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6th January 2022 Writings
Jan. 7th, 2022 06:35 pmTags:
- alternate history,
- anthony demartino,
- brittany taylor,
- candace flynn,
- charles ruttheimer iii,
- daria,
- daria morgendorffer,
- data,
- encounter at farpoint,
- fanfic,
- helen morgendorffer,
- ill,
- ill (daria),
- january writings,
- jodie landon,
- leonard mccoy,
- michael ‘mack’ mackenzie,
- phineas and ferb,
- quinn morgendorffer,
- rugrats,
- sandi griffin,
- star trek,
- the next generation,
- trent lane
Café Disaffecto – Facebook Edition
Lawndale Sun-Herald – Café robbed
Timothy O’Neill Oh no!
Daria Morgendorffer Of course Mr O’Neill would misunderstand my statement!
Eric Schrecter Helen Morgendorffer
(Dinner meeting instructions)
Eric Schrecter Sorry, the meeting is canceled.
Sandi Griffin posted the Event Emergency Fashion Club Meeting.
Helen Morgendorffer Daria Morgendorffer
Just reminding you that extracurriculars are helpful for getting into College.
Daria Morgendorffer I guess I’ll have to work at the Coffee House.
Daria Morgendorffer Fundraising! I hope Jane agrees.
Jane Lane No Way!
Daria Morgendorffer I’m coming over.
Brittany Taylor Fundraising is fun!
Kevin Thompson likes this.
Anthony DeMartino joined the group Where is that Damn Dislike Button!
Iris Johannsen Damn teenagers wouldn’t sell me a chocolate bar!
Lawndale Sun-Herald – Café robbed
Timothy O’Neill Oh no!
Daria Morgendorffer Of course Mr O’Neill would misunderstand my statement!
Eric Schrecter Helen Morgendorffer
(Dinner meeting instructions)
Eric Schrecter Sorry, the meeting is canceled.
Sandi Griffin posted the Event Emergency Fashion Club Meeting.
Helen Morgendorffer Daria Morgendorffer
Just reminding you that extracurriculars are helpful for getting into College.
Daria Morgendorffer I guess I’ll have to work at the Coffee House.
Daria Morgendorffer Fundraising! I hope Jane agrees.
Jane Lane No Way!
Daria Morgendorffer I’m coming over.
Brittany Taylor Fundraising is fun!
Kevin Thompson likes this.
Anthony DeMartino joined the group Where is that Damn Dislike Button!
Iris Johannsen Damn teenagers wouldn’t sell me a chocolate bar!
The Lawndale File - Facebook Edition
Nov. 5th, 2021 05:46 pmThe Lawndale File - Facebook Edition
Daria Morgendorffer Agents? At Lawndale High?
Jane Lane Who are these 'different ones'?
Sick Sad World From outer space to in your face! Aliens walk among us! A Sick Sad World Exclusive now on!
Daria Morgendorffer Why are we talking about aliens again?
Daria Morgendorffer I'm still wondering what the hell Trent was playing
Jane Lane Same here
Helen Morgendorffer --> Daria Morgendorffer
Is something wrong with Quinn?
Daria Morgendorffer If this weren't a school day, I might have the time to begin answering that.
Helen Morgendorffer --> Quinn Morgendorffer
Is something wrong with Daria?
Quinn Morgendorffer If this weren't a school day, I might have time to say something about that...
Helen Morgendorffer What are they teaching about immigration at Lawndale High?
Daria Morgendorffer Why is Quinn covering her neck?
( Read More )
Daria Morgendorffer Agents? At Lawndale High?
Jane Lane Who are these 'different ones'?
Sick Sad World From outer space to in your face! Aliens walk among us! A Sick Sad World Exclusive now on!
Daria Morgendorffer Why are we talking about aliens again?
Daria Morgendorffer I'm still wondering what the hell Trent was playing
Jane Lane Same here
Helen Morgendorffer --> Daria Morgendorffer
Is something wrong with Quinn?
Daria Morgendorffer If this weren't a school day, I might have the time to begin answering that.
Helen Morgendorffer --> Quinn Morgendorffer
Is something wrong with Daria?
Quinn Morgendorffer If this weren't a school day, I might have time to say something about that...
Helen Morgendorffer What are they teaching about immigration at Lawndale High?
Daria Morgendorffer Why is Quinn covering her neck?
( Read More )
Tags:
- angela li,
- anthony demartino,
- brittany taylor,
- charles ruttheimer iii,
- daria,
- daria morgendorffer,
- fanfic,
- helen morgendorffer,
- jake morgendorffer,
- jane lane,
- janet barch,
- jodie landon,
- kevin thompson,
- quinn morgendorffer,
- sandi griffin,
- stacy rowe,
- the lawndale file,
- tiffany blum-deckler,
- timothy o'neill
Mysteries of Lawndale – Night of the Coffee House Part 5
“You’re here just in time,” Helen said to her daughters as they entered the kitchen. “Dinner is ready.”
“You know these things can go into the evenings,” Daria said.
“But not often. You can’t solve every crime you come across, Daria.” Her older daughter may have been a successful detective in Highland, but she there were times when she did fail.
“Of course not!” Daria said with slight annoyance as she sat at the table. “But I was getting somewhere… I just need to think about it more.”
“How was your day, Quinn?” Helen asked.
“It was great. The Anime Club meeting was good, and I was able to join the relay team.”
“That’s great!” Jake said.
“That’s good, Quinn.”
After dinner, Quinn began to read Lawndale in the Post War Years 1945 – 1985.
Thursday, October 16th, 1997
Daria arrived at the Lane’s house at 7:45. Jane was yawning as she sipped at her coffee. “I don’t think you can do much in half an hour,” she said.
“No, but I will get copies of the sketches to Officer Peterson after school,” Daria responded.
“I doubt Ms. Li would approve of that use of any of the school’s photocopiers.”
“She doesn’t have to know.”
“Of course,” Jane said. She went to get the sketches.
( Daria then went to the phone. )
“You’re here just in time,” Helen said to her daughters as they entered the kitchen. “Dinner is ready.”
“You know these things can go into the evenings,” Daria said.
“But not often. You can’t solve every crime you come across, Daria.” Her older daughter may have been a successful detective in Highland, but she there were times when she did fail.
“Of course not!” Daria said with slight annoyance as she sat at the table. “But I was getting somewhere… I just need to think about it more.”
“How was your day, Quinn?” Helen asked.
“It was great. The Anime Club meeting was good, and I was able to join the relay team.”
“That’s great!” Jake said.
“That’s good, Quinn.”
After dinner, Quinn began to read Lawndale in the Post War Years 1945 – 1985.
Thursday, October 16th, 1997
Daria arrived at the Lane’s house at 7:45. Jane was yawning as she sipped at her coffee. “I don’t think you can do much in half an hour,” she said.
“No, but I will get copies of the sketches to Officer Peterson after school,” Daria responded.
“I doubt Ms. Li would approve of that use of any of the school’s photocopiers.”
“She doesn’t have to know.”
“Of course,” Jane said. She went to get the sketches.
( Daria then went to the phone. )
Daria in the Background - Part 1
Oct. 27th, 2021 08:43 pmDaria in the Background
Note - Response to challenge: Daria doesn't need glasses.
Part 1
Daria Morgendorffer just wanted to be left alone. As she had grown up, she had found she was different to the other children, and to her sister Quinn. She was more intelligent and not as outgoing as others. Over the years she had found ways to blend into the background so others would not notice her. It didn’t always work. Teachers always noted how good her work was, even if her writing was unusual for a child her age. Then there was that dumb duo in Highland who hung around her sometimes.
Things were to change when the Morgendorffers moved to Lawndale, a middle-class small city in northern Maryland. The description of the town made it seem perfect for someone who wanted to complete their High School education without drawing too much attention, but she didn’t know that her efforts would be to no avail.
1111 Glen Oaks Lane, Lawndale; September 15, 1997 7:30 AM
Having finished cleaning her teeth, Daria looked over herself in the mirror. She wanted to be sure that her impression of an average teenager was infallible. That no one other than the people she wanted to notice her would look twice at her. Mousy auburn hair tied back in a high ponytail. ‘Check,’ she thought as she looked at herself sideways. Tied back so, the hair fell to just below her shoulder blades. There was some length to it, but it was still shorter than Quinn’s. She then looked lower. Face washed.
Check. Understated clear lip gloss. Check. Understated light green dress. Check. She was about as different from Quinn as she could be. And right on cue, there was knocking on the door. She then went to open it, allowing Quinn in. “There you go.”
“Gosh, Daria, you’re going like that?” Quinn asked.
“At least I’m not dressed in pink,” Daria shot back as she left the bathroom.
“Ha!” Quinn said as she slammed the door.
