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

Donna

At the Bungalow

Donna sat alone, in the dark bungalow.  She had candles lit all around, giving an erie feel to the room.  She sat on the couch, staring at the TV.  On the screen, she was walking down the aisle, walking toward her life with David.  If she could only go back in time, back to that moment, everything would be all right again. 

Donna pushed pause on the remote when she heard a knock at the door.  She walked over to answer it.  It was Brenda.

"Hey Donna, I was just wondering how you were?" Brenda said, with a smile to her friend.

"Hi Bren.  I'm fine.  Where's Noah?" Donna asked, standing in the doorway.

Brenda looked past Donna into the living room and saw all the candles lit.  "He's at work.  Uum, can I come in?"

Donna opened the door wider and stepped out of the way.  "Of course.  Yes, I remember the days of waiting for Noah at the After Dark.  The place became like my second home."

Brenda laughed, "Its strange to think of you and Noah together. I just can't imagine it."

"Well, that seems like so long ago," Donna explained.

Brenda took a seat on the couch.  She saw what was on the TV.  "Oh, you're watching your wedding!  Can I watch it with you? I can't tell you how sorry I was to miss it."

Donna looked at Brenda hard, "You really want to watch it?"

"Of course," Brenda answered simply.

Donna took the seat next to Brenda and pushed play.  The wedding march filled the room. 

"Oh, Donna, you look beautiful!" Brenda exclaimed.

Donna smiled, "Thank you.  It was a perfect day.  Amazing, considering how fast we planned it."

"Oh, you know you have been planning your wedding to David forever." Brenda said this without really thinking.  She stopped, worried that she would upset Donna but Donna only smiled a sad smile.  "I guess so."

They continued watching the video.  They were both in tears as David spoke his vows:

"When was it when we fell in love? When we were 18, 16, maybe 10.  I don't know because to tell you the truth I can't picture a time when I wasn't in love with you.  I always knew you were the one who could look into my eyes and see my soul.  I don't question your commitment to us.  I know there is nothing we can't work through."

They watched the rest of the video in silence, Donna reliving the day in her memories and Brenda wondering if she would ever share that type of love with another person. 

When the video was over, Donna shut off TV.  Brenda sighed, "You guys belong together."

"I know.  But there isn't much I can do about that right now." Donna knew David needed his space and she was determined to give it to him.

Brenda looked at Donna.  She knew firsthand that sometimes absence didn't make the heart grow fonder.  If David and Donna were going to work through this, and they had to work through this, they were going to have to start communicating.  Brenda was determined to help them do this, whether they liked it or not.  She wasn't usually one to interfere in other peoples lives or problems but to her David and Donna represented that rare time when first love, true love, did conquer all.  To give up on that dream, was one that Brenda couldn't bare to let go of.

Kelly

At Melrose Place

Kelly quietly set up in bed, and swung her feet around to the floor.   She wanted to get up without waking Brandon.  He had been up late finishing an article.  

Apparently she wasn't as quiet as she had hoped.  Brandon wormed over to her, and grabbed her waist.

"Now where do you think you're going?" he said sleepily.

"Work," she said, turning around giving him a kiss, then pulling away.

"I love you honey," she started, "But do me a favor brush your teeth!" she finished, flashing a smile.

"Very funny," he said clobbering her with a pillow, "Maybe you should do the same."

"Hey!!!" she said, "I gotta get to work," she started to get up again.

"No you don't," he said, pulling her back into bed, "Like you said, it's been slow."

"That's why I have to go! Who knows, maybe destiny will walk through my office door today."

"Fine," he said reluctantly, "Go!  But the next time you want me to sleep in when you don't have to go into work til later, I'll remember this!" he joked.

"Yea, I bet!" Kelly headed into the bathroom to take her shower.  By the time she was out, Brandon fell back asleep.  She continued to get ready.  She put on a new outfit and some makeup.  She then headed into the kitchen.

"Goodmorning," said a very awake David, sipping his coffee.

"Morning," Kelly replied, while putting on her earings.

"Off to work?" David asked.

"Yep.  Off to work?" she asked him back.

"Yep."

Kelly then asked the same question she asked him everyday around this time, "Spoken to Donna latey?"

"Nope."

"Well...uh...okay," Kelly said, "I gotta jet.  Bye." She grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

David flipped through The Los Angeles Times.  There, staring him right in the face was an ad for 'Now Where This'.  He sighed.  Maybe it was time he spoke to Donna, he thought to himself.

Carly

At Melrose Place

Carly was watching tv with Mark and Zach.  Nothing was on, nothing to do, just wasting away on an early Thursday morning.  Zach had school in an hour, Mark had to meet with Brandon, and Carly was left with nothing to do like usual.  Work at the Peach Pit had been slow and Nat didn't need her there today.  Another day, another rest.  Mark and Zach laughed at the cartoon, while she sat there with nothing to do.  

"Hey Carly, what are you doing today?"  Mark asked her with an intellectual smile.  

"Nothing, why?"  She grinned a smile.  Maybe there was an opportunity lurking after all!  

"Well I planned our day.  Lunch at the Royale, dinner at the new restuarant on Sunset, and of course to top it off, a movie."  

"Wow."  She was shocked.  "I thought you had to go out with Brandon to talk about his next book?"  

"Well," he said looking at her.  "I changed my plans.  We are meeting for breakfast.  Or not at all, I have to talk to Brandon."  

"Thank you," she said and hugged him.  "Well I have to get ready to bring Zach to school now.  But I will see you at home in an hour ok?"  

He looked at her and smiled.  "Of course."  

Brandon

At Melrose Place

After Brandon finished getting ready he walked into the kitchen to find David sifting through the housing section of the paper. “Am I loosing my new roommate so soon?” Brandon asked. “I know my cleaning habits are some what different than your normal Joe, but….” Joe.  Oops. Brandon stopped after he realized exactly what he had just said.

David just shot him a look, not mad, but more like: Stop, think, and don’t continue for fear of heart failure.

“Sorry, David. I didn’t mean…”

“It’s okay, no harm done,” he put the paper down. “I figure I can’t stay here forever. I might as well start looking for a new place to hang my hat.”

“I know it might not mean much, but I think everything can be worked out. You’ve waited forever for this moment in your lives. Everything will fix itself, but it might need a little push. You know what I’m saying?”

David smiled. It felt good. He hasn’t had much to smile at lately.   “Thanks Brandon. I know you’re trying to help.”

He knew the conversation stopped there. If it continued, he ran the risk of sticking his foot in his mouth again. “You know what they say: The first year of a marriage is the roughest.”

David thought about it and shook his head in agreement. After finishing the food in his mouth, he replied. “It’s good to know that my extraordinary marriage is just another statistic.”

Brandon gave him a, fake, nervous laugh. “Open mouth, insert foot.” He quickly changed the subject, “Do you think you’re going to the office today? If so, we can carpool.”

“Maybe later,” he replied. “There are some things I have to do this morning, but thanks anyways.”

Brenda

Brenda made a quick stop on her way to work.  She had done a lot of thinking since last night and knew that David and Donna needed her help.  They just didn't know it.  Donna would probably be upset when she found out what she had done but Brenda could live with that. 

At the flower shop, she ordered a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  She told the lady to have them delivered to David Silver at The Beat on the Street office.  She knew David would be working there today.

Remembering Donna's vows, she wrote on the card:

Even though we are far apart , you are always with me.  You are my soulmate.  You give me purpose when I feel I have none.  Without you my soul is empty, my heart broken, my being incomplete.

Janet

At Casa Walsh

"Alright, I called Doctor Marx," Janet said walking into the kitchen.

Steve nodded with his mouth full of cereal.

"I could only get an appointment for 1:30.  They said Maddy probably has a bad cold.  It has been going around all the playgroups.   We're lucky we got an appointment. They were booked solid."

"Which means...?" Steve asked, unsure of what she was trying to say.

"Which means I won't be able to come to the office today."

Steve slammed his spoon down, "Uhh, honey again?  You haven't been there once this week!  The last time you were there was before we went to Spain."

"So, I'll work from home."

"Janet, that's not the answer and you know it!!"

Janet sat down beside him at the kitchen table with her own bowl of cereal.

"Just answer me this, ok?" Steve started, "Is the reason you don't want to go to the office because of the fight you had with David?"

Janet looked down, avoiding eye contact with him, and quietly said, "Maybe."

"What?" Steve asked because he didn't hear her.

She said it a little louder, "Maybe."

"Nope, I still didn't hear you," Steve said again, though he really did hear her, he just wanted to hear her say it to get on her nerves.

She cracked, "Fine!" she yelled, "Yes!! That is the reason."

"Ah ha!  I knew it!  Janet, I told you this already.  You had no right telling David he should forgive Donna.  It wasn't your place to say anything!"

"But she should be forgiven!  She made a mistake."

"It was more than a mistake..."

"Oh, and what Steve?" Janet said, getting angry, "You've never cheated on a girl?"

"Well, that was different..."

"How?"

"Oh, I don't know, Janet," said a fed up Steve.

"Steve, it's not like they are just dating and can break up.  They're married!  I really don't think they should divorce.  Not over this."

"But Janet, that's what you think. You're not the one that gets to make that decision."

Janet sighed, "Yea, I guess you're right." She was tired of fighting and started seeing what he was trying to point out.

"I think you owe David an apology."

"Alright, I'll call him later."

"You don't have to.  He'll be at the office today."

"Steve, I am still not coming in.  If Maddy is sick, I want to stay home and take care of her.

"Whatever you want."

"Kirsten would have been walking and talking by now," she said out of nowhere.

"Who?"

"Our baby, remember!!"

Steve sighed.  Now why did she have to go and bring that up?  It had been a while since she mentioned the baby they lost because of one unfortunate night.

"Janet--," Steve started.

"Steve, look, all I am asking is that we consider our options."

Options? Steve thought to himself.  He did kind of want a second child, despite knowing Janet couldn't have any more children.  He did want to make her happy and himself.  

