Janet, Steve and Kelly by Shari, Donna, David, Brenda by Heather, Brandon, Dylan and Gina by DC, Clare and Jake by Blanca, Carly and Lexi by Val, Valerie by Jessica

Kelly

At the Beach Apartment

It's been three weeks since our extremely eventful trip to New York.   Some of us are still recovering.  Some have recovered.  And others are still in shock of everything that has happened and is still happening.  

After several arguments, David moved out of the Bungalow.  He's been staying at Mel and Jackie's. He is extremely hurt.  And I can't blame him.  I would be too.   Lord knows I was back when Brandon cheated on me a few years ago.  For David's sake, I hope they can work through this.  

On a better note, Noah and Brenda have been on cloud nine ever since we got off the plane.  They're just so cute!!  Not to mention in love.  I am so happy for them and glad they worked through their problems.  

Val on the other hand, well, I really don't know how Val is.   Honestly, she's like a hermit.  She's become so distant from everyone.  And now that I'm spending most nights at Brandon's apartment, I really don't see her.  In fact, no one does.  I wonder what's wrong...

While we were away, it seems that Zach and Mark really bonded.  Carly was thrilled to see how close they had become.  Even though she doesn't know exactly how they spent their time, she's happy to see that everything seems to be working out.  

Clare's pretty happy too.  Especially since Jake decided to come back to LA.  He jumped the next plane out here and surprised her.  And suprisingly enough, I don't feel weird around him.  I know following him to Melrose was not the best idea, but I was just a silly teenager.  It's nice to know we're all not silly teenagers anymore.

Dylan came back from New York a couple of days ago. Apparently he wanted some more alone time with Gina.

Lexi seems to be out of harms way for the time being.  Supposedly she's seeing her pool guy and its working out.  Who woulda thunk it?    Michael has been busy at the hospital.  I think he may be jealous of Lexi and her new beau...who knows?  

Steve and Janet are actually in Spain with Maddy.  Steve's mom was being honored for her role on The Hartley House.  Funny, the Hartley House episodes just started airing there, in Spanish, last year. Oddly enough, the strain on David and Donna's marriage has put a strain on Steve and Janet's.  Not that they are choosing sides or anything, its just that they seem to disagree on the subject.  They keep arguing about it.  

Sounds like something Brandon and I would usually be doing.  But we agree for a change.  Things are actually going great for Brandon and me.  Now with Jen out of the picture, everything seems to have fallen into place.  I couldn't ask for anything more...

Carly

At Melrose Place

Carly woke up lying next to Mark.  She smiled and laid on his chest, then she realized where she was.  "Oh my god!"  She quickly got up and changed into her robe.  

"Carly, what's wrong?" Mark said confused.  "Is it something I did?"  

She shook her head.  "No, no its not you."  She kissed his cheek.   "I love you.  I gotta go."  She quickly started the hot water for the shower.  When she came back in she looked at him sadly.  "Where's Zack?"

"Remember, last night he slept over Daniel's house?"  Mark was VERY confused now.  

Carly slapped herself.  "Oh my god.  I totally forgot!  Now I ruined our morning.  I'm sorry," she said looking at him sadly again.

He got out of bed and looked at her.  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek.  "It's ok.  I wasn't planning on staying in anyway."  

"But it was our first-"  

"I know but I promised someone that I'd have you at the Peach Pit by 10:30."  Mark smiled.  

"Oh really?  Who?" she said and smiled.

"We'll see."  

They climbed back in bed and kissed, sharing the rest of the early morning together.  

David

At Mel and Jackie's

David woke up with the feeling that someone was staring at him.  He opened one eye and saw his little sister, Erin, staring back at him.  Since leaving the Bungalow, he had been camping out with Mel and Jackie.  He got the feeling that he was wearing out his welcome, especially since he was sleeping in Erin's room.

"David, how long are you going to stay here?" Erin asked in her innocent little girl voice.

David sighed, "What? Are you tired of your big brother already?"

"I'm tired of sleeping in mom and dad's room.  I want to sleep in my own room."

Boy, pretty demanding for nine years old, kind of reminded him of Kelly. David looked up at the pink canopy over his head and at the room filled with dolls and guessed he understood where she was coming from.

David quickly reached out and grabbed Erin, pulling her in and tickling her.  Her giggles filled the room. "David, stop!"

Mel stuck his head into the room, "Erin, did you wake David up again? You know he works late."

