Author's Note – I applaud you readers for sticking with me and the delays. My new job is really taking a lot out of me. Thank so much for reading. The story continues….
Chapter 27 - Life's Little Moments - Part 1
It's a quiet Monday afternoon at the New York Chronicle. Pretty much everyone is already gone home except for Brandon and Sheryl, the receptionist. There is still a light on in Brandon's office. We see him putting the final touches on an article he's writing on his computer.
Sheryl walks in.
"Mr. Walsh. Is it ok if I leave now?" asked Sheryl.
"Ok. But before you go Sheryl, could you tell me what you think of this?" asked Brandon.
"Sure," replied Sheryl as she goes to Brandon's desk and looks at the article on his computer screen.
Sheryl reads through the article and smiles.
"Looks good, Mr. Walsh," said Sheryl.
"Do you think Lauren would've wanted it this way?" asked Brandon.
"I'm sure she would've. Did you get in contact with Lauren's family?" asked Sheryl.
"Yeah. They were really helpful," replied Brandon.
"I miss her," said Sheryl.
"Me too," said Brandon.
As Sheryl continues to read the article, she starts to get teary eyed. Brandon notices.
"Sheryl, are you ok?" asked Brandon getting Sheryl some tissues.
"I'm sorry. This just reminded me of my boyfriend," replied Sheryl who is wiping her eyes.
"Oh, how are things with your boyfriend?" asked Brandon.
"The bastard dumped me," replied Sheryl.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," said Brandon who doesn't know whether to give her a hug or not.
Brandon eventually gets up from his chair and hugs Sheryl.
"Thank you," said Sheryl hugging Brandon.
Sheryl breaks the hug.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Walsh. I didn't mean to bother you with my personal problems," said Sheryl who starts to calm down.
"It's ok. It's been a tough week for all of us," said Brandon.
"Why? Are you and Ms. Taylor alright?" asked Sheryl.
"We're fine. I was just feeling a little depressed after Lauren passed," replied Brandon.
"You two are very lucky to have each other," said Sheryl.
"I think so too...C'mon, I'm done here too. I'll walk you out," said Brandon.
"Thank you," said Sheryl.
He turns off his computer and the lights and walks out of the office with Sheryl.
As Brandon and Sheryl walked outside, they hear a car honking at them. We see Kelly driving up to the front of the building.
"Hey guys," said Kelly.
"Kel, what are you doing here? I was supposed to pick you up," asked Brandon.
"I know. But I finished early so I decided to come and help you pack," replied Kelly who walks up to Brandon and Sheryl.
Brandon and Kelly kiss.
"Hi Kelly," said Sheryl.
"Hey Sheryl. How are you?" asked Kelly as Brandon is trying to tell Kelly not to ask.
"I'm fine," replied Sheryl.
"You looked like you've been crying. Are you ok?" asked Kelly.
"Kel, don't ask," said Brandon.
"No no, it's ok. My boyfriend broke up with me this morning," replied Sheryl who starts to cry again.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Come here," said Kelly as she hugs Sheryl.
"I mean, I never saw it coming. We were doing so great," said Sheryl.
They break the hug.
"What happened?" asked Kelly.
"He got back together with his old girlfriend," replied Sheryl.
"Well, if you ask me, it's his loss," said Kelly.
"Thank you," said Sheryl.
"Sheryl, why don't you go home and take it easy," said Brandon.
"That's a good idea. Thank you sir," said Sheryl.
"You can call me Brandon outside of work," said Brandon.
"Ok, Brandon," smiled Sheryl.
"Sheryl, are you hungry?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, why?" asked Sheryl.
"Well, Brandon and I were just gonna go grab some lunch. Why don't you join us?" asked Kelly.
"Kel, I think Sheryl might want to be alone right now," replied Brandon who is trying to give the hint to Kelly that he wants to be alone with her.
"You're right. Besides, I couldn't impose," said Sheryl.
"You're not imposing. C'mon, we'll even give you a ride home," said Kelly.
"Well, ok...if you're sure I'm not getting in the middle of you two," said Sheryl.
"Of course you're not," said Kelly.
"Brandon?" asked Kelly.
"No. Sheryl, we would love it if you would join us," replied Brandon who feels kind of disappointed.
