Lesson Learned.

Part 4

Daria groaned as she caught her reflection in the car window as she opened the passenger door. The car had been a gift from her Aunt Amy who joined in the supportive till the end crowd without missing a beat. It was as late model ford mustang that while newer than Amy’s still turned the occasional eye.

:I’m as fat as a whale.: She thought as she got in.  She had to smile at her own vanity over the two extra inches on her waist and the round stomach. It was without a question she was pregnant but no one would be gasping in surprise at her weight gain.

“How was school?” Quinn asked with a smirk.

“Why are you so happy?” Daria snapped.

“Well they don’t make maternity versions of your old outfit.” Quinn snickered.

“Very funny.” Daria replied as she looked down at the sweat pants and t-shirt that she was wearing.

“I thought you weren’t going to start gaining weight until later.” Quinn added.

“Apparently this baby is planning on being the size of a truck.” Daria shrugged.

“You’re aren’t that big.” Quinn laughed.

“I’m only four months along and look at me.” Daria complained.

“I’ve seen lots of people gain more weight during the first few months.” Quinn tried. “And all your weight is baby weight. I mean look your legs are still sticks.”

“I guess.” Daria admitted.

“So how was school?” Quinn asked again.

“The professor made me teach his freshman class.” Daria said sounding pleased.

“Not bad for your second month of school.” Quinn whistled.

“It’s kind of fun. I guess I shouldn’t rule out teaching as a job.” Daria replied.

“You were one of the best teachers I’ve ever had at Lawndale.” Quinn offered.

“Thanks.” Daria said with a smile before she caught herself and groaned.

“What?” Quinn said as she started to pull over.

“Nothing, it’s just the hormones are making me nice.” Daria complained.

“Oh poor thing.” Quinn laughed as she returned to their route home.

They pulled into the driveway and Daria got out and rubbed down the side of the car that her sister drove more than she did.

“I swear I’m taking good care of it.” Quinn promised.

“I know.” Daria sighed and started toward the house. “I just wish I had more use for it.”

“You will.” Quinn assured her.

Inside Daria moved over to the couch after picking up the mail on an end table.

“Who signed me up for Mother’s Monthly?”

“I think it was Jane.” Quinn said innocently.

“Hey kiddo.” Jake said as he came out of the kitchen.

“Hey boss.” Daria returned.

“Fine be that way.” Jake smiled. “Did you do the Jacobson report?”

“It’s in your inbox at the office and I have a copy upstairs.” Daria sighed.

“Good work.” Jake said taken back. “I might have to give you a raise.”

“I get paid!” Daria joked.

“Daria, Tom is on the phone and wants to speak with you.” Quinn said holding her hand over the mouth piece of the phone.

Daria groaned loudly and held out her hand accepting the phone.

“Hi Tom.”

“Hey Daria, you won’t believe the crazy rumor my sister just emailed me about you.”

“Is it the one where Jane and I are lovers because that one keeps getting better and better?” Daria snarked.

“No it’s the one where you’re pregnant and starting to show.” Tom replied.

“Oh. That’s not a rumor it’s true.” Daria tried hoping to hear a dial tone.

“But we never … .” Tom said and then. “Oh.”

“It was after we broke up.” Daria offered him.

“Do I know the father?” He asked calmly.

“No I don’t think so.” She answered quickly.

“Wow this is big. I just thought that … wow.” Tom said weakly.

“It’s ok. Look I’m going to Lawndale State until I get really big and I’m working for my dad and hopefully after the baby is born I can start looking at Raft again.” Daria informed him.

“Ok. Daria this is just so weird.” Tom admitted.

“It’s ok. I’m not going to make the claim it’s yours or anything.” Daria said wanting to end the conversation.

“I never thought you would it’s just I was still hoping we might get back together at some point.” Tom sighed.

“I don’t think it would work out.” Daria smiled despite herself.

“I’m going to make an ungraceful exit and go get drunk. It was nice talking to you Daria.” Tom said and she believed him.

“You too.” Daria said before hanging up.

Daria laid down the phone and sighed at the complete and utter lack of pain at speaking with her ex.

“That must have been weird.” Quinn said.

“It only got hard when he asked about the baby’s father.” Daria admitted.

“I would love to ask about him too.” Quinn said climbing onto the couch.

“Like what?” Daria relented.

