(Of course, I don't own Daria nor any of its characters.)
The Silent Cynic Chronicles, Story 1 : Silent Treatment
Jake is driving his daughters to school; Quinn is riding shotgun, Daria is in the back seat.
Jake : Girls, I just want you to know your mother and I realize it's not easy moving to a whole new town – especially for you, Daria, right?
Daria shrugs.
Jake : The point is, the first day at a new school is bound to be difficult...
Daria turns the radio up and cranks the volume.
Jake sighs.
Jake (almost shouting over the radio sound) : Don't get upset if it takes the other kids a little while to warm up to you.
Daria give him a dark look and points at her feet, then makes an exasperated gesture.
Jake : Quinn, what does she mean ?
Quinn : Let's take a guess. After those two boys from Highland tried to roast her feet with fire to see if they could force her to speak, she has had enough warmth. I bet she would prefer a cold reception.
Daria nods.
Quinn : Well, it isn't Highland, so nothing of the sort will happen there. I hope.
The car arrives at school. Daria exits and walks away.
Jake : Quinn, I hope I can count on you to have your sister's back.
Quinn : I'll do what I can, Dad.
Jake : That's my girl!
Quinn (Thought VO) : But who's going to have my back ?
...
Mrs. Manson : Now, Dora, let's see if you can make up a story as vivid as your sister's.
Quinn : It's Daria.
Mrs. Manson : I'm sorry... Daria. What do you see in the picture, Dara?
Daria glares at Mrs. Manson and shrugs.
Quinn : She won't answer to you. She doesn't talk.
Mrs. Manson : She's mute ? I wasn't informed there was a new student with an handicap.
Quinn : She isn't mute. She just doesn't talk.
Mrs. Manson : Darla, you don't have to be shy…
Daria frowns.
Quinn : It's Daria. And she isn't shy, she just never talks.
Mrs. Manson : Never ?
Quinn : Never. She doesn't want to.
Mrs. Manson : How did it start ?
Quinn, with visible guilt : Well, I fear it's my fault. I started it…
...
Flashback
A ten years old Daria and eight years old Quinn are fighting in their room. Daria is winning the fight, and soon is pummeling Quinn to the ground.
Quinn (crying) : Mooooom ! Help ! Daria is beating me !
Helen enters the room, a file in hand, clearly upset of being interrupted in her work.
Helen : Daria ! Stop this instant ! Have you gone mad, young lady ?
Daria faces her mother defiantly and points an accusatory finger at Quinn.
Daria : She started it. She taunted me because I don't have any friends. Then she pushed me when I called her a brat. I was winning but she started it.
Helen : I don't want to know who started it !
Daria : Aren't you a lawyer ?
Helen, taken aback : Then what ?
Daria : In court, isn't it important to determine who's started the wrongdoing when violence or some other bad things happen ?
Helen : We aren't in court, Daria, and this isn't a criminal case. You're just a kid misbehaving. I don't want to know who started it, this just has to cease.
Daria : So, because we're kids, it isn't important to treat us fairly ?
Helen (with growing irritation): That's not what I said.
Daria : That's exactly what you said. You don't want to know who started it because we're kids. Fairness doesn't apply to us.
Helen (losing her temper) : Enough ! Shut up, Daria !
Daria : But…
Helen : No buts ! I said you to shut up and I don't want to hear you anymore.
She leaves the room. Quinn smiles and sticks out her tongue at Daria. Then she suddenly stops and looks frightened. Daria is glaring at her with a very pissed off expression.
...
Mrs. Manson : And she never talked since then ?
Quinn (sadly) : Never. I didn't hear her voice in six years. Mom had her see shrinks who tried different things to make her talk again. It never worked.
Mrs. Manson : Didn't it impair her school education ?
Quinn : Not at all. She's a brain, you see. She always has good grades.
Mrs. Manson : But how does she communicate ?
Quinn : She doesn't communicate that much to begin with. When she has to, she use gestures. I can, like, translates her a little by now, because I can guess what she means most of the time.
Mrs. Manson : So you act as her interpreter ?
Quinn (with guilt) : I have to. I messed her up, so it's the least I can do. Oh, and if she really needs to, she can write stuff instead of speaking.
Mrs. Manson (handing Daria a pen and a sheet of paper) : So, Daria, can you write what you see in this image ?
Daria writes, then hands the paper to Mrs. Manson.
Mrs. Manson (reading) : A herd of beautiful wild ponies running free across the plains ?
Mrs. Manson scowls and slowly lowers the photo as Daria smirks.
…
Mr. DeMartino : Class, we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Daria Morgendorffer. Daria, raise your hand, please.
Daria raises her hand.
Mr. DeMartino : Well, Daria! As long as you have your hand raised... 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 shrugs indifferently.
Mr. DeMartino : Daria, can you concisely and unemotionally sum up for us the doctrine of Manifest Destiny ?
Daria stares silently.
Mr. DeMartino : I asked you a question, Daria !
