Paris, France, day...

Our nine travelers are staying at a hotel in the heart of the city. The sleeping arrangements are the same as before (two per room). In their own hotel room Trent and Lindy are settling in. This two bed room is more luxurious than the one in London. In addition to two large beds and sofa there is a balcony with a commanding view of the city and a mini-bar with some of France's finest wines. Trent looks at the mini-bar.

He said "I didn't know they had champagne in mini-bars here. Cool. Wanna have some?"

Lindy is hesitant.

"Trent, I'm a recovering alcoholic."

Trent scratches his chin in thought.

"Oh, yeah. I kinda forgot about that. Sorry."

Lindy smiles, thinking Same old Trent, absent minded as always. It's actually kind of cute when he's like that.

Out loud, she said "That's okay, Trent. I know you were just trying to be nice. It's actually really sweet."

Trent blushes.

"Yeah, thanks."

They sit next to each other on the couch.

Lindy asked "So, what have you been doing these past six years?"

Trent said "Well, Mystic Spiral wasn't going anywhere in Lawndale so we moved to a small town in California called Mirage. Max's brother told us it was the next it scene. Turns out he was just conning us into helping flip a house he had there. We went on for four years. Jessie ran off with some stripper, Nick quit after marrying his girlfriend. Max finally gave up and quit himself. I hitch hiked to New York and moved in with Daria and Jane until I had enough money for my own place."

Trent now looks very sad.

He said "Some dream, huh? I'm a thirty-one year old loser."

Lindy, not without her own personal demons, is very sympathetic.

"Trent, you're no loser. You pursued a dream but it didn't work out. That's nothing to be ashamed of. It's actually admirable that you had the guts to try."

Trent feels a little better.

"Thanks, Lindy. You have no idea how much I needed that."

Lindy said "It's the truth. Sometimes life puts up a roadblock that you just can't get around. You tried and that's nothing to be ashamed of."

She now looks a little sad herself.

"If anyone is a loser, it's me."

Trent's eyes go wide.

"But you have your own interior design business?"

Lindy said "Doesn't make me any less of a train wreck. You saw how bad I was when I was drinking. If Quinn hadn't staged that intervention I probably would've died of alcohol poisoning by now. She pretty much saved my life, and that's not even the most messed up thing about me. I come from a family that's beyond dysfunctional."

Trent said "Growing up my parents were never around. We all had to fend for ourselves. Jane sometimes had to assume the mother role with me because our mom sure as hell wouldn't. I think that's why I'm so messed up. I never had any parental guidance."

Lindy said "Join the club. My dad ran out on us when I was three years old and my mom goes through life in a state of perpetual drunkeness. I understand your abandonment issues because I'm dealing with the same thing. I pretty much had to raise myself too."

They exchange smiles as they realize just how much they actually do have in common.


An outdoor cafe in Paris, day...

Quinn, Jim, Sandi, Joey, Trent, Lindy, Daria, Jane, Jake and Helen are having lunch while talking about how they plan to spend their time in Paris.

Jake asked "So, we're here, what do we do?"

Jane said "We have to check out the Louvre. As an artist I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't see the works of all the masters up close."

Quinn added "And we are in Paris, so shopping is an absolute essential."

Sandi smiles and nods her approval.

She said "Agreed. After all, as the former respective Vice President and President of the Fashion Club it is imperative that Quinn and I take full advantage of being in the fashion capitol of the world."

Daria deadpanned "To say nothing of the fact that this is an all expenses paid trip so you don't have to pay for any of it."

Sandi said "Exactly. Not that cost should be an object. We are in Paris and therefore it is imperative that we be fashionable."

Quinn said "You're so right, Sandi."

Everyone seems a little bemused by Quinn and Sandi's relapse to their Fashion Club days.

Jim joked "You're not going to turn into a money vacuum, are you?"

Quinn said "Don't worry, honey. I'll only suck what you can afford."

She and Jim both laugh.

Helen said "Better than when Quinn was in high school."

Jim looks curious.

"What do you mean?"

Quinn braces herself for major public embarrassment. As much as she and Jim like to joke about what she was like as a teenager it's a little different when her mother starts telling horror stories to everyone.

Helen said "She didn't tell you!? When she was in high school she'd max out mine and Jake's credit cards on a regular basis."

Lindy added "I never would've made friends with her if she didn't do that. We met working at Governor's Park. Quinn got a job there after maxing out one of her parents credit cards on a pair of high end leather shoes."

Trent does his laugh/cough.

"Cool."

Quinn now looks like she wants to crawl into a hole and hide.

Joey said "I guess you ladies want me and Jim to tag along."

Sandi, some of her old haughtiness returning, said "Of course. You can't seriously expect Quinn and I to carry it all ourselves."

