Author's Note – Hey everybody. I know it's been a while so I transcribed this as fast as possible. So, I hope there are no typos. LOL.

Enjoy.

Chapter 25 - The Last Supper

Dylan left for his next trip soon afterward he and Brandon arrived back in L.A. But before Dylan left, he gave Brandon ample warning about Michael and Lauren. Michael had come back to L.A. to be with Lauren and be a father to his kids.

The good news for Brandon was that Kelly seemed no longer worried about Lauren's intentions with Brandon. After being invited to Lauren's home, Kelly and Lauren got to talking and found out that she and Brandon are just good friends. Kelly was actually thrilled that she had met somebody who she had so much in common with. They talked about how difficult it was being a single mother. They shared parenting advice. They even shared food recipes.

While it was great for Kelly, Brandon felt differently about Lauren being with Michael. Brandon soon noticed a change in Lauren at work. She had become more distant and started to complete assignments without much help or input from Brandon. While many newspaper editors would be thrilled that their employees are able to do the job without assistance, Brandon never saw helping Lauren as a chore or a hassle. You could even say that he looked forward to it. After all, they have been very good friends. Unfortunately for Brandon, he realized this too late, as he felt that Lauren's change was because of Michael. To make things worse, the more he disliked Michael, the more Brandon wanted what Dylan told him about Michael being a criminal to be true.

Brandon and Kelly are in bed.

"Wow, you really brought a lot of stuff from your place tonight," said Kelly.

"Yeah, well. It's getting close to the end of the month...so I thought I'd better speed things along," said Brandon.

"That's good. Soon, this will be our place," smiled Kelly.

"So until then, this is still considered to be your place?" asked Brandon.

"Technically," replied Kelly joking.

"Well, I feel so left out," said Brandon.

Kelly smiles at Brandon.

"If it makes you feel any better, you still have access to everything," said Kelly.

"Such as?" asked Brandon.

"The dresser, the bed...and me," replied Kelly smiling.

"Mmm...I think I can live with that," smiled Brandon as he leans in for a kiss.

"I still can't believe that Lauren and Michael are living together already," said Kelly.

"You know, I'm beginning to really like Lauren," added Kelly.

"Good. I'm glad you feel that way," said Brandon.

"I gotta admit that I was wrong about her. At first, I really thought he was trying to steal you away from me," said Kelly.

"And what do you think of her now?" asked Brandon.

"She seems very nice and her kids are so adorable," said Kelly.

"Well, that's great, babe," said Brandon.

"Yeah, I'm glad I'm getting to know her better," smiled Kelly.

"What do you think about Michael?" asked Brandon.

"Mmmm...he seems fine. What do you think of him?" asked Kelly.

"It seems like they don't have anything in common. All he tends to talk about is business and money. Lauren doesn't seem to be like that at all," said Brandon.

"So? You know what they say about opposites...they attract," smiled Kelly.

"Still, I really don't know what attracted them to each other in the first place," said Brandon.

"Brandon, sometimes things happen without an explanation. People do just fall in love," said Kelly.

"I know. I'm just worried that Dylan was right about him," said Brandon.

"I know you are. But it's not like he's a stranger to her. He probably just wants another chance to fit in," said Kelly.

"I guess. I'm not sure if we should even bother going to dinner with them tomorrow night," said Brandon.

"Brandon, it's just dinner," said Kelly.

"I know. But I don't feel comfortable being Silver and Sammy along. It might be dangerous," said Brandon.

"Fine, they won't come...what's your problem, tonight?" asked Kelly.

"Nothing, something just doesn't feel right," replied Brandon.

"Brandon, you were the one who wanted me to like Lauren. Now that I'm starting to, you're telling me to stay away?" asked Kelly.

Brandon turns and looks at Kelly.

"You're right. I'm sure it'll be fine," replied Brandon.

Lauren and Michael are at Lauren's house.

"Are they asleep?" asked Lauren.

"Yeah, finally," replied Michael smiling.

"Are you sure we're doing the right thing?" asked Lauren.

"Honey, we've talked about this before. This is a great opportunity for me...for us," replied Michael.

"But it's just so sudden and so far," said Lauren.

"Lauren, this is a lot more money. That means a bigger house and you'll get more free time to do what you want to do," said Michael.

"But I like writing," said Lauren.

"I'm sure you'll find something else over there," said Michael.

"I haven't even told Brandon yet," said Lauren.

"Then we'll tell him tomorrow night at dinner...he'll understand," said Michael.

"It's just that he gave me this great opportunity. I don't want to let him down," said Lauren.

