by Pam Froman

Disclaimer: I do not own Sliders. I am only borrowing the characters for obsessive reasons of my own. Please do not sue. I do however own the concept of this story and the characters I created for it. Please do not take them without my permission.

Author's Notes: Here is a little prequel that I cooked up that answers the question of how Wade and Quinn first met. It is written in the style of Wade's diary. Please send any feedback to Pamburger@aol.com

 

October 14, 1994

Dear Diary,

I got the job!!!! I got the job!!!! So amazing. Yes indeed, it a gainfully employed computer saleswoman at Doppler computers writing this note. I'm so happy! With the salary from Dopplers I can afford school...finally! (Not that I know what the hell I want to do with my life...but hey! That'll come right?)

I mean Diary, I'd almost given up hope of ever getting to take classes again. After the knee injury blew my gymnastics scholarship...well...it was really hard to accept the fact that I'd have to save money to get back in school.

But this job pays a great base and commission! And it's not like I don't know computers. I mean...hello? I only hacked into Andy's work computer...oops maybe I shouldn't write that...anyway...it's so cool. Orientation is tomorrow. Gotta go!

Love,

Wade "Doppler's employee" Welles

 

October 15, 1994

Dear Diary,

I just got back from orientation a few minutes ago. It was just me and this guy Quinn. We spent the whole day watching videos on Doppler customer service. Can you say yawn? But Quinn was really nice. When Hurley (our new boss) left us alone, he would fast forward the tape. Soon we were both imitating the video's commentator. I can still hear that video's squeaky voice. "A good employee is a prompt employee!" and "CARE means Correct attitude retains employment." Brother!

Love,

Wade

 

October 20, 1994

Dear Diary!!!

You will not even guess what happened yesterday. Andy bought me a promise ring! Can you believe it? Sabrina says he waited long enough, I mean we have been dating for two years, but I don't know...I never expected him to jump to the next level like this. Part of me is super excited...the other part is...well..is a little freaked. But of course I showed it off around Dopplers. Quinn made some snotty comment of course. It's typical of him. We get along really well, but most of the day we spend making fun of each other. It's fun though...I really enjoy his company...even if he is a smartass.

Love,

Wade

 

October 25, 1994

Dear Diary,

Ok..so today was like the day from hell. First Andy and I get in a stupid fight on the phone this morning about our plans for Halloween (Gary from work is having a costume party and I want to go, he wants to go to some stupid fraternity function that his house is throwing.)

Then I finally get to work (late because of the phone call) and Hurley the jerk lays into me about the stock shipment not coming in on time! Hello? Isn't that his job?

Thank god Quinn was working. He took me to lunch and let me vent all over him. I guess Hurley's been picking on him too. Why I don't know...I mean the guy is a genius. Not only does he go to CAL as a physics (!!!) major, he's getting like straight A's. And he's such a great person! Cute too (hey I can still look!)

I wonder why he's single? You'd think the gals would be dying for a piece of that action. I mean he can be a goof ball...but...I don't know Diary, there's something about him. Maybe it's promise.

Love,

Wade

 

Nov. 1, 1994

So Andy and I ended up going to the fraternity party. I'm really bummed. Quinn said that Gary's party was a blast. He said he looked for me there too. And then he said something really sweet. It was, "But it just wasn't as much fun without you Wade."

And where was I? Fighting off Andy's drunk college roommate half the night while he went and tossed a few back on the other side of the room! I'm really really mad at him. He better call and apologize, because I'm seriously thinking of calling it quits this time. I know...I know...I always say that and then I don't do it. It's just hard. I mean I have two years invested here. And Andy can be really great. Or at least he used to be. I remember for our 6 month anniversary he took me to this really nice restaurant on the wharf. And he was there for me when I blew out my knee...ergh! I don't know. Too much confliction.

Love,

Wade

 

November 14, 1994

Dear Diary,

Quinn and I had a long talk today. We were hanging out in Golden Gate Park watching the sunset after work. We've taken to doing that every so often. I, like an idiot, asked him what his plans were for Thanksgiving. He got real quiet and said "Just hanging with Mom like usual." But I could tell something was wrong you know? So I asked him "What about your Dad?" I figured he'd tell me they were divorced or something like that.