Jim smiles.

"Looking forward to it."

Quinn is a little surprised.

"Really!?"

"No."

Everyone laughs, even Quinn.

Jim said "I'll still do it. I love Quinn that much. After all, it's the price you pay for being with a girl who's out of your league."

Quinn said "Oh, Jim, you're not out of my league," she pauses before saying "Well, maybe just a little, but I love you the way you are."

Sandi looks at Joey.

"What about you and me, Joey?"

Joey said "I like you." but thought I think.

Sandi looks put off. Everyone notices but says nothing about it.

Lindy, to ease the tension, said "I also wouldn't mind some clubbing. I hear Paris has an awesome club scene."

Her attempt at levity fails to ease the tension. Lindy looks embarrassed.

"Ooookaaay, I'm just going to finish my lunch now."


The Louve, day...

Daria and Jane staring at the Mona Lisa. They expected that it would be larger than it actually is. Daria looks impassive while Jane looks disappointed.

Jane said "Why did I think this would be more impressive? It looked so cool in movies and on TV. Up close, though, I'm surprisingly underwhelmed. This is DaVinci's most famous work!?"

Daria added "Doesn't mean it's his best."

The two start to walk away.

Jane deadpanned "I guess they hyped it to increase ticket sales. Damn French deception."

Daria sarcastically added "Because American businesses are so open and honest."

At another part of the museum. Jake and Helen are looking at a portrait of Louis XIV.

Helen said "They say he was called the "Sun King" because he had such a God complex that he thought he could control the sun."

Jake looks angry.

"Damn tabloids!"

Helen shakes her head and groans. At another part of the museum and we find Quinn, Jim, Sandi and Joey staring at the Hope Diamond.

Practically mesmerized, Sandi said "It's sooo beautiful."

Joey openly wondered "How much do you think it's worth?"

Jim said "It's priceless, but a similar diamond on the open market would probably be pricey enough to destroy even Bill Gates' credit rating."

Quinn looks at Jim affectionately.

"Jim, if cost were no object would you get me a diamond like that?"

Equally affectionate, Jim said "If cost were no object I'd buy you a whole tub full of diamonds like that. In fact, I wouldn't think twice about giving you everything your heart desires."

Quinn smiles sweetly. She looks Jim right in the eye.

"I already have everything my heart desires, Jim: you."

They get lost in each others eyes and are about to kiss when...

Sandi: (annoyed) "Ahem!"

Quinn and Jim end their embrace.

Quinn said "Sorry about that, Sandi."

Sounding very insincere, Sandi said "Oh,I don't mind, Quh-winn, I just wanted to tell you that Joey and I are going back to the hotel."

Joey looks surprised.

"We are!?"

Angry, Sandi practically barked "Yes!"

"EEP!"

Quinn and Jim look uncomfortable. In another part of the museum Trent and Lindy are walking and talking.

Trent said "Some of these nudes are kinda graphic. It's pretty cool. I didn't know they made porn back then."

Lindy explained "Most people prefer to call it art. The reason that time period was called the Renaissance is because European culture was broadening beyond the narrow confines of the Middle Ages. Artists were increasingly inclined to celebrate the human body as something that's inherently beautiful."

Trent said "I get that. Push the envelope, never limit yourself. The music world operates the same way. You know a lot about this stuff."

"I always had an artistic bent. That why I majored in design at Lawndale State."

"Cool."

Lindy blushes, but Trent doesn't seem to notice.


A dance club called "Teque Noir", evening...

Music: "Sandstorm" by Darude

The club has a massive lighted dance floor. Off to the sides are tables and a bar. At one of the tables we find Quinn, Jim, Lindy, Trent, Sandi and Joey seated together. While Lindy drinks soda the rest are having champagne. Since this trip is all expenses paid they are going all out.

Lindy said "Quinn, this place is awesome."

Sandi asked "Where'd you find this place?"

Quinn smiled proudly.

"Duh, I got a guide book at the train station when we arrived. I found this place listed in there."

Jim smiles.

"You always have a plan. Just one more reason why I love you."

Quinn blushes.

"Thanks, Jim."

While Lindy and Trent exchange affectionate glances at each other Sandi looks jealous while Joey looks worried. "Sandstorm" stops playing.

In the booth the DJ said "(That was "Sandstorm" by Darude. And now, a classic from the 1987 romantic comedy "Mannequin". This is "Do You Dream About Me" by Alicia.)"*

*(A/N: translated from French.)

Back at the table they each take another gulp of champagne (except Lindy). Jim turns to Quinn.

"Quinn, wanna dance?"

