Fame and Old Flames
This piece takes place when Jack is 6 years old and Vivian is 5. Dylan's first novel has just come out, and Kelly took on a modeling job her mother asked her to do for an old photographer friend of hers.
Dylan threw on a tee shirt and his go-to patterned sweatpants in a hurry as he was running late to take his 6-year old son and 5-year old daughter to school. Kelly was already at work on a modeling shoot.
Dylan had woke the kids up, got them washed and dressed as he prepared breakfast. As he watched Jack and Vivian at their little kid's table, he couldn't help but notice how much they resembled him and his wife.
Jack who was sporting a similar outfit to Dylan, looked exactly like his father. He had brown wavy hair and that same Flock of Seagulls haircut just like Dylan, except he had Kelly's blue eyes. Vivian looked a lot more like Kelly with her long, blonde locks, yet she had Dylan's brown eyes.
Dylan hadn't even realized that he had put his daughter in a red sundress. A colour that he loved on his wife. As he watched his kids interact, he realized just how much his offspring took after him and Kelly.
"Come on!" Dylan groaned, as he rushed to get his kids out of the car. Jack was efficiently able to grab his backpack and start walking towards the gates. Vivian, on the other hand, was taking her time. Dylan quickly picked up his daughter, holding her on his hip and grabbed her bag. "Here we go!" He held Jack's hand and head them inside.
Before they made it to the door, a voice called Dylan over. Dylan turned around to see who was calling his name.
"It is you!" The woman gathered.
"Janie?" Dylan was shocked to see the girl he grew up across the street from all grown up.
"Wow." She was stunned at how domesticated Dylan looked. "Are they yours or did you kidnap them?" She asked, to which Dylan chuckled
"This is Jack and this is Vivian." He lifted Vivian to a more comfortable position on his hip as he introduced them.
"I guess a lot has changed..." She nodded after greeting the kids. "The Dylan McKay I knew was not one to settle down. Hell, last time i saw you, you were complaining about your girlfriend not putting out!"
"Eh!" Dylan chuckled, "Not in front of the kids." He smirked. And she politely nodded in agreement. "Listen..." He began, "I really gotta get the kids inside."
"Oh yeah, of course." She understood, "Maybe we can catch up?" She asked
"Sure, sure. Can you wait for a sec?" He asked and she nodded. He turned on his heel and took his kids to class.
"Jack! Viv!" Miss Laura greeted the kids with open arms. "You better head in to your classes." She smiled at them. Dylan kissed his kids goodbye and instructed them to be good. She then turned to face Dylan, "Late again?"
"I'm sorry." Dylan pulled that child-like grin he always did, but Miss Laura didn't budge.
"You know, Dylan..." She paused, "When Kelly brings the kids, they're a little more... put together. You know? Hair done, laces tied." She explained
"Yeah, but you know... appearances aren't everything." Dylan joked
"Charming..." Miss Laura scoffed, trying to hide her amusement. Dylan's cheeky charm could sway even the best of them.
"Thank you." He grinned, "Alright, I gotta go, I am a big deal now, you know. A literary figure and all."
"You wrote one novel." Laura rolled her eyes
"It was a big deal..." He smiled, before heading out the door.
Dylan arrived back outside to find Janie waiting for him.
"You sure can keep a girl waiting." She folded her arms
"Sorry about that." Dylan sighed
"So, tell me..." She began, dying to pry into the current life of Dylan McKay. The once wild rebel now a doting dad dropping his kids off at school. "Who's the lucky lady that got you to commit. The Dylan I knew enjoyed his freedom." Dylan couldn't help but laugh. He hadn't seen Janie since he was 16 years old, he couldn't even begin to fill in all the blanks.
"Why don't you read my novel?" He smirked, "It's just been released. You'll get all your answers."
"So, you're a changed man?" She asked
"Guess so." He shrugged.
"I'd love to catch up. Maybe we could meet sometime?" She asked
"Uh." He breathed out, "You can come to my book's coming out party tomorrow. It's at the Bel Age hotel."
"I'd love to!" She beamed up at him before he waved goodbye.
Dylan arrived back home with the kids to find Kelly sitting on the couch eyeing some of her photos from the shoot. Vivian ran up to her mother and hugged her. Kelly trailed kisses across her daughter's forehead. "I missed you!" She said, holding her daughter tightly.
Jack joined them, putting his backpack down on the ground
"Where's my kiss?" Kelly asked.
"Come on!" Jack groaned. He was at that age where he just didn't want his parents' overwhelming affection.
"Hey!" Dylan warned, jokingly, "This is an affectionate household!" He told his son, before heading to Kelly to kiss her hello.
"Hmm..." She cheerfully moaned as Dylan deepened the kiss.
"So, how was your day?" She asked the kids as they hopped on the couch with her.
"I showed Teddy for show-and-tell!" Vivian replied ecstatically, holding onto her teddy bear.
"That's great!" Kelly joined in her daughter's enthusiasm.
"We met a friend of Daddy's." Jack added
"Yeah she talks like this... 'Dylan...' " Vivian mimicked Janie's coquettish demeanor, and Dylan laughed, playfully nudging his 5 year old.
