Opening Montage

Theme Song: "I'd Do Anything" by A Simple Plan

We see Quinn in class being asked out by Trevor. Next, we see her and Trevor having a night on the town when they kiss. Next, we see them arguing and she kicks him out of her place. Then, we see her asking out another guy, this guy has brown hair and seems nice. Next, we see them being happy together. We next see Stacy and Upchuck holding hands and looking into each others eyes. This is followed by a shot of Daria and Jane odserving the two couples and looking unimpressed. Final shot is Quinn and her new boyfriend, Stacy and Chuck, Daria and Jane hanging out and looking happy. After that, we see Quinn's smiling face against a pink background. Below that:

Quinn

in

"The Heart of the Matter"

story by

WildDogJ

One afternoon at LeChic Boutique Quinn is in the office in back seated at a desk. She is working on a chart scheduling shifts for the next week. At the door one of the boutique employees, Beth, stick her head in.

She said "Quinn, someone wants to talk to you."

Quinn looks up from the chart.

"Who?"

"Fruitty."

Quinn rolls her eyes. In the front of the store is a young African-American man dressed in urban street garb. Longtime MTV viewers would recognize him as Fruitty from "Downtown", a short lived animated series about being young and single in New York. Fruitty is the Upchuck of the bunch. Quinn puts on a friendly face even though she'd rather not deal with him.

Fruitty said "Wuzzup, sweetness?"

Quinn asked "What are you doing here? Last time I checked, Urban Outfitterz was more your thing."

"Here to see you, hottie. Word is you're back on the market."

Quinn tries not to sound irritated.

"And?"

Fruitty said "Howz about taking a bite o' sweet Fruitty? You know ya want it."

Quinn drops the customer friendly facade.

"Only if "it" involves pepper spray in your eyes and my knee in your groin."

Fruitty is undeterred.

"C'mon, you know all the honey's wanna give booty to Fruitty. I'm a certified pimp daddy, yo."

Quinn said "You're a restraining order waiting to happen. Either buy something, leave, or take a shot of pepper spray. What's it gonna be?"

Fruitty sees the dead serious look on Quinn's face and let's out a defeated sigh.

"Awright, forget you then. I can get plenty of other honeys to give Fruitty some booty."

Fruitty leaves and Quinn lets out a sigh of relief. In walks a man with long hair, a fu manchu mustache, bandana and old motorcycle jacket. He is another character from "Downtown". His name is Goat and he's also a delusional sleazebag.

Shocked, Quinn said "Goat! Please tell me you're here as part of an attempt to make yourself over."

Goat said "Actually, I'm here to see you. I hear you and Trevor broke up. I gave you the respectable month and a half but now it's time for me to move in for the kill. Dinner at O'Mally's brew pub, then we head back to my place. Whatta ya say, sweet cheeks?"

Quinn scrunches her nose in disgust.

"EWWWW! No way."

Goat is undeterred.

"C'mon. I'm sensitive to a woman's needs, in addition to being a stud."

Quinn said "Only in your dreams, Goat. I have standards, you don't. I mean, your last girlfriend was a pregnant crack whore."

"So?"

Quinn rolls her eyes.

"You have no grasp of reality, do you?"

"I kinda drift in and out."

Quinn said "Well, if you're not here to buy something could you please drift out of here? You might scare the other customers."

Goat said "Yeah, I do kinda do that. They can't compete with my studliness. Might as well go home and spank it. Later, hottie."

With that, Goat leaves and Quinn lets out another sigh of relief. Just then, we hear the door open. Quinn looks pissed.

"WHAT!?"

Cut to a startled Trent in the doorway.

"Whoa, I just wanted to buy a suit for a job interview."

Cut back to a visibly embarrassed Quinn.

Music: "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani

That evening at the apartment Quinn, Daria, Jane and Trent are seated at the table.

Quinn said "God, everywhere I go I get asked out by creeps. It's sooo annoying."

Daria snarked "Says the girl who used to love that kind of attention."

Quinn explained "It's a little different when every guy who asks you out is a reject from a bad TV show. The worst part about being single again is that all the good guys seem to be taken."