( Lawndale High 8:30 AM )
Note - Response to challenge: Daria doesn't need glasses.
Part 1
Daria Morgendorffer just wanted to be left alone. As she had grown up, she had found she was different to the other children, and to her sister Quinn. She was more intelligent and not as outgoing as others. Over the years she had found ways to blend into the background so others would not notice her. It didn’t always work. Teachers always noted how good her work was, even if her writing was unusual for a child her age. Then there was that dumb duo in Highland who hung around her sometimes.
Things were to change when the Morgendorffers moved to Lawndale, a middle-class small city in northern Maryland. The description of the town made it seem perfect for someone who wanted to complete their High School education without drawing too much attention, but she didn’t know that her efforts would be to no avail.
1111 Glen Oaks Lane, Lawndale; September 15, 1997 7:30 AM
Having finished cleaning her teeth, Daria looked over herself in the mirror. She wanted to be sure that her impression of an average teenager was infallible. That no one other than the people she wanted to notice her would look twice at her. Mousy auburn hair tied back in a high ponytail. ‘Check,’ she thought as she looked at herself sideways. Tied back so, the hair fell to just below her shoulder blades. There was some length to it, but it was still shorter than Quinn’s. She then looked lower. Face washed.
Check. Understated clear lip gloss. Check. Understated light green dress. Check. She was about as different from Quinn as she could be. And right on cue, there was knocking on the door. She then went to open it, allowing Quinn in. “There you go.”
“Gosh, Daria, you’re going like that?” Quinn asked.
“At least I’m not dressed in pink,” Daria shot back as she left the bathroom.
“Ha!” Quinn said as she slammed the door.
( Lawndale High 8:30 AM )
Brittany - Esteem of the Transfer Student – Part 1
Brittany Taylor arrived at Lawndale High as she usually did, with her stepmother, Ashley-Amber dropping her off.
“Have a good day, Sweetie,” Ashley-Amber said with a giggle.
“I shall!” As she got out of the car and Ashley-Amber drove away, she noticed another, unfamiliar car in the turning circle. ‘Did someone get a new car?’ she wondered as she twirled one of her pigtails. ‘Probably not,’ she concluded as she saw two girls emerge from the car. They were obviously sisters, but something told her that they were completely different. Maybe one of them was a sophomore?
“Class, we have a new student joining us today,” Mr. Anthony DeMartino said. “Please welcome Daria Morgendorffer. Daria raise your hand please.”
Brittany wasn’t that surprised. ‘So, which grade is the other sister in?’ she briefly wondered as Daria raised her hand.
“Well, Daria! As long as your hand raised…” Mr. DeMartino chuckled. “Last week we began a unit on westward expansion. Perhaps you feel it’s unfair to be asked a question on your first day of class.
“Excuse me?” Daria asked. She sounded either bored or annoyed. Brittany wasn’t sure.
“Daria, can you concisely and unemotionally sum up for us the doctrine of Manifest Destiny?”
“Manifest Destiny was a slogan popular in the 1840s. It was used by people who claimed it was God's will for the U.S. to expand all the way to the Pacific Ocean. These people did not include many Mexicans,” Daria answered.
‘She’s certainly a cynical one, isn’t she?’ Brittany thought.
“Very good, Daria. Almost... suspiciously good. All right, class. Who can tell me which war Manifest Destiny was used to justify?
‘Don’t choose Kevvy! Don’t choose Kevvy! Don’t choose Kevvy!’
“Kevin! How about you!”
“The Vietnam War?”
‘Wrong, Kevvy!’ Brittany thought.
“That came a little later, Kevin... a hundred years later. A lot of good men died in that conflict, Kevin. I believe we owe it to them to at least get the century right!”
Kevin tried to think. “Uh… Operation Watergate?”
“Son, promise me you'll come back and see me some day when you've got the Heisman trophy and a chain of auto dealerships, and I'm saving up for a second pair of pants! Will you promise me that, Kevin?”
“Sure!”
“Can I come, too? I mean, if Kevin and I are still together,” Brittany asked.
“We will be, babe. We will be,” Kevin said.
Mr. DeMartino then changed his attention to her. “Ahh... Brittany. Can you guess which war we fought against the Mexicans over Manifest Destiny?”
She actually had an idea, but she didn’t want to embarrass Kevin. “Mmm... no.” It wasn’t as if these in-class interactions were graded.
“Please try, Brittany,” DeMartino said, almost pleading. Like perhaps she could do better?
“Uh... the Viet Cong war?” Brittany said, expanding upon what Kevin had said earlier.
Mr. DeMartino was then getting more annoyed. “Either someone gives me the answer, or I give you all double homework and a quiz tomorrow. I want a volunteer with the answer. Now!”
‘Double homework!’ Brittany thought. She had enough homework as it was.
Daria raised her hand.
“Daria, stop showing off!” Mr. DeMartino said.
Was Daria a showoff? Brittany wondered as she hoped someone else would come forward with the answer.
Jodie Landon raised her hand.
“Jodie?” DeMartino asked hopefully.
“The Mexican War.”
( That evening... )
Brittany Taylor arrived at Lawndale High as she usually did, with her stepmother, Ashley-Amber dropping her off.
“Have a good day, Sweetie,” Ashley-Amber said with a giggle.
“I shall!” As she got out of the car and Ashley-Amber drove away, she noticed another, unfamiliar car in the turning circle. ‘Did someone get a new car?’ she wondered as she twirled one of her pigtails. ‘Probably not,’ she concluded as she saw two girls emerge from the car. They were obviously sisters, but something told her that they were completely different. Maybe one of them was a sophomore?
“Class, we have a new student joining us today,” Mr. Anthony DeMartino said. “Please welcome Daria Morgendorffer. Daria raise your hand please.”
Brittany wasn’t that surprised. ‘So, which grade is the other sister in?’ she briefly wondered as Daria raised her hand.
“Well, Daria! As long as your hand raised…” Mr. DeMartino chuckled. “Last week we began a unit on westward expansion. Perhaps you feel it’s unfair to be asked a question on your first day of class.
“Excuse me?” Daria asked. She sounded either bored or annoyed. Brittany wasn’t sure.
“Daria, can you concisely and unemotionally sum up for us the doctrine of Manifest Destiny?”
“Manifest Destiny was a slogan popular in the 1840s. It was used by people who claimed it was God's will for the U.S. to expand all the way to the Pacific Ocean. These people did not include many Mexicans,” Daria answered.
‘She’s certainly a cynical one, isn’t she?’ Brittany thought.
“Very good, Daria. Almost... suspiciously good. All right, class. Who can tell me which war Manifest Destiny was used to justify?
‘Don’t choose Kevvy! Don’t choose Kevvy! Don’t choose Kevvy!’
“Kevin! How about you!”
“The Vietnam War?”
‘Wrong, Kevvy!’ Brittany thought.
“That came a little later, Kevin... a hundred years later. A lot of good men died in that conflict, Kevin. I believe we owe it to them to at least get the century right!”
Kevin tried to think. “Uh… Operation Watergate?”
“Son, promise me you'll come back and see me some day when you've got the Heisman trophy and a chain of auto dealerships, and I'm saving up for a second pair of pants! Will you promise me that, Kevin?”
“Sure!”
“Can I come, too? I mean, if Kevin and I are still together,” Brittany asked.
“We will be, babe. We will be,” Kevin said.
Mr. DeMartino then changed his attention to her. “Ahh... Brittany. Can you guess which war we fought against the Mexicans over Manifest Destiny?”
She actually had an idea, but she didn’t want to embarrass Kevin. “Mmm... no.” It wasn’t as if these in-class interactions were graded.
“Please try, Brittany,” DeMartino said, almost pleading. Like perhaps she could do better?
“Uh... the Viet Cong war?” Brittany said, expanding upon what Kevin had said earlier.
Mr. DeMartino was then getting more annoyed. “Either someone gives me the answer, or I give you all double homework and a quiz tomorrow. I want a volunteer with the answer. Now!”
‘Double homework!’ Brittany thought. She had enough homework as it was.
Daria raised her hand.
“Daria, stop showing off!” Mr. DeMartino said.
Was Daria a showoff? Brittany wondered as she hoped someone else would come forward with the answer.
Jodie Landon raised her hand.
“Jodie?” DeMartino asked hopefully.
“The Mexican War.”
( That evening... )
DariaBrittany - School
Sep. 27th, 2021 08:06 pmDariaBrittany - School
It was days before Daria (or, rather, Brittany) was allowed to go back to school. Days of tests in the hospital, until the doctors were satisfied that there was nothing wrong with 'Brittany' other than the amnesia. Daria considered that was the right decision, given that she remembered none of the events that had made Brittany, Brittany. Indeed, Steve had noticed the difference immediately, and had chalked it up to the amnesia.
