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She heard her alarm and grabbed her glasses from the nightstand. It was the weekend and she forgot to turn off the switch.
An already pleasant start to my day.
Daria was going to just lie there in silence for a few minutes but then the phone rang.
Great.
She answered the phone in her usual tone but it was slightly raspy from waking up.
“Hello?” It was probably a telemarketer who decided to disturb the peace. She was ready to say one of her quips but then the voice on the other line made her alert.
“Daria, is that you?” The familiar raspy tone of her best friend's brother was on the line. She sat up and adjusted herself, clearing her throat.
“Um yes, hey Trent, you're up early.” She fixed her glasses, something she did when she was nervous.
“Actually I never went to bed, I've been working on some riffs.” she sighed and shook her head, typical.
“Alright…is there something you needed?”
“Yeah, Jane's out and I need another set of eyes to help me find an amp. Uh…mine broke.”
“I can assume last night's practice went a bit haywire?”
“You can say that.”
“Fine, give me a few minutes, and you owe me for waking me up early on a Saturday.” He chuckled and smiled knowing she was teasing.
“I'll buy you whatever you want and then get you some breakfast.”
“Great, see you in twenty.” They said their byes and Daria put the phone on its base, a small groan letting out as she got up. Last night she stayed up with Jane to help with a painting and now her brother wanted something. She wasn't really complaining since Jane was her best friend and she'd do almost anything for her and then Trent, well he was a somewhat weird, occasional exception. Daria was expecting to be unbothered this weekend knowing Jane was off on an art expo, so getting a call this early by Trent put her in a weird mood.
“Good morning sweetie, up so soon?” She saw her mother in the hall who yawned her greeting. Daria wanted to let her know she wasn't going to have breakfast at their place today. She'd be going out to see a friend, and she'll be back in the afternoon. Her mother thanked her for the update and understood she wanted to catch up with her old friends.
Lawndale was almost the same, unlike New York, where everything was so fast paced and huge. Casa de Lane stood there in its spanish style, the paint a bit faded and the grass growing tall in some parts. Jane managed what she could and Trent, well he was Trent. Pursuing his music and doing pretty okay for himself, he just chose to stay in Lawndale to watch the house when Jane wasn't there. It was funny how often Jane visited her in the city. With the art scene being very heavy there it was no real surprise. Trent would sometimes come up to play but they rarely see each other.
She was going to ring the bell but he was already waiting by the door. “What a surprise, the man himself is still breaking amps and the dawn.” he chuckled in that familiar rasp and let her in. He reached for a hug and she reciprocated, being okay with the mild affection after graduating and having her own space.
“Do you want some coffee or do we head out?” She weighed her options, eat now and be alone with her childhood crush or stalk around for an old ass amp and get something cheap from a café.
“Well, can you make breakfast or is it still a free for all?” he shook his head, her humor was still the same.
“I can whip something up for us, but it won't be clogging your arteries the same way.”
“I'll live, maybe.” she smiled and they both headed to the kitchen. The combination of aesthetics was very obvious of the two siblings. Jane had artsy stuff here and there while Trent had his grungy things scattered about, it was funny. He served her the fresh coffee and it didn't taste as bitter as it used to. She assumed they switched the brand.
“I add cinnamon to it sometimes, to give it a kick.” He handed her the sugar and spoon, she put in two spoonfuls and he grabbed his own cup. Trent takes a sip and asks her if an omelet would suffice, she agrees and waits patiently while he cooks. It's sort of surprising, given how he rarely did anything before.
“Impressive, there's a chef at home.”
“I'm not completely useless Daria.” He smirks and serves her a spinach cheese omelet, with toast and ham. She was slightly impressed, but she wasn't going to admit that. They ate and chatted, filling up on the latest news and any other gossip. Some people were getting married, or on their second kid, even working on making grant proposals. It was all sort of stimulating.
“And you? Still trying to make it out there in the music world?”
“Sort of, it's going well for me but it doesn't pay the bills. I work at a high level restaurant in the next town, and it pays really well. It's hell though.”
“Oh, that explains the cooking skills.”
“I guess so.” He takes a bite of his omelet, careful not to burn himself. “How's the writing coming along?”
“Okay I guess, it pays the bills and I get to complain about the idiot of the week or the next corrupt news thing.”
“That's cool, I'm happy for you.”
“Thanks.” They eat in silence for a bit and then Trent clears his throat.
“We don't have to get the amp today. It was kind of an excuse to get you to come over.” she raised her brow teasing.
