Chapter 33 - Remembering the Past - Part 2
Kelly wasn't woken up by the sunlight the next morning, but by Brandon. In a t-shirt and jeans, he gently taps Kelly on the shoulder to wake her up.
"Kel?" asked Brandon.
Kelly begins to stir. She turns her head giving the impression to Brandon that she was waking up but she just goes back to sleep.
"Kel? Wake up," said Brandon shaking the bed a bit to wake her up.
Kelly gets uncomfortable and finally wakes up.
"What are you doing?" asked Kelly trying to go back to sleep.
"Are you awake?" asked Brandon.
"Yes, what is it?" asked Kelly finally opening her eyes.
"Get dressed," replied Brandon.
"Why?" asked Kelly.
"I'm taking you out for breakfast," replied Brandon.
"What about work?" asked Kelly.
"I called in," replied Brandon.
"Why did you do that?" asked Kelly.
"Because I want to spend some time with you," replied Brandon.
"Forget it, Brandon. I don't need a babysitter," said Kelly trying to go back to sleep.
Brandon looks at Kelly and gets frustrated.
"Ok, have it your way," said Brandon.
Brandon gets into the bed and lies next to Kelly, while pushing her to the other side.
Kelly notices.
"What the hell are you doing?" asked Kelly.
"We're spending some quality time together," replied Brandon with his eyes closed smiling.
"It's not funny, Brandon. I still very tired," said Kelly.
"Me too," joked Brandon.
"Then get your own bed," said Kelly.
"This is my bed," said Brandon.
"Fine, I'll go sleep on the couch," said Kelly.
Kelly starts to get out of the bed until she realizes that she's not wearing much underneath. She gets back under the covers.
Brandon opens his eyes and looks at her.
"I thought you were going to the couch," said Brandon.
"Can't we just go out later?" asked Kelly.
"That's fine. Go ahead. Sleep all day and night. I don't care," said Brandon.
"Is this the way you treat all your guests?" asked Kelly.
"No; only the ones I care about," replied Brandon.
Kelly looks at Brandon.
"Ok ok, I give up. I'll go," said Kelly.
"Good. I'll meet you outside," said Brandon who gets out of the bed and walks out of the room.
Kelly plops her head back to the pillow and pulls the covers over her. Brandon walks back into the room and Kelly notices.
"I'm up," said Kelly.
Brandon smiles and leaves the room.
We see several montages of Brandon and Kelly eating breakfast at a restaurant. Brandon says something funny and Kelly starts laughing. We see them taking a stroll at a park, then at dinner, and at a carnival at night.
Brandon opens the door and they walk in.
"I'm telling you, it's rigged," said Brandon smiling.
"Ok. But I think you were pretty strong to win me this," smiled Kelly carrying a big teddy bear that Brandon won for her at the carnival.
"Well, if you say so," smiled Brandon blushing.
"Thank you," said Kelly smiling.
"Nah, it was nothing. I was trying to win me one too," joked Brandon.
Kelly laughs.
"No, not the bear; the day," said Kelly.
"You're welcome," said Brandon.
They look at each other for a bit.
"Are you thirsty? I have a bottle of wine," asked Brandon.
"Sure...thanks," replied Kelly.
"No problem," said Brandon.
Brandon goes to the kitchen and gets a bottle of wine and glasses.
They take a seat on the couch. Brandon pours Kelly and him a glass of wine.
"Thanks," said Kelly.
"Sure," said Brandon.
"I hope you didn't get into too much trouble for skipping work today," said Kelly.
"I needed a day off anyway," joked Brandon.
"Today was just so much fun," said Kelly.
"I glad you had a good time," said Brandon.
"Me too. Did you?" asked Kelly.
"Yes, I did. It's been so long since I've been anywhere. It's good to get out," replied Brandon.
Kelly smiles.
"I think I'll name him, Brandon," smiled Kelly holding up the teddy bear.
Brandon laughs.
"Well, maybe it'll remind you of me when you go back to L.A.," said Brandon.
"He sure will. I'd bet he'll keep me warm every night," joked Kelly.
Brandon looks at her and smiles.
"So, speaking of going home, did the airline call you yet?" asked Brandon trying to change the subject.