David laughed and released Erin, "It's okay dad.  We were just discussing my accommodations.  It is probably time I moved on."

"You can stay as long as you need to." He looked at Erin, "You need to go finish getting ready for school." Erin ran out of the room and Mel sat down on the edge of the bed. "Have you talked to Donna?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" David sighed again, and leaned back onto the pillows.  He felt a lecture coming on.

"You know David, I understand how you are feeling. But Donna loves you.  People deserve second chances."

"Just like Jackie gave you a second chance, Dad?" he wasn't trying to hurt his dad, but didn't want to hear what he was saying either.

"Exactly like that.  I have made lots of mistakes but we worked through it. I think you both can too."

"We'll see."

Mel reached over and tapped David on the arm, "Just keep an open mind.  Time for work.  Will I see you tonight?"

David smiled, "I don't know.  I'm not real sure what my plan is, but I'll let you know."

Mel smiled at his son, "Okay. Bye." He shut the door on his way out.

David considered getting up and finding another place to stay but fell back asleep before he got that far.

Kelly

At Melrose Place

Kelly quietly unlocked the door to Brandon's apartment.  It was early and she didn't want to wake him.  She had gotten up for work and realized she had plenty of time to spare.  Knowing Brandon was sick, she decided to go the 24 hour mini-mart and pick him up a few things.  

She rested the fully-packed bag on the kitchen table.  She bought him orange juice, the latest edition of USA Today, three boxes of tissues, and Cup of Noodles soup.   She also picked up a card. She filled out the card and arranged the goods nicely on the table.  

She then picked up her keys and headed back out again for work.

Brenda

At Now Wear This

Noah had driven Brenda to work.  It gave them a few more minutes to spend together.  He walked her into Now Wear This where Donna was busy going over invoices.  She looked up to see the couple approach the counter.

"Good morning," she said to the both of them.

Brenda smiled and went to put her jacket away in the back.  "Morning Donna," Noah replied.

Brenda walked back around the counter and over to Noah.  She put her arms around him and reached up to give him a kiss. 

"See you tonight?" Noah asked.

"Of course.  I'll call you later.  Have a good day." Brenda kissed him again and then pulled away, sending him on his way.

Brenda watched Noah walk out of the store, admiring him from behind.  Once he was out of sight, she turned to her friend.  "How are you this morning?"

Donna looked up from what she was doing.  "Oh, just great.  Nothing like waking up alone.  Eating breakfast alone.  Taking a shower alone."

Brenda laughed, "Okay, too much information.  Have you talked to David?"

"Nope," Donna sighed.  "But I promised myself that I am not going to spend all of my time talking about it.  So, you and Noah are just too cute for words."

Brenda couldn't help but smile.  "It is pretty sick, isn't it?  I used to make fun of couples that acted like we do, but I just can't help myself."

Donna couldn't help but smile, glad to see both Brenda and Noah happy.  "I am really happy for the both of you."

"Thanks Don.  So, you want to go to the After Dark with me tonight?"

Donna looked at Brenda like she was crazy, "You mean the place where David works??  Uum, no, I don't think so!"

Brenda sighed.  "How are the two of you going to work through this if you won't even be in the same room together?"

"Uum, we're not."

Brenda busied herself folding some new stock that had arrived in. "Okay, forget I said anything."

Gina

In New York

She had been packed for almost three days now and she wasn't even sure if she was going back. Most of the furniture can be taken care of. Maybe Dylan can use the high-rise as a business home in New York.

Donna Martin Originals would still do business with the New York companies, so the apartment wouldn’t completely go to waste.

She’s tried to talk herself into all these reasons, and more. She made a list, like Dylan suggested, she’s still working on seeing what Donna thinks. After all, the company belonged to her and she was just trying to do the best job she could for her.

Gina thought long and hard about it and once she’s sure things back in LA have calmed down, she decided she would call Donna and discuss it with her.

Lexi

At Melrose Place

Lexi sat perched on her lounge chair outside the pool.  She was reading a porfolio on a new tenant.  There wasn't enough room for her.  She closed the file and dropped it.  She was thinking about Michael...for some reason.  

She opened a photo album from a while ago.  She saw pictures of her, Michael, Peter, Cooper, Megan, Ryan, and Jane.  "Wow that was a long time ago."  The reason she had an album was because a few hours later Dan was coming over and he wanted to have a "memory file" done on their relationship.  He was going to call her for more information.  

