Musical travel montage
Music: "Destination Unknown" by Missing Persons
All nine of our travelers are at the train station, boarding a bullet train. Soon, the train is traversing the Austrian Alps. Inside, Jim and Quinn admiring the scenery. Next, we see it on the tracks parrallel to a freeway. Both highway and train tracks pass through a wide gap in the mountains. It's the Brenner Pass, on the border between Austria and Italy. We soon see the rugged mountains and pine forests give way to rolling hills and wheat fields. Next, we see the train pass a vinyard. On top of a nearby hill is a Roman villa. Soon, the train passes a pasture and we see a boy tending a heard of sheep. Finally, we see them reach their destination: Florence, Italy.
Florence, Italy, day...
Our eight travelers are at Florence's main square, the Piazza di Signora. Quinn, Jim, Daria, Jane, Jake, Helen, Trent, Lindy and Sandi are standing in front of Palazzo Vecchio, an old medieval castle with high stone walls and a tower that dominates the piazza and which is Florence's city hall. They are visibly impressed by the archutecture around them.
Jane said "I can't believe I'm actually in Florence. This was ground zero for the Italian Renaissance."
Impassive, Daria said "The art of Raphael and Michealangelo, the literature of Dante and Machiavelli. For once I actually don't feel like I'm in hell."
She gives her half smile. They walk up to a fountain that has a massive status of a naked, physically fit bearded man with a trident on a chariot pulled by dolphins. It's the Fountain of Neptune.
Uncomfortable, Jake said "Is it really necessary to show his genitals?"
Rolling her eyes, Helen patiently explained "Jake, that's how a lot of classical sculpture was done."
Lindy added "She's right. The artists of the Renaissance followed the classical school of art. They believed the human body was a thing of inherent beauty that should be celebrated, not hidden."
Jane said "As an artist myself I can verify what Lindy says is true."
Jake looks uncomfortable. To break the tension Quinn asked "So, what do you guys wanna do first?"
Jane said "We have to visit the Galleria Uffizi. We're right by it and it contains works by all the great masters. DaVinci, Raphael, Donatello,Botticelli, Rembrandt, Durer. I could go on forever. We also should go to the Gelleria della Academia, that's where Michealangelo's David is."
Daria has her trademark smile. Jane's an artist and they're in Florence, so of course she's like a kid in a candy store.
Galleria Uffizi...
Music: "Venus" by Bannarama
Our group of travelers are admiring "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Boticelli. It's a famous piece depicting the Roman goddess emerging from the ocean naked and being attended by angels. Jane is practically salivating.
She said "Now this is a masterpiece. It makes up for the Mona Lisa being such a letdown."
Daria said, in her usual dry manner, "I take it you want to paint."
Jane said "Daria, these are priceless works by the Great Masters. I wish I could make something this good. I've seen professional photographs that couldn't convey this much feeling."
Quinn reminded her "Jane, you did a nude of me that looks like it belongs here. You've got it."
Sandi's eyes go wide.
"You've actually posed nude!"
A little sheepishly, Quinn said "It took a little prodding from both Jane and Jim, but yes."
Jane said "I later changed it into a social commentary piece. I thought that would be more powerful than a standard artistic nude."
Sandi said "God, Jane, that's sooo you."
With confidence, Quinn said "Jim and I have a copy of the original before Jane changed it. We'd be happy to show it to you sometime."
Sandi smirks.
"This I have got to see."
A short time later Sandi, Jane, Quinn and Daria admiring "Venus of Urbino" by Titian. The painting depicts the Roman goddess Venus reclining nude. The similarity to the nude that Jane had done of Quinn the previous year has Jane visibly distraught.
Jane, sounding deflated, said "I can't believe someone did that exact painting 500 years before I did. No wonder I felt compelled to alter it. I must have subconsciously known I'd done a copy."
Quinn said "Well, Sandi, it's a preview. What do you think?"
Sandi, some of her old haughtiness returning, said "Well, if the one of you is anything like this I think people will start worshipping you. I just hope it doesn't go to your head."
The somewhat haughty tone in Sandi's voice immediately gets Quinn thinking about high school.
Quinn said "Guys, I was just wondering about something. If you could go back and relive high school, knowing what you know now, would you?"
Jane looks a little uncomfortable.
"Someone once told me they would. The night didn't end well".*
*(A/N: It happened in "Is It Fall Yet?")
