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Chapter 9 - Weekday Wrap-Up: Part Four (Conclusion)

Friday...

(Scene changes to the mansion's rear grounds, early morning)

Darren and Tina, both wearing white gis and bare-footed, were slowing encircling each other in an open grass clearing, measuring one another. They had been going at it for about ten minutes. Krystal, having just arrived after quickly greeting the others, stood to one side with her arms crossed, watching intently. Jane, dressed in her usual jogging paraphernalia after having jogged on a brief route with Darren, was on the other side sitting with her legs crossed, sketching, presumably the two. Jane casually glanced out of the corner of her eye for what clothing Krystal was wearing, which was a simple gi, black in color, and sandals. She also had a matching black shoulder gym bag.

JANE: (Mentally rolls her eyes and snorts, thought v.o.: Huh. Now, why does that seem to be a fitting color for Krystal, even though Daria ironically likes it--? [Mentally sighs:] Oh well, at least it isn't some sorta tight-fitting leotard...) (Continues to sketch)

Tina suddenly rushed forward, screaming, which startled Jane slightly. Krystal smirked briefly at Jane, amused, then turned her attention back to the two.

Darren quickly countered by going low, trying to sweep Tina off her feet, but Tina merely lept over, simultaneously attempting to kick Darren, who fell back. Both presumed their new positions opposite one another, and started to slowly encircle each other again.

This time, Darren suddenly rushed forward while screaming, attempting to chop Tina in her shoulder. Tina promptly parried, grabbed Darren's left arm, and flipped him to the ground hard on his back. Jane's eyes grew in alarm, but Darren merely kicked himself up and bowed to Tina, who bowed back. The two then presumed slowly to encircle each other.

Darren once again tried to initate the attack, but Tina yet again countered, this time reaching behind Darren and flipping him over hard on his side, making him wince this go around. Darren rolled on his back and looked up at her, exasperated. From his point of view, she was upside down.

DARREN: (Slightly out of breath:) You're--enjoying--this, aren't you?

TINA: (Smirks:) Damn right I am. Revenge from Monday, as you full well know. To top it all off, I've got to whip you back into shape, and I know you can do better than that. Get up. (Darren does, and both bow at each other again. The two resume their slow encircling)

Krystal came around the two and over to Jane, who was sketching frantically now, her tongue protruding out of the side of her mouth. She looked over Jane's shoulder, cocking an impressed eyebrow. Jane had already captured the two in battle, with Tina having flipped Darren over. She was even working on Darren's facial expression, which was of pain.

KRYSTAL: (Whistles:) Nice.

JANE: (Still sketching:) Thanks. (In the background, Darren's wince is heard again)

KRYSTAL: (As she watches the sparring:) So, Tina said they found a bug in Jim's room last night, huh?

JANE: (Ditto with the sketching:) Yeeep. Tina took it to the cops, and they're trying to see if they can find some fingerprints on it, or something. My guess is they probably won't. Whoever did this isn't stupid enough to leave any behind, I don't think. Anyways, they checked the entire mansion again after doing everybody's bedrooms, (smirks:) save for Darren's meditation room, of course, this time electronically. They didn't find anything else. (Pauses, ponders for a moment:) You know, Jim seemed to take the discovery of a bug in his bedroom quite calmly. He didn't get too upset or anything.

KRYSTAL: Maybe it hasn't hit him yet. (Cuts eyes down at Jane:) I wonder why one was found in there, of all places? I mean, Darren's, Millie's, or even Helen and Jake's bedroom I can understand, but Jim's? It doesn't make any sense.

JANE: (Stops, looks up at Krystal, shrugs:) Who knows? Tina thought that maybe the person or persons were in the process of putting more in other rooms, starting with Jim's first, but stopped for some reason, maybe because they thought they were about to be discovered. Tina's said she's gonna check out everybody real closely when they come to the party tonight. I made sure she knew what my brother and his friends looked like so she wouldn't give them too much of a hard time when they come in later this afternoon. (Resumes sketching)

KRYSTAL: Oh, that's right, your brother's in a rock band. "Mystik Spiral", right?

JANE: (Not looking up:) Um-hmm. His name's Trent. (Pauses, now looks up at her:) Oh, and they'd prefer to be called an "underground alternative rock band". (Krystal cocks an eyebrow, as Jane smirks:) They said simply using the term "rock band" indicates they're sellouts to the "Man and his system" like every other band in the industry. (In the background, Tina screams, and Darren's wince is heard again)

KRYSTAL: (Chuckles as Jane resumes sketching:) Ah, rebels against the "system". I'll keep that thought in mind. (Watches Darren and Tina spar for a moment, then cuts eyes down to Jane:) Sooo, how did your date with Darren go last night? I heard you guys drew a lot of attention from the photo vultures on the early morning news. (Thought v.o., inwardly bitter sneer: And I thought a shocked Rory was going to drool a lake in lust when he saw your picture on the TV...)

JANE: (Stops, thought v.o. as she looks up to her: Finally! I was wondering when she'd get to that! Bet it's really getting to her. Might as well rub it in...) Yeah, but we avoided the paparazzi pretty good, in fact, it was kinda fun avoiding them, and such. (Smiles, exaggerated "dreamy" expression:) The date was incredible, Krystal. I've never had one go quite like that. We went out to Cherie's, to two museums, both of which I was dying to get into, and we had each place to ourselves! I even met some famous art critics who liked my work! (Slightly wicked smirk:) Darren even found the time to stop by a flower shop and get me a single rose, which he pinned on me. (Krystal forces a smile) Then, we went out to Central Park, where he took me on a carriage ride in the moonlight. (Adds casually:) Tom took me on one once in Lawndale, but Darren's was way better. (Sighs "heavily", smiles:) Darren then kissed me under the stars...(Krystal's mouth clenches under her "smile") it simply swept me away. I'm looking forward to doing that again with him soon.

KRYSTAL: (Thought v.o.: If I didn't know better, I'd say Jane was teasing me about her date, even laughing at me... :) (Exaggerated tone, "grins":) That's--wonderful, Jane--

JANE: (Stands, exaggerated "excited" expression, gasps:) Hey, maybe we can even double, no wait, triple, no, quadruple-date, huh? You and your boyfriend, me and Darren, Daria and Tom, Curtis and his girlfriend Lena? (Krystal looks taken aback slightly. Jane smirks:) Why, we'd dirty up the town!

KRYSTAL: (Looks off uneasily:) Well, maybe, Jane, though I'm sort of playing the field now.

JANE: (Thought v.o.: As long as you don't start playing in Darren's field like you want to...) I know how that was, (pauses:) at least before Tom, anyway. Well, I'm sure someone with your looks can get any guy, right?

KRYSTAL: (Tries to regain her footing, "grins":) Everyone keeps telling me that! First, the Fashion Club and the Watley sisters last night, and now you! (Feigns flattery:) Thank you!

JANE: You're welcome. (Pauses, adds:) It's true, isn't it? (Smirks:) You probably have guys lined up at your beck and call. (Stares right at her, pointed tone, forced chuckle as she crosses her arms:) I'm sure glad you're not after Darren. I wouldn't have had a chance. (Another wince is heard in the background, but this time, it's Tina's)

KRYSTAL: (Thought v.o.: If it were up to me, you wouldn't.) (Slight chuckle:) Well, I guess you have nothing to worry about, huh? Darren's just a friend, and that's that.

JANE: (After a moment more of staring at her in silence:) Of course. Just a friend. (Pauses:) And that's that. (Picks up her sketchbook:) Well, I'd better get back to my sketching. Think I'll go over to the other side and sit down by that hill to get a better view. 'Cuse me. (Leaves, but looks back over her shoulder at Krystal for a moment. Jane's expression is stoic, yet pointed)

Krystal stared after Jane for an instant with her own stoic expression, then resumed watching Darren and Tina spar.

KRYSTAL: (Thought v.o.: Jane knows. I'm sure of it now. She's "staking out" her claim on Darren to me. I guess it's time I ask her to-) (Looks off to the side, distracted:) Curtis?

A smirking Curtis Watley sauntered over the grassy ridge of a hill on Krystal's left, dressed in a casual khaki short-sleeved shirt, baggy black short pants, and black sneakers. He waved over at Krystal, who assumed he'd come over as she returned the wave. Much to her surprise, however, he veered straight to a now-sitting Jane instead. Krystal privately moaned. Curtis' seeming "approval" of Jane as Darren's girlfriend by going over to her first only served to further her frustration. She turned her attention back to Darren and Tina, who were so into their match, they hadn't noticed Curtis as of yet (not that Tina would care).

Jane remaining sitting and sketching as Curtis came over. She stopped and looked up as he approached.

CURTIS: (Smiles:) 'Morning, Jane. (Crosses arms, interested expression:) Sketching the sparring?

JANE: (Returns the smile:) Top of the morning to you, Curtis. Yep, I'm going to town on this.

CURTIS: (Grins as he examines Jane's work, nods:) Yeah. (Pauses:) That's how it usually is--Darren on his butt, and Tina standing over him. You've caught it pretty good.

JANE: (Chuckles:) Thanks. (Pauses:) I see you've finally escaped the homefront after nearly a week of imprisonment, huh?

CURTIS: (Narrows eyes:) I almost didn't. My visiting relatives and monster cousins had just about decided to stay a couple of days more, wanting to "extend" their vacation, but after my hungry dad came home from work last night and discovered that the frig was completely emptied along with the cupboards yet again, meaning that our breakfast this morning was also out of the question, he'd had enough. He got into his typical commanding baritone voice and declared to my mom, me, and my sisters in private, (in a mocking deep tone:) "I can't stand to have my freeloading brother and his family flopped up here with their butts tootied up on our furniture any longer! They're getting the hell out tomorrow, woman!" (Jane laughs out loudly, which draws Darren's attention, distracting him. Tina smirks, and flips him over yet again. This time, his wince is a little more pronounced) I and my sisters immediately backed him up, and out they went early this morning. (Grins:) Mom was sad to see them go, but I'm sure she'll recover, and my sisters will have to clean up after those brats, as per our agreement!

JANE: (Cocks an eyebrow:) "Agreement"?

CURTIS: (Chuckles:) Yeah, see, it's like this...

After seeing and hearing Jane laugh out, Krystal decided to come around and over to the two as Curtis was explaining. While listening, Jane stopped sketching and stood up as she saw Krystal coming over, privately sensing that Krystal didn't want to feel "left out" of their little conversation. Curtis turned to Krystal as she came up, smiling, having just finished telling Jane. In the background, a more-attentive Darren and Tina continued to spar.

KRYSTAL: Good morning, Curtis.

CURTIS: Hey, Krystal. See you've got a tan from your vacation.

KRYSTAL: (Cocks an eyebrow, smirks:) As do you--

CURTIS: (Looks down and over on himself:) Oh, really? Well, it's been a little more than a month since I've come back from Florida, you know, it's bound to have faded some. (Pauses:) Besides, how can you tell with the tan that I "naturally" already have? (Both girls chuckle)

KRYSTAL: How's Lena? Darren told me that she'll be coming up here to join you this spring.

CURTIS: One word: Impatient. She's dying to get up here with me, (adds:) not that she's trying to ditch her family, you understand. Still, I consider myself more impatient for her company than she is for mine.

KRYSTAL: (Chuckles, cuts eyes to Jane:) "Patience has it's rewards". It's well worth the wait to get the person you care the most for, (pauses, pointed tone:) isn't that right, Jane?

JANE: (Catches on to the subtle meaning, slight sarcastic tone, quick smirk:) Yeah, and it looks like after my "wait", he came to me. (Krystal stares at her stoically, save for a slight smirk of her own) (Pauses, to Curtis:) Uh, so you two have known each other for a while, huh?

CURTIS: Well, I first met Krystal several days after I first met Dar--(there is a loud shout of "AH!", which draws their attention:) huh? Darren?

Darren was grimacing, rubbing his left shoulder, the one that had been wounded by the bullet in the warehouse. Tina stood beside him, her hands on her hips with a concerned expression. The trio immediately went over to him. Krystal was about to ask if he were alright, but Jane beat her to the punch, putting her hand gingerly on Darren's shoulder as she inquired. Krystal glared at Jane subtly.

JANE: (Concerned frown:) Hey, you okay?

DARREN: Yeah, but I think I moved my operated-on shoulder a little too fast, and one of the muscles pulled just a bit. I should've taken it a little more easy, I guess. Hey, Curtis.

CURTIS: Hey, Darren--(cocks an eyebrow, cooler tone:) Tina. (Tina grunts at him) (Smirks to Darren:) You're not just trying to get out of your little match with Tina here, are you? (Darren cocks an eyebrow) From what I saw while I was coming here over the hill, she was wiping the ground up with you pretty good--as usual. (Darren rolls his eyes. Jane smirks along with Krystal. Tina's eyebrows raise in genuine surprise. Rarely does Curtis pay her a compliment. Curtis notices Tina's expression:) Don't let that go to your head, Tina. (Smirks:) I still can barely tolerate you. (Jane looks between the two, a grin showing. Krystal crosses her arms, having heard all this before, smirks. Darren looks up, annoyed, as if to say, "Not this again.")

TINA: (Smirks back:) Oh, the feeling's more than mutual, Curtis. (Pauses, "sweet" tone:) I still can't tolerate you at all. (Curtis mouths "Ha-ha")

DARREN: (Long, loud sigh exasperated:) Guyyys--

CURTIS: (Puts hands up, grins:) Take it easy, Darren, we're just kidding--

TINA: (Chuckles:) --Mostly, that is. (Pauses:) Seriously, I think you and I should stop for now, Darren. We can pick up on our practice next week while your aunts, cousins, and grandmothers are visiting. You might want the doctor to look at that shoulder between now and then.

DARREN: Tina, I'm fi--

TINA: (No-nonsense look and tone, cuts him off:) --Darren, please do what I ask. I don't want to feel responsible if you get really hurt and reinjure your shoulder while we're sparring.

