Sorry this took so long, I am usually better at updating. I had some trouble with this one. I wasn't sure what approach I wanted to go. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 21 The Land of 10,000 Secrets

"Brennnda" Jim called, "Hurry up the airport shuttle is going to be here any minute."

Brenda dragged her suitcase down the stairs, "Dad, relax, Dylan and Kelly aren't even here yet."

"Yeah we are Bren." Dylan came walking out of the living room.

"Good then you can carry my bag down the rest of the way." Brenda smirked looking at Dylan.

"I knew I was good for something." Dylan met Brenda on the stairs.

"No you're good for other things too." Brenda whispered

Dylan gave her a look, "Easy Bren, your father is in the room." He greeted her with a kiss.

Brenda moaned quietly as she pulled away, "Yep it's going to be a long weekend."

Dylan let out a laugh, "Tell me about it."

"Come on guys that's our shuttle." Jim said interrupting the moment, as he heard the honk out front.

Dylan carried Brenda's suitcase down the stairs. "I can't believe your coming to Minneapolis."

Dylan laughed, "I am going to freeze."

"Tell me about it, I have gotten so used the weather in the 2 years we have lived here, I don't think I am going to be able to deal with it. I was cold in big bear and it was 45 degrees, I am officially spoiled."

"Officially?" Dylan looked back at Brenda

Brenda playfully hit Dylan in the chest

**

Brenda pushed her carry on in the over head compartment. She sat next to Dylan, resting her hand on his leg. "Hopefully it's an uneventful flight." Brenda took a deep breath.

"Are you afraid of flying?" Dylan looked at her sincerely.

"No, not really, I just hate sitting still for so long." Brenda put her head on Dylan's shoulder.

"Well we can always join the mile high club." Dylan said raising his eyebrows.

"Yeah my dad wouldn't notice if we were both gone. Behave yourself, this is a sex free trip, remember?"

"Don't remind me." Dylan sighed

Brenda looked across the aisle at Brandon and Kelly.

"They are pretty cute huh?" Dylan looked over at them.

"I guess, your brother seems happy."

"Yeah he does." Brenda hesitated, "I just wish things were like they used to be with Kelly. I mean we get along but things are different now."

"I know Bren, I am sorry."

"Yeah well maybe things happen for a reason, I mean look at them, if things were like they used to be, I probably wouldn't be too keen on sharing my best friend with my brother." Brenda shrugged.

"It's not too late to fix things you know."

"Yeah I know." Brenda reached over and laced her fingers with his.

What Brenda didn't tell Dylan was that things would probably never be the same with Kelly ever again. Kelly knew exactly how Brenda felt about Dylan and she lied to her and did it anyway. Kelly wasn't shy on telling her that she thought Dylan was good looking and that back when she first moved to Beverly Hills she had a crush on him but that was then. Brenda was not mad at Kelly anymore and she did forgive her but the truth was, she didn't look at her the same and if she had the opportunity, why wouldn't she do it again? Brenda couldn't help but think that maybe she thought of Kelly's friendship more than Kelly thought about her.

They stood around waiting for their luggage.

"There's Bobby." Kelly noticed tapping Brandon on the shoulder.

"And grandma." Brenda noticed.

"Bobby, how's it going man? I missed you." Brandon walked over giving his cousin a hug.

"Hey, glad you made it. Wow Brenda, still looking as pretty as ever."

Brenda blushed, "Flattery will get you everywhere." She leaned in and gave Bobby a kiss on the cheek.

"Yo Dylan, nice seeing you man, I am glad to see you and my cousin are still together." Bobby reached out and gave Dylan a friendly hand shake.

"Thanks man, congrats on getting married."

"Thanks, I can't wait for you to meet her." Bobby smiled noticing Kelly, "Hey Kelly"

"Hey Bobby, how have you been?" Kelly said shyly

"Grandma!" Brenda said walking over and gently giving her grandmother a hug.

"How's my baby girl?"

"Good Grandma I would like you to meet Dylan McKay."

