time.”

 

“Maybe not inviting the freshmen would be a good idea,” Donna said.

 

“Oh no! I am inviting the freshmen. It’s the upperclassmen who won’t get invited. It’ll just be sophomores and freshmen,” Brittany said.

 

“Sure,” Donna said.

 

“That is still a large number of people. Lawndale High seems fairly large,” Daria added.

 

“About 700 students and 80 staff,” Donna said.

 

“It would be less than 100 at the party,” Brittany added.

 

“That’s still a lot of people,” Daria said nervously.

 

“Don’t worry. Andrea will be helping too.”

 

 

Jake Morgendorffer heard the door bell ring again. “Who could that be?” Maybe it was one of Quinn’s friends. His clients wouldn’t come to the house, would they? Suppressing a shudder, he went to the door and found a girl dressed in dark clothes. “Um, you’re not here for Quinn? Right?”

 

“No, I’m here to see Daria,” the girl said in an annoyed tone.

 

“Oh! She’s in the kitchen with her two other friends,” Jake said in a welcoming tone.

 

“Thanks,” the girl said.

 

“You’re welcome, um…”

 

“Andrea.”

Mysteries of Lawndale - Night of the Coffee House - Part 4

 Mysteries of Lawndale – Night of the Coffee House – Part 4

Iris Johansen was down in her basement. She got the thing she wanted. And started up. There was no ring of the doorbell. There was certainly no one at her step selling chocolates...

 

 

Later that afternoon, Quinn returned to the street Danny was on, with Daria, Stacy, Jane and Trent.

 

“Why this street?” Trent asked when they had arrived at one end of it.

 

“Some of the yards had weirder stuff than you have,” Quinn answered.

 

“Cool,” Jane said.

 

“A good motivation, Quinn,” Daria said. “Now, we have to get going before night falls.”

 

“Yes!” Stacy said. “Mom wants me back before dinner,” she added.

 

“Just as well you’re on one of the cross streets then,” Daria said.

 

Stacy nodded.

 

“Not only are we investigating the street, we’re also finding out more about the break-in,” Daria stated.

 

“Certainly,” Stacy said.

 

“By the way...” Quinn began.

 

“I haven’t watched much. I had to do homework first,” Daria said.

 

“You get all A’s Daria...” Quinn said in a tone that suggested that she was ribbing her sister.

 

“Still, I need to keep on top of it,” Daria said in a similar, but understated tone.

 

Jane smirked at the exchange.

 

“Let’s start,” Daria directed.

 

 

Again, Danny heard a knock at the door as he was preparing to make dinner. He opened it to find another girl. This one had her brown hair in pigtails. “Hello?”

 

“Hi! I’m Stacy. I’m with the Lawndale High Mystery Club!” she said in a slightly panicky voice.

 

“Mystery Club,” Danny considered. “Wait a minute...” He went and got the piece of paper that Quinn had given him earlier.

Stacy was still there, trying not to bite her nails.

 

“You’re with this... Daria?” he asked.

 

“Yes,” Stacy answered. “We’re investigating the cybercafé break-in.”

 

“I have read about it, but I have no idea who might have done it,” Danny said.

 

“Oh,” Stacy said. “Sorry for wasting your time.”

 

“There is something I’d like solved, about Lawndale.”

 

“Oh, let me get a notepad!” Stacy said, flustered. She opened her bag and hurridly took several objects out, before finding a notepad and pen. She then put the other objects back in. “Ready!” she said.

 

“I heard that the developers involved in the construction of the Big Strawberry didn’t really have approval...”

 

“Really?”

 

 

 

Wednesday, October 15^th, 1997

After school, the Mystery Club met in one of the many classrooms on the campus of Lawndale High.

 

“I’m sure you’ve heard that I have started to investigate the break-in on Sunday night,” Daria said.

 

“Of course, Ms. Morgendorffer.”

 

“Charles, knock it off!” Daria said.

 

“Feisty!” Charles Rutthiemer III said.

 

“Charles...”

 

“Sorry, Daria.”

 

“Anyone else?”

 

“So, you have been investigating?” Alecia Nibblett asked.

 

“Yes,” Daria answered. “Quinn,” she indicated.

 

“Daria, Jane, Stacy and I went along Main Street on Monday afternoon, asking various shop people about the break-in,” Quinn said.

 

“Yes?” Charles, otherwise known as Upchuck, asked.

 

“So, I have obtained video footage of the break-in,” Daria explained.

 

“So, you’ve watched it?” Corey Bateman asked.

 

“Of course,” Daria answered. “By itself it isn’t very conclusive.”

 

“But?” Upchuck asked.

 

“It’s difficult to go on,” Daria said. “Jane?” she asked.

 

“Yes, Daria?”

 

“How would you like to be a sketch artist?”

 

“Yes!”

 

“This afternoon we’ll watch the videos together...”

 

“OK.”

 

“You have some idea though?” Upchuck asked.

 

“Yes,” Daria answered.

 

 

After the Mystery Club meeting ended, Quinn went to a meeting of the Anime Club. “Quinn, has your sister solved the break-in mystery yet?” the president, Jenna asked.

 

“Not yet,” Quinn answered. “Although I think she is on her way to solving it.”

 

“That’s good,” Jenna said. “If there are more break-ins, the police will start to make more patrols.”

 

“That would be good,” Quinn responded.

 

“Not really,” Jenna said.

 

Quinn was mystified. “Why wouldn’t it?”

 

“You don’t know Lawndale’s history yet,” Jenna said.

 

“Could you tell me?” Quinn asked, wondering what had happened that Jenna would be concerned at a bigger police presence on the streets.

 

“It will take too long. You can ask Mr. DeMartino. He’ll have a book on Lawndale’s history,” Jenna answered.

 

“Sure,” Quinn thought, thinking that Daria would certainly like to read such a book too, and get more out of it. She was going to say more, but more members of the club arrived...