She picked up the phone, had a brief conversation, and then headed out the door. She took a deep breath and rang the Lane's doorbell. Jane answered.

"I'm sorry. I was a jerk." Daria said before Jane could say anything.

Jane raised eyebrow and leaned against the frame. "Well, you should be sorry. What made you realize this incredibly obvious fact?"

"A short trip through hell."

Jane smirked. "Fashion Fiends at your house again?"

"Yeah, but that was only part of it."

"Do tell." They walked inside and headed to Jane's room as Daria recounted her latest adventure. The doorbell rang as she got to the reindeer bait story.

"Who could that be?" Jane asked. Daria got up first. They went to the front door.

"Pizza!" A high-pitched male voice said.

"Ahhgh!" Jane yelled in surprise as she recognized Artie, the alien- obsessed pizza guy. She'd stopped getting deliveries because every time he brought pizza to their house, he'd start ranting about Alien Love Goddesses. Why was he here? She hadn't ordered pizza.

"Ahhgh!" He yelled back, surprised by the first yell.

Daria rolled her eyes and paid Artie, taking the pizza and closing door in his face. "I ordered pizza before I came over."

Jane was practically drooling at the boxes in Daria's hands. "Two pies? You must be really sorry."

"One's for-"

Trent wandered in from the basement. "I smell pizza."

Daria handed one to Trent. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

Trent's eyes lit up at the thought of a whole pizza. "It's okay, tough day?"

"You don't know the half of it."

"I only know half of it. So you were saying, reindeer bait." Jane and Daria went into the kitchen while Trent headed back to the basement.

"Wow, so all this time, you two could've been close. I wonder how different things would be if we always knew what other people were thinking. Maybe we'd all fight less."

"Or more." Daria deadpanned.

Jane smirked. "Optimism was definitely not a side effect of this little adventure. Well now you can have that close sisterly relationship you've always wanted. And just two months shy of you high-tailing it out of here for Boston."

"Yeah, Boston." Jane saw the barest flicker of a frown.

"Don't tell me you've changed your mind about getting out of here. You were psyched to go." She said.

"It's not Lawndale I'll miss." Daria stopped, embarrassed.

Jane looked at her with mock flattery. "Don't tell me you'll miss lil' 'ol me? Don't worry Boston's only two hours away. You may just be getting weekend company for a while. And before you know it, Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then I'll be at BFAC and we'll take over the town!"

"Our plot for world domination is at hand." She paused. "I'll probably have to get a part-time job to keep us in pizza."

Jane took another slice from the almost finished pie. "I'll have to get a full-time job to keep me in school."

Daria frowned. "You didn't get any financial aid? Scholarships? Trust fund? Little bag of plutonium?"

"Nope, looks like the starving artist is joining the workforce. I hope I'll still have time to paint between classes and working. They said maybe next year I can submit a portfolio and apply for a grant or scholarship." Jane shrugged.

During the last part of the conversation, Trent had been standing in the doorway listening, his anger growing every second. His parents had done it again. They were so intent on finding their inner child and following their muse, they never even considered that their kids might want to go to college. They never considered their kids at all. Trent took care of the bills, he knew his parents had enough to keep the house going, but they'd left Jane high and dry. Again. Jane would get a job, but she'd still have a mountain of loans when she was through. She should have the time to enjoy college life, to hang out with her friends and paint, not just go to class and work. It wasn't fair. There had to be another way.

"You guys coming to the Zen tonight?" he asked in a normal tone that belied his mood.

Jane smiled. "Wouldn't miss it. The time is nigh when viewing Mystik Spiral on a regular basis will be a thing of the past."

Trent looked sad at this. "I'll see you there, then."

"Looks like someone else will be missing you when you're gone. Tell me, how does it

feel to be popular?" Daria inquired.

"Once he realizes he has the house to himself, he'll be thrilled. The Spiral will be able to terrorize neighborhood cats at all times of night and day." They both smirked.

Trent thought about how to help Jane as he drove to the Zen to set up. He racked his brain to find a way to get her money to pay for college. A thought struck him. When he turned 18 he'd done something just in case.a plan formed. Janey would probably be angry with him, but he thought she'd understand. If he did it soon, she'd have the money in time for this semester, and more than enough for all four years and some left over for after graduation. He had to look something up but it could work.

Jane and Daria were surprised at how good the Spiral sounded. Trent seemed to have extra energy and it was contagious. Perhaps it was the pizza.

Daria went back home after the first set, Jane stayed to enjoy the band's almost as good second set. When Daria walked into her bedroom, she saw a large wrapped box on her bed. She looked at the card attached to the bow first.

Daria,

Congrats on graduation. Hope you have a great time in college. I thought this would make you slightly less unfashionable.

Love,

Quinn

Daria raised an eyebrow. Quinn was trying to make her over till the last possible second. Her parents, and supposedly Quinn as well, had given her a new laptop as a graduation gift. Daria had assumed Quinn had just signed the card and not bothered to get her anything on her own, figuring the computer was enough from all of them. She opened the box.

Quinn had gotten her a new backpack, one that had a special compartment for a laptop. It looked expensive. And it was hunter green, Daria's favorite non-black color. Daria was stunned at the thought Quinn had put into the gift. She had expected an outfit of some sort, but Quinn had given her something functional, but that still looked good. She unzipped the different compartments and looked at the amount of space she had to carry books and necessities. There was another wrapped gift inside.

Daria pulled it out and her first thought was that it was a book. It was about the right size, but wasn't the right feel. She unwrapped it carefully. Her breath caught as she looked at the photo in the frame. She and Quinn must have been around six and seven, in the backyard of the house in Highland. They were hugging. And smiling. Daria stared at it in wonder. She didn't even know such a picture existed, much less what had caused them to hug and look so happy. Maybe Angel had been right. She did know it would be the first thing she unpacked when she got to her new room.

The aroma of very strong coffee woke Jane up the following morning. She glanced at the clock, 11 am. What was Trent doing up before two the day after a gig? She plodded to the shower.

Marginally more awake and significantly cleaner, Jane poured herself a cup of Trent's killer coffee and wandered into the living room. "Whatcha doin'?"

