Opening Montage

Theme Song: "I'd Do Anything" by A Simple Plan

We see Quinn in class being asked out by Trevor. Next, we see her and Trevor having a night on the town when they kiss. Next, we see them arguing and she kicks him out of her place. Then, we see her asking out Jim. Next, we see them being happy together. We next see Stacy and Upchuck holding hands and looking into each others eyes. This is followed by a shot of Daria and Jane odserving the two couples and looking unimpressed. Final shot is Quinn and Jim, Stacy and Chuck, Daria and Jane hanging out and looking happy. After that, we see Quinn's smiling face against a pink background. Below that:

Quinn

in

"Priorities"

written by

WildDogJJ

Act I

Quinn's apartment, morning...

Quinn was asleep in her bed while the curtains are drawn shut when her alarm clock went off. She opened one eye, then the other before reaching over and hitting the "off" button. She slowly sat up and yawned. She then walked over to the window and reached for the curtain. She's about to open the curtain but instead sighs and walks away. Later, while taking a shower, Quinn just stood there looking miserable. After she showered and dressed, frowning the whole time, Quinn opened a drawer in her vanity. She got out the necklace Jim gave her and sighed.

That was so wonderful. To think that our relationship ended the very next day.

She put the necklace on.

The kitchen, a few moments later...

Quinn was seated at the breakfast bar with a bowl of Model Crunch in front of her that she hasen't touched because she's staring at something. That something was a framed collage of pictures of her and Jim making weird faces in a photo booth. Quinn sighed, wanting to cry but not having the energy for it. Without even touching her breakfast she left for work.


Meanwhile, in Japan...

It was now evening in Tokyo and Jim Carbone was sitting at a bar nursing a beer and looking miserable. He'd hoped focusing on his new job as manager of Grace, Sloan and Paige's Tokyo office would take his mind off of Quinn but that hadn't worked. As such, he'd taken to drowining his sorrows at a local bar every evening.

God, I wish I could stop thinking about her.

He finished his beer and then asked the bartender for another.

"(Another beer, please.)"*

(*A/N: Translated from Japanese.)

The bartender poured Jim another beer. While an American would notice Jim's sad expression this bartender just does his job with no attempt at small talk.*

(*A/N: While I don't know the language, I do know the culture. The Japanese tend to be very formal and much more reserved than Americans. )

The bar included a stage and karaoke maching. On stage a young woman who bore a striking resemblence to Nicole began singing.

Music: "Heaven" covered by DJ Sammi

As this woman sang Jim grew even more depressed.

Quinn loved that song. The fact that this woman looks like her friend Nicole doesn't help one bit.

Jim sighs. It's going to be another long night.

I wish I'd never taken that damn promotion.


Quinn's apartment, evening...

Quinn was sitting on the sofa staring at the TV and looking miserable. Quinn was so depressed that she hadn't even bothered turning the TV on and was just staring at a blank screen. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Quinn got up to answer it. When she opened the door she was surprised to see Daria and Jane standing there. They had a large pizza from Pizza King with them.

Jane said "We thought you could use some cheering up so we hopped a train from Boston to spend the weekend with you."

In her usual deadpan, Daria added "Jane's idea, I'm just along for the free pizza."

While Quinn now understands her sister's sense of humor she's in no mood to laugh. She just sighs.

"Come on in."

Later...

The girls were at the kitchen table eating pizza. Actually, Daria and Jane are eating while Quinn just stares at her slice.

"This is the least lively I've ever seen you" Daria commented.

Added Jane "Yeah, I don't remember you being like this when you and Trevor broke up. I recall you being in love with him before it all went south."

Quinn just sighed again.

Turning to Jane, Daria asked "Did she ever tell you about David?"

"The tutor she had a crush on that summer we weren't speaking to each other because I was still pissed about the whole Tom situation?" Jane asked, "Yeah, she's mentioned it to me a few times."

Daria said "When she asked him out and he rejected her she took it pretty hard, too. I recall her getting over it pretty quickly, though."

In an uncharacteristic monotone, Quinn said "I was upset because he was the first person I allowed to see past the popular girl facade to the real me. It hurt because it seemed to confirm my biggest fear: that no one would like the real me. Trevor was easy to get over because what I'd thought was love at the time was really just a mutual infatuation that had fizzled out by then. What I feel with Jim, that was the real thing."

