Disclaimer: Daria and all characters within the show do not belong to me, but belong to Glenn Eichler. I do not claim them as my own.
She could feel their eyes burning through her skin as she limped through the corridors of Lawndale High. Whispers slithered from mouth to ear, unknown hissed words. Did they know what had happened Saturday night, or was it the bruises that covered Jane's arms that attracted their unwanted attention? Incredibly, Jane prayed it was the second option. She never looked at anyone as she traipsed to her locker, and hoped that everyone would just leave her alone and not question her. Lost in her thoughts, she swung her fist at the touch of human hands on her shoulder; just narrowly missing Jodie. Jodie hadn't even flinched, as though she was expecting it. Jane, hands on her hips, raised her eyebrow to beckon Jodie to get on with it or leave.
"Hey, Jane. Listen, I know you don't really want to talk to anyone, but if you need to talk I…" Jodie gazed as she watched Jane stumble past her to get away. She sighed as she watched the raven-haired girl leave in a miserable state.
'Something is not right…' thought Jodie, shrugging her shoulders dismissively as she made her way to class.
Jane tapped her pencil impatiently, struggling to concentrate on Mr DeMartino's barking and surrendered tone as Brittany stated another one of her nonsensical answers.
"Jane! Run!", Daria's voice shrieked, breaking her monotone voice range as panic settled in. Jane couldn't move. Her feet were locked in place. Her eyes fixed at the sight of Daria's helplessness…"
"JANE LANE!" Jane felt her body jump as Mr DeMartino glared at his daydreaming student. "CARE to tell me WHAT you are DAYdreaming abOUT?" Jane just stared past her barking teacher, staying silent. No sarcastic comments today, it seemed. Mr DeMartino sighed and proceeded to bark at his students. Jane couldn't even come up with an inspiration for her everyday sketch of Mr DeMartino as a vicious animal.
BRRRRRING! Jane sighed with relief as the bell rang and rushed to the toilets as fast as her limp would allow her. Jodie followed her from a distance, worried and curious. Jane slammed the bathroom door open; glaring at herself in the mirror.
"Jane, I have a bad feeling about those guys." Daria's paranoia settled in as two hard-faced men glared in their direction from a few paces in front of them.
"Amiga, if they pull any crap, I will not let 'em lay a finger on ya."
'Weak. Weak. Weak.' Jane thought to herself as she smudged the mirror with soap, smearing away her shameful reflection.
"Jane? Are you okay?" Jodie grabbed tissues as she made her way behind Jane. Jane sniffed, not even realising that she had been crying, and accepted a tissue. It seemed like forever before Jodie broke the silence once more. "Where's Daria?"
"Who wants to know?!" Jane snapped, punching the wall beside her and sighed. "I…I'm sorry, Jod-" Jane was interrupted by Ms Li's squawking voice over the tannoy.
"Could Jane Lane please come to my office? Jane Lane to the Principle's office."