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

David

At Melrose Place

David stepped out of the shower onto the cold tile floor.  It had been so long since he had had an entire day off.  He didn't know what to do first.  He dressed and went out to the kitchen.  He was surprised to see that Kelly hadn't gone out for her morning walk that she been doing the past few weeks.

"Good morning," he said as he passed by her on the way to the coffee pot.  The air between them had been a little chilly since the Jennifer incident.

Kelly turned and gave him a look. "Hi.  I'm on my way out," she said as she grabbed her bag and headed out the door.

"Have a good day," David called after her.  No reponse.  David sighed.  The good thing about Kelly was that she never stayed upset too long. 

His mind went back to what he was going to do with the day.  He needed to wash the car, run some errands...oh yes, go by the Bungalow for his mail.  He wondered if Donna would be home but figured she probably would be working.

He was interrupted by his cell phone ringing.  "Hello?" he said into it.

"Hi David," answered the soft voice of Jennifer.

"Hey," David smiled into the phone. 

"What are you doing today?" Jen asked.

David reconsiderd his options, "Uum, nothing."  Errands could always wait until another day.

"Do you want to do something with me?"

"It's a possiblity.  What are we going to be doing?"

"Shopping," Jen laughed into the phone.

David looked confused, "Shopping?"

"C'mon, it will be fun.  I promise."

David wasn't so sure but he agreed to go anyway.  "I have some things to do this morning so I'll pick you up this afternoon?"

"Sounds good.  See you then," Jen replied and hung up the phone.  David set his phone down and took a sip of his coffee.  He would have just enough time to wash the car and get his mail before he needed to meet her.

Carly

At Melrose Place

Carly woke up at 9:30.  Zach had no school and she was up late the night before at work.  The day's were long with school and the nights were long with work.  She needed some quality time with Zach.  She got out her bed and looked in the mirror.  Then she walked out into Zach's room and saw him playing Nintendo.  "Hey Zach."  

"Hey."

"Do you wanna go out to the Peach Pit for breakfast?"  

"No," he said not taking his eyes off the tv screen.  

"So what'd you get on your Human Anatomy test?"

"102.  Bonus points."

"Wow, thats great.  So I guess I can let you stay home and play for a while.  I'm going to call Leah and tell her to come over ok?"  Leah was Zach's babysitter.  She used to have a job at the Mini-mart near Casa Walsh but her boss fired her, it was discrimination.  As soon as Carly heard she hired her.  

"Okay."

Carly went into the kitchen and saw her answering maching light blinking.  Curious, she pushed the button.  Mark's voice became heard throughout the room.  

Hey Carly, It's me.  I was working with my client pretty late last night, sorry for not calling.  Call me later.  I love you.

She smiled.  She was happy she has a boyfriend who cared about her.   They were serious now and she trusted him.

Brandon

At Melrose Place

He was trying to decide which tie went best with his blue shirt. Kelly walked in and without looking she told him; “Change your shoes and wear the white one.”            

“Amazing,” he said to himself. “I’m a little nervous about this whole interview thing we’ve been set up on.”            

“Don’t worry about it. Steve and Janet chose us because they believe we’ll be honest about their parenthood, marriage, work. Just, you know everything about them. We owe it to them to do our very best.”            

“I guess your right,” Brandon replied. “Just so long as one of the questions isn’t: Do you currently have any homicidal maniacs after you?.”            

“I think we’re going to do fine.” She stopped and stood next to Brandon and looked at the two of them in the mirror. “Besides, with friends who make a couple as cute as us, they’re a shoe in.”

Donna

At Now Wear This

Donna was just opening the door to the store when a man walked in.  She turned to see that it was Michael Mancini.  She was as surprised to see him as he was to see her.

"Donna, hi.  What are you doing here?" Michael asked.

Donna smiled, "I own this store."

Michael raised an eyebrow and smiled at her, "Really?  Well then, maybe you can help me.  I need to buy a present for a woman.  What do you suggest?"

"Well, that all depends.  First, I would need to know what your relationship with the woman was."  Donna asked, giving him a long look.  Am I actually flirting with him? she thought to herself.  Yes, and there is nothing wrong with that, she told herself.

Michael kind of laughed, "Say that the woman was a friend."

"How good of a friend?"

"I'm sleeping with her," Michael replied bluntly.

Donna blushed, "Okay.  Well, then perhaps something a little more personal." Donna walked over to a rack with some lingerie on it.  She pushed some hangers and brought out a short pink satin nightgown.  "How about something like this?"

Michael reached over her, brushing his hand against her arm.  He pulled out another hanger, "Or how about this?" he asked indicating the black lace camisole with matching thong underwear. 

Donna felt herself blush again, "That would work too.  Do you want me to wrap it for you?"

"Please," Michael said with a grin.  They walked over to the cash register.  "Thanks for your help.  I hope it fits her."

Donna rang up the price, "What size is she?"

"About your size," Michael replied looking Donna up and down.

Donna nodded, "Then it should fit just fine." 

Michael handed her some cash and she made the change.  He thanked her and walked out of the store.  Donna watched him walk out until she realized that she was staring at him.  She shook her head and grabbed the mail to sort.

Carly

At Melrose Place

When she got back from breakfast Carly put her keys on the table and took her coat off.  She paid the babysitter and went to check on Zach.  He was playing games so she went to call Mark.  She picked up the phone and dialed his number.  

"Hello?" he said in a deep voice.  

"Hey Mark.  What are you doing?"

He rose from the couch he was laying on and sat up.  "Nothing, why?"

Carly looked confused.  "No reason, I was just asking."  

"Oh ok," he said and relaxed more.

"So I was hoping we could meet today.  I don't know maybe early evening

"Yeah, sure thats fine with me."  

"I wanted Amy to come is that ok with you?"

