Opening Montage
Theme Song: "I'd Do Anything" by A Simple Plan
We see Quinn in class being asked out by a guy with dark hair and a handsome face. Next, we see her and the guy 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
"Welcome To The Real World"
story by
WildDogJJ
Act I
Lawndale, MD, June 2001...
Quinn was at the podium giving a speech at her high school graduation.
"Thanks, everyone" said Quinn. "I've learned so much in the last four years. When I first started I didn't take my future seriously. In fact, I was a self-absorbed brat who only cared about being attractive and popular. I even publicly shunned my own sister because I was so stuck up. Since then, I've grown and matured. I now not only take my future seriously but encourage others to do the same. I've had help along the way. I've had my family..." The Morgendorffers smiled. "... my friends both old..." The Former Fashion Club smiled approvingly. "...and new..." Jane and Lindy smiled in acknowledgement. "...and many others. "
Quinn smiled as she took a brief pause before continuing.
"Finally, I'd like to thank one person in particular. The very person who I owe so much too. The person I've known my whole life. My sister: Daria Morgendorffer."
Daria was stunned. Was Quinn actually sharing the spotlight with her?
Back on stage Quinn motioned for Daria to join her. "Come on up, sis!"
As the crowd applauded Daria makes her way up to the stage. Once there, Quinn hugged her.
"Long overdue, Daria."
Now both Quinn and Daria stand at the podium. Daria takes the microphone and proceeds to make a speech of her own.
"Education doesn't stop at high school but continues all through life. I'm still learning, we all are. What I said at my own graduation still holds true so I'll say it again. Stand firm for what you believe in. That is unless and until logic and experience prove you wrong. If the Emporer looks naked, the Emperor is naked. The truth and a lie are not sort of the same thing. And there is no facet of life that cannot be made better with pizza. Thank you."
She passed the microphone back to Quinn, who beams proudly.
Addressing the whole crowd, Quinn said "Let's hear it for my sister, everyone!"
The whole crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
Boston, MA, May 2005...
The Campus of Boston State University occupies a man-made peninsula that extends from South Boston into the harbor. In addition to the usual buildings of a massive college there's also an athletic field and a stadium that is home to the football team. at the northern edge of campus straddling the harbor and extending into South Boston are the fraternity and sorority houses. One such house is white with a vaulted column of pillars over the front door with three greek letters over the front door. This is the Theta Theta Theta sorority house. Inside, the house's common room is spacious and well maintained. Seated on a couch were three Theta sisters.
The first was an asian girl who had a bright pink lock of dyed hair contrasting with her naturally jet black locks. In fact, if this girl didn't dye her hair she'd be a dead ringer for YouTube star Anna Akana. Her name was Nicole Yagami. Nicole was a spunky chick who was into both art and anime, unusual for a sorority chick. Nicole had actually been a cheerleader in high school who'd kept her love of anime and manga a secret until college. She was recruited by the Theta's and was reluctant at first but came around as she came to realize that not all sorority girls are the surgically enhanced airheads one sees in movies. Very few of them are like that, actually. Indeed, not only were the other sisters accepting of her geeky tendancies but she actually managed to convert some of them to her interests over the years.
The second Theta is someone we would all recognize as it's Stacy Rowe. Stacy now looks different. Gone are the braided pigtails as she now alternates between either a pony tail or wearing her hair down as she was on this day. Over the past four years Stacy had truly come into her own. No longer a people pleaser Stacy had grown into an assertive woman with a truly compassionate heart. Her newfound assertiveness and concern for the welfare of others not only drew the attention of the Theta's, but Stacy was actually the one who'd convinced them to pursue anti-bullying as a cause nearly a decade before that sort of thing would be trendy. She was still with Charles Ruttheimer, formerly Upchuck but now known simply as Chuck, who was at MIT and didn't need a job as his own little start up, FeistyIT, was making enough money that he didn't need one. Indeed, Chuck and Stacy were so close that those two getting married was not a question of if but when.
