Categories > Cartoons > Daria > Daria's Party Addition
Daria's Party Addition – 17 – Christmas, and into 1999
By Dr T
To Daria's surprise, she really didn't mind her second Gym class, certainly preferring it to her regular class. She didn't particularly enjoy swimming, and in fact just the smell of a chlorinated pool brought flashbacks to a certain day in Highland. (See the 'Beavis & Butt-head' episode 'Water Safety' for details.) Still, swimming slow laps was far less aggravating than playing volleyball. In addition, none of the Freshman or Sophomore girls were in the really popular crowds who were friendly with Quinn, and Daria's combined status as a 'brain' and as a Junior kept any from bothering her. So far, she had only had to help the swimming instructor once, keeping an eye on the students after they had 'passed' their floating/treading water 'exams' while the instructor made sure the remaining students didn't fail.
Daria again refused to go overboard as the Snow Ball approached, somewhat disappointing but not surprising her mother or Quinn. Daria simply had the bridesmaid's gown restyled a bit and (to Helen's shock in both respects) accepted her maternal grandmother's offer of a real pearl necklace to wear with it. In fact, Grandmother Tess had been shocked that Daria had been to the Easter Charity Cotillion (her and her late husband's one attendance at the gala was one of the social highlights from their time in Washington when he had been a congressman for a few terms), and she had been pleased on the whole at how Daria had looked there and at the other dances she had attended (Helen made certain both of Daria's grandmothers had received photos). Above all, Tess had been impressed at the number of compliments and positive comments she had received about Daria from the extended social networks she was connected to, which extended to the Lawndale area. Dolly Frasier had made certain that the 'society people' (especially those connected to the Barksdale FFV-networks) all knew who Daria's grandmother was, and Dolly's approval carried weight in those circles.
Informed of Daria's impressive university plans, Tess did not really approve of Daria's achievements or intellectual prowess, but she was still impressed by both. She therefore had informed Daria (and Helen) of a major contribution to Daria's hitherto modest college trust for her 17th birthday plus the pearls as an early Christmas present. Helen was of course pleased, and yet conflicted at the same time – after more than a few days of consideration on why, she finally worked out that she was a bit jealous that Daria was succeeding at impressing her mother where she herself had failed, while glad that it was occurring. Hence, the conflict.
As far as Quinn was concerned, since hitherto she been favored compared to Daria, these gifts gave her hopes that she would receive equal or better. In this, she would be disappointed – not because she didn't get something very nice from her grandmother that Christmas (and for her next birthday in April for that matter), she just received less than she had built her hopes up for.
Quinn, while disappointed, at least did not come close to throwing any sort of tantrum, or even serious pouting at any point throughout December. This was because her counselling was going moderately well, and Quinn, while far from where she needed to be, was far closer to that hopeful endpoint than to where she had started from. Quinn did note to her therapist that while her mother simply accepted her progress, her father was being incredibly supportive. To her surprise, Quinn had been able to open up to her father about her therapy a little. The talks the two now sometimes shared even seemed to be helping Jake deal with his own demons to some degree, which built up their rapport a little more each time.
Quinn found Daria supportive as well, although not nearly to the degree their father was. With a little help from her therapist, Quinn correctly understood that this was in part because Jake had a more vested interest in Quinn's wellbeing, and because Jake was in a position to take that greater interest (and needing to be able to apply some of the lessons Quinn was learning to his own past) while Daria was preparing to set off on an independent future. In addition, of course, while Quinn had used her father to a degree, she had not really ignored him or slighted him, at least no more than many children did. Quinn had, however, carried on an active feud with Daria, which Daria had been more than willing to end. Still, that old feud did prevent them from becoming too close.
On the whole, Quinn, and Jake were both approaching Christmas in much better emotional shape than ever. Daria wasn't, at least compared to the previous year, simply because she longed to be with Jack. She had a mental calendar, and every day she marked off another day before they would be together for a little bit, and more importantly, a day closer to late May, when she would join him in Boston. Granted, they would need to keep up at least a nominal pretense of living separately until the end of the upcoming year, but they would still finally be together most days, and many nights.
Helen was diverted from her concerns over her daughters when she had been informed that the law firm had created a new position – junior partner – just for her. She didn't get her name on the masthead, and while close she would not be earning quite as much as the full partners. However, it was stipulated that 1) no new full partner could be named until she was one, and 2) whenever one of the full partners retired or died, the senior junior partner would become a full partner (meaning, in this case, Helen, even if other junior partners were added before her promotion). In addition, she did have a full say and full vote in all partnership matters.
On the whole, Helen was pleased. Daria was glad it gave her mother something new to focus on as this worked itself out in detail in early to mid-December. She was missing Jack a bit more as he was starting his finals, and some were fairly intense. The problem with CLEPing out of Gen Ed classes would be that it meant there are few basic classes to break up the more intense upper division requirements. With Jack so involved in finals, his responses to her daily emails were briefer than usual, although still as loving.