KRYSTAL: (Thought v.o.: Damn, I can't practice with him, now. Bet Jane's loving that.) (Before Jane can speak:) She's right, Darren. There's no need to rush yourself to get back into shape. (Slight smirk at Jane, who narrows her eyes, adds:) They'll be plenty of time for that during future sparring matches, right, Jane?

JANE: (Cool tone, stares pointedly at her:) Yeah, right. (Pauses:) "Future" sparring matches. (Curtis frowns a bit at Jane's tone, but dismisses it)

DARREN: (After a moment, unaware of what's going on, like Tina:) Well, okay. We might as well go inside for breakfast, then. Curtis, do you want--

CURTIS: (Cuts him off, slaps hands together:) --I thought you'd never ask! I was so hungry on my way over, I was tempted to eat the grass and tree bark out here! (Jane chuckles while the others stare at him oddly) Jane knows. I'll explain it to you on the way to the mansion.

TINA: (Turns to Krystal, smiles:) Ready to spar with me, Krystal? I'm still pumped-up, and I suspect I won't have to hold back on you as much as I did on Darren. (Darren rolls his eyes, stares at her in mild disbelief, then slips own his own pair of sandals, which were nearby. Curtis and Jane chuckle)

KRYSTAL: (Cocks an eyebrow:) Huh?

TINA: (Smirks:) You know, "practice", "work out", what you came here for? I don't want you to waste wearing that outfit, and keeping it clean. Outside of Darren and the people who work under me, you're the best workout partner I ever had. Besides, I haven't practiced against you in quite a while, and I'm eager to see what else you've learned in that time.

KRYSTAL: (Glances at Darren, uneasy expression:) Well, uh, but I was going to go in with--

DARREN: (Good-natured chuckle:) --It's okay, Krystal, I'll be fine--

JANE: (Grins, jumps in, puts arm around Darren's waist:) --Yeah, he'll have me and Curtis to take him back to the mansion and prop him up. (Wry, teasing tone:) You can join us later, Krystal--? (Krystal shows a cool expression, forces a smile, curt nod) You guys have a good time. (Walks off with Darren and Curtis)

CURTIS: (As they're walking, slight frown:) And in the meantime, bud, to give us a little something to chew on, maybe you can tell me again why in the hell you're allowing Rory to come to the party tonight...? (Darren sighs while Jane grins)

Krystal snorted to herself as she watched them from behind, then turned to Tina, sat her gym bag down, and started to stretch.

**********

(Scene changes to the mansion, the same time)

In Jim's bedroom, Millie glared at her ex-husband, her arms crossed. Both still had on their nightclothes, and stood in the middle of his room.

MILLIE: --So, your little snide remark in the home theater last night concerning Edward was really about "nothing"?

JIM: (Holds arms out:) Yeah, nothing. I told you that. (Adds:) And it wasn't "snide". I was just wondering why Edward was so concerned about who'd go first when Tina checked our rooms, that's all--

MILLIE: --To which Edward insisted that we check his room first, which Tina did. So, what's the problem?

JIM: (Sighs:) Like I said, there's no problem.

MILLIE: (Narrows eyes:) You'll forgive me if I have a hard time believing that. (Pauses, realizes:) You think Edward had something to do with that bug Tina found in your room last night, don't you, (pauses:) or at least you hope that he did.

JIM: (Frowns:) What's that supposed to mean?

MILLIE: (Stares at him for a long moment as if he's an idiot:) You're wishing that Edward will go away like a bad dream, as if he never existed. You think that since a bug was found in your room, we can pin it on Edward, and this would give you your little "avenue" to worm your way back into my life. Well, I hate to burst your little bubble, but it just won't be, buster! (Jim looks off, exasperated) Your attitude hasn't changed against him, has it? You still don't like him. You've lied to me--

JIM: --Lied?! (Through clenched teeth, growing angry:) Dammit, wait a minute, Mill, I--(pauses, tries to calm himself down:) look, okay, fine. Yeah, I think he had something to do with that bug, don't ask me why, (Millie glares) and yeah, I want to believe he might be behind those damn stories about Darren and his birth family. (Holds hand up before Millie can speak:) Yes, I know nothing was found in his room, but, well--(stops, looks off)

MILLIE: (Narrows eyes:) Go on, Edward, you've come this far, why stop now? What were you going to say?

JIM: (Pained expression, wonders if should say anything about the Apocalypse Now tape Edward claimed to have had, or even Woo:) I--I--(long pause, looks off, quieter tone:) forget it. Just--forget it. I've been under a little, er, strain lately...

MILLIE: (After a moment, deep scowl:) "Strain", huh? (Pauses, controlled tone, sighs:) Jim, I'm not going to say anything to Edward or Darren's birth family about our little talk, but I want you to leave the mansion tomorrow morning, right after Darren's family, Jane, and Quinn's friends do. (Jim looks stunned) I don't think I can stand your being here anymore, particularly with Edward staying here right now. The only reason I'm not asking you to leave now is that it would create more questions than either of us can answer, and I don't want Darren's family to leave here on a bad note, or not to have a good time at the party tonight, knowing that you've left for some reason. I'll speak to Darren about this after you've gone. (Adds:) If you care about him as much as I do, you'll not say anything to him about our conversation.

JIM: (Heartbroken expression, holds arms out:) Mill, for God's sake, don't do this!

MILLIE: (Goes to door, glances back sadly:) I've already made my mind up, Jim. (Pauses:) Oh, and lest I forget, I want us to avoid one another as much as possible until you leave tomorrow, save for the news conference with Darren--we might as well put up a united front for our nephew. (Jim forms a pained expression) Helen wanted everybody to eat downstairs together this morning, but I think I'll make--(pauses:) other arrangements with Edward on breakfast. (Jim rolls his eyes) To be quite frank, I'm afraid I might say something really nasty to you if I'm there with him. (Pauses, softens a little:) I'm sorry, Jim, truly sorry. (Leaves)

Jim looked after her for an instant, then slumped down on his bed. He stared at the phone on his endtable warily, hoping that Woo would have good news soon.

**********

(Scene changes to the dining room, several minutes later)

Daria (thanks to Helen's brand of "motherly persuasion"), Tom, Helen, and Jake were all at the dining table with the Fashion Club, who were to themselves at the far end of the table talking about the party and the upcoming activities for today, eating breakfast, all dressed in their summer clothing, save for Daria, who had on her regular attire. Tom even had departed from his usual ensamble with a short-sleeved white shirt and long, baggy short white pants and sneakers.

The long dining table was almost full (it could sit up to twelve), with a huge selection of fruits, which were eaten mostly by the F.C., of course, and of bacon, eggs, French toast, juice, waffles, sausage, coffee, toast, and other various goodies.

Jane, Darren, and Curtis suddenly entered the dining room and sat at the table, beside Daria and Tom. Fiona immediately came in with Elenor and Claude, placing plates, eating utensils, and napkins in front of the trio.

DARIA: (Stops her conversing with Tom for an instant, sees the three:) Hail, hail, the gang's all here.

HELEN: (Smiles:) Darren, Jane, you're both back already? (In her falsetto voice:) Oh, helloooo, Curtis!

JAKE: (Grins, in a "trying-to-sound-cool" tone:) Yeah, what it iiiis! (Darren chuckles as he sits down beside a smirking Jane. Daria sighs, and Tom shows a small grin. Helen glares briefly at Jake, then resumes eating. Curtis tries not to laugh as he sits down)

CURTIS: (Putting a napkin down the front of his chest:) Uhhhh, good morning, Helen, Jake, everybody. (Fiona begins to serve him) Man, everything looks delicious.

JANE: (Rubs her hands:) Boy, I'll say, what a spread. I'll take a little of everything, Elenor--

QUINN: (Stops in mid-conversation with the rest of the F.C., turns to Jane, smirks:) --Yeah, and while we're eating, you and Darren can tell us how your date went last night! (The other F.C.'ers nod as well. Jane and Darren glance at each other, cocked eyebrows. Jane looks uncomfortable)

JANE: (Thought v.o.: Great. Bragging to Krystal about last night is one thing, but this--:) Um, well--

SANDI: (Cuts in:) --Yes, it like, seems you two would share your evening's exploits with the rest of us. I think it's only fair since we all put sooo much effort into preparing you both.

STACY: (Nodding frantically, giggles, "puppy-dog" expression:) Yeah, pleeeease? (Tiffany simply nods slowly in agreement, smiling)

DARREN: (Pauses, looks between them all:) Er, well--

CURTIS: (Grins while chewing sausage, under his breath:) Looks like you two are becoming boxed in, huh? (Darren narrows an eye at him)

HELEN: (Admonishing tone, cuts in, glances over at Jane and Darren:)--Now, all of you, I don't think Darren and Jane should have to go into specifics, (adds reluctantly, since she privately wants to hear how it went as well:) if they don't, um, want to--

JAKE: (Usual "back-up" mode:) Yeah! (Pauses, turns to Darren and Jane:) So, uh, how'd it go, guys, have a good time?

HELEN: JAKE! (Jake cowers)

DARIA: (Smirks, looks between them all, enjoying this:) --You know, for once, I find myself agreeing with Quinn and her cohorts. (Jane stares at Daria, wide-eyed in shock, then glares. Darren narrows his eyes at her) I cut you two some slack last night by not inquiring, but since everyone else wants to ask, I might as well jump on the bandwagon. Give us the lowdown--(pauses, deadpan:) did you two score with each other?

HELEN & JAKE: (Red along with Darren and Jane, Curtis and Tom smirk along with the F.C.:) DARIA!

JANE: (Sighs, to Darren:) We'd better get this the hell over with and tell them before I lose my appetite--

DARREN: (Nods:) Good idea, we can't keep the details from them any longer, I suppose. I'll start. (Looks around, calm, serious-sounding tone, sighs:) Daria's right. (To Helen and Jake:) Jane and I went to a hotel room in the city and had mad, sweaty, passionate sex. (Pauses, smug look at Jane:) Last night, I became a man.

The others stared at each other in absolute stunned silence, all wide-eyed with their mouths dropped, save for Daria, who cocked a quick eyebrow, then slightly smirked. Even Tom seemed shocked, the same for Curtis, who stopped in mid-eating. Elenor, Claude, and Fiona, who were coming back from the kitchen to remove some of the dishes, paused, and did the same thing. After a moment, Jane, who quickly caught on to Darren's story and had kept a straight face, finally lost it, laughing hysterically, as did Darren. Tom began to laugh, the same for Curtis and the servants.

The Fashion Club looked relieved (particularly Quinn) and chuckled a shaky "We-knew-you-were-just-kidding" laugh, glancing at each other uneasily. Helen and Jake, after almost swallowing their hearts in shock, glared a moment at their birth son, then did the same sort of laugh. Jane and Darren then spoke about how the date really went as all continued to eat.

**********

Over the next thirty or so minutes, after the breakfast, and of Darren's insistence of compensating the Fashion Club for Jane's dress (which she had decided to keep, despite the private but gentle teasing of Daria), Helen showed a list at the dining table of what activities were planned for the now-officially named "Family Time" after the upcoming news conference, such as a "rousing" game of lawn croquet on the estate's vast front grounds, after some picture-taking, with Jake giving an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Daria and Jane sighed at this, exasperated, with their shoulders slumped, particularly Jane, who shuddered at a previous memory of playing that insipid game once before with Trent--and their estranged relatives. (Note to reader: See the episode "The Teachings of Don Jake") A sympathetic and smirking Tom patted Daria gingerly on the back, consoling her, while Jane's shoulder was rubbed gently by a equally-sympathetic, but smiling Darren, who whispered to her to cheer up, since she'd be probably be gone to see Tess Donovan right after the time the game began anyway. Jane's eyes lit up with delight at the thought, while Daria mock-glared at her friend's luck. Quinn, after consulting with the Fashion Club, insisted that plenty of "nice-smelling sunscreen" be available so that she and her friends could keep a steady tan on their delicate skin while out in the hot sun, as well as plenty of covered golf carts to ride around in. Daria and Jane rolled their eyes.

Next on Helen's list was group horseback riding around the entire estate, which became far more appealing to Daria, who privately and sarcastically vowed to herself that she suddenly could break away from everyone at the first opportunity she got on her horse, but decided against it at the last instant, since she couldn't possibly be able to get to New York City in time to choke Jane for "escaping".

As Helen continued to go down her list, Darren glanced around for Millie, Jim, and Edward, not seeing them come down as of yet. Elenor informed him on the side that his aunt and her beau had decided to eat their breakfast alone out on the rear patio, not wanting to take up any additional room at the table, explaining that there were already "too many people" in the dining room. As for Darren's uncle, she told him that Jim had decided to eat in his room alone, saying he was "exhausted" from last night. This made Darren cock a perturbed eyebrow, wondering what was going on, since there was still plenty of room at the table for them all. He briefly glanced at Curtis, who shrugged. Daria and Jane looked at each other evenly with Tom, but said nothing.

After another few minutes, everyone (including the servants) left the dining room to go the front gates for the news conference together, save for Millie, Edward, and Jim, who were already waiting at the front, with Tina on her way. Krystal, having just finished her workout with Tina (and feeling a bit battered and bruised, much to the amusement of Daria and secret delight of Jane), met the group in the front of the mansion as they all came out. After a brief, but pleasant greeting, she followed them.

In the middle of the crowd, Krystal subtly glared at Sandi as she and the rest of the Fashion Club walked to the front gates of the mansion. They mildly complained about the long walk, and what affect it would have on their "delicate toes". The idea of walking together as a group down the very long driveway (not quite a quarter of a mile) was yet another idea of Helen's, who explained that she thought it would project "togetherness" before the world when the cameras started to whirr.

In the rear of the group, Jane had deliberately and subtly slowed herself and Daria down just enough to lag behind, wanting to privately and to quickly inform Daria out on what was said between her and Krystal this morning. Tom, walking just in front of them, listened wordlessly as well. Up front, Darren walked with Helen, Jake, and Curtis. He was so into speaking to Helen about the news conference, he was unaware of what was going on behind him.

