Author's Note - All I got to say is my new job is killing me. But instead of boring you with the details of that, let's get on with the story. Enjoy! And thanks for commenting.
Chapter 26 - See You in my Dreams
We see that Lauren is asleep on a hospital bed and Brandon is staying near her by her bedside. As Lauren starts to stir and begins to wake up, Brandon moves closer to her.
Lauren wakes up and smiles when she sees Brandon.
"Brandon, you came," said Lauren.
"Of course I did," said Brandon.
"How do you feel?" asked Brandon.
"I can't feel anything below my waist," replied Lauren.
"I can't believe this is happening," said Brandon.
"Brandon, I'm sorry. I should've stayed," said Lauren.
"It's ok. You did what you thought was right," said Brandon.
"No, I should've listened to you," said Lauren.
"Then we could've been together," added Lauren.
"You'll find someone else," said Brandon.
"No, I don't want just anyone. I want you, Brandon," said Lauren.
"Lauren, I'm with Kelly. We love each other and we have a son together," said Brandon.
"What about me?" asked Lauren.
"We'll always be friends," replied Brandon.
"Is that what you think of me, Brandon? Just a friend?" asked Lauren.
"I don't know. I never saw you as anything other than a friend," replied Brandon.
"You don't want me to get hurt again, do you Brandon?" asked Lauren.
"Of course not," replied Brandon.
"Then see what I have to offer. I know we can be good together," said Lauren.
"I'm sorry, Lauren," said Brandon.
"I'm just so scared that I'll never find anyone as good as you. I'm asking you for help. Please Brandon," pleaded Lauren.
"It's ok, calm down," said Brandon as he goes and gives Lauren a hug.
"Thank you" said Lauren who has a few tears streaming down her face.
"Everything is gonna be alright," said Brandon.
Brandon lets go of Lauren but she holds onto him as they look at each other. Lauren gives Brandon a small smile as she puts her hand on Brandon's cheek. Brandon leans closer to Lauren as they are about to kiss.
Brandon bolts straight up from his bed after he realizes that it was only a dream. He turns to the other side of the bed and sees someone sleeping and assumes that it's Kelly.
She turns over facing Brandon's side of the bed.
"Brandon, what's wrong?" asked her.
"It's nothing. I just had a bad dream, that's all," replied Brandon as he rubs his eyes.
"Come here. I'll make it all better," said her as she pulls Brandon closer.
Brandon smiles and opens his eyes, only to see it's Lauren instead of Kelly. Brandon's eyes bulged out as Lauren's lips gets closer and closer to him.
Brandon bolts up from this bed again. Only this time, he is breathing heavily and sweating. He immediately turns to his side and sees someone sleeping next to him. He takes a deep breath.
"Brandon, are you ok?" asked Kelly who turns around and faces Brandon.
Brandon rubs his eyes and sees Kelly.
"I just gotta make sure it's really you," said Brandon who takes Kelly's face and passionately kisses her on the lips.
Kelly gives into the kiss and holds onto Brandon.
Brandon continues to look at Kelly as he lets go of her.
"Ok, it's you," said Brandon.
"Who else would it be?" asked Kelly confused.
"Nobody. It was just a bad dream," replied Brandon.
Kelly turns to her side and turns on light on and sits up.
"Brandon, what's wrong? This is the third time this week that you've been like this," asked Kelly.
"I know. I'm sorry. I just have a lot on my mind," replied Brandon.
"You don't have to be sorry. I know you're going through a lot right now with what happened to Lauren and everything," said Kelly who puts her hand on top of Brandon's hand.
"Thanks," said Brandon.
"You're welcome. You wanna talk about it with me?" asked Kelly.
Brandon looks up at Kelly.
"No, it's ok. I'd rather not," replied Brandon.
"You sure? I can help." asked Kelly.
"Thanks but I just don't remember anything from it," replied Brandon who is lying.
"That's weird. Usually people would remember at least the ending," said Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly and suddenly remembers that Kelly has a Masters degree in psychology.
"Yeah, I don't know what happened," lied Brandon.
"Will you be ok tomorrow?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," replied Brandon looking at Kelly.
"Ok. How bout I make you some chamomile tea? That'll help you sleep," said Kelly.
"Sure. Thanks," said Brandon.
"No problem," smiled Kelly.
As Kelly starts to get off the bed, Brandon holds onto Kelly's hand.
Kelly faces Brandon.
"Hey, I love you," smiled Brandon.
"I love you too," smiled Kelly who leans in and gives Brandon a kiss before going to the kitchen.
Brandon leans back to the head of the bed.