Jane replied "Since Daria can hardly be accused of being a romantic I'll say it. Quinn, you will find love again."

Quinn now looks like she wants to cry but doesn't.

"You don't understand. Being rejected by David hurt, breaking up with Trevor hurt, but neither hurt like this. This is real pain. It feels like a part of my soul was ripped out. I can't even call him because I don't know the number."

Daria looked thoughtful for a second.

"Do you know anyone who would know how to reach Jim? It's not ideal, but maybe if you two talked things out over the phone."

"And gave the phone company a truckload of money while you're at it" Jane added.

Quinn smiled for the first time since Jim left.

"Of course! I have his parents number! He gave it to me in case things ever got too tense during a family gathering."


A brick two story suburban house in Yorktown, VA...

In the living room Tony Carbone, Jim's father, was watching TV while drinking a beer. He is a man of about 64 with greased back black hair that is gray at the temples. He was wearing a wife beater shirt that shows a muscular build with a tattoo on one shoulder. The tattoo was a sword and a pair of M-16's crossed over diagionally encircled by the words "Rangers Lead The Way". He has a fake rolex on his left wrist. His left hand has a gold pinkie ring, his wedding band and another gold ring on his index finger. His right hand also has a gold pinkie ring and another gold ring on his middle finger. Around his neck is a gold chain with a gold cross dangling from it. His face, hardened by years of fighting in some of the dirtiest wars in the world, has a permanent scowl. When he speaks it's with a heavy New York accent. He was watching a NASCAR night race.

"And Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes the lead."

Tony smiled when he heard this.

"'Bout goddamn time."

The phone on the end table rang. Annoyed at the interruption, Tony picked it up.

"Hello?"

Quinn was on the other end of the line.

"Mr. Carbone?"

"Yeah" Tony growled.

Quinn said "I'm Quinn Morgendorffer. Has your son, Jim, ever mentioned me to you?"

Tony said "Yeah, he told me about yas. What's this about, anyways? I thought he broke it off wit' youse."

Quinn said "That's actually why I'm calling. I need to talk things over with him. Can I have his new number?"

Irritated, Tony said "No, you can't. If he'd wanted to stay in touch he would've given you the number himself. It's over between the two of youse. Move on."

Quinn was visibly put off by his attitude.

"Look, I need to talk to him. Please?"

"I got a suggestion," said Tony, "Accept that it's over. After years of embarrassing me wit' his weak ass that boy's finally making somethin' of himself and doin' me proud. I won't let you fuck it up just because you want his dick back."

Simultaneously offended and put off, Quinn said "But...but..."

Tony barked "Look, he's doin' good and I'm not gonna let you talk him into walkin' away from that wit' your womanly foolishness, so fuck off, you annoying little t#$%."

With that, he hangs up on her.

From the kitchen Tony's wife, who spoke with a slight Northern Italian accent, asked "Who was that, Tony?"

"Just some telemarketer, Gina."


Downtown Tokyo, daytime...

Music: "867-5309" by Tommy Two Tone

Jim was walking along the street and deep in thought.

Damn weekend. At least when I'm working I can keep my mind off Quinn.

Just then, he stopped and got an idea.

Of course! It's Saturday morning here but still Friday evening in Lawndale.

He pulled out his cell phone. He was about to dial, but then hesitated.

But, what would I say to her? "I love you and miss you but we can't get back together because we're on opposite sides of the globe"?

He was about to put the phone away when he has another thought.

I need to at least apologize for breaking her heart. Maybe there would be some closure in her knowing that my heart's broken, too.

He immediately dialed Quinn's number and listened to the ring tone.

But, what if she doesn't want to hear from me ever again? I gave her every reason in the world to feel that way.

Just then...

"Hello?" said Quinn on the other end of the line.

This was a bad idea Jim thought.

He hangs up without saying a word.


Quinn's apartment, that very moment...

Quinn was on the land line phone at her apartment, puzzled that someone had apparently called her and hung up without saying anything.

"That was weird."

Daria approached.

"Who was that?"

"I don't know" said Quinn. "All I heard was some cars in the background and then a click."