"No; not yet," replied Kelly.
"Well, have you tried calling them?" asked Brandon.
"No; but I mean, I'm in no rush to get back," replied Kelly.
"We're having fun, aren't we?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, we are...but I still think you should follow up with them. Otherwise, they'll just gonna forget about you. I mean, you don't wanna be stuck here forever, do you?" asked Brandon.
Kelly looks at Brandon with a sad face. Brandon notices.
"No, I guess not...I'll call them in the morning," replied Kelly.
"Excuse me, I kinda wanna go to bed now," added Kelly.
Kelly starts to get up but Brandon stops her. He holds her hand to get her attention.
"Something I said?" asked Brandon.
"No," replied Kelly.
"Then, what is it?" asked Brandon.
"Nothing. Now if you excuse me, I have to get some sleep because I have to wake up early to call the airlines tomorrow," replied Kelly giving Brandon attitude.
Kelly takes her hand away and gets up to leave.
"Let me guess, the airlines got everything mixed up and now you have to buy a new ticket," said Brandon.
"You know Brandon, if you are in such a rush to get rid of me, why don't I make this easier for you and just leave right now?" asked Kelly.
"Ok," replied Brandon.
"Ok?" asked Kelly who is surprised by Brandon's answer.
"I've tried to be the best friend I can be to you...and obviously you still won't tell me what's bothering you. So, I'm just sick and tired of seeing you go from cheerful to depressed all the time. So if you don't want to leave, go ahead because I'm done with this," replied Brandon who looks mad.
"So is this what this day was all about to you?" asked Kelly.
Brandon looks down and doesn't answer Kelly.
"I see. You think just because you took me out for a day, you can make my life better?" asked Kelly.
"It's a start," replied Brandon.
"Well, let me tell you something, Brandon! It's a lot more complicated than that," said Kelly.
Brandon doesn't answer Kelly right away.
"What the hell happened to you, Kelly?" asked Brandon giving Kelly a serious look.
Kelly looks at him, hurt.
"You have no idea what I've been through; I can't go back to L.A. because...there is nothing waiting for me there. My PR firm closed. I'm all alone. My friends have moved away. Even Dylan left. I got nothing to hold on to. I used to always have a fallback plan for everything but now, I just feel like there is nothing worth doing anymore," said Kelly.
"You wanted to see the real me? Well, it's here!" yelled Kelly who starts to cry.
Brandon goes to her and holds her.
"It's ok...it's ok," said Brandon holding Kelly tightly.
Kelly buries her face in Brandon's chest.
"Is that why you came here?" asked Brandon.
Kelly looks up at Brandon with tears still in her eyes.
Brandon leans closer and kisses Kelly's forehead. Kelly closes her eyes as Brandon moves closer to her face, then to her lips.
They kiss.
Still standing, Brandon pulls Kelly closer, pressing her body to his. Kelly puts her hands on Brandon's face as they caress each other.
Brandon moves away from Kelly's lips and starts to kiss her neck.
"Wait, Brandon?" said Kelly who is smiling a bit.
"Yeah?" asked Brandon who continues kissing Kelly's neck.
"We can't do this," replied Kelly.
Brandon stops kissing her and looks at her without saying anything.
"I want to...but your life is here and I hate to admit it but we both know that I eventually would have to go back to L.A.," said Kelly.
Brandon continues to look at her without saying anything.
"You know it'll ruin our friendship. And that's the last thing I want," said Kelly.
Kelly looks at Brandon not knowing what to say next. Brandon walks closer to Kelly. He takes a moment and looks at her before going in for a hug. He wraps his arms around Kelly and she does the same.
"Me too," said Brandon still embracing the hug.
"Thank you," said Kelly who still has tears in her eyes but smiling.
They let go of each other.
"I'm glad you finally told me what's going on," said Brandon.
"Me too. And I'm sorry I've been a bitch this entire time," said Kelly.
"It's ok. After what happened, I don't blame you," said Brandon.
"Thanks," said Kelly.
"So what are you going to do now?" asked Brandon.
"I don't know...but I think I need some time alone….to think," replied Kelly.