Jane said "Have you considered taking the initiative? You could go look for good quality guys and ask them out."

Quinn said "Only someone truly desperate would do that. We're girls, when it comes to dating we don't ask, we get asked."

"If I thought like that then Tom Sloane would've never entered mine or Daria's lives."

Quinn looks thoughtful.

"Good point. I'm just so used to being attractive and popular that it seems weird to me. Let's talk about something else."

Daria said "Like Trent blowing all of his job interviews."

Trent looks a little hurt.

"It's not my fault all the jobs out there suck. I didn't vote for Bush."

Jane said "Actually, you didn't vote at all. So, what are we gonna do for the Fourth of July?"

Daria said "Burn an effagy of the President like we did last year."

Jane shook her head.

"And get arrested again, I don't think so. They threatened to send us to Guantanamo if we did that again."

Quinn gets an idea.

"Last year I went to the Macy's Fireworks Show. It was a double date: Me and Trevor with Stacy and Chuck. Of course, me and Trevor are broken up and Stacy and Chuck moved back to Lawndale after graduation so I can't do that this year. How about the four of us go?"

Trent said "Cool."

Jane said "I'm in."

Daria sighs.

"Fine, even though I hate crowds."

Quinn said "Come on, it'll be fun."

"That's what they said about the Hindenburg."

Back in Lawndale the Landon's annual Fourth of July party is in full swing. On the back proch, Jake is talking to Andrew and Michelle Landon. While Andrew and Michelle look no different from IICY? Jake does. He's now got a massive beer gut and his hair has thinned considerably.

Jake asked "How's Jodie?"

Andrew said "She's trying to get her consulting business going. She decided to stay in Virginia and use it to help start ups in the Hampton Roads area. I told her to focus on Williamsburg, that's where the money is."

"She take that advice?"

Andrew looks disappointed.

"No, she wants to cater to minority start ups. She set up shop in Newport News."

He looks worried.

"I hope she wakes up before something bad happens. There's a reason Newport News is nicknamed "Bad Newz"."

Jake said "She's a bright girl, I'm sure she'll be fine."

Andrew clearly wants to change the subject.

"How are your daughters?"

Jake takes a huge gulp of his beer before answering.

"Great. They're both in New York. Daria's getting her PhD at ECU while Quinn manages a fashion boutique."

Jake grabs a bacon cheeseburger.

Andrew said "You really like those burgers, don't you?"

"Sure...gulp...do. What's...gulp...your secret?"

Andrew explained "Before cooking I let the raw beef marinate in trans fat. That and the bacon grease are what gives it the flavor. The doctors wouldn't agree, but if you cut the fat you kill the burger."

Jake finishes the burger.

"I'll say, that's my fourth one. I just can't stop eating those things."

Andrew asked "How's Helen?"

Now, Jake looks annoyed.

"She still works 90 hour weeks despite being partner now. Just can't tear her away from the job, not for the girls or me. I have to be alone..."

As he continues, his face turns pale and he starts sweating profusely.

""Oh, but the firm needs me, you understand". "I'd love to, but I really wanna try that big case". "YOU'RE NO SON OF MINE, YOU GODDAMN HIPPIE"."

He starts breathing hard.

"WHY AM I ALWAYS LEFT...hack...ALONE...and...and...wheeze...wheeze...UNLOVED BY AN...hack...ABUSIVE...wheeze...FATHER...wheeze...AND...WORK...A...HOLIC...W...WIFE?"

Andrew looks concerned.

"Are you feeling alright?"

Jake huffed "Just...peachy...wheeze...left...arm...numb...hack...tight...wheeze...chest...wheeze...shooting...hack...pain...puff...feel...puff...faint...need...huff...beer..."

Jake reaches for his beer. He takes a swig.

"GAH! PAIN!"

He clutches his chest and passes out.

In New York the massive crowd is enjoying the fireworks show. Close up shows Quinn, Daria, Jane and Trent admiring the finale. After the show...

Trent said "Whoa, that was cool."

Jane holds up a digital camrea.

"And I got enough photos to inspire me for months."

Daria said "I hate to admit it, but that was pretty impressive."

Quinn has an all knowing smile.

"See, I told you it'd be fun."

