Chapter 10 The Gift of Affinity
Dylan stirred and stretched. He smiled with his eyes still closed as he thought of the night before. All the hesitation, worrying, stress about the days before…seemed totally gone. He knew what he wanted or maybe the better thing to say was that the knew who he wanted. Dylan suddenly knew what in life he wanted and strangely he was beginning to think he may have known the whole time. He didn't love Kelly anymore, he loved Brenda, he had always loved Brenda. He felt as though he reached for Kelly as second choice, a back up. Dylan knew now he never should have come back to L.A. at least not without her. He should had stayed in London and fought for her. He should have told her that he wanted that ring on her finger and that he wanted to spend his life with her and only her. That going to L.A. to see Kelly and Brandon get married was a mistake, or at least the lie was. His mind was clear; he never in his life had known what was supposed to be, until now. Last night was amazing, they had connected again, they still loved each other, it was emotional and intimate and incredibly passionate. Dylan let out a satisfied sigh as he reached for her. He could spend all day in that bed with her. Catching up, talking about the past, what the future held for them, making love to her. He was literally putty in her hands, he wondered if she knew how much control she had on him at this point. Dylan couldn't remember a time when he had ever thought that way. With his eyes still closed he felt nothing, an empty bed, her side wasn't even warm still. He slowly opened his eyes concluding what his empty reach which had already confirmed. He sat up as he pushed back his hair. "Bren?" he called out, hearing nothing in return.
He got up in search of his clothes which had neatly been folded at the end of the bed. Dylan assumed she was gone, he figured she had somewhere to be and so he got up throwing on his clothes from the night before and making his way into the living room area of the suite. He glanced around the room quickly looking for a note but found nothing. There was a room service cart of coffee sitting near the front door. He helped himself and sat at the dining table, grabbing the newspaper. Dylan smiled to himself as he went straight to the arts section finding the ad for the Beverly Playhouse. "Funny About Love…starring Brenda Walsh…Jared McCoy." Dylan rolled his eyes. He continued to read through show times and reviews. He hadn't seen one of Brenda's plays in so long and he wanted to go. The show would be running tonight, tomorrow and the following day. Dylan took the morning to arrange a few things and purchase tickets, then something came into his head. He knew it should have awhile ago but never did…Kelly. He hadn't come home the night before, here it was 9am and still, no call, no message. He knew she would be furious, wanting answers and he didn't have any. Dylan didn't want to be a jerk, he still cared about her but he wanted out and the sooner he was honest and told her the better.
Dylan walked to Iris's room, not planning to tell her where he had slept the night before, even though he had a strange feeling she already knew. The truth was, he wanted Brenda's new cell phone number and to get it, he was going to have to suck it up and ask her for it. He gently knocked and Iris opened up the door with a guarded stare.
"Hey." Dylan murmured ignoring the look and pushing his way through the door. He froze as Kelly approached him with a smile on her face.
"They didn't have any croissants left downstairs huh?" Iris said nervously.
Dylan looked at his mother oddly and turned back to his fiancé. "Uh…Kel…what are you doing here?"
Kelly smiled, "I called the hotel this morning, you could have called me, I was worried about you."
"Oh…yeah…sorry…I know...I should have called…" Dylan stuttered.
"Iris told me know you had spent the night. You shouldn't drink so much, you know what that stuff does to you." Kelly said slightly stern. "But I don't have to meet the cater for a couple hours, so I thought I would come here, we could take your mom to breakfast, you know…bond with my future mother in law." Kelly gave Iris a sweet smile.
Dylan quickly looked down, "I don't have any clothes." He looked up and pulled at his shirt he was wearing from the day before.
"I brought you some and a toothbrush." Kelly lifted a small duffel bag from the ground.
"Oh…ok." He sighed with a smile moving towards her, he reached for the bag as she held it back.
Kelly leaned into him, "I missed you too Dylan." She said sarcastically quiet. As Kelly came in to greet him with a kiss Dylan turned his cheek at the last minute. She looked at him oddly.
Dylan leaned in kissing her forehead, "I haven't brushed my teeth yet." He realized by the look on Kelly's face her mind was wandering, a dangerous act. He took the bag from her and moved to the bedroom.