Well Wade, stick foot in mouth, because his dad passed away when he was 11. I felt so bad for even asking! But I also saw that the memory of his dad weighs really heavily on his heart. I took his hand (I think he was a bit shocked at that one) and I asked him if he wanted to talk about it.

Well we ended up taking for two hours about our hearts and our feelings about life. It was like...we couldn't run out of things to say. It was great. He's great. I mean...oh...I don't know what I mean.

Love,

Wade

 

November 19, 1994

Dear Diary,

Life is life and I'm in a reflective mood. I've been thinking about things lately. Big questions are looming over my head. My sister Kelly laughs at me. She says I'm way too analytical. I guess it's the Virgo in me right? We're supposed to be critical and perceptive and worried.

I am worried. Worried if I'm choosing the right thing by staying with Andy. Am I just choosing the safe route once again?

Love,

Wade

 

December 13, 1994

Dear Diary,

I've been neglecting you but with the holidays, work and registering for classes at Northshore I've been so busy! Here's the gifts I got so far for everyone. What do you think?

  1. A shirt from Structure for Andy
  2. Rapture perfume for Kelly (my sis is OBSESSED with Victoria's Secret.)
  3. A model dinosaur for Quinn (did I mention he loves dinosaurs?)
  4. A wicca spell book for Sabrina

Christmas is always so great. I can't wait for work's holiday party this Saturday. Quinn said they're making Hurley play Santa! (Hahahaha!!!! Can you see him in the suit?)

Love,

Wade

 

December 27, 1994

Merry Xmas Diary!

I've had a wonderful couple of days. Doppler's Xmas party was a blast! Quinn lost a bet with me over a hockey game so I made him sit on Hurley's lap and ask him for a raise for Xmas!

It was sooooo funny! You should have seen Hurley's face! It absolutely matched the suit.

Andy gave me a cashmere sweater. We spent some time together, just talking. Maybe it's just the holiday spirit, but I feel like things are getting better between us.

Quinn gave me a poetry journal. I'm supposed to write poems in it every night and show him the good ones. I don't think so...like I would show him my poetry! Saw through that ploy my dear!

Love,

Wade

 

January 7, 1995

Happy New Years Diary!

Thank god the holidays are over. I am so fat right now! I must have gained 10 ponds. Back to the gym for me I guess. And back to school. I signed up for 2 classes for my first semester. I have to go part time for right now with my work schedule. I'm taking:

Eng 10: Survey of Literature and

Eng 126: Shakespeare's Sonnets

I figure reading a few great works has to help my poetry right?

I've been playing on Internet lately too. The 'Net is going to be huge. Nobody really knows about it yet, (well except for computer hackers like me) but it has so much potential. Especially with the new chips they're coming out with...uh oh...shop talk again...sorry Diary!

Love,

Wade

 

January 21, 1995

Ok...am I selfish? Sabrina came in the store last week and met Quinn. Now she keeps bugging me to set her up with him because I'm always bragging about what a great guy he is. But I just...I just...don't see them together.

Quinn's like this amazing, brilliant scientist...totally obsessed with finding out about the universe. And Sabrina? She's into tarot cards and psychic predictions.

But they're both like my best friends, so shouldn't I want to make them both happy? I know Quinn is lonely. His last girlfriend, (Daelin? I think that was her name), broke his heart a long time ago, and he hasn't had a serious relationship since. Oh sure he dates I guess...well...he doesn't really talk about his love life much to me. Come to think of it, that's sorta weird huh? I mean the way I vent to him about Andy all the time. Oh well...I guess I'll figure out what to do soon enough.

Love,

Wade

 

February 13, 1995

That asshole! That asshole!

Oh Diary I can't believe this. I went over to Andy's tonight to surprise him with a pre-Valentine's Day gift and what do I find?

He was with another girl! God! I am such an idiot! I can't believe this. I wasted two and a half years on him!

When I walked in on him I just lost it. I started screaming at him and crying. He tried to calm me down, but that just made it even worse. I mean, first you cheat on me, then you patronize me? Jerk!!!! I slapped him. God did that ever feel good. And I threw his stinking ring in his face and walked out.

