Legacy

Part 1 He died.


Daria Morgendorffer drove down the busy interstate trying not to think, trying not to feel.
She was 21, the last great milestone of youthful ages and she would be putting that to good use tonight. Another summit had been passed in her life and she would do anything to be able to go back, even for one day.

The memories came back, causing tears to start dripping from her chin. She pulled to the side of the road and parked the monstrous Hummer H2 and leaned against the wheel as her hands dialed her cell phone. She didn’t waste her time trying to wipe at the tears that fell freely.

“Hey baby.” Her favorite voice rang out.

“Hey.” She said through the tears.

“Oh damn, I told you to wait for me before going down.” Jane said reproachful.

“I just started thinking and …” Daria tried.

“And then you started crying. You pulled over right.” Jane said allowing worry to creep into her voice.

“Yes, about 25 miles outside of Lawndale. If I’m lucky I can get a few hours of sleep before it’s time for the meeting at the lawyer’s office.” Daria said sadly.

“Baby, it’s going to be ok. It’s going to hurt and that’s normal.” Jane said comforting.

“I miss him.” Daria said tearfully.

“Of course you do.” Jane said gently.

“I’m just not ready to be without him yet.” Daria cried.

“I know, you’re a daddy’s girl and your daddy is gone.” Jane said nicely.

“I am not a daddy’s girl.” Daria laughed through the tears.

“Daddy’s little sweetheart.” Jane said, you could hear her smiling.

“Butch.” Daria replied.

“Tease.” Jane answered.

“Dyke.” Daria smiled back.

“Crybaby.” Jane countered.

“I love you.” Daria said feeling better.

“Me too, now get your ass on down to Lawndale. I’ll be there tomorrow. Let’s see how many bets we can settle when we walk around town, arm in arm.” Jane laughed.

Daria sighed and ended the call. She had been in her last class of the day when her mother called and gave her the news.

Jake Morgendorffer was dead, her father was dead.

Of all the things to end his life it had to be a squirrel that shuffled him free of the mortal coil.
:That’s not fair really, it didn’t want to get stuck in the cab of a semi anymore than the driver wanted to find a crazed squirrel running around his feet.: Daria thought.

The truck driver had hit the gas then surged through an intersection and plowed into the small diner where her father was enjoying lunch. Witness reports claimed that no one inside had any idea what happened till after it was over. Her father had been enjoying a meatball sub with bacon at a window booth.

She had cried for two days straight, refusing to do anything but lay in her darkened bedroom and remember.

The funeral was two weeks ago and she had two ceremonies, first the one where people wore black and cried and another with Quinn and Jane, they drank martinis and told the funniest Jake stories each could remember.

Daria pulled back onto the road and continued toward Lawndale wishing once more than she could arrive and find out it was all a bad joke to get even for running off with Jane to get married.
:Run off, that’s a joke. We went down to the courthouse and got married. He didn’t talk to me for a week, just kept saying I stole away his chance to walk me down the aisle, finally Jane came up with a reenactment and that calmed him down.: Daria thought remembering her father walking her toward where Jane was waiting.

She almost missed the turnoff for Lawndale, so lost in her thoughts but she managed it. Somehow the honks from the outraged drivers seemed to be fitting.

She pulled into the parking lot of the Lawndale Inn, climbed down from the mountainous vehicle, and stretched before heading in to the office to pick up her room key.

She had made the arrangements over the Internet and she was on her way to her room seconds after arriving.

She dropped her small over night bag on the floor and fell onto the bed and drifted to sleep in seconds.





She woke up to the ringing of her cell phone and she answered it rudely.
“I hate you.”

“Well I hate you to, daughter of mine.” Helen Morgendorffer said into the phone.

“Sorry, I was asleep.” Daria said sheepishly.

“I thought you were going to meet us for lunch before going to the Mr. Stein’s office.” Helen said.

Daria looked at her watch and sighed loudly. “I was, I crashed at the hotel. I guess I overslept.” Daria groaned.

“Well, the meeting is in 30 minutes, you might want to get up and drive over.” Helen said sounding almost as tired as Daria felt.

“I want to hit the shower first then I’ll be there as quick as I can.” Daria promised.