Jim's mother smiled, "So this is the infamous Dylan" Doreen looked at Jim, obviously she had heard a few things about him.

"Nice to meet you ." Dylan held out his hand.

"Oh come here, its nice to finally meet you too." Doreen pulled Dylan into a hug, "Everything my son has said about you, believe it or not has been good things." She pulled him away looking at him, "Plus if you're the one that makes my grand-daughter smile like that, I am happy." Dylan blushed and smiled sincerely at Doreen. Dylan was nervous meeting Jim's mother; he thought maybe she would have the same opinion of him Jim had for so long. Dylan knew Jim had simply gotten used to him. Even Jim inviting him in or on the trip he couldn't help but assume it was more Cindy's influence.

"Hey grandma." Brandon hugged her.

"And who is this pretty California girl?" Kelly looked down shyly smiling.

"This is Kelly." Brandon said placing his hand on the small of her back.

Doreen hugged Kelly." I am so glad you guys brought friends with you, I love meeting the kids. So you guys ready? You guys lucked out it warmed up a bit."

"Really" Kelly's eyes got wide as she looked at Brandon.

"Yep, it's in the high teens today." Doreen was being serious

The Walsh's all looked at each other as they looked at the expression on Kelly and Dylan's faces.

"Warmed up?" Kelly said looking Brandon.

Brandon placed his arm around Kelly's shoulders squeezing gently. "I'll keep you warm." Kelly rested her head on his shoulders.

**

Brenda and Kelly got settled into one of the three spare bedrooms. They had the best room, because of Doreen who Kelly could see had a soft spot and a bit of favoritism towards Brenda. It was obvious and quite comical considering Kelly always saw Jim and Cindy let Brandon get away with everything. Kelly had been witness to Jim and Brenda's famous arguments and had never seen Jim yell at Brandon the same way. It was secretly an ongoing joke around the group that Brandon could do no wrong. That's why Kelly liked him so much. He made her want to be a better person because he wasn't like anyone she had ever met before. He was the voice of reason, the guy everyone liked. Kelly smiled thinking about Brandon.

"What are you smiling about?" Brenda raised her eyebrows noticing Kelly was thinking about something.

Kelly laughed, "Nothing"

"I am really glad you came with us. I have to tell you that I haven't seen my brother this happy in a long time."

Kelly blushed, "Well I haven't been this happy, well maybe ever." Kelly continued to unpack her bag.

"Kel, I want you to know I hope you will still talk to me about stuff, even it is about my brother. I mean don't get me wrong, you don't have to include all the details, but I am your friend, I want to know some stuff." Brenda smiled.

"Don't worry I will spare those details. But thanks Brenda that's nice to know." Kelly held up a pretty red dress, it had spaghetti straps and it had a v neckline and went low in the back and showed just enough cleavage. "How's this for the rehearsal dinner tonight?"

"Ooooo cute, what about this?" Brenda held up a little black dress against her body. It was short and tight and had a scalloped neckline and hem.

Kelly nodded giving her approval. They both looked at each other as they heard a quiet knock on the bedroom door.

"Come in." Brenda called out.

The door slowly opened, as a cute blue eyed brunette poked her head around the door.

"VALERIE!" screamed Brenda, "Oh my God, I had no idea you were coming." Brenda dropped the dress on the bed and ran over and embraced her.

"Bren, you look amazing, looks like the warm weather and easy living is agreeing with you." smiled Valerie.

Valerie's smile faded as she noticed the blonde looking her up and down.

"Hey I am Valerie." Valerie gave Kelly an awkward wave.

"Kelly this is my best friend Valerie, we grew up together, and our families are really close. Valerie this is Brandon's girlfriend and my good friend Kelly.

Kelly noticed the expression on Valerie's face when Brandon was mentioned and she also felt a bit hurt Brenda didn't introduce her as a best friend. She looked at Valerie, she was very pretty, had striking big blue eyes, shoulder length straight brown hair, parted down the middle. She was wearing tight blue jeans and a flannel. Kelly couldn't help but notice, even under the clothes she had on she could tell she had a nice figure. Kelly was rushed with a bit of jealousy and she couldn't figure out why.

