Warning : I'm raising the rating to M from now on. That's where the storyline becomes really dark and disturbing. I strongly advise you to stop reading here. Seriously. Go read something else. You'll be happier with your life.

The Truth Seeker (4)

Dr. Calan's office. Dr. Calan is listening to Quinn with sympathy as she's pouring her heart out. Tears are escaping Quinn's eyes as she talks. When it becomes too hard to speak, she's drawing tissues from a big tissue box in front of her and using them to brush the tears and blow her nose.

Daria's letter is placed on Dr. Calan's desk.

Quinn (sniffing) : So, Mom didn't want to believe me… I tried to explain, but she didn't listen… she was furious… told I was being crazy… delusional, she said… Then she was, like, all scary and mean… I was sooooo scared… But it was all true, Doctor ! I didn't lie, I swear !

Dr. Calan (kindly) : I believe you, dear. I'm really sorry to hear that your mother didn't. I know you wouldn't lie about your sister. Your mother should understand that, too.

Quinn : She doesn't understand anything !

Dr. Calan seems deeply moved and compassionate. He stands up and gets around his desk to brush the tears from Quinn's face, gently caressing her cheeks.

Dr. Calan : She isn't able to see what a wonderful, kindhearted person you are. Alas, it happens in many families ! Your mother is very unlucky if she can't appreciate you for who you are. I pity her. But more than anything, I'm saddened to see how much she has hurt you ! I would like to help you, to make you feel better.

Quinn presses Dr. Calan's hand against her cheek with her own hand, taking solace in his contact.

Quinn (moved and grateful) : You are so kind to me, Doctor ! I'm supposed to come here to help you, and here I am babbling about my problems ! But I can't talk to anyone else about this…

Dr. Calan : Quinn, my sweet child, you don't have to embarrassed ! You're kind enough to help me understand your sister better, the least I can do is to hear you out ! Besides, seeing you in so much pain breaks my heart. Really, don't you have anyone else to talk to ? That's so unfair for such a beautiful, charming girl !

Quinn (sobbing) : My friends at school… all they care about is dating… and fashion and popularity… I used to talk… to my Dad… about Daria… before I fell in a coma… He always comforted me… when I was sad… But now he doesn't want to talk about her anymore… He says she's not his daughter… That she's just Mad Dog's granddaughter… Mad Dog, 'twas his father's nickname… When I tried to show him the letter, he got angry… told he was « sick of this Daria crap »… that I should talk to Mom… But I can't talk to her… She scares me now… I don't want her… to have me interned… Waaaaaaaaaah !

Quinn is now weeping and wailing. Dr. Calan gently raises her up from her chair and wraps her in a warm hug. She cries in his large chest while he tenderly strokes her hair. After she calms down a little, Dr. Calan proceeds to sit in the chair and makes her sit on his lap. Quinn lets herself be handled without any resistance. Dr. Calan keeps stroking her hair with his right hand. With the left one, he's holding her close to him, and gently massaging her bare midriff.

Quinn lays her head against his chest and closes her eyes. She has stopped crying and is now gradually relaxing. Her expression is serene, almost blissful.

Quinn (Thought VO) : Dr. Calan is such a great guy ! I feel so warm and happy and safe and protected in his arms ! Gosh, I needed that ! He saw how distraught I was and he consoled me.

Dr. Calan leans in and kisses her on the lips, tenderly at first, then more hungrily and eagerly. Quinn opens her eyes. She looks shocked at first, but she quickly relaxes and seems to enjoy it.

Quinn (Thought VO) : Uh ? What's happening ? I don't understand… There's something in my mouth… Oh my ! Oh my ! Oh my ! That's Dr. Calan's tongue ! Wait… Is Dr. Calan… kissing me ? Not only that, he's french kissing me ! Wow ! But… I never kissed anyone… I don't kiss before the fifth date… and I never date the same guy more than three times… Wait, are my meetings with Dr. Calan even counting as dates ? And if not, why am I kissing Dr. Calan ? And why am I 100% okay with it ?

Dr. Calan's hands are now moving across her body, fondling her. Growing progressively bolder, he slides his hands under her baby-T.

