Author's Note – Wow, 50 (make that 51 chapters) posted already. Time flies by fast. I started posting this story back in 2010. Nearly five years later, I'm still writing and posting. I hope everybody is still enjoying the story. Happy reading!

Chpt 51 - The Honeymooners – Part 2

At a restaurant, we see Kelly and Linda at a table.

"Wow, I can't believe how full I am," said Kelly.

"Yeah, this place will fill you up," said Linda.

"We have too many restaurants in Beverly Hills where they feed you like this place," said Kelly.

"This place alone will get us to come back here to visit," said Kelly.

"Well, this place is special," said Linda.

Linda looks at Kelly.

"Kelly, I just wanted to say that you and Brandon are great together," said Linda.

"Thank you. I think you and Rich are great together too," said Kelly.

"Thanks. If you don't mind me asking, how did you two know you were right for each other," said Linda.

"Well, we were really good friends for a long time. We had similar interests and started to have feelings for each other…why do you ask?" asked Kelly.

"No reason. I'm sorry; I shouldn't intrude in your love life," replied Linda who looks kind of embarrassed.

"No, it's ok," said Kelly.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" asked Kelly.

Linda looks down then looks back Kelly.

"I love Rich…and I know that he loves me," said Linda.

"Yeah?" asked Kelly.

"The thing is that we don't have anything in common. Whenever we're alone, all we do is fight," replied Linda.

"Oh no," said Kelly.

"Yeah. To be honest with you; we're didn't come here to celebrate our anniversary," said Linda.

"Oh," said Kelly.

"We're actually seeing a marriage counselor," said Linda.

"You guys came all this way to see a marriage counselor?" asked Kelly.

"She's supposed to be very good," replied Linda.

"Oh…how's that going?" asked Kelly surprised by her answer.

"It's going ok. Sometimes when I'm with Rich, I feel like I'm uncomfortable saying certain things. But I was able to let it all out to the counselor," replied Linda.

"Well, that's good. It's good to get your feelings out," said Kelly.

"Yeah, that's what I told Rich. Then he demanded to know what I told her. I told him that it wasn't anything bad. It was just my own feelings. Anyway, he got mad at me. I didn't want to be alone with him at the beach…so I was really glad that you two invited me to join you guys," said Linda.

"Oh wow, I had no idea" said Kelly.

Kelly takes a sip of her drink.

"I'm so sorry," said Kelly.

"Thanks. Thanks for listening to my problems. I really didn't mean to bummed you out with my problems especially on your honeymoon," said Linda.

"It's ok. Brandon and I had our fair share of problems before…so I understand," said Kelly.

"Seeing the way you two are around each other, I wouldn't have thought that at all," said Linda.

"Thanks. We're very lucky to have each other. We have a 5 year old son together. But that's a whole another story altogether," smiled Kelly.

"Rich and I tried to have kids but couldn't. Doctors said that my parts are not cooperating with his parts," said Linda.

"Well, I can sympathize with you there," said Kelly.

"How? You have a son. Is he adopted?" asked Linda.

"No, he's ours. When Brandon and I were in college, I found out I was pregnant. I was very scared. But he was so supportive. Then I was relieved when I thought it was a false alarm…until I found out that I had miscarried," replied Kelly.

"My doctor told me that the chances of me having kids are very slim. But loath and behold, we were able to have Sammy years later. Brandon and I were broken up back then. It was kind of a one night stand," said Kelly.

"So, he came back when he found out Sammy was his?" asked Linda.

"No. Brandon moved back to L.A. for a job and we got back together before we found out about Sammy. We only found out about him and Sammy until a year and a half ago," reply Kelly.

"Wow, that's exciting," said Linda.

"Yeah, a little too exciting. I know that Brandon was pretty disappointed that he missed out on all that time with Sammy," said Kelly.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Linda.

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, we're not so perfect after all," said Kelly.

"It kind of does…but I am happy for you two," said Linda.

"You have much more than what Rich and I have," said Linda.

Kelly puts her hands on Linda.

"All you really need is love. The rest will fall into place," said Kelly.

We see Brandon and Rich at the bar.

"One more…one more," said Rich.

"Oh ok," said Brandon.