“When did you meet him? What was your first date like? That kind of stuff.” Quinn shrugged.

“I meet him a few years ago and you almost did meet him one night. Remember that night back in your freshman year when Mom and Dad caught both of us sneaking in?” Daria said.

“Family court.” Quinn giggled. “The yellow car.” Quinn gasped as she remembered the night.

“That was him. We weren’t really dating back then but sometimes we got together. After Tom and I broke up I ran into him again and well things happened.” Daria sighed.

“Who is he?” Quinn begged.

“That’s the part I’m not ready for yet.” Daria admitted.

“When you’re ready.” Quinn said quickly then her watch started beeping.

“Time for your prenatal vitamins.”

“Ok now you’re just getting annoying.” Daria joked.

“I just worry. You forget things like that.” Quinn said and Daria was forced to admit it was true.

The next afternoon Jane stood at the counter tapping her fingers gently as she waited for Daria to finish her purchases.

“About time.” She complained when Daria completed the transaction.

“Quinn is pushing me to eat healthy.” Daria shrugged as they walked out of the all natural health food store.

“She’s got you whipped.” Jane joked.

“You aren’t kidding. I snuck a soda into my room then felt so guilty after one sip I went and woke her up and turned it in.” Daria sighed.

“That’s really bad.” Jane teased.

“Did I tell you Tom called yesterday?” Daria dropped casually.

“What did he want?” Jane asked and Daria didn’t miss the harsh tone of the question.

“Elsie emailed him about me being pregnant and I think he called to see if I cheated on him.” Daria answered.

“Oh” Jane said and they kept walking as she battled her curiosity with Daria just smirking waiting.

“Well.” Jane pushed.

“What?” Daria asked amused.

“Did you?” Jane gave in.

“No. The baby happened after we broke up.” Daria laughed.

“And how exactly did you manage this without me finding out you were hanging around some new guy?” Jane went back to her favorite game.

“I think it had something to do with you spending all your time at that art workshop for a month.” Daria teased.

“A month. You held out on Tom for a year!” Jane smirked clearly pleased with this information.

I’m still holding out on Tom but that doesn’t matter I’ve known the father since sophomore year.” Daria said and waited.

“It’s Kevin isn’t it? I knew he had the hots for you.” Jane guessed.

“Jane! Lets at least stick to humans in the guessing ok.” Daria said honestly feeling slightly insulted.

“Human ok, so that leaves out Upchuck. Was it Mack?” Jane asked almost in awe.

“I wish.” Daria said and blushed. “You didn’t hear that.” She said seriously.

“C’mon all the girls had a crush on Mack.” Jane dismissed it.

“It wasn’t him. I’ll tell you just like Quinn. He was a friend and then this happened.” Daria sighed.

“So how did he take the news?” Jane asked.

Daria just kept walking.

“Daria you did tell him didn’t you?” Jane gasped as she kept pace with the shorter girl with ease.

“Daria please answer the question.” Jane said louder as they continued toward the car.

Part 5

“Daria!” Jane said reaching out and gently touching her friend on the shoulder as they reached the car.

“No!” Daria answered. “No I didn’t tell him. Sleeping with him destroyed our friendship and I haven’t spoken with him since the day after we did.”

“Damn.” Jane said and quickly hugged Daria.

Jane got Daria into the car and calmed down before heading back toward Daria’s house.

“I’m sorry.” Jane said when they were half way there.

“It’s ok. I should have told you sooner.” Daria replied.

“I’ll be honest. It feels like you’ve been keeping stuff from me right now.” Jane admitted.

“I was. He was my little secret friend that no one knew about.” Daria admitted.

“Oh.” Jane said having had expected Daria to deny it.

“I just didn’t want to share him, I had you most of the time and I wouldn’t have changed that for anything but sometimes we would get together and hang out.” Daria sighed.

“Then you got together and things happened.” Jane nodded her head understandingly.

“You know what’s funny. It was going to be Tom but I missed him by ten minutes so I went out for some “fun”” Daria laughed in a sad way.

“Wow. Is this mess up Jane’s head day?” Jane said shaking her head as she drove her brother’s car onto Daria’s street.

“No. Are you mad at me?” Daria asked.

“Nah. You still haven’t met to many of my art friends so I guess I can understand.” Jane shrugged.

“You have art friends?” Daria said surprised.