“I think we’re the only appointment today so it should be ok but try to hurry.” Helen said before ending the call.

Daria jumped into the shower and washed away the wariness from sitting for hours on the drive down from Boston. She stepped out of the shower and quickly toweled her hair before grabbing her clothes.

She dressed in a pair of dress slacks and a blouse hand picked out by Quinn and mailed up to Boston so she would have it for today. Quinn was handling the loss of her father better than Daria but she had gotten the chance to see him the morning he died, even if it was for just a few minutes.

She locked her room and started toward the law offices of Stein and Torell. She had been surprised to find out that her father had kept his last will and testament with someone other that his wife but she hadn’t the guts to bring the subject up with Helen yet.

The ride through Lawndale was a walk down memory lane as every corner and street seemed to remind her of something from her time here.

She pulled into the parking lot and started toward the doors only to spot Quinn standing outside the door looking stunned.

“Picking up some bad habits.” Daria said pointing at the cigarette in Quinn’s hand.

“Don’t start, not today.” Quinn said and Daria caught the smearing of makeup that could only come from crying.

“What’s happening that has you risking Mom skinning you alive for smoking?” Daria said somewhat surprised at the state her sister was in.

“You’ll want one.” Quinn said and held out the pack until Daria took one.

“I don’t smoke but I’ll treasure it always.” Daria chuckled.

Quinn held out a lighter and Daria raised an eyebrow.

She heard a sudden crashing inside the office and watched Quinn flinch at the sound.

“What the hell is going on?” Daria demanded.

“Trust me.” Quinn said holding the lighter out.

Daria sighed and lit the cigarette. “Ok, I’m killing myself, now what’s happening?” Daria said harshly.

“Dad’s mistress showed up and is arguing about child support.” Quinn answered.

Daria looked at Quinn, trying to judge if she was joking but the gentle shaking seemed to point toward her telling the truth.

“Damn.” Daria said and took a drag on the cigarette.

Part 2 Only human.


Daria counted to a hundred, taking several drags of the acidic smoke before asked.

“Dad’s what is here?” She asked calmly.

“His mistress or rather his ex-mistress, something like that.” Quinn answered.

“And she’s arguing about what?” Daria asked.

“Child support.” Quinn answered.

“Damn.” Daria said fought back the tears.


She turned and walked toward the office doors not looking to know that Quinn was following behind her. She entered into the waiting room and followed the sounds of yelling and things falling to a set of double doors that bore a sign. “Private Meeting, Please Knock.” She didn’t knock on the conference room door but entered directly.

Her mother was standing to one side looking at what could only be called a tantrum being thrown by t-shirt and blue jean clad woman. She saw the little girl standing off to the side and tears started again.

Quinn’s red hair and her own face graced the child who watched the woman with detachment. She could she her father two, in the way the girl stood.

She moved toward her mother and stood next to her without speaking until Quinn arrived.

“Dad sure knew how to pick em didn’t he.” Quinn said shaking her head.

“I heard that you little rich brat.” The woman said turning to them.

“Ladies, this is getting us know where. Can we please sit and discuss the will.” The calm looking gentleman said as he took a seat. Daria pulled out a chair and sat down and Quinn then her mother did the same. The woman followed them, still wearing a snarl on her face.

“Thank you. We are here to complete the last will of Jacob Morgendorffer. First I think it might be easier if we identify all parties present first.” The man said politely.

“I am Connor Stein and I was Jake’s lawyer for 5 years now. To my left are Helen Morgendorffer, his wife and Quinn and Daria two of his daughters. To my right is Tonya Ellison and that little girl is Jake’s daughter by her. Her name is…” Connor started only to be interrupted.

“You think I don’t know who they are. I want the money I was promised and I want it now.” Tonya said loudly banging her hands on the table.

Daria noticed the little girl stayed away from her mother, almost as if she was something dangerous.

“I told you, all I can do is look at what the will has granted in it. Jake setup a trust to pay the agreed child support until your daughter becomes 21 and a one time payout of 10 thousand dollars. That’s all I can do, if you had, as you claim some other arrangement with him then I’m sorry to say, it died with him.” Connor said calmly.

“So I’m stuck with his brat and a stinking grand a month. I don’t think so, I never wanted her and I ain’t keeping her.” Tonya said.