Still, the days of tests were all to prove that Brittany was healthy, and while she had retained 'facts and figures', the personal memories were gone.
Eventually she was allowed to go back to school.
But first there was an interview with Ms. Li.
"Ms. Taylor, no doubt this has been an agonising time for you. Laaawndale High stands ready to assist you as you adjust.
"Thanks."
"Given the circumstances, we can forgo the meeting with Mrs. Manson."
'That's a relief,' Daria thought. "Good!" She said, her voice showing some 'pep'.
"You are now free to go to your first class. History, I believe."
"Thanks, Ms. Li."
Daria-Brittany (Brittaia?) left the Principal's office. On the way to the history class room, she saw many other people in the hallways. She could tell that they were all looking at her. There was a lot different about the person they presumed to be the Brittany Taylor they knew. She wasn't wearing the cheerleader uniform for one thing, just loose fitting clothes that shared the Lawndale High colors. In addition, she wore her hair down. It was longer than she was used to but she didn't want to cut it - yet.
Many of the students looked at her as she passed. Most of them had looks of pity. Somehow the 'news' had leaked. She pretended to read from the directions and soon came to the history classroom.
"Ah, Ms. Taylor!" Mr. DeMartino said as she came in. "Welcome back to Lawndale High. I hope that you're going to apply yourself."
'Brittaia' gave the teacher a questioning expression.
"Sorry, I forgot. You weren't one of my most attentive students, before!"
'Brittaia' nodded.
She found an empty seat, far from Kevin and from her opposite self. A glance was enough to tell her that the event had been a swap, not a duplication. The other person was still recognisable to the untrained eye as Daria Morgendorffer, but she knew that Brittany had ended up in her body. The clothes were different, like something Quinn would choose for a sister who had changed enough to ask for her help in finding clothes. She had also changed her glasses to frames that were less 'manstoppery'.
One last detail, her hair was in pigtails similar to the way Brittany had worn hers before the event. That settled it. Somehow the two were going to talk about what had happened.
Mr. DeMartino then asked a question. "Now, who can tell me the name of the Assassin who killed President Kennedy?"
Three hands went up. One of them was her. The other two were Jodie and.., her opposite self? 'You're trying to hard!' she thought.
"Daria," Mr. DeMartino said with a smile.
'Smiling?' Britaia asked herself.
"Lee Havey Oswald," Her opposite self answered.
'What!' Now there was something up.
It was days before Daria (or, rather, Brittany) was allowed to go back to school. Days of tests in the hospital, until the doctors were satisfied that there was nothing wrong with 'Brittany' other than the amnesia. Daria considered that was the right decision, given that she remembered none of the events that had made Brittany, Brittany. Indeed, Steve had noticed the difference immediately, and had chalked it up to the amnesia.
Still, the days of tests were all to prove that Brittany was healthy, and while she had retained 'facts and figures', the personal memories were gone.
Eventually she was allowed to go back to school.
But first there was an interview with Ms. Li.
"Ms. Taylor, no doubt this has been an agonising time for you. Laaawndale High stands ready to assist you as you adjust.
"Thanks."
"Given the circumstances, we can forgo the meeting with Mrs. Manson."
'That's a relief,' Daria thought. "Good!" She said, her voice showing some 'pep'.
"You are now free to go to your first class. History, I believe."
"Thanks, Ms. Li."
Daria-Brittany (Brittaia?) left the Principal's office. On the way to the history class room, she saw many other people in the hallways. She could tell that they were all looking at her. There was a lot different about the person they presumed to be the Brittany Taylor they knew. She wasn't wearing the cheerleader uniform for one thing, just loose fitting clothes that shared the Lawndale High colors. In addition, she wore her hair down. It was longer than she was used to but she didn't want to cut it - yet.
Many of the students looked at her as she passed. Most of them had looks of pity. Somehow the 'news' had leaked. She pretended to read from the directions and soon came to the history classroom.
"Ah, Ms. Taylor!" Mr. DeMartino said as she came in. "Welcome back to Lawndale High. I hope that you're going to apply yourself."
'Brittaia' gave the teacher a questioning expression.
"Sorry, I forgot. You weren't one of my most attentive students, before!"
'Brittaia' nodded.
She found an empty seat, far from Kevin and from her opposite self. A glance was enough to tell her that the event had been a swap, not a duplication. The other person was still recognisable to the untrained eye as Daria Morgendorffer, but she knew that Brittany had ended up in her body. The clothes were different, like something Quinn would choose for a sister who had changed enough to ask for her help in finding clothes. She had also changed her glasses to frames that were less 'manstoppery'.
One last detail, her hair was in pigtails similar to the way Brittany had worn hers before the event. That settled it. Somehow the two were going to talk about what had happened.
Mr. DeMartino then asked a question. "Now, who can tell me the name of the Assassin who killed President Kennedy?"
Three hands went up. One of them was her. The other two were Jodie and.., her opposite self? 'You're trying to hard!' she thought.
"Daria," Mr. DeMartino said with a smile.
'Smiling?' Britaia asked herself.
"Lee Havey Oswald," Her opposite self answered.
'What!' Now there was something up.
Yeager 0.68 Beta, Morgendorffer 1.05 RC
“I'm going to make some bread, Daria,” Helen said as she pulled out a breadmaker and set it on the counter.
“Isn't that what supermarkets are for?” Daria asked, wondering just what her mother was up to.
“The Yeagers are coming for the weekend, and I can't serve them store-bought bread.
“Why not?” Daria asked.
“I haven't seen them for twenty five years, and let's just say they know a different Helen. A Helen famous for her oatmeal pumpkin seed loaf,” Helen explained.
“And just what have you done with this Helen?”
There was then the sound a car horn.
“They're here! I hope they don't think I've changed too much,” she said as she primped her hair.
“Just be yourself. That's what you've always told me.”
“I could kick myself for that,” Helen said.
Daria smirked.
( Read More )
“I'm going to make some bread, Daria,” Helen said as she pulled out a breadmaker and set it on the counter.
“Isn't that what supermarkets are for?” Daria asked, wondering just what her mother was up to.
“The Yeagers are coming for the weekend, and I can't serve them store-bought bread.
“Why not?” Daria asked.
“I haven't seen them for twenty five years, and let's just say they know a different Helen. A Helen famous for her oatmeal pumpkin seed loaf,” Helen explained.
“And just what have you done with this Helen?”
There was then the sound a car horn.
“They're here! I hope they don't think I've changed too much,” she said as she primped her hair.
“Just be yourself. That's what you've always told me.”
“I could kick myself for that,” Helen said.
Daria smirked.
( Read More )
Quinn's Code - Stacy the Brain
Sep. 9th, 2021 08:14 pmStacy the Brain
Thursday, March 9, 2006
Lawndale
Lawndale High
Mr. Timothy O'Neil was handing out graded essays. “Now, as I'm handing back your essays, you may have strong feelings about the competitive and discouraging aspects of grading,” he said. He gave reassuring looks to each of the students.
Once he finished he went back to his desk and said. “I care about what you have to say. Who would like to start?”
Jamie White raised his hand. “Is an F+ the same as a D-?” he asked, wondering what the answer would be.
“I don't believe I've ever heard of an F+, Jordan, but we can talk about it,” O'Neil said. He wanted to reassure him.
“OK,” Jamie said.
“I think you failed,” his friend Jeffy Brown said.
“Eggplant! I thought he said eggshell!” Stacy said to the girl beside her.
“That must have been confusing,” the girl said.
Stacy nodded.
The teacher then said, “Stacy? Was there something you wanted to say?”
Stacy looked at her table and the tables nearby to ensure that she wasn't mistaken. “Um, I didn't get my essay back,” she said, her heart racing.
“That's true, Stacy. I'm afraid I need to see you after class.”
“Oh, OK,” Stacy said, breathing heavily, and her heart beating faster.
“Relax!” the girl beside her said, reassuringly.
Stacy closed her eyes and breathed deep breaths.
“Oh, dear!” Mr. O'Neill said.
“I'm fine,” Stacy said.
After class Stacy walked up to the front of the classroom with trepidation.
“Stacy, I'm so sorry, but we need to talk about your performance,” Mr. O'Neil said.
“OK...” Stacy said in a slight panic, although slightly less than earlier.
“Let's go over our last assignment, "How I feel about polyculturalism." You wrote, a few lines about various clothing that people wear around the world.”
“I didn't copy it! I know plagiarism is bad.”
“No, no, I believe you. The thing is... now I don't want to panic or upset you -- please, take this in a constructive spirit -- but I'm afraid you're not doing well in Language Arts.”
“I'm not!” Stacy started breathing harder. “How badly?”
“Well... You're going to have to get an A on your next essay to maintain a passing grade!” the teacher said in concern.