**********

(Scene is now at the front gates, about 20 minutes later)

There was quite a large contingent of the media in front of the gates of the Appleton estate as Darren was speaking in front of a hastily-arranged group of microphones, so much so that the narrow road that ran in front of the estate's gates was completely closed off to local traffic by the local authorities, save for the media and any emergency vehicles. Along with the media, there were some of Maness' locals on hand as well, in the rear of the large crowd. Darren and Millie recognized most of them as their neighbors, more than likely offering their support.

Darren was surrounded on his right side by his birth family, Jane, the rest of the Fashion Club, Millie, Edward, and Jim. On his left side were Curtis, Krystal, Tina, and most of the staff, which included Elenor, Claude, Fiona (who made it a point to keep herself as far away from Krystal as possible), and another maid and butler, along with Leonard Potter. Constance had called to offer her strong support, apologizing for not being able to come because of an important meeting, but letting Darren know that she would be able to come for this evening's party, which pleased Darren.

Earlier, Helen had taken the lead, announcing that after consulting her family, she'd sue the Weekly Blabber for invasion of her privacy concerning her seeing psychologists, (supported by an occasional "Hell, yeah!" by Jake thrown in for good measure) with Leonard and Helen's firm backing her up legally.

When a reporter asked about rumors that a bug had been found in a bedroom, there was an immediate barrage of questions from the media. On this, Tina took over, confirming that she had indeed discovered an electronic bug in Jim's room, and subsequently had turned it over to the police. After a quick glance at Edward, Jim had stepped over to the microphones and briefly announced that he "Didn't know why one was found in my room of all places, I'm just a harmless guy", much to the amusement of Darren and the others to chuckles, with Edward "joining" in. Tina further confirmed that the police didn't find any "recognizable" prints on it, which wasn't a surprise to her. Privately, Edward gave a sigh of relief, while Millie stole a smug glare of "I told you so" at Jim, who simply stayed sullenly silent.

The sum Helen was asking for was in the range of one million dollars, and a public apology from the Weekly Blabber. Darren was in the process of explaining his reasons for not suing, repeating what he had said in the home theater last night, minus his "personal" thoughts, of course.

DARREN: --And that's why I'm not suing, (adds:) tempting as it may be, it simply isn't worth it, (slight frown:) even with the discovery of that electronic bug in my uncle's room last night. I figure that the negative fallout the Weekly Blabber will have to endure from the public over invading our privacy will more than be enough to satisfy me. Also, I've just been informed that the public support for me and my family, particularly here in Maness, has been, suffice it to say, overwhelming. That alone is gratifying enough--

MALE REPORTER: (Cuts in, raises voice with a slight, detectable, sneer:) --Despite the fact that they, along with everyone else, have brought up copies of the Weekly Blabbler around here like they were going out of style? (Darren frowns slightly along with some of his entourage) With all due respect, even you'd think that your neighbors at least wouldn't care that much about your private life at all, Mr. Appleton--

MILLIE: (Before anyone else can speak, scowls:) --Now, wait a minute--

Millie was cut off by shouting and some brief scuffling from the rear, causing her to look over and past the crowd, like everyone else. Some of Maness' residents, nearer to what was going on, immediately recognized who was causing the commotion, beginning to snicker and point, and whispering to one another as the people who started it, a man and a woman, began to advance through the suddenly parting crowd, much like a hot knife going through butter, escorted by a state patrolman.

The man looked embarassingly around as they both came out from the crowd and up to the front, more out of regret that he had suddenly remembered there was to be a news conference at this exact hour, and he had forgotten to try and avoid it with the woman with him in tow. The woman accompanying him merely glared at the crowd, then rolled her eyes with contemptable disdain at them all.

As the cameras whirred and the two came closer, Sandi's eyes grew wide in surprise and recognition, the same for her Fashion Club cohorts, Darren and his birth family, and Jane, who scowled. Millie cocked an inquisitive eyebrow with Edward and Jim. Krystal showed a tiny, wicked smirk.

JANE: (Standing beside Daria, whispers:) Well, well, look what the cat just dragged in--

DARIA: (Returns the whisper, deadpan:) --And that cat paid for it in spades, Jane. It has a bitter taste in its mouth that'll last for a hell of a long damn time.

HELEN: (Steps forward:) Linda? Tom?

(Note to reader: I assume you know that there are two guys named Tom here at the moment, Sloane and Griffin. For the time being, Tom Sloane will be referred to as simply "Tom", and Tom Griffin as "Mr. Griffin" [unless he's spoken about or directly to by Linda, Helen, or by the other "adults"], so there won't be any confusion.)

LINDA: (Aloof tone:) Helen, Jake, everyone. (Mr. Griffin nods wordlessly in acknowledgement, miserable expression)

SANDI: (Comes from behind Darren with Helen:) Mother? Father? What are you two doing here?

LINDA: What does it look like, Sandi? Your father and I are here to take you back home immediately. Get your things--(cuts eyes to Elenor, Fiona, and the other servants standing behind Darren:) or better yet, get the help there to do it for you, and we'll leave.We'll take you up to the mansion in the taxi that brought us here...

SANDI: (Holds arms out, cuts eyes over to the rest of the F.C.:) B-But, Motherrr, I have a party to attend with my friends tonight here! I have a lot of stuff to do with--

LINDA: (Cuts her off sharply, no-nonsense but still-calm tone, narrows eyes:) --Sandi, I'm not going to argue with you. Get your things and leave with us. (Pauses:) Now.

Sandi slumped slightly, looking over to the rest of the Fashion Club and the others with a mixture of embarassment and sadness. She turned slowly in the direction of the mansion when Millie (who had eyed Darren to not say anything just as he was about to speak) spoke in an even, but courteous tone, though privately she did not like this woman, stepping up.

MILLIE: (Forced smile:) Um, hello, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin. I don't know if you two remember me or not--

LINDA: (Slight glare, cool tone, cutting her off:) --Yes, I remember you, Millie Appleton. We met briefly in the hospital a few days after your--(glares at Darren:) "nephew" was shot. (Adds:) Your point being--?

Millie took note of Linda's scowl and contemptous tone to her and her nephew, but managed to keep her now-rising temper under control. She glanced around uneasily at the bevy of reporters intently watching with their cameras whirring, then spoke in a quite-not-so-sincere-but-passing-for courteous tone of voice, simultaneously forcing a light chuckle.

MILLIE: Er, my point is, is why are you and your husband in such a hurry to leave with your daughter? Perhaps you can stay for the party we're having tonight? You're more than welcome to--

LINDA: (Cuts her off, hand up:) --No, absolutely not. I insist that we retrieve our daughter right now, if you don't mind. (Pauses, narrows eyes:) Unless you're trying to keep her from us? Is that it? (Everyone looks stunned while the cameras continue whirring, save for Krystal, who subtly tries like crazy not to snicker)

MR. GRIFFIN: (Wide-eyed:) Linda!

MILLIE: (Ditto:) W-What? No, of course not!

HELEN: (Getting into the fray:) Linda, that's preposterous! I think Millie's only trying to say--

LINDA: (Voice starts to rise:) --Trying to say that she, you, and your family are trying to spoil my daughter up here, so much so, that she wouldn't want to come back to her family willingly!

DARIA: (Low whisper, to Jane:) I wouldn't want to come back to my family willingly if my mom did what Mrs. Griffin's doing to her daughter right now, (pauses:) not that I haven't been tempted to come back to them on any other occasions either, you understand.

JANE: (Ditto to Daria, smirks:) You mean, Helen hasn't done this before to you during your miserable past?

DARIA: (Pauses, ponders:) Actually, with the exception of a very rare case or two, she hasn't. (Pauses as Jane cocks a surprised eyebrow:) At least not in front of the entire world. My mom usually waits to humiliate me in private.

JANE: (Nods:) Good. Keep it in the family, I always say. (Daria shows a slight smirk)

MILLIE: (Scowls, before an increasingly angry Helen can speak:) Now, just wait one damn second, Mrs. Griffin! No one is keeping you and your husband from leaving with your daughter! I just thought--

LINDA: --No, you didn't think. You and your overly-rich family care only about yourselves, (sneers:) all directing us from your tiny little private kingdom, from which you can manipulate us, the "Little People"--

MR. GRIFFIN: (Shocked expression:) Linda!

SANDI: (Alarmed with her father, for the situation is beginning to get out of control:) Motherrr, please--

JAKE: (For the first time, trying to step in:) Uh, Helen--

HELEN: (Intently watching the face-off, puts up hand to stop him:) Not now, Jake! (Thought v.o.: Sock it to her, Millie!)

MILLIE: (Now in Linda's face:) --I beg your pardon?! (Snorts:) You? The "Little People"? Don't make me laugh! Just because your asinine idea of attempting to shove your poor daughter onto my nephew on the off-chance that she might've been able to seduce him into marrying her so you could steal his money through her fell flat on it's face, and you turned out embarassed beyond belief, don't you dare take it out on us, you--you conniving (pauses, bitterly spits out:) bitch! (Everyone gasps in shock except Helen and Jane, who are smirking along with Daria. Krystal bites her tongue to keep from laughing out loudly, turns away)

LINDA: (Shocked, red-faced, narrows eyes:) Who-in-the-HELL are you calling a "bitch", you (pauses, looks for something to call her in return, settles for:) bitch?! (Begins to take a step towards a frowning and steadfast Millie [by which a scowling-Jim also begins to subtly move in response to protect Millie] as the cameras whirr even more, but is quickly and firmly held by Mr. Griffin via her arms from behind. [This stops Jim as well. Only Daria and Jane notice this] Linda looks at his hands out of each corner of her eye, dangerous glare and cool tone:) Tom, remove your hands from me right this instant!

MR. GRIFFIN: (Hesitates as if in pain, then swallows:) N-No, Linda. I won't. You're out of control, you've got to calm down.

LINDA: (Becomes stunned, then furious at her husband's actions as she strains to turn and glare at him:) I'm--I'm out of control?! She's the one who called me a "bitch", you idiot! If anything, you're supposed to defend me against being insulted like this! Develop a backbone for once, and be a man, damn it! (Mr. Griffin winces out of embarassment. Some of the male reporters, Jake, and Jim mouth "Ooooh") Now release me! (Very nasty tone:) I won't ask you again.

As Mr. Griffin stared at his wife and pondered what he'd say, there was an absolute silence, save for the constant whirring of the cameras. Helen was privately surprised at (and privately impressed by) Mr. Griffin, previously assuming that the man indeed had no backbone when it came to dealing with his wife. (Not that she and Jake had the same problems, oh no.) Jake took the time to gently put a hand on his wife's shoulders. Unlike Linda, this calmed Helen down.

In the meantime, Sandi was mortified, gently placing her hand on her forehead. First, her parents come out of the blue from Lawndale, now this incredibly and increasingly embarassing situation--moreso in front of the media, and not the rest of the Fashion Club, whom she had grown closer to this past week. It was bad enough she had to deal with having nightmares about herself and Darren almost every night. Now, she was dealing with a real one in her parent's face-off, which, when she further thought about it, shocked her a bit, for her father was beginning to stand up to her mother, a continuation of her father's recent "brave" behavior.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Now more firm tone:) No, Linda. Not until you get a hold of yourself. (Scowls:) You're right about one thing, though--I'm going to develop a "backbone" and be a "man" by putting an end to your ridiculous behavior. (Linda's mouth drops in shock along with Sandi's and Helen's) This situation has gotten totally out of hand. You've already embarassed me by forcing us to come up here, then embarassed our daughter in front of her friends and everyone else. (Mr. Griffin looks over at Darren and Millie, expression softens:) From what I've seen, the Appletons have treated our daughter with nothing but kindness, even moreso after Tuesday, by which they didn't really have to, and could've sent her back to us then. They seem to be good people. (Millie, Darren, and his family give Mr. Griffin an appreciative expression. Daria and Jane glance at each other wordlessly)

SANDI: (Comes up:) Father's right, Mother. Darren and his family have been very kind to me. I've had a lot of fun up here with my friends. (Pauses, in an unsually contrite tone for her, surprising Daria and Jane in particular:) Please don't make me leave here, it's just one more day. We can go back tomorrow.

DARREN: (Steps up, nods:) I'll go even one step further: You both could stay here overnight with Sandi, while going to the party. We have plenty of room, and you could go back with my family tomorrow to Lawndale on my jet. I'm more than willing to put all of this--(pauses, looks for words:) "unpleasantness" behind us if you are, Mrs. Griffin. How about it? (Krystal's eyes narrow)

After a long moment, Linda looked between her husband and daughter as if they had lost their minds, then at Darren with an unreadable expression. She shook her head slowly in disbelief.

LINDA: (Now a nasty glare at Darren, vicious tone:) You can keep your damn jet, Darren! We don't need or want your charity! (Strains to twist around to Mr. Griffin and Sandi:) Both of you, or rather you, Sandi, have grown soft! (Pauses:) SOFT, DAMN IT!! (Mr. Griffin, Sandi, and even Darren draw back in fear, though Linda's husband is still holding her) I am not hearing this, I can't be! (Pauses, comes to her own personal realization:) Then again, maybe it's really not that surprising! (Jerks herself out of her husband's grip, turns to him, furious:) I can see now that Sandi's finally turning out to be her father's "true" daughter after all, isn't she?!

MR. GRIFFIN: (Pauses, backs off a little, looks off uneasily towards Sandi, everyone else, light chuckle:) Uhhh, dear, maybe this isn't quite the right time or place to say that, if you know what I mean--

LINDA: (Still in her furious mode:) --And why not?! (Sneers:) Are you starting to lose some that precious backbone that you've just "developed", dear?! I think it's the perfect time to say it, Tom! Sandi's like just you now--a true wuss when it comes to dealing with people! (Sandi looks stunned with everyone else, save for Krystal, who's now watching intently, intrigued by what seems to be a major turn of events. Linda looks at Sandi, narrows eyes:) I tried to instill my confidence and power into you out of my love throughout your life, I really did, but I obviously failed in the end!

