Episode 3.07

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 Melrose Place

Donna woke up early and rolled over to see David sleeping peacefully next to her. She could see that his eye had swollen and bruised during the night. Tears came to her eyes to know that she had been the cause of him getting hurt, that she had hurt him, the one person she loved with all her heart.

Donna swallowed hard as she realized how much he meant to her and how silly she had been acting lately, giving him his space.

"I love you David Silver," she whispered to him. "And I'm not going to give you up without a fight."

David moved and opened his eyes to look up at her, "Donna? Are you talking to me?"

Donna blushed and shook her head. She reached out to touch his eye gently. "Does it hurt?"

David made a face and pulled away, "Yea, it hurts."

"I'm sorry," Donna started.

David had to smile, "Yea, it was a pretty crazy night." He glanced over at Donna to see that she wasn't laughing. "I'm sorry too."

Donna looked at him sadly, "David, do you think we'll be able to work through all this? It just seems to get worse and worse every day."

David thought a moment, "I don't know Donna. I just don't know." Donna sighed and made a move to get out of bed. David grabbed her and pulled her down into a hug.

"I do love you," he whispered to her. "Just give me a little more time."

Lexi

At Whilshire Memorial

Michael sat back on his chair in Lexi's hospital room. He sighed. Every few seconds he kept looking at the monitor, just hoping maybe it would change. He glanced at it again. No such luck. He started to have flashbacks of all their times together.

Lexi was dancing with Michael, and already insulting him. "You're a bad dancer and bad with women."

"Hey! You don't even know me."

"I don't need to know you."

Michael chuckled at that one. Then he remembered when he proposed to her, and tried to get that out of his mind. He glanced at the monitor again. It was red! "Oh my god!!"

Lexi opened her eyes and saw Michael. "Michael...am I dead?"

He smiled. "No. You're here. Let me call back the doctor."

"No," she said and grabbed his arm. "Just stay here. Just alone with me for a little while."

Michael looked surprised. "Sure."

Carly

At Melrose Place

"Zach, get your shoes on. We have to leave for brunch in fifteen minutes," Carly yelled from her bedroom. She was really, finally getting it together since...Mark.

Zach ran into her room. "I need new shoes."

Carly didn't even look up. "Why, I just got you shoes last week."

He picked up the shoe and showed her. The whole sole had fallen off. She sighed. "Wear the black ones today and I'll buy them on the way home from my class."

She picked up the phone and dialed Casa Walsh.

"Ms. Taint?" Steve answered excitedly.

"No...it's Carly."

"Oh hey, sorry. What's up?"

"Can you babysit for Zach after the brunch? I have a 5:30 class and I could pick him up around nine."

"Sure!"

"Okay, thanks. Bye." Carly hung up the phone and tried to decide which shoes to wear.

Lexi

At Whilshire Memorial

Michael paged the doctor, they had sat there for a few minutes. Dr. Bell walked into the room. "How long has she been awake?"

"A minute or so, not long," he lied.

Dr. Bell smiled. "Hi Lexi, how are you feeling?"

Lexi sighed. "Like life's a bitch."

He laughed. "Well that's normal for these type of patients, but we might have to do a few tests on you."

Michael glared at him, wanting to handle the situation himself. "Doctor, she's fine. I checked her oxygen level and her consciousness is fine."

"Dr. Mancini, we need you to leave."

Michael got up. "Whatever you say. Bye Lexi. I'll be back later." He walked out of the room and into his car to go over to Megan's and tell her the news.

Janet

At Casa Walsh

Janet walked out to the driveway of Casa Walsh and got into the mini van.

"So who called before?" she asked Steve who was putting Maddy in the car seat in the back.

"Carly. She asked us to watch Zach tonight. I said yes."

"Great. I enjoy having him over. He's a good kid."

"Yeah, kind of makes you want one of your own like him."

"Steve, we haven't been approved yet."

"I know, I know. Just you and I both know our interview didn't go so well, and I'm just trying to stay optimistic."

"Honey, that's great. But we're going to be late. So let's get the show on the road."

"You got it," Steve said, closing Maddy's door and heading around to the driver's side.

Kelly

At Melrose Place

"Erin, don't eat anything. They'll be plenty of food at the brunch," Kelly yelled from the bathroom.

"Don't worry, I'm won't," Erin yelled back from Brandon's living room. It was just Kelly and Erin in the house. David had left earlier to drive Donna home.

Kelly walked out of the bathroom and smiled at her sister, "Okay, ready to go?"

Erin shook her head, "Kelly, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, honey, what is it?" Kelly said, sitting down beside Erin on the couch.

"I was just wondering...how come Brandon hasn't called you yet? I mean, he's been in Washington for two days now. Wasn't he supposed to call you right away?"

"Well..." Kelly didn't know what to say, she was so suprised by Erin's concern, "Yes, he was. But I'm sure he's just busy. He and Dylan are fine, I'm sure of it." At least Kelly thought she was sure of it. Brenda really freaked Kelly out the day before with her dream, she was just too scared to admit it.

"But I saw something in the paper. It was about that guy who wants to hurt them."

Kelly reassured her, "Erin, there is no guy that wants to hurt them. They just have to clear up some differences. That's all. Now cheer up and let's get out of here. I promised Nat we'd help him set up."

Kelly gave her sister a hug and grabbed her purse while following Erin out the door.

Lexi

At Whilshire Memorial

Lexi awoke from her nap looking around the room at her surrondings. There were a lot of flowers. Some from Megan, some from Ryan, some from Kyle, and basically a whole roomful from Michael. Strange...Michael was the only one who gave her lavender roses, her favorite. She smiled and looked around once more, when Megan walked in. Megan was surprised to see her sitting up and conscious.