Daria dealt with this foreshortened communication in a similar way she had been dealing with missing Jack since the summer – writing. She had not played a computer game – the way she had most often idled away a lot of time over the previous few years – since well before leaving for the dig the previous June. She felt she had by this time created a fairly well set-up world for her heroine, but wanted to experience at least some college life before committing to fully writing novels about her. Still, Daria would have three novels well-outlined by the time she left Lawndale. She would complete three new short stories before Jack came back to town, one of which would be accepted for publication upfront the next year. The other two, like previously unaccepted work, went into a special file. Some Daria would rework and resubmit later on, some would be raided for selected sections, and so on. Very little would go to waste.
Still, she didn't have to wait long to have her desires partially fulfilled. The last final exams at MIT that semester were on Monday, December 14. However, Jack's last final was the first thing that previous Friday morning. He therefore arrived in Lawndale late that evening, this time checking into a motel. He do so because this was going to be for a much longer period than Thanksgiving, and even Jack didn't want to pay for the slightly above mid-range Dutchman Inn for this long of a period – once Jack had turned 18, he had gained partial access to a decent trust fund left to him by his maternal grandfather, but it was not full access and he knew he needed to save money towards the next year. He and Daria were planning on living together in just over a year, and they would need to rent, and furnish, a decent apartment.
Still, Daria and Jack knew they would want some privacy over the holiday break and so would need a room. Therefore, instead of the Dutchman, Jack rented a room at a slightly lower-scale chain motel. Daria made sure she arrived at the room before 9:30 the next morning – the quickest she could make it without arousing suspicion.
Unfortunately, this motel only had a 'Continental breakfast.' However, knowing there was not even basic room service available, Daria brought supplies for lunch. That enabled them to stay in the room until after 5:30, when they went to dinner. As at Thanksgiving, while there was a passionate (and mutually satisfying) sexual encounter, most of their time together had been highly emotional cuddling, foreplay, an intimate shower, and after-play.
Of course, after a basic dinner at the chain restaurant next door, the pair came back to the room for a second love-making session, followed by even more cuddling and nuzzling.
When Daria returned home, it was just before 10:00. Fortunately for her, she was the first one home. Her parents were at a congratulatory dinner for her given to her by Jim Vitale and the two senior partners who were his friends, plus their wives. Quinn was taking advantage of Daria's absence and her parents plans to have two dates with different boys – lunch and a movie, followed by dinner and a classmate's party. She had not been able to get away with that sort of thing for some time.
To her surprise, Quinn didn't enjoy her dates as much as she used to.
Daria had let Jane know that Jack was in town and that she would be with him that weekend. Jane was happy to give Daria cover if needed, both for the previous day and this Sunday as well, In fact, Tom was willing to tutor Jane in both science and math that Sunday, as it gave him a good reason not to attend one of his mother's holiday charity events. (To their mutual surprise, there was actually some tutoring accomplished.) Daria was therefore able to return to the motel for a repeat of the previous day's morning and afternoon, although she would have to return home for dinner. Sunday dinners were close to mandatory at the Morgendorffers (except for those times in the past when Helen had been working overtime on a big case for one of the partners). Granted, neither Helen nor Jake usually cooked Sundays, but at least it was rare to have Helen's weeknight default of lasagna. Sometimes Jake tried to cook, usually without success. However, when planned for Sunday dinner was usually either takeout for something other than pizza or some frozen dish other than lasagna or a similar pasta. This night, it was a large chicken pot pie and salad.
No one really had much to say. Questioned by Helen, Quinn merely shrugged. She was not about to admit that she was confused about why her previous dating patterns weren't as satisfactory as they used to be. She had not yet connected that new condition with the progress she had been making in her therapy. Daria's response was that she was just anticipating seeing Jack starting Tuesday. Although Helen wanted to probe both daughters' thoughts more, in the end she decided to let them both be.
At least for now.
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Daria did meet Jack at his car after school let out that Monday. After dinner, Jack dropped Daria off near her parents' house and (after killing a little time at the mall for added verisimilitude) finally went home himself, pretending he was just arriving from Boston. Daria was again surprised to find herself the first one home. Her parents had left voice messages giving their excuses, and Daria was glad she had already had dinner.
That took a few minutes, however, because Daria was confronted by a small thin envelope in the mail from Raft. Her hands shaking, Daria turned on the lights to read it. As she read it through, all she could think was, 'Ha, ha. Not funny.'
She had been accepted, not only into Raft itself but for the Raft's natural history museum's internship, starting the first summer session. Her full scholarship was acknowledged, as were her transfer CLEP credits. Notices for all these, and more, would be coming as separate deliveries.
Daria sat down heavily onto the sofa.
She had done it.
All her hard work, all her extra reading, had paid off. Even ignoring Jack (which she was not about to actually do of course), she, Daria, oft-regarded as a misfit as a child and teen, was coming out far ahead in her chosen field. Granted, her relationship with Jack had given her the motivation, and granted, that relationship had also led to the summer fieldwork which had led to these amazing offers. Still, she had had to be the one to achieve the academic acknowledgements to take up those offers, and she had fully succeeded. Emotionally, she had many hopes and plans (and some apprehensions), but she now knew she had the opportunities to succeed academically at the very least.
Daria immediately went to her room and emailed the news to Jack and Aunt Amy. She would have to wait until morning to tell the rest of the household.