"Amy?  Uh...no I don't think thats such a good idea.  I wanted to spend time alone with you."  

She smiled.  "Ok fine.  Just this once."

"Meet at the Peach Pit at 5?"  

She looked at Zach playing his game.  "No make it 5:30."

"Ok bye."

"Bye," she said and hung up the phone.  She took out her organizer and started writing her plans for the day.  

Lexi

At Melrose Place

"I can't believe what I am hearing," Lexi said.  She was in the kitchen with Megan drinking coffee trying to tell her about Alaina.  "You like her?"

"Well I never said I liked her, but well she's ok.  I'm just saying she's good for Michael thats all."  Megan took a sip of her coffee while she was going through her mail.  

"Megan, she's a blonde bimbo.  Does Michael, a smart and funny doctor, need that in his life?  I mean can you honestly tell me that?"  

"Oo, looks like someone's getting a little jealous."  

She rolled her eyes.  "I'm not jealous.  I'm just concerned for Michael."  

"Ok, whatever Lexi.  Listen I better go, I need to go to the grocery store."

"Oh.  Well I'll let you go, bye," she said and got up.  While she was leaving, her cell phone rang.  "Damnit," she muttered getting it out of her purse.  "Hello?"  

"Hey Lexi its me."  

"Oh hey Amy. What's up?"

"I did it...again."

"Did what?"  Lexi asked confused and took out her charger and started trying to plug it into the wall.  

"Mark and I hit it off."

She smirked.  "Wow, did you," she looked at Megan looking at her raising an eyebrow.  "Uh, have fun?"  

She laughed and grinned over the line.  "Yes, very much fun.  Call me tomorrow and I'll give you the details."  

"Good girl.  Bye."  Lexi hung up the phone and got her cell phone charger and walked out and smiled at Megan.  "What?"  

"Nothing," she said and shook her head.  

Clare

At Now Wear This

"Welcome back Clare!" Donna yelled from behind the counter when she saw Clare coming into the store.

"We were starting to think you were going to quit on us," Brenda finished.

"Sorry guys, things have been...hectic. But I'm back now and ready to work!"

"We're glad to have you back," Donna said happily.    

Clare walked over to once of the tables and started folding the clothes that had just come in.

"Don, you seem a little too happy, is there something your not telling us?" Clare said looking straight at Donna.

"Noooo," Donna said a little too cheerful.

"Uh huh," Brenda said looking at Donna and then at Clare. Clare gave Brenda a look of "my thoughts exactly."

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

"Rise & shine sweetheart, we've got a problem," Jen announced as she yanked the blinds up in Val's bedroom and pulled the covers off her.

"Jen, what the...go away. It's too early for this," Valerie moaned in bed.

"Seriously, we are in over our heads. Well, you are anyway."

"What are you talking about?" Val asked in a confused tone.

"Remember that rave that we went to awhile back? Well, my friend Clint, you know, the one you screwed, he got in a little trouble with the cops yesterday. Well, a lot of trouble, but who's keeping track, right? Anyways, I kind of gave him your number, address, name...you get the picture. I told him if he ever needed some cheering up..."

"Jen, how could you that!?!" Val exclaimed.

"Hey, you said so yourself that he was good."

"That doesn't mean I wanted to be his personal hooker whenever he's feeling down!"

"You know, it's funny that you bring hookers up. See, he kind of has his own private business. Just a group of girls he lends out..."

"Oh my god. Are you saying he's a freaking PIMP!?!" Val yelled in disbelief.

"It's news to me also. But that's not the worst part."

"Oh great, there's more. Aside from the fact that I had sex with a pimp, what else could go wrong?"

"Hey, I'm just trying to warn you. They will mostly likely search his place for evidence of his businesss, and if they happen to come across his little black book and your number's in there..."

"Then I get labeled as a prostitute," Val finished, everything making sense to her now.

"But think of the odds of that. I mean, they can't question every number he has," Jen pointed out, trying to reassure her.

"Yeah, but they will question somebody who already has a record of prostitution," Val replied.

"Wait, you were a prostitute? How desperate were you?"

"It's not what you think. It was a favor to a friend."

"Must of been a very good friend, if you know what I mean," Jen grinned.

"Jen, no offense, I love ya and all, but you are not helping, so why don't you go find  David to occupy your time, or whoever else you're busy with these days, but please, be anywhere but here," Val said pushing her out the door.

"I can take a hint. Call me later," she said as the door shut behind her.

Val sank onto the floor, stunned at the mess she was into now.

Donna

At Now Wear This

Donna was alone in the store.  Brenda and Clare had run down to the coffee shop to get some coffee and bagels.  She wanted to be alone with her thoughts anyway.  She just couldn't seem to concentrate on any of her work and just wandered around the store instead. 

She found herself over at the rack with the lingerie.  She aimlessly pushed around some of the hangers.  Finally she pulled out a matching outfit to the one Michael had bought earlier.  Donna looked at it and shook her head.  She had never worn anything quite that revealing.  She sighed and put it back on the rack and walked to the counter.

A few minutes later, Donna returned to the rack and grabbed the outfit.  She hurried to the counter and pushed it into a Now Wear This bag.  She hid the bag in her oversized purse feeling guilty.  She didn't know why she wanted the outfit, she just knew she did.

Lexi

At Sterling Conway

Lexi was at work, going through bills, files, and checks.  She needed a break.  The phone rang a moment later.  "Sterling-Conway. Lexi speaking, how may I help you?"

"Hi Lexi, its Alaina."  Lexi sighed over the line. "Michael's girlfriend."  

"Oh hey!"  Lexi said in her fakest, cheeriest voice.  

"I was wondering if you wanted to hang out at the mall today.  Ya know, get some new outfits and get to know each other."