Trent was digging through a box of papers on the floor. "Oh hey Janey, just looking up some stuff. "

"I'm going out to get a newspaper, I thought I may as well start looking for a job now, save up something before spring. Don't get lost in there."

Jane left and Trent continued to dig. "I know it's in here somewhere.there it is!"

He pulled out a manila folder, sat on the couch and began to read through the contents. He finished, then sat and stared into space for a while. He seemed to come to some sort of decision and picked up the phone.

"Hey Jay? Yeah, this is Trent. I know man, been a long time. Can we meet? Tonight? Okay, sounds good."

Later that evening at the Pizza King, Jane and Daria sat in their usual booth, splitting a pie.

"So how goes the job hunt?" Daria took another slice.

Jane did the same. "Well, of all the jobs out there I couldn't find one that fit my criteria."

Daria raised an eyebrow. "Which was?"

"One where I didn't actually have to show up."

"The American dream." Daria deadpanned.

Jane sighed. "I guess I'll just have to do it the old fashioned way."

"Sleep your way to the top?"

"Bug people I know until someone gets me a job." Jane looked at her meaningfully.

Daria sat back. "Don't look at me."

"Come on, your mom must need some help." Jane wheedled.

"I wouldn't send my worst enemy into that snake pit." She thought for a moment. "Well, maybe Kevin."

"I'd pay to watch that train wreck. Jake?" Jane suggested.

Daria shook her head. "He doesn't even need to show up. Wait, that could be an idea, it's the closest you'll get to not working. I don't know if he can afford to hire someone, though."

Jane smiled. "But you'll ask anyway."

"It's your funeral."

"Now there's a fun job. That reminds me, Trent was acting weird today." Jane said.

"Weird how?" Daria thought their definition of 'weird' was probably skewed from too much Sick, Sad World.

"He was awake. All day."

Daria was surprised. "Perhaps the head zombie has been killed and your brother restored to the land of the living."

Jane mused. "I thought that was vampires."

"Whichever."

Trent walked into the alley behind the Zen. He saw a tall, skinny, brown haired man not much older than himself.

"Hey Jay." He greeted him.

"'Sup Trent. I thought you said you were done with this. Jane won't be happy." Jay pulled something out of his pocket.

Trent shrugged. "Janey's going to college. She won't be around."

Jay seemed to understand. "I guess, man."

An exchange was made.

"Thanks, man." Trent put something in his pocket.

"No problem. This going to be a regular thing?" Jay asked.

"I'll let you know."

Jay nodded. "Sure, take it easy."

"You too."

Trent walked out of the alley, got in his car and drove off. When he got home the house was dark and empty. He sighed, thinking that he didn't want to come home to a house like this after Jane was gone. He went up the stairs not bothering to turn on lights. He paused in Jane's doorway. He flicked on her light and looked slowly around the room. Paint splatters everywhere, finished canvases stacked against one wall, a new panting on her easel and the distinct aroma of paint thinner and acrylics. Every inch of the room was Jane. He wondered how empty it would feel after she was gone. He turned and headed to his own room.

Trent sat on his bed, reading over something in his lyric notebook. He added a few words, then ripped out the page and folded it. He scribbled something on the outside and placed the note on top of the manila folder he had found earlier that day. He pulled a lighter out of his pocket and lit a candle on his bedside table. Taking a plastic baggie out of his other pocket, he examined the contents. He set it down next to the candle and rummaged under his bed, finally emerging with a beat-up shoebox. Taking off the top he removed a soot-stained spoon and a clean syringe. He sat on the bed and stared at the syringe.

"Trent, you swear to me right now this will never happen again!" a fourteen- year-old Jane sat crying on a hospital bed.

"I swear Janey. I promise. I'm so sorry." Trent lay on the hospital bed, IV in his arm.

"Who would take care of me if you were gone?" Jane sobbed. Trent hugged her.

"I promise, Jane. No more. I'll make sure there's always someone to look out for you."

The next day, Trent had gone to the free clinic to kick his heroin addiction, he had also bought a life insurance policy with the money he had saved up for his next score. He figured if he couldn't kick the habit, or something happened to him, Jane would at least be financially secure. He'd chosen a policy that ruled drug overdoes as accidental death and didn't void the insurance, at the time it had seemed important. The bill for the premium came once a year and it was paid along with the other bills that month. Trent never really looked at what they were for anymore.

He picked up one of his shoes and unlaced it. Tying the shoelace around his left arm, he poured a white powder into the spoon and held it over the candle flame. He loaded the syringe, carefully knocking out any air bubbles. Looking down at the vein, which had enlarged, he paused for a moment. A single tear landed on his arm.

"I'm sorry Jane. I love you."

He injected the whole syringe, probably three times the dose he should have used, though close to what he had been using when he had OD'd the first time. It felt just like falling asleep.

Daria and Jane walked in the front door and headed up the steps.

"Looks like the zombie is out or asleep." Jane quipped as they moved through the mostly dark house.

"I thought he was a vampire."

"Whichever. I didn't leave the light in my room on. Maybe Trent was looking for something." She mused aloud.

"A victim? A brain?"

Jane turned and smirked at her. "You could be a victim, and you're a brain. You could rule the undead armies of the night together."

"And you think I have strange sex dreams."

Jane walked to Trent's room and knocked on the door. "Trent! Hey,Trent!"

She opened the door and saw Trent sprawled out on his bed. "Awww, isn't that cute! He looks like."

She saw the candle and spoon on the nightstand, then the syringe still in his right hand.

"Looks like what? Zombie or vampire?"

Jane ran to the bed. "Oh God, no."

"What's wrong? Jane?" Daria asked, concerned.

Jane was shaking Trent. "NO! TRENT! TRENT! Wake up! Wake up damn you!"

Daria saw the paraphernalia on the nightstand. She stared in horror for a moment then lunged for Trent's duck phone and dialed 911. Jane was screaming Trent's name and begging him to wake up.

Daria tried to stay calm. "Oh, God. Hello? My friend, he's had a drug overdose. I think it's heroin. I don't know when, we just got here. I think he's still breathing. I don't know how much! Injection. His sister. How? Send someone and then maybe she'll calm down! Her brother is dying!"