“Oh, G. Oh G.!” Stacy then broke down in tears.
“I'm a failure! And now I'll have to repeat freshman year!”
“You can do it, Stacy! You know, when I was in high school, I wanted more than anything to be on the high school gymnastic team, but I just couldn't master the high bar. So I practiced every day...” Mr. O'Neill said, before being intrrupted.
Stacy didn't want to hear about Mr. O'Neil's story in her distress (or at all, but especially in her distress.)
“No! Mr. O'Neill!” Stacy said as she ran off.
“Stacy, Wait!”
But Stacy left the classroom.
“Oh dear!” He went back to his desk. 'She didn't take that too well,' he thought. He took a notepad out of his desk and began to draft a letter to her parents.
( Friday, March 10, 2006 )
Thursday, March 9, 2006
Lawndale
Lawndale High
Mr. Timothy O'Neil was handing out graded essays. “Now, as I'm handing back your essays, you may have strong feelings about the competitive and discouraging aspects of grading,” he said. He gave reassuring looks to each of the students.
Once he finished he went back to his desk and said. “I care about what you have to say. Who would like to start?”
Jamie White raised his hand. “Is an F+ the same as a D-?” he asked, wondering what the answer would be.
“I don't believe I've ever heard of an F+, Jordan, but we can talk about it,” O'Neil said. He wanted to reassure him.
“OK,” Jamie said.
“I think you failed,” his friend Jeffy Brown said.
“Eggplant! I thought he said eggshell!” Stacy said to the girl beside her.
“That must have been confusing,” the girl said.
Stacy nodded.
The teacher then said, “Stacy? Was there something you wanted to say?”
Stacy looked at her table and the tables nearby to ensure that she wasn't mistaken. “Um, I didn't get my essay back,” she said, her heart racing.
“That's true, Stacy. I'm afraid I need to see you after class.”
“Oh, OK,” Stacy said, breathing heavily, and her heart beating faster.
“Relax!” the girl beside her said, reassuringly.
Stacy closed her eyes and breathed deep breaths.
“Oh, dear!” Mr. O'Neill said.
“I'm fine,” Stacy said.
After class Stacy walked up to the front of the classroom with trepidation.
“Stacy, I'm so sorry, but we need to talk about your performance,” Mr. O'Neil said.
“OK...” Stacy said in a slight panic, although slightly less than earlier.
“Let's go over our last assignment, "How I feel about polyculturalism." You wrote, a few lines about various clothing that people wear around the world.”
“I didn't copy it! I know plagiarism is bad.”
“No, no, I believe you. The thing is... now I don't want to panic or upset you -- please, take this in a constructive spirit -- but I'm afraid you're not doing well in Language Arts.”
“I'm not!” Stacy started breathing harder. “How badly?”
“Well... You're going to have to get an A on your next essay to maintain a passing grade!” the teacher said in concern.
“Oh, G. Oh G.!” Stacy then broke down in tears.
“I'm a failure! And now I'll have to repeat freshman year!”
“You can do it, Stacy! You know, when I was in high school, I wanted more than anything to be on the high school gymnastic team, but I just couldn't master the high bar. So I practiced every day...” Mr. O'Neill said, before being intrrupted.
Stacy didn't want to hear about Mr. O'Neil's story in her distress (or at all, but especially in her distress.)
“No! Mr. O'Neill!” Stacy said as she ran off.
“Stacy, Wait!”
But Stacy left the classroom.
“Oh dear!” He went back to his desk. 'She didn't take that too well,' he thought. He took a notepad out of his desk and began to draft a letter to her parents.
( Friday, March 10, 2006 )
(no subject)
Aug. 28th, 2021 06:42 pmThe Geek Hunter Part 2
The students separated into two teams. “So, seize this opportunity to say 'private Yong Peron, reporting, sir or madam, ready, willing and able to learn the true meaning of teamwork,” Mr. O'Neill said.
“Let's go team!”
“That's it, Brittany! Who else on team red wants to say something before we begin?”
“To understand the disruptive nature of war upon society, first we must understand it's shattering impact upon individuals. I realize it's foolish of me to assume that any member Team Blue knows what physical pain feels like outside of a paper cut!” Anthony DeMartino said.
“Yeah, what a bunch of... ah!” Jake dropped to the ground as DeMartino pointed his gun at him.
“Sorry, false alarm!”
“That's OK.”
“Now, the object of the game is to shoot to kill.”
“Excuse me, isn't the object of the game to capture the enemy's flag?” Daria asked.
“Whatever. Move out!”
( Read More )
The students separated into two teams. “So, seize this opportunity to say 'private Yong Peron, reporting, sir or madam, ready, willing and able to learn the true meaning of teamwork,” Mr. O'Neill said.
“Let's go team!”
“That's it, Brittany! Who else on team red wants to say something before we begin?”
“To understand the disruptive nature of war upon society, first we must understand it's shattering impact upon individuals. I realize it's foolish of me to assume that any member Team Blue knows what physical pain feels like outside of a paper cut!” Anthony DeMartino said.
“Yeah, what a bunch of... ah!” Jake dropped to the ground as DeMartino pointed his gun at him.
“Sorry, false alarm!”
“That's OK.”
“Now, the object of the game is to shoot to kill.”
“Excuse me, isn't the object of the game to capture the enemy's flag?” Daria asked.
“Whatever. Move out!”
( Read More )
Daria 2097 Part 1.1
Aug. 22nd, 2021 04:26 pmDaria 2097 – Part 1.1
Daria 2097
E.S.T.E.E.M.
Monday, September 16, 2097
Lawndale, Maryland
A blue car was driving along a crowded road. Inside the car, the words Destination: Lawndale High School, showed on the dash screen.
The lower-middle aged man put aside his tablet (from which he was reading the local news) and said. “You know, girls, it's not easy moving to a whole new town, especially for you, Daria, right?”
“Did we move,” the older daughter, Daria Morgendorffer asked, as she turned from the window.
Jake laughed. “I'm just saying you don't make friends as easily as... uh, some people. ”
“Quinn for instance.”
The younger sister directed her music app to direct the audio to the cars speakers, rather than her headphones.
Jake was annoyed “Lexi – music off!” he said. The car obeyed and he turned his attention back to Daria. “That's not what I meant... necessarily. The point is, the first day at a new school is bound to be difficult...”
Daria whispered. Loud enough for the car AI to pick up, but not her father. “Lexi – music back up!” Once the music was back up. “Speak up, Dad! Can't hear you!”
“Uh, where was I?” Jake turned off the music with a swipe on the dash. “Oh, yeah...” He then saw the status on the dash change. Location: Lawndale High School drop off. Quinn opened the door and got out.
“Don't get upset if it takes the other kids a little while to warm up to you.”
( Quinn got out of the car and looked at the school. )
Daria 2097
E.S.T.E.E.M.
Monday, September 16, 2097
Lawndale, Maryland
A blue car was driving along a crowded road. Inside the car, the words Destination: Lawndale High School, showed on the dash screen.
The lower-middle aged man put aside his tablet (from which he was reading the local news) and said. “You know, girls, it's not easy moving to a whole new town, especially for you, Daria, right?”
“Did we move,” the older daughter, Daria Morgendorffer asked, as she turned from the window.
Jake laughed. “I'm just saying you don't make friends as easily as... uh, some people. ”
“Quinn for instance.”
The younger sister directed her music app to direct the audio to the cars speakers, rather than her headphones.
Jake was annoyed “Lexi – music off!” he said. The car obeyed and he turned his attention back to Daria. “That's not what I meant... necessarily. The point is, the first day at a new school is bound to be difficult...”
Daria whispered. Loud enough for the car AI to pick up, but not her father. “Lexi – music back up!” Once the music was back up. “Speak up, Dad! Can't hear you!”
“Uh, where was I?” Jake turned off the music with a swipe on the dash. “Oh, yeah...” He then saw the status on the dash change. Location: Lawndale High School drop off. Quinn opened the door and got out.
“Don't get upset if it takes the other kids a little while to warm up to you.”
( Quinn got out of the car and looked at the school. )
Mysteries of Lawndale 02 – The First Party Part 2
Twenty minutes later, Daria, Jane and Jason met Stacy, Quinn and Corey at a park across from Jason’s house on the corner of Glen Oaks Lane and Page Drive.
After their mutual surprise had subsided Daria asked, “Now we’ll compare notes.”
“We have to take notes?” Stacy asked.
“Not literally, but that would help,” Daria said as she placed her notebook on the table.
“No problem, I have an eidetic memory,” Stacy said.
“Huh?” Corey asked.
“Photographic,” Stacy answered.
“Remember that if you want to help us long term,” Daria said, with tone of slight annoyance.
“Right,” Corey said.
“Stacy, that is a good thing. With your recall you’ll be a great help,” Daria said, with a slight tone of encouragement.