She seemed so excited when she talked, Lexi almost gagged.  She knew the answer.  But first she had to think of how this would benefit her.  The opportunites were definitely endless.  "Sure, how's one?"

"One?  Perfect."

Steve

At The Beat on the Street

Steve and Janet were working at The Beat on The Street.  They had a scoop on a story and were in a rush to get the issue out before someone else would write an article on the same thing.  Steve's computer was broke so he sat punching away at an old typewriter.  Frustrated at how old-fashioned it was, he angrily typed and snarled everytime the bell went off.  Janet would glare over at him and then continue typing on her computer.  Maddy was sitting in her playpen in the middle of the room, anxious to find a way to get out.

"Steve, will you calm down!" Janet said annoyed.

"It's not my fault the damn bell keeps going off."

She made a face, shocked at his stupidity, "Steve," she said, "When you type to the end of the page, the bell goes off to tell you to push the scroll back."

"Oh...well...it's annyoing!" he said covering up.

"C'mon, let it out, tell me what's wrong."

"Oh I don't know...let me finish writing."

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

Val had been pacing nervously around the Beach Apartment ever since Jen had stopped by. She couldn't believe what had just been revealed to her. She didn't want to make a big deal out of it, because Jen was right, they weren't going to waste their time questioning every single girl Clint had been involved with recently. But still, just the fact that something could happen was enough to make her anxious.

She had been drinking since Jen left, hoping it would calm her down. It almost did, until she got a call from her mom in Buffalo.

"Valerie, what's wrong? You sound so far away," commented Abby.

"Well, generally that's how you sound considering how far apart we are," Val replied.

"Nice, Val. You know what I mean. I'm just concerned about you and of course, you reply with sarcasm. It's just that ever since you and Noah broke up, I've been worried. You never call or write, how do I know my little girl is okay?"

"Mother, how many times do I have to tell you, I'm not your little girl. I am fully able of taking care of myself and I'd really appreciate it if you could maybe back off a little," Val tried to sound polite, but it wasn't easy when she had such a pushy mother.

"You will always be my little--" Abby went on,but she was suddenly cut off by Val yelling at her on the other end.

"I haven't been a little girl since I was 11 years old!" Valerie yelled into the phone.

"No,no,no! I thought we were over this! Valerie, we spent over a year in therapy together, talking everything over, I thought it was forgive and forget. Why is it that every time something is wrong in your life that you go back and dig up the past?"

"Never mind. Do what you want. I know I sure will," Val said as she hung up the phone and started to get ready for the day.

Brandon

At Melrose Place

Kelly and Brandon were supposed to wait for Ms. Taint at Brandon’s apartment, but they thought it might be best if they conducted the interview somewhere other than one of their homes. Melrose has it’s way of bringing out the weird-o’s once something important comes up. And who knows what would happen at the beach apartment with Val acting the way she has been.            

“Mr.Walsh, Ms. Taylor, we’ll start with a few questions about the Sanders, if that’s okay with you.” They both nodded their heads in agreement. “Brandon," she started. “We’ll start with you.”            

“I’ve known Steve for about nine years. He was even the best man at our wedding.”            

She stopped writing and looked up at them. “I was unaware that the two of you are married.”            

“Well, we’re not,” Kelly said, trying to explain. “We almost got married, but realized that it wasn’t right for the two of us.”            

“But you're dating now,” Taint noted.            

“And then Steve and I hired Janet for our newspaper,” Brandon said, continuing his story, trying to avoid the awkward situation he fell into. “That’s The Beat.”            

“The Tabloid,” Taint interrupted again.            

“Well,yeah,” Brandon said.            

“But not at first,” Kelly said as a cover up.

Rather than letting them continue the madness they seemed to be spitting out, she moved onto her next line of business. “I’m sorry to hear about your current trouble, Mr.Walsh. Would you care to let me in on that situation?”            

They just looked at each other and they knew that the interview was just beginning.

Donna

At the Bungalow

Donna ran home for lunch and left Brenda and Clare to mind the store.  She walked into the house and set her bag down on the couch.  She checked her messages and then went to the fridge to find something to eat, flipping on the radio as she did. She hummed to herself as she prepared a light lunch.

After eating, Donna got ready to return to the store.  She picked up her bag and remembered the other bag she had put inside.  She pulled it out and looked once again at the skimpy outfit.  Donna grinned and wondered  why she had brought it home. 

She carried it into her bedroom and laid it on the bed.  Maybe she would return it tomorrow, maybe she would keep it. Who knew, maybe she would need it one of these days, she laughed to herself.  Donna shut off the light and headed back to work.

Jake

At Now Wear This

Donna and Brenda and Clare were having a pretty slow day today. They were just sitting around waiting for customers. After a women that was roaming around left, Donna said, "She's our 4th customer today that has actually bought something."

"Cheer up Donna, I'm sure things will pick up," Brenda said with little confidence.  

Just then, Jake walked in.

"Hey guys," he said to everyone, but looking at Clare. He had his hands behind his back.

Clare walked over to him and wrapped her hands around his neck and gave him a kiss, "Hi."  

After pulling away Jake took his arm around to his side and gave Clare a boquet of flowers.

"They're beautiful!" Clare said and gave him another kiss; all the while Donna and Brenda were listening to the conversation.

"What are you doind here?" Clare said knowing Jake wouldn't show up at the store for nothing.

"I came to take you away from your job," Jake said with a sly look on his face.

"Jake, I'm working."  

Jake ignored her comment and looked at Donna. "Is it ok with you Donna?"

"Uh, yeah...Things aren't going to pick up today...go ahead, Clare."

"Thanks Donna. I'll make it up to you," Clare said walking out of the store with Jake in her hand.

"Have fun!" Donna yelled at them as they went around the corner.