Daria looked at the caller ID.

"International code?"

Daria took the nearby phone book and looked at the national codes. Her eyes went wide when she saw the one from the caller ID.

"Japan!?"

Quinn gasped.

"Jim!"


Act II

Quinn's apartment, evening...

Daria, Jane and Quinn were trying to figure out what to make of the phone call.

"Honestly," said Jane, "I never took Jim as the type who would prank call an ex."

Daria agreed. "I may have only met him once but that's the impression I got as well."

Quinn looked thoughtful. Finally, she said "I don't think he was prank calling me. I think he may have wanted to talk things over but chickened out. It wouldn't be the first time that's happened with a guy who was interested. Sometimes being attractive and popular can work against you by making some guys feel intimidated."

Quinn looked at the caller ID screen and wrote down the number.

"There's one way to find out."

She takes a deep breath and dials the number.

But what would I say to him? "I miss you and want you back, even though you'd have to find a new job"? Do I even have the right to make him give up on his dreams?

Suddenly, Quinn heard Jim say "Hello?"

I can't do it she thought. I can't make him give up his dream just to make me happy.

"Hello, is anyone there?"

Quinn chickened out and hung up. Daria and Jane eyed her with questioning looks on their faces.

"I can't ask him to give up his dream of business success just to be with me," Quinn explained, "It's selfish. I love him too much to do that to him."

Daria asked "And you can't leave your life here to be with him?"

Quinn said "He already made it clear that he doesn't want me to do that. He told me he loves me too much to let me give up my life for him."

"It looks like you two are at least on the same page about that" Jane commented. "What are you going to do?"

Quinn looked uncertain.


Morgendorffer house, the next day...

Seated at the kitchen table Quinn was talking to her parents about the issue of both her and Jim insisting on being the only one to make a sacrifice.

"...so getting back together would mean either I leave my life here behind and go to Japan or he quits his job and comes back to America. I don't want him to make that sacrifice but he insists that I don't sacrifice my life here for him, either."

Jake and Helen both looked thoughtful.

Quinn asked "Have either of you ever had to make a sacrifice like that to be together?"

"As a matter of fact" said Helen, "we have. It happened three years after we got married."

Jake explained "Your mother had just completed law school. With that expense out of the way I was ready to quit my job and start my own consulting firm. I wanted to move from the Bay Area to LA and be based out of there."

Helen said "I wanted to start my law career, but the only firm that was hiring was in Highland, TX."

"I was dead set against going there" said Jake. "I knew that to make it as a consultant I had to be based on either the west or east coast, not middle America."

Helen said "We got into a huge fight about it and I actually left your father to pursue my law career."

Added Jake "After a week of seperation I decided that being with your mother was more important than my dreams."

Helen recalled "I came home from the office one day and found your father waiting for me. He told me that he missed me and wanted to be with me more than anything, even if that meant abandoning his other dreams. I immediately forgave him and took him back."

"That's one of the things about successful relationships" said Jake. "Sometimes, one of you has to give up a dream so the other person can pursue theirs. I made the sacrifice here because that was what worked best for us at the time."

Quinn listened intently. "So, what should I do?" she asked.

Helen said "What your father and I should've done when I started my career, talk it out. You need to get in touch with Jim and decide together what the two of you are and aren't willing to sacrifice for the sake of the relationship. I know plenty of divorce lawyers at the firm and they all tell me the same thing: marriages fail when neither spouse is willing to compromise. You can't have it all. You and Jim need to decide together what's more important."

Quinn looked very thoughtful.


An apartment in Tokyo, Japan, evening...

Jim was sitting alone in the small studio apartment that came fully furnished. He is deep in thought.

I really need to talk to someone about this.

He picked up the phone and dialed a number.

"Hi, Mom."

On the other end of the line was a petite fifty-four year old woman who's hair is the same shade of brown as Jim's. She is Gina Carbone, Jim's mother. When she speaks it's with a slight Italian accent as she'd met and married Tony when he was stationed in Vicenza.

"Jim, how are you? How's Japan?"

Jim said "That's what I wanna talk about. I'm having second thoughts about this whole globe trotting hot shot businessman thing."

Drawing her own conclusion, Gina said "You're in a foreign country on the other side of the globe. Of course you feel homesick."