Rich gets up from the stool and walks to one end of the bar.

"You ready?" asked Rich.

"Let it rip," replied Brandon.

"Ok, here it comes," said Rich.

Rich puts his shot glass on the counter and slides it to the other side of the bar where Brandon is sitting.

"Hey, no spills this time," said Brandon smiling

"Whoo!" cheered Rich.

Brandon maturely claps for his success.

We see Kelly and Linda walking towards the bar.

"Hey guys. It looks like you two are having fun," said Kelly.

"Oh, we're bonding great," said Brandon.

"Where are you ladies doing?" asked Brandon.

"We are thinking about calling it a night," replied Kelly.

"Ok…do you have to go too?" asked Rich to Brandon.

"Ummm…did you want me to go back with you, Kel?" asked Brandon to Kelly.

"It's up to you," replied Kelly.

"Ok...I guess I'll see you later back at the hotel," said Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly who goes and kisses Brandon.

"Bye," said Linda.

"Bye," said Rich and Brandon.

Kelly and Linda leave.

"You know, I like Kelly," said Rich.

"Thanks…as long as you're not hitting on my wife," said Brandon joking.

Rich chuckles.

"Not like that. I mean she sees us hanging out and having a good time…and she understands that. She doesn't try to stop us and make us go home," said Rich.

"Why? Does Linda do that?" asked Brandon.

"As a matter of fact, she does. Not all the time but sometimes. It just annoys me sometimes," replied Rich.

"I think she's just looking out for you," said Brandon.

"Yeah, I guess," said Rich.

Brandon notices Rich's snotty attitude.

"So what kind of writing have you done?" asked Rich taking his seat next to Brandon.

"You name it; I've probably done it. Puff pieces, cover stories, federal, national, state, and local stories. Lots of memories," replied Brandon.

"Mostly good, I hope," said Rich.

"Yeah, most of them were good," said Brandon.

"Which paper did you work for again?" asked Rich.

"The New York Chronicle," replied Brandon.

"Didn't you guys had a reporter that died in a car crash or something like that?" asked Rich.

"Yeah, um…she was a good reporter and a good friend of mine," replied Brandon.

"It was very tragic," added Brandon.

"Did you leave because of that?" asked Rich

"No. Our office in L.A. closed," replied Brandon.

"Oh. Now many offices do they have?" asked Rich.

"I think 4 or 5. I also used to work at office in Washington," replied Brandon.

"You moved to L.A. to be with Kelly?" asked Rich.

"Ummm…something like that. I can't admit that she wasn't a big reason why I wanted to move back here," replied Brandon.

"How long were you with the company?" asked Rich.

"Almost 12 years," replied Brandon.

"So they just drop you, just like that?" asked Rich taking a drink.

"Not exactly. They offered me to go back to Washington. But of course, I didn't want to since I have a family here now," replied Brandon.

"Ok. So what are you doing for work now?" asked Rich.

"Eh…not much. As a kid, I used to work at a burger joint nearby the house. I know the owner really well…so I've been helping out there every now and then…but obviously, it's not the same," replied Brandon.

"So you have written, reported, and managed?" asked Rich.

"Yeah, what else is there, right?" asked Brandon.

"What about teach?" asked Rich.

"What?" asked Brandon.

"Have you considered teaching journalism or writing?" asked Rich.

"Yeah, the thought has crossed my mind. Why? You know anybody?" asked Brandon.

"No…not just anybody, I know lots of people," replied Rich laughing.

"Yeah, in L.A.?" asked Brandon.

"In Pacifica, at the Pacifica Graduate Institute," replied Rich.

"Really?' asked Brandon who looks seriously intrigued.

"You bet. I can't guarantee anything so I don't want to get your hopes up…but I have a few contacts that I can give you," replied Rich.

"Wow, that'll be great. I'll be really interested," said Brandon.

"I thought you would be," said Rich.

"Now you gotta do something for me," said Rich.

"What?" asked Brandon worried.

"Can you drive me home? I think I'm not suitable to drive," replied Rich with a quirky smile on his face.

Brandon chuckles a little.

Brandon quietly opens the door to his hotel room. He sees that the lights are off and that Kelly is asleep. The light from the hallway shines through the cracks of the door, which wakes Kelly up.