We see Brandon and Kelly are in Lauren's funeral. Both of them are dressed in black. Kelly has her arm around Brandon's. She looks at him a few times, hoping to get a reaction out of him. But instead, he stays quiet.
As they sit there listening to the pastor, Kelly began to worry about Brandon. Like the past, Kelly has always had a difficult time comforting someone who had just lost someone close to them. First in high school, it was Dylan's father, Jack McKay. Then in college, it was Brandon's friend, Josh Richland. Now, it's happening all over again as Lauren, a close friend to Brandon had just passed away in a tragic car crash. Kelly felt bad for Brandon, who looked so helpless. She also felt bad for herself too who can't seem to make it all better for Brandon.
Instead, she knows all too well from the past that the best thing to do in a situation like this is to stay out of Brandon's way while he grieves and wait for him to come to her.
Kelly looked towards the front row of the room and sees Lauren's two daughters with one sitting on each side of Lauren's mother, who held them close as they wept. Even though Kelly had her assumptions about Lauren in the beginning, she knew that Lauren's life didn't deserve to end like this. Kelly even felt guilty for being jealous of Lauren. When we feel intimidated by someone, we tend to wish the worst for that someone. Then when it actually happens, we don't have the same good feeling as we had anticipated.
As she continues to watch them, Kelly can't help but be thankful for what she has. In a way, Kelly realized that while she was jealous of Lauren, Lauren was probably jealous of her too. Like Kelly, Lauren was a single mother who had a bunch of problems, while trying to make a living. All she wanted to do was to provide a good home and life for her and her two kids.
They kept quiet as they drove home after the service.
They enter the door to Kelly's to find Silver and Sammy in the living room.
"Hey, how did it go?" asked Silver.
"It was fine," replied Kelly.
"Brandon, you ok?" asked Silver.
"I'm fine. Thanks Silver," replied Brandon.
"No problem," said Silver.
"Ok, what does everyone want for lunch?" asked Kelly.
"Anything is good," replied Silver.
"Care to help?" asked Kelly.
"Sure," replied Silver.
Kelly and Silver goes to the kitchen.
"Daddy, are you ready to play?" asked Sammy.
"Sammy, daddy is not in the mood to play," replied Brandon.
"But you promise that you'll play with me today," said Sammy.
"I know...but I'm really feeling well right now," said Brandon.
"C'mon, I'll make you feel better," said Sammy as he tugs and pulls Brandon to the couch where he has all his blocks ready for Brandon to play.
Brandon sits down on the carpet with Sammy.
"Ok, do you want to build a farm or a house?" asked Sammy.
"I don't care," replied Brandon who looks really sad.
"Well, you have to choose one," said Sammy.
"Ok, the house," said Brandon trying to humor Sammy.
Sammy starts to construct the house very fast. He notices that Brandon is not helping him.
"C'mon daddy. You're not doing anything," said Sammy.
"Sammy, I just can't play with you today. I'll make it up to you later," said Brandon as he starts to get up.
"No daddy, you can't go. We just got started," said Sammy as he holds onto Brandon's leg.
"Sammy, please let go," said Brandon.
"No, not until you finish the house," said Sammy.
"Sammy, let go of my leg," said Brandon.
"No, you promise to play with me," said Sammy.
Brandon looks really frustrated.
"Dammit Sammy, I mean it. Let go!" yelled Brandon.
Kelly and Silver comes back to the living room.
"Hey, what's going on?" asked Kelly with a worried look.
Sammy looks scared and immediately lets go of Brandon's leg. He gets up, runs to Kelly and starts crying.
"Honey, what's wrong?" asked Kelly as she bends down and hugs Sammy.
"Daddy yelled at me," replied Sammy who continues to cry.
"Oh honey, it's ok. Daddy had a bad week. He didn't mean it," explained Kelly.
"Sammy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you," said Brandon giving Sammy a sympatric look.
Sammy doesn't reply.
"I'll play with you, Sammy" said Brandon.
"No," said Sammy still holding onto Kelly.
"Sammy, honey. Go to your room and wait for me, ok?" asked Kelly.
"Ok," replied Sammy as he runs to his room and shuts the door.
"What happened?" asked Kelly.
"Kel, I'm sorry. He just wanted to play. I shouldn't have yelled at him like that," replied Brandon.
"Do you want to take a nap?" asked Kelly.
"No, I think I just want to be alone for a while," replied Brandon heading towards the door.
"Where are you going?" asked Kelly.
"I don't know," replied Brandon.
"When are you coming back?" asked Kelly.
"Kelly, I don't know," replied Brandon giving Kelly a strict look.
Kelly looks at Brandon sadly, realizing that it's best to leave Brandon alone.