"TRENT! You swore this would never happen again! Don't leave me! DON'T LEAVE ME! Please wake up." Jane sobbed.

After giving the operator the address and hanging up, Daria stood there, uncertain what to do. She saw the note on top of the folder, addressed to her. She grabbed it and ran down stairs to wait for the ambulance. She sat on the steps straining to hear the sirens. She opened the note.

Daria,

I'm sorry I had to leave the note for you, but I don't think Jane will understand, at least not right away. The manila folder has a life insurance policy in it that I took out when I was 18. It's worth $100,000 and will go to Jane. She can use it for college and to start out with after graduation. The policy rules OD as accidental death, but if there is a legal problem I'm begging you to ask your mom to fight for Jane if need be.

Please don't be angry, I had to do it for Jane. Don't think I sacrificed my future for hers, I had no future and couldn't face it alone even if I did. Tell the band they were the best I'd ever played with. They'll know what to do with my stuff, if Jane doesn't want to take care of it. You were a great friend Daria, I know I can count on you to keep an eye on Janey for me. Make sure no one sees this note.

Tell Jane I love her.

Trent

Daria sobbed as she read the note. She stood up as she heard the sirens getting close, tears silently streaming down her face. The paramedics ran up to the house and she led them to Trent's room.

Trent, you didn't! How could you be so stupid?

"Hi, Trent."

"Whoa, who are you?" Trent turned around, shock on his face.

Angel smiled. "Just call me Angel."

After he had passed out, Trent woke up in what felt like a vast expanse of black. A sort of window appeared and through it he could watch what was going on. He didn't know what he was supposed to do, so he just stood and watched. His sister was sobbing and begging him to wake up, Daria was crying silently as the paramedics rushed in behind her. Trent's heart was breaking, but it was for the best. He looked at he woman standing next to him. She could have been an angel, there was a soft light coming from her and she did have wings. They looked like hell, though.

"What happened to your wings?" he asked.

Angel waved the question off. "That's a story for another time. Why'd you do it, Trent?"

Trent sighed. "I had to. There was no other way, she needed money to go to school and have a real life."

Angel looked at him incredulously. "You honestly think if she had to choose between having her brother and going to college, she'd choose school?"

"I know she wouldn't. I couldn't let her throw it all away."

"Trent, there's no way you could know what her life will bring. She would've found a way to go to school. Lots of people graduate with monumental loans and still make it just fine." She pointed out.

"She deserves better." Trent replied bitterly.

I was wrong! He's not an Empathetic, he's a Protective. Dammit I should've known. Angel rubbed her eyes and sighed. Doesn't matter, I wouldn't have seen it coming. "Everyone deserves better. That's not the only reason, is it?"

Trent looked infinitely sad. "I didn't want to live alone. After she leaves, there'll be no one left."

"You could visit her you know, Boston's not that far. What about the band?"

"They'll be fine without me." Trent turned back to the window. A paramedic had to drag Jane away from his earthly body. She collapsed in Daria's arms.

"Are you sure?"

Trent ignored the question. "Are you here to take me to.uh, heaven? Hell?"

"I'm not supposed to be here at all. Trust me, I'm going to catch hell for it, too. No pun intended."

"So why are you here?"

Angel sighed. "I would hate a world with a Daria and a Jane but no Trent. Call me selfish. I don't think Jane will make it without you, either. It's my nature, Trent. I want you all to be happy. There are other ways."

They watch as Trent is placed on a gurney, IV in his arm. The paramedics took him down the stairs, Daria leading Jane behind them. Trent watched his sister, he was beginning to question the wisdom of what he had done.

"Can I go back?"

"Unfortunately, that's not my decision." Trent took a step towards his body, but felt Angel's hand restrain him gently. "It's not your decision anymore, either."

"Then whose is it?"

Angel didn't answer. She sat on the ground and tipped her head to the side for a moment. The scene in front of them changed. They watched Daria and Jane in the hospital waiting room. Jane was lying in a fetal position, still sobbing uncontrollably, though no longer screaming. Trent sat next to Angel.

"I did what I could. They're deciding whether or not you can go back." She said.

"Who is?"

"You don't need to know." She turned to Trent. "If they say yes, what will you do?"

Trent thought for a moment. "I don't know. There's the band, but Janey will be in Boston. Maybe I can move up there and find a new band. Or maybe Spiral will think Boston will be where we get our big break."

"Trent, be honest. You don't want the band to make it, do you?"

Trent looked at her in disbelief.

"It was always just an excuse wasn't it? It brought in a little money and it was an excuse to stay in your parent's house so you could watch over Jane. You know if the band takes off, you won't be able to spend time with her. You'll be busy recording, touring.You'd hate it. Making records is work. You wouldn't be able to sleep 16 hours a day, you'd have to give up your life. You'd have to give up Jane."

"But if we made it, then I could take better care of her. I'd have the money to get her whatever she wants." Trent insisted.

"If nothing else, then watch this."

The hospital waiting room scene faded. In its place was a standard hotel room. Trent could see a slightly older version of himself and Jesse getting hastily dressed. By the light it looked to be early morning.**

"If this is success, why don't I feel successful?" Trent grumbled. "Dude, we're not playing any more. This is work. I think we need to bail out of this."

Jesse noted Trent's meaningful look. "Look, it sucks right now, maybe it'll get better. We've got money coming in and they're playing our record on the radio. So for just a little bit, we sacrifice."

"What if we end up like one of those bands, you know, we owe the promoter money at the end of it all? What if we're doing this all for nothing?"

Jesse frowned. "I thought you had a good lawyer look over the contract." He opened the door to the room. Max and Nick were in the hall, about to walk down the flight of stairs.

"Yeah, I guess we're covered. It still sucks." Trent shook his head as they followed the rest of the band.

The scene changed back to the hospital waiting room.

Trent looked to Angel in surprise. "Was that the future?"

"Yes and no. It's a possible future. The band was moderately successful, but you weren't very happy."

Trent considered. "I guess not."

Angel gave him a meaningful look. "It was eight am.and you were awake."

That seemed to clinch it for Trent. "I guess I have some decisions to
make."