For some reason she felt bad about her relationship with him.  She knew she was really using him.  She didn't feel bad for him but for everything else.  That she wasted her time on someone like him.  She got up and took the album with her.  She walked into her office and pushed the album into her desk drawer.  "Goodbye, Dan," she said and smirked.   She sat down and started doing her bills.  

Carly

At the Peach Pit

Carly was at the Peach Pit.  She and Mark had just arrived and walked in.  Sitting at the corner booth in the right was her friend Amy, from Montana.  "Oh my god!"  Carly rushed over to her and they exchanged hugs.

"Hey there," Amy said in an accent.  "How are ya?  You've got yourself a great man here!  He convinced me too fly in a week early!"  

Carly smiled at Mark.  "I know!  So when did you get here?"

"About 20 minutes ago, your friend Nat kept me busy.  He said you were working here."  Amy smiled at Mark, she seemed to have felt a slight attraction to him.   She decided it was best to ignore it, since after all, Carly, one of her closest friends, was dating him.

"Yeah its great back here!  I love it.  But I still miss home too!"   Carly and Mark sat down at the booth.  

"Yeah.  Oh by the way, Darryl told me to give this to you."  She reached into her purse and took out a letter.  Carly opened it and inside was a small painting of an angel.  The back was a letter from him.  

"Wow, I'll have to read this later!"  

A strike of jealousy went throught Mark.  "So, uh...who's Darryl?"  

Carly began too laugh.  "If I think you're thinking what I think you're thinking, your soo wrong!  Darryl and I?  No way!"  She kissed him to reassure his feelings.  He looked back at Amy and saw her smile at him.  

Wow he thought in his mind.  His eyes went back to Carly and they all started to talk about their plans for the time Amy was staying.  

Lexi

At Dan's house

Lexi was outside Dan's house.  Dan put his laptop on the table when he saw her standing there.  He quickly rushed out when she opened the door herself.  He was surprised, he didn't know her as the bitch she really was.  "Hey Lexi.  Why didn't you return my phone calls? I left you 14 messages in the last day!" 

"Thats the problem," she said stepping in.  "You call me too much; you bug the hell out of me.  Last, but not least, you're clumsy idiot!  Did I make that clear enough for you?"

Dan was shocked.  "Does this mean you want to break up?"

Lexi grabbed her hairbrush from his windowsill, thats where it had gone!  "Wow...I don't know!  Since your so persistent and smart, take a guess!"  She put the brush in her purse and walked out the door.   "I tried to be nice about it but--Wait let me rephrase that.  I didn't try to be nice." 

Dan chased after her holding a picture.  "I'll always have this picture of us Lexi.  And I'll know you'll always love me.  You can't hide from that!" 

Lexi was so angry, she ran up to him, grabbed the picture of them, and ripped it.  "Know that!"  She walked away and jumped in her car.  She had been waiting to do that for days.  He was just too much.  She called up Megan on her cell to talk about it. 

"Wow, you really did it, huh?"  Megan was even shocked at this. 

"Yeah of course I did.  Well I gotta go. I'm at Melrose and it looks like my cousin is here.  Bye."

"Bye."  They hung up and Lexi got out of the car and walked into her office. 

Valerie

At the Peach Pit

Val didn't remember how long she'd been sitting at the counter of the Peach Pit. Casually sipping her warm coffee, she just stared into space. She had to go to The Safe Place later that day, though she couldn't remember exactly when.

Kelly walked in, quickly scanning the place for any one of her friends. She spoted Val and quickly went over to talk with her.

"Hey. Long time no see," Kelly said, setting down her purse and ordering a cup of coffee. Valerie didn't move a muscle.

"Hello, earth to Val?" Kelly gently nudged Val's shoulder.

"What. Oh sorry." Val said, as if coming out of a trance.

"Are you OK?"

"Yes, um, I'm fine. So, how was the Big Apple?"

"Oh it was fantastic. Brandon looked great on camera..." Kelly kept going on and on about the wonderful trip to New York, but somewhere after the first sentence Valerie couldn't help herself. She got distracted and didn't even realize Kelly had stopped talking.

"Um, sounds great. Sorry, but I have somewhere to be." Val gathered up her things and starts towards the exit.

"We'll get together soon ok?" Kelly suggested.

"Yeah,OK,whatever." Valerie said, trying to get out of there as soon as possible. Once again, she was lost in her own little world.