"Mmm," said Kelly still with her eyes closed.

"Hey," said Brandon quietly.

"What time is it?" asked Kelly.

Brandon looks at his watch.

"It's about 2am. Wow, I didn't realize it was so late," replied Brandon.

"I'm sorry. I should've called," added Brandon.

"It's ok. Did you guys have a good time?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, it was fine. We just got busy talking and lost track of time," replied Brandon.

"Ok…I already called Silver and Sammy," said Kelly.

"Thanks for doing that. They ok?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah," replied Kelly.

"Ok, I'll call them in the morning…good night," said Brandon who kisses Kelly on the forehead.

"Good night," said Kelly.

The next morning, we see Kelly sitting alone in an outdoor café eating breakfast.

Brandon walks towards her.

"Hey, good morning," said Brandon.

"Good morning," said Kelly.

"Good morning. Thanks for ordering for me," said Brandon.

"No problem. Did you two have fun last night?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, we just talked. In fact, I was wrong. Rich is a pretty nice guy after all," replied Brandon.

"Really, what changed your mind?" asked Kelly.

"Well, I got to know the guy and realized I was wrong. Plus, he said he might know someone at the Pacifica Graduate Institute who can get me a teaching job there," replied Brandon.

"Where's that in?" asked Kelly.

"In Pacifica," replied Brandon in an obvious fashion.

"Isn't that like six hours away?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, so?" asked Brandon.

"Nothing, just good to know that you plan on being away from your family," replied Kelly.

"It's only 6 hours. I can still do it and spend time with you guys. Besides you'll be at work and

Sammy will be in school during the day anyway," said Brandon.

"I guess so…but correct me if I'm wrong; don't you need at least a Master's degree to teach?" asked Kelly.

Brandon thinks for a moment.

"Yeah, you're right. But if he said he may be able to do it, it might work," said Brandon.

"I'm just saying you shouldn't get your hopes up," said Kelly.

"I know. But I don't want to stop the guy from doing me this favor. It could be so good for me and for us," said Brandon.

"I know. And I'm happy IF he can do this for you…but it doesn't look like it's realistic," said Kelly.

"Ok. Fine," said Brandon who looks mad.

Kelly notices.

"What is it, Brandon?" asked Kelly.

"Nothing," replied Brandon.

Kelly just looks at him.

The waiter comes and brings a plate of food for Brandon.

"Why can't you be happy for me?" asked Brandon.

"I'll be happy for you IF and when you get the job…until then, I would just enjoy our honeymoon," replied Kelly.

"I am but our honeymoon is just a few days while this job could be long term," said Brandon.

"Glad to know where you stand," said Kelly.

"What does that supposed to mean?" asked Brandon.

"Our honeymoon is only a few days to you?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah….," replied Brandon confused.

He then suddenly realizes what Kelly is referring to.

"Don't play with my words. I'm not saying that our marriage is for a few days. I am thankful that I get to wake up next to you every day," said Brandon.

Kelly looks at him with a sympathetic look.

"I know. I'm sorry," said Kelly.

"It's ok," said Brandon.

"So, are you happy for me about the possible job?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, I am. Good for you," replied Kelly sarcastically.

"Fine. It's obviously this conversation isn't getting anywhere…so let's just eat our breakfast," said Brandon.

"Fine," said Kelly.

Kelly looks at Brandon eat but can't help but say something to him.

"It's not that I'm not happy for you. I just wish you would show a little more chance of us having another baby than on a job that may or may not happen," said Kelly casually ripping pieces of her bread.

"I am happy for us. I'm just happy for the moment because I could get the job before we have another baby. I mean, who knows when you'll get pregnant," said Brandon.

Kelly stops eating and looks in Brandon in shock. Brandon realizes what he just said and looks ashamed.

"Oh Kel, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to say that," said Brandon.

"Go away," said Kelly quietly.

"Babe, I'm sorry," said Brandon who gets up from his seat and goes to her.

"Brandon, just go away," said Kelly who starts to cry.

Brandon puts his arms around her trying to show her how sorry he is.

"Brandon, I just want to be alone. If you don't leave right now, I'm going to scream," said Kelly who gets teary.

