Dancing in the Streets V

Thanksgiving 2014

Daria was at the Lawndale Airport, waiting for Quinn's arrival.  Daria had gotten there first - she had actually planned it so that Quinn could absorb the blow of parental love, but the high cost of plane tickets convinced the Morgendorffers to shop around.  Two transfers and an 11:30 pm arrival time later, Quinn's plane finally showed up at 11:44 pm.

Quinn came off the plane, in a green T-shirt and blue jeans, wheeling a pink suitcase. "Hey!" she said.

"Hey," Daria said.  "We have to convince our parents to have another kid.  After three months with no one in the house, they were smothering me to death.  Like waterboarding with love."

"Tell me about it," Quinn said as Daria followed along to the luggage pickup.  "When you left, I thought it was going to be totally impossible.  I was almost convinced to go to Lawndale State in the fall, anything to get me out of the house.  Where's Jane?"

"Jane has no dinero," Daria said.  "Unless I can fit her into a suitcase, there's no way she has enough money to make it back home."

"That's too bad," Quinn said. "So what are you going to do?"

"Endure Mom and Dad," Daria said.  "Check the internet on my cell phone a lot."

"I plan making a lot of calls," Quinn said.  "A [i]lot[/i] of calls.  I haven't heard anything from Sandi or Tiffany at all.  What about you?"

"Well, I haven't heard anything from them either," Daria said.

"No, stupid.  I mean [i]your[/i] friends at Lawndale."

"What friends?" Daria said.  Quinn took that as confirmation that Daria had had no contact with her senior classmates other than Jane.  She wondered what they were going to talk about on the way home.

(* * *)

The two drove along the highway after midnight.  Quinn drove, as Daria hated to drive.  Daria squinted.  "Funny T-shirt?"

"Hm?"

"I can't read the writing."

"Oh," Quinn said.  "This is my National Progressive American People's Party T-shirt."

"Oh, those guys," Daria said.  Quinn wanted to know exactly what Daria was talking about and Daria admitted to her multiple encounters with the NPAPP.  "So you've joined up?"

"Yeah," Quinn said.

"Wow," Daria said. "I didn't think those guys met your standards of either fashion or popularity."

"I'm expanding my horizons," Quinn said.  Daria gave her a funny look, but nodded.

"Daria?"

"Hm?"

"What do you think of the NPAPP?"

"I don't really think of it," Daria said.

"Come on.  You knew it when it was just the American People's Party.  You had to come to some conclusion."

"This isn't going to be some sort of political come-to-Jesus speech I'm going to get?"

"No.  I want your honest opinion.  Please."

Daria sighed.  "I suppose that the NPAPP is like a lot of other little groups out there on the fringes of American political life.  They have some good ideas, although I think there's too much in their program that other people can pick apart.  I think that after four years or so, the party will have to come to a decision.  They'll either have to join up with one of the established political parties and break up or they'll go the other way and become more strident and more obnoxious, like similar groups.  Parties this size only stay together as long as there's one compelling personality.  If the party can establish beyond "small group" level, it will survive, else the members will find something better to do with their time."

"Hmf," Quinn said, obviously disappointed but not saying anything.

"You wanted me honest opinion.  Be careful what you ask for."

"Well, I'm in it for the long haul."

"So when did you join?"

"In October," Quinn said.

"Yep.  The 'long haul'."  Daria smirked, and Quinn frowned.

(* * *)

Daria, Quinn, Helen, and Jake were finally together again, as a family, at the dinner table.  Jake had labored long and hard over the turkey, and he was Hitler in a chef's hat.  The kitchen had been annexed like the Sudentenland, with Jake giving orders for nothing to be disturbed and declining any help from his daughters.  Finally, Jake's mighty labors ended, and the Morgendorffers feasted.

Daria asked to take some of the food home for Jane, but the parental attention - with her parents attempting to turn back the clock to when they were both in high school - disturbed her.  Her parents could never let live, they always had to pry.  They wanted to know what her classes were like, what she thought of Raft, did she have a boyfriend, did Jane have a boyfriend?  She just didn't feel close enough to share and Daria knew that things would be changing over the years.  She felt she had already separated from her parents and that they all lived in different universes.

Quinn, of course, loved to talk, and Daria decided to let Quinn talk as much as she wanted to.  Quinn talked about Shrewsbury but since NPAPP was the most important thing in her life at the time, the bulk of her conversation consisted of retelling her adventures with the Shrewsbury chapter on the minute level. 