"Fine, we'll explore our options," he said agreeing.

Lexi

At Melrose Place

Shattered with hate, Lexi picked up her white blouse and threw it off its hanger and into the closet.  She couldn't find an outfit to wear to lunch with her new pool guy.  Of course this time she was sure he was cute: he sent her a resume with a picture.  

She picked up a clean piece of paper and jotted down the address of Now Wear This, and called up Amy at the Beverly Royale Hotel.  "Hello Amy?  Yeah ok, can you do me a favor.  Pick up a dress from Now Wear This, a store in the mall.  Thanks I'll bring over the address!"  Lexi hung up the phone and decided on a tight black dress.  

"Aha," she said impressed with her outfit.  She picked up the phone and dialed Michael's number.  

"Hello," a woman's voice said.  

"Who is this?"  Lexi asked her, enraged.  

"Who is this?" she said back in a valley girl tone of voice.  

"Michael's girlfriend."  Lexi smiled.  Two can play this game, Michael Mancini!  

She made a face.  "Oh really that's interesting.  Now I know why he told me to avoid you.  You're Lexi right?  Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm his girlfriend."  

Lexi was shocked.  Michael had told her this?  She felt so ashamed, so isolated, so surprised!  Michael, once her lover.  She never believed Michael Mancini could be so mean.  But that didn't stop her.  "Oh, now I know the difference between me and you.  It's people like you that try to get what they want, and people like me who, well, get what they want."  She waited for a response.  

"Really?  That's why I want Michael and I have Michael, isn't it, Lexi," she said with a smirk.  

Lexi smirked.  "Well get in line, because if I wanted Michael he would drop you in a second," she said and hung up.  Why waste her time on someone who thinks like that?

Kelly

At KTPR

Kelly was sitting with Megan in the main part of the office.  They were both extremely bored, for there were only two cases Kelly had took on in the last two months.

"I just can't stand how slow it's been lately," Kelly said, putting her head down on Megan's desk, pouting.

"Aww, it'll pick up.  Don't worry."

"If only it were that easy!  How is anyone supposed to find us if we don't advertise anymore?  How is anybody going to come to us if there is no one to refer them to us?  How am I going to survive if we don't get another case?  And I mean a MAJOR case!!"  Kelly was now banging her head on the desk repeatedly.

"You're going to give yourself a mark on you're forehead."

"Oh, I don't care!!!  It's not going to make any difference.  It's not like it's going to stop clients from coming here!  Hey, wait, there are no clients!!"  Kelly pouted once more and went back to banging her head.

"What about the Meyers case?  And the new supermarket that is opening up?  Didn't they want you to do some work for them?"

"How much money can you get from a supermarket?" Kel said flatly.

"Well, you can overcharge them."

Kelly looked at Megan like she had just said something moronic.

"It was just an idea," Megan said quietly in response to her facial expression, "I'm just trying to be helpful."

"I know, and I'm sorry.  But the truth is," Kel said, getting serious, "If things don't get better, I'm going to have let you go, Megan."

"Oh," Megan said a little taken aback, "Its okay.  I'm sure I'll find another job."

Kelly stood up, "Since things are so slow, I might as well go home for lunch.  Wanna come?" Kelly asked.

"Nah.  I'll just stay here."

"You sure?" Kelly asked, feeling bad for her.

"Yea, I'm sure.  Go ahead.  I'll be fine."

"Alrighty," Kel said.  She grabbed her bag and keys and headed out the door.

David

At The Beat on the Street

David sat in front of the computer staring at the screen.  He didn't feel like writing the review that Steve needed to have done by the end of the day.  He didn't really feel like doing much of anything.

Brandon and Steve were deep in conversation across the room.  He looked over at them, considered joining their talk but then reconsidered.  He just wanted to sit there.

A tall, sturdy woman entered the offices and looked around.  She carried a large bouquet of flowers.  She glanced at Brandon and Steve and waited for them to notice her.  They stopped talking.

"Man, I knew I was good last night but this is ridiculous!" Steve exclaimed, cracking David and Brandon up.

The lady was not amused, "Is there a David Silver here?"

"That's him," both Brandon and Steve pointed in his direction.

"Oh, Davey Boy!" Steve said.  "You have a delivery."

David got up and walked over to the lady, taking the flowers from her. "Ignore them.  Thanks a lot," he said, offering her a tip.

David walked back over to his desk and set the flowers down.  He picked up the card, ignoring his friends watching his every move.  He read the card, his face never changing as he read the words upon it.  However, he couldn't stop his heart from racing.  He tucked the card in his shirt pocket.

David got up and headed for the door. He picked up the flowers on his way and set them on Steve's desk.  "Might as well not let these go to waste.  Take them home to Janet, Steve."  That said, he walked out.

Clare

At Now Wear This

Clare was in the store alone since Brenda was on her lunch break and Donna was out. She decided to call Jake.

After a few rings, Jake picked up.

"Hello? Jake speaking," he said.

"Hi Jake."

"Clare!" he said all of a sudden sounding different, "Whats up?"

"What, now I can't call you?" she said trying to break the tension. "Actually I was calling to see if you wanted to go out on a double date with Carly and Mark?"

"Sorry, Clare. I have plans with  Dylan."

"Well can't you break them? Plans change you know."

By that time you could hear Jake sigh on the other end of the line. Clare got the hint.

"Ok, fine. How about tomorrow?"

"I can't do it tomorrow either."

"What's your excuse this time?" Clare said getting a little mad.

"I have an appointment."

"Okay, how about the day after that?" She said trying to make sure if Jake was really making up excuses or not.

"I can't, Clare. I'm sorry."

"Okay, fine....I'll just.... see you later than."

"Bye."

Clare didn't bother to say goodbye. She just simply hung up.

Steve

At The Beat on the Street

"Hmmm," Steve said aloud, "Why did the mailman drop the mail off here?", Steve asked looking down at the door to the office.

"Probably because the sign downstairs said they were redoing all the mailboxes for the building," Brandon answered smartly.  Steve gave him a dirty look back.

He bent down and picked up the mail.  They then went inside the office. They had just gotten back from a lunch break and were on a deadline.

Brandon went and sat at the computer, eagar to get back to work.   Steve, on the other hand, started sorting the mail.  

"Me....Brandon....David....Me....Janet...Me," Steve kept saying while seperating the mail into piles.

"Hmmm," he said as he came across a pamphlet. He read the title.

Foster Care
W & W Child Services

Thoughts from this morning's coversation with Janet sprang to his head.  "Explore our options, huh?" he said to himself, "Ah, what the heck."

"I'll be back," he yelled to Brandon. Brandon nodded, preparing to leave to interview someone for a possible article.

Steve dropped the rest of the mail onto the table, and jetted out of the office.

Clare

At Now Wear This

After the conversation with Jake, Clare didn't know what to think. Just then, Kelly walked in.

"Kel! What are you doing here?" She said walking around towards Kelly.

"Hi Clare. Where's  Donna?" She looking around and noticing Donna wasn't around.

"She went out.  I guess she needed a break."

"How's she doing?"

"I don't know, I'll tell you this though: the store has never been cleaner and more organized than this. She has been trying to keep herself busy."

"Yeah, she does that.  So how have you been?"

"Hmmmm, well lets see: Donna's been really distant and quiet, David is determined to keep away from the store so I haven't seen him practically since we came back from New  York, you and Brandon, well you guys are just perfect, Dylan....who knows where he is and to top it all off, Jake just blew me off."

"I thought everything was going good between you two?"

"So did I. I dont know what happened; one moment we were riding in his new car and having picnics and all of a sudden he wants nothing to do with me."

"Ok, wait. Back up.  What happened?"

"I called him to ask him if he could come with me to our double date with Carly and Mark and he says he has 'plans'. Then I asked him about the next day and he just gave me another excuse."

"Oh, I'm sorry Clare. If this helps any, he was the same way with me for a while."

"Really?"

"Yea, that was part of the reason we broke up."

"Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see how things go."

"Yep," Kel said agreeing, "Alright, I have to get going. Bye."

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

It was almost lunch time and Val was just getting out of bed. She was supposed to be at the shelter hours ago. She decided she might as well call in sick. Her head was pounding...probably from all the drinks she had had the previous night. She had been drinking a lot lately. It calmed her down and helped her sleep.

She had just sat down on the couch with a cup of coffee when Kelly walked in.

"Hey. What happened to you?" Kel asked, noticing how tired Val looked.

"Yeah, good morning to you too."

"Sorry, but it's practically the afternoon. Where have you been lately? I never see you anymore. Is everything okay?"

Val was so sick of everyone asking if she was okay. You get dumped and lose a baby and you're supposed to be okay?

"I'm FINE."

"okay, sorry I asked." Kelly said, as she was grabbing something to eat from the kitchen. She stopped in front of the trash can and turned to Val.

"When was the last time you emptied the trash?" Kelly asked in a confused voice.

"A few days ago."

"You went through seven bottles of liquor in a few days? Are you sure you're okay?"

"I SAID I WAS FINE. Now find something better to do than go through my trash," Val said in an annoyed voice.

"I'm just trying to be a good friend here," Kelly replied, surpised at Val's sudden ourburst.

"Yeah, well you're trying too hard."

"Listen, I know that your still trying to deal with the Noah and Brenda thing, but--"

"This has nothing to do with that! I'm sick of you butting in on MY ife, pretending to be some Saint, and thinking you have the answers and solutions for every little problem I face. Now just stay away Kelly. STAY AWAY!" Val yelled.

"Fine Val, have it your way." Kelly grabbed her purse and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Jake

"Jake was on his way to the beach. Dylan had called him earlier this morning to see if he wanted to go surfing with him and since he had nothing else to do at that time, he agreed to go.       

When he got there, Dylan was already there. He got his surfing board out of the back seat of the car and walking towards Dylan.

"Jake!" Dylan yelled meeting Jake halfway.

"Hey Dylan."

"Ready to go surfing? The water's great."

