BDavisLScott23: I'm glad you decided to continue reading after the Pucas scenes… I'm happy to report that there aren't of those in this chapter…
Long Live Brucas: Yeah every time Brooke returns to the past she slightly alters the future. And I thought incorporating him pining for Brooke would be cool… Especially since on the show the only one he ever cared about was Peyton…
Todd: I have decided that you are never satisfied, and after reading this chapter it's gonna be worse… LOL
Cloverx3: Thanks for the review… This chapter doesn't have any Brathan, but I hope you keep reading and let me know what you think… Thanks!
Fggt 16: Unfortunately there isn't any Brathan in this chapter… But please keep reading and let me know what you think…
Brulian equals forbidden love: You'll be happy to know that this chapter has a couple Brulian scenes..
Being Brooke
Chapter 4: You Can't Always Go Home Again
-0-
Brooke had stayed up all night reading Lucas's book. Parts had made her laugh, parts had made her cry. She ran her hands thru her matted hair and decided to take a walk. She put on her favorite sweatshirt and walked to the beach. She sat down on the sand and instantly became mesmerized by the waves crashing against the shoreline "Jake are you out there?" she called aloud, "If you are I could really use some life therapy." She heard footsteps behind her so she hopped to her feet, "I know you said this was more like Wizard of Oz… but I think I wanna call you Yoda." She had finished her last sentence before she realized it wasn't Jake, "Lucas?"
"Who's Jake?" He asked putting his hands in his pockets, "and why are you in therapy?"
"It's a long story," Brooke shrugged, "what are you doing out here?"
"I watched you leave," he smiled his familiar brooding smile, "Peyton said you were reading Ravens. I really wish I could go back in time and stop that book from being published."
"Why?" Brooke asked, "It was an amazing book Luke… really."
"I know it was a good book…" He laughed, "Much better than the crap The Comet…"
Brooke had never read it, although now that didn't seem to matter, 'it could be about goldfish for all I know' Brooke thought, "I'm sorry I hurt you so much Luke."
"Oh don't worry about it Brooke," Lucas looked down, "you were right earlier… My life is good."
"It's more than good Lucas… It's amazing. You and Peyton have everything I've ever wanted. I mean look at you, you're a successful writer. Peyton shows frequently in several prominent galleries…" Brooke suddenly felt incredibly sad, "you're living the American dream Luke."
Brooke pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek and then headed towards the road, "one thing you said yesterday doesn't make sense though…"
Brooke spun around, "and what would that be?"
"You said I cheated on you with Peyton," Lucas stepped closer, she could almost feel his breath on her face, "we were an item a grand total of 12 hours when would I have had time to cheat on you?"
Brooke didn't know how to respond, he had cheated on her originally and in past take 1… it wasn't until she went back a second time that that had changed, "I was running a bit of a fever yesterday. I said some pretty obscure things. Did you get a chance to see Nathan before he left?"
Lucas laughed, "Why would I care about Nathan?" He headed back towards the path, "we haven't really talked much since we were on a basketball team together."
-0-
Brooke slowly made the trek back to the house behind Lucas. She felt hot salty tears fall down her face; she couldn't bring herself to wipe them away. She crept slowly up the stairs and headed to her room where she found Jake reading her tattered copy of An Unkindness of Ravens. "Interesting book," Jake said closing it and motioning for Brooke to sit with him. "So things have changed since we saw each other last. Did it make a big enough impact for you?"
Brooke felt like she could strangle him on the spot, "I destroyed a relationship between two brothers. If they didn't become best friends' senior year who was Lucas's best man when him and Peyton got married?"
Jake looked sullen, "Julian Baker was the best man… You should know you were engaged to him at the time."
Brooke felt as if she had been hit with a ton of bricks, "What? Julian and I were never that serious."
Jake removed the list from his jacket pocket, "#11 changed that."
"How is that even possible?" Brooke huffed, "Julian didn't even go to school with us." She strained to remember when they had originally met Julian.
Jake handled her a new list, "you need to pick your next destination."
Brooke looked at the altered list, "can I go back to something I've already changed? Because I might not have been happy before but at least my family was."
Jake shook his head, "I wish it were that simple but those aren't the rules."
"Do you have some sort of a supervisor I can speak to then?" Brooke crossed her arms.
