Damn Dress: A Love Story Ch. 09

When they entered the room, Brandon removed his hands from her eyes. He watched as she took in the sight of the room. She had placed her hand across her chest and her mouth dropped open. Okay, that hopefully is a good sign, Brandon thought. He really wanted her to like it.

"So, what do you think?" he asked, nervously.

"Brandon, I--," she started. Sienna really was at a loss for words. The room was amazing. She couldn't believe this was the same junky room with old exercise equipment, video games, and just junk that she had seen a few months back. It was amazing. Even the colors he chose. This would have made Martha Stewart proud.

"This is really nice, Brandon. Wonderful, in fact. I can't believe you did this all by yourself," Sienna admitted, as she slowly walked around.

"Well, your dad and Darren helped out," he said.

She walked over to the dresser and ran her fingers over the little ballerina figurine. She also ran her fingers over the soft material lining the crib. Part of her was absolutely ecstatic, but the other part was more sad than she had been in a long time. This put her in the mood to want to have the baby right now! But it also made her realize that she hadn't planned on moving back in with Brandon. She wondered if he knew that. She hated to have to tell him that now.

"Sienna?" she heard him say behind her, interrupting her sad thoughts.

"Yes?" she answered, as she turned around to face him.

"Can I feel her?" Brandon asked, staring into her eyes.

Sienna silently gulped and nodded. She knew she couldn't deny him that.

Brandon walked closer to her, and to Sienna's surprise, he bent down and slowly stuck both of his hands underneath her dress and slid them up until he reached the small bulge that was now her stomach. She stood there with her belly and underwear exposed, but she was too hypnotized by his eyes to do anything about it.

Brandon broke eye contact with her as he ran his hands over her tiny bump, staring at it in awe. Now, his daughter seemed more real to him than ever. He couldn't believe she was tucked safely in there.

The energy being passed between the two was electric. Sienna knew she needed to leave before something happened. But, too late. Before she could utter another word, Brandon leaned in and kissed her. Soft at first, but then those kisses turned needy. He started to gently push her back against the wall.

Sienna couldn't think straight. The room was spinning. She could only feel how wonderful his thick hardness felt rubbing against her flimsy panties, which were quickly becoming wet. And the feel of his sweet lips against hers. She had to get ahold of herself.

She broke free from his kiss and turned her head to the side, breathing heavily, "Brandon, we can't--," was all she could say.

"God, I want you so bad, Sienna," Brandon whispered, as he started licking and gently nibbling her neck. His hands, which had been plastered on her rear-end, moved further down and grabbed the hem on her dress. He began sliding it up again, while rubbing his fingers along the side of her legs. Her skin always felt so soft and warm to him. His dick was rock hard. Something strangely lustful and possessive took him over when he touched her body and felt his child. As if they both really did belong to him. And he belonged to them. A family.

It took every ounce of will power she had left to gently push him away from her. He stared down at her, breathing hard and running his eyes up and down her body. Sienna quickly exited the baby room and made her way down the hall. She had to leave there as soon as possible before she found herself right back here in the middle of their crazy love affair. She had almost made it to the door when Brandon gently wrapped his arms around her now slightly fuller waist.

"Sienna, wait, wait, okay? I really need to talk to you," she heard him say, over her head.

"Brandon, we won't just talk, you know that," she whispered.

"No, seriously, I'm sorry about that back there. I mean it, I won't do it again."

Sienna turned around and looked up at him. "Just talk, I swear," he assured her again, seeing her hesitate. Sienna nodded.

Brandon released her and walked over to his couch and sat down. He patted the seat beside him when he noticed her not budging from the spot by the door. She slowly walked over to the couch and sat down beside him, but her entire body was leaning in the opposite direction, away from him.

Brandon leaned back against the couch and exhaled. Then he raised back up and turned to look at her. "I, uh, I just really want to apologize for everything that happened. I'm sorry that my behavior caused you to get sick. I'm so sorry, Sienna. I swear, if I would have known you needed me, I would have—fuck, I'm so sorry," he said, shaking his head.

Sienna glanced at him and then down at the floor. She didn't know how she felt or what to say.