"Lexi!? Your okay!" Megan quickly rushed over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Yeah I'm fine. But I need to you to check out the rent and everything for me...wouldn't want my injuries to benefit another."

Megan smiled. She was definitely back to her old self already. "Don't worry about that now. So how are you feeling?"

"Fine. Just a little out-of-it and tired." Suddenly a tall, black man in a police uniform walked in.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Sterling. I'm Detective David Banks." He extended his hand and she shook it. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave," he said to Megan.

She nodded. "I'll come back in a few minutes." She left the room and the Detective took out a pen and a small pad.

"Ms. Sterling, I need some information on the night of attack."

"Okay..."

"What did this man look like?"

"I didn't get a good look at him really but he had brown hair, and these fierce brown eyes."

"Was he tall, short or...?"

"I don't know I only saw him laying down really. About 170 pounds. Don't know the height."

He nodded. "Thank you Ms. Sterling, we'll have the artist get back to you tomorrow. Perhaps by then you'll remember more and be able to give us a more detailed description."

She nodded. "Thank you, Detective." They shook hands again and the Detective left. She couldn't help thinking if they would ever catch him, whoever he was.

Gina

AT Dylan's Place

Gina walked toward the sink to rinse out her coffee cup. Before she could turn on the water she discovered another shard of broken glass on the counter. After Dylan called her late last night, she went over and helped him clean up the place, but still, every time she entered the room she found something they forgot, or missed.

Dylan entered the room and put on a shirt he brought with him. She had been up for a little over an hour. He was just rising.

“Hey,” he said, followed by a kiss on the cheek.

“Morning,” she smiled. “You know, I’ve been thinking.”

“Care to let me in on the grand event?”

She smirked at the comment. “Why don’t we skip the brunch? I want to just spend the day here with you...make up for lost time...”

This seemed funny to Dylan. Normally this conversation was the other way around. “Believe it or not, I want to go to the brunch today.”

“What?” she was surprised.

“After last night I think it might be good to get out and see everyone,” he said. “We have all night, tonight, to talk and hang out. Sieze the day, right?”

She then went on to explain. “I have to sleep at my place tonight. I have a meeting to get prepare for.”

“How about we just stay at Melrose then.”

She was a little mad now. Every time there’s something going on he says he doesn’t want to go. Now that she’s playing it his way he starts to sing a different tune. “We’ll see...I guess."

David

At the Peach Pit

David entered the Peach Pit and looked at all of his friends gathered. He saw Donna across the room. She looked up and gave him a small, hopeful smile. David put up a hand and gave her a quick wave and then walked across the room and took a seat next to Steve at the counter.

"Silver," Steve greeted before really seeing him. He noticed David's black eye and took a closer look, "Well, I hope the other guy looks worse," he commented shaking his head.

David made a face at Steve and turned to find Nat. "What's a guy got to do to get some juice around here?"

"Coming right up!" Nat replied.

David took a sip of his juice that Nat had handed him, before asking Steve, "So is Walsh and McKay back yet?"

Steve shrugged, "I don't know. No one's heard from them."

David thought, "No one? Is that good?" He thought about it and knew that there was no way that Brandon would go without calling Kelly. Now Dylan and Gina on the other hand, well, it was hard to tell with that relationship. Something had to be up.

David slipped off his stool and walked over to take a seat next to Kelly in a booth. She gave him a long look before finally giving him a smile.

"I couldn't help but notice that Donna stayed all night. Is that a good sign?" she asked hopefully.

"Don't start Kel. Anyway, whats up with Brandon? Do you think everything's okay?"

Kelly looked worried, "I don't know David. I keep telling myself that they're just busy but I am starting to really worry. I don't know what to do."

David felt bad for upsetting Kelly and tried to reassure her. "I'm sure they're fine. They're big boys now and don't need us worrying about them."

Kelly nervously picked up her coffee cup and then set it back down. "I hope you're right."

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

Val and Ginger were seated in the kitchen, drinking coffee and catching up on what Val had missed with Ginger the past few years..

"How's your step brother Eric? Is he still as cute as I remember him? I had a huge crush on him in high school," said Val as she poured another cup of coffee.

"Ugh, my family is just as screwed up as yours, so don't even get me started on them. Are you still causing all the trouble you can with the hideously perfect Beverly Hills gang?"

"Actually, they are so uptight. I should have listened to you when you said they were not worth wasting my time on. Avacado heads..." Val said, laughing.

Ginger laughed too, remembering the past."Yeah, well I can see right through all of them. Is David still available though? He always looked like he'd be good in bed," commented Ginger.

"Yeah, whatever. Believe me, he wasn't. But if you must know, he married Donna. You remember her right? The sweet and innocent barbie doll."

"That bitch? I always knew she had something up her sleeve. But oh well, I can do better. How's Brandon? If I remember correctly you had it bad for him. Unfortunatly for you the feeling wasn't mutual," Ginger grinned. She always loved to push Val's buttons, even if she was her best friend.

"Haha. Who knows anymore? I don't associate with any of them and I don't intend to."

"Glad to see you finally came to your senses," she said as she picked up a magazine off the counter and laid down on the couch. "I could really get used to this. To Beverly Hills. To all of it," said Ginger with a smile on her lips.

"Don't get any ideas," Val joked as finished off her coffee. "Well, I'm going to hop into the shower now. Oh, if someone calls by the name Jen Mancini, tell her I'll call her as soon as I get a chance, 'k? Val instructred.

"And who's this Jen Mancini?" Ginger asked.

"She's a really good friend. You'll meet her soon," Val replied walking towards the bathroom.

Just as Valerie started the shower the phone rang. "Hello " said Ginger.

"Val?" asked Jen on the other end.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Valerie isn't available at the moment. Can I take a message?" Ginger asked sweetly, picking up a piece of paper and a pen.