Carly

At Melrose Place

Carly and Amy had really caught up.  She was surprised at Mark for being so sincere about getting them together again.  He was taking her to the club, that night, later.  She was kind of glad Amy had plans already because she wanted to be alone with Mark.   It gave her a chance to kind of thank him, for everything.

Carly was relaxing on the couch while Zach was still at Daniel's.  While dazed in her thoughts, she almost forgot to call her lawyer.  She picked up the phone and dialed his number.  

"Hello, how may I help you?"

"Hi, can I please speak to Mr. Foster?"

"Yes you may, please hold."

Carly held on the line for a few minutes pacing about the room. Finally his voice came on the line.  "Hello?"

"Hi Michael, it's Carly Reynolds.  I was calling about my father's will information.  You said a few weeks ago that it was transferred into my bank account, but when I went they said the transaction wasn't finished yet."  She remained on the line confused, and waiting for an answer.

"Oh, well sometimes they take a while.  It should all be there tomorrow. I'll see what's going on.  I know this is a little personal, but that is a lot of money.  Do you have a plan for it?"

She had never really thought about it at all.  "Not yet.  But I have to go, thank you."

"No, thank you ma'am.  Goodbye."      

"Bye."  She hung up the phone and started thinking of things to do with her money.  Maybe she could get Zack homeschooled?  Maybe she would go back to school? She didn't know, but she needed someones advice.  She called Clare and settled in for a long conversation.  

David

At the After Dark

When David got to work, he found that he had a stack of messages from Kelly.  She had been calling him quite regularly over the past few weeks.  She was worried about him and was making up for it br calling him A LOT.  Her last message said to call her at Brandon's.  He had a few moments to spare so he picked up the phone to give her a ring.

"Hello?" answered Brandon with a stuffy nose.

"Man, you sound like hell," David said, laughing into the phone.

Brandon made a face, "Thanks.  I feel like hell."

"Sorry to hear that.  Is Kelly there by any chance?" David asked.

"She was. Brought me soup." Brandon smiled, thinking of how caring she was.

"That sounds like my sister. I think she would bring me soup if she thought it would help."

Brandon got serious, "How are you doing?  We haven't seen you in a few days."

"I'm fine.  Wearing out my welcome at Mel and Jackie's, but otherwise fine."

"You could always stay here.  I have an extra bedroom.  I know Kelly would love to have you close.  She's been worried."

"Do you mean that?  I wouldn't be there very long.  I just have to have time to find my own place."

"Of course I mean it. "

"Thanks!  That is so great.  I have my bags in the car.  Do you care if I come tonight after I get off?"

Brandon was a little surprised at this but couldn't see any reason why he couldn't come that night. "Sure. But fair warning, I am really sick.  I can't be held responsible if you come down with this."

David laughed, "I don't plan on kissing you or anything.  I'll take my chances.  I have to let Erin have her room back before she disowns me."

Brandon laughed along with David, "Okay, then, see you later."

"Bye," David started to hang up the phone,and then thought of something else he needed to say. "Walsh?"

"Yea?"

"I can't thank you enough for this." David meant it.  He had really come to a new level of appreciation for all of his friends.

"Anytime," Brandon answered simply and hung up the phone.

Lexi

At Melrose Place

Lexi and Amy were in Lexi's apartment catching up.  Lexi laughed and spit out her tea.  "I can't believe you think Mark is cute!"  

Amy laughed too.  "Well he is!  I'm really glad I got to see Carly again.  We really were close in Montana, and I wanted to thank you for giving her an apartment."

"Ahh its no problem.  More cash for me, right?"  Lexi looked across the room and saw Megan outside.  She smiled.  "Hey, I want you to meet my best friend, Megan."   Amy nodded.  

"Follow me."  Lexi led her outside to where Megan was.  

"Hi Lexi.  Who's your friend?"  

"Oh this is my cousin, Amy.  Megan, Amy. Amy, Megan."  Megan and Amy shook hands.

"Nice to meet you Amy!" Megan said with enthuasiasm.  "Lexi told me you were coming for a visit.  I thought that was next week?" Megan asked Lexi.

"Oh it was," Amy answered for her.  "But I decided to fly in early.   Carly's boyfriend did a little convincing.  

"Oh...those two are getting a little chummy aren't they?"  Megan looked at Lexi who didn't seem to be talking.  "Are you ok, Lexi?"

"Yeah I'm fine, I just need to get something to drink." Lexi walked inside feeling a little scared for some reason.  She had a flashback of when she had found the guy in her office.  

"What the hell are you doing in here?"  Lexi said, yelling.  