"Ok. Want some company?" asked Brandon joking.
Kelly just smiles at Brandon.
"Just kidding. I just did that so I can see you smile," smiled Brandon.
Kelly lets out a little laugh.
"It worked," said Kelly who gives Brandon another hug.
They break the hug.
"You'll be ok by yourself?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, but where are you going?" asked Kelly.
"Nowhere; I was just going to take a shower," replied Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly.
"Ok, feel better," said Brandon.
"I will...thanks Brandon," said Kelly.
"Anytime," said Brandon who walks into his bedroom.
We hear Brandon in the shower.
Kelly goes to the kitchen sink, turns the water on, and washes her face with her hands. She stared at the mirror in front of her, trying to dissect what just happened. She tried to calm down but from the looks of her face, it's still obvious that she had been crying. It feels like that is all she been doing lately is crying and feeling sorry for herself. Even though she felt better after telling Brandon what's going on with her life, she hated that he saw her vulnerable side. More importantly, she didn't want to be a vulnerable person. But what made her smile was that Brandon was so comforting that he didn't seem to mind.
She had no complaints about the kiss. It was the perfect moment where they stared into each other's eyes and knew that they wanted the same thing. Plus, it brought back the wonderful feeling of being held by someone she really cared about. A part of her wanted to go further than the kiss but she feared of getting in too deep with Brandon. They both had accepted the fact that it's best for them to simply stayed friends and right now, given that's what Kelly needs the most.
Kelly continues to contemplate about her life when she hears her cellphone rings. She takes her phone out of her pocket, sees that it's Jackie, and answers it.
"Hi mom," said Kelly.
"Kelly, where are you? I've been trying to call you for days," asked Jackie.
"Mom, I'm fine. I'm just visiting a friend," replied Kelly.
"Well, when are you coming back?" asked Jackie.
"I don't know," replied Kelly who looks stressed again.
"What do you mean, I don't know?" asked Jackie.
"It means I don't know. I just needed to get away for a while," replied Kelly.
"Kelly, I know things haven't been easy for you lately but I got someone who wants you wants to meet you. I think you'll like him," said Jackie.
"Forget it, mom. I don't want to be set up again," said Kelly.
"Why not? Who are you waiting for? Dylan?" asked Jackie.
"Mom, this has nothing to do with Dylan," replied Kelly.
"Then what's the problem?" asked Jackie.
"Mom, there is no problem. I just want to be left alone," replied Kelly.
"Don't be selfish, Kelly. I'm only trying to help," said Jackie.
"Then leave me alone, mom!" said Kelly loudly.
"Fine! I don't know what you want to do with your life anymore, Kelly. First, you lost your job, then your friends left; and now you're shutting your family out too? We're all you have left, Kelly," said Jackie.
Kelly does not respond. Instead she just hangs up the phone.
She starts to walk back to the couch. Her phone starts to ring again. Kelly ignores the call and turns the phone off. She throws the phone on the table. She leans forward and put her hands on her face to hide her tears.
Brandon walks out of the shower in a t-shirt and shorts. He puts his towel over his head to dry it off when he notices Kelly still in the living room. He walks to the living and notices that she is crying again. Kelly doesn't notice Brandon walking towards her.
"Kelly?" asked Brandon.
Kelly hears Brandon and quickly wipes the tears off her face.
"Are you ok?" asked Brandon.
Kelly looks back at Brandon. She wanted to tell him that she's fine. She wanted to tell him that she can take care of herself. She wanted to tell him that she wasn't the mess that she seems to be. But looking back at Brandon, she knew she wanted to be comforted. She wanted a shoulder to cry on. She wanted someone to hold her and never let her go.
"No," replied Kelly quietly shaking her head.
Kelly leans in closer, allowing Brandon to hold her.
"It's ok...tell me what's wrong," said Brandon.
"It's me. I don't know what's wrong with me," said Kelly.
"Kel, there's nothing wrong with you. You're just going through a lot of things right now," said Brandon.
"I'm just so confused and scared," said Kelly.
"Scared of what?" asked Brandon.
"Of what's going to happen. Everybody has something to do; someone to lean on; and I have nobody," replied Kelly.