“Well two.” Jane blushed.

“Cool.” Daria relaxed.

Jane dropped Daria off and headed to her night job at the school. Somehow she had gotten hired to help migrate all the paper documents and records to a computer database.

Daria went to her room and pulled her boots off her aching feet right as Quinn walked in.

“Feet hurting again.” Quinn said with a smug expression.

“Yes.” Daria answered and sighed. “I need to get some sneakers.”

“Finally. We can go after I get home from school.” Quinn replied.

“What’s up?” Daria asked.

“Mom’s has a bunch of paperwork in her briefcase and it looks like she plans on going after the father once she finds out who it is.” Quinn lowered her voice.

“She can’t.” Daria returned. “I was 18 at the time of conception so unless I sign something she can’t do anything but glare at me.”

“Talk to Dad. He’ll keep her from going overboard.” Quinn said confidently.

“I’ll talk to him at work tomorrow.” Daria sighed.

 “Good.” Quinn smiled.

“Can I ask you about something?” Daria asked with a grin.

“Anything.” Quinn answered.

“Why did you offer to take the baby when you found out?” Daria asked gently.

“Because the minute I found you were pregnant I realized there was a baby there and I couldn’t stand the thought of not getting a chance to meet it.” Quinn admitted with a shrug of her perfect shoulders.

“It meant something to me that you cared about the baby even then.” Daria said and reached out and grabbed Quinn’s hand and squeezed it lovingly.

“I’m just trying to get a voice in the name.” Quinn laughed.

“I’m thinking Bob.” Daria said quickly.

“What if it’s a girl?” Quinn mused then she read Daria’s face. “You wouldn’t!”

Daria watched Quinn battle internally before taking pity on her. “No.”

“Thank god.” Quinn sighed relieved.

Daria waited until the day’s clerical work was done before approaching her father and was quickly relieved to find he agreed.

“Your Mom is just trying to find a way to deal with all this in a way she can understand.” Jake explained.

“I know but I can’t see how suing the baby’s father would help anything.” Daria sighed.

“She thinks he ran off on you.” Jake explained.

“He didn’t.” Daria blushed at how fast she defended him.

“I figured that but maybe if you talk to her instead of grunting her way she’ll calm down.” Jake chuckled.

“Fine.” Daria sighed.

“That’s my girl.” Jake said proudly.

“I’m not naming the baby after you.” Daria teased.

“But Jacob is a family name.” Her father whined.

“So is Mad dog.”Daria responded.

“Good point.” Jake admitted.

Daria walked from the office to a local diner to pick up lunch for her father and herself.

She was standing in line waiting for the takeout order when she heard a tray of dishes hit the floor.

:Please god no.: She thought.

Sure enough Kevin Thompson was quickly picking up the dishes looking flushed. “Sorrry.”

:Maybe he  won’t see me.:  She hoped desperately.

“Hey Daria.” Kevin called over to her.  “Wow you got fat.”

She caught her hand about six inches into its flight to his face and gritted her teeth.

“You almost look like you’re pregnant.” He said looking amused.

“That’s because I am.” Daria answered through a locked jaw as she tried to force a smile onto her face.

“Oh.” Kevin answered. “How’d that happen?”

Daria groaned and watched several people around them just shake their heads in amusement.

“Well Kevin just ask your mommy where babies come from. I think they have a book she can show you.” Daria sighed.

“I know that but you’re a brain.” He exclaimed.

“Apparently not smart enough to order delivery.” Daria smirked and watched one of the waitresses cover her face.

“You mean you … ew.” Kevin made a face.

“Do I pay you to talk to people?” A man called from the door leading to the kitchen.

“No boss.” Kevin said and hurried away.

“That was funny, you should have smacked him.” The waitress laughed.

“He’s just stupid.” Daria shrugged but she was relieved to see her order being carried out by another bus boy.

Later after she and her father returned to the house Daria sat watching one of Quinn’s fashion shows and trying to figure out why Quinn seemed so nervous.

“Stop staring at me.” Quinn said.

“Sorry you just seem on edge.” Daria pushed.

“I hit Sandi today after school.” Quinn responded.

“What!” Daria exclaimed.

“She was being a royal bitch and I just hit her.” Quinn sighed. “Tiffany and Stacy are in shock and I’m expecting the police any minute now.”

“Why?” Daria asked in shock.

