Ever wonder what would have happened if you had made a different choice about any one event in your life? That's what this episode considers... the possibility that no matter what you decide to do, in a parallel universe you have chosen to take that other path. Somewhere out there, "you" are living another life (perhaps many other lives) built on those other choices that you've made.
The scene opens in the Phillips' kitchen as Annie must decide whether she wants orange or grapefruit juice for breakfast. Seems like a simple choice, doesn't it? But in a split-screen shot they show how such an apparently minor decision can affect the outcome of an entire day, perhaps even a life. As Annie A spills the OJ and her morning begins spiralling out of control, Annie B's grapefruit juice goes down without a problem and her plans for the day continue without a hitch. Throughout this scene Annie is doing her voice-over monologue, explaining the concept of parallel universes and ending with the question - what would happen if two universes ever collided?
Back from the commercial break, Molly hears a knock on the door and opens it to see a new mailman. Temporary Carrier Simpson (who is apparently called "Chuck" in the credits) introduces himself to Molly and vows to do the best job he possibly can while he's filling in for the vacationing Carrier Buford (who is known to Molly as "Tim"). Carrier Simpson then hands Molly her mail and goes on his merry way. Molly closes the door, shaking her head in amusement. She shuffles through the mail and finds something that seems to unsettle her. She hands off the rest of the mail to Jack (who says a few sarcastic things about million-dollar sweepstakes) and begins reading a letter. Jack finally realizes that his mom isn't paying his jokes any attention and wonders what she's reading. Turns out that it's a letter from "Annie". "Annie Who?" is Jack's confused response.
The letter from "Annie" starts off with "Dear MP" and goes downhill from there. The letter, postmarked Washington DC, claims that Annie finds the city dull. She is enjoying hanging out with her buddy Jennifer though and is planning on getting a tattoo. Molly believes that at best this is some sort of joke, at worst this is some sort of cry for help. She wonders if Annie is having more trouble fitting in than she had known. Jack says that she can ask Annie herself, as the girl in question has just wandered into the kitchen still wearing her pjs. Annie naturally denies having sent the letter *or* of feeling like she wasn't fitting in. Jack tries to work his logical mind around the logistics of the "joke" but is having a hard time figuring out how Annie managed the photographs and the postmark. The photos are of a punked-out Annie and a dark-haired girl who is undoubtedly Jennifer. Obviously both he and Molly believe that Annie has sent the letter to get attention. Annie, however, knows that she didn't send it... and doesn't even know who the other girl in the photo is.
Annie's schoolmates know her though. Rhonda and Chelsea are shocked that Annie has a "new best friend". They are appalled that this new best friend is Jennifer Moore. Annie's day continues to get worse as the girls refuse to believe that Annie doesn't know Jennifer and walk out on her. Annie finally manages to convince them that she is just as puzzled about the whole thing as they are. One of the girls remembers the day that Annie and Jennifer "almost" met and we get a flashback to a few months earlier.
Jennifer arrived in Hope Springs about the same time Annie did. Despite her "new girl" status, however, Jennifer seems to be considerably more popular than Annie. While Annie, Rhonda, and Chelsea are doing homework at a small table in an arcade, Jennifer is kickin' it wi' her buds at a nearby video game machine. Jennifer gives off such major "Faith, the Vampire-Slayer" vibes with her dark hair, leather jacket, street lingo, and 'tude that I can't help but like her (though I suspect that may not have been Mr. Mandel's intent). Jennifer slinks over to Annie's table, pops Annie on the shoulder, and asks if she wants to come hang with them. A nervous Annie merely shakes her head without looking up and claims that she's kinda busy that afternoon. And that concludes the "Day They Might Have Met" scene.
Back in the present, Annie does finally recall the day. Jennifer moved to Washington DC not long after that and nobody thought much more about her. Annie goes into research mode - which means that she emails Fiona. Fi explains the parallel universes split by choices theory.
Meanwhile, report cards have arrived in the mail. Jack takes his to Molly who is working on new music in the kitchen. Carey is at the table (not eating for once) and appears to be writing; presumably it has something to do with what Molly has been playing. Molly is pleased by her son's straight A grades... and stunned that Annie's have dropped through the floor. She worries again that something is terribly wrong with Annie. Carey thinks maybe she's just lonely and needs more friends. Molly is not terribly impressed with the "friends" she already has.
review in progress...