"Yeah. Tell her Jen called to say that I can't make it for lunch but I'll try and get a hold of her later in the week."

"Will do. Buh-Bye now," Ginger then hung up the phone and tore the message up and threw it in the trash.

Clare

At the Peach Pit

Clare walked into the Peach Pit with a cheerful attitude, glad to be spending some time with all of her friends.

"Hey everyone!" she said giving Nat a hug and walking over to where the gang was sitting.

"Hi Clare! I'm glad you could make it," said Donna in her usual happy tone.

Clare went around and sat next down next to Brenda. She was glad to be spending time with her friends without thinking about all the problems that she has in her life right now.

Carly

At the After Dark

The gang had moved into the After Dark was just sitting down to eat. The spread that Nat put out was incredible. "Mmm...this is delicious," David said with a mouthful of bacon.

"Thanks David," Nat said.

The bar in the After Dark was covered with different foods such as eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, french toast, omlettes, cereal, toast, bagels, sandwiches, heros, and home fries. Everyone was spilt around the After Dark eating.

Carly, Zach, Erin, Steve, Janet, and Maddy were sitting together and Zach and Erin were playing with Maddy. "Hey mom can we put some music on?" Zach asked as he was spinning Maddy around.

"Umm, I don't know if that's a good idea. You better ask David," Carly said hesitant, just like a mother would be.

Zach ran over to David who was sitting with Donna, Nat, Noah, and Brenda. "David?"

"Yeah Zach?"

"Can we play some music?"

"Sure man." David got up from the table. "Excuse me." He walked over to the booth and started playing some music.

Lexi

At Whilshire Memorial

Lexi sat in her bed at the hospital thinking about the night of the attack. Two nights ago she was almost raped. She started to think of the events when she remembered a familiar face...she couldn't believe it! She knew tried to rape her. A few moments later the Detective walked in with a piece of paper in his hand. "Hello Ms. Sterling," he said quietly.

"Hey Detective. I'm suprised to see you back here so soon. What did you find?"

"Well...does this look like your man?"

He showed her the picture. The picture very closely reminded her of John, the UPS man, she caught snooping in her office. Then it hit her...flashbacks of the day he was in her office...flashbacks of his face. "Oh my god, that's him!"

He nodded. "We found out he's been on your back since that day you reported him for trespassing. One of the photographers at the Moonlight Cafe was taking couple pictures of your friend Michael and his girlfriend and John was apparently thrown out of the resturant. He was spying on you throughout the whole meal, and he has a photograph of him behind the plants in the background. He's been wanted for some other rape cases which was why we had his photo on hand. When we saw that you had filed a complaint only a month ago, we decided to look into it. Turned out that it was the same guy who was responsible for these rapes."

Lexi looked shocked. "But officer--"

"Detective."

"Detective, whatever. Did you get him?"

He looked down. "No...we...did not."

Lexi was shocked and a tear formed in her eye. This guy was there watching her...waiting on her and seeing her every move. "But no need to worry. We'll have him soon," the Detective said. "I have to go. Goodday, Ms. Sterling."

"Some good day...," she muttered and began to sob in her pillow.

Brenda

At the After Dark

Brenda watched Noah helping Nat from across the After Dark. She felt like a huge weight had been removed from her shoulders after their talk last night. It felt good to open up, to share that part of herself. Noah noticed her watching him and looked up. He smiled and winked at her.

"I see you've worked things out," Donna commented to her.

Brenda turned and gave her a big smile, "Yea, I think we have. What about you and David? That was some scene last night. I want details."

"Maybe later," Donna nodded in David's direction. "But let's just say that I have figured out what I want and I am going to get it."

Brenda laughed, "Go get him, girl." She watched as Donna walked over and took the seat next to David. David smiled at her but looked uncomfortable.

"What are we going to do with those two?" Kelly asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Brenda shrugged, "I'm through trying." She gave Kelly a serious look, hating to bring it up, but she had to. "Have you heard from Brandon?"

Kelly just shook her head no.

"Something's wrong."

"I'm starting to think you're right, Bren. What should we do?"

"We should contact the Washington, DC police. See if anything has been reported. I think that would be a good place to start," Brenda suggested. "Come on, let's go use Dylan's office."

Donna

At the After Dark

David was trying to talk to Steve when he noticed Donna kept scooting closer and closer to him. He tried to ignore her but that wasn't helping. Everytime he would glance in her direction, she would just smile at him. He tried to laugh it off but she was starting to irritate him. Even Steve had noticed and was trying to hide a laugh behind his cup of coffee.

"Excuse me," David finally told both Steve and Donna. "I need to go check on something in the booth."

Donna started to get up to follow him. David stopped her, "Donna, you stay here," he said firmly. Both Steve and Donna were taken aback but Donna stayed where she was.

Once David was out of earshot, Donna let out a loud sigh. This was going to be harder than she thought. Steve looked over at her sadly. He couldn't believe that they hadn't worked through this yet. His first year of marriage had been hard as well, but he wouldn't have given Janet up for anything. He caught his wife's eye from across the room and gave her a big smile. She smiled back.

Steve reached over and squeezed Donna's hand. "He'll come to his senses."

Donna tried to smile back at him but tears welled up in her eyes instead. "I hope so, Steve. I really hope so."

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

"So, did my friend Jen call?" Val asked as she walked out of the bathroom in fresh clothes with a towel wrapped over her head to cover her wet hair.

"Nope, no one called."

"Okay, then that means that we're going to meet her at this little cafe for lunch. Don't worry, they serve tons of alcohol so I know that can keep you occupied if the conversation turns dull for you, which it very well may considering you've missed out on so much. But don't worry, you'll like her."

"Yeah, she sounded nice," replied Ginger.