Daria said "I only went through that hell the first time because I had no choice. No way would I go for a second round voluntarily."
Sandi looks regretful.
"I'd do it. There are so many things I'd do differently."
Jane raises an eyebrow.
"Such as?"
With a sigh, Sandi said "Everything. I would've actually tried to be nice to people, I wouldn't have treated Quinn as a dangerous rival and I would've stood up to my mother. One of the reasons my life sucks now is because of all the things I did back then. It would also be a chance to recapture some of my former glory. I peaked in high school. Pathetic, isn't it?"
Quinn said "Sandi, you're not pathetic. Besides, it could always be worse?"
" How?"
Jane said "You could be Kevin."
That one actually brings a smile to Sandi's face.
Quinn said "I'd go back and do high school over. There are some things I'd do different the second time around."
Daria asked "Like what?"
Quinn said "Like not shunning you for the sake of popularity. I also would've made an effort to be more sisterly from the start instead of waiting until you were a senior. I also wouldn't string along the three J's and use guys just for material gain and status. I also would take academics more seriously from the beginning instead of waiting for a low test score to serve as an overdue wake up call."
Daria smiles.
She really has grown up.
That evening at the hotel...
Jim is walking in one of the hallways alone. He has the little box with the ring in his hand and is deep in thought.
I love her, but am I really ready for this? We've only been together for two years. Am I rushing things?
He is suddenly startled.
"Where are you going?"
Jim turns around with a start, dropping the box with the ring in the process. Daria was standing right behind him.
He said "Jeez, Daria, are you trying to give me a heart attack before I'm thirty?"
Daria said "While I admire your use of metaphor it doesn't answer my first question?"
She picks the box up off the floor.
"Or my second, which is "What's this?"."
Jim looks nervous as Daria opens the box. Her eyes go wide when she sees the ring.
Nervous, Jim meekly explained "It's...well...um...I bought it in Paris. A little something for Quinn."
Daria said "Jim, this is an engagement ring."Her eyes go wide once again as she immediately figures it out. "Oh my God! You're gonna propose to Quinn, aren't you?"
She hands the ring back to Jim, who looks a little doubtful.
"I was."
Daria asked "What do you mean "was"?"
Jim said "I'm having second thoughts."
"Since when?"
"Munich. Sandi and Joey breaking up got me a little rattled."
Daria is surprised as she never took Jim for the easily rattled type.
She said "Jim, they were only together for nine months. You and Quinn are two years in and still going strong."
Jim said "They were so into each other in the beginning. It didn't take long for them to drift apart. I guess a part of me is expecting things with Quinn to go downhill at some point and that scares me."
Daria said "I don't see that happening to you and Quinn in the foreseeable future."
Jim explained "What about the unforeseeable future? Don't get me wrong, Daria. I love Quinn and wanna be with her but I'm starting to wonder if now's the right time to take that next big step. I know her previous steady relationship lasted four years. I've only been with her for two."
"They began to drift apart at the start of the fourth year." said Daria, "I know because I was there, I saw it firsthand".
Jim said "I would like to marry Quinn someday. But when I do I wanna be sure we'll last. Too many couples wind up divorced because they took the plunge before they were ready."
Daria said "I think I understand what you're saying. You want to be with Quinn but are increasingly feeling that you haven't been together long enough to know for sure whether you have what it takes to make it for life."
Jim nods.
Daria said "I'm no expert here. None of my steady relationships ever lasted long enough for one of us to seriously consider a trip down the aisle. But I am perceptive enough to learn a great deal through observation. If you have some reservations then you're most likely not ready to tie the knot yet."
Jim asked "What do you suggest?"
"Do you love her?"
Without missing a beat, Jim said "Yes, and I probably always will."
Daria said "Well, I know that she loves you. If you don't think now is the right time to take that next step then it probably isn't. I suggest that you hold on to the ring and give it to her when the time is right."
Jim thinks it over.
"Makes sense," he said, "But I do have one more question: How will I know when the time is right?"
Daria said "I'm sorry, Jim, but you're gonna have to figure that one out for yourself."
Jim reaches into his pocket and gets out some money. He hands it to Daria.
She asked "What's this?"
He said "Hush money. Don't tell Quinn about this conversation."
Taking the money, Daria said "I won't. Pleasure doing business."
Jim is about to continue on his way when...
"You still didn't answer my first question."
"Where I'm going?"
Daria nodded.
Jim said "It's a surprise. You'll find out when everyone else does."
