Author’s Note: I don’t own Beverly Hills, 90210.
Stephanie stood silent her eyes never leaving the doorway. The kick to the stomach she had received from his image the night before was constantly being repeated with his phone calls and now his unexpected visit. She tried for years to escape him and there she was face to face with the man that haunted her dreams. Both of her protectors seemed to be just as tongue tied as she was. No one could make a move.
“Hello, Stephanie,” Uncle Pete managed to break the uncomfortable silence. As if out of reflex she placed her hand on Dylan’s arm and started squeezing. Dylan felt as if they were 12 years old again and they were cowering in the closet hiding from the scary man. The same fear over took him and it was as if he was trapped in a time warp. He wanted to move, he wanted to protect her, but he was still that little kid afraid of his father.
Stephanie’s reaction didn’t go unnoticed by Brandon as he watched the two became completely still. There was nothing about this man that he feared and he was not going to let him continue to ruin her life. “I think you need to leave,” he stepped forward in front of both of them. Pete just stood there with a smirk across his face. “I came here to talk to my niece and I think you gentlemen need to excuse us.” Stephanie again squeezed Dylan’s arm this time squeezing him out of that closet in his mind.
“We’re not leaving. You are.” Dylan stated as matter of factly as possible. Stephanie still could not move as her Uncle continued to stare at her wet body only covered by her white Terrycloth bathrobe. His eyes pierced into her and she could feel his hands all over her. Even if it was only his eyes, they were still violating her just by being there. The looks he was giving caught Brandon’s eye and he quickly moved to block his view. “Leave, or we call security,” he demanded.
A smile crept from Pete’s mouth, “Please, call security. They’ll tell you whose name’s on the lease for this room.” This prompted a response from Stephanie, “You bastard.” Pete continued, “I have every right to be here and I suggest you two make your way out of here before I call security.” He took a step toward her quickly being blocked by not only Brandon, but Dylan as well who spoke up again, “Well, Mr. Sloan, if this is your place, than I guess Stephanie’ll just have to find somewhere else to live.” Brandon turned his eyes up to Dylan as he motioned for Stephanie to go pack her things.
She didn’t have to hear the request twice. She turned herself around and walked into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. Dylan then stated to the older man, “Since you aren’t going to get to talk to her today or ever, I suggest you leave. You don’t have any control over her anymore.” Both waited for any smart comment that might be headed their way, but were relieved when he simply walked out the door closing it behind him.
Brandon let out a sigh. His curiosity took over, “Where is she going to live?” he directed to Dylan. “With me,” Dylan kept his stare on the now closed front door. Brandon wasn’t too happy with that answer, but knew that is was probably much safer for her and didn’t want to rehash what had started before the unwarranted visit. Brandon watched as Dylan finally released his gaze from the door and turned approaching Stephanie’s closed bedroom door. He knocked and from behind the faint sound of a response could barely be made out. Dylan entered the door leaving it open as Brandon approached.
On the bed, Brandon could make out the dark blue large suitcase that now had a very thin layer of clothes resting on the bottom. She did her best to keep her eyes on the task at hand and away from the two that now invaded her room. The slight sounds of sniffling caught Brandon’s attention as Dylan approached her. He watched as Dylan placed his hand on her shoulder and she seemed to once again freeze in her spot, mid stride between her dresser and suitcase. She continued her stare into the cloth box, but a tear could be made out escaping from her cheek and down into the box. Brandon moved in toward her bed and Dylan nudged her up and toward him. She stared into his eyes as the tears streamed down her face. He pulled her in close. She put her arms around him as her soft sobs echoed through the room.
Brandon felt the last bit of jealousy surge through him and let it quickly evaporate. He watched as the two friends embraced and realized that what he was watching was something that needed to happen many years ago. It wasn’t love, it wasn’t passion, it was trust and forgiveness. Something he knew they both needed desperately. He stood from the bed and crossed over to the two still embracing, patting Dylan on the back. He then went to Stephanie’s dresser and began filling her suitcase with what was left of her clothing as Dylan continued to comfort her.
Brenda had been trying to call Dylan since she got home from school with no success. She finally got fed up with waiting and called Kelly to ask for a ride to Dylan’s. Kelly showed up about 15 minutes later and they made their way over. As they drove up to the house they noticed not only Dylan’s car parked out front, but Brandon’s as well. Kelly parked behind Brandon as Brenda took off toward the front door. She already had a sneaking suspicion who may be over there and was ready to confirm it as soon as possible.
As she made her way in view of the glass door she could make out two figures behind it. She peeked through trying to make out the bodies of the apparent silhouettes. There she watched as Dylan stood embraced in the arms of another woman. Stephanie Sloan. Brenda knocked on the door making sure to break up the happy couple. Dylan pulled his attention away and they released each other. She watched as he approached the door.