The third Theta sister requires no introduction as it's Quinn Morgendorffer. Quinn's life had changed significantly in the previous four years. She'd met Nicole when she'd first arrived at the dorms during her first year as they were roommates. The two quickly bonded over the fact that Quinn was a former fashionista trying to embrace her true depth while Nicole was an ex-cheerleader doing the same thing. Quinn was the first person whom Nicole had converted to her love of anime while Stacy was the second. Indeed, it was Quinn who'd convinced them to become Theta's along with her and persuaded the Theta house to accept them. Indeed, some things never change. Quinn was also in a serious long term relationship now. Her boyfriend was a football player named Trevor Anderson.
On the TV was an image of Inuyasha fighting a demon. Suddenly, their anime viewing was interrupted.
"Hey" said the blonde Theta sister who'd entered, "You have a visitor."
As Nicole stopped the DVD Quinn and Stacy looked up to see none other than Daria. Daria looked different. While she still sported her skirt and Doc Marten boots the bulky jacket had been replaced by a form fitting blue sweater that showed her curves while the coke-bottle glasses had been replaced by stylish wire frames. No longer misanthropic, Daria had come into her own. While she'd never be the social butterfly that Quinn was she was no longer in the habit of instantly disliking people either. She and Jane shared an apartment on the North End. While Jane was trying to break into the local art scene Daria was now a grad student at Boston State.
"Sorority girls watching anime," Daria remarked, "I never thought I'd see the day".
"Well, college is about broadening your horizons" Quinn said walked over to her sister and gave her a hug.
After the hug, Daria joined them on the couch.
"Hey, Daria" said Nicole.
"Hi" Stacy added.
"So, Quinn, how are things?" Daria asked.
Smiling, Quinn said "Great."
Nicole remarked "Except in the romance department".
Quinn and Stacy shot Nicole a dirty look as the last thing she'd wanted to talk about was her problems with her boyfriend.
Daria said "Since Nicole brought it up in her typically thoughtless fashion, how are things with Trevor anyway?"
Quinn frowned. "Not so great."
Daria said "I take it you two are having problems?"
After letting out a frustrated sigh, Quinn said "Ever since he wasn't drafted by any team he's been really down on himself. I tried to cheer him up and he started talking about trying his hand at arena football. I tried to tell him that he might need to accept that he's not going pro and he told me that he wants us to have a future where he can provide me. I told him I don't care whether he makes big money or not since I'm going to be promoted to manager at the boutique once I graduate and he took it as a blow to his pride. It just went south from there."
Daria couldn't resist making a deadpan remark. "And they say love conquers all."
"Way to make me feel better" Quinn dryly replied.
The four of them smirked as Nicole, Stacy and Quinn had over the years developed an appreciation for Daria's unique sense of humor. They also considered Jane a friend, especially Nicole.
The next day...
Music: "1985" by Bowling for Soup
Quinn emerged from one of the buildings along the quad at Boston State. As she began walking she started to think about where she was now.
Next week is finals. Then it's goodbye college, hello real world. Fourtanetly, I have a job. I still need to find a place to live. Stacy's moving in with Chuck, but Trevor and I keep arguing so I'm not sure if it's a good idea to move in with him.
As if on cue, Quinn's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar male voice.
"Hey, Quinn."
Quinn immediately turned around to see her boyfriend, Trevor Anderson, approaching. He was tall and muscular with a perfectly chiseled face and short, frosted black hair. His shirt is a Boston State jersey with his name and number, 29, on it. He walked up to Quinn.
In a tone that sounded a little too forced, Quinn said "Hey, Trev. What's up?"
Trevor looked guilty as his most recent conversation with his girlfriend had degenerated into a loud argument that ended with Quinn storming off in a huff.
"I wanna apologize for last night. I was a selfish jerk, I'm sorry."
Quinn smiled. Unlike Kevin, this QB knows when he does something stupid.
"That's okay" said Quinn, "I understand that you're disappointed about not getting to play for the NFL."
Trevor said "I haven't given up on that dream. I'm still an undrafted free agent. I just need to keep reaching out to talent scouts."
Quinn rolled her eyes. One reason their relationship had been on the rocks lately was his inability to accept reality.
"Trevor, honey, don't take this the wrong way, but what if it never happens? Do you at least have some idea what you'll do then?"
Trevor briefly looked like he wanted to tell Quinn off, but thought better of it. She did have a valid point, after all.
"What are you getting at?" he asked.
Quinn said "Trevor, I know you don't like to hear it, but look at the facts. You've been a second string player all four years here. The only time you play is during practice. You spend the actual games on the sidelines."
