Chapter 18 London
Dylan packed shoving clothes into a duffle bag. He laid out the cell phone Jonesy had sent, along with the flight info, where Jonesy was staying and his passport. He made a mental note checking and making sure he had everything. As he opened his passport a picture of Erica and Brenda fell into his hand. He studied it for a moment and took a deep breath. He couldn't forget the most important reason for this trip, to get Erica back but the thoughts of approaching Brenda was almost more terrifying than whatever plan crazy ass Jonesy had in store. He set the pictures back into the passport and called out hearing a knock at the door.
"Hang on…I am coming." Dylan yelled out. Picking up the duffle bag and hurrying to the front door. Dylan swung it open assuming it was the airport shuttle but instead Valerie came walking in.
"Hey…good morning." Valerie smiled and sat on the futon. "I got my hands on some killer scones, want one?"
"What are you doing here, its 6 am?" Dylan was shocked to see Valerie over this early.
"I was passing by, I have an early class and saw the curtains open, I hadn't seen you in a while…I missed you."
"Well now isn't a good time." Dylan seemed rushed as he started shoving things into his pockets.
Valerie's face turned serious as she looked toward the bedroom, "Why…is someone else here?" her tone bitter. Valerie and Dylan hadn't had sex in many months but Dylan was Valerie's only real friend. She could be herself with him, escape with him. She didn't have to put on an act with him. He didn't care if she was a wild child; he wasn't like Brandon and Kelly and the rest of them judging her. Valerie wanted more from Dylan, but Dylan had kept his word, staying platonic except for a few weak moments. Still all they had done was kiss but Dylan did care for her, and Valerie couldn't help but be jealous.
"No…its nothing like that, I am going out of town." Dylan opened his front door looking out for the shuttle.
"Well great…can I come?" Valerie smiled and got up.
"No…not this time, it's not that kind of trip. I'll call you when I get back."
"Come on Dylan…I am bored to death, it will be fun."
Valerie…come on, you expect me to believe I was your only stop this early in the morning. What were you leaving someone's house from the night before? You thought you would drop by for a little wake up call…come on Val, I know you."
Valerie's mouth dropped as she gave him a dirty look, "Whatever Dylan…I'll remember that." she said hastily as she stormed out. Valerie was insulted she wasn't sleeping with or seeing anyone.
Dylan shook his head as the honk of the shuttle sounded as he hurried grabbing his bag and headed out the front door. He knew he had hurt Valerie but he would have to deal with it later.
Dylan walked around the airport in London. He didn't see Jonesy anywhere nor had he got a call on that cell phone. After scoping the place out and walking around for an hour he made his way to a quiet area, taking out the cell phone and calling Jonesy's cell. Dylan banged the cell phone closed down when there was no answer. Dylan found the hotel information and took a cab. After banging on the door for several minutes he finally paid one of the maids to open the door. Dylan shook his head to find Jonesy passed out face down on the bed; the smell of stale liquor filled the room.
"Hey." Dylan said bringing his foot to the bed and shaking it.
Nothing, not even a stir, "Hey…wake up." Dylan yelled kicking the bed.
Jonesy stirred and moaned, "It's not a good time kid, come back later."
"Like hell it is, I just took an 8 hour flight, I am not coming back, get the hell up." Dylan kicked the bed again.
"Alright…alright, relax." Jonesy rubbed his face, struggling to get out of bed.
Jonesy and Dylan had words considering Jonesy was drunk or had been. Dylan questioned if he could actually do the job, he was sure as hell paying him enough to do it. After some choice words and a yelling match Dylan gave in and decided he really didn't have any other choices. If he was going to get Erica back and his trust back, he was going to need help. Whatever it was, it was better than where he was now.
"So where does this girl live?" Jonesy said as they secretly parked in an alley facing a rather big town home.
"In the theater district, I have to be honest with you though; me and Bren…aren't exactly on the best terms right now." Dylan took the binoculars from Jonesy looking toward the house.
"Well…that's great, why the hell not? Don't tell me this is a girl you have a past with?" Jonesy threw up his hands, "Great…it's a girl you fuck…great." he mumbled.
