We see Jane and Tom enter the Pizza King. After they enter we see a shot of the whole restaurant from their perspective. They are surprised to see Daria sitting at their regular booth with a very attractive woman enjoying dinner.
Jane
Well Well. Would you look at that. What' s Daria doing here? She said she didn't want to go out tonight.
Tom
She must have changed her mind. Who's that with her?
Jane
Can't say for certain but I have a good idea. Let's go make sure.
The pair approach the booth.
Jane
So this is what you mean by I'm staying in tonight.
Daria looks up at Jane with a slight amount of shock at seeing her.
Daria
Um, yea. There was a slight change of plans.
Jane
Obviously. So tell me who's your guest?
Daria
Uh. Jane, Tom, This is my Aunt Amy. Amy these are my friends Jane and Tom.
Amy looks at the pair with a smile.
Amy
So you're Jane. Nice to finally meet you. Daria has spoken about you often.
Jane
Wow. You mean Daria does talk to the outside world from time to time? I'm impressed.
Daria is slightly embarrassed by the conversation and interrupts.
Daria
She is family you know.
Amy sees Daria's embarrassment and decides to change the conversation a little.
Amy
So Jane, Tom you haven't had dinner yet? Sit down there's plenty here. It would be nice to get to know more about you.
Jane
No really. That's okay we just got here and it looks like you two are almost done. We'll sit at another booth and let you two finish your dinner.
Amy
Please. It would be no problem. I'll just order some more drinks. No point in seeing this go to waste. That's okay with you Daria?
Amy gets up and sits next to Daria. Jane and Tom proceed to sit across from them.
We see a shot of the same tray that first had about half of a fairly large pizza on it. It's now down to one very sad looking slice. We pull back to see the four still sitting at the booth. All four appear to be having a good time in their own unique way.
Jane
So that's what Helen was like as a kid. Sounds like she hasn't changed very much in the intervening years.
Amy
Well that's not exactly true. She quit wearing embroidered flowers on her blue jeans.
Just then a phone rings. Amy answers.
Hello? Oh hi. Yes I'm with Daria. We went to get something to eat. Yes. Yes. Okay. I'll be there in a few minutes.
She hangs up the phone.
Speak of the devil that was your mother. She wants to see me right now.
Daria
Well I guess we have no real way of avoiding her. She knows where we are. Jane, Tom we have to go.
Amy
Actually Daria she said she wants to see me. It would likely be best if you were to stay here for a little while. We need to take care of some things so you should likely avoid the house for a few minutes.
Daria
Uh, I can go up to my room. It's no problem.
Amy
No. I hate to do this but it would be better if you weren't around while Helen and I take care of this.
Daria seems to know what this is about.
Jane
Sure stay here for a while. It's no problem.
Jane smiles.
Daria
Okay. I'll be home later. You aren't going to leave before I get back?
Amy
No. I'll be there when you get back. Things aren't bad it's just some business your mother is taking care of for me. Have to make a few things legal.
Daria
Okay. I'll see you in a little while.
Amy gets out of the booth. She looks at Jane and Tom.
Amy
It was nice meeting you two. Perhaps we'll see each other before I leave Sunday. I'd like to see some of your art Jane.
Tom
It was a pleasure meeting you as well. Daria has mentioned you from time to time. It's always good to put a face with a name.
Jane
Yea it was nice. Come over anytime and uh, thanks for the Pizza.
Amy
My pleasure. Bye.
Jane/Tom
Goodbye.
Amy leaves. For a few seconds the trio just looks at each other. None of them know what to say. Finally Jane speaks up.
Jane
So that's the legendary Aunt Amy. Wow. She's great. I understand what you see in her.
Tom
She seems really nice. And also a little familiar.
Daria
Huh?
Tom
Realizing this might be the wrong thing to say.
Um, nothing.
Daria looks at the pair.
