DISCLAIMER: I do not own Beverly Hills 90210 or any of the characters involved in this story.


A/N: Slowly but surely, we're coming to the end of this story. My guess is another four or five chapters at the most, but don't take my word for it. It's already been a whole lot more writing that I originally thought it would be. Wow, I can't believe this is chapter 50.

Anyways, we pick up right where we left off as we continue to set things up for the finish.


A tired Brandon hops out of his taxi cab on a late rainy night in Washington D.C. He nodded off and on during the flight, but once he landed, the stress of finding a cab to take him to his hotel in the middle of a down pouring rain in a strange city that he had never been in before had taken its toll on him.

Using a magazine he bought at the airport as cover to keep the rain from hitting his head. Brandon rushes into the hotel as a bell boy follows him with his luggage. Wiping the rain drops off his face, a soaking wet Brandon walks over to the check in desk of the hotel where awaiting him is Chancellor Arnold, who is standing in front of the desk.

"Chancellor?" Brandon greets with surprise in his voice.

"Brandon! You made it!" The chancellor says with an excited relief in his voice. "Come in and dry off for God sakes. The last thing I need is my point man catching pneumonia just a few days before going to the White House."

"Thank you, sir. Believe me, it's good to be in doors." Brandon says in a reassuring tone as he begins to talk to the lady behind the check in counter. "Uhm yes, I'm Brandon Walsh, I'm with the National Task Force, I should have a room reserved for me."

The lady smiles back. "Yes sir, Mr. Walsh. Room 917 on the ninth floor. Elevators are down the hall, and to the left."

Brandon grins as he is surprised by the ease of the entire process. "Don't I have to sign anything?" Brandon asks as he leans against the counter. The lady looks back at him with a polite grin.

"It's already been taken off, sir." The lady replies.

"With all you have going on, Brandon, you didn't think we'd have you get bogged down in the mundane boring paper work, do you?" The chancellor says as Brandon takes his room key from the front desk, then grabs his bags and heads for the elevator.

"So I haven't missed anything?" Brandon asks.

"Not yet, but make sure you get a good night sleep tonight. We got a busy day tomorrow. Here's the itinerary." Chancellor Arnold says as he hands Brandon a piece of paper who grabs it with his one free hand and glances over it.

"Wait? We got a breakfast meeting with the National Education Committee at 7 o'clock in the morning?" Brandon asks.

"Yup." replies the chancellor.

"Who eats breakfast at 7 in the morning?" Brandon asks.

"Relax Brandon, we're on Washington time that means everything starts ten minutes later." replies Chancellor Arnold.

"Yeah, but sir. I'm still on California time, which by my watch means I'll be eating at breakfast at four in the morning." Brandon says. "I have friends back home who will just be going to bed at that time."

"Ah, get use to it Brandon." The chancellor says. "These next few days are going to be very rigorous and demanding, but in the end it will all be worth it." he encourages as the two of them arrive at the elevator. "Anyways, get some rest and I will see you bright and early in the morning."

Brandon nods and chuckles to himself about the 'bright and early' comment as he waits for the elevator to reach the lobby. As the bell rings and the door opens, Brandon walks into the elevator and pushes the button for the ninth floor. As the doors begin to close, they are sudden thrust open again as someone rushes to catch the elevator. The doors open and Brandon shakes his head and chuckles in disbelief at who he sees walk through the elevator doors and say his name.

"Brandon!" Clare says excitedly.

"Clare?" Brandon replies. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking at colleges on the east coast." Clare replies as the elevator door closes. "Or so my father thinks." she says as she twirls her chewing gum around her finger with a seductive grin on her face as she stares at Brandon.

Brandon smirks and tries to play it off. "Which floor?" asks Brandon. Clare looks over at the buttons to see which one is lit.

"Nine." Clare answers.

"What a coincidence." Brandon replies as the elevator begins moving up. "So steal any good cars lately? I'm sure if you look hard enough you can find a Jaguar parked at this hotel." Brandon says, half jokingly, but meaning it in a derogatory way.

"Oh Brandon." Clare moans. "You're about to have a very memorable stay here in our nation's capital. Let's not get things started off on the wrong foot by drudging up the past. First of all, we've been through this already. You know it wasn't me who took your car. Secondly, it's all water on the bridge."

Brandon smirks as he can tell Clare hasn't changed a bit, even after what happened. "You know, Clare, it's a funny thing about water. When you get enough of it, there's not much of a bridge left." Brandon says, meaning that fully as a rejection to any advances Clare may be making.

Clare rolls her eyes. "Three thousand miles away from home, and you still don't know how to have a good time." Clare says in a sarcastic tone. At that point the elevator reaches the ninth floor and the doors open.

"Well, I got a busy day tomorrow, so enjoy the rest of your stay in DC, Clare." Brandon says as he darts out of the elevator, hoping Clare will take the hint, but no such luck as she follows him and walks down the hall of the hotel by his side.

