Chapter 4: Time Capsule
Soon the old friends were walking through a twilit Lawndale amidst a symphony of crickets and gently rustling leaves occasionally accented by a sputtering sprinkler. Jane broke the silence with a falsely cheery, "So, um, at Mr. O'Neill's funeral you said something had happened at Trent and Tom's wedding. Something about yours truly enjoying the musical stylings of Jim Morrison?"
Daria cleared her throat a bit too loudly and replied, "Right. But you're sure you wouldn't rather discuss the Iraq War or the merits of universal healthcare?"
Jane narrowed her eyes at her cheeky best friend, which was answer enough.
"Alright." Uncertainty crept into Daria's voice as she asked, "Jane, will you stick around and talk this through with me no matter what I tell you?"
Jane looked genuinely frightened as she stopped to face Daria on the sidewalk, the dying sunlight catching in her eyelashes. Daria decided if this was the last time her friend wanted to talk to her, this would be the image of her to keep. After what felt like an eternity, Jane said softly, "Daria, you know nothing could ever keep me from being your friend."
The pale brunette gave a worried smile and the two began to walk. Soon Daria's words came, slowly and with uncertain pauses at first, and then faster, until she couldn't have stopped herself if she tried. It all began with Jane dancing to The Doors' brewpub staple "L.A. Woman" at Tom and Trent's April wedding.