"Oh does she?" Kelly asked, glancing up at Dylan. Dylan rolled his eyes, smiling.
"We ran into Janie. Remember her?" He asked
"No.." Kelly shook her head
"The one that lived across from me in middle school. Moved to Palm Springs." He informed
"Oh..." Kelly pursed her lips. She remembered that Janie all too well, and her crush on Dylan. "Why's she here?"
"I think she's moved back. Said she was dropping off her nephew. He's a year older than Jack." Dylan observed Kelly, who wasn't looking him in the eye. "You okay, Kel?"
"Yeah..."
"Baby..." He chuckled, "you jealous?" He sat down beside her, teasing her.
"I'm not jealous." Kelly scoffed, "I just don't see why she'd talk to you that way, that's all. I mean, you are wearing a wedding ring!"
"You and your daughter, man..." Dylan laughed
"Wha-? I just... I just-" Kelly fumbled over her words, as Dylan moved closer to her.
"I love you, too." He smirked, followed by Kelly's groan.
As the kids and Dylan sat for dinner. Kelly placed their plates in front of them.
"Hmm, looks good!" Dylan beamed up at Kelly, standing up to help her set the table. "Doesn't that smell good, kids? Thank your mother for the food!"
"Guess I'm getting pretty good at this." She grinned as she sat at the table to eat.
"Definitely. Delicious!" He praised, "...The food, too." He winked at her.
"Listen..." She began, trying to hide her amusement at his inappropriate comment "My Calvin Klein shoot has been moved up to tomorrow."
"But, Kel. My book party." Dylan exclaimed
"Don't worry, I'll be done by then." She assured
"I thought this was a one-time deal."
"It is... they just want to switch up the location. I don't want to turn them down. They're good friends of Jackie's... and they asked me personally to do it."
"Fair enough." Dylan paused, "
"Oh, by the way!" Kelly added, "I finally found a sitter!" Everyone they knew was heading to Dylan's book party, so finding someone to babysit the kids that night had been a challenge.
"That's good, who is it?" He asked.
"Remember Nikki from high school?" She asked, "The girl that had something with David and Brandon, the summer we-"
"Oh, our summer?" He smirked and Kelly nodded.
The following day, Kelly was at the beach, wearing a strappy white Calvin Klein dress for her photoshoot. The cameramen were getting their gear ready as the workers set the scene. Just as Kelly went to grab a drink of water, she heard a familiar voice.
"Well, well, look who it is."
"Jake?!" Kelly was surprised to see him. He hadn't aged a day. "What are you doing here?"
"You kidding? It's my company's furniture you're renting." He pointed to the decorative furniture pieces being moved around the set.
"Wow, okay. So, what does this mean? Do you live here now?" She asked
"Well, I'm based in New York, but thinking about branching out." He looked her up and down, "Wow, Kel. You look amazing."
"Thank you." She felt a little uncomfortable with how forward he was.
"I heard about you and Dylan a couple years ago." He grinned, "Better late than never, huh?"
"What are you saying?" She asked
"I knew he wasn't too keen on our fling back then." He suggested
"Oh... kay." Kelly breathed out
"Listen." Jake began as Kelly was about to move away. "Truth is, I knew you were going to be here. So, I thought you'd want to sign this." He smirked, pulling out a printed photo from his back pocket. He unfolded it to reveal an old photo of Kelly in black lingerie.
"What?" She was stunned and annoyed
"Found it lying around." He shrugged
"Well, no." She shook her head. " I won't sign it."
"Come on, Kel. It's okay. We've all made bad decisions when we were younger."
"Is this really what you came to show me?" She hissed
"I thought it would be funny!" Jake teased, "I'm sorry, alright? It was just a joke."
Kelly scowled at him defiantly. She then grabbed a marker and began scribbling on the picture. Jake picked it up and read, "Very funny Jake."
She stormed off.
Dylan picked up the kids from school and was about to head into the car when he saw Jake walking towards him
"Jake?" Dylan was surprised to see him
"Dylan! Long time." Jake smirked
"What are you doing here?" He asked
"Kelly didn't tell you?" Jake grinned at the scowl that was painted across Dylan's face
"What?" Dylan said dismissively
"Oh yeah, we just worked together. All day long." Before Dylan could interject, Jake patted him on the back, "Congratulations on the book! Will be there." He headed off
"You weren't invited." Dylan yelled back. Letting out a frustrated sigh as he headed into the car with his kids.
Dylan arrived to pick up Kelly from the beach. The kids sat at the table, enjoying the craft service.
"Hey babe!" Kelly greeted Dylan after her kids.
"Hey, Kel." Dylan was quieter than usual.
"You okay?" She asked as Dylan looked around the room. His eyes wandered to the picture beside her. A picture of his wife at 17 years old in lingerie.
He lifted it up, and read: Very funny Jake
"What the hell is this?" He snapped
She grabbed it off him and shoved it into her purse. "I'll explain later, alright?" She whispered.
