Chapter 17 - What Matters Now
Kelly came home with lunch for Sammy and Silver. She puts the food on the kitchen table. Both Silver and Sammy gives Kelly a weird look.
"What are these? I thought you were going to the Peach Pit," asked Silver.
"We always eat there. We never try anything new," replied Kelly.
"I'm fine with new...but I'm not fine with this," said Silver.
"Fine, then don't eat it," said Kelly.
Sammy takes a bite of the burrito and makes a disgusted look on his face.
"Mommy, I don't like this," said Sammy spitting out the burrito in his napkin.
"Honey, it's fine. See?" said Kelly having a taste of one of the burritos.
Kelly gets the same disgusted look on her face (like Sammy's) and quickly spits it out in the trash. Silver and Sammy stare at her.
"Mommy, that was funny. Do it again," laughed Sammy.
"No," said Kelly.
"So, what are we suppose to do for food?" asked Silver.
"Just eat whatever you want," replied Kelly.
"Sammy, why don't you go back to your room and I'll make you some soup, ok?" asked Silver.
"Ok," replied Sammy as he runs to his room.
"Ok, what's wrong?" asked Silver.
"Nothing," replied Kelly.
"Then did you bring home this crap?" asked Silver.
"Because I saw Brandon at the Peach Pit," replied Kelly.
"So?" asked Silver.
"He was talking with this other women," replied Silver.
"Like I said; so?" asked Silver.
"They were laughing and having a good time," replied Kelly.
"Maybe they're good friends," said Silver.
"Or maybe they're more than just good friends," said Kelly.
"Did you talk to them?" asked Silver.
"No. I saw them through the window. Then I got the hell out of there," replied Kelly.
"Then how do you know?" asked Silver.
"I don't know. Maybe I'm just jealous that they can have a good time together and we can't," replied Kelly.
"I mean, He came to pick me up from work yesterday. I asked him how his day was and he acted like I was too nosy or something," added Kelly.
"Kel, I hate to say it but you are kinda getting too close to him," said Silver.
"What? I am not," said Kelly.
"You're the one who told me that he wanted to take things slow. I'd say leave him alone until he's ready to come to you," said Silver.
"How long am I supposed to wait?" asked Kelly.
"As long as he needs to," replied Silver as she starts to make soup.
"What if he forgets about me?" asked Kelly.
"He won't. You'll still see him every morning when he picks us up and when the results come in the mail, he'll have come to you," replied Silver.
"Ok. I guess I can wait," said Kelly.
"That's my girl," smiled Silver.
"Now, care to help me with lunch?" asked Silver.
"Sure," replied Kelly.
Brandon sat in his room that night by himself as he thought about what lies ahead in his life. When he left for Washington ten years ago, he didn't know whether he was ever going to return to L.A. But things have changed. Not only is he back, but he has realized that he has nothing to complain about. He had the girl he always wanted and a son to go along with it. He didn't want to make the same mistake that Dylan did. However, even though he was ready to be a family man, he just wished that he had all those things under better circumstances.
Kelly thought about Brandon that night too. She sat up wondering what was the longest time Brandon and her were together before arguing. She kept on blaming herself for causing all the arguments as she continues to think that their relationship will never be the same.
On Sunday, a car pulls up at Kelly's house. Brandon gets out of the car and knocks on Kelly's door.
"Hi," said Kelly as she opens the door, happy to see Brandon.
"Hey Kel," said Brandon.
"Do you want to come in?" asked Kelly.
"Uh...there's something that I need to talk to you about. Can we take a walk instead?" asked Brandon.
"Sure," replied Kelly with a worried look.
Brandon and Kelly walked to the beach.
"So, what do you want to talk to me about?" asked Kelly.
"First of all, I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. I didn't mean it," replied Brandon.
"It's ok. I'm sorry too. I know I've been annoying you a bit when you just needed time to think," said Kelly.
"Still, I should've explained it to you instead of completely shutting you out," said Brandon.