Quinn smiles.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Arm in arm they make their way to the dance floor. As the 80's synth pop song begins in earnest the dance floor lights up in time with the music. Quinn and Jim sway their bodies and move around each other. Quinn keeps perfectly in time with the music. Jim keeps up and is only slightly off.

"Sometimes I watch you as you're sleeping, baby"

Quinn lip syncs as she and Jim bump hips.

"Sometimes I see you hold your pillow tight"

Quinn points at Jim as she sways her body to the music.

"Am I the one you're holding onto, honey"

They slide into each others arms.

"Am I the one who's in your dreams at night"

They spin around in each others arms.

"You tell me there's no other, baby"

They release each other as Quinn mimes pleading.

"You tell me I'm the only one"

Quinn sways her hips and signals Jim over. Jim moves toward her.

"I wish I knew for certain, baby"

Jim closes in on her and she pretends to push him away.

"Say you love me, tell me, honey..."

Quinn pulls Jim in and they spin around.

"Do you dream about me, baby, when the night comes"

They take each other by the hand and pull each other in and out.

"When you close your eyes"

They move as one from one side of the floor to the other.

"Do you dream about me, when you dream of someone

When you close your eyes, who do you see"

They let go of each other only to sway back towards each other and shake their hips in time with the music.

"Do you dream about me"

Back at the table Lindy decides to join in on the dance floor.

She said "That looks like fun. Trent, wanna join them?"

Trent said "I don't know. I kinda can't dance."

Lindy smiles reassuringly.

"Just follow my lead, you'll be okay."

Trent nods. Lindy drags him onto the dance floor. The second verse begins.

"Sometimes I know you really love me, baby"

Trent and Lindy point and Lindy lip syncs while they both shake their hips in time with the song.

"It's so much clearer in the light of day"

Both women (Quinn and Lindy) pull their respective men (Jim and Trent) in close.

"Your touch is always reassuring, baby"

Remaining in their guys arms, Quinn and Lindy turn their backs to their guys and each rubs a hand on his cheek, swaying in time with the music as they do.

"You say the words I need to hear you say"

Trent and Jim mime whispering in their respective womens ears.

"You tell me there's no other, baby"

Quinn and Lindy each turn around and mime singing those words to Jim and Trent, respectively.

"You tell me I'm the only one"

Quinn and Lindy rhythimically point to their respective guys and back to themselves in time with that last line.

"I wish I knew for certain, baby"

Quinn and Lindy each put their hands on their hearts as if actually saying that last line to their guys.

"Say you love me, tell me, honey.."

During that line they each pull their guy close.

"Do you dream about me

Baby, when the night comes

When you close your eyes"

During the first part of the chorus Quinn and Lindy sway around Jim and Trent, respectively, in time with the music.

"Do you dream about me, when you dream of someone

When you close your eyes

Who do you see"

During the second part of the chorus Quinn and Lindy each pull their respective partners in and out in time with the music.

Meanwhile, at the table...

Sandi said "Joey, wanna join them?"

Joey said "Actually, I'm kinda beat. I think I'll head to the hotel."

"I'll come with you."

"I don't wanna spoil your fun."

He gets up and leaves Sandi feeling dejected.

"I wish I knew what's on your mind"

Sandi watches Joey disappear.

"When you're asleep"

Sandi looks sad.

"You're in my dreams every night"

On the dance floor Quinn, Jim, Trent and Lindy jumping in time with the music. Both pairs are having the time of their lives.

"Do you dream

Do you dream

Do you dream

Do you dream about me"

The four of them sway their bodies side to side in sync with the songs instrumental breakdown. Jim/Quinn and Lindy/Trent bump hips before sliding to the left. They bump from side to side and are all smiles.

We now get a wide shot that circles around them and zooms in as they move to the music while we hear...

"Do you dream about me

Baby, when the night comes

When you close your eyes

Do you dream about me

When you dream of someone

When you close your eyes

Whooooo do you seeeeee"

They continue to dance. Meanwhile Sandi is now alone at the table. She has a jealous scowl that quickly gives way to a depressed frown.


The balcony out side of Trent and Lindy's hotel room, night...

Trent and Lindy are admiring the view of Paris at night. It is a breathtaking panorama the includes the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. The view is enhanced by all of the lights.

Lindy said "Now I know why it's called the "City of Lights". Paris is beautiful in the night."

Trent said "Not as beautiful as you."

He gasps upon realizing what he just let slip.

"I just said that out loud, didn't I?"

Lindy giggles.

She said "That you did. Don't worry, I'm not creeped out. In fact, I'm flattered."

Trent is stunned speechless.

Smiling warmly, Lindy said "Trent, I have to be honest. I like you."

Trent said "I think you're cool too, Lindy."

Lindy smiles seductively.