Kelly's cell phone went off as she glanced down at it, "Excuse me Iris, I need to take this."
"No problem dear, I am going to freshen up." Iris watched as Kelly began talking wedding business and took the opportunity to sneak away.
As Iris walked into the bedroom she saw Dylan sitting on the edge of the bed. His head was in his hands, he was slumped over deep in though, he worked his panicky hands through his hair.
"I was about to call you." she said uneasy. "She called a little while ago…I told her you were asleep and that you had a few too many drinks last night and I wouldn't let you drive." Iris took a deep breath, "And then she just showed up. When you weren't here I told her you had gone done stairs to pick up some breakfast."
"You didn't have to do that." Dylan said calmly.
"I know…but honestly I didn't really have a choice."
Dylan sighed, "Thank you. It's not fair for you to have to lie to her…"
"Did you and Brenda have a pleasant talk?" interrupting and changing the subject to more important things.
Dylan looked at his mother and shook his head, "We still have a lot to talk about."
Iris nodded her head, she began to whisper, "Sometimes honesty isn't always the best policy."
Dumbfounded, "what are you talking about?" Dylan looked at his mother carefully.
Iris sighed, "I mean, sometimes its ok to leave certain things out when trying not to hurt someone….like sleeping with Brenda."
Dylan got up uncomfortably, "Mom…it's not like that we just talked." Dylan lied.
"Of course." Iris put on. "You do need to talk to Kelly though, you know that right?"
Dylan shrugged clearly hiding something, "There isn't anything to tell." Dylan knew he did, he didn't have to be lectured about it.
Iris took a deep breath, "Dylan…Brenda is your rapport…your affinity. The bond…the friendship and the understanding, the relationship your hearts have as one…can not be duplicated. Denying that connection…would only leave you empty as two…incomplete."
Dylan looked at his mother taking in her words, in which sounded out there and eccentric but he liked the sound of it all. Even though he was trying to grasp it fully and understand it.
Iris continued noting that Dylan hadn't stopped her yet, "You and Brenda have your hearts on safe…protected. Some people let pride get in the way of the fated." Iris smiled at him, "From the outside, knowing this, knowing you are meant to be…its incredibly frustrating" Iris looked down before meeting his interested stare, "No matter who you are with, because of this affinity, you will always be lost in emptiness without her. I just hope you find and accept this gift...before its too late."
Iris stared at him, after a few seconds she nodded, "Well get dressed." Iris began to leave the bedroom as Dylan stopped her.
"What's Brenda's new cell number?" he asked innocently as he took out his phone.
Iris smirked but gave it to him without questioning or pressure and left him to get dressed and with a million thoughts to make sense of.
**
Breakfast was about as miserable as to be expected. Iris and Dylan shared uncomfortable glances as Kelly explained details of the wedding to Iris, filling her in as much as possible.
Dylan welcomed the interruption as he answered his phone, "Hello."
The static was thick, "Dy…lan?"
Dylan strained to hear, "Hello…I can't hear you." he pushed at his other ear with his index finger.
"Dylan…it's….Brandon." the words came out of the static.
"Bran? Is that you?" Dylan still strained to hear.
"Hold on one second." Brandon came in a bit clearer.
Dylan waited as the static cut out and the phone became clear.
"Dylan…can you hear me now?" Brandon said finding a better spot of reception.
"Loud and clear bro, where are you?" Dylan eyed Kelly who was looking curiously at him.
"I am in San Diego."
"San Diego…I thought you weren't coming to California for another week?"
"Well my boss couldn't resist assigning me to the Democratic convention here. So much for vacation huh? But I did get to come out earlier."
Dylan laughed, "Never a dull moment huh?"
"Yeah really… I got a flight out tonight and I should be in L.A. by 10 tonight, would it be too much trouble to pick me up?"
"No not at all, I have to check in at the club and cover someone tonight for a bit but someone will definitely be there."
"Perfect. Thanks man, I rented a car but they don't have anything available for a couple days."
"It's no problem man…I can't wait to see you."