At that moment, Quinn's cell phone rings. She pulls it out of her pocket and answers.

"Hello...Hi, Mom..."Quinn suddenly looks concerned, "...You don't sound good. What's wrong...WHAT!?...no...oh, God, no...," Quinn now looks frightened, "...We can be there is four hours...oh, God."

She hangs up and immediately turns to Daria.

"Daria, we have to go to Penn Station. Now."

Daria is concerned by the panic in her sister's voice.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Mom just called. She's at the hospital. Dad...he...he...HE HAD ANOTHER HEART ATTACK!"

Quinn starts to cry hysterically.

Later that night, at the ER of Lawndale Medical Center, Helen is nervously pacing around. Unlike her husband, Helen is aging well and at 54 doesn't look a day over 40. We see a stone faced Daria and a worried looking Quinn approach.

Helen said "Girls."

She hugs both of her daughters.

"I'm so glad you came. How was your trip?"

Daria said "Oh, you know how I love a three hour train ride from New York to Philadelphia followed by going to Lawndale in a smelly cab."

Helen shoots Daria a death glare. Now is not the time for sarcasm.

Quinn asked "Where's Daddy? Is he alright?"

Now, Helen looks almost frightened.

"I...I don't know. He's in intensive care. This heart attack was much worse than the one he had seven years ago. He...he might not make it."

Daria gasps in horror while Quinn starts to cry uncontrollably. Cut to a woman with reddish-blonde hair in hospital frocks. She approaches the family.

"Mrs. Morgendorffer."

This gets Helen's attention and snaps Quinn out of her crying fit. The red haired doctor offers her hand to Helen.

"Dr. Susan Lewis, cardiology. I was on call when your husband was brought in."

Helen asked "How is he, Dr. Lewis? How's my Jakey?"

Dr. Lewis said "He suffered a severe cardiac arrest. We're keeping him in ICU for observation."

Helen wants to ask questions but words escape her. Quinn starts to cry again. Daria keeps a cool head and doesn't let on how concerned she actually is.

She asked "How bad was it? Is there any signifigant damage to his heart?"

Dr. Lewis explained "The heart attack was triggered by a combination of stress and cholesterol which elevated his blood pressure to the point where his heart gave out. CPR was what Mr. Landon used to keep him alive until the paramedics arrived. I need to ask you all some questions."

Quinn stops crying. She knows that she needs to keep a cool head now.

Helen said "Alright. What do you need to know?"

"What's his diet like?"

None of them know the answer. Helen looks a little defensive.

In an accusing tone Helen said "For your information, I work very long hours. I would monitor my husbands diet but I simply don't have the time."

There is a look of disbelief not only on Dr. Lewis' face but Daria and Quinn as well. Helen goes on the offensive.

"Are you accusing me of being a bad wife and mother? I'll have you know that..."

Just then, a male voice interrupts.

"Dr. Lewis! Dr. Lewis!"

Cut to a young EMT running toward them with panic in his eyes.

"It's Morgendorffer, he's flatlining!"

Dr. Lewis immediately runs toward the ICU. Cut to a visibly horrified Quinn.

"No...he..he..sob...HE'S GONNA DIE!"

Quinn sobs uncontrolably as she immediately runs out the door.

Music: "Wake Me Up When September Ends" by Green Day

Quinn runs out into the parking lot. She has tears in her eyes. She runs until she's alone. Finally, she collapses onto the ground. Sitting against a lamp post, she sinks her head down and continues to cry.

"No...sob...t...this can't be happening...sniff...this can't be happening..."

Quinn looks up at the night sky. The look on her face is sad desperation. She folds her hands together and bows her head. She proceeds to do something she hasn't done since her guardian angel phase in high school: pray.

Meanwhile, in Intensive Care...

Dr. Lewis and the paramedics are using a de-fibrulator to restart Jake's heart.

Quinn said "God, I know I've been selfish most of my life. I even expected a guardian angel to do everything for me once. I know I have no right to ask you for anything. I've been a lousy daughter and sister. Just please, don't take my father. I know I took him for granted my whole life. Don't take his, please. I swear I'll be a better daughter from now on if you just let my father live. I can't handle losing him, there's so much I never got to tell him."

