Author's Note - It has been a while. I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. I took last month off from the story to make a few videos. I'm glad to be back. The next two chapters will conclude the flashback (prequel) story. To make up for the lack of chapters from last month, the next chapter will be up in three weeks! The next upcoming chapters will have a lot more drama. So I hope you'll stay tuned! Enjoy!

Chapter 34 - Remembering the Past - Part 3

Kelly breaks the kiss.

"Are you sure?" asked Kelly.

"Yes. I wasn't happy here but when I saw you, I realized how much I've missed you," replied Brandon.

Kelly smiles and goes and kisses Brandon again before leaning him onto the bed.

Sometime later, Brandon is holding Kelly under the covers.

"That was perfect," smiled Kelly.

"Just like us," smiled Brandon.

"I can't believe you're actually considering moving back to L.A. for me," said Kelly.

"It's a done deal. It's not working out for me here. Besides, it doesn't matter because I'd rather be with you," said Brandon.

Kelly kisses Brandon on the lips.

"That's sweet but...," said Kelly.

"But what?" asked Brandon.

"I dunno. It just seems like you're giving a whole lot to be with me," replied Kelly.

"Well, you would do the same for me, right?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, but my situation is different. I have nothing to lose but you do," replied Kelly.

"I do have something to lose...you," said Brandon looking at Kelly.

"I love you," said Kelly.

"I love you too," said Brandon.

They hold each other and kiss again.

Brandon walked into the office the next day prepared to turn in his resignation. He was scare but confident that he was making the right decision.

He walked over to his desk and sat down.

"Brandon," said James walking over to Brandon.

"Hey James," said Brandon.

"The old man just told me that he wants to speak with the both of us as soon as you got in," said James.

"What about?" asked Brandon.

"I have no idea," replied James.

"Well, it doesn't matter. Because I have to something to tell him," said Brandon.

"What are you going to tell him?" asked James.

"That I'm leaving," replied Brandon.

"Brandon, c'mon. You can't be serious," said James surprised by Brandon's answer.

"I'm moving back to L.A.," said Brandon.

"What's waiting for you there?" asked James.

"A whole lot more than what's here," replied Brandon.

"It's that girl, isn't it?" asked James.

"It's more than that, James. I left my home to be here...and I think it's time to go home," replied Brandon.

James looks at Brandon with a blank stare.

"Brandon, are you here?" asked Mr. Thomas from his office.

Brandon stands up from his desk and sees Mr. Thomas.

"Yes sir," said Brandon.

"I'm ready for you two. Please come into my office," said Mr. Thomas.

"Let's go," said Brandon.

James doesn't say anything as they both walk into Mr. Thomas's office.

"Please, have a seat," said Mr. Thomas who walks to his chair.

"Thank you, sir," said Brandon and James who takes their seats.

"Gentlemen, I'm sure that both of you know that I've made some changes to the staff," said Mr. Thomas.

"Yes sir," said James.

"And I'm sure you two already heard that I've chosen someone to accompany me to London," said Mr. Thomas.

"Yes sir," said James.

Brandon continues to stay silent as if he no longer cares about what Mr. Thomas has to say anymore.

"Because I believe that some certain changes are necessary," said Mr. Thomas.

"That's why I'm sorry to say...," continued Mr. Thomas.

Sensing that Mr. Thomas was about to do something drastic, Brandon decided to beat him to it.

"I don't mean to interrupt you, sir. But I do think that James and I are doing a great job. In fact we've been doing a great job since we came here," said Brandon who stood up facing Mr. Thomas.

"I agree," said Mr. Thomas.

"You do?" asked Brandon.

"Of course. That's why I brought you two in here today," replied Mr. Thomas.

"Sir, what are you saying?" asked James who stands up next to Brandon.

"I'm saying you two deserve better," replied Mr. Thomas.

"So, what's going to happen?" asked James.

"It means I want you two on the road, up in the air, or whatever you want to call it," replied Mr. Thomas.

"So, you want us to travel?" asked Brandon who is shocked at what he just heard.