“I’ll drop her sorry ass off at child protection services and they can do what they want with her. He paid me to have her after he knocked me up and paid me to keep her. If you want to cut off two thirds of the money then forget it. I didn’t want her then and I don’t want her now.” Tonya yelled at him.

“Your daughter is standing right there.” Connor said shocked.

“You want the brat.” Tonya said and when she didn’t get an answer she continued. “Either I get the same money I’ve been getting or Jake’s brat can go be some fluff in kiddie porn for all I care.”

“You’re sick.” Quinn said leaning into the table.

“Want to hear something really sick? I can tell you what your daddy really liked in bed.” Tonya sneered.

“Shut up you evil bitch.” Helen said jumping to her feet and reaching across the table toward the woman.

“Enough!” Connor said with a raised voice and Daria almost jerked away from the anger that was dancing in his eyes.

“Sit down now.” He said forcefully.

“Go to hell.” Tonya said.

“Miss. Ellison, I can understand your frustration but yelling and behaving like a child isn’t going to solve anything. I can assure you that you will continue to receive the court signed child support and the 10 thousand dollars. I can not grant you any more money period.” Connor said regaining his calm.

“Then we got problems. I’m gonna get me some low life lawyer and sue his estate for everything until they go broke trying to keep me from what I deserve.” Tonya said.

“You don’t deserve anything. Jake dumped you as soon as he sobered up. You think I didn’t know about his trashy affair with you. He told me about you, little Miss. Bathroom stall. He never touched you again after we got past our problems. If you hadn’t forgot to take your pill we wouldn’t be here.” Helen said loudly.

“Doesn’t change the facts of what I’m going to do. Either pay me what I want or I sue and the brat ends up at the local orphanage.” Tonya declared.

“I can not give you what hasn’t been left to you in the will.” Connor said firmly.

“Then buckle up baby cause I’m a gonna screw all of you so bad it’ll hurt next year.” Tonya laughed.

Daria stared at the little girl and watched her eyes blink with each insult and comment from her mother.
:This isn’t the first time. She isn’t just upset about the will, she’s always like this.: Daria realized.

“Miss. Ellison, I have been quite tolerant but that ends now. I have reviewed the will and there is no mention of changing the monies you are paid. There will be no extra monies paid to you. If you fell a need to contest the will then that’s your right..” Connor said with a look of finality.

“Then I’ll just dump the brat and get myself a lawyer with the ten grand you gotta pay me.” Tonya stated.

“How can you talk about your own daughter like that, let alone in front of her?” Helen asked looking shocked.

“I told ya, I never wanted her. I went to Mr. Family man to get the money for an abortion and he begged me to keep her. Offered me an apartment and money to so I wouldn’t have to work and I said yes. When y’all moved up here, he paid me to move so he could see his daughter now he goes and dies and sticks me with no money and the brat. I ain’t having it.” Tonya said.

“What do you want?” Helen said coldly.

“I want my fair share and the money keeps coming as long as I got to keep the brat.” Tonya said firmly.

“Don’t you love her?” Quinn said on the verge of tears.

“No.” Tonya admitted and for some reason Daria believed her.

The room grew quiet and Quinn hands shook against the table and Helen’s breathing was coming in ragged waves.

Daria looked at the little girl who was now looking at her intently.

“You don’t want her.” Daria asked.

“Are you stupid, I think I said that about a hundred times already.” Tonya laughed.

“How much money did my Dad leave me?” Daria asked turning to Connor.

Daria saw the girl move around the table, staring at her from the end.

“Daria, I don’t know what…” Helen started and Daria turned to her.

“Stop.” Daria said quickly with a hostile tone.

“Well, he left you a trust that will pay for your school and then the remainder is meant to help you get started as well as two payouts of 25 thousand each. One at 21 and another at 25.” Connor said, he seemed to be sizing her up.

“You’re already getting 10 thousand so that would put you at 35 thousand and save you a trip to drop her off. I can follow you to your house and pick up her belongings.” Daria said staring down Tonya.

“You want the brat, that’s fine with me. I got her stuff in the back of my truck. I'll leave it in the parking lot, just give me my money.” Tonya almost laughed.

“Pay her.” Daria said coldly looking at Connor.