"Just look at the list." Jake urged, "We don't have all day."
Brooke scanned the list, everything seemed so trivial now, "is there any way I can make Nathan and Lucas be friends again?"
"It depends," Jake said, "so are you ready?"
"Some of these are crossed off and I didn't go to them yet," Brooke noticed, "like #19…"
"Oh yes," Jake drummed his knuckles on the desk, "I am happy to report that some girl named Rebecca deflowered Chase Adams his freshman year at Stanford University."
"But if I didn't go back and change it why didn't it still happen?" Brooke asked.
"Because you changed it when you made the choice to get involved with Nathan… You never even knew Chase Adams." Jake laughed, "You and the Clean Teen didn't travel in the same circles if you catch my drift."
"If Nathan and I were so happy why was I engaged to Julian?" Brooke asked.
"OK, I'm totally breaking the rules right now," Jake leaned in close, "those memories are fuzzy still until you go back and fix it or not fix it. Plus add in all of your previous 'memories' and your brain is on overload." Brooke nodded, "so you and Nathan dated till right before graduation."
"Right, I remember that," Brooke replied, "when this is all over am I gonna have all of my memories back?"
"When we're done here all the old memories will in a sense be deleted from your memory bank and be replaced with complete permanent altered memories. OK back to you and Nathan after graduation you two went your separate ways. He went to Duke to play basketball; you went to USC in Los Angeles where you met Julian Baker. You two instantly hit it off and became an item." Jake paused remembering Julian's death, "then five years ago you and Nathan reconnected."
"If I keep changing my past is my future with Nathan going to change?" Brooke asked.
Jake continued, "It's quite possible. If you had somehow altered your life so that you and Lucas had lived happily ever after you would no longer be a god mother to Keith and Ellie."
Brooke brought a hand to her face, "I never thought of that. I love those kids I don't think I could live without them in my lives."
"You could," Jake continued, "Because you wouldn't even know they had ever existed." Jake retook his place next to Brooke on the bed and grabbed her hand, "Now which number are we trying next?"
Brooke could feel the tears coming at the mere thought of seeing Julian's face again. "#12… If I had never met Julian he would be alive today."
"Good choice Brooke." Jake smiled and snapped his fingers.
-0-
*November 2002*
Brooke adjusted the glasses that were now on her face and tried to gage where and when she was. 'OK it looks like my dorm hall' Brooke turned towards the announcement wall and spotted one that looked promising: Lonely for Thanksgiving? Can't Afford to go home? Don't want to go home? Come to the Lamda Delta Phi annual Thanksgiving kegger party. Hot girls get in free… And remember you can't always go home again… The festivities begin November 23rd 6:00pm. Brooke smiled, 'I met Julian at that party.' She closed her eyes and strained to remember anything that happened since graduation.
"Brooke?" a feminine voice called behind her.
"Sloane" Brooke remembered, "When are you leaving to go home?"
"In about an hour, I was looking for you so I could say goodbye and make sure you still don't want to go with me." Sloane smiled her best smile, "Come on it's the Bahamas…"
Brooke smiled thinking of Sloane as she knew her in the future; she had been discovered by the Ford Modeling Agency in this very dorm. "No I'm fine here I promise. I might just work on my collection a little; go see a museum or something. But you have fun for me OK. Come back with a killer tan and I'll hate you forever." Sloane hugged her and returned to grab her bags. Brooke realized she was all alone again. She decided to check her emails and collect her thoughts, 'maybe there will be something I can use,' Brooke pulled out the rickety desk chair that she remembered buying at a flea market for $3.00. "I still have you in my house," she said aloud. After waiting for what seemed an eternity for her computer to boot up she opened her email.
From: HaleyBop83
To: B.P. Davis
Subject: It's been awhile…
Hey Brooke:
I just wanted to drop you a quick email and let you know that I was going to be in your neck of the woods in January. The tour has been amazing; I just wish that Nathan wasn't still being such a worry wart and Chris Keller. I mean come on the guy refers to himself in the third person. Who would ever find that irresistible?
Brooke paused; remembering Nathan's words from yesterday, "you found it irresistible Hales."