MR. GRIFFIN: (In a calming tone, yet wide-eyed, alarmed:) Honey, please, you've got to calm down--

LINDA: (Now even more enraged:) --Why should I, Tom?! It doesn't matter if she knows, anyway! (Sandi frowns, confused at her mother's words) She's just like you, now, remember?! Besides, she's a big girl, she can take it, and since you haven't had the guts to tell her after all these years, I might as well get it out for Sandi and the world to hear! (Turns to Sandi, pauses:) Say hello to your aunt Linda, Sandi!

There was a definitive complete and stunned silence from everyone following the customary loud gasp of shock, save once again for the still-whirring cameras. Mr. Griffin had a horrified expression on his face, looking between his wife and daughter. Even Daria looked shocked along with everyone else. Jane was able to mouth "Damn!" through her shock, while Quinn mouthed "Oh-my-GOD!", through her's. Stacy looked as if she wanted to faint (again), but Tiffany held her up. Darren turned pale in realization when he remembered his conversation with Mr. Griffin the night Sandi had tried to kiss him in front of her home, and of Mr. Griffin's explanation of "long and complicated" concerning his marriage to his wife.

Sandi looked up at her mother, confused, not quite comprehending, more out of shock than anything else. Apparently, she was just about the only one who didn't get it from the get-go, with the exception, of course, of Tiffany, who simply looked out of it (as usual).

SANDI: (Shakes head slowly:) I--I don't understand Mother, what do you mean, "aunt" Linda?

LINDA: (Neutral, aloof tone:) It's as I said, Sandi. I'm your aunt Linda. Jenny, my sister, and who you thought to be your aunt, is actually your "real" mother. (Glares at Mr. Griffin, sneers:) But don't worry, dear--he's your "real" father. I'm sure you can put two and two together...

DARIA: (Thought v.o. as she watches, sadly: Which'll equal one hell of a emotional explosion, I believe...)

SANDI: (Blinks, shakes, backs up slowly:) N-No. You c-can't be serious! (Looks at Mr. Griffin, horror-stricken:) F-Father, tell me Mother is not serious!

MR. GRIFFIN: (Long pause, sad expression, sighs:) Sandi, I, well--I--

SANDI: (Turns pale, wide-eyed:) Oh, God, oh, my God--no, NO! (Turns around, runs through the gates towards the mansion, crying)

QUINN & STACY: SANDI! (Both go after her. After a moment of confusion, Tiffany follows)

MR. GRIFFIN: (Scowls:) Dammit, Linda! Look at what you've done! (Suddenly grabs his wife forcefully by her arm, turns her towards the fleeing back of Sandi:) LOOK AT HER! (Goes after his daughter)

Linda stared after her husband and snorted, looking at the red handprint he left on her arm. She paused, frowned out of realization, and turned slowly around to look at the throng of people. Virtually just about everyone was either glaring at her in steely silence, or in stunned disbelief with their mouths opened at her audacity. Linda's face formed a foolish expression, then she quietly walked through the mansion's gates in silence to follow her husband, repeatedly looking out of the corner of her eye behind her, as if she half-expected for someone to jump her from behind (not that one or two persons didn't consider doing just that in their minds).

Darren stared after Linda, then turned to the media. He had a stoic expression on his face.

DARREN: (Cool tone:) Show's over, people. (Turns, goes through the gates with the others wordlessly)

FEMALE REPORTER: But--

TINA: (Suddenly appears in front of the reporter, looks down in her eyes:) You heard Mr. Appleton. Go. (Pauses, narrows eyes in a nasty glare:) Now. (The reporter cringes, turns to leave with the other media members, though one or two are off to the side, giving live news reports)

**********

(Scene changes to Sandi's bedroom, several minutes later)

Sandi cried in her pillow, not caring about the mascara that ran down freely on her cheeks. She frowned, perplexed beyond words. My mother is really my aunt Linda, and my aunt Jenny is really my mother? This is sooo damn confusing! Obviously, Sandi felt as if her whole world had been just turned upside down and inside out--which it had.

Outside the room, Quinn, Stacy, and Tiffany were standing, obviously worried. Quinn had been frantically knocking for a minute after rattling the locked doorknob. Stacy wiped her eyes, wet from crying for Sandi, of course. Tiffany stood by with her usual vacant expression, handing Stacy tissues. To her, it was doing something, at least.

QUINN: (Worried expression while still knocking:) Sandi? Please, Sandi, let us in, we wanna help you get through this! (Pauses, hears silence, save for a few sobs:) I-I guess she doesn't wanta see anybody...

STACY: T-This is terrible! What are we going to do, Quinn?

TIFFANY: Yeah...do?

QUINN: (Sighs, slumps:) All we can do is just be there for her when she's ready to talk, I guess.

Mr. Griffin suddenly came up the hallway from the side. Quinn narrowed her eyes and glared nastily at him with utter contempt, whereas Stacy and Tiffany stared uneasily. Mr. Griffin cringed at Quinn's expression.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Quiet tone, sighs:) I guess I deserved that look. (Pauses:) Uh, may I try to speak to Sandi--?

QUINN: (After a moment, takes note of his sad look, softens her expression:) Well, um, you can try, I guess. We haven't had any luck in trying to talk to her. Don't bother trying to turn the knob, it's locked. (Steps aside)

MR. GRIFFIN: Thanks. (Starts knocking:) Sandi? Please open up! It's me, your father!

SANDI: (From inside, muffled and very bitter, sarcastic:) Are you sure you're my "real" father, and not my "uncle"?!

TIFFANY: (To no one in particular:) But I thought...he was her...father...

MR. GRIFFIN: (Rolls eyes at Tiffany, sighs:) Yes, Sandi, I am your father--your real and birth father like your mo--(pauses, checks himself:) Linda said, and not your uncle! Please let me in so I can explain what happened, I'm begging you!

There was a long pause, then the door slowly was unlocked and opened. Quinn and the other Fashion Clubbers gasped at her very matted-looking hair and facial features for the briefest instant, but Sandi was way past worrying about how she looked for a change, ignoring their reaction while zeroing in on her father with an emotionless expression (Daria would've been proud). Mr. Griffin turned to the group.

MR. GRIFFIN: Would you all please leave me to speak to Sandi alone?

QUINN: (Cocks an eyebrow, keeps her eyes on Mr. Griffin:) Sandi?

SANDI: (After a moment, changes expression, softens:) I'll be fine, Quinn, everybody. (Hesitates:) Um, thanks for coming up here, I appreciate it.

STACY: (Suddenly surprises Sandi by hugging her:) It was the least we could do for you, Sandi! (Puts Sandi at arm's length, narrows eyes:) If you need anything, just call us, okay?

SANDI: (Small smile, genuine:) Like, I--will, Stacy. (Stacy nods, lets go) (Watches them leave, turns to her father, motions with a subtle contemptible sneer:) After you-- (Mr. Griffin goes in hesitantly, door is shut behind him. Quinn looks at the others for a moment and vice-versa, then they head downstairs)

**********

Mr. Griffin looked around Sandi's room as his daughter sat down on her bed and crossed her arms, now scowling.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Hesitates, trying to lighten the mood:) Er, Darren gave you quite a nice room. It's bigger than the one you have at home. You even have a walk-in closet.

SANDI: (Gives a quick glance around:) Yes, I do, and it's bigger than mine as well. (Pauses, straight to the point:) What, like, happened with you and aunt Jenny, Father?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Sits down on the bed beside her, pauses:) A stupid thing we both did one night almost seventeen-and-a-half to eighteen years ago, Sandi, (to which Sandi drops an eyebrow, adds quickly:) please don't take that in the wrong way. Your moth--Linda and I had some major problems early in our marriage. I was struggling through my first accounting job right out of college, the same for your mother at her new job as an young anchor for the early morning news that she had gotten right out of college. Our schedules always seemed to miss each other, and we rarely had enough time to be a real husband and wife to one another. It was straining us both badly, to say the least. We'd get into shouting matches, eventually even throwing a vase or two at each other. (Sandi looks surprised, genuinely shocked that her father actually had a backbone against Linda once) Anyway, your aunt Jenny, then a sophomore who had followed Linda across the country and was going to the same university, a (pauses:) "byproduct" of their parent's encouragement for Linda to keep an eye out for her "baby" sister, suddenly came by our apartment one night while your mother was out of town at a media convention. Jenny had had a nasty argument with her college boyfriend and they had broken up, which upset her greatly. She ran to Linda for some moral support, but found me instead. Jenny was really upset and crying. Add to that my being the dutiful brother-in-law who himself wanting to be--(pauses:) "appreciated", I, well, attempted to comfort her. (Pauses, looks off, shamefaced and embarassed:) Jenny--was quite--attractive, and one thing led to another--

SANDI: (Frowns:) --And like, I was (ugh) conceived, an' everything nine months later, right?

MR. GRIFFIN: I--yes, I guess it was like that. In between, needless to say, your mo--Linda was rightfully quite furious with us when I broke down and told her what happened after she came back a few days later. I was feeling guilty as hell, the same for your au--birth mother Jenny. In fairness to Linda, she didn't speak immediately about this to your grandparents on both sides, which I have to admit, shocked me to no end. (Pauses:) I thought for sure that the marriage was over. Linda explained to me that your granddad on her side had a weak heart, and it would've killed him if he and your grandmother found out, that the best thing to do was to not tell anyone, at least for the time being.

SANDI: But, like, what did you all do when you found out au--Jenny was pregnant with me? How was she able to stay in college, and stuff? What about the holidays when you all visited grandmother and grandfather? How'd you cover all of that?

MR. GRIFFIN: Well, when Jenny told us after she had started to have morning sickness symptoms a few months later as well as her beginning to show, and had checked with a doctor, the personal pain returned to Linda, and to me for doing this to her--to both of them. However, Linda was still very close to Jenny, (Sandi's eyebrows raise in genuine surprise, but her father doesn't notice) and even after what had happened, Jenny was still her "baby" sister. Linda decided to take care of Jenny like I did--and the baby she was carrying as well. We decided to pay for everything, and helped Jenny to continue in her studies, (pained expression:) even working out a "convenient" cover story to her classmates that Jenny had gotten pregnant by a "fellow student" who had dropped out and left school, and had abandoned her when he found out she was carrying his child. Some angry students wanted to "pursue" the guy, but we and Jenny convinced them that he "wasn't worth it". (Pauses:) We both usually went with her to the doctor for regular examinations. When it was time for Jenny and us to visit your grandparents, Linda covered for her absences, saying that Jenny was, er, too busy to come with us, having to study very much for her major, which was botany, and she wouldn't have time to visit until, surprise, a year later. Of course, Jenny called your grandparents frequently so she wouldn't be a "stranger" to them, though it was extremely hard for her emotionally to lie to them.

SANDI: (After a long pause, taking this all in:) Like, um, didn't the doctor you guys went to ask any embarassing questions and stuff, you know, like who was the father?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Shrugs:) Of course, and we came clean and told him I was, since we had to establish a true medical history for you. (Pauses:) He didn't really judge us, thank goodness. In fact, he praised us for being completely honest.

SANDI: (Another long pause:) You said mo--(pauses, lowers voice for an instant on the word:) mother and you helped to take care of the baby--me, right, while Jenny was carrying me? (Mr. Griffin nods) Well, after I was born, how'd I end up with you two and not her?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Sighs:) Jenny--wasn't ready to have a child, Sandi. She was still going to school, and raising you full-time would've taken that away, that and the fact she had plans to wait until she was married and well-established in her career to do so. We, or rather, Linda, offered, no, insisted on wanting to raise you as her own child and I immediately agreed. (Pauses:) I did not want to give away my own daughter to be adopted. (Frowns, pauses, pensive expression:) You know, it's ironic: My cheating on Linda actually ended up saving our marriage because it made us both more determined to work out our problems--(pauses:) well, that and having you as--as--our daughter. (Sandi simply stares at him with no expression) When Jenny had you, we immediately had the papers made out to have me as the father and Linda as the mother.

SANDI: (Turns pale:) So, aunt Jenny didn't want me, 'cause I'd be a "burden" to her? (Goes on before Mr. Griffin can speak, snorts, looks away:) I'm surprised she just didn't abort me when she first found out she was pregnant!

MR. GRIFFIN: (Shakes his head forcifully:) NO! Don't you dare think either of those things, do you hear me?! (Sandi draws back at his tone, surprised) Your au--birth mother loved you enough to never have done a thing like that to you and of giving you to us, I loved you enough to want you, too--(pauses, adds:) and Linda loved you enough to want you to be her daughter! We all loved you!

SANDI: (Stands, points accusingly:) Oh? If that's the case, why didn't any of you tell me all of this earlier in my life, huh? (Pauses:) And when I think about it further, did my grandparents ever find out about this--on both sides?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Stands as well:) Your grandfather on your mo--Linda's side died before we told your grandmother. (Frowns slightly:) When I think about it, she seemed to not be all that surprised when we told her, taking it very well. She said that you looked more like Jenny's daughter than Linda's anyway. (Pauses, ponders, looks up:) Yes, that's right. (Sandi rolls her eyes) We also told my parents right afterwards. They, however, took it far worse, being furious with me and Jenny for doing such a thing to Linda, (sighs:) and I really couldn't blame them. After a while, they forgave us, especially after they saw that Linda had forgiven me, and we were working on strengthening our marriage. They've obviously kept the secret like Linda's mother, even until this day.

SANDI: (Crosses her arms, cool look:) And what about telling me?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Pained expression: ) I wanted to, Sandi, I really did, but I--(long pause:) I just couldn't. I was too ashamed, and I was so--so scared about how'd you react. There were times I wanted to tell you when I stared at you playing by yourself in your room when you were little, but I just didn't have the backbone, (bitter chuckle, looks off:) which proved Linda right, I suppose. I felt guilty about my part in bringing you into this world, and I couldn't let go thinking about that. (Pauses:) I'm not trying to blame Linda, but every time we'd get into an argument, she'd bring up what I did, holding it over me, and I eventually--(hangs head:) just--shut up. I began to get it in my head that Linda was right, I was a wuss, and I just gave up and let her decide to run everything, including the marriage, eventually. You might say I thought I was obligated to let her have her way. (Pauses, looks back up, quiet tone:) I'm--I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Sandi.