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Wanting to tell her family her good news, Daria was awake early the next morning. She quickly checked her AOL accounts and saw that Jack and Amy had responded with their congratulations. Jack also sent along some plans for the summer to her private account and after for Daria's consideration and input. Daria answered and hurriedly dressed and went downstairs.
"You're up early," Helen remarked from where she was just starting to make coffee. "Is there actually something interesting going on at school?"
Jake, just coming into the kitchen with the morning paper, caught the question and looked interested.
"Well, nothing at Lawndale High," Daria responded. "However, I received this acknowledgement from Raft. All aspects of my attending – the internship, transfer credits, and so on – are on."
Helen and Jake exchanged a look, which puzzled Daria. "You're not happy for me?" she asked, both disappointed there seemed to be no positive reaction, and even a bit hurt.
"We are," Jake responded quickly when he saw Daria expression, reflecting her feelings. "We know it's what you want. We just worry about you Kiddo." He smiled slightly. "It's part of being a parent."
Helen was impressed that Jake had seemed to hit the right tone, at least judging by Daria's body language while ignoring her own initial lack of any positive response to the news. "I'm sure you're relieved to have heard from them, Sweetie. If you leave the paperwork for us, I'll ask Marianne to make copies at work. You can give copies to Ms Li tomorrow."
As she left the house after breakfast, Daria thought, 'Well, at least Mother wasn't dismissive, or worse, even if she largely ignored me.' She knew her father, absent-minded and emotionally wounded though he was, loved her as an individual; her mother she wondered about – often Helen seemed to care for Daria just as a generic daughter.
Unsurprisingly (except perhaps to Helen, for no good reason), Daria and Jack were out each night the rest of that week. After school, Jack would pick her up and they were off to the hotel and then to dinner. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, they went to nice but informal places, and Daria was home before 8:30. This ensured that she had time to do any homework. Friday, the pair bypassed part of their usual fore-and-after-play (but not the sex) to allow Daria time to go home and get dressed up for the country club.
Jack and especially Daria were surprised at how many of the club members welcomed them back. Daria was a bit surprised to have Kay Sloane corner her to ask about the next evening's Snow Ball. Daria was able to assure her that Jane and Tom would have been welcome to join her and Jack at the country club and then at the dance afterwards. She also made it clear that the decision to bypass both had primarily been Tom's, although Jane could have pressed him harder into going if she had really wanted to attend.
Daria hoped this would get Jane off the hook from any ire on Mrs. Sloane's part, without getting Tom into too much trouble (if only because that might blow back onto Jane).
Kay then went over to the other side of the dining room, where the Frasers were (they wanted to have dinner at the club, but also wanted Jack and Daria to have at least a hint of privacy). Dolly smiled at her friend as Kay told her, "Dolly, once again I have to say I envy you your older son and his partner."
"Now, I know your boy wants to be unconventional, but he's not bad in any way. And I've met his girlfriend. She's quite a good artist, I believe."
"She is," Kay agreed. "Despite what some of our relatives think, I don't mind him dating a Bohemian-type. I wouldn't mind if Tom was the same, for that matter, if he could also take his role within the family somewhat more seriously. Jackson might be devoted to field work and fossils, but he certainly is still every bit a true gentleman." 'Unlike Tom,' she thought.
'Unlike Jeff,' Dolly's husband thought, but wisely did not say.
The next night, the pair went from the country club to the auditorium where the grand Snow Ball was held. While Daria had not remarked on it to anyone other than Jane, there had been a few guys who had asked her for dates over the previous months. None had been rude, crass, or persistent, and all had seemed to take the dismissal without any anger. It was quickly clear, from their entrance at the Ball holding hands – not something really seen very much from the pair the previous year as Daria had usually taken Jack's arm – to their general closeness, and how they slow danced (and danced the three waltzes played) that they were still a very devoted couple.
The occasional requests for dates from the boys of Lawndale High dried up because of this the rest of her time in Lawndale, much to Daria's relief.
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Classes at Lawndale High went through 1:00 that next Wednesday, and Daria and Jack managed to meet up each afternoon/early evening at the motel for at least a few hours. They also saw the remake of 'Psycho' (which they didn't think much of) and 'Star Trek: Insurrection' (which Daria disliked and Jack thought almost okay). They spent most of the 24th together, mostly in the motel before going out for dinner. They exchanged presents that evening after dinner, as they were not spending Christmas together – the Frasiers were hosting a rare get-together for Jack's maternal family. Daria had met most of the extended family the afternoon before.
No one was thrilled by the various present exchanges other than the couple. Both had kept the presents relatively inexpensive, putting some extra money in their mutual savings account. Daria received a small pair of earrings and a matching pendent on a gold white necklace, Jack a pair of matching cufflinks and tie clip.
The couple of course came back together the morning after Christmas, each arriving at the motel just before 9:30. As the couple cuddled as usual, taking comfort in the other's presence, Daria murmured, "A hundred and forty-seven days."
"H'mm?"
Daria stirred slightly. "A hundred and forty-seven days – that will be the twenty-second of May, when I should be moving into the dorm for the summer."