Irritated as that's a real sore spot with him, Trevor growled "It's not my fault our starter never seems to get hurt. I know I have the talent to make it. Why can't you be supportive, like you used to be?"
Quinn rubbed her temples and groaned. "I am supportive. I just wish you'd look at this more realistically. Your football days are over. It doesn't matter how talented you are if no one's ever seen it. You need a backup plan."
"What?" said Trevor, "Be a faceless nobody working a lame 9 to 5 and wind up like Kevin Spacey in American Beauty."
Quinn now tried to reassure her boyfriend. "Trevor, that's not going to happen to you. You're always a winner in my eyes. But is being average really so bad?"
Trevor's anger and disappointment now got the better of him. "Easy for you to say, miss boutique manager! Your dream is coming true while mine's turning to shit! Without football, what have I got to offer?"
Quinn looked hurt, which Trevor noticed.
Calming down, Trevor said "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. It's just so frustrating. I feel like a loser."
Quinn placed a hand on his shoulder. "Oh, Trevor, you're no loser. So you won't become the next Tom Brady, so what? You're still a great guy and I'm still your girlfriend. "
This cheered Trevor up.
"Thanks, Quinn."
He then kissed her on the cheek.
"I love you."
Trying to sound sincere, Quinn said "I love you, too. " I think.
Downtown Boston, afternoon...
Adjacent to Faneuil Hall was an open air mall. One of the stores in this mall was a high end ladies clothing store called "Le Chic Boutique". Inside Le Chic, Quinn was at the register. She did not seem to be entirely focused on her job today, which one of her co-workers, a spray tanned blonde named Beth, noticed.
"Hey, Quinn, you awake?" Beth asked.
This shook Quinn out of her thoughts.
"Yeah, just thinking."
"About?"
Quinn said "Trevor, we've been having a lot of problems lately."
"What kind of problems?" Beth asked.
Needing someone to listen at this moment, Quinn said "He keeps obsessing about not going pro. I try to encourage him to try something else and he gets mad. We fight, we make up, then we fight again. Today, we had another argument and made up immediately afterward. We exchanged "I love you's"."
Beth said "At least you make up each time. You do love him, right?"
Quinn sighed.
"If you'd asked me that a year ago, I would've said yes. Back then, I was convinced I'd wind up marrying him and eventually having his kids. Now, I'm not so sure. I know I like him as a friend, but it feels like the love isn't there anymore. All we ever seem to do now is fight."
Shrugging off the concerns, Beth said "Considering how long you two have been together, it's normal to hit a rough patch. Just keep trying to work things out. You'll figure it out soon enough."
Quinn looked thoughtful. After all, she had Trevor had been together since her very first semester at Boston State and most of that time they'd been totally in love with each other. Maybe this was just a rough patch.
The North End, that evening...
Quinn was hanging out with Jane and Daria. They were eating pizza and watching a movie on TV. Quinn looked a little distraught.
Seeing that her sister wasn't really getting into the movie, Daria said "I haven't seen you that miserable since the time you were worried about Lindy's drinking."
"Yeah, what gives?" asked Jane.
Quinn sighed. "The problems I've been having with Trevor lately. Today, we said "I love you" to each other and I'm not sure I even meant it."
"Sounds familiar" said Jane.
Daria said "Quinn, this thing with Trevor sounds a lot like what I was going through with Tom just before I broke up with him. Have you considered that maybe you and Trevor are drifting apart?"
"This is different" said Quinn. "Trevor still thinks he has a shot at the NFL."
Daria said "Just like Tom thought I still had a shot at Bromwell."
Remembering the circumstances around Daria and Tom's breakup, Jane added "Daria's right. It looks to me like you two have run your course. Maybe it is time to end things."
Quinn sighed.
"Easy for you to say, you were only with Tom for six months. Daria, you were only with him for a year. I've been with Trevor for almost four years. He was a lot of firsts: my first steady relationship, my first real love, my first sexual encounter, my..."
"Too much information, Quinn" Daria interrupted. "We get the picture."
At this point, there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it" said Daria.
She then got up and went to the door. She looked through the peephole and gasped. Afterward, she opens the door. It's Trent, of all people.