Anyways I'm bummed you decided to skip Thanksgiving in Tree Hill… I'm guessing you are anyways, since you can't be bothered to call anyone back. We're all going to miss you. Peyton and Lucas broke up. I don't know if you heard. Now she's seeing some guy named Ben, Lucas is pretty upset about it. But I mean honestly what did he think was gonna happen when he published that Ravens book? I know you said you weren't going to read it but you might find it interesting to relive high school thru Lucas Scott's eyes.
Anyways I gotta run now… Let me know if you want tickets to January's show.
Lots of Love!
Hales
Brooke remembered vaguely that Haley and Nathan had begun quietly dating 2 weeks after graduation. They had been inseparable since… Well unless Haley was discovered singing karaoke in a local night club and recorded an album that was a huge success on the pop charts. 5 months ago she went on tour, as the opening act, with Chris Keller… Pop Legend. "Now if I remember correctly," she said aloud, "they eloped in Las Vegas in 2003." Brooke giggled, "Haley didn't even tell Nathan he read about it in the magazines… I guess that explains his asshole tendencies." Brooke scrolled thru the mostly spam messages and found one from Peyton.
From: Peyton_GothPrincess
To: B.P. Davis
Subject: Earth to B. Davis… P. Sawyer Calling!!
Hola Chica!
How is sunny Southern California treating you about now? Right now I'm seriously wishing I had gone to Berkley. NYU is amazing and all but this snow just plain sucks. Have you ever heard of a White Out??? Well we had one here like a week ago and the dorms were on complete lock down. We weren't allowed to go anywhere. Then the pipes froze and the power went out. I survived on Cheetos, Ring Pops and Red Bull for 2 whole days… I still have a little bit of a twitch.
Anyways I know I haven't been the best friend these last few months but can you blame me? I mean in high school my boyfriend of 3 years falls in love with you without you doing anything, except being your normal bubbly energetic self, then Lucas writes a book about you. Did you even know he liked you in high school? I know you guys hung out like 2 minutes before you and Nathan got together but I didn't think you made such an impact on him…
So I'm sure you heard we broke up… Lucas has probably been banging down your door ever since… LOL I'm totally kidding… I'm sort of seeing this guy Ben; he's the R.A. on my floor. Totally hot, super sweet, plus he's in a band…
Well I hope you're doing well I was sorry to hear about your Dad… I mean I know you haven't always gotten along with Richard and Victoria but I had always hoped they would wake up one day and realize they needed their ONLY daughter. Did you even go to the funeral???
I should get going I have my last midterm in about 15 minutes… Are you coming home for Thanksgiving? Hales asked me but I wasn't sure… See you soon I hope.
Love you B!
Peyton
In the midst of everything that was going on she found that she had completely forgotten about Richard Davis's death. Brooke slowly began to remember the details of that day only a month ago. According to Victoria they had been staying at some ritzy hotel on a golf course on Saint Marten's. Richard had gone down early to play a round of golf and was found several hours' later dead of an apparent heart attack. Victoria hadn't even bothered to call her till they returned to the states. "And she wonders why I never return her calls," Brooke said rolling her eyes. She continued to scroll thru the emails and stopped on one with a familiar address…
From: BroodyBoy3
To: B.P. Davis
Subject: Stop Ignoring Me Damn it!
Brooke:
Look I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Ravens before it was published. I honestly didn't think it would be as successful as it has been. I've already been approached by a few Studios interested in optioning it into a movie or a television series. None of it matters though if you won't talk to me. I know you're upset because Peyton took this all out on you. But you can't ignore me forever. We've been friends way too long for something this small to change that.
I'm going to be in Los Angeles at a book signing on November 22 at 2:00pm. Be there please… I need to see you.
Waiting For A Reply…
Lucas
Brooke reread the email and then deleted it without sending a reply. "You need to get over me now Lucas… Or it's going to destroy your marriage in the future." She was about to delete the last page of junk mail when a message caught her eye…
From: Lucy Stevens Rogue Vogue
To: B.P. Davis
Subjects: Congratulations!!! You're a Finalist!!!
Dear Brooke Davis:
Please let me be the first to congratulate you on your amazing collection. You have been selected to participate in our Rogue Vogue Fashion Show in Los Angeles January 8th thru the 12th. After the Thanksgiving holiday one of our seasoned fashion executives will be contacting you with further information. Please be prepared to showcase a ten (10) outfit runway collection that features one article of swimwear and one full length gown.