"Yeah, come on," Jake said as he and Dylan started running to the beach, "Ready to learn from the master again?"

Kelly

At KTPR

Kelly arrived back at her office, now in a worse mood than when she left, all because of her run-in with Val.  

"Uh, oh," Megan said sensing something was wrong, "What happened now?"

"Well for starters, I was low on money so I went to the bank, only to realize my bank card was in my other wallet, which was at Brandon's, then I decided to just go home, which took me twenty minutes because there was an accident on Rodeo, and to top it all off, Vas was in a pissy mood and we had yet another fight."

"Ouch!  I hear that she and Lexi had a quarrel at the Pit, too, last week."

"I don't know what's up with her.  I really wish I did though."

"I'm sure she'll be fine.  Look, I know I haven't known all of you that long, but from what everyone has said, Val seems to be pretty independent."

"Yes, that she is.  Stable, that she is not." "

What do you mean?" Megan asked taking a sip of the coffee she had been drinking.

"Ah, forget it.  There's no need to get into it now," Kelly said, ending the topic and the conversation all together.  Just then, a man walked into the office.

Valerie

At 7250

After Val's argument with Kelly, she decided she HAD to get out of the house. She quickly scanned her mind for places to go. She didn't want to go to the Peach Pit in fear that she would see someone she knew and she was not in the mood for small talk.  The shelter was out because she didn't have the patience to hear Ms. Logan complain about her so-called irresponsible behavior. That left one place. The mall.

She spent about an hour or so just window shopping when she came across one of her favorite boutiques. She walked into the store and started looking though some of the racks.

"Oh my god, that is so perfect," a girl exclaimed, rushing over to Val and examining the dress she held in her hand.

"Oh, sorry about that. Jen Mancini," she said, as her and Val shook hands.

"Valerie Malone. Wait, are you Michael's sister?" Val casually asked.

"Not by choice. But otherwise, yeah. Why? Did he screw you over too?"

"Not that I know of. I've just heard the name. So, you interested in this dress?"

"Oh yeah! There's a huge rave going on in downtown Malibu tonight. This dress would look great. Do you wanna come with? I'm sure there will be plenty of guys there for the both of us."

"Sure, why not. Here's my address and number. Call me later," Val replied, handing Jen a slip of paper.

"See you tonight. Oh yeah, dress to impress." Jenn said with a devilish grin on her face.

Brandon

At KTPR

Brandon was on his way back to the office after his interview and Kelly’s office was along the way. It was too late for lunch, and too early for dinner, but he saw nothing wrong in stopping by since he was in the neighborhood.

Brandon walked into her office and she was meeting with someone Brandon knew all too well. Peter Kanis. He was a convicted killer, but got off on a technicality.  Brandon wrote an article about him and Peter didn’t find it too flattering. He made Brandon his little side project and when questioned, he played it off as just another crazy copycat trying to be the original. Kanis normally went after women, but once the article hit newsstands he changed his motive. He would have killed Brandon if he hadn’t walked into the trap set by the local authorities and the newspaper. Last Brandon knew, he was locked up in Washington.

“Brandon, hi,” Kelly was happy to see him, but Brandon was now fixed on Kanis.

“Walsh!”Kanis said with a smile. “I thought I recognized your picture on this young lady's desk,” he extended his hand. “How ya been?”

“Outside, Kanis,” Brandon said shortly.

“Brandon,we're in the middle…”, Kelly said, annoyed.

“It’s more than okay, Miss Taylor, it’s been a long time,” Peter said exiting the office.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Brandon asked, once outside.

“You didn’t think I wouldn’t get your address’ from your apartment did you?” he smiled. He was making Brandon mad like no one had ever seen him before, “Oh yeah, Walsh. I was in you're old apartment in DC. I went through your pictures, your addresses, and computer. I know all about you, your friends, your parents in the land of the rising sun. I even know where your Washington mail is being forwarded,” he proved it to him by asking: “How is life at Melrose, by the way? Walsh, I know all your happy times, your tragedies. All of it. There’s no escaping me.”

Brandon pushed him up against the wall, “You stay away from everything that is even remotely connected to me, especially Kelly” he sternly whispered to Kanis.

Kelly rushed out of the office. She was going to let them talk and then Brandon did something he just never did before. He got violent. “Brandon!” She forced herself between the two, making Brandon let go of Peter’s shirt.

“It’s okay, Miss Taylor. I got a good idea of how your company works, but Brandon has talked me out of starting my own company.” He fixed his shirt and added, “Quite convincingly I might add. See ya ‘round.” He walked off and Brandon just glared. He wanted to follow, but he knew he should find out what the hell was going on.

“You want to tell me what that was all about?” Kelly almost demanded.

“Later. I have a few calls to make.”

Brandon stormed off, got into his car and drove away. He knew he should have explained things then and there, but he needed answers. He would try and explain everything tonight.

Lexi

At Melrose Place

Megan and Lexi were sitting outside the pool area talking.  Lexi was talking about her buisness meeting for the pool guy and Megan was talking about Val.  "He turned out to be this total ugly guy.  He actually sent me someone else's headshot!!" Lexi said groaning.

"Aww, I'm sorry.  Believe me, I know how hard it is to keep true love when you find it."  Megan touched Lexi's hand.  

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked pulling away.  

Megan shook her head.  "Nothing, I'm just saying maybe you should try to keep your options open ya know?"  

She nodded.  But she knew that wasn't what Megan was talking about.   She was talking about Michael, and how Lexi let him go.  Before she could go any further, Megan interrupted her thoughts.  

"Well, anyway, moving on.  Wow, how about that Val?"  

Lexi turned to face her.  "What about her?  I bitched her out last week."

"I'm not really sure if she deserved it."

Lexi laughed.  "Believe me she did."  

"Lexi, she's having a really hard time now.  I've got the feeling she had a bad past.."  

Lexi paused.  "Well what happened?", Lexi said wanting proof.

"I don't actually, but from what Kelly started to tell me, it seems that she's already had her fair share of problems."

"That's not my problem!!" Lexi said back rudely.

"Lexi, I'm sorry but I think you were wrong."  

"What? Now you think I'm going to be nice and all to her?  No way!"

Megan rolled her eyes and shook her head.  "Oh, god forbid."

Lexi and Megan continued to talk the rest of the afternoon outside in the Beverly Hills sunlight.  

Steve

At W & W Child Services

Steve happily walked into W & W Child Services.  He inquired at the front desk who he could see about learning more about their foster care program.  He was led into another room along a narrow hallway.  They seemed to be seperate rooms, offices.

"Here we are," said the lady who had been leading him.

"Thanks," Steve said, walking into the room.

"May I help you?" asked a woman sitting down behind her desk.

"Yes, hi," Steve began, "I received this in the mail today, and I was thinking about taking in a foster child."

"You were thinking?"

"Well, yea.  See my wife and I lost a child..." Steve started.  He went on and on about all they had been though these past six months, and how badly Janet wanted to have another child.

"Oh, I see," the lady said when Steve had finished, "Hmm...well there's not much we can do just yet.  First, I suggest that you and your wife discuss this further," she said handing Steve some pamhplets.

"Yea, we need to discuss it a lot more."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, we have been thinking about our options but taking in a child hasn't even come up yet.  She doesn't even know I'm here."

"Well, in that case, you better take these," she said, handing him a bunch more things.  

"Okay, thanks."

"So why don't you show this stuff to your wife, and when you guys are ready, you can come down together."

"Alright.  Sounds good.  Thanks Miss..."

"Moore."

"Miss Moore, thanks again," Steve said gathering everything up, "Bye," he said walking out of the office.  

Gina

In New York

Gina was exhausted. She had been re-directing accounts, and meeting with reps to see what they thought about dealing with Donna Martin Originals from across the country.

So far things have gone very well. She told Donna that she would take care of everything. She didn’t need her to worry about David, the store, and the New York Chapter.

Gina still had a ton of things to do before she went back to Beverly Hills. She picked up the phone and dialed information. “The number for LA Power and Electric, please.” It was five 'o'clock in New York, and with the time difference, she should still be able to connect her phone and power.

After she made the calls she had to make this evening, she decided to treat herself to a bubble bath and a glass of wine.

Dylan

At Melrose Place

Dylan had been bored ever since he got home from spending the day with Jake, so when Brandon called him to head over to his place, he jumped at the chance. Brandon had never told him about the Peter Kanis situation he dealt with in Washington. This was pretty serious.

He knocked on the door and went on in. Only to find Brandon on the phone, leaving a message, obviously not the first one he’s left today.

“Yes, Brandon Walsh, again.” He thanked the woman and hung up the phone. “Thanks for coming so fast. I don’t even know where to begin dealing with this situation.”

“Well, I told you we would get this guy,” Dylan confirmed.  “So how much information do you think this guy has?”

“When they searched his place in DC, they found no evidence that he even knew me. He didn’t even have a copy of the article I wrote.”

“So he could have copied everything down.” Dylan made a face, “Creepy. Just be thankful he didn’t try and release your book before you," Dylan joked.

Brandon laughed. “I guess I just needed someone to work with on this; are you game?” he asked.

“You've helped me sort out my problems time and time again, Bran. You know I’m here for ya. Let’s get us a convict.”

Gina

In New York

While in the bath, Gina thought she heard a sound coming from the kitchen. It was probably just something in the cupboard falling over. She just blew it off and closed her eyes again.

When she heard all her pots and pans being knocked out of the cupboard, she instantly got out and wrapped herself with a towel. She crept into the kitchen and slowly looked around. She saw the sliding door she had left open. Would someone really come in through there? Her apartment was on the tenth floor.

She heard the rummaging again. It was still coming from the pots and pans.

She cautiously opened the door and didn’t see anything. A pot moved and Gina wasn’t scared anymore, now she was curious. She removed the pot to find a kitten, black and brown colored.

She picked him up, “How did you get way up here? Do you belong to someone?” She knew it didn’t. The poor thing looked cold and was too dirty to have a home. “You’re probably starving,” she said. “Let’s get you something to eat and them we’re going to finish my bath together.”