“Kind of?” she mocked.
“Okay well it was a great excuse to get you to come over without Jane having to be here.” She hid her surprise and played along.
“Lure me with food and gifts, how thoughtful.” she chides. He smirks and takes their plates to wash them up right away. He dries his hands and reaches out to take hers.
“Can I lure you into the other room for some privacy?” she squints.
“But it's just us, why do we need privacy?”
“Just in case, I don't want our time to be interrupted.”
“Our time? Trent you are such a sneaky one. We should be worried about someone catching us two adults chatting in the living room.” He shook his head knowing the sarcasm all too well. But he could tell she was nervous and anticipating Jane walking in on them alone.
Jane was their number one supporter for over a decade but she stopped her antics way before that, after the whole Tom fiasco. Daria didn't want anyone getting their hopes up or to assume she was some forlorn spinster in her 20s. Not that she cared anyway, she just got annoyed at peoples pitying glances. She had just started her life in the big city making moves and doing well for herself despite the challenges of the world outside of Lawndale. And that was the problem, Lawndale was its own little bubble, keeping things in a pathetic obvious rhythm of conformity. New York was definitely the opposite. She wasn't going to get sucked in because of old unrequited flames. They walked into the living room then Trent led her into his room. It looked more put together now, but it was clear there was a musician sleeping there, with all the posters and CDs. She was suspicious but knew he meant well, he didn't want any assumptions made either, he just wanted to spend time with an old friend. He let her sit on the bed and he sat on his computer chair.
“So, that cooking job, is it like Iron Chef?” he smoothed his hair, it wasn't spikey anymore since he grew it out and he added a few more piercings to make his ears symmetrical.
“Good one Daria. And I guess it's intense, just way less celebrities.”
“Cool.” She swung her feet.
“So Daria, I know this is sudden but I'm doing a show here in town, and wanted to know if you wanna come?” his smile was almost the same just older.
“Sure, I can come after dinner. My folks don't want to miss me too much.”
“That's good, you guys are getting along.”
“In a way. Dad's still a bit hyper and mom thankfully learned to relax. Quinn's doing better now that she's graduated and looking for a job. But I can't guarantee that.”
“I'm glad. Do they finally get you or are they still trying the whole be normal bit?” she laughs.
“They eased off for sure. I guess being away for a while made them realize I can do just fine on my own, especially in a big place with even more people than they can count.”
“Hah, figures.” The silence preceded the conversation but it wasn't uncomfortable. Daria wasn't the same shy girl around the super cool guy, they were just themselves. She grabbed a cd on the nightstand and looked at the cover. The artwork was of a blue eye, with a single silver teardrop falling from the corner. She chuckled at the thought of Trent listening to one of the most hated bands known to music.
“Hey, their stuff isn't so bad. I listen to get some motivation. If they can do it, so can I.” She shook her head and stretched out on the bed. He decided to sit next to her and turn on the TV, which was moved from its spot in the other corner. He flipped the channels until they found Syfy playing Starfence. She turned her head to see what episode it was.
“Hope this is fine. It's a good background when you just wanna relax.” he put the remote on the nightstand and laid down.
“Ah yes, the impending threat of alien invasion always makes me serene.” she actually liked the episode, it was the one where Jake gets zapped and speaks another language. He rested his arms under his head and relaxed his breath.
“Same here.” He motioned with his chin to the books on the shelves. “I have a few books if you wanna kill time. I'm still tired from last night. Wake me up in a few?”
“Sure.” She smiled and he closed his eyes unbothered by the tv and Daria's presence. She didn't mind the closeness either, there was no pressure to impress him or be stand-offish with him. Trent was satisfied with their company. Daria got up and looked through his collection and there were some bestsellers. No doubt to impress whoever came by or his own choosing. There was Gilliam Flynt, Cornal MacArthur, Dane Stuttfell and the now famous Starley Mehter. She knew the last one was for the irony. She grabs the one with the white flower by Mehter and it was the funniest thing she's read in a while. The teens at Lawndale High were probably eating this up. Before she knew it, she was asleep.
Daria felt cold in her bed so she searched for the warmth of her blanket and huddled beside it. Then somehow the blanket wrapped up itself around her. The exhaustion was too much to care about why it did that so she kept on sleeping. When she woke up she thought she overslept because her mom was knocking at her door.
“I'm coming mom.” She spoke in the dim light. She looked for her glasses which she probably took off in her sleep, and everything was blurry. Daria felt the blanket under her and wondered how she slept so soundly without it, then she noticed this wasn't her bed and there was someone wrapped around.