Quinn(Though VO) : Wait a minute… There's only my bra between his hands and my boobies ! Wow, is it what they call heavy petting ? That makes it second base, then… I think… I never understood baseball anyway… Wait, I'm not supposed to go to second base before at least… I dunno… the tenth date or something… I don't want him to stop, though…

After a while, Dr. Calan lifts her effortlessly and carries her towards the divan he's using for his consultations. Quinn has an enamored look on her face.

Quinn (Thought VO) : Dr. Calan is so strong and manly ! He's carrying me as if I weighted nothing at all ! Well, I'm slim, but still, he's such a solid, reliable guy !

Dr. Calan lays Quinn on his divan. He gently pulls the baby-T over her head, then proceeds to dexterously unhook her bra and removes it from her body. Quinn shyly avert her eyes while Dr. Calan is looking at her. He seems pleased by the sight.

Quinn (Thought VO) : Oh my ! Oh my ! Oh my ! I'm half-naked ! Is there even a number of date that would make that okay ?

Dr. Calan (Thought VO) : What a great body she has ! She's even more attractive than Daria !

Dr. Calan starts unbuttoning Quinn's pants.

Quinn (Thought VO) : No way ! Are we seriously going… to third base ? Or even… further ? But… It can't be happening ! I'm not ready !

Dr. Calan slowly pulls her pants down to her ankles. Quinn has now a nervous, fearful expression. She timidly covers her breast with her arm while still avoiding the doctor's gaze.

Quinn (weakly) : Please wait…

Dr. Calan, who was about to remove her panties, interrupts his gesture and smiles kindly at her.

Dr. Calan : What is it, Quinn, my dear ?

Quinn : Doctor, I… I… Are we really going to… you know… to do it ? Because… I never did it… and now I feel, like, all scared and nervous… and you must think I'm childish and cowardly but… I don't know if I'm ready… I never really thought about doing… that… I thought I'd wait past high school at least… And now it's happening and I don't understand things, I don't know how to feel or if I'm frightened… or excited…

Dr. Calan tenderly cups Quinn's cheek with his hand.

Dr. Calan : Quinn, I'm doing this because I care a great deal about you. I'd never do this with just any random patient, but you're more than that. You may find it hard to believe, but I like you. A lot. From the moment I met you, I've been smitten with your charm, your beauty, but even more with your witty mind and your kind, beautiful heart !

Quinn stays speechless. She's misty eyed and seems deeply moved by the doctor's words.

Dr. Calan : That's why seeing you suffer is so painful to me. I want to make you feel better, and I'd do anything for that. I know you're still a virgin, and believe me, I fully understand that the first time is a little scary for young girls your age. I'd never do anything to hurt you, and I'll stop as soon as you tell me to. You're in control here, my sweet Quinn. I'd never force you to anything. Never. But if you trust me, if you allow me to make love to you, I promise I'll be gentle, I won't hurt you, and I'll make you feel really, really good.

He tenderly takes one of her hands between his.

Dr. Calan : Do you trust me, Quinn ?

Quinn seems both terrified and enamored. She hesitates. A look of deep sadness appears on the doctor's face.

Dr. Calan (sympathetic) : Poor child ! You're so young, and your capacity to trust as been so damaged already ! I blame your parents for this. They've been so unfair to your sister and to you ! All that I wanted was to heal your pain, to cherish you, to treasure you as you deserve to be. Won't you let me, Quinn ?

Quinn stays silent for a while. She looks at Dr. Calan with grateful, adoring eyes. Then…

Quinn (in a shy, meek voice) : I trust you, doctor… You're my only friend… the only one I can talk to… the only one I can trust… Thanks for your kinds words, doctor… Thanks for liking me. I like you, too. I like, like you… So please… Make love to me…

Dr. Calan (smiling kindly) : You're making me the happiest man, Quinn. I promise you won't ever forget or regret what we're about to do.

Then, very slowly and gently to avoid scaring her with brusque gestures, Dr. Calan proceeds to pulls Quinn's panties down to her ankles and removes them from her body.

...

Dr. Calan's office. Dr. Calan and Quinn are cuddling on his divan, both naked, basking in the afterglow.

