Chapter 3
Yes, I finally wrote it. READ! Chapter 4 should be around quite soon.
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(Cut to the school next day- the final day of school. The students are in classes.)
(Cut to Quinn taking a math exam. She sits, writing quick answers, occasionally glancing
at clock nervously – The clock reads 2:58 )
(Cut to Daria, also taking a math exam, in a different class room. She sits at her desk
quietly, as she has already completed the exam long before her fellow classmates. She
stares at the clock. Another minute ticks past.)
(Pan to Jane, sitting several seats in front of Daria. She taps her pencil against her desk,
looking frustrated. She mumbles some obscenities under her breath.)
(Quick shot of Brittany, then Jodie, then Upchuck, Kevin, Mack and the Fashion Club as
they all raise their heads and look up towards the clock.)
(Close up of the hands of the clock- the minute hand quivers, then suddenly with a loud
echoing "tick", the hand hits the 3:00 spot. The bell rings with a much more triumphant
tone)
(Cut to the Daria's classroom)
Students: Whoohoo!!!
( They get up, throw papers, and knock over desks. Shot of Daria sitting in her desk
totally silent. A small smirk seeming to say 'thank god' spreads across her face.)
(Cut to the entrance of the school- the doors burst open and students come running out.)
(After a large cluster runs out, screaming things, Daria and Jane step out.)
Jane: (sniffs air) Ahh! The smell of freedom! Goodbye, Lawndale! ( triumphant, fists in
the air)
Daria: (pause) We're still here.
Jane: (beat) ..Dammit!
Daria: So now what? I mean, I've been dreaming of this day since I can remember, but
now that its here its..um…
Jane: Not quite as thrilling as you had hoped?
Daria: Bingo.
Jane: Maybe you just need to let it settle in first. Perhaps after our big night tonight?
Daria: I thought free movie rental night was last night.
Jane: (annoyed) Graduation, Daria.
Daria: Oh yes. The ritualistic procession of robed idiots parading with tray tables on their
heads, following by a night of formal hazing and bingeing. Pinch me, Jane. This dream is
too good to be true.
Jane: (annoyed) Mm…
(Cut to Morgendorffer's house)
(Quinn's Room- Quinn is sitting on her bed, wearing something different than her normal
attire- a white tank top and a dark red skirt, with a dangly necklace and black clunky
shoes. She's rummaging through papers on her bed with one hand, holding a phone in the
other)
Quinn: What do you mean that I was supposed to pick up the other yearbooks! Tiffany,
you said that you would do it! What? No, I'm not accusing you of lying (pause) ..what?
Of course not! Wait, hang on. (She takes the phone and presses the flash button) Stacey?
Hi- well, what are you saying! Tiffany said- (sighs) hang on. (clicks back) Tiffany?
Listen- No I don't have time to- Yes, I'm in a hurry! I'm trying to get ready! Will you-
(pause)! Ahh!
(Cut over to Daria, who is in the bathroom. She's in her usual outfit, standing blankly in
front of the mirror, cradling her graduation robe and hat in one arm. She slips the robe
over her head, pulling it down around her. She tugs and it uncomfortably, then carefully
puts the cap on. The tassel hangs directly in her face, and she steps back and looks at
herself. She looks a tad angry and stares at the tassel in her face.)
(Helen walks past the open door, and pauses and looks at her daughter)
Helen: (smiling) Why, Daria!
Daria: (scornfully) Not again.
Helen: I just can't believe you're graduating already.
Daria: And it only took 18 years. (looks at herself, looking worried)
Helen: (approaches Daria, puts her hand on her shoulder) (quietly) I know how you're
feeling right now, Daria. Not quite as exhilarating as you thought it would be?
Daria: Um..
Helen: I know. One side of you is relieved and excited when another part of you knows
that you can't have that old life back, and you know you're heading out into a new, unfair
world. It's a very bittersweet time.
Daria: (looks down, says nothing)
Helen: Don't worry. Just don't let your frustration out on the one's you care most for.
(Daria looks up into the mirror at her mother)
Helen: After all, they may not be around soon for you to apologize to later.
Daria: (sighs- looks down at her feet again)
Helen: (quietly) Just enjoy the time while you still have it. (smiles, and leaves)
(Daria looks up in the mirror again, now alone. She looks ashamed, and pushes the tassel
out of her face.)
(Music: Graduation, Vitamin C)
(Cut to Ext. Lawndale High- around twilight. A banner is strung across the front lawn,
saying "Congratulations Class of 2001")
(Cut to football field- There are rows and rows of folding chairs on the field, all filled.
The front half of the chairs are filled with the graduates, in navy blue caps and gowns.
The back rows are filled with family and friends. In front of the people is a large stage,
where there are several faculty members sitting and Ms. Li at the podium.)