"Yeah. The two of you showed great promise and diligence. I'll know you'll make this paper proud," replied Mr. Thomas.

"Thank you, sir. We won't let you down," smiled James excited.

"Thanks sir. But excuse me if I don't quite understand this. If you promoting us, why didn't you choose us to go to London with you?" asked Brandon.

James has a worried look on his face.

"What he means is 'thank you very much sir and we'll definitely do our best.' Isn't that right, Brandon?" asked James making sure that Brandon doesn't screw up their promotion.

"No, I really want to know why we weren't chosen," said Brandon looking directly at Mr. Thomas.

"But you are. You two are coming with me to London. I chose Howard because I didn't want to lose you guys here. But after thinking about it for a while, I realized that you two deserve better," said Mr. Thomas.

Brandon is now speechless as he just heard what he wanted to hear for a long time. In his mind, he could not help but picture all the places he'll be traveling, all the people he's going to meet; not to mention, all the front page stories that he's going to write. His dream of being a world-class reporter had finally become reality. And suddenly, all he could think about was the girl who was waiting for him at home; the girl who he said he wanted to be with and will quit his job for; the girl who will always be the great love of his life.

The look on Brandon's face was nothing short of guilty. He now was face with a difficult decision which would alter not only his life but Kelly's also.

"Brandon, are you alright?" asked Mr. Thomas who notices Brandon's awkward silence.

"He's just too excited for words, sir. Isn't that right, Brandon?" asked James trying to keep Brandon from losing it.

Brandon finally snaps back into reality.

"Right. Thank you, sir for this great opportunity. I was just too happy to reply," replied Brandon.

"Well, then. It's great to have you two on board. So, since you two will be joining Howard and myself to London, we would need to leave soon," said Mr. Thomas.

"How soon?" asked Brandon worried.

"We leave for London tomorrow evening," replied Mr. Thomas.

"Well sir, no offense but isn't that kind of short notice?" asked Brandon.

"I know, Brandon. But you must realize that stories happen instantly. This is a very competitive business. If you want to be a serious reporter, you must be ready to get up and go," replied Mr. Thomas.

James gets worried as he sees the troubled look on Brandon's face.

"Don't worry sir. We're ready to go," smiled James assuring Mr. Thomas that everything is fine.

"Good. Now gentleman, this is serious. This is your first cover story. So I need your complete commitment to this. That means, LEAVE your personal lives at home," instructed Mr. Thomas.

Brandon looks up at Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas notices.

"Is there a problem, Brandon?" asked Mr. Thomas.

"I'm fine, sir. I'm just a bit nervous," replied Brandon giving Mr. Thomas a fake smile.

"You'll do fine," said Mr. Thomas.

"That's all gentlemen. Congratulations; and I'll see you two tomorrow," added Mr. Thomas.

"Thank you, sir," said Brandon shaking Mr. Thomas's hand.

James shakes Mr. Thomas's hand.

They both leave Mr. Thomas's office.

"Brandon, are you sure you're ok?" asked James.

"I'm fine," replied Brandon.

"Bro, I'm just glad you didn't quit in there," smiled James.

"Me too," said Brandon lying.

"Why aren't you happy about this? We made it, man. This is what you always wanted," asked James.

"Yeah, it is. But so, is someone else," replied Brandon.

James looks at Brandon and suddenly knows what he meant.

"She means that much to you?" asked James.

"Yes," replied Brandon.

"Well then, Brandon. If she loves you as much as you love her, then she'll wait for you," said James.

Brandon has a sad look on his face as the screen fades.

Back at Brandon's apartment, Kelly is on the phone with Jackie. We only hear Kelly's side of the conversation.

"Yes mom. For the last time, I'm happy," said Kelly.

"Thanks mom. I'll see you soon...Bye," said Kelly.

As Kelly shuts off her phone, she hears the front door open. She smiles when she sees Brandon come in.

"Hey," smiled Kelly smiling on the couch.

Without replying, Brandon goes and joins Kelly at the couch. He looks at her as she continues to smile at him.

