Chapter 35 - Pink Slip
Kelly is in the kitchen making breakfast. Sammy is eating his breakfast at the table.
Brandon walks in a rush wearing a suit and tie.
"So, how do I look?" asked Brandon.
"Daddy, you look good," replied Sammy smiling and giving Brandon a thumbs up.
"Thanks buddy," smiled Brandon.
Brandon looks at Kelly as he waits for her opinion.
"Very handsome," smiled Kelly.
"Thanks," said Brandon taking off his jacket.
"What are you doing?" asked Kelly.
"I'm changing," replied Brandon.
"Why?" asked Kelly.
"Kel, I don't think good or handsome will help me get through this meeting," replied Brandon.
"I need something that'll calm me down. I'm so stress out over this," added Brandon panicking.
Kelly goes over to him.
"Well, you shouldn't be. They're probably want to congratulate you," said Kelly.
"For what? I haven't done anything," asked Brandon.
"Brandon, you've done plenty. You've revived the L.A. office. You've put out thousands of quality stories since you've got here. They're very lucky to have you here," replied Kelly.
"Thanks Kel," smiled Brandon.
"And don't you ever forget that," smiled Kelly who gives Brandon a kiss.
"Still nervous?" asked Kelly.
"Just a tad," replied Brandon.
Kelly leans closer to Brandon so that Sammy won't hear.
"You want me to relieve that stress in the bedroom?" smiled Kelly.
"I would but I'm running late. I gotta go," said Brandon who grabs his briefcase.
"I love you," said Brandon who gives Kelly a kiss.
"I love you too," said Kelly.
He passes by Sammy and gives him a quick kiss.
"Bye buddy," said Brandon.
"Bye daddy," said Sammy still eating.
"Good luck," said Kelly.
"Thanks," said Brandon who leaves.
Sammy turns around and looks at Kelly who smiles back at him.
"Is Daddy ok?" asked Sammy curious.
"Yeah. He's just nervous, honey," replied Kelly.
"Finish up. We have to go soon," added Kelly.
"Ok," said Sammy who drinks the rest of his milk.
"Silver?" asked Kelly walking to Silver's room.
Elsewhere, Brandon is walking into a meeting at the conference room at the New York Chronicle. He sees that his boss is there talking on this cellphone. As he waits by the door for the signal for him to go in, he felt nervous. But also at the same time, he felt anxious to hear what they have to say. He had absolutely no idea what to expect from the meeting. Brandon had developed the skill of staying calm when he's under pressure. But somehow, he had been nervous ever since the other week when he received a call from them was that they wanted to talk to him about something important. It had to be important since the CEO is here.
Brandon sees the CEO giving him the signal to come in.
He walks in the room.
"So Brandon, good seeing you again," said his boss.
"Thank you, Mr. Gundy. Good to see you too," said Brandon giving Mr. Gundy a handshake.
"Please, have a seat," said Mr. Gundy.
"Thank you sir," said Brandon who takes a seat.
"I do apologize for the wait, especially not outside. After all, this is your office," said Mr. Gundy smiling.
"It's quite alright, sir. It's a pleasure having you here," said Brandon who smiles at him.
"Good, I'm glad. How are you settling in here, Brandon?" asked Mr. Gundy.
"Very well, sir. It's good to be back home," replied Brandon.
"Oh right. I forgot you lived in L.A. before," said Mr. Gundy.
"Yes, this was my home for a good part of my life," said Brandon.
"That's good. Let's get down to business here, Brandon," said Mr. Gundy.
"Sure," said Brandon who is feeling the pressure as he prepares to get grilled.
"So how do you think the New York Chronicle has improved after you've revamped the L.A. office?" asked Mr. Gundy.
"Well sir, L.A. has always been a city full of stories and ideas. I think my team and I have dug deep into the crimes, the special events, and the entertainment. But what I am mostly proud of are the local stories that have gotten a lot of good feedback from readers. I considered those to be the gem of our paper," replied Brandon.
"Very good, Brandon. And I certainly agree. I think we've always tried to make room for your local stories every day," said Mr. Gundy.
"I'm glad you agree, sir," smiled Brandon.
"Now, let me ask you this, how have you helped improved the New York Chronicle in your time here?" asked Mr. Gundy.
"I'm sorry sir but do you mean just here or my entire time with the paper?" asked Brandon confused.
