Paint

The Morgendorffer family is gathered seated around their dining room table for a typical breakfast.

“Daria stop acting like Quinn.” Helen demanded earning her a glare from her oldest daughter.

“What?” Daria said with anger burning in her eyes.

“Hey.” Quinn protested weakly.

“You’re 18 now, not 6 and you’re throwing a tantrum. I don’t think wanting one last family outing before you leave for school is asking to much.” Helen snapped.

“Maybe I don’t want to spend time with you people.” Daria pushed her chair back hard enough it hit the wall.

“Sit down.” Helen replied.

“No.” Daria said and stomped out of the room.

“What’s her problem?” Quinn said confused.

“Maybe it’s that time…” Jake started.

“Finish that statement and you sleep in the back yard for the rest of the summer.” Helen responded.

“Eep.” Jake moused.





Daria slammed the door to her bedroom and pulled a book out from a stack near the foot of her bed. She fell onto her bed and started to read.

:Let’s hope that works.: She thought.



She continued to read until a knocking on her door distracted her from the passage she was reading.

“No one is in, please leave a message at the beep. BEEP.” Daria said loudly.

“Daria, Mom wants you to drive me to the mall so I can get a new swimsuit.” Quinn said opening the door.

“And?” Daria sighed.

“Pick up one for yourself.” Quinn added.

“I’m not going to the beach so I don’t need a swimsuit.” Daria said snapping her book closed roughly.

“Why not, do you have plans?” Quinn asked curiously.

“I wish, that would make this much easier.” Daria replied and bit her lip at the slip.

“So what’s the big deal, go to the beach and eat hot dogs and watch Dad cook like a turkey and Mom try to work on her laptop with the sun glaring down on her.” Quinn said.

“Quinn I don’t want to parade around in my underwear in front of a bunch of strangers.” Daria replied as she got off the bed.

“Maybe we could find on of those short sets swimsuits that might be ok.” Quinn mused, honestly trying.

“I’ll take you to the mall but I’m not getting a suit.” Daria sighed just wanting to get out of the house.

“That’s ok with me but can you tell Mom when we got back that I spent the entire time pestering you about getting one.” Quinn said cheerfully.

“Sure.” Daria replied and followed her sister out of the room.

“Thanks.” Quinn said as she headed downstairs and straight toward the door.



Daria exited the house not bothering to look around to see if her parents were looking at her and walked directly the her father’s Lexus.

“Do you want me to drive?” Quinn asked.

“No, not this time but maybe on the way home.” Daria said as she got in the driver’s side and waited for Quinn to get in.

“Mall ho or something.” Quinn said pointing in the general direction of the mall.

“If you ask me to engage the warp drive I’m going to drop you on the side of the road.” Daria smirked.

“Darrrria.” Quinn sighed.



They were almost to the mall when Quinn turned the radio off and half turned in her seat.

“Ok, I can’t stand it anymore. Why don’t you really want to go?” Quinn pleaded.

“But it’s a secret.” Daria teased.

“C’mon, I swear I won’t tell Mom or Dad, it’s a boy isn’t it.” Quinn mused.

“It’s not a boy.” Daria exclaimed.

“Is it a girl, that would be very fashionable.” Quinn said looking amused.

“It’s not a girl ... or a boy.” Daria groaned.

“Then why are you upset about this, we’re gone to the beach before.” Quinn pushed.

“Just drop it ok.” Daria said harshly.



Quinn quieted for the rest of the drive and stayed quiet until she dragged Daria into a mall shop that promised to have swimsuit for anyone.

“Ok, this is my new suit.” Quinn said in seconds holding up a stylish bikini that had more cloth than Daria expected.

“Ok, let’s go.” Daria said.

“Wait Daria, don’t you at least want to look, I’ll help you find something and then if you don’t get one at least I can tell Mom we tried without her making my brain melt.” Quinn pleaded.

“Quinn I really doubt there is a single suit in this store that I’ll agree to wear in public.” Daria sighed.

“We’re not in public, we’re in a store and the changing rooms are very tasteful.” Quinn said.

“Quinn, am I getting out of this mall without listening to this the entire time if I don’t let you try.” Daria asked.