This just might be what she needs, something to occupy her mind other than work and family.

Brandon

At Melrose Place

Kelly walked in on the tail end of Brandon’s phone conversation. She was upset, but after seeing how angry he was this afternoon, and right now on the phone, she was more than willing to hear what he had to say.

After closing the door, she noticed Dylan sitting on his couch. He waved hello and she put down her purse and mouthed him a hello back.

“Well, tell him that Brandon Walsh, from the Kanis case, has been calling him all afternoon.” He hit the off button and threw the cordless at the chair next to the couch. He just gave Kelly a frustrated look. She just stood there, arms crossed, waiting for some kind of explanation. “His name isn't what he told you.  He is Peter Kanis.”

“The convicted serial killer?” she noted, confused.

“And rapist,” Dylan added to the character profile.

“He was convicted partly due to me,” Brandon continued. “after I wrote an article about his release. You see, Kanis was let off to due a technicality. Some cop misplaced key evidence and when found it, it was considered tainted. He targeted me and would have gotten away again if the Washington police hadn’t approached me with a plan. We set him up and sent him to prison. Pretty much the end of story.”

“So what is he doing here? Is he after you?”

“That’s the favorite theory,” Dylan said.

“Well, we have to go to the police,” Kelly said, trying to be rational.

“We’ve been trying,” Dylan said.

“I must have placed a dozen calls to the detective in charge of the case. Brian Braddock.  Listen Kel, you have to steer clear of this guy.”

“Yeah, it might be a good idea to keep Megan with you as much as possible. It’s better to have some supervision," Dylan added.

“Absolutely,” she replied. “Now all we have to do is find a better way of keeping you safe.”

Brandon flashed Dylan a look of concern.

“It’s bigger than that, Kel.”, Dylan said looking straight at her, hinting that there was a problem.

Brandon looked at her, “He went through my things back in Washington. There’s no way of telling what kind of information he has on me, my family, or my friends.”

Donna

At the Bungalow

Donna had relented and decided to go out to dinner with Janet.  She hadn't been out in ages, but decided that she couldn't keep going on like this.  She bought a new dress and took time preparing for the evening.  When she was almost ready, she heard a knock on the door.  Thinking it was Janet, she yelled out from the bedroom, "Come in!"

David walked into the house and looked around.  This was his home, he missed being there, missed being with his wife. Donna came walking out of their bedroom, with a bright smile on her face. She looks beautiful, David thought to himself.

"David? What are you doing here?" Donna was shocked to see him standing there.

"I just wanted to pick up some of my stuff," David lied.

"Oh, okay." Donna was disappointed.  "Help yourself."

David walked on into the bedroom and opened some drawers.  "So, how are you?" he called out. 

"I'm good.  How are you?" Donna would never admit how bad she had been feeling the past few weeks.  Neither would David.  "Great," he replied.

"I hear you are staying with Brandon," she said, walking into the bedroom.

"Yea, only until I find my own place."

"David, this is your place.  I can move out..."

"No.  That's okay. Thank you for the flowers." David smiled. The words she had wrote on the card had touched him.  He had been thinking about it all day.  That is what had brought him to stop by to see her.

"What flowers?"

"The flowers you sent me."

"David, I didn't send you flowers."

"Yes, you did," David said,  starting to get angry.  Why couldn't she just admit that she had?

"Uum, no I didn't," Donna was confused.

David had had enough. This wasn't turning out quite as he had planned.  "That's the problem between us, Donna.  That will always be the problem between us."

Donna was even more confused, "David, I don't understand what you are talking about. Please, stop yelling, and talk to me!"

"I don't want to talk to you.  If you want someone to talk to, call Joe Bradley.  I am sure that he will be more than willing to talk or do whatever." David yelled, very upset.

Donna started to cry, "David!"

"Just forget it Donna.  Forget I even came over." David walked out the door and slammed it behind him. Donna watched him walk out.  She walked over to the phone and called Janet and canceled their plans for the evening.  She couldn't bare to go out now.

Valerie

In Malibu

It was close to ten o'clock when Jen finally came to pick Val up. Although Val felt over-dressed compared to Jen who was in practically nothing, she hopped into the sleek BMW convertible that looked brand new.

"Nice wheels," commented Val.

"Yeah, but don't bother asking me who's they are. Good girls never tell."

They drove a while until they got to downtown Malibu. There, they parked and walked a few blocks to an old warehouse where the rave was being held. There were already so many people inside. She noticed one guy in particular, who caught her eye, but he was gone by the time she turned around to say something.

Jen seemed to know many of the people, especially the guys, and everywhere they went, someone offered to buy them a drink. By midnight they both were completely wasted. Val was dancing with a couple of guys when Jen came up to her.

"Come with me, there are some people I want you to meet," Jen explained, dragging her towards the back of the building. In the corner were two or three people huddled together. One of them was the guy that had caught her eye earlier.

"Guys, this is Val. Show her a good time," Jen winked at them and then left to dance with another group of people.

"I'm Clint," one of the guys introduced himself. "Wanna go out and get some air?" He asked.

"Love to," replied Val.

"Oh, I almost forgot, my, uh...lucky charm," Cliff said, as he pulled out a a bottle of pills from his pocket.

"Is that what I think it is?" Val asked.

"Ecstasy, the one and only. Wanna try some?"

"Ah, what the hell, you only live once."

"Great. Why don't we go into my car, I'll warm you up," Clint said with a sly grin on his face.

So, they walked outside, both thinking unclearly because of the heavy dose of X they had just taken, and they had sex in the backseat of Clint's beat up car.

Carly

At Melrose Place

The night was a complete sucess.  Everyone enjoyed themselves, but most of all Carly did.  She had been with Mark all day and all night and there was no feeling of want left in her.  She was lying in bed.  She laid there thinking.  Just thinking.   Mark walked into her bedroom.

"Hey, I'm gonna turn in," he said closing the door.  He smiled.  "So did you have fun tonight?"

"Yeah I did.  Except for the part with that fight you got into."

Mark glared at her.  "Are we going to get into this again?"  

"Mark, you punched a man in the face because he asked to buy me a drink.  I could have handled it."

"Carly, you were sitting there, flirting with the guy," Mark said bluntly.

She stared at him in disbelief.  "Are we having our first fight?"

"It looks like it," he said and walked out.

Carly sat there lying in bed, thinking some more.  Was this relationship meant to be? Every relationship has fights, right?

Janet

At Casa Walsh

"Oh, hi honey," Janet said looking up from her magazine when she saw Steve enter their bedroom.

"Hi," he said, walking over and kissing her forehead, "What did the doctor say about Maddy?"

"Nothing really...just a cold like they predicted. It should go away in a few days. I left David a voice mail in the office."

Steve smiled while unbuttoning his shirt, "So does this mean you're coming back to work?"

"Only if you'll take me."

"You don't have to ask me twice!!" he said eagarly.

"Good," she smiled happily, hoping that their fighting was over. "What's that?" she inquired, pointing to the flyers and pamphlets that were hanging out of his back packet.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you.  I checked out the foster care program at W & W Child Services."

"Foster care?" Janet said, wanting more information.

"Yea, and they gave me all this great stuff," he replied while taking the information out of his pants pocket and handing it to her. "Supposedly," he continued, "they have a great program for taking in children, possibly adopting, you know."

"I'm impressed, Steve.  Are you serious about this?"

He sat down on on the bed next to her, "I love you, Janet.  And I want to make you happy, whatever it takes."

"But don't forget Steve, I want you to be happy too!"

"I know, but I am."

"Good," she said, smiling and closing the magazine she had been looking at and then started looking at some of the things Steve had brought home.

"Well, I'm gonna turn in," he said getting up and walking around to his side of the bed. "Goodnight," he said leaning in to kiss her.

"Goodnight."

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

It was sometime around 3AM when Clint finally dropped her off. They both agreed that there little rendezvous was nothing more than a one night stand. No strings attached. Maybe that was why he didn't bother to get Val's number or even her last name. He didn't even say goodbye when he dropped her off, he just said "See ya around."

She had to admit that she did feel a little used. But she didn't really care. She had a good time that night, and that's all that really mattered to her. She stumbled inside the house, practically tripping over her own two feet.

She must have drank a lot more than she realized, because everything kinda seemed like a blur to her now. She was seeing double and was starting to get a terrible headache! She went to turn a light on but accidently tripped over the coffee table. After that, everything went black as she passed out.

Steve

At Casa Walsh

"Honey, I'm leaving," yelled Steve from the foyer of Casa Walsh.

"All right, I'll be down in a minute," Janet yelled back.

Moments later, Janet held Maddy's hand as she slowly walked down the stairs,

"Aww, look at her!!" Janet said to Steve. "I am so proud!! Next thing you know, she'll be the star of the track team!"  Janet was really impressed that Maddy was able to walk down the long staircase without tripping once.  She was still so young!!

When they reached the bottom, Steve asked, "Have you thought anymore about the foster program?"

"Yeah, I have.  But I still need to collect my thoughts," she helping Steve get the creases out of his sports jacket.

"No problem.  Take your time.  Spend your last day before going back to work wisely!   You might not get another day off so soon!" Steve said jokingly.

"Yeah, yeah.  You better go..."

"Alright.  Can ya spare a kiss for Daddy?" Steve asked Maddy who was playing with her stuffed pig.  Maddy, instead, just ignored him, "Well, fine then! I'll just have to kiss you!" Steve said giving her a big father-like kiss that made her smile.

Steve then turned to give a quick kiss to Janet which ended up being a rather passionate one.

"What was that for?" Steve asked, taken aback.

"Oh no reason," Janet said with a smile.

"I better leave now, or I'm not going to leave at all!" Steve said opening the door, "Bye."

"Bye," Janet said after him.

Carly

At Melrose Place

"Zach, come on your late!" Carly yelled gathering his things.  "No more of this.  You pack your stuff before school from now on ok?"  