"Just in general," replied Mr. Gundy.
"I think I certainly tackled a lot of important stories these past ten years, which helped made the paper what it is today. I think the reason is because I'm good with people, I love writing, but most of all, I care about the stories and the people in them. And not to sound too corny but I think I help bring attention to the local stories that don't get notice that often; the kind of stories that no other paper has," responded Brandon.
"Very good," smiled Mr. Gundy.
"Brandon, I and everyone back at the office think that you're a terrific reporter and we value your commitment with this paper very much," said Mr. Gundy.
"Thank you, sir," said Brandon.
"Let me ask you this, Brandon. Did you enjoy your job more as a reporter or a manager?" asked Mr. Gundy.
"I think I enjoyed both equally. Over here, I still get to write and help inspire new reporters here," replied Brandon.
"But do you miss going to all the different countries and traveling all around the world?" asked Mr. Gundy.
"Yeah, I do miss those from time to time but it's good to have a place to come home to every night," replied Brandon.
"Ok. I'm sure you may wonder why we are here today," said Mr. Gundy.
"Oh, not at all. You're always welcome here. It's your home too," said Brandon being modest.
"Well thank you, Brandon. I feel very welcome," said Mr. Gundy.
"Brandon, I don't mean to lead you on but we have something important we need to tell you," added Mr. Gundy.
"Oh ok," said Brandon.
"As you may know that we've been keeping a close eye on this office ever since you took over. And it saddens me and everyone else to say that we've decided to close this office," said Mr. Gundy.
Brandon looked at Mr. Gundy in shock. He can't believe what he just heard. Even after all the praise and good remarks that he just received from them, he cannot understand why the office has to close. The past ten years just flashed before his eyes; from the day he started at the D.C. office to the stories he did, the people he had met, how he felt when he heard he was coming back to L.A., to now, when he found out that everything he has worked for is coming to an end.
"Brandon, I know this is disappointing news. But please know that the reason for the closing has nothing to do with you or your team. The economy is just in a very bad state right now. There have been major cut backs...we just have to do what's good for the company," said Mr. Gundy.
"You don't need to explain, sir. I understand," said Brandon who is looking down.
"Again, I know this is hard to take but I'm sure you'll be fine back in Washington," said Mr. Gundy.
Brandon looks at Mr. Gundy with a surprised look.
"What do you mean, back in Washington?" asked Brandon.
"I mean, your old job. You didn't think we were gonna let you go, did you?" asked Mr. Gundy.
"Well, yes, sir. I did," replied Brandon.
"Brandon, you're talented, hardworking, and a damn excellent writer. We need you," explained Mr. Gundy.
"I just had wished that you didn't have to go through this big change in the first place," added Mr. Gundy with a smile trying to cheer up Brandon.
Brandon looked at Mr. Gundy with an uneasy look. Brandon knew that Mr. Gundy wasn't aware of the fact that moving back to L.A. was one of the best and easiest decisions that he's ever done. But he can't help but look at all the things that he's accomplished since his return to L.A.. He got a promotion, a chance to manage a great team of young writers, a son, and most of all, the chance to reunite with the love of his life. And for that, he'll be forever grateful.
"So what's gonna happen to everyone else here?" asked Brandon.
"Well, we'll do our best to try to find other positions for them but without an office in L.A., it'll be kind of hard," replied Mr. Gundy.
"I just think that if we've done a great job here and I wish that we had more time to really prove to you that we can survive here," said Brandon.
"Brandon, you and your team have proven to us that you're worthy but it's just not enough to cover our budget," explained Mr. Gundy.
"So what do you say, Brandon? Are you ready to come home?" asked Mr. Gundy extending a hand to Brandon.
Brandon looked at Mr. Gundy for a moment.
"No offense sir, but I am home," replied Brandon.
"What are you saying?" asked Mr. Gundy confused.
"I'm saying. This is where I belong. My home is here in L.A.," replied Brandon.
"Brandon, c'mon. Be realistic here. You were only here for a few months. How could you be so attached?" asked Mr. Gundy in disbelief.
"Mr. Gundy; in these past few months, I moved back to L.A., found out I have a son, and reunited with my girlfriend, who is now my fiancé," replied Brandon.
Mr. Gundy looks back at Brandon and suddenly understands how he feels.
"I see" said Mr. Gundy with a surprised look.