"Sounded? How would you know what she sounds like? You've never talked to the girl," Val pointed out, sounding suspicious.

"I know that. I meant that the way you talk about her. She sounds very nice. Besides, a friend of yours is a friend of mine," said Ginger, realizing the mistake she had made and trying her best to smooth it out.

"Okay, whatever. Let's just finish getting ready. We would't want to keep her waiting," Val called out walking towards her bedroom.

"Of course we wouldn't..."Ginger said to herself as she walked towards her bedroom, happily knowing all the trouble she was about to cause.

David

At the After Dark

David sorted through some promo CDs that had come in the mail. Most of it was trash that he would never listen to on his own but the crowd at the After Dark liked it so he would play it. David still thought occassionally about his own musical career and wondered what could have been. Some days he thought that it wasn't too late but those days were getting fewer and farther between.

David slipped on a jazz CD and sat back in his chair letting the music wash over him. The past few days had been crazy and he just needed time to think. Maybe he should take a trip somewhere.

He was interrupted in his thoughts by a soft knocking on the door. He angrily threw open the door, thinking it was Donna. He was surprised to see that it was Jennifer instead. He guiltily grabbed her arm and pulled her into the booth and shut the door behind her.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Oh baby. Look at your eye. Does it hurt?" she reached out to touch it.

David pulled away, "Why does everyone keep doing that? Hell yes, it hurts."

Jen took a seat on his lap. "Aren't we grouchy today?"

David shrugged. "What are you doing here?" he asked again.

"I wanted to see you. That was some night last night," Jen laughed.

"I don't really see the humor in it. Anyway, you have to go. My wife is here."

Jen giggled, "Last time I checked, you were separated. Michael told me that she was all over him last night."

This made David mad. He pushed Jen off his lap and stood up. "I said you have to go. I will call you later tonight." He reached down, gave her a quick kiss and sent her on her way.

Brenda

At the After Dark

In the office, Brenda and Kelly started making phone calls. They didn't really know where to start, they just started calling anywhere they thought they could get information. Finally the airline gave them a bit of information.

Brenda stared at Kelly as she put down the phone on Dylan's desk. She leaned back in his chair and realized that she was shaking.

Kelly got scared, "What is it Bren? Tell me!"

"Well, the person at the airline couldn't tell me much, but she did tell me that they never got on the plane to DC."

Kelly jumped up. "What do you think that means?"

Brenda shook her head slowly, "I don't know, but it can't be good."

Jake

Jake walked into his room and took off his jacket. He had woke up early to go surfing but the waves died out so he came home. He walked over to his answering machine and saw he had one new message so he pressed play to hear it.

"Jake, its Colleen again. I know youre getting these messages.... lets see... this is message number seven right?....... Look, either you call me or I'll go and pay that girlfriend of yours a little visit."

Jake quickly grabbed his jacket and keys and walked out of the room mad, slamming the door behind him.

Janet

At the After Dark

Janet excused herself from talking to Carly and said, "Excuse me, I just want to check my messages." She headed for the pay phone and dialed the house. It rang twice, which meant there were unheard messages on the answering machine. She punched in their code. ::beep beep beep::.

"You have one message," said the automated voice. She waited as the message began to play:

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Sanders. This is Ms. Taint from W & W Child Services. Please give me a call as soon as possible. Have a good day."

Steve walked over to Janet as she hung up the phone. "Who called?"

"Ms. Taint," she replied, "She said to call her as soon as possible."

"As soon as possible, huh?" Steve asked.

Janet nodded at Steve who then gave her the 'I'm up to no good' look. He then made a mad dash up the stairs to Dylan's office.

Valerie

"Okay, this is getting pathetic. She's almost thirty minutes late," Val fumed as Ginger and her sat in the cafe and waited for Jen's arrival.

"You're sure she didn't call, right?" Val desparately asked, trying to come up with a logical explanation as to why Jen wasn't where she said she'd be.

"Positive. The phone did not ring once while you were in the shower," Ginger lied.

"Okay, then I guess we can wait a bit longer..." said Val becoming very annoyed.

A waiter passed by and Val refilled her margarita for the third time. Ginger did the same. When a few more minutes passed and she still hadn't arrived, she ordered another drink.

"You kow what, let's just leave and if she ends up coming, we'll see how she likes being ditched," suggested Val as she quickly stood up. She immediatly sat back down, a little dizzy.

"I guess those drinks had a bigger affect on me than I thought," Val laughed.

"Okay, I'll drive then," replied Ginger, even though she wasn't in any better shape than Valerie.

Jake

At Melrose Place

Jake pulled into Melrose Place and didn't even bother to park in a parking spot. He got off his bike and stormed over to Kyle's door. He knocked on the door loudly and Colleen opened it.

"I knew you'd come," she said calmly when she saw Jake there. He couldn't stand it.

"I want you to BACK OFF and leave me alone!..... leave US alone!"

"Noooo.... that would be too easy," Colleen said thoughtfully.

"What do you want?" Jake said simply but with a mad tone.

"You know what I want," Colleen said putting her hands on Jake's chest seductively and trying to kiss him.

"Back off and leave us alone," he repeated gripping her wrists tightly. He looked her in the eye for a couple of seconds and let go roughly and walked out of the room. Colleen stood at the door and watched Jake disapear into the courtyard of the apartments, where the pool was.

Steve

At the After Dark

Steve rushed up the stairs to Dylan's office and opened the closed door.

"Oh, Kel, Brenda, didn't know you were in here," he said startled. A moment later, Janet walked up to the door. She had decided not to run like a lunatic as her husband did. Steve took a good look at Brenda and Kelly as he saw Kelly wipe the corner of her eye, "Have you been crying?"