Quinn : Wow… Just wow ! That was a little painful and scary at first, then it felt so good ! I never knew that… having sex… could feel so good. I always thought it was scary, and a little gross, too, but… it isn't ! Thanks for teaching me !

Dr. Calan : I should be thanking you, my sweet Quinn. If the experience was so pleasant for both of us, it's also because you've a great body and are really talented for using it.

Quinn (blushing) : Really ?

Dr. Calan : Of course ! And if you keep meeting me every week, I'd be delighted to teach you
other, even more pleasurable things.

Quinn (excitedly) : I'd like that, Dr. Calan !

Dr. Calan (kindly) : Please don't call me like that. We are lovers. You should call me James from now on.

Quinn's eyes open widely.

Quinn (Thought VO) : We are lovers… Lovers… What a beautiful word ! It means we love each other. I love Dr. Calan, and Dr. Calan… James… loves me ! I'm the happiest girl in the whole wide world !

Quinn (blushing) : I love you, James.

Dr. Calan : I love you, my wonderful, beautiful, kindhearted Quinn !

They kiss. Then Quinn snuggles her head in the crook of Dr. Calan's neck.

Quinn (shyly) : You're so mature and experienced, James ! I'm just a high school girl and I was a virgin this morning. You must have thought I was childish and clumsy… I bet you've had other women in your life who were more… (struggling to find her words)... more…

Dr. Calan (stroking her hair reassuringly) : Quinn, I won't lie to you. I'm a middle aged man, of course there has been some other women in my life. But they're in the past, and none of them was better than you in any way. I love you more than I've ever loved any of them. I already told you : don't put yourself down. You're a wonderful young woman.

Quinn (totally enraptured) : Wow… A woman… That's true… I'm a woman now… I was just some silly little girl, and you made me a woman ! Thanks for making me a woman, James !

Dr. Calan : Thanks for your trust, Quinn. I'm honored, and very happy, that you allowed me to be your first.

Quinn (blushing) : My first and only, I hope… I don't want another man to touch me, ever ! You're the only one for me, James… So, please, can we go steady ?

Dr. Calan smiles at the juvenile formulation.

Dr. Calan (Thought VO) : She really is a kid ! Virgin or not, she's so gullible and naive… Well, that's perfect for me.

Dr. Calan : I'd love that. I am bound to impose a slight condition, though. Our relationship must stay a secret. You mustn't talk to anyone about it.

Quinn : To anyone ?

Dr. Calan : Alas, my sweet Quinn, everyone isn't well intentioned in this world ! There are mean-spirited, envious, slandering people. We love each other, but some petty people wouldn't understand that. They'd only see the age difference between us and raise a scandal ! If they knew we're lovers, they'd do everything in their power to hurt us. They could try to tarnish my reputation… or yours. I don't want you to go through that, Quinn ! I love you too much ! That's why we've to keep our relationship a secret, for now.

Quinn nods. She seems a little disappointed, though.

Dr. Calan : In a few years, you'll be legally an adult, and it won't matter anymore. Then I'll happily and proudly announce to the world that we're lovers, and that I'm exceedingly lucky to have such a wonderful young woman at my side.

Quinn beams at this words.

Quinn : So, we really are going steady !

Dr. Calan : Of course, dear. That's what people do when they love each other. I'll be loyal to you, and I won't see any other woman. I expect the same faithfulness from you, and I know full well that I can trust you as you can trust me.

Quinn (excitedly) : I'd never think about two-timing you, James ! I love you too much !

They exchange smiles, then kiss fervently. After that they just rest in each other's arms for a while. Quinn's face sports a blissfull expression of trust and love. She purrs like a kitten while Dr. Calan tenderly strokes her hair. Then…

Quinn : James, could I visit Daria today ?

Dr. Calan (musing) : Why not ? I think your first visit had a positive influence on her. She has been calmer, more docile since then. (Thought VO) And by calmer I mean totally broken. I don't know what you said to her, but it must have hurt her deeply. Now she behaves as someone who has lost all hope. Good for her. She's here to stay, after all. The sooner she accepts her new lot in life, the better. (Aloud) I could allow you to see her twenty minutes this time. We still have to be careful, but observing the effects your visits have on her mind should be really interesting.