The sound of Brandon's name made Valerie smile, "Ah Brandon's girlfriend, well nice to meet you. You're from California?" Valerie said sweetly

"Yep, lived there my whole life."

"Wow, cool. I would love to go to California." Valerie sat on the bed and ran her hand down Brenda's black dress. "Are you wearing this tonight?" She said looking up at Brenda.

"Yeah, do you think it's ok?"

Valerie let out a laugh, "Hell yes, it's totally amazing. You are definitely not Minnesota anymore that's for sure."

"What do you mean?" Brenda said naively.

"Well Brenda, look at you, you look incredible, this dress, your clothes." Valerie held her hand out raising it up and down to point out what Brenda was wearing. "Watch you'll see, Believe me it's even different for me and I live in Buffalo, and Buffalo is not Beverly Hills. You don't really realize how much you've changed until you come back here."

Brenda looked at Kelly suddenly feeling seemingly awkward.

"Bren?" Dylan called out before standing in the doorway. "Which tie do you like?" He paused as he noticed a stranger sitting on Brenda's bed.

Valerie smiled, "Hey"

"Hey" Dylan looked her up and down as she stood up and held out her hand. Brenda rolled her eyes stepping in front of Valerie, "Valerie, this is Dylan."

"The Dylan?" she raised her eyebrows.

"Girls, dad said be ready in an hour and half, that's when we are.. Valerie." Brandon said excitedly.

"Brandon, I was wondering where you were hiding." Valerie threw her arms around Brandon, squeezing him tight. "You look good too. Man what am I missing in California, must be something in the water."

Brandon looked Valerie up and down; it had been years since he had seen her. She got her braces off, she lost her baby fat and now she was a woman, a beautiful woman. "You don't look so shabby yourself."

Brenda and Kelly looked at each other then at their boyfriends. Brenda looked at Dylan who was staring at her. She smacked him in the stomach and Dylan grunted, "You're drooling on me."

"What?" Dylan moved his head but not his eyes.

"Well I will let you guys finish getting ready." Valerie said with a smile.

"Let me walk you out." Brandon said resting his hand on her back.

"I'll come too." Dylan followed.

Brenda crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side. Kelly walked over and stood next to Brenda, resting her hands on her hips.

"Unbelievable". Brenda looked over at Kelly.

"Did I miss something?" Kelly looked down at her red dress, "I don't think my dress is sexy enough."

"Kelly, this is Minnesota, they don't make dresses like this. Come on let's get dolled up and show those boys Valerie has nothing on us."

**

"Brenda… Brandon. Come on we have to get going. I told your uncle I would help them a bit before people showed up." Jim called out.

Brandon and Dylan came smiling and laughing as they walked down the stairs.

"Damn" Jim said looking at his watch. "Where the hell are those girls? How hard is it to put a dress?" Jim was raising his voice. He obviously was nervous and what people didn't know he was always being compared to his brother, as he grew up and now that they were adults. Doreen came in, placing the back to her earring on.

"Relax sweetie. The girls are getting gorgeous for their handsome men." Doreen smiled at Brandon and Dylan, "Why don't we go ahead in the rent-a-car and let Brandon drive my car over when the girls are ready."

"Fine, Cindy…Lets go." The three covered their semi-formal attire with big winter jackets and gloves and headed out in the snow.

"What's with your dad, I never seen him so anxious, when it wasn't about me and Bren that is." Dylan chuckled.

"I don't know" Brandon shrugged, "I guess he just doesn't want to be late." The girls giggled at a comment Brenda made as they appeared at the top of the stairs.

Dylan whistled, "Damn women you look hot."

"Valerie eat your heart out." Kelly whispered, causing Brenda to snort.

The girls made their way down the stairs both circling at the bottom, showing off their outfits.

"You look good enough to eat." Dylan wrapped his arms around Brenda's waist, growling before placing an aggressive kiss on her lips.

