Chapter 4 Back in L.A.
Years later
A knock sounded at Casa Walsh´s door.
Brenda went to the door and opened it. She hit it…it was Kelly.
„So it´s true. You´re back in town." Kelly smiled venomously at her.
„How do you know I´m here?" Brenda looked at her in surprise.
„Steve told me."
Brenda smiled her smug smile. „Because you know all about it."
„What brings you back here?" Kelly asked curiosly. „I thought you wanted to stay forever in New York."
„It´s actually none of your business." Brenda replied shortly.
„Now that I see you…Dylan died." Kelly´s smile grew even more venomous, almost malicious. „I´m waiting for the reading of the will. I want to know what Sammy inherits."
Brenda bit her lip.
She was about to answer Kelly when a man came up to her.
„Excuse me, are you Brenda McKay?"
Kelly lost her complexion. She looked at Brenda.
„Yes, I am." Brenda´s heart began to rejoice.
„I have a document for you here." The man handed her a document and disappeared again.
Kelly looked at Brenda´s left hand. A ring adorned her ring finger.
„Brenda, do you have anything to tell me?"
„I don´t know that I owe you an explanation." Brenda was about to close the door but Kelly stopped her.
„Brenda!" Kelly yelled.
Brenda had had enough. She turned around very calmly and looked straight into Kelly´s aggressive face.
„Well Kelly. When I was in New York with Brandon, Dylan and I reconciled. We have married. I know Sammy is not his kid. He showed me the test. And you, lousy bitch, you lied to me the whole time. And now excuse me, I´ve got things to do."
Kelly´s nostrils flared. Angry, she left the house and slammed the door behind her.
Brenda looked at the side window as Kelly threw herself into her red cabrio and drove away. She leaned her back against the door.
Two children, ages twelve and nine years old, came downstairs. A girl with long black hair and an Asian Face and a boy with brown eyes. His father´s eyes.
„Mom, what happened?" Asked Sheila Cynthia McKay.
„Nothing. It´s all okay. It was just the mailmen."
„Because of Dad?" The little boy asked.
Brenda looked at him. Even though he was only nine years old, Kyle Jack McKay was so smart. Brenda ran her fingers through his hair. He was an image of his father.
„Yes, because of Dad." Brenda got on her knees and took her children in her arms. It was going to be a tough time now. „Come, let´s eat."
The children nodded and went into the kitchen. Brenda clutched the envelope to her chest and walked into the livingroom. Dylan had died unexpectedly two months ago. At just forty-five years old. She didn´t want to be alone on the ranch. She hired a manager to continue running the ranch in Dylan´s will, and moved back to Beverly Hills. She found out from Brandon that Steve wanted to sell his house because he and Janet were getting divorced and Janet was already living with her new boyfriend with Maddy.
Steve was happy that Brenda came back. However, he did not know that she and Dylan had married. They hadn´t told anyone but Brandon and Erica.
„Brenda and Dylan got married?" Donna was stunned.
„Yes, indeed. And I want to know everything."
Kelly and Donna were on their way to the Walsh house. They hoped Brenda wouldn´t be there. And they were lucky. There was no car in the driveway.
„Are you going to break in now?" Donna looked at her friend.
„I am trying something." Kelly shoved her credit card in Donna´s face. They crept to the patio door and Kelly effortlessly opened it. When Kelly and Donna were inside, Kelly looked around curiously. She quickly went into the living room. She was hoping for some photos and information about Brenda and Dylan. And she quickly found what she was looking for. A big wedding photo stood on the fireplace. Kelly picked it up.
„Just look. Our dream couple." Kelly handed the photo to Donna.
It showed Brenda, in a beautiful dress, on the beach. Dylan wore a simple shirt and pants. They were beaming in the photo. Then Kelly´s eyes fell on another photo. It showed Sheila and a little boy. Kelly was shocked. The boy in the photo looked like Dylan.
„She did it." Kelly snorted. „She got her way. She has a child by Dylan."
„Show me." Donna reached for the photo.