Sandi turned away slowly from her father and stared off into space, deep in thought, trying to piece all of the seemingly unbelievable story she was hearing together. Mr. Griffin decided to not to say anything to interrupt her, allowing his daughter to dictate the situation. He felt he owed her that much, at least. After a long moment, she spoke in a low tone as if she were in a daze, her back still to him.

SANDI: Aunt Jenny rarely came around to visit us, even after she married uncle Mike and had a family, and went back to the West coast to live. (Shrugs:) I just thought she and (hesitates:) mother weren't, you know, close when they were growing up. (Pauses:) I remember she hardly came around me when she did visit, (narrows eyes, realizes:) even sort of avoiding me. When I think about it now, she got along better with Sam and Chris than with me. (Turns to her father, who looks briefly surprised and hopeful to have heard Sandi still call Linda her "mother" once again:) Was it because of what happened?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Nods head slowly:) Yes, basically, but I blame myself for that. (Sandi frowns at him, confused. He notices:) I could've told you at any time, remember, and I didn't. I asked Jenny to let me tell you, and she allowed me to do it whenever I wanted. (Sighs, sad expression:) If only I had done this sooner, maybe Linda and Jenny could've become closer again instead of eventually drifting apart--(pauses, guilty look:) because of what I did--and you wouldn't have had to go through all of this, now. (Pauses, frowns:) I think that's definitely part of what made Linda the way she is now, you know, her becoming hard-driving, determined, and uh, well--

SANDI: (Bitter smirk:) --And "bitchy", you can say it, Father, I won't be offended. (Sighs:) After all, I was taken under her wing, and she "molded" me into what she wanted me to be--like her. (Pauses, small chuckle:) I suppose I won't be able to use her as a "shield" against you when you get mad at me if I act like a spoiled brat anymore, huh?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Surprised expression that Sandi herself pointed this out, then a small smile:) Well, I guess not, though it'll be a heck of a lot easier for you not to behave like that now that you realize this, (pauses, frowns:) like I do now to be strong, as opposed to not having the "backbone" to tell you after all these years. (Sighs, slumps shoulders:) You're not the only one who was "molded", Sandi, though in my case, I allowed your mo--(hesitates, decides to continue:) your mother to do it, I have no excuses. (Pauses, turns pale:) Oh no, I just thought of something. (Sandi cocks an eyebrow) Sam and Chris. How are they going to react?

SANDI: (Sighs, rolls her eyes:) I suppose they'll get through this, just like I'm going to have to do. (Pauses:) And in case you're wondering, I still consider them to be my--(pauses:) brothers, not my half-brothers or half-cousins, or something, and aunt Jenny's kids to still be my cousins, (adds, brief scowl, sarcastic:) though at times I wish I could see my brothers as not being related to me at all.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Small smile, chuckles, relieved:) I'm glad you still see them as that, Sandi--(pauses, hesitates:) and--and apparently the same for Linda as your mother. (Sandi shows a cool expression, looks off for an instant)

SANDI: (Dismissive tone:) I basically decided to do that because I've been raised by her all of my life, along with you. Both of you are my parents. I can't simply, like, sweep that under an icky dirty boulder, or whatever. (Scowls:) Still, there are some things that are going to change when we get back home. We've all got to have a long talk, or something.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Nods:) Agreed--not just for you and us, but for me and--(pauses:) your mother, as well. (Pauses:) Speaking of which, I was thinking about your talking with someone else when we get back, too.

SANDI: (Cocks an eyebrow:) Oh? Talk to who?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Pauses, swallows:) Uh, a psychologist? (Sandi's eyebrows raise in surprise) Darren--told me about his suspecting that you were somehow affected by what happened in the warehouse that night. (Sandi grows tense, cringes slightly) Let's face it, Sandi, you have been acting differently ever since that night, and it's just too much for me to ignore that much of a change. (Sandi looks off, says nothing) Darren offered in full to pay for you to see one, like he's doing. I heard you talking about having a nightmare or two about it to your mother before you came up here, and Darren confirmed it to me before he had that news conference on Tuesday. (Pauses:) I hope you won't be annoyed with Darren for telling me.

SANDI: (Hesitates:) I--no, I won't, Father. I know he only has my best interests at heart, particularly because he, like, felt guilty because he thought all that happened that night was all his fault. The same goes for my friends, (pauses:) especially Quinn--and, uh, you. (Mr. Griffin looks surprised at his daughter's frankness, and Sandi quickly continues, shudders:) I've had the same nightmare just about every night since it happened, except for this Tuesday. (Mr. Griffin now takes on a concerned expression) I suppose that was because I was sooo excited about going to see Candi Gunwald, an' stuff.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Pauses, comes over to her, gently places his hands on her shoulders:) Do you--want to talk about your nightmare, (adds quickly as Sandi cringes again, quickly removes hands:) or, maybe not--?

SANDI: I, no, it's, like, okay. I don't think it'll hurt to talk about this to you--(pauses:) I'll stop if it gets, like, too hard or something. (Pauses, takes a deep breath:) I dreamed of finding Darren having been shot, lying on his back, in a pool of blood, like I saw him in the warehouse that night. Only in this case, it was outside, at night, on some sort of grassy plain, or something, and I was all alone with him. I came over, kneeled down beside him, and started to cry while caressing his face. I tried to say something to comfort him, but the words, like, got stuck in my throat and wouldn't come out. He looked up at me, and held my other hand, saying, "I'm sorry, Sandi", over and over again. (Pauses, looks as if she wants to cry, but holds back. Her father holds her close to him) Darren then went limp and died, (adds:) with his eyes open. The next instant, it began to rain--blood. (Mr. Griffin looks horrified. Sandi pauses, shudders:) Lots and lots of it. It, like, seemed to get soaked into everything, (pauses:) including me. I looked down at Darren, and he like--like, (narrows eyes, searches for words:) turned into a skeleton, then into dust for a second, then into a bloody sorta mud that sank in the red ground. I screamed, then I woke up. I was in a cold sweat, an' everything.

MR. GRIFFIN: Oh Lord, Sandi--(hugs her, and she reluctantly begins to return it)

SANDI: (Holding back sobs:) I, like, couldn't sleep but for a little while, then hardly at all! (Calms herself a little:) I started to hate sleeping, and at times even looking at Darren while I was awake up here, (adds:) at least at first, that's why I didn't wanna come up here, but I slowly became used to seeing him. (Pauses:) I tried to keep myself busy while being up here during the early morning hours, like going to the home theater to see a movie, or of seeing TV in my room, an' stuff, anything to try an' not to sleep, at least at night! (Pauses, quieter tone:) I slept a little better when the sun was up in the mornings, an' I could sleep in...

MR. GRIFFIN: (Rocking her, gentle tone:) Oh, Sandi, I'm so sorry--

SANDI: (Pulls away from him gently, wipes her eyes:) Wait, there's more. When I heard that Darren and his birth family were going to talk in the media room that night, I--(pauses:) decided to listen in, secretly.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Shocked:) What?! Sandi, that was supposed to be--

SANDI: (Cuts him off, annoyed:) --Yeah, like I know, a private conversation, and everything, you don't have to remind me, okay?! (Snorts:) It doesn't matter now, since everybody else has either heard or read about it since then, anyway! (Sighs, looks down:) Look, I had to find out if anybody was affected that night like me--

MR. GRIFFIN: (Takes over:) --You mean, like when that "Jane Lane" girl didn't use her red paints for a couple of days, and had no red in her paintings for a little while, because it reminded her of seeing Darren's blood? (Sandi pauses to remember, nods)

SANDI: (Surprised tone, snorts:) Then, like, I heard Quinn, who was actually worried about me! Quinn, the girl who I considered a threat to my popularity, beauty, and leadership in the Fashion Club ever since she first came to Lawndale High, didn't want anything bad to happen to me! Me! (Pauses, quieter tone:) That like, really got to me. She cared. Really cared...(Mr. Griffin smiles)

MR. GRIFFIN: I guess you sort of misjudged her, huh?

SANDI: I--guess. (Brief smirk:) Mostly. Anyway, Quinn's been keeping an eye out on me, even trying to hint at me to speak to her about it. I--couldn't tell her, I just couldn't, even though I wanted to the other day when she--(pauses:) confided something to me. I--didn't want to look weak to her or Stacy and Tiffany, and for them to think I was sorta loony in needing to see a shrink an' stuff.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Surprised expression:) Weak? Actually, I think it would've had the opposite effect. (Sandi cocks an eyebrow) She and your other friends probably would've admired you for telling them how you felt about that night. It would've shown that you were--human.

SANDI: (Looks off:) I--suppose.

MR. GRIFFIN: And as for the "loony" part about your seeing a, er, "shrink", you don't think Darren or his birth mother were "loony" for seeing any, do you?

SANDI: (Shakes head:) No, like, of course not. (Pauses:) I guess things are going to be a little different from now on with my friends when we all get back to Lawndale.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Smiles:) I guess so. It's good to have friends who'll always be there for you.

SANDI: (Ditto:) Yes, it is. But still--(long pause:) I-I suppose I should see a shrink, or something, huh?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Gentle tone, relieved expression:) I don't think it could hurt, Sandi, only help. (Hesitates:) I--tried to tell your mother several times about your possibly needing to see one after I spoke to Darren, but, well, she didn't want to be disturbed after being humiliated on Tuesday--(looks off)

SANDI: (Rolls eyes:) --She, like, wouldn't listen to you, of course. (Pauses, bitter tone which Mr. Griffin picks up on:) Figures.

The intercom in Sandi's room suddenly activated. Sandi went over to the intercom.

CLAUDE: (Voice, unsure:) Miss Sandi--? I'm truly sorry to have bothered you, but there's a call from a "Jenny Newman". (Sandi and her father look at each other, surprised) She claims she's your (pauses:) aunt, and she wants very much to speak to you--(pauses:) if you're up to it.

SANDI: (Cuts in, clicks on receiving button:) --No, it's quite alright, Claude. She's (pauses, glances at her father:) definitely my aunt. Thank you, I'll speak to her.

CLAUDE: Very well, Miss Sandi. I shall direct the mansion's operator to connect her to your room. (Signs off. Sandi releases the receiving button)

MR. GRIFFIN: I guess she viewed what happened on the TV like everyone else. (Pauses:) Or someone could've told her. (Pauses, concerned expression:) Sandi, are you sure you're really ready to--

SANDI: (Firmly interrupts him, slight determined frown:) --Yes, Father, I am. (Sighs:) I'm going to have to talk with her sooner or later anyway, so it might as well be now.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Pauses:) All right, Sandi, if that's what you want. I'll go downstairs and find--find your mother.

SANDI: (Small smile:) Very well, Father. (Pauses:) And, um, thanks for comforting me.

MR. GRIFFIN: (Returns the smile:) You're welcome, Sandi. (Pauses, hesitates:) And thank you for not hating me, or your mother. (Leaves as Sandi pauses, ponders on his words for an instant, then reluctantly picks up her phone as it begins to ring)

**********

(Scene changes to the downstairs, a few minutes earlier)

Helen, Jake, Millie, and Edward were with Linda in the family room. Leonard had went back to Appleton Tower, and Jim had immediately excused himself to his room, which caused Edward to subtly smirk, assuming Jim had more "business troubles" to check on, or speak to Woo about. Jane and Darren had both gone to their rooms for a quick shower and change of clothing, ditto for Krystal, who was doing the same in an upstairs spare full bath, for she had brought her own clothes, both for today, and for tonight's party. Daria, Tom, and Curtis were in the study/library, and the Fashion Club, minus Sandi, of course, had went outside on the rear patio. It had been Millie's idea while they had walked back to the mansion for Darren and Jane to take the opportunity to go ahead and change, primarily becuse she (good-humorously) suggested that they were beginning to "Smell a little ripe", much to the amusement of Daria, Tom, and Curtis. Both immediately rolled their eyes playfully at her, and went.

In actuality, Millie had an another motive for dismissing her nephew and Jane to freshen up: The constantly nasty scowls they both were giving Linda as they followed her to the mansion, along with Millie herself and everyone else, but moreso with Darren and Jane. Rather than possibly seeing a shouting match break out with Linda after they came in (basically from Jane), Millie wanted a cooling-off period. Apparently, Helen had somehow picked up on this, and had privately thanked Millie for coming up with the suggestion.

Needless to say, the early part of the planned "Family Time" was abruptly cancelled. There was a tense silence and some more serious glaring in the large room between Helen, Millie, and Linda, with virtually only Linda on her own side, alone, with her arms crossed, looking out through the large window that overlooked the mansion's rear grounds. In the middle of the room, a scowling Millie leaned over to Helen, whispering.

MILLIE: (While watching Linda's back:) Look at that witch. The absolute nerve of her, just staring there, as if she doesn't have a damn care in the universe. How in the world could you have tolerated knowing that woman for almost two years, Helen?

HELEN: (Sighs, whispers back while glancing at Linda:) It wasn't easy, Millie, believe me. I didn't have to see her everyday in Lawndale, at least.

MILLIE: (Still scowling:) Just seeing her one second everyday can ruin anybody's cheery disposition. (Shakes head slowly:) How could she do that to her own--(pauses, still in a tone of disbelief:) niece?

HELEN: (Nods slowly:) It still boggles my mind that Sandi's actually Linda's niece, too. To me, Sandi looks so much like Linda, though in fairness I've never met this "Jenny" woman. (Pauses:) Kind to think of it, I've often heard a theory that some children look more like their aunts and uncles at times to some people. In this case, that seemed to turn out to be right. Still, despite how I--(pauses:) we might both feel about Linda, we have to look at both sides of this. How could Tom do that, even to Linda, of all people, and moreso, with his sister-in-law?

MILLIE: (Snorts, glares some more at Linda, bitter tone:) I don't know, but with his being married to--(pauses, motions:) her, I'm not surprised that Mr. Griffin would've been driven to go after another woman, even her sister. Right now, I'm more worried about Sandi, and how she's doing.