"Yes."  He buttoned his shirt and sat down at the table to tie his shoes.  Carly started to pour his cereal and sat at the table next to him, after he got his shoes on he started to eat it.  "Thanks, Mom," he said and began to dig in more.  

She dialed Clare's cell-phone, not knowing where she would be.  

"Hello?"  Clare answered sounding sleepy.  

"Hi, its me.  Can you pick Zach up from school?  The bus company is delayed and we have to pick him up."

Clare quirked a brow.  "Yeah sure, where will you be?"  

"I'm thinking about taking a class at CU.  I'm going to try to have my old dream back.  Becoming a lawyer."

"Really?"  Clare asked fascinated.  "That's great.  What about Mark?"

Carly looked over at her nine year old and back at the phone.   "Uh...we had an argument."

Clare nodded.  "Code 11, okay, well talk to you later.  And I'll bring Zach back to my room and you can pick him up there, okay?"

She smiled.  "Thanks, bye."  She really didn't want to impose upon Clare but she felt Clare was close enough to do it.  When Zach finished his cereal she dragged him out and started the car.

Brandon

At Melrose Place

After hours of phone calls that lead nowhere, and even more hours of research that just gave him a headache, Brandon Walsh was no closer to finding why Kanis was out of prison than when he started.

He had gone through everything he had on Kanis and there were no loopholes that he knew of. “If he were an escapee, it would be all over the news,” Brandon said to himself.

He glanced at his watch and noticed the time. He told Steve that he would be running late, and his friend understood. He also told Kelly that he would stop by the beach apartment some time today and talk with Val.

He stood up and ran his hands through his hair. “What am I missing?” He was starting to get frustrated. He needed to take a break and maybe get some work done for his article.

After getting cleaned up, gathering a few things, and giving a kiss to Kelly who was sleeping late, he headed out the door. Just as he locked it and turned around to leave, he thought he saw Jenn walking into Michael’s apartment. He shook it off quickly and thought; It’s her brother, why shouldn’t she visit him? He gave the subject no more thought and went on his way to work.

Just as Brandon was pulling away, his phone was ringing. The machine picked it up:

“Brandon, this is Detective Braddock. First let me apologize for not being available to return your calls. As a matter of fact Kanis is exactly why I’ve been unreachable. No one decided to tell me that our boy was being released. So I’ve been in meeting after meeting trying to find out why, exactly, we let a known killer on the streets. Here’s the kicker: No one knows. I’m sorry I don’t have more for you. I called your local authorities. The best they can do is send is someone to check on you once or twice a day. I’m sorry Brandon, but I don’t have much. Just play things safe and try not to be alone. I’ll be in touch.”

Janet

At Casa Walsh

After Steve had left for work, Janet set Maddy in her playpen, and then sat on the couch, pamplets from W & W Child Services in hand.

She smiled after reading every last piece of information...twice.   However, she was still unsure if this was the right option to go with.

Trying to get her mind off the subject, Janet decided to call David at Brandon's apartment to once again apologize.  Instead of David, Kelly picked up.

"Kelly, hi," Janet was suprised she answered, "What are you doing home?"

"I'm not feeling too well.  Might have caught Brandon's cold.  So Megan offered to hold down the office for the morning.  I'll go in later."

"Ah," Janet said, "Is David there?"

"No, he just left for the office."

"Alright.  Anyways, how are you?" Janet asked.

"Let's see," Kelly said, ready to fill her in on all her problems, "Donna and I are drifting apart by the second, Val is being a bitch, I'm ready to close my PR firm, and suprisingly enough, Donna's whole affair has brought David and I closer together."

"Sounds like you've been busy."

"Yep," Kelly replied, "And how 'bout you?"

Janet sighed and began to explain the idea Steve had of taking in a foster child.

When she finished, out of nowhere, Kelly revealed, "I had a miscarriage once."

Janet was shocked, wondering how come she never knew this. She didn't know what to say, "When?   What happened?"

"Right before I graduated college...with Brandon.  The doctor said I was pregnant and then I got what I thought was my period."

"But it wasn't," Janet said putting two and two together.

"Yep," Kelly said, "It put a big strain our my relationship with Brandon, especially since the doctor said it would then be hard for me to have kids at all after that."

"Wow," Janet said still taking it all in.

"Then when I was working at the Wyatt Clinic, I considered taking in a child that a teen mother abandoned."

"So what happened?"

"Brandon convinced me not to, and in the end I ended up helping two gay men adopt the child.  I was happy with what I did, and I know I made the right choice."

"But how do you really know?" Janet said, wanting some advice.

"I didn't," Kelly said, "but afterwards, I just knew it wasn't meant to be."

"I know with foster care, you have to have the child for a certain amount time before you can adopt them."

"Yeah," Kelly knew exactly what she was talking about. "Especially with newborns, the mother has up to a year to change her mind," she said, recalling when she first found this out herself.

"I just don't know if I can give up a child after taking care of them, and loving them for so long."

"That's something you really need to think about it."

"Yeah, it is," Janet said agreeing, "Thanks, Kelly. You've really helped me with this."

"It's no problem.  I'm here for you, anytime you need to talk."

"Thanks, that means a lot to me."

Kelly smiled, happy that she was able to help Janet.

David

At The Beat on the Street

David, Brandon and Steve each sat at their own desks working.  The office was quiet...too quiet.  David got up and walked over to the othres.  "I have an offer you just can't refuse!" he told them.

Brandon looked up, his interest raised.

"Huh?" Steve answered.

"I want to go out and party.  I want to get drunk and I want to dance.  All night long.  If you both can get away from your ball and chain for an evening, I would like for you both to join me." David was excited as he explained his plan to his friends.

"All right Silver!" Steve replied.

"Uum, sounds like fun," Brandon replied with a question in his voice.  "Should we ask McKay?"

"What's a party without McKay?  He's a regular laugh a minute," Steve answers, laughing at his own joke.  "What about Noah?"

Brandon shook his head, "No, Noah will be with Brenda.  They're in "love."

"Okay, then, so we have a plan?  I'll call Dylan." David was anxious to know what was going on.

"Count me in," Brandon told him.  "I'll be ready for some fun when I get this article done."

David walked back over to his own desk and called Dylan.  He didn't notice the time to see that Dylan was probably still asleep.

"Yeah," Dylan answered the phone.

"Hey man, what are you doing tonight?" David ignored the sleep he heard in his voice.

"Tell me, why do you working folks always want to call at the crack of dawn?  Some of us like to sleep."

David laughed.  "Hey, we are going out tonight.  I need a guys night out.  Are you in?"

"Yeah, whatever.  Call me back when the sun comes up." Dylan hung up the phone.

David sat down the phone and turned to look at Brandon and Steve.  "We're set!"

Brenda

At Dylan's house

Dylan had just hung up the phone and rolled over to go back to sleep when the doorbell rang.  He groaned and considered ignoring it but then got up to answer it.  He was surprised to see Brenda at the door.

"Bren? What are you doing here?"

"Is that anyway to welcome your friend?  Good morning to you too, Dylan." Brenda walked on in.

Dylan shut the door behind her.  "I meant what are you doing here so early?"

"Dylan, it's noon." Brenda would never understand the man standing in front of her.  Good thing she gave up trying years ago.

"Babe, that is early in my world." Dylan replied.

"Why?  Because you stayed up late watching Nick at Nite?" Brenda knew Dylan's habits.

Dylan had to laugh.  "All right. Hold on, let me make some coffee."

They sat down to talk.  Dylan knew Brenda had something on her mind.  "Dylan, I need your help."

"What is it?"

Brenda tried to explain to him, the one person she thought might understand.  "It's David and Donna.  I am worried about them.  Dylan, they belong together.  We need to do something to help them."

"Whoa.  Wait a minute Bren.  You know that I am not about to interfere."

"I don't expect you to interfere, just to help.  David trusts you, he'll listen to you." Brenda was so serious, Dylan had to listen to her.

"Bren, if they are really meant to be together, they will work through this."

Brenda shook her head hard, "No!  Sometimes people don't.  For whatever reason, they don't communicate, they don't say how they really feel, and time just pulls them further and further apart.  I don't want that to happen to them.  It can't!"

"Well, you sure feel strongly about this."

"Yes, I do." Brenda was starting to get upset. Dylan reached over and took one of her hands.

"Hey, it's okay.  I understand.  Maybe you're right, they do belong together.  I'll try to talk to David again."

Brenda threw her arms around Dylan.  "Thank you so much! I knew you would help." Dylan made a face behind her back.  God, he hated to interfere in other peoples lives.  The things he agreed to do for this woman.

Lexi

At Sterling-Conway

The office was busy, in a weird sort.  Lexi was having a meeting with three men looking for the pool cleaning job.  One was there at the time but Lexi was expecting two more. "So these are my qualifications," he said.  He handed her a black binder.

She flipped through it not really reading it, but noticed he's worked for other famous hotels in Los Angeles.  "So what happened to the other places?"  she asked noting his tension.

"Well, I quit most of them.  Not enough pay."  She glared at him.   "Well that won't happen here I'm sure.  I saw the ad and I knew it would pay enough."  He reassured her with a smile.  

She handed him back the binder and got up from her desk.  "Well I'll call you tomorrow morning and tell you if you got the job."

He smiled and got up.  "Thank you."  He left the office quietly.   Lexi sat there thinking whether or not it was even worth it to interview the others.    

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

Val heard the pounding inside her head as she awoke in the early afternoon on Friday. After a few minutes she realized that the pounding she heard was actually somebody at her door. She slowly got off the floor, although she didn't remember exactly how she'd got there. She felt like hell and she was sure she looked the same way.

The sunlight that poured through the front windows that made her eyes hurt and made her headache a thousand times worse. She opened the door and there stood Brandon.

"Ouch, someone had a rough night," commented Brandon as he walked into the beach apartment.

"How observant," Val replied in a groggy voice.

"So what did you do last night?" he asked.

"Why? Spying on me for Kelly?"

"Actually no, but since you brought it up..."