Although not counting the actual days, Jack was well-aware of that date. "And finally we'll at least be in the same city every day. At least most of the time."
Daria looked towards his face. "Do you know what you'll be doing this summer?" He hadn't said if anything was finalized, and she was worried he might have to go on a summer-long dig.
"I'll be taking a two-part practicum with Professor Roberts. That means I do have to spend a week in June and one in late July or early at the Carboniferous dig in Labrador." He caressed Daria's bare back. "The class will meet Monday through Thursday mornings, and will mostly be working in the collections. Did Raft post their summer schedule yet?"
"No, but I was told there would be non-conflicting morning bio and chem labs available for me to take. It doesn't really matter what time, although with my luck at least one will be at Eight."
"Probably," he agreed. "They'll most likely meet twice a week for the full summer class time." His caress reached lower. "Maybe you'll be lucky and they'll all meet at Eight."
"Unless your class also meets early, you'd better hope not," Daria retorted. "If any are early, that means I'll have to kick you out of bed."
"Good point," Jack agreed. "Let's hope they meet in the late morning slots."
"That reminds me. I forgot to ask, what kind of car did you get?" Jack had turned the Lexus he had been driving over to Jeffy. In return, his parents had promised him a replacement, but he hadn't said which of the suggestions he had made they had selected.
"A new Toyota Tacoma, to my surprise," he replied. “I pick it up tomorrow.” They had only promised a good used car. "Since you won't technically be a first semester Freshman, you can have a car on campus. Are your parents getting you one?"
"No, they agreed to pay for a single room instead." Daria smiled. "That way, we won't have to worry about a roommate on my end." Jack would stay living in campus housing until after the fall semester as well. "I hope your truck isn't a standard." Daria had only learned how to drive cars with an automatic transmission.
"It isn't," Jack assured her.
"Then we don't have to worry about transportation." Daria caressed him. "We can think about more interesting and fun things."
"That's my brilliant wife," Jack said, hugging her.
Daria blushed; to her shock, she loved when Jack called her that even if it took her a bit by surprise each time. Still, a glance at the clock caught her attention. "We need to get dressed if we're going to see the first showing of 'The Faculty'."
"True; nothing like a good horror film to get the blood going right after Christmas," Jack teased.
"Well, let's hope it's good, or at least bloody."
For a horror film released during the usual 'feel good' movie season, the pair felt it was okay.
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The couple spent the rest of the week similarly occupied during the days. Daria made certain that she arrived home most evenings by 9:00. Considering the days' activities, this was not much of a hardship, even if she wished she could spend the night with Jack. The exception to this was New Year's Eve. That night, like the previous year, the couple had dinner at the country club with Jack's parents. This year, however, they left early for the motel rather than Jack's house.
Daria made it home shortly after 1:00 am, and she was still the first one home. Quinn was spending the night at Stacy's, but Helen and Jake got in shortly after 1:30, when Daria was already asleep.
Jack would be driving back to Boston on Sunday, which just left the couple Saturday together. They did not wake up early, but spent the afternoon together at the motel. Helen and Jake could tell that their daughter was not happy to again be separated from Jack, even though they did not know exactly how far their relationship had gone.
School would resume on the Wednesday, giving Daria and Jane Monday and Tuesday to catch up with each other. They had just missed each other twice at the movies – seeing the same movies at different times, mostly to ensure that Tom had the maximum excuses to avoid family obligations. Jane was even happier to spend those two days with Daria than Daria was – Tom's school actually restarted on the Monday and he would be busy there with various programs. Jane had noticed that while Tom was always trying to dodge family obligations, he was happy to make time for his school friends and most school activities, rarely even thinking to ask Jane along. Jane was starting to wonder if she was staying in this relationship mostly for the sex, and if that was true for Tom as well.
Jane was not looking forward to the rest of the upcoming school year. Since Lawndale State started classes the following Tuesday, Daria would be starting her Calculus III class, MWF at 9:00. She would then have to drive or (more likely) take the city bus to school for gym class each day, followed by Econ and Art on alternating days plus her French class. Still, other than those few classes until mid-May, Daria was finished with high school. She was not thrilled by taking Calculus III, and considering how many classes she was CLEPing into Raft, it was far from certain that any additional transfer credits would be accepted. Still, she had barely made the A in the Calculus II CLEP, so she figured taking this class would at least give her a leg up if she had to take it again at Raft.
On the whole, both teens were happy with their Christmas breaks. Daria was sad that Jack would be gone until spring break and then Easter (they had had to promise his mother they would again attend the charity cotillion), but other than that, she had no complaints.
Jane was starting to wonder to herself, and hint to Daria, if her relationship with Tom really had anywhere to go at this point. The sex was still great (at least from her point of view), and the pizza and fast-food meals were frequent, but they really weren't connecting as well as they had early on in their relationship. Granted there were the food and the movies and visits to the Zon every other weekend or so, but Tom refused to do anything more formal.
Still, Jane had hopes.
"Let's just hope nothing crazy happens at school tomorrow," Daria commented Tuesday evening as Jane left for home.