"Uhh...hi I'm John from UPS I was just checking on the rent files," he said nervously and extending his hand.  

"Nice to meet you now, get out," she had said sharply.  

She was beginning to feel nervous.  She sat down at her desk and worried the rest of the afternoon.  

Clare

At the Beverly Royale Hotel

"So he actually bought you a boquet of flowers?" Carly asked on the other line of the phone. "That is so sweet."

"I know. I really like Jake. Theres something about him.... I still can't figure out what it is exactly."

"Well, I'm happy for you Clare."

"Thanks. For the first time since I came back to Beverly Hills, I feel....free and happy! I can't really explain it."

"Hmmm, you dont have to," Carly said,"because I'm feeling that rght now with Mark."

"So what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Clare asked her changing the subject.

"Well, Mark and I have plans for later on. Want to go have lunch at the Peach Pit?"

"Sure. I'll meet you there in about an hour?"

"That sounds good to me."

"Bye."

"Bye."

Donna

At 7250

Donna was rushing through 7250.  She was already ten minutes late to meet her mom for lunch. 

Donna entered the restaurant and spotted Felice sitting at a table.  She crossed the room quickly and took the seat across from her.

"Hi Mom.  Sorry I'm late," Donna said.

Felice sighed, "That's all right.  How are you dear?"

Donna shook her head, "Well, I've been better."

"Have you talked to David?"

"Not in a week or so."

Felice looked disappointed, "Well I certainly hope that you aren't planning on a divorce."

Tears sprung to Donna's eyes.  "Mom, can we talk about something else?"

"Of course we can, Donna.  It's just that I don't understand what came over you.  You love David.  What in the world ever possessed you to have an affair?"

Donna thought of the time that she had caught her mother having an affair and considered saying something about it but then reconsidered.  Her mom was right, she had made a terrible mistake.  She didn't deserve David's forgiveness.

Luckily the waiter came to take their order and they moved on to better subjects.  They enjoyed their lunches.  On the way out of the restaurant, they ran into Kelly just entering with a client.

Felice gave Kelly a big hug, "How are you dear?"

Kelly smiled an uncomfortable smile.  "I am fine.  Hi Donna."

"Hey Kel."  Donna could feel the tension between them.

"Well, I had better go take a seat.  Bye," Kelly said and walked off.

Donna watched her walk away with a heaviness in her heart.  Had she let everyone she loved down?

Jake

Jake picked up the phone in the hotel he was staying at and decided to call Clare.

After a few rings, she picked up. "Hello?"

"Hey Clare, its Jake."

"I know who it is." she said flirtatiously, "whats up?"

"Well  I was thinking about you so I decided to call."

"Thats sweet.....are you sure you weren't just checking up on me?" She didn't want their conversation to become serious...she didn't want their relationship to go too fast. She didn't think she was ready for commitment yet.

"I'm sure." he said. "No actually I was going to go buy a car today. I needed some advice."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yup.... I cant seem to decide... a car or a bike?"

"Definitely a car. Make it a convertible!" They both laughed.

"Ok, I was hoping you'd say that. I already have a bike anyways and Steve told me last week, that you didn't really like the bike he bought once."

Clare remembered that. It made her laugh to think about it now but back then, she was really afraid of going on the bike.

"Ok, well I'll talk to you later. How about we meet at the Peach Pit?"

"That sounds good. I'm meeting Carly there anyways so I'll just see you there?"

"Yeah. Bye."

"Bye."

Valerie

At the Safe Place

Val had just gotten to The Safe Place. The minute she entered the building, she noticed how quiet it was. Too quiet actually. She went upstairs where the living quarters were. It was the absolute opposite of downstairs. People were running from room to room, she could hear babies crying, not to mention how messy it was up there.

"What's going on?" she asked another fellow volunteer.

"You didn't hear? One of the women disappeared last night. She packed her bags, went out the back exit, and left her 4 children. We can't get the little ones quiet. They won't sleep, won't eat, and are being a constant distubance to the other people on this floor," she explained, quickly rushing to the maintenence room.

Valerie next ran in to Ms. Logan.

"Oh, Val, thank God your here. I need your help. It's so hectic here and we're short on hands. I completely forgot to prepare the bottles for the babies. Can you go make about 4 or 5?" Ms. Logan practically pleaded.

"Sure, no problem. I'll be right back." She quickly went to the kitchen, made the bottles, and rushed back upstairs. She couldn't find Ms. Logan so she just distributed the bottles wherever she thought necassary.