“Well, one thing I have noticed, not only today, but occasionally, is the manhole covers. They all have the town crest on them.”
“Manhole covers have the town crest,” Daria repeated as she wrote it down in her notebook. She turned back to Stacy. “Could you sketch it?”
“Not very well,” Stacy admitted.
Daria turned to Jane.
“Sure,” Jane answered. “It’ll take a while, though.”
“That’s fine, we’ll go through what else we have discovered.”
( Read More )
Twenty minutes later, Daria, Jane and Jason met Stacy, Quinn and Corey at a park across from Jason’s house on the corner of Glen Oaks Lane and Page Drive.
After their mutual surprise had subsided Daria asked, “Now we’ll compare notes.”
“We have to take notes?” Stacy asked.
“Not literally, but that would help,” Daria said as she placed her notebook on the table.
“No problem, I have an eidetic memory,” Stacy said.
“Huh?” Corey asked.
“Photographic,” Stacy answered.
“Remember that if you want to help us long term,” Daria said, with tone of slight annoyance.
“Right,” Corey said.
“Stacy, that is a good thing. With your recall you’ll be a great help,” Daria said, with a slight tone of encouragement.
“Well, one thing I have noticed, not only today, but occasionally, is the manhole covers. They all have the town crest on them.”
“Manhole covers have the town crest,” Daria repeated as she wrote it down in her notebook. She turned back to Stacy. “Could you sketch it?”
“Not very well,” Stacy admitted.
Daria turned to Jane.
“Sure,” Jane answered. “It’ll take a while, though.”
“That’s fine, we’ll go through what else we have discovered.”
( Read More )
Life in the Past Lane - Facebook Edition
Jul. 18th, 2021 06:51 pmLife in the Past Lane Facebook Edition
Jane Lane became a fan of Retro Dudes...
Charles Rutthiemer III Watch me do magic tricks outside the Lawndale Mall.
Kevin Thompson Upchuck didn't give me my card back!
Jane Lane became a fan of Photo Corners, Cloth Typewriter Ribbons and Sealing Wax.
Anthony DeMartino became a fan of Being a Plant.
Charles Rutthiemer III likes this.
Stacy Rowe became a fan of Magic Tricks.
Jane Lane is now in a relationship.
Daria Morgendorffer --> Thomas Sloane So do you think we're in a rut or not?
Thomas Sloane No. Don't let Jane's current activities put you down.
Jane Lane became a fan of Speakeasies.
Jane Lane This is kinda getting silly.
Jane Lane and Nathan Retraia became fans of Abandoned Drive-Ins.
Daria Morgendorffer and Thomas Sloane joined the group, Where is That Dislike Button???.
Charles Rutthiemer III has posted the event Magic Show at Lawndale High.
Angela Li likes this.
Charles Rutthiemer III --> Stacy Rowe. Hi
Stacy Rowe has written on Charles Rutthiemer III's Wall: Hi!
Sandi Griffin Have you just written on Upchuck's Wall?
Stacy Rowe I meant to write on someone else’s wall!
Sick Sad World Trouble travels by trike! Under-age road rage, next on Sick Sad World.
Nathan Retraia has joined the group Sick Sad World is Crap.
Sandi Griffin Where are you, Stacy Rowe!
Tiffany Blum-Deckler She's being so weird lately.
Angela Li became a fan of Post Hipnotic Suggestion.
Sandi Griffin has posted the Event, Emergency Fashion Club Meeting.
Thomas Sloane Where are Jane Lane and Nathan Retraia?
Nathan Retraia is now single.
Jane Lane is now single.
Daria Morgendorffer and Thomas Sloane like this.
Nathan Retraia has blocked Jane Lane.
Charles Rutthiemer III: Post your reviews of my magic show.
Jane Lane became a fan of Retro Dudes...
Charles Rutthiemer III Watch me do magic tricks outside the Lawndale Mall.
Kevin Thompson Upchuck didn't give me my card back!
Jane Lane became a fan of Photo Corners, Cloth Typewriter Ribbons and Sealing Wax.
Anthony DeMartino became a fan of Being a Plant.
Charles Rutthiemer III likes this.
Stacy Rowe became a fan of Magic Tricks.
Jane Lane is now in a relationship.
Daria Morgendorffer --> Thomas Sloane So do you think we're in a rut or not?
Thomas Sloane No. Don't let Jane's current activities put you down.
Jane Lane became a fan of Speakeasies.
Jane Lane This is kinda getting silly.
Jane Lane and Nathan Retraia became fans of Abandoned Drive-Ins.
Daria Morgendorffer and Thomas Sloane joined the group, Where is That Dislike Button???.
Charles Rutthiemer III has posted the event Magic Show at Lawndale High.
Angela Li likes this.
Charles Rutthiemer III --> Stacy Rowe. Hi
Stacy Rowe has written on Charles Rutthiemer III's Wall: Hi!
Sandi Griffin Have you just written on Upchuck's Wall?
Stacy Rowe I meant to write on someone else’s wall!
Sick Sad World Trouble travels by trike! Under-age road rage, next on Sick Sad World.
Nathan Retraia has joined the group Sick Sad World is Crap.
Sandi Griffin Where are you, Stacy Rowe!
Tiffany Blum-Deckler She's being so weird lately.
Angela Li became a fan of Post Hipnotic Suggestion.
Sandi Griffin has posted the Event, Emergency Fashion Club Meeting.
Thomas Sloane Where are Jane Lane and Nathan Retraia?
Nathan Retraia is now single.
Jane Lane is now single.
Daria Morgendorffer and Thomas Sloane like this.
Nathan Retraia has blocked Jane Lane.
Charles Rutthiemer III: Post your reviews of my magic show.
Part 2
16 September 1997
Daria was annoyed at the Self Esteem Class already. The teacher was droning on, espousing New Age crap: “Esteem... a teen. They don't really rhyme, do they? The sounds don't quite mesh. And that, in fact, is often the case when it comes to a teen and esteem. The two just don't seem to go together. But we are here to begin realizing your actuality...”
‘That makes no sense! ‘Realizing your actuality’?’ She thought. She raised her hand. “Excuse me. I have a question.”
“Sorry, question and answer time is later.”
“I want to know what ‘realizing your actuality’ means.”
“It means... look, just let me get through this part, okay? Then there'll be a video!”
‘That’s annoying!’ Daria thought. She began writing that the teacher didn’t know what he was doing, but she was interrupted.
A girl seated behind her with chin-length hair, three piercings in her ears and wearing a paint splattered red jacket over a dark grey outfit leaned forward and said; “He doesn't know what it means. He's got the speech memorized. Just enjoy the nice man's soothing voice.”
Daria turned around. “How am I supposed to follow him if I don't know what he's talking about?”
“I can fill you in later. I've taken this course six times.”
( Quinn approached a large house. )
16 September 1997
Daria was annoyed at the Self Esteem Class already. The teacher was droning on, espousing New Age crap: “Esteem... a teen. They don't really rhyme, do they? The sounds don't quite mesh. And that, in fact, is often the case when it comes to a teen and esteem. The two just don't seem to go together. But we are here to begin realizing your actuality...”
‘That makes no sense! ‘Realizing your actuality’?’ She thought. She raised her hand. “Excuse me. I have a question.”
“Sorry, question and answer time is later.”
“I want to know what ‘realizing your actuality’ means.”
“It means... look, just let me get through this part, okay? Then there'll be a video!”
‘That’s annoying!’ Daria thought. She began writing that the teacher didn’t know what he was doing, but she was interrupted.
A girl seated behind her with chin-length hair, three piercings in her ears and wearing a paint splattered red jacket over a dark grey outfit leaned forward and said; “He doesn't know what it means. He's got the speech memorized. Just enjoy the nice man's soothing voice.”
Daria turned around. “How am I supposed to follow him if I don't know what he's talking about?”
“I can fill you in later. I've taken this course six times.”
( Quinn approached a large house. )
Mysteries of Lawndale 01: Esteem of the Investigator Part 1
Lawndale, MD
15 September 1997
A blue Lexus approached a suburban High School.
“Girls, I just want you to know your mother and I realize it's not easy moving to a whole new town -- especially for you, Daria, right?” Jake Morgendorffer asked.
In the back, his daughter Daria, asked “Did we move?”
“I'm just saying you don't make friends as easily as... uh, some people.”
Daria looked at her younger sister. “Quinn, for instance?”
“That's not what I meant... necessarily.” Jake turned the radio off. “The point is, the first day at a new school is bound to be difficult...”
Daria smirked and took out a device from one of her pockets. She pressed a couple of the buttons and the radio turned back on, with the volume increased. “Speak up, Dad! Can't hear you!”
“Uh, where was I?” Jake asked. He turned the radio off again. “Oh, yeah...”
