Assume standard disclaimer.
Special Thanks to MJ Pollard for the title suggestion and Scissors MacGillicutty for the fabulous quote.

"What you seek in vain for, half your life, one day you come full upon all the family at dinner. You seek it like a dream, and as soon as you find it you become its prey" -Thoreau

Part 1: Daria

Daria sat in the second day of O'Neill's insufferable self-esteem class. At least, it was almost over.

"Excellent! When we talk about 'ourselves' we're talking about 'us.' Now, guys, I've got a little challenge for you. Today we talked about turning your daydreams into reality. Tonight, I want each one of you to go home and do just that. What do you say? Um... you." O'Neill pointed to Daria. "What's a daydream that you'd like to see come true?"

"Well, I guess I'd like my whole family to do something together." Daria monotoned.

He perked up immediately. "Excellent!"

"Something that'll really make them suffer." Daria allowed herself a tiny smirk. That'll put a dent in his touchy-feely mood.

Later, she decided to actually go through with O'Neill's assignment. She even took into consideration her little barb.

As Jake paid the check and they rose to leave, Daria had to admit it had been kind of fun eating at Pizza Forest. While it was still annoying and vaguely creepy, she'd enjoyed her parents focusing on her for once instead of Quinn. Quinn's embarrassment at being forced to dine at such a place had been icing on the cake. And her parent's awkwardness had been like the colored gel spelling 'Congratulations Daria'. All in all, she thought, a successful evening. She'd gotten back at them for believing the incompetent school councilor over her.

Quinn was slightly ahead of the rest of her family as they headed out to the car, eager to get the whole humiliating night over with. Jake and Helen walked side by side just behind her, while Daria trailed behind, enjoying the feeling of triumph.

As they came out from between the cars parked in front of the entrance Helen called out, "Quinn! Look before you cross!"

Quinn rolled her eyes. It wasn't like she was five years old, and it was a parking lot, not a busy street. Grudgingly, she glanced to the side just in time to see a shiny red SUV flying down the narrow corridor.

With the speed born of instinct to protect one's young, both Helen and Jake ran to save their daughter. Jake tried to push her out of the way, while Helen tried to pull her back, in effect, lining themselves up with the grille of the car.

When the SUV slammed into them, Jake bounced off the hood, thrown forward onto the asphalt several feet. Helen and Quinn, being shorter, were knocked down where they stood, to be ground under the front wheels. The car swerved after it ran over their bodies, the back right tire catching Jake's torso as the car continued down the lane between the parked cars.

The SUV hit the tail of one parked car before disappearing down the street.

A car alarm went off.

Helen's cell phone rang.

Daria stood, horrorstruck, staring at what remained of her family. Some part of her screamed for her to get help, but she was frozen on the spot, her earlier words ringing in her ears.


Something that'll really make them suffer...