"Ok. Thank you," said Sheryl.
"You're welcome. We're here for you," said Kelly.
They get into Kelly's car and drive to lunch.
We see the three of them at lunch at a fancy restaurant.
"Wow...this is great. I didn't expect to eat here," said Sheryl.
"Yeah, me neither," said Kelly looking at Brandon.
"Well, I usually don't come here...but I always wanted to try it," smiled Brandon.
"Mr. Walsh...I mean, Brandon. I hope I'm not ordering too much. I'll pay for it myself if that helps," said Sheryl trying to look innocent in front of Brandon.
"Sheryl, it's ok. Order as much as you want. It's on us," said Brandon.
"I just feel like I'm getting in the middle of your personal time," said Sheryl.
"It's ok. I was just gonna help Brandon pack and move," said Kelly.
"You're moving?" asked Sheryl.
"Yeah, I moving in with Kelly," replied Brandon.
Sheryl looks at Brandon and Kelly.
"Oh, you two will be so happy together," smiled Sheryl.
"I know," smiled Brandon who smiles at Kelly.
"My boyfriend and I always talked about moving in but we never did it. I guess it shows that we weren't meant to be," said Sheryl.
"Well, you'll find somebody better...somebody who'll appreciate you for who you are," said Kelly.
"I hope so," said Sheryl.
"Would you ladies excuse me for a moment?" asked Brandon as he gets up.
"Where are you going?" asked Kelly.
"I need to clear something up with the manager," replied Brandon.
"Oh, something wrong?" asked Kelly.
"No, he's a friend of mine. I just wanted to say a quick hello," replied Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly.
"Be right back," said Brandon.
Brandon walks to the back of the restaurant and one of the waiter notices. The waiter walks towards Brandon.
"So Mr. Walsh, I just wanted to make sure that we're bringing out two bouquets of lilies and a bottle of champagne after you ask her," said the waiter.
"No, I'm sorry but there has been a change of plans. So, please tell your manager, Renée that I'm sorry but no flowers or champagne will be needed," said Brandon.
"She said no?" asked the waiter confused.
"No, she didn't. I didn't get a chance to ask her. We ended inviting another person to lunch so I will have to wait for another time," replied Brandon.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Mr. Walsh. I would've loved to see her face when she says yes to you," smiled the waiter.
"So would I," said Brandon.
"Which one is it?" asked the waiter trying to take a peek at Kelly and Sheryl.
"Kelly's the one on the right," replied Brandon.
"Oh, she's beautiful," said the waiter.
"Yes, she is," smiled Brandon.
"But who's her friend?" asked the waiter.
"That's my assistant, Sheryl," replied Brandon.
"She works for you?" asked the waiter.
"Yeah. Would you like to meet her?" asked Brandon.
"Could I? She is breathtaking," replied the waiter.
"Sure. In fact, her boyfriend just broke up with her this morning," said Brandon.
"What a fool. Her looks alone has got my heart pounding," said the waiter gawking at Sheryl.
"Hold on there, tiger, she's not that kind of girl," said Brandon.
"I know. I'll be a gentleman until she lets me out of my cage," said the waiter.
Brandon gives the waiter a weird look.
"Ok then. C'mon. I'll introduce you to her," said Brandon.
They walk back to the table.
"Kelly, Sheryl; this is Ricardo. Ricardo, this is Kelly...and this is Sheryl," said Brandon.
"Hi," said Kelly.
"Hi Kelly," said Ricardo.
"Hi Sheryl," said Ricardo taking Sheryl's hand and gives it a small kiss.
"Oh my," smiled Sheryl who is blushing.
"I know this is sudden but would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" asked Ricardo.
"Really, you're serious?" asked Sheryl who looks surprised.
"Oh, I would never kid around to someone with such beauty," replied Ricardo.
"Ok," smiled Sheryl who obviously likes Ricardo.
"Ok. Are you ladies finished with your meal?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, I'm ready," replied Kelly.
Sheryl just smiles at Ricardo and doesn't reply to Brandon. Brandon and Kelly give each other a weird look.
"Sheryl, are you ready to go?" asked Brandon.
"What? Oh...," replied Sheryl.
"Sheryl, I hope it's not too sudden but if you like, I can give you a tour of the restaurant before dinner," said Ricardo.