Stacy Rowe saw noticed a cute, athletic, teen, with long red hair emerge from a Lexus wearing a stylish athletic outfit. “Hi! You're cool. What's your name?”
“Quinn Morgendorffer.”
“Cool name,” Stacy’s ... fellow Fashion Club member (and President), Sandi Griffin, said.
“Will you go out with me?” An instantly besmitten boy asked.
“Not right away, I’m going to take a while to settle in. Find all the clubs that I’d be interested in,” Quinn said.
Sandi took that as a cue. “Sandi Griffin, Fashion Club President. Your outfit is quite interesting.”
“Thanks,” Quinn said. Her voice then showed her interest. “Fashion Club, did you say? I’m in!”
“Cool!” Stacy said.
“Not right away, there is paperwork to fill out,” Sandi said.
“Can it be filled out in a day?” Quinn asked. “Best not to waste time.”
“Of course,” Sandi said, taken aback.
“Cool, see you later!” Quinn said as she continued towards the school.
Daria entered the school. Instantly she noticed many things that didn’t seem right. ‘Of course, Highland wasn’t ‘right’ either,’ she thought. Her trained investigator’s eye saw a great many security cameras along the length of the corridor she was entering. ‘There are at least eight. That’s overkill.’
Another thing was the prominence of the football team amongst the posters advertising the school’s clubs and sports teams. She touched a button in one of her pockets and slowly rotated as the camera hidden in one of her coat buttons took photos. ‘That’s a fifth of that film used,’ she thought when she was done. She then looked for the principal’s office where the new students were to report.
( Daria and Quinn were not the only students to begin at Lawndale High that day. )
Lawndale, MD
15 September 1997
A blue Lexus approached a suburban High School.
“Girls, I just want you to know your mother and I realize it's not easy moving to a whole new town -- especially for you, Daria, right?” Jake Morgendorffer asked.
In the back, his daughter Daria, asked “Did we move?”
“I'm just saying you don't make friends as easily as... uh, some people.”
Daria looked at her younger sister. “Quinn, for instance?”
“That's not what I meant... necessarily.” Jake turned the radio off. “The point is, the first day at a new school is bound to be difficult...”
Daria smirked and took out a device from one of her pockets. She pressed a couple of the buttons and the radio turned back on, with the volume increased. “Speak up, Dad! Can't hear you!”
“Uh, where was I?” Jake asked. He turned the radio off again. “Oh, yeah...”
Stacy Rowe saw noticed a cute, athletic, teen, with long red hair emerge from a Lexus wearing a stylish athletic outfit. “Hi! You're cool. What's your name?”
“Quinn Morgendorffer.”
“Cool name,” Stacy’s ... fellow Fashion Club member (and President), Sandi Griffin, said.
“Will you go out with me?” An instantly besmitten boy asked.
“Not right away, I’m going to take a while to settle in. Find all the clubs that I’d be interested in,” Quinn said.
Sandi took that as a cue. “Sandi Griffin, Fashion Club President. Your outfit is quite interesting.”
“Thanks,” Quinn said. Her voice then showed her interest. “Fashion Club, did you say? I’m in!”
“Cool!” Stacy said.
“Not right away, there is paperwork to fill out,” Sandi said.
“Can it be filled out in a day?” Quinn asked. “Best not to waste time.”
“Of course,” Sandi said, taken aback.
“Cool, see you later!” Quinn said as she continued towards the school.
Daria entered the school. Instantly she noticed many things that didn’t seem right. ‘Of course, Highland wasn’t ‘right’ either,’ she thought. Her trained investigator’s eye saw a great many security cameras along the length of the corridor she was entering. ‘There are at least eight. That’s overkill.’
Another thing was the prominence of the football team amongst the posters advertising the school’s clubs and sports teams. She touched a button in one of her pockets and slowly rotated as the camera hidden in one of her coat buttons took photos. ‘That’s a fifth of that film used,’ she thought when she was done. She then looked for the principal’s office where the new students were to report.
( Daria and Quinn were not the only students to begin at Lawndale High that day. )
Fan Fiction Update - The Grounded Geek
Jun. 12th, 2021 04:29 pmThe Grounded Geek
After a late return home one night, both of the Morgendorffer sisters find themselves grounded. But what does Quinn have planned?
Fanfiction.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6963544/7/Quinn-s-Code
Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31894825
After a late return home one night, both of the Morgendorffer sisters find themselves grounded. But what does Quinn have planned?
Fanfiction.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6963544/7/Quinn-s-Code
Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31894825
It was late in the first half when there was an interupption... Suddenly the lights flicked off!
Principal Ms. Li was outraged. “What is the meaning of this!” she cried out as the players came to a halt on the darkened ring.
“Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Daria commented.
“Because you were enjoying yourself?” Jane asked.
“Nah!” Daria added, with a tone of denial.
“Slowly the lights flicked back on, with an addition. Two spotlights were focused on the entrance. Suddenly Cindy and Kristen entered, skating and wearing Guild Wars inspired cosplay.
“Quinn, what are you doing?” Daria asked rhetorically.
“Something that will get her into trouble no doubt,” Jennifer groused, quietly.
“Certainly,” Jane said to Jennifer.
Anthony came to a stop as the lights went down. 'Ah, Ms. Morgendorffer, Ms. Robinson-Brolsma, impeccible timing!' He glanced at his adversary, barely visble in the darkness. 'I'll be ready.'
Cindy and Kristen did a complex set of movements (based on their dance training), and then moved back to the entrance. They courtisied and waved, after coming to a stop.
Then Quinn entered, waving...
---
With Quinn's interruption over, the roller hockey game continued. Anthony threw himself at his opponent.
Ten minutes into the second half, DeMartino and Rock 'n' Roll Randy were contesting each other for control of the puck.
“Come on... take... your punishment like... a man!” DeMartino said.
“I'm not a man, dude, I'm a rocker!” Randy said in response.
“Why, you...” DeMartino took control of the puck and advanced. “Where's your rock & roll power now? Hippie!”
Randy wacked DeMartino's leg, causing him to fall. He clutched at it in pain...
Andrea Hecuba leapt up. “Yes!”
Randy celebrated. “Woohoo! Rock & roll power forever!”
Mr. DeMartino groaned. “My knee!” he got up. “Arrgh!”
“Damn!” Andrea said.
“I don't suppose we can get a refund?” Daria asked rhetorically.
“He could still have a heart attack. He tries walking on the bad knee, and the pain is so bad his heart stops,” Jane said.
“Right,” Daria said.
“Just trying to find the silver lining,” Jane commented.
Jennifer sighed.
“Too morbid?” Jane asked.
Meanwhile Kevin was looking at Daria. “They did mental stuff to her. I can tell,” he said.
“Nobody better try that on me!” Brittany said.
“Yeah...” Jodie said.
Helen arrived home to find all the lights out. At the least she expected the light in Quinn's bedroom to be on. She looked up again. Not even the dim glow of her monitor screens. Unless she was in the dining room...
Helen entered the dining room. Quinn wasn't there... “Quinn! Jake! Where are you.” She decided to check whether Daria was in her room...
Helen opend Daria's door, and found that her older daughter wasn't home either. “Where are they?” She then heard her husband's Lexus as it pulled up outside...
Back at the school...
Ms. Barch was laying into Randy. “It's payback time, Randy!”
“Hey, this isn't so bad!” Jane said.
“Beats Monopoly,” Daria said.
“It certainly would,” Jennifer said.
After the Roller Hockey game ended, the Morgendorffer sisters and their friends sneaked back to Glen Oaks Lane.
When they had arrived back they saw that their both their parents' cars were in the driveway. “Going in and facing the music?” Jane asked after Daria had hesitated.
“Of course,” Daria said.
Quinn was already approaching the door. “Bye, I'll see you tomorrow,” she said to Cindy and Kristen. “See you at School,” Cindy said.
Helen was right in the foyer, between the door and the stairs. “Upstairs! Now! We'll talk about this in the morning, before you go to school!” Her expression was such that both of them knew that she would brook no discussion...
January 30, 2006
Daria entered the kitchen at twelve minutes past seven. She saw her parents sitting there. Quinn was standing next to the island bench. “Your Honor,” she began...
“Haven't you already made enough mockery of our judicial system?” Jake asked angrily.
“We just want to confer with our distinguished counterpart on the prosecution,” Daria said, as she came up alongside Quinn.”
“Yeah,” Quinn agreed.
“That seems fair,” Helen said warily. Then both Quinn and Daria told her what had happened.
“You can't seriously expect me to plea bargain. We're talking about a repeat offender here,” Helen said when they were finished.
“So, we screwed up, but either of us aren't hard cases yet. Both of us could go either way....” Quinn said.