"If there is, at least there's a good chance you'll be out of it," Jane reminded her friend.
By Dr T
To Daria's surprise, she really didn't mind her second Gym class, certainly preferring it to her regular class. She didn't particularly enjoy swimming, and in fact just the smell of a chlorinated pool brought flashbacks to a certain day in Highland. (See the 'Beavis & Butt-head' episode 'Water Safety' for details.) Still, swimming slow laps was far less aggravating than playing volleyball. In addition, none of the Freshman or Sophomore girls were in the really popular crowds who were friendly with Quinn, and Daria's combined status as a 'brain' and as a Junior kept any from bothering her. So far, she had only had to help the swimming instructor once, keeping an eye on the students after they had 'passed' their floating/treading water 'exams' while the instructor made sure the remaining students didn't fail.
Daria again refused to go overboard as the Snow Ball approached, somewhat disappointing but not surprising her mother or Quinn. Daria simply had the bridesmaid's gown restyled a bit and (to Helen's shock in both respects) accepted her maternal grandmother's offer of a real pearl necklace to wear with it. In fact, Grandmother Tess had been shocked that Daria had been to the Easter Charity Cotillion (her and her late husband's one attendance at the gala was one of the social highlights from their time in Washington when he had been a congressman for a few terms), and she had been pleased on the whole at how Daria had looked there and at the other dances she had attended (Helen made certain both of Daria's grandmothers had received photos). Above all, Tess had been impressed at the number of compliments and positive comments she had received about Daria from the extended social networks she was connected to, which extended to the Lawndale area. Dolly Frasier had made certain that the 'society people' (especially those connected to the Barksdale FFV-networks) all knew who Daria's grandmother was, and Dolly's approval carried weight in those circles.
Informed of Daria's impressive university plans, Tess did not really approve of Daria's achievements or intellectual prowess, but she was still impressed by both. She therefore had informed Daria (and Helen) of a major contribution to Daria's hitherto modest college trust for her 17th birthday plus the pearls as an early Christmas present. Helen was of course pleased, and yet conflicted at the same time – after more than a few days of consideration on why, she finally worked out that she was a bit jealous that Daria was succeeding at impressing her mother where she herself had failed, while glad that it was occurring. Hence, the conflict.
As far as Quinn was concerned, since hitherto she been favored compared to Daria, these gifts gave her hopes that she would receive equal or better. In this, she would be disappointed – not because she didn't get something very nice from her grandmother that Christmas (and for her next birthday in April for that matter), she just received less than she had built her hopes up for.
Quinn, while disappointed, at least did not come close to throwing any sort of tantrum, or even serious pouting at any point throughout December. This was because her counselling was going moderately well, and Quinn, while far from where she needed to be, was far closer to that hopeful endpoint than to where she had started from. Quinn did note to her therapist that while her mother simply accepted her progress, her father was being incredibly supportive. To her surprise, Quinn had been able to open up to her father about her therapy a little. The talks the two now sometimes shared even seemed to be helping Jake deal with his own demons to some degree, which built up their rapport a little more each time.
Quinn found Daria supportive as well, although not nearly to the degree their father was. With a little help from her therapist, Quinn correctly understood that this was in part because Jake had a more vested interest in Quinn's wellbeing, and because Jake was in a position to take that greater interest (and needing to be able to apply some of the lessons Quinn was learning to his own past) while Daria was preparing to set off on an independent future. In addition, of course, while Quinn had used her father to a degree, she had not really ignored him or slighted him, at least no more than many children did. Quinn had, however, carried on an active feud with Daria, which Daria had been more than willing to end. Still, that old feud did prevent them from becoming too close.
On the whole, Quinn, and Jake were both approaching Christmas in much better emotional shape than ever. Daria wasn't, at least compared to the previous year, simply because she longed to be with Jack. She had a mental calendar, and every day she marked off another day before they would be together for a little bit, and more importantly, a day closer to late May, when she would join him in Boston. Granted, they would need to keep up at least a nominal pretense of living separately until the end of the upcoming year, but they would still finally be together most days, and many nights.
Helen was diverted from her concerns over her daughters when she had been informed that the law firm had created a new position – junior partner – just for her. She didn't get her name on the masthead, and while close she would not be earning quite as much as the full partners. However, it was stipulated that 1) no new full partner could be named until she was one, and 2) whenever one of the full partners retired or died, the senior junior partner would become a full partner (meaning, in this case, Helen, even if other junior partners were added before her promotion). In addition, she did have a full say and full vote in all partnership matters.
On the whole, Helen was pleased. Daria was glad it gave her mother something new to focus on as this worked itself out in detail in early to mid-December. She was missing Jack a bit more as he was starting his finals, and some were fairly intense. The problem with CLEPing out of Gen Ed classes would be that it meant there are few basic classes to break up the more intense upper division requirements. With Jack so involved in finals, his responses to her daily emails were briefer than usual, although still as loving.
