Jane Morgendorffer (Part 21)
Helen and Jake invited Penny to stay for dinner. While they ate, Penny told them about her adventures through South America. Jane was fascinated by Penny's stories. A decision was made in the back of Jane's head to ask Penny if she could write a book about them when she was older. Penny asked if it would be okay if she came over to see Daria and Trent on a regular basis. Helen and Jake were hesitant at first, until Penny assured them that she had very little contact with her parents and that the commune had cleaned up its act. Most of the druggies were kicked out or in jail. Seeing the hope of a new start with their sister in Trent and Daria's eyes, Helen relented. Jake and Trent offered to help Penny clean up the Lane house. Trent asked Helen and Jake if Penny could stay over that evening and he would sleep downstairs. Helen and Jake agreed.
A couple of hours later, it was Daria, Jane and Quinn's bedtime. Penny told them a few more stories before Helen made Quinn go in her room for bed. Going back downstairs, Penny and Trent talked about life, school and Charity. Listening to her little brother, Penny felt a tinge of jealousy for her two younger siblings until she remembered why things happened the way they did. Not wanting to miss the last days of school before vacation started, Trent wished his sister good night. As Penny walked back upstairs, she turned back to see Trent stretch out on the couch and fall asleep. Entering Trent's room, Penny looks around and sees a photo taken the last time the Lanes were together. Daria was maybe a year old. Running her fingers across the picture, Penny drew and long breath and sighed and wondered where things went wrong. At least the two of you will have a chance at a normal life.
The next morning, Jake dropped Penny off at the commune after bringing the kids to school. On the drive to the Lane house, they talked about what Penny's plans were for the place and job prospects. Pulling up to the house, Jake invited Penny to the Christmas concert at the Elementary school. Penny smiled and accepted then waved as Jake pulled away.
Daria and Jane arrived home from school that day excited. Tomorrow was the last day before Christmas vacation started. Jane had gone into the garage to practice on her cello while Quinn watched. Jake was sitting on the porch talking to a client. When Jane finished practicing the three songs that her strings class was performing, she and Quinn went outside to play. Walking back into the house, they could hear Daria singing "Oh Holy Night". Knowing that Daria would stop if she knew that everyone was back, Jane quietly closed the door and sat with Jake and Quinn in the kitchen. Daria's voice echoed from the bedroom through out the house. As Daria finished, Jake waited a moment before getting up and loudly closing the door and announced that they were back inside. Daria came downstairs and joined them in the kitchen.
Trent got home from Charity's house right as it was time to start cooking dinner. As he and Jake began destroying the kitchen, Jane and Daria went back upstairs. Sitting at her desk writing, Jane turned to see Daria leaning against her bed, reading intently. Wanting to ask what her sister was reading, Jane decided against it. The silence of the room was finally broken by Daria.
"So - I know you were downstairs when I was singing earlier ... how did I sound?"
Jane sat stunned for a moment. "You sounded really good. How did you know we were inside?"
"I have four older siblings. I may have been little when we were all living together, but I know when people are trying to sneak in. Even my real mom and dad would have heard you."