Brandon lets go of Kelly and steps away.

"I'm sorry Kelly. I love you," said Brandon who walks away.

Kelly just sits there and cries.

Kelly is in her room talking on the phone.

"Oh, he didn't mean that," said Brenda.

"Well, he said it. I think that means something," said Kelly.

"Kel, he may be your husband. But I know my brother. He loves you and would not pass up the opportunity to make babies with you," said Brenda chuckling.

"Very funny," said Kelly.

"Seriously Kel; he didn't mean to hurt you like that," said Brenda.

"He knows that I'm sensitive to the issue. We're lucky enough to have Sammy," said Kelly.

"And he knows that too," said Brenda.

"Did he call this morning?" asked Kelly.

"Yes he did. He spoke with Sammy and Silver," replied Brenda.

"Well, at least he's doing something right," said Kelly.

"Kelly, just talk to him," said Brenda.

"Ok. You're right," said Kelly.

"Good," said Brenda.

Kelly hears a knock on the door.

"Thanks for talking with me. There' someone at the door," said Kelly.

"Ok. I'm sure it's Brandon with flowers for you," said Brenda grinning.

Kelly smiles and chuckles.

"Thanks. Bye," said Kelly.

"Bye Kel," said Brenda.

They hang up the phone.

Kelly goes to the door.

She opens the door to find Linda.

"Hi," said Kelly surprised to see Linda.

"Hi Kelly. I'm sorry to bother you," said Linda.

"No…no worries. What's up?" asked Kelly.

"Is this a good time?" asked Linda.

"Yeah; come on in," replied Kelly letting Linda in.

"Thanks. I just didn't want to be with Rich right now. We just had our meeting with the marriage counselor," said Linda taking a seat by the table.

"How did it go?" asked Kelly.

"It was ok until Rich thought the counselor was accusing him of being too focused on his work and not paying any attention to me," replied Linda.

"Oh," said Kelly immediately thinking of Brandon.

"I mean, she didn't even mention anything him working too much. He always tends to jump into these kinds of assumptions," ranted Linda.

"I'm sorry," said Kelly.

"Thanks," said Linda.

Linda looks around.

"Where's Brandon?" asked Linda.

"Ummm...we had a fight this morning," replied Kelly looking sad.

"Oh no; what happened?" asked Linda.

"It's not important," replied Kelly being secretive.

"Was it something that Rich did? I know that they were up late last night," said Linda.

"No, I'm sure it's not," said Kelly.

"Kelly, I'm so sorry. I don't mean to pry into your personal life but is it something serious?" asked Linda feeling guilty.

"No, it's just a small fight. We'll be ok," replied Kelly.

"Ok. Did you want to be alone?" asked Linda.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind some company. I told Brandon to leave…so I think we should keep our distance for at least a few hours," replied Brandon.

"You sure you guys don't want to make up right now? I mean, it is your honeymoon," said Linda.

"I know…I should….and I miss him already. But not just yet," said Kelly.

"Ok…make him suffer a little…I like that," joked Linda.

Kelly laughs.

"Good to know I can get a laugh out of you," said Linda smiling.

"Yeah, I think that's the first time I've smiled all day," said Kelly.

"Oh, I see you and Brandon together and you look like you're smiling all the time," said Linda.

"Well, I can't argue with that," smiled Kelly.

"You know, Brandon does remind me of Rich back in the days," said Linda.

"Really?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah. But please know I had my choice of men to choose from if you know what I mean," replied Linda.

Kelly smiles.

"I remember always having to choose between Rich and this other guy, Dan," said Linda.

"What's Dan like?" asked Kelly.

"Almost the total opposite of Rich. Dan was the wild type; wild motorcycle; wild hair; don't give a damn about anything…anything but me of course," replied Linda.

"Oooo….lots of angst I bet," said Kelly.

"Gee how did you know?" asked Linda being sarcastic.

Kelly laughs.

"I too had to choose between two guys," said Kelly being proud of herself.

Linda looks impressed.

"Well, aren't we alike," laughed Linda.

"Yes we sure are," said Kelly.

"Lately, I've been thinking whether or not I've made the right decision of choosing Rich over Dan," said Linda.