He turns around and starts to continue on his way. He stops and turns around.
"Daria."
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
He continues on his way.
A winery and vineyard in the countryside near Florence, day...
In the front reception area our nine travelers are waiting for a tour guide. The guided tours at this winery are segregated by language, ensuring a tour guide who speaks English.
Jim said "Quinn, this was a great idea."
Quinn smiles.
"Duh, Jim. What's a visit to Italy without a wine tour?"
Helen asked "What's on the itinerary, Quinn?"
Quinn said "First, a guided tour of the vineyards. After that a tour of the factory where we see them make and bottle the wine. The tour ends with a wine tasting."
Jake enthusiastically said "Sounds fun!"
Meanwhile, Lindy looks a little worried, which Trent notices.
He asked "What's wrong, Lindy?"
She said "I'm worried about the wine tasting. You're not supposed to actually swallow the wine, right?"
Trent looks thoughtful (or his approximation thereof).
"Pretty sure. Although I might sneak a swallow in just for the fun of it. We musicians have high alcohol tolerance."
Lindy said "That's why I'm worried. What if I swallow the wine and have a relapse?"
Trent puts his hand on Lindy's shoulder and reassures her.
"It'll be okay, Lindy. You did good not going overboard with the beer in Munich."
"I cut myself off after two, I know, but do you have any idea how badly I wanted to keep drinking?"
Trent said "You didn't give in to temptation with the beer. I know you won't with the wine either. You're stronger than you think."
Lindy smiles.
"Thanks, I really needed to hear that."
Trent said "That's why I said it." He paused a moment before adding "That and it's true."
Lindy said "You're so sweet, Trent."
She kisses him on the cheek. It's at this point that the tour guide approaches. He's skinny with a natural tan from working outdoors and curly brown hair.
"Hello, I am Fabrizzio. I will be your tour guide. Benedice a li vineri di Avanci e Rossolini. That means welcome to the winery of Avanci and Rossolini."
The vineyards, a short time later...
Fabrizzio leads our travelers on a tour of the vineyards.
He said "Tuscan winemaking dates back to ancient Roman times and employs techniques developed in ancient Greece and still used today. You see..."
As he continues to talk Quinn and Jim smile and hold hands.
Beaming, Jim said "I can't believe I'm here. Italy, the mother country. Literally my mother's land."
Quinn recalled a conversation where Jim had told her his great grandparents were Neapolitan, but they're in Tuscany.
She said "I thought you said the Carbones were originally from Naples."
Jim explained "That's my father's side of the family. My mother's family was from Tuscany. That's why her and I have lighter complexions than my father and brother."
Quinn said "I can definitely see the resemblance to your mother. Got your looks from her side of the family."
Jim said "Yes. I think one of the reasons for Dad's issues with me is that he thinks I'm not really his. Problem with that theory is the birthmark on my ass. That's from his side. So's the chest hair. None of the men on mom's side have much body hair."
Quinn now feels a little guilty. She'd inadvertently said something that reminded Jim of the fact that he and his father are on poor speaking terms.
"Jim," she said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply..."
"It's alright, Quinn. I know you didn't mean anything. It just reminded me of the tension at home."
Quinn still feels bad. She knows from experience how painful a tense home life can be.
"I'm still sorry. Here I am making small talk and, like an idiot, I say something that opens an old wound."
Jim said "Don't worry about it. I have pretty thick skin."
He smiles before continuing.
"Here I am, in the land of my mother's ancestors with the woman who may one day be the mother of my own children."
They smile and resume listening to Fabrizzio.
The wine tasting area...
Our travelers are now doing the wine tasting. Daria and Jane like what they taste, though Daria is understated as usual.
"Not bad."
Jane said ""Not bad"? Come on, Daria, this is the best pinot noir I've ever had."
Daria said "Since you normally only drink cheap table wine I can see why you're so impressed."
"Like you're a wine steward."
"Point taken."
Meanwhile, Helen is embarrassed because Jake is visibly drunk.
Jake slurred "'Ur relly purdy, H'len."
Helen just rolls her eyes. Cut to Trent, Lindy, Quinn, Jim and Sandi. Quinn looks embarrassed.
Sandi said "Um, Quinn, your father does know he's not supposed to actually swallow the wine, doesn't he?"
Quinn buries her face in her hand.
Jim said "I'll take that as a no."