"I just hope you can understand what kind of situation I'm in, sir," said Brandon.
"I do. Is there a way they can move to Washington too?" asked Mr. Gundy.
"I can't ask them to move so far away for me. Their lives are here….and so is mine," replied Brandon.
"I just wish something could be done in order for me to keep my job and everyone else's job here," added Brandon.
There is a silence in the room for a few moments.
"I'll tell you what, Brandon. It seems like you've already made up your mind...but I really want you to think about it so that you can make a really inform decision," said Mr. Gundy.
"Sir, I've already...," said Brandon who gets interrupted by Mr. Gundy.
"Brandon, don't say anything. Just take this week and think about what I said. I want an answer on Friday; no earlier, no later," said Mr. Gundy.
"Why?" asked Brandon.
"Because as much as you want to stay here, we want you back in Washington," replied Mr. Gundy.
"Think about it, son," said Mr. Gundy who gives Brandon a sympathetic smile.
"Ok," said Brandon acknowledging Mr. Gundy.
"Thanks," said Mr. Gundy.
"Ok, if there is nothing else, let's go tell the troops," said Mr. Gundy who starts to get up.
"Sir, if you don't mind, I think I would like to tell them myself," said Brandon who stops Mr. Gundy.
Mr. Gundy looks at Brandon.
"Sure. I understand," said Mr. Gundy.
"Thank you, sir," said Brandon.
"Thank you, Brandon for everything. I wish our visit was under a better circumstance," said Mr. Gundy who extends his hand to Brandon.
"Me too, sir," said Brandon who shakes Mr. Gundy's hand.
Brandon escorts Mr. Gundy out of the office and into the hallway.
A few minutes later, Brandon walks back into the office not knowing how to break the sad news to everyone. Sheryl sees Brandon and senses something is wrong.
"Anything wrong, Mr. Walsh?" asked Sheryl.
"Sheryl, if you don't mind; could you gather everyone in the conference room now?" asked Brandon.
"Sure, right away," replied Sheryl who gets up from her desk.
Brandon walks back into the conference room as his team walks in behind him.
Back home, Kelly is busy making dinner in the kitchen. From time to time, she would take a look at the clock with a worried look on her face.
Silver walks into the room.
"Hey Kel, need any help?" asked Silver.
"Sure. But don't you have homework to do?" asked Kelly.
"All done," replied Silver.
"Ok ok. Why don't you set the table?" asked Kelly.
"Sure," replied Silver.
Silver goes and grabs the plates and forks and bring it to the table.
"So Kel, if it's not too much of a problem, can I go to Annie's tonight?" asked Silver.
"It's a school night," replied Kelly.
"Please? I'm done with my homework. I'll be back at 10. I promise," pleaded Silver.
Kelly looks at Silver with a concerning look before giving in.
"Fine. 10pm. No later," said Kelly.
"Thank you," smiled Silver who gives Kelly a hug.
"You're welcome. Now, why don't you finish setting up the table?" asked Kelly.
"I'm on it," replied Silver.
Silver starts to set the table and notices Kelly stressed out looking at the clock.
"So, where's Brandon?" asked Silver.
"I don't know. I tried calling his cell but he's not picking up. He should've been home over an hour ago," replied Kelly.
"You don't think he's hurt or anything like that, do you?" asked Silver.
"No...it's just that he was so stressed out over his meeting today. I'm just worried about him," replied Kelly.
They suddenly hear a car drive up the driveway.
"Well, looks like there he is now," smiled Silver.
They hear footsteps approaching the front door. It opens and Brandon walks in.
"Hey, speaking of the devil," smiled Silver.
"Hey, sorry I'm late," said Brandon trying to keep a straight face for everybody.
"You could've called. Kelly has been worried sick about you," said Silver exaggerating.
"I wasn't worried sick. I was just concerned. That's all," explained Kelly.
"Kel, I'm sorry," said Brandon.
"It's ok. I tried calling you a few times. Why didn't you pick up?" asked Kelly.
"I'm sorry. I forgot to turn the phone back on after the meeting," replied Brandon.
"You should be sorry. We were gonna call the police," joked Silver.
"Alright, Silver. That's enough. One more out of you and you're staying home tonight," said Kelly.
"Sorry...I think that's my cue to go," said Silver.
"I'm sorry, Brandon. I didn't mean it like that," added Silver.