"No!" Brenda immediately replied, a little on the defensive side, "I mean, no, of course not. Why would we be?"

Janet and Steve gave each other looks, "Well, we just wanted to use the phone," Janet replied nicely, "but we'll go into the Pit."

"Yeah," Steve said, turning towards the door, "Sorry to interrupt." He walked out of the room.

"Are you sure you guys are okay?" Janet asked before leaving. Both girls nodded. "Okay, well, I'm here if you wanna talk," she said and walked out. By the time she started down the stairs, Steve was already in the Peach Pit.

Jake

At Melrose Place

After his bump-in with Colleen at Melrose Place, Jake thought it might be a good idea to ask Clare to go with him to the brunch so they could talk in a more neutral place. Maybe with her friends there, it might help calm her down a little bit.

He tried her at the BRH first but there was no answer so he tried her cell phone next. After a couple of rings, she picked up. Jake was expecting a rude "hello" from her because he knew his name would come up on her caller ID so he dicided to dial *88 to make sure his name came up as "private" or "no data" so She wouldnt know who it was.

"Hello?"

"Clare." Realizing it was Jake, Clare got into her "rude" mode.

"What?"

Jake could here the gang in the background so he didn't bother to ask her to go with him. He decided it would be better if he just went over there without telling her.

"We need to talk.... see you in a little bit."

Clare was afraid of what he meant by see you in a little bit. She did not want him to show up all of a sudden. Just thinking about was making her mad.

Clare

At the Peach Pit

Clare hung up the phone madly and realized that the girls had been watching her all along.

"Who was that?!" Kelly asked innocently even though half of her already knew the answer.

"Jake," she said sitting down on a chair next to Donna.

"I thought everything was good between you two," Kelly contunied.

"They were... until he told me he had a wife and a kid!"

Everyone was as surprised as Clare had been when she found out. They didnt know what to say.

Janet

At the After Dark

Steve was dialing the number to W & W Child Services when Janet entered the Peach Pit. "Umm, Ms. Taint, please," he said when the phone operator for the offices picked up.

Steve nervously waited for Ms. Taint to answer. Finally, she did, "Ms. Taint speaking."

"Hi, Ms. Taint. This Mr. Sanders. You left my wife and I a message saying to call you as soon as possible."

"Oh, yes. Well I have gone over all of my information on you including your forms and notes from the interviews and I've consulted with Mrs. Moore. We have come to a decision."

Lexi

John lurked around the streets of Beverly Hills, looking for his next victim, Ashley Dean, even though it was daylight. He turned the corner of 59th street and was grabbed and handcuffed. "Your under arrest for physical assult and attempted rape."

"Wha?"

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, the court of law will provide one."

They grabbed John and put him in a cop car...they got him.

Jake

At the After Dark

Clare and the gang were still sitting down talking when Jake walked in.

"Hey everyone," he said walking over to the gang.

"Hey man," David said shaking his hand. Jake said hi to everyone else and than walked over to Clare.

"Can I talk to you?" he said looking at Clare.

"Excuse me," she said getting up.

They walked over to another table and sat down.

"I'm listening," she said looking at Jake.

"I talked to Colleen this morning," he said waiting to see what her reaction would be.

"Unless you're going to tell me that she left, I dont want to hear it!" she said raising her voice and getting everyone's attention that was in the room.

"Clare, you're making a scene," he said trying to show her that everyone was now looking at them.

"I dont care! They ought to know what a lying jerk you are!" Clare yelled getting up off her chair and starting to walk out.

"I told her to leave us alone!" Jake said, trying to get her to come back.

Clare left anyway leaving Jake embarrased. He looked around and saw all his friends looking at him with very puzzled looks.

Dylan

At the After Dark

Dylan didn’t know what had just happened with Jake. “What’s wrong man?” Dylan asked him, while stopping him from walking on by grabbing his wrist. “All I know is Gina and I pull up and we see you storming off through the parking lot.”

“It’s complicated Dylan.”

Gina looked at the two of them. Jake was mad and Dylan was actually trying to help. From what Dylan has told her he never thought all that much of Jake, but if he was trying to help him, he should probably accept it. Gina has come to realize that Dylan has a pretty good sense when it comes to helping other people. When he says you need help, chances are you need help.

“I’ll meet you inside,” Gina said as she gave Dylan a kiss and headed in.

He didn’t reply. He just returned the kiss and watched her enter. “What’s the problem?” Dylan asked again.

“Just the normal stuff, McKay,” he said as if Dylan would know what he was talking about.

“I’m pretty sure I told you to be careful if you got involved with her. Didn’t I?" Women. Women have always been Jake's problem.

“I’m not really in the mood for a speech, Dylan,” Jake replied. “So please spare me.” Jake continued to storm off and this time Dylan just let him. He wasn’t about to choose between Clare and Jake's friendship with him. Because if it came to that, Jake would be on the bottom side of the latter.

Steve

At the After Dark

Steve and Janet walked back into the After Dark hand in hand. Janet followed Steve's lead to the bar. Steve picked up his drink that he had left there earlier and stood up on a chair. He clanked his glass with a spoon that was left on the bar.

"Excuse me, everyone," he said, grabbing the attention of the gang. Everyone stared at Steve, anxious as to what he was going to say, "Janet and I have just received word from Ms. Taint that..."

"That what? That what??" Nat asked interrupting, so eager for the news.

"...that we have been approved as foster parents!"

Everyone let out sighs of relief and smiles lit up on their faces. They were all saying Congratulations to them and so on.

"I ask of you to all raise your glasses with us," Steve said, still standing on the chair. "As I make a toast I know Janet and I will remember for the rest of our lives, we just want to thank all of you for being our family. The past few months have been rough and there were points where we had lost hope. But you guys have been right there all along. We know we can count on you for anything. Whether it's being our references or writing us a last minute article or babysitting Madeline, you guys are there at a moment's notice. There are few people who can say they have a large immediate family. Janet and I our proud at the largeness of ours and that soon it will be getting even larger. Cheers."