“No.” Quinn said going through a circular rack.

“Fine, but make it fast.” Daria gave up.

“Ok, take a look at these and tell me honestly what you think and then comeback.” Quinn said handing her three suits.

They were all two piece suits but they covered as much as shorts and a halter top.





Quinn noticed Daria was gone for a long period of time and moved to the dressing rooms.

“Daria, you still there.” Quinn said.

“Go away.” Daria said from within.

“Did you like any of them?” Quinn asked.

“No.” Daria answered.

“What was wrong with them, I need to know so I can find the right one for you.” Quinn pressed.

“The back is too open.” Daria said.

“The bottoms are to small, ok.” Quinn said.

“No the top, the backs of them are to open.” Daria said through the door.

“Ooook.” Quinn said confused.

“Is there something with a solid back maybe?” Daria asked.

“We’ll have to look, but now that I know part of the problem I can figure out how to fix it. Remember I’m a problem solver.” Quinn said confidently.

“Here.” Daria said coming out of the dressing room, handing the suits back to Quinn.

“Were the bottoms ok?” Quinn asked.

“Yes.” Daria replied.

Quinn went through the racks and found several tops that covered more of the back.

Daria was sitting in a chair waiting as Quinn continued her hunt through the entire store when she heard a familiar voice.

“Hey Daria.” Jodie Landon said, approaching them.

“Hi Jodie.” Daria said without much enthusiasm.

“What are you doing today?” Jodie asked.

“Picking up a swimsuit for Quinn and wasting a lot of time.” Daria answered.

“If I can find a suit you like then it isn’t a waste of time.” Quinn countered.

“What?” Jodie said after the exchange.

“My mother instructed her to find a suit that I’ll wear and she won’t give up.” Daria groaned.

“And you aren’t helping are you.” Jodie smiled, gently shaking her head.

“No.” Daria said honestly.

“Yes she is, she has already told me she has a back issue, I swear it’s almost as bad as Stacy’s shoulder obsession.” Quinn said from her place digging through another rack.

“Back issues.” Jodie giggled.

“Don’t ask.” Daria flushed.

“Ok, well I have to go but it was nice to see you Daria, good hunting Quinn.” Jodie said before leaving.

“See you around.” Daria said and Quinn simply waved without turning.





It was another thirty minutes before Quinn dragged Daria back to the dressing rooms and handed her two suits and told her to try.

“These aren’t ok.” Daria said through the door.

“What’s wrong with them, I can do this I know I can.” Quinn said and Daria sighed and banged her head against the wall.

“It’s better than before, maybe a little higher on the back.” Daria said honestly feeling sorry for the effort Quinn was putting into finding a suit.

“Ok, open the door, let me in.” Quinn said.

“What … no.” Daria said surprised.

“Daria if I can’t see it then I can’t help you hide it.” Quinn sighed.

“What?” Daria responded weakly.

“Just let me in.” Quinn said and she heard the lock slide and she pushed into the dressing room and locked the door behind her.

“Quinn.” Daria said looking panicked.

“Turn around.” Quinn said sternly and flicked Daria’s hair over her shoulders and inspected her back.

“This is going to be a problem.” Quinn sighed.

Part 2


Quinn lowered the straps of the swimsuit top and pulled down the back enough to give her full few of her sister’s bare back.

“There isn’t a normal suit that will cover this.” Quinn mused.

“I know.” Daria sighed.

“When did you get it?” Quinn asked as her finger seem to trace along the tattoo.

“A few years ago, I spent my paycheck from the nut world on it.” Daria replied.

“It’s beautiful.” Quinn whispered.

“Thank you.” Daria replied honestly surprised by the comment.

“Did Jane make it?” Quinn asked.

“No it’s a copy of Hokusai’s Great wave off Kanagawa.” Daria answered.

“When you breath it’s like the ocean moving.” Quinn said, her voice in awe.

“Nobody but Jane knows.” Daria said nervously.

“Daria I would never tell Mom or Dad about this, this is special.” Quinn said as she pulled up the straps of the swimsuit.

“Thank you.” Daria said still looking nervous.

“Ok, we’ll get this suit, if you like it and I think we might be able figure something out.” Quinn mused.