"Well, good to know that I'm not good enough for you to lean on," joked Brandon.
Still with tears in her eyes, Kelly lets out a small laugh.
"Haha...you know what I mean," smiled Kelly.
"I know. I was just kidding," said Brandon.
"I just feel like such a failure lately," said Kelly.
"Kel, you're too good of a person to fail," said Brandon.
"Really?" asked Kelly.
"I wouldn't lie to you. The Kelly Taylor I know wouldn't let a small thing like being unemployed or being single ruin her self-esteem," replied Brandon.
"Well, I haven't seen her in a long time, Brandon," said Kelly.
"Maybe you haven't but I have. In fact, I just spent the day with her, today. And I have to say that she's still very much alive," said Brandon.
Kelly continues to look at Brandon.
"Thanks Brandon," said Kelly who goes and hugs him tightly.
They break the hug.
"Feel better?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, very much," replied Kelly still looking at him.
"Good; I suggest you take some time, relax, and figure out what you really want to do," said Brandon.
Brandon starts to get off the couch.
"I think I know what I want, Brandon," said Kelly.
Brandon turn around.
"Already?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah," replied Kelly smiling.
"Well, what is it?" asked Brandon.
Kelly smiles and gets up from the couch.
"You," replied Kelly.
They look at each other not knowing what the next move is.
Kelly slowly leans in and kisses Brandon on the lips.
"I wasn't expecting that," said Brandon.
"Do you have any objections?" asked Kelly.
Brandon smiles.
"Come on, then," said Kelly pulling Brandon towards the bedroom.
"Kel, I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do," said Brandon who stops walking.
Kelly smiles and continues to kiss Brandon.
"Then why does it feel so right?" asked Kelly.
"I'm just not sure if this is really what you want," replied Brandon.
"It is," said Kelly.
"Then why didn't you want me earlier when I kissed you?" asked Brandon.
"I did. I was just scared. I don't want to be scared anymore," replied Kelly.
Brandon looks down before looking back at Kelly.
"Isn't this what you want too?" asked Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly without a response. Instead, he leans in and kisses her as they drift closer towards the bedroom.
Brandon and Kelly slide into bed with Brandon on top of Kelly. Kelly moves to the side and takes off her shirt. They smile as he stops to look at her. She kisses Brandon, giving him the ok to pleasure her. Brandon starts to kiss Kelly on the lips before moving downward towards her shoulders and eventually her chest. Kelly arches her back so that she can remove her bra, allowing Brandon to kiss her bare breasts.
They remove the rest of their clothes and pull the covers over them. Brandon gets on top of Kelly and begins to slowly thrust inside her. Kelly opens her mouth in awe and starts to moans in pleasure. Brandon goes and kisses her on the lips to keep her muffled as Kelly starts to moan faster.
"Oh my god," cried Kelly as she holds on to Brandon.
Brandon presses his body fully against Kelly's, allowing them to feel each other's body move.
"Kel, I...," said Brandon breathing heavily.
Kelly senses that Brandon starts to slow down and wraps her legs around Brandon to keep him going.
With her entire body against Brandon's, Kelly starts to tremble as she is close to climaxing.
"Oh Brandon...don't…let…me…go," cried Kelly.
Brandon begins to thrust faster and she lets out her a final moan as they both climax at the same time.
"Ohhhhhhhhh...ohhhhhh," cried the both of them.
With the both of them still feeling the reaction of their passion, they smile at each other and kiss.
Still very early the next morning and still in bed, we see Kelly on top of Brandon with her hair draped over Brandon's chest with Brandon's arms around Kelly's body.
Some of Kelly's hair gets into Brandon's face, tickling him, and waking him up.
"Mmmmmm," muttered Brandon smelling Kelly's hair.
Brandon finally opens his eyes to see Kelly asleep on top of him. He smiles as he gently strokes Kelly's naked body.
Sensing Brandon's touch, It didn't take along for Kelly to start stirring. She lifts her head, opens her eyes, and sees Brandon smiling at her. She gives Brandon a sleepy smile back and rests her head back on Brandon's chest. Brandon smiles and continues to stroke Kelly's back.
"Hey...," said Brandon.