"Oh, I would love to," said Sheryl.
"Ok. I guess we'll leave you two alone then," said Brandon.
"Ok...bye," said Sheryl who continues to stare at Ricardo.
"Can I have the bill please, my good man?" asked Brandon.
"Don't be silly; your meal is on the house," replied Ricardo.
"You sure?" asked Brandon.
"Please, I insist," replied Ricardo.
"Ok. Thanks Ricardo...Sheryl, you'll be alright here?" asked Brandon.
"Yes, Brandon. Thank you," smiled Sheryl.
"Don't worry. She'll be in good hands," smiled Ricardo.
"Ok, I'll see you tomorrow," smiled Brandon.
"Ok. Bye you guys," said Sheryl.
"Bye," said Brandon and Kelly.
Brandon and Kelly leave the restaurant.
"Oh my god, what was that?" asked Kelly smiling.
"Love at first sight?" asked Brandon smiling.
"Whatever it was, it helped Sheryl forget about Benny," replied Kelly.
"So how do you know Ricardo?" asked Kelly.
"I met the manager, Renée when I did a piece on the restaurant for the paper," replied Brandon.
"Was that why our meal was free?" asked Kelly.
"No, I think we have Sheryl to thank for that," replied Brandon.
"If all goes well, I think Ricardo will give her enough thanks for the both of us," joked Kelly.
"Ricardo is a nice guy. He's not into rushing things. But he is a romantic," said Brandon.
"Like you?" asked Kelly smiling at Brandon.
"Well, I consider myself a helpless romantic," smiled Brandon.
Kelly smiles and they kiss before getting back into Kelly's car.
They drive off heading to Brandon's hotel suite.
The car stops at a red light.
"Is my car big enough for all your boxes?" asked Kelly as she drives.
"Yeah, there's only a few left," replied Brandon.
"Good," said Kelly.
The light turns green. Kelly steps on the gas pedal but the car would not move. Instead, we hear the engine starts to make a weird clunking noise. The gas gauges immediately goes to zero and the car comes to a complete halt.
"Why aren't we moving?" asked Brandon.
"I dunno. The gas won't work," replied Kelly trying to figure out what's wrong with the car.
The cars behind them start to honk.
"C'mon. Move it!," yelled the person in the car behind them.
"Are we out of gas?" asked Brandon.
"No, that's impossible. I just filled it two days ago," replied Kelly who starts to panic.
"Ok, we should get out and push the car to the side of the road," said Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly.
The cars behind them started to go around Kelly's car while continue to honk at them.
They get out of the car and pushed the car to the side of the street, next to a playground where they see kids playing.
Brandon pops the hood of Kelly's car where we see smoke coming out of it. They turn their heads away from the smoke. Once the smoke clears, Brandon takes a look at the car.
"Can you figure out what's wrong?" asked Kelly.
"No. Everything seems fine to me," replied Brandon.
"Ok, so what do you want to do?" asked Kelly.
"Well, we could walk back to the office and grab my car and call for a tow truck," replied Brandon.
"Aren't we kinda far away from your office? Why don't we just call the tow truck and wait here?" asked Kelly.
Brandon checks his watch.
"Ok, I guess we can wait a bit," said Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly.
Kelly takes out her cell phone and calls for a tow truck. We don't vividly hear Kelly's conversation.
As Kelly talks on the phone, Brandon takes a look around the park. He stops glancing around when he sees an empty bench. He turns and looks back at Kelly who is still on the phone.
The park is beautiful and the sun is shining; why not? Brandon smiles as he walks towards Kelly as she gets off the phone.
"So, what did they say?" asked Brandon.
"It shouldn't be more than a quick fix," replied Kelly.
"Great" said Brandon.
"But the bad news is that we're at the bottom of the wait list," replied Kelly.
"So, how long do we have to wait?" asked Brandon.
"About two hours," replied Kelly.
"Ok, that's quite a wait," said Brandon.
"Yeah, it is. What time is your checkout?" asked Kelly.
"Eight," replied Brandon.
"Looks we've got some time to kill," said Kelly.
"Yes, we do," smiled Brandon putting his arms around Kelly.
"Why are you smiling?" asked Kelly smiling.
"I was just going to ask you whether you would accompany me on the bench," replied Brandon.