Each contestant will be outfitted with $5,000.00 to be sent via FedEx and requires contestant signature upon delivery.
If you have any questions please contact me directly at (800) 555-6867.
Good Luck with your collection! We all can't wait to see it…
Sincerely:
Lucy Stevens
Editor Large – Vogue Magazine
Brooke stared at the email for several minutes thinking she had just been dreaming, "How did I get submitted to Rogue Vogue?" She was interrupted by a knock at the door. She looked thru the peep hole and saw the hat of a pizza delivery man. She opened the door, "I didn't order a pizza."
The delivery guy looked up and smiled, "I know you didn't… But I figured with all this time travel you must be starving."
"Jake what are you doing here?" Brooke asked putting her hand on her hip.
"I told you…" Jake entered the small dorm room and closed the door, "I thought you might be hungry. So how's it going so far?"
Brooke giggled, "I've only been back like 30 minutes. I was mostly trying to get my bearings. So I thought I would do a typical daily activity. It's hard to be normal when my memory is fuzzy." Brooke took her place back at the desk and watched as Jake produced plates, napkins, glasses, bottled water, sandwiches, salad with dressing packets and assorted fruit out of the pizza container. "I know I said you were more like Yoda… But that was totally a Mary Poppins kind of move." Jake set the bag down and Brooke examined it.
Jake laughed at Brooke as she stuck her head inside the bag, "So I am here to answer any of your memory questions." Jake stretched his arms over his head, "what do you wanna know?"
"I thought it was against the rules for you to help me?" Brooke asked.
"Typically it is," Jake continued, "But Management has decided that you need help. I mean look at you the last time you went back you altered her future so greatly that you ended up at USC instead of NYU and the people around you have changed as well. Because you and Lucas never had that shining moment he spent his young adult life wondering what could have been. He wrote a book about you even. He doesn't speak to his own brother because of you."
Brooke began to cry, "I hate this!"
"I'm just giving you the facts Brooke. I need you to relax." Jake sighed, "There is still plenty of things to change or keep untouched. But right now I need to get you prepared to see Julian again."
Brooke began taking deep breaths, "If I originally went to NYU with Peyton how do I remember Sloan?"
"You were supposed to meet Sloan eventually. It just so happens that when you saw her today you remembered her from your future. But now that should be fading away…" Jake trailed off.
"In this altered life I went to see Lucas at his book signing." Brooke crossed her arms over her chest, "I'm not going to go this time."
Jake clapped his hands together, "That's my girl. You're learning. OK what if I told you right now I could you where to find Julian Baker… I know you didn't meet him before for at least another few days."
Brooke blurted out, "Tell me."
Jake pushed a plate of food towards her, "Eat up and I'll fill you in."
-0-
Brooke headed towards the Student Union. Julian was conducting a rally for better healthier food choices in the cafeteria, "If they offered more salads and less hamburger toppings we would have fewer freshmen complaining about the freshman 15 lbs." Everyone applauded, "If you're interested in becoming a part of our email list signup sheets are to the left, if you're interested in signing the petition about cafeteria food it's to the right. And please remember everyone," He caught eyes with Brooke, "We need to stand together… One School."
"One voice," the crowd replied together.
Brooke felt like she couldn't breathe, 'he looks just like he did the last time I saw him 6 years ago,' He walked towards her, "So where do I sign up?"
Julian smiled, "Madam President it's so nice of you to join us. It would mean a lot to me if you would sign my little petition." Julian extended his hand, "Julian Baker."
Brooke recalled now running and winning the position of student council president in August, "Brooke Davis."
It was beginning to get noisy in the cramped Student Union; Julian moved close and placed his hand at her waist and leaning in so close Brooke felt his breath on her face, "Do you want to go outside?"
Brooke nodded and Julian led her to the benches outside, "You were amazing."
Julian laughed, "Please you walked in right at the end of my speech."
Brooke felt her cheeks redden, "But what I heard was incredible."
"Well thank you that means a lot to me," Julian smiled, "The crowd was decent considering how empty the campus has been this week."
"Yeah," Brooke pushed a strand of raven hair behind her ear, "I guess holding a rally when 75% of the campus has gone home for Thanksgiving wasn't the smartest choice."
Julian laughed again and shrugged, "It was the only day available on the activities calendar I had to take it."