"I just wish I can make things better. I want to go back to where we were before I told you about Sammy," said Kelly.
"Do you think it's still possible?" asked Brandon.
"I hope so...because I still love you, Brandon," replied Kelly.
"I love you too," said Brandon.
Kelly smiles a bit.
"Do you want to sit?" asked Brandon.
"Sure," replied Kelly as they head over to a nearby bench and sit down.
"Beautiful day, huh?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah and I'm glad I get to enjoy it with you," replied Kelly.
Brandon smiles at Kelly.
"You know Kel, we've known each other for quite a long time now and it occurs to me that we still have problems being completely honest with each other," said Brandon.
Kelly looks down but doesn't reply.
"I brought you here today hoping that I'll get a chance to tell you everything," said Brandon.
"You didn't have to wait till today. You can always tell me anything," said Kelly.
"I know but something happened yesterday that just makes it much easier," said Brandon.
"What's that?" asked Kelly.
"I met a woman the other day and..." said Brandon.
"Was this the same woman you were with yesterday at the Peach Pit?" asked Kelly interrupting Brandon while he was talking.
"Yeah. But how did you know?" asked Brandon.
"I saw you two from outside," replied Kelly.
"Why didn't you come in?" asked Brandon.
"Don't try to change the subject, Brandon," replied Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly with a weird look.
"Are you ok?" asked Brandon.
"I'm fine," replied Kelly.
"Ok. Anyway we've been talking for over a week now and one thing led to another and...," said Brandon as he is interrupted again.
Kelly starts to cry and Brandon notices.
"Kelly, what's wrong?" asked Brandon as he holds her.
"Look Brandon. I'm sorry, alright? I'm sorry about everything. You got to let me make this up to you. Please...," cried Kelly.
Brandon realizes what Kelly is crying about.
"Oh nooo...that's not what I meant. Please don't cry," said Brandon still holding Kelly.
"Then what do you mean? You met somebody else, right? Someone who doesn't have any kids? Just leave...you're just like every other guy," said Kelly.
"Kelly, nothing happened. We're not even attracted to each other," said Brandon.
"Why should I believe that? You won't talk to me but with someone who you're not even interested in?" asked Kelly.
Brandon takes out Lauren's writing sample from his pocket and shows it to Kelly.
"What's this?" asked Kelly.
"Read it, please," replied Brandon.
Kelly reads the article.
"So what do you think?" asked Brandon.
"It's really good. Looks like you two will be very happy together," replied Kelly.
"Kel, I met her the other day. She came in for a job interview and after we got to talking, she started to tell me about her situation," said Brandon.
"What situation?" asked Kelly.
"She told me that she's a single mother with two kids. The father decided that he didn't want to give up on his dreams and left. She said he still loves her but don't know if he'll ever come back. And even if he does, she don't know whether she'll ever take him back," explained Brandon.
"Is this what this is about?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah. She made me realize that I should be completely honest with you, Kelly. I always dreamt that if I have children, especially with you, I would be there for them. I would be there when they are born, be there for their first steps and for their first words. But given the case, I missed out on all of those things. What makes it worse is that even if I am the father, how do I explain it to Sammy why I wasn't around?" asked Brandon.
"Dylan was barely there anyway," replied Kelly.
"That was different. He knew and he had a choice. I didn't," said Brandon.
"I know and I'm so sorry," said Kelly.
"I know I can be a good dad to Sammy. But there's always the question of us. How do I know that you want to be with me, not just because I might be Sammy's father?" asked Brandon.
Kelly turns and looks at Brandon.
"I feel the same way," replied Kelly.
"Brandon, I know that the situation between you, me, and Dylan have been going on for such a long time. The only way I'll get over the two of you is if both of you are not in L.A. So when you got the job, I was just scared of getting my hopes up and losing you again," added Kelly.
"That's the same way I will feel once Dylan gets back into town," said Brandon.
"If it helps, it never worked out for me and Dylan. He would get my hopes up and when something doesn't go his way, he would bail on me," said Kelly.