"I would love to," smiled Kelly.
They walk to the bench and sit down.
"It's such a beautiful day. And this view is amazing," said Kelly.
"Yeah, it is," said Brandon.
"We should really take Sammy here. He'll love it," said Kelly.
"That's a great idea. While he's having fun, we can have our fun too," smiled Brandon.
Kelly smiles and they lean in for a kiss. Brandon pulls Kelly closer towards him and Kelly puts her arms around Brandon.
They break.
"That was perfect," smiled Kelly.
"It was very nice for me too," smiled Brandon.
"You know, I'm kinda glad that we have some time because there's been something I wanted to ask you," said Brandon.
"What is it?" asked Kelly.
"Well, first of all, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for taking so long to move in," replied Brandon holding Kelly's hand.
"There was never any doubt in my mind of how much I love you. You mean everything to me," said Brandon.
"I feel the same way about you," smiled Kelly.
"I know that moving in together will only bring us closer and that's why..." said Brandon.
"Oooohhhhh," smiled Kelly.
"Wait, let me finish," smiled Brandon.
"What a poor little girl," smiled Kelly.
"What did you call me?" asked Brandon confused.
"There on the grass; I think she's lost," replied Kelly pointing at the toddler in the park who is crying.
Kelly gets up and runs to the kid. Brandon follows her.
"Hi, are you lost?" asked Kelly to the little girl.
"Mommy," replied the little girl.
"Well, don't worry. Come with us. We'll help you find your mommy," said Kelly.
"Kel, shouldn't we take her to the police or something?" asked Brandon.
"Maybe we won't have to. I'm sure her mom is still here," replied Kelly.
"What about the car?" asked Brandon.
"I'm sure the mechanic won't arrive yet. Besides, he has my number," replied Kelly.
"You wanna hold my hand?" asked Kelly to the little girl.
The little girl nods and reaches her hand to Kelly's. They start to walk.
"What's your name?" asked Kelly.
"Melanie," replied the little girl.
"Well, that's a pretty name. Hi Melanie. I'm Kelly. And this is Brandon," smiled Kelly.
"Hi," said Melanie smiling at Brandon.
"Hi Melanie," smiled Brandon.
Melanie sticks out her other hand to Brandon.
Brandon smiles and holds onto Melanie's hand.
They both walk.
"Now Melanie, where did you last saw your mom?" asked Brandon.
"In the sandbox," replied Melanie.
"Ok sweetie, let's go there," said Kelly.
A half-n-hour goes by. The three are still looking for Melanie's mother. Brandon is holding Melanie, who is eating an ice-cream cone.
"Kel, we've been through the entire park twice," said Brandon who is getting a little impatient.
"I know. But who with their right mind would leave this precious little girl alone?" asked Kelly playing with Melanie.
Melanie starts to giggle.
"I dunno but there are some people out there who would do that," replied Brandon.
Kelly takes Melanie from Brandon.
"Ok fine, how bout we just take her with us?" asked Kelly.
"What? Kel, be real here," replied Brandon.
"I am being real here. I'm thinking like a mother," said Kelly.
"Melanie, would you like to come home with us, huh? We could try calling your mommy there," asked Kelly.
"No, I want to be with my mommy," replied Melanie who looks sad.
Kelly looks hurt.
"But we can wait for your mommy there," said Kelly.
"Kel, Melanie's right. We can't take her home with us," said Brandon.
"Why not?" asked Kelly.
"Because we're not her family," replied Brandon.
"So what do you suggest? Leave her here with the park manager? Don't you think that's worse?" asked Kelly.
"Kel, I know how you feel. But we have to do the right thing," replied Brandon.
"How do you know how I feel, Brandon? I've been a mother for five years and not once did I ever think about leaving Sammy," said Kelly.
Brandon goes to Kelly and kisses her on the cheek.
"I know and I love you for that. But you know what we gotta do," smiled Brandon.
"Yeah, I know. I just don't want to leave her alone," said Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly and Melanie. He can't help but feel the same way.
"Ok, how about we stay with her at the office here until it closes?" asked Brandon.
"What about your checkout?" asked Kelly.
"It's not a big deal," replied Brandon smiling.
"Thank you," smiled Kelly giving Brandon a kiss.