“I already did, don’t go to the beach.” Daria said as Quinn left her alone in the dressing room to change back into her clothes.

“Ok, something that will work.” Quinn chuckled.





Quinn watched as Daria drove them back toward the house without speaking.

“It’s incredible Daria, I mean it’s not like a picture of a rose or something. It’s art and it’s alive.” Quinn said after a while.

“I got the idea after seeing one of the better pictures of the original, the background looked just like skin and I knew what I wanted.” Daria said.

“It must have hurt.” Quinn said looking impressed at her sister.

“Two trips, three hours a trip. I cried on the second trip but I didn’t want to wait any longer for him to finish it.” Daria admitted.

“You said just you and Jane knew, what about Tom?” Quinn smiled.

“He ermmm … never … he felt it … he never saw it.” Daria blushed. “I don’t think you should let just anyone see you like that it should be special.”

“Hate to pop that bubble but what about the person who did the tattoo.” Quinn mused.

“He was like a doctor and all he saw was my back.” Daria blushed even redder.

“Daria stop before you turn into a tomato.” Quinn laughed.

“I’m not looking forward to Mom and Dad finding out.” Daria said and she looked nervous again.

“They won’t from me.” Quinn promised.

“So I don’t suppose you want to give me some blackmail evidence to help assure this.” Daria joked.

“Ummm, I keep my birth control pills in my closet in last years leather coat.” Quinn laughed.

“Damn.” Daria swore as she swerved, briefly losing control.






Daria exited the car and walked through the door and headed directly up the stairs with out looking anywhere but straight ahead until she got in her room.

Quinn headed into the kitchen and tossed the two bags on the table and walked to the fridge and grabbed a diet soda and straightened up and almost screamed when she saw her mother standing right there.

“Hello Quinn.” Helen smiled.

“Don’t … do … that.” Quinn said as she went to take a seat and trying to catch her breath.

“I’m sorry, I noticed two bags.” Helen said casually.

“I found a suit she almost likes and I might be able to fix it but she really isn’t happy about being asked to parade around in front of strangers.” Quinn said hoping to avoid her nack for spilling secrets.

“So she is uncomfortable letting people see her in a swimsuit.” Helen said thoughtfully.

“Ya, I didn’t think she was so old fashion.” Quinn said as a spark occurred to her.

“Old fashion.” Helen replied and it was clear she wanted more information.

“Something about only someone special is supposed to see her like that. I’m going upstairs.” Quinn said and fled the room.

Helen stood in the kitchen clearly trying to think.





“Jake, have you ever seen Daria undressed?” Helen asked when she found her husband in the back yard practicing his swing.

His club went flying over the fence.

“What, what.” He said instantly flustered.

“Jake calm down, I’m just asking if you’ve ever seen her not so covered up.” Helen sighed.

“No.” Jake said after thinking for a moment.

“Ummm.” Helen mumbled.






Quinn knocked on Daria’s door and waited for the snide comment before letting herself in.

“Hey.” Daria said looking uneasy.

“I think I found an excuse for you not to have wear the suit or to stay covered up.” Quinn started.

“What?” Daria’s eyes narrowed.

“I might have implied to Mom that you had some old fashion moral objection to someone other than a special boyfriend seeing you uncovered.” Quinn sighed.

“I do.” Daria admitted.

“Then it works perfectly.” Quinn said excitedly.

“Why are you helping me?” Daria asked.

“You got a tattoo, and it’s beautiful and I’m sitting here wanting to see it again because it … I don’t know …moved me or something.” Quinn shrugged.

“I have a print of the painting.” Daria said and she reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a 5 by 8 parchment and held it out for Quinn to take.

“It does look like skin.” Quinn said as she stared at the picture.

“You can have that. It’s just a copy.” Daria said.

“Thank you.” Quinn whispered.








“So the princess found out about the tat and isn’t blackmailing you about it.” Jane said as they shoveled pizza down watching 70s horror movies.

“Nope, she even went out and got several variations on the Great Wave yesterday and was putting them on her walls when I left to come here.” Daria said still not believing it herself.

“So what are you going to do?” Jane smirked.