"What is it?" asked Kelly who suddenly felt a little scared of Brandon's unusual behavior.

"Kelly, I love you," replied Brandon who is still deeply looking at Kelly.

"I love you too," said Kelly who smiles at him.

"Good; that's all I needed to hear," said Brandon who starts to get up.

"Was that all?" asked Kelly who is confused on what's going on.

Brandon sits back down on the couch.

They look at each other.

"So I walked into the office today all set on turning in my resignation...," said Brandon.

Brandon takes a pause.

"But then you came to your senses?" asked Kelly.

"No, my plans were just changed," replied Brandon.

"What happened?" asked Kelly.

"Kel, they offered me a promotion. I'm supposed to leave for London tomorrow night," replied Brandon as he sadly looks at Kelly.

Kelly felt sad after hearing that but kept a straight face and smiled for Brandon's sake.

"Well, that's wonderful. What will you be doing?" asked Kelly.

"I'll be traveling a lot more and covering stories worldwide," replied Brandon.

"Brandon, that's great," smiled Kelly who goes and gives Brandon a hug.

Kelly notices that Brandon is still sad.

"Isn't it?" asked Kelly starting to feel sad.

"It would be if I hadn't made other plans," replied Brandon.

Kelly pauses for a second as she doesn't know exactly what to say.

"What about L.A.?" asked Brandon.

"Plans change," replied Kelly.

"I know you don't mean that," said Brandon.

"I do," said Kelly who looks hesitant.

"So you seriously don't want to back to L.A.?" asked Brandon.

"Not if I can't go back with you," replied Kelly.

"But that's what I'm saying. I'm going back to L.A. with you," said Brandon.

"Brandon, I don't think I can live with the fact that you're giving this job up for me," said Kelly who looks sad.

"What's wrong with that? I've done it before," said Brandon.

"I know but it just ended up making things worse between us," said Kelly.

"So what are you saying? You're breaking up with me?" asked Brandon.

"No, of course not. I'm saying that I have nothing to lose by staying here...with you," replied Kelly.

"But what will you do here?" asked Brandon.

"I'm sure I'll think of something. I've got my to-do list...thanks to you," replied Kelly.

"Besides, what do you think you'll be doing in L.A.?" asked Kelly.

Brandon pauses for a second before answering.

"I dunno. I'm sure I'll find something...," replied Brandon.

"And if not, I could always go back to the Peach Pit. You think Nat would hire me back?" asked Brandon joking.

"Well, I always thought you looked very cute in your uniform," replied Kelly smiling.

Brandon smiles.

"You sure about this?" asked Brandon.

"I'm sure I love you and that's all I care about right now," replied Kelly.

Kelly leaned in and they kiss.

"So, what time do we leave for London tomorrow night?" asked Kelly still very close to Brandon.

Brandon has a surprised look on his face.

"What?" asked Brandon confused by Kelly's question.

"I'm coming with you. We can do some sightseeing and go possibly see Brenda," replied Kelly.

"Kel, I don't know how to tell you this but my boss made it clear that this trip is strictly business and I can't take anyone with me," said Brandon sadly.

"Oh," said Kelly who looks disappointed it.

"I'm sorry," said Brandon who looks guilty.

"It's ok. I'll just stay here and keep an eye on things," said Kelly who gives Brandon a small smile.

"I love you," said Brandon.

"I love you too," said Kelly.

They hug.

Both of them have sad looks on their faces.

Brandon and Kelly made the most of their final twenty four hours together before Brandon left for London. We see them laughing over a romantic dinner, holding hands while walking the streets of Washington, cuddling after falling sleep on the couch while watching a movie, and of course holding each other while sleeping in bed.

Kelly followed Brandon out the bedroom as he carries his suitcase to towards the front door.

"Well, I guess I'll see you in a couple of days," said Brandon.

"Yeah, I guess so," said Kelly.

"You sure you'll be fine all by yourself?" asked Brandon.

"I'm a big girl, Brandon. I think I'll manage," replied Kelly joking.

"Gee, I was hoping you'll say no so I'll have an excuse to stay," smiled Brandon.