"Cheers," everyone said clanking their glasses and then taking a drink.

Janet helped Steve down from the chair and they shared a long kiss. They then walked over to Donna who had been holding Maddy. "Steve that was beautiful," she said hugging both of them and handing Maddy to Janet. "Congratulations."

"Thanks, Donna," Janet said, hugging her again.

"Kind of makes you want to have children of your own," Donna said a bit shyly with tears in her eyes. She looked over at David who was sitting at a table by himself.

"Are you going to be okay?" Steve asked, concerned by her emotions.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," she said wiping the tears away and giving a slight smile before rushing to the bathroom.

Brenda

At the After Dark

Brandon waited awhile for Kelly and Brenda to show up before he got impatient. He needed to see Kelly, to hold her. He quietly excused himself from the conversations around him and went looking.

He thought he was alone when he crossed the dance floor but heard footsteps behind him. He turned around to see Dylan following him. Neither of them said a word, just kept walking up the stairs to the office.

They walked into the office, one after another and their hunch was right. Kelly and Brenda were both there.

When the door opened, Kelly turned around to see who had entered. Her face was white and they could see that she had been crying.

"Oh my God, Brandon! You're okay!" she ran to him and pulled him into his arms. Brenda watched the reunion from behind the desk, relief washing over her.

Dylan smiled, "I'm okay too, Kel."

Kelly laughed and pulled him into a hug. Brandon walked over and sat down on the edge of the desk.

"Were you worried, sis?"

Brenda made a face, "Where have you been?"

Dylan broke in, "Let's just say that I'm glad that we weren't counting on you both to come save the day."

Brenda's nerves were shot. "What happened??"

Brandon quickly filled them in, being sure to leave out a few of the more dangerous details. As he spoke, Kelly snuck a look at Brenda. She wondered how she had known that something was wrong the was she had. Brenda was wondering the same thing.

When Brandon was through talking, Kelly looked up and whispered, "I'm glad you're both okay." Brenda nodded her agreement.

"Brenda, tell them about your dream..." Kelly started to say. Brenda quickly shook her head at her, and Kelly got the message and quit talking. Both Brandon and Dylan looked at her funny but didn't ask any questions.

"Well, I suppose we should go rejoin the party," Brandon suggested, standing up and heading for the door. Kelly and Dylan followed him out. Brenda remained sitting at the desk, lost in thought.

Dylan stuck his head back in the door, "Are you coming Bren?"

"In a minute." She wanted to say a lot more, tell him how worried she had been, how relieved she was that he was okay but she only smiled and repeated, "In a minute."

Valerie

At the Peach Pit

"Why are we at the Peach Pit?" Val asked as Ginger pulled into the parking lot.

"I'm in the mood for coffee."

"Whatever, but can we make it quick? I don't like being at this place for long periods of time."

"If you say so. Come on," Ginger motioned towards Val to follow her. There was a sign on the door explaining that the Peach Pit was closed for a private party.

"We can go around back," instructed Val. They walked into the After Dark and heard many familiar voices. Val and Ginger were both surpirsed to see the gang all there seated at a table and enjoying a nice meal. When they saw who had just walked in looks of absolute shock spread across their faces.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Val asked sarcastically, putting on a fake smile and walking toward everyone.

"Did you guys miss me?" Ginger asked sweetly yet with a hint of evil in her voice.

"What the hell is she doing here?" Kelly asked loudly to no one imparticular.

"Are we interrupting something?" Val asked as she plopped herself down in a chair.

"Actually yes, and I think it's best if you both leave..now!" Kelly said, getting angry.

"Well I guess we don't always get what we want," replied Val.

"Val, listen, we just don't want any trouble here. Especially with the kids watching and all," Noah solemnly said.

"Oh, don't mind her. Trouble follows Valerie wherever she goes. She doesn't do anything wrong, do you Val?" Janet asked, smirking at how easily everyone was letting her get away with this.

"Oh, I'm sure your just such an angel, huh?" Ginger shot back.

"Excuse me, could someone please tell me who this woman is? Because she seems to think she knows everything about everybody here and frankly it's really angering me. Oh, and I think Val can speak for herself," finished Janet. That was the first time anyone ever saw Janet be really mean and outspoken. Steve was shocked and gave her a look of approval.

"Yes, I can actually. And all I have to say is that I hope you all rot in hell," Val said as she kicked away her chair and headed towards the exit.

"By the way, the name's Ginger. I'll see you soon," Ginger smiled at Janet and then followed Val out the door.

Kelly

At the After Dark

Noah picked up the chair that Vak had knocked over just minutes before. Nat came over and cleaned up some broken glass from plate that Val knocked over when she kicked the chair which hit the table that the plate was on.

"What just happened here?" Carly asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, who was that?" Erin asked, suprised at the events that had just taken place.

"Uh, Erin, why don't you show Zach your new game you got for your Gameboy in the Peach Pit," Kelly said, changing the subject.

Erin nodded and walked into the Pit, with Zach following behind her. He smiled, watching her from behind. He thought she was so pretty.

"That Ginger..." Brenda began once the two kids were out of ear shot, "isn't she Val's friend from Buffalo?"

Brandon answered, "Yeah, she is. Just what is she doing here?"

"Causing trouble, like always," Kelly said.

David rubbed his chin, "I thought she was gone for sure last time."

Carly was still confused, "But why do you guys hate her so much? I mean, I could of guessed she was no good by what just happened, but what happened before this?"

"I'll fill you in as best I can," Clare asked, leading Carly to the corner of the room.