“Well, look who's back.” she found her glasses and immediately put them on. It was Jane, leaning at the doorway, a smug grin on her face. “Comfy? I know he is.” Daria would feel embarrassed, but Jane wasn't upset and it was an innocent thing she could've done in her room. Trent was in a deep sleep and somehow they were wrapped into each other. She tried her best to get up without stirring him. He was still a heavy sleeper. Daria fixed her disheveled clothes and greeted her friend.
“Hey, how was the expo?”
“Great, met a lot of townies but also some edged heads. Pretty balanced.” she shrugged her shoulders and stared at Daria for a good moment.
“Lovely.” She didnt see any clocks in the room and the TV had shut off on its own.
"Hey, what time is it? I told my parents I'd be back in the afternoon.”
“Just turned noon. Let me guess, he broke night and dragged you here to keep him awake. And failed miserably.”
“He needed help finding an amp, but we never got to go to the store.” she nodded and led her friend away from the room. They walked down to the living room and sat down. Jane understood her friend was tired, she did help her at the last minute with a piece for the expo. When she found them together in Trent's room she figured they were both there in silence, or she expected Trent to try and serenade her with a few chords. It was actually cute to find them both just sleeping there peacefully. Daria noticed her friend's change in expression and rolled her eyes.
“Don't start that. We really were just going to get an amp.” Jane innocently held out her hands.
“I don't know what you're talking about. Do you want some coffee?” Daria nodded and stretched out, resting her feet on a pouf ottoman. She was a bit dehydrated so she asked Jane for some water as a chaser.
“Thanks but this time black, I don't want to get a sugar rush.” Jane nodded and served her friend a cup, the drink still hot from the pot. Jane went back to fix them some lunch, since it was time already. Daria sipped her drink, then heard the stairs creak. Trent was rubbing his eyes and squinting in her direction. He called out to her softly, and she looked up and her gaze followed. He plopped himself next to her and rested his head on her shoulder even if he was taller, it was comfortable. She didn't mind, Jane did it all the time when they hung out.
“I woke up and you were gone. Thought you left.” He yawned and adjusted himself, leaning even more. Jane walked in and was amused.
“Someone has a sleepy tail.” With that Trent opened his eyes and looked at his sister, slightly more aware of his actions now that she was here.
“Hey Jane. Sorry, we didn't hear you come in.” he sat up and leaned his head back.
“It's fine, two of my favorite people need to rest right? And if it's together then that's fine with me too.” Daria narrowed her eyes and grunted. Jane sneaked in a grin and walked back to continue the task of food.
“Daria.” She put her cup on the side table and looked at him. “Do you want to go out sometime, ya know just us?” what an admission, unless it isn't.
“Hm, let me think about it. Just us means what exactly?” She knew her standards for people, especially men, were pretty high so she tried to go easy on him. He wasn't actively trying to get in her pants or court her. Maybe he wanted to get to know her more now that she wasn't just a teenage girl.
“It's been a while since we hung out like this. I kinda miss it, and things change. Especially you, I mean you're a whole writer now. And I'm…well getting through life I guess.” Oh so it wasn't a confession but he did say he misses me. Fair enough. Maybe she missed him too, she couldn't tell yet.
“Sure, I'll be here for two more weeks.” He cracked his knuckles and stood up. He leaned in and Daria was not ready for anything more than a hug. Thankfully that's all he wanted to give her.
“I appreciate it Daria. I'll get the amp myself, I took enough of your time today.” He went back upstairs to shower, wanting to be fresh for the day. Daria watched him walk up and wondered if his consideration was genuine or if there was a motive.
“It's okay Daria, he won't bite.” Jane smiles slyly. Daria flattens her annoyance even more.
“It's just been a while.” She admits.
“Yeah but look, he's got a stable job, he's doing pretty well with his music.” Daria glared at her best friend.
“Jane, don't start this again. It was a childhood crush, I'm over it and we're just close, like how you and me are. He doesn't think of me that way. Besides I know it's hard out there, I got lucky but I myself am always thin ice of employment. Waiting for the skate to crack it.” Jane let out an exasperated breath.
“Ohoho still clueless huh. Alright I'll leave you two to figure it out then.” Daria rolled her eyes and Jane retreated to the kitchen to grab their lunch. When she came back Daria was still ready to retort.
“Look, even if that were the case, my life is fine the way it is. I don't want someone expecting me to give them things I can't provide right now. I'm in the big pond and all the fish are sharks, I need to stay focused.”