„The perfect family." Kelly smiled sarcastically. „Everything I always wanted SHE got."
„And what do you want to do now?" Donna looked at her friend compassionately.
Before Kelly could reply, her view lasted on a portrait of Dylan, who luckily smiled in right of the photographer.
Kelly took a deep breath. Then they heard a car pull up the driveway. Donna and Kelly ran back to the back door and scurried through. But they didn´t go unnoticed.
„Mom, there are strangers in the garden." Kyle called.
Brenda and Sheila came immediately. And Brenda threw open the patio door.
„What are you guys doing on my property?" Brenda yelled.
„We wanted to see if you´re home." Kelly said calmly and saw Kyle standing right by the door. Sheila had her arm wrapped around im protectively.
„Congratulations Brenda. You had Dylan make you a child. I thought you couldn´t get pregnant anymore?"
„Disappears. Both of you." She screamed again.
Kelly raised her hands defensively and the two women left the property and drove away in Donna´s car.
„Who were these women?" Sheila asked.
„They used to be my best friends when we were in high school." Brenda watched them go.
„Weird girlfriends." Sheila followed her gaze.
„When is Grandma Iris coming?" Kyle asked.
„She was supposed to be here in a week. Aunt Erica will be there too." Brenda stroked Kyle´s cheek.
„I think it´s nice that Grandma is staying with us." Kyle smiled at his mother.
„Yes, then she won´t be alone in Hawaii anymore." Sheila was happy.
And while Brenda and the kids put away the groceries they had bought, Brenda had to smile. She couldn´t wait for Kelly´s face before she found out that Brandon was also coming back to Beverly Hills…with his family.
Brandon had received a super job offer by the L.A. Times which he couldn´t turn down. So he and his wife Carla had decided to go back, along with their twins…
After all the excitement, Kelly and Donna decided to go out to Dinner with Sammy and Ruby. Steve was there too. Ever since he´s beenn living alone, he´s been in the Peach Pit every day.
„Hi Steve" Donna greeted him cheerfully.
„Hello girls. What gives me the honor?" Steve smiled his charming smile.
„Kelly has to eat something to get the shock." Donna looked at her friend symathetically.
„What shock?" Steve was irritated.
„Kelly found out today that Dylan and Brenda got married and have a son."
„I´ve been wondering why Brenda would want her parentshouse home back. But now it all makes sense."
At that moment the Peach Pit bell rang and Brenda and the kids walked in. Steve saw the three first and was frozen for a few seconds. Donna and Kelly followed his gaze.
„Hi Steve. Nice to see you." Brenda was really happy.
„Won´t you sit down with us?"
„Thanks Steve. We´d rather just keep to ourselves." Brenda pushed her children the other way.
Kelly looked Kyle up and down. There was no doubt. The eyes, the mouth, he looked like Dylan. The exact opposite of Sammy. Turning back to Steve and Donna, Kelly looked at the menu card to find something for Sammy.
Meanwhile, at Brenda´s table, she read Brandon´s message to Sheila and Kyle.
„Uncle Brandon and Aunt Carla are coming tomorrow?" Kyle was very excited.
„Yes, their house is finished now. We can go visit they tomorrow afternoon."
„Great." Sheila clapped her hands. Then Dixon brought them their burgers and they comfortably ate their lunch.
Even though Brenda and the kids weren´t sitting within sight of Kelly and Donna, Brenda could feel eyes on her. And she was right. As they left the Peach Pit with Sammy and Ruby, Kelly looked Kyle up and down again and then walked out, shaking her head. A little later Steve came to them.
„May I join you?" Steve asked politely.
„Of course Steve. Come to me." Brenda smiled at him and made room next to her. Without further ado, Steve took Brenda´s hand.
„Brenda, it´s so nice to have you back in Beverly Hills. Without Dylan, but still."
Brenda looked at her hands. The pain was still there. She brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
„Thanks Steve. It means so much to me." Brenda squeezed his hand back.
„How are you doing? You?" Steve looked at Sheila and Kyle.