Lexi

At 7250

Lexi pulled her car into the 7250 parking lot.  She got out of the car and walked up to the entrance to Now Wear This.  She was meeting Alaina at the cappiciuno shop in ten minutes.  She hoped to get a conversation with Brenda in so that's why she got there early.  She opened the door and walked in.  When she got in, she made her way over and up to the coffee shop.  Brenda was sitting there drinking a mocha.  

"Hey Bren," Lexi said and walked over to her.  

"Hey.  Wow, you're here a lot, aren't you?"  

She laughed.  "Well, yeah, I'm meeting someone here."  

"Amy?"  

"No, Michael's new girlfriend, Alaina."

"Ouch," Brenda said and looked away from Lexi.  

"Why ouch?"  

"Your Michael?  Michael Mancini, Michael?"

"Yeah."

"Lexi, you've got to be a little upset."

"I'm not jealous and I wasn't jealous."

Brenda saw right through her teeth.  "Okay, whatever."  

Alaina walked into the area with a smile on her face when she saw Lexi.  She walked over to them and smiled.  "Hey guys."

"Hey.  This is Brenda," Lexi said.

"Hey," Brenda said extending her hand.  "Alaina, right?"

"Yeah.  Can we go shopping now?"  

"Uh...sure. We'll go in Now Wear This in a minute."  

"Guys, I gotta go," Brenda said.  "Bye."  She got up from the table and left.

"Ok then," Lexi said.  "By the way, I thought we should talk first."  

Alaina looked at her.  "About what?"

"There's something I think you need to know about Michael," she said seriously.  This is going to be good, she thought.  

David

At the Bungalow

David pulled up outside the bungalow and was happy to see that Donna's car wasn't there.  He was in too good of a mood to argue with her today.  He got out of the car and headed for the house. 

Once inside, he looked aorund.  It seemed strange to be there but not to be living there.  He had to admit that he missed it.  He looked around and saw his mail lying on the table where Donna had left it for him.  He took a seat on the couch and put his feet up on the coffee table, while sorting through his mail. 

After a while, he jumped up and headed for the bedroom.  As he walked further into the room, he noticed something black on the bed.  He picked up the hanger and his eyes got big as he realized what it was.  He had never seen Donna wear anything quite like that. He swallowed a few times, imagining the sight.  Then he got mad.  What did she need that for?

David laid the outfit back down on the bed where he had found it and left the room.  He stormed out of the house, leaving his mail sitting on the coffee table.

Valerie

At the Peach Pit

Val was walking down the street, her head in the clouds. She was a little upset over the conversation she had had with her mom. Not because she had yelled at her, that didn't bother her at all. Mainly it was because she had really thought that she was over everything that had happened with her dad. It scared her a little to realize that she had fooled herslef so well that she didn't even notice it until it was too late to hide it again.

She was digging through her pockets, trying to find her keys that she had just less than a minute ago, when she came across something that completely blew her away. She had totally forgotten that she had been holding a gram of cocaine for a friend ever since the little party her and Jen had  had not too long ago. She didn't remember whose it was, and as she held the bottle in her hand, all she could hear was Noah calling her a bitch, Kelly yelling at her for throwing a party, her mom upset with her for not being over what happened between her dad and her. And that's all it took really. It was the last straw to push her over the edge.

As she sat in her car and inhaled an entire gram of cocaine by herself, she realized that she didn't have to party to get wasted. She could do that all by herself.

Now that she was feeling happy and carefree, she started to drive. She came across the shelter and decided to drop in and say hi.

David

David tore off down the street, running a red light.  He was headed toward Now Wear This to have a little talk with Donna.  Then he remembered that he was supposed to meet Jennifer. 

He quickly made a U-turn in the street and headed back toward Jen's apartment.  Two could play this game!

He pulled up in front of the building and saw that Jen was sitting outside waiting for him. She looked great as usual.  She jumped up and walked casually over to the car.  She got in and once settled, she leaned over and kissed David.

"Hi," he said when they pulled apart.  She smiled back at him.

"Where are we going?"

David put the car into gear and pulled out heading back toward 7250, "Well, you said that you wanted to go shopping and I know just the place!"

Jake

At the beach

Jake and Clare had been in the car for about 15 minutes when Clare finally asked, "Where are we going, Jake?"

"You'll see...its a surprise."

"You have to tell me so I can at least know if I'm dressed for it."   Jake just shook his head sideways.

"Can you just give me one hint?"

He looked over at her and saw how much she wanted to know in her eyes. "Ok, ONE hint."

"Ok."   

He thought about it for a second and then said, "Ok...well you're worried about your clothes right?"   

Clare shook her head in agreement.

"Ok, well here's your hint: You might not NEED your clothes."

Valerie

At the shelter

Val stumbled into to the shelter, surprised that there was nobody at the front desk to greet her.

"Helloooooo, anybody home?" Val shouted.

Nothing changed. No volunteers, no Mrs. Logan. She decided to go upstairs, to the living quarters of the shelter. She spotted a young volunteer, but the girl just smiled when she noticed Val. That was until she tripped over the top step and started to laugh. The girl gave her a strange look and went into one of the rooms. Val did the same, but instead she walked into the nursery.

All the babies were sleeping soundly. "Awww, your so cute," she yelled. That awoke a couple of them. They started to cry loudly. Figuring she could handle it, she picked them up...all three of them. She tried singing them a lullaby, but the only song that came to her head was a heavy metal one she had heard earlier that day. Her singing seemed to make them cry even louder.

Suddenly Mrs. Logan rushed into the room along with the volunteer she had spotted earlier. She quickly, took the children from Valerie and set them back in their crib.

"Now I was just gettin' them to sleep. Ya don't gotta' go and grab 'em away from me," Val loudly spoke.

"Valerie, get into my office please. We need to talk," Mrs. Logan said in a harsh tone, flashing her usually warm eyes on Valerie and sending a chill up her spine.