“We’ll have to file custody papers and have them signed.” Connor struggled to speak.

“Whatever just do it, and do it fast. I’m sure that Miss. Ellison is in a hurry to leave town.” Daria said still staring down the other woman.

“Damn straight.” Tonya said.

“We don’t even know if this is really Jake’s child, what are you thinking?” Helen said getting up from the table.

“Mom, if she’s not dads then I want a blood test to find out who my father is.” Quinn said shaking her head.

“Quinn!” Helen swore.

“Just give me the paper’s to sign, you can fill them in later.” Tonya said looking bored.




It took an hour for Conner to have the papers prepared and ready to be signed and Tonya did so without looking at them. Daria read them carefully and smiled at the words “complete loss of parental rights.” She signed them with a smile.

Tonya took both the checks and laughed at the little girl before walking out the door, whistling.

Daria got up and moved next to where she was standing and pulled out another chair and sat down.

“Hi.” Daria said.

“Daddy didn’t know her, she would be nice when he was around.” She said.

“I’m Daria.” Daria said with a smile.

“I know and that’s Quinn and Helen.” She said pointing at each.

“That’s right.” Daria said and took a breath.

“I’m sorry you had to see that but I don’t think you’ve been very happy with your mom.” Daria said.

“Not since Daddy died.” She answered then continued. “He would come see me and bring me pictures of you and tell me about what you were doing. As long as he gave Mommy money she was happy.”

“How old are you?” Daria asked.

“8.” She answered.

“Do you want to come live with me?” Daria asked.

“I have to, you bought me. Paid a lot too, I heard of kids being sold for a lot less.” She said and Daria saw a twisted kind of pride.

“That was wrong but taking her to court for custody would have taken to long. I want you to come stay with me so we can get to know each other.” Daria admitted.

“Ok.” She answered.

“Let’s start easy, what’s your name?” Daria asked with a smile.

“Veronica Helen Morgendorffer. Daddy named me.” Veronica said proudly.

Part 3 Sisters and daughters.


Daria walked out of the office with Veronica in tow and Quinn hurried after them.

“Wait up.” Quinn said as she came out the door and saw Daria standing next to the large ashtray waiting for her with a hand reaching.

“Picking up some bad habits.” Quinn smirked and pulled out her pack and handed over a cigarette and her lighter.

“I’m giving it up just as quickly.” Daria promised.

“That’s what we all say.” Quinn laughed.

“Tonya dropped my stuff.” Veronica said pointing into the parking lot, a pile of black plastic trash bags were sitting in an empty space.

“That was nice of her.” Daria deadpanned.

“She could have set them on fire.” Veronica countered causing Daria to smile and Quinn to cough.

“I can’t believe you did it.” Quinn said smiling down at Veronica.

“Neither can I.” Daria chuckled.

“Can I take her shopping? I mean that Bit.. woman didn’t buy her any decent clothes from the look of it. Hi.” Quinn said still smiling and waving at the 8 year old.

“I’m 8 not 2. But I wouldn’t mind having some clothes that fit me.” Veronica said with a sour look toward Quinn.

Daria looked down at the girl’s clothes and saw they were almost falling off her and the glasses looked very familiar.

“They used to be yours. Daddy got some of your old frames and had the doctor put my prescription in them. Mommy said there was no point in wasting money to do silly things like read.” Veronica said noticing where Daria was staring.

“We’ll get you over to the eye doctor and get you checked out later. I guess if Quinn wants to take you shopping I might consider it.” Daria said with a grin.

“Daddy said you’re both in college, do you live here?” The little girl asked as Daria crushed out her cigarette.

“I live in Boston.” Daria said and groaned inwardly.

“I live with my Mom, Helen, and I go to Lawndale State.” Quinn said.

Daria pulled out her phone and dialed.

“Hey baby, how’d the meeting go?” Jane picked up on the second ring.

“Interesting. Where are you?” Daria sighed.

“On my way down now. I should be there tonight.” Jane replied.

“Jane, how do you feel about kids?” Daria asked.

“They’re great, taste like chicken.” Jane joked.

“I’m serious, how would you feel about having a kid?” Daria pushed.

“I want a blood test to see if it’s mine. Are you trying to tell me something?” Jane said and Daria could hear fear and hurt in her voice.