Lindy joked "He must've thought about his father. It's kind of ironic since I haven't swallowed any wine and I'm a recovering alcoholic."
Jake drunkedly stumbles toward them.
"W'rs Helen?"
Both embarrassed and a little annoyed, Quinn said "Dah-ad, you were just talking to Mom. Remember?"
Jake said "Oh, yah!"
He goes over to Sandi and puts a hand on her shoulder while getting in her face.
Sandi asked "What are you doing!?"
Jake said "We needs to talks, H'len...hic."
"I'm not Helen."
Jake sways a little as he speaks and uses Sandi's shoulder to keep his balance.
"S...hic...sure ya 'r'. I...hic...god a...urp...b..bone to pik wid you."
He crys on Sandi's shoulder.
"Wh...Why do you close yur eyez when we ma...hic...make luv? Waaahhh!"
Sandi and Quinn are seriously embarrassed while everyone else is visibly amused.
A road through the Italian countryside...
We see that our travelers are on the bus back to Florence. Shot of Sandi as her cell phone rings.
"Hello."
Tom is on the other end of the line.
"Sandi, it's Tom."
Sandi's heart skips a beat.
"Tom, how did you get my number?"
Tom said "Joey gave it to me. He told me you two broke up. Before you say it, I didn't ask for your number and I'm not trying to pick you up on the rebound. I just figured I'd call and see how you're doing."
Sandi said "I'm fine, Tom." Especially after hearing from you. "You?"
"I'm good. Listen, if you need someone to talk to I'm available."
Sandi looks thoughtful.
"You and Tom makes a hell of a lot more sense than you and me."I might as well. See what happens.
The silence worries Tom.
"Sandi, you still there?"
Snapping out of her thoughts, Sandi said "I'm here, Tom. Listen, I was wondering if, when I get back, maybe we could go for coffee sometime?"
Tom thinks it over for a minute. Now it's Sandi who's worried by the silence.
"Tom? Hello?"
Tom said "How about I take you to Chez Pierre instead?"
Sandi smiles.
A restaurant in Florence, evening...
Music: "Don't Wait Up For Me" by The Donnas
The restaurant is a lounge with a karaoke bar. Jane, Daria, Helen, Quinn, Lindy and Sandi seated at a table that is close to the stage. Jim, Jake and Trent are noticeably absent.
Lindy asked "Where are they?"
Puzzled, Helen said "I don't know. I can't believe they all disappeared on us at the same time."
Daria thinks of something.
"I caught Jim sneaking off the other night. He said it was a surprise and I'd find out when everyone else does."
Sandi said "Joey told me the same thing in Munich."
Lindy added "Trent said something like that to me in Morgendorf. You think this is it."
Cut to the stage with the karaoke machine. A man gets up to introduce the next group of singers.
Man: (We have another group of karaoke singers who want to surprise the women in their lives)*
*(A/N: Translated from Italian)
A spotlight shines on the girls. They get a sinking feeling. Cut back to the stage.
Man: (Allow me to introduce Two J's and a T.)
The crowd applauds as Jake, Jim and Trent all take the stage. They each take up a microphone. At the table each of the women gasp in shock.
Jane said "So that's what they were planning behind our backs!"
Back on stage each guy introduces himself.
"My name is Jake Morgendorffer and I wanna dedicate this song to my wife, Helen."
"Jim Carbone, dedicated to my girlfriend, Quinn."
"Trent Lane. This ones for you, Lindy."
The music, which sounds very familiar, plays and the guys do a little dance as they sing.
Jake:
"We're no strangers to love
You know the rules, and so do I"
Jim:
"A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this far with any other guy"
Trent:
"I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand"
All three:
"Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
The second verse begins."
Jake:(points to Helen)
"We've known each other for so long
Your hearts been achin' but you're too shy to say it"
Trent: (points to Lindy)
"This time we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it"
Jim: (points to Quinn)
"And if you ask me how I'm feelin'
Don't tell me you're too blind to see it"
All three:
"Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you."
Back at the table everyone has gotten over the initial shock. Jane, Daria and Sandi are visibly amused while Helen, Quinn and Lindy are visibly moved. Cut back to the stage.