"It's ok. Thanks for caring," smiled Brandon.
"Anytime," said Silver going back to her room.
"Thanks for worrying about me," said Brandon.
"Are you ok?" asked Kelly walking towards Brandon.
"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Brandon who keeps a straight face for Kelly.
"So what happened at the meeting?" asked Kelly.
"Not much. He just wanted to go over reports and the budgeting. Nothing major," replied Brandon lying.
"Oh, ok. Good. You see? I told you, you had nothing to worry about," said Kelly.
"When you're right, you're right," smiled Brandon.
They hug.
Silver and Sammy walk back into the kitchen and sees Brandon and Kelly hugging.
"Ok, we'll be back," said Silver who turns around, starting to go back to her room.
"No; no, we're done. Let's eat," said Kelly stopping Silver from leaving.
"Good, because I'm starving," said Silver who helps bring the food to the table.
As they all sat down, Kelly notices Brandon remaining quiet and somewhat sad. She is afraid that he's not telling her the whole truth about what happened at the meeting.
Kelly puts her hand on top of Brandon's hand on the table. Brandon looks at Kelly and they give a small smile to each other. They held hands for a moment before starting their dinner.
"Is the food ok?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, it's delicious. Thanks," replied Brandon.
"You're welcome," said Kelly noticing Brandon is acting strangely.
Brandon was pretty quiet during dinner. Kelly looks at him from time to time trying to understand what was wrong.
After dinner, Kelly is doing the dishes as Silver gets ready to go to Annie's.
She suddenly hears the cell phone rings on the dinner table. She takes the phone and walks into the bedroom.
"Brandon?" asked Kelly seeing Brandon just sitting there on bed.
"Yes?" asked Brandon turning around.
"Your phone is ringing," replied Kelly handing Brandon his phone.
"Oh, thanks," said Brandon taking the phone.
Brandon answers the phone. We only hear his side of the conversation.
"Hello, this is Brandon," said Brandon.
"Oh hi, sir," said Brandon.
Kelly leaves the bedroom with a worried look. She goes back to the kitchen and continues washing the dishes.
"Ok, bye Kel," said Silver as she heads for the door.
Kelly is unaware of Silver and doesn't reply.
Silver walks up to Kelly to get her attention. She notices that Kelly is just slowly washing a plate, while her mind is elsewhere.
"Kel?" asked Silver.
"Yeah?" asked Kelly who snaps back into reality as she resumes washing the dishes.
"You ok?" asked Silver.
"Yeah, what's up?" asked Kelly.
"I was just telling you that I'm going to Annie's now," replied Silver.
"Ok. Have fun. Be back by 11," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Silver as she starts to head for the door.
But being a good sister that she is, she senses that something is bothering Kelly and feels guilty of leaving while she's like this.
"Ok, what's wrong?" asked Silver who puts her stuff down.
"Huh?" asked Kelly turning around.
"What's with you tonight?" asked Silver giving Kelly a look.
"I'm fine. Weren't you going to Annie's?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah but I hate leaving you like this when I know something is bothering you," replied Silver.
"It's nothing. I'm just worried about Brandon," replied Kelly.
"Why? He's home now," asked Silver.
"I dunno. He said everything is fine. But I have the feeling that he's not telling me everything," replied Kelly.
"Then, why don't you go ask him?" asked Silver.
Kelly gives Silver an odd look.
"Because he'll tell me when he's ready," replied Kelly.
"You know this is gonna bug you until you find out," said Silver.
"Gee, I think it's bugging you more than it bugs me," said Kelly.
"You said it; not me," said Silver being smart.
"Would it make you feel better if I go and ask him?" asked Kelly.
"Yes, it would," replied Silver.
"Fine. Are you going to Annie's now?" asked Kelly.
"Yes, as long as you go ask him now," replied Silver.
"Brandon's talking to someone on the phone. I'll talk to him afterwards," said Kelly.
"Ohhhhhkkkkkkk," said Silver picking up her bag.
"Because if you don't, I can tell," added Silver opening the door but giving Kelly a look.
"Just go," said Kelly looking annoyed.
"Bye," said Silver closing the door behind her.
A sad look comes on Kelly's face as she tries to give into asking Brandon whether anything is wrong.
She slowly walks towards the bedroom door. She could tell that Brandon was no longer on the phone. She walks up to the side of their bedroom and could see Brandon just sitting on the bed with his back facing Kelly.