"You know Brandon, think about it. I bet a lot of senators, congressmen, chief justices, maybe even the president himself has stayed in this very hotel, possibly even in the very same room you're staying in." Clare says.

Brandon glances at Clare for a moment as he continues to walk to his room. "You're point being…..?" Brandon asks.

"I bet a lot of stuff nobody ever found out about went on behind these very doors we're walking past. A lot of secret affairs, so to speak." Clare says. "What do you say we add to the legacy?"

"Not happening, Clare." Brandon says. He's beginning to get annoyed at Clare's persistency, but even after all the trouble Clare has been, a certain lust in him is urging him to take the plunge. Still, Brandon's sense of decency prevails, like it always does. He then arrives at his room.

"So this is it, huh?" Clare asks, referring to Brandon's room.

"Yeah this is it." Brandon says. "Which room is yours?"

"Oh, I'm down on the fifth floor." Clare says in a chipper tone.

"Then why'd you come up here to the ninth floor?" Brandon asks as he smirks.

Clare shrugs. "Well, I'd kind of like to see the view from up here." Clare says. "Brandon, enough with the questions. You must be anxious to get out of those damp wet clothes and slip into something more comfortable. I'm sure you could use a nice hot shower and a warm soft bed. Maybe someone to scrub your back." Clare says. Brandon pulls out his hotel key and unlocks his door, opening it and walking into the doorway before turning around and looking Clare. "Maybe snuggle up with you and keep you warm tonight?"

"You know for once you're right." Brandon says

"I am?" asks a surprised Clare.

"A hot shower is exactly what I need right now." Brandon says as Clare smiles. "And I just happen to know exactly what you need as well." Brandon says.

"You do?" Clare asks. Brandon nods.

"A cold shower." Brandon replies as he walks in, blocking Clare from coming into his room. The smile on Clare's face disappears as she can tell this isn't going anywhere.

"Brandon!" Clare cries out.

"Good night, Clare." Brandon says in a quiet, but assertive manner as he closes the door in Clare's face. He lets out a brief sigh as he's just glad at that moment to have peace and quiet before he goes in to settle down and take a shower and go to bed. A disappointed Clare turns and walks back toward the elevator.


At Casa Walsh, Jim is on the phone with one of his investors from the pending business deal with Kevin and Dylan. Cindy is sitting at the dining room table reading, not being able to help but overhear her husband on the phone as his voice is sounding more and more aggravated with each passing word.

"No Doug, I'm sorry but I don't have an answer for you yet." Jim says as he pauses to hear the responds. "Because Kevin hasn't given me one yet." Jim says, as Cindy looks up from her book and watches Jim on the phone. "I can't call him this morning. The guy's getting married today for God sakes." Jim says as he pauses again to hear the angry reply from the person on the other end of the phone. "Look, just give me 48 hours that's all I'm asking. After that, I'll bug him 24/7, just let the guy get married. That's all I'm asking." Jim says. "Yeah, well as soon as I hear anything, you'll be the first to know. Bye." Jim says as he hangs up the phone and walks disgruntledly over to the table and sits next to Cindy.

"Jim, is everything all right?" Cindy asks.

Jim takes a deep breath and then sighs, trying to relieve some tension. "In a word, no." Jim replies. Cindy looks at him with concern. "Look, you know that Dylan is like a son to me. But that kid has caused me more stress and grief in the last three years since I took over his finances than all my other clients put together." Jim complains.

"What's he done now?" asks Cindy

"Well, he practically twists my arm off to get this deal put together so that Kevin can start up his new biochemical business. So I did what he asked. I spent all last weekend calling investors and working on the paperwork to close this deal, forfeiting my own plans I might add of catching an encore of Brenda's play. Then, we have the meeting, I make my presentation, and Kevin and Dylan sit there the entire time only half listening to what I'm saying. Then they don't even have the courtesy to sign the deal or even give me a call to let me know what's going on. I'm sorry, but this just gets to me." Jim says as he bites his lip and continues to sit there looking adjitated.

"Well, Jim, I mean Kevin is getting married today." Cindy says.

"Yes, I know. But neither he nor Dylan had any consideration for my free time last weekend. So why should I have any consideration for theirs. I mean we have a son who's on his way to Washington to meet the President, a daughter who's staring in a play, and what do I wind up doing with my entire weekend? Working 16 hour days to draw up a deal that Kevin doesn't even have the courtesy to sign. Their behavior is just plain inconsiderate." Jim complains. At that point, Brenda walks into the room, having just caught the tail end of the conversation.

"What's inconsiderate?" Brenda asks. Jim and Cindy look at each other awkwardly, as they don't want to concern Brenda with the problems of Dylan's business.

"Uhm, nothing sweetie." Jim replies, trying to totally play it off.

"So, what's on tap for today?" Cindy asks.

"Well, I thought I'd go over to the Mardi Gras." Brenda says.

"Ahhh, sounds like fun." Cindy replies.

"Yeah, but first I have something I need to talk to you guys about and it's really important." Brenda says, putting on a serious face."