Quinn (joyful) : I'm soooooo happy if my visits are, like, doing her some good ! There's nothing in the world that I want more than for her to get better ! If I can help her, even just a tiny little bit, I'll gladly do it ! I'll visit her as often as I can !

Dr. Calan (Thought VO) : Excellent ! As long as I have your sister I'm certain you'll keep coming to me. I'm not so sure it'll do any good to Daria, but if each time I get out of the deal a bit of nooky as pleasurable as today, I'm more than okay with it.

Dr. Calan : You're so kind, Quinn. I'll give a call so you can meet your sister in the visitation room. But, before that… we've to get dressed.

Quinn (blushing) : Oh ! Yes !

Their clothings are lying on the floor around the divan. They begin to pick them up. But when Quinn has a look at her pink, silky panties, she notices they're visibly bloodstained.

Quinn (blushing) : Ewwwwww !

Dr. Calan (sheepish) : How silly of me ! I shouldn't have... cleaned you up with this… when you bled down there. Now they're all dirty.

Quinn (panicky) : I can't put them back ! And if Mom find them like this in the laundry, I'm soooooo dead !

Dr. Calan : Can I keep them, then ?

Quinn (surprised) : Uh ? Why ?

Dr. Calan : I'd be very happy to have it as a token of our love, a keepsake of our first time together, and a memento of your virginity that you offered to me. That's the most beautiful present you could have made to me and I want to treasure this memory. Will you make me this gift, my sweet Quinn ?

Quinn (blushing) : Oh ! Of course you can have them ! (Thought VO) James is such a sweet guy ! He wants to keep mementos of me, as I do for Daria. That's proof he really loves me !

They get dressed.

Quinn (Thought VO) : If Sandi knew I was Going Commando, I'd never hear the end of it. But Sandi mustn't learn anything that happened today, ever.

Dr. Calan gives a brief phone call and smiles to Quinn.

Dr. Calan : You can meet your sister in a few minutes. The nurses'll prepare her for your visit.

Quinn : Thanks, James ! But… about the straightjacket… She doesn't really need it, does she ? She isn't violent, she never tried to kill or harm anyone… Heck, she shouldn't be in the wing for dangerous patients in the first place !

Dr. Calan (an expression of deep sadness and compassion on his face) : Alas, I don't have the power to remove her from the list of dangerous patient without her legal guardians's approval. From what you said to me, I guess your parents wouldn't agree to it.

Quinn (sadly) : No… No, I guess they wouldn't.

Dr. Calan : As for the straightjacket, I'm sure she wouldn't do anything to hurt you, even without it… She loves you and she never tried to harm you. Her letter proves it, and I believe everything you said about it, even if your parents don't.

Quinn smiles brightly.

Quinn (Thought VO) : James is such a clever, understanding, kind man ! He trusts me, and I know I can trust him. He'll heal Daria and everything'll be alright.

Dr. Calan : However, Daria still needs the straightjacket. Not for your safety… but for hers.

Quinn : Uh ? But why ?

Dr. Calan (sadly) : I didn't want to alarm you, Quinn, so I didn't talk about it sooner… But now that we're lovers, I can't keep it a secret from you any longer. Daria has been trying to harm herself several times.

Quinn (horrified) : What ?

Dr. Calan : It was mostly at the beginning of her stay. She felt betrayed by your parents, hopeless, and I understand now that your coma has been an awful ordeal for her. She thought she had lost you, and you're everything to her. She probably felt responsible for your condition too. That's why she tried to do it, to hurt herself I mean. We managed to protect her from herself, but it could have been pretty severe.

Quinn (misty eyed) : Oh, Daria, I'm so sorry… But I'm not in a coma anymore… Things should be better now…

Dr. Calan : As I said, your first visit did some good. I think she's doing better now. Still, I don't want to take any risk. Your sister is still unstable and in a vulnerable state.

Quinn : I understand, but… being restrained like that all the time, it must be awful… I feel so sorry for her…

Dr. Calan : Quinn, you don't want your sister to commit suicide, do you ?

Quinn (horrified) : Of course not !

