Author's Note Hey everybody, I have many other commitments for the next month or two so it may be difficult for me to find time to post any new chapters until December. But I will do my best to find time to post them sooner. Thank you for understanding and for reading and commenting.

Chapter 37 - Seeking Help

Brandon is in his bedroom talking to Dylan on the phone.

"I wish I could but I just have this huge project in the middle east that I'm gonna be stuck in for months, maybe even a year," said Dylan.

"Yeah, I understand, man. Do what you gotta do," said Brandon.

"Don't be like that, Brandon. I mean, you're my best friend. And you always will be. I just don't have the time to be working and be your best man. Steve's a great choice. He'll do fine," said Dylan.

"I know. I just wanted the both of you there," said Brandon who is sad.

"You know I wanna be there. But I just can't let down everybody here," said Dylan.

"I know," said Brandon.

"Have you guys set a date yet?" asked Dylan.

"Not yet but probably during the summer when Kelly's not working," replied Brandon.

"Speaking of work, I've heard about what happened," said Dylan.

"Yeah," said Brandon who looks uneasy.

"You okay?" asked Dylan.

"I'll be fine," replied Brandon.

"I wish I can help you. I'll let you know if I can hear of any openings in your area," said Dylan.

"Thanks D," said Brandon.

"So, um...let me know when you guys set a date so I can see if I can make it," said Dylan.

"Sure...wait a minute...you're coming to the wedding, right?" asked Brandon.

"Bran, I'll do my best to make it," replied Dylan.

"I can't believe that you're not even coming to the wedding," said Brandon who looks very disappointed.

"I know. I'll tell you what...I'll be in town in for a few days before this gig starts. What don't you, Kelly, and I all get together and we'll have dinner or something?" asked Dylan.

"Ok. Sounds good," said Brandon lying that he's ok.

"Alright, man. I gotta go. I'll call you when I'm in," said Dylan.

"Ok. Take care," said Brandon.

"Bye," said Dylan.

"Bye," said Brandon.

Brandon turns off his phone and looks back at the computer screen where he has his resume up. On the reflection, he could see the reflection of somebody standing by the door.

He turns around and sees Kelly.

"Hey, I didn't know you were there," said Brandon.

"Sorry, I didn't wanna interrupt you," said Kelly.

"It's ok. I'm sure he would've wanted to talk to you too," said Brandon.

"I highly doubt that," said Kelly who walks and takes a seat on the bed next to Brandon's desk.

"Kel, I'm sure he's not still mad," said Brandon.

"I wouldn't put it past, Dylan. After all, I was the one who spent years blaming him for not being here for Sammy only to find out that he's not even the father," said Kelly.

Brandon looks down and Kelly notices.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring that up again. I know it still hurts," said Kelly.

"It's ok. It's not your fault," said Brandon.

"I just wish Dylan felt the same way," said Kelly.

"He does. He just invited us to have dinner with him when he's in town," said Brandon.

"Yeah, I guess. Well, it'll give you two a chance to prepare for the wedding," said Kelly.

"No chance of that. He said he's probably not gonna make it," said Brandon.

"What?" asked Kelly shocked.

"He has a big project starting soon and it's gonna take up most of his time," replied Brandon.

"That's no excuse. He deserves to be there for you and for us," said Kelly.

Brandon looks at Kelly who looks mad.

"Are you ok with this?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I still got Steve and he'll be there for me," replied Brandon.

"Brandon, you don't have to hide it. I know how much you wanted both Steve and Dylan there," said Kelly.

"How do you know that?" asked Brandon.

"Because I know you better than you think, Brandon," replied Kelly.

"Well then, if you do know me that well, you'll know that it does matter who's my best man as long as I have my best girl there. And when I'm staring into her eyes, nothing else matters," said Brandon smiling.

Kelly smiles and goes to Brandon. She takes a seat on Brandon's lap and they kiss.

They break and Brandon stares into Kelly's eyes.

"I really mean it when I say, nothing else matters," smiled Brandon still looking at Kelly.

"Good. I feel the same way about you," smiled Kelly.

Kelly rests her head on Brandon's chest. He puts his arms around Kelly and holds her.

For the next few days, Brandon went through tons of job listings on the Internet. As he goes through list by list, he gets more and more depressed as he feels that his chances of finding a decent job is out of the question. He could not ask for a worse time to be unemployed. A few days ago when he first got laid off, he didn't think it was going to be this difficult to find work. After all, he had over ten years of professional experience. He had excellent references, not to mention numerous awards and recognition for his work at the New York Chronicle. However, after a few days of looking for work, Brandon quickly realized that experience and awards are useless if companies aren't even hiring.