"Brandon?" asked Kelly.
Brandon being startled by Kelly's voice quickly turns around.
"Oh hey," said Brandon.
"Oh sorry. Did I scare you?" asked Kelly.
"It's ok. I just have a lot on my mind," replied Brandon.
Kelly goes and takes a seat next to Brandon.
"Everything ok?" asked Kelly giving Brandon a small smile.
"Yeah. But I still think we should talk," replied Brandon.
Kelly looks a little unsettling as she does not know what to expect.
"This is really bad, isn't it?" asked Kelly looking worried.
"Yeah, it is...They've decided to close the office," replied Brandon.
"What?" asked Kelly shocked.
"The CEO came in today and told me face to face that they don't have enough money to support this office," replied Brandon.
"But I don't understand. Your office has done so much for that paper. How could they just let everybody go like that?" asked Kelly.
"I dunno. But all I know is that it's over," replied Brandon looking down.
Kelly sympathizes and places her hand on top of Brandon's hand. Brandon gives Kelly a small weak smile.
Brandon pulls Kelly closer to him. Kelly puts her arms around Brandon and hugs him.
"So, when's your last day?" asked Kelly.
"Tomorrow," replied Brandon still holding onto Kelly.
"So soon?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, they want to clear everyone out so that they won't have to renew the lease for another month," replied Brandon.
"How did everyone else take it?" asked Kelly.
"Not as bad as I did," replied Brandon.
"You'll get through this. You'll always do," said Kelly.
"I dunno about that. I felt like such a failure," said Brandon.
"Brandon, you're not a failure. You did everything you possibly could. Believe me, I've been here the entire time," said Kelly.
"Well, I'm glad you are. Thanks," said Brandon.
"All I have to say is that it's their loss. I think you're the best thing that ever happened to that paper," said Kelly.
"Thanks, I needed that...even though I think you're giving me a little too much credit," said Brandon who starts to show a smile.
"Well, I am entitled to my opinion, aren't I?" asked Kelly joking.
"Yes, and I approve of that opinion," replied Brandon looking up at Kelly.
They smile at each other and kiss.
"So was that James on the phone?" asked Kelly.
"No, it was my old boss, Mr. Thomas," replied Brandon.
"What did he have to say?" asked Kelly.
"Nothing much. He just called to say that he's sorry for what happened, told me that I can use him as a reference, and wished me luck on my next big thing," replied Brandon.
"Well, that was nice of him," said Kelly.
"And if you don't mind me asking, what is your next big thing?" asked Kelly.
"Marrying you," replied Brandon smiling.
"Good answer," smiled Kelly.
They kiss.
The next day, Kelly came home from work with Sammy and Silver tagging along.
"Mommy, when's dinner?" asked Sammy.
"In a few hours, honey. Are you hungry?" asked Kelly.
"Just a little," replied Sammy.
"Ok. I'll make you a sandwich," said Kelly.
"I can do it," said Sammy.
"Ok. Just be sure not make a mess, ok?" asked Kelly.
"Ok," replied Sammy who runs to the kitchen.
"So when is Brandon coming home?" asked Silver.
"Late. He has to pack everything up and close the office," replied Kelly.
"Ok. So, do you want me to help you with dinner?" asked Silver.
"Yeah, if you have nothing else to do," replied Kelly.
"Well, I was planning on going to the movies with Annie but I think it's better for me to be here," said Silver.
"Silver, you can go if you want," Kelly.
"No, I know you want to be with Brandon right now...so why don't you go to the office and see him and I'll watch Sammy," said Silver.
"You sure it's ok?" asked Kelly feeling guilty.
"Yeah, he needs you right now," replied Silver.
"Thanks. I'll be back as soon as possible," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Silver.
"Sammy, I'm going to see your father. I'll be back in a little while, ok?" asked Kelly to Sammy.
Sammy runs back to the living room.
"Be good for Aunt Silver," added Kelly.
"Ok," replied Sammy.
"Bye," said Kelly.
Later that night, we see Brandon and Kelly walking back up to the house. Brandon is carrying a box of personal belongings.
They open the door and walk in.
"I think I'm gonna go take a shower," said Brandon.
"Ok. I'll go tell Sammy and Silver we're back," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Brandon who carries the box of stuff to the bedroom.