“Quinn, Daria, it's our policy to be tough, especially on youthful transgressors.”
“But think of the effort you have to spend on incarceration. Scrabble... Risk... Monopoly... Operation,” Daria pointed out.
“I see your point,” Helen said.
“Well?” Jake asked.
“Your honor, the family has offered to settle, they both agree to parole.”
“We have to call if we're later than seven pm,” Quinn said.
“Wait, Quinn,” Helen said as they both began to go and get ready.
“Yeah?”
“I got a call from Ms. Li,” she said with her hands on her hips.
“Mr. DeMartino said that I could do it!” Quinn explained.
Helen sighed. “Yes, she did say that, but you still distrupted the school event!”
“For a short time,” Quinn pointed out.
“Obviously the attempt at grounding went badly, but there are other punishments available. Do I make myself clear!”
“Mom?” Quinn asked, wondering what those punishments would be.
“You will take out the garbage every second day, rather than every fourth day. The same with unloading the dishwasher.” Again her expression was such that it brooked no argument.
“Yes, Mom.”
“So you have to do extra chores?” Kristen commented as they approached the school.
“Yeah, it turned out that they were too busy to effectively continue the grounding...” Quinn said.
“That's something,” Cindy commented.
“At least I didn't get grounded either,” Kristen said.
“Neither did I, but they did institute a curfew,” Cindy said.
“When?” Quinn asked.
“Nine pm,” Cindy added. “Lights out by Ten thirty on a school night.”
“That's not so bad,” Kristen said, “Compared to what Quinn has just gone through.”
“True,” Cindy added.
After school at the Pizza place, Daria filled Jane and Jennifer in on everything that had happened that morning.
“So, basically, you've convinced them that you were too dull to be worth grounding,” Jane said.
“Exactly, and the sad thing is, it's kinda true,” Daria answered.
“For them anyway,” Jennifer added.
“True,” Daria said. Kevin then came over. “Kevin, I already told you, my parents did not conduct experiments on me.”
“I know, I know, but seriously, now tell me the truth,” Kevin said.
Daria sighed, and glared at Kevin. “All right. I had a magnetic device implanted in my head.”
“I knew it! What does it do?” he asked.
“It attracts gullible boys.”
“Cool! Does it work?”
“It's working right now,” Daria said, wondering when he would get it.
Kevin looked around, then turned around. “Whoa! Dude! That is very uncool,” he said and then left.
“Nice trick,” Jennifer said.
“There's no sadder sight on this Earth than a football player trying to think,” Daria said.
“Who said that?” Jane asked.
“I believe it was Jefferson,” Daria said.
Principal Ms. Li was outraged. “What is the meaning of this!” she cried out as the players came to a halt on the darkened ring.
“Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Daria commented.
“Because you were enjoying yourself?” Jane asked.
“Nah!” Daria added, with a tone of denial.
“Slowly the lights flicked back on, with an addition. Two spotlights were focused on the entrance. Suddenly Cindy and Kristen entered, skating and wearing Guild Wars inspired cosplay.
“Quinn, what are you doing?” Daria asked rhetorically.
“Something that will get her into trouble no doubt,” Jennifer groused, quietly.
“Certainly,” Jane said to Jennifer.
Anthony came to a stop as the lights went down. 'Ah, Ms. Morgendorffer, Ms. Robinson-Brolsma, impeccible timing!' He glanced at his adversary, barely visble in the darkness. 'I'll be ready.'
Cindy and Kristen did a complex set of movements (based on their dance training), and then moved back to the entrance. They courtisied and waved, after coming to a stop.
Then Quinn entered, waving...
---
With Quinn's interruption over, the roller hockey game continued. Anthony threw himself at his opponent.
Ten minutes into the second half, DeMartino and Rock 'n' Roll Randy were contesting each other for control of the puck.
“Come on... take... your punishment like... a man!” DeMartino said.
“I'm not a man, dude, I'm a rocker!” Randy said in response.
“Why, you...” DeMartino took control of the puck and advanced. “Where's your rock & roll power now? Hippie!”
Randy wacked DeMartino's leg, causing him to fall. He clutched at it in pain...
Andrea Hecuba leapt up. “Yes!”
Randy celebrated. “Woohoo! Rock & roll power forever!”
Mr. DeMartino groaned. “My knee!” he got up. “Arrgh!”
“Damn!” Andrea said.
“I don't suppose we can get a refund?” Daria asked rhetorically.
“He could still have a heart attack. He tries walking on the bad knee, and the pain is so bad his heart stops,” Jane said.
“Right,” Daria said.
“Just trying to find the silver lining,” Jane commented.
Jennifer sighed.
“Too morbid?” Jane asked.
Meanwhile Kevin was looking at Daria. “They did mental stuff to her. I can tell,” he said.
“Nobody better try that on me!” Brittany said.
“Yeah...” Jodie said.
Helen arrived home to find all the lights out. At the least she expected the light in Quinn's bedroom to be on. She looked up again. Not even the dim glow of her monitor screens. Unless she was in the dining room...
Helen entered the dining room. Quinn wasn't there... “Quinn! Jake! Where are you.” She decided to check whether Daria was in her room...
Helen opend Daria's door, and found that her older daughter wasn't home either. “Where are they?” She then heard her husband's Lexus as it pulled up outside...
Back at the school...
Ms. Barch was laying into Randy. “It's payback time, Randy!”
“Hey, this isn't so bad!” Jane said.
“Beats Monopoly,” Daria said.
“It certainly would,” Jennifer said.
After the Roller Hockey game ended, the Morgendorffer sisters and their friends sneaked back to Glen Oaks Lane.
When they had arrived back they saw that their both their parents' cars were in the driveway. “Going in and facing the music?” Jane asked after Daria had hesitated.
“Of course,” Daria said.
Quinn was already approaching the door. “Bye, I'll see you tomorrow,” she said to Cindy and Kristen. “See you at School,” Cindy said.
Helen was right in the foyer, between the door and the stairs. “Upstairs! Now! We'll talk about this in the morning, before you go to school!” Her expression was such that both of them knew that she would brook no discussion...
January 30, 2006
Daria entered the kitchen at twelve minutes past seven. She saw her parents sitting there. Quinn was standing next to the island bench. “Your Honor,” she began...
“Haven't you already made enough mockery of our judicial system?” Jake asked angrily.
“We just want to confer with our distinguished counterpart on the prosecution,” Daria said, as she came up alongside Quinn.”
“Yeah,” Quinn agreed.
“That seems fair,” Helen said warily. Then both Quinn and Daria told her what had happened.
“You can't seriously expect me to plea bargain. We're talking about a repeat offender here,” Helen said when they were finished.
“So, we screwed up, but either of us aren't hard cases yet. Both of us could go either way....” Quinn said.
“Quinn, Daria, it's our policy to be tough, especially on youthful transgressors.”
“But think of the effort you have to spend on incarceration. Scrabble... Risk... Monopoly... Operation,” Daria pointed out.
“I see your point,” Helen said.
“Well?” Jake asked.
“Your honor, the family has offered to settle, they both agree to parole.”
“We have to call if we're later than seven pm,” Quinn said.
“Wait, Quinn,” Helen said as they both began to go and get ready.
“Yeah?”
“I got a call from Ms. Li,” she said with her hands on her hips.
“Mr. DeMartino said that I could do it!” Quinn explained.
Helen sighed. “Yes, she did say that, but you still distrupted the school event!”
“For a short time,” Quinn pointed out.
“Obviously the attempt at grounding went badly, but there are other punishments available. Do I make myself clear!”
“Mom?” Quinn asked, wondering what those punishments would be.
“You will take out the garbage every second day, rather than every fourth day. The same with unloading the dishwasher.” Again her expression was such that it brooked no argument.
“Yes, Mom.”
“So you have to do extra chores?” Kristen commented as they approached the school.
“Yeah, it turned out that they were too busy to effectively continue the grounding...” Quinn said.
“That's something,” Cindy commented.
“At least I didn't get grounded either,” Kristen said.
“Neither did I, but they did institute a curfew,” Cindy said.
“When?” Quinn asked.
“Nine pm,” Cindy added. “Lights out by Ten thirty on a school night.”
“That's not so bad,” Kristen said, “Compared to what Quinn has just gone through.”
“True,” Cindy added.
After school at the Pizza place, Daria filled Jane and Jennifer in on everything that had happened that morning.
“So, basically, you've convinced them that you were too dull to be worth grounding,” Jane said.
“Exactly, and the sad thing is, it's kinda true,” Daria answered.
“For them anyway,” Jennifer added.
“True,” Daria said. Kevin then came over. “Kevin, I already told you, my parents did not conduct experiments on me.”
“I know, I know, but seriously, now tell me the truth,” Kevin said.
Daria sighed, and glared at Kevin. “All right. I had a magnetic device implanted in my head.”