"Yeah," Brooke smiled and touched his hand, "So why are you still here?"
"On campus?" Brooke nodded, "My home life sucks… I'd rather spend Thanksgiving alone than with my parents."
"I know what you mean," Brooke said recalling the last time she had been with her parents on Thanksgiving… She had been 8 years old.
"Oh come on," Julian touched his scruffy face, "You can't tell me that you come from a broken home."
Brooke felt offended, "So because I'm not holding rallies for change and I don't frequent political demonstrations that must mean my home life is perfect?"
"Yeah," Julian replied, "I mean I've seen you all over campus… You're the perfect example of a society princess here on their parents' dime."
Brooke felt warm tears pooling in her eyes, she stood up to leave, "You don't have any idea about me Julian. I have to go." Brooke began to run towards her dorm hall.
-0-
Brooke wondered why she was still in the past, 'I'm never going to speak to him again so he'll be able to live a long life,' Brooke heard a knock at the door. She pulled it open expecting to see Jake, but was shocked it was Julian. "What do you want?"
Julian moved closer to the open door, "Can I come in?"
"I don't see the point," Brooke replied harshly, "You wasted you time coming all the way over here." Brooke went to close the door but Julian put his foot in the way.
"Come on Brooke, 5 minutes," Julian smiled, "That's all I'm asking for."
Brooke kinked an eyebrow at him trying to figure out the game he was playing, "Alright," she opened the door wider, "But all you get is 5 minutes." Brooke went to the small 'kitchen' and grabbed a timer and set it to 5 minutes. She sat back down at her desk and crossed her legs, "If I were you I would start talking, the clock is ticking."
Julian finally entered the room and pulled a bundle of calla lilies from behind his back, "These are for you."
Brooke took the flowers and glanced at the timer, "4 minutes and 15 seconds."
Julian pushed his hands into his pockets, "Look I'm sorry I judged you back there. I shouldn't have. You were right I don't know anything about you." Julian sat on the bed across from the desk, "So why don't you tell me?"
"What do you want me to tell you?" Brooke barked, "My parents preferred traveling the world to spending time with me? How's that for a shocker." Julian opened his mouth to speak but Brooke continued, "Or how about," she choked, "my father died last month and my horrible mother didn't think I needed to know about it." Brooke began to sob.
Julian crossed the room and pulled Brooke into his arms and let her cry, "It's ok Brooke."
"It's not ok my dad is dead and he's never coming back. The worst part is that I didn't even go to his funeral." Brooke cried harder, "I was so angry I didn't go."
Julian rocked her back and forth, "Shhhh… Honey it's gonna be ok."
-0-
Brooke woke up the next day and felt a body next to her, 'oh god!' she screamed to herself. She tried to wiggle out of Julian's arms without waking him. She was almost off the bed when he stirred and grabbed her hand, "where do you think you're going?"
"Ummmm" Brooke struggled to lie.
"We didn't have sex if that's what you're wondering," Julian smiled, "You cried yourself out and fell asleep in my arms." Julian got out of bed and reached for his shirt. Brooke pushed him back down on the bed and kissed him, "Brooke what are you doing?" Julian called out between kisses.
"Shut up," Brooke said back sternly. She unbuttoned her top and thru it to the floor.
Julian pulled away, "Brooke come on honey you don't have to do this." He pulled her against his body and wrapped them in a blanket. "I didn't stay with you because I was looking to be rewarded."
Brooke nodded against his chest, "I'm sorry."
"You don't need to be," Julian kissed her forehead, "now in a little while when we've both calmed down we should go see your dad."
Brooke had forgotten how wonderful and safe she felt in his arms. She felt like she was going to cry again so she just nodded. "Tell me about your crazy family."
Julian laughed, "Why do you wanna ruin it?"
-0-
Brooke sat in silence in Julian's truck all the way to the cemetery. "I don't know how you convinced me to do this."
Julian grabbed and kissed her hand, "I just used my powers of persuasion. After that you were a goner."
Brooke laughed slightly, "According to this paper he's in plot 47. So you need to make this next left and park. Then the search begins." Julian did as instructed. When he turned off the engine Brooke said, "You know I'm fine we don't have to do this."
Julian rolled his eyes, "yes we do. You need the closure Brooke."
Julian got out of the truck and came along to Brooke's side. "Come on honey. We've been shacked up in your dorm for three days now."