HELEN: Yes, you're right, of course. I hope her father will be able to talk to her--

MILLIE: (Sighs, glances up:) Well, he hasn't come from upstairs yet, so maybe he is. (Pauses, ponders, brief frown:) I wonder what made Sandi's parents come up here today, all of a sudden? Surely they could've waited until their daughter returned tomorrow. (Cocks an eyebrow:) Do you think that we should ask them--?

HELEN: (Narrows eyes:) Hmm--I've wondered about that a little myself, on both of your thoughts. (Pauses:) Tempting as it is, it's probably best that we don't. They, or rather Linda, may have had personal reasons, since Tom looked as if he didn't want to come here in the first place. To be honest with you, now that I think about it, I'm surprised Linda allowed Sandi to stay with us for this long.

MILLIE: (Sarcastic chuckle:) She probably just came out of her "fainting spell" after Darren had put her in her place on Tuesday, and it just hit her--(Helen smirks)

Jake leaned over to a bored-looking Edward while they were leaning on the fireplace as they were watching all three women, whispering.

JAKE: Whoa, this is some really heavy stuff, huh, "Eddie"?

EDWARD: (Drawn-out tone:) Yes, Jake, it's, er, "heavy".

JAKE: (Pauses, looks around:) Gosh, I wonder where Jim is? He's been gone for an awful long time...

EDWARD: (Inward smirk, thought v.o.: Probably filing for his business' bankruptcy on the phone?:) Oh, I'm sure he'll be down soon, Jake.

JAKE: Yeah. Gee, I wonder what's gonna happen next?

EDWARD: (Thought v.o.: Your leaving me alone?:) Oh, I simply don't know, Jake. I'm sure the Griffins will be able to work their way through this difficult time in their lives.

JAKE: (Looks down:) Yeah. Still, I wish I could--

A smiling Elenor suddenly entered with a complimentary tray of iced tea, breaking Jake's thoughts, surprising everyone. Elenor explained that she thought they all needed something cool to drink, to relax everybody. She went around the room, starting with Jake, serving the tea. Each took their glass, thanking her politely. When Elenor came over to Linda last, Linda cooly stared for a moment and took the tea, snorting indifferently.

LINDA: Huh, it's about time. I was getting parched, dear. Next time, do try and hurry it up a little quicker, hmmm? (Drinks tea. Elenor frowns, the same for Millie and Helen, and now even Jake. Edward continues his bored expression, looking off)

ELENOR: (Curtseys, faux-apologetic expression and tone:) Oh, I do apologize for my lateness, Miss Linda. (Pauses, snidely adds:) In the future, I'll first try to read your mind, and then try to conjure this up right on the spot. My magic wand's a tad rusty, you must understand. (Linda's countenence takes on a shocked and outraged expression, while Helen covers her mouth, giggles low, the same for Jake. Even Edward smirks briefly at this. Millie tries to give Elenor an admonishing glare, but fails miserably, low smirk and chuckle)

LINDA: WHY, YOU--(looks over at Millie:) I demand that you make her apologize to me for her smart mouth, or fire her!

MILLIE: (Trying desperately not to laugh:) N-Now, Mrs. Griffin, I'm sure Elenor was only kidding, (smirks:) right, Elenor?

ELENOR: (Thought v.o. as she smirks back to Millie: Of course not, and you and I both know it.:) (Faux-smile:) Indeed, Mistress Millie. I apologize for my flippancy, Miss Linda. Excuse me. (Leaves, thought v.o. as she eyes Linda: Definitely a pompous bitch...)

LINDA: (Smug expression, watches after her:) That's better. It's reassuring to know that the hired help knows their place around here. (Turns to Helen, smirks:) So, I'm curious, Helen: How long did you see a psychologist for thinking you had lost your birth son? A few months? Years? (Drinks tea casually)

HELEN: (Frowns with Jake and Millie. Edward watches intently, inwardly amused) (In a flat tone:) It was long enough.

LINDA: (In a casual tone that's laced subtly with amusement, continues:) I wonder how you felt in hindsight to go to a shrink for nothing? You spent all of that money and time, giving out all of your precious, private memories of your pain to a perfect stranger, (pauses, glances up for an instant:) oh, or was that strangers? You did see more than one, from what I read in the Weekly Blabber...(Drinks tea casually. Helen looks more stunned than angry to hear even Linda cut this deep into her. Millie appears to about to explode in a rage, which causes Edward to come over to hold her)

JAKE: (Suddenly jumps in, startling Helen and Millie, shakes fist in Linda's surprised face, enraged:) HEY! You can't talk that way to my wife, dammit! She thought she lost Darren and couldn't deal with it, so she had to speak to a psychologist or two, so what of it?! (Helen clearly is touched by her husband's defense)

MR. GRIFFIN: (From side, even tone:) --Jake's right, Linda. (Everyone looks at him in the open entrance from the foyer) You had absolutely no right to say that to her. (Walks over to her, looks down into her eyes:) Apologize to her right now.

LINDA: (Caught slightly off-guard, tries to regain the initiative:) And if I don't--?

MR. GRIFFIN: (Same, even tone:) This isn't open to debate, Linda. You will apologize to Helen right now.

LINDA: (Stares up into her husband's eyes uneasily. Isn't quite sure how to deal with her "new" husband yet, ponders, looks over to Helen:) I--apologize, Helen, Jake. I've been under some--(pauses:) enormous amount of pressure these past few days, you understand.

HELEN: (After a moment, decides to accept, particularly since she's never heard an apology before from Linda:) It's--(pauses:) all right, Linda. We've all been under some, er, "enormous" amount of pressure recently. (Thought v.o.: And you're partly the cause of it, to us and yourself, other than that damn tabloid story.)

MR. GRIFFIN: Thank you, Linda, Helen. (Pauses:) Now, Linda, speaking of psychologists, I meant to tell you that Sandi will need one when we get back to Lawndale. (Linda looks stunned. Helen, Jake, and Millie glance at each other. Edward crosses his arms, interested expression) I was able to talk to her up in her room. (Pauses:) She's speaking to Jenny right now. I assumed your sister had heard about the news from one of her friends, or has seen it on TV herself. (Linda's stunned expression recedes a little, now being replaced by worry as she slowly sits down on the couch, listening) As for the psychological situation about Sandi, I wanted to speak to you earlier, but you never allowed me--

**********

(Scene is in Jim's room, the same time)

Jim, already agitated concerning his situation with Millie, and slightly desperate, spoke on the bedroom phone.

JIM: (Frowns:) Whattaya mean, "Woo just stepped out"? He told me last night that he'd have something by today on my case!

**********

(Scene is in Los Angeles, Woo's office)

Carla, Woo's secretary, sat at her desk, spoke in a hurried, but courteous tone.

CARLA: I'm sorry, Mr. Morse, but another big case Woo's working on broke, and one of our men called him to the scene! I don't know when he'll return! (Pauses:) I could try and page him if you want, but that's the best I can do on short such notice--

JIM: (Low snarl, cuts her off:) --No, that won't be necessary. (Pauses, sighing and calming voice:) I--understand that the man has other cases to attend to as well and not just mine. Besides, I just remembered that he told me he'd do the calling. (Pauses:) Look, I'm sorry for biting your head off, Carla. I'm--just really eager to find something, that's all...

CARLA: (After a moment, smiles:) It's all right, Mr. Morse. Believe me, your call is tame compared to some other client's calls Woo's had.

JIM: (Relieved tone:) Fair enough, and call me just Jim. Well, when he comes back, please have him to call me, okay? He has my cell phone number.

CARLA: I know. Good bye, Jim. (Hangs up)

**********

(Scene goes back to Jim's room)

Jim hung up his phone and sighed, then left to go back downstairs.

**********

(Scene changes to the rear patio, the same time as Helen, Millie and the others were speaking)

Quinn frowned at Stacy, perplexed while they both sat at the umbrella-covered table with Tiffany. They all were sipping sweetner-flavored tall glasses of iced tea (also provided by Elenor).

QUINN: Huh? You said Sandi wasn't with you guys in the home theater that night while I was with my family in the media room? (Stacy shakes her head timidly first, then Tiffany does as well, after looking at Stacy) Well then, where was she, and why did you guys wait until now to tell me?

STACY: (Of course intimidated a little, cowers:) I-I'm sorry, Quinn, Sandi asked us not to say anything to you because she told us she was in the movie's video library, looking for something for us to watch and everything, and she didn't want to be embarassed in front of you because it took her so long to find that--ew--Squirm tape! (Pauses:) Tiffany and I didn't think much of it at the time, 'till I noticed the way she looked when that horrible news story about Darren and your family's talk came out in the home theater last night. She looked--(pauses, looks for words:) guilty a few times for some reason. It made me wonder why Sandi was acting like that--(adds, looks off, lower tone:) among the other things that's happened to her recently...

TIFFANY: (Passes with what is considered "serious" thinking for her, slow frown:) Hey...yeah. She did look...funny...

QUINN: (Pauses, takes in what Stacy's saying, narrows eyes:) Waitasec. If she was in th' video library that night while we were in the media room, which is beside the video library, then--(gasps:) ohmygosh! She must've been listening to us talk, an' stuff! (Stacy and Tiffany look at each other. Quinn looks up, cocks an eyebrow:) But why? (Pauses, becomes wide-eyed in realization, gasps:) Unlessss--

Quinn was interrupted by Elenor, who came out on the patio.

ELENOR: (Curtseys:) Excuse me, Miss Quinn, everyone, but the Griffins, or, ahem, rather Miss Sandi and her father, request your immediate presence in the family room.

TIFFANY: Huuuh?

STACY: Um, Sandi and her dad want us in the family room as soon as possible, Tiffany.

TIFFANY: Ohh...

QUINN: Thanks, Elenor. (Elenor curtseys, leaves) I think I know why Sandi did what she did guys, and I think we're gonna hear it from her. C'mon. (Leaves with the others)

**********

(Scene switches to the library/study, several minutes earlier)

Daria and Tom, looking for a place to pass the time until Jane and Darren were finished changing, were reading at the study's table while Curtis was skimming through some books on one of the many shelves on the library's open second level. Little had been said about what had happened concerning the shocking events with Sandi and her parents earlier, though Daria privately found herself actually fretting about what Sandi was going through emotionally, now with something else more than her nightmares and sleeplessness, and possibly far worse. Tom glanced up at her briefly, concerned himself a little about Daria, who, unbeknowest to her, had a small frown of worry on her face while thinking about Sandi (which undoubtedly would've shocked her to no end, of course).

Krystal suddenly entered the study, now dressed in a light, yellow, short-sleeved blouse that was tied in a knot, exposing her flat stomach and navel, along with just enough of a cleavage that was "tastefully" exposed. She also wore short cut-off jeans and sandals to complete the outfit. Daria cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at her attire, then out of curiousity looked out of the corner of her eye at Tom, who was looking at Krystal as well with his eyebrow cocked, only a little higher. Even Curtis did a bit of a double-take as he stared down, putting the book he had back on the shelf and coming down to the trio via the stepladder. Tom shook out of his stare, quickly glanced at Daria, then immediately looked back down into his book with an "ahem".

DARIA: (Low tone, wry expression and smirk:) Like what you're seeing...?

TOM: (While still looking in his book, same tone, returns smirk:) Is it my fault I just happened to look up and see "Daisy Duke" over there entering the study--like you did?

DARIA: (Stands up with him, still in the low tone:) Don't try to weasel out by providing a putback in my face, Tom. I'm a female like she is. We can look at each other over how we dress. You, on the other hand, sir, are a male--a lusting one, I might add. (Tom rolls his eyes) I saw how that eyebrow was cocked--

TOM: (Grins:) Just like your's was--"female". (Daria mock-glares at him)

CURTIS: (Whistles:) Whoa, Krystal. Nice outfit. Are you wearing that to the party tonight? (Daria and Tom come over)

KRYSTAL: (Grins:) Why thank you, Curtis, and no, I'm not. I bought an outfit for tonight when I was with Quinn and her friends yesterday at Reynaldo's. (Shrugs, looks over herself:) This is just a little something to tie me over until then--

DARIA: --Quite an eye-catching "tie" if you ask me. (Pauses, subtle sarcastic deadpan:) Sure you're not trying to "rope" some guy with it? (Krystal cocks an eyebrow, pauses, slight smirk as she stares. She realizes who Daria is speaking about, suspecting she's spoken to Jane and vice-versa, but keeping it to herself. Tom's eye's narrow slightly at the moment, coming up with the same conclusion, and Curtis looks between the two, slightly puzzled, then at Tom. His eyebrows rise in surprise as he ponders)

KRYSTAL: (Grins, purrs as she glances coyly at Tom, winks:) Oh, don't worry, Daria. I'm not out to get your boyfriend--(Tom's face reddens slightly, uneasy chuckle. Daria's eyes narrow ever-so-slightly. Curtis, privately assuming that very same thing for some reason, shows a brief smile, inwardly relieved) (Krystal gives Tom a mock-seductive expression, grins:)--not that he isn't cute, mind you.

TOM: (Swallows hard, looks over at Daria uncomfortably:) Uh, thanks--?

DARIA: (Glances at Tom:) Oh, I know it's not Tom who you'd be after. (Pauses:) He's too well-trained to know who the "Mommy" is in this relationship.

TOM: (Mock-scowls while Curtis laughs:) Hey!

KRYSTAL: (Chuckles:) Exactly. (Saunters over to Curtis, mock-seductively rubs his arm, wiggles eyebrows up and down:) I'm pursuing--other specimens of the masculine gender--

CURTIS: (Shakes head slowly, smirks:) --Afraid I can't help you there, Krystal. Lena will hang me out to dry if I even thought about looking at another girl, which I won't. Try elsewhere.

KRYSTAL: (Mock-pout, crosses arms, grins as she looks around:) Oh, bother. Who can I turn to now?

TOM: (Glances at Daria for an instant:) Er, don't tell me that someone with your looks doesn't have a boyfriend or two on the side, Krystal? (Daria returns the glance) Surely you'll be bringing some guy along with you tonight for the party--?

