Karma

Chapter 3

Getting back from the trip, Dylan had made a decision to go and see Owen. There were conditions attached to her agreement.
-always 2 people from the unit present.
-Owen couldn't reach across a table to touch Dylan.
-Owen was warned with plenty of time about who Dylan was bringing with her.
-Dylan and her friends' safety was a priority during the visit.

The unit agreed to all these things, so there was a meeting set up when Dylan was on spring break. Brendon and Augustine were going with her. Brendon was leaving for the world tour in the summer, so now was the best time, logistically.
Dylan was very anxious about going. It had been over 2 years since she had seen Owen.
Spring break was nearly here, Dylan was flourishing more and more on placement. The school was giving glowing reports back to the college and Dylans professors. Brendon was rehearsing for the next leg of the pftw tour. Augustine and Betty were not doing placement at the moment. Junior year meant that there was a lot of written coursework to do. As Betty was going to be a high school IT teacher, her college work seemed a lot more intense. She had to know everything about IT and be able to do a lesson plan for each grade she would teach. Freshman and Sophomore grades were easy, but Junior and Senior students were completely different. Betty was so stressed with everything at the moment. This was why Dylan asked Augustine to come with her to see Owen rather than Betty.

Arriving in Philadelphia, Dylan looked for her mother. She spotted her and walked towards Carol. Carols face lit up when she saw Dylan.
"Ladybug!" She said, embracing her daughter. They went out to Carol's car and then to Dylans childhood home.
They got through the front door, and Dylan smiled, looking at the decor and furniture. She flopped down on the couch, and Brendon took their bags up to Dylans old room. Augustine was staying on a pull out sofa bed in the den.
Carol came and sat with Dylan and held her hand.
"How are you, honey?" She asked.
"I am good, Mom. I feel like me again, only new and improved. The therapy I have done has been so helpful. It also helps having my family, friends, and boyfriend too. I have an understanding and unbelievable support system in California."
"I am so proud of you, you know. What you have done to overcome everything and allow the college to publish your story." Carol had a tear in her eye.
"How are Sophie and Tony?" Dylan asked as Brendon and Augustine came back into the living room.
"They are both good. Jason has nearly finished his sophomore year in college. Thomas has enlisted in the Navy. Callum is applying to colleges. Yale is his favourite. And Holly is in junior year."
"That's amazing. I need to go and see them both before I see Owen." Dylan explained. Carol nodded in understanding. "Can I borrow the car later on, Mom?"
"Of course you can." Carol replied.
Nico came home from school. He was nearly as tall as Dylan. They hugged, and he high fived Brendon. They played Fortnite together on a regular basis. Nico went up to his room to do his homework and then hung out with some of his friends.
Dylan took Carol's car and made her way over to the hardware store. As soon as she walked in, Sophie was hugging her.
"It's so good to see you, Dylan." She said. Tony came through from the back and hugged her too.
"You look really well." Tony said. "California sun obviously agrees with you."
"I have a good support system too." Dylan chipped in. Tony nodded and went to make drinks.
Sophie traced Dylans face gently and started to tear up.
"Sophie! What's wrong?" Dylan said embracing her.
"It's just how this pretty face of yours looked at one time because of our son." Dylan held Sophies hand.
"Sophie, I keep saying that you and Tony are not to blame for Owens actions. And nobody feels any differently towards you either." Sophie nodded and took a handkerchief out, dabbing at her eyes and nose. Tony came back through with 3 teas. They all sat and caught up, then Dylan brought up the reason why she was there.
"Have you seen Owen, recently?" She asked.
"Last week." Tony answered.
"How did he seem?"
"Quiet. He didn't really want to talk much. Usually he never shuts up." Sophie explained. "Holly and Callum came with us too. He barely spoke a word. Smiled and nodded."
Dylan felt worried now. Owen brooding and quiet was a trigger for Dylan to worry. When the relationship was going downhill and before he hurt Dylan, he would be quiet and brooding. Sophie could see Dylans face.
"Honey, if you are worried, then don't go." Tony said.
Dylan smiled and sipped her tea, looking anywhere but at the James'. After talking and drinking tea, Dylan drove back to her mother's house. Nico was out and Carol had to go to work. Augustine had gone to visit her folks. So when Dylan got back, Brendon was on his own, watching basketball on tv and drinking a beer.
"Hey, babe." He said as she walked in.
"Hi." Dylan said, putting her mother's car keys on their hook. She plopped herself down next to Brendon. Her copper hair was all dishevelled. "I need a shower." She said getting back up. Brendon remained on the couch.
"Ok, Dyl." Brendon waved, not taking his eyes off the game.
"You know, the showers big enough for 2." Brendons head snapped round to look at his girlfriend. He stood up grinning and walked over to Dylan. He took her in his arms and passionately kissed her.
"I love you." Brendon said and Dylan led him upstairs to the ensuite bathroom of her old room.