"And, I'm so sorry about what I said at the bar, too. That was completely uncalled for and you know, I mean, you know I don't think you're a whore or bitch, or anything like that, right? Not that this is an excuse, but I was fucking faded, and you should have punched me in the face. I'm serious, that would have sobered my ass up fast."

Sienna giggled, despite her best effort not to. She could just imagine the look on his face had she punched him. It would have been much like that night in the movie theater restroom when she slapped him. His expression was shocked, then angry, but there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. Now, she wished she had taken that route.

"I know I still have a lot to make up to you, but I'm going to. Because I love you so much, you have no idea. I mean, I've been absolutely miserable without you," he added.

Sienna knew that it was her turn. He wasn't the only one who had said, or not said, things that caused their break-up. She looked up at him.

"Well, I should apologize to you, too. I—I, should have told you the moment you got back from your mission about the baby. I don't know why I was being so stupid. I guess, well, I guess I didn't tell you because I figured you would make me keep the baby, and, I, uh, I was embarrassed at first. I could just imagine the jokes or gossip that would go around town about me. I was too busy thinking about what everyone else would think, instead of what you would think. And you should have been the most important part of this. Not people who aren't even my friends. So for that, I am truly sorry, Brandon. I never meant to hurt you the way I did," Sienna said, tearing up.

Brandon smiled and reached over to hug her. "Apology accepted, baby."

Sienna wiped at her tears, and moved out of his grasp. But now for the hard part. She wasn't ready to go back. She wasn't even sure if she would EVER go back. Brandon made her crazy.

"What?" Brandon asked, scanning over her saddened expression.

Sienna exhaled. "Brandon, I really appreciate what you did with the back room. It's beautiful. But...I'm not ready to make this relationship happen again. I just feel—," she started, but noticed him stiffen beside her. His eyes went cold again.

"I just feel that so much has happened, and perhaps you and I are better off being friends. I, of course, want you involved in the baby's life, but I just don't think we should be together, you know?"

Brandon felt his heart breaking all over again. He had thought that their argument was what caused the break-up, but now, it must be something more for her to still not want him. He really didn't know what to say. He wasn't sure there was anything else left TO say. Instead he turned from her and stared at the TV, which was still off. For a brief moment, he seriously thought that it was better to be like he was before, don't get attached to anyone so you don't have to feel this shitty.

Sienna knew it was probably time for her to go. Brandon looked like he was done talking. She quickly got up from the couch and walked to the door. Then she remembered he had her keys still.

"Um, Brandon, can I have my keys?" she asked.

At first, she didn't think he had heard her, because he hadn't moved. But then he got up from the couch, pulled her keys out of his pocket and walked over to her. He placed them in her hand, but held onto her. "Can I take you to a check-up?" he asked, staring deeply into her eyes.

Sienna didn't stand a chance. "Yes," she answered. He then let her hand go, and turned to walk toward the back of the house. She quickly opened the door and walked down to her car. She would have to remember to punch Darren in HIS face, and see what kind of expression he would have.

************************

Thanksgiving was fast approaching and school had seemed like a whirlwind to Sienna. Her work load was growing heavier as she was growing heavier. Her creative writing professor had gone insane. She had started giving them an assignment a week, along with group projects.

But the time did pass by less painfully now that her new group partner was Ian LeBeque. Sienna and Ian had actually gone to high school together, but she barely remembered him. He had been an art student who was also a part of the drama club. First day of Creative Writing, Sienna had glanced at him and thought he looked familiar, but she couldn't place him. Then one day they were assigned together to work on a project with two other classmates, who had no sense of humor, so she and Ian became close. Funny, the women in her classes either ignored her, or wanted to touch her stomach and ask her questions about the baby. The guys for the most part stayed away from her, as if she were contagious and her being pregnant would rub off on them, and then they would get their girlfriends pregnant. But Ian was different. When she had started to show, he just said, "Whoa, slow down on the Ho Ho's," and winked at her. He never once seemed to judge her.