"Hey, Daria. Is Jane here? I need a place to crash."
Daria frowned.
End Act I
Act II
Daria and Jane's apartment, evening...
Music: "American Idiot" by Green Day
Quinn had been visiting with her sister when who should show up but Trent. As Daria closed the door behind him he made his way to the couch and saw the massive pizza they'd been eating.
"Hey, pizza!" said Trent, "Cool".
Not thinking to ask permission Trent sat down on the couch next to Quinn and proceeded to eat without even acknowledging her. Once a mooch, always a mooch.
"Trent, what are you doing here?" Jane asked, "I thought you were out in California."
Trent explained "Nick married his girlfriend, Jessie ran off with a stripper, and Max just got pissed off and quit. Mystik Spiral is dead. I went back to Lawndale and was chased out of the house by a guy with a shotgun."
Rolling her eyes, Jane said "Trent, Mom and Dad sold the house, remember?"
Trent scratched his chin in thought.
"Yeah, I kinda forgot about that. So I hitch hiked here. I need a place to crash."
Put off by Trent's thoughtlessness, Quinn added "And eat our dinner without asking first."
Missing the point, Trent said "Yeah, it's pretty good. Thanks."
Quinn was now pissed while Trent continued to seem unaware of how rude he's being.
Turning to his sister, Trent asked "Um, Janey, do you know any musicians in the area? I need to get a new band together."
"As opposed to getting an actual job" Daria remarked.
Trent did his laugh/cough.
"Good one, Daria."
Now, Daria looks pissed.
A restaurant in South Boston, the following evening...
The restaurant, a seafood place called "The Yankee Clipper", had a breathtaking view of Boston Harbor. Inside Quinn and Trevor were seated across from each other. Trevor looks like he's having fun, Quinn doesn't.
"Trevor?" asked Quinn.
"Yes?"
Quinn proceeded to ask "Are you happy? In this relationship, I mean?"
"Of course" said Trevor with a smile, "Our relationship's one of the bright spots in my life right now. Why?"
Quinn said "Well, I've been thinking about us a lot, lately. I guess with the end of college looming I've been thinking about the future."
Trevor smiled.
"I've been thinking about the future, too. In fact, I'd like to talk about that."
Quinn got a sinking feeling.
Trevor explained "What you said, about me not going pro, got me thinking. I do need a backup plan. I've decided to table the whole football thing and get a real job."
Quinn was now visibly releaved.
"That's great, Trev. So, what kind of job are you thinking of?"
Trevor said "Well, I did major in political science. There has to be something there."
Quinn frowned, but Trevor didn't notice.
"Quinn" he said, "I need to ask you something?"
Nervous, Quinn said "Okay".
Trevor explained "We've been together almost four years now. I know that we've hit a rough patch recently and I blame my own unwillingness to admit that my dream of playing in the NFL will never come true. You've been patient and supportive every step of the way. I know our love can survive anything so..."
He got a brass ring with a fake diamond out of his pocket. Quinn looks very uncomfortable.
"...will you marry me?"
Quinn looked doubtful. She saw their relationship as living on borrowed time and he's just asked her to marry him.
I'm not even sure we should be together anymore and he just asked me to marry him. Like I need this.
Quinn's hesitation had Trevor feeling less hopeful by the second.
"Trevor" said a very nervous Quinn, "This is kind of sudden. Don't take this the wrong way, but I need to think about this."
Hopeful, Trevor said "So, you might?"
Feeling the pressure, Quinn said "I...I just need to think it through before giving an answer."
Trevor handed Quinn the cheap ring.
"Well, hold on to the ring for now. If you decide you don't then you at least have a present."
Trevor put the ring on Quinn's finger while she looks like she's just recieved a death sentence. Trevor is clearly oblivious to how uncomfortable Quinn is.
"No pressure" he said. "Just don't take too long. I can't wait to tell my parents that I'm engaged to the girl of my dreams."
Quinn sighed. Yeah, no pressure at all.
Meanwhile, at Daria and Jane's apartment...
Trent was asleep on a blanket on the floor. The door opened and Jane came in. She walked right up to Trent and shook him.
"Trent."
There was no response.
"Trent?"
Still no response.
"TRENT!"
That last utterance was accompanied by Jane kicking him. This caused Trent to wake up with a start.