"Babe, I'm sorry. I just need to clear my head. You gotta trust me on this," said Brandon.
"I do. I'm just so worried about you," said Kelly.
"Don't be. I'll be fine. I'll call you later," said Brandon.
"Ok...I love you," said Kelly.
"I love you too," said Brandon giving Kelly a quick kiss.
Kelly watches as Brandon opens the door and leaves.
We see Brandon sitting alone in one of the corner tables in the Peach Pit.
Nat sees Brandon and joins him.
"How you holding up, Brando?" asked Nat.
"I've been better, Nat," replied Brandon.
"I didn't see you after the service," said Nat.
"Yeah, I didn't feel like staying," said Brandon.
"Want some food?" asked Nat.
"I'm not hungry," replied Brandon.
"How's Kelly?" asked Nat.
"She's fine. She's home with Sammy and Silver," replied Brandon.
"Why aren't you with them?" asked Nat.
"I dunno...I just can't be around them right now," replied Brandon.
"Why not? I'd figure after this, the best place to be is home," asked Nat.
"I'm afraid to face Kelly," replied Brandon.
"Why? What's wrong?" asked Nat.
Brandon looks up at Nat.
"You promise you won't tell Kelly?" asked Brandon.
"Sure," replied Nat who has an unsure look.
"It's about Lauren," said Brandon.
"What about her?" asked Nat.
"Before she left, I had the impression that she was trying to make a move on me," replied
Brandon.
"Did she tell you that?" asked Nat.
"She said she wanted to be with me. I'm assuming she wanted us to be together," replied Brandon.
"What did you say?" asked Nat.
"I didn't say anything except that I was with Kelly," replied Brandon.
"So, what's the problem?" asked Nat.
"The problem is that ever since Lauren died, I've been having dreams about her asking me to be with her," replied Brandon.
"It's just a dream, Brandon," said Nat.
"No, it's not. Because, what if I could've saved Lauren before she left?" asked Brandon.
"You mean, what if she was with you?" asked Nat.
"Yeah," replied Brandon.
"Would you have been with her if you have known that she was going to die?" asked Nat.
"Nat, I've been asking myself that over and over again. I just don't know," replied Brandon.
"I mean, I don't want to but I just feel so guilty for not being there for her," added Brandon.
"Brandon, you did everything you could for her," said Nat.
"Yes, I did; except save her life," said Brandon.
"Listen to me, Brandon. It's not your fault. You got to let this go...before it gets any worse," said Nat.
"I'm trying," said Brandon.
"Why don't you talk to Kelly about this? It's not like you did anything wrong. She'll understand," asked Nat.
"I don't know if I could. Kelly was already worried about me and Lauren. And after I cheated on her the first time, I don't think she'll understand," replied Brandon.
"Only one way to find out. Besides, if she loves you, she'll understand," said Nat.
Brandon looks at Nat but doesn't reply.
Brandon drives back to Kelly's and opens the door to Kelly's bedroom to find her sitting on the bed crying.
"Kel, what's wrong?" asked Brandon who quickly goes to her.
Kelly turns around and sees Brandon.
"Is it true, Brandon?" asked Kelly.
"Is what true?" asked Brandon.
"You and Lauren?" asked Kelly.
"What about me and Lauren?" asked Brandon who is shocked.
"What happened between you two?" asked Kelly.
"Nothing," replied Brandon.
"Look at me and tell me nothing happened between you and Lauren," said Kelly who looks furious.
"Ok, she kissed me on the cheek when we were in New York but that was it," said Brandon.
"Why should I believe that?" asked Kelly who is still crying.
"Because it's the truth," replied Brandon who is panicking.
"The truth? What do you know about telling the truth, Brandon? You don't necessary have the best track record for telling me the truth," said Kelly.
"Kel?" asked Brandon.
"Let's see. First you cheated on me with Emma...," said Kelly.
"Kel, I can explain...I...," said Brandon who gets interrupted by Kelly.
"No, I'm not finish yet, Brandon. Then you lied to me about moving back to L.A. Now you
expect me to believe that nothing happened between you and Lauren?" asked Kelly.
"Kelly, it's the truth. Who told you these things?" asked Brandon.
"Dylan did," replied Kelly.
"Dylan?," asked Brandon.
"Yeah, he called because he heard about Lauren. Then he told me everything," replied Kelly.
"Kel, he saw us talking in the hallway of the hotel. That was it. Nothing happened. You got to believe me," said Brandon.
"I don't know what to believe anymore. I thought we could make it work but this is just too hard," said Kelly.
"We can. Kelly, I love you. You know I would not do this to you again," pleaded Brandon.