When she was seated Mrs. Logan began, "I don't know why I even bothered with you. I can't believe that I gave you a second chance after all that you did. And what do I get in return? Look at you. Your a mess. What are you, drunk or high? Or worse, BOTH. You came into this shelter in no position to care for yourself, let alone others. You endangered the life of three innocent children. You're lucky I don't call the police and have you arrested. I'm letting you off, but if I ever see you anywhere near this shelter, then I will immedialty contact the authorities and have you taken away. And believe me, that's not a threat, it's a promise." And with that she escorted Valerie out of the building, never to return.

Clare

At the Beach

When Jake finally pulled over, he handed Clare a handkerchief. "Put it on." he said

"Is this where we are going?" she said looking around and seeing pretty much nothing except for a few trees.

"No..but we are almost there, and I don't want you to see."

Clare obediently put it on and got excited about almost being 'there'...wherever 'there' was.   

Jake drove for a few more minutes before pulling over again. He got out of the car and went around to help Clare out. They were at the beach. He put his hands over Clare's ears to block the noise of the waves. They walked over to a part of the beach that secured their privacy with some rocks around them.

Jake carefully took the blind fold off Clare and what she saw amazed her. There was a blanket on the sand with two candles in the middle and a picnic basket next to it. The ocean was beautiful, too. The water was so clear that it looked like you could drink it right then and there.   

Clare turned around and saw Jake standing behind her, waiting to see a reaction. She just smiled and gave him a long and passionate kiss.

Brenda

At Now Wear This

Brenda was just finishing up with a customer when David and Jennifer walked into the store.  Her eyes got big but she didn't say a word to them.  She prayed that Donna would just stay in the back room until they were gone.

David and Jen looked around until Jen found a few dresses that she liked. She approached Brenda, "Can I try these on?"

"Uum, sure."  Brenda walked over to the dressing room and helped her with the dresses.  She pulled the curtain shut and then walked back over to David. 

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Just buying a dress...is Donna here?" David asked with a smile.

"No, she's not," Brenda snapped back at him. 

"Oh really?" David asked, looking over Brenda's shoulder toward the back room. She turned to see Donna walking into the room.

"David?  What are you doing here?" Donna asked, surprised to see him.

"Just buying a dress," David replied pointing to the dressing room.  Just as he pointed, Jen walked out, wearing a Donna Martin Original dress.  "How does this look?" she asked.

David

At Now Wear This

After seeing Jen walk out of the dressing room, Donna just turned around and walked out.  David and Brenda watched her walk away.  Brenda gave David a nasty look, "Well, I certainly hope that was worth it."

Jen looked slightly puzzled, "Who was that David?"

"My wife."

Jen finally got it, "Oh, okay.  Well, can I still get this dress?"

"Sure," David replied just as Brenda answered, "No, we're closed."

David smirked at Brenda, "Maybe you need to call the the owner back out here," he suggested.  "I don't think she would like you turning down a sale."

"Just take the dress!" Brenda said angrily.  She pointed at David, "And you are a jerk, David Silver."

David gave a last smile to Brenda and turned to Jen.  "Are you ready to go? You can just wear the dress out." Jen smiled at him and at Brenda, "Okay," she agreed.  They started to walk out of the store.  "Tell Donna that I said thanks for the dress," David said before leaving.

"Yea, tell her thanks," Jen added.

Dylan

At the Airport

Dylan was on his way to the airport to take Gina back to her place in Melrose when his thoughts started to drift away from Gina and closer and closer to Brenda. She was really scared the other night. That was a really hard time for her, and to have it come back on her like this…

It forced him to remember all the good and bad things about the time they spent together in Europe, how he felt when he told Kelly that he had been with Brenda when he left, and all the hurt he felt when he lost Toni. It was just a massive flood of memories coming back to him.

The two of them haven’t spent much time together since she came back to Beverly Hills. He keeps saying it, but has yet to do anything about it… They really should sit down and talk.

He also thought about how her staying at his place is making Noah feel. The two of them aren’t exactly the best of friends, but they’ve had a few moments where they didn’t feel like strangers. And what would happen if Brenda needed to go to his house on a night that Gina was sleeping in his bed instead of her own? He didn’t think about all the confrontation there might be once Gina came back. Kelly, Val, Brenda, and who knows who else? Gina just has a habit of rubbing people the wrong way.

Dylan took a deep breath. Maybe he should have thought this through a little better.

Lexi

At Melrose Place

Lexi pulled into Melrose Place and stopped the car.  Alaina was about to get out but, Lexi stopped her.  "Wait."

"Yes?"

"So you're gonna dump Michael right?" Lexi asked, making sure her plan worked.

Alaina looked at her strangely.  "Why do you care so much?"

"I...I...uh don't want you to get hurt,"  Lexi said, barely covering up for her lie.  

She smiled.  "You really are sweet.  Well I gotta go, bye."  Lexi waved and Alaina got out of the car.  She walked over to Michael's apartment and walked in.   She saw him sitting on the couch reading the newspaper.  

"Oh hey baby!"  he said excitedly and walked over to her.   "I bought you a present."  Alaina opened her mouth to speak but Michael stopped her, "Here."  He handed her a Now Wear This bag.  She opened it and saw the black lingerie.  

She sighed and gave it back to him.  "Michael, this stuff is great, but I don't want this anymore."

He looked hurt, but laughed it off.  "Alaina, you're not making sense here."  

"It's over.  I'm sorry I don't want this relationship anymore."  She walked out.  "Bye Michael."  

He ran after her.  "Wait, don't I have any say in this?"

She looked at him and shook her head no.  He walked inside and closed the door.  "Damnit."  He picked up the phone and called Lexi.

