Work Text:
Kelly
“Donna, it’s going to be okay. We've had Thanksgiving on our own for years now. Whatever you do will be perfect.” Kelly made her way around the beach house as she tried to get ready to leave. Andrea and Hannah had moved in permanently once Donna moved in with David, and now with Clare crashing on their couch for a couple of days while she is in town, getting ready felt like an impossible task.
“You're right about that,” Donna conceded. But something in her voice was wobbling. Or was it? Kelly's thoughts were getting a little twisted, probably. Donna's voice jolted her back to her brother’s house and the looming chaos. “It's just a little weird to be the hosting adult and having to deal with the holidays, the before and the after.”
Kelly nodded in agreement as she picked up her keys, “I know it is, but as long as we’re all together, that’s all that matters.” She looked at Hannah, who was running out of her room with her backpack, and smiled. “This is gonna be a good holiday. I’m sure of it.” Andrea rounded the corner all ready for the day.
***
The crowd had practically blurred into the typical ball of noise you’d associate with an airport around the holidays. Even hearing Andrea was an effort. “Can you spot her yet?”
Dylan (who had wordlessly opted to entertain Hannah the minute they'd crammed around the terminal) turned his head before Kelly could say anything. “It's Clare, Zuckerman. She won't be late. Just jetlagged beyond belief.”
Kelly couldn’t help but smile brightly as she watched Dylan entertaining Hannah. He was always so good with kids. Before she could say anything she watched as Clare barreled towards them, luggage in hand.
“You will not believe the flight I just had.”
Kelly chuckled lightly as she pulled Clare into a hug and answered, “Well, at least you’re here now.”
They were still hugging when she caught Dylan playfully crossing his arms. In the coat he was wearing, it felt easy for his prankster side to shine alongside the warmth people would think of as alien about one Dylan McKay. “Excuse me,” he cleared his throat, tilting head at Clare. “Are Hannah and I chopped holiday liver here?”
Kelly couldn’t help but smile as Andrea burst out laughing, always entertained by Dylan’s antics. Clare moved from the girls over to Dylan and Hannah, greeting them both.
“I’m most excited to see you,” Clare whispered to Hannah as she dropped her suitcase. “Now let’s go see the newlyweds!”
Hannah chipped in, giggling. “Maddie, too!”
Dylan grinned as he winked at the kid. “Sorry, Clare. The hierarchy was irrevocably set in stone days ago.”
Kelly found herself nodding along even though the idea of seeing more celebration set her on edge, straight down to her bones in a way she could hardly explain it to herself.
“Let’s go, Kel. It’s gonna be a good day.” Dylan walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek.
There was something so calming about the place they were in now. They were really all in together, but even Dylan’s presence couldn’t fully take the edge off.
She followed him, almost wishing she could stop and melt into him and the peace he seemed to carry within.
As Hannah, Andrea and Clare’s chitchatting buzzed happily in her ears, she forced herself to pay attention and shake the funk off.
***
As David opened the door, laughter and holiday chatter filled the air, but the look on his face could only be described as overwhelmed.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” He said as he greeted them all individually.
Kelly felt a sort of relief that she wasn’t the only one feeling like the other shoe was bound to drop today.
Hannah took off in search of Maddie immediately after greeting David.
Shaking off a fond smile, Dylan asked, “Everyone here yet? Last I heard Nat was gonna pick up Brandon. Not to rush anyone, but entertaining Hannah was enough of a work out we might have to do another food run.”
“Yeah they just got here about five minutes ago. Janet’s in the kitchen helping out Donna and Val is catching up with Steve and Brandon in the living room. Gina said she’ll be here in a few minutes.” David turned to Dylan, “Wait do you really think we don’t have enough food?”
Dylan shook his head. “Relax, Silver. I was joking. You and Donna have been hauling groceries for a week, man.”
Kelly rolled her eyes. “Are we ever gonna glance at this food, Oh-Great-Jokester?”
Dipping his head towards her, he volleyed back at David, “You heard the lady, Silver. We'd better wrangle everyone and sit down.”
“Dinner is ready!” Donna rushed out of the kitchen with Janet following closely behind. Everybody started to appear, sharing greetings’ and preparing for the holiday dinner ahead.
“Well I got here just in time,” Gina strolled up to the front door right as the group were walking inside.
Kelly and Gina had a long and tumultuous history, but now that she and Dylan are committed to each other, she hoped that they could finally get along.
