Chapter 4 - It's Good to See You Part 2

Brandon arrived back at West Beverly a quarter before 6pm. He parked the car and walked into the building with flowers in hand. He heard nothing but silence as he walked into the building. It didn't take long for him to find Kelly's office. Her door was conveniently opened. Brandon walked up and knocked on the door to get her attention.

Kelly smiles as she sees Brandon by the door.

"Hey, come on in" said Kelly smiling.

"Thanks..I'm surprised you're still here this late. Should I have picked you up at your place?," said Brandon.

"No, you're right on time. I just got out of a faculty meeting," said Kelly.

Brandon gives Kelly the flowers.

"Thanks. They're beautiful," said Kelly.

"So are you," said Brandon.

"Thanks," said Kelly who is blushing.

"I bet you never expect to find me working here," added Kelly.

"Well, I think it's great that you get to help the students as their problems...and also become their friend," said Brandon.

"I sure had my fair share of problems as a student here," said Kelly.

"The important thing is that you got out of it ok," said Brandon.

"I sure did....but I couldn't have done it without my friends, including you," said Kelly.

"Well, that's what friends are for," said Brandon.

They stared at each other for a moment.

"You ready?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, where do you wanna go?" replied Kelly.

"Nope, not telling. It's a surprise," said Brandon.

"Ok, fair enough. I'll follow you, Mr. Walsh," said Kelly smiling.

"Right this way, Ms. Taylor," said Brandon smiling.

Both were silent during the ride to the Peach Pit. On several occasions, Kelly would look up at Brandon. Brandon notices and would look back and smile back at Kelly. Even though both had a lot of thoughts on their mind, neither of them spoke a word.

Brandon and Kelly drive up to the Peach Pit parking lot.

"So, are you surprise?" asked Brandon.

"Actually, I am. I really didn't think you were going to take me here," replied Kelly.

"Well, I didn't know any other place around here that's good and Nat insisted; so here we are....Would you rather go somewhere else instead?" asked Brandon.

"No, I think this will be fine," said Kelly.

"You sure? I mean, I can just tell Nat to cancel," asked Brandon

"Don't be silly. It's fine. You don't have to do a lot to impress me," said Kelly.

"I like that. In fact, that makes me want to impress you even more," said Brandon.

"Shall we?" asked Kelly smiling.

"Yes, we shall," said Brandon smiled back.

Nat sees Brandon and Kelly walk in and heads towards them.

"Hey Nat," said Kelly.

"Right this way," said Nat.

Nat takes Brandon and Kelly to a special reserve quiet area. Nat seats them and pours Brandon and Kelly their drinks.

"Hi; Good Evening. My name is Nat Bussichio. I'll be your waiter for the evening. Your meals will be ready in a few minutes. If you need anything, just let me know," said Nat.

"Thank you, sir," said Brandon.

"You're welcome," said Nat.

Nat walks away.

"Well, now I'm really surprised. He never gives me this kind of service. It must be because of you," said Kelly.

"Nope, this is all him. I had nothing to do with it," said Brandon.

"Again, it's good to see you," said Kelly.

"It's good to see you too," said Brandon.

"So how long are you here for?" asked Kelly.

"Just a week or two. They want me to do some consulting work at here the L.A. office," said Brandon.

"Well, they could really use it. I hear they might close if they can't find some good writers soon," said Kelly.

"That's what I'm here for," said Brandon.

"Brandon, I just wanted to apologize again for last Friday. I didn't mean to upset you. I guess I shouldn't bring up bad memories," said Kelly.

"It's ok. I wasn't upset. Proposing to you was an easy decision. I don't regret it one bit," said Brandon.

"That's because you left the hard part for me. I mean, how I was able to choose between you and Dylan?" asked Kelly laughing.

"You know what? You're right. Since Dylan's not here, let's just blame it on him," joked Brandon.

"I think I can live with that," laughed Kelly.

Nat brings the food to the table.

"Here you go. Bon Appetit. Boy, it's so great to see you two in here again," said Nat.

"Wow Nat. You've really outdone yourself," said Kelly.

"Yeah, I've been waiting to cook this meal for a special occasion. But when I found out nobody could afford it, I'd figure you two would enjoy it," said Nat.

"Glad to know. Thanks," said Brandon.

"Enjoy," said Nat.

Nat walks away. Brandon and Kelly start eating.

"So, have you spoken to anyone else lately?" asked Kelly.

"Not really. Just you and Dylan. He called and wanted me to do a piece on one of his projects," said Brandon.

"Well, it's good that you two still keep in touch," said Kelly.

"You miss him, don't you?" asked Brandon.

"I'm fine. It's been a while. I got my work and Sammy to keep me busy....It's Sammy I'm worry about," said Kelly.