"I'm sure you're not. He'll find somebody else," said Michael.

"I guess you're right," said Lauren.

Michael sees that Lauren is sad. He puts his hand under Lauren's chin and pulls her face towards him.

"Hey, do you love me?" asked Michael smiling.

"Yes," replied Lauren smiling back.

"Then trust me," said Michael.

"I do," smiled Lauren.

They lean in and kiss.

Brandon, Kelly, Sammy, and Silver show up at Lauren's house. Brandon is holding a peach pie.

"Now remember, everybody behave," said Kelly.

"Yes mom," said everybody including Brandon and Silver.

Kelly rings the doorbell. Lauren opens the door.

"Hey guys," smiled Lauren.

"Hey Lauren," said Kelly.

"Please, come on in," said Lauren.

"Thanks," said Kelly as they walk in.

"Hi, you must be Silver," said Lauren.

"Yes, I am. Hi Lauren," said Silver.

"And you must be Sammy," smiled Lauren looking at Sammy.

"Yes. Hi," said Sammy.

"Hi. Are you hungry?" asked Lauren smiling.

Sammy nods.

"Dinner will be ready soon but help yourself to some snacks on the table," said Lauren.

"Thanks," said Kelly.

Brandon walks in last.

"Brandon, I'm so glad you can make it," smiled Lauren.

"Me too," said Brandon.

"We work together but it feels like ages since we last talk," smiled Lauren.

"Well, we've all been busy," said Brandon.

"Let's do some serious catching up tonight, what do you say?" asked Lauren.

"Sounds good," replied Brandon giving Lauren a fake smile.

At dinner, we can see everyone talking amongst each other. So many conversations were going on at once that we can't tell what's going on. We see Lauren talking to Brandon and Kelly. Their conversation gets interrupted when Michael puts his hand on Lauren's thigh. Lauren stops talking and looks up to Michael. Michael smiles. Lauren smiles back.

Michael takes his fork and hit slightly hits it with his champagne glass, causing a clank sound that catches everybody's attention.

Michael and Lauren stand up.

"Excuse me," said Michael.

Everyone looks at Michael and Lauren.

"First of all, I want to thank you for joining us for a lovely dinner that we prepared," said Michael.

"Actually, I cooked it," joked Lauren.

"Ok, that my lovely fiancé prepared," said Michael as he kisses Lauren.

Brandon looks surprised by what Michael just said.

"Fiancé?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, we're getting married," replied Lauren.

"I'm sorry we kept that a secret until now but we just wanted everyone to be here to hear this," said Michael.

"Well, congratulations," smiled Kelly.

"Thanks Kelly but we actually have one more piece of good news," said Michael.

"We're moving to Mexico," added Michael.

Brandon is now shocked.

"Mexico?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, Michael got a hired as a senior consultant with one of the biggest import/export companies in Mexico," replied Lauren.

"I know that this is sudden, Brandon but we've thought long and hard about this and this is what we both want, right honey?" asked Michael.

"Yeah, it is," replied Lauren as she looks sad.

"So, that's all the news...we promise," smiled Michael.

"When are you guys moving?" asked Brandon.

"In a week," replied Lauren.

"And the wedding?" asked Kelly.

"We're going to wait till we get settle in first...but we want you all to be there," replied Michael.

"Well, to Lauren and Michael. May you two have a wonderful life together," said Kelly as she raises her glass for a toast.

"Here Here," said everybody.

Brandon still has a very shocked look on his face. Lauren notices and looks at Brandon.

After dinner, Lauren walks by the front door and notices Brandon sitting on the front steps of the house.

"Hey, there you are," said Lauren joining Brandon outside.

Lauren sits next to Brandon on the steps.

"What are you doing?" asked Lauren.

"Nothing. Just enjoying some fresh air," replied Brandon.

"Oh, we all thought you left," said Lauren.

"No, I would never do that to you," said Brandon looking at Lauren.

"Brandon, please don't be mad at me," said Lauren.

"I'm not mad. It's just a whole lot of news to take in," said Brandon.

"Brandon, I'm sorry," said Lauren.

"Don't be. You gotta do what you gotta do," said Brandon.

"Look, I know that this sounds crazy and a part of me wants to stay but...," said Lauren.

"Then stay," said Brandon looking at Lauren.

"I just can't, Brandon. I gotta make this work with Michael," said Lauren.

"Is Michael making you leave? Is it the money? What is it? I just don't get it," asked Brandon.

"Of all people, I thought you would the one who would understand," replied Lauren.