I'm so angry right now...so hurt and angry. I'm so shocked, so numb, so upset. I can't even believe it. it doesn't feel real. Yet it is indescribably, horribly real. I knew we were having problems, but I'd convinced myself that we could work things out. That things would be the same as they once were. But they won't ever be the same. And it is that truth that hurts more than anything.

Maybe Quinn can calm me down. I'm going to call him.

Love stinks,

Wade

 

February 15, 1995

Dear Diary,

Ok...I'm a bit better now. Depressed? Yep. Hurt? You bet. But not so angry anymore. I've cried myself to sleep for the past two nights, but I feel a bit more alive. Quinn was a real friend. He stayed on the phone with me until 3 am (and I know for a fact that he had an early class yesterday.) Then he offered to be my "date" for Valentines. It was really sweet of him. He took me to coffee yesterday and he let me cry all over him.

He was totally supportive, and he told me he thought I was "beautiful" and that Andy "was an idiot." I'm really glad I have him for my best bud.

I may be an idiot when it comes to boyfriends...but boy do I have great taste in friends.

Love,

Wade

 

February 17, 1995

Dear Diary,

I feel depressed. I know I shouldn't, but I do. I feel like downing a pint of Hagen-Daz and gaining 300 pounds. I hate this feeling. I label it the "I broke up with my boyfriend so I'm going to feel sorry for myself" syndrome. I feel li-

 

February 17, 1995 cont.

Sorry Diary. I guess I was on the pity pot. That was Quinn on the phone. He's coming to pick me up in 15 minutes to take me for a good self absorbing chat. What a friend!

Love,

Wade

 

March 4, 1995

Dear Diary,

I've been thinking about Quinn lately. He's such a great friend to me. He's a great person in general. I mean he's cute (those eyes), smart, (a genius really), funny, supportive.

Maybe we could...no no...what am I thinking? We're buds right?

Love,

Wade

 

March 8, 1995

Dear Diary,

So Andy had the gall to show up at Dopplers today. He said he wanted to "talk" and "apologize for the things he'd done." Whatever! I don't think so. Luckily Quinn shooed him out while I hid in the back room. It really shook me up though. I mean, I started to cry. 'Course I know by now that I am just WAY too sensitive. Anything makes me cry really. But Quinn held me and we talked about it. He said that he could really sympathize with the way I feel because when his ex moved away, she lied to him about wanting to stay together. Apparently, she never called him after she moved. She didn't even give him a forwarding address. Isn't that horrible?

He really just knows how to make me feel better Diary. It's kind of scares me in a way. No one has ever really known me as well as he seems to know me. It's like...we just clicked from the beginning you know? And we just can say something sometimes with a look. I've never experienced that with anyone. This feeling of connection...it just gets stronger with Quinn everyday. I wonder if he feels it too?

Love,

Wade

 

March 16, 1995

Dear Diary,

Oh my god. Hurley asked me out on a date today. Ew!!!!!! Computer boy asking me out! I have to tell you this story. I had to close tonight and I was putting the cash from the register in the safe when Hurley came up to me with this sleazy grin on his face. And he's all "So, Wade, I hear you had an unfortunate breakup with your boyfriend." And the grin gets even wider. And so I sort of mumble "Um...yeah?" And the grin gets even wider (if that's possible) and he puts his hand on my shoulder and says "I'm sorry to hear that. But maybe if I took you out some time it might make you feel better." Okay...so now I'm panicking because hello? He's my boss! And I NEED this job if I want to stay in school. So I said something (as politely as I could) to the effect of "Well I don't really make a policy of dating co-workers." And I sort of smiled really sweetly at him and then I said. "Isn't it against the rules?" Well thank goodness he didn't know what to say to that.

Diary, I couldn't even tell Quinn about this one. He'd make fun of me forever! I can just see him calling me "Hurley's little girlfriend" or "Computer girl." Nope. No way is Quinn Mallory finding out about this one!