"If you can go back."

"How long will it take for them to decide?" He asked.

Angel looked away. "I don't know."

Trent watched Daria and Jane. "So what do we do now?"

"We wait."

"I want to go back."

"I know."

For several minutes they watched Daria and Jane in the waiting room. Jane never moved from the couch but Daria got up and made a phone call on the pay phone down the hallway. Trent switched between watching the girls and glancing over at Angel, who was watching the scene impassively. She tipped her head to the side then stood up. Trent followed suit.

"Well?" Trent asked apprehensively.

Angel continued to watch the scene. Daria stood up as she heard a doctor approach, Jane remained on the couch.

"Ms. Lane?" The doctor looked from Daria to Jane questioningly.

Daria shook Jane's shoulder. "Jane. Jane! The doctor wants to talk to you."

She pulled Jane upright. They stood, leaning on each other for support, fear and hope evident on their faces.

"He's a lucky young man. If you hadn't gotten there when you did, he'd be dead."

"So he'll be ok?" Daria asked.

"We'll have to keep him for observation but he should come out of it just fine." The doctor smiled at them.

Jane burst into tears again, this time from relief.

"Can we see him?" Daria asked since Jane was not capable of coherent speech.

"Just for a few minutes, he's still pretty weak." The doctor cautioned. "Are you both family?"

Daria looked to Jane.

"Yes." Jane stated.

They followed the doctor down the hall.

Trent looked to Angel, grinning. "They said yes!"

Angel gave him a stern look. "It would seem so, but know this Trent, they didn't do it for you. They all agreed that if you were to kill yourself, you would have taken Jane with you, and possibly Daria, too."

Trent's face paled. "Janey would've."

Angel's expression was harsh. "Most likely. Give me your hand, Trent." Trent did and suddenly burst into tears.

"That's how Daria felt when they found you." She held on to his hand as he wiped some of the tears away. "This is how Jane felt."

She let go of his hand as he collapsed on the ground. He laid there for a minute.

"I didn't know. It felt like." He gasped.

"Half your soul's been ripped away? Swear you won't ever do something so incredibly stupid again."

Trent got up and collected himself. "I won't."

"And make sure Jane never sees that note." Angel warned. "You might want to examine that sculpture on your front lawn when you get back. Oh, and tell Daria I was wrong, you're not a Empathetic, you're a Protective."

Trent looked at her quizzically.

"She'll explain. Now go." She gave him a tiny push.

Trent walked towards his body, then suddenly turned around and hugged Angel. "Thanks."

Angel smiled. "Sure. Go. They're waiting for you."

Trent opened one eye cautiously. The wind was knocked out of him as Jane launched herself at him. "You son of a bitch! Don't you EVER do something like that again. You told me you stopped, you promised!"

"I'm so sorry Janey." He looked to the other side of the bed. "Hey, Daria. I have a message for you."

"Oh?" Daria said surprised.

"Later." He saw the note sticking out of her pocket, then reached into his jeans with his free hand. His other arm was hugging Jane, who was looking the other way. He pulled out a lighter and handed it to Daria. She took it and put in the pocket with the note, nodding. Daria left the room, thinking that Jane and Trent needed time alone. She was surprised to see Quinn pacing the waiting room.

Quinn's voice was higher pitched than usual as she cornered a passing nurse. "Where's my sister? Daria. Daria Morgendorffer. No one downstairs would tell me anything."

"Miss, you'll have to check with the front desk." The nurse said, annoyed.

"Quinn? What are you doing here?"

Quinn turned and her expression turned to relief. "Daria! I overheard Mom on the phone, something about you and the hospital, and you were looking so sick yesterday so I took the keys and ran over here because I thought."

Daria walked over and hugged Quinn. Between her adventure with Angel, Quinn's gift, Trent's near-suicide and Jane's reaction, she was feeling very sorry she had never made much of an effort with Quinn. It looked like Quinn was worried she'd never get a chance either.

"Oh, no!" Quinn wailed as Daria hugged her.

"What?" Daria asked, concerned and a bit hurt at her reaction.

"You do have a brain tumor! Why else would you hug me?"

Daria smirked. They sat down on the waiting room couch. "Sarcasm. You'll learn yet. Thank you."

Quinn sniffled. "For what?"

"The graduation gift."

"The backpack? I was just so sick of that hideous grey thing you haul around. Plus it wouldn't fit your new laptop and I figured a brain would want to have it wherever she goes."

Daria shook her head. "I wasn't talking about the backpack."

Quinn looked down. "Oh. That. You weren't supposed to find that till you got to school."

"Where'd you get that picture? I would have bet my life something like that didn't even exist."

Quinn shrugged. "I've had it for ages. Sometimes, after big fights, I'd look at it and wonder why we weren't closer. I went to the photo place and had it copied. I just thought if you had one too, when you went off to school, maybe you'd remember one time when we were nice and you wouldn't."

"Wouldn't what?" Daria prompted.

"Think how great it was without me and never come home."

Daria felt her heart tug. "Quinn.you really think I think that? Of course I'll come home. How else am I going to get my laundry done?"

Quinn smiled a tiny bit. "I'm sorry for all the times I was mean."

"Me, too." She paused. "This is turning into an after-school special."

Quinn looked horrified. "No way, have you seen the way they dress in those things? Ewwww. So why are you here?"

Daria thought about how to explain. "Trent, Jane's brother, had an.accident. We found him and came with the ambulance."

"Is he going to be okay?"

"Yeah, he'll probably go home tomorrow. Speaking of home, we should get there before Mom and Dad find out you stole the car. Let me just tell Jane." She peeked in the door and told Jane she was going home with Quinn.

"Quinn's here?" Jane asked in surprise.

"She thought I was the one in the hospital and ran over to re-enact a soap opera hospital deathbed reconciliation scene."

"How'd it go?"

"Cheesy dialogue and bad lighting."

Jane smirked. "So just the one take, then."

Trent chuckled and coughed.

"Mind if I catch a ride with you? Trent should get some sleep. We'll come pick you up tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. I love you, Jane." Trent hugged her.

She hugged him back. "I love you too, Trent. But as soon as you're better, I'm going to kick your ass."