"Uh oh." Jim cries. "Brenda, please, if it's anything bad can it please wait until after I've had breakfast? I don't think I can take any more stress right now."

"Dad, relax, it's nothing bad." Brenda says. Jim breathes a sigh of relief as Cindy looks on. "But it is big." she continues. "What if I were to tell you guys that I've been given a major opportunity to study this summer at one of the best acting schools in the entire world?" Brenda asks. Jim and Cindy look at her, taking in the news for a moment and then slowly starting to smile.

"Well, we would say that is great." Cindy says with a grin.

"What are we talking about here?" asks Jim.

"Roy Randolph says he can get me into a summer program at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London." Brenda says.

"London?" Cindy asks as he smile turns to a look of confusion and summer.

"Yes, and I've thought it over and I'd really like to do it." Brenda says. Jim and Cindy sit there in stunned silence for a moment. "Look guys, it's only for the summer. And the best part is I don't even have to audition, Roy says he can get me in with one phone call. It's a real honor to get to do this."

"I bet." Cindy says.

"How much money are we talking here?" Jim asks.

"For you, nothing. Just a plane ticket." Brenda says to her father. "I've been saving all the money I've been making working for you this year. I've barely spent any of it. And I'd like to spend it on this, if that's okay with you guys."

Jim and Cindy look at each other again and then turn to Brenda, still getting over the shock of it all. "Uhm, sure, it's fine with us." Cindy says.

"So when does this program start?" Jim asks. Brenda grits her teeth and looks slightly awkward at her parents.

"Two weeks." Brenda answers.

"Two week!" Jim and Cindy repeat simultaneously. "Honey, that barely gives us enough time to get ready." Cindy says.

"Mom, Dad, come on. If I don't do this now, I'll spend the rest of my life asking myself what if. And besides, this isn't nearly as short notice as what it was going to Paris a couple years ago." Brenda replies.

Jim and Cindy take deep breaths and finally give in. "Okay, Brenda. If it's what you really want to do." Cindy says.

"It is, Mom." Brenda says with reassuring confidence in her voice. "Roy has a lot of faith in me and I really don't want to let him down."

"Sweetie, we have a lot of faith in you too." Cindy says as she looks over at Jim.

"Sure do." Jim says. "I know it's been a roller coaster year for you. But when all is said and done, we're really proud of you." Jim says. Brenda looks at her parents and smiles. They didn't tell her anything she didn't already know, but it is still nice to hear.


Scott walks around the Mardi Gras carnival. Having not been there before, he's getting use to the surroundings and where everything is. As he takes in all the sights and sounds, he spots David who is standing by the merry-go-round talking to Aerial. Scott approaches his old best friend slowly and notices that Aerial appears to be getting pretty friendly with him as she doesn't hold back from touching him at all when they laugh together.

"Hey David." Scott yells out to him. David turns and sees Scott and stops laughing.

"Scott!" David replies, as he quickly tries to pretend that he wasn't having as much fun as he really was. "How's it going? Hey man, I'm sorry I missed your graduation." David says. Scott looks at David and at Aerial and examines them closely and can see the look of guilt that appears to be etched on David's face.

"Uh-huh." Scott replies in a slightly sarcastic tone. "Well, I can see that you had more pressing matters at hand."

David looks at Aerial and chuckles as he turns back to Scott. "Oh, Scott, this is Aerial. She works down at the music agency downtown. She's the one who helped get Babyface booked here." David says. "Aerial, this is my friend Scott."

Aerial grins casually. "It's really nice to meet you."

Scott smiles back and nods. "Likewise." he replies. "Well listen, I'll see you guys later, okay?" Scott says as he starts to walk off. As he does David rushes to catch up with him.

"Scott, wait up." David yells. Scott stops and turns around to face David as he catches up to him. "Believe me, this isn't what it looks like."

Scott smirks slightly as he looks back at David awkwardly. "It isn't what what looks like?" Scott asks.

"Well, you know, Aerial and I, we're just talking." David says.

"Fine David, you're just talking." Scott says. "What are you getting at?"

"Well, I know what it probably looks like and I just want you to believe me, that's all." David says. "You do believe me, right?"

"Well yeah….." Scott says, in an unsure voice.

"I feel a but coming on here." David replies.

"If there really was nothing going on between the two of you, I don't think you'd be over here trying so hard to convince me there wasn't." Scott says. David looks at him angrily. "Anyways, I don't think I'm the one whose trust you need to be worrying about. Only you know what's really going on here. And sooner or later, you're going to have to answer to Donna about it." Scott warns as he politely dismisses himself and walks off again. David watches Scott walk off with his hands on his hips and a guilty look on his face.

A bit later on, Scott is walking around when he spots Kelly casually walking around as well. He takes a deep breath and runs his hand through his hair to make sure it looks good, then casually walks over to her, as he tries to calm his nerves.

"Hi Kelly." Scott says to her.

"Oh, hey Scott." Kelly says. "Listen, have you seen Donna or Brenda around?"