Brenda stood on the porch with Kelly now right behind. “Hey,” Dylan greeted them, “Come in.” He opened the door as he invited them to enter. Brenda kept her eyes on Stephanie who now made her way over to the futon her and Dylan had shared the previous night. The two entered the living Brenda taking a seat opposite of Stephanie as Kelly made herself comfortable on the chair beside it. Stephanie nodded at the two new additions to the room, “Hi, Brenda. Kelly, long time no see.” Kelly nodded to her ready to respond, but was cut off, “So, where’s Brandon? Is he aware of how close you two have become?” she addressed to Dylan.
As if responding to his name Brandon entered leaving behind the back bedroom. “Hey, you two,” he smiled at Kelly and Brenda as he took a seat on the backing of the futon placing his hand on Stephanie’s shoulder. She watched as Stephanie returned the gesture and they smiled up at each other. Brenda’s attention turned back to Dylan who did not look happy. “Brenda, can we talk in the kitchen, please?” She knew she looked sheepish, but there was no way to take it back. She excused herself as her and Dylan made their way to the kitchen. As they walked, something caught Brenda’s eye in the bedroom Brandon had just come out from. There was a suitcase sitting open on the bed.
Before they could even make it in she questioned Dylan, “Is she living here now?” He was in no mood to put up with her accusations and let it be known, “I don’t need this right now. You were the one who wanted us to make up and now what, you’re jealous?” He glared at her. “Yes, I wanted you two to work it out so you wouldn’t be so upset anymore, but you didn’t answer my question.” She stared at him longing for an answer hoping that what she suspected was not true; hoping that this girl was not becoming a permanent fixture in her happy little world. She was becoming aggravated with the lack of response. “She has manipulated both of you. She is playing Brandon like a fiddle and what is she holding over you, Dylan?” Her frustration increased as he became more withdrawn, “Fine, don’t tell me,” she shook her head.
From beside them Brenda could make out a faint knock from the swinging door then noticed a head push past it. Stephanie pushed her way into the room and addressed both of them. “He won’t tell you, but I will. You deserve an explanation so please, come and sit down and I’ll give you one.” She turned herself right back around not waiting for a response and headed back into the living room. Brenda glared at Dylan then pushed past the swinging door.
She entered the room again and took a seat beside Brandon who had now switched places with Stephanie. Dylan entered behind and all eyes were now on the main attraction. She took no time starting her story, “I’m sure you two have heard the rumors. I’m sure that you know my father is in prison for abusing me. Well, what you don’t know is that my father was framed. Have either of you been paying attention to the news lately, about the new California Supreme Court nominee?” Both Kelly and Brenda confirmed that they knew about the information. “Peter Sloan is my uncle and the man who abused me. He set my father up when I threatened to out him. He’s the reason I was put into a foster home. Now that I’m back, he’s ready to do anything in his power to make sure that information doesn’t become public.” With those few sentenced a bright ray of light was shed on the situation. Brenda had to take a moment to let it all sink in.
The feeling of embarrassment passed through Brenda’s body. It all made sense now; why he was so upset about her coming back; why he was so distant from her; her need to find affection with every guy that showed her attention and now, why Dylan was being so protective of her. It was her that had pushed Dylan to reach out and when he finally did she snapped at him. Stephanie wasn’t playing the victim, she really was the victim and Dylan was only trying to protect her.
Brenda stood up from her seat, intent on correcting the situation. “I’m sorry you had to go through that, Stephanie and I’m sorry that I’ve been so hateful toward you. I wanted you and Dylan to make up so he would come back to me, but when he ran to you, I got jealous. I was an idiot for judging you the way I have been. You didn’t deserve that and I hope you can forgive me.”
Stephanie let out a sly smile, “Well, I never expected that. Took a lot of guts to say and I can admire that. I can see why Dylan is so fond of you.” She stood up from the corner of the futon, “You’re forgiven.” They exchanged a quick hug and then separated. Stephanie took a seat beside Brandon as Brenda continued to stand. Dylan approached Brenda and placed his hand out for her to grasp which she gladly accepted. Kelly’s curiosity got the best of her, “Why not turn him in now? You two don’t have a connection anymore.”
Stephanie shook her head, “He owns the courts around here. There’s no way they would believe me. I would rather just move on than have to go through that alone again.” Dylan came out of his cool silence, “You wouldn’t be alone,” he smiled at her. “Thanks Dylan, but right now, I don’t think your testimony would do much anyway. My father’s already been convicted and I don’t think there’s much I can do.”
“Maybe you don’t have to take it to court,” Brenda interjected. All eyes turned to her, “You said he’s afraid that you’re going to make it public. If it gets out it’ll ruin his chances of becoming a court justice. Why not make his fears come true? Put it on the six o’clock news.” Brenda smiled as a look of excitement crossed her face. Why this brilliant idea hadn’t crossed her mind before she wasn’t sure, but Stephanie found herself overcome with hope and satisfied that his may be the proper revenge. Even if he tried to dispute it, the public would eat it up. There’s no way he would be put on the bench. Stephanie let out a similar smile to Brenda’s. The whole room lit up with the suggestion. Brandon picked up the phone and handed it to Stephanie. He added, “It’s his turn to be scared.” She grabbed the phone out of his hand and began dialing.
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