"Hmmmmm?" asked Kelly.
"Don't I get a good morning kiss?" asked Brandon.
Kelly lifts her head up and smiles at Brandon. As she starts to move upward towards Brandon, Kelly lets out a small gasp. They both realize something.
"Are you still in me?" asked Kelly.
Brandon lifts the covers to make sure.
"I think so," replied Brandon.
They laugh. Brandon slowly removes himself from Kelly and she lets out another gasp.
"Are you ok?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, how about you?" asked Brandon.
"Well...let's see...because of you, I feel relaxed, comforted...and so loved," replied Kelly.
"I can see that...you look like you can't stop smiling," said Brandon.
"I know and I have you to thank," said Kelly giving Brandon his good morning kiss.
Brandon smiles and pulls Kelly closer to him to kiss her on the lips. She starts to giggle.
Brandon puts his arms around her and pulls her closely to him. They look at each other.
"So, what time do you have to leave for work?" asked Kelly.
Brandon takes a look at the clock.
"Very soon," replied Brandon.
"Oh," said Kelly who looks down.
"I can stay if you want," said Brandon.
Kelly looks up at Brandon.
"No, it's ok. I'll be fine," smiled Kelly.
"You sure?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, you go and be the best journalist you can be," replied Kelly.
"Thanks...I needed that," said Brandon going to kiss Kelly on the lips before getting off the bed.
Kelly adoring watches as Brandon puts his clothes on.
"Brandon?" asked Kelly.
"Kel?" asked Brandon who turns and looks at Kelly.
"Thank you for last night...what you said," replied Kelly.
"It's the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time," added Kelly.
"I meant every word," said Brandon.
"So, will you be here when I get back?" asked Brandon putting a shirt on.
"Where am I going? I have no job, no prospects; nothing," replied Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly, grabs a pen and a notepad off the dresser and gives it to Kelly.
"What's this for?" asked Kelly.
"Why don't you take today and write down the things you want to do with your life," replied Brandon.
Kelly looks at Brandon with a weird look.
"Trust me...it will help you clear things up," said Brandon.
"I do trust you," smiled Kelly.
"But I can't believe you're giving me homework," joked Kelly.
"That's right, young lady...and if you don't finish when I get back, there will be severe consequences," smiled Brandon getting closer to Kelly.
"Like what?" asked Kelly smiling.
"Oh, I might have to hold you in my arms and never let you go," replied Brandon putting his arms around Kelly.
"Sounds more of a reward than a punishment," smiled Kelly looking at Brandon.
Brandon kisses her deeply. They break and continue looking at each other.
"Remind me again, why I'm going to work?" asked Brandon joking.
Kelly smiles and they kiss again.
At the Chronicle, Brandon is sitting at his desk reading the paper. James comes over to speak to him.
"Hey Brandon," said James.
"Hey James. Did your article for this week get published?" asked Brandon.
"Nope. Just like yours," replied James.
Brandon looks disappointed and angry.
"I don't get it. Thomas said he loved it. I thought it was gonna make it for sure," said Brandon.
"Hey, don't feel bad. You know the old man always go with the senior staff writers first," said James.
"I dunno man," said Brandon.
"What don't you know?" asked James.
"I've been here for four years and I'm not getting anywhere," replied Brandon.
"Hey, I've been here for almost eight. I got use to it and so will you," said James.
"What if I don't want to?" asked Brandon.
"You don't have a choice, Brandon. You know the old man chose the guy to go with him to London yesterday," replied John.
Brandon looks back at James mad.
"He was never gonna choose me anyway," said Brandon.
"I bet he was until you called out yesterday," said James.
"Yeah, well, what's the difference anyway?" asked Brandon still in a bad mood.
"So, why you called out yesterday?" asked James.
"I was taking care of a friend," replied Brandon.
"Who? The girl who's staying with you?" asked James.
"Yeah," said Brandon who back to reading the newspaper.
"So what did you two do?" smiled James.
Brandon looks at James.
"She's having a rough time at home...so I took her out to cheer her up," replied Brandon.
"Is she ok?" asked James.
"Yeah, she's gonna be fine," replied Brandon.