Ian was about her height, skinny with jet black hair that he had dyed. He had a very punk rock thing about him, and kept her cracking up with his jokes. He was an amazing artist, and when their teacher wasn't looking, he'd pass Sienna small slips of paper containing caricatures of the teacher with funny little captions for each one. She had burst out laughing several times, which was now why she was no longer a favorite of her teacher. Whenever she was having a bad day, Ian seemed to make her laugh, and she'd forget about her problems, at least for the hour and a half that she was in creative writing.

Then, after class, he would walk her to her car, and usually talk about some music group that she had never heard of. Ian never seemed to bring any books to class, yet he had an A average so far. He seemed like such a care-free spirit. Sienna had wished she could be that way at times. She laughed when she thought about the difference between Brandon and Ian. Brandon was very much the 'I don't give a fuck', while Ian was 'Peace and love people, peace and love'.

But now they were sitting in class on a random Thursday afternoon. Their teacher had not shown up just yet. Prof had 5 more minutes, and then they could leave without getting into trouble.

"So, what are you doing this weekend?" Ian asked, while drawing with a sharpie on some paper.

"Oh, I don't know. Probably nothing. How about you?" Sienna asked.

"Some friends and I are going to the Orange County Fair. Have you ever been?" Ian asked, still staring down at his handiwork.

"No, I've heard about it though."

Ian looked up. "What? You have to go. You should come with us."

"Oh, no, you don't want some pregnant girl tagging along. Besides, I don't think I could ride anything in my condition."

"Oh, come on. Hey, if you don't ride, I won't ride. Plus, it's not the most sanitary thing when you think of it. All those asses sitting in the same few seats every 3 minutes. Kinda gross."

Sienna laughed. She really would like to get out of the house. Her father would ask her if she was okay every hour, on the hour. She wondered if he could keep that up until she delivered. She still talked to Brandon, but now that increased to every other day. And not just about the baby, but they had started to talk about other things. Everyday things. Brandon would still try to persuade her every now and then to take him back. She was SOOO tempted, but also scared. Plus, she still owed him a doctor's appointment. She hadn't been back to Dr. Carlson since she found out she was having a girl. But her new appointment was coming up, and she was a little nervous about going with Brandon. She really needed to take her mind off of all of this.

"Alright, I think I might enjoy it," she said, without much further thought.

"Great, I can pick you up at five o'clock tomorrow?" Ian said, smiling brightly.

Sienna nodded, but thought she should let him know what she honestly felt. She realized, in her life, not saying things up front could only lead to problems further down the road.

"Um, Ian, I just want to make sure that you understand that I'm going as your friend. Nothing more, you know. I just want to make sure that's clear now. Not that you would have even imagined me as anything more, but I just, well, wanted you to know that," she said, while pretending to write something down.

Ian shook his head, "Damn, I was hoping to take advantage of you and knock you up...oops, never mind, someone beat me to the punch."

That comment caught Sienna off guard, and she burst into a fit of giggles. Half of the class turned to look at her. She covered her mouth and placed her head on the table.

Ian slid closer to her, "I know, Sienna. Just friends. Nothing wrong with that. I'll pick you up. Five, tomorrow. Oh, and looks like we are free...we just hit the fifteen minute mark," he said, pointing up to the clock. He hopped up from his chair, handed her his drawing and exited the room.

Sienna looked down at the black ink splattered across the paper. She smiled when she realized it was actually a picture of her. Yes, she would have to remind him again, JUST friends.

***********************

Jackson had been enjoying his time with Brandon. It was just like old times, before everything had gotten so complicated. He still wasn't sure where Sienna and Brandon's relationship stood, but Jackson was glad she was actually talking to Brandon. The more time Jackson spent getting inside Brandon's head, the more he understood what caused Brandon to become angry or sad. And once Brandon reached a certain level, he wouldn't let you in again. You're out and you no longer mean anything to him. Jackson realized how close he had come to reaching that level in Brandon's head.

But it was Friday, and instead of meeting at Brandon's house, they decided to have their chat at the driving range of a local golf course.

"Oh, nice shot, Commander," Brandon said, as the golf ball soared through the air, right at the 200 yard marker.

"Yes it was, if I do say so myself," Jackson replied, turning to smile at Brandon.

After a few more hits, the two decided to sit and down a beer. Even though there was a slight chill in the air, it was a beautiful afternoon. Perfect for November weather in California.