“It’s nothing.” Quinn pushed away the question.

“What?” Daria asked.

“She was going around the school telling people that you’re a whore and that’s how you got pregnant.” Quinn answered. “I found out it was her and confronted her then she admitted it then laughed.”

“So you hit her.” Daria said carefully.

“It felt so good.” Quinn giggled. “But she’s going to call the cops then I’ll go to jail.” Quinn ended with a sigh.

“We’ll bail you out.” Daria promised.

“It was worth it.” Quinn sighed again. “I should have done it years ago.”

“Hey maybe this will make me the good daughter again.” Daria teased, trying to get a smile from her sister.

“Just might.” Quinn said without a smile.

Helen Morgendorffer arrived home an hour later and looked ready to chew nails.

“Quinn did something happen after school today?” She asked in a pleasant tone that sent chills down Daria’s back.

“Sandi called Daria a whore and spread it around the school then she laughed about it so I punched her in the face.” Quinn answered without blinking.

“Ummm.” Helen stumbled.

“Did she call the police?” Quinn asked.

“No, her mother called me and informed me that they decided to not press charges.” Helen snarled.

“So I’m not going to jail.” Quinn said with a grin.

“Well not until Sandi says something tomorrow and you slug her again. I’ll have Judge Martin on speed dial for a bail hearing so call as soon as they pick you up.” Helen mused as she walked to the kitchen.

“She’s getting better at withholding reactions.” Daria said impressed.

“I’m going for the nose tomorrow.” Quinn said gleefully.

“Please don’t. I would prefer you not to get a criminal record over something this petty.” Daria sighed.

“Fine but it would feel so good.” Quinn pouted.

Part 6

It had been two months and Daria had dropped her classes a week before and was now seriously considering just not getting out of bed for the next three or four months.

“Hey Amiga.” Jane said as Quinn let her in.

“Hey Jane.” Daria smiled sadly.

“I can still wait until fall to head to BFAC.” Jane said looking nervous.

Daria sighed and shook her head. “Just because I can’t go to school doesn’t mean you should stick around and miss out.”

“I just well I’m kinda terrified. I was really looking forward to having at least one friend up there. And I want to be here when the baby is born.” Jane tried.

“We’ll call you as soon as it looks like it’s getting close and you can get back here in time to watch the me change my first diaper.” Daria shuddered.

“You better.” Jane said looking like she might cry.

“Don’t you dare. You don’t leave for two more days and if you get me started crying I won’t stop until after this kid rips its way free of my stomach.” Daria said wiping at her eyes.

“I’m just going to miss you.” Jane admitted. “Who else is going to put up with me?”

“Well since you mastered typing we can still chat online and you better call me. I’m going to be stuck with only Quinn to keep me company.” Daria replied strongly.

“Hey!” Quinn laughed.

“Trent is supposed to come check on you when he isn’t at work. I don’t know where he got the idea he had to get a job but he says he isn’t quitting until he figures it out.” Jane smirked. 

Daria sighed and glanced over at Quinn.

“What! I thought he was the father and I don’t think having a job is going to hurt him.” Quinn defended herself.

“It is improving his music.” Jane shrugged.

Two days later Daria came home from her last day of working for her father ready to put her feet up and eat the first fattening thing she could find.  She and her father were greeted at the door by Stacy.

“No men.” Stacy declared before grabbing Daria’s arm and pulling her inside.

“Your wife said to tell you to go see a movie.” Stacy declared before closing the door.

Daria was dragged into the living room that was filled with woman including a smirking Jane.

“It’s a baby shower.” Stacy giggled.

“Oh god please just kill me now.” Daria groaned.

“Oh hush.” Quinn said as she helped Daria plop onto the couch.

“Hey there are you sure it’s not twins?” Her Aunt Amy teased.

“Confirmed.” Daria sighed.

“Is it a boy or girl?” Her mother’s secretary asked.

“She won’t let them tell anyone.” Quinn sighed.

“So what are you craving?” Her Aunt Rita asked with a smile.

“Bacon.” Daria answered. “And some fried chicken and maybe mangos.”

“Two meat and one fruit. It’s a boy.” Amanda Lane declared.

“I was hoping for a granddaughter.” Helen sighed.

“Look how low she’s carrying. It’s a boy.” Michelle Landon nodded in agreement.