Helen and Jake - of course - were fascinated.  Jake wanted to talk about the new Christmas shopping season.  Helen and Jake were conservative Democrats, and almost every economist stated that this Christmas season was when Americans were going to cut loose and open their wallets.  The high price in gas - still at $4.30 - had forced Americans to curtail some of their extracurriculars, and economists believed that this reprioritizing of household budgets would add up to a windfall that would hit the economy. 

Quinn shared the story of her college friends trying to find plane tickets at a decent price.  "It's hard.  And now I'm starting to wonder if it was a smart idea going to school in California.  Out-of-state tuition is a killer."

"I'm glad to see that you're taking an interest in politics," Helen said.  "Maybe there's something that you can do about that."

"Oh, we're definitely trying!" Quinn said.

"Quinn, your group doesn't even have a dozen people in it.  I don't think that the DNC and RNC are shaking in their boots at the prospect of the National Progressive American People's Party."

"But isn't that the way it [i]always[/i] is?" Quinn said.   They always tell you to 'vote', but you get to vote between the Democrats and the Republicans.  That's like a choice between getting stabbed and getting shot."

"Right," Helen said. "But when your life is at stake, that distinction is a real difference."

"But it doesn't have to be that way.  I don't [i]want[/i] to choose between getting stabbed and getting shot when I go to the voting booth."

"How did [i]you[/i] vote Daria?" Jake asked.

"Using a complex mathematical formula weighted by the number of lies told by the candidates."

"Funny," Quinn said. "I voted for the first time this year.  Half of the people on the ballot are running unopposed.  I thought I was in North Korea. I can write in a candidate, but the rules make sure that he can't get elected.  You can vote for a write-in candidate, but he can't advance past the primary in California."

"Quinn, you might have better luck working within the system," Helen said.  "Join the Democrats - or God help us, the Republicans - and work for real change."

"Work for 'real change'."  Quinn snorted, as if she had heard Helen a dozen times before.  "People have tried that for years, Mom," Quinn said.  "That doesn't work.  Both political parties are broken.  The economy is broken.  The environment is broken.  So our goal is to be a real choice."

"Like the Greens," Daria said.

"No, [i]not[/i] like the Greens.  The Greens are in bed with Big Labor.  New boss, same as the old boss.  And most of them are socialists."

"Quinn, I read your party platform," Daria said.  "I distinctly recall 'abolition of unearned income' was one of the planks.  A lot of that stuff sounds very anti-capitalist."

"But DAH-ria," Quinn said with a smile. "We're not out to destroy capitalism.  We just want responsibility.  We want the people who work for a living to be rewarded, and we want the people who use capitalism to destroy the enviroment and destroy people's lives not to use corporations as a shield to hide behind punishment."

"Then you'd have to get rid of the Fourteenth Amendment," Daria said.

"Maybe we will get rid of it," Quinn said.

"Quinn - do you even know what the Fourteenth Amendment is?" Daria said.

"No, but I can find out.  If the Fourteenth Amendment isn't doing good for the people, then we intend to get rid of it."

"Maybe you should read the Constitution first before you decide to change things," Daria said.

"That's the same old talk, Daria.  Come along and work within a system that doesn't work for anybody but itself."

"Okay.  Then what if no one listens to you?" Daria said.

"We'll [i]talk harder[/i].  If we're right - and we are right - people will listen.  Now I have to go to the bathroom.  Excuse me."

Quinn left the table and headed to the bathroom.  With the three of them at the table, Helen said, "I think it's sweet.  Seeing Quinn involved in her first political causes.  I remember when I was a young radical."

"What was it like, Mom, meeting Martin Luther King?"

"Quiet," Helen said.  "At least Quinn is involved.  Some of us could stand to be more involved."

"Helen's right!" Jake said. "Why aren't you involved?"

"Because leaving a skull-shaped impression in a solid brick wall isn't my idea of fun.  Besides, Quinn doesn't know anything about the National Progressive American People's Party. It's just one of her stupid popularity causes and it will blow over."

"Daria, you said that these American People's Party people were at Raft?" Helen asked.

"Uh huh."

"Were they popular?"  Helen was asking honestly.

(* * *)

Christmas 2014

Jane and Daria waited outside the security gate.  "I wish I could hang around, but you know me, 'Jihadi Jane'.  I - !"

"Shut up!" Daria said with some urgency. "No joking, they take that bullshit seriously at airports.  Unless you want to meet Five Fingers Gretchen in the strip-search room at TSA."

"Damn.  I knew I should have emptied all of my cavities before showing up at Logan," Jane said.  "So, when am I going to hear from you again?"

"Probably when I get back to Lawndale. It's going to be fun.  The usual parental smothering.  Quinn going on about her political causes and planning the revolution from her four-poster.  Going through the ritual of gift exchange.  The usual crap."