"AAHHH! I swear, I didn't know she was your wife!"
At this point he saw where he was and calmed down.
"Oh, Janey, what do you want?"
Jane asked "Have you put out flyers for a band?"
"No" Trent answered.
"Have you auditioned for any gigs?"
"No."
"Have you even tried to find a job?"
"Ew."
Folding her arms, Jane said "I'll take that as a no. So, what have you done today?"
Trent said "Caught up on my sleep. I need to find my muse before I put a band together. Where were you all day?"
"At work." Jane followed this answer with "Unlike some people, I actually need gainful employment. I work 40 to 50 hours a week at a local art gallery."
"Where's Daria?" asked Trent.
"At the library doing research. She's a grad student pursuing a PhD in literature."
"Where's Daria's sister?"
"You mean Quinn. She currently lives at the Theta house on campus."
Trent shook his head dismissively. "Sorority chick...shudder."
Refusing to go off topic, Jane said "Look, Trent, you're my brother and always welcome here, but we can't afford to support ourselves and you. You need to make some kind of contribution."
Trent said "I could help with the rent. What is it? $200 a month?"
"More like $1,000.00."
Trent's eyes went wide.
"Whoa, that's kinda steep."
Jane said "Just be glad we aren't New York. A place like this would run about two grand a month there."
Trent looked thoughtful.
Theta House, later that evening...
Back from her date with Trevor, Quinn sat in the common room and looked at the ring Trevor gave her. She felt trapped and was too lost in her self-pity to notice Nicole approach. Nicole's eyes went wide as she spotted the ring.
Pointing, Nicole asked "Quinn, what is that!?"
"A cheap engagement ring" Quinn said with a sigh.
Nicole was genuinely shocked as she knew that Quinn and Trevor weren't doing so well.
"I thought you weren't sure you wanted to be with Trevor anymore."
"I KNOW!" Quinn protested, "I know, but he asked me to marry him. I told him I needed to think about it and he insisted I wear the ring anyway."
Nicole sat on the couch next to Quinn.
"Sounds to me like he's trying to pressure you into saying yes. Do you want to marry him?"
Quinn admitted "No, I'm not even sure I want to be more than just friends with him at this point."
Quinn sat there looking like she's in chains. Nicole had a concerned look on her face as she placed a hand on Quinn's shoulder. At this point, Stacy entered.
"Hey, guys" said Stacy. Nicole and Quinn both looked at her with forlorn expressions on their faces.
Puzzled, Stacy asked "What's going on?"
Quinn showed Stacy the ring. Her jaw dropped when she saw it.
"Oh...my...GOD!"
End Act II
Act III
Theta House, night...
Music: "SOS" by Rihanna
Quinn, Stacy and Nicole were discussing Quinn's relationship quandry.
Stacy said "The other day you weren't sure you even wanted to be with Trevor, and now your ready to walk down the aisle. What gives!?"
Quinn said "It's...It's complicated."
Stacy said "No, it isn't! He asked you to marry him and you're wearing an engagement ring. Last time I checked that means you said yes."
Nicole said "Actually, she said she needed to think about it and he insisted she wear the ring anyway. I say he's trying to pressure her into saying yes."
Stacy thought about this for a moment. "That's weird. Trevor never struck me as the controlling type."
Quinn said "He's not, and that makes this even more confusing. I don't know what to make of this. Our relationship's been going downhill for close to a year now and he wants me to marry him. I don't get that."
At this point the conversation was interrupted.
"Hey, Stacy" said a familiar, nasally voice, "You ready to go?"
Everyone looked up to see Charles Ruttheimer the third, formerly known as Upchuck but now known simply as Chuck. He was there to pick Stacy up for a date.
Stacy said "Chuck, can you hang back for a second?"
"What's going on?" he asked.
Both Stacy and Nicole looked at Quinn.
"It's okay" said Quinn.
Stacy proceeded to explain the situation to her boyfriend. "Trevor asked Quinn to marry him but she's not sure if they should even be a couple anymore."
Added Nicole "She said she needed to think about it but he insisted she wear the ring anyway. I think he's trying to pressure her into saying yes."
"Which all three of us think is out of character for him" Stacy finished.
Chuck thought about this for a second. He instantly figured out what's going on.