Dr. Calan : Then the straightjacket has to stay. I'm sorry, Quinn. I love you, but as Daria's doctor, I can't take any risk with her safety, even to make you feel better. I hope you understand that.

Quinn (nodding sadly) : I understand, James. You're so wise ! Thanks for taking such good care of my sister. It hurts to see her like that, though.

Dr. Calan : Her legs won't be restrained this time, though. It doesn't seem necessary, since we know she won't attack you, and she's been calmer lately. (Thought VO) Anyway, I seriously doubt she's enough willpower left to try anything funny.

Quinn (smiling sadly) : That's a little better, then.

Someone knocks at Dr. Calan's door. The doctor opens the door. It's one of the nurses from the Mental Health Unit staff.

Nurse : The patient is waiting in visitation room, doctor.

Dr. Calan : Very well, Mrs. Fairweather. Please escort young Miss Morgendorffer so she can meet her sister. The visit mustn't exceed twenty minutes, though. Miss Morgendorffer, I expect to see you again afterwards. There are still some things we need to discuss.

Quinn (smiling) : Of course, doctor.

Mrs. Fairweather and Quinn leave Dr. Calan alone in his office.

Dr. Calan approaches the wall where is personnal library is on display. He has several versions of the DSM, many other scientific publications, and the kind of big, high brow books that psychiatrists put in their library to let you know that they are intellectuals (wether they have read them or not). Dr. Calan remove several of the biggest, heaviest books and reveals a casket hidden behind them.

Dr. Calan opens the casket. Inside are several pieces of undergarments. On top is displayed a pair of plain, unfashionable, white cotton panties. They are bloodstained too. Dr. Calan stores Quinn's pink panties with his other trophies.

Dr. Calan (Thought VO) : There, you can keep company to Daria's. What would sweet, naive, innocent Quinn say if she knew I've deflowered her beloved sister on the very same divan ? Perks of being a shrink ! But Quinn'll never know. Daria won't tell, after all.

...

Visitation room. Quinn is coming in. She finds Daria sitting on a chair, wearing her usual straightjacket. This time, though, she isn't strapped to the chair. However, she is staring blankly at the ground and doesn't react to Quinn entering.

Quinn : Daria ? It's me, Quinn. I've come to see you.

Daria doesn't react. Quinn approaches her and tenderly brushes stray hair from her sister's face.

Quinn : Daria ?

Daria still doesn't react. She appears to be in a fugue-like state. Quinn begins to worry.

Quinn : Daria, do you hear me ? Please look at me.

Daria slowly raises her eyes and stares at Quinn with an empty gaze. She doesn't give any cue that she even recognizes her sister.

Quinn (Thought VO) : I hoped she'd be happy to see me… Maybe my words from last time hurt her. I said I forgave her, and she didn't do anything wrong ! And she had already suffered so much… She looks so sad ! I've got to comfort her… (Aloud) Daria, I'm sorry for what I said when I visited you the other day. I treated you as if you had done something bad, but you didn't. I said I forgave you, but there was nothing to forgive.

Daria blinks several times. Encouraged by this small reaction, Quinn smiles and pursues.

Quinn : I should never have believed what Mom and Dad told to me about you. But I seeked the truth, Daria, and I found it at last. I found your letter, the one you gave to Jane. I know what happened. I understand everything know. You never had any ill intent, and I was foolish to ever think so.

Daria blinks again. Her sight seems to progressively focus on Quinn.

Quinn : You must have been so panicked and terrified, all alone in this freakin' forest, with me and Mom and Dad having freakin' hallucinations ! You must have been so scared, Daria, and you ran, you ran to get help, and I know that you tried your hardest to save us, because you are a good person, and you love us, and I should never have doubted it !

Daria is now looking at Quinn intently.

Quinn : And you saved us, Daria ! You did, you truly did ! If you hadn't been there, none of us would have come back alive of this freakin' camping trip ! You saved us all, Daria, and the 'rents should have thanked you. But they didn't. They punished you instead, and that was so unfair ! I try not to be angry at them, Daria, I really try, but when I think about what they did to you…

Quinn is now angrily balling her hands into fists, her voice becomes harsh and hostile. Daria cowers on her chair and seems frightened. Quinn makes an effort to get a grip on herself. She breathes slowly, deeply inhaling and exhaling. She smiles reassuringly at Daria.