“Hey, Gina. I'm glad you could make it tonight.” She wasn't even saying it out of politeness. As an only child, she knew holidays could be lonely as hell. “Will you tell Donna she's handling this like a pro? Apparently I'm biased.”
“Thanks,” Gina seemed caught off guard by Kelly’s kindness because their relationship has always been anything but kind, but she appreciated it nonetheless. “Let me go and check on her.” Gina bounced off to tell Donna that everything is going to be okay.
“That was surprisingly mature,” David commented. “I was kinda expecting a blow out.”
Kelly rolled her eyes. “Like throwing her into traffic?”
He held up a hand. “That happened one time. I’m just saying, you guys weren’t exactly on great terms when she left. And by you guys,” he tilted his head at Dylan, “I meant you three. And y’know, the age old classic of you two being joined at the hip because it’s a day ending in Y.”
“Listen, we may have all made some bad decisions at one point during that mess, but at least we all ended up where we were meant to be,” Dylan retorted to David. Kelly smiled brightly as Dylan placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“You say bad decisions,” David repeated matter of factly, “I say you two are stubborn as hell. Let me elaborate: you vehemently denied being back for Kel when we all saw you sprinting for her. And you,” he cut a glance at Kelly. He wasn’t disgusted. More like—exasperated. “All it took was one telegram. One. And you took off for the airport so fast you basically tripped, sis.”
Crap. Kelly wasn’t expecting David of all people to dredge that up.
Val sauntered in at the exact right moment, “Did somebody say Telegram?” Kelly felt her cheeks start to blush and that entire day came flooding back in her head. Of course she said at the time she was just going to tell Brandon that she had finally made her choice, but deep down inside she always knew she’d never truly move on from Dylan.
“You’re the second person to mention one from me, actually.” Dylan’s voice was amused, almost curling into her shoulder like a shawl; his hand splayed openly on the small of her back. “Problem is, I never sent one.”
It’s Kelly’s turn to hold up a finger. “Let me just say I wasn’t gonna demand anything from anyone before I got it, anyway. I was just trying to elaborate, and you didn’t owe me a thing, Dylan.”
Val smirked as she let out a light chuckle, “Everybody knew you two would end up together someday, so I just tried to push it along. I wanted to save Brandon from some heartbreak.” She shrugged, “But… I realize that fake telegrams are probably a bad idea.”
Kelly could feel Dylan smirk against her cheek. “Actually, I think I started that puzzle way before I left, Kel. That little dye comment ring any bells, Val? Granted, I was not plotting anything, either. But I did say it.”
“Dye comment?” Kelly looked to Val with a bit of confusion. “What dye comment?” All the eyes in the room seemed to be on her, which was silly when you think about it since they’ve been publicly back together for 6 months now.
Val smirked. “Something he said, way back when. It was along the lines of, why you thinkin' of dyeing your hair? When I asked if he loved you or Bren.”
Kelly almost turned to Dylan to hide her ferocious blush, when Erin ran in with the other kids. They all seemed to be having a roaring good time. Something like mischief twinkled in her sister's eyes. “Donna has something to say!” She almost screamed.
Between the volume and the look on her face, Kelly couldn’t help but start to feel nervous again. It was that feeling in the pit of her stomach that she hadn't truly been able to get rid of all day. Her mind was racing as everybody quickly made their way into the other room to hear this announcement Donna was about to make.
Steve and Janet exchanged a look that seemed to say, this was not the plan as they settled behind a toddling Maddie.
David and Donna also seemed nervous. They kept looking at each other like they wanted to burst into giggles. Kelly hoped that was enough to distract everyone from her reaction.
David kissed Donna’s cheek and then grabbed her hand as she began to speak to the group, “We are so grateful you’re all here today to celebrate our first Thanksgiving as a married couple,” She paused for a moment and Kelly could tell she was bubbling over with excitement, “And our last Thanksgiving as a family of two.” Kelly felt her stomach drop at that, she had seen the signs but she didn’t really think it was real. The last pregnancy they experienced together was when she found out that she had endometriosis. “We’re having a baby!!”
Moving to hug her almost happened on autopilot. She wasn’t bitter; she just felt like she’d dealt with that particular door closing already. And yet, that simple phrase was enough to send her spiraling.
She excused herself as the others took their turn to offer congratulations. “I need to use the restroom,” she said to no one in particular, hoping it didn’t sound empty.