Kelly got up and followed, "This may take a while..."

Donna

At the After Dark

Donna didn't know what had gotten into David. This morning he was telling her he loved her and now he wouldn't even look at her. He seemed angry at something. Donna sighed and tried to reenter the conversations going on around her.

She had been so preoccupied with her own problems lately that she hadn't been a very good friend.

Donna looked around the room to the people that she considered family. She was so happy for Steve and Janet. They had really done it. They had found a way to extend their family.

And Clare dating Jake. Jake had always been the dangerous, exciting type. Donna remembered when he was seeing Kelly in high school. He was so much older and she thought that was what had attracted Kelly. She wasn't sure what was going on with him and Clare now, but they certainly seemed to be having their ups and downs.

Kelly and Brandon looked happy. Kelly had done a lot of soul searching to get where she was. She deserved all the happiness she had found.

Gina was laughing at something that Dylan had said to her. Dylan and her really seemed to be building something. Donna hoped that this time Dylan was in it for real.

Who would have thought that Brenda and Noah would hit it off? She was so glad that they were happy. They each had been through some hard times and maybe they could help each other.

Carly was still struggling with the situation with Mark. Donna hadn't felt comfortable talking to her. Her situation was too similar to her own she supposed.

As she finished looking around the room, she ended with David. She looked at him, looked at the face she knew so well. He glanced up and caught her looking at him. He scowled and looked back down. Donna sighed again. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

Kelly

At the After Dark

Everyone was gathering their things to go home from the brunch. What was supposed to be a late breakfast get-together turned into an all-day affair. Kelly walked over to Janet and congratulated her.

"I'm so happy for you," Kelly exclaimed, "and I'm sorry I missed Steve's speech."

"Ohh, it's okay. You really got me worried before. Are you and Brenda alright?"

Kelly looked over to Brandon who was talking to Nat and smiled, "Now I am."

Carly

At California University

Carly walked into her classroom for her night class. She saw her friend Lisa from the coffee shop and quickly found a seat next to her. "Hey."

"Hi Carly."

"Where's Dain?"

"Who knows," she responded, chewing gum.

Carly took out her homework assignment and smiled, impressed. They had to do an essay on the origin of law. Professor Dain was a real sucker for history. A few minutes later he walked in and placed his papers on his desk. "I'm sorry I'm late. I apologize. Any volunteers to read their essay?"

Carly raised her hand. "Ms. Reynolds. Please read yours," he responded.

She began to read the essay and when she finished, everyone clapped. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid you get a D."

She looked shocked. "What?"

"You didn't follow the instructions. I told the class it had to be three pages typed and yours is hand-written."

"I understand Professor but that's why I did six pages. I don't have a computer."

"You could've gone to the school library."

"Professor Dain..."

"We will continue this discussion after class," he said promplty. "Now please return to your seat." He went on with the class and Carly couldn't help feeling upset...she had worked hard on that.

Janet

At Casa Walsh

It had been a long day yet Steve and Janet didn't want it to end. Janet was in the living room putting a book back in the bookshelf while Zach played with Maddy on the floor.

Steve walked in carrying two glasses and a bottle of champagne. He snuck up behind Janet and gave her a kiss on the neck. She turned around and gave him a long, passionate kiss.

"Umm..." Zach interrupted, "Do you want us to leave you alone?" he asked picking up Maddy. Steve and Janet were so involved in their kiss that they didn't even stop to respond. Zach got the hint and carried Maddy into the foyer and sat down on the bottom step of the staircase.

Steve and Janet finally came up for air. "I've been saving this for a special occasion," Steve said. He uncorked the bottle of champagne and poured some into the two glasses. He handed one to Janet and they linked their arms with the champange glasses in them, "To our family."

"To our family," Janet repeated, taking a sip and then kissing Steve again.

Zach smiled as he peeked into the living room while holding Maddy, seeing Steve and Janet kissing. "I've got to get my mom and Mark back together," he said to Maddy and walked away.

Valerie

At the Beach Apartment

Valerie and Ginger had just gotten home. After their little episode at the After Dark, both girls decided they needed to get out and get some air so they went out and partied at a few different night clubs. After a couple of hours, both girls were bored so they came home.

"I'm going to get changed," Ginger said walking into the bedroom she was staying in.

"Okay, I'm just going to check the messages."

She pushed the play button and the room filled with Abby's frantic voice.

"Valerie, oh my god, I hope I'm not too late. Ginger is coming to Beverly Hills. She's coming to see you. She is trouble. You don't know some of the things she's been accused of since you've been away. Don't talk to her, completely ignore her. There are some things I should tell you about her--"

Ginger came out in her pajamas and pushed the stop button. "I never did like your mother all that much."

"Yeah, well, neither did I."

Brandon

At Melrose Place

Brandon and Kelly had just gotten home from the brunch. It was dark outside by that time. Kelly headed into the apartment and Brandon informed her that he was going to get the mail.

Gina saw that he would be alone for a few minutes and took hold of the opportunity. She raced out her door so she could stop him at the stairs.

“Gina,” he noticed. “Hi.”

“Hi,” she replied quietly, almost shy. “I just wanted you to know that Dylan’s not the only person I was concerned about. I was worried about both of you. I just hought that it’s something you needed to--”

“Gina, I--"

“I don’t want Kelly to think that I’m trying to get you back because I’m not. I just thought you should know. That’s all.”

“Gina...” Before he could finish, she was on her way back up the stairs. And she wasn’t about to stop.

Lexi

At Whilshire Memorial

Lexi was laying in her bed at the hospital flipping through the channels when the Detective walked in. "I'm sorry to show up so late again Ms. Sterling."

"It's ok. I was up anyway."

"We caught John tonight."

"You did? Oh my god! Is he in jail?"