"Well, in that case...," smiled Kelly who leans in for a kiss.

Brandon drops his suitcase and pulls Kelly closer to him.

Kelly puts her arms around Brandon and they kiss.

They break.

"I'll call you when I get there, ok?" asked Brandon.

"Mmm...you better," replied Kelly smiling.

"I'm really gonna miss you," said Brandon.

"I miss you already," said Kelly leaning in for another kiss.

They break and look at each other for a moment.

"You better go. You don't want to miss your flight," said Kelly.

"Yeah. It's just hard to leave you here all alone, knowing that it's all because of me," said Brandon.

"Well, that's all than more reasons for you to come back soon," smiled Kelly.

Brandon smiles too.

"I love you," said Brandon.

"I love you too," said Kelly.

They kiss once more.

Brandon turns around, opens the door, and leaves the apartment.

Kelly closes the door. She walks to the window to catch one more glance of Brandon. On the street, Brandon looks up and sees Kelly. He pauses and looks back at her, before into his car.

Kelly is sad as she watches Brandon drive off.

A few days goes by and Kelly is sitting in bed talking to Jackie on the phone.

"Hi mom," said Kelly.

"Hi Kelly. How are you doing over there?" asked Jackie.

"I'm ok. There are a lot of places to see," replied Kelly.

"Well, it'll be good to have you back here soon," said Jackie.

"Mom, that's why I'm calling," said Kelly.

"What is it?" asked Jackie.

"I've decided to stay here," replied Kelly.

"What? I thought you said you and Brandon are moving back here," said Jackie confused.

"I know but...," said Kelly who gets interrupted by Jackie.

"But nothing. What happened?" asked Jackie who sounds angry.

"Mom, I'm trying to tell you what happened. Brandon got a big promotion here...so I'm staying with him," replied Kelly.

"What are you going to do there?" asked Jackie worried.

"I don't know yet but I really want to make this work," replied Kelly.

Jackie puts her hands to his forehead and thinks for a minute.

"Well, at least he's there to take care of you," said Jackie.

"Thanks mom," said Kelly.

"You're welcome, dear. Is he there?" asked Jackie.

"No, he's still in London," replied Kelly who realizes that she shouldn't have told Jackie.

"London! What is he doing there?" asked Jackie who is now furious.

"He's working," replied Kelly.

"And he left you all by yourself?" asked Jackie.

"Mom, he didn't leave me. It's part of his new job," replied Kelly.

"So this is an ongoing thing?" asked Jackie who looks even madder now.

"If it is, it is," replied Kelly.

"Kelly, come home! Erin misses you. I miss you," said Jackie.

"Mom, stop freaking out," said Kelly.

"No, Kelly. I will not stop freaking out. You're alone, Kelly. Do you know that?" asked Jackie.

"Mom, for the last time, I'm not alone. Brandon will be back in a few days," replied Kelly.

"And how long is it before he leaves again? Kelly, you do realize that this is like Dylan all over again," said Jackie.

"Mom, this is different," said Kelly.

"How is this different?" asked Jackie.

"Because I know that Brandon won't let me down," said Kelly.

"He calls me every night. We talk. It's like he's here with me," added Kelly.

"Kelly, you can't do this to yourself again. It's not healthy. I want you to come home immediately," said Jackie.

"Mom, I am home," said Kelly.

"Kelly, this is no joke," said Jackie.

Kelly doesn't answer.

"Kelly?" asked Jackie.

"Kelly?" asked Jackie again.

"I'm sorry mom," said Kelly who hangs up on Jackie.

Kelly puts her face on her hands for a bit to recuperate after her conversation with Jackie.

She picks up the phone and finds Brandon's number and calls him.

Brandon is in a room with a lot of people. He takes out his phone and sees that it's Kelly and answers it.

"Hey babe," said Brandon.

"Hey Brandon," said Kelly who hears a lot of noise in the background.

"How are you doing?" asked Brandon.

"Good...what's happening in the background?" asked Kelly.