Li: And so passes another chapter in the lives of our students! Another hurdle has been
bound. Another bridge , crossed. Another stone.. turned.
Daria: (Cut to Daria, sitting in audience) Another lunch, regurgitated.
Li: (Cut back to Li) And yet another flock of our students head out into the real world-
armed with the knowledge they learned and cherished during their years at Laaaawndale
high.
(Cut to Jane, in audience)
Jane: If you consider the 'read world' to be frat houses, keg parties and pizza at 9 am…
(shot of Jodie, who is sitting next to her)
Jodie: ..And 'knowledge' to be knowing the latest pop culture fads and the ability to sleep
through loud lectures.
Jane: (smirks)
Li: (Cut back to Li) But fear not, students, because you are ready. Ready to tackle the
challenges and defeats the new, exciting world will throw at you. And also- the
accomplishments and honor.
(Cut to panning across audience- Li continues to ramble about Lawndale high while the
camera scans the 'proud' families in the crowd.
-Brittany's father and step mom are seen first, dressed as usual with Brittany's brother,
Brian.)
Brian: Hehehe..(kicking the chairs in front of him)
Steve (father) : Quit kicking the chairs you little bastard!! Stop!
(Pan across crowd to the Landons, looking excited. Continue panning across the
Thompsons, the Rhuttheimers, and two Gothic adults: Andrea's parents, looking
completely bored.)
(Slower Pan across the Lane family (at least those who showed up))
(Shot of Amanda and Vincent Lane, Amanda dressed in a semi-casual olive green shirt
and long skirt, Vincent wearing a short sleeved collared shirt. The two are holding hands
and looking pleased. Next to them is Trent, wearing a short sleeved collar shirt w/ tie,
fighting to stay awake. And next to him is Wind, who apparently is the only other sibling
who showed up- sitting next to the Morgendorffers-
Jake is wearing a business suit and is situated next to Wind.)
Jake: (to Wind)(weepy) I can't believe my little girl is already graduating from high
school!
Wind: (weepy) And little Janey too! They grow up so fast!
(The two burst into tears and embrace)
(Quinn is sitting next to her father. She looks over at him, and rolls her eyes. Helen,
sitting at the end of the row, smiles, ignoring Quinn and Jake, and looks proud.)
(Cut back up to Li)
Li: And now, students. You are ready to graduate from, and say good-bye to Lawndale
High! Please line up alphabetically to receive your diplomas!
(light applause from audience, as students stand and start filing towards the stage)
(a brass band, sitting off and next to the stage, starts playing 'Pomp and Circumstance')
(Cut to the audience- the Morgendorffers)
Helen: (addressing family) Oh isn't it beautiful? Eighteen years go by so fa- (stops) (cell
phone rings)
Helen: (turns it on, agitated) Hello? (sighs) Eric I don't think this is the best- I'm at my
daughters graduation! (pause) No, not Quinn! Daria! (pause) (looks annoyed) My other
daughter? Listen, I can't- (she takes the phone away from her ear, and forcefully turns it
off. She smiles contently and lets it drop on the floor)
(Cut to stage. Procession Continues. Daria walks on stage and receives her diploma from
Miss Li)
Li: Congratulations, Ms. Morgendorffer. I must say you have been one of the most
commendable graduates Lawndale High has seen in years.
Daria: Thank you Ms. Li. That was perhaps one of the most commendable attempts at
flattery I've seen in years.
(exits stage)
(Cut to after the ceremony. Crowds of people are standing around, the class with their
families, lots of picture taking, etc. Daria is standing with her family, her mother and
father give her a hug)
Jake: We're so proud of you kiddo!
Helen: Our graduate!
Daria: (pushes them away) No need to get so physical. I understand.
(Jane comes up, taps Daria on the shoulder.)
Jane: (looks at her diploma) Somehow, after 4 straight years of hell, a piece of paper with
my name on it does not seem like a satisfying reward.
Helen: Why Jane, it's good to see you. Congratulations.
Jane: Thanks, Mrs. Morgendorffer.
Jake: Say, why don't you join us for a celebration dinner tonight!
Jane: Hmm, sounds tempting but I'm sort of attending a social event.
Helen: Why, that's right! The party tonight- I nearly forgot!
Jane: (addressing Daria) Speaking of forgetful family members, have you seen any Lanes
around?
Daria: Sorry, but I've sort of been suffocated here by my family since I got offstage.
Jane: Alright, I better hurry and go look for them. Trent might resurface some painful
high school memories and start destroying property.
Daria: (blankly) I see more good in that than fault. I wouldn't blame him.
Jane: (suspicious) Are you alright?
Daria: Never been better.
Jane: (pause) Alright, so I'll see you at the party tonight?
Daria: Only if I can manage to fit my inflated ego through the door.
Jane: (smirks)