"Yeah…me too. Alright I am going to go but I'll see you tonight…tell Kel I said hi."
Dylan smiled, "Will do."
"Flight 347, Southwest." Brandon said quickly.
"Got it." Dylan said with a smirk.
Both guys hung up and Dylan looked up to Iris and Kelly's curious eyes.
"That was Brandon, he was covering a convention in San Diego and he will be in L.A. tonight. I should call David or Steve, see if one of them can pick him up, I'll be at the club." Dylan opened his phone again. Kelly reached for it and closed it quickly.
"I'll go." She said nonchalantly.
"You don't mind?" Dylan took his phone back as she handed it back to him.
Kelly shook her head, "Not at all. I have a meeting with the caterer and a fitting but nothing else."
"Perfect." Dylan said as he shoved the phone in his pocket.
"Oh shoot, speaking of the fitting, I got to get going." Kelly got up quickly, "I'll call you later." Kelly leaned down and kissed Dylan on the cheek, "Bye Iris, it was nice seeing you."
Iris nodded, "You too." She said politely.
Dylan and Iris watched Kelly hurry out of the café and then Dylan made eye contact with his mom noticing her look. Iris shrugged innocently, "You don't care Kelly will be alone with Brandon?"
Dylan laughed, "No…why would I? Mom…I am hardly in the position to get upset about past relationships and there wouldn't be a reason to worry about Kelly anyway." Dylan reached for his wallet to pay the bill.
"Well…I just thought…with their past and everything…" Iris smiled at Dylan slightly; she wasn't sure why she was testing him, testing his feelings. "But…your right…I mean there isnt anything worth mentioning about Brenda and last night anyway…so I guess there would be no reason for Kelly to worry either…so." Iris took a deep breath continuing her game.
Dylan met Iris's gaze, "That's right."
Iris smirked, "Right." she nodded. "So the wedding is still on then?"
Dylan exhaled, "I don't know what you want from me? You act like I am the bad guy if I slept with Brenda." his voice cracked, "But then you ask me about the wedding. I give up trying to figure out what's in that head of yours." Dylan got up and Iris followed. "You don't know anything anyway."
Iris and Dylan walked to the elevators and stood quiet as the doors opened. They walked in and watched the numbers slowly climb, "Look Dylan…I don't think you are a bad person if you slept with Brenda…I just think you need to figure out what you're doing. Whether it is marrying Kelly and saying good bye to Brenda…forever." Dylan looked over at her not liking the way that sounded. "Or…you tell Kelly the truth…or part of it." Iris smiled, "And fight for Brenda." Iris shrugged innocently keeping her smile as the doors opened, "That's all I am saying."
"Why are you looking at me like that? Why are you acting like you know what happened last night, did you talk to Brenda?" Dylan caught up with her as they walked down the hallway.
Iris smiled, "I may have seen her this morning…"
Dylan reached out pulling back his moms hand, "Wait a second Iris…Brenda actually told you we slept together?"
She gripped his hand, "No she didn't tell me that…"
"Well then how do you know?" Dylan was confused as to why his mother and him were even talking about this. Why she was bringing it up…not only did Dylan not talk about this stuff with anyone but if he was going to, the last person would be his mother.
"I didn't know for sure anyway…until now." Iris smiled wide.
"You have issues...and you're happy about that aren't you? Because it involves Bren and me? You don't care about knowing something incredibly personal and sexual about your son because it was with Brenda...you're a sick woman." Dylan shook his head and began walking ahead of her.
Iris laughed, "Maybe I am happy...I love Brenda...more importantly I love Brenda with you." Iris shurgged sweetly, "She is your affinity...you are connected...you belong together."
"Iris...this information...this affinity, it's between Bren and Me." Dylan said quietly, deep in thought.
"As it should be." Iris concluded, "Sometimes you need a little push." She smiled again as she caught up with him, she noticed his face change, she looked up at him curiously. Her eyes followed his stare.
Dylan sighed as he saw Brenda smiling talking to Jared. She lifted up on her tip toes wrapping her arms around his neck embracing him goodbye. Dylan watched Jared closely his arms around her waist, his open palm resting on her lower back, almost resting on her butt.