“Who said anything about losing focus. You've managed yourself this far with worse things.” ouch, there it is. The dig settled in her mind, she had a point.
“Whatever you say.” They ate their meal and gossiped and joked. When Daria was ready to leave she realized her pocket was empty, her wallet must have fallen when she fell asleep. She walked back to Trent's room to get it. Daria didn't realize that a freshly showered Trent was getting dressed and he was just putting his boxers on. He jumped and tried to rush getting dressed but the damage was done. Daria turned away and apologized. He did the same, for not locking his door.
“I just need my wallet.” She could hear him try to put on his pants and then she turned around when he gave her the go ahead. He put on some skinny jeans and a tight band tee with the word Disgruntled. The jewelry would be left for last.
“I'll help you look.” She nodded and slowly walked inside. His hair was slicked back from being wet and he smelled like herbal essences rose conditioner when she got close. She thanked him for the help and pushed her thoughts aside. They checked by the desk, then bookshelf and lastly the bed. He found it right in between the nightstand and the bedframe and handed it to her. Daria was grateful and the warm brush of his fingers felt kind of nice. She wasn't paying attention when walking and tripped on the computer chair, Trent grabbed her in time and yanked her to him.
“Gotta be careful, the layout changed.” All she could do was nod and thank him again. She stared into his eyes for a moment before straightening out. “I like your new glasses by the way. They frame your face well.” she nodded and he guided her back to the door.
“I'll see you later tonight D.” She did the same and smirked at the nickname. Maybe she was looking forward to the show.
Her family was happy to see her even though the conversations were a bit scattered. They asked how Jane was doing and she told them some funny joke on how she raised the dead at the expo and her dad almost believed her, while her mom just shook her head and sighed. Quinn scoffed at her sister's attempt to be funny and said she was going to the mall to kill some time. In suburbia there was only so much to do. Daria got ready to head to the show. She put on a black pull over with crochet sleeves, a jean jacket, and black jeans to match her boots, which were a replacement for her old ones. She usually wore stuff like this in the city but it wasn't uncomfortable to look so different here anymore. Quinn would have a heart attack if she saw Daria with some makeup on. Maybe no one would recognize her, and she can enjoy the show in peace.
She got there thirty minutes after the doors opened and got herself a seat at the bar. Trent was there having himself a drink before the show. Another band was doing their opener. He smiled and waved her over.
“The days of Mystik Spiral will go down in infamy.” She joked while waiting for her order.
“Hah good times. Now it's Sedation Radiation.”
“You're joking.” she almost said something in retaliation.
“I am, but it was fun to see your reaction. The guys are here but they're still setting up.” she blew a sigh of relief.
“Where's Jane?” she looked around.
“With Jesse.” Her eyes blinked more than normal.
“Oh.” Well that was news to her. Maybe Jane didn't want it to be obvious yet. Trent took inventory of his friend's outfit, she looked good, especially with her hair done in waves. It didn't seem like she went out of her way to look that nice but boy did it make his eyes wander. He pushed the thought away and finished his drink. He decided to say fuck it. She swiveled on the bar stool sipping her cocktail, which was too strong but she didn't care.
“Daria, can I say something?” she looked up at her friend. She nodded.
“You look great, not that you ever don't. I…uh like your look, it's very…fitting.” The compliment wasn't wasted on her, knowing he was trying to be polite.
“Thanks Trent, I get what you're trying to say.” he felt his cellphone vibrate in his pocket, he flipped it open and saw it was his band giving him the heads up.
“Cool, well I gotta get up there. I'll see you after?” She nodded and wished him luck on his set. He kissed her on the cheek and then froze, realizing what he did.
“Uh, sorry I didn't mean to. I'm just happy-”
“It's fine, the French do it worse.” she mused. He felt the blush on his cheeks and dismissed himself. Daria smirked at his casual slip and asked for another drink, if she was gonna feel a buzz it would be from something like this.
They actually sounded decent and the crowd went wild. Even moshing at one of the more hardcore songs. Maybe Jane was right about him doing well. But that wasn't enough to sway her thoughts about musicians. Jane met her after the show and was surprised at her appearance but didn't make any backhanded compliments.
“I'm headed with Jesse to an afterparty, wanna come?” Daria thought for a moment, she wasn't a stranger to parties of course, but she was kinda beat. All the excitement could be used for another day.