"What's that suppose to mean?" asked Brandon.

"It means, if you love someone, you should try to make it work no matter what it takes," replied Lauren.

Brandon looks at Lauren and realized what she meant.

"You're right. I'm sorry," said Brandon.

"Thank you," said Lauren.

"I just thought you were happy here, that's all," said Brandon.

"I am...but there's a part of me that knows being with Michael is what's best for me...and for my kids," said Lauren.

"I just don't want to lose you as a friend," added Brandon.

"Brandon, you're not. I'll always be your friend. After what you've done for me, I doubt I'll ever forget about you," smiled Lauren.

"Thanks but you know what I mean...," said Brandon.

Lauren looks at Brandon.

"I'll miss having you around," said Brandon.

"You can come with me," joked Lauren.

"Very funny," smiled Brandon.

"Why not? You'll love Mexico," asked Lauren.

"Mexico's great. But my family's here," replied Brandon.

"Oh, how do you see how important family is?" asked Lauren who is trying to teach Brandon a lesson.

"Yes. But I would think Michael should be the one making all these life adjustments, not you," replied Brandon.

"He's been through a lot. This is his opportunity to earn back his respect; his good name. The least I could do is be by his side through all this," said Lauren.

"Besides, there's not much keeping me in L.A. besides my job," said Lauren.

"Yeah, I guess...I hate to be selfish but I wish there was something that I could do that would get you to stay," said Brandon.

"Brandon, the only thing I can think of that would get me to stay is if I was with somebody already," smiled Lauren.

"Is that all? And here I am about to offer you a raise if you'll stay," joked Brandon.

"Nope, I can't be bought with money," joked Lauren.

"But, do you know what's funny?" asked Lauren.

"What?" asked Brandon.

"I always thought whenever Michael would return back into my life, I would already be happily married," replied Lauren.

"Why?" asked Brandon.

"Because I hated him for leaving me when I needed him the most," replied Lauren.

"You mean before he went to jail?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, I wanted him to know that I've moved on," replied Lauren.

"You can still prove that to him. I'm sure any guy would be lucky to be with you," said Brandon.

"I don't want just any guy, Brandon. I want someone who I makes me feel loved, makes me happy, and be there for me," said Lauren looking at Brandon.

"Sounds like the perfect guy," smiled Brandon.

"Just like you are," smiled Lauren.

"Thanks," smiled Brandon.

"You know, now that I'm leaving, I guess it's ok for me to tell you that I always wanted you, Brandon," said Lauren.

"Well, I'm flattered," said Brandon.

"Too bad we can't do anything about that, right?" asked Lauren still looking at Brandon.

"Yeah, it's too bad," replied Brandon who is sensing that Lauren is trying to make a move on him.

"It's not too late...," said Lauren.

"Lauren, I..." said Brandon who gets interrupted.

Kelly opens the door.

"Hey, there you two are. Brandon, it's getting late. Sammy's tired. Are you ready to go?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah. Let's go," replied Brandon who is still trying to get over what just happened with Lauren.

"Lauren, thank you for a wonderful evening," said Kelly.

"My pleasure. Thanks for coming guys," said Lauren.

"I hope we'll get a chance to do this again before you guys leave," said Kelly.

"Me too," smiled Lauren.

"But if not, we hope you two have a wonderful life together," smiled Kelly.

"Thanks," smiled Lauren.

That night, Brandon and Kelly are getting ready for bed.

"Well, that was a surprise," said Kelly.

"Yes it was," said Brandon who still looks sad.

"So you two said your good-byes out on the steps?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah," replied Brandon trying to act calm in front of Kelly.

"Brandon, I know she's a good friend to you and that you're gonna miss her," said Kelly.

"Thanks. But it'll be alright," said Brandon.

"That's right. You'll find somebody else," said Kelly.

"It's not that. I just got the feeling like she didn't wanna go," said Brandon.

"I felt that too. Maybe she was just nervous," said Kelly.

"Her ex-husband just came back. And they're already getting married, and moving. I mean, can you blame her?" asked Kelly.

"No, I really can't," said Brandon.

"Did you try to get her to stay?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, but no luck," replied Brandon looking at Kelly.

"So what did she wanted?" asked Kelly.

Brandon looked at Kelly with a nervous look.

"She didn't say," replied Brandon lying to Kelly.

"Well if she asks, I'd say you should give it to her," said Kelly.

"What?" asked Brandon who looks kind of mad.

"Yeah, why not? She's worth it," replied Kelly.

"Kel, what are you talking about?" asked Brandon.