Quinn : Anyway… I don't care about what they think ! If they won't thank you, I will.

She kneels in a front of Daria, so her eyes are almost at the same height than those of her smaller, sitting sister. She looks at her right in the eyes, an expression of deep tenderness and affection written on her face.

Quinn : Thank you, Daria. Thanks for saving me. Thanks for saving my life, big sister.

Daria's wall shatters. In an instant, she is kneeling too, having closed the distance between Quinn and herself. Tears are flowing from her eyes. The only reason she isn't hugging Quinn is the straightjacket preventing her to do so. She huddles against Quinn as much as she can and puts her head on her sister's shoulder. Quinn hugs her like a lifeline.

Quinn (deeply moved) : Daria ! Sis !

Daria is now crying hard, soaking her sister's baby-T at the shoulder. Quinn tries to comfort her, stroking her hair gently, covering her face with kisses, and whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

Quinn : Everything'll be alright, Daria. I promise. You're not alone. I love you. I'll never give up on you. I'll keep visiting you as often as I can, as long as you are in this place. I promise. Then someday, you'll heal and you'll come out, and we'll be together. I'll always be there for you. I'll never betray you. You're wonderful. You saved my life. You're the best sister I could have had. I need you. I don't care about popularity, I don't care about the Fashion Club, I don't care about Mom and Dad. If they try to separate us again, I'm done with them. I know I failed you in the past, but from now on I won't, I won't ever. I love you.

Daria slowly cools down under her sister's ministrations. Without releasing her from the hug, Quinn slightly moves her head back, so she can look and smile at her sister. Daria weakly smiles back.

Quinn (happily) : That's better, sis ! God, your smile is so pretty and cute ! You should do it more often ! You could have all the boys from Lawndale High at your feet if they saw you like this !

Daria sticks her tongue out. For the first time since the awful camping trip, there is mirth in her eyes. Quinn giggles.

Quinn : You're right, they're all morons anyway ! They aren't worthy of you, and you wouldn't want to date any of them. Heck, half of them want to get in my pants, and they're all wasting their time !

Daria looks tenderly at Quinn, an amused expression on her face.

Quinn (excitedly) : Hey, Daria, do you want to know a secret ?

Daria nods.

Quinn (word-vomiting) : I'm not supposed to say it to anyone, but I can't keep this a secret from you. That just wouldn't feel right ! Besides, I know you won't tell. I mean… not because you can't talk. I mean I trust you. You wouldn't tattle on me about this. Well… I guess technically speaking you could blackmail me when you get out of here, but… You wouldn't. It'd get me in trouble, and you don't enjoy seeing me in trouble when I'm not being a brat. Anyway, it's the biggest thing that ever happened in my life, so I have to tell it to the most important person in my life. You promise you won't tell… or write, or mime, or anything ?

Daria smiles and nods, still amused but growing slightly impatient.

Quinn (excitedly) : Dr. Calan and I… we are lovers ! We fell in love with each other, and today he made love to me for the first time ! (giggling) I beat you to it, Daria ! I'm not a virgin anymore ! And guess what ? I always thought having sex was scary, but it's great ! You'll see when you fall in love, Daria ! And trust me, you will, and some great guy'll love you back someday, because you're such a good person and you're so clever and kind and bright and beautiful and guys would have to be full-blown dopes to not like you and… (Suddenly worried) Daria ? Daria, what is it ? What's wrong ?

Daria isn't smiling anymore. She is livid. She looks like someone who has been forced to see an unspeakable horror, to acknowledge an abomination beyond words, the thing she feared most in the world. Her eyes have now a feverish, haunted glow as if she remembered hellish things done to her. Quinn is horrified to see her sister in this state but doesn't understand the reason at all.

Quinn : Daria ? Are you feeling bad ? Is it… Is it because of what I just said ?

Daria still looks devastated, utterly crushed and flabbergasted, but she manages to slowly nod.