He felt that he had sunk rock bottom. His confidence level was shot. His fear of being unemployed forever began to cloud his thinking and his attitude went from positive to negative.

We see Brandon in the same place and in the same position he was in before. The only difference is that he hasn't shaved, combed his hair, or done much of anything but mope. On the computer screen is his resume that he's been working on for the past few days.

Kelly walks in all dressed.

"So any thought of when we should meet with Dylan?" asked Kelly.

"I dunno," replied Brandon who looks stressed out.

"Well, he just called again. He's gotta leave pretty soon so if we want to see him, we gotta do this soon," said Kelly.

"I don't know why he wants to meet. I mean, he's not coming to the wedding; so why bother?" asked Brandon really irritated.

Kelly is surprised by Brandon's remark against Dylan.

"Oh, maybe because we're his best friends and that he wants to congratulate us?" asked Kelly being sarcastic.

Brandon looks at Kelly and realizes that he's being a jerk.

"You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that I'm stressed out over finding work," said Brandon.

Kelly glances over at the computer screen and sees Brandon's resume.

"You're still updating your resume?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, just trying to make it better than it is," replied Brandon.

"Could you critique it again?" asked Brandon.

"Brandon, I've critiqued it so many times that I practically know it word for word," replied Kelly.

"Ok, fine," said Brandon angry.

"Brandon, it's great. I would hire you if I could," said Kelly.

"Well, I just wish everyone felt the same way," said Brandon.

"Don't worry about that right now. Let's just go out and have a great day together," said Kelly.

"What are you talking about?" asked Brandon.

"It's Sunday. We're all supposed to spend the day at the beach," replied Kelly.

Brandon suddenly remembers.

"Oh Kel, I'm so sorry. I totally forgot," said Brandon.

"It's ok. Let's go," said Kelly who gets up and pulls Brandon's hands with her.

"Kel, I can't. I'm not in the mood to have any fun until I find something," said Brandon.

"But your vacation just started. It's ok to take a few days off to spend some time with your family," said Kelly.

"Kel, I hardly call this a vacation," said Brandon.

"Well, that's because you're working. C'mon, you know a day at the beach will help clear your mind so you think better," said Kelly.

"I'm sorry. I just can't have any fun until I get some work done first. Maybe I'll join you guys a little bit later," said Brandon.

"Brandon, I don't get it. Your resume will be here when you get back. What's the big deal?" asked Kelly.

Both Brandon and Kelly look frustrated.

"The big deal is that time is everything right now. I need to get my resume ready so that these companies can read them first thing tomorrow morning," said Brandon.

"Brandon, there's no rush. I make enough money to support all of us," said Kelly.

Brandon looks at Kelly as if she does not understand him at all.

"What makes you think it's about money?" asked Brandon.

"It's not, I know. I know you love your work and that you miss it. But I'm just saying that it's not good to keep thinking about it," replied Kelly.

"It's kinda hard to do that, Kel when I'm unemployed," said Brandon.

"Don't lose your pride over this," said Kelly.

"What pride? I lost my pride. I'm trying to get a job so I can get my some pride," replied Brandon.

They both look at each other with angry looks.

Sammy and Silver walks in ready to go to the beach.

"You guys ready?" asked Silver.

"Yeah, let's go," replied Kelly who is still angry with Brandon.

"Brandon, you're gonna go dressed like that?" asked Silver.

"Guys, I'm sorry. I have some work I gotta finish up. I'll catch up with you guys later," replied Brandon.

"C'mon daddy," said Sammy.

"Yeah, c'mon Brandon. It's a nice day out. It'll be fun," said Silver.

"Forget it guys, he's not in the mood," said Kelly.

Brandon doesn't reply to Kelly's remark. Instead he turns around and goes back to work.

Sammy holds up the water gun that he's holding and shoots some water at Brandon's back.

"Gotcha daddy," smiled Sammy.

Silver lets out a small chuckle.

"Sammy!" said Kelly grabbing the water gun from Sammy.

Brandon turns around and looks really freaked out at Sammy.

"Sammy, why did you do that?" asked Brandon.

Sammy looks scared and doesn't answer.

"Sammy, I asked you a question. Why did you shoot water at me?" asked Brandon.

"Never do that again. You hear me?" asked Brandon being strict at Sammy.

Sammy doesn't reply. Instead he goes and hides behind Kelly.

Brandon sees that Sammy is scared.

"Sammy, I'm sorry I yelled. But you shouldn't hit me with the water gun in the house," said Brandon.