"So, Brandon, tough question approaching," Jackson warned.

"Oh, shit. What, sir?" Brandon asked, cringing. Overall he had enjoyed his little sessions with the Commander, but sometimes they got on some touchy subjects that Brandon didn't feel like bringing to the forefront. He had some things locked tightly away, and that's where they would remain.

"You know how some things can only be solved when you deal with the root of the problem...well, have you ever thought about going back to Boston and confronting your aunt and uncle about all that they put you through?"

"Fuck no! Absolutely not. I have nothing to say to either of them, and if I saw my uncle again, I'd probably try to kill that bastard," Brandon answered, feeling his scalp go hot. This was the last thing he wanted to talk about. He hated them, and every day that he could avoid thinking of his 'family' was a good day.

Brandon looked dead serious, so Jackson let it go, even though he thought discussing the subject could actually help Brandon in the long run. Nevertheless, he was sure Brandon wasn't ready for that now.

Jackson took another sip and looked back down the fairway. He was about to get up and hit another ball when he heard Brandon clear his throat.

"You know, it's just that, I just don't understand why someone would want to be cruel to a child, you know? I mean, what benefit do you get in intimidating someone tiny and helpless? And don't get me wrong, I intimidate people all the time, but never someone that's a small child," Brandon finished with disgust.

Brandon placed his beer down and got up to take another swing. While he was leveling his club, he continued. "It just bothers me that they could have been like that. I mean, some of the shit they pulled, I still just don't get it."

"Like what?" Jackson asked carefully.

Brandon raised the golf club and placed it horizontally behind his neck and across his shoulders, resting his arms on the parts of the shaft that extended to both sides. This was that territory that Brandon hated. He didn't want to go through all of it, but maybe just saying a few things would release some of his tension at the moment.

Brandon exhaled, "Well, there were times when they would have me stand over in the kitchen and watch them eat, but I couldn't because I was being punished for whatever reason they made up that day. And they would remove my bed from my room sometimes and want me to sleep on the floor. Like a fucking dog. I just didn't understand it, and I still don't."

Both Jackson and Brandon were quiet. Neither said anything for a while, until Brandon broke the silence.

"I don't really want to talk about that anymore," he admitted, lowering his club and taking a shot.

Jackson nodded his head. He also would rather not hear any more, because it was pissing him off. Brandon was like his son, and to know that someone would be so evil to him caused his own anger to course through his system. How the hell was he going to help Brandon, when the more that was revealed to him, only angered him and made him want to harm the uncle and aunt, too? Jackson sat there thinking about how he was going to resolve this issue. He knew of one way, but he was pretty sure Brandon would never allow it, so he would have to do it in secret if he wanted to help his 'son'.

"Alright old man, get up and see if you can beat that," Brandon teased, while setting up a tee for the Commander.

Jackson laughed, and took another sip of his beer. "Bring it."

***********************

Ian and his friends had picked Sienna up right at five, and she was glad her father was still gone with Brandon so she didn't have to explain anything to him. She had yet to tell him anything about Ian, but somehow she thought her father wouldn't be too thrilled about it.

Ian's friends were very much like him. Most of them were pale, with jet black hair, some with blond streaks, and some had piercings. Sienna felt like a snob, thinking back on high school. All of them had gone to school with her, but she didn't really mingle in the same circles as them. Pity she missed out on all kinds of cool people because of this popular bubble she was placed in. Or that she placed herself in. Of course, she wasn't complaining then, but now, she felt bad she didn't know them. But they had all known who she was. The girl with the black hair and blond streaks had immediately looked at Sienna's stomach. Sienna figured they were all thinking the same thing. The Homecoming queen is pregnant? Some probably thought it was funny. But, Sienna ignored the uncomfortable glare, and greeted them all anyway.

When they entered the fair grounds, the smell of fair food and bright lights hit Sienna at once. She was so amazed. She hadn't realized it was this big. Ian's friends immediately took off for the rides. Ian stayed behind with her. She felt a little awkward. In her mind, she had imagined they would all stay in a big group, but here she was, with just Ian, as they slowly strolled through the games.