***
Dylan
Dylan noticed immediately that Kelly seemed a little off. If he was being fully honest she had seemed a little nervous for the last couple of weeks, but after everything that had changed over the last six months, it made sense. He made a mental note to check in on Kelly in a little while to make sure she was doing okay and then rushed over to Donna and David to congratulate them. “Another Silver in the family. Congrats man,” He said to David before pulling Donna into a hug, “I’m so happy for you, Donna.”
Nat and Joan almost pushed him out of the way to get their congratulations in, “I have never been more proud of you than I am today.” Nat said with joy on his face before pulling both Donna and David into a hug.
Joan continued on, “We can’t wait to spoil this little boy or girl rotten.”
Nat had barely moved out of the way when Brandon clapped David on one shoulder. “Seems like just yesterday you were constantly following us around with a camera, man. Congratulations!”
Dylan waited until David thanked him (and he noticed there were some tears) before crossing his arms and tilting his head at his old friend. “I'll say that's not the only throwback I caught, Walsh.” He waggled his brows. “You and Andrea being so in sync? And having inside jokes?”
Brandon looked away. “Dylan,” he groaned, “We're not—”
“—and do not get me started on the longing looks…”
“Figures you would notice those… Have you scarred anyone lately, McKay?”
“Hey man, the only longing looks I give now are to Kelly,” He realized this was probably an awkward conversation to have with his girlfriend’s ex-fiancé, but they’ve been friends for years now and they can definitely joke around. Right?
Before Brandon could give another answer Andrea appeared once more. It was almost like she heard them talking about her. She had just spent the last five minutes crying and hugging Donna and rambling on about some conversation they had on their senior trip. She wrapped her arm around Brandon and Dylan and laughed, “Can you believe we’re really creating the next generation of Peach Pit goers.”
“Says the girl who quite literally started it,” Brandon teased.
Dylan had to hold himself back from smirking. If it walks like a duck…
He caught Nat mirroring his exact thoughts over Brandon's shoulder.
He winked at his old friend before shaking himself and making his exit. “Well, lovebirds… If you'll excuse me, I have a lady to go find.”
Brandon glared at him and mouthed, who's longing again? As he watched Dylan move away.
Dylan roamed around through Donna and David’s house trying to find Kelly. She had been gone for a significant amount of time at this point and he was beginning to worry. It wasn’t like her to disappear like that especially after such a big announcement from Donna and David.
He thought the bathroom thing was an excuse, but it was the only room he hadn't checked. He knocked softly, and he heard her call out, “Andrea, I'm fine, I promise. I'll be right out.”
He slid the door open. “Not Andrea, Kel. You practically disappeared and I got worried, because, as much as you brushed it off, I did notice you've been in your head for a while lately.”
Kelly glanced up at him from her seat on the tub. She did not mean to keep anything a secret from Dylan, it was just that Donna’s possible pregnancy wasn’t her secret to tell.
“I sort of caught Donna having symptoms at that work party I threw—remember at the boutique? And it brought back something that happened to me in college. You can guess by me running away now that it ended pretty badly.”
Dylan was immediately concerned as he moved over towards her and plopped down, “What do you mean? What happened in college?”
If there was one thing Dylan McKay never failed at, it was showing up for the people he loves, and Kelly is at the top of that list. The thought of her going through something without him knowing about it was his worst nightmare. And now it was happening.
Kelly looked away as she spoke, gaze fixed on the cabinet. “I got pregnant when I was twenty-two. But I barely realized it—thought I was just late, actually.” She stopped so completely it felt like she’d snuffled out a candle. “Turns out I miscarried, and miscarrying led to an endometriosis diagnosis. I put it out of my mind. Or I thought I had. It just… hit me all over again. And I ran away because Donna didn’t get pregnant to throw it back at me, but I felt like I was gonna say the wrong thing.”
“Kel, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” He immediately engulfed her in a hug to try and comfort her. “What can I do?” He was not fully familiar with endometriosis or what it entailed but he did know that he would be there for her every step of the way.
She sniffled into her shirt sleeve. “There isn't much either of us can do. Except monitoring my period and pains and being careful until I get pregnant.” She stopped again, swallowing so hard it felt like a crack against Dylan's own throat. “If I ever get pregnant at all, that is. For now though, I have to apologize to Donna and David and everyone. I probably freaked them out. Again.”