“I knew it! What does it do?” he asked.
“It attracts gullible boys.”
“Cool! Does it work?”
“It's working right now,” Daria said, wondering when he would get it.
Kevin looked around, then turned around. “Whoa! Dude! That is very uncool,” he said and then left.
“Nice trick,” Jennifer said.
“There's no sadder sight on this Earth than a football player trying to think,” Daria said.
“Who said that?” Jane asked.
“I believe it was Jefferson,” Daria said.
Quinn's Code - The Grounded Geek - Part 2
Mar. 10th, 2021 04:14 pmJanuary 19, 2006
The next morning, as Quinn entered the kitchen Jake burst into song. “There she is, Miss American Bookworm.” He then said “You really must have been burning the midnight oil last night.”
“What do you mean?” Quinn asked.
“I mean your Shakespeare study group.”
Her excuse from the previous evening had slipped her mind. “What are you talking about?”
“The study group you went to. The sign in sheet said you got back at eleven-thirty...” Jake paused. “But now that I think about it, I went to bed at eleven-forty-five. Hey, I thought you got that watch fixed?”
“A couple of times,” Daria said. Toast popped up. “Prepare to be busted! She said in a gloating tone.
Quinn then remembered the previous evening. “Oops!” she whispered.
“Quinn, were you at a study group last night or did you go on a date?” Helen asked angrily. She had thought that her younger daughter knew better...
“Don't you see how your new rules are strangling me? Yes, I went on a date, but he's interesting.”
“Interesting, you mean you're in love with him?” Jake asked.
“With whom,” Helen asked.
“No! Don't put words in my mouth.” Quinn said. She paused. She couldn't quite remember his name. “Cliff, or Clint, is just a friend. That's all.”
“You don't even know his name, and you're in love with him!” Jake raged.
“You know what? You didn't listen to me! I said he's just a friend.”
Jake didn't let that deter him. “Do you have any idea how many of these rules you've broken?!”
Daria closed the tablets. “How many, Dad? And which ones?”
“Wha... what's that got to do with it?” Jake asked, confused.
Quinn gave in. “OK, ground me!” she directed.
“I wish it were that simple,” Helen said.
“Exactly,” Jake said. “What?”
Helen pointed to a point on one of the tablets.
Family Court
“You've got to be kidding me,” Daria said.
“That's not a good answer,” Helen said..
On the way to school, Quinn met with her friends, Cindy Brolsma and Kristen Bell. “What's up?” Cindy asked, noticing that Quinn was slightly out of sorts (in that she wasn't very talkative, and wasn't as bright as she habitually was.)
“Oh, If Mom just wants to ground me for being late two nights in a row, she should just ground me! Not institute some experimental 'Family Court'!”
“Family Court?” Kristen asked, curious.
“Exactly what it sounds like,” Quinn said.
“Sounds, strange,” Kristen said.
“You want to get grounded?” Cindy asked incredulously.
“Of course not! But I don't want it dragged out in a long 'process' either,” Quinn grumbled.
“I wouldn't either,” Kristen said.
“That would be annoying,” Cindy agreed.
“Tell me about it!”
Between classes Daria was at her locker with her friends, Jane Lane and Jennifer Burns. “So instead of saying, 'Don't come home so late,' now they've created some elaborate punishment system.
“You mean like a spanking machine?” Jane asked.
“I mean like Family Court,” Daria said.
“That sounds, weird,” Jennifer stated.
“Due process? Jane asked, rhetorically. “Yikes.”
Jodie Landon then came up. “Hey, you guys wanna buy tickets for the faculty-DJ roller hockey game?”
“We'll take three,” Jane said.
Jennifer nodded.
Daria was incredulous. “What? You're gonna pay to watch teachers skate around with DJs? Classic rock DJs?”
“You weren't here last year, Daria,” Jodie said. She launched into a description of the previous year's game...
Flashback – 50 weeks earlier
Roller Hockey Game
History teacher Mr. Anthony DeMartino contested with 'Rock & Roll Randy' for the puck.
Mr. DeMartino grabbed his chest. “Argh!” He collapsed to the floor.
Rock & Roll Randy was then in control of the puck. “Rock and roll, foreva!”
“Help... me.”
Language Arts Teacher Mr. Timothy O'Neil stopped next to his colleague. “Oh No! Anthony! Someone get the paramedics!”
Mr. DeMartino lay still on the floor.
End Flashback - Present
“Mr. DeMartino had to have an emergency angioplasty. He almost died,” Jodie explained.
“What are you saying?” Daria asked.
“You know how there are people who go to car races on the chance that they might see a crash?” Jodie asked.
Daria took out some money. “I'm in,” she said.
“Cool.”
“This is going to be great!” Jane said.
The next morning, as Quinn entered the kitchen Jake burst into song. “There she is, Miss American Bookworm.” He then said “You really must have been burning the midnight oil last night.”
“What do you mean?” Quinn asked.
“I mean your Shakespeare study group.”
Her excuse from the previous evening had slipped her mind. “What are you talking about?”
“The study group you went to. The sign in sheet said you got back at eleven-thirty...” Jake paused. “But now that I think about it, I went to bed at eleven-forty-five. Hey, I thought you got that watch fixed?”
“A couple of times,” Daria said. Toast popped up. “Prepare to be busted! She said in a gloating tone.
Quinn then remembered the previous evening. “Oops!” she whispered.
“Quinn, were you at a study group last night or did you go on a date?” Helen asked angrily. She had thought that her younger daughter knew better...
“Don't you see how your new rules are strangling me? Yes, I went on a date, but he's interesting.”
“Interesting, you mean you're in love with him?” Jake asked.
“With whom,” Helen asked.
“No! Don't put words in my mouth.” Quinn said. She paused. She couldn't quite remember his name. “Cliff, or Clint, is just a friend. That's all.”
“You don't even know his name, and you're in love with him!” Jake raged.
“You know what? You didn't listen to me! I said he's just a friend.”
Jake didn't let that deter him. “Do you have any idea how many of these rules you've broken?!”
Daria closed the tablets. “How many, Dad? And which ones?”
“Wha... what's that got to do with it?” Jake asked, confused.
Quinn gave in. “OK, ground me!” she directed.
“I wish it were that simple,” Helen said.
“Exactly,” Jake said. “What?”
Helen pointed to a point on one of the tablets.
Family Court
“You've got to be kidding me,” Daria said.
“That's not a good answer,” Helen said..
On the way to school, Quinn met with her friends, Cindy Brolsma and Kristen Bell. “What's up?” Cindy asked, noticing that Quinn was slightly out of sorts (in that she wasn't very talkative, and wasn't as bright as she habitually was.)
“Oh, If Mom just wants to ground me for being late two nights in a row, she should just ground me! Not institute some experimental 'Family Court'!”
“Family Court?” Kristen asked, curious.
“Exactly what it sounds like,” Quinn said.
“Sounds, strange,” Kristen said.
“You want to get grounded?” Cindy asked incredulously.
“Of course not! But I don't want it dragged out in a long 'process' either,” Quinn grumbled.
“I wouldn't either,” Kristen said.
“That would be annoying,” Cindy agreed.
“Tell me about it!”
Between classes Daria was at her locker with her friends, Jane Lane and Jennifer Burns. “So instead of saying, 'Don't come home so late,' now they've created some elaborate punishment system.
“You mean like a spanking machine?” Jane asked.
“I mean like Family Court,” Daria said.
“That sounds, weird,” Jennifer stated.
“Due process? Jane asked, rhetorically. “Yikes.”
Jodie Landon then came up. “Hey, you guys wanna buy tickets for the faculty-DJ roller hockey game?”
“We'll take three,” Jane said.
Jennifer nodded.
Daria was incredulous. “What? You're gonna pay to watch teachers skate around with DJs? Classic rock DJs?”
“You weren't here last year, Daria,” Jodie said. She launched into a description of the previous year's game...
Flashback – 50 weeks earlier
Roller Hockey Game
History teacher Mr. Anthony DeMartino contested with 'Rock & Roll Randy' for the puck.
Mr. DeMartino grabbed his chest. “Argh!” He collapsed to the floor.
Rock & Roll Randy was then in control of the puck. “Rock and roll, foreva!”
“Help... me.”
Language Arts Teacher Mr. Timothy O'Neil stopped next to his colleague. “Oh No! Anthony! Someone get the paramedics!”
Mr. DeMartino lay still on the floor.
End Flashback - Present
“Mr. DeMartino had to have an emergency angioplasty. He almost died,” Jodie explained.
“What are you saying?” Daria asked.
“You know how there are people who go to car races on the chance that they might see a crash?” Jodie asked.
Daria took out some money. “I'm in,” she said.
“Cool.”
“This is going to be great!” Jane said.