"That still doesn't tell me that you don't love him," said Brandon.
Kelly turns and looks at Brandon.
"I'm not in love with Dylan or Sammy's father," said Kelly.
Brandon turns and looks at Kelly.
"But I am in love with you, Brandon, regardless of whether or not you're Sammy's father," said Kelly.
"I'm sorry but there's no other way that I can prove to you that Dylan and I are over. It was over before you came here and nothing has changed between us. You or Dylan being Sammy's father does not make a difference." said Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly for a moment before going in and kiss her. Kelly leans in and lets Brandon hold her.
"Really?" asked Brandon.
"Yes, I love you…so much," replied Kelly.
"I love you too," said Brandon.
They smile and continue to kiss.
Brandon and Kelly are in the car and Brandon is driving.
"Where are we going?" asked Kelly.
"It's a surprise," replied Brandon.
"Goodie. I love surprises," smiled Kelly.
"I know," smiled Brandon at Kelly.
Brandon grabs at the piece of paper containing an address and continues driving.
They arrive at the address and he parks the car.
"Where are we?" asked Kelly.
"I want you to meet the person who helped me out when I was unsure about our relationship. She helped me realized that I love you too much to let you go again. I want to be with you and that's all that matters to me," replied Brandon holding Kelly's hand.
"I'm glad because I feel the same way. I'd just wish that you were that open with me," said Kelly.
"Well now I can...Shall we?" asked Brandon.
Kelly smiles. They walk up to the house.
Brandon rings the doorbell. The door opens and Lauren sees them.
"Hi Lauren. I hope this is a good time," said Brandon.
"No, it's fine," replied Lauren.
"Don't worry; I'm not stalking you. I just wanted to thank you so much for giving me such good advice today," said Brandon.
"Well, I'm glad to help," said Lauren.
"Kel, this is Lauren. Lauren, this is Kelly" said Brandon introducing them.
"Hi," said Lauren.
"Hi," said Kelly.
Lauren and Kelly shake hands.
"Brandon's told me so much about you. You're even more beautiful than Brandon described," said Lauren.
"Well, thank you. Thanks for helping Brandon realize that we're good together," said Kelly.
"You're welcome but I didn't do much. From what he's told me, he already loves you. He just didn't know if you felt the same way about him," said Lauren.
"Well, I do. I love him very much," said Kelly.
"Then you two are very lucky to have each other. Don't let each other go," said Lauren.
"We won't," said Brandon and Kelly.
"Well, I won't keep you much longer. I just wanted to say thanks," said Brandon.
"Oh, no problem. Would you like to come in?" asked Lauren.
"Thanks but we actually have plans," replied Brandon.
"Ok. Well, I understand. Thanks for stopping by Brandon. And nice meeting you Kelly," said Lauren.
"You too, Lauren," said Kelly.
"Oh, before I forget, I also wanted to tell you myself that I would love it if you come and work for us at the Chronicle," said Brandon.
"Really?" asked Lauren excited.
"Yeah, I think you'll be a great asset to our office," replied Brandon.
Lauren hugs Brandon.
"Oh...thank you so much," said Lauren happily.
Lauren goes and hugs Kelly. Kelly is taken by surprise but hugs her back.
"You have no idea what this means for me. Thank you so much," said Lauren.
"You're welcome. We're thrilled to have you. I'll see you tomorrow at 9?" asked Brandon.
"I'll be there. Thanks again. Bye," replied Lauren.
"Bye," said Brandon and Kelly.
Brandon and Kelly get back into the car and drives off.
"So, what do you think?" asked Brandon.
"About what?" replied Kelly.
"Lauren. Do you like her?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah...she seems nice," replied Kelly.
"But..." said Brandon.
"But what?" asked Kelly.
"You don't sound very happy," replied Brandon.
"How happy should I be? I just met her," said Kelly.
"I'm just saying the least you could do is be a little more enthusiastic about the person who helped save our relationship," said Brandon.
