Jane woke up that morning to the familiar buzzing of Mystik Spiral's music coming from the lower level of the gallery. *Ring, ring* Her eyes took a moment to adjust. *Ring, ring* "Oh be patient, it's not like it's an emergency or anything." She shouted to the phone as if the person on the other end could hear her. *Ring, ring* "I'm coming, I'm coming!" Slowly she made her way to the phone on the other end of the room. *Ring, ri...* "What? This better be important or I'm hanging up." No sound.

"Okay, I'm hanging up the phone, the receiver is leaving my hands and..."

"Jane? Erm...Miss Lane?" An all too familiar voice answered.

"Mr. O'Neil?" What could he want after five years? "Are you okay? You sound upset." She could hear him sobbing on the other end.

"Ohhh *sniff* *sob* It's all a disaster and its all my fault *choke* *sob* I didn't know who else to call. Oh, please say you'll help me!"

"Erm...okay?" She couldn't say no to a plea like that, but she wasn't sure what she wasn't saying no to. 'Please don't ask me to teach Art class,' she thought, horrified at the thought of moving back to Lawndale on a teachers salary with three screaming kids, another on the way, and a husband who did nothing but watch football and call her "Babe." Jane shuddered and snapped back into reality, having missed what Mr. O"Neil had been rambling on about. Jane mumbled something to herself.

"What was that Jane? I didn't hear you." Jane cleared her throat.

"Oh, nothing. Sure Mr. O'Neil. You can count on Jane Lane for, err...what am I doing again?" O'Neil was stifling his sobs on the other end.

"Planning the reunion. The five year reunion of the class of '99. We need decorations, a band, food, a speaker...something you kids would enjoy, you know." Going back to Lawndale was the last thing she ever wanted to do, but a promise was a promise, and this Lane was always good for her word.

After talking to O'Neil about the nitty gritty details, a.k.a. how much he was going to pay her, she hung up the phone and wandered downstairs. While she was making a fresh pot of coffee Trent and the band came up from the basement.

"I thought I smelled almonds." Trent said as he poured himself a cup. "Hey Janey, this new coffee is killer inspiration for us. Wanna hear our new song? Jesse and I are still working out a few kinks."

"Um...sure." She smiled at Trent's half open eyes and figured he'd been up all night again.

"You're driving me nuts," Trent sang.

"I'm hating your guts" Jesse chimed in.

"Pick you up in a twister" Trent sang.

"Punch you out with my fist, oh?" Jesse suggested.

"No." Trent shook his head.

"You're nobodies mister?" Jesse tried.

"No." Trent sighed.

"Quit dating my sister?" Jane threw in, knowing her latest boy toy and Trent's fight may have been inspiration for his newest lyrics.

"Janey, I told you, I'm over that now, as long as I don't see his face." *Laugh, cough*

With that said Trent and Jesse went back to drinking their coffee while Jane picked up the cordless and ran to the next room.
*Ring, ring* "C'mon, c'mon." She tapped her fingers on the chair. *Ring, ring*

"Hello?" A monotone greeting sounded on the other end.

"Daria, oh I'm glad I caught you. You will never believe who called me for a custom job this morning."

"Well from the sound of your voice I'd say it must be someone you never thought you'd hear from again. Let me guess, Tom called and wants you to decorate his garage with fake Picassos." Jane laughed, remembering the old naming gazebo.

"Oh no. Mr. O'Neil asked me to head up the committee for Lawndale's Class of '99 reunion party." Silence on the other end.
"Daria? You alive over there? Daria?"

"I'm sorry, Jane. Did you say Lawndale?"

"Yes, Lawndale. You know, the place where we spent most of our adolescent years."

"Yeah." She sighed.

"So, will you come?"

"Jane, I..."

"Please, Daria. Don't make me face those rabid wolves alone."

"Oh, alright. If I must, I must. When are we leaving?" Jane smiled.

"Well, providing the Tank has one trip left in her, I'd say tomorrow."

"Oh yes, the Tank. Faithful until she falls apart."

"You know it."

"Okay, I'll start packing."

"That's a good girl." She heard Daria sigh.

"You owe me."

"I know. Thanks freakin friend."

"Bye."

"Bye." Jane hung up the phone and went to find Trent. Finding him passed out on one of the beds downstairs, she nudged him.

"Wha...what? Am I late for a gig?"

"No, Trent. I need your help."

"Anything for you Janey."

"I need a band."

"For a gallery opening? Showing off your new paintings, 'Lawndale or Hell? A subtle difference in location.'?"

"Actually, speaking of Hell....They need me for the class reunion planning. It appears that Mr. O'Neil and the original planner
had a falling out, and he asked me to head up the committee."

