Christmas

To all my readers over the past months: thank-you. I hope that I have brought you some laughter and enjoyable time with the folks from Lawndale and especially our favorite heroine – Daria. Please think of this as my present to you. I wish you much laughter in the months to come. – dmsfanman

1. Hope You Have Fun

Daria checked to be sure her laptop computer was securely stowed in her backpack. She had her toiletries and a few articles of clothing in there as well. She still had plenty of clothing at home in her closet. She could always run to the thrift shop if she needed something. Maybe she would anyway. That would irritate both her sister, Quinn, and her mother. She was ready for the trip home to Lawndale.

Her mind wandered a bit. Was it really home any more or just her parents' house? Was Boston now her home? Now in her senior year of college she had spent far more time in Boston than in Lawndale over the past few years, except for maybe the summer. She looked around the campus apartment she shared with three other young women. Was this home now? The apartment belonged to the university and she could only live in it as long as she was a student at Raft.

The apartment had felt very much like home at Thanksgiving. She and Tom had chosen to spend it together rather than going all the way back to Lawndale. Besides, they were able to enjoy the fact that it really annoyed both of their parents. This kitchen had been a good place to prepare that meal. Tom was good in the kitchen and they had worked well together. Admittedly with just the two of them it had not been overly fancy, but it was good. They had both stuffed themselves and it was enjoyable. Tom had even brought a couple of nice bottles of wine.

Daria caught herself and pulled herself back to reality. She put on her peacoat and threw her backpack on her shoulders. Looking at herself in the mirror on the way out she had to chuckle. Her auburn hair framed her oval face. Her large round glasses were straight, but the full backpack seemed out of proportion on her 5 foot 3 inch (160 cm) frame. She sort of looked like a turtle. But, she needed to get going and headed for the subway. Her train for Newtowne would be leaving in just over an hour and she didn't want to miss it. Daria had to admit to herself that she was anxious to see Tom.

….

Tom was waiting on the train platform rubbing his gloved hands together to keep them warm. He was so excited about seeing Daria that he could hardly stand it. They had not seen each other since Thanksgiving. That was three weeks ago. Sure they had been apart longer since getting back together in August. But, he especially missed being with her during the run up to final exams and getting ready to go back to Lawndale for Christmas break. He was so glad that she took his suggestion to first come to Newtowne and then they could drive back to Lawndale together. It took longer this way, but it was time they had together without the 'benefit' of family.

After what seemed like an eternity, but was only really ten minutes, Tom heard the train's horn as it approached the station. As the engine neared the platform the bell started ringing and the engineer slowed the train to a stop. Tom was watching the windows to see if he could see Daria. Finally he saw her step down off the train two cars from where he was standing. He made his way through the small crowd of people on the platform. Coming up to Daria he swept her into his arms and kissed her.

"Hi there," Daria said in her total deadpan voice. Looking up into Tom's gray eyes she went on, "Do I know you?"

"I'm the guy you survived the ice storm with and I made you Thanksgiving dinner."

"Oh yeah," Daria looked at Tom and cracked a half-smile. At 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) he was tall enough with a moderate build and sandy hair. His face was long with clear angles with a very square chin. "I think I do remember you. In fact, you were pretty good to me."

"That is the only way I can be," Tom retorted with a smile. "Want to come up to my place?"

"Ooh. Sounds inviting," Daria replied. "Are you going to make it worth my time?"

"You bet. I'll even drive you home tomorrow morning."

"Sounds like a deal I can't refuse. Now let's get off this platform. It is cold out here."

"Can I take your backpack? It is about a six block walk."

"I'm good right now, Tom. I'll just carry it."

"OK. But let me know if you want me to help."

"I will. Now let's get going."