“Listen, Kel, I love you and our friends love you. We’re all here for you, no matter what.” He gently kissed the top of her forehead and then reached for her hand to help her up. “We’ll get through this together.”
She took a deep breath. “You're right; you're obviously right. I just feel like I made a happy occasion sad as hell.”
Dylan shook his head at her. “You didn't choose any of this, Kel.” Squeezing her hand as if to remind her of his presence, he added, “C’mon, let's get back in there.”
***
Kelly
Kelly held Dylan’s hand as he softly led her back towards the group. Obviously she was still full of so many different emotions, but Dylan was able to soothe her worries slightly. Once they got back to the group she couldn’t help but smile as she watched her friends gathered around and celebrating two of the most important people in her life.
“You two wasted no time, huh?” She teased as she gently reached out for Donna. “Do any of us look like Aunt/Uncle Material that much?”
Clare joined in. “I can still see us going crazy to catch that bird Joe got you as a present and—BAM. You’re growing a tiny human in there.”
Janet blinked. “A bird? What? How? Why?”
Clare shook her head almost to the rhythm of Donna’s chuckle. “Trust me,” she confided, “it’s funnier to hear about than to experience.”
“You might just have to tell me that story,” Janet said with a light laugh. Kelly couldn’t help but smile to herself because all she had heard from Steve for the last two weeks was how worried he was about Clare and Janet being in the same room and here they are laughing and getting along.
She looked back at Donna who was giving her a concerned look. “You okay?” Donna questioned quietly.
“Absolutely. Just so happy for you,” Kelly retorted with a big smile on her face as she gave her a hug. “My brother and sister are having a baby!”
Steve smirked. “If sixteen years old Kelly could hear you, she would absolutely lose it,” he teased.
“Sixteen years old Steve, on the other hand,” she retorted, “would absolutely buy the dad part, but Clare and Janet? That would kill him.”
Steve laughed out loud and then whispered to Kelly, “Seriously I feel like I should be worried about this.” He then motioned towards Janet and Clare chatting on the other side of Donna.
Kelly rolled her eyes, “Steve, you and Janet are married and have a child together. Also you hang out with your ex-girlfriends all the time. Unless you forget about our one year long high school relationship.” She laughed at her own joke. Her and Steve have truly come a long way from high school.
Steve faked a shudder. “Uhm—hello? I was in that NYC hotel room, and it looked like a flower shop had exploded; I can take a hint, Kel.”
Had Thanksgiving been switched with Let’s Embarass Kelly Day?
***
Dylan
Once Dylan felt confident that Kelly was feeling more comfortable he made his way over to Nat and Brandon who were chatting away about who knows what. “Now that Zuckerman is over there with the girls, can we finally talk about what’s going on with you two?” He asked with a laugh, partially joking, but mostly just very curious about all the lingering looks between the two of them.
Brandon looked at Dylan again with confusion, “I really don’t know what you’re talking about man.”
Dylan was not convinced. He had seen the two of them in high school, and over the years Brandon and Andrea had stayed consistently in contact with each other even when they were in different states, “Whatever you say, man, but I’m sure Nat agrees with me.”
Nat laughed as he raised his arms to say absolutely not, “No way am I getting involved.” He paused for a moment as he tried to pivot the conversation, “I’ve been meaning to ask you, Brandon, but how’s your sister?”
Dylan kept quiet. He’d expected Brenda’s name to pop up, obviously; it simply felt like a delicate subject still. He was sure Brandon was up to speed on everything, and he hoped it wouldn’t bring back grudges—especially now that it looked like Brandon would be sticking around. (Having a confirmation was only a matter of time. One with which, he considered to himself, Kelly might have more luck by asking Andrea.)
“She’s good, Nat,” he assured, voice measured. “She tried to free herself up to visit, but gigs wait for no woman apparently. Her boyfriend might be relieved to have more time to prepare, though.”
“Joanie, Brandon’s sister Brenda is an actress and she put on one heck of a performance when she worked a shift at the Peach Pit.” Nat couldn’t help but laugh as he tried to explain the Laverne situation to Joan.
Dylan couldn’t help but think about how different everything was back then.
Before he could get too stuck in nostalgia Steve came rushing over, “Guys, Janet and Clare have not stopped talking since the baby announcement. Do you think they’re complaining about me?”