“Jane.” Daria sighed.

“Look, if you had an affair and got preggers, I don’t care. I love you.” Jane said her voice sounding thick.

“Jane.” Daria tried.

“Look just don’t do anything rash, let me get there and we can sit down and talk. We can work this out.” Jane said her voice breaking slightly.

“Jane.” Daria said loudly.

“What?” Jane almost cried.

“I’m not pregnant, I’ve never had an affair. I love you.” Daria said forcefully.

“You swear.” Jane said weakly.

“Yes.” Daria sighed.

“Really.” Jane said stronger.

“Yes.” Daria answered.

“THEN WHY IN HELL ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK?” Jane yelled into the phone.

“Ouch.” Daria said switching ears and rubbing the one that was now ringing.

“I’m sorry, oh god. I started thinking about driving into a telephone pole; I thought you were dumping me.” Jane said her voice still shaking.

“I’m not.” Daria said.

“Ok, let’s start over. Why are you asking me about kids, sweetheart?” Jane said nicely.

“Because I have an 8 year old as of about 30 minutes ago.” Daria replied.

“What?” Jane said suddenly serious.

“Long story. The short is I now have custody of my youngest sister, Veronica.” Daria answered.

“What younger sister?” Jane asked confused.

“My Dad had an affair and got a really unpleasant woman pregnant and she had a little girl. She was going to take her and toss her into the system so I told the mother I would take her.” Daria offered the short version.

“Wow. After going from thinking you cheated on me, and were having a baby to this. I am so ok with this.” Jane sighed.

“Really.” Daria smirked.

“Really, really.” Jane said. “What’s she like?”

“She seems really smart and she looks like Quinn and a little like me and she wears glasses…” Daria described.

“No you goof, what does she like?” Jane said.

“Oh. I don’t know, why?” Daria asked.

“Because aren’t I kinda of her mommy now? I have to get her something.” Jane said sounding like she was explaining something to a three year old.

“One sec.” Daria said and took a deep breath.

“Um Veronica, my wife is asking what kinds of things you like, so she can pick you up a gift.” Daria said without breathing.

“Books, or anything would be fine really.” Veronica said with a shrug.

“Books or anything, she’s eight.” Daria said into the phone.

“Gotcha, look I’ll be there soon. I love you.” Jane.

“I love you to.” Daria smiled.

Daria pocket her phone and ignored Quinn’s light giggling.

“You have a wife?” Veronica asked.

“Yes, her name is Jane, is that ok.” Daria said.

“Um I guess.” The little girl said.

“Daria just so you know, Mom’s ballistic and after hearing her middle name she’s counting down.” Quinn said looking back at the door, watching for it to open pointing at the child.

“She’s just going to have to get over it.” Daria said calmly.

“If you need anything, I’ll be there.” Quinn promised.

“Why doesn’t she like my name?” Veronica asked.

“Well, it’s her name too. Did my… our dad say why he named you that?” Quinn asked.

“The two women he loved. His first and second love. He would tell me stories of when he met them. He used to say that if she ever found out about me I’d be the only Helen around but there’d be plenty of Hell.” The little girl said giggling.

“DARIA MARIA MORGENDORFFER!” Helen said as she hit the door and stomped out of it.

“Quinn, why don’t you and Veronica go start loading up her stuff in my Hummer and leave the pack.” Daria said tossing her keys to her sister, the older one.

“Come on, kiddo. Let’s get away from the blast radius.” Quinn smirked and held out her hand and smiled as the child took it.

Daria lit another cigarette from her sister’s pack and stood waiting as her mother fumed speechless in front of her.

“WHAT…what in hell do you think you were doing in there?” Helen said when she found her voice.

“Saving my sister from a life in hell.” Daria answered.

“Do you think of anyone besides yourself?” Helen asked.

“Yes, that’s what this is about.” Daria defended her actions.

“Did it cross your mind that I don’t need a constant reminder of Jake cheating on me?” Helen demanded.

“Maybe but I can’t let a little girl be abused to save your feelings.” Daria said wiping at her eyes that were leaking again.

“Then let her go to foster care, they’ll find a family for her to stay with.” Helen sighed.