"Hey…watch your mouth." Dylan said angrily, "Yes she and I dated but I think I can get her to come around. Let's just say I am not the best drunk either. What exactly does she need to do?" Dylan handed the binoculars back.
As Jonesy brought them to his face, a smirk spread across his face, "Bingo…Carl…and Kitty Cavendish." Jonesy nodded proud at himself, "They took out a year lease. They have 50 grand in a local London bank but the big bucks are hiding away in a bank in the Cayman Islands. 10 million to be exact."
"How do you know that?" Dylan took the binoculars back focusing on no other than Suzanne and Kevin. They looked to be waiting for a car, as Dylan stared at them, out came Erica as she ran to them. "There's Erica." Dylan whispered. She had gotten so big, she was so pretty but still the same sweet girl he had met and fell in love with.
"Let's just say Jonesy has his ways. That's where your girl comes in. Let's head over and talk to her, we should get this plan going in the next couple days." Jonesy started the car.
Dylan lowered the binoculars and took a deep breath, "What's the plan exactly?"
Jonesy didn't answer him as he began to drive toward the theater district. "What's the address?"
Dylan ran his hand across his face and hesitated, he shook his head and after a moment he finally spoke, "64 Gower Street, room 24"
**
Brenda smiled in between scenes as she looked at Mike. Whoever said sex didn't bring people closer obviously didn't know what they were talking about. Brenda wasn't sure if it was the revelation that Olivia had brought on about Dylan or the fact that she really was falling in love with Mike but being with him made her forget about everything. Not only that but they had both got the lead in the holiday performance of Two Hearts and they were enjoying, probably more than they should have, working together in a play like that. Their chemistry was undeniable and since they were really dating, it was easy to act out the love scenes and romantic aspect of the play. It had actually been one of the easiest characters to get into. Opening night was in a week and everyone was feeling the pressure and excitement.
"Alright…people…Christine and Albert…take it from the top of Act 3." the director called out as Brenda and Mike took there cue.
**
Dylan sat in the car and looked up at the building, Jonesy just started at him because he was having second thoughts about using Brenda. Obviously Dylan had issues with it as well and to Jonesy it looked like Dylan was too attached to Brenda or his feeling were too strong for her. Jonesy didn't need any drama; he needed to get the job done. They wouldn't have another chance, if Kevin and Suzanne caught on, it would be over and who knows when they would find them again.
"Just so you know, I am not getting any younger." Jonesy commented as he stared over at Dylan. "Want me to come with you?"
Dylan shook his head and swallowed, "No…I'll be back, if I am longer than a half hour, I will get a ride back to the hotel." he exhaled opening up the door. He stared at the building again looking up the steps. "Here goes nothing…the moment of truth." Dylan mumbled as he took the steps two at a time.
Dylan found the second floor and walked down the hallway reading the plaques on each door as he tried to find room 24. He dodged a flying football, being in a mostly American housing building there were people in and out of the halls, music blaring and anything else you may find in a college apartment building. He came across room 24 and stopped in front of it. An overwhelming feeling came over Dylan and he had actually turned to say forget it when the front door of Brenda's room swung open. Dylan turned around and noticed a girl. She was taller, thin, she had big blue eyes and long eyelashes, short brown hair cut in a trendy bob and a look to her you didn't see in Beverly Hills. She was city, with a grunge punk persona. She stared at him, he didn't know who she was, but the way she looked at him, he knew she knew who he was.
"Dylan?" Olivia said shocked.
Dylan gave her an uncomfortable smile, "Olivia I presume."
"Yeah." she breathed out looking at him speechless.
"Did I come at a bad time? You look like you're going somewhere." Dylan stuck his hands in his pocket.
Olivia took a deep breath and glanced into her room, "Uh yeah actually I was going to head over to the main theater…what are you doing here?" Olivia wasn't one to beat around the bush.
"Long story…is Bren here?" Dylan's voice became low as he looked down at his feet.