"I'm sorry daddy. I just wanted you to play," said Sammy who starts crying.

"It's ok. Daddy didn't mean to yell at you," said Kelly who holds Sammy.

"Look, how bout I get dressed and I'll go with you guys," said Brandon unhappy.

"No, I think you were right. Your work needs you more right now," said Kelly.

"C'mon, let's go," added Kelly getting everybody out of the room.

They leave.

Brandon sits back down and looks disappointed.

At the beach, we see Kelly and Silver lying on the lounge chairs while Sammy plays nearby.

"Honey, what are you building?" asked Kelly to Sammy.

"I dunno," replied Sammy who doesn't seem to be having much fun.

"Why, what's the matter?" asked Kelly.

"It's my fault daddy's not here," replied Sammy.

"Oh honey, it's not your fault. Your dad is under a lot of stress right now. He shouldn't have yelled at you," said Kelly trying to make Sammy feel better.

"I just want him to be here," said Sammy.

"Me too, honey. But his job is very important to daddy right now. And we just need to be a little nicer to daddy. So that he can be happy and want to play with us again," said Kelly.

"Now try to have some fun, ok?" asked Kelly.

"Ok," replied Sammy who still looks disappointed.

Silver turns to Kelly.

"Not your best mom talk," said Silver to Kelly.

"I know. I just don't know how to deal with him right now. I mean I tried talking to him, getting him to open up; I even tried surprising him with a romantic evening. But all he's been doing for the past few days is mope around and stressed out trying to find work," said Kelly.

"I don't get what's the big deal. So, he doesn't have a job; so what? It's not the end of the world. He still has you and Sammy. I mean, if I were him, I would be taking this time off as a major vacation," said Silver.

"Brandon is not like that. He loves his work. The paper was a major part of his life. And now it's gone," said Kelly.

"What doesn't he just start his own paper?" asked Silver.

"Oh believe me, he tried. You should've seen him. He was motivated and pumped about the idea of starting his own paper again. But after finding out that he would have to go through a series of patents and approvals before the first issue of the paper will ever come out, not to mention, taking out a huge loan, he just didn't want to waste all that time and money if it wasn't gonna work out," replied Kelly.

"That doesn't sound like Brandon," said Silver.

"I know. For the entire time I've known Brandon, I have never seen him act this way before. And it makes me scared," said Kelly.

"Oh, he'll snap out of it once he finds something," said Silver being optimistic.

"But what if he doesn't? Then he'll blame me for ruining his career," said Kelly.

"That's crazy. He wouldn't do that. You and Sammy are much more important than his career," said Silver.

"Why else would he have stayed?" asked Silver.

"You're right but I just can't help but blame myself sometimes. Brandon's decision to stay was supposed to be easy. We love each other. We're getting married. That should explain it all," replied Kelly.

"Well, it does. And he knows that...So, what's the problem?" asked Silver.

"I guess it's me...I just wish I could make everything alright again," replied Kelly.

"Well, you can't. He's done with the paper," said Silver.

"I know...but I wasn't talking about work," said Kelly correcting Silver.

"So what are you talking about?" asked Silver.

"Dylan," replied Kelly.

"What about Dylan?" asked Silver.

"Well, you know how Brandon was really disappointed that Dylan couldn't be his best man for the wedding?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah?" asked Silver.

"I could go talk to him. Maybe I can get him to change his mind," replied Kelly.

"What are you going to do?" asked Silver worried.

"We're gonna talk. He's left several messages about meeting with us anyway. I could just stop by and get him to come to the wedding," replied Kelly.

"But he already said he couldn't come," said Silver.

"I know but there is still a part of me that he just doesn't want to accept the fact that Brandon and I are getting married," said Kelly.

"C'mon Kel. I'm sure it's not that. He wouldn't wanna meet with you guys if he felt that way," said Silver.

"A meal is different from a wedding. Besides, it'll give me a chance to make things right between us again," said Kelly.

"What did you do to Dylan?" asked Silver.

"You forgot that I made him feel guilty for all those years for abandoning Sammy when all along, he wasn't even the father?" asked Kelly.

"Ok but that wasn't your fault. You did not know," replied Silver.

"Yeah, but I'm doing this for Brandon. He wants Dylan at the wedding. I know he does. And so do I," said Kelly.

"So you gotta promise me that you won't tell Brandon," added Kelly.

"You sure you wanna do this? Why don't the both of you go talk to Dylan together?" asked Silver.

"Brandon has a lot to deal with right now. Besides, I don't think he wants to see Dylan after he said he's not coming to the wedding," replied Kelly.