"Uhm, I saw Donna a little while ago working the raffle. I haven't seen Brenda. Why?" Scott asks.

"Well, I'm supposed to be meeting up with them for a late lunch later. Brenda called me up this morning and says she has something really important to announce. I wonder what it could be." Kelly says.

"You think she got a part in another play?" asks Scott.

"I don't know, maybe." Kelly replies jokingly. At that point she spots Donna sitting at the raffle table. "Hey, there's Donna. Let's go say hi." Kelly says as she walks over to the table. Scott follows her.

"Donna!" Kelly greets. Donna turns to look at Kelly and Scott.

"Oh hey guys. You want to sign up for the cruise raffle?" Donna asks.

Kelly grins. "Are you kidding, I'd give me right arm to go on this cruise." Kelly says as she reaches into her purse and pulls out fifty dollars and hands it to Donna, who hands Kelly a pen and she starts to fill out the raffle form.

"Scott, what about you? Care to donate 50 dollars to the Children's camp fun and enter the raffle to win a free first class cruise to the Florida Keys?" Donna asks.

"Fifty dollars?" Scott asks with a bit of worry in his tone. Kelly turns to look at him.

"Oh come on, Scott, it's for charity." Kelly says encouragingly.

Scott shrugs. "Well, I did get some money for graduation." he says as he reaches into his back jeans pocket and pulls out his wallet. "All right." he says with a slight grin.

"Great." replies Donna, as Scott hands her two twenty dollar bills and one ten. He begins to fill out the raffle form.

"Just one thing, if you win, you got to take me." Kelly says meaning it in a completely joking manner. But Scott turns to look at her and grins as she says that. To him, he thinks that is a sign from her that she wants to go with him on the cruise.

"Kelly!" Donna cries.

"Hey, I'm just joking." Kelly says as she turns to Scott. "Maybe." she says jokingly. Scott just grins.

"Listen, have either of you guys seen David around?" Donna asks.

"Uhm, I saw him a little while ago." Scott answers as Donna looks on with curiosity. "He was over by the merry go round with that one girl, Aerial."

Frowning and looking dispirited, Donna hangs her head. "Great." she replies sarcastically.

"What's wrong?" Kelly asks.

"I don't know. Maybe I'm being paranoid." Donna says. "But every time I turn around, I see Aerial with David. She's either eating with him, laughing with him, and the way she shakes her butt when she walks. It just makes me want to throw up."

"Donna, you can't be jealous of every girl David talks to. He loves you." Kelly says, trying to be reassuring as she turns to Scott. "Right Scott?" Kelly asks. Scott feels uncomfortable at that point. While he doesn't know for sure that David's doing anything wrong, he saw the look in his eye and by the way he reacted, he felt pretty sure that David was hiding something. But he nods and puts on a fake grin.

"Right." Scott replies.

Donna sighs. "I don't know. You guys are probably right. I'm just being paranoid."

"You're not being paranoid, Donna. It's in men's nature to cheat. They're obsessed with sex." Kelly says. "Well, most of them anyways. There are a few good ones still left, like Scott here." Kelly says as Scott grins. "And believe me, David's one of the good ones."

"Yeah. You're right." Donna says. At that point Kelly spots a dangerous looking roller coaster. "Why would anyone want to go on that thing? It looks nauseating." Kelly says.

"Oh it's not that bad, Kelly." Scott says. "Actually, I've been on ones a lot worse than this."

"Really?" Kelly asks.

"Yeah. You want to give it a try?" Scott asks.

Kelly shrugs. "Well, sure. I mean I'll go if you go." Kelly says. Scott grins as he starts to walk over to the roller coaster. Kelly looks back at Donna. "Catch you later, Donna."

"Okay, don't forget. Food court in 2 hours." Donna yells. As Kelly and Scott walk off toward the roller coaster.

"You sure about this thing, Scott?" Kelly asks.

"Yeah, it will be fun." Scott replies as he hands Kelly a few tickets. "Here, your first ride is on me." he says.

Moments later Kelly is screaming her head off but having a good time. She looks and sounds like a little kid as she rides the roller coaster and holds her hands up. And just like Brenda did a year ago at Magic Mountain, Kelly appears to be literally enjoy herself and having a good time with Scott.


In a hotel outside of L.A., Kevin and Suzanne have just gotten married in a private ceremony with Dylan and Erica in attendance. After the ceremony, Dylan and Erica went to the restaurant inside the hotel as Kevin and Suzanne stayed behind to think the preacher who performed the ceremony.

As Kevin and Suzanne enter the restaurant, they spot Dylan and Erica sitting at a table. Suzanne then pulls Kevin aside into a quiet and dark area where they can talk privately without being seen or heard.

"Okay, this is it. It's now or never." Suzanne whispers in an extremely assertive tone.

"You think he'll go for it?" Kevin asks.

"As long as you don't blow it." Suzanne says. Kevin looks at her nervously. "Kevin, relax. We've been over this and over this. I'll get Erica away from the table, and that's when you make your move."

