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?
- A shirt from Structure for
Andy
- Rapture perfume for Kelly (my
sis is OBSESSED with Victoria's Secret.)
- A model dinosaur for Quinn
(did I mention he loves dinosaurs?)
- 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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