Olivia exhaled, "No…she is in rehearsal, that's where I was going…to watch." Olivia spoke slowly; she was shocked to see this guy that Brenda talked so fondly of or at least used too. He also was 10 times cuter than his pictures and he had an air about him that made her nervous but was strangely addicting at the same time.
"Can I come along?" Dylan said making eye contact with her once again.
"Dylan…what are you doing? I have to be honest with you; I don't know how happy Brenda is going to be to see you."
"Well maybe you should leave that up to her." Dylan said with attitude, he was nervous already he didn't need Olivia making things worse.
Olivia got the vibe quickly and crossed her arms, she motioned with her head for him to come inside, "I'll take you to the rehearsal, but I want to know why you are here first."
Dylan sighed and moved past her into Brenda and Olivia's room. Olivia shook her head, what the hell did she do? She closed the door behind him and stood near it as she watched Dylan look around. Dylan glanced down at a few frames set up near Brenda's bed. There was a group shot of Sean, Olivia, her and Mike. One of her and Mike at rehearsal, another of her family, and one of her, Kelly and Donna.
"Surprised there is none of you?" Olivia said in a bitchy tone as she stared at him with her arms crossed.
Dylan shook his head turning around to look at her, "Not really." he said softly. Surprised…no…hurt…yes. Brenda was always an out of sight out of mind kind of girl.
"So…what's up, you haven't called or wrote a letter in months, you have a flight at your disposal to come here anytime and now…months later you show up. I can't wait to hear this." Olivia stared at him. She never once cracked a smile.
Dylan's first reaction was to give her attitude back but realized Olivia's tough exterior didn't look like an act. He could tell by the hint of New Yorker in her accent she wasn't messing around and why would she. She was Brenda's close friend; of course she would be protective. Dylan almost was glad she had made friends like that here. "Look I can only imagine what you think about me, I didn't come to London before because after Brenda wrote me that letter telling me to leave her alone, I thought about it and decided to do what she asked. There were a couple times I had packed and was this close to hopping on the plane." Dylan took a deep breath, "But I was nervous. Nervous to see her, nervous she had really moved on. I was…" Dylan hesitated.
"A pussy." Olivia finished his sentence.
Dylan cleared his throat by her forwardness, "Well…yeah." Dylan looked down swallowing hard, "I guess I was." He said softly.
"And why now?"
"I have been working with the guy she got in contact with when she was in L.A. Jonesy tracked down my sister here and I want to ask Brenda for help." Dylan laid it out for her.
"You're here with Jonesy?" Olivia eyes widened and her tough girl exterior took a turn, "Jonesy is in London?"
Dylan nodded confused, "You know Jonesy?"
Olivia smiled, "Do I know Jonesy, hell yeah I know him. He is an old friend of my fathers. He helped him in the same way years ago. He is the best."
Dylan smirked, "Yeah well it still needs to be proven. He is…an unusual guy that Jonesy."
Olivia laughed, "Yeah he is, but the guy knows what he's doing. So…what makes you so sure Brenda will help you? Maybe she has moved on." Olivia put up her guard again.
Dylan exhaled and shrugged, "I guess I don't, but…I would never forgive myself if I had come here and hadn't at least tried. If anything to see her, if that's all." Dylan looked down sadly.
Olivia reached for the door looking at him. She saw the hurt and nervousness he was putting out and even though Olivia didn't know Dylan, she could tell he wasn't the kind of guy that showed those things often. "Come on…the theater is like 2 seconds away." Olivia held the door open for him.
Dylan smirked as he headed for the door. Olivia and Dylan headed to the theater making small talk mostly about how Jonesy was doing. As they came to the big double doors of the theater Olivia moved in front of them. "I am surprised you haven't asked yet."
"Asked what?" Dylan looked at her intently, wondering what now?
"Just about Brenda…how she is doing? If she is seeing anybody? You know the things people ask."
Dylan looked down and took a deep breath, "It doesn't matter if she is seeing someone."
Olivia set her hand on her hip and looked at him. She smirked and shook her head, "You're a cocky son of a bitch huh?"