Recorded female voice:
"Ooooooo, give you up"
"Ooooooo, give you up"
Jake: (pointing at Helen)
"Never gonna give
Never gonna give"
Female voice:
"Give you up"
Jim: (pointing at Quinn)
"Never gonna give
Never gonna give"
Female voice:
"Give you up"
Trent: (pointing at Lindy)
"Never gonna give
Never gonna give"
Female voice:
"Give you up"
Jake:
"We've known each other
For so long
Your hearts been aching but
You're too shy to say it"
Trent:
"This time we both know what's been
Going on
We know the game and we're
Gonna play it"
Jim:
"I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you
Understand"
All three:
"Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Neve gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you"*
*(A/N: Oh, yeah, I totally went there.)
As the song ends cut back to the table. The ladies are all clapping.
Lindy said "That was really sweet."
Applauding, Quinn said "A guy who's willing to embarrass himself like that for me is a keeper. We'll get them back next trip."
The streets of Florence, later that evening...
Quinn and Jim are walking and talking.
Quinn said "Jim, that was really sweet what you guys did back there. A little embarrassing, but still sweet."
Smiling, Jim said "Thanks. I think we arranged it just right."
They look up at the sky and see that it's a clear night with a full moon. Quinn is awestruck.
"Jim, the moon is so beautiful."
Jim looks serious.
It's perfect. I have the ring. I could propose now and she'd say yes. The problem is that the more I think about the more I realize it's too soon. But how long can I keep this a secret from Quinn?
Finally, he said "Quinn, I need to tell you something."
Curious, and a little uncertain, Quinn said "What is it, honey?"
Jim confessed "When we were in Paris I bought a ring. I was planning to propose to you here. The thing is that I changed my mind since then."
Quinn looks puzzled.
"Why?"
Jim said "I thought about it and decided that it's too soon for us to take that step. I love you but I'm not ready to marry you. We've only been together for two years. I don't think that's enough time to be sure if we have what it takes. I decided to hold on to the ring so I'll have it when I am ready. When I marry you I want to be absolutely sure that we are gonna stay together for life."
Quinn looks thoughtful. She finally reaches a decision.
Quinn said "You're right, Jim, it is too soon for us to take that step. Tell you what, Jim: ask me when you're ready and If I'm ready I'll say yes and if not I'll say no and you'll know why. For now, though, I'm happy with things the way they are."
Jim is relieved. He half expected Quinn to be hurt, so it's a relief to discover that they're both on the same page. They both love each other but would like to wait a little longer before taking that next big step.
"Me too. I love you, Quinn."
"I love you too, Jim."
They kiss. Once the kiss ends they resume staring at the moon. Jim looks like a huge weight has been taken off of his shoulders.
Someday, he thought, someday.
Florence International Airport, day...
Music: "Home Sweet Home" by Motley Crue
It's the end of Italy week and the end of the trip. All nine of our travelers seated in first class and ready to go home. Cut to later and we see the plane take off. Cut to seven hours later and we see the plane land at Philadelphia International Airport. Cut to inside the airport after they've all collected their luggage. Cut to Trent and Lindy.
Lindy said "So, when are you heading back to New York?"
Trent said "Tomorrow. I'm staying with Daria and Jane at her parents place tonight and we'll all head back up tomorrow."
"How about I come up and see you next weekend? You could show me around."
Trent smiles.
"Cool. It's a date."
He and Lindy kiss. Meanwhile, Quinn and Jim are offering a ride to Sandi.
Quinn said "Since you and Joey came here in his car would you like me to give you a ride home."
Sandi said "I don't wanna bother you two. You have to go to Stacy's and pick up Storm, after all."
Jim said "I don't think Stacy'll mind having Storm a little longer. She's probably spoiled him rotten."
Sandi smiles.
"All right, then. Thanks."
They begin walking toward long term parking.
Quinn asked "By the way, Sandi, how about you, me and Stacy have a girls night out next weekend?"
"I can't. I have to work Friday night and on Saturday I have a date."
Jim asked "Who's the lucky guy?"
"Tom Sloan."
Quinn and Jim are shocked.
Sandi said "He doesn't seem that bad. I figure I'll go on a date or two, see if there's some potential."
Quinn smiles. Cut to Daria and Jane, who overheard the conversation.
Daria said "So now Tom's dating Sandi Griffin."
Jane joked "First me, then you, now her. He's gonna go through everyone I know, isn't he?"
They both smirk.
Music: "Sixteen and Confused" by Parade of Losers
The End.
Next Time
Quinn, Season 4 picks up one year after this. Expect to see a lot more of Daria as the 2008 Recession forces her to make the ultimate sacrifice: moving back in with her parents.