Dylan laughed lightly and began to answer but was cut off by David who appeared out of nowhere, “Yeah they are.” His laugh could almost fill the room and you could tell he was enjoying seeing Steve squirm.
“Oh no.” Steve said as he put his hands on his head. “I’m screwed.”
“Steve,” David and Dylan nearly sighed in unison, “see that little gold band on your finger? That means Janet married you.”
“And besides,” David added, “you didn’t get stuck in a pair of handcuffs. I did.”
True to form, Valerie chose that exact moment to chime in. “Way to go, Papa. But also… how come I’m just hearing about this now?”
“There was just one night with Clare and some handcuffs…” He paused for a moment and you could tell he was remembering something, “and it actually turns out Donna had to come and save me.” The group began to laugh at the thought of college Donna walking in on David in handcuffs.
“Silver, man, you have lived many lives my friend.” Dylan laughed at the ridiculousness of this story and how strange it was that after all of these years little freshman David is actually one of his best friends.
“Says the man who reluctantly got me over my first hangover,” David intoned. “Granted, you would’ve preferred to do anything but that, but you handled it like a pro.”
“You were surprisingly easier to wrangle than Mr I’m Looking For A Story, over there.” Noticing Nat’s confusion he added, “Your best busboy got roofied that very same night.”
Dylan watched as Nat and Joan’s face filled with horror, “What happened to you Brandon?” Nat immediately jumped into father figure mode. It was kinda nice that at the end of the day Nat will always be like a dad to them all.
Brandon shrugged. “What he said.”
“Nuh-uh,” Steve cut in, "elaborate. The whole sordid tale, my friend. Walk on the wild side with the absent blonde included.”
Dylan cleared his throat.
“I did say absent,” Steve protested, “but okay, the blonde who none of us da–wait does that still count?”
“It counts.” Dylan hissed. “Emily may be blonde, but she’s not my type.”
***
Brandon
Before Brandon could chime back in he felt a small tug on his shirt. He looked down to see Hannah frowning up at him. “I need help, Brandon.”
Brandon knelt down next to Hannah so he was eye-level with her, “What’s the matter?”
He could almost feel Dylan’s eyes burning into the back of his head. Sure he had spent a lot of time talking to Andrea and even thinking about Andrea but that doesn’t mean he wanted to be with her romantically. Right?
“I need a spot.” The frown grew deeper. “To hide. It's Frankie's turn to count.”
Brandon smiled brightly, happy to be a part of his goddaughter’s life, “Oh, why don’t I show you the absolute best spot to hide?” He stood back up and reached for her hand, “We’ll be back.”
Brandon made his way over to the corner, carefully avoiding eye contact with Dylan, and taking Hannah to a spot to hide. “Frankie will never find you here, but you have to be extra quiet, okay?”
Hannah nodded her head and gave Brandon a quick hug before she slid into her hiding spot, while Frankie was still counting down from 10.
Brandon felt another smile creep across his face. Andrea was probably one of the most important people in his life since they moved to Beverly Hills all of those years ago, and he’s loved Hannah since Andrea told him she was pregnant. Andrea, and Hannah, will always be special to him, but that didn’t mean he wanted to be with her…. Before he could continue with that thought he saw Andrea smiling at him from across the room. Crap.
He didn't need to look at Dylan and the guys to know they had read something into that.
He opted for a ready diversion. “Chief, I thought you of all people would have turned Hannah into a strategic genius.”
Andrea shook her head, curls swaying above her ear. “You're not helping.”
Brandon smiled a little to himself and then looked back at Dylan, David, Steve, and Val who were staring at him with a very smug look. Ugh. He walked back over to the group and before they could say anything he started with, “Don’t.”
Dylan tried his best not to laugh. It felt weird not to be the one teasing because he used to be so reserved he could have passed for a wall. “Tease? We wouldn't dare.”
***
Dylan
“Listen guys, and Val, this has been fun but we’ve gotta get out of here.” He clapped Brandon on the shoulder, shook Steve’s hand, and gave Val a quick kiss on the cheek before pulling David into a hug, "Congrats again, Silver. So happy for you, man.”
“If you leave without saying bye to Hannah, Maddie and Erin, we'll never hear the end of it,” David said, voice still emotional.
“That's why Kelly and I have to get moving. Erica is in a whole other timezone, and we don't wanna miss her.”
Dylan made his way out of the group and over to Kelly who was giggling with Donna and Janet.