Quinn (remorseful) : Oh, Daria, I'm so sorry ! You're trapped all alone in this gloomy place, with all of your problems and all the bad things in your mind that hurt you, and here I'm babbling about falling in love, flaunting my happiness in your face ! Gosh, I'm such a fool ! I thought I had grown up today, that I had become a woman, but I'm still the same old Quinn, aren't I ? Still your silly kid sister… Forgive me, Daria ! I didn't want to hurt you. I wished to share my happiness with you and…

Daria (anguished cry) : Quinn !

Both sisters are completely amazed. Daria has just uttered her first word in almost seven years.

...

Visitation room. Daria and Quinn are looking at each other in amazement. None of them dare to believe what they heard.

Quinn : D… Daria ? Oh, God, Daria… you talked ! You just talked !

Daria is petrified, mouth agape. Tears of joy are coming to Quinn's eyes.

Quinn (deeply moved) : You just said my name. For years, I've dreamed of the day when you'd talk again. You just said my name. Can you… can you do it again ? Please.

Daria (in a weak, low, hesitant voice) : Quinn ?

Quinn squeezes her sister to her heart.

Quinn (crying) : Thanks God ! I'm so happy, Daria, so happy ! That's the most beautiful day of my life ! Please… Please keep talking ! I want to hear your voice ! That's the most beautiful sound in the whole universe. I could listen to it for years !

Quinn is hugging Daria too tightly to see her face. She doesn't notice the anguished expression on her sister's face, nor the huge effort she is making to convey something.

Daria (in a strangled voice) : Quinn…

Quinn : It's so good to hear you say my name ! I often wondered what your first word would be and it's my name ! Thanks, Daria ! You're making me so happy !

Daria (begging) : Listen, Quinn…

Quinn (fervently) : Yes ! I listen to you, Daria !

Daria : …

Daria's mouth vainly moves as she's trying to say something.

Daria (Thought VO) : Dr. Calan is raping me ! Please save me ! Dammit, why can't I say it ? It's just too damn hard !

Quinn : Daria ? Are you trying to say something ? To ask for something ? Please talk to me, sis ! You can ask for anything. I'd do anything for you !

Daria (crying) : He… He… (Thought VO) Damn, I can't even say his name, nor what he did to me ! God, I'm so broken…

Quinn (encouragingly) : Yes ! Talk to me ! You can do it, sis ! I'm so glad, Daria, so glad ! That's all thanks to James… Dr. Calan I mean… He's such a great shrink ! He healed you ! He's such a good, kind man !

Daria is horrified, but Quinn can't see it.

Daria (Thougt VO) : No ! He isn't good ! He's a monster ! A sick, twisted monster ! The things he did to me… Don't trust him, Quinn ! I beg you, keep your distances from him ! I don't want my sweet baby sister to go through that, I don't want you to be ruined ! God, I'm screaming in my mind but I still can't say it !(In a whisper) Don't…

Quinn : I'm not going anywhere, sis ! I'm there with you ! I'll always support you ! Please keep talking to me ! Even if it's hard, I know you can do it !

Daria (imploringly) : Quinn, save me !

Quinn squeezes Daria even tighter, her face washed with tears.

Quinn : I'll do anything you ask, Daria ! I won't abandon you ! Dr. Calan and I, we won't abandon you ! We'll always be there for you. I know Dr. Calan'll take great care of you, he'll help you to change and you'll be happy at last ! Please believe in him, Daria ! And I'll help him in any way I can.

Daria is so torn and hurt by her sister's words that she stays speechless.

Someone knocks at the door of the visitation room.

Mrs. Fairweather (entering) : I'm sorry, Miss Morgendorffer, but your twenty minutes are over. You know what Dr. Calan said : you must let your sister rest now.

Quinn sadly releases her sister from her loving embrace and gets up. She's torn between the delight and joy brought to her by Daria's voice, and the frustration and disappointment caused by the upcoming separation.

Quinn (sighing) : That was so short… I'm sorry, Daria, I've to go. But don't worry : I'll come back to visit you very soon. Besides, I'm sure you won't stay in this place for much longer ! You're making so much progress ! Thanks for saying my name, sis ! You made me so glad ! I'll never forget this ! I'll treasure that memory as long as I live.