“Quinn says Mom is wondering around talking to herself and I might get away wearing a t-shirt over the swimsuit. The only other choice is to just refuse to go and that’s going to start the fight to end all fights or tell them.” Daria said leaning back against the couch.

“Wait to tell them until I can get clear of the blast zone.” Jane said without smiling.

“Amen, I think that would be better left to a phone call or message on an answering machine.” Daria agreed.

“Hi Mom, Dad just called from college to say hi and by the way I have a huge tattoo on my back. Bye see you at Christmas.” Jane mocked making the call.

“Who’s got a tattoo, Janey you know you’re allergic to the ink. Do I need to take you to the hospital again?” Trent said walking into the living room.

“This sounds interesting.” Daria said. “Why haven’t I heard about this before?” She mused.

“I was 13 and tried to give myself a tattoo of a flaming butterfly and I had a reaction to the ink.” Jane said looking embarrassed and pointing at Daria.

“So Daria has a tattoo, can I see it?” Trent said.

“Ya Daria, take your shirt off so my brother can look at “your tattoo.”” Jane smirked.

“No.” Daria responded.

“Please.” Trent said nicely.

“You know you want to show someone.” Jane fired off.

“Shut up Jane.” Daria said and turned till she was facing the back of the couch and waved Trent to come around to the front and lifted the back of her shirt while holding down the front.

“Here.” Jane said and she raised the shirt to Daria’s neck while Trent looked at the work.

“I like the little boats.” Trent said. “And the wave.”

“Thank you.” Daria blushed red, even her back darkened.

“It’s really cool.” Trent said nodding.

Daria let her shirt drop back down and turned to face him.

“It’s a little different and that’s what I really wanted.” Daria admitted.

“The shop on Canal St, right..” Trent said.

“Yes.” Daria replied with a small chuckled.

“They do good work. I’ll have to get one there sometime.” Trent said.

“So you two want me to leave you alone?” Jane butted in.

Part 3


Helen waited for her eldest daughter to come home gently tapping on the dining room table.

Daria walked in the house and headed toward the kitchen to grab something to munch on and started wishing Jane stocked more snacks at her place.

“Hi Mom.” She said.

“Daria.” Helen said and just shook her head.

“What?” Daria said as she quickly grabbed some snacks and a soda and prepared to make her escape.

“I can understand not wanting to expose yourself but you shouldn’t be ashamed of your body but I can’t fault you for wanting to save something for someone special.” Helen said.

:Maybe if I rip of the my shirt now and show her I won’t have to hear anymore.: Daria thought.

“If you don’t want to wear the swimsuit then I can respect that.” Helen sighed.

:So far so good.: Daria perked up.

“But I still expect you to go and dress in beach clothing.” Helen finished.

“Ok.” Daria said and hurried out of the room.

:That went to well.: Helen thought.




“So Mom’s letting you out of wearing the suit.” Quinn said when Daria got upstairs.

“Yes and no, I think I’ll get away easier if I wear the suit with something on over it.” Daria said.

“Can I see it again?” Quinn whispered.

“What?” Daria said confused.

“It’s different from the prints, it’s alive.” Quinn said pleading.

“Ok, but just quickly.” Daria agreed.


Quinn stared at the tattoo for a minute before lowering Daria’s shirt and sighing.

“I’ve always thought of them as ugly but this isn’t.” Quinn said.

“Well a picture of some topless girl doesn’t do it for me.” Daria joked.

“You should wear backless tops to show it off.” Quinn commented.

“That would defeat the whole not wanting people to see it until I don’t live here anymore.” Daria replied.

“It’s for you.” Quinn said smiling.

“It’s for me, not the best place to put it for me to see it but still.” Daria shrugged.






Daria sat out on the towel and watched Quinn wrap several guys around her fingers within minutes they were trying to out do each other in their attempts to impress her.

She pulled out a pad of paper and started writing.

Helen watched Daria who seemed to be enjoying herself sit and write and talk with her father and tried to put together a few things in her mind.

Quinn approaching her sister didn’t go unnoticed.

“Daria, I wanted you to see this.” Quinn said and pulled one of the guys following her around closer and pointed to his shoulder.