“Kel, we have to head out cause Erica is going to be calling us soon.” He slipped his hand around her waist, as he whispered in her ear. He was so relieved to see that Kelly was having fun with her friends. He didn’t realize how tense he had been until he felt the calmness come over him when he saw her smile.
“Oh, right, she said she'd try to catch us while awake,” she nodded. “It’s been a great day, gals. Don, I'm so glad you and David had such wonderful news. Brandon, Clare, it was good to catch up. Val, you could also avoid being a stranger.”
Dylan gently pulled Donna into a hug, “Congratulations again, Donna.” He said the rest of his goodbyes before grabbing Kelly’s hand and gently leading her towards the door. He was so excited to hear from Erica and find out what was new in her life.
“Man,” she teased. “I can just see you collecting Erin's class gossip one of these days. Are you expecting to live vicariously through your little sister?”
“I just want to be involved in her life, Kel.” He laughed lightly, but he really meant it and he knew Kelly would understand. They both grew up feeling alone in their own families and getting their baby sisters was like a second chance.
“Well luckily we are,” Kelly said to Dylan with a proud smile as she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. Before they could continue further Dylan’s cell phone rang. “That must be her.”
“Hey, Erica, happy Thanksgiving,” he said into the phone, still smiling. “How’re you?”
“Eh, it’s going. What about you guys? I’m assuming you’re with Kelly and everyone.”
“Almost everyone. We’ve got news—”
“—Donna’s pregnant,” Kel chimed in. “She and David just told us. We’re upgrading from eldest to Aunt and Uncle.”
“Holy cr—seriously?”
“Erica,” Dylan admonished playfully, “a literal one year old could’ve caught that.”
Neither he nor Kelly needed to see her to catch the eyeroll. “Jeez, dude, are you rehearsing or something?”
Hopefully someday. “Don’t mind him,” Kelly cut in, “he’s been after the kids most of the day. He’s a little grumpy.”
I’ll show you grumpy, he mouthed.
“I’ll let you guys go nap, then,” Erica teased. “Congratulate Donna for me, will ya?”
“Of course,” Kelly assured. “Email more often, though.”
“I second that, Sis. You’re harder to track down than Iris.”
“I will try,” she chuckled. “Good to hear from you both.”
“Ditto, kid.”
Once he’d hung up, he arched a brow at Kelly. “Grumpy, huh?” He reached for her, head tipping forward, “I’ll have to change your mind.”
***
Steve
“Hello beautiful,” Steve whispered quietly in Janet’s ear. “I think it’s time I get my two favorite girls home.” He laughed in that maniacal way he always did when he joked around. “I just told David that we’d help get Erin ready for bed.”
Janet’s smile was warm and loving as it always was, “Sure Steve.” He could see her pausing for a moment as if she was thinking about her next words. Panic set in. Did Clare tell her about all the embarrassing things he did in college?
“Clare is very sweet. I liked her a lot,” Janet said to him as she leaned in to give him a kiss. “Let’s go get Erin and Maddie.”
“Sweet?” He repeated. “Is it some female code word? I can’t believe you two actually hit it off on the same day Donna tells us she’s pregnant.”
Janet rolled her eyes. “I should’ve said patient. I guess you do have a type. Erin, c’mon, let’s get this bedtime show rolling.”
“But I’m not tired,” Erin protested. “And I bet Maddie isn’t either.”
“Nice try, Littlest Silver.” Steve rebuffed. “And the Beat is the Washington Post. You need another excuse, Missy.” And I need to come up with another nickname.
***
Andrea
“Are you sure you don’t mind driving us home?” Andrea asked Brandon as Hannah was running around the house trying to gather her belongings before they left.
“Chief, I told you a million times it’s fine! You guys are on my way to the hotel anyway.” She felt a feeling of relief come over her. Things with Brandon had always been a little complicated because there were a lot of feelings there, many of them being romantic, but they’re finally in a really good place.
“Thanks so much for having us, you guys. We were so happy to be a part of Thanksgiving again!” Andrea pulled both Donna and David into a hug, “I am so happy for you both.”
Donna smiled. “We’re glad to finally have the house full of friends,” she leaned closer, voice lowering, “Assuming that’s still the right designation, that is.”
“Oh, God,” Andrea almost groaned. “Not you, too. I’m—we’re still finding our footing, and Brandon is just visiting, anyway.”