Tom and Daria walked the six blocks to his apartment. It was a nice one bedroom place on the upper floor of a converted Victorian house adjacent to the Bromwell campus. Even though the house looked very period outside, inside the apartment was clean, modern, and amazingly spacious for a student apartment. The bedroom was even in the turret! The Sloane family could clearly afford to rent a nice place for Tom. It even had a small gas fireplace in the corner of the living room. Daria thought about how it clearly beat her university apartment at Raft. And Tom didn't have to share with anyone!

For dinner Tom and Daria went to a pizza place near the campus. Daria commented on how it was clearly upscale pizza. They used more than just mozzarella on the pie. They used fontina, asiago, and the toppings were clearly fresh. After dinner they went back to the apartment and thoroughly enjoyed their time together.

….

Daria was the first one to walk out the back door to go to the car. It was drizzling and the air was chilly. Tom was right behind her. Daria stopped cold.

In total deadpan Daria remarked, "Really Tom, a convertible?"

"I'll keep the top up if you like," He said with a smile. "Besides it has a good heater and it was the only spare car at the house."

Daria shook her head. She thought to herself – now there is a truly Sloane answer, 'The only spare car at the house.' If that wasn't an 'old money' statement she didn't know what was.

Tom placed his bag in the trunk of the car. Daria handed him her backpack and he put it in the trunk as well. After closing it they both got in the car.

"Sure you don't want me to put the top down?" Tom asked.

"Tom. I have already done cold and wet with you at The Cove. I much prefer warm and cozy. So let's just skip putting the top down and turn on the heater, OK?"

"That's fine. Here is the button for the seat heaters. You can also adjust the temperature on your side of the car." After acquainting Daria with the controls Tom started the car and they drove off. It was stop and go traffic until they made it to the highway and then headed south.

…..

Tom pulled up in front of the Morgendorffers' house and went around to the trunk to get Daria's bag out while Daria got out of the car. Daylight was beginning to fade. Looking toward the big window in the front he could see the Christmas tree all set up and lit. Carrying Daria's bag he followed her to the front door and they went inside.

"Hi. Anybody home?" Daria shouted.

Daria's father, Jake, came around the corner, walked up to Daria and gave her a big bear hug.

With great excitement in his voice Jake said, "Welcome home, Daria! It is so nice to have you here."

Tom saw that Daria was clearly uncomfortable in her father's grasp. Daria kind of mumbled, "Great to be home, Dad." Then she wiggled out of the embrace.

"Tom my man, how are you doing?" Jake said as he extended his hand.

Tom shook Jake's hand and answered, "Doing great. I'm looking forward to my last semester in college. Excuse me for a moment. I'm going to just run this bag up to Daria's room." Tom turned and started up the stairs. Daria followed closely on his heels.

Once they were in Daria's room and Tom had dropped the bag on Daria's bed she turned to him and said, "Well, I guess you probably should get home. Your mother is going to want you as soon as possible. I wish you could stay here with me."

Putting his arms around Daria – who did not flinch in Tom's embrace – Tom looked at her and replied, "I wish I could stay too. I would much rather spend the entire break with you than at home. I just hope it doesn't become insufferable." Then he leaned over and kissed Daria. When their lips parted Daria pulled him in for another.

The two descended the stairs together hand in hand. Daria walked out the door with Tom. They went to his car.

Daria said, "Call me in a couple of days, OK? Maybe we can find an excuse to get away from our parents for a while."

"Sure thing. Remember, we have the Christmas party at the club and then the New Year's Eve party at the club. You may want to ask Quinn about dresses. You should have different long ones for each event."

With a half-smile Daria said in total deadpan, "So you are not only going to make me go to these things, but I have to talk to Quinn as well? Talk about torture. You may yet drive me to drink."

"I know, but if we are ever going to impress on my mother that you are more than some casual fling it needs to happen. We don't have to worry about my dad. He simply doesn't care." With that Tom leaned over and kissed Daria again, got into the car and drove off.

Daria walked back into the house and seated herself the kitchen table. Jake came over carrying the newspaper.