Helen saw Daria stand and look closely at the tattoo before nodding in an approving fashion.

She moved closer and listened to the conversation.

“It’s Munch’s The Scream.” Daria said.

“So it’s art too, right.” Quinn said and Helen could tell the young man was pleased that he had found a way to stand out from the others.

“Yes. It’s considered a masterpiece.” Daria said nodding her head.

“Hello girls.” Helen said.

“Hi Mom.” Quinn said quickly.

“What are you two doing?” Helen asked.

“I’m showing Daria this tattoo, I figured she would like it since she’s into art and weird stuff like that.” Quinn said without missing a beat.

“Oh.” Helen said and noticed that while Quinn was perfectly relaxed as she led her harem away, Daria was looking slightly nervous.

“Munich, didn’t he do a Madonna that was stolen.” Helen asked.

“A nude, ya in 2006.” Daria answered.

“I’m surprised that Quinn would have noticed that tattoo from any other.” Helen said carefully.

“I guess she just liked it.” Daria said.

“I noticed the asian pictures on her wall, she said you gave her one and then she got the rest to see the entire series.” Helen said.

“I picked it up at the art fair that went through town a few years ago.” Daria said.

“It’s nice to see her expanding her intreasts.” Helen said smiling.

:Oh god, she’s trying to bond with me.: Daria thought in horror.


“Um ya.” Daria answered with an inward groan.

“Aren’t you hot in that shirt, I think I saw someone selling some thinner shirts with no sleeves, would that be ok.” Helen said with a smile.

“That might be a little better.” Daria responded.

“I’ll go get us some, I’m sure Quinn won’t mind a shirt either.” Helen said far to nicely.






A little while later, Daria returned from the nearby restrooms wearing the new shirt and she was forced to admit it was much cooler than the heavy cotton one she had chosen.

“Thanks, it was getting hot.” Daria said offering her mother a small smile.

“No problem, can I ask you a question?” Helen asked.

“Sure.” Daria said. :Oh god she’s onto something.:

“Why not your legs too?” Helen said pointing to Daria’s bare legs that stuck out from under the long shirt.

“I don’t know, I’ve always preferred skirts so maybe that got me used to it but I wouldn’t be comfortable in something like that.” Daria said and pointed at a woman walking by in a thong.

“Understandable and true on so many levels.” Helen laughed.

“I think Dad is drowning.” Daria said glad for the excuse to end the conversation.

“What, oh dear god what has he done now.” Helen said and headed toward where a lifeguard helped her father out of the surf.

She had seen him get knocked over by the wave so she wasn’t worried and her mother would be busy for a while.




Daria was drawing a doodle of Quinn as the suntan lotion girl when she felt a the ice water hit her back.

She jumped up and saw the elderly gently holding a cooler that had just dumped it’s entire contents on her soaking her completely.

“I’m so sorry Miss.” The man said and offered his towel.

“It’s fine.” Daria said as she grabbed her parent’s towels and started trying to dry her hair and shirt.

“Is everything ok?” Jake said returning with Helen. Who seemed to be looking at her chest.

“Everything is ok, just an accident.” Daria said quickly and looked down at her shirt.

The cheap t-shirt was almost transparent.

“Damn.” Daria said and started trying to wrap the towel around her top half.

“She’s just a little shy.” Helen said to discount the man’s concerns.

Daria managed to wrap one towel around her and dangled another over her shoulder to cover what ever the first might miss.

“At least it happened near the end of the day.” Daria said as she tried to salvage her writing pad.

“That’s the spirit kiddo.” Jake said cheerfully.

“It is getting late isn’t it?” Helen said with a sigh.

“Ya and I think I see Quinn returning now.” Daria said and pointed at a small crowd of guys moving in their direction on the beach.

“One day someone’s wife is going to take issue with her.” Helen said but Daria heard the fondness in her voice.

“I’ll start carrying everything to the car.” Jake said.

“Here, I’ll help.” Daria said quickly, hoping for an excuse to retrieve her dry shirt.

“I’ll see if Quinn’s admirers might be of use, the lot of them don’t seem bright enough to turn on a light but manual labor might be within their grasp.” Helen said evilly.