"What ever happened to Dan?" asked Kelly.

Linda was silent for a moment.

"He was heartbroken. I remember the last thing he said to me was "Whatever happens, I still love you." After that, I never saw him again. Afterwards, I heard from a friend of mine that he killed himself about a year later," said Linda with a few tears in her eyes.

"Oh my god," said Kelly in shock who goes to Linda. She gives her a hug to comfort her.

"For the longest time, I was living with guilt. Actually to this day, there is still some guilt left," said Linda.

"I'm so sorry," said Kelly.

"Thank you," said Linda giving Kelly a weak smile.

Linda quickly wipes her eyes.

"Ok, so now that you've heard my story; tell me about your other guy," said Linda.

Kelly smiles at her.

"Well, just like everything else, my guy is much like your guy. His name is Dylan. He went to high school with Brandon and me. But I knew Dylan way before Brandon. We were on and off again much like me and Brandon. Given that Dylan is one of Brandon's best friends; Brandon was a little hesitant about going out with me when we fell in love….but Dylan was eventually supportive of our relationship. This trip was actually his wedding gift to us. He has a dark side sometimes but overall, he's a very good-hearted person," said Kelly.

"That's great he's still a part of your lives," said Linda.

"Yeah. We're very thankful of that," said Kelly.

"I wish Rich is like that," said Linda.

"Me too…but each person is different," said Kelly.

"Yeah, but I always felt so guilty…especially now when Rich and I weren't getting along that well," said Linda.

"I've been there," said Kelly.

"Did you ever have any regrets for not staying with Dylan?" asked Linda.

"I admit there are times that I feel that way especially when I was alone. But Brandon is a wonderful guy. I wouldn't trade him for anything. I'm so happy with him (even though I'm so mad at him right now)," replied Kelly.

"Ok,' said Linda chuckling a little.

"I hope everything works out for you," said Kelly.

"Me too. I hope you and Brandon have a great marriage," said Linda.

"Thanks," said Kelly giving Linda a weak smile.

Elsewhere, we see Brandon and Rich at a bar.

"I mean, does she think that focusing on a career that pays good money to provide for the both of us is a bad thing? Does she expect me to quit my job to spend every day with her?" asked Rich.

"I dunno," replied Brandon who obviously looks like he has other things on his mind.

"Well, I wouldn't expect you to since you don't even have a job," said Rich laughing drunk.

Brandon gives Rich a mean look. Rich notices.

"Hey c'mon, Brandon. I'm only kidding. Besides I'm the one who's helping you get a job," said Rich who pats Brandon on the back.

"In fact, here you go," said Rich who pull out a business card to give to Brandon.

"So you think this guy can get me a job?" asked Brandon.

"Just call him, Brandon," replied Rich taking another drink.

"I only have a bachelor's degree. Do you think that's good enough?" asked Brandon.

"No, you need at least a master's to teach, you don't have that?" asked Rich.

"No, just a bachelors," replied Brandon.

"Oh man; now we gotta problem….oh wait…no, YOU got a problem," laughed Rich.

Brandon looks down, realizing that Kelly was right.

"Does Kelly have one?" asked Rich.

"Yes," replied Brandon.

Rich looks at Brandon with a funny look.

"And you don't?" asked Rich laughing out loud.

"Oh man…that's funny as hell," added Rich.

Everyone around the bar is looking at Rich.

"Hey good looking, can I get another beer?" asked Rich yelling at the bartender.

The bartender comes by and gives Rich a refill of his drink.

"Do you want a refill too, sir?" asked the bartender.

"No, thank you," replied Rich.

"C'mon Brandon. You barely drank at all. Live a little, man," said Rich.

"No, I'm ok," said Brandon.

The bartender leaves.

"This isn't Kelly talking inside you is it?" asked Rich making voodoo gestures around Brandon.

"I mean; c'mon; who wears the pants in this family?" asked Rich laughing.

"Rich, leave my wife out of this," said Brandon who looks really mad.

"Why? Given that she's the one with the higher education, I think I should be dealing with her if you know what I mean," said Rich talking drunk.

Brandon stands up and punches Rich in the face. Rich falls down to the floor and the glass from his hand breaks.