Daria
Look. I don't want to blow you guys off but I really do need to get back home and study. The only reason we went out is the only thing ready to eat in the house was some leftover pasta Dad made last night.
Tom
We can give you a ride home. The movie doesn't start for another forty minutes.
Daria
That's okay. It's a pleasant night. I'd much prefer to walk. Plus that will give Mom and Amy more time to finish up.
Tom
If that's what you want but it's really no problem.
Daria
Thanks but I'll pass. I have to go.
Jane looks at Daria and then Tom.
Jane
Uh Tom, it is a school night. Since we took so long with dinner perhaps we can pass on the movie tonight. We would have to catch the second showing and I don't want to get home that late.
Tom
Are you sure? It wouldn't be that late.
Jane turns to Tom with a look of seriousness. He realizes she wants to walk with Daria.
Jane
I just don't want to sleep late, again. It makes too much of a rush to get ready for class.
Tom
Okay.
He tries to play along to make it less obvious what Jane has in mind. Of course Daria sees that Jane is planning something.
Well let me give you a ride back.
Jane
No that's okay. I'll walk home too. Daria had a point. It's too nice a night not to spend a few minutes outside in the dark..
Tom
Alright. I guess we had better go then.
They get up and head outside the restaurant. Once outside the three stop for a second to part ways.
Daria
Bye Tom. I'll see you at school Jane.
Tom
Bye Daria. Jane, I'll call you after I get home.
Jane
That would be nice. Later.
They give each other a quick kiss. Tom leaves. Daria looks uncomfortable.
Daria
Well. I gotta go. See you in the morning.
Jane
Uh Daria. I'd like to walk with you if you don't mind. We haven't had much time to talk. It would be nice to catch up a little.
Daria seems a little suspicious but misses the time they spend together so she nods in agreement.
Daria
Sure.
They proceed to Daria's house.
Jane
So your aunt seems pretty cool.
Daria
Yea. She's the only aunt who knows my name without using flash cards.
Jane
You two really seem to have a connection. In fact with those glasses you sort of favor her.
Daria tries to look annoyed but she is happy that Jane sees the connection. In spite of this she gets a worried look on her face.
Daria
Uh thanks. Just do me a favor and don't mention that in front of Mom and Dad.
Jane looks a little puzzled.
Jane
Um, Okaaay. Is there some reason I need to know about?
Daria seems a little more serious than usual with her friend.
Daria
Let's just drop it okay. There has to be something else you want to talk about.
Jane
A little shocked at the reaction Jane pauses for a second.
Sure.
We see a few blocks pass. It is still a little way to Daria's house and the pair seems to be in no real rush.
Jane
So Miss DeFoe wants me to submit another piece but I don't know. I haven't had too much time lately.
Daria
Have you tried that alien sculpture? It's done and DeFoe might be turned off enough to never ask you to do anything again.
Jane
Nah. I could drool on construction paper and she'd think it was brilliant. She can't be swayed easily.
Jane works up her nerve
So your aunt looks pretty successful.
Daria
Somewhat annoyed the conversation has moved back to her aunt. Jane sees she is hiding something.
Yea. She's done very well for herself. That's one of the reasons I like her. She accomplished everything she has done alone.
Jane
What do you mean? I thought Helen's family was fairly well off.
Daria
They are but Amy never saw any of it.
Jane
Huh?
Daria seems to realize she is starting to get to deep into the subject but feels she has to answer the question to try to slow Jane down.
Daria
When she was younger her dad cut her out of the family. From the time she was out of school she had to fend for herself. Everything she got out of life was due to her own efforts.
Jane seems puzzled.
Jane
That sounds rough. My parents aren't around very much but they never cut us out of their lives. What did she do? Hurt your other aunt?
Daria seems to be getting uncomfortable but feels she might have gone too far. She stops for a second to think before saying the next thing.
Daria
No. Look I' ve said too much. Let's just drop it okay.