"Oh good you're here." Kelly said walking up behind them. Iris and Dylan were so caught up in watching Brenda with Jared they didn't hear her come up. "I forgot my cell in your room." Iris and Dylan realized quickly not wanting Kelly to notice Brenda but it was too late.
Kelly looked at Dylan, "Is that Brenda?" Kelly said quietly, "Oh my god…Brenda?" Kelly called out louder.
Brenda's heart stopped as she pulled away from Jared, she glanced down the hallway and noticed Iris, Dylan…and Kelly.
Kelly looked at Dylan oddly; at least he looked as surprised as she did. She hooked arms with him and dragged him toward them.
Brenda looked up at Jared, holding back tears, "Jared, I will explain everything after but just follow my lead please pretend you are crazy about me…I will owe you." She reached for his hand and gripped it firmly. Brenda looked down at Kelly's arm intertwined with Dylan's and took a deep breath.
Jared smirked getting it right away, he leaned kissing her temple, "I could do better than that." He whispered. Jared moved slightly behind her, he slowly wrapped both arms around her from the back and pulled her close to him. He lowered his chin to the side of her face.
Brenda smiled appreciative, "Thanks." She whispered.
As Dylan and Kelly approached them, Dylan noticed Jared's arms around her. He leaned in whispering in her ear, watching Brenda smile warmly and accept his advances, it killed Dylan, there was ache deep inside that wished he was in that spot. They way she smiled at him and the way Jared held her close, was similar to the way they were together. It ate at him alive, obviously no matter what had happened between him and Brenda the night before didn't matter and Jared was clearly more than a friend.
Kelly gave Brenda a slow yet friendly smile, "I can't believe I am looking at you…what are you doing here?"
Brenda swallowed hard and brought forth her best acting...or fakeness, "I am on tour, last minute change. Just got in yesterday."
Kelly let Dylan's arm hold go and leaned into her, "I am so glad you're here." Kelly caught her in an awkward embrace as Jared's arms dropped. Brenda slowly brought her arm around her, she looked up at Dylan. They both didn't say anything but guilt was evident. Kelly leaned out from her and gave her a sincere smile. She eyed Jared and gave him an even bigger smile, "I am Kelly Taylor…and this is my fiancé Dylan McKay." Brenda cringed.
Jared eyed Dylan, "Nice to meet you." Dylan said holding out his hand pretending they hadn't met so Jared would get the hint.
Jared nodded cautiously, "Yeah…same here…nice to meet both of you." now he was confused.
Iris walked up quietly and held out Kelly's phone, "Here you go Kelly."
"Oh right…thanks." Kelly took it from her checking the face plate. She smiled again at Brenda as she wrapped her arms around Dylan's waist and looked up at him. Kelly found it strange that they hadn't greeted each other.
Iris rolled her eyes subtly at Kelly, she tilted her head sympathetically, "Brenda sweetie." she gleamed, "Its been few years hasn't it?" she said softly.
"Hello Iris." Brenda played along. They embraced each other tightly.
Iris who was facing away from Kelly and Dylan leaned in closely to her ear, "Be strong my daughter." she leaned even closer hugging her tighter, "Il est parti son coeur avec vous." Iris whispered softly speaking in French knowing Brenda understood it and Kelly did not. It meant…He left his heart with you.
Brenda hid her face in Iris's shoulder as tears brimmed in her eyes. Brenda pulled away quickly, "It has been awhile…I missed you too." she played it off, quickly wiping her eyes with a smile. "Look at me, I get so mushy." her smile faded as she looked at Dylan quickly.
He had heard and understood Iris as well, "How ya doing Bren?" Dylan said softly. His heartfelt voice velvety and sincere. "Long time no see." his tone changed, filled with mock sarcasm.
Brenda took a deep breath not amused, "Yeah…I guess it has…and I am great." she said rubbing salt in the wound as she felt Jared wrap his arm around her getting the hint that it might have been needed at that point.
Dylan exhaled angrily.
"So…Bren…this is great, you're here, I am picking up your brother at the airport tonight, lets go out…get some drinks, Dylan will be at the After Dark…it will be fun."