"I know. I know." Kevin says. "I just…" he says nervously, which begins to infuriate Suzanne who looks at him with a snarl on her face.

"Now you listen to me." Suzanne asserts in a whisper. "I did not spend the last year setting up this scam for you to go and blow it now. I'm going to get Erica away from the table, and then you're going to be your ever pleasant and charming self. And if you don't, well, I promise that you are going to have the most painful honeymoon that any guy has ever had in history."

Kevin gulps as he knows the pressure is squarely on him now. He takes a deep breath and puts on his happy face as he and Suzanne walk over to the table where Dylan and Erica are sitting. They hold hands and do everything they can to look like happy newlyweds. Dylan stands up and shakes hands with Kevin and hugs him. He then hugs Suzanne and kisses her on the cheek. The four of them sit down to have lunch.

Minutes later, Suzanne proceeds with her plan as she suggests Erica get up and come with her.

"Erica sweetie, see that ice sculpture over there?" Suzanne says. Erica nods her head. "Let's go take a look, shall we?"

Erica shrugs and then nods her head. "Oh, all right." Erica says. Suzanne and Erica both get up and walk over to the ice sculpture. As Suzanne leaves, she shoots Kevin a look, as if to say "Get it done." Kevin folds his hands and as he looks over and watches Suzanne and Erica by the ice sculpture and puts on a happy face.

"She's cute isn't she?" Kevin says to Dylan, referring to Erica. "I can't believe that's my daughter now. And that, that beautiful woman, who is her mother, is now my wife. To think just three months ago I was a care free bachelor, now I have a lovely wife and an adorable little girl for a step daughter."

"Yeah, well that little girl is also my sister. She's my family. So just make sure to take good care of her." Dylan says jokingly.

Kevin chuckles. "You know, Dylan, I know Suzanne has probably already told you this a million times, but neither of us can say it enough. We can't thank you enough for everything you've done. I mean you took Suzanne and Erica in, gave them a home, helped her get a job, and now you've been a major help in helping me get set up on a new business venture. So really, man, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Dylan takes a sip of water and nods nonchalantly at Kevin. "You're welcome. But hey, we're family now, all four of us, that's what we do, look out for each other." Dylan says. Kevin grins.

"So, tell me something. What do you think of this deal your friend Jim Walsh has put together for us?" Kevin asks as he turns his full attention to Dylan.

"Well, to tell you the truth, it seems kind of complicated. I mean I know Jim is just trying to make sure he has all bases covered, but limited partnerships, cross collateral rise syndication, multiple profit contingency plans. I mean I've only gotten to page 5 of the contract, and already there's so much fine print in it that I'm completely lost." Dylan says.

"Well, while you were listening to the words, I was watching people's faces. Did you see all those investors in the board room, Dylan? They were drooling. That's why all of them want to get this deal signed; they are dying to get their hands on what we got."

"Great, so it's a deal then. I'll give Jim a call tomorrow and tell him we'll be in to sign the papers." Dylan says.

Kevin shakes his head. "No, no, Dylan, man, you're missing the point." Kevin replies. "Until I sat in that room yesterday and saw the way everyone reacted, even I didn't know how huge this thing I have really is. I mean this is revolutionary." Kevin says. "And the more people we let it on this, the less money there will be for us in the end."

"Wait, so you're saying you want to cut them out, blow off Jim and his investors?" Dylan asks with uncertainty in his voice.

"Look, I know you and he have a long history together. But if we sign this deal, then they call all the shots. They have the power. And until we really make a name for ourselves, I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Let's just not rush into anything." says Kevin.

"Well, knowing Jim like I do, he's probably already steamed that we left the office yesterday without signing the deal. If we turn him down now, he's not going to take this very well." Dylan says.

Kevin takes a deep breath. "Well, since you're the one financing this thing, I'll leave it up to you. And if you want to sign on with Jim Walsh's team, fine, I'm sure that will be enough to ensure that Suzanne, Erica, and I will always have a roof over our heads. But Dylan, all I'm asking is this. Think about it. Why should they get rich over something we worked for?" Kevin says.

Dylan doesn't respond right then and there, but sits there with his hands folded, and his elbows on the table as he stares blankly across the room. The pressure is now squarely on his shoulders. Does he take the conservative route and sign the deal with Jim Walsh? Or does he take a gamble and really go out on a limb to provide the best possible for future for Kevin, Suzanne, and most of all Erica.

As Kevin and Dylan talk, Suzanne continues to watch them every few seconds, wondering what's going to come of it.


The ring leaves Scott's hand and glides smoothly as it wraps around the neck of the bottle and rolls on top of it for a couple seconds before finally falling onto the neck of the bottle.

"You are a winner!" says the carnival attendant. Kelly cheers out loud.

"Okay, Kelly, take your pick. What do you want, a panda or a polar bear?" Scott asks referring to the stuffed animals that are on display for people to win.