"How's Sammy taking it?" asked Brandon.

"At the moment, he's fine. But I am running out of excuses to tell him whenever he asks about him," said Kelly.

"Just tell him that he's a superhero who is too busy saving the world," said Brandon.

"I gotta remember that one," laughed Kelly.

"If it makes you feel any better, I kinda envy the guy," said Brandon.

"What? Why?" Kelly asked confused.

"After I heard that Dylan was back in town, I knew you two would eventually find your way back to one another. And I was jealous for a while. Then when I found out that you were pregnant, I just felt like such a loser. I know it was selfish of me to even think that considering what we went through. I knew your condition and that having a baby meant the world to you. I guess a part of me wished that I could've given you one.....I'm sorry," said Brandon.

"I'm sorry too. I knew you were devastated when I miscarried," said Kelly.

"If I remember correctly, so were you," said Brandon.

Kelly looks at Brandon and sadly gives him a small nod.

Brandon was hoping to take a walk on the beach with Kelly after dinner. However, Kelly's mind was so occupied that she didn't even remember to ask Brandon if he had planned to go anywhere else after dinner. He didn't want to think that Kelly didn't have a good time at dinner with him. After all, she didn't complain. He just figured that she was too worried about leaving Sammy alone with Silver. As they head toward Kelly's house, Brandon thought of ways to extend their date.

Brandon and Kelly walk up to Kelly's doorstep.

"Thanks for dinner, Mr. Walsh. I had fun," said Kelly.

"Well, you're welcome, Miss Taylor. The pleasure was all mine," said Brandon.

Brandon and Kelly look at each other. Brandon couldn't help but want to kiss her. He had played this moment in his mind before. He had considered the results. If Kelly opposed the kiss, his excuse would be that he was merely giving her a friendly kiss goodnight. Then again, if she didn't oppose, things could get very interesting.

"Would you like to come in?" asked Kelly.

"Sure," replied Brandon.

Brandon was sad that he didn't get the chance to kiss Kelly but was glad that she extended their date. Hopefully he'll get another chance later in the night.

Kelly opens the door and they both walk in. They see Silver and Sammy playing in the living room.

"Well, there you two are. I was getting worried," said Silver sarcastically.

Silver gets up and hugs Brandon.

"It's good to finally see you again, Brandon. I knew Kelly was going out with somebody special tonight. I was hoping it'll be you," said Silver.

"It's good to see you too, Silver. I can't believe how grown-up you look. It's been a long time," said Brandon.

"Yes, it has. Too long," said Silver.

Brandon began to notice someone hiding behind Kelly.

"This must be Sammy," said Brandon.

"Yes it is.....Say hi to Brandon," said Kelly.

"Hi Brandon," said Sammy in a cute voice.

"Hi there, Sammy; please to meet you," said Brandon.

Brandon bends down and extends his hand to greet Sammy. Sammy lets go of Kelly's leg. Instead of shaking Brandon's hand, he headed towards Brandon and gives him a hug. Brandon is taken by surprise and hugs him back.

"I see somebody's very friendly....just like his mother," said Brandon looking at Kelly.

"That's too much information, Brandon," Kelly laughed.

Sammy began to tug on Brandon's pants, trying to get his attention. Brandon looks down.

"Brandon, would you like to play with us?" asked Sammy.

"Oh no, honey, It's late and Brandon is very tired. He needs to rest," said Kelly.

Sammy looks disappointed but looks at Brandon for his response.

"Sammy, I'd love to play with you." said Brandon.

Sammy smiles and grabs Brandon's hand and leads him to the living room floor where we see toys blocks and Legos scattered all over the rug. Silver tells everyone goodnight and goes to her room.

Kelly smiles as she was happy to see Sammy laughing and getting along well with Brandon. It felt like such a long time since she had seen Sammy bond with anyone. Kelly began to get the feeling that Sammy was as lonely as she was that he'll open up to anyone, even if that person was a complete stranger. She knew that Brandon would eventually go back to D.C. and his relationship with Sammy would just be another repeat of Sammy's relationship with Dylan.

It's later in the night as Kelly comes out of Sammy's room after tucking him into bed. She sees Brandon on the couch. Kelly goes over and joins him.

"Thanks for humoring him tonight," said Kelly.

"I wasn't. Sammy's great and very creative. I had fun," said Brandon.

"From what I saw, a little too much fun," said Kelly.

"Oh, you're just jealous that he didn't ask you to join us," joked Brandon.

"Excuse me but I do get my fair share of invitations; thank you very much," laughed Kelly.

"It looks like he's gonna be very popular in school," said Brandon.

"I think so too. Chances are he'll end up breaking a few hearts himself....like his father," said Kelly.