“Thanks but I'm all moshed out. They were really enthusiastic about shoving.” Jane laughed and told her friend she'd see her tomorrow, the rest of the band went. As for Trent, he waited for them to leave, also making some sort of excuse. He slowly walked over to her and she stood up.
“Can't hang like you used to huh? Age is but a number, or so I'm told.” Daria chided.
“Yeah but it's no joke when your neck is stiff and you're hungover feeling like a beat dog.”
“That's true, I never got that far.”
“Right and I'm glad you don't. I'm a spirited musician, Daria, but I'm no spring horse.”
“Then giddy up Silver the stables are waiting.” He laughed and shook his head.
“Want a ride home? I'm sober.” she nodded and stepped out with him, the equipment with Jesse and the band van. He brought his own car, an old Tonda with navy paint. It was definitely an upgrade from his beater.
“Nice bug.” She teased. He opened the car door for her, went to his side and started the car. They rode in silence until they were in the neighborhood.
“So Daria, about that kiss. I wanted to apologize.”
“Don't, if it was that bad to just kiss me on the cheek I don't want to know how you feel about hand holding.” He laughed and reached for her hand, holding it tentatively and rubbing the back of it.
“Well, I have a few opinions, if you'd like to hear them.”
“Maybe after some more delineation.” she smiled and he continued to drive the rest of the way. He passed by his house and Daria asked if they could stop there instead.
“I'm sorta burnt out by the fam, mind if I crash here tonight?”
“Jane wouldn't mind, you can stay with her or in one of the guest rooms.”
“I was thinking maybe I can stay with you.” His eyes widen only for a second.
“Sure Daria, that's fine with me.” he let go and stepped out to open her door, then they both walked in together. No one would be home till probably sun up. They headed up to his room and indulged in each other’s company. For a moment she hesitated, thinking about her life choices and her future. She saw Trent as someone who was too carefree and irresponsible, that one vision in her mind coming back all those years ago. But it was more fuzzy now. She couldn't blame him for living the way he did, he got lucky, so did she. Times were rough and it wasn't the same as when her parents started out. That didn't mean she would settle for suburban life hoping things were different.
“Hey, I know I'm not cut out for responsible home life, and you're a big deal in the city. So, we can enjoy ourselves for now and not expect anything.” Daria sighed and shook her head.
“Trent I didn't say anything.”
“Your face did. I get it, I'm just a guy working a crap job and hoping to still get big.” She can admit that his band was doing well, there were just no record labels banging on the door to sign them. And she didn't discriminate against people who were trying their best in an unfair system. He didn't leave the house because it was feasible, not because it was lazy.
“I've judged people for less Trent. I just don't want to be reckless and mess things up.”
“There isn't anything to mess up. We just take things a step at a time.” he held her hand again, this time kissing it.
“And when I head back to New York?” she squints.
“I'll go to you if you want me to. Whatever you need, or I'll be waiting for you right here. Just tell me.” She didn't want such a big decision on her shoulders, but it didn’t seem like Trent wasn't pushing it. He was satisfied with just being around her as is.
“Give me some time to think about it. My future isn't so simple to think about nowadays.”
“I know, you're happy with how things are. And you're trying to be more, I'm proud of you for it. I feel the same, and want to get up there too.” for once she had a genuine look of conflict in her face. The cool calm Daria wasn't sure what she wanted, even if the one thing she hoped for years ago was sitting in front of her.
“If I gave Jane the satisfaction, I'll never get over it.” he chuckled knowing she was teasing and her way of saying okay.
“Then we make it backfire on her.” She laughed and knew that the occasional antics of flirting and affection would probably make Jane retreat in feigned disgust.
“Alright Trent. I'll give it a chance, but only because I like your cooking and organization skills.”
“You should see me ironing.” He mused, and she laughed. They kissed and Trent got up to turn out the lights, save his old lava lamp. Jane found them in bed together the next morning and didn't say a word, just smiling to herself in satisfaction.
Daria answered her phone ringing on the counter, she was just about done with her segment of the article and submitted it to editing. It was Trent, letting her know he'd be there soon for their date. It was their two year anniversary and he wanted to take her out to eat at her favorite restaurant. He finished with his last track for the new EP and they both wanted to celebrate.
Musicians may be known for being flighty, but Trent wasn't. He was as obsessed with Daria and made sure to dote on her and let her take her time opening up to him. They always had a spiritual connection, understanding each other, and he wasn't the same airhead as before. Learning a few things to keep up with her great mind. She was happy so far, and didn't count her blessings. If the future was uncertain then she'd better get rollin.