DARIA: (Under her breath:) Keep digging that hole, Sloane--

KRYSTAL: (Grins at Daria's crack, amused:) Yet another compliment for me! Thank you! (Pauses, uneasy chuckle:) Well, um, like I explained to Jane earlier, I'm sort of playing the field right now--

DARIA: (Slight shrug:)--And um, based on what you've just said, I'm assuming that field you're playing in isn't around here, is it? I mean, all of the guys are taken at Palace Appleton, (adds:) save for Jim, of course, and I think he's a little too old for you, unless you go for that sort of thing. (Krystal shows a "forced" smile at Daria's crack, pressing her lips together. Tom gives Daria a very quick, mock-admonishing glance. Curtis narrows an eye, for to him, something now isn't quite right, but he says nothing)

KRYSTAL: (Faux-joking tone and grin:) Oh, Daria, what a deliciously nasty sense of humor you have there! (Pauses, slightly narrows eyes:) I'll bet you really go over well at parties, don't you?

DARIA: (Picks up on Krystal's subtle crack, unfazed:) No, not really, since I don't go to too many of them--

KRYSTAL: (Cuts in:) --Oh, that's right, your mother mentioned the other day when I first met her that you don't go out much. (Glances over at Tom, smirks:) I guess Tom here will just have to drag you out to more of those parties starting tonight, won't he? (Daria's eyes narrow, and Tom looks uncomfortable. Krystal adds with a faux-grin:) That way, you can get out more and intermingle with the rest of us so you can expose more people to that hilarious sense of humor that you have. (Curtis looks between them all, now convinced that something's wrong)

TOM: (Begins to cut in before Daria offers a possibly nastier retort:) Actually, I--

Jane, now fully-dressed and showered, walked in, breaking up what appeared to be an increasingly tense situation. She cocked a curious eyebrow at everyone (especially at Krystal's attire) as she looked around. Krystal stared at Daria for an instant, and vice-versa, then both turned their attention to Jane, the same for Tom and Curtis, who privately vowed to find out later what exactly was going on.

JANE: IIII was told by Claude that you guys were holed up in here. (Pauses:) Uhhh, did I interrupt something--?

KRYSTAL: (Before anyone can speak, smiles:) Oh no, we're finished. We just had a little talk, right, Daria, everyone?

DARIA: (As Tom and Curtis nod slowly while looking between the two uneasily:) Ohhh yeah. I think our "little talk" produced some fruitful results, (adds, subtly hints:) if you know what I mean, Jane.

JANE: (After a moment, slowly catches on:) Oh, um, yeah, sure, Daria. I know exactly what you mean. (Krystal looks between the two, also catches on to what they're saying and inferring to each other, stays silent) (Jane changes the subject:) Anyway, I'm curious--why'd you guys come in here? I thought for sure that you'd avoid this place for the moment for Darren's sake.

DARIA: Originally, we were gonna go in the gameroom, but Fiona's cleaning it, so we came in here. It wasn't deliberate, but I figured if we were wanting to relax after what happened in front of the mansion earlier, this was as good as a place as any to go. (Pauses:) Still, you have a point, Jane, maybe we should leave. We wouldn't want Darren to possibly come in here, and--

Darren, himself fully showered and dressed, suddenly poked his head into the study, a slight smile on his face. Everyone stopped, and looked at each other, concerned. After a second, Darren entered stiffly. For a brief instant, Jane privately wondered if he'd say anything about or even look at the way Krystal was dressed, but he seemed to ignore her, looking around uneasily at the study. In a strange way, Jane was seemingly grateful this one time for Darren's trouble with the study, which drew his main attention (not that Jane wanted it like that, of course).

DARREN: (Keeping his composure:) Ah, here you all are. At first, I went to the gameroom. Fiona reluctantly told me where you all were after I prodded, but I assured her I'd be alright.

JANE: (Walks over to him with Daria:) Uh, Darren, we can leave if you want to--

DARREN: (Pauses, hesitates:) No--that's okay, Jane, it's no rush. I was just on the phone with Dr. Quinn, having finally reached him on vacation, seeing how he was taking all of this. He told me to come in here today after we spoke, anyway.

TOM: (While coming over:) At least it's good to know that despite all of this garbage that's gone down, he still has your best interest at heart, huh?

DARREN: Well, he's considered to be one of the best out there, so it's no surprise he still worries about his patients, I guess.

DARIA: Does that mean Dr. Quinn will keep being your psychologist, Darren? I wondered if he would still be after the news--

DARREN: (Nods, keeping his composure:) --Yes, he will, sis. In fact, he's planning to sue the Weekly Blabber like Helen is, (pauses, smirks:) as well as Helen's psychologists. (Everyone looks at each other, surprised) It so happens that Dr. Quinn knows them, too. It's apparently quite a tight-knit community in his area of profession, and he's told me that it's going to be a class action lawsuit. He also explained that he's secretly checked out of his hotel and into another one on the other side of the island. He's been in touch with his lawyer all of this time.

CURTIS: (Nods:) Good for him. I hope he sues the hell out of them--

KRYSTAL (Laughs:) Likewise. If we're lucky, that tabloid will go bankrupt after the barrage of lawsuits it's getting. (Smirks, looks at everyone:) Are you sure you don't want to join in the piling on, Darren? Who knows? You might get enough to make up for that $50 million missing from the company's coffers. (Darren chuckles with Curtis while the others smile "kindly" to Krystal)

DARREN: I'm sure, Krystal, tempting as it is to actually follow up on your "idea". I figure Bowman and his tabloid will have more than enough to deal with without me.

KRYSTAL: (Cuts eyes over to Jane:) Oh, yes, lest I forget, I meant to ask you about something earlier this morning, Jane, but it sort of slipped my mind until now, for obvious reasons--(Jane cocks an eyebrow along with Daria) how were you going to see, (pauses:) what's her name again--?

JANE: (After a moment, narrows eyes slightly:) --Uh, Tess Donovan, and it was by a limo. (Looks at watch:) I have to be there in another hour-and-a-half or so, in fact. I've gotten my entire portfolio ready, (pauses, grins at Darren:) and a picture or two of Darren's work for her to look at. (Darren rolls his eyes. Daria smirks along with Curtis and Tom) Nope, I haven't forgotten, dear boy, sorry. (Pauses:) Why did you ask that, Krystal?

KRYSTAL: I was going to go to New York City for an hour or two before I came back here for the party, and I wanted to offer you a ride to there and back, if you didn't mind. (Jane looks surprised along with Daria and Tom. Darren is as well, though it's not for the same reason, obviously) I needed to, (pauses:) um, run to the company office to pick up an important document for my dad that just came in overnight. I'll come back and wait for your interview with Miss Donovan to end afterwards. In the meantime, on our way there we can perhaps--(pauses, smirks slightly:) get better "acquianted". Besides, why make two separate trips there at the same time if we don't have to, and riding in that limo probably would've drawn some attention to you that you otherwise wouldn't have wanted, anyway, especially after last night. What do you say? (Pauses:) Join me?

JANE: (After a moment, glances over at Daria, and vice-versa, returns smirk, shrugs:) Sure, why not? We can shoot the breeze while getting better "acquainted". (Daria and Tom look very surprised, which causes Curtis' eyes to frown briefly at this. Darren is looking at Jane, not noticing)

KRYSTAL: (Grins:) Excellent. We'll leave when you're ready. When will you have your things downstairs?

JANE: Gimmie 45 minutes, or at least until we'll see what happens with Sandi and her folks, first.

DARREN: (Pauses as if he wants to say something, but doesn't. Instead, in a grateful tone:) Krystal, this is really very generous of you, not that it would've been any problem for Jane to go by the limo, "attention" or not, of course. (Krystal smiles as Darren narrows an eye:) Are you sure it won't be a problem--?

KRYSTAL: No problem, Darren, really. (Stares at Jane pointedly, "grins":) No problem at all. (Jane returns her "grin", while Daria and Tom look at each other again)

The next instant, one of the study's two intercoms, this one beside the entrance, came on. Millie's voice boomed on it.

MILLIE: Darren--?

DARREN: (Goes over to intercom, switches it on:) Yes, Aunt Millie?

MILLIE: Sandi's just entered the family room. She wants to speak to everyone.

DARREN: (Pauses, looks at Curtis, Tom and Krystal:) Uhhh, when she said "everyone", does that mean everyone, Aunt Millie? (Curtis and Krystal look at each other, whereas Tom looks at Daria and Jane) If you know what I mean--

MILLIE: (After a moment of speaking something unintelligible off the side:) Yes, Darren, everyone, including Curtis, Krystal, and Tom. Mr. Griffin and Sandi say it's okay. (Speaks again off the side, this time understandable:) Elenor, could you please make sure Mrs. Griffin's coldpack doesn't fall off her head while she's lying on the couch? Thank you. (Everyone looks at each other)

DARREN: (Concerned expression, pauses:) Aunt Millie, is everything okay? Did something bad happen to Mrs. Griffin?

JANE: (To Daria, very low whisper:) We should only be that lucky, amiga...(Daria shows a slight smirk)

MILLIE: (Placating tone:) It's all right, Darren. Mrs. Griffin's just received some--(pauses:) "overwhelming" news from her husband concerning Sandi, that's all. Everything will be revealed when you all come in.

DARREN: (Glances at Daria and Jane, knowingly and vice-versa:) Okay, Aunt Millie, we're on our way. Thanks. (Clicks off intercom, leaves study/library with others)

Similar to the walk to the front gates for the news conference earlier, Jane and Daria had brought up the rear, with Tom joining them, all deliberately slowing down to allow Darren, Curtis, and Krystal to go on just ahead of them. Krystal, however, did smirk briefly while looking at the trio out of the corner of her eye for an instant, suspecting that they were probably whispering about her.

True to Krystal's suspicions, Daria had subtly leaned over to Jane and was speaking in a low whisper, ditto for Jane and Tom in their responses.

DARIA: Are you nuts? Why walk, or in this case, ride into the lion's den?

TOM: (Cuts in gently, smirks:) That's lioness' den.

DARIA: (Slight scowl to him while Jane smirks:) No, lion's. You're not seriously suggesting to me that the male lion gets off his lazy ass to leave the den to hunt for food while the female lion stays to keep house, are you?

TOM: (Mock-winces:) Yee-ouch. I guess I'd better shut the hell up now, huh?

DARIA: Yes, indeedy. That hole you've dug is deep enough, Tom. You don't wanna let it get so far down that you won't be able to climb out. (Pauses:) Seriously, Jane, have you lost the rest of your nearly-insane mind in going with Krystal to New York City? (Pauses:) Alone? I mean, I thought you were gonna speak to her here--

JANE: (Snickers:) --Nah, I've still got a brain cell or two in reserve, amiga, (pauses, smirks:) though I could go either way. (Pauses, more serious tone:) Look, she's thrown down her own gauntlet next to mine. Krystal knows that I know about Darren, I'm sure of it, and I'm doing this to show her that I'm not gonna be intimidated. (Shrugs:) Besides, we can get a few things out on the table anyhow concerning Darren, and I definitely want to do that, womano-to-womano, in her car.

DARIA: (Sighs:) Well, I guess it's okay if you really wanna do this--(pauses, deadpan:) since they're witnesses who'll see you leave with her from here. Krystal won't be able to say that she had an iron-clad alibi if you mysteriously vanish. (Jane chuckles with Tom)

The group came to the family room, with Krystal going in first. Darren and Curtis stopped at the entrance to wait for Daria, Jane, and Tom, who had fallen behind a bit. Curtis narrowed his eyes once more at the trio as they passed him and Darren by, briefly wondering why they seemed to drag along behind. He then entered with Darren into the family room.

**********

Over the next few minutes, Sandi confessed to overhearing Darren and his family talk that night in the media room, apologizing as well, and her reasons as to why, even explaining her nightmare over her father's objections and concerns while he gently held her in his arms. At times Sandi looked as if she wanted to cry, but remarkably did not. The rest of the Fashion Club stood behind her in support, with Stacy almost ready to explode in a bawlfest of tears, stopped only by a (mildly) annoyed Quinn, who wanted to listen.

The Morgendorffers, short of a silent Daria, who nevertheless looked as sympathetic for Sandi as one could possibly imagine Daria doing for her, Darren, who obviously had felt guilty once again from hearing Sandi's nightmare because of his actions that led to her having them, and Millie, immediately let her know in no uncertain terms that she was forgiven, the same for Jane. On the far right wall of the room, Tom, Curtis and Krystal (who ever-so-slightly smirked in amusement while listening to Sandi, but then scowled when she observed Jane rubbing Darren on his shoulder with Quinn, comforting him), wordlessly watched the proceedings. Edward gently held the hand of a grateful Millie while they listened. Jim, separated from the two by Jake and Helen, stole a forlorn look or two at his ex and her beau, then sighed.

Sandi also announced that she would not be able to attend the party for tonight, much to the shock and dismay of the Fashion Club (and to the secret delight of Krystal), explaining that she just had spoken to her aunt, who wanted to meet her and the rest of her family as soon as possible to talk about what happened, wanting to stay over for a few days, starting tomorrow. Sandi encouraged the rest of the Fashion Club to "Carry on in the name of fashion and of social standing" in her stead for tonight's party. Quinn sadly nodded with Stacy and Tiffany, vowing to "Make her proud".

Mr. Griffin officially accepted Darren's offer of a psychologist for Sandi, with Darren paying for everything in full, until Sandi was well. Darren also reinterated his offer for them to use his jet to return to Lawndale, even offering to pay for the return tickets the Griffins had purchased on the commercial jet in full, to which Mr. Griffin reluctantly accepted--all after Sandi had eagerly asked if they could, not wanting to stand in a "Sweaty, long, icky baggage line", and of the rest of the Fashion Club quickly backing her up. Daria and Jane, standing beside each other now, smirked while glancing at one another: At least Sandi Griffin still showed some preferences for luxury, even after what she just went through. In a way, it seemed to them that some sort of "normalcy" for Sandi was returning.