“No.” Daria said and heard the warning in her voice.

“Daria be reasonable.” Helen argued.

“No. Why didn’t dad tell you about her, he told you about the affair so why not Veronica.” Daria asked.

“He did but it almost put an end to our marriage. He came back a week or so later and told me she had made it up to try to keep him.” Helen answered looking guilty.

“So you were willing to forgive an affair but not a child. He named her for you because of how much he loved you. I’m not asking you to raise her; I’ll take care of that.” Daria said.

“I can kill this custody agreement in a second. Your marriage to Jane makes you unfit in the minds of a lot of judges in this state. A few calls and that girl goes to anyone but you.” Helen said forcefully.

“I’ll fight it every step of the way. But it ends us if you do, I’ll never lay my eyes on you again and I doubt Quinn will be friendly to you after sending off the last living connection to Dad we have.” Daria challenged.

“So that’s how it is.” Helen said with eyes almost as wet as her daughter’s.

“I can’t be her mother.” Helen said shaking her head sadly.

“How about her grandmother. C’mon, holidays and special trips. I’ll get you one of those world’s greatest grandma mugs. It doesn’t have to be that bad.” Daria tried.

“I’ll think about it. I don’t want to see her or you right now. I’ll send word with Quinn if I have need.” Helen said and walked away, into the parking lot.

Daria sighed with relief and walked toward her car and found Quinn and Veronica sitting inside waiting for her.

“Is everything ok?” Quinn asked.

“Could be better, might have been a lot worse.” Daria said as she climbed in.

“Mind if I hang with you two for awhile. I’m thinking it’s a good idea to avoid her for today.” Quinn asked.

“No problem.” Daria laughed as she started up the engine and turned to look at the little girl.
“Put on your seat belt.”




Quinn got her chance to shop for her new sister, soon the entire rear compartment was filled as well as half the back seat.
They grabbed lunch at the mall and dinner from a burger joint drive through and ate at the hotel.

It was nine in the evening when Jane’s patterned knock was tapped out on the door and Daria rushed to answer it.

Jane grabbed her and spun her around before kissing her passionately, dropping her bags in the process.

“I missed you to.” Daria sighed leaning against her.

“Well I have that effect on people. Hi Quinn.” Jane said with a smile.

“Hey Jane. Meet your new dependant.” Quinn smirked and pointed to a mound of clothes.

“Well I got something for this little one.” Jane said scooping up her bags and crawling onto the bed.

“Please no more clothes, I can’t take it.” A tired sounding voice came from behind the pile.

“Momma Jane would never get you clothes.” Jane promised.

A pair of spectacled eyes peered around the edge.

Jane pulled out several books that were supposed to be several years too advanced for an 8 year old and slipped an Ipod and portable video game player on top of them.

“Whoa.” The girl said.

“Just so you know, I’m booking for the good cop role. I’m not really that good at rules and such.” Jane laughed.

“So I’ll have two mommies.” Veronica said as she moved away from the clothes and let Jane get a better look at her.

“Yes.” Daria answered.

“She looks like someone poured you two into a glass and shook it around and poured both of you into one person.” Jane said as she reached out and brushed a loose hair away from the new glasses that sat on her face.

“We’ll have to toss Trent out.” Jane said quickly.

“I think we can come up with something…” Daria started.

“Nope. It’s a two bedroom and she needs it more than him. I’ll call him later and do the dirty work.” Jane said evilly.

“You smell like paint.” Veronica said as she approached Jane.

“I’m an artist, I smell like that a lot.” Jane laughed.

“You’re not kidding.” Daria mused as she joined them on the bed.

“So Mommy Daria and Mommy Jane and Aunt Quinn.” Veronica said and looked at each in turn.

“Yes.” Daria smiled.

“So I don’t have to go back to Tonya.” Veronica pressed.

“Over my dead body.” Daria answered.

“So I get a happy ending, like in the stories Daddy used to read me.” Veronica said looking surprised.

“I'm going to try.” Daria promised.

“Bunch of softies are gonna make me cry.” Jane said and pulled Daria and Veronica into hug.

“Is she always like this?” Veronica asked.

“No sometimes she gets emotional.” Daria smirked.

“Cool.” Veronica smiled and returned the hug.