Daria crosses her arms and glares defiantly.
Mr. DeMartino : Too bad, Daria. I see you won't have any trouble fitting in this class. All right. Who can tell me what was the doctrine of Manifest Destiny ? Kevin! How about you?
Kevin : A song from Destiny's Child ?
Mr. DeMartino : Not even close !
Kevin : Uh... Is it a championship, then ?
Mr. DeMartino : Nothing of the sort ! Someone else ? Doesn't anybody has the answer ?
Nobody answers. Daria looks annoyed and frustrated.
Mr. DeMartino : Either someone gives me the answer, or I give you all double homework and a quiz tomorrow. I want a volunteer with the answer. Now !
Daria sighs, stand up and walks toward the board. She takes a piece of chalk and begins to write.
Mr. DeMartino (losing his temper) : What are you doing ?
Daria steps aside to let him read what she has wrote.
Mr. DeMartino (reading) : « Mainfest Destiny was a slogan popular in the 1840s. It was used by people who claimed it was God's will for the U.S. to expand all the way to the Pacific Ocean. These people did not include many Mexicans. » That's a good answer.
Daria smiles slightly.
Mr. DeMartino (frowning) : Why didn't you say it sooner, when I asked you ? Are you trying to show off ?
Daria sighs, a sour look on her face.
...
At Daria's house, the family is eating dinner.
Quinn : 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.
Jake : Sounds like a well-thought out decision, honey.
Helen : As long as you can join pep squad later – if you want. Never know how much we can handle till we try, though.
Jake : What about you, Daria? How was your first day?
Daria shrugs.
Helen (venomous tone) : You shouldn't waste your saliva with her. You know that you won't get an answer.
Jake : But her last shrink told us we should just talk to her and treat her as if she was a normal person.
Quinn : Hey, don't talk about her like that ! She is normal !
Quinn wants to put a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder, but changes her mind when she sees Daria glaring at her. In fact, Daria is scowling at all three of them with contempt.
Helen (harshly) : Exactly. She's just being stubborn. She could talk as easily as you or me, Jake, so she doesn't deserve any treatment of favor.
The phone rings; Helen gets up to answer it.
Quinn : God, I hope that's not the booster society again.
Helen : Hello? (beat) Yes. (beat) Uh, yes, she's my daughter. (beat) I see. Listen, will this require any parent-teacher conferences or anything, and if so, is this the sort of thing my assistant can handle ? (beat) Okay, great. Bye! (hangs up) You girls took a psychological test at school today ?
Quinn : They said we wouldn't be graded !
Helen : Daria, they want you to take a special class for a few weeks, then they'll test you again.
Quinn : What is there to test ? She didn't talk, that's it !
Helen : It seems she has low self-esteem.
Jake : What ? That really stinks, Daria!
Helen : Easy, Jake. Focus. That's just Daria being her usual introverted self. Well, that special class can't mess her up more than she already is.
Daria rolls her eyes.
Quinn : So, can I take the special class with her ? I'd like to volunteer !
Helen : Why would you do that ? You don't have low self-esteem.
Quinn : Daria can't go alone ! I have to be with her so I can talk in her behalf.
Helen : Out of the question, young lady ! You'll have enough to handle with your homework and your extracurricular activities. Time is precious. You can't waste it like this.
Quinn begins to cry.
Quinn : But it's my fault ! I messed her up ! It's my fault if Daria's like this ! I'm a terrible, terrible human being !
Jake (uncomfortable) : Helen, maybe Quinn has low self-esteem too.
Helen (sighing) : Fine. Quinn can take the special class if she really wants to.
Quinn smirks.
…
Daria and Quinn are sitting side by side in Mr. O'Neill's special class. Daria's taking notes. Quinn doesn't really pay attention and seems bored.
Mr. O'Neill : Esteem... a teen. They don't really rhyme, do they? The sounds don't quite mesh. And that, in fact, is often the case when it comes to a teen and esteem. The two just don't seem to go together. But we are here to begin realizing your actuality...
Daria frowns, quickly writes something on a sheet of paper and gives it to Quinn.
Mr. O'Neill - ...and when we do, each and every one of you will be able to stand proudly and proclaim, "I am." Now, before we...
Quinn reads Daria's note and raises her hand.
Quinn : Excuse me. I have a question.
Mr. O'Neill : Sorry, question and answer time is later.
Quinn : But "realizing your actuality", what does it means ?
Mr. O'Neill : It means... look, just let me get through this part, okay? Then there'll be a video! Before we unlock your potential...
Jane leans forward to speak to Quinn.
Jane : He doesn't know what it means. He's got the speech memorized. Just enjoy the nice man's soothing voice.
Quinn (with indifference) : Okay.
She resumes her nonchalant attitude while Daria glares at her. Then Daria takes a look at Jane, who's drawing with application in the margin of her notebook. Daria seems interested.
...