Brenda quickly shook her head quickly, "Sorry…we have a performance." she said almost too cheerfully relieved.
"Oh come on…I'll tell everyone, I am sure they would all love to see you…how long has it been since you've been back in L.A. anyway?"
"Almost seven years." Dylan answered without much thought.
Kelly and Brenda looked at him, "See…too long." Kelly gave him a look but turned her attention back to Brenda.
"I really can't…we can't…we have a show…maybe another time."
"Brenda…come on, don't be ridiculous, we all know the play will be done by ten, they always are…we'll meet after…what do you say Jared?"
Brenda looked at Jared, her eyes pleading to get her out of this. "I don't know…we may have plans…didn't you tell Amber we would meet up after the show baby?"
Dylan exhaled through his nose again.
"Oh right…some of the cast…we do have plans." Brenda explained.
"Brenda…" Kelly looked at her sadly, "You see them all the time…I mean everyone will be so excited, especially Brandon…it will be like a welcome home to the Walsh twins."
Brenda's eyes panicked looking to Dylan, he had to be feeling awkward, he couldn't want her around Kelly, after the night before. It couldn't be comfortable for him, facing his fiance and his ex together in the same room after having cheated on her, not like she cared but it would save her from having to face this past, Kelly and Dylan together, the gang…it was almost too much to even think about.
"Yeah Bren…she's right, it will be fun, you can see the club, catch up with everyone." he gave her a sarcastic smirk and lifted his eyebrow.
Brenda's eyes widened subtly as she stared at him in disbelief, he was enjoying this?
"Oh man…I got to get out of here, I am so late. Brenda I will take that silence as a yes." she smiled at her. "I'll see you later tonight then."
"I got to go too, hold on Kelly I will walk with you." Jared said telling the truth and feeling badly for Brenda, "I'll talk to you later Bren." Jared leaned in to kiss her cheek but Brenda turned her head and took his lips to hers passionately.
Dylan stared at Jared, jealousy practically spitting from his throat as he cleared it loudly.
Brenda and Jared pulled apart and Jared hugged her tightly, "You most definitely have to fill me in…don't stress, this may be my best performance yet." he joked quietly letting Brenda hear him but no one else.
Brenda laughed silently, "See you in a couple hours."
Jared nodded and turned towards Kelly, "Miss Taylor, lead the way." he said nicely.
She smiled back and looked up at Dylan, "Ready?"
Dylan's eyes left Brenda's suddenly, "Uh…actually I am going to get my mom settled, I'll head out in a little while."
Kelly glared at him, she glanced at Brenda swallowing hard then bringing her attention back to Dylan. "Fine." she said quietly defeated, her tone was obvious in not wanting to start a fight.
Kelly linked arms with Jared and they continued down the hallway, both disappearing around the corner as Kelly's voice and laugh got quieter finally fading as well.
Brenda fiercely eyed Dylan, anger, irritation and rage filled her eyes.
Iris caught it right away. "I am sure you guys have a few things to talk about. Brenda honey…break a leg tonight."
Brenda smiled at her pushing the anger towards Dylan away momentarily.
Iris turned towards Dylan, "Son…" Iris smiled, "Find the gift of affinity." she said softly and then she headed to her room.
Brenda and Dylan watched Iris until she was gone. Brenda stared at him. She shook her head in disgust, opening her room's door. Dylan held out his hand and caught it before it slammed in his face. He smirked slipping in after her.
Hmmmm so what do you think? Poor Bren…also don't hate on Jared, he's a good guy. No surprises from him but definitely more info. Next up Dylan and Brenda deal with the moring after, Kelly…and the After Dark plans. Hehehehe. Finishing up LTC now, will post it up later today. I had iris speaking french because I knew both Brenda and Dylan did and I remember Dylan saying he used to go to Europe every summer. So it wouldnt be that far off if Iris had gone to with them before they had split up. Also Iris always seemed very worldly so again it fit. Please review, let me know what's up. I wasnt extremely happy with this chapter, it felt rushed and choppy but after working on it over and over and erasing and changing and so on and so on, I think it is a lost cause and sometimes you just have to take it as it is.