"Save it Brandon. I'm not in the mood for you playing peace maker today. Or any day for that matter."

"Listen, all I know is what Kelly told me. Why don't you tell me the real deal," suggested Brandon.

"And what would that be, huh? You wanna know why I'm pushing Kelly away? Or why I deliberately try to stay away from places like The After Dark and The Peach Pit? Or why I drink so much now? Is that what you want to know Brandon? IS IT?" Val demanded.

"Don't blow things out of proportion. But yes, those are the things I came here to find out. I know you Val. This is how you act when things don't go your way. This is your way of fighting back. You may be able to fool Kelly, but not me."

"My god, get off your pedestal, Brandon. Realize for once that this world doesn't revolve around you. And for the first time in your life, stop trying to be so goddamn perfect. I'm so sick of you walking in on my life and preaching to me. I make my decisions, not you. Therefore, I will suffer the consequences without you hovering over me and trying to make things right." Val shot back.

"You know what? When the day comes, when you find yourself in over your head, and you need a friend to call to bail you out, let me know how it turns out. Because I assure you, I won't be there." And with that Brandon stormed out of the Beach Apartment, leaving Val by herself, just the way she wanted.

Dylan

At Dylan's place

After David’s call and Brenda’s visit Dylan couldn’t go back to sleep. He knew he should get up anyway. There were things he needed to do. He had to help Brandon out and maybe get some work done and do something with the information he received in Seattle. Right now, Brandon comes first. He knew that not only his best friends, but also his other friends might be in danger.

He picked up thephone, “Just connect me with her. Tell her it's Dylan McKay.” Christine Pettit was the FBI agent who handled his father's case. Last time they spoke she denied the fact that his father was alive, a few days later she told him not to let his father leave witness protection.

He waited for a few seconds .  She then came on the line very rudely. “Haven’t you cause enough trouble for your father, Dylan? Just let him live his life.”

He needed her help so he didn’t make any remarks to her attitude. “I’m not calling about Jack. I need your help with something else. Ever hear the name Peter Kanis?” Dylan asked.

“He’s a convicted killer,” she replied. “What do you have to do with him?”

“He’s after a close friend of mine. Last he knew, Kanis was supposed to be in prison. What’s he doing out?”

“Why not call the police who have jurisdiction on the case?”

“The detective’s name is Brian Braddock, in Washington DC. Please just see what you can find out. We’re working with a blank slate here.”

Dylan heard her sigh. “Okay, I’ll see what I can get you. Off the record.”

“Thank you,” Dylan said as he hung up the phone. With all the excitement he realized that he hadn’t called Gina in a couple of days. Since he was up and thinking about it, he redialed the phone and started making up for lost time.

Gina

In New York

Gina decided to take the day off from work and do some greatly needed packing. She hadn’t really made the time to do it, and now that she is definitely going back to LA, she needed to get started. Her new found friend, Captain, was curled up in one of the pots he had gotten into the other night.

Gina only had a couple other companies to make an agreement with and then she was done with the business side of things. She didn’t have to worry about a car. Only a few big items and her clothes. She didn’t bring everything with her to New York.

The phone rang and when she picked it up she heard strange sounds coming from the other end, and then a man making a coo-coo clock sound. He then started to whistle and laugh.

“This isn’t funny, who is this?” she demanded.

He replied with, “Maybe now isn’t the best time for you to return, ice princess. But if you insist I won’t mind meeting you once your there!” he just laughed and laughed until Gina hung up the phone.

It rang back almost instantly. It scared her and she started to cry,  “Leave me alone you sick…”

“Gina, Gina!” Dylan shouted from the other end.

“Dylan?” she was so relieved. She started to try and tell him what had happened, but she just came across as frantic. “This guy called and he started making strange noises and then he told me…”

“Gina, calm down. It’s over now,” Dylan told her. “He can’t get to you.”

“Why would anyone call me and say the things he did?”

This Kanis guy must be making his move all across the board, Dylan thought to himself. “It’s going to sound hard to believe, but I have an explanation for you.”

Kelly

At KTPR

Kelly reluctantly went to work.  She owed it to Megan to go.   Afterall, it was her firm.  She couldn't just leave Megan there all by herself.

"Hi!" Megan said happily when Kelly came in.  She was happy Kelly finally arrived.  She was getting lonely.

Kelly smiled back and headed towards the back of her office to pour herself a cup of coffee, "Any messages?" Kel yelled to Megan who was still in the front of the office.

"Nope...just like you said, it's slow."

"Listen, Megan.  We need to talk," she said walking back towards the front.  She motioned for her to sit down next to her on the couch, "You know how I told you yesterday to start looking for a new job?"

"Yeah," Megan replied, not happy about it.

"Well, unfortunately, there is another reason behind it besides it being slow around here. Remember the guy that was here yesterday, and Brandon came and they got somewhat into a fight outside?" Megan nodded. "He's bad news.  And if Brandon hadn't shown up, we'd probably be worse off than we already are.  You see, he was convicted of murder a little while back.  Brandon was the one who helped get him in jail.  Apparently, now he is out."

"So what's the problem?" Megan asked, unsure of what she was getting at.

"He has everything.  He went through Brandon's things. He knows everything.  The real reason he came here yesterday was because he knew I was Brandon's girlfriend and that I worked here.  The fact that he saw you, and knows that two of us are here almost everday--alone, puts us in danger.  God knows what he would do.  He's capable of anything."

Megan finally started to get the picture, "So what you're saying is, that for my own safety you think I should get another job."

Kelly nodded, "Oh, Megan, I'm sorry about all this.  But Brandon has it all under control.  I don't want you to worry.  There is no reason to be alarmed," Kelly said, now trying to make it seem like it was no big deal because she could tell how scared Megan became.

"So then why did you tell me this?" Megan said noticing her change in tune.

"I just thought you should know," Kelly said getting up off the couch, "Like I said, I'm sorry.  And I will do everything I can to make sure you are far from involved in this."

"Thanks," Megan said standing up.  As Kelly walked into her private office, fear took hold of Megan's body.

Carly

At California University

Carly got out of the car after changing at her apartment.  She was wearing a red halter top that Donna lent her and white jeans.  She looked around the filled campus of California University.  It felt so good to be in the college air again!  She looked around her again and saw teenagers kissing and older people studying on a bench.  She slowly walked into the doors and into the Coordinators Office.   She was nervous as anything and went to the front desk.  "Hi, I'm looking for a Terry Campbell?"  

The woman nodded.  "What is your name?"  

"Carly Reynolds."

The woman typed her name into the computer and got up from her desk.   "Right this way, please."  Carly followed her into a small office with a black woman sitting at the desk.  

"Good morning," she said to Carly.

"You too."  

"Please sit down," she said and motioned to a chair.  She gestured for the other woman to leave.  "Now I believe you want to take a class here Mz. Reynolds."  

She sat down.  "Yes, I do.  I am hoping to be a lawyer."  

She typed something into her computer.  "Oh I see.  And you're interested in our "Law in 24 hours for Beginners" class?"  

"Yes," she said and nodded.  

"Well you'll have to read these arrangements and then sign these terms."  She handed her a stack of papers.   "I need them in by April 10th."

"Ok," she said and got up.  "Well I better be going."  

"Ok, I will see you soon.  Bye."

"Bye."  Carly walked out and started to get an early start on reading the papers.  

Steve

At The Beat on the Street

After finishing lunch, Steve decided to call Janet to check in and see how everything was doing.

"Hey, Janet.  It's me," he said when she answered.

"Hi," she said, happy he called, "What's up?"

"Oh, nothing much.  Same old stuff, you know."

"How's the issue coming?  We have to put it to bed tomorrow night."

"It's good, it's good," Steve said, kind of letting the conversation drag.

"Is something wrong, Steve?" Janet asked, sensing how distant he seemed.

"Um, what?" he said, snapping back into it, "Oh, nothing.  I'm fine.   Do you mind if I go out with the guy's tonight?" he finally asked.

"Sure.  Go ahead.  Why would I mind?"

"I don't know.  I thought you might want to discuss the foster program or something."

"Actually, I need to discuss it some more with myself first!" They both laughed at the comment, "Steve, you know you don't need my permission."

"I know, I know.  So what did you think of the pamplets?"

"I'm not sure.  They were well-detailed, but at the same time, I feel like there wasn't enough detail.  I have so many questions."

"You know, Janet, whatever you decide is fine with me."

"That's the problem, Steve, deciding."

Brandon

At The Beat on the Street

“Brandon!” Steve, called out. “Dylan, line two!”

“Thanks Steve,” Brandon picked up the phone and before pushing the button to connect him with Dylan. He secretly wished it was something good like wanting to do lunch, or surf, or something. “Walsh,” Brandon said answering the call.

“I think we need to re-evaluate this whole thing, man.”

“What’s wrong?” Brandon asked.

“This guy just called Gina and scared the hell out of her. He’s already been to Kelly’s office. This whole thing is getting a little dangerous. And if he has Gina’s number, that means he’s been in your home.”

Brandon was silent for a minute. “What can we do? I don’t want to send our friends into a state of paranoia.”

“Have you heard anything from that cop yet?”

“No, nothing. I’m going to try him later,” Brandon replied. “Did your friend at the FBI have anything to toss in?”

“Not yet, but she’s checking.”

“Thanks man. Get back to me if you hear anything.”

“You do the same,” Dylan told him before they hung up.

Brandon didn’t like the idea of putting his friends in danger. Kanis has been in his home. He’s been to Kelly's office, and even threatened Gina. What’s next? he wondered. What’s next?

Lexi

At the Peach Pit

Amy and Lexi were sitting at a booth at the Peach Pit, eating lunch.  "Wow, this is a pretty popular place huh?" asked Amy looking around the crowded diner.  

"Yeah.  I know some friends here, and we all usually go here."  Lexi took a sip of her drink and a bite of her megaburger.  

"Yeah, I know Carly works here and I've seen other's around that know Nat."  

She nodded.  "So did you get to spend any time with Carly yet?  Your leaving soon!"  