"Janey, I thought you swore never to go back after you escaped the chains of high school."

"I know, I know. Let's just say I've had a change of heart." Trent raised an eyebrow.

"How much is he paying you?"

"Three thousand dollars." They smiled.

"So you want Mystik Spiral to play, huh?"

"Well, who else would I ask?"

"N'Sync maybe."

"Nah, you're much better. Besides, N'Sync broke up two years ago."

*laugh, cough* "Thanks Janey."

"No problem. So you're in?"

"Yeah. I better wake Jesse. He and I have lots of work to do."

-----Meanwhile, In Lawndale.-----

Knock, knock, knock.

"Who on earth could that be?" Helen put her coffee down, went into the living room and opened the door.

"Hello Mother." A vision of bouncy hair and pink lipstick stood before her.

"Quinn, honey, how nice to see you!" They hugged. "Jake dear, our daughter is home!" She called up the hallway.

"Daria! GREAT! I've been needing someone to help me program the DVD player. Dam over priced piece of...Quinn!! Hey honey? Where's Daria?" Jake looked around for her.

"Jake. Quinn is here. Daria is in Boston, remember?"

"Oh yea. Quinn honey, welcome home. How long are you staying? Can you program a DVD? What is Daria doing in Boston?"
"Oh dad, honestly, you haven't changed a bit."

"Thank you honey!" Quinn rolled her eyes slightly as she hugged her father, then went to her room as if she had never left home. The next minute she was on the phone with Sandi.

"Yes Sandi, I know the fashion club doesn't exist anymore. No, I understand you're too busy with your modeling career to be president again. No, I'm not saying you couldn't do the job. Yes, you were the best president. We couldn't have had a fashion club without you. The reason I called is because I'm doing a fashion show for sch...for fun, and I need models for my new line of faux fur winter wear. Yes, I think you could make your own designs. I understand you've been too busy, yes I realize your time is important. As a friend? Okay, I'll let you be the star. OF COURSE I'M NOT GLOATING!"

Downstairs Helen and Jake were watching the news. "...will become the youngest candidate ever to run in a citywide election. Jodie Landon-MacKenzie of Lawndale, wife of the famous running back for the New England Patriots, Michael Jordan MacKenzie, will be running for mayoral office this year for the city of Lawndale. I'm here with her now, Good morning Mrs. MacKenzie. Anything you wish to say to our viewers?"

"Good morning Dan, and call me Jodie." She smiles. "Good morning Lawndale. Fellow citizens of Lawndale, I'd like to thank you for your support and ideas. Together we can strive for a better future for our city."

Those are strong words for a strong lady. You heard it here first folks. We'll be back after the following commercial break."

"Feel the need for speed? Do you have an itch that you just can't scratch? Do you picture yourself surrounded by beautiful women? Grrrrr, Feisty! Well come on down to Chuck's Cars N Stars, where with each car you purchase you get a free up to date playmate calendar. Cars and women, what else could you ask for? Ask for my lovely wife, Andrea. C'mon Andrea, get over here and introduce yourself." Andrea stood by Chuck and spoke unenthusiastically.
"Hi, please buy our cars, best cars in town. Don't forget, free calendar, yippee." He pats her shoulder.

"Grrr...Feisty!"

Helen turned off the tv. "So nice that girl is going to be our mayor. Wasn't she Daria's friend?"

"Daria's here? Daria? Hey Daria wait!!" Helen shook her head as she watched Jake go to search for Daria. 'He just hasn't been the same since she left,' Helen thought.

Back in Boston Daria was sitting alone in her living room watching tv, taking a break from her advice column for the moment.
"Gabriel locked up in a drug rehab facility spilling secrets of Heaven? Arc Angels on Acid --NEXT-- On Sick, Sad World!"

Daria snickered and shut off the tv, drifting off to sleep in her chair.

"We shouldn't be doing this." Daria said in a small whisper.

"I know." he said and continued to kiss her softly. His hand reached for hers and she stopped him.

"Tom, no...I can't hurt Jane again." He looked at her.

"Who's Tom? Daria?" Daria awoke with a gasp and bonked her forehead on Trent's nose as he was leaning in to wake her.
"OUCH!" They both said. She rubbed her forehead and he backed away, rubbing his now throbbing nose. She stared at him, blushed, then looked away.

"How did you get in here? I thought only Jane had my..." Jane stepped forward with Daria's already packed suitcase.
"Spare key? Yeah, I tried the phone and knocked several times. What WERE you dreaming? You had the most interesting smile on your face." Daria glanced from Jane to Trent, then quickly to Jane again.

"Never mind." Jane said, understanding. "Anyway, the boys and I decided to hit the road early, if you don't mind."