"And that's where you come in. Also, I think you're being a little too hard on Dylan. After all, he did find you. And by that, I'd say he has tremendous taste in women," said Brandon.

"How come it seems like you're defending him more and more lately?," smiled Kelly.

"Sorry if it sounds that way. I guess I was trying to make things look better than it is," said Brandon.

"Thanks but that's not your job. If you do that, I'm gonna miss you too much when you're gone," said Kelly.

"Kel, I have to tell you something," said Brandon.

"What is it?" asked Kelly.

"I'm actually going to be in L.A. a little while longer," said Brandon.

"Great. How much longer?" asked Kelly.

Brandon hesitates for a second but decides not to tell Kelly about moving back to L.A.

"Probably an extra week," lied Brandon.

"Oh, great. Then we got to do this again," said Kelly.

"Ok. I'll call you....or you call me...either way," said Brandon.

"Will do....would you like something to drink?" asked Kelly as she smiled.

"Sure," said Brandon as he smiled back at Kelly.

"What would you like?" asked Kelly.

"Whatever you have is fine," said Brandon.

"Ok, hold on," said Kelly.

As Kelly goes to the kitchen, Brandon started to look around Kelly's living room. Brandon could see that her taste in wallpaper and décor hasn't change. Between the sofa and the couch was a small coffee table that had a framed photo of Kelly holding Sammy as a baby. Brandon stared at the photo for a bit and Kelly notices. She comes back from the kitchen.

"Here's your tea," said Kelly.

"Thanks…sorry, I was just looking around," said Brandon.

"No, it's fine. There's plenty more photos under the table if you're interested. We can visit some old memories," said Kelly.

"I'd like that, if it's not too late," said Brandon.

"No, I'd love to. It's not like I get to see you all the time," said Kelly.

Brandon faked a smile. Kelly grabbed two photo albums from the under the coffee table and they start to look at the photos.

"Here's Steve and Janet with Madeline as a baby….here's everyone at David and Donna's wedding…," said Kelly.

As Kelly showed Brandon the photos, he saw the past ten years flashed before his eyes. Kelly continued to talk but he wasn't really paying much attention. As he started to look through the photos, he couldn't believe that he had missed so much while he was gone. Sure, he did his best to keep in touch with everyone. But he was just sad that he wasn't there for all the significant moments in his friends' lives.

"Oh and this was when I found out I was pregnant with Sammy," laughed Kelly.

"If you think my reaction was funny; you should see Dylan's," added Kelly as she smiled at Brandon.

"I'm sorry for rambling on and on. I do that a lot whenever I show anyone this photo album," said Kelly.

Kelly noticed that Brandon wasn't responding.

"Brandon, are you ok?" asked Kelly.

Brandon didn't hear Kelly the first time as the more and more photos he saw, the more depressed he got.

"What?" said Brandon as he finally heard Kelly.

"Are you ok? You seemed a little out of it," said Kelly.

"No, I'm fine. It's late. I should go," replied Brandon as he got up.

"Are you sure?, it's only 10:30," said Kelly disappointed.

"Yeah, I'm kinda tired," said Brandon.

"If you're too tired to drive, you're welcome to stay in the guest room," said Kelly.

"No, it's fine. I should go," said Brandon.

"Oh, ok. I'll walk you out to your car," said Kelly disappointed.

"That's ok. I'll see you sometime next week?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, see ya," said Kelly.

"Bye," said Brandon.

"Bye," said Kelly.

Brandon leaves and Kelly slowly closes the door behind him. Kelly's back leaned on the door still wishing that Brandon had stay and talk with her a while longer. She then goes to her bedroom and closes the door.

Brandon got home fine but he wasn't tired at all. He sat in his bed still thinking about the photos that Kelly had showed him. He still couldn't believe that he had missed so much. Realizing how precious the moments that he spent with his friends were, he could picture himself being a part of those photos if he had just stayed for a few more years. Maybe things could've been different for him. He pictured Steve asking him instead of Dylan to be Madeline's godfather. He pictured him giving a toast to David and Donna at their wedding. He even pictured himself being with Kelly as they held Sammy. What's worse is that now that everyone except for Kelly had moved on, he wouldn't have a chance to recapture those moments. Brandon's photos for the past ten years couldn't compare to Kelly's. While Kelly's photos showed people living in their moments of emotion, happiness, and reality, Brandon's photos depicted nothing but fake smiles and handshakes with people that Brandon don't even care about. He was afraid that being away for so long, he had forgotten how to become the Brandon he once was or the Brandon that everyone loved. Maybe all he is now is nothing more than a cheap imitation of what he once was.

Brandon turns off the lights and goes to sleep.

Coming Next - Brandon visits the L.A. Office with a surprise waiting for him.