Donna stared at her and said with her usual penchant for wisdom, “Dylan almost left three times in the last year alone and look at him and Kelly now. Right back into high school sweethearts territory. Give it time.”
Before Andrea could say anything else Steve and Janet appeared with Maddie in their arms, “We just wanted to let you know that Erin is upstairs in bed..” Janet slid in next to Andrea, “and to just congratulate you again on your pregnancy.”
Hannah quickly chimed in, “Thanks for the Turkey!” Andrea laughed lightly as she watched Hannah skip towards the door.
“I guess that’s our cue,” Brandon said with a light laugh as he watched Hannah approaching the door. “Thanks again for the great day and I’m so happy for you both!”
Andrea couldn’t help but feel so happy watching Brandon rush to catch up to Hannah at the door. There was something so perfect about the feeling of the three of them heading home together, even though she would never admit it out loud. The concept of family had become so warped to her lately—but that simple glimpse gave her so much hope.
Moving back across the country with a six year old might be hard, but she felt like she could do it with so many friends by her side. Brandon included. In whichever shape.
Even Jesse’s anger seemed far away and manageable, for the first time in forever. Her list of things to be thankful for in 2000 had indeed turned out to be plentiful.
As they were getting ready to get in the car they heard Nat’s voice coming from down the street, “Hey kids, I know you are going home, but Frankie here won’t leave until he says goodbye to his new friend Hannah.” Andrea’s smile grew as she watched Hannah excitedly hop back out of the car and rush over towards Frankie giving him a big hug. She had been feeling so lonely since moving back to Beverly Hills, so seeing even this small gesture meant the world to Andrea.
She smiled at the kids and Nat and Joan.
We’re all gonna be okay. Even if it felt like she could recognize only half of the place she’d grown up in at times. It’s only a matter of time like Donna said.
***
Donna
The house wasn’t yet back to quiet, even though most of their guests had bowed out. It felt good to have so many people to turn to, but the busy day was catching up to her.
Or maybe it was just her new normal and she hadn’t gotten used to it.
“You look pensive over there.”
Donna turned around to see Gina standing in the kitchen doorway.
“Uhm, just taking a breather. I hadn’t anticipated that hosting would be so much juggling.” Donna shrugged. But I’m glad you could come. I wish we could do this more often. To—reminisce and bond, y’know?”
“I’m glad I came, too. I mean, I’m gonna be an aunt. That’s a sentence I never thought I’d say without a never in there.”
Donna almost didn’t know what to say to that.
“I am sorry, by the way. About—everything.”
“Gina,” Donna started, “you didn’t create this mess. Our parents did. We just gotta… learn to navigate it.”
Gina chuckled. “Amen. Listen, I’m gonna go before Val or Clare falls asleep on the couch. Clare decided to avoid intruding on Kelly and Dylan since they were—how can I say it? So touchy-feely. None of us wanna be out alone, though.”
“Don’t wait ‘till I’m waddling to visit again, though.”
“Are you kidding me? No way I’d let Kelly plan the nursery solo. There’s no accounting for taste.”
Oh, boy. I accidentally created a monster in under five seconds.
“Don’t change that much, please,” Donna said lightly. “See you, then.”
Donna watched as the girls left the house and then turned around to look for David. Today was fun and exciting but it was also exhausting. Who knew hosting would be that much work? No wonder nobody else offered this year. She finally found David who was laying down on the couch, looking like he had just run a marathon, “That tired?” She laughed lightly as she plopped down next to him and placed her head on his shoulder.
“Exhausted! We are never hosting another holiday again.” She burst out laughing, but the look on his face said he was serious.
“This was a really great day, but I must say I am happy it’s over! Everybody is already planning all of these things for the baby and we don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl yet!” She paused for a moment, “Before Kelly left she was telling me all the things she was gonna buy.” It was lovely to see how excited Kelly was to be an aunt again, but she couldn’t help but linger on the look on her face when she made the announcement. Something just didn’t feel right. Donna made a mental note to follow up with Kelly tomorrow to see how she was really doing.
David gulped. “Already? Damn, she’s fast. What about you? You’re sure you’re doing okay with telling everyone so early?”
Donna rolled her eyes. “David, I’m okay.” He’d been triple-checking all day. “I get it, you’re nervous; so am I. But we can do this.”
She reached for his hand, fingers lazily threading through his. “Together.”
David lifted their hands and kissed her knuckles. “Wouldn’t have it any other way, Donna.”