Daria dealt with this foreshortened communication in a similar way she had been dealing with missing Jack since the summer – writing. She had not played a computer game – the way she had most often idled away a lot of time over the previous few years – since well before leaving for the dig the previous June. She felt she had by this time created a fairly well set-up world for her heroine, but wanted to experience at least some college life before committing to fully writing novels about her. Still, Daria would have three novels well-outlined by the time she left Lawndale. She would complete three new short stories before Jack came back to town, one of which would be accepted for publication upfront the next year. The other two, like previously unaccepted work, went into a special file. Some Daria would rework and resubmit later on, some would be raided for selected sections, and so on. Very little would go to waste.
Still, she didn't have to wait long to have her desires partially fulfilled. The last final exams at MIT that semester were on Monday, December 14. However, Jack's last final was the first thing that previous Friday morning. He therefore arrived in Lawndale late that evening, this time checking into a motel. He do so because this was going to be for a much longer period than Thanksgiving, and even Jack didn't want to pay for the slightly above mid-range Dutchman Inn for this long of a period – once Jack had turned 18, he had gained partial access to a decent trust fund left to him by his maternal grandfather, but it was not full access and he knew he needed to save money towards the next year. He and Daria were planning on living together in just over a year, and they would need to rent, and furnish, a decent apartment.
Still, Daria and Jack knew they would want some privacy over the holiday break and so would need a room. Therefore, instead of the Dutchman, Jack rented a room at a slightly lower-scale chain motel. Daria made sure she arrived at the room before 9:30 the next morning – the quickest she could make it without arousing suspicion.
Unfortunately, this motel only had a 'Continental breakfast.' However, knowing there was not even basic room service available, Daria brought supplies for lunch. That enabled them to stay in the room until after 5:30, when they went to dinner. As at Thanksgiving, while there was a passionate (and mutually satisfying) sexual encounter, most of their time together had been highly emotional cuddling, foreplay, an intimate shower, and after-play.
Of course, after a basic dinner at the chain restaurant next door, the pair came back to the room for a second love-making session, followed by even more cuddling and nuzzling.
When Daria returned home, it was just before 10:00. Fortunately for her, she was the first one home. Her parents were at a congratulatory dinner for her given to her by Jim Vitale and the two senior partners who were his friends, plus their wives. Quinn was taking advantage of Daria's absence and her parents plans to have two dates with different boys – lunch and a movie, followed by dinner and a classmate's party. She had not been able to get away with that sort of thing for some time.
To her surprise, Quinn didn't enjoy her dates as much as she used to.
Daria had let Jane know that Jack was in town and that she would be with him that weekend. Jane was happy to give Daria cover if needed, both for the previous day and this Sunday as well, In fact, Tom was willing to tutor Jane in both science and math that Sunday, as it gave him a good reason not to attend one of his mother's holiday charity events. (To their mutual surprise, there was actually some tutoring accomplished.) Daria was therefore able to return to the motel for a repeat of the previous day's morning and afternoon, although she would have to return home for dinner. Sunday dinners were close to mandatory at the Morgendorffers (except for those times in the past when Helen had been working overtime on a big case for one of the partners). Granted, neither Helen nor Jake usually cooked Sundays, but at least it was rare to have Helen's weeknight default of lasagna. Sometimes Jake tried to cook, usually without success. However, when planned for Sunday dinner was usually either takeout for something other than pizza or some frozen dish other than lasagna or a similar pasta. This night, it was a large chicken pot pie and salad.
No one really had much to say. Questioned by Helen, Quinn merely shrugged. She was not about to admit that she was confused about why her previous dating patterns weren't as satisfactory as they used to be. She had not yet connected that new condition with the progress she had been making in her therapy. Daria's response was that she was just anticipating seeing Jack starting Tuesday. Although Helen wanted to probe both daughters' thoughts more, in the end she decided to let them both be.
At least for now.
dp
Daria did meet Jack at his car after school let out that Monday. After dinner, Jack dropped Daria off near her parents' house and (after killing a little time at the mall for added verisimilitude) finally went home himself, pretending he was just arriving from Boston. Daria was again surprised to find herself the first one home. Her parents had left voice messages giving their excuses, and Daria was glad she had already had dinner.
That took a few minutes, however, because Daria was confronted by a small thin envelope in the mail from Raft. Her hands shaking, Daria turned on the lights to read it. As she read it through, all she could think was, 'Ha, ha. Not funny.'
She had been accepted, not only into Raft itself but for the Raft's natural history museum's internship, starting the first summer session. Her full scholarship was acknowledged, as were her transfer CLEP credits. Notices for all these, and more, would be coming as separate deliveries.
Daria sat down heavily onto the sofa.
She had done it.
All her hard work, all her extra reading, had paid off. Even ignoring Jack (which she was not about to actually do of course), she, Daria, oft-regarded as a misfit as a child and teen, was coming out far ahead in her chosen field. Granted, her relationship with Jack had given her the motivation, and granted, that relationship had also led to the summer fieldwork which had led to these amazing offers. Still, she had had to be the one to achieve the academic acknowledgements to take up those offers, and she had fully succeeded. Emotionally, she had many hopes and plans (and some apprehensions), but she now knew she had the opportunities to succeed academically at the very least.