Love,

Wade

 

April 1, 1995

Dear Diary,

I hate Quinn so much. Haha! April Fools! (Ok I am really getting crazy if I'm playing practical jokes on my diary.) Actually I don't hate him at all. In fact I think I really might be starting to develop a little crush on him. Which is pretty bad because I don't think he sees us in that way at all. I mean, I didn't either but then I kept thinking about what a great guy he is, and well then I got to thinking about how cute he really is and then I found myself here, writing this entry! Argh!

Love,

Wade

 

April 17, 1995

Dear Diary,

Quinn hasn't been working as much lately. He's working really hard at school right now I guess. And from what I've been able to glean from him, he's got some kind of project or experiment or something in his basement. He's really consumed by it, but he won't tell me what it is. I'm dying to know of course, but whatever. It would probably be over my head anyway. Get Quinn started on his science talk and it's all gobbledy gook to me. And the brat won't let me see it. I miss having him here. I hope his schedule lightens up a bit.

Love,

Wade

 

May 8, 1995

Dear Diary,

Ok it's official, as Sabrina would say. I've got it bad for Quinn Mallory. What am I feeling? Confusion. Uncertainty. I wish I knew what I was doing. I don't know why this feeling has suddenly come on, or what to do about it. It's not something you can ask for advice on (what am I supposed to say, "So Quinn, I want your body, how does that make you feel?" ). I wish I could change the way things are between us...but I don't know how.

I mean...I don't want to throw myself at him and say "Hey you! Notice me!" Besides I already know he's attracted to me...we've had conversations about it. But getting him to see me as more than a bud...well that's a different story. If he would just tell me...oh never mind.

Love,

Wade

 

May 29, 1995

Dear Diary,

I don't know what I'm doing! I can't help the way I feel can I? And nothing seems to work. I've tried to be subtle, but Quinn can be dense as a rock. And sometimes he says the dumbest things! I know he means to be kind, but he absolutely destroys my resolve when he says them. Like today. I brought up the fact that Andy's been trying to call my house (but Kelly's been screening) trying to make him jealous and all he said was "Aren't you over that guy yet Wade?" Ummm...yeah? Hello? I'm into you....was what I wanted to say. But of course I kept my mouth shut like usual and mumbled something instead.

Love, Wade

 

June 13, 1995

You know something's got to be wrong when most of the pictures on your walls are of people you don't talk to anymore. Something happened, and you hit a fork in the road. You turned right, and everyone else turned left. That's sort of how I've been feeling lately. Like I missed the turn signal with Quinn. Like I was so obsessed with working things out with Andy the jerk (i.e. the pictures on my wall) that I went down the wrong fork. If only there was a way to know what would have happened. What if I had broken up with him back in October? Quinn and I weren't delegated to this bud role then. Would things have been different? I guess I'll never know.

Love,

Wade

 

June 27, 1995

Dear Diary,

I guess my feelings for Quinn are pretty transparent. Everyone has been teasing me at Dopplers. Sabrina thinks I'm crazy. She says if Quinn hasn't taken the bait by now he's not worth it (this from the girl that wanted to go out with him!) The only person who doesn't see it is the object of my affection! I just can't give up on him you know? I just...something in me tells me that what we have is special. It's just right. I know it. And I have this dream that one day he'll see it too...realize he cares for me as more than just his best friend. Sometimes I think he does you know? Like when he hugs me, or holds my hand...or when he tells me how much he depends on our talks...depends on me. But other times...well it's just hard to read him. He shuts himself off so much you know? And I can't always get him to reveal what he's thinking and needing. But I have to keep trying because...because...I think I love him.

 

July 10, 1995

Dear Diary,

I'm thinking of writing a letter to Quinn telling him how I feel. Here goes nothing:

Dear Quinn,

I believe in honesty as you know and I think it is time that I clear the air. So here it is: I have been having romantic feelings for you for awhile. There were only two things that stopped me from telling you this before. The first was that I was getting over my relationship with Andy and I thought you might think I was rebounding on you. This is not the case. Andy's cheating was a symptom of a relationship that was strained for a long time. I knew this, but I was in denial. I thought I could fix it. The second is that we have this wonderful, affectionate loving friendship. I've been afraid if I said anything that we would lose that. And I need it Quinn. I depend on you as much as you say that you depend on me...