Brandon sees everyone is looking at him. He quickly goes to Rich who looks unconscious.

"Rich; you ok?" asked Brandon.

"Huh? What?" asked Rich dazed and confused.

"Who hit me?" asked Rich.

"Eh…..I….don't….know," replied Brandon realizing Rich don't remember he punched him.

"C'mon, let me help you up here," said Brandon.

"Thanks man," said Rich still dizzy.

Brandon sees that a lot of people in the bar are still looking at them.

"You know, it's getting late. Why don't we call it a night?" asked Brandon.

"Ok, I'm kinda tired myself," replied Rich looking wobbly.

Brandon pays the bartender and they slowly head out the door.

Brandon walks to his hotel room. He stood by the door for a few moments before attempting to knock on the door.

He raised his fist and was about to knock on the door when the door opened.

On the other side of the door is Kelly.

"Hi," said Kelly.

"Hi," said Brandon.

They stay silent for a brief moment.

"Can I come in?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah," replied Kelly stepping aside.

Brandon walks in and Kelly closes the door behind him.

"I didn't expect you to be up. Sorry, if I woke you," said Brandon.

"No, you didn't. I was just waiting for you," said Kelly.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, then," said Brandon.

"It's ok," said Kelly.

"How was your day?" asked Brandon.

"Ok. Linda came by and we talked," replied Kelly.

"Oh ok. I was with Rich," said Brandon.

"How did that go?" asked Kelly.

"Ok, I guess. He insulted you so I punched him," replied Brandon very casually.

"What? Why did you do that?" asked Kelly worried.

"He was drunk and said about you being a control freak," replied Brandon.

"It's ok. I think he was too drunk to know it was me," added Brandon.

Kelly looking down.

"How is he?" asked Kelly.

"He's ok. I walked him back to his room," replied Brandon.

They stay silent again.

"Thanks for defending me," said Kelly.

"I couldn't let him say that about you or about me. You're the reason why I'm still smiling," said Brandon.

Kelly smiles back at him.

"I'm really sorry for what I said before. I really didn't mean it. I know what you went through a lot with that. Can you forgive me?" asked Brandon.

"Yes, I love you," said Kelly.

"Thanks. I love you too," said Brandon.

They kiss and hug.

Brandon looks down at Kelly's stomach and puts his hand on it, while his other hand is still around Kelly's shoulders.

Kelly looks at Brandon and smiles. She kisses his cheek and rests her head on his shoulder.

The next morning, there is a knock on Brandon and Kelly's hotel room door.

Brandon opens the door. It's Rich.

"Hi," said Brandon.

Kelly walks up from behind.

"Hi Rich," said Kelly.

"Hi Kelly," said Linda.

"What can I help you with?" asked Brandon.

Linda gives Rich a look.

"Brandon and Kelly, I'm sorry about what happened last night. I guess my drunkenness got the best of me," said Rich.

"Yeah, no offense Rich but I think it's probably best for us to not speak to each other again," said Brandon.

"I understand. I just want to say that I'm sorry," said Rich.

"Thank you," said Brandon.

"You know, Brandon. If you want to, I think you should still give that guy at Pacifica a call. I think they'll be lucky to have you," said Rich.

"Thanks. I'll think about it," said Brandon.

"Ok bye everybody. Enjoy the rest of your stay," said Rich.

He starts to walk away.

"Hey Rich," said Brandon.

Rich turns around.

"I'll see you around," smiled Brandon.

"See you, Brandon," smiled Rich.

Brandon closes the door.

Kelly looks at him.

"You know you can still be friends with him if you want," said Kelly.

"It's ok. I think I would rather spend the rest of my time here with you," said Brandon.

"Are you going to call Pacifica about the job?" asked Kelly.

"Eh…I might. I'm just afraid it might take away from being a good husband," replied Brandon.

"No, not you. I won't let that happen. I want you to do both," said Kelly.

"Really? What will you do to me if I get out of line?" asked Brandon snuggling up towards Kelly.

"Ooo….I guess I could think of something," giggled Kelly.

They hug.

Coming Next – Brandon closes in on a job offer but is hesitant to go forward with it because of Kelly's feelings.