Linda, who had not moved from her horizontal position on the couch during all of this time, finally recovered enough to take her ice pack off of her forehead to glare at Darren for a moment while he had made the offers, then suddenly flung her pack to the floor so hard, it drew everyone's attention. Linda just as abruptly rose from the couch and stormed over to Darren, moving so fast, no one could stop her, primarily because they were all so stunned by her action. She stopped just short of his face with her own, looking up into his eyes with a fierce scowl, speaking in an equally-fierce tone. Darren drew back a little in shock and surprise.

LINDA: I've been thinking: This is all of your damn fault, Darren! Sandi would've never needed to see a psychologist if you hadn't lied to your family in the first place when you came to Lawndale, and on top of that, she could've been killed in the warehouse that night! (Narrows eyes:) I sure as hell hope you're damn happy with what you almost did to my baby, you bastard, because when I'm through with suing you for putting her through an emotional and physical trauma, you'll be so damn poor, you won't even be considered to be poor!

DARREN: (Speechless as a now-furious Jane, Helen, Millie, Quinn, and even Daria begin to move towards Mrs. Griffin. For a tiny instant, Krystal considers doing the same thing, but doesn't.:) I--I--

Linda suddenly felt a very sharp slap in the face, a slap so hard, it reverberated throughout the entire mansion. She slowly turned in disbelief in the shocked silence while holding her palm-printed red face, along with everyone else, to Sandi, who was so angry, she was visibly shaking in a rage, her face as red as her rising temper. Mr. Griffin briefly considered holding his daughter, but thought the better of it. Sandi spoke through clenched teeth, her voice rising on occasion.

SANDI: You're blaming Darren for what happened to me? (Pauses, in disgusted disbelief:) YOU?! How DARE you! If anyone's to blame for what happened to me that night, it's YOU, dammit! Yeah, I admit I really liked him for a time, but you're the one who, like, encouraged me to go after him after I stupidly told you that Darren was rich! You're the one who turned up the heat on me when you found out who he really was, proclaiming in front of the whole world that he was my boyfriend, not Jane Lane's, over both of their objections through countless interviews, and all after I went through what happened at that damn warehouse, which Darren couldn't have possibly known about! YOU didn't seem to give a damn about what I was going through at the time, despite the fact that I had told you, only that I ended up with Darren so YOU could get your hands on his precious money, and NOW you're trying to worry about my welfare by suddenly suing him, so you can STILL get your hands on some of his money?! (Deep glare, realizes:) And you have the nerve about pointing out what Darren did, especially after what you said out there in front of the mansion to me earlier in front of the whole world! To me, that was far worse! (Shakes head slowly while continuing to speak:) I can't BELIEVE I still wanted to call you my "Mother", (Linda's mouth drops) I'm so ashamed of you! (Thumps side of head lightly:) What was I, like, thinking?! I'm such an idiot! You don't care about me or our family at all, only about YOURSELF! (Screaming so hard now, spittle is coming from her mouth:) DO YOU HEAR ME, "MOTHER"?! ONLY-ABOUT-YOURSELF!

Sandi slumped in exaustion the very next instant, only to be immediately held by Mr. Griffin and Darren by her arms. She leaned against her father for support.

JANE: (Thought v.o., impressed cocked eyebrow: Well, who would've thunk it? You go, girl!)

DARIA: (Thought v.o., ditto on the above, deadpan: Bitchin', Griffin, truly bitchin'...)

QUINN: (Thought v.o., stunned expression: S-Sandi--?)

In a slow, horrible self-realization, Linda's mouth began to tremble as she stared at the weakened form of her--daughter, particularly after the "mother" remark. After a long pause, she surprised her husband and Sandi by suddenly hugging them both very tightly, sobbing, speaking through tears, in a quieter tone.

LINDA: Oh Sandi, my baby, m-my poor, poor baby. I'm so sorry, sorry for everything. I was--was so damn angry, embarassed and frustrated over this entire week. (Pauses, holds Sandi's face tenderly with both hands:) How could I have been so stupid for saying all of that, over everything, especially about-- (stops herself, pauses, through her tears:) do y-you r-really still think of me as your mother? I-I thought that--that you wouldn't want me to b-be your's anymore after you found out about Jenny--

SANDI: (Cuts her off gently, small smile:) --That's like, so dumb. Of course I still see you as my mother. (Pauses, hesitates, glances at her father:) You wanted me like Father and raised me, and--and aunt Jenny gave me to you two.

Linda simply smiled and hugged her daughter even tighter. Mr. Griffin gave a relieved smile for an instant, then hugged them both, holding back his own tears. Helen and Jake smiled at the scene quietly while holding each other, both trying not to turn on the waterworks as well, the same (definitely) for the rest of the Fashion Club. Millie dropped her head in relief and smiled, with Edward holding her closely, "smiling" as well. Jim gave his own quick smile, but resumed his down expression yet again upon seeing his former wife and Edward.

Darren smiled slowly at the scene, like his aunt more in relief than anything else. The situation had gone from near-catastrophic (a possible and physical cat-fight, a.k.a. a "Five-On-One-Beat-The-Living-Hell-Out-Of-Linda") to benign in a matter of seconds. Jane broke away from standing with Daria and went beside him, putting her arm around his waist, showing a small smile. He returned the gesture as well, holding her closely.

Daria, out of curiousity (and of trying to take her mind off of the uncomfortable [to her] emotional moment), happened to glance over at Krystal and saw her roll her eyes subtly and snorting, crossing her arms while she leaned on the wall beside Curtis. Daria looked over at Tom, who happened to be doing the exact same thing while leaning against his part of the same wall. Both caught each other's look wordlessly, which suprised Daria. Now that's weird, being on the same wavelength like that. It's like we've been married a long time, or something, and I haven't even gotten the customary ring, bowed knee and proposal yet. I sure hope Jane knows what she's doing...

**********

(Scene changes to the front of the mansion, several minutes later)

The limo Darren had provided for the Griffins to go to the airport was just finished being packed with Sandi's belongings in its trunk by Claude, Elenor, and another butler. Behind the limo, Jane's portfolio and two pieces of Darren's work were being loaded into Krystal's green BMW by an uncomfortable-looking Fiona, who was casually being observed by Krystal from behind.

After saying their good byes to everyone, Linda and Tom Griffin climbed into the rear of the limo, their door being shut by a driver, who went over to the other side of the limo to open the door for Sandi as she turned to the rest of the Fashion Club for a final chat. Millie, who was standing beside Darren while they watched, leaned over and began to whisper something to her nephew. Helen, nearby, noticed and listened in.

MILLIE: You do realize that Mrs. Griffin never really apologized directly to you for what she said--?

DARREN: (Returning the whisper:) It's fine by me, Aunt Millie. She said she wasn't going to sue, thanks to Sandi. To me, that's considered to be apology enough.

HELEN: (Ditto with the whisper, cuts in:) Don't tell me that you thought Linda actually had a legal case against you, son--?

DARREN: (Cocks an eyebrow:) Didn't she, Helen? You should know, of all of us. I did misrepresent myself to you all for a time, and indirectly put her daughter in danger, whether I knew it or not. That seemed like a likely civil case if there ever was one. In purely financial terms, I got off lucky and escaped scot free, save for paying for Sandi's treatments and the plane tickets. (Helen frowns and ponders this)

In the meantime, Sandi smiled as she bid the rest of the Fashion Club adieu.

SANDI: --Goodbye, all of you. I'll call you all next Wednesday to catch up on our scheduled fashion meetings after my--(pauses:) aunt Jenny leaves.

QUINN: (Nods, smiles:) Okay, Sandi. I hope everything turns out alright, you know--?

STACY: (Enthusiastic, frantic nod and smile:) Yeah! It'll be okay, you'll see! (Grips her in a fierce hug, surprising Sandi, releases her)

TIFFANY: (Smiles:) Yeah...okay...(pats Sandi on her shoulder)

SANDI: Thanks, everyone, for being there for me, (pauses, turns to Quinn, smiles:) especially you, "Quh--inn". (Quinn chuckles)

Quinn was about to say something when Krystal hurriedly came around the limo, a "worried" expression on her face. Quinn and Sandi glanced at each other for an instant, then Krystal suddenly gave Sandi a Stacy-type of hug, shocking Sandi. Off on the side, Daria, Jane and Tom watched wordlessly, cocking surprised eyebrows.

KRYSTAL: (Faux-sympathetic tone, smile:) Good bye, Sandi. I do so hope that you get the type of help you so richly deserve. We'll be so disappointed not to have you or your parents here tonight at the party, (in the limo, Linda cocks an eyebrow for an instant as she overhears Krystal, frowns for a moment. Krystal suddenly startles Quinn and the remaining F.C.'ers by letting Sandi go and putting her arms around them all in a show of "Girl Power" solidarity:) but I'm sure we'll all somehow make it through your absence, right, guys?

QUINN: (Cuts eyes over at Krystal's arms while being squeezed, uncomfortable expression and chuckle:) Um, right, Krystal, we'll all make it through somehow...(Krystal "giggles", lets them all go. Quinn rubs her arms along with Stacy and Tiffany)

DARIA: (Low tone to no one in particular:) Be careful that that python didn't constrict your breathing, sis.

JANE: (Overhears, ditto with the low tone:) I wonder what that's all about? (Pauses:) D'you think Krystal's putting on a show of sympathy to impress everyone, especially Darren?

DARIA: If she is, then she's one hell of a lousy actress. I'd give her a one on a scale of ten.

TOM: I'd say point five, myself. (Both girls stare at him) What?

SANDI: (Taken aback for a second:) Errr, like, thanks, Krystal. I'll miss being here, (thought v.o.: And keeping an eye out on you. Fortunately, Quinn, her sister DeAnne, and Jane will be here to do it for me.) (Spots the last of her luggage being put into the trunk:) Well, goodbye. (Enters the limo. The driver shuts the door, goes back in on driver's side, gets in, drives off to the waves of everyone)

In the rear of the limo, Linda glanced back, then cocked an inquistive eyebrow to Sandi, who was reading her Reynaldo's fashion catalog.

LINDA: Sandi, who was that girl you were speaking to?

SANDI: (Looks up:) Who? Her? Oh, her name's Krystal McKinna, she's (pauses, with a subtle sneer:) a "friend" of Darren and his aunt. (Looks back down in the catalog:) Why'd you ask?

LINDA: (Small shrug:) Oh, just wondering who she was. (Pauses, frowns:) I thought I heard her voice from somewhere before, that's all...(Sandi cuts her eyes up to her mother then back down to her catalog, while Mr. Griffin looks at his wife briefly. Linda hesitates for an instant, then continues:) So, uhm, I've heard that you're going to work at Circa Fashions as an intern--? That sounds really interesting. (Sandi looks up from her catalog again, cocks a stunned eyebrow) Would you tell me about it...?

**********

(Scene returns to the front of the mansion. I'm assuming you the reader know that we have just "one" Tom now, so he'll just be known as, uh, "Tom".)

Everyone watched the limo leave. Helen then turned to Millie and the others just as Quinn, Krystal, and the rest of the Fashion Club came up behind her.

HELEN: (Pleasant smile:) Just because the early part of our "Family Time" fun was cancelled, that doesn't mean we all can't still have a good time for the afternoon, can we?

DARIA: (Before anyone can speak, deadpan:) You mean, we didn't have our so-called "fun" from most of the morning already? (Looks at watch:) Where does the time go, I wonder? (Helen and the rest of the F.C. glare at her briefly)

HELEN: That's not amusing, Daria, making a joke at Sandi and at her family's expense.

QUINN: (Indignant expression with Stacy and Tiffany, snarls:) Yeah, Daria!

DARIA: (Privately surprised at the ferocity of Quinn's anger, holds hands up:) Whoa, there. Sorry, I didn't mean it in quite that way. It was just more sarcasm from your's truly, that's all. (Quinn turns up her nose, snorts)

MILLIE: (Soothing, intercedes:) Yes, I'm sure Daria was only making a little joke, Helen, Quinn. After all what's just happened, we needed to lighten up a little.

QUINN: (Softens:) Oh, um, okay. Sorry, Daria.

DARIA: Uh, no sweat.

JIM: (Steps up, hurried tone, glances at Millie, uncomfortably:) Uh, I'm going to do some horseback riding, if you all don't mind--(starts to leave)

HELEN: (Cocks an eyebrow:) But we were going to take some pictures first, Jim--

JANE: (Cuts in:) --Which I can't, by the way, if you guys remember. I've got to go to see Tess Donovan. Krystal's offered me a ride, since she's gotta run an errand there, too. (Quinn's eyes grow very wide in shock at this, stares at Jane as if she's lost her mind, which Krystal subtly takes note of, smirks. Quinn notices Daria shaking her head very slightly, giving her sister an "I'll explain later" expression, which placates Quinn for the moment)

DARREN: I have an idea. Why not wait to take the pictures until after Jane and Krystal return? We should have plenty of sunlight left to do that.

HELEN: Hmm, I don't see why not. Jim, I suppose we'll be able to join you on your ride, since it is part of the Fam--

JIM: (Uncomfortably glances over at Millie again, this time with Darren's notice, cuts Helen off:) --Uh, well, I was sort of planning on a private ride, Helen. I have some--(pauses:) personal things to think about--(pauses:) alone. (Uneasy chuckle:) Don't let me stop you all from going on your own one, though, excuse me--(hurries off to the stables as everyone watches him leave, save for Millie, who's rolling her eyes. Edward cocks an eyebrow in amused curiosity at him and Millie, while Darren and Curtis frown, perplexed)

DARREN: (Whispers to Curtis, who's now standing beside him:) Something's going on between aunt Millie and uncle Jim. First, they and Edward don't show up at breakfast, then uncle Jim seems to be now avoiding them both. (Pauses, narrows eyes:) Hmm, now that I think about it, they both sounded kind of sharp to each other last night in the home theater when uncle Jim seemed to question Edward about his hesitantcy in Tina searching our bedrooms for those bugs--

CURTIS: (Returning the whisper:) What, so you think this has something to do with Edward? From what you told me over the phone the past few days, those guys seemed to have