"Well good...because you need to be here. Thomas is only looking for the best guys to take with him on his trip," said James.
"Enough about the trip. He hated my writing," said Brandon who looks fed up.
"I thought you said he loved it," said James.
"If he did, then why isn't it on the paper?" asked Brandon.
James shrugs.
"I just don't know if I want to wait anymore," said Brandon.
Brandon came home that night depressed. He quietly knocked on his bedroom door but heard no reply. He slowly opened the door to find Kelly lying in bed asleep. He decided not to wake Kelly up. He put his bag down on the ground and proceeds to close the door when Kelly wakes up.
"Hey," said Kelly opening her eyes to look at Brandon.
"Sorry Kel, I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep," said Brandon going to close the door again.
"No, it's ok. I was just waiting for you," said Kelly getting up.
Brandon smiles and walks towards Kelly. He takes a seat on the bed next to her.
"So how was your day?" asked Brandon.
Kelly grabs the notepad and hands it to Brandon. Brandon looks at it and smiles back at Kelly.
"Looks like somebody had a productive day," said Brandon reading what Kelly wrote.
"Yeah, I thought about what you said and just started writing things I always wanted to do," said Kelly.
"Maybe it'll point me into a new direction in life," added Kelly.
"Well, that's always good," said Brandon.
"Yeah it is. Thanks for making me do this," said Kelly.
They hug.
"So, how was your day?" asked Kelly.
"It was ok," replied Brandon.
"Really? Just ok?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, just another boring day," replied Brandon.
"What happened?" asked Kelly.
"Why so curious?" asked Brandon.
"I just want to know so I can make you feel better," replied Kelly.
"My boss was going to choose a writer to accompany him on a trip to London. I just found out today I wasn't chosen," replied Brandon.
"I'm sorry," said Kelly.
"Me too," said Brandon.
"I'm sure you'll get another chance," said Kelly.
"I don't I will," said Brandon.
"Sure you will. You're a great writer," said Kelly.
"So are a lot of people at the Chronicle," said Brandon.
"But you're the only one over there I care about," said Kelly.
"I didn't know you had such an influence," joked Brandon.
Kelly smiles.
"No, I don't...but I got you to smile, didn't I?" asked Kelly.
Brandon smiles.
"Thanks babe," replied Brandon as they hug.
Kelly breaks the hug and looks at Brandon.
"What did you call me?" asked Kelly.
"Nothing," replied Brandon lying.
"No, you just called me babe," said Kelly.
"Kel, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to...," said Brandon.
"No, don't be sorry. I miss that from you," smiled Kelly who gives Brandon a quick kiss.
"Anytime," smiled Brandon.
"Maybe you should put psychologist on your list," added Brandon.
"What?" asked Kelly confused.
"I'm saying you should be a psychologist," replied Brandon.
"A part of me wants to but...," said Kelly.
"But what?" asked Brandon.
"I mean, you're different than any psychologist I know," added Brandon.
"Maybe that's why I'm not one," said Kelly.
"I mean, you're funny; you're sweet. Most importantly you can help people because you care," said Brandon.
"Well, I wouldn't have a problem if all of my clients were like you," smiled Kelly.
"I'm serious. I really think you should go into that. You've told me before that you were planning to go to graduate school," said Brandon.
"Yeah, but that's when I was missing you and I needed something to keep me busy," said Kelly.
"What about now?" asked Brandon.
"I feel like if I go back to school, I feel like I'll be losing you," replied Kelly.
"Are you thinking about going back to L.A. for school?" asked Brandon looking at Kelly.
"I dunno. CU would be the best choice. There's nothing keeping me here except for one thing," replied Kelly.
"What's that?" asked Brandon.
"You," replied Kelly.
Brandon stays silent for a moment before answering. They continue to look at each other.
"I don't think you'll have a problem with that," said Brandon.
"I do if I miss you," said Kelly.
"Concentrate on school and the rest will follow," replied Brandon.
"What does that mean?" asked Kelly.
"It means, if you're going back to L.A., I going with you," replied Brandon.
Kelly looks at Brandon with a surprised look.
She goes and passionately kisses Brandon on the lips.
To Be Continued…