Daria felt her shoes being pulled off and struggle to look down to see her feet until she felt something slipped over them that warmed and massaged them.

“This … always … worked … on … my … sister.” Tiffany drawled from somewhere hidden by her stomach.

“She’s smiling.” Stacy declared.

“Yes it’s very nice.” Daria groaned.

“Ok somebody start bringing over the gifts.” Quinn said loudly.

“I got the booty.” Jane declared.

Daria peeked over at the stack of gifts that were being dragged over and found herself getting excited like a kid a Christmas.

“Now we have all the normal baby shower gifts stacked up over there but this is also a mommy shower and these are the ones for you.” Helen said with a smile as a pile was begun next to her.

“Tissue.” Amy called out as Daria started watering up.

“Ok who had 13 minutes in the pool?” Stacy called as she placed a plate next to Daria stacked in bacon.

“Score!” Jane cheered.

Daria started eating the bacon and grunted some better non-understandable comments.

“I called Joey and he’s bringing the fried chicken and Jeffy is getting the mangos and Jamal is on standby.” Quinn smirked.

“Jamie.” Tiffany said rolling her eyes at Quinn.

“Don’t get used to this kind of treatment but enjoy it.” Rita patted her on the arm.

Daria just nodded as the first gift was placed on her lap carefully to not disturb the plate of bacon.

“Well … open … it.” Tiffany laughed as Daria hesitated for a few moments.

Daria smiled and started her hands into the process of ripping away the wrapping paper.

Daria and Jane sat on the couch looking at the various gifts and Jane kept showing off the sexy nighty and shaking it.

“I’m never going to wear it.” Daria stated firmly.

“Baby Jane is going to want a daddy around at some point so you’ll going to go out man hunting and this will help you land one.” Jane teased.

“I’m not going to try to trap some guy into marrying me with sex.” Daria looked at her annoyed.

“I know but you might meet someone.” Jane pouted.

“I think I’ll get more use out of Quinn’s neck massager.” Daria smirked.

“Daria are you implying you might use something in a way not intended.”  Jane laughed.

“Oh stop it.” Quinn said dropping down on a chair.

“Thank you.” Daria said to her sister.

“Someone gets pregnant you throw them a baby shower.”  Quinn shrugged.

“And three guys standing around in the back yard to fetch anything I was craving.” Daria mused.

“They get bored getting me sodas all the time. It gave them the chance to show me how much they care.” Quinn giggled.

“Be careful.” Daria almost whispered.

Quinn didn’t need her sister to explain further.  “I am.”

“They break.” Daria pressed.

Quinn and Jane both realized what Daria was saying but fought the gasps of surprise.

“I’m on the pill.” Quinn blushed.

Jane saw Helen standing behind her daughter looking shocked.

“I’m happy it happened now but if I had believed for a second that it would break I’d of thought twice.” Daria sighed. “No I wouldn’t of, hormones just took over.” She admitted with a small grin.

Neither sister noticed their mother standing there.

“I should go around and give speeches at high school. My first time and I get knocked up. I need to make a phone call.” Daria sighed.

Quinn started to stand to help Daria up and froze. “Mom!”

“Took you long enough.” Jane groaned.

“Here’s the phone. Girls why don’t you help me move some of this into Daria’s room.” Helen recovered first.

“Sure.” Jane said and she grabbed several items the same as Helen and started up the stairs.

Quinn paused for a moment and started after name. She heard the start of a conversation.

“Hi it’s me. Look I know you don’t want to talk to me but … I have something to tell you.  First I want to say that I don’t want anything from you except maybe a friend. I got pregnant.” Daria was saying.

Quinn was out of earshot and missed anything else said and the three women remained upstairs for almost an hour until the sounds of talking stopped from downstairs.

Daria was sitting where she had been when they came downstairs.

“Hey.” Quinn said looking nervous.

“It’s ok. We’re going to talk. Needless to say he was surprise.” Daria stated.

“So are you getting together?” Quinn asked happily.

“No. But maybe we can be friends again.” Daria sighed. “It was never romantic between us.”

“Oh.” Quinn said and Daria had to smile because she knew her sister was a closet romantic who dreamed of being swept off her feet and she had the same desire for Daria to enjoy.

“Show him this. It’ll get romantic.” Jane teased as she wiggled the nighty in the air.

“Jane.” Daria sighed.