"Can I jump in or do I have to take a number?" Daria looked at Trent.

"Better get in line, the band's gonna be after him when they find out." Jane said, frowning.

"Janey don't tell them. They don't need to know." Trent pleaded.

Jane frowned but reluctantly agreed. They said their last good byes and left.

Angel watched through the window in the blackness as Trent settled back in the hospital bed and dozed off. She shook her head at the fact that, even after everything that had happened, Trent could fall asleep like he was flipping a switch.

"These guys are enough to drive you to drink," she heard a voice from behind her say. She turned around and saw a man in an open red jacket, black pants, and a white shirt walking out of the darkness behind her. A pair of black sunglasses hung off of the collar of his shirt, a stark contrast to its white cloth. "Or give you one hell of a headache."

"Tell me about it. They'd have been dead long ago if it wasn't for us," Angel said, looking back at Trent as the man walked up beside her and looked through the window. She watched for a moment before turning back to the man beside her. "I thought you were supposed to catch these guys before they made stupid decisions like this and talk them out of it."

"Believe me, I wanted to," he said, reaching back and scratching the back of his head from where a pony tail hung almost a foot down his back. "I wish I could have done something to help."

"Why didn't you? Could've saved me the trouble of dealing with Trent, at least."

"I couldn't. I'm still on probation from interfering with that stunt Daria tried to pull six or seven months ago." The man in the red jacket looked through the window as the image changed to one of Quinn, Daria, and Jane in the Lexus on the drive home.

"I didn't envy you that one. I wonder what they'll do to me." She rubbed her eyes. "He lived. I got out of that at least."

The man in the red jacked smirked. "I'm glad to see that Quinn and Daria are finally on the right track. Those two are going to do all right for themselves, I think. Jane, too."

"Yeah, they had me worried for a minute or two," Angel replied. "For a while, I wasn't sure if they were going to turn that corner or not. Took some creative tweaking."

"Well, it could have been worse." The man nodded in Quinn's direction. "The Princess of Pleather, there, could have been quintuplets."

Angel blinked at the thought. "There's a job that would drive someone to drink."

"Oh, yeah," the man in red said as he put his sunglasses on. "Feel like some cheddar fries?"

"If you're buying."

"Deal."

Daria and Quinn dropped Jane off first, and then headed back home. Luckily, Helen was called back to the office and was in such a rush she didn't notice Jake's Lexus was gone. Jake was busy yelling at a baseball game and probably didn't even notice when Helen left. Daria and Quinn snuck inside and went to their respective rooms.

Quinn reached behind her headboard and pulled out the framed picture she had hidden there from the first day they had moved to Lawndale. She dusted off the glass and set it on her nightstand, then laid on her bed and leafed through the newest issue of Waif.

Daria laid down on her bed with a sigh. It wasn't that late but it had been a long day and she was emotionally wrung out. She took off her glasses and placed them on her nightstand in front of a framed picture. She fell asleep with her clothes on.

The next morning Daria woke up fairly early, not surprising since she fell asleep at nine o'clock. Both parents were gone and Quinn was still asleep so she went into the living room with the note and the lighter. She placed the paper in the fireplace and lit it, watching the edges curl and blacken.

"Daria! What are you doing?" Quinn exclaimed as she walked down the stairs.

"Burning evidence."

Quinn rolled her eyes and headed to the kitchen. "Ooh-kay."

The phone rang.

"Dar-ia it's for you." Quinn called in a singsong voice.

Daria picked up the phone. "Discharge is at ten, can you drive over?" Jane said without preamble.

Daria looked out the window into the driveway, both cars were gone. "Negative on transportation. Looks like you'll be taking Trent's car. I'll warn the pedestrians."

"I'll pick you up at nine thirty, at least we'll be headed to the hospital anyway." Jane replied.

"I'll wear my crash vest." Daria hung up and went into the kitchen for breakfast. Quinn was eating a bowl of "Model Krunch" cereal. Daria grabbed a Sugar-Tart.

"Are you going out? Can you give me a ride to Stacy's? We're narrowing down our volunteer list today." Quinn was examining the model tips on the back of the cereal box.

"You're really serious about this volunteer thing?" Daria asked.

"The Fashion Club is gone, we have to do something. Besides it was getting old, all the power struggles, the fighting. I think we need to do something more useful for a change." Quinn answered.

Daria stared at her in shock. Quinn had really matured.

"Plus Mom was so happy I was doing something to improve my college applications she gave me fifty bucks."

Daria smirked. She went upstairs and put on a pair of black shorts and a white t-shirt. It was only nine in the morning and it was already 85 degrees and humid. It was way too hot for her usual outfit. She even chose sneakers over her usual knee high Docs. She looked in her closet and thought about what Angel had said. What you need to do is decide how you see yourself, not how you want others to see you. How did she see herself? Maybe it was time to get rid of her old outfit. She didn't need to hide behind it anymore. College was a perfect time to make a change. Plus she could set Helen back a few hundred bucks. She picked up the phone and dialed Helen's office.

"This is the law offices of Schrecter." Maryanne, Helen's secretary answered the phone.

Daria cut her off. "It's Daria. Can I talk to my mom?" She heard muffled sounds as the phone changed hands.

"Daria, is everything all right? Is Trent ok?" Helen asked in full concerned parent mode.

"Everything's fine, we're going to pick him up at ten. Can I borrow your gold card and the car?"

"What for?"

Daria steeled herself. "I want to get some new clothes."

Helen stared at the phone in shock.

"Mom?"

"Take the platinum. I'll have Jake give me a ride home." Helen spoke in a bewildered voice.

Ten minutes later a car horn beeped outside. Daria and Quinn walked outside to Trent's beat-up car.

Quinn looked Daria over. "You look almost normal."

"It's too hot to argue."

They got in the car. Daria rode shotgun, Quinn sat in the back.

Daria looked over at Jane. "After we take Trent home, can you swing by my mom's office?"

"Sure, what for? Gonna get me a job?" Jane asked.

"You don't want to work there. I'm picking up the car and the platinum." She paused. "We're going clothes shopping."