"You don't have to lie to me, Brandon. The truth is written all over your face. Now I know why you've been acting so weird for the past week. It all makes sense now," said Kelly.
"I was acting weird because I just lost a good friend. It's perfectly natural to feel that way," said Brandon.
"What about the dreams, Brandon? Were you dreaming about you and her...together? Was that why you won't tell me about it?" asked Kelly.
"You know what, Kel? You're right. I have been dreaming about Lauren ever since she died. And she did kiss me in my dreams. And that was why I didn't want to tell you about them," replied Brandon.
Kelly looks down and doesn't reply. Brandon gets closer to Kelly holding her hand.
"But in no way was I going to act on them. I love you and only you," said Brandon.
"I think you should go, Brandon," said Kelly.
"What?" asked Brandon.
"Just go, ok?" asked Kelly.
"Kel, we can work through this. We love each other," replied Brandon.
"I just need time to think," said Kelly.
"Kel...," said Brandon.
"Just go, Brandon...I don't want to see you right now. Just Go!," said Kelly loudly.
"Ok, I'll go," said Brandon who gets up and leaves Kelly's bedroom.
He stops at the hallway, tilts his head back on the wall and closes his eyes.
We see Kelly walking into Brandon's apartment. She looks around the empty apartment before going to the bedroom.
"Brandon?" asked Kelly.
She quietly knocks on Brandon's bedroom door before going in. She sees that Brandon's asleep. She leans forward and kisses him on the lips, waking him up.
Brandon opens his eyes and sees Kelly.
"Hey," said Brandon.
"Hey," smiled Kelly.
Brandon sits up.
"I know you said you wanted to be alone but I was getting a little worried," said Kelly.
"I'm fine...I'm actually glad you're here," smiled Brandon who realizes that the fight with Kelly earlier was just a dream.
"Really?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah," replied Brandon pulling Kelly forward towards the bed.
Kelly sits on Brandon's bed, facing Brandon.
"I'm sorry for being so distant these past few days. I didn't mean to act like that. And I certainly didn't mean to yell at Sammy. How is he?" asked Brandon.
"He's fine. I explained it to him that you were sad. He understood. He misses you," replied Kelly.
"I miss him too," smiled Brandon.
"Was that all you wanted to tell me?" asked Kelly.
"No. When I was in New York with Dylan, Lauren and I were in the hallway talking. In the end, she kissed me on the cheek and Dylan saw it. I didn't tell you about it because at first, I thought it didn't mean anything," replied Brandon.
"Did it?" asked Kelly who looks worried.
"No. But I started to get the impression that she was making a move on me. Still, I told her that I was in love with you and that I wasn't interested. Even though she understood before she left, I felt guilty that I'm probably the reason why she died. And I just can't stop thinking about her in my mind…and in my sleep," said Brandon.
"Would you have slept with her if it would've kept her from leaving?" asked Kelly who looks sad.
"I don't know. All I know is that I would be happy that she's alive but the thought of losing you again scares the hell out of me," replied Brandon.
"I'm sorry, Kelly," added Brandon.
Kelly leans forward and gives Brandon a hug. He embraces her and hugs her back.
"I love you and I would never cheat on you with Lauren," said Brandon.
"I know and I'm glad that you told me," said Kelly.
They break the hug.
"Are we ok?" asked Brandon who looks worried.
"Yeah, we're ok," replied Kelly who gives Brandon a quick smile.
"Brandon, we all have our demons. Sometimes we think about things that make us feel guilty," said Kelly.
"Nobody's perfect, including myself," added Kelly.
"What do you mean?" asked Brandon.
"When I first found out that Dylan wasn't Sammy's father, I immediately thought of you. And I told myself that I was doing the right thing by getting back together with you. And even though I know you're not just any guy to me, I forgot what it felt like for us to be a couple. It's just been too long. But it didn't take long for me to realize why I fell in love with you in the first place," replied Kelly who looks sad.
"And what is that?" asked Brandon.
"Because you're everything I've ever wanted, Brandon. I love how we can talk about anything. I love the way you make me laugh, the way you make me feel when you hold me, how wonderful you are with Sammy...but most of all, waking up next to you each morning made me wonder how I can go ten years without being with you...because I don't I think I can do it again. And I'm sorry I didn't realize it right away but I do now, more than ever...and I always will," replied Kelly.
Brandon pulls Kelly closer. She leans down and puts her head on his chest as he holds her close.
"I'm sorry, Brandon. I know you were sure about us even before we got back together," said Kelly.
"It's ok. What matters is how we feel about each other now," said Brandon.
Kelly leans closer and kisses Brandon on the lips. He smiles and kisses her back.