Daria (in a very low, almost inaudible whisper) : Quinn… (Thought VO)Damn, as soon as this woman came in, I could feel my old mental block return in full force ! Now I couldn't pronounce one more syllable if my life depended on it !

Quinn smiles lovingly and leans forward to kiss her sister's forehead.

Quinn (cheerful) : See you soon, sis ! Please take care of yourself and don't worry : everything'll be alright from now on ! You're at the beginning of getting better ! I can't wait to break the good news to Dr. Calan !

Daria can just watch helplessly as her sister leaves the room.

Daria (Thought VO) : I never really believed in any kind of god, and if there is one he probably hates me if my life so far is any indication… but please, if there is someone, anyone, out there watching us… if someone can hear me… Please save my sister from this monster's claws. Please don't let him break her as he broke me. That's my first and only prayer.

Later. Dr. Calan's office. He and Quinn just have had a long talk ; Quinn's about to leave.

Quinn (beaming) : Thanks again, James, for everything you did for my sister ! She's healing at last and it's all thanks to you ! I'll always be grateful for that ! I love you so much !

Dr. Calan (kindly) : You don't have to thank me, sweetheart ! I'm just doing my job, and you helped a great deal too. Our conversations helped me to better help her. So it's also thanks to you. You never gave up on your sister and your loyalty is finally rewarded : that's why Daria said your name rather than anything else. She owes you this breakthrough as much as she owes it to my efforts, or even more. The love you two have for each other saved her.

Quinn (overjoyed) : I'm happy, then ! So happy ! I can't wait to see her completely healed ! I can't wait to visit her, and you, again !

Dr. Calan : I can't wait either, my beautiful Quinn !

They kiss languorously.

Quinn (blushing) : Well, I have to go, or I'll be late and Mom'll be furious again. See you soon, James !

Dr. Calan : See you soon, my dear !

Quinn leaves, radiant happiness on her face. As soon as Dr. Calan stays alone, his expression darkens.

Dr. Calan (thoughtful) : So she had a breakthrough… It won't do… It won't do at all !

After a moment of thinking, he sits at his desk and writes something on a paper. Then he gives a quick phone call.

Dr. Calan : Mrs. Fairweather ? I've to talk to you. New instructions about one of our patients.

Mrs. Fairweather enters Dr. Calan's office.

Mrs. Fairweather : I'm at your disposal, doctor.

Dr. Calan : Very good. Please take note of this new prescription. I want you to administer this medication regularly to Daria Morgendorffer from now on.

He hands the presciption to her. Mrs. Fairweather quickly reads it. She seems troubled.

Mrs. Fairweather (shyly) : Dr. Calan… Are you sure about this ? It's a very strong dosing and… You know this medication can have some… pernicious aftereffects…

Dr. Calan : I'm confident that my dosing is exactly right, Mrs. Fairweather. You know I'm never careless about this.

Mrs. Fairweather (hesitant) : Of course, Dr. Calan, but… Still… There was Miss Blum-Deckler's case…

Dr. Calan gives her a sharp look.

Dr. Calan (coldly) : Mrs. Fairweather, you know poor young Tiffany was already a little clueless and slow before her treatment even began. The medication may have slightly accentuated those traits, although it is far from proven. In any case, at least she's no longer suicidal. Sometimes we've to get our priorities straight. Saving our patients's life is what matters the most. I hope you agree with me.

Mrs. Fairweather (frightened) : Of course, but… The dosing on this prescription is… even stronger than the one you prescripted to Miss Blum-Deckler. Isn't it… dangerous ?

Dr. Calan (icy) : If I remember correctly, Mrs. Fairweather, I'm the doctor. You're just a nurse. Are you questionning my authority on the matter ?

Mrs. Fairweather (scared) : Of course not, Dr. Calan ! I'd never dare !

Dr. Calan : Very good. Then you'll follow my instructions.

Mrs. Fairweather : I will, doctor.

Mrs. Fairweather leaves the room. Dr. Calan has a sinister smile.

Dr. Calan (Thought VO) : Regrettably, this medication will without doubt make Daria less lively during our therapy sessions. Oh well, sometimes we've to get our priorities straight. I can't let her endanger me and my career. Anyway, from now on I have Quinn to take care of my needs.

TBC