Oh hell...there's no way I'm brave enough for this.

Love,

Wade

 

July 25, 1995

Dear Diary,

Quinn did something really sweet today. I've been having a bad couple of days at Computer Hell (Quinn's pet name for Dopplers). (Ever since I turned down Hurley's romantic moves he's been an absolute tyrant!) So today, out of nowhere, Quinn brought me some yellow roses. It really made my day. He said he was walking on campus after class and there was a vendor and he thought of me, and figured he'd try to perk me up. And people think I'm crazy to feel things for him? They must be the crazy ones.

Love,

Wade

 

Aug. 7, 1995

Dear Diary,

Quinn's been even more distracted than usual lately. Whatever his oh so secret basement project is, I guess it's taking up a lot of his time. I could always hack my way into his computer files....kidding kidding I would never do that! It's unethical (no Andy's work computer does not count!) I'm still pining away here. I've got to do something. Maybe if I ask him to go to a hockey game or a concert? Then I could get him alone in sort of a date-like setting and then...

Oh Wade you are dreaming!

Love,

Wade

 

August 31, 1995

Dear Diary,

Ok I've made up my mind. I'm going to take Quinn to a hockey game (we both love it) and then sit him down and tell him how I feel. I've got to do something. This dropping hints thing just isn't working. Plus I'm not seeing him as much because of his project thingie. So this has got to happen now!

Love,

Wade

 

September 15, 1995

Dear Diary,

Ok...so I made the dreaded phone call to Andy so I could get the hockey tickets for the 30th. I finally got them after he groveled for a half an hour. Then he got all jealous...he thought I had a hot date! Yeah right...I wish! Well who knows? Maybe it will all work out you know? Maybe once I tell Quinn how I feel he'll tell me he feels the same way. I haven't told Quinn about getting the tickets for the game yet. I figure I'll let it wait a week and surprise him then. I can say I want to do it as joint birthday thing that way. After all my birthday is September 21st and his is Oct. 15. It makes sense for us to have a joint celebration.

Love,

Wade

 

September 22, 1995

Dear Diary,

A bunch of us went out to dinner for my birthday last night. Guess what Quinn got me? A beautiful silver cubed necklace that says Wade! I don't know where he found it...after all my name isn't exactly common. He must have had it engraved? I don't know. But now more than ever I can't wait for our hockey quasi date. I told Quinn about it and he said he couldn't wait to see the game. He wants to bet me on the winner again even though I beat him last time. I told him he'd eat dust. He just laughed and ruffled my hair.

Love, Wade

 

September 25, 1995

Dear Diary,

OH MY GOD IT HAPPENED!!!!! HE KISSED ME!!!!! I'm so happy! I can't believe it. I'm actually on my break at work right now, it happened just a few minutes ago. It was crazy! First Quinn comes in and completely tells off Hurley (which was so great...even though it did end up getting him fired). Then he comes over to me and says "Wade, there something I have to tell you." I looked up at him and I said "What?" And then he says "I miss you," and hell pulls me into this fantastic kiss straight out of the movies! I'm so excited! What does this mean? It's so wonder-

Oh crap...Hurley's calling me. More later!

Love,

Wade

 

September 25, 1995

Dear Diary,

Ok something really weird just happened. Quinn came in here, and acted like he didn't know he'd just been fired. Then he acted like he hadn't kissed me! He even called it incest! What the hell? If he's just trying to cover up his feelings again I'm gonna kill him. I can't believe this. Everything was going so well...and now this!

Love,

Wade

 

September 25, 1995

Ok...Quinn is really acting weird. He just called me and said that a bunch of crazy stuff was going on, and that he had to show me something to explain it. He then said something about the Quinn who kissed me not being him? Huh? Well I'll soon find out. I'm headed over to his house right now. Wish me luck Diary. I'll need it.

Love,

Wade

 

Excerpt FBI FILES CASE: 2241 September 29, 1995

Wade Welles, Quinn Mallory, Prof. Maximillian Arturo and Rembrandt Brown disappeared on September 25, 1995 at approximately 5:12 p.m.

 The End

 

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