"I'm saying, try offering her a raise," replied Kelly.

"Oh, that's what you meant," said Brandon who looks relived.

"Yeah, what did you have in mind?" asked Kelly.

"Nothing. Must've slipped my mind; that's all," replied Brandon.

"Well, I know I would do it if I were you," said Kelly.

"Why?" asked Brandon.

"She's great. Don't you think so?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, she's wonderful," replied Brandon.

"Good; glad we agree on that," said Kelly.

Kelly notices that something is bothering Brandon.

"Brandon, it's gonna be alright," said Kelly putting her arms around Brandon.

"Yeah, I know; thanks" said Brandon.

"You look tired. Why don't you get some sleep?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, that's a good idea," replied Brandon giving Kelly a quick smile.

"Good night," said Kelly.

"Good night," said Brandon giving Kelly a kiss.

Kelly turns off the lights and hold Brandon close to her as she closes her eyes. Brandon still has his eyes open for a bit but eventually manages to go to sleep.

Brandon didn't see or talk to Lauren that much during her last week at the office. They shared a few short glances while passing each other in the hallway but managed to keep to themselves. Occasionally, Brandon would give Lauren a quick smile whenever he saw her but their friendship wasn't like it was before.

There was a part of Brandon that wanted to talk to Lauren. But like her, he was afraid that the subject of the other night might be brought up.

It's Lauren's final day at work and we see Brandon typing something on his computer in his office. He gets something out of the printer and walks out of his office and takes a glance towards Lauren's desk. He sees that she is not there. He goes and approaches Sheryl.

"Sheryl, have you seen Lauren?" asked Brandon.

"She left already, Mr. Walsh," replied Sheryl.

"What?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, she was only scheduled for part of the day today," replied Sheryl.

"Oh," said Brandon who looked disappointed.

"Would you like me to call her for you?" asked Sheryl.

"No, that's not necessary. Thanks Sheryl," replied Brandon.

"We'll miss having her around," said Sheryl.

"Yes, we will," said Brandon.

Brandon goes back to his office.

Brandon hated the fact that he didn't get a chance to tell Lauren goodbye. As a thank you, he wanted to give Lauren, a letter of recommendation. But most of all, he wanted to thank her for helping him out with his problems with Kelly, for being a great columnist, and wish her the best of luck in Mexico with Michael.

Brandon reached for the phone to call Lauren but eventually decided not to, knowing that she was already gone.

Two days later, everyone at Kelly's hears the doorbell rang at very early in the morning.

Brandon comes out of the bedroom in a t-shirt and sweats and rushes towards the front door.

"Hold on. I'm coming," said Brandon loudly.

Brandon opens the door to find Lauren outside.

"Lauren, hi," said Brandon who looks surprised to see her.

"Good morning, Brandon," said Lauren.

"I went by your place but you weren't there...so I figured you'll be here," added Lauren.

"What you doing here?" asked Brandon.

"I'm leaving for Mexico right now and I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye," replied Lauren.

"Oh, where's Michael?" asked Brandon.

"He's in the cab with our stuff," replied Lauren.

"Lauren, I'm very glad you showed up because I wanted to give you something," said Brandon.

"Brandon, you didn't have to get me anything," said Lauren.

"Yes, I do. Hold on, I'll be right back," said Brandon.

"Ok," said Lauren.

Brandon rushes back inside and grabs Lauren's letter of recommendation letter in a folder and comes back.

"Here you go," said Brandon.

"What's this?" asked Lauren.

"I thought this might get you a head start in getting a new job," replied Brandon.

"This means so much," said Lauren.

"Well, you deserve it," said Brandon.

"Thanks for everything, Brandon," said Lauren.

"Thank you for helping me out," said Brandon.

"What are friends for?" asked Lauren.

"Exactly. I hope you'll write me sometime. My contact information is on the letter," replied Brandon.

"I will...only if you promise to write me back," smiled Lauren.

"I promise," said Brandon.

Lauren smiles and looks at Brandon.

"Brandon, I also wanted to apologize for the other night," said Lauren.

"Lauren, it's ok," said Brandon.

"No, it's not. It was wrong of me to say that," said Lauren.

"Well, I was definitely flattered but I think it's best for us if we stayed friends," said Brandon.

"I agree. I don't want to you think that I was trying to get between you and Kelly," said Lauren.

"Thanks; I appreciate that," said Brandon.

They looked at each other for a few moments, not knowing what to say.

"I'm so nervous," said Lauren trying to smile.

"It'll be ok...and for whatever reason, you're always welcome back here," said Brandon.