Brenda broke the kiss, "Where's mom and dad?" Brenda looked behind her and interrupted Kelly and Brandon in a heavy make out.

"They left" he mumbled breaking free just long enough to get it out.

"They aren't here?" Brenda seemed confused

"Maybe we can take advantage." Brandon whispered to Kelly causing her to giggle.

Brenda overheard, "No, we just spent way to long getting pretty to have to start all over. Let's go." Brenda swung her long black wool coat over her dress.

Kelly looked at Brandon with a disappointed look.

The four walked out onto the porch. Brandon taking Kelly's hand leading her to the car.

"Woah" Kelly slipped on the ice on the walkway but Brandon saved her from falling right on her butt.

"Careful Kel, the walkway probably hasn't been salted since this morning." Brenda said holding back her laugh.

Kelly took a deep breath, she hated the fact she was such a stereotypical California girl. Ever since she met Valerie she felt inadequate and insecure.

**

"Hey Brandon" Valerie moved next to him gently bumping her hip into his.

"Val, you look great." Brandon said giving her a shy smile.

"Well my wardrobe isn't as glamorous as Kelly's"

"I don't know you look pretty good I must say. You definitely didn't look like this when we were younger." Brandon smiled.

"Thanks a lot" Valerie giggled

Kelly was talking about the schools she had applied to and was catching up with Bobby and his soon to be wife Michelle. She was laughing and smiling but it faded as she caught Valerie and Brandon from the corner of her eye. She looked as Valerie was batting her big blues at him and standing close, nervously moving back and forth. Kelly looked over and saw Brenda and Dylan slow dancing, whispering in each other's ears and kissing. Kelly marched up to them.

"What the hell is your friends problem?" Kelly said not taking her eyes off Brandon.

Brenda looked over at Brandon and Valerie, "Oh Kelly relax, Valerie is naturally flirty, Brandon doesn't like her. You don't have anything to worry about, Brandon likes you." Brenda gave her friend a sympathetic smile.

"She definitely likes him Brenda, look at her she is all over him. And she knows he has a girlfriend, what kind of girl does that?"

Brenda cleared her throat, "Kel, Valerie has always had a thing for Brandon but he never did anything but kiss her. It never went anywhere; he looks at her like a sister."

"He kissed her?" Kelly looked at Brenda sadly.

"When they were kids, she was his first kiss" Brenda took a deep breath, "Look Dylan why don't you get us some sodas so we can have a girl talk, ok?" Dylan nodded understandably and she gave him a quick kiss before Dylan walked toward the bar.

"Kelly, my brother likes you, you have nothing to worry about." Brenda locked arms with Kelly looking over at Brandon. They both watched as Valerie leaned in and planted a long peck on Brandon's lips. Brenda's mouth dropped and she quickly looked over at Kelly, she could see the hurt in her eyes as Kelly's eyes watered up.

**

Dylan stood by the bar as Doreen came over to him."So maybe the next time I see you again this will be you and Brenda's rehearsal dinner.

Dylan shyly looked down and let out a laugh. Dylan looked up and saw Doreen was not joking.

"Uh maybe" Dylan nodded, "But of course we are looking forward to college first." Dylan smiled.

"Of course, are you going to NYU with Brenda? I was so proud when my son told me she got in and with a full scholarship." Doreen smiled at Dylan.

Dylan's smiled faded, "I don't know where I am going yet?" He said softly. Brenda was going to New York? Why didn't she tell him?

"Well I see how my grand-daughter looks at you and the way you look at her. You guys don't do a good job of hiding the love you have for each other. I probably shouldn't mention this but you two are the hot topic of the family tonight."

Dylan gave a sincere smile and he politely excused himself carrying two sodas over to the girls.

I hope you guys are enjoying my surprise with Valerie. :P And thanks a lot sweet grandma, right? I am not exactly sure if I am going to continue the Minnesota trip or take the drama straight home. Let me know what you think I should do. Please review.