Jostling through the hordes of hungry students, narrowly avoiding spilling the contents of his lunch tray several times over, Brandon Walsh headed for the table where Dylan McKay sat engrossed in a book. The congealing spaghetti sauce on the plate beside Dylan told Brandon that he had been there for some time. Amidst the chaos of the lunchtime rush Dylan's serenity seemed out of place. But then Brandon figured Dylan had never been one to follow the crowd. Relieved to have made it with the majority of his lunch still in tact, Brandon put down both tray and books and dropped heavily in to the seat opposite Dylan. "Man what a morning".
Startled Dylan looked up. He'd been miles away, totally engrossed. Now he was back in the unpleasant reality of the noisy lunchroom. Reluctantly he put the book away and gave Brandon his full attention. "What's up Brandon, Meyers giving you a hard time?"
"Is he ever" Brandon groused "He wants a ten page critical review on 'Of Mice and Men' by tomorrow morning".
Dylan smiled "Well it is a great book".
Dylan wasn't part of the AP English class but he had probably read more of the books on Mr Meyers' reading list than anyone who was. Sometimes Brandon found Dylan's appreciation of literature a little unnerving. He hated to admit it, but it made him feel inferior. Brandon was a good student, but he had to work hard for his grades. In contrast studying seemed to come naturally to Dylan. Already he was eagerly sorting through the books that Brandon had scattered across the table.
Brandon was surprised to find resentment bubbling inside him. Dylan was rich enough not to need an after school job. The guy had all the time in the world to study whereas he was forced to snatch precious minutes between shifts at the Peach Pit or, as had become the norm lately, he was up studying until the early hours of the morning. Perhaps it was because he was tired or maybe school-work was just a touchy subject for him at the moment. Whatever the reason he found himself snapping at Dylan. "Well it might be a 'great book' Brandon mimicked irritably, 'but we don't all have the luxury of a trust fund - some of us have to earn our money'. He was on a roll now and Dylan got both barrels 'You know between the paper, Nikki and the Peach Pit I really can't see how I'm gonna get it done".
Dylan's expression registered hurt and Brandon immediately regretted his outburst. It wasn't Dylan's fault he had all that money in the bank and besides his life wasn't exactly easy. Brandon knew all about Dylan's inner demons, and those kinds of problems made Brandon's current worries seem trivial. It was time for the apology and Brandon knew it "Hey I'm sorry man" he sighed "I didn't mean to take it out on you. I'm just feeling the pressure right now you know".
Dylan waved away the apology with his habitual cool "No problem. I understand totally". He paused awkwardly before looking Brandon in the eye "You know man if it's a money thing I'm good for a loan' he offered "You can take some time off from the pit while you study, pay me back when the pressure's off."
Brandon smiled, accepting Dylan's offer would make his life a hell of a lot easier, but he knew he couldn't do it. He didn't want to let Nat down and most importantly he didn't want to let his father down. "Thanks man" he said resolutely "but this one I gotta do on my own."
Dylan sighed heavily "How'd I know you were gonna say that?"
Brandon laughed "Sorry Dylan but what can I say. It's the Walsh way". He smiled ruefully "Looks like it'll be an all nighter."
"Heeeey! Someone's planning an all nighter?" Steve Sanders joined them at the table his face registering excitement. As usual his plate was over loaded with junk food. Dropping his tray down on the table, narrowly avoiding the books that Dylan and Brandon scrambled to remove, he sat down at the end of the table and eyed them questioningly. "I repeat. Someone's planning an all nighter?" He put on his pleading face "Don't hold out on me guys I'm primed for a little party action. Beautiful women, great music, liquid refreshments, it's exactly what I need." As he spoke Steve's gaze continually flicked from Dylan to Brandon. "Come on what's the deal?."
"Down boy. I'm talking all night study here not all night party." Brandon almost laughed at the expression on Steve's face.
Steve grimaced "Walsh you are one sick puppy."
"Brandon's having a little trouble keeping up with his studies right now". Dylan supplied helpfully.
Now Steve was alarmed. There was a pause whilst he swallowed his mouthful of burger. Then he went straight on the offensive. "Does this mean you're not gonna make it to David's showcase tomorrow night?" he demanded "C'mon Brandon, he's your friend, he's counting on you." He thought for a moment. "Besides didn't you promise Nikki?"
Steve had guaranteed David big crowds and he would look a fool if no one showed. Andrea had already cried off now it looked as if Brandon was doing the same.