"Uhm, I'll take the Panda. He's cute." Kelly says as Scott points at the panda. The attendant takes one of the stuffed Panda's on display and hands it to Scott who gives it to Kelly. "I can't believe you got the ring on the bottle like that. It looks so hard."

"It's not that hard if you've done it enough." Scott says. "I spent most of my childhood playing games like these at amusement parks and fairs. It's all in the wrist and how you flick it." Scott says. Kelly takes the Panda and tucks it underneath an arm as the two of them begin to walk away.

"Oh, look at the time, I got to meet Brenda and Donna." Kelly says as she looks at her watch. "You want to come? Find out what Brenda's big announcement is?"

"Sure." Scott says. The two of them walk over to the food area where Brenda and Donna are already sitting at a table.

"Kelly, Scott, over here!" Brenda shouts as she spots them both. They go over and sit down at the table with them.

"It's about time you got here." Donna says to Kelly.

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry, I'm late. Scott here has been showing me some interesting things about this carnival, like the secret of the ring toss which won me Mr. Panda here." Kelly says as she holds her stuffed Panda up to show Brenda and Donna.

"Cute." Donna says with a chuckle.

"What is it about carnivals and amusement parks that brings out the best in you, Scott?" Brenda says as she stares at him with a grin on her face, remembering the time that she had with him at Magic Mountain a little over a year ago.

"I don't know. I just like them I guess." Scott says.

"You know, Scott's one of the last really true decent guys left in California. Don't you think so, Brenda?" says Kelly

"Definitely." Brenda replies with a grin as she raises her soda cop. "To Scott."

Kelly raises a cup of diet soda that she has. "To Scott." she repeats. Donna just smiles as she doesn't have a cup.

"Donna, aren't you going to eat anything?" Brenda asks.

"Sorry, I saw David eating a chili dog with Aerial a little while ago and my appetite is like completely gone." Donna replies.

"Donna, we already talked about this." Kelly says.

"I know, Kelly. I know." Donna says. "I can't help it. I just can't help but feel like she's trying to get into his pants." Donna says. Scott just looks on, feeling a bit uncomfortable by this conversation as he feels Donna has reasons to be concerned, but doesn't want to say anything to make Donna worry.

"So Brenda, what's this big announcement?" Kelly asks.

"Yeah Bren, come on, you said you weren't going to tell me until Kelly got here. Well now she's here, Scott's here. Tell us." Donna says.

Brenda grins. "All right, all right." Brenda says with a smile as she sits there, looking almost giddy. "Guess who got invited to attend the summer program at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London?" Brenda says.

Kelly and Donna's faces lite up as Scott sits there looking happy for Brenda.

"Oh my God, are you serious?" Donna asks.

Brenda nods with excitement. "Roy says he can get me in with one phone call. And the best part is, I don't even have to apply." Brenda says.

"Wow. Brenda, that's great. London? You're becoming quite the world traveler. Paris with Donna two years ago. Then traveling throughout Europe with Dylan last summer, and now London."

"Brenda, that's fantastic. I'm really happy for you." Scott says.

"Thanks Scott." Brenda says.

"And now we have an excuse to visit London." Kelly says.

"Well, don't get your passports out just yet. It's only for the summer. I'll be back before you know it." Brenda says.

"So who else knows about this?" Donna asks.

"Just my parents. You guys are the first ones I told. And I'm glad, cause really the two of you, Kelly and Donna, and you too Scott really are my best friends." Brenda says with a smile.

"Just one thing, Brenda." Kelly says. "What are you going to tell Dylan?"

Brenda's smile disappears ever so slightly as she looks at Kelly. "I don't know, Kelly. I still haven't figured that part out yet." Brenda says. "I mean, when I talked to him the other day, he did kind of indicate that he had hoped I might hang out with him this summer."

"You can't be serious." Kelly scoffs.

"What?" Brenda asks, not sure what Kelly's getting at.

"You can't honestly tell me that you would seriously consider giving up going to London and skip out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts so that you can hang out with Dylan McKay all summer and go surfing in Baja?" Kelly asks as she turns up her nose.

"No Kelly, that's not what I'm saying. I'm going to London for sure. I'm just a little worried about how Dylan's going to take it." Brenda says.

"Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it." Kelly says. "Believe me, he'll get over it. Besides, it's not like you two are together anymore, is it?"

Brenda frowns slightly. "Yeah, I guess." she says as she sits there trying to figure out just how she's going to break the news to Dylan.


Brandon comes back up to his hotel room after a busy day. It is the middle of the afternoon and he has been at task force functions all day starting at the crack of dawn with breakfast and then meeting with different senators and education department officials.

This is the first time he has had to himself all day long, and he only has that for about an hour, because he's set to have dinner with the Chancellor and Dean Trimble. As Brandon walks into his room, all he can think about is how he'd love to just lie on his bed and rest. When he walks in he looks around and kicks off his shoes, takes off his tie and unbuttons the top button of his shirt to be able to relax more. He can't fully undress because he has to go back out in a little while.