"He's having trouble dealing with failure."
All three girls looked at him questioningly.
Chuck explained "His dream of becoming a pro football player is over. His dream apparently included being with Quinn through it all. He wants to keep what's left of that. I think Trevor asked you to marry him because he knows your relationship's on borrowed time and he's afraid he won't find anyone else. Granted, pressuring you into marriage isn't the best solution, but we guys can be really thoughtless about stuff like that."
They were all visibly impressed by Chuck's insight.
"So, what should I do?" asked Quinn.
Chuck said "It might help if you honestly picture how it would be if you did marry him."
Liking the idea, Nicole said "It's worth a shot, Quinn."
Stacy nodded in agreement. Quinn then closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Begin Fantasy
A future version of Quinn and Trevor were sitting on the couch in a run down apartment. Trevor now has a beer gut while Quinn is morbidly obese and looks like her spirit has been broken. Trevor is on a couch surrounded by empty beer cans, watching TV.
"Trevor, honey, do you think I'm fat?" Quinn asked.
Trevor snidely replied "I don't think you're fat, I know you're fat." He then held up an empty beer can. "Get me another beer."
Put off by his additude, Quinn barked "Get your own beer, asshole!"
"Don't talk to me like that, woman!" Trevor spat back. "It's your own damn fault we're losers. I never went pro. You turned into a frigid ice queen after that."
In no mood to take any shit, Quinn barked "Hey, that's not my fault! I always encouraged you. You're the one who never follows through on anything. I can't believe I gave up my dream just to make you happy and all you did was become a bitter drunk!"
"So why'd you marry me, then?"
"Because you pressured me too. I wanted to break up."
Trevor angrily barked "So go ahead! You wanna leave me, go ahead!"
"Fine, I will!"
Grinning, Trevor played his trump card.
"Like anyone would want a heffer like you now."
That took all the fight out of Quinn. Trevor grins in triumph until the sound of children crying in the background makes him angry again.
"That's what I thought!" Trevor barked. "Now, get me that beer...and tell the kids to shut the fuck up, I'm trying to watch the game."
End Fantasy
Quinn opened her eyes and looked relieved.
"This decision just got a lot easier to make" she said.
The quad at Boston State, the following afternoon...
Quinn was sitting on a park bench when Trevor approached.
"You wanted to talk to me?" he asked.
As he sat next to Quinn she took off the ring and handed it to Trevor. When she did he instantly looked stunned.
Quinn said "I'm sorry, but I don't wanna get married." After a deep breath, she added "In fact, I think we need to break up."
Trevor looked and felt like he was just stabbed in the gut.
"But why? Don't you love me!?"
Quinn took another deep breath before speaking. "Look, our relationship has been going downhill for a while now. We can't postpone the inevitable. If we get married, if we even stay a couple, I know exactly what's going to happen. We gradually grow to resent each other. I don't want that and I know that you don't, either. It's better to just end things."
"But, I love you" Trevor pleaded.
Quinn asked "Do you really, or are you just telling yourself that because you fear being alone? I still want to be friends. I just feel like our lives are moving in two different directions."
Trevor just sat there in stunned silence.
After a brief pause, Quinn asked "Did you ask me to marry you because you want to spend the rest of your life with me, or because you're afraid you won't find anyone else?"
Trevor thought about it for a second. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh as he admitted "I'm afraid I won't find anyone else."
Matter of factly, Quinn said "Then you asked for the wrong reason. Look, what we had was nice but it's run its course. We'd just make each other miserable if we stayed together."
"Can't we work it out?" Trevor asked.
Quinn said "We've been trying, but all we ever seem to do is fight. I think we should just end things in order to spare ourselves more pain."
Quinn then got up to leave. She turns around and sees Trevor's hurt expression.
"I need some time to get over things right now. After that, though, I'd like to keep in touch. I still wanna be friends."
After taking a few seconds to let this sink in, Trevor said "I'd like it if we were friends too." After another pause, he said "Tell you what, I need some time to get over this too but after that maybe we could get together and just hang out with no romantic agenda."
Quinn smiled.
"I'd like that."
She gave him a goodbye kiss, then left.
Theta house, evening...
Music: "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard
Quinn was seated on the couch in the common room looking miserable. Nicole sat next to her and tried to offer her words of comfort.