Jake

At the beach

Clare and Jake had been sitting down on the blanket 0talking all afternoon.

"How did you ever find this place?"

"I used to surf over here, but then I moved to Hawaii so it was a little too far to come back," he said jokingly.

"Well, it's beautiful, but I dont get it, Jake, what did not needing my clothes have to do with the beach?"

"Well, we can't leave without going skinny-dipping!" Jake said and started taking off his clothes. Clare was shocked but just thought 'what the hell' so she took her clothes off too and ran after Jake who was already in the water.

Lexi

At Sterling Conway

"Sterling-Conway. Lexi speaking, how may I help you?"  Lexi answered the phone in her office.

"Hey," Michael said.

She smiled.  "So how's Alaina? We hung out today."  

Michael started to get angry.  "You did?  Well, she dumped me today.   Coincidence?" Suddenly, it was all making sense to him.

"Michael, how could you blame me of something like that?  Why'd you call?  To blame me?  Get to the point."  

He sighed.  "Lexi, I'm sorry.  I just needed someone to talk to."

She smirked.  "About what?  Alaina?"

"Well, yeah. That and something else.  I kinda like this girl, Donna Martin. She knows you, I think.  Do you know her?"

Lexi was shocked.  She had just gotten Alaina out of the way and now it was someone else!  "Donna, yeah I know her.  We're friends.  By the way, you know she's married right?"  Lexi figured that would take him off it.  

"Well, yeah, but she seemed pretty available to me," Michael said.   "What do you know about her."

She sighed and gave in. She gave Michael some information on Donna and hung up.   She might just be a lonely manipulative bitch forever...  

Janet

At The Beat on the Street

It was later that day and Steve was sharpening his pencil with a hand sharpener.  The electric one blew just a few minutes before.  He kept sharpening, getting more and more frustrated.

Janet, unable to concentrate, stood up, "Okay, I know what's wrong.   You're nervous about the interviews, aren't you?"

Steve looked away, "No I'm not."

"Yes, you are. I can tell."

"No, I'm not!!" he said back sternly.

"Whatever you say..."

"Okay! Fine, I am," he yelled out, "Yes, I'm completely petrified!"   He started talking a mile a minute, "What if the inteveiws don't go well?  What if we mess up?   What if the interviewer doesn't like this? What if--"

"Steve! Calm down! Enough with the 'what if's.  That's not going to happen." Janet looked over to Maddy who had fallen asleep in the playpen, "Listen, we'll be fine.  Our interview will go fine.  Brandon and Kelly's interview will go fine.  Carly's too. Everything will be fine  But you have to stop worrying."

Steve sighed and sat down in the nearest chair, "I know, I know.  I just want this so bad."

"So do I," she walked over to him and sat on his lap. "But if we keep thinking about it, we're going to drive ourselves crazy and not work up to the best of our ability."  He looked away again, this time, towards the window, "Steve, look at me."  She put her hand under his chin and moved his face in her direction, "Work with me, here.  Trust me.   You have got to calm down."  

Maddy let out a little whimper, starting to cry, "C'mon, let's go get some ice cream." She got up from his lap and started pulling him.

"Alright, let's go." Janet grabbed her jacket while Steve picked up Maddy from her crib.  They smiled at one another and walked out.

Valerie

After being kicked out of the shelter, Val didn't really feel like going home, but she didn't know where else to go. The After Dark was out, it cramped her style, she decided. The Peach Pit was so boring. Then she remembered her friend Trent. She drove over to his house and found him outside smoking a cigarrette.

"Hey there, stranger," he called out as she walked toward him.

"Hey."

"Haven't heard from you lately. Thought maybe you only wanted me for my connections. Worried me, there."

"Oh no, I want you for much more. Much, much more," Val seductively said, holding him close to her and giving him a long passioante kiss.

"You move fast, I like that in a girl," he decided. Then, he grabbed her hand and led her into his bedroom....

Janet

At Ben & Jerry's

Janet, Steve, and Maddy were sitting at a table outside of Ben & J erry's.  Steve was eating Phish Food, his favorite, Maddy was having plain vanilla, and Janet was having a Brownie Fudge Nut Sundae for 'ol times sake.  Things were a whole lot calmer and peaceful than they were at the office. They didn't discuss the interviews anymore.  Instead, they were telling one another stories from high school.  

Steve had just finished telling Janet how he won $10,000 at a Lakers game with Brandon, Jim and Cindy, and how he then donated it all the Alvarado Street School. That story really made Janet smile. She was proud of her husband.  

Just then, Maddy, who had learned how to hold a spoon and feed herself, put down her spoon.  She lifted up her ice cream cup, almost dropping it, then put it up to her face.  She then stuck her nose into it and lifted her face back up.   Steve couldn't help but laugh at the vanilla ice cream his daughter had on her nose.  

"Maddy!" Janet said to her giggling daughter who found it very funny.

A woman in her older years stopped at their table, and looked at Maddy with the ice cream on her face, "My, that little girl is adorable!" she exclaimed.

"Why, thank you", Janet said, suprised at the comment.

"Oh, she is just scrumptious," the lady said, "I just wanna eat her up.  How old is she?"

"One and 1/2," Steve answered.

"Does she have any brothers or sisters?"

"She will..." Janet looked at Steve, "Soon."

David

Jennifer was surprised when David pulled up outside her apartment building.  They hadn't been gone that long.

"Aren't we going to go do something?" she asked.

"Nope."

"Do you want to come in?" she tried again.

"Nope."

"Oooookay then.  I guess I'll talk to you later," she said as she jumped out of the car.   She slammed the car door as he pulled away.  "Jerk," she said after him before heading into the house.

David turned the radio up loud as he drove down the street.  He was so confused and upset.  He had wanted more of a reaction out of Donna today.  He wanted to know that she was hurting as bad as he was.  He wanted her to help him get through this, to make it all okay, just like she had done all the times before.