She explained "I meant I think I'm starting to like you as more than just a friend. I always have a good time when I'm with you, you always make me laugh, you make me feel safe and I feel like I can tell you anything. I haven't felt that way in a long time and it feels real good. I don't want it to end."

Trent looks thoughtful for a moment. He makes his decision.

"I feel that way about you too, Lindy."

They slowly lean in towards other. Finally, they kiss. As the kiss lingers a shooting star streaks across the sky. As for what happened after that, let's just say they slept in the same bed that night.


A high end boutique in Paris' shopping district, day...

Music: "Glamorous Life" by Fergie

Inside the boutique Quinn and Sandi going through the racks of high end designer outfits. All expenses paid means lots of Chanel, Prada, Versache and Gucci has already been purchased and neither girl is keen on slowing down anytime soon.

In a dreamy tone, Quinn said "Ah, Paris. This is wonderful."

Sandi is in a good mood for once.

"You said it, Quinn. I just wish your sister, Jane and Lindy had joined us. We could have given them makeovers."

Quinn said "That would've been so cool, but I gave up on giving Daria a makeover a long time ago. I could've talked Jane into it, she's always up for trying something new, but she'd rather spend time with Daria. Lindy has good enough fashion sense to not need a makeover. Besides, she seems to wanna spend all of her time with Trent."

Sandi is stunned.

"Lindy can do so much better. Granted, he's a nice enough guy but still, he has no future. What would Lindy see in him?"

Quinn explained "She and Trent actually have a lot in common. They're both artistically inclined. They both come from dysfunctional families and they have similar tastes in clothes and music. Also, when you ignore the tattoo's he's actually sort of cute. I can see why Daria had a crush on him in high school."

Quinn conveniently forgot to mention that he turned out to be cute enough to have a drunken hookup with back when she was single.

Jim and Joey, meanwhile, are already laden down with bags of the things their girlfriends have purchased. Jim doesn't seem to mind despite knowing that he and Joey are going to be much more loaded down before all is said and done. Joey, on the other hand, would much rather be anywhere but here.

Quinn asked "How are you guys holding up?"

Jim said "Good. We both have strong backs."

Joey whined "Sandi, why do you need so much stuff?"

Sandi haughtily explained "Because this is an all expenses paid trip and buying designer clothes in Paris is a dream I've had since I was twelve."

As the girls resume their browsing Joey looks like he can't take much more. Jim has no problem with this, however.

Joey grumbled "I can't believe I used to do this for Quinn back in high school."

Jim said "I don't mind doing it for her now."

"But you're in a serious long-term relationship with her. The farthest I ever got was holding hands, and you wouldn't believe how much I had to do just to get that."

"Well, at least we're now doing it knowing it'll get us somewhere."

Joey looks miserable. Just then, something catches Jim's eye. He looks out the window and sees a jewelry store across the street called "Cartiet's". Jim seems to get an idea. He puts down what he's carrying.

"Joey, watch these for me, will ya?"

Joey couldn't believe this.

"You're bolting!?"

Jim said "I'll only be gone for a few minutes. If Quinn or Sandi ask where I am tell them I had to use the restroom."

Jim leaves as Joey stares daggers at him.


The jewelry store, a short time later...

Jim is at the counter buying something from the jeweler.

The jeweler said "A fine purchase, M'sieu."

He hands Jim a small black box. Jim opens it to look at what he just bought for Quinn. It's an engagement ring made of 24 karat gold with a huge tiffany cut diamond. The word "Always" is engraved on the band.

Jim thought Quinn's gonna love this.


The boutique, a short time later...

Quinn emerges from a fitting room in a Versache dress.

"Oh, I am so getting this."

She notices Jim

"You good to go now, honey?"

Jim said "Of course, babe. And, by the way, you look great."

Quinn smiles.

"Thanks, lover."

Jim thought Buy the ring in Paris, pop the question in Tuscany. The perfect romance recipe.


A train station in Paris, at the end of the week...

Music: "In a Big Country" by Big Country

The whole gang boards a bullet train. They are soon out of Paris and admiring the countryside. They see vineyards as the train passes through wine country. Soon, the train is crossing the Voges Mountains into the Alsace region of France and marvel at how because Alsace used to be a part of Germany and that's why the architecture has a vibe that's more German than French. The train crosses the Rhine River into Germany. Soon, they are admiring the unspoiled majestic beauty of the Black Forest. Soon they are passing a picturesque countryside of pastures, hills, villages and castles that look like something straight out of a fairy tale. To their south our travelers soon see massive mountains, some of which are snow capped. At one point they also see a hilltop castle that is identical to the one at Disneyland. The castle is called Neuschwanstein. They soon reach the city of Munich and get off at the train station.