Now Jane pauses for a second to think of her reply. She decides to go for it. If Daria refuses again then she will quit asking.
Jane
I hate to say this but you HAVE said too much. I'm really curious now. Don' t worry. What you say will remain between us. I promise.
Daria seems nervous as she decides what to do.
Daria
Okay. But if you tell anyone the only way they'll be able to identify you is by the paint stains on your teeth.
Jane
Cross my heart, or Maidenform, or whatever.
Daria
Very well. Let's stop here. I don't want my parents to know I'm telling you this.
They sit on the curb. Jane really is curious now.
Jane
So what's the story? Why was she cut off?
Daria is till a little nervous but takes a deep breath and starts.
Daria
After high school. She proceeded to tell her parents about who she felt she really was and wasn't going to live her life as a lie anymore. Grandpa Barksdale was so angry he kicked her out of the house and refused to acknowledge her as his child from that day on.
Jane
Whoa. That sounds rough. So that's the problem? She's gay?
Daria
No she isn't gay.
The comment puzzles Jane.
Jane
If she isn' t gay what would upset her father so much that he would do something so severe?
Daria finally realizes the truth has to be told.
Daria
He felt his only son had betrayed him.
It takes a few seconds but as Daria looks at her Jane finally realizes what that means.
Jane
Surprised.
You mean?
Daria
Yes. Amy was born Adam.
Jane is still in shock but finally gets a few words out.
Jane
You're kidding. That can' t be.
Daria
It's the truth.
Jane
But she's so pretty. I just can't see her being a guy. It's mind blowing.
Daria
Well she's been Amy for a long time. Plus she has never been one to do something halfway. It's that Barksdale tenacity.
Jane
Still slightly stunned by the information.
Amazing. So you have to tell me the whole story.
Daria
I don't know everything but I can tell you what I do know.
Jane
Go ahead I'm all ears.
Daria
Well when she told her dad he went completely ballistic. They argued very loudly and he threw her out of the house. From that day she was out of the family as far as her parents were concerned. According to what I've heard those first few years while she was becoming Amy were very rough with no help from anyone.
Jane
So Helen and your other aunt...
Daria
Aunt Rita.
Jane
Right. Aunt Rita had nothing to do with her as well. That must have been rough. But I can't believe they had nothing to do with her at all.
Daria
As far as I can gather they were pretty intimidated by their father. It seems even mentioning either name , Adam or Amy, was enough to send him over the edge and he took his frustrations out on his children.
Jane
So he basically scared them until they were too frightened to do anything.
Daria
More or less. I know Mom managed to sneak a visit and help her occasionally but it was so seldom that she was still alone most of the time. Aunt Rita was so scared she never did anything until after grandpa died.
Jane
That sucks. But she finally became successful.
Daria
In every way. She has the career she wants and has the life she felt she needed. I think it hurts her some she never made peace with her dad but she accepts his difficulty with what she did.
Jane
So how did she get back in the family?
Daria
After Grandpa died Mom and Aunt Rita started having a little more contact with her. Of course after so much time it was not an easy thing to get back together. Things are still a little strained at times
Jane
I could imagine. So when did things really start getting better?.
Daria
It was about a year before my cousin Erin's wedding. We were on vacation when Mom and Dad bumped into her. It seems she had taken a trip the same time we did.
Jane
And...
Daria
Well Mom was ready to pack up and get us out of there but she eventually changed her mind.
Jane
How'd that happen?
Daria
Believe it or not. It was Dad.
Jane
Jake! What did he do?
Daria
Well he made Mom realize that no matter what Amy was family and she needed to know that she had somewhere to go.
Jane
Your dad said that? What made him so accepting?
Daria
I guess his hellish youth away from his family allowed him to have an isolated moment of clarity and wisdom. No matter what the reason Mom took it to heart and she and Amy got together and talked for most of the time we were there.
Jane
That was the first time you met her?