"Brandon, I'm going to give you once chance to take back what you just said," said Kelly.
"What did I do?" asked Brandon.
"You're giving her all the credit. Are you saying that if it wasn't for her, we wouldn't be together?" replied Kelly.
"I'm not saying that. All I'm just saying that she help me realize how much I love you," said Brandon.
"Well I'm glad that you think our relationship was in so much trouble that you would rather talk to her instead of me...I'm your girlfriend, Brandon. She's not," said Kelly.
"Boy, this has gotta be some kind of record. We've only just made up and we're already fighting," said Brandon.
"Then maybe you should turn the car around and go ask Lauren to patch things up again," said Kelly.
"No, I think even she is sick of dealing with us," said Brandon.
"Is that the way you talk to your so-called special someone? Or is more than that?" asked Kelly.
Brandon doesn't answer and stays silent. Kelly looks at Brandon. A part of her wanted to take back what she said but she remains silent instead.
Brandon drives Kelly home and drives away without saying goodbye.
Kelly stayed quiet throughout dinner.
After dinner, Silver is trying to clear the table while Kelly is still sitting at the table.
"Don't mind me, I'm just cleaning up," said Silver.
Kelly doesn't hear Silver. Silver goes and grabs the cordless phone and hands it to Kelly.
"What?" asked Kelly.
"Call him. You know you want to," replied Silver.
"Not after the way he treated me. He should be calling me," said Kelly.
"What did he do now?" asked Silver.
"First he tried to accuse me of still having feelings for Dylan. Then after I told him that I love him and only him, he thanks his new friend who he just hired as a writer for saving our relationship. It turns out that he's been talking to her about us when he won't share anything with me. And he had the nerve to drag me to her house to show her off to me," replied Kelly.
"Kel, do you love Brandon?" asked Silver.
"Yes," replied Kelly.
"Then what difference does it matter? Who cares whether or not she's responsible for bringing you guys closer? What matters is that you are together and that you love each other," replied Silver.
Kelly looks at Silver.
"You're right...I'm supposed to be the psychology expert. When did you get so smart?" asked Kelly.
"Sis, your teachings are rubbing off on me," replied Silver.
Kelly smiles and they hug.
An hour later, Brandon drives back to Kelly's. He parks the car and walks up to the house with flowers in hand. He knocks on the door and Silver opens it.
"Brandon, what a surprise," smiled Silver.
"Hey Silver," said Brandon.
Silver notices the flowers.
"Aww Brandon. Flowers? You shouldn't have. I do prefer roses though," joked Silver.
"Oh, they're actually for Kelly," said Brandon.
"I thought so; come on in," laughed Silver.
Brandon walks in.
"Kelly is in her room," said Silver.
"Thanks," said Brandon.
"No problem. Just don't screw it up this time," said Silver.
Brandon gives Silver a weird look and Silver smiles at him before he goes to her room. Brandon knocks on Kelly's door.
"Come in," said Kelly not knowing that Brandon is there.
"Hi," said Brandon walking in seeing Kelly lying in bed.
"Hi," said Kelly.
"Is this a bad time?" asked Brandon.
"No, I was getting the courage to call you," replied Kelly.
"For what?" asked Brandon as he goes to Kelly.
"To apologize. I'm sorry for the way I acted. I have no right to be jealous. She's your friend and I have to respect that," replied Kelly.
"I'm sorry too," said Brandon.
"I was so happy that you told me everything and that you love me that I wanted to introduce you to the person who helped me realized that. But that's no excuse for me not going to you first. I'm sorry," added Brandon.
They lean in to kiss each other.
"Oh, these are for you," said Brandon who forgot for a moment that he had the flowers.
"Thank you. They're beautiful," said Kelly.
"So are you," said Brandon.
Kelly smiles.
"I love you, Kelly" said Brandon.
"I love you," said Kelly.
Author's Note - I thought you guys should enjoy a chapter with a happy ending for once.
Coming Next - Kelly tries her best to work on her relationship with Brandon while he spends time with Lauren.