"Thanks Brandon. That means a lot to me," said Lauren who has a few tears in her eyes.

The cab honks. Lauren turns around and faces the cab.

"I'm coming," said Lauren.

Lauren turns and faces Brandon.

"Well, goodbye Lauren," said Brandon.

"Good bye Brandon," said Lauren.

They lean closer and hug.

"Bye," said Lauren.

"Bye," said Brandon.

Lauren turns around and walks towards the cab.

"Hey Lauren," said Brandon.

Lauren stops walking and turns around. Brandon walks to her.

"It's never too late to find someone," smiled Brandon.

"Thanks Brandon," smiled Lauren.

Laurens turns around and walks to the cab.

Brandon watches as Lauren gets into the cab and waves goodbye. Brandon smiles and waves back.

Lauren and Michael are in the cab on the freeway.

"God, what took you so long?" asked Michael.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to say goodbye," replied Lauren.

"Well, our cab fare just doubled due to your little pit stop," said Michael.

"Is there something so wrong with saying goodbye to a close friend?" asked Lauren.

"Don't you see enough of him at work?" asked Michael.

"He's a good friend," replied Lauren.

"I don't know about that. You two seemed awfully close at dinner the other night," said Michael.

"What's that suppose to mean?" asked Lauren.

"Nothing. I just don't want to miss the flight," replied Michael.

"You know I'm changing my life around for you. I didn't ask for this," said Lauren.

"Eh...you'll be thanking me once you see the house," said Michael.

"I was doing fine here," said Lauren.

"Why do you want to stay? Because of your job? Your friends? Brandon?" asked Michael.

"Don't talk about Brandon that way," replied Lauren.

"Lauren, I really don't get it. You said you're not involved with him but you can't stop talking about him," said Michael.

"He's a good guy," said Lauren.

"Better than you'll ever be," muttered Lauren under her breath so that Michael won't hear.

"What did you say?" asked Michael who heard what Lauren just said.

"Nothing," replied Lauren loudly.

"No, I heard what you said. You have a crush on his guy, don't you?" asked Michael.

"So what if I do? What's wrong with that?" asked Lauren.

"No, the real question is what's wrong with you. Are you so desperate that you'll willing to break up his relationship with his girlfriend," replied Michael.

Lauren doesn't answer.

"I thought so. Face it; you can't do better than me, honey. I've been away for three years and you're still alone. No guy wants to be stuck with a woman with a low paying job and two extra mouths to feed. Besides, what makes you think that Brandon was ever interested in you? Face the facts; he was just using you for your column. The sooner you realize it, the better it'll be," said Michael.

Lauren looks at Michael with an angry face.

"Stop the car," said Lauren loudly.

"What are you doing?" asked Michael.

"Stop?" asked the cab driver.

"Yeah," replied Lauren.

"No, don't listen to her. Keep going," said Michael.

"No, I want to get off now," said Lauren.

"Honey, I'm sorry about what I said. We can talk about this," said Michael.

"No, I'm not going with you. I'm staying here," said Lauren.

"Listen, just sit back, relax, and calm down," said Michael trying to calm Lauren.

"I'm still not going with you," said Lauren.

"Look, I'm getting really sick and tired of your whining. You'll never meet anyone better than me. Don't blow this," said Michael.

"Shut up," said Lauren who is trying to get up.

"What are you doing? Sit down," said Michael grabbing onto Lauren's arm.

"Let go of me. Michael, you're hurting me," said Lauren.

"No, not until you come to your senses," said Michael.

"Hey, is everything alright back there?" asked the cab driver.

"No, stop the cab," replied Lauren.

"No, we can't stop now. We'll miss your flight," said Michael, who is still grabbing onto Lauren's arm.

Lauren punches Michael in the face and tries to get to the front seat. Michael lets go of Lauren. Michael touches his face with to make sure he wasn't bleeding. He looks up at Lauren.

"You want to get out so badly?" asked Michael.

Michael grabs and holds Lauren's body close to him.

"That's it. I'm pulling over. I want the both of you to get out," said the cab driver.

Lauren tries to free her hands but has no luck. Instead, she steps on Michael's foot, causing him to free one of her hands.

"You bitch!" yelled Michael as he forcefully shoves Lauren against the cab driver's seat.

The driver is push forward, causing him to lose control of the wheel. The driver immediately steps on the brakes. He turns around.

"ALRIGHT, GET OUT NOW!," yelled the driver.

The driver fails to notice a semi truck heading his way, causing the cab to collide with it. Another incoming car from behind hits the cab.

To be continued...