Silver looks at Kelly without a response.

Kelly has a confident smile on her face.

Brandon opens the door to the Peach Pit. He started to look for Nat but surprisingly, the place was crowded. There wasn't a single open seat in sight. In fact, he hasn't seen it this busy since Brenda filled in for him as a waitress back in high school. The only major difference was that there was no music or singing. It was just simply busy.

After looking for Nat a few times, he squeezed his way to the counter and found an empty seat.

"Hey man, what can I get for you?" asked a waiter.

"Ummm..., is Nat here by any chance?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, he's in the back," replied the waiter.

"If he's not too busy, could I talk to him?" asked Brandon.

"Sure...I'll be right back," replied the waiter leaving to find Nat.

"Thanks," said Brandon.

Brandon waited for a few minutes before Nat finally came out from the storage room.

Brandon smiled when he saw Nat. He waived at him but unfortunately, Nat didn't see Brandon.

"Sir, I'll be right there," said Nat talking to another customer not noticing Brandon.

"Hey Nat," said Brandon trying to get Nat's attention.

Nat smiles at Brandon and walked to him.

"Brandon, if you're gonna order, you better do it," said Nat.

"No, I just wanted to hang out with you," said Brandon.

"Eh...I'm sorry but now is not a good time," said Nat.

"Yeah, why is it so busy here today?" asked Brandon.

"It's always busy here during the weekends," replied Nat.

"I..." started Brandon but gets interrupted by Nat.

"Hold that thought, I'll be back," said Nat noticing that the impatient customer is looking at him.

"Ok," said Brandon as Nat leaves.

At that moment, Brandon felt as if he was alone in this world. He used to come in and without being asked, Nat would come by and spend some time with Brandon. Brandon would then feel good about himself, then go back to his family. But apparently today wasn't his day.

Brandon continued to sit there for a bit while customers come and go. He really didn't have anything to keep him busy. No food. No coffee. No reason to stay. He eventually got up and headed for the door.

Nat notices and stops Brandon at the door.

"Hey Brandon," said Nat getting Brandon's attention.

"Oh hey, Nat. I guess I'll see you around," said Brandon.

"No, wait a minute. I'm sorry I didn't have time for you," said Nat.

"It's ok, Nat. I understand," said Brandon.

"How's everything?" asked Nat.

"Not good," replied Brandon.

"What's wrong?" asked Nat.

"It's been a week and I still haven't come close to finding a job yet," replied Brandon.

"Well, it's ok. Why aren't you spending the day with Kelly and the kids?" asked Nat.

"We got into a huge argument...I rather not get into it," replied Brandon.

Nat pauses for a minute to think.

"Brandon, are you doing anything for the rest of the day?" asked Nat.

"Not really; I'm not too much in the mood to do anything," replied Brandon.

"Wanna give me a hand?" asked Nat.

"What?" asked Brandon confused.

"I know it's not much but I could really use your help here," replied Nat.

"You want me to work here again?" asked Brandon.

"No. Let's call it a favor. You help me out and we'll talk in between," replied Nat.

Brandon thought about it before giving Nat a small smile.

"I'm in," said Brandon.

Nat smiles.

"Welcome back, Brandon. Follow me," smiled Nat.

They both walk back to the storage room.

As Brandon stepped into the back storage room, he realized that this was the first time that he's been there since he's been back. Even though the room looks different than when he used to work there, it still felt like home.

"Here, try this on," said Nat giving Brandon a shirt.

He starts to leave when Brandon stops him.

"Hey Nat," said Brandon.

Nat turns around and faces Brandon.

"Thanks," said Brandon.

"Anytime, Brandon. Glad you're smiling again," said Nat.

Brandon smiles back.

Some time passes and Brandon is wiping off the counter. Most of the crowd is gone but there are still a lot of customers there.

"So how was it?" asked Nat.

"Well, I'm tired. But I feel better than before," replied Brandon.

"Yeah, and you look better too," joked Nat.

Brandon gives Nat a look.

"I can't believe how much I still remember," said Brandon.

"I guess some things you never forget, Brandon," said Nat.

"I'm glad," said Brandon.

"Speaking of never forgetting," said Nat pointing to the door.

Brandon glances at the door and sees Kelly walking in.

Kelly looks at Brandon behind the counter with a surprise look but smiles as she walks towards him.

"Hey Nat," said Kelly.

"Hey Kel...what can I get you?" asked Nat.

"4 Megaburger meals to go," replied Kelly.

Kelly looks at Brandon.