Then, she came to the nursery. The twins, who were two of the children of the missing mom, looked so confused. It was as if they actaully knew that their mommy left them even though they were only a few months old. They both were crying uncontrollably. Val couldn't believe no one was trying to calm them down.

She scooped them both up and sat down with them in the rocking chair. She starting singing them a lullaby. Her soothing voice quickly sent the two of them into a deep sleep. She didn't realize that practically all of the volunteers and Ms. Logan had been watching her for the last ten minutes.

"How did you do it? No one has been able to calm the them down since their mother left," one volunteer exclaimed.

"That's our Val. She has a great maternal instinct. You're going to make a great mom some day Valerie," Ms. Logan pointed out with a bright smile on her face. She gave Ms. Logan a weak smile and thought to herself, What If I never get that chance again?

Brandon

At Melrose Place

Brandon struggled with this cold all day long. He hardly ever got sick, and when he did, it was bad, real bad.

His head was pounding; he couldn't even walk straight for fear of the pressure was making his head explode. He could only imagine how hard it’s going to be to reintroduce himself to solid food again.

He tried to do a little work for Steve. Maybe working on his article would help him get his mind off of this sickness and help him work up something resembling an appetite. No suck luck. Instead, he stumbled to the kitchen and dug through the cupboards looking for something he could keep down.

Jake

After talking to Clare, Jake called Dylan.

"Yeah?" Dylan said picking up the phone.

"Hey man."

"Jake?"

"The one and only."

"Whats up man?"

"I'm calling to do you a favor"

"Do me a favor?"

"Yes....Come with me to the Beverly Hills Car Dealership."

"Thats doing me a favor?"

"Yea, don't think I don't know you. You are sitting right now on your couch, with your laptop in front of you and the TV on. Am I right or what?"

"Or what." he said making them both laugh. "Why do you need to go to there anyways?"

"Why else?! I need to buy a car."

"What? You're giving up your bike?"

"Of course not.... I'm keeping my bike.  I'm just gonna buy a car."

"I never thought I'd see the day where Jake Hanson, the guy who taught me how to pick up chicks, on his bike, would be buying a regular, plain car."

"Steve told me Clare doesn't like bikes and I don't think I can say to her, 'I'll pick you up in the thing you hate the most!'"

"Good point. Ok, I'll meet you there in about 30 minutes?"

"Yeah, thats good for me."

Lexi

At Sterling Conway

Lexi was still quite shocked from her thoughts earlier in the afternoon.  She was all alone and needed someone to comfort her.  "That's what I get for being the bitch I am," she muttered.  Megan and Ryan took Sarah to a party and Kyle was out.  A minute later the phone rang.  "Hello?"  

"Hi Lex."  

It was Michael's voice.  "Stop calling me that!  By the way nice of you to call now, after I left 2 messages yesterday!"  

"I'm sorry I was out."  

"Out?"  Lexi laughed.  "Where could you possibly be that was so important?  You don't have a life Michael!"  

"That is none of your buisness Lex!" Michael said sharply.  

"Fine, Michael.  Be that way.  But don't expect me to call you back when something's wrong."

Michael rested the phone to his ear.  "Oh really? What's wrong?" he said with a sarcastic voice.

"You know what?  Go to hell," she said and hung up.  

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

Valerie was lying in bed. It was only 4 PM. She was eagar to sleep despite the time. She had to be at the shelter early the next morning, but every time she came close to sleep, she was reminded of memories she didn't care to remember. Brenda and Noah kept flashing into her mind. She imagined them laughing, touching, kissing, making love. And it hurt.

Then, she kept thinking about the children at the shelter; how everyday so many unwanted children were brought into this world and then abandoned, when there were many good and honest people, who could provide those kids with the happiness they deserved, who were unable to have kids. It didn't seem right to Val. At this point nothing seems right, she thought to herself.

Every passing minute was torture for her. She wanted to scream and yell and cry, but nothing happened. She stayed wrapped up in her warm bed, her emotions running wild, and no one was there to help her. She hated what this felt like. To be fine one minute, and then hate the world the next. She didn't know how these emotions suddenly came to her, although she knew that every time she thought of Noah, or every time she saw a baby, they came. It should have told her something. Maybe warned her that there was a problem. But it didn't. She kept on lying to herself. She kept reassuring herself that she was just a little jealous and still bitter over the breakup. But you can only lie to yourself for so long. Until finally you snap. And then you go back to being the way you always were. No matter who you hurt along the way.