"I'm in the Annual London Expo...there's so many people here," replied Brandon.

"Sounds exciting," said Kelly.

"What?" asked Brandon who can barely hear Kelly.

"I said, it sounds exciting," repeated Kelly.

"Oh ok. Hold on, let me go to a more quiet area," said Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly.

Brandon walks out of the expo and into the hallway.

"Is that better?" asked Brandon.

"Much," replied Kelly.

"So what's up?" asked Brandon.

"Nothing. I was missing you that's all," replied Kelly.

"I miss you too. And I was going to call you a little later about something," said Brandon.

"What about?" asked Kelly.

"Well, it looks like I'll be staying in London a little longer," replied Brandon.

"Oh...how much longer?" asked Kelly who gets worried.

"Might be another week," replied Brandon.

"Oh," said Kelly.

"My boss wants James and me to stay after the expo to cover some of the landmarks," said Brandon.

"I understand," said Kelly.

"Kel, I know you're mad," said Brandon.

"Brandon, I'm not mad. I'm just a little disappointed. That's all," said Kelly.

"I'll still call you every night," said Brandon.

"I know," said Kelly.

Brandon senses that Kelly is sad.

"I know that's not the same as me being there. And I'm sorry," said Brandon.

"Brandon, you don't have to be sorry," said Kelly.

"You know I would be there with you if I could," said Brandon.

"I know. But you gotta do what you gotta do, right?" asked Kelly.

"Kelly, don't be like this," replied Brandon.

"Like what? I'm just being supportive," said Kelly who is frustrated.

"Well, I just think you have a weird way of showing it," said Brandon.

Kelly is surprised by Brandon's remark.

"Wait, what do you mean by that, Brandon?" asked Kelly.

"I mean you've not been honest with me," replied Brandon.

"How so?" asked Kelly.

"If you didn't want me taking this job, you should've let me know," replied Brandon.

"What was I supposed to say, Brandon? That I want you here with me?" asked Kelly.

"If that's what you want," replied Brandon.

"All I wanted was for you to be happy, Brandon. Are you happy over there?" asked Kelly.

"Tell me the truth, Brandon," added Kelly.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't have been happy with you. I wish you knew how much you mean to me," said Brandon.

"I do. You've shown me so many times. It's just really hard for me to deal being in a new city alone," said Kelly.

"So what are you saying?" asked Brandon.

"I don't know yet," replied Kelly.

"Maybe I can talk James into finishing up the report by himself. Do you want me to come home?" asked Brandon.

"No, don't let me stop your fun. You enjoy it," replied Kelly.

"You sure?" asked Brandon who looks worried.

"Yeah, you're only gone for one more week. We can talk then," replied Kelly who seems tired of the conversation.

"Ok. I'll call you later," said Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly.

There is a long pause.

"I love you," said Brandon.

"I love you too," said Kelly.

"Bye," said Brandon.

"Bye Brandon," said Kelly who hangs up.

Brandon hangs up his phone and just stands by the corner wall for a minute to think.

James comes out of the expo hall and sees Brandon.

"Brandon," said James who walks towards him.

Brandon is too busy thinking to notice James walking towards him.

"Hey Brandon," repeated James.

Brandon sees James and snaps back into reality.

"Hey James," said Brandon.

"What are you doing out here?" asked James.

"I just needed a break," replied Brandon.

"You alright? " asked James who notices that Brandon is not himself.

"Yeah, what's up?" asked Brandon.

"The old man wants to see us," replied James.

"Oh ok," said Brandon.

They walk back inside the expo hall.

Kelly continues to look at her phone after her phone call with Brandon. She goes through her list of contacts and finds Jackie's number. She hesitates about pressing the dial button but doesn't go through with the call. She refuses to give into Jackie's assumptions about Brandon. After all, the few days that she and Brandon spent together were the happiest few days that Kelly has had in a long time.

Kelly lies down on the bed and pulls the covers to her face. She smiles as the scent on the sheets reminds her of Brandon. She snuggles and presses her face to the sheets as she drifts off to sleep.

To be continued…