Jake's heart monitor shows the line start to blip. His heart has restarted. Upon realizing that Jake will live, Dr. Lewis and the paramedics breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Back in the parking lot...

Quinn just sits there, hoping that there is a God. Daria approaches her.

"Quinn."

Quinn looks up. She immediately springs to her feet and hugs her sister.

"Daria, I'm so sorry. In case I don't say it enough, I love you sis."

Daria is in no mood for a snarky remark.

"I love you too, Quinn."

A brief silence, then...

Daria said "Dr. Lewis came out. They were able to get Dad's heart going again."

Quinn looks up at the sky.

Thank you.

Later, in the waiting room Quinn, Helen and Daria are sitting together waiting for an update on Jake's condition. Helen sighs.

"How could I let this happen?"

Daria looks angry.

"I'm wondering the same thing. I know Dad's been letting himself go. Why don't you even know what he's eating?"

Helen said "Because I still work 90 hour weeks. I tried to cut back my hours after I made partner but I just couldn't do it. I let your father do this to himself."

Quinn is now angry too.

"Why? Why do you keep working like a madwoman when you don't have to? Are you that in love with your career, that you neglect us for it when you don't have to?"

Helen gets defensive.

"Now, you listen here, young lady. I..."

Quinn is having none of it.

"No, you listen. I could understand you being such a workaholic when you were trying to make partner. I know how many hours a lawyer has to put in to have a shot. You are a partner, you have no excuse now. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Daria said "Quinn's right, Mom. You are a partner, you can delegate. You know how Dad is. He has very poor judgment when it comes to his health. You could've been on top of things, but you weren't. You don't have to put in 90 hours a week. What's your excuse?"

Helen snapped "I don't have to take this from my own daughters."

Quinn said "Yes you do. We're not little girls anymore. Daria's a grad student and I manage a business. You will listen and you will answer our questions. YOU...WILL...ANSWER...OUR...QUESTIONS. And the first thing I want to know is: why are you working insane hours? And don't give me the getting ahead speech, because you are leading the race."

Helen lets out a resigned sigh. Both of her daughters have clearly inherited her own stubborn determination.

"I just can't do it. I tried, but I've been a workaholic so long that I don't know how to be any other way. I don't know how to just step back from the job."

Quinn said "Well, you'd better learn fast. Dad's gonna need a lot of in home care when he gets out of this place."

Just then, a doctor approaches them. This man is short and heavy set with thinning black hair and a beard.

"Excuse me."

The Morgendorffers look up at him. He introduces himself.

"Dr. Glenn Eichler, I'm the senior cardiologist. I've just been going over everything with Mr. Morgendorffer."

Helen asked "How is my husband, Dr. Eichler?"

"He's stable. We'll keep him in intensive care overnight, then move him to in-patient in the morning. He should be able to come home after a couple of days."

All three of the women look relieved, which Dr. Eichler notices.

He said "I'm afraid he's not out of the woods, though. He's going to need in home care for a long time. He needs triple-bypass surgery. I want to schedule it for three months from now."

Quinn asked "Why not do it now?"

"And you are?"

"Quinn Morgendorffer, his daughter."

Dr. Eichler said "It's like this, he just had a severe heart attack and nearly died. He's too weak for the procedure to be performed now. Three months should be enough time to get his strength back to a point that'll lessen the risk of complications."

Helen asked "And after the surgery?"

Dr. Eichler said "The procedure is quite invasive, that's another reason I want him to recover his strength first. After the triple-bypass, he'll take another six months to fully recover."

Daria did the math in her head.

"So, he'll be out of commission for the next nine months?"

"Yes, and during that time he needs to eat healthy and relax. That means no stress, no excessive mental or physical exertion, and defintely no foods high in fat and cholesterol. What does he do for a living?"

Helen said "He's a freelance marketing consultant."

Dr. Eichler looks grim.

"That's a very high stress job. I strongly recommend he close up shop while he recovers. The stress could trigger another heart attack otherwise."

Quinn said "Morgendorffer Consulting is my dad's dream. He can't lose that."

The doctor said "He'll need someone to fill in for him, then."