Dylan smirked back, "I guess I am." Dylan looked to the side before meeting Olivia's glare again, "Is it serious?" he said genuinely as his smirk went away.
Olivia shrugged playfully, "I thought it didn't matter."
Dylan exhaled and looked at her, she could tell it did matter and it did bother him but he wouldn't admit it.
"Has anyone ever told you, you're kind of a bitch?" Dylan smirked again.
Olivia smiled and nodded her head, "Yep…all the time." She moved out of the way and set her hand on the door, "I know I have been giving you shit but…I have been on your side the whole time. And…they have been dating a couple months." Olivia let her guard down again. She liked him, what could she say. He had her at bitch. Olivia opened up the door and they both slowly walked in together. They were in the middle of scenes and Dylan stared down at the stage from the back of the theater. His eyes locked on her in an instant, the way she moved around the stage. He could tell it was her even if he hadn't seen her face. She looked different, her hair was longer. It had only been a few months but that was the first thing he noticed. Olivia looked over at him, his eyes still fixated on Brenda. There was a sparkle in them that wasn't there before.
"She is amazing huh?" Olivia whispered, only to see Dylan nod in agreement.
Dylan's heart was beating so fast, and he felt tightness in the middle of his stomach. Dylan followed Olivia's lead as they walked down a few rows and sat down. "What's the play about?" Dylan leaned in whispering to Olivia, keeping his eyes on the stage.
They chatted as quietly as possible, "Brenda's character's, Christine, is in love with Albert…but she is engaged to William. Albert and Christine have been apart for 8 years but he comes back out of the blue and wants her back." Olivia looked at Dylan with a smirk, "It's oddly like your real life."
Dylan shook his head with a smile as they continued to watch. He was beginning to like Olivia more and more, she was comfortable to be around, even though she gave him a hard time, Dylan respected that. As the rehearsal ended, Olivia and Dylan kept their seats in the back. As more and more of the students were beginning to leave, they both looked around and didn't see Brenda.
"Come on, we can wait in the lobby, she has to go out there to leave the building."
Dylan and Olivia walked into the lobby, "Olivia…I am really…really nervous." Dylan turned to her, "Like how bad does she hate me?"
Olivia gave him a sympathetic smile, "Honestly, I don't think she hates you at all, but…" Olivia sighed, "You know Bren, I am sure she will make you suffer a little."
"I wouldn't expect anything less." Dylan joked as he noticed Olivia's face change. He knew she was behind him.
"Brenda." Olivia called out.
"Hey…what are you doing here?" Brenda called out coming toward them. Dylan heard her voice; he didn't even know he had missed it until that moment. He took a deep breath and faced the fear he had had for the last couple months...and turned around.
Brenda froze mid walk as the smile on her face faded quickly. She felt her heart beat so fast is seemed it would come out her throat. Actually all the noise around her stopped and if she listened close enough she could hear only the sound of it and her breathing. She stared at him, as he stared back at her. A small shy smile spread across his face after several moments but all Brenda could do was stare at him. What was he doing there? Why now? Brenda took a deep breath taking a step forward as Mike came out of no where wrapping his arms around her and lifting her slightly. Brenda kept her eyes on Dylan as Mike turned her a bit and pressed his lips to hers.
Dylan watched as the love of his life was wrapped into someone else's arms. Even though he was warned about her seeing someone, it didn't make it any easier to actually see it. Dylan kept his eyes on her, he couldn't look away. Almost in a trance, Olivia rested her hand sympathetically on his back as he came too. Mike gently placed Brenda back to her feet, leaning in and gently kissing her again. Dylan saw Brenda pull away quickly and turn her cheek in Dylan's direction as Mike kissed her again on the cheek. Dylan felt like he got hit with a Mack truck, he almost found it hard to breathe but he looked at her sadly and took a deep breath as Brenda and Mike approached them.
: ( I am sad…poor Dylan, but he deserves it, I mean how did he think Brenda felt watching Kelly and him do the same thing in front of her at school all the time. Anyway review pretty please, tell me how mean I am lol what do you think Brenda is going to do? What about Dylan…or Mike? Let me know.