"So Nat, who's the new guy?" asked Kelly joking.

"Oh him. His name is Brandon. He's very shy. It's also his first day so go easy on him," replied Nat.

"Ok...I'll try," said Kelly.

"I'll be right back with your food," said Nat.

"Thanks," said Kelly.

Nat walks away.

"So where's Sammy and Silver?" asked Brandon.

"They're back home. I just figured I come here and get dinner," replied Kelly.

"So I see you've found something," added Kelly.

"Maybe just for a few days," said Brandon.

"You sure that's what you want?" asked Kelly.

"I'd say it's a start," replied Brandon.

"Good," said Kelly.

"You'll still love me even if I work here?" asked Brandon nervous.

Kelly looks at Brandon with a surprised look.

"Of course, I'll still love you. I'll love you even if you didn't have a job. Our relationship is not based on our careers," said Kelly.

"I know. I guess I just lost it. I just hate not contributing anything to my family," said Brandon.

"I know it must be really hard for you but you contribute more to your family than you think," said Kelly.

"How so? I have no money," said Brandon.

"I'm not talking about money. I'm talking about you. Before you arrive, there was a part of this family that was missing. Brandon, you complete us," said Kelly.

"I really didn't think it was going to be this difficult," said Brandon.

"The best things in life usually are," smiled Kelly.

"Just look at us," added Kelly.

Brandon smiles, leans in, and they kiss.

"Kel, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let my ego get the best of me," said Brandon.

"Was that all that was bothering you?" asked Kelly.

"That and Dylan not coming to our wedding," replied Brandon looking down.

"You never know...maybe he'll come to his senses and be there," said Kelly.

"You know, I always thought I was one of the only people in the world who know him as well as he does. And to this day, there are always some things that I still don't understand about him," said Brandon.

"I used to think the same thing. But after a while, I guess it's hard to try to understand someone when they won't let anyone in to their life," said Kelly.

They look at each other.

"Let me ask you something, Brandon. Why was that you seemed ok with idea of Dylan not coming to our first wedding as opposed to this one?" asked Kelly.

"Because in the first wedding, I had other things to worry about," said Brandon.

"Like what?" asked Kelly.

Brandon hesitates for a moment before answering.

"Us…and whether or not getting married was the right thing to do," replied Brandon.

"And what about now?" asked Kelly.

"I love you and I want this to happen," replied Brandon.

"Good answer. He doesn't know what he's missing out on," smiled Kelly.

They lean in and kiss.

Nat sees them kissing and walks to them.

"Hey, no kissing on the job," joked Nat.

"Yes, boss," joked Brandon breaking the kiss.

"I'm sorry, Nat. But I think I just fell in love with this new guy," smiled Kelly.

"In love? Well then, by all means, pretend I'm not here," joked Nat walking away.

Brandon and Kelly laughed.

"Thanks for cheering me up," said Brandon.

"Consider that your tip," smiled Kelly.

They kiss.

"Best tip I've ever gotten," smiled Brandon.

They kiss again.

Nat walks by with the food. He stops and waits for them to stop kissing. He realizes that they don't notice him there so he leaves the food at the counter and leaves.

They notices Nat was there and breaks their kiss.

"Sorry, thanks Nat," said Kelly.

"You're welcome," said Nat walking away.

"So I'll see you back at home?" asked Kelly.

"Ok. I'll be off soon," replied Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly taking out her purse to pay for the food.

"Kel, it's ok. It's on the house," said Brandon.

"Well, thanks cutie," smiled Kelly putting her hand on Brandon's cheek.

"But you gotta do one thing for me," said Brandon.

"What's that?" asked Kelly.

"Will you love me for the rest of your life?" asked Brandon.

"Eh...you drive a hard bargain but you got yourself a deal," replied Kelly.

They kiss.

Brandon smiles as she takes the food and leaves.

Kelly walks to her car, opens it and gets in. She looks that the time on the dashboard. The time shows 5:45pm.

She felt so relieved that Brandon is doing so much better than that morning.

She reaches into her purse and takes out a piece of paper that says "BeLage Hotel, Suite 430."

She turns on her car and drives.

Later, we see someone knocking on the door of Suite 430.

The door opens and we see Dylan McKay.

"Hi," said Dylan.

"Hi," said Kelly.

"What can I do for you?" asked Dylan.

"Can I come in?" asked Kelly.

Dylan looks at Kelly for a moment with an untrusting look before stepping aside to let her in.

She walks in and the door closes.

Coming Next: Kelly's miscommunication with Brandon leads them to question whether they'll still have a future together.