Quinn, Daria and Helen are now visibly worried.

The following afternoon at the Morgendorffer house Quinn, Daria and Helen are at the kitchen table discussing Jake's care.

Helen said "I can handle most of the in-home care. I'll just have to cut back my hours at the firm. The real problem is what the two of you can do."

Daria said "I can see that. With both of us living two hours away it's not like we can stop by every day."

Quinn said "That means that one of us has to move back home."

Both girls grimmace.

Helen said "I'm afraid so. Daria, can you transfer to the grad program at Lawndale State?"

Daria sighs.

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."

Quinn said "I'm sorry, sis. I know getting out of Lawndale was your dream."

Helen said "I wish there was some other way, Daria, I really do, but someone needs to keep an eye on Jake while I'm at work. Quinn could do it, but she'd have to quit her job."

"Once again, Quinn gets lucky while I get screwed."

Quinn looks hurt.

"Hey, that's not fair! I didn't ask for any of this. Sometimes you just have to take what life dishes out."

Daria sighs.

"I guess you're right."

Quinn said "Besides, you can transfer back to ECU once Dad's back to normal."

Helen looks serious.

"The next problem is telling Jake he'll have to abandon his consulting business. He'll be devastated."

Quinn looks thoughtful.

"Can't you find someone to fill in for him. What about Jodie? She used to intern for him in college."

Helen said "I don't think so. She's too busy trying to start her own business in Virginia. We can't ask her to abandon that just so Morgendorffer Consulting can stay in business."

This got Quinn to thinking My prayer was answered last night: Dad lived. I promised to be a better daughter if he did and what am I doing? I'm going back to my life in New York while Daria abandons her dream.

Helen continued "I can't run Morgendorffer Consulting, I'm a lawyer with no marketing experience."

Daria said "All I'd do is scare away clients. I'm afraid it will have to go out of business."

Quinn thought A deal's a deal. Out loud, she said "No, it won't, and Daria won't have to transfer. I'll take over the business while Dad recovers."

Helen and Daria are both visibly stunned.

Helen said "But, your job?"

Quinn was determined.

"I'll quit. This is more important. I owe as much. If saving Dad's dream means giving up mine, then that's what I'll do. It has to be me. I'm the one with the marketing degree and some management experience. With the flexible hours I can also take care of Dad when Mom can't."

Both Helen and Daria are stunned. This capacity for self-sacrifice is a side of Quinn they've never seen.

Helen asked "Are you sure?"

Quinn doesn't even hesitate.

"Yes."

Music: "A Beautiful Day" by U2

Later, at the hospital, Quinn, Daria and Helen seated around Jake while he rests in his hospital bed. They're discussing Jake's care while he recovers.

Helen said "Jake, this is my fault. I shoud've paid more attention and I wasn't, I apologize. I'll try harder to change."

Jake said "I forgive you, Helen. So, I can't do any consulting while I recover? What'll happen to Morgendorffer consulting?"

"We discussed that. Care to tell him, Quinn?"

"I'm moving back to Lawndale to take over the business while you recover. With my marketing degree and people skills I'm the most qualified."

Jake looks regretful.

"Quinn, I'm sorry. I know how much you're sacrificing."

Quinn said "Don't be. I was a spoiled brat as a kid and this is my way of making it up to you."

"But what about your own life?"

"This is more important. I already called the boutique and quit my job. Tomorrow, I'm going back to New York to get my things and rent a U-Haul. In three days I start at your office, I already called your clients and told them what's going on."

Jake is very impressed.

"Quinn, I want you to do something for me."

"Yes, Daddy?"

Jake said "The money you make while running Morgendorffer Consulting, what you don't re-invest in the business I want you to keep. This way there's no financial burden on you."

Quinn looks dismissive.

"But it's your money."

"Yes, but you're gonna be the one making it for the next nine months. I want you to have it."

"What about your bills?"

Helen said "I make more than enough to cover that and Daria's grad studies. I can take care of that."

Jake smiles.

They grow up so fast.

The next morning at the train station Quinn on the platform when a train pulls to a stop. After the passengers disembark, she and the others on the platform board.