"It's alright, Quinn."
"I know" said Quinn, "Breaking up was the right thing to do. It still feels like I was stabbed in the gut, though."
Nicole said "Considering how long you and Trevor were a couple that's hardly surprising. Look on the bright side, your first serious breakup's going a lot better than mine did."
Quinn stifled a giggle as she remembered hearing the story.
"I wouldn't mind hearing that story again."
Smiling, Nicole said "Alright. Anyway, as you know I used to be the head cheerleader back in high school. My geekiness was a well kept secret. I played the role of head cheerleader so well I was even dating the quarterback. The trouble started when I overheard him bragging about how asian chicks are wild in the sack. The truth was we'd only gone as far as third base and here he was claiming I did things to him that people only do in porn. I was pissed. So pissed I actually kicked him in the junk."
After giggling, Quinn said "I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that part."
Nicole continued "I brought it up because the part I never told you before is how shitty I felt after that. Yeah, he was a jerk who was spreading dirty rumors about me. That didn't make dumping him any easier, though. These feelings are normal."
Quinn smiled. "Thanks, Nicole."
Wanting to change the subject, Nicole asked "So, where are you gonna live after graduation?"
Thinking, Quinn said "Well, obviously moving in with Trevor's out. Chuck and Stacy are going back to Lawndale because she just landed a job at the TV station there. I can't move in with my sister and Jane now that Trent's there."
Nicole said "I've always wanted to meet Jane's brother. He sounds pretty cool."
"He is," said Quinn, "Just don't ask him to do anything that involves actual work."
Both girls laughed.
After this, Nicole said "I ask because I found a nice two-bedroom on the North End, only a block away from Daria and Jane's place. The problem is I can't afford the rent on my own."
This piqued Quinn's interest.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Nicole nodded. "Whaddaya say, roomie?"
Quinn asked "Are you sure? After all, we've pretty much lived together since our first year here."
Nicole said "Exactly, with you I know what I'm getting myself into. If you say no then I have to find someone who, for all I know, could turn out to be an insufferable bitch. Also, you're my sister."
Quinn said "Your sorority sister".
"You know I'm an only child," said Nicole, "You and Stacy are the closest thing to sisters I have and she's moving in with her fiancee."
Quinn raised and eyebrow. "Fiancee?"
Nicole explained "Chuck asked her to marry him. She said yes. We were waiting to tell you because of this whole mess with Trevor. When she tells you try to act surprised."
Quinn smiled as she was genuinely happy for them.
Getting back to the topic of sharing an apartment, Nicole said "In these past four years I've come to regard you and Stacy as family. Who else would I share a home with? Come on, Quinn."
Quinn smiled. "Okay, we'll share an apartment...sis."
Nicole smiled.
A Starbucks on the North End, morning...
Daria, Jane and Quinn were having their morning coffee at an outdoor table on the sidewalk. Jane was in her pajamas.
"So, Quinn, how does it feel?" Jane asked.
Quinn said "How does what feel?"
"Ending your first serious relationship" said Daria.
"It sucks, but I can deal." Quinn then decided to change the subject. "I can't believe I graduate college tomorrow."
Jane said "Welcome to adulthood. Now you really are one of us."
Quinn giggled. At this point Trent walked up to them. He was wearing a business suit and had his hair combed.
"Hey, Jane, Daria, Daria's sister."
Smiling, Quinn said "You forgot my name again, didn't you?"
"Sorry, habit" Trent sheepichly admitted.
Daria asked "What's with the suit?"
"Job interview" Trent answered.
All three girls jaws fell open.
"Since when do you actively seek employment?" asked Jane in disbelief.
Trent said "Since you pointed out to me that I need some money to survive in this city."
Quinn couldn't get over how good Trent looked in a suit and tie. "You know, you actually clean up really nice."
"Thanks, Quinn."
With mock relief, Quinn said "Finally, he remembered my name."
Daria, in her usual deadpan, asked "Will wonders never cease?"
Quinn looked at her sister and friends and smiled warmly.
I may be hurting from the breakup, but I don't care. I have real friends who'll always have my back. People like Jane, Stacy, and even my sister. I really am lucky to have them in my life.
End Episode.
A/N: I think you know what inspired that last scene. Another piece by the great SC.