Daria immediately went to her room and emailed the news to Jack and Aunt Amy. She would have to wait until morning to tell the rest of the household.
dp
Wanting to tell her family her good news, Daria was awake early the next morning. She quickly checked her AOL accounts and saw that Jack and Amy had responded with their congratulations. Jack also sent along some plans for the summer to her private account and after for Daria's consideration and input. Daria answered and hurriedly dressed and went downstairs.
"You're up early," Helen remarked from where she was just starting to make coffee. "Is there actually something interesting going on at school?"
Jake, just coming into the kitchen with the morning paper, caught the question and looked interested.
"Well, nothing at Lawndale High," Daria responded. "However, I received this acknowledgement from Raft. All aspects of my attending – the internship, transfer credits, and so on – are on."
Helen and Jake exchanged a look, which puzzled Daria. "You're not happy for me?" she asked, both disappointed there seemed to be no positive reaction, and even a bit hurt.
"We are," Jake responded quickly when he saw Daria expression, reflecting her feelings. "We know it's what you want. We just worry about you Kiddo." He smiled slightly. "It's part of being a parent."
Helen was impressed that Jake had seemed to hit the right tone, at least judging by Daria's body language while ignoring her own initial lack of any positive response to the news. "I'm sure you're relieved to have heard from them, Sweetie. If you leave the paperwork for us, I'll ask Marianne to make copies at work. You can give copies to Ms Li tomorrow."
As she left the house after breakfast, Daria thought, 'Well, at least Mother wasn't dismissive, or worse, even if she largely ignored me.' She knew her father, absent-minded and emotionally wounded though he was, loved her as an individual; her mother she wondered about – often Helen seemed to care for Daria just as a generic daughter.
Unsurprisingly (except perhaps to Helen, for no good reason), Daria and Jack were out each night the rest of that week. After school, Jack would pick her up and they were off to the hotel and then to dinner. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, they went to nice but informal places, and Daria was home before 8:30. This ensured that she had time to do any homework. Friday, the pair bypassed part of their usual fore-and-after-play (but not the sex) to allow Daria time to go home and get dressed up for the country club.
Jack and especially Daria were surprised at how many of the club members welcomed them back. Daria was a bit surprised to have Kay Sloane corner her to ask about the next evening's Snow Ball. Daria was able to assure her that Jane and Tom would have been welcome to join her and Jack at the country club and then at the dance afterwards. She also made it clear that the decision to bypass both had primarily been Tom's, although Jane could have pressed him harder into going if she had really wanted to attend.
Daria hoped this would get Jane off the hook from any ire on Mrs. Sloane's part, without getting Tom into too much trouble (if only because that might blow back onto Jane).
Kay then went over to the other side of the dining room, where the Frasers were (they wanted to have dinner at the club, but also wanted Jack and Daria to have at least a hint of privacy). Dolly smiled at her friend as Kay told her, "Dolly, once again I have to say I envy you your older son and his partner."
"Now, I know your boy wants to be unconventional, but he's not bad in any way. And I've met his girlfriend. She's quite a good artist, I believe."
"She is," Kay agreed. "Despite what some of our relatives think, I don't mind him dating a Bohemian-type. I wouldn't mind if Tom was the same, for that matter, if he could also take his role within the family somewhat more seriously. Jackson might be devoted to field work and fossils, but he certainly is still every bit a true gentleman." 'Unlike Tom,' she thought.
'Unlike Jeff,' Dolly's husband thought, but wisely did not say.
The next night, the pair went from the country club to the auditorium where the grand Snow Ball was held. While Daria had not remarked on it to anyone other than Jane, there had been a few guys who had asked her for dates over the previous months. None had been rude, crass, or persistent, and all had seemed to take the dismissal without any anger. It was quickly clear, from their entrance at the Ball holding hands – not something really seen very much from the pair the previous year as Daria had usually taken Jack's arm – to their general closeness, and how they slow danced (and danced the three waltzes played) that they were still a very devoted couple.
The occasional requests for dates from the boys of Lawndale High dried up because of this the rest of her time in Lawndale, much to Daria's relief.
dp
Classes at Lawndale High went through 1:00 that next Wednesday, and Daria and Jack managed to meet up each afternoon/early evening at the motel for at least a few hours. They also saw the remake of 'Psycho' (which they didn't think much of) and 'Star Trek: Insurrection' (which Daria disliked and Jack thought almost okay). They spent most of the 24th together, mostly in the motel before going out for dinner. They exchanged presents that evening after dinner, as they were not spending Christmas together – the Frasiers were hosting a rare get-together for Jack's maternal family. Daria had met most of the extended family the afternoon before.
No one was thrilled by the various present exchanges other than the couple. Both had kept the presents relatively inexpensive, putting some extra money in their mutual savings account. Daria received a small pair of earrings and a matching pendent on a gold white necklace, Jack a pair of matching cufflinks and tie clip.
The couple of course came back together the morning after Christmas, each arriving at the motel just before 9:30. As the couple cuddled as usual, taking comfort in the other's presence, Daria murmured, "A hundred and forty-seven days."
"H'mm?"
Daria stirred slightly. "A hundred and forty-seven days – that will be the twenty-second of May, when I should be moving into the dorm for the summer."