Once inside, Quinn takes a seat by the window. The aisle seat is empty. She looks out.

I can't believe I overslept and missed the 7:00. Daria's already halfway back to New York.

In the aisle is a young man in his mid-twenties. He's wearing a business suit and carrying a briefcase. He has wavy brown hair styled in a manner similar to Don Johnson in "Miami Vice". He sits in the last available seat, which happens to be right next to Quinn. Quinn immediately looks at him.

He's kinda cute.

As the train pulls out of the station the young man pulls a magazine out of his briefcase. Cut back to Quinn looking puzzled as this guy is apparently ignoring her (a first). Close up of the magazine reveals it to be "Musings". Cut back to Quinn, grinning.

She said "You read Musings Magazine?"

The young man looks up and has a disinterested look on his face.

"Not usually. I just got this at the newsstand. I figured it'd make the train ride to New York less monotonous."

"My sister submitted a story to them a few years ago, that's why I asked. So, you live in New York, or are you just visiting?"

Might as well humor her.

"Business, I live in Oakwood."

Quinn asked "What kind of business?"

"I work for Grace, Sloan and Paige. I need to deliver some documents to our guys at the New York Stock Exchange. My boss wants me to do it in person. You going home?"

"I'm actually moving back to Lawndale. I'm just going back to collect my things."

She holds out her hand.

"I'm Quinn Morgendorffer, by the way."

The guy shakes her hand.

"James Carbone, but everyone calls me Jim."

Cut to Quinn smiling.

Penn Station, New York, 3 hours later...

The train pulls up to the platform. Quinn and Jim exit the train together. They are visibly engaged in light conversation.

Jim said "Well, it was nice talking to you. Maybe I'll see you around, Quinn."

Jim is about to go on his way when...

"Jim?"

Jim turns around and smiles.

"Yes, Quinn?"

"Well, you seem like an interesting guy. I was wondering, since I'm moving back to Lawndale and you live in Oakwood, maybe we could keep in touch."

Cut to a bewildered looking Jim. Cut back to a nervous Quinn. Cut back to Jim.

"Sure, why not."

He gets out pen and paper and writes down his phone number and e-mail. Quinn does the same thing. They exchange the contact information.

"I'll see you around, Quinn."

Quinn blushes slightly.

"Okay."

As she watches Jim leave, her heart skips a beat.

At the apartment that evening Quinn, Daria, Jane and Trent are seated at the table having pizza.

Jane said "So, you're headed back to Lawndale. Thank God Trent can now help with the rent."

"Really!? Trent, you got a job, that's great."

Daria said "Actually, Jane got it for him."

"His own job hunting efforts went nowhere so I took matters into my own hands. I found a place that's hiring and got him an interview. Good thing he knows how to mix drinks."

Quinn asked "So, where are you working?"

Trent said "O'Mally's brew pub in Queens. He needs a bartender."

Quinn looks thoughtful for a second.

"By the way, sorry I missed the early train, Daria."

Daria said "The solitude was nice. How was your train ride?"

"I met a really interesting guy. We exchanged numbers and e-mail addresses."

"He has my sympathies."

"Very funny. Jim's a nice guy. He lives in Oakwood. I hope he calls me when I get back."

Jane grins.

"Why don't you call him?"

Quinn looks nervous.

Daria said "Jane's right, Quinn. If you're interested then there's nothing wrong with making the first move."

Quinn looks thoughtful.

Music: "Beverly Hills" by Weezer

Quinn is in her old room in Lawndale, unpacking and putting her clothes in the closet. She looks around.

I can't believe I used to think this much pink was cute.

She lays on her old bed and looks at the canopy.

I can't believe I'm gonna run Morgendorffer Consulting for the next nine months. (She looks at the pink wall) I gotta find my own place. This room is too childish.

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out the piece of paper Jim gave her. She stares at it and thinks.

Thought VO, Jane's voice "Why don't you call him?"

Quinn looks at the paper for a second longer. She gets up and walks to the phone. She dials.

"Jim, it's Quinn, from the train...you remember!?...Listen, I was wondering, if you're free Saturday night..."

Next Time

Quinn manages both Morgendorffer Consulting and a budding relationship.