"I'll meet you downstairs. I need to wake up." Daria said as she headed for the bathroom.

"No problem." Jane left Daria to her routine and pulled Trent with her. "C'mon Bro, Daria needs to primp."

"No, I..." Jane grinned at her blushing face and shut the door, leaving Daria alone and flustered. She thought back to her dream and frowned. While brushing her teeth she stared blankly into the mirror.

Again she was in his arms, feeling his warm breath on her neck, his strong hands around her waist, the shiny glint of his earrings caught her eye. Earrings? Daria snapped out of her daze and looked in the mirror again. "Oh God." She exclaimed.
"Not him."

It had been a few days' driving and the tank was running surprisingly smoothly as Trent drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and Jane drummed her fingers on her knee. While Max and Nick followed in Nick's car, Jesse lay in the back of the Tank snoring. After stopping at a rest stop to freshen up, everyone was back inside except one. The door of the Tank crashed open and Daria climbed in. Jane stifled a laugh and Trent looked back to see what was so funny. There stood Daria, face flushed, hair pulled back in, above all things, a scrunchie, and her usual dark garb was replaced with Jeans and a tie-dyed t-shirt.

"Is that....lipstick?" Daria blushed at Jane's observation. "DARIA! I guess some of the Lane lifestyle has finally rubbed off on you." Daria glared at Jane's not-so-subtle innuendo.

"Okay, I'm ready for my slow decent into Hell."

"Don't you mean Lawndale?" Jane offered.

"What's the difference?" They both laughed. Daria sat on the floor of the van and pushed her head onto her knees, resting her eyes. Tom's face flashed before her.

"I can't believe you would do this to me. After I left Jane for you. Daria, what were you thinking?"

"Tom, I...You said we were over."

"Actually, you were the one who ended it. I had every intention of visiting you in Boston, but you insisted we were growing apart."

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Tom. I was just being realistic. Long distance relationships just don't work out."

"Sure, whatever. Bye Daria."

The van hit a bump in the road and sent Daria flying across the back and into Jesse. "Ermph" he mumbled in his sleep.
"Sorry." She said as she crawled back to her spot and looked up to the front where Trent was driving and Jane was snoring. Trent looked into the rear view mirror and smiled at her.

"You okay back there Daria?" She blushed.

"Erm...yeah."

"Just checking. You were talking in your sleep again."

"Again?"

"Yeah, like at the apartment. I been meaning to ask you. Who's Tom?"

"You um, met him before. Jane's ex, well, our ex boyfriend."

"Oh yeah, I forgot." *laugh, cough* He paused for a moment. "Daria?"

"Yes Trent?" She looked at him with curiosity, he looked away.

"Um...never mind."

"Okay." she sighed and they drove on in silence. Trent watched the road go by, and Daria watched Trent watch the road go by.

"Sure, Jesse, you can stay. I don't mind." Jane said sleepily. Daria and Trent burst out laughing. At that moment, a deer ran in front of the van. Trent skid and turned to avoid it, which sent Daria flying forward, hitting her head on the back of Jane's seat. Slowly, the van sputtered and stopped. Smoke rolled out of the hood.

"I guess we aren't going anywhere for a while." Trent said.

"Yeah...At least the deer is ok."

"Yeah."

"It's um...cool that you stopped for it."

"Thanks Daria. Wouldn't want bad stuff to happen to me. You know that word?"

"Karma?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah." They sat in silence.

"Trent?"

"Yeah Daria?"

"Erm....should we wake Jane?"

"Nah, let Janey sleep. Hate to worry her and the Tank will start back up again in an hour or so."

"Okay." They sat in silence once more.

Their silence was broken by Jane mumbling "Mmmm, Coolwhip." Jane turned in her sleep and Daria and Trent started laughing again.

"You should laugh more often, Daria. It's nice." Daria looked at him dumbfounded.

"Um...thanks." Trent crawled into the back and stretched his legs out, leaning his head back on the van's wall. He closed his eyes for a moment.

"So..." He said.

"So..." Daria muttered.

"Well, any ideas?" He asked.

"We could sing." She offered.

"Yeah." *laugh, cough* He smiled. To his surprise, Daria began to sing in Mystik Spiral style.

"We're stuck in the mud, The Tank's a big dud, Bored out of our mind... um..."

"Can't kill any time?" Trent offered.

"No..." Daria smiled.

"Having trouble with ryme?" Trent said.

"No..." Daria was enjoying the roll reversal.

"Your place or mine?" Trent grinned at her.

"Trent...you know.." He leaned in and kissed her deeply. She didn't know what happened, but it felt good.

*AHEM* they broke the kiss hurriedly to face Jane with embarrassed expressions.

