"Catching Feelings (Part 2 to One Night Stand)"

"Bailing Bennet out"

Brian & Dylan ended up driving around most of the night trying to spot Bennet. They drove around the car shop & when they didn't see him there they decided to hit the closest bar. They were confident he'd for sure be there. They stopped by a string of bars & spoke to a few people & unfortunately no one saw Bennet. It was nearing 1:00 am. Dylan was starting to drift off to sleep.

Dylan: Maybe we should call it a night, Brian.

Brian remained focused on the road & keeping an eye out for his brother. He didn't say a word, but kept driving around. Eventually Dylan fell asleep. Brian kept thinking about Bennet. As much as he had feelings for Serena, he knew Bennet had real feelings for her too. Bennet was different around Serena. He was usually a "hit it & quit it" type of guy, but he was actually going on dates with Serena. Bennet had his heart set out towards taking Serena out for Valentine's Day. He wouldn't have stood Serena up unless there was really a problem. As much as he was completely angry with Bennet, he was worried about him just as much. Brian was starting to get sleepy, but managed to keep himself up to drive to the apartment safely. Dylan woke up as Brian parked the car.

Dylan: Where are we? Did you find him?
Brian: We're back at the apartment. And no, I didn't find him.
Dylan: Your brother's gonna be fine, Brian. He's been through a lot. I'm sure he's okay.
Brian: I just feel bad.

Dylan & Brian headed into the apartment & Brian's cellphone started ringing. Although it was an unknown number, he picked answered it in a hurry.

Brian: Bennet, is this you?
Bennet: Hey little brother. I can't stay long. I only have one phone call.
Brian: Are you ok?
Bennet: I've been worse. Listen, there's a bag behind the couch & I need you to...
Brian: What?
Bennet: Shh... Don't ask questions. Just bring it to the police station when you can.
Brian: Police station? Bennet, what'd you do?
Bennet: You don't have to come tonight. Knowing you, you've probably been driving all night looking for me anyways. Brian? Did you hear everything I said? This is important.
Brian: Yeah, I got it.
Bennet: I'll see you later, ok? Don't worry about me.
Brian: Ok.
Bennet: We'll talk more tomorrow.
Brian: Ok.
Bennet: Bye bro.

Brian reached behind the couch & grabbed a gray duffle bag. It wasn't too heavy, but it was definitely weighted. Out of curiosity he zipped it open & stuck his hand in. He pulled out wads of cash. Dylan walked in & saw Brian with the bag of money.

Dylan: Is that Bennet's?
Brian: Yeah, he just called & is at the police station. He needs me to bring this to him.
Dylan: I don't want to know where he got all that cash.
Brian: Me neither. Let's just get some rest tonight & go get Bennet first thing in the morning. I don't have the energy to wonder & worry even more than I am right now.

Sure enough, the first thing the guys did the next morning was to go bail Bennet out. They paid his bail for his DUI with the money from the bag & Bennet was released. Brian sighed with relief because he thought the officials would ask where the large amounts of money came from. Thankfully, no questions were asked. Bennet was starving & treated the guys out for breakfast at their favorite diner.

Bennet: Food never tasted so good.
Dylan: You must be starving.
Bennet: Thanks for coming to get me. I owe you guys. Starting with breakfast today. I know this isn't much, but I want to start somewhere.
Brian: Bennet, you don't owe us. We're family. This is what family does.
Bennet: Hmm... family. Did uh... you hear anything about Serena last night? I was supposed to take her out for Valentine's Day. I really screwed up.

Dylan stuffed his mouth with a fork full of pancakes & looked towards Brian.

Brian: Yeah, she's fine. I ran into her last night & brought her home.
Bennet: Thanks for doing that. She's probably pissed off.
Brian: I think she was more worried than anything. She said you called her & sounded drunk.
Bennet: Shit, I called her? I must've been wasted or something.
Dylan: Well, you were in for a DUI weren't you?
Bennet: Yeah, but to tell you the truth, I don't remember a damn thing about last night.
Brian: Have you considered getting help?
Bennet: Help?! What the hell do I need help with?
Dylan: Maybe you should see a counselor or go to an AA meeting.
Bennet: I don't need that. I'll be fine. I was just stressed out. It's not a big deal.

The boys continued to eat their meal & their conversation drifted away from Bennet's alcoholism & was centered more on lighter topics. They went home & Bennet started packing his bags.

Brian: What are you doing?
Bennet: I'm packing my bags. What does it look like I'm doing?
Dylan: I'll be in my room.
Brian: Bennet, are you leaving?
Bennet: Brian, from the moment I got here you've been waiting for me to leave. What? Now you want me to stay?
Brian: So that's it then? You're here for a month & now you're just gonna up & leave? Where are you going?
Bennet: I have a few buddies in California who owe me. I'm gonna try to get some work there.
Brian: What about Uncle Dyxon's shop? You have a job here.
Bennet: I can't take any favors from family. Not anymore. Besides, I think this'll be good for all of us don't you think?
Brian: I thought you wanted to get to know your brother?
Bennet: I did.
Brian: And?
Bennet: And I learned you're better off without me. Brian, you have so much going for you here. You have an apartment, a steady job, you're going to college. You're on the right track. I just need to get out of here & figure stuff out for myself.

Bennet packed up his last bag.

Brian: What about Serena?
Bennet: I'm not ready for her. She needs someone stable. She needs someone who'll open doors for her & pull out her chair. That's not me. It was never gonna work between us.
Brian: You're gonna break her heart you know.
Bennet: Better now than later.

Bennet walked towards the door & opened it. Dylan stepped out of his room.

Brian: I guess this is it?
Bennet: Yeah. Dylan, thank your dad for me will you?
Dylan: You got it. Take care, cousin Bennet.
Bennet: You too. Brian, I'm not good at goodbyes. I'm not good at a lot of things.
Brian: That's not true. You're good at one thing.

Bennet put on his backpack.

Bennet: What's that?
Brian: You're good at asking for things.
Bennet: You're right. Well then, can I ask for one more thing before I go?
Brian: Anything.

Bennet slung his duffle bag over his shoulder & placed his hand on Brian's shoulder.

Bennet: Don't end up like me, ok? You go on & work hard; graduate college. Tell that girl you love her. Don't screw things up like I do.

Brian's eyes teared up. Bennet grabbed Brian in for a hug & lifted his hand to wave at Dylan. And then he walked out.