Jane and Quinn stared at her. Jane almost swerved off the road.

"You're going to get me at Stacy's right? There's no way you can do this without me." Quinn asked breathlessly.

Jane looked over at Daria. "We'll still be two to one."

"All right, but no enlisting your friends to help, and if there's any sign of pleather miniskirts, you're gone."

"I knew this day would come. Oh this will be great! We'll give you a whole new sophisticated look for college. Have you thought about a new haircut? We could go to." She chattered excitedly.

Daria and Jane exchanged glances as Quinn prattled on.

"What have I gotten myself into?"

They dropped Quinn off, still lost in her euphoric fantasy. Soon enough they were at the hospital and they checked in at the front desk. As Jane signed some papers, a nurse wheeled Trent into the foyer. He looked a bit pale, but otherwise healthy. After all Jane's worries about paying for college, Daria wondered how badly the hospital visit would set them back.

"I don't mean to be nosy, but do you have health insurance?"

Jane looked up from the forms. "We have something, I have a card here. Ask Trent, he pays the bills."

"Yeah, some kind of COBRA or something from a job Mom had a while back." He got out of the wheelchair.

Daria seemed satisfied at this and they left the hospital. As they got into the car, Jane driving, Daria in back, Daria handed Trent his lighter. He nodded and put it in his pocket.

"New look Daria? I like it."

Daria blushed slightly. "It's too hot for jackets and boots."

Jane had an evil grin. "Daria's decided to join the rest of teen society at long last. We're going clothes shopping."

Trent didn't look too surprised.

"You never did say what brought this on." Jane commented.

"Someone told me I need to decide how I want to see myself, not how I want others to see me. Seemed like this was a good place to start. Plus I can set my parents back a few hundred."

They pulled into the driveway of Casa Lane. They all got out and headed inside. Trent wandered into the kitchen, Jane headed for the stairs.

"I need to use the bathroom before we go."

Daria followed Trent and watched as he made coffee. "Should you be ingesting that much caffeine right away?"

"They said to drink fluids. Coffee is a fluid. Angel had a message for you."

Daria was surprised. "You talked to her? When?"

"Last night. We talked while they were deciding whether or not I could come back."

"Who decided what?"

"While the paramedics were trying to save me, she showed up and told me that I might have a chance to come back, if they decided I could. We talked about what I would do if I survived. She's pretty insightful." Trent explained.

"I guess they decided yes. Who's 'they'?"

"She wouldn't say. She said to tell you I'm a protective, not an empathetic. Does that mean anything to you?" Trent sat at the table across from her.

"Sort of. Why did she change her mind?" She asked herself. "She's right, an empathetic would never try to." Daria trailed off as Jane walked in.

"Ready to go? Were you talking about me?" Jane wagged a finger at the two of them.

"Actually, Trent got a visit from Angel, too."

Jane grinned. "I always knew you were both insane."

Daria scowled, Trent smiled.

"Actually, I'm just jealous. I'm the only one who hasn't gotten pearls of wisdom handed to me."

"Maybe she didn't think you needed help." Trent suggested.

"I am practically perfect. You ready?"

Daria stood up. "Let's go pick up Princess Grace. What was I thinking?"

"You'll be okay?" Jane asked Trent.

"Don't worry about me."

Jane and Daria left in Helen's SUV. Trent walked outside and blinked in the sunlight, clearly not used to being out when the sun was strong. He spotted the sculpture in the front yard and ambled over. He never really thought about it before, he always assumed it was his mother's or Penny's. He looked at it closely, wondering what it was he was supposed to find. He saw a name scratched into the base. Calder. That sounded familiar. He'd have to ask Janey when she got home. She would know if someone had had a friend named Calder. He went inside to take a nap.

The red SUV pulled into the Cranberry Commons parking lot as Quinn chattered about the volunteer work they had decided on. ".so we found this no-kill animal shelter to volunteer at. Sandi and Tiffany are going to socialize cats and kittens and Stacy and I are going to help with the dogs and puppies."

Daria parked the car but before anyone could get out, she turned around in her seat and gave Quinn a stern look. "Before this fiasco starts let's lay down some rules. One, I get final say on everything, no arguing. Two, I don't have to prance all over modeling outfits for your perusal, no arguing. Three, there will be frequent cheese fries breaks, no arguing. Any questions."

"Can we get you new glasses?" Quinn looked ready to burst with excitement. Finally, she could give Daria a makeover. It was a dream come true.

Daria rolled her eyes and stepped out of the car.

"At least she didn't say contacts." Jane said, amused.

Quinn lead the way into her temple. Jane and Daria were somewhat surprised as she passed Cashman's and headed down the promenade.

"I guess you don't want to taint sacred ground." Daria said as the continued on.

"What? Oh, it's not that, I just thought that Cashman's wasn't really your style. I thought we'd start here." They stopped in front of the Gap.

"The Gap?" Daria exclaimed.

"Well, I know you don't like the whole idea of a popular store, but I thought it'd be a good place to start. It's modern yet classic. It sends the same kind of message as your old outfit."

"Get the hell away from me?" Jane wisecracked.

Daria smirked but was secretly surprised at Quinn's insight.

Quinn rolled her eyes. "That you don't worry about your looks, you have more important things to do. Only this looks a whole lot better."

Jane nodded. "She's right, I could see you in something like this. Not as boring as LL Bean, not as pretentious as Abercrombie. Ads full of pouting college-age types. Perfect."

Quinn beamed. "Exactly."

"At least it's not Junior 5." Daria resigned herself as they entered the store.

Quinn immediately started putting outfits together. Jane and Daria watched in amazement. Quinn cornered an employee. "I need a dressing room."

He went over and unlocked one.

"Well, come on Daria. These clothes aren't going to try themselves on!"

Jane watched, amused. "She knows your size?"

"She's been planning this since our first shopping trip together. I think she was four months old."

Quinn led Daria to the dressing room and pushed her inside. "I've put together some outfits. These shirts go with these pants and skirts, these go with these. Don't mix on your own."

She hung up the clothes on opposite sides of the dressing room. Daria sighed and closed the door. She looked over the selection of jeans, khakis, skirts and shirts. Nothing was overly garish or revealing. Maybe this won't be so bad.