"Not really.  She's been hanging 'round with Mark a lot."  Amy looked quiet and shy when she said this.  

"You know if you really like him that much, then you should go for it."  She smiled.  

"No.  I couldn't, I mean he and Carly are so close."  

"Well maybe you could change that."  

"Thanks, but no thanks."  

"Ok, it's your call," Lexi said spreading the napkin on her lap.  

"Hey, do you want to come to dinner with me tonight?  The Moonlight Cafe, its some fancy diner supposedly and I need someone to come.  The reservation is for two, since I was expecting Carly but she has to work."  

"Sure, why not.  No harm done.  Great place.  I've been there several times  We can discuss you and Mark."  

Amy laughed.  "No, we can discuss Carly and Mark."  Lexi smiled.  

"If you insist."  They continued to eat their lunch and talk about their plans for the evening.  

Clare

Clare drove up to the Beverly Hills Elementary School and parked right outside the doors. A few minutes later the bell rang and a stampede of kids came walking out. After a few more minutes, Zach came out. He waved when he saw Clare in the car.

"Hi Clare." Zach said smiling.

"Hey...come on, get in," Clare said motioning for him to get inside. Zach jumped in the car and put his seat belt on.

"So....are you hungry?" Clare asked looking down at Zach.

"A little," Zach said, a little shy.

"Ok...want some ice cream? Than when your mom goes to pick you up, we can order something ok?"

"Ok."

Kelly

At KTPR

"Mail's here," Megan said over the intercom.

"Just leave it," Kelly said tiredly, "I'll look at it later."  Megan didn't bother saying anything back.

Kelly sat at her desk, doing nothing.  She just stared at the wall, as if she was in another world.  But in reality, she was thinking.  Thinking hard.  About everything and anything.

She couldn't help but focus on her life right now, at that exact moment.   What was she doing?   Sitting in her office just thinking.  

Why was thinking about what she was thinking?   Because she had nothing better to do. No cases to work on.  No clients to call.  No bills to send.  Nothing.  

She couldn't help but feel failures surrounding her.  Like her business failed. Like her goals failed.  Like she failed.  And as far as she was concerned, she did.  She didn't have cases to work on.  She didn't have clients to call.  She didn't have bills to send.  Nothing.  Because she failed.  

But was it really her fault?  No, it wasn't.  At least that's what she kept telling herself.  Was it her fault no one needed a publicist at this time of the year?  She didn't think so, but deep down she knew so.  She knew there were cases out there, somewhere.    

"What am I going to do?" she said aloud.  Whatever it was, she better do it fast.

Dylan

At Dylan's Place

He sat there, looking out the window, thinking about what Brenda said to him. He had no idea what he was going to say to David. He still didn’t like the idea.

There was so much going through his head right now, Brenda, David, Brandon, and that weird phone call Gina was crying about.

ylan stopped to think about what had just happened. If this guy is calling Gina… Brandon and Gina didn’t get together until after he got back. He’s been in Brandon’s house since he’s moved into Melrose. This guy probably knows more than they realized.

They were gone for a few days, in New York. He probably had all that time to rummage through Walsh’s apartment.

Without missing a beat, Dylan dialed Brandon at The Beat on the Street.

Carly

At the Beverly Royale Hotel

Zach and Clare were sitting down on the couch watching "102 Dalmations" which Clare had rented for him when there was a knock on the door.

"That must be your mom," Clare said getting up. "Hi Carly, come on in.," she said once she opened the door.

"Thank you so much Clare," Carly said going inside.

"Oh, no problem....Zach was great."

Zach went and sat back down on the couch to watch the rest of the movie while Carly and Clare walked into the bedroom to talk.

"So how have you been?" Carly asked Clare while they were sitting down on Clare's bed.

"I've been.....ok." 

"Just okay?" Carly asked, noticing the uncertainity in Clare's voice.

"Well..." Clare started, holding back, "Oh, I don't know.  It's Jake.  He's totally been blowing me off.  Everytime I call him, he's either not home or too busy to talk.  He never wants to make plans.  I just don't know what's up."

"Ah," Carly said, able to relate, "'Pre-couple troubles.'"  Clare nodded.  "Well..." Carly started, this time she was the one to hold back. "Lets just say Mark and I are having 'Couple Troubles'."

"What?" Clare said in disbelief, "You guys were so happy together!!"

"I know, I know," Carly pulled Clare towards the back of her room, not wanting Zach to hear. "He sorta punched a guy that was flirting with me, which was totally unnecessary," Carly said, still holding to her opinion she had while arguing with Mark the night before.

"So what happened?"

"We kept arguing about it and then we argued even more when we came home.  After that, he just left.  I haven't spoken to him since."

"Wow."

"Yep," Carly said, "I better get going.  I have to drop Zach off at Daniel's before my shift at the Peach Pit."

"Alright," Clare said, following Carly, who was gathering Zach's things.

"C'mon, Zach, time to go."

"Okay, let me shut the tape off," he replied.

"Don't worry about it," Clare said, "Just leave it, I'll do it."

"Thanks Clare!!  And thanks for the ice-cream!!"

"Ice-cream?", Carly said, thinking she found out something she wasn't supposed to know.

"Oops," Zach said.

"Yeah, well, he was hungry and he said he got a good grade on a test, so I figured he deserved a treat," Clare said covering up.

Carly nodded, playing along, "It's alright, Clare.  I don't mind.  Thanks again.  I'll call you later." She closed the door behind her as she and Zach walked out of Clare's hotel room.

Clare sighed, unhappy that she was now all alone, and actually decided to watch the rest of "102 Dalmations".

Janet

At Casa Walsh

"Maddy, go to sleep!!" Janet said sternly.  

She had purposely put Maddy to bed early so she could have the night to herself.  Steve was out with the guys, and with Maddy sleeping, she would be virtually carefree.  The only problem was getting Maddy to actually fall asleep.  She just laid there, staring at her mother who was standing next to her crib, singing lullabies.

"Alright Maddy, I sang you three songs.  It's time to go night-night," Janet said quietly.  And with that, Maddy turned over and drifted into a light sleep.

Janet crept out of the room and breathed a sigh of relief.  To fulfill her plans for the night, she quietly walked into the spare bedroom, and into the bathroom connecting to Maddy's room.  She then drew herself a bath while hoping the sound of the running water would not wake Maddy.

Janet got into the tub. It was filled to the top with bubbles and made a fizzing noise when she stepped in.

"Ahh," she said laying down and getting comfortable, "This is nice."   She smiled to herself, and then stretched her arm out off the tub to pick up some reading material from the floor.  

She leaned back and began reading one of the pamplets on the foster program for the third time.

David

Out on the town

They guys were out on the town and David was well on his way to the drunken state he had hoped to achieve.  They were having a great time. 

Late in the evening, they ended up at a familiar place.  David knew he had been there before but he couldn't quite place when.  That was until Jennifer Mancini waited on them.

She approached their table with a big smile.  "Hey Boys.  What can I get for you?"

Dylan glared at her and Brandon tried not to meet her eyes, not wanting to encourage her.  Steve and David were more than happy to see her.

They placed their drink orders and Jennifer went to make them.  David shook his head as she walked away.  "Damn, she is  sexy. Walsh, I am not sure how you turned that down."

Brandon shook his head with a smile, "Ahh, she is just a kid and I happen to be committed to your sister."

"True, true." David smiled.  Jennifer arrived back at the table and set the drinks down in front of the guys. 

David picked his up and drank it in several swallows.  "Looks like I need another drink," he said to Jennifer.

Jennifer laughed, "You had better take it easy.  I'll bring you another drink after while."

"Whatever you say."

The guys talked and watched the action out on the dance floor.  Later, David remembered the drink that Jen had promised him.  He went up to the bar to get it. 

"What about that drink?" he asked.

"Don't you think you have had enough?" Jen teased him with a smile, already making his drink.

"It's never enough.  What time do you get off?" David asked her directly.

"Are you trying to pick me up?  I'm really not that type of girl."

"Nah, I'm not trying to pick you up, I'm just looking for a dance partner." He turned to indicate his friends at the table.  "They're all nice guys and all but none of them can dance."

Jennifer laughed.  She looked across the room and at Brandon and that Dylan.  Maybe she would go hang with them for awhile. 

"Actually, I just got off."

"Great!" David replied.  "Come on."

Jennifer walked over to the table with David.  "Hey guys."

"Jennifer is going to be joining us for the rest of the evening." David announced.

Jake

Jake pulled up in the front of a bat in his motorcycle. Somehow, he felt the bike was more of a "party" vehicle.

He went in and right away saw Jenn. He walked towards the bar and ordered himself a beer when he saw David on the dance floor. He thought David wouldn't be here alone so he looked around until he spotted the table that the guys were sitting at.

"Jake!" Dylan yelled.

"What's up man?"

"What are you doing here?" They all kind of said that the same time when they saw Jake.

"I'm just....hanging out."

"Cool. Sit down." Steve said pointing to an extra chair.

Lexi

It was after 8:00 and Amy had already picked Lexi up and they were walking into the resturant.  

It was one of the most beautiful sights Amy had ever seen.  It was lit up with gold and white lights all around the entrance rim and a black hand-painted sign with white letters that said "The Moonlight Cafe".  The moon directed its light onto the sign, it was beautiful.  

"Wow, what a nice place," she commented.  

"Yeah it is."  Amy followed her through the entrance.  There was a sign that said "Expected Wait: None".  

"Wow this place is empty," she said looking around.  

"Yeah it is," Lexi noted, also looking around.  "I'll get us some menus and meet you by a table ok?"  

"Ok."  

Amy walked into the back and waved to Lexi so she would know where to go.  Lexi nodded.  She turned to the waitress at the counter.  "Can I have two menus, please?"  

The waitress nodded and handed them to her and Lexi noticed something peculiar.  Amy was across the room in a booth but she thought she noticed something in particular and heard a familiar voice.  She walked past the counter and saw Michael laughing with a girl.  