"That's part of it" said Jim. "The thing I miss most is...well..."

Gina had a knowing look on her face.

"This is about that girl you dumped, isn't it?"

"Yes" Jim admitted, "I really miss her. I thought that I'd get over her in time but I'm beginning to think I might not. I love her and can't stand being away from her. On the other hand, if I go back to her now I'd have to change careers."

Gina said "You need to ask yourself what's more important."

Jim said "Mom, it's not that simple. I'm making a ton of money at this new job. "

"Yes, you have money," said Gina, "but, are you happy?"

"What are you getting at?" Jim asked.

Gina said "Is making 80 thousand a year worth it if you're unhappy? Why are you doing this if you're unhappy? It's not as if stockbroker is the only occupation in the world, you know."

Jim looked thoughtful, then angry. He knew exactly why he was doing this, to get the love and recognition his father had always witheld from him. Ashamed and bitter, he admitted "I'm doing this because I finally have as much wealth and status as Dad's favorite son. The old man is being nice to me now."

Gina was not surprised. She'd hated watching her husband mistreat their son but, due to her religious beliefs, refused to leave Tony but instead opted to try and minimize the damage. "So, you're not doing this for yourself or to provide for others. You're just seeking your fathers approval."

Jim frowned as his mother had hit the nail right on target.


A short time later...

Jim sat alone in his apartment, weighing his options.

Begin montage...

Music: "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard

As the music began Jim stared at a picture of Quinn and remembered.

There's a place on Ocean Avenue

Shot of Quinn and Jim's first meeting on the train.

Where I used to sit and talk with you

Quinn and Jim engaged in conversation.

We were both sixteen and it felt so right

Sleeping all day, staying up all...niiiight

Shot of Jim and Quinn's first real date.

Staying up all...niiight

Cut to Quinn in her apartment as she stares at a photo of Jim and remembers.

There's a place on the corner of Cherry Street

Shot of Quinn and Jim walking on the beach.

Where we'd walk on the beach in our bare feet

Shot of them kissing for the first time.

We were both eighteen and it felt so right

Sleeping all day, staying up all...niiiiight

Shot of them at Chuck and Stacy's wedding saying "I love you" to each other for the first time.

Staying up all...niiiight

Split screen of both Quinn and Jim looking at a photo of each other.

If I could find you now, things would get better

We could leave this town and fun forever

Quinn and Jim both look up, each wishing the other was there.

I know somewhere, somehow we'll be together

So let your waves crash down on me and take me away

Jim sits and stares at a photo of himself and Quinn.

There's a piece of you that's here with me

Quinn sits and does the same

It's everywhere I go, in everything I see

Shot of Jim getting into bed

When I sleep I dream and it gets me by

Shot of Quinn getting into bed.

I can make believe that you're here...toniiight

Split screen of them staring longingly

That you're here...toniiight

Shot of Jim at his desk looking at a photo of Quinn

If I could find you now, things would be better

Shot of Quinn at her desk looking at a photo of Jim

We could leave this town and run forever

Jim sitting alone at his apartment

I know someway, somehow we'll be together

Quinn doing the same thing

So let your waves crash down on me and take me away

At the bridge of the song we see Jim look at the phone, then cut to a shot of him breaking up with Quinn.

I remember the look in your eyes

When I told you that this was goodbye

Cut to Jim thinking.

You were begging me not tonight

Not here, not now

Split screen of both Jim and Quinn wishing they were still together

We're looking up at the same night sky

We keep pretending the sun will not rise

Shot of Jim appearing to have made a decision.

We'll be together for one more night

Someway, somehow

Having made his choice, Jim is throwing all of his clothes into a suitcase.

If I could find you now, things would be better

Jim enters the main terminal at Narita International Airport.

We could leave this town and run forever

I know somewhere, somehow we'll be together

So let your waves crash down on me and take me away

As the music winds down we see Jim boarding a plane. The destination reads "Baltimore".


Act III

Morgendorffer house, evening...

Quinn was having Sunday dinner with Jake and Helen. She has just informed them of her own plan.

"JAPAN!?" Jake exclaimed.

"Calm down, Jake!" Helen barked.

Jake calms down.