It was hard enough when you had a disagreement with your wife or girlfriend but when that person was your best friend as well, it was all the much harder.  David felt like he didn't have anyone to turn to and he had never been that good at handling his problems on his own, at least not without the help of alcohol or drugs.

David continued to drive.  He didn't want to go back to Brandon's nor did he want to go to the After Dark.  He wondered what Donna would say if he showed up at the Bungalow, told her that he was moving back in.  David laughed at that as he pulled into a minimart. 

He ran in and bought a six pack of beer.  Back in the car, he opened a bottle of beer and headed to the beach.

Carly

At the Peach Pit

Carly got out of her car, at the Peach Pit, and saw Mark standing by the door.  She ran up to him.  "Hey, lets go inside."

"No wait."  At first, he wanted to go there because he knew she wouldn't start a scene there, but he had to tell her.  She had to know.  He loved her too much.  

"Okay?"  She said confused.  

"Carly, I did something.  Something really, really bad."

She laughed.  "Well, it can't be that bad."

"It is.  I slept with Amy...twice," he said bluntly.  He wasn't much of a guy for lying,so he got it out of his system.  He felt as if a weight had been lifted off his chest, but he hoped Carly felt the same way.

"WHAT!?" she asked enraged.  "When was this?"

He looked down at his feet.  "Last week and last night."

Carly's mouth was still wide open but she finally closed it.  She picked up her hand and slapped him.  "You bastard.  You call me up, while you're at her house?!?"

"Wait Carly--"

She waved him off.  "Save it Mark.  Save it for the next cheap whore who comes strutting your way."  She got into her car and drove out of the parking lot.  She started to cry, and left Mark standing there yelling her name.  She needed to think...long and hard.  

Dylan

At Melrose Place

Dylan was still at Gina’s place, helping her unpack a few things. He kept looking at the time, wondering if he should step outside and call Brenda, just to see if she’s okay. Secretly, he kept hoping to see her and Noah go into her apartment. Then he knew things were fine.            

“Earth to McKay.” Gina was standing in front of him, waving her hand in front of his face. “Do you want to get something to eat?”she asked extremely slowly.            

He instantly came to. “Yeah, I could eat.” Brenda’s a big girl now. He didn’t need to look after her like he was Jim Walsh.            

They quickly gathered their things, like money and car keys. They exited the apartment and outside, while locking the door, they saw Brandon and Kelly returning from their interview.            

“Welcome home,” Brandon said as he gave Gina a hug. “Where are you two heading off to?”            

“Dinner,” Dylan replied. “The two of you just getting back from that thing for Steve?”            

“Yeah,” Kelly replied. “We’re not to excited about it though.”            

“How come?” Gina asked. “You two are two of the most perfect references anyone could have,” she said, kind of sarcastically.            

“It just didn’t seem to go they we were hoping it would,” Brandon said, as if he didn't hear it sarcastically.            

“What went wrong?” Dylan asked.            

“Let’s just say that things could have gone a bit smoother.”            

“Who’s going to tell Steve and Janet?” Dylan asked.            

Brandon and Kelly looked at each other. “I guess we’ll both give them the run down,” Kelly answered.            

“We better not keep you from your food any longer,” Brandon said.             The two couples said their goodnights and parted for the evening.

Carly

Carly was still driving around and it was a half an hour later.  She had stopped crying and needed to find out more about what happened.  She picked up her cell phone and called Amy.  

"Hello?" Amy said in an accent.

"Hey, thanks for sleeping with my boyfriend.  I just want to tell you, our friendship is over."

"Carly, wait. Stop jumping to conclusions.  Lexi told me--"

"No! You're not going to blame this on Lexi or anyone else.  This is your fault," Carly yelled.  "You need serious help, you really do.  I hate you. I hate you!!!   Goodbye," she yelled. She hung up the phone and continued to drive.  She started to cry again.   Her best friend betrayed her.  It seemed like she was closer with Clare, Janet, Dylan, and all the other people she had just met than with her best friend of five years.  She knew she was close with her old friends from three years before, but she couldn't believe her best friend would do this, the one she shared everything with.  But the truth was, her other friends had been there for her more and they always would be.  

Brenda

At Melrose Place

Brenda laid on the couch trying to relax.    She was still mad at David.  She couldn't believe that he had done that to Donna.  Even the nice ones had a mean streak. She also felt bad about her argument with Noah that morning and couldn't quite get it out of her mind.  She knew she owed him more of an explanation but she just couldn't talk about any of it to him or to anyone...except Dylan. 

When she had left Beverly Hills that summer, she had fully expected to come back that fall.  She had never expected to fall in love and with a fellow actor none the less.  But Matthew was special.  He understood her in ways that she didn't even understand herself.  She had fallen for him, and fallen hard.  Why else would she have given up her family and friends and stayed in London with him?  She still didn't regret any of it.  Except the ending.

Brenda sighed, she couldn't go down this path again.  She needed to do something to get her mind off all of it.  Maybe she could go see Dylan. Maybe he would want to go walk on the beach or something.  She picked up the phone and dialed his number.  It rang a few times before someone picked up.

"Hello," Gina said into the phone.  Brenda just sat the phone back down, not saying a word.

Carly

At the Beverly Royale Hotel

Carly finally found where to go after an hour of driving.  She pulled into the parking lot of the Beverly Royale Hotel.  She got out of the car and slammed the door shut.  She hurried up to the entrance and walked in, without saying hello to the front desk woman, like she usually did.  She got on the elevator and went to Mark's floor.  When she got out, she saw him putting room service outside.  "We need to talk," she said.  

"Sure.  Come in, hun."  Mark moved from the door.  