Kelly kicks off her shoes, glances over at the answering machine and sees a message. She presses play on the answering machine.
"Brandon, hi, it's Jeffrey Thomas, I also left you a voicemail on your cellphone. I wanted to let you know that I'm able to renegotiate a new deal for you if you are still interested in coming back. I know that you've already told me no, but if you do change your mind, I can make this happen. Call me if you're interested. Ok, bye."
Kelly has a surprised look on her face. She had idea that Brandon was offered his old job back in Washington. In a way, she was so relieved that Brandon already said no to the offer, meaning that he's planning on staying. But in different sense, Kelly questioned the fact that Brandon hadn't mentioned this offer to her.
She walked to the bedroom to find Brandon on the bed.
"Hey, I thought you were going to take a shower," said Kelly.
"I still am. I just wanted to lie down for a few minutes first," said Brandon.
"Ok, I'll talk to you later, then," said Kelly who starts to leave.
"No, what do you want to talk about?" said Brandon who gets up.
Kelly walks back in.
"So why didn't you tell me about Washington?" asked Kelly.
"What?" asked Brandon.
"They offered you a job back in Washington. Why didn't you tell me?" asked Kelly.
"How'd you find out?" asked Brandon
"Don't change the subject, Brandon. Why didn't you say anything?" asked Kelly.
"Because there was nothing to say. I'm not taking it so that's the end of that," replied Brandon.
"Oh ok," said Kelly relieved.
"I just thought you were considering it when you hardly spoke during dinner," added Kelly.
"Kel, what are you saying?" asked Brandon.
Kelly doesn't answer.
"Do you want me to go back to Washington?" asked Brandon.
"No, I don't," replied Kelly.
"Then, there's nothing to talk about," said Brandon getting a little upset.
"Just seemed like you're not too happy about your decision," said Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly in disbelief.
"And how am I supposed to act, Kelly? I just lost my job. I think I have the right to be upset," said Brandon.
"Yeah, but it seems like you're more mad at me than losing your job," said Kelly.
"I'm tired. What do you want me to say, Kel?" asked Brandon.
"Say you're not giving this up because of me," replied Kelly.
"Kel, I'm not really in the mood to have this conversation again," said Brandon.
"What are you talking about?" asked Kelly confused.
"I know where this conversation is going to lead to," replied Brandon.
"And how do you know that?" asked Kelly.
"Because it's the same one we had back in Washington years ago," replied Brandon.
"Brandon, that was different. Things have change," said Kelly.
"Yeah, but apparently, not you," said Brandon.
"What is that supposed to mean?" asked Kelly.
"It means that I'm hurt by the fact that you want me to leave," replied Brandon.
"I never said that. I just wanted to make sure you were making the best decision for yourself so that you won't regret it later," said Kelly.
"Believe me, I know how that feels," said Brandon.
Kelly looked at Brandon and instantly knows what he is referring to.
"You have no idea how much you hurt me for me to come home and finding nothing but a note," said Brandon.
"Brandon, I can only apologize so many times. I wish I could go back and change things but I can't. You just gotta accept that," said Kelly.
"How is this different from Washington?" asked Brandon.
"It's different because Sammy and I are not going anywhere," replied Kelly.
"What are you saying?" asked Brandon.
"I'm saying that you can have both your job and your family," replied Kelly sincerely.
Brandon looks at Kelly with a sad look.
"Thanks but I still don't think you understand," said Brandon.
"Then help me understand," said Kelly.
"I can't," said Brandon putting his jacket back on.
"Where are you going?" asked Kelly.
"Out. I just wanna be alone," replied Brandon who leaves the bedroom.
"It's late. When are you coming back?" asked Kelly following Brandon out the bedroom.
Brandon turns around and looks at Kelly.
"I don't know. But hopefully when I get back, you'll understand," said Brandon who opens the door and leaves.
Kelly looks at the door as she starts to get teary eyed.
We see Brandon driving pass West Beverly High. As he continues driving, he could remember all the times he's had here. Whether the times were good or bad, they were all memorable. He makes a sharp turn and decides to make a pit stop.
He pulled up at the Peach Pit parking lot. He gets out of his car and walks in. He walked over to the corner booth and took a seat.