Brandon winced; Steve had inadvertently gone for the jugular. He had promised Nikki and he was dreading telling her that he couldn't make it. He'd let her down too many times lately, but he just couldn't see any way round it, he really had to hit the books.
He fixed Steve with his most apologetic look "I'm sorry man I've got a ton of study to do. I've had a lot of extra shifts at the Pit. It's kinda cut in to my book time".
Steve leaned back in his chair and waved his hand dismissively. "So blow off the study. It's just one lousy night. What's the big deal? I mean you're doing alright". Brandon was a good student with a high grade point average. Steve couldn't see what the problem was.
"Yeah I'm doing alright, but if I wanna get in to a good college I need to be doing a lot better than alright." Brandon knew he sounded just like his father.
Dylan scowled "What is it with you Walsh people and college? You know Brandon I really think you and Bren should both just chill out. You're taking this college thing way too seriously."
Brandon frowned; evidently Brenda and Dylan still hadn't resolved their college differences. He knew Dylan well enough to know that pursuing the argument was pointless. He'd had a tough morning and although he felt strongly about the college issue, he wasn't in the mood for a discussion that could easily turn ugly.
Sensing a potential conflict Steve interjected before Brandon could respond. "You know Brandon" he said thoughtfully "you're going about this college thing entirely the wrong way".
"I am?" Brandon flicked his gaze to Dylan, but Dylan merely shrugged so he turned his attention back to Steve. " Okay Sanders, then why don't you enlighten me?" Although his tone was sarcastic, Brandon had to admit he was intrigued.
Ever the entertainer, Steve raised a hand to indicate that Brandon should wait. He deliberately dawdled over the last mouthful of his burger and took a long sip of coke. Finally, just as Brandon's patience had reached its limit, he wiped his mouth and indicated that he was ready to continue. "You see you have to think outside of the box."
"Outside of the box?" Brandon repeated blankly. "Sanders what are you talking about?"
Steve looked around to make sure that no one was listening. "I'm talking about being a little more creative in your studying strategy. I'm talking about using your initiative".
Suddenly Brandon understood "You're talking about cheating".
Steve feigned hurt "Brandon cheating is such a dirty word. I'm merely suggesting that if you're pressed for time there are more economical ways of ensuring academic success"
Brandon sighed. "Steve don't you ever learn? Cheating is not the answer. It just brings a whole heap of trouble. Dylan back me up on this would ya"
Dylan shrugged. "He's right man. My father spent his entire life cheating every way he could and all he ended up with was a whole lot of regrets."
Brandon could see that Steve still wasn't convinced. "Look Steve stop wasting your time dreaming up crazy schemes to improve your grades. C'mon man you're smarter than that. Besides would you really want to be the guy who cheated to get in to College?"
"Better that than the guy who was too dumb to make it to College". Steve said gloomily.
"What are you talking about I thought you said you were a shue in?" Brandon was surprised at Steve's sudden lack of confidence.
"Yeah well that was before I had my college counselling interview with Mrs Teasely. She told me I had a D+ average. Steve looked wounded "I thought I had a C-".
"Ouch". Brandon winced, that kind of damage to an academic record had to hurt.
"Yeah ouch is right". For once Steve's brash demeanour vanished. "You know what my father is like. If I don't make it to CU it'll be yet another example of me proving to be a disappointment to him ".
Brandon was sympathetic but he had spent his formative years being exposed to the Jim Walsh work ethic. "Look Steve you're a smart guy. All you have to do is put in some hours with the books and you'll be just fine".
Steve sighed. "I guess you're right". But he didn't sound convinced.
"I'm always right". Seeing Steve's glum expression Brandon tried to lighten the mood. He grinned at Steve and adopted an upbeat tone "So now we've sorted out our study issues how about you fill us in on this big event of Silver's that I'm gonna miss?"
Steve immediately switched in to his 'Sanders Management Group' persona. His frown vanished to be replaced by a beautific smile. "It's gonna be bigger than huge man, totally awesome. I'm telling ya this is one event you don't wanna miss. I had to pull out all the stops to get him on the bill. Quite an achievement if I say so myself." He put his arm around Brandon's shoulders and spoke conspiratorially "You know Brandon I really think you should reconsider. One day you're gonna want to tell people that you were there when David Silver got his first big break".
Dylan rolled his eyes "You're priceless Sanders you really are"
Steve beamed "What can I say when you deal with the 'Sanders Management Group' you're dealing with professionals."