She tried on several outfits before she heard a knock on the door.

"Let's see how it looks."

"Rule Two, Quinn." Daria said to the door.

"You don't have to prance. I just want to see how it looks, and you should really see in the three-way mirror before you decide anything. Jane can give you an artist's opinion, right Jane?"

Jane was enjoying herself immensely. "Sure. Come on out Daria, wave to the people."

Daria exited the dressing room. "Yeah, that made me want to come out here."

She stood in front of them. There were no dropped jaws, no openly wondering stares. Quinn squinted and looked her over with a critical eye, Jane looked more interested in the cashier behind the counter.

"Try the pants with the flat fronts. You have nice hips but the pleats don't sit right. I like that shirt, leave that on and try the other khakis and the boot cut jeans. I'm going to look at the sale rack for some summer stuff so you won't bake in this heat."

Daria turned to Jane. "What do you think Jane?"

Jane continued to stare at the cashier. "I think I need to ask about employment here."

Daria smirked. "Will I get to use your discount?"

Jane turned back to her. "Sure. Hey! Looks good. See it's not so bad. It's still you, just not so.hidden. What do you think?"

"Well I sure don't want to slog around a Boston winter in a skirt. Some pants may be in order. Quinn didn't seem to like these though."

"But do you like them?" Asked a voice behind Jane. "Hi, Daria, Jane."

"Angel! What are you doing here?"

"Cheese fries." She turned towards the front of the store and waved at a guy with a dark ponytail. He gave her a mock salute. Daria felt as though she knew him from somewhere, but couldn't remember where. "I wouldn't miss this, anyway. Besides, I want to make sure you don't forget what I said."

Jane put her hands on her hips. "So I finally get to meet the infamous Angel. No wings?"

"Infamous?" Angel said, mock insulted. "Again with the wings. I should've picked a different name. How are you, Jane? Enjoying the view?"

Jane was curious about the name comment but decided to let it slide. She could always ask Daria later. She looked back at the cashier. "Yep. So I wasn't on your list of people to save?"

"Nope. You've got yourself pretty well set, Jane. You don't need my help. Daria, remember: wear what you like and feel good in. It doesn't matter what other people think. Although, if you find things you like with your sister's help, I think you'll look great no matter what you choose. Here she comes now."

Quinn walked over carrying shorts and t-shirts. She looked questioningly at the blonde girl talking to Daria and Jane. A quick glance told her she wasn't a fashion maven like herself, the button-down shirt over a tank top was so five years ago, but somehow, she looked good anyway. She did have bouncy hair.

"Quinn, this is Angel." Daria introduced them.

"Hi Quinn. Nice of you to help your sister."

"Hi. Yeah, it's taken a while, but she's finally come to her senses fashion- wise."

"As long as you're happy with who you are, you'll always look good."

Quinn considered. An article she read in one of her mom's magazines said self-confidence was more important than appearance in the long run. "You know, that makes sense."

"I would suggest Victoria's Secret next. You could set your mom back big time in there." Angel flashed a wicked grin.

Quinn's eyes lit up. "Good idea." She turned to Daria. "You'll need some things that won't show under these shirts." She went back to the dressing room and hung the new selections up.

"Some college clothing advice, stock up on pajama pants. And put your name on everything. I'm headed to Abercrombie, even though they're overpriced, they're the only store that makes pants that fit me. Don't worry about what people associate with the brand Daria, wear what you like. Nice to meet you Jane, Quinn. Have fun girls." She waved and left.

Jane looked at Daria. "Angels wear Abercrombie?"

Daria shrugged. She'd given up on trying to determine the exact nature of who or what Angel was.

Daria returned to the dressing room. She tried on everything again, immediately discarding things that were uncomfortable, she didn't feel right in, or just plain didn't like. The rest she considered carefully in the mirror before deciding.

She walked to the register with one skirt, two pairs of jeans, a pair of khakis, two button-down shirts, one white, one blue, three t-shirts, white, grey and black, a pair of khaki shorts, and a sweater. Quinn whined a bit at some of the clothes she refused, but in the end, Rule One prevailed.

"I don't know about this wearing a different outfit every day. Sounds like work." Daria said as they left the store.

"At least everything you picked goes together." Quinn said supportively.

"I think it's time for cheese fries." Jane said.

"I think you're right. Did you apply for a job here?" Daria asked as Quinn made a face.

"I start Monday."

"Well, that was easy."

"Yeah. Thing is, I actually have to show up."

Daria smirked. "There's always a catch. I guess it doesn't matter I never asked my dad, then."

"Saved by the hunk."

After fortifying themselves with cheese fries and soda (salad and diet for Quinn), they took Angel's advice and headed to VS.

Quinn was still bursting with excitement. "You'll finally graduate from those awful sports bras you always wear."

Daria gaped at the prices. "Have you seen how much these cost?"

"Good thing you have the platinum." Jane said as she looked longingly at a pair of pajamas.

Daria steered Quinn away from the add-a-cup and push up sections and chose some simple underwear in cotton. Quinn managed to convince her to get some coordinated pajama pants/shorts and tops, stating that in college, more people were likely to see her in her sleepwear at some point. Daria only agreed because the outfits looked comfy and two of the pairs of pajama pants she thought she could probably get away with in class.

Daria plopped down at a conveniently placed bench. "I think I'm done." Jane sat next to her.

Quinn stood in front of them. "Are you kidding? We haven't even done shoes and accessories yet!"

Daria and Jane exchanged glances.

"At least shoes." Quinn pleaded.

"I'm not giving up my boots." Daria stated flatly.

"You don't have to. But you could sure use a new pair of sneakers. Look at those, they're falling apart. How long ago did you buy them?" Quinn led them into a sporting goods store.

Daria picked out a pair of grey and blue running shoes with Jane's help. She also picked out two pairs of sweat-shorts in navy blue and dark grey, and a pair of black and white flip-flops, much to Quinn's dismay.

"Daria! Those are not fashionable."

"Maybe not, but they look comfortable. And the thongs I can wear in the shower, too." She paid and they left the store.