Brooke kinked her eyebrow, "I didn't hear you complaining last night."
"I'm not complaining now," Julian said pulling on her hand, "I know this is scary, but I'm here alright. You have to do this."
Brooke nodded her head, "I know." She pulled her purse over her shoulder and closed the door, "I just don't know what I'm supposed to say."
Julian led her across the street and took the map from her hand, "You say whatever you want to say. But you have to give him back the baggage Brooke. Or you're going to spend your life wondering what if."
Brooke knew he was right, she threw herself into work before and ignored Victoria at all costs, "OK let's do this."
Julian pointed towards a headstone that said 'Richard Warren Davis', he took her hand in his again, "I'm here if you need me."
Brooke studied the headstone, 'Loving husband and father.' Brooke started to laugh, "That's such bullshit." She felt the salty tears escape, "He never loved me. If he had he would have been there for holidays and birthdays and slumber parties." Brooke realized she had begun to shake, "Did you know that my parents didn't even show up to my own graduation?"
Julian shook his head and pulled her close, "It's alright. Let it all go."
She pulled a note from her purse and placed it on her father's grave, "I just needed you to love me daddy… That's all I ever wanted. Did you think of me before you died? Are you looking down on me from wherever you are thinking about what a horrible person you were?" Brooke shook her head, "I doubt it. I want you to know that I'm ok. I have a great family made up of loving friends. You didn't break me down and I will never be like you when I have children." She turned to Julian, "Let's go please."
Julian pulled her towards the car, "Are you alright Brooke?"
Brooke stopped and touched his cheek, "I've never felt better." She leaned up and kissed him. "Now come on if we hurry we can catch the next flight to North Carolina."
"What's in North Carolina?" Julian asked as he squeezed her tight.
"My family," Brooke pulled out her cell phone, "I need to call Peyton and Haley to tell them we'll be at Karen's for dinner."
-0-
*Present Day*
Brooke woke up in an unfamiliar place. "Where am I?" she said aloud. She heard kids giggling in the other room. "Hello?" She called into the hallway. Two kids came barreling down the hall.
"Aunt Brooke! Aunt Brooke!" The small blonde child said, "Mommy needs your help in the kitchen. You're the best at chocolate chip pancakes" Brooke studied the little girl who was at least 3 years old. 'She looks like Peyton' she thought.
"OK well let's go show her then," Brooke walked into the tight kitchen and spotted a very pregnant Peyton, "Hey P. Sawyer… Need any help?"
Peyton turned, "Yes. Ellie and Charlie requested the chocolate chip pancakes that Aunt Brooke always makes and I thought I've had them enough that I could recreate them," Peyton picked up a pan that was covered in a gooey chocolate mess. I was wrong."
Brooke laughed, "OK, why don't you go take a break. I've got it from here." Brooke scrambled some eggs and closed her eyes. 'I need to remember who she's married to now.' Suddenly the images came flooding back to her. Peyton and Ben were married 5 years ago and had 2 children, Charlie 4, Ellie 3 and a new baby about to arrive any day now… Vivian. Brooke looked down at her hand and noticed a band on that all important finger…
"It's amazing isn't it?" Jake called beside her, "How one small thing could bring about some mighty changes?"
"Jake I can't remember my husband." Brooke panicked, "why can't I remember him?"
"Gees… Isn't it obvious who it is?" Jake smiled, "I like Peyton a lot more this way. She seems much more relaxed." Jake said peering down the hall, "Not so high strung. So do you remember any of it now?" Brooke shook her head, "I know she's married to Benjamin Roberts. She met him at NYU 8 years ago. She is an art teacher and occasionally is the featured artist at a few local galleries. Ben is a music teacher at Julliard. They live in a converted brick warehouse that is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, which explains this make shift kitchen."
"Very good," Jake clapped, "Now what do you remember about yourself?"
Brooke closed her eyes, "I have a small boutique in Greenwich Village and I just opened a second one in the Tribeca neighborhood. I remember who I married…"
-0-
OK everyone… What do you think? Did she end up with Nathan, Lucas or Julian? I must be honest… I've written little pieces of all three… I'm really torn… I need your help… Review and let me know what you think…
Thanks!
Krystal
Upcoming: Brooke reveals who she married and has one last decision to make…