The kids were tucked in bed and Kelly began getting ready for the book party. She popped on one of her signature red dresses, applying a red lipstick, and was now putting on some earrings when Dylan joined her in the bathroom.
"Were you gonna tell me you ran into Jake?" He asked, although it wasn't worded like a question
"...Yes." Kelly quietly answered
"Alright... explain the picture," He folded his arms
"It was... a stupid thing I did okay? I was 17, I threw myself at him."
"So, he took this picture of you?" Jealousy stained his tone of voice. "What was it? Some sleazy private modeling shoot?"
"Dylan. I'm not proud of it." She sighed. He took a deep breath, shook his head and walked back into the living room. She shortly followed.
"Are you mad at me?" She asked. He wasn't mad at her. He knew he had no right. But he was angry. He felt jealous and possessive over his now wife who had given a guy he knew didn't deserve it a very intimate photo.
"I'll get over it..." He breathed out
"Dylan." Kelly rushed to his side.
"It's okay, Kel." He assured. "I just... don't like the idea of him even having something like that."
"Isn't that sad, though? That he would even keep it!"
He paused, then turned to face her, "You don't care?" He asked
"No. I don't." She reassured.
Kelly watched as people hovered around Dylan, celebrating his success over his new novel. She couldn't help but notice how many women flocked to him. If they didn't before, they certainly did now. She wondered how she would cope with his newfound fame. Dylan was fighting girls off enough as it is without it.
As Dylan went to get a drink from the bar, Jack patted him on the shoulder. Dylan groaned, his fist started to clench until he looked at Kelly from the corner of his eye. He could see her looking at him, worrying about what he'd do. He realized that punching Jake wasn't worth it. She didn't care for him. So, neither did he. Not anymore.
"Nice try." Dylan spoke, unclenching his fist
"Dylan, I was only joking around." Jake chuckled, "I knew it would get your attention though."
Dylan ignored him
"Come on, man. You used to have a sense of humor about these things."
"This is my wife, Jake. Maybe if you were ever serious about someone or something, you'd show a little respect."
"Alright fine." Jake sighed, noticing the anger in Dylan's voice. "You wanna hit me or something?" He provoked, "Would that make you feel better? A late-night brawl for old times' sake."
"No, Jake. I don't want to hit you." Dylan scoffed.
"Oh yeah?" Jake teased
"Yeah. Not worth it." Dylan shrugged and walked away.
Dylan was about to head to Kelly and make up after his fowl mood he put her through, but before he could reach her, he was pulled away by Janie.
"Oh hey, Janie. You showed." Dylan said, only half paying attention
"Yeah! Listen, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard your conversation. You want to talk?" She asked
"About what?" Dylan was confused
"You fighting with that guy over your wife. Marital trouble?" She asked
Dylan let out a long sigh, "Would that make you happy?" He asked seemingly exhausted, frustrated with the overexertion that seemed to be required at this party.
"I just think it's a shame." Janie shrugged, "You. Dylan McKay. Tied down with two kids."
"Coming home to a loving family is a shame?" Dylan scoffed
"You know... I think back to that night we were together all the time. Kinda makes me wish I made a move the last time we saw each other in that hotel room."
"Janie, are you flirting with me now?" He asked
"I am if you want me to." She grinned "Come on, can you honestly say you don't miss this life? The girls, the drinks, the sleepless nights."
"Janie..." Dylan leaned in toward her ear, his breath on her neck, she began to feel her knees quiver, "don't disrespect my marriage again."
Dylan turned on his heel and headed to his wife.
"You want to dance?" Dylan asked and Kelly obliged
"The night's a success, huh." Kelly smiled. Despite the tumultuous day, she was so proud of her husband and his success.
"I'm sorry..." He began, "I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I guess I still get a little jealous when it comes to you." He let out a sigh. He was the last person to judge her past. He was the one who showed her it didn't define her. But, he had to admit, the thought of someone getting a taste of his best lover riddled him with envy. She was his. She was all he ever wanted.
"I understand. I guess I've been feeling a little off too today." She said breathlessly
"Why?" He asked
"This. The whole scene. Watching all these women fall at your feet. It just brought up some old insecurities that's all." She knew Dylan adored her, but she had spent so much of her adolescence fearing a sense of abandon, that she still felt a twitch whenever girls threw themselves at Dylan. She was so used to being left, it was still tough to remind herself that Dylan is actually committed to her.
"Kel..."
"I just don't know how well I'm going to handle the fame aspect, that's all." She imagined his fame would only amplify her insecurities.
"Hey..." Dylan interjected, cupping her chin, "Listen to me. You don't ever have to worry about that."
"I know, but this is only the beginning..." She bit her lip
"So what? You think these girls hold a candle to you?"
"But, Dyl-"
"No buts. They're not Kelly McKay." He said firmly. She couldn't help but smile at the certainty in his voice. She pressed her lips to his and kissed him passionately.
"Let's go home." He insisted
"But what about your party?" She asked
"They had enough of me for one night. I'd rathe go home to my family." He winked, running his hands through her hair as he kissed her forehead.
"Let's go home." She repeated. They held hands and skipped off like two lovestruck teenagers.