As he looks around, he spots a tray of food that apparently has been brought up by room service. He looks underneath the plate covers and sees some club sandwiches along with some appetizers. His immediate thought is that somebody on the task force ordered that for him.

"Hmph, they think of everything." Brandon thinks to himself. He walks over to his bed and sits down on it, putting his feet up. He turns on the tv, mostly for background noise as he lies there, trying to relax before dinner with his chancellor. He puts his hands on his chest and lies there looking up at the ceiling. As many thoughts race through his head, he suddenly feels something crawling up his chest. He looks down and sees a hand unbuttoning his shirt. The very first thing he comes to realize is that hand isn't his.

He begins to follow the hand with his eyes down to the arm it's connected to and even further down to the body it's attached too. As a head pops out from underneath the covers, Brandon immediately jumps up when he realizes just who it is.

"I'll say one thing for this hotel, they sure to make comfy beds." Clare says with a seductive smile.

"Clare, how'd you get in here?" Brandon asks as he looks closer at Clare and sees that she's not wearing anything.

"Oh, I have my ways." Clare replies.

"And where are your clothes?" Brandon asks.

"On the floor last time I saw them." Clare says as she rolls over onto her side.

"Clare, I'm tired. I had a long morning." Brandon starts.

"Awww, poor baby. I know just the cure for that. Full body massage." Clare says. "Now why don't you get yourself one of those sandwiches I ordered, come over here, lie down, and I'll work those kinks out." Clare suggests.

"You ordered room service?" Brandon asks.

"Yup." Clare replies. "Relax, it's all free. This is all expenses paid, remember?"

"Clare, let me ask you something. What do you think would have happened if I had walked in with your father just now?" Brandon asks.

Clare shrugs as she pulls the covers up to her chin. "Hmmm, I guess I never thought of that."

"Listen, I'm going to go into the bathroom. When I come out, I want you dressed and out of here." Brandon says.

Clare rolls her eyes. "There are a hundred guys who would try anything and everything to get me into a hotel room and out of my clothes and I'm with the one guy who wants to get me back into my clothes and out of his hotel room." she says.

"You're a riot, Clare." Brandon says as he starts to walk towards the bathroom. "Just be gone when I get out, or I'm calling security."

"Brandon!" Clare says sternly. Brandon stops before he gets to the bathroom to listen to Clare, as she sits up in bed, covering herself with a sheet. "That would be a very bad career move for you." Clare warns. "Picture this, you call hotel security, they come up here. Then you have to explain to my father how it is that his daughter wound up naked in your hotel room."

"Clare, I'm having dinner with your father in an hour." Brandon says.

"Well, the way I see it, he'll be talking to you about one of two things. Either he'll be discussing the plans for when you meet the president, or he'll be telling you to pack your bags and go home after he finds out you seduced his daughter. Now which one of those scenarios do you think has the better future for you?" Clare says.

Brandon sighs and turns around and walks over to the foot of the bed where Clare is sitting, still covering herself with a sheet. "That's it." Brandon says in a fed up tone. After everything he's been through, the rigorous schedule of the task force, the Lucinda affair, getting arrested, and having his relationship with Kelly crumble, he's finally had enough. He figures he's done his best to do the right thing, but the world doesn't seem to want to let him. "I give up." Brandon finishes.

"Good." Clare says with a seductive grin as she lets go of the bed sheet, letting it fall to the mattress, exposing her nude body fully. She then leans in and kisses Brandon, closed lips at first, but then quickly opens her mouth and tries to slide her tongue into his mouth. Brandon's slightly resistant at first, but then finally gives up and begins to kiss back.

As they break from the kiss, Clare then lies back on the bed. Brandon stares at her.

"Well?" Clare asks. "Aren't you going to go for it?"

Brandon looks at her knowing that if he gives in, there is no turning back. The trap that so many politicians who came to Washington with bright ideas have let themselves fall into is now surrounding Brandon. If he pursues this, then from here on out his whole life will be one big lie after another. And he knows it.


Brenda and Donna have both gone home from the Mardi Gras. Kelly spent a little more time riding carnival rides with Scott. But now has decided the time has come for her to go home as well.

She starts to walk out with Scott. The stuffed panda bear that he won for her is underneath one arm and a smile is on her face. No she doesn't have any feelings for him. But she still has had a good time tonight.

"I have to admit, I had a lot of fun tonight." Kelly says.

"Yeah, me too." Scott says.

"You know, Brenda told me about the day you and her had at Magic Mountain last year, and I can see now why she enjoyed it so much." says Kelly.

"You do?" Scott asks.

"Yeah, I do." Kelly replies. "Your kidlike enthusiasm is so refreshing. Don't ever lose it." Kelly says in a happy tone with a smile.

But just as Kelly and Scott appear to be ending a fun day, Kelly runs into a familiar face on the way out that she would just assume not see.

"Well, look what we have here." says John Sears. "Hi Kelly, how's it going?"

Kelly gulps. "It's going John. And it would be going a lot better if you would just keep on walking." replies Kelly.

