"You didn't have to do that," Trent said nodding to the phone that Daria had just hung up.
She shrugged.
"It's okay."
You're gonna be backing off, so I won't get to see you that much remember?
"You and Tom okay?"
"Yeah… he's been kind of… well, he's been wanting to be with me at conflicting times."
"Mmmm…"
"I guess I haven't been putting as much time into the relationship as I should."
Trent watched her as she spoke. She seemed to be turning things over in her mind as she said them with an almost unnerving sense of calm.
"You do whatever feels right for you."
"It doesn't feel wrong to be with him- not anymore. I've just been busy with stuff."
"I get it." Trent stretched. "If it's worth it, then make sure that he gets it too."
She nodded.
"Want some ice cream? We have," she opened the freezer to examine the contents, "Rocky road and chocolate."
"I-"
She waved the chocolate towards him invitingly to which he smiled and gave a quick nod. She fixed them each a bowl and they sat at the table where talks turned to Mystic Spiral and the plans that had been made for revitalizing and hopefully kick starting a new and better direction for their career. The afternoon stretched into the evening before either of them knew it and the only reason that they paid attention then was Quinn's 'bye' on her way out the door when Sandy blew the horn for her.
"I should be going…" Trent stood and made his way to the back door and Daria followed. They stood in the darkness, save for the kitchen light that had Daria backlit with the door partially open.
"Thanks again Trent, for everything."
"You too."
"I didn't do anything…"
He wanted to hold her hand, but he didn't.
"You've done more than you know."
Their eyes held for longer than they realized.
Why does this feel like goodbye?
"I had fun today."
"Hanging out at my house and eating a sandwich and chips?"
"Hanging out with you…it was nice."
"Nice and boring. Come on," she teased, "wouldn't you rather be at The Zon with a couple of girls on your arm?"
Trent merely raised a brow. He gave a slight nod to her smile before leaving.
Across the street…
Look at him….. he's wearing that stupid ass smile as though he shared something with her. Damn, she's kind of smiling too… I won't let him mess this up. They've been in too close of proximity because of Jane, that's all…. Well, I can help with that, besides I kinda owe Jane…I really didn't mean to hurt her…
Tom looked at the pastry bag in the passenger side of the car. He pulled his car into the driveway taking the spot that Trent had vacated.