Although not counting the actual days, Jack was well-aware of that date. "And finally we'll at least be in the same city every day. At least most of the time."
Daria looked towards his face. "Do you know what you'll be doing this summer?" He hadn't said if anything was finalized, and she was worried he might have to go on a summer-long dig.
"I'll be taking a two-part practicum with Professor Roberts. That means I do have to spend a week in June and one in late July or early at the Carboniferous dig in Labrador." He caressed Daria's bare back. "The class will meet Monday through Thursday mornings, and will mostly be working in the collections. Did Raft post their summer schedule yet?"
"No, but I was told there would be non-conflicting morning bio and chem labs available for me to take. It doesn't really matter what time, although with my luck at least one will be at Eight."
"Probably," he agreed. "They'll most likely meet twice a week for the full summer class time." His caress reached lower. "Maybe you'll be lucky and they'll all meet at Eight."
"Unless your class also meets early, you'd better hope not," Daria retorted. "If any are early, that means I'll have to kick you out of bed."
"Good point," Jack agreed. "Let's hope they meet in the late morning slots."
"That reminds me. I forgot to ask, what kind of car did you get?" Jack had turned the Lexus he had been driving over to Jeffy. In return, his parents had promised him a replacement, but he hadn't said which of the suggestions he had made they had selected.
"A new Toyota Tacoma, to my surprise," he replied. “I pick it up tomorrow.” They had only promised a good used car. "Since you won't technically be a first semester Freshman, you can have a car on campus. Are your parents getting you one?"
"No, they agreed to pay for a single room instead." Daria smiled. "That way, we won't have to worry about a roommate on my end." Jack would stay living in campus housing until after the fall semester as well. "I hope your truck isn't a standard." Daria had only learned how to drive cars with an automatic transmission.
"It isn't," Jack assured her.
"Then we don't have to worry about transportation." Daria caressed him. "We can think about more interesting and fun things."
"That's my brilliant wife," Jack said, hugging her.
Daria blushed; to her shock, she loved when Jack called her that even if it took her a bit by surprise each time. Still, a glance at the clock caught her attention. "We need to get dressed if we're going to see the first showing of 'The Faculty'."
"True; nothing like a good horror film to get the blood going right after Christmas," Jack teased.
"Well, let's hope it's good, or at least bloody."
For a horror film released during the usual 'feel good' movie season, the pair felt it was okay.
dp
The couple spent the rest of the week similarly occupied during the days. Daria made certain that she arrived home most evenings by 9:00. Considering the days' activities, this was not much of a hardship, even if she wished she could spend the night with Jack. The exception to this was New Year's Eve. That night, like the previous year, the couple had dinner at the country club with Jack's parents. This year, however, they left early for the motel rather than Jack's house.
Daria made it home shortly after 1:00 am, and she was still the first one home. Quinn was spending the night at Stacy's, but Helen and Jake got in shortly after 1:30, when Daria was already asleep.
Jack would be driving back to Boston on Sunday, which just left the couple Saturday together. They did not wake up early, but spent the afternoon together at the motel. Helen and Jake could tell that their daughter was not happy to again be separated from Jack, even though they did not know exactly how far their relationship had gone.
School would resume on the Wednesday, giving Daria and Jane Monday and Tuesday to catch up with each other. They had just missed each other twice at the movies – seeing the same movies at different times, mostly to ensure that Tom had the maximum excuses to avoid family obligations. Jane was even happier to spend those two days with Daria than Daria was – Tom's school actually restarted on the Monday and he would be busy there with various programs. Jane had noticed that while Tom was always trying to dodge family obligations, he was happy to make time for his school friends and most school activities, rarely even thinking to ask Jane along. Jane was starting to wonder if she was staying in this relationship mostly for the sex, and if that was true for Tom as well.
Jane was not looking forward to the rest of the upcoming school year. Since Lawndale State started classes the following Tuesday, Daria would be starting her Calculus III class, MWF at 9:00. She would then have to drive or (more likely) take the city bus to school for gym class each day, followed by Econ and Art on alternating days plus her French class. Still, other than those few classes until mid-May, Daria was finished with high school. She was not thrilled by taking Calculus III, and considering how many classes she was CLEPing into Raft, it was far from certain that any additional transfer credits would be accepted. Still, she had barely made the A in the Calculus II CLEP, so she figured taking this class would at least give her a leg up if she had to take it again at Raft.
On the whole, both teens were happy with their Christmas breaks. Daria was sad that Jack would be gone until spring break and then Easter (they had had to promise his mother they would again attend the charity cotillion), but other than that, she had no complaints.
Jane was starting to wonder to herself, and hint to Daria, if her relationship with Tom really had anywhere to go at this point. The sex was still great (at least from her point of view), and the pizza and fast-food meals were frequent, but they really weren't connecting as well as they had early on in their relationship. Granted there were the food and the movies and visits to the Zon every other weekend or so, but Tom refused to do anything more formal.
Still, Jane had hopes.
"Let's just hope nothing crazy happens at school tomorrow," Daria commented Tuesday evening as Jane left for home.
"If there is, at least there's a good chance you'll be out of it," Jane reminded her friend.
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