"So, we're gonna stay with you a little while longer. Is that ok with you, Melanie?" asked Brandon smiling.
"Ok," replied Melanie who still looks sad.
"Ok. Let's go," said Brandon.
They are all in the park's office. The park manager is on the phone trying to find the mother.
Melanie's asleep in Brandon's arms.
"Awww, would you just look at her? She looks so peaceful. You're a natural," smiled Kelly.
"Thanks. I gotta admit that it feels really good having her in my arms," smiled Brandon.
"I always wanted a little girl too," smiled Kelly.
"Good, now I'll know what to get you for your birthday," smiled Brandon joking.
Kelly smiles.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" asked Kelly.
"Yes. You can come here and give me a kiss," smiled Brandon.
Kelly smiles and goes to Brandon and Melanie. They kiss. As they kiss, Melanie starts to squirm in her sleep.
Melanie slowly wakes up. Brandon notices.
"Hey Melanie," said Kelly.
"Mommy?" asked Melanie.
"Awww...did you hear that? She called me mom," replied Kelly.
"I don't think that's who she meant, Kel," smiled Brandon.
"Alright. Alright. Sorry Melanie, still no mommy yet," said Kelly.
Melanie grabs onto Brandon. Brandon smiles at Kelly.
"Hey Melanie, he's mine," joked Kelly.
Melanie grabs onto Brandon tighter. Brandon smiles.
The park manager comes out of his office.
"Ok...I got good news and I got bad news," said the park manager.
"Ok, let's hear it," said Brandon.
"The good news is that the mother's on her way," said the park manager.
"Great. Melanie, did you hear that? Your mommy is coming for you," smiled Brandon.
"Yay," said Melanie.
"What's the bad news?" asked Kelly.
"The bad news is that I'm closing up right now," replied the park manager.
"That's ok. We'll wait outside," said Brandon.
"Thanks for everything," said Kelly.
"No problem. She's lucky to have found you two," said the park manager.
Some time goes by. Brandon, Kelly, and Melanie are waiting outside of the park office.
It's getting to be pretty windy and Kelly is holding Melanie.
"Are you cold?" asked Brandon.
"I'm fine. Are you cold, Melanie?" asked Kelly.
"Yes," replied Melanie.
Kelly holds Melanie closer to her to keep her warm.
"It won't be long. Your mom is coming," said Brandon.
"Melanie?" yelled someone in the distance.
"Over here," replied Kelly yelling back.
"Melanie," said the woman running towards them.
"Mommy!," said Melanie.
Kelly puts Melanie down. Melanie runs towards her mother. They hug.
"Oh, I'm so glad you're alright," said Melanie's mother relived that her daughter is back.
They walk towards Brandon and Kelly.
"Hi. Thank you so much for finding her," said Melanie's mother.
"Oh, it's no problem. We're just glad she's safe," said Kelly.
"I was watching her in the sandbox and I looked away for a second and she was gone," said Melanie's mother.
"It's ok. Kids can be like that," said Brandon.
"I hope she didn't give you two any trouble," said Melanie's mother.
"Oh no, not at all. She's a very sweet little girl, aren't you, Melanie?" asked Kelly.
Melanie nods as she holds onto her mother. Brandon and Kelly smile.
"I'm Kelly, by the way," said Kelly.
"Hi, I'm Mary," said Melanie's mother.
"Brandon Walsh, pleasure to meet you," said Brandon shaking Mary's hand.
"Well, we better be going now," said Mary.
"Ok, bye bye Melanie. It was a pleasure getting to know you," smiled Kelly.
Brandon waves goodbye to Melanie. Melanie smiles and waves back before resting her head on Mary's shoulder.
"Bye bye. Thanks again," said Mary as they leave.
"Bye," said Kelly.
Kelly looks sad as she watches Mary and Melanie leave. Brandon notices.
"You ok?" asked Brandon wrapping his arms around Kelly.
"Yeah, I'm just gonna miss her. That's all," replied Kelly.
"Well, there's a little boy at home who probably misses you very much," smiled Brandon.
"You always know how to make me feel better," smiled Kelly looking at Brandon.
They kiss.
"C'mon. Let's go back to car," said Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly.
Coming Next - Brandon officially moves in.