As he looked around, all he could see was teenagers laughing and having a good time. Looking at them, he knew their expressions all too well. He was once surrounded by best friends, joy, laughter, and a sense of reliability that life was good. Now, as he sat there alone, he yearned for reassurance that his decisions don't affect his life and his love one's lives in a negative way. Of course, the reason why he chose to come to the Peach Pit was to seek the man who hopefully would give him that reassurance.
Luckily for Brandon, that man was heading his way.
"Hey Brandon," said Nat who smiles at him.
"Hey Nat," said Brandon.
"You here alone?" asked Nat.
"Yeah," said Brandon.
"Where is everybody?" asked Nat.
"Home," replied Brandon.
"Are you picking dinner?" asked Nat.
"No, we already date," replied Brandon.
"Ok, so what can I get you?" asked Nat.
"Coffee, black," replied Brandon.
"Coming right up," said Nat noticing that something is wrong.
A few moments later, Nat comes back with Brandon's coffee.
"Here you go," said Nat giving Brandon his cup of coffee.
"Thanks Nat," said Brandon.
"So how is everything?" asked Nat as he takes a seat next to Brandon.
Brandon looks up at Nat with a sympathetic look.
"Ok, stupid question," said Nat trying to cheer up Brandon.
"So you know?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, I've heard about it today on the radio," replied Nat.
"So what are you gonna do?" asked Nat.
"I don't know. I was trying to take it one day at a time but I'm already starting to lose it," replied Brandon.
"Things happen. These are bad times right now. Everything is going out left and right," said Nat.
"Maybe, I should've seen this coming," said Brandon.
"Still, there's nothing you've could done," said Nat.
"Yeah, but it doesn't stop me from thinking about what if I never moved back here," said Brandon.
"Would you have done things differently?" asked Nat.
"I don't know," replied Brandon.
"Well, there's no point of looking back right now. You just gotta move on," said Nat.
"Nat, you don't understand. I gave over ten years of my life to that paper. What am I supposed to do now?" asked Brandon.
"I wasn't talking about your job, Brandon," replied Nat.
Brandon looks at Nat and knows exactly what he was referring to.
"But, if you want, I might have an opening for you here," joked Nat.
"Not helping," said Brandon.
"Ok. Honestly Brandon, I don't know. But what I do know is that whatever happens to your job, your family will always be there for you," said Nat.
"That sounds so cheesy, Nat," said Brandon.
"But it's true...and you know that," said Nat.
"You wanna see a picture of Joanie and Frankie?" asked Nat.
"Sure," replied Brandon.
Nat takes out his wallet and takes out a picture of his family.
"Wow, that's little Frankie?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, not so little anymore, huh?" asked Nat laughing.
"Yeah. But you got a great family here, Nat," replied Brandon.
"I could say the same thing about yours," said Nat.
"Thanks Nat," said Brandon.
We see Brandon opening the door back to his home to see nobody in the living room.
He walks to the sofa and takes a seat. He hears Kelly coming out of Sammy's bedroom.
Kelly sees Brandon.
"Hi," said Kelly.
"Hi," said Brandon.
"When did you get back?" asked Kelly.
"Just walked in," replied Brandon.
"Sammy asleep?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah," replied Kelly.
There is an awkward silence.
"Well, I'm gonna go to bed," said Kelly who starts to turn to her bedroom.
"Kel?" asked Brandon getting up, and walking towards Kelly.
"Yeah?" asked Kelly turning around.
"I'm sorry about the way I acted before. I didn't mean to put the blame on you," replied Brandon.
"It's ok. It's just something that I'm gonna have to live with," said Kelly.
"No, you shouldn't," said Brandon.
"You were right. You were unhappy there," added Brandon.
"So what now?" asked Kelly.
"I just want another chance to make things right," replied Brandon.
"I never thought you did anything wrong. You only did what's best for you," said Kelly.
"No, what I should've done was followed my heart," said Brandon.
"Is that what you're going to do?" asked Kelly.
Brandon goes up to Kelly and kisses her unexpectedly. They slowly part.
"I just need to know from you what you really want," replied Brandon.
"I want you to be happy," said Kelly.
"No, I'm asking what do YOU want," said Brandon.
"I want you...to stay," said Kelly.
Brandon smiles. He goes and he kisses her again. They embrace each other as they head towards their bedroom.
Coming Next: Brandon's pressure to find work creates a negative affect towards his family while Kelly tries her best to keep Brandon under control. Dylan McKay guest stars.