"Wish I could join in," Jane said.  "Bring me back a present."

"You already have a present," Daria said, lifting her backpack over her shoulder.  "The use of the apartment while I'm not around."

"I intend to make full use of it. Ho ho ho."

"Yeah, speaking of 'ho', please don't fuck on my bed."

"I have no intention of fucking on your bed," Jane said.  "Now make it back to Lawndale and enjoy some of that fine, fine Christmas nog."

As Daria walked over to the friendly TSA officer to show her tickets and driver's license, she suddenly had the realization that Jane fully intended to fuck on her bed.  She sighed.  She could always change the sheets when she got back.

(* * *)

Daria knocked on the door to Quinn's room.  "Enter," Quinn said.

Helen and Jake had kept both Daria and Quinn's rooms the way they were before they left for college.  Daria always felt embarrassed going back to her old room, due to some of her fashion and music choices of which she was reminded whenever she looked at the bookshelves.  She wondered if Quinn felt that same kind of embarrasment, surrounded by pink and gonks.

The gonks had been rudely shoved to the floor.  Quinn had her shoes off, typing on her laptop.

"Hey," Daria said. "About that - !"

" -- the Fourteenth Amendment?" Quinn asked.  "The one that made the former slaves citizens?"

"Ah.  You've done some reading."

"Yep.  'Free citizens vote'.  That's an easy way to remember the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments."

"Okay.  Now that we've mastered American Civics, I wanted to talk about the Gift Exchange.  What do you want me to buy you?"

"The same old crap.  Something practical.  Which I intend to exchange for money, by the way, so keep the receipts."

"Got it.  Do the same for me.  I wonder why we don't just skip the charade and exchange money.  Or just keep our damned money."

"Well, I suppose the ritual is what's important," Quinn said.  "Besides, it's the annual boost to the American economy, so people need us out there buying crap."

"I guess.  So what are you going to buy with your loot?"

"I'm donating my loot to the NPAPP."

"Of course," Daria said.  "I guess I'm subsidizing the New Revolutionaries now."

"Well, you knew that was where the money was going to go."  Quinn slightly closed her laptop and turned to Daria.  "I think I'm going to major in political science."

"Realllly?"  Daria was surprised.

"Yep."

"How do you think Mom and Dad are going to feel?"

"They're going to be unhappy.  But...I guess moving back to Lawndale wouldn't be so bad if they refused to pay for it.  I guess I could go to Lawndale State."

"That's a fate worse than death," Daria said.  "Do you want my advice?"

"Well...no.  Not really.  But I am interested in hearing it."

"There is absolutely [i]nothing[/i] you can do with a political science degree.  Except either run for office, or help someone else run for office.  And since there are only two major parties in the United States, in the end that's going to mean working either for Team Red or Team Blue.  And the Greens already stole your color."

"Daria, I don't intend on working for either the Democrats or Republicans.  That's like working for your grandpa."

"Quinn, get serious," Daria said.  "After four years of political science - and that is if you take it seriously and even if you join a real political party - you are going to be terminally unemployable.  The only job you've ever had was at a pet store, and we all know how that ended.  Political science pays for shit.  You could become a lawyer, but we're now glutted with lawyers, a bunch of doucebags chasing the same free-floating one hundred dollar bill.  And I know you like your luxuries. Do you [i]really[/i] want to move back after five or six years to this room?"

"First, Daria, I am serious.  Second, I'm going to stay with NPAPP as long as it holds up.  Third, you underestimate me."

"I underestimate you.  Miss Trendy?"

"Do I [i]look[/i] like a fashion plate now?"  Quinn indicated her jeans and her NPAPP shirt with the sweep on one hand.  "Maybe I have more inner resources than you think I do."

"Okay.  Warning has been delivered. My job is done.  You could move in with me, I suppose, but it's a little crowded with me and Jane."

"How's that going?" Quinn said.

"She's fucking on my bed," Daria muttered, and left the room.

(* * *)

Daria was holding a pink sweater in Quinn's size as she made her way to the Albatross and Finch checkout line.  It was an odd experience.  Normally, she stayed away from an ultra-trendy store like A&F, with their "greeter gods and goddesses". One time, Daria and Jane ventured into A&F for a laugh.  The store was notorious for the motto that only the coolest, most popular and best looking people should be wearing their clothes.  The stares and the lack of customer service made it quite clear which category Daria and Jane belonged to.