Some time lapses. We see Brandon and Kelly looking through Brandon's photo albums.
"Awww...I remember this. I can't believe how superficial I used to be," smiled Kelly.
"But you hide it so well," smiled Brandon.
Kelly playfully hits him and kisses him.
Kelly's cell phone rings and she answers it. We only hear her side of the conversation.
"Hey Silver," said Kelly.
"Yeah, I'm just at Brandon's. I'm coming back now. How's Sammy?" asked Kelly.
"Ok. Thanks. See you soon," said Kelly.
"How are they?" asked Brandon.
"Fine. Dinner is ready. Are you ready to come home?" asked Kelly.
Brandon thinks for a moment.
"No; how bout I finish packing tonight and I'll officially move in tomorrow?" asked Brandon.
"Sounds perfect. Do you need any help? I can stay too," asked Kelly.
"No, I'll finish it. Thanks," replied Brandon.
"Ok. Want me to bring you some dinner?" asked Kelly.
"Thanks but I'll be ok," replied Brandon.
"Ok. I'll see you tomorrow," said Kelly.
They lean in and kiss.
"C'mon...I'll walk you out," said Brandon.
"No, it's ok. I can manage," said Kelly.
"Ok...I love you," smiled Brandon.
"I love you too," smiled Kelly.
"Say hi to Sammy for me," said Brandon.
"I will...bye," said Kelly.
"Bye," said Brandon.
Brandon stands as he watches Kelly leave.
Brandon is in his bed asleep when he feels someone trying to wake him up. He opens his eyes and sees Lauren.
"Lauren, what are you doing here?" asked Brandon who looks as if he's seen a ghost.
"You're not really here, are you? I'm dreaming, aren't I?" asked Brandon.
"No, I'm really here, Brandon," replied Lauren.
"How did you get in?" asked Brandon.
"I have my ways. After all, I'm dead," replied Lauren.
"What do you want?" asked Brandon.
"Relax Brandon, I just wanna talk," replied Lauren.
"What about?" asked Brandon.
"About why you can't stop thinking about me," replied Lauren.
"Why is that, Brandon?" asked Lauren.
"Because I feel guilty about not being there for you," replied Brandon.
"Really, are you sure that's it?" asked Lauren.
"Yeah, what else could it be?" asked Brandon.
"Maybe it's because you have feelings for me?" asked Lauren.
"No, that's not it," replied Brandon.
"What makes you so sure?" asked Lauren.
"Because I love Kelly. She's the only woman for me," replied Brandon.
"Is that really how you feel or is that just what you're telling yourself so you won't feel guilty?" asked Lauren.
Brandon doesn't reply right away.
"That's how I really feel," replied Brandon.
Lauren grabs Brandon's shirt and pulls him in for a kiss. Lauren backs away slowly after breaking the kiss. Brandon slowly looks up at her after she backs away.
"So, how was that?" asked Lauren.
"It was ok," replied Brandon.
"Just ok? I mean, it was pretty incredible for me," asked Lauren.
"Yeah, just ok," replied Brandon.
"Geez Brandon, don't be so modest," smiled Lauren.
"Lauren, I'm sorry. The kiss was nice but it doesn't change how I feel about Kelly," said Brandon.
"And how do you feel about Kelly?" asked Lauren.
"I don't know exactly how to describe it but it's a really good feeling that I can only get when I'm with her. Maybe it's because we know each so well that we know how to love each other. I'm sorry," replied Brandon who is smiling.
"Don't be sorry. I'm glad you feel that way," said Lauren.
"Why?" asked Brandon confused.
"Because now I know how you really feel...and so do you," replied Lauren.
"I don't understand. I've said that to you before you left," said Brandon.
"Yeah, but sometimes people's true feelings come out only after they realized they have lost the love of their life," said Lauren.
"Well, I guess you're right," said Brandon.
"If it makes you feel any better, Brandon; my death wasn't your fault. I left because of me. It was something I had to do. And when I realize it was the wrong decision, it was too late," said Lauren.
"That's the same thing that everybody else said to me," said Brandon.
"Well, they're right...but I guess you just need it to hear it from me to be sure," said Lauren.
"So what now?" asked Brandon.
"I don't know. I'm just a part of your subconscious, Brandon. You made me. You can make me go away," replied Lauren.
"Goodbye Brandon," said Lauren.
"Goodbye Lauren," said Brandon.
We see Brandon in his bed. He opens his eyes and sits up. He realizes that it was just a dream.
He gets up and resumes packing. As he goes through his stuff, he notices a small velvet box and smiles.
Coming Next - Brandon and Kelly help a lost little girl find her mother.