Turning to Quinn, Helen said "Quinn, sweetie, have you thought this through?"

Quinn said "I have, Mom. We need to work this out and that can't be done while I'm here and he's there. I have to do this."

Frantic, Jake asked "But what about Morgendorffer and Daughter Consulting!? What about your life here!? You want to throw all of that away for one guy!?

Quinn rolled her eyes. "Look, it's not like I'm running off to marry him. I just can't stand this any longer. My plan is to go to Japan and surprise Jim. Then we work out this situation. Either I'll bring him back with me, or I stay with him. It's even possible that we decide breaking up was the best thing and I come back empty handed. I have to at least try. "

Jake looked relieved while Helen was visibly impressed.

"While I still don't think it's a good idea," Helen said, "I understand why you're doing this. I just hope you aren't crushed if he still chooses his career over you."

"I accept that risk" said Quinn. "I don't know how this will end. What I do know is that if I don't do this I'll spend the rest of my life wishing I had."

Helen said nothing more but knew all too well from her own experience that there was no talking Quinn out of this.

It really was the same thing when Jake followed me to Highland.

Looking thoughtful, Jake said "Are you sure, Quinn?"

Quinn didn't hesitate.

"Yes." After a moment, she added "I know you don't like the idea of me doing this, but I have to try and reconcile with Jim. I love him."

Jake now has a very rare moment of insight.

"I don't have to be a mind reader to see that. There's definetely something special between you two. Your mother and I have the same thing."

Quinn and Helen are astonished.

"I may not be the most perceptive or put together man in the world" Jake explained, "but I do sometimes notice things."


Office of Morgendorffer and Daughter Consulting, the next day...

Quinn was in her office talking to Erin.

"So" said Erin, "you're actually gonna go all the way to Japan to see him? "

"Yes" Quinn replied. "I can't stand being without him any more. We need to find a way to work this out. I love him and want him back. I have to at least try."

Erin was visibly touched by this.

"So, you want him badly enough to turn your back on the rest of your life?"

"Possibly" said Quinn, "I don't know. I just know that we need to work this out. I can't stand this anymore."

Meanwhile, in Jake's office...

Jake was playing with a Rubix cube and doing poorly.

"Damn eighties toy. Why can't they come with instructions?"

At this point the phone rang, startling Jake.

"GAH! DAMMIT!"

He picked up the phone.

"Morgendorffer and Daughter Consulting, Jake Morgendorffer speaking."

His jaw drops as he listens.

"Jim!?"


Quinn's office, a short time later...

Erin and Quinn were still talking about the latters plans to go to Japan and talk to Jim.

Erin said "You know, Quinn, this is actually pretty romantic. No way Brian would do something like this for anyone."

Wanting to change the subject, Quinn said "Speaking of which, has he signed the divorce papers?"

Smiling, Erin nodded.

"Yes, finally. I am now legally single again."

Quinn sighed as this brought them right back to the subject of her and Jim.

"At least one of us is happy to be single again."

"Don't worry" said Erin. "I'm sure you'll figure this out. I wish you all the best."

Sounding worried, Quinn said "At least I'll get a vacation out of it if nothing else."

At this point, Jake came in.

"Hi, Mr. Morgendorffer" said Erin.

With a dismissive wave, Jake said "Erin, no need to be formal. You can still call me Uncle Jake."

Erin smiled.

"What's going on, Dad?" asked Quinn.

"Remember last at dinner?" said Jake. "I just wanted to apologize for losing my cool."

Quinn said "Dad, you don't have to apologize for that. It was a natural reaction."

Nervoud, Jake asked "Quinn, have you booked a flight to Japan yet?"

"No. Why?"

"I need you to take the rest of today off" said Jake.

Puzzled, Quinn asked "Why?" A second later, she added "And what does that have to do with my decision to go to Japan?"

Jake said "Oh...Um...uh..I..." He thinks fast. "Um...Oh, Yeah! I just think you really need to take a personal day and think this over."

Quinn said "Dad, my mind's already made up."

Jake said "Quinn, I need you to do me a huge favor."

Nervous herself now, Quinn said "Okay."

Jake explained "Take the rest of today off and go straight to your place."

Puzzled, Quinn raised and eyebrow.