Dylan

At the Peach Pit

At the Peach Pit, Dylan had eaten breakfast, a piece of pie, lunch and whatever else Nat put in front of him. He knew that Dylan had something on his mind, so he figured he would drown his thoughts in thought.

Nat and he talked about the hotel and how much Dylan thought it was a bad idea to have bought it in the first place. They talked about Gina and how Dylan really seemed to care about her. He even told Nat that the long distance relationship thing was going really well and starting to work.

They started to talk about Brandon and moved on to his book, but both of them were kind enough to avoid to subject of David and Donna.

It didn’t seem right to talk about something you didn’t fully understand. They have something that most people never find. Dylan and Nat both respect the situation enough to wait until it has blown over before seeking out the facts.

Clare

At the Peach Pit

Clare was sitting down at a corner booth when Jake walked in. He had left her at the diner an hour ago, to go with Dylan to the dealership. She didn't see him at first.

"Hey, Nat."

"Jake! You're here to see Clare right?"

"Yeah. Thanks Nat."

"No problem."

Jake walked over to Clare and gave her a short kiss.

"Hi," she said after the kiss.

"Hi. What are you reading?" Jake asked noticing the magazine Clare had in her hands.

"Nothing really. So did you buy the car?" She said excitedly.

"Yup. Its in the back parking lot....what, you didn't believe I was going to buy it?"

"I thought it might be hard for you to give up your precious bike."

"Yeah, Yeah...."

"Come on! Lets go see it!" Clare said cutting Jake in the middle of his conversation and taking his arm and pulling him up towards the door that led to the parking lot.

Outside was a beautiful black Mustang Convertible that looked almost like the one Brandon used to have.

"Wow! Its great Jake!"

"I thought you might like it."

"Like it?! I LOVE it!

Donna

At the bungalow

Donna arrived home to the empty bungalow.  It was so quiet there... too quiet.  She hated being alone, always had, but supposed she needed to get used to it now. 

Donna wandered around the house, wanting to talk to someone but knowing none of her friends were home.  Brenda and Noah, Carly and Mark, even Clare had been busy lately.  She couldn't even go to the Peach Pit or the After Dark without running into David. 

Donna considered calling Kelly, but she had been pretty distant lately.  She wished that she could make her friend understand why she did what she did, but Donna didn't even understand herself. 

Donna turned on the TV and sat staring at it blankly, not really watching it but lost in thought.  Soon Donna fell asleep on the couch.  She hadn't slept in their bed since he left.  Even as she slept, tears ran down Donna's face, as she dreamt of happier days.

Dylan

He had been home for a while now and taken a shower. He had done nothing really productive the entire day except for going to the dealership. He also sat and shot the breeze with Nat. He made a few good decisions about the hotel. They talked about Gina, and then Brandon.

“Hey, Bren,” he said into the phone. He seemed nervous, that wasn’t like him. Not about things like this. He’s never been nervous around Brenda Walsh. “We haven’t really had the chance to see eachother since you came back.” It was her answering machine, for crying out loud.“I was just wondering if you might want to get some lunch sometime soon and catch up on what we’ve missed since I left Europe.”

He hung up the phone there and fell asleep on the couch, in the living room, like so many times before.

Lexi

At 7250

Lexi got up and decided she wouldn't let her time waste away.  She put on her coat and got in her car.  She needed to go somewhere...she didn't know where.   Somewhere to get her mind off everything.  She stepped on the gas pedal and started driving around town.  She passed 7250.  She stopped inside and walked throughout the mall.  

She shopped in a bunch of clothing stores and decided to stop and get a cappiciuno.  She walked over to the counter when she saw a familiar face sitting at a table.  "Brenda?"  She sat down next to Brenda.  "Fancy meeting you here," she said in a sly tone of voice.

"Hi Lexi.  I work here. What are you doing here?"  

"Nothing at all.  Just shopping on this lovely day.  Isn't it a little late to be working?"  

Brenda looked at her watch and sighed.  "Nope, not really.  It's only 5:30 and thank god I'm off right now!"  

Lexi smiled.  "Store been busy?"  

"Busy doesn't even begin to explain it," she said with enthusisam.  

"That's good, well listen I'd better be going."  Lexi picked up her purse and got up.

"Bye."  

"Bye."  Lexi went to the counter and bought a cappiciuno and walked back to her car.  She decided she would go to the Peach Pit, and see what famliar faces lurked there.  