„We miss Dad quite a bit. It was unbearable on the ranch." Sheila looked at Steve with sad eyes.
Kyle looked down at his lap.
„Give me your hands." Steve spoke softly to the children.
Sheila and Kyle gave their mother a questioning look and Brenda nodded. They each gave Steve their right hand. He clasped her hands in his.
„Your Dad didn´t leave you. He will always be with you. Even now eating burgers. He is always here. It doesn´t matter where you are."
Kyle looked around. Then he looked at Steve. „Granny Iris said that too."
„Then it will be right. If Grandma Iris says so." Steve winked at them and managed to give the kids a small smile. Then he turned back to Brenda. „Don´t worry about Kelly. She´s calming down."
„I´m not worried about her either." Brenda bit into her burger confidently. „I´m only here for my kids now."
„And I`ll be there for you too." Steve was still holding Brenda´s hand.
„Thanks Steve." Brenda gave him a loving smile.
„And tell me, what are you up to now?" Steve grabbed a fries from the table and listened to the McKay-family.
Kelly was sitting in her office writing a report about Adrianna when she heard voices in the hallway. It was the voice of Harry Wilson, the principal of the West Beverly, and a woman. It sounded like they were walking all the way down the corridor. Kelly got up from her office chair and left her office to follow the voices. The voices ended in the school first-aid-room. She tried to listen but could only hear a babble of voices. Then Harry and the woman came out again. When Harry saw Kelly he was pleasantly surprised.
„That´s wonderful. Then I can introduce you to your new colleague." Harry turned to the unknown woman.
Then Kelly saw the unknown lady. She was slim, beautiful, dark curls, a fantastic charisma. It looked familiar to Kelly, but she couldn´t place it. Then Harry took over.
„Kelly, this is Carla Walsh. Carla, this is Kelly Taylor, our school psychologist."
Kelly paled. Did she hear right? Carla WALSH?
Carla shook hands with Kelly. „Kelly Taylor. Of course. We met in high school. I was the niece of Cindy´s housekeeper, Ana. Carla Montez."
Now it dawned on Kelly. Yes, she remembered Carla. She had looked stunning. She still did.
„And now Carla is our new school nurse." Harry explained proudly.
„Yes, I worked abroad for the Red Cross for many years."
„You´ve definitely seen a lot there." Kelly tried some small talk.
„Oh yes. And I doctored Brandon, too. That´s how we met."
„Please wait. Brandon Walsh? Then you are Brenda´s sister-in-law. It´s quite a family reunion." Harry laughed at Kelly who forced a smile.
„Okay, Carla, we agree. We look forward to seeing you from tomorrow." Harry shook Carla´s hand in farewell and left the two women alone.
„I have to go now too. The kids are waiting." Carla looked at her watch. „See you tomorrow, Kelly." Carla gave her a bright smile and walked down the school hallway.
Kelly looked after her and then went back to her office, snorting. That was already the second bad news within a few days that she had to cope with. How much worse could things get for Kelly?
Meanwhile, Brenda and Brandon waited for Carla to arrive. They were excited to see Kelly´s reaction to Carla and they weren´t disappointed. When Carla told them about the meeting, the twins could only laugh.
„Poor Kelly Taylor. First she has to accept my presence, now that you´re married." Brenda took a sip of coffee.
„I kind of feel sorry for Kelly." Carla looked at Brandon.
„Not me." Brandon shrugged. „Kelly lied to all of us. She lied to Brenda about Sammy, she took advantage of me."
„And now youu want revenge?" Carla was irritated.
„No. We just want to live here peacefully again." Brandon took his wife in his arms and kissed her gently on the cheek.
A little later Brenda drove home with the children. Steve was already waiting at the front door with a bouquet of flowers.
„Steve, what a surprise." Brenda beamed at him.
„I hope I´m not disturbing you." Steve asked cautiously.