John Sears looks over at Scott and smirks, seeming almost amused at his very presence. "What's this, your latest boy toy? Older guys just don't do it for you anymore, so you start going for the young ones?" John Sears taunts.

"For your information, Scott here has more dignity in his little pinky than you'll ever have as long as you live." Kelly replies back.

"Oh, how noble." John Sears says sarcastically as he turns to Scott. "Kelly, she's a hot one isn't she, kid? You get her in the sack yet?" John Sears says as he laughs maliciously. This angers Scott who marches right up to John.

"You're a real jack ass." Scott says angrily. John Sears face grows serious.

"Yeah? And what's a little dork like you going to do about it, huh?" John Sears says as he pushes Scott away. "You obviously don't know who you're talking to here. I'm a God on campus."

Kelly rolls her eyes. Scott stands his ground as John Sears continues to taunt. But before things get to out of hand, Kelly and Scott here another familiar voice come up from behind.

"John, what's going on?" says Celeste, Steve's old girlfriend. Kelly turns and is surprised by what she sees.

"Celeste?" Kelly says surprisingly.

"Kelly?" Celeste greets back.

"What are you doing here?" Kelly asks.

"She's my date." John Sears says with a taunting smile on his face.

"You're dating John now?" Kelly asks as she turns up her nose.

"What can I say, Kelly? One woman's trash is another one's golden treasure." John Sears says with a look of confidence on his face. "Anyways, I'd love to stand here and catch up on old times, but my good buddy Steve Sanders is due for another mud bath." John Sears says as he walks off arm in arm with Celeste. Kelly watches the two of them walk off and shakes her head.

"God, I can't believe she's going out with John Sears. Poor Steve." Kelly says as she frowns, then turns to Scott. "You know, that was really sweet you standing up to him like that. Thank you." Kelly says as she leans in and kisses Scott on the cheek. Scott looks confused at first, and them smiles. A feeling of giddiness comes over him.

"Hey, the guy was just being a jerk." Scott says.

"Yeah, he was. Still, it took a lot of guts for you to stand up to him." Kelly says. "Well, I'd better go."

"Okay." Scott replies. "Will you be here tomorrow?" Scott asks.

"Eh, probably not, I'm going to go see Andrea in the hospital. But I'll see you sometime, okay?" Kelly says. "Bye Scott." She says with a smile as she starts to walk off.

At that point, Scott balls up his fist and ducks his head. While the day had gone well for him, he knows that if he lets Kelly walk away right here that part of him will feel like it was a failure. He knows it's now or never. If he was ever going to take a shot at getting with her, now was the time.

"Kelly!" Scott yells out as he goes running up to her. Kelly stops and turns around to look at him. "How would you like to go out to the movies? Say Monday night? Just for fun?"

Kelly contemplates it for a second and then decides what the heck. "Sure, why not." Kelly says with a grin. Scott's face lights up like a Christmas tree. "I mean, it's the least I can do after all you've done."

"Great. How about if I meet up with you at that little Italian restaurant in the mall say around six o'clock? We can get something to eat and then grab a bite to eat?"

Kelly smiles. "Sounds Peachy." she says with a smile. "See you then."

"Okay, see ya." Scott says. He watches as Kelly walks off. Once she is out of sight, Scott begins walking off to where he parked his car. He pumps his fist too himself and with a giddy smile, he literally struts out of the carnival and into the parking lot.

He just had a great day with Kelly Taylor. They rode rides, he won her a bear, and to top it off, he impressed her when he stood up to John Sears, something he normally wouldn't do. Scott was clearly on cloud nine.

His happiness would be slightly dissipated though in a matter of moments. As he makes it to his car, he starts to fumble around in his pocket for his keys, when he looks up and spots his old best friend David, just a few cars away from where he is. David isn't alone. Aerial is with him and the two of them have them arms wrapped around each other and are engaged in some pretty heavy and intense kissing. Scott watches them carefully, but keeps his head down so he won't be spotted.

"Mmmmmm, I know what's hot and what's not, and you David Silver are clearly hot." Aerial says to him as she breaks from the kiss.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" David asks.

"Oh, I'm ready. The question is are you?" Aerial asks.

"Well, see that's the thing. I didn't exactly come prepared, you know?" David says in an anxious tone.

Aerial grins and reaches into her purse and pulls out an unopened condom. "I did." she says with a smile as she leans in and kisses David on the lips. As David runs around to the passenger side door of Aerial's car and hops in, Scott ducks down so that David doesn't see him.

Aerial's car starts and tears out of the parking lot and down the road. Scott just stands there and watches it. What he had feared earlier has now been confirmed. His best friend David is cheating on his girlfriend. And Scott is the only one who knows about it.

TO BE CONTINUED


A/N: I hope to have the next chapter up before next weekend, but again, I can't guarantee that.

I hope some of my long time readers are still around. I haven't seen a few of you guys since I came back from vacation. If you're out there and reading, please send me a review, let me know you're still around.