"Michael?" she asked annoyed.

"Lexi, hey.  I want you to meet someone."  Lexi shot him a glare.   She started walking towards her seat.  

"This is Alaina--."

"No thanks I'd rather not," she said flashing him an evil smile.   She walked over to Amy and set the menus on the table.  

"Is there a problem?"     

"I think I just lost my appetite."

Jake

The guys were still at the club and David was still on the dance floor.

"Why are they so chummy?" Jake asked looking at David and Jenn grinding.

Steve just shrugged and said "I really think we aren't doing anything."

"I'm not so sure we should," Brandon said.

After a few more minutes of watching David and Jenn, Jake stood up a and looked at some girls that had just came into the club.

"Well guys, I think I see some 'old friends'" he said and walked away, towards the girls who were now at the bar.

"Hello Ladies," he said looking at them and motioning for the bar tender to give him another beer.

"Hi," they said, almost in unison.

"Bartender, give them whatever they want...on me."

The girls looked at each other and smiled, already getting an idea on what the rest of the night was going to be like. 

"What's your names?"

"I'm Sarah," the brunnette one said, "and this is Claire," she said pointing to the blonde. 

"Well, nice to meet you Sarah and Claire." Jake said smiling at both of them.

Carly

At the Peach Pit

The Peach Pit was slow and it was 11:00 at night.  There were a few regulars who came in for coffee occassionally there and a few others, but thats all.  

Carly served her last order for the night and took her apron off.   She went into the back to talk to Nat.  

"Hey Carly," he said not taking his eyes off the peach pie he was scooping ice cream onto.  

"Hey Nat."  She started explaining to him about her school-search since she wanted to get his advice.  She already had Clare's go ahead, now she needed another friend's.  

"I think you should go for it."  

"Thanks Nat," she said and hugged him.

He pushed her away.  "There's only one problem."  Carly looked at him strangely.  "I'm gonna lose my favorite waitress!"  They both laughed.  

"Don't worry, I'll still be working here. I'll need the money!"  

"But what about when you become a famous lawyer?  Are you going to forget about me and your other friends?"  

She laughed at his comment. "Of course not.  I'll always work here, Nat!"  she said reassuring him even though she knew he was kidding.  Nat smiled.  "Hey can I use the phone?"  

"Sure, say hello to Mark for my would ya?"  She nodded.  She thought about the last thing he said as she walked out.  She picked up the new phone in the back and began dialing his number.  His answering machine came on:

Hey, its Mark leave a message after the beep.  Thanks a lot!  Bye!

She started to talk once it beeped.  "Hey it's me.  Call me.  I love you."  She hung up the phone.  

Back at Mark's room at the Royale he was sitting on the couch drinking his tea with his robe on, talking on his cell phone smiling...

Jake

Jake and Sarah were talking at a table while Claire went out and danced with a guy she met.

"So you live in LA?" he asked her

"Yup."

The music had gotten louder and the crowd bigger.

"It's kind of crowded here.....wanna go somewhere...more...private?"

"Sure, lets go," she answered quickly.

"I've got my bike with my today...you're not afraid right?" he said remembering Clare's fear for the bike.

"Of course not," she said climbing behind Jake on the bike and holding on to his waist while he speeded out of the parking lot. 

***At Jake's hotel room***

Jake and Sarah were under the covers having sex when Jake stopped and pulled away.

"Whats wrong?" Sarah asked, not really concerned about him.

Jake sighed "I cant do it."

"Why not?"

"I just cant!" Jake said getting upset. He got out of the bed and went into the bathroom.

"Just change and leave," he said to her in the other room.

She was shocked but got out of the bed and got dressed. She walked into the bathroom where Jake was taking a shower and was about to say something to him but decided not to. She just simply left the hotel room.

Brandon

Dylan was in the men’s room and Steve and Brandon were sitting at the table watching David drink, dance, and toss out his marriage. They all knew how the night was going to end between David and Jenn, but it didn’t mean they had to like it. Or at least, Brandon didn’t.

“She is hot, I’ll give her that,” Steve said.

“She’s pretty,” Brandon said. “Until you realize she’s nuts.” Brandon’s mind was drifting from Kanis, to Jenn, to Kelly, and back again. He thought a guy’s night out would ease the stress, but no such luck.

“You cannot tell me that had Kelly not been in the picture…”

“Yes, it might have gone somewhere, but Kelly in is the picture, Steve,” he paused. “Jennifer Mancini is bad news. Just like the majority of the women we’ve shared.”

With a cheesy grin Steve added, “And we’ve all shared.”

They laughed at the comment. “You know, who would have thought that between you, Silver, Dylan, Noah…”

“You,” Steve noted.

“Me, and a few other guys,” he said trying to wrap up the list. “Who would have thought that our taste in women would be so similar?”

“I think Clare said it best when she asked: Don’t you think your little group is a little incestuous?”

“I’ll drink to that they joked as they continued to watch David dance and they waited for Dylan’s return.

David

The group left the bar and headed for the parking lot.  Jennifer walked close to David, her arms around him, almost helping him to stand.  "Do you want me to drive you home?" she whispered to him.

David smiled, "Yea.  Yea, I think do.  Let me go tell my friends."

He walked over to where Dylan, Steve and Brandon were waiting.  "Uumm, if you all will excuse me,  Jenn is going to give me a ride home."

"To your home or hers?" Steve asked with a smirk.  Brandon elbowed him in the ribs.  "Oww, Walsh!  What did you do that for?"

"Just don't want you giving the kid any ideas," Brandon whispered back.

Dylan watched David walk away.  He knew he needed to say something but he didn't want to interfere!  Yet he had promised Brenda.  He didn't think she would like the looks of this.  Dylan shook his head and hollered after David, "Silver. Hold on a sec." He walked over to him.

"Yea?" David replied.

Dylan didn't know what to say.  He couldn't tell David not to do this, Dylan would probably do the same thing in his situation.  He would do it even if he wasn't in his situation. 

"Man, do you know what you are about to do?"

David turned to look at Jenn waiting for him in her car.  "Yea, I think I do."

"Have you forgotten that you are married?" Dylan knew the words sounded hollow, even to his own ears.  God, his wife had cheated on him and he was trying to tell him not to do the same?  Course, two wrongs didn't make a right.

David looked at Dylan, considering his words.  "Yea, I really feel married right now," he said sarcastically, "Thanks for your concern, but I'm a big boy Dylan.  I'll see you later." David walked over and got into the car with Jennifer.  Dylan watched them drive away.

Dylan

After David took off with Jenn; Brandon, Steve, and Dylan were driving home in the mustang. Steve and Brandon were in the front and Dylan in the back seat.

“I don’t believe we just let him do that,” Brandon said. “He’s married. It’s not going as planed, but he’s still married.”

From the back seat, Dylan replied. “You know, Brenda came to see me this afternoon.”            

“What’d she want?” Steve asked.            

“She thinks we need to get David and Donna back together.”            

“I agree,” Brandon said, “but it’s not going to happen overnight like she thinks it will.”            

“Well, lets say we do get them talking again,” Steve said. “Who’s to say it’ll last?  It’s cold, but it only took innocent Donna a few months to cheat on David.”            

“Steve’s right, Bran. I think we should just stay out of it. If it’s meant to work out, it will. If not…”            

None of them wanted to finish the thought. Brandon dropped Steve and Dylan off at their office, where their cars were, and headed home.            

Outside the building, Steve and Dylan stood there for a sec. “You know we should have stopped him,” Steve noted.            

“Yeah,” Dylan replied. “I know.”            

Steve and Dylan both got into their cars and headed for home.

David

At Melrose Place

David and Jennifer arrived at Melrose Place.  David looked around confused, "You live here?"

Jennifer smiled, "No, but my brother does.  He is working all night at the hospital.  I have roommates."

"Oh," David nodded.  That made sense. They went into Michael's apartment.  David was impressed with the decor of the apartment.  Everything was very modern with lots of chrome and black. 

Jennifer turned the CD player on, a soft sensual song filled the room.  "Do you wanna dance?" she asked him seductively.

David walked over and took her in his arms.  They danced to the song and then to another.  She smelled so good to David.  He leaned in and kissed her.  She kissed him back. 

They stood together for awhile, just kissing, enjoying the feelings.  When they took a pause, David smiled down at her.  She really was something else.  Jennifer smiled back at him, very encouragingly. 

"Where's the bedroom?" David asked with a husky voice.

"Who needs a bedroom?"

"Uh huh," David laughed and pulled his shirt off over his head. 

Jenn leaned down and began kissing him on his chest.  David groaned.  He reached over and picked her up in his arms and carried her over to the black leather couch. 

They undressed each other and made love on Michael's sofa.

Donna

At the Bungalow

Donna had been thinking all day about David.  This was nothing new, he was always in her thoughts.  But today she was just confused about their argument fromt he previous night.  He had really insisted that she had sent him flowers.  She knew she hadn't, but why would he think she had? It was all so strange.

Donna broke down and decided to call him.   It was late but she knew that Brandon would understand.  She let the phone ring and ring when finally Kelly answered. 

"Hello?" she sounded irritated, like she had been woke up.

Donna grimaced, she hadn't considered that it might be Kelly that would answer.  "Hi Kelly.  Is David there?"

"Donna? Is everything okay?" Kelly was concerned.

"Everything's fine.  I just need to talk to David."

"Hold on," Kelly set down the phone and started to crawl over Brandon to go get David.

"Don't bother," Brandon said.

"What?" Kelly replied.

"David's not here," Brandon mumbled.

"Well, where is he?" Kelly demanded.

"I don't think you really want to know the answer to that question Kel."

On the other end of the line Donna had heard every word.  "Never mind," she said in tears and hung up the phone. 

Kelly replaced her phone on the receiver.  She supposed she should feel bad for Donna but couldn't help feeling that she had this coming.  What did she expect? 

Kelly turned back to Brandon.  "Okay mister, get to talking.  What exactly did you guys do tonight?"