„No. Come in." The children greeted Steve happily. Brenda went first, then the kids, and finally Steve. And while Brenda fetched water fort he flowers, Steve looked around the living room. Photos of Dylan and family lined the walls. Steve stared at one photo for a particularly long time. Dylan sat on a stool. He was wearing blue jeans and a gray shirt. He sat in front of a violet wall. The graying full beard made him look older but also sexy. Steve immediately felt a bit strange being in his house. Did he already feel guilty just for visiting Brenda.
„I made coffee for us." Brenda snapped him out of his thoughts.
„Oh, thank you." Steve was delighted.
„So what brings you here?" Brenda sat down on the sofa and invited him to sit with her.
„I just wanted to check on you." Steve answered honestly.
„You are sweet. Well, next week Iris and Erica are coming too." Brenda smiled at him.
„Brenda I don´t know how to say it…I mean Dylan went…unfortunately…I mean." Steve looked down at his hands excitedly. „You are a very attractive woman. I don´t think Dylan would want you to be left alone." Steve looked at Brenda, who looked down on her hands where her ring still was. Then his eyes swept to the right and he saw Dylan sitting in the corner watching Steve. He looked like of how the photo.
„Steve, Steve, Steve…" Dylan shook his head, grinning. „As soon as I´m underground you take the opportunity."
Steve looked back and forth between Brenda and Dylan. Brenda still looked at her hand.
„Admit it Steve, you´ve had a crush on Brenda since high school."
Brenda looked confused at Steve. „Steve, are you saying…do you mean…we?" She pointed between the two of them.
Steve looked back at Dylan.
„Just to Steve. Try your luck with her. You were always one of my closest friends and I trust you. I know you would never hurt Bren."
„I just want to say that, if you need a man´s shoulder to lean on or just a little tenderness, I´m here."
„Thanks Steve." She gave him a grateful smile.
After they drank their coffee it was time to go. Steve gave Brenda a kiss on the cheek to say goodbye.
Kelly closed her office door. Finally quitting time. She was walking down the hall, just wanted to wish Carla a nice end of the day, when she heard voices. Familiar voices. She went into the room. That´s when she saw him…Brandon. Once her great love. He hadn´t changed at all. He was just a little grayer and had a full beard. He looked damn sexy. She wanted to greet him but she couldn´t get a sound out. Instead, Brandon answered.
„Hi Kelly. Nice to see you." He gave her his famous Brandon smile.
Kelly forced a smile. „I´m fine, thanks." She said hurriedly and completely incoherently.
Brandon and Carla looked at her confused.
Kelly looked Brandon up and down and forced herself to keep her cool. Then, two children ran out of the back room and into their mother´s arms. Brandon noticed Kelly´s looks at the children.
„Nath, Natti? I want to introduce you to someone." He gently touched both children´s shoulders. „This is Kelly. An good old friend. Kelly, this are Nathan James and Natalie Inez."
The children grinned at Kelly.
„Nice names." Kelly smiled at Carla.
„Thank you. Yes. Nath is named after Brandon´s father and Nattie is namend after my mother." She explained.
Kelly looked at the children. They were maybe twelve years old. Two years younger than Sammy.
„When did you guys get married?" Kelly´s heart ached.
„Fourteen years ago." Brandon and Carla looked at each other.
„Then I don´t want to disturb you any longer. Have a nice afternoon." Kelly turned on her heel, leaving the family alone. Sammy was waiting for her.
The next morning. Kelly hadn´t slept very well the last night. Brandons lovely face and smile was still running through her head. In front of her stood her 3rd mug of coffee. Kelly was checking email when she read one from Brandon.
„Hi Kel,
our first reunion in twenty years might not have gone the way it should have. Shall we meet for a coffee? Maybe in the Pit? Don´t worry, Carla knows.
Greeting, Brandon"
Kelly immediately wrote back. She would like to meet. After work in the Pit. When Kelly entered the Peach Pit, Brandon was already waiting for her. They greeted each other warmly. Brandon's smell came to Kelly's nose and almost brought tears to her eyes. How much had she missed that smell?
„You look good Kel." Brandon gently rubbed her back.
„You too, Brandon." She inhaled his scent.