"Yes, he is."

Lexi smiled. She was happy for the first time...in a while.

Carly

At Melrose Place

When Carly got home from her class and from picking up Zach, she was tired. It was 9 pm and Zach was tired too. She checked her messages on the answering machine.

"Hi Carly. It's Mark. Well call me back if you get this message. I love you."

She couldn't believe that he had the nerve to say that! He didn't love her. Angry, she slammed the stop button and stormed into her room. When she calmed down, she changed into her pajamas. She then got into bed and started watching TV.

Lexi

At Whilshire Memorial

Lexi laid awake in her bed, still happy about John being caught. The bastard was in jail for good now, she thought. A smile spread across her lips when Michael walked in and saw her smile.

"Hey," he said and sat on her bed.

"Hi."

"Feeling any better?"

She nodded. "Aside from the throbbing pains in my skull, yes."

He laughed. "So, do you like your flowers?"

"Yeah, they're nice. Who are all these from?" she knew who they were all from just she wanted to see what he would say about the lavender ones.

"Well lets see. Megan and Ryan, Kyle, Brenda, Jane, Donna, Jen, Kelly, and Brandon."

"None from you?" she asked.

"All the lavender roses...."

"Well, that's basically the whole room."

"Yeah it is, isn't it?" They were silent for a while when Michael leaned in and kissed her. Lexi kissed him back and they shared a passionate kiss.

"Wow...haven't done that in a while."

"Now I know why," Lexi said sarcastically.

"Was it really that bad?"

"No...it was the best kiss I ever had actually."

"Well I could do it again..."

"No, I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Okay..."

"Goodnight Michael."

"Goodnight Lexi."

He closed the door softly behind him and she couldn't help wondering about the kiss.

Brenda

At Melrose Place

Brenda lay awake next to a sleeping Noah. She was tired but she couldn't sleep. Her mind was in a million places, mostly on Dylan. Their relationship had definitely had its ups and downs over the years.

She thought back to London. Brandon had called her to tell her that Dylan was getting married. Matthew was still alive then and she remembered being happy that he had found love as well.

And then the accident had happened and with Matthew gone, so was her reason for living. Brenda sunk into a deep depression. She quit acting and quit living. She slept all day and roamed the house all night. She didn't really have any friends in London and she felt so distant from the gang in Beverly Hills.

One night the pain got really bad, more than Brenda could bear. She pulled out a bottle of sleeping pills. The doctor had given her a prescription to help relax her, they hadn't worked. She sat staring at the bottle, considering taking the whole bottle, ending it all.

Brenda sat that way for a long time that night. It was late when the doorbell rang.

Like a zombie, Brenda went to answer it. It took a moment to register that it was Dylan McKay standing on her doorstep in London in the middle of the night. He looked almost as bad as she did. He had left Beverly Hills right after his wife had been killed. A few months later he had ended up in Europe and found his way to the one person who knew him inside and out. He was crying for help and he found her in much the same condition.

They were sad a lot for a while, but slowly they helped each other remember the good times they had shared with Toni and Matthew and slowly they started living again.

Brenda sighed and rolled over closer to Noah. She had done a lot of healing but somedays she still felt as empty as she had during those dark days before Dylan had came and saved her. She still felt like something was missing.

Carly

At Melrose Place

Zach laid in bed thinking of ways to get his mother and Mark back together. He had knew Mark did something bad, because his mother never acted like she did normally, when she talked to Mark.

He missed them always taking him places and they were a family just like Maddy, Steve, and Janet. They went out to dinner and went to the movies. He was never left out of anything like he was with Daryl. One of the reasons he liked Mark was because he was like Steve in a way. He really cared about him and the feeling was mutual.

He knew Mark called tonight and his mom didn't call him back. Maybe he would call Mark back. That was one of the best ideas he had all night.

He began to debate about it, not wanting to cause any trouble, but finally decided to call. He picked up the phone in his room and dialed Mark's cell number. He memorized it in case of emergencies.

"Hello?"

"Hey Mark, it's your buddy Zach."

Just then, Carly picked up the phone, but when she heard who it was, she didn't say anything. She just listened.

"Zach, hey! Does your mom know you're calling me?"

"No, and I'd like to keep it that way."

"Well, I don't think she would like it very much so maybe we should talk another time."

Carly smiled. He was always thinking of their best interest. Her and Zach's, that is.

"Mark, what did you do?"

"What?"

"Why'd you move away? What'd you do?"

Mark was silent. Carly was silent. Zach was silent. "Well...I cheated on your mom."

He was too honest.... "Why, Mark?"

"I was stupid, Zach. Now when you grow up, never be like me. You're too smart for that." Zach was silent. "The truth is, your mother is a beautiful young, intellectual and the relationship was just too perfect."

"There's no such thing as too perfect, Mark." Zach didn't want to side with him.

"Your really smart, Zach. Anyone ever tell you that?" Zach didn't reply so Mark went on, "I've just never been with someone like your mother and every girl I've been with has cheated on me. Even my wife." Why was he telling Zach all this? The truth was, he probably knew Carly better than anyone.

"Oh..."

"Zach, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you think your mother can ever forgive me?"

"If you keep badgering her, she will. Everytime I do something bad and beg for her forgiveness, she forgives me."

Carly felt a tear fall down her cheek. She still loved Mark, but she needed to move on.

Brenda

At Melrose Place

Brenda was still awake when she heard the phone ring next to her. She glanced at Noah and quickly picked it up.

"Hello?" she said quietly.

"Brenda," Dylan's voice whispered back to her. "Tell me about your dream."

Brenda's heart raced. She looked again at Noah to make sure that he hadn't woken up. She climbed out of bed and headed for the living room. She settled in on the couch and told him all about it.