This time, Daria was given help not once, but [i]twice[/i] by one of the greeter goddesses.  She asked the "goddess" if she was working on commission.  "Yeah," was the answer.  "We get paid sub-minimum wage.  Part of the reward is the privilege of being a greeter goddess, but we get paid on commission."

Daria was surprised that an A&F greeter goddess would be so casual with a mere mortal.  "That's what I figured.  This is the Christmas season, though.  Looks like a nice long line."

"You should have seen the line [i]last[/i] year," the goddess said.  "The lines here and at Khaki Barn were ridiculous back then. You could make serious bank.  Nobody is buying anything this season."

"NPR says that this is going to be one of the biggest Christmas seasons ever."

The goddess rolled her eyes.  "Yeah, everybody says that.  Me, I'm looking to find steady work somewhere.  A place where I don't have to work for commission.  Do you know someone who's hiring?"

"I wish I did.  But I'm a college student, so...."

"Yeah.  I'm starting to regret not going to college myself.  Anyway, if you need some help packing that, just let me know."

"Nah.  But I'll throw in an extra pair of socks."

"Thanks," the goddess said.

Daria thought about their conversation.  [i]It would certainly make a good story of some kind.  Maybe a long-form essay.[/i]  Since she had some time, she decided to see if the person would interview with her.  It was going to be a long Christmas break, and she needed to show some incentive.

(* * *)

It was three days before Daria and Quinn were to return to their various schools.

Jane had sworn up and down to high heaven that there was no fucking on her bead.  Finally, she admitted it.  "Yeah, there was a little fucking."  Daria knew going into their co-habitation (so to speak) that Jane was rules adverse, but she didn't appreciate it that Jane was overstepping her most personal of boundaries.

In the meantime, she had talked to seven different people at the mall who all confirmed that Christmas sales were down, and that there were more returns that usual that year.  Daria looked for some confirmation of the numbers in the major papers, but those papers remained upbeat.  Given that Daria's story was flying against conventional wisdom, she admitted to herself that she had doubts as to whether or not it would fly.

(* * *)

January 2015

Shrewsbury College

When Quinn made it back to her dorm, the first thing she did was plan to hook up with Madeline.  She dialed Madeline's cell phone but got no answer.   After two other "no answers" she decided to go to Madeline's room and find out what was going on for herself.

Quinn knocked on Madeline's door several hours later.  A blonde chick opened the door.  She didn't look like Madeline or her roommate.

"Hello?"

"Hi!  I'm here to talk to Madeline!"

"Madeline?" the girl answered.  "You mean the girl who used to be here?"

Madeline's side of the room was replaced with new junk, whereas Madeline's roommate's stuff was still there.  "What happened.  Did she changed dorms?"

"No, I heard she transferred."

[i]Transferred![/i]  As Quinn said her goodbyes, she couldn't believe it. Madeline had flown the coop, abandoning the NPAPP chapter, abandoning Shrewsbury, abandoning her friendship with Quinn - abandoing everything.  At least it explained why Quinn wasn't getting any calls back.

She made a note to check at the admissions department to make sure that the new person in Madeline's room wasn't mistaken.  Even so, it looked like Madeline was gone for good and the presidency - good or bad - was now in her hands.

(* * *)

Raft University

Daria had just finished changing the sheets on her bed.  After the inevitable fallout, Jane decided that she had something to do. "I've decided that I have something to do," she said, and walked out of the apartment.

Since Jane never checked their answering machine messages, Daria caught up.  There was a message from her advisor.

[i]Daria, this is Dr. Philpot.  I want to chat with you about that essay you e-mailed to me.  Give me a call at my office number.  Goodbye.[/i]

Daria dialed back.  She didn't think he would have 'beta-read' it so soon.  "Hello?"

"Hello, Dr. Philpot.  This is Daria Morgendorffer.  You left a message."

"Yes, yes," he said from his office.  "I wanted you to know that I enjoyed that essay very much.  I left a few comments on it.  I didn't think I'd write so much but it sucked me in."

"Thanks."

"By the way...I did something without your permission."

"Hm?"

"I shared it with Dr. Maxon over at the journalism department.  He's a colleague of mine.  I'll just say that he was very impressed and he'd like you to call him immediately.  He wants to talk to you about the benefits and privileges of a degree from the Raft School of Journalism."

Daria was surprised.  "I don't think it was really that great."

"Well, I think Dr. Maxon was more surprised by the date of the essay and the news."

"Hm?"

"It looks like the major networks are reporting horrible Christmas numbers.  Dr. Maxon enjoyed how you drew your conclusions and insisted that it would be a horrible holiday season.  He was talking about that essay with great enthusiasm.  You might have a future in journalism."