Daria
Well just once. The night before we left Dad had Mom invite her for dinner so we could all meet her.
Jane
So how did you two get along?
Daria
I liked her but we didn't really talk. Everyone was pretty on edge so most conversation was very brief and general.
Jane
So what did Quinn think?
Daria
She's oddly accepting. I think she's a little freaked at what Amy did but believes she has a real sense of style. Although according to her "She's still pretty weird".
Jane
Amazing.
Daria
Yea. Quinn surprises even me from time to time.
Jane
So when did you meet her again?
Daria
At Erin's wedding.
Jane
Oh right. Didn't she show up at the last minute?
Daria
Yea. She wasn't going to show up but something changed her mind.
Jane
I wonder what would do that?
Daria
Dad.
Jane
Jake. How? Why?
Daria
He doesn't know I know but I overheard him call her and encourage her to attend. He said it would be a strong step to reconciling with both her sisters.She said she wouldn't come if it would upset her mother but when she learned she wasn't coming she changed her mind.
Jane
I can't believe Jake has been so influential here. I wonder why he has been so accepting of her change?
Daria
I guess because he is pretty much like me. He's never known her as anything but Amy so he sees her as Mom's sister not as a betrayer of their trust.
Jane
It's still amazing. So you have been in contact with her ever since?
Daria
We all have. I don't know how she and Aunt Rita have been but things between Mom and her are becoming closer.
Jane
It seems you two have connected too.
Daria
We keep in pretty regular contact. She's become a sympathetic ear. I guess if you've been through as much as she has you are willing to give anyone a listen.
Jane
Well she definitely seems pretty cool.
Daria
Smiling
Yea.
Jane
So what's she doing here now?
Daria
Getting ready to get married.
Jane
You mean she's got a guy!? That's pretty cool. But what' s your mother have to do with that? Is she planning the wedding?
Daria
No!
Jane
Thank heavens for that but what is she doing here then?
Daria
Well. Her fiance has wanted to get married for years but she said she would only do it when she was "complete"so she finally completed the change to Amy.
Jane
You mean she's been a guy for all this time?
Daria
Kind of annoyed at the response.
She's always been Amy it was just she never did everything to finish it until a few months ago. Now Mom is helping with all the legal documents so everything will be official.
Jane
Sorry. This is kind of new to me. So when is she getting married?
Daria
Next month.
Jane
Are you going?
Daria
I have to. She wants me to be a bridesmaid.
Jane
You a bridesmaid again? That's even more amazing. What made you decide to go through that again?
Daria
She asked.
Jane
Wow. You two must have really connected. When are you gonna get your dress fit? I want to bring a camera.
Daria
Sorry to let you down but she's fitting the dress this weekend at the house. She made it and she's going to make sure it fits me this time. It's one of the skills she had to learn in those early years.
Jane
Incredible. She is cool. Wish I could sew. It would make for some great soft pieces.
Daria
Well I need to get back to the house. Hopefully Mom and Amy are done now and I want to see her before it gets too late. I hope you don't mind but I want to see her alone tonight. Before she leaves we'll come over so she can see your work.
Jane
That's cool. I understand. I'll see you later.
Daria
Okay. See you in school in the morning. Just remember. Not a word to anyone. Not even Tom.
Jane
Not to worry. Even if I did tell, as beautiful as she is who would believe me?
Daria
Right. Well see you in the morning.
Jane
Bye.
Both stand up and go their separate ways.
The End
A note: The idea for this story came to me while I was home on a rare afternoon when I didn't have to go to work or class. I was watching a talk show when they featured some female impersonators who were REALLY convincing. One of the guests on the show was named Amy and the lights went on. I thought we have only seen Amy twice and in the first appearance in "I Don' t" neither of her siblings seemed to happy to see her. This got the wheels turning and I figured what if she became alienated from her family for something like this. What resulted was a very brief burst of writing on my part.
As always, Daria belongs to MTV. This was written for my own amusement.