"Why?"

"It's a surprise" said Jake.

Quinn looked suspicious.


Later that day...

Quinn was in her car driving home. She was confused, trying to figure out why her father insisted she take a personal day. In fact, Jake had been so insistant that Quinn finally agreed just to shut him up.

I can't believe it Quinn thought. Dad tells me to take the rest of today off. Hell, he insists on it to the point where I finally agree just to get him off my case. Not only that, but I got the distinct feeling that there's something he's not telling me. What the hell is going on?

At this point, Quinn turned into the apartment complex where she lived.

Music: "I Don't Wanna Live Without You" by Foreigner

As Quinn approached her building the first thing she saw was a car parked into the space right next to her. Her jaw dropped as this car was a blue 1987 Camaro IROC-Z.

It can't be! Is that...Jim's car!?

It was then that Quinn noticed something else. Sitting on the curb next to the car was...Jim! Shocked, Quinn parks her car and gets out. Jim stood up and approached her.

"Jim!?"

"Hey, Quinn."

Quinn asked "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you" Jim answered.

"I thought you were in Japan" said Quinn.

Jim explained "I missed you too much, so I quit my new job and caught the first flight back. I called your office but your father answered the phone. We decided to surprise you."

"But, what about your career? Your dream?"

"Something better came along. Basically, I had to decide what's more important, my career or you. I've made my choice: you."

Quinn's eyes teared up, but they were tears of joy.

"Oh, Jim."

She runs up to Jim and hugs him.

I don't wanna live without you

I don't wanna live without you

I could never live without you

Or without your love

"I missed you so much!" said Quinn.

Jim threw his arms around her and held her tight.

"I missed you too, Quinn. I love you."

"I love you too, Jim." Something now occured to Quinn. "Where are you staying?"

"A motel by the interstate" said Jim. "Mr. Panucci already rented my place to a new tennant. It'l do until I can find a new place and a new job."

Quinn said "No it won't. Jim, you're staying with me."

"Quinn, I don't wanna inconvenience you. You don't have to take me in."

Quinn was adamant.

"No, I don't have to, I want to."

"I'm unemployed now" said Jim. "I can't help out financially until I get a new job."

Quinn said "I don't care. It's worth it to have you back. I want you to live with me."

Jim needed no further persuasion.

"All right, Quinn. I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

As they continued to hold each other tight, Jim said "Quinn, I'm sorry for all of the pain that I caused you. I was being selfish."

"Just hold me" said Quinn. "Hold me and don't ever let go."

"I won't."


Pizza King, evening...

Quinn, Jim, Chuck, Stacy and Nicole were having a happy reunion over pizza. Quinn was explaining the situation to her friends.

"...so now we're a live-in couple."

Jim said "At least until I get back on my feet."

"Not that either of us would object to this becoming a more permanant arrangement" Quinn added.

"So it all worked out" said Stacy. "I'm so happy for you two."

Nodding in agreement, Nicole said "Nice to have everything back to normal."

To Jim, Chuck said "Glad to have you back, buddy."

"Thanks, man," said Jim. Next, he asked "So, has anything changed in the time I was gone?"

"Not really" said Quinn. "Kevin's still dumb, Sandi's still working as a stripper and I'm still half-owner of Morgendorffer Consulting."

"Jim" said Nicole, "I want you to do us all a favor."

"What's that?"

Nicole said "Don't break Quinn's heart again...unless you want me to do to you what I did to my first boyfriend after he cheated on me."

Jim laughed as he knew about the time Nicole kicked her high school sweetheart in the nuts after she caught him doing her best friend on the side.

"I won't. Even if I didn't love Quinn too much to do that to her there's the fact that your kick's hard enough to be felt through a football cup."

They all laughed at that one.

The End.


Author's Notes:

1. This story was inspired by "Falling Into College" by RLobinskie

2. Originally, I didn't delve into Tony and Gina's background because when I first wrote this I'd not yet decided what that would be. This time, however, I decided to mention Tony's past as an Army Ranger. I also made mention of the fact that Gina's originally from a small town in Italy. She and Tony met while he was stationed at the US Army base in Vicenza.

3. I also added the musical montage. I threw any consideration for time out the window with that scene because I feel it just works better that way.