„So, what questions are on your mind?" Brandon smiled at her and handed her a cup of tea that he had already ordered for her. Kelly blushed. Brandon knew her too well.
„Why didn´t you marry me?" Kelly looked at him with sad eyes.
„You were too moody for me. I never knew where I was with you. And I always worried about you leaving me for Dylan."
„Brandon, I loved you. You were everything for me. I would never have left you. For nobody."
„And why did you want to give Dylan a child?"
„Because I didn´t want to end up alone. You were not there. I was desperate." Kelly was close to tears.
„I´m sorry Kelly." Brandon looked at her. „I just didn´t see a future for us anymore."
Kelly took a sip of tea. „How did you meet?"
„I was in Sarajevo in war zones for a long time. I was wounded in an accident. And then there was Carla. She recognized me immediately. One year later we got married and two years later the twins came."
„You are adorable."
„And what about you and Sammy´s dad?" Now Brandon asked.
Kelly looked at her tea. She took a deep breath. „It was at Donna´s birthday party. There was a guy. He was very nice. He flirted with me and complimented me all night. What can I say? Weh ad a date and hot sex. The next morning he was gone. I had such a strange feeling. Two weeks later David had a barbeque. I found out by David that Dylan also wanted to come." Kelly looked Brandon in the eyes. She was ashamed. „I put something in glass for Dylan." Kelly cried. „I was so desperate." She put her hands in front of her face.
„Does the father know about Sammy?" Brandon asked directly.
„Yes. But he wasn´t interested. He pays for Sammy but he doesn´t take care of him at all."
„Who does Sammy look like?"
„My father. I asked Jackie. Sammy looks like him when he was a child. A second Bill Taylor."
„I´m proud of you Kel." Brandon took her hands in his. „That you´re raising Sammy all by yourself."
„Oh Brandon." Kelly took his hand and cupped it to her cheek.
Brandon got up, sat down next to his ex, took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. Kelly enjoyed his closeness. After what felt like an eternity, they broke up again and Brandon took Kelly to the car.
„Thank you Brandon. For listening."
„No problem." He hugged Kelly goodbye. „See you."
„See you." Kelly then got into her car and drove away.
Meanwhile, Brenda and Steve went for a walk with Sheila and Kyle. Once the kids were on the slide, Steve took the opportunity and took Brenda´s hand. She pushed them back firmly.
„You never said where Dylan was buried?" Steve asked cautiously. „I mean no one should be there apparently."
„I scattered his ashes in the ocean with Brandon. That was always his favorite place."
„Oh yes. His ocean." Steve grinned. Then he let go of her hand and took her in his arms instead. „Dylan and you have always been very special. You were our dream couple. No matter what people say. Dylan was always proud of you. Even when you were separated."
„Thanks Steve. Your words are so comforting." Brenda snuggled into him. „I´m probably not the best person to talk to right now."
„That´s totally understandable. You lost you husband. I just want to be there for you." Steve hugged her tightly. And Brenda enjoyed his hug. It was so good.
„Mom, can we go home?" Sheila asked.
„Or can we have some ice cream?" Kyle asked.
„No ice cream before dinner, Kyle." Brenda said firmly. „Okay, we´re going home."
At the Walsh Villa, Steve started preparing something for Brenda and the kids.
„Steve, you don´t have to."
„No problem. I like to spoil you." Steve gave her his famous smile. Steve had cooked them a delicious curried chicken. It tasted fantastic. And for dessert there was mousse au chocolate. After the dinner they played with Sheila and Kyle at the Playstation. And because he didn´t want to impose himself on Brenda, he said goodbye shortly afterwards. Brenda walked him to the door.
„Thanks Steve. For listening, for dinner. It was nice."
„I have to thank. It´s nice spending time with you." Steve stroked her cheek. Finally he made up his mind. He leaned in to Brenda and kissed her gently. Brenda returned his kiss briefly, but then broke off.
„Steve, I really like you." Brenda began.
„I know you don´t have the same feelings for me. But that´s okay. I´ll wait."