"Wow, I spend 9 years waiting for Daria to act on her feelings and then I sleep through it. Figures." Daria turned to Jane with a shrug. When Trent didn't say anything she looked at him. Trent glanced away quickly as if he was ashamed and Daria's heart fell. 'He didn't mean it.' She thought sadly. Suddenly angry, she spat out her sarcasm, building the walls around her heart higher.

"Momentary lapse of judgment. We were just bored." Trent still didn't say anything, which only confirmed his feelings to Daria. Jane looked from Daria, to Trent, then to Daria again. Seeing the anger on her best friends face she dropped the subject and decided it was best to pursue another time when they were alone, and when she was preferably out of arms reach.
"I think I'm gonna try to start the tank again." Trent said as he moved back to the driver's seat, avoiding Daria's icy glance. For just a moment, the lyrics to his old song, "Ice Box Woman" slipped into his mind. Confused, he turned the key. "Well, what do you know...only took 20minutes this time."

Back in Lawndale, the Morgendorffer house was strangely quiet as Quinn awoke for her morning juice and fruit cup. Only the sound of her mother's beeping fax machine echoed throughout the house.

"Where is everybody?" She wondered. As she nibbled on a pear slice Quinn turned to see her father standing in the doorway staring at her accusingly.

"Hey dad, would you like the grapes in my fruit cup? I don't eat them because my psychic says I should beware of round fruit in the morning. I believe her because my roommate at college, Sarah, had an orange before 9am and by noon she was in the emergency room. I told her, 'Sarah, look, I'm not saying it's your fault but maybe if you listened to Psychic Tiffany you wouldn't have been hit by that bus on 53rd street.' Anyways, how is your day going, Dad?"

"Daria, what are you talking about? You're not in college. Quinn is in college. That really expensive one down at the lake or something." Quinn looked at her father who had a glazed far off look in his eyes.

"Dad, I'm Quinn, Daria lives in Boston, remember?" He smiled at her and patted her head.

"Sure Daria, you don't have to go back to Boston. Stay here as long as you want." He took a sip of his coffee and frowned. "MY father put me out into the cold as soon as I got home from military school. HE said it would build CHARACTER! HE said if I wanted to be a successful MAN I need to fend for myself. He would have never cared enough to let his own child stay home until they were good and ready to leave. Ol' Jakey had to face the cold streets of reality! Damn city police! Don't they know it was an emergency ?!?! When you gotta go, you gotta go! I didn't know it was the Mayors lawn!" Just then Helen walked in.

"Of course I'll be there Eric. Just because I work from home now doesn't mean I won't go to office outings. Yes, I know, I know, yes. Of course not. Okay, bye Eric." She looks at Jake and Quinn. "Ah, father-daughter bonding moment. I wish I had my camera." Jake stormed off.

"Damnit Helen it was NOT my fault I was wearing Khaki! They said it was for the mugshot. Oh why me?!" Helen glanced at
Quinn who shrugged her shoulders.

"Mom, is it just me or is dad going crazy?"

"He just hasn't been the same since Daria, erm, you girls, left home. Don't mind him sweetie, he's pretty harmless. I keep the sharp objects locked in the garage."

Quinn shook her head and went back to her breakfast. It wasn't beyond her to notice her mother's change in words. She wondered why her father never acted that way when she left. What was so special about Daria? That gave her an idea. She would set her father up with her psychic healer, then when he was cured he would thank her and maybe then he'd remember he has two daughters. With that settled she called her psychic and set up an appointment. Her father walked into the room just as she hung up the phone.

"Daria, who was that?"

"Quinn."

"That was Quinn? How is she doing?"

"No, Daaad, I'm Quinn!"

"Oh, I get it. HAHAHA!! funny joke Daria. Tell Quinn I said hi, will ya honey?" Quinn sighed, and then a light went on in her head.

"Dad, Quinn knows this person and this person wants to meet you. Can I, I mean, can Quinn invite her over to meet you?"
"But Quinn's at Pepperhill."

"Yeah, I know, but this person really wants to meet you. She can be here by Tuesday. Dad, please say yes."

"My father would never let me have friends over. HE said I hung out with losers and bums! He said..." Quinn interrupted him.

"So it's okay?"

"Sure, Daria. Anything you want." Quinn felt tempted to take him up on that statement, but kept quiet. After all, he wasn't really offering her, he was offering DARIA.

"Thanks Dad. Be ready on Tuesday at one, and for goodness sake, don't wear THAT outfit. You'll embarrass me...erm yourself."

"Okie Dokie. Sure thing honey!" Jake left the kitchen and went off to watch the tv. Quinn breathed a sigh of relief.