“I doubt it.” Daria said as she started toward the car with an arm load of towels and a lawnchair.





Daria sat in the back of the car shivering as the cold air from the air conditioner combined with the still damp t-shirt.

“Dad can’t you turn that off?” Quinn said noticing her sister shaking.

“It’s not god for your father to get to hot, hopefully the traffic will let up and we can roll down the windows.” Helen said.

“Kiddo, we’re alone in the car, we can hold towels up over the side windows and you can take over that wet shirt.” Jake said nicely.

“No.” Daria said.

“I am sorry about your shirt, I didn’t think about what I was grabbing when I dried my laptop.” Helen said looking truly sorry.

“And I got mine wet too. Here I’ll hold up the towel and you can change and then we can wrap it around you.” Quinn said leaning forward and holding up a towel in front of Daria.

Helen saw Daria start moving and saw the t-shirt land on the seat and watched as Quinn helped Daria hang the towel like a sarong over her shoulder and across her chest and back.

“Hey looks like traffic is moving again.” Jake said then cursed when they only made it 50 feet.

“Quinn isn’t there a shopping plaza near here?” Helen asked.

“Um no.” Quinn said quickly.

“Ok, what are you two hiding?” Helen said, her mood shifting quickly.

“Huh.” Daria and Quinn both tried.

“Something is fishy and it’s not the ocean.” Helen said with narrow inspecting eyes.

Daria shrank against the seat, looking far to busted.

Quinn looked at her sister and started talking.

“I’m pregnant. I don’t know who the father is but I can give you a list to narrow it down some.” She said and flinched as her father almost wreaked into a van that was next to them.

Daria looked at Quinn in total surprise and couldn’t help but start laughing.

“It’s not funny Daria.” Helen snapped.

Quinn looked at her sister and lost her ability to continue looking serious.

“You’re still a virgin so how are you pregnant?” Daria gasped as she rolled against the seat.

“They don’t know that, besides I’m on the pill.” Quinn couldn’t help laughing.

“You can’t get pregnant from oral sex.” Daria continued.

“I know that but you know, things might happen.” Quinn blushed.

Their parents just stared at them looking terrified as the girls continued to laugh.

“Is Quinn pregnant?” Jake demanded.

“No, she’s trying to cover for me.” Daria laughed.

“You’re pregnant.” Helen gasped.

“No she got..” Quinn started then froze.

“I have a tattoo.” Daria finished.

The temperature in the car dropped 40 degrees.

“What?” Helen said even colder.





Jane Lane answered her door and saw Quinn Morgendorffer standing on the stoop.

“No, you can’t stay the night or the weekend or anything else.” Jane said at once.

“No, Daria sent me over.” Quinn sighed.

“What’s up?” Jane said moving out of Quinn’s way so the girl could come in.

“The parents know about the tattoo and it’s war world 6 at home and Daria said to come tell you she won’t be able to make it for pick on the 80s sitcoms marathon.” Quinn said sadly.

“World War 6, I take it your parents aren’t happy.” Jane smirked.

“They want her to have it removed, and she told them that she’d rather shave her head.” Quinn shuddered.

“Ouch.” Jane said.

“Ok, I delivered the message so I guess I’ll leave.” Quinn said and started toward the door.

“Umm Jane, you are into art right.” Quinn said carefully.

“I’ve been known to see an art piece or two.” Jane said shaking her head with a grin.

“What kind of art is Daria’s tattoo, I mean the picture?” Quinn asked.

“Ukiyo-e, but I may be saying it wrong, it’s woodblock prints from the 1600s in Japan.” Jane answered.

“It’s really pretty. I really like it.” Quinn said.

“I just so happen to have a book on it, if you wanted to read about some. It has pictures as well as words.” Jane said teasingly.

“I deserve that, could I borrow it.” Quinn asked.

“Sure.” Jane said and she went to her room and found the book under her desk and returned to the living room and handed it to Quinn.

“It’s really big.” Quinn said as she looked at the cover.

“Yep, open it up.” Jane said.

Quinn opened it and saw the glossy replica of a print. “Ohhh.” Quinn said staring deeply at it.