„No Steve. But that would be unfair to you. You deserve a real partner who can also give you the right feelings. No grieving widow."
„Like I said Brenda. It´s okay for me. I can wait. You´re worth it."
„But I don´t want you to wait." Brenda took his hand. „You should be happy now."
„And what about you?" Steve looked at her worried.
„I´ll be fine." Brenda shrugged. „Do not worry. I guess I don´t want a relationship anymore."
Steve looked behind Brenda and again he saw Dylan who just shrugged.
„If you should change your mind…"
„Thanks Steve. But make yourself happy first." Brenda hugged Steve goodbye.
„I´ll call you Brenda."
„I´m here Steve." Brenda smiled at him. But already at that moment they both knew that Steve wouldn´t call her anymore. With a bang, Steve hopped in his car and drove away. Brenda looked after him for a moment, then she went back into the house. No, she wasn´t interested in a new relationship at all. And she doubted she would ever get there. Instead, she was looking forward to Iris and Erica coming to them in the next few days.
Steve continued to Kelly´s. Luckily she was at home. Kelly was very happy to see him.
„Come in." She prompted him immediately.
Steve walked past her straight into her living room where Sammy was playing on his Playstation.
„Hi uncle Steve." Sammy greeted him.
„Hi Sammy."
„What´s wrong Steve?" Kelly was worried.
„Is there somewhere we can talk in peace?"
„Of course. Outside." Kelly led Steve onto her patio.
As soon as the friends sat down, Steve started. „Kelly, why aren´t we lucky in love?" He looked sadly at Kelly. „Countless relationships and one broken marriage. That can´t have been everything."
„Janet?"
„Yes." Steve looked sadly in Kelly´s eyes. „I got that letter from her." Steve gave her an envelope. Kelly read it. Then she gave him Steve back.
„You´re asking the wrong person. Ever since Dylan, I´ve lost faith in a real relationship. I mean, Dylan just took advantage of me and Brandon married someone else. Not to mention my other relationships."
„Have you spoken to Brandon?"
„Yes this afternoon. We were in the Peach Pit."
„And?" Steve raised an eyebrow.
„He´s happy with his family." Kelly shrugged. „I think I´m supposed to be alone, apparently."
„You don´t have to, Kelly. You don´t have to." Steve sought her hand.
„You mean after everything we´ve been through together, is there a future for us?" Kelly looked at him hopefully.
„Kelly, you´ve alway been important to me." Steve squeezed her hand back. „We are soulmates. We share a destiny."
Kelly smiled.
She hadn´t heard such kind words in a long time. She looked at Steve. He was the only one who never cheated or lied to her. She never had to be jealous either. Kelly stroked Steve´s cheek. Steve closed his eyes.
„Shall we try again?" Steve asked hopefully.
„Yes Steve. I would like to try it with you."
Steve smiled happily and kissed Kelly´s hand. Then her arm. Kelly had to laugh. She hadn´t felt such tenderness in a long time. Their faces moved towards each other. Already Kelly felt Steve´s tender lips. She had totally forgotten how good a kiss Steve could be. She carefully opened her mouth. Steve understood her request. Kelly´s lips, how could he forget them. His first real girlfriend. They didn´t know how long that kiss lasted. All they knew was that they both needed it badly.
They didn´t know Sammy was watching them. Sammy just grinned. He was happy for his mother. She had been alone for too long. And with Steve as a stepfather, he was able to live wonderfully.
Kelly whispered in a respite. "Please stay with me tonight Steve."
Steve's eyes lit up. "Only if you want to."
And Kelly wanted to.
And in the middle of the night, both whispered each other's name.
Ready. And? Is this the right ending for all?
Sorry, but because of Luke´s death, I decided to write a story about the life for Brenda as an widow.
The idea of Brenda and Steve as a couple was only short lived. It wouldn´t have been believable. Steve was by far better for Kelly just like that in the original had should been.
I left Brenda as a single Mom. But that doesn´t mean that she should mourn Dylan forever and remain unhappy. She´ll be happy.