Carly walked inside of his hotel and looked around.  There were pictures of him and her together, and of Zach, Carly, and him.  He really loved her, didn't he?...She needed to rethink this.  Actually, she didn't.  Images flashed of Amy kissing and touching Mark. She shook it off.  

"Mark, I love you and I know you loved me but it's over."  

"Carly, please give me another chance," he cried.  "I need you in my life."

"Then we can be friends," she said not looking at him and really not even wanting to be friends.  

"That's not good enough," he said.  

"That's not good enough?" she yelled.  "Well, I'll sleep with Brandon, your friend, and then you can tell me you still want to be with me."

"I would," he said.  

"Well ya know what?  I'm not that forgiving.  I'm not the jealous type, Mark and you know that.  But I don't forgive either. Not something like this."  She opened the door and stormed out of there, angry as hell.  

Clare

At the Beverly Royale Hotel

Clare got up the couch and was going to the refrigerator when she heard loud knocking on the door. She walked over and opened the door and saw Carly standing there crying.

"Carly! Whats wrong? Are you ok?" Clare asked concerned.

"I cant believe he could do this to me!" Carly said and walked inside.

"Wait, what happened?"

"Mark CHEATED on me!" she said getting more upset.    Clare couldnt believe Mark would do this either.

"What?! A...are you sure?"

"He told me himself!"

"Oh my god Carly, I'm really sorry...come on, lets sit down...do you want anything?"    

Carly walked over to the couch and sat down. "No," Carly said still crying. She had her face burried in her hands.

"Ok, first of all, you have to calm down."  Clare said trying to get Carly to stop crying. Carly took her hands off her face and started whiping the tears away.

"Ok," Clare said after seeing Carly had stopped crying a little bit, "What happened?"

"Mark asked me to meet him at the Peach  Pit and when I got there, he was waiting outside...thats when he told me he had slept with Amy TWO times."

"AMY?!" Clare said shocked, "Amy as in your best friend Amy?"

"EX best friend," Carly said clearing it up, "I didn't know what to think or what to say! How can he do this? And how could I have not noticed it?! Did I do something wrong?!"

"Carly, you can't blame yourself. Its his loss, remember that. If he couldn't keep his pants on for you than he isnt worth it," Clare said trying to make it a little easier for Carly.

"Clare, I LOVE him!"

"I know you love him and I'm sure he loves you, but he can't do this and expect you to go back running to him just because he told you the truth." Clare finished and was waiting to see what Carly's reaction would be. "You just have to be strong....you can get through this."

"Thanks alot Clare...oh now I have a migraine, I think I'm going home, I've bothered you enough," she said taking a deep breath.

"Its no problem...Do you want me to give you a ride home?"

"No, its ok...I'll be fine, dont worry."

"Ok, but call me when you get home ok?"

"Ok. Bye," Carly said walking out of the hotel room.

"Bye," Clare yelled after her.

Donna

At the bungalow

Donna drove around for a long time before going home.  She was mad, really mad at David.  He had no right to come parade his girlfriend around right in front of her.  It was late by the time she finally arrived home. 

She walked into the dark house and flipped on a light.  Her eyes went immediately to David's mail on the coffee table.  That wasn't where she had left it.  She walked over and picked it up.  Some of it had been opened.  That's strange, she thought to herself. 

She realized that David must have been there today to get it.  But then why did he leave it here?  And why didn't he mention that when he was at the store today? 

Donna shook her head, confused and sat the mail back down on the table.  She walked on into the bedroom and saw the outfit she had left there.  Suddenly it all dawned on her; why David had left his mail, why he had came into the store the way he had... he must have seen this outfit and assummed that she had bought it to wear for someone. 

Donna sat down on the bed and started laughing.  She wished that she could have seen David's face when he had seen it.  The longer Donna thought about it, the harder she laughed.  It served him right, the jerk!

Carly

At Melrose Place

Carly walked into her apartment, more calm from when she went to Clare's house. Luckily, Zach was sleeping at Daniel's.  She checked her messages. She had one from Kelly who called saying she was sorry to hear about what happened and that she was free to talk anytime.  

Carly liked that she offered, but she didn't feel like talking. She was kind of suprised that she knew already. Perhaps, Mark called Brandon and told him what happened.  She walked over to her bedroom door and saw it was closed.  

"That's weird, I thought I left it open," she said to herself.  She opened it and walked in.  She saw a purple pansy, her favorite flower, on the bed with an envelope.  She smiled and sniffed the flower, and it reminded her of Steve.  She opened the envelope and there was a note.  She looked at the bottom to see who it was from.  It was from Mark.  She sighed and began to read it.  

Dear Carly,

I know I'm probably the last person on earth
you want to talk to right now and I can definitely understand why.  
I just wanted to tell you that Amy meant, and still means nothing to me.  
I figured you couldn't throw something at me
or anything else.  I hurt you so much and I
know that.  But I want you to know that I
love you.  You were the first woman I ever
was truly in love with.  I didn't even feel this way
with my wife.  Then again you probably don't want to hear that.  

As Carly was reading the note, tears were going down her cheek.  She loved him too much to give up.

I love you.  Your hatred for me can never
change that.  I'm leaving.  I'm going somewhere.
Anywhere but here.  I can't stand to be around
our friends and you.  I hurt you too much.
I'll go do publishing in NY, hopefully.
Don't think I'll forget about you.
I love you Carly, and I just wanted to say Goodbye.  

Love always, Mark

Carly burst into tears and ripped up the note.  "I love you, Mark.   I do," she said in between her cries.  She didn't have the choice to start over.  He hadn't even left a number.  She grabbed the phone off her dresser and dialed Brandon's number.  

"Hello?"  Kelly answered.  

"Hi Kelly, it's Carly," she managed to get out without bursting into tears again.  "I think I might take you up on that offer to talk."