Carly

At the After Dark

Mark had picked Carly up a little while earlier and they were at the After Dark.  Noah was at the bar talking to Brenda and David was in the booth.  Carly was having a great time.

"So when are we going to see some of your friends?' Mark asked.  

"I'm not sure.  David's in the radio booth and he's busy, but Noah and Brenda are by the bar.  Do you want to go say hello to them?"  

Mark smiled.  "No, I just want to be here with you, near you, tonight, alone."  

She smiled.  "Thank you."  He leaned over and kissed her, and she looked at him, and kissed back while looking through his amazing eyes.  They shared a passionate kiss.  "I love you."

"Shh," Mark said as he kissed her again.  

Brenda

At the After Dark

Brenda was sitting at the bar having a drink.  Noah was busy waiting on some girls at the end of the counter.  They were flirting with him and she could certainly understand why.  He looked wonderful in the tight black shirt he was wearing.

David walked over to the bar and took the stool next to Brenda.  He signaled to Noah to bring him a beer.  He took a long swallow and then turned to Brenda.

"Hi David."

David nodded. "Bren."

Brenda smiled at him.  She wasn't going to be the one to bring it up first.  If David wanted information, he could ask for it.  Finally he did.

"So, how is she?" he asked, noncommittingly.

"She misses you.  She feels terrible for hurting you," Brenda explained. David just nodded.

"Why don't you call her?"

"Why doesn't she call me?"

"She thinks you don't want to talk to her."

"Yea, well, maybe I don't." David took another swallow of his beer.

Brenda shrugged, "Keep telling yourself that."

Noah apprached the two of them and tried to lighten the mood.  Soon  Brenda was laughing at his story. 

David never broke a smile.  He finished his beer and got up.  "I'll see you later," he said and walked off.

Valerie

At the Peach Pit

Valerie was sitting on her usual spot at the counter of the Peach Pit. She was in a bad mood because her work at the shelter was so hectic today and she didn't fall asleep as planned.

The doors opened and in walked Lexi, looking sleek and stylish as usual. She spotted Val and mischevious came across her face.

"Look what the cat dragged in," said Val in a sarcastic voice.

"What's up with you? Get dumped lately?" Lexi shot back.

"Better than dating some poor little maintence man."

"Ooh, someones cranky. Forget to take your midol lately? That's ok, I heard Noah likes girls with a little attitude. But then again, he was obviosly desperate when he stooped low enough to date you."

"Lexi, get over yourself. Don't you dare sit here and say I have the attitude. You've been a bitch since day one. At least I have the decency to keep my temper underwraps. That's the difference between me and you."

"Wanna know the real difference between me and you? I am able to carry a child and well, sorry to break it to you, but you can't."

That was going too far. A dark cloud came into Val's eyes, it was the same look of rage that she got everytime she pictured Noah and Brenda together. She quickly lifted up her hand and slapped Lexi across the face so hard, she left a handprint.

"Don't you ever, and I mean EVER talk to me like that again," Val yelled. She yanked open the door and stormed out of the diner, leaving Lexi with a satisfying smirk of hate on her face.

Brenda

At Melrose Place

Brenda and Noah pulled into Melrose.  It was late as Brenda had waited for Noah until after closing time at the After Dark.  They got out of the car.

"Your place or mine?" Noah asked her, trying to stay serious.

Brenda laughed.  "Mine."

They went into her dark apartment and flipped on the light.  "I am going to go change," Brenda said, walking into the bedroom.

"Okay," Noah called out to her.  "Want something to drink?"

"Yea, some wine would be nice.  Hey, would you hit the answering machine for me.  I want to see if Donna called."

Noah walked over to the machine.  "Sure." He pushed the button and Dylan McKay's voice filled the room.  Noah couldn't help but be jealous.  He had had his run-in's with McKay before.

Brenda walked back into the room with a strange look on her face.  Noah looked at her, "No messages from Donna."

"So I heard."  Brenda walked over to Noah and took his hands.  She lead him to the couch and sat down.  "Noah, there is nothing between me and Dylan except a long past."  She was trying to be as honest as she could be, but was she being honest with herself?

"Well, that is good, because...Brenda...I love you."  It was the first time that either of them had said it in so many words.  Nothing had ever sounded so sweet to Brenda.  She broke out into a smile and threw her arms around him. 

"Noah, I love you too."  Noah smiled down at her and then kissed her.