At the end of the class, Daria gestures to get Quinn's attention, and points Jane out while she's walking away.
Quinn : Uh ? That weird girl ? What about her ?
Daria points at Quinn, then at Jane, then silently opens and closes her mouth.
Quinn : You want me to talk to her ?
Daria nods.
Quinn (with wonder) : Uh ? Do you think you two could become… friends ?
Daria raises both arms with an hesitant, slightly hopeful expression.
Quinn (excitedly) : That's so cool ! Leave it to me, Daria ! I'm good with people !
Quinn runs after Jane.
Quinn (yelling) : Hey, you ! The weird girl with the red jacket !
Jane (turning over with surprise) : Me ?
Quinn : Yes, you ! Have you a moment ? Can we talk ?
Jane (wary) : About what ?
Quinn : Well, you looks somewhat nice, in slightly creepy way, so maybe you could be a friend…
Jane (surprised) : You want to be friend with me ?
Quinn : Uh ? Of course not ! I wouldn't want to be friend with a weird girl like you. That would totally ruin my reputation. But you could be Daria's friend.
Jane (squinting) : And who's Daria ?
Quinn : She's my sis… my cousin. That's it. My distant cousin. She doesn't talk, but appart from that, she's really nice… sometimes.
Jane : She doesn't talk ?
Quinn : But she has freaky tastes in clothes too, so you should hit it off ! I'm pretty sure you have many things in common.
Jane : So there is something wrong with my clothes.
Quinn : They are, like, reaaaally ugly ! But I'm in the Fashion Club, so I could give you a few fashion advices. That would be my way to repay you for hanging around my s… my cousin.
Jane cracks her knuckles.
Jane (threatening) : So you're one of those fashion snots and you came to make fun of the unpopular loser. I get that. But I'm surprised you dared to do this without a bunch of cronies to support you, when there's no one around. You seems to have got guts. Can I make sure of that ?
Quinn (frightened) : Uh ?
Jane punches Quinn in the guts. It isn't a very strong punch, but Quinn bends, her breath taken away.
Quinn : Ouch !
Then Jane proceeds to help her straighten her back.
Jane (in a mocking, but comforting tone) : Wow, you really are a weakling ! Fashionistas, they never exercise ! Can I give you a piece of advice ? Don't pick a fight with someone who can kick your ass, or at least bring backup. Have a nice day !
Jane walks away. Daria, who witnessed the altercation without intervening, joins Quinn.
Quinn : Oh my ! I'm sorry, Daria, but I don't think you two will be friends after all.
Daria slaps her on the head.
Quinn : Ouch ! What was that for ?
Daria sighs and walk away.
…
At Daria's house ; the family is eating dinner.
Jake : How's the old self-esteem coming, girls ?
Daria shrugs.
Quinn : That special class is rather boring. All the guys in it are losers and geeks, and there is that weird girl who's, like, all scary and mean.
Daria glares at her.
Helen : Sweetie, that's very kind of you to go to this class just so you can help your sister.
Quinn (beaming) : I know right !
Helen : In fact, you've been so nice that you deserve some extra-allowance this month.
Quinn : Cool !
Helen hands her some notes, while looking purposedly at Daria, who feigns indifference.
Jake (hesitant) : Helen, isn't it unfair that we're only giving an allowance to Quinn and not to Daria ?
Helen : We already have talked about this, Jake. Daria'll have an allowance if she asks for it.
Jake : But… she can't.
Helen : It isn't that she can't. She doesn't want to. That's very different. I'm trying to teach her that she's sabotaging her own life by refusing to talk. Better to learn that now than later, when she'll have to work and find her place in the world.
Jake : But…
Helen : Leave parenting to me, Jake. We both know that I'm better at it.
Helen's phone rings. She instantly answers.
Helen : Yes, Eric ? I was waiting for your call.
…
Daria's room. She is playing some video game, letting off steam by killing zombies on screen. She has a very sour expression on her face.
Someone knocks at her door. Daria ignores the distraction. Then there's another knock. Daria sighs and goes to open the door. It's Quinn, fidgeting nervously.
Quinn : I came to give you your share of the money. Half of my allowance, as usual. That'll make thirty.
She hands the notes to Daria, who pockets them and nods. She tries to close the door, but Quinn blocks it half-open.
Quinn (scared by her own audacity and word-vomiting) : I just wanted to say that I don't care about what Mom says, you know ? It doesn't matter if you don't talk… No, that came out wrong. Of course it would be great if you could talk again ! What I mean is… If you don't talk, that's okay for me. Well, that's not really okay either, but… I mean, you're my sister, and I won't love you any less if you don't talk. I mean… Do what you want, okay ? I'll support you no matter what.
Daria looks touched. She flashes her usual Mona Lisa grin. Quinn smiles at her. Then Daria slowly closes her door. Quinn stays alone, staring dejectedly at the door.
Quinn (in a very small, sad voice) : I just hope that… maybe… someday... I'll hear your voice again.
TBC