Jane turned to Daria as Quinn strolled ahead of them. "She never tried to get you to buy her something."

"I think she's just so thrilled at the idea of making me over she forgot."

"I'm still surprised at how well this is going."

"Me too. But I think I'm really done. How are we going to get out of here?"

Jane cupped her hands around her mouth. "Hey Quinn, don't you have a date?"

Quinn whipped around. "Ohmygod! What time is it? We have to go home so I can get ready!"

Daria looked to Jane. "Your genius astounds me."

"If only I were to use it for the forces of good."

They left the mall, Daria weighted down with bags. They dropped Jane off then headed home. Jane walked in the front door and called to Trent, as his car was parked in the drive. "Trent, I'm home! Trent?"

When he didn't answer, she hurried up the stairs trying not to panic. He's probably asleep. But he wasn't in his room. She looked in the other bedrooms and in the bathroom. No Trent. Had he gone somewhere with the band? It was possible. She saw the stairs to the attic were pulled down and went to investigate.

"Trent?"

"Up here, Janey." A disembodied voice answered.

Jane climbed the stairs. "What are you doing up here?"

Trent sat in the middle of the attic, surrounded by piles of papers, boxes and miscellaneous items. "Just looking around. Do you know a Calder?"

Jane wrinkled her brow. "Calder? Like the mobile artist?"

"I was hoping you would know. That metal sculpture in the front has the name Calder on it and there's a bunch of paintings and stuff up here signed Calder, too." Trent showed her two paintings with bold geometric designs and colors.

"Let me see. " Jane took one and examined it. She spoke with an awed voice. "Trent, these are paintings by Alexander Calder. Do you have any idea what they're worth?"

"No, do you?"

"Just one of these paintings is worth about three thousand dollars. The mobile is probably only worth five hundred or so, maybe less because it's been outside for so long. Did Mom ever say she knew Alexander Calder? I knew he lived in Connecticut. This is amazing. These should be appraised. Who can I call? Maybe Gary would know someone." Her mind was racing.

"Gary?"

"Gary, from Gary's Gallery, I did some painting for him a while back, remember? To re-build the gazebo." She put the painting down gently.

Trent seemed stunned. "These are worth money?"

Jane nodded. "A lot of money. "

Trent smiled at her. "Let's get them appraised and sold. You can use the money to pay for school."

Jane smiled back. "Selling art to learn to make art. There's a song in there somewhere. I wonder what else is up here."

"There's about thirty years worth of phone books."

The Morgendorffers sat around the table eating frozen lasagna.

"How was shopping girls?" Helen asked, setting down her cell phone.

"Fine." Daria replied.

"It was great! Daria finally got some fashionable outfits!" Quinn said excitedly, then mumbled, "and some not so fashionable ones."

"I'd love to see your new clothes, Daria." Her cell phone rang. "Helloo? Eric! Yes, I did see that file."

Jake put down his paper. "You got some new clothes Quinn? Didn't you just buy some? Maybe you should cut back your spending a bit."

"No Daddy, Daria got new clothes. I helped her pick them out."

Jake looked confused for a moment. "Daria? Oh, that's a good one Quinn! Trying to put one over on your old man! You helping Daria buy new clothes, that's funny!"

Helen hung up her phone. "Jake, Quinn did help Daria pick out new clothes. For college."

"Oh. Right. I knew that." He hid behind his paper.

Daria and Quinn rolled their eyes at each other.

Helen saw their looks. "I must say it's nice to see you girls getting along."

The doorbell rang, followed by Helen's cell phone, which startled Jake into dropping his fork full of lasagna in his lap.

"Date!"

"Eric!"

"Dammit!"

Daria smiled her Mona Lisa smile. "I'm going to miss this.for about two seconds. I'm going to Jane's."

Before she left she put a small bag on Quinn's bed. She grabbed another shopping bag and headed to Jane's.

Jane opened the door. "Guess what?" She asked excitedly.

"Trent found oil in the backyard and you're moving to Beverly Hills."

"Almost. Apparently someone in our family knew Alexander Calder. That mobile sculpture in front is one of his, and Trent found two of his paintings in the attic."

Daria's eyes widened. "That must be worth a fortune!"

"A small fortune, I'm guessing about seven thousand dollars all together. I made an appointment to have it all appraised."

"Isn't that expensive?" She asked as they headed up the stairs.

"A bit, but the appraiser that Gary told me to call knew my mom so she's giving me a deal." Jane said.

"Small world."

"Local art world." They went into Jane's room.

Daria sat on the bed. "Are you keeping the Gap job?"

"Of course. This is a lucky break but I'm still saving up while I can. Plus I'll have extra cash to go see you."

"We did put a lot of effort into that world domination plan." She handed Jane the shopping bag. "Here."

Jane took it. "What's this?"

"Recommended uniform for college bound students."

Jane pulled out a bundle of cloth, shook it out, and fake sniffed. "Pajama pants. That's so sweet!"

"Don't get all mushy, after all, I didn't pay for it."

They heard Trent start twanging on his acoustic guitar down the hall. Daria looked at the painting Jane had done of her first meeting with Angel. "I know what's wrong."

Jane followed her gaze. "What?"

"You painted her as an angel, but she's not."

Jane examined the painting critically. "I see what you mean, in her expression. I can fix it. That gives me another idea hmmm." she started to sketch something.

Daria reached for the remote.

"There's a B movie marathon on right after Sick, Sad World. I think Night of the Lepus is first." Jane said as she sketched.

"I'll call for pizza."

Jane looked up with an evil grin. "You could use the phone in Trent's room. After you ask what toppings he wants."

"As long as it's not brains." Daria replied.

"Can you earn a doctorate in toppings? Pizza PhDs next, on Sick, Sad World!"

Daria changed the channel.

Quinn arrived home from her date only half an hour late. She managed to sneak in without anyone noticing. She looked surprised to see a small shopping bag sitting on her bed, in all the excitement of Daria's makeover, she hadn't thought to buy anything for herself. She pulled out a matching short-and-t-shirt pair of pajamas. It had a feather design on the hem of the shorts and in the center of the shirt. It was the pink version of the one Daria had bought for herself. Quinn smiled.