Romantic Life: Had a fling with Evie Grant. Later he had a relationship with Luna Villareal but it didn't last. Brandon never married.
Children: Joey Gates
Other family: Mother - Delores (passed of old age)
Interesting Tidbits: Brandon had many troubles in his life, most of them with substance abuse.
He actually cared about Evie and Luna both but his problems got in his way. It wasn't until after Joey was born that he cleaned up his act and made amends with Evie and Luna both though his relationship with his son wasn't good. Brandon wasn't sure how to be a Father.
Brandon was at least twenty years older than both Evie and Luna.
Life State: Human, Brandon passed away from old age.
"Can you believe I'm getting married?!!" I exclaimed, I was getting more excited by the minute.
Yeah, I had invited Brandon. Kind of by accident. I had sent a mass text invite to everyone in my contact list on my phone.
"I'm happy for you, Evie. Really." Brandon told me. He seemed to mean it to. I was surprised he came. But I wasn't going to kick him out. He had flown all the way there. Maybe, in a way. It'd be good for him to be there. I wasn't going to think too much on it.
Because, finally. It was time. Pak was at the altar already and I walked down the aisle towards him.
"You look breathtaking." He whispered to me, grinning.
That was the reaction I was going for. Mission accomplished. I smiled back at him.
The pastor began to read the poem I had selected for us in place of the traditional vows.
"From this day forward,
You shall not walk alone.
My heart will be your shelter,
And my arms will be your home
These I can promise"
"I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old."
"But I can promise all my heart’s devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that’s ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.
Yes, I’ll Marry You."
After the pastor pronounced us husband and wife, Pak and I shared our first kiss as a married couple. My heart felt like it could burst. Years ago, if you had told me I'd be married someday. I would have laughed in your face. Life has a way of surprising us. I had never been happier in my life -so far.
"We did it." I whispered to Pak, smiling.
"We did it." He said nodding, before kissing me again.
"I love you so much." I told him, holding him to me tightly.
"I love you more than there's drops in the ocean." Pak told me before laughing "That sounded really cheesy."
"No, it sounded wonderful." I told him, before pulling away.
Cake was calling my name. I made Pak and I our own special wedding cake, everyone else got a store bought one. I didn't hear anyone complaining about it. My wedding, I can do whatever I want.
"So, where are we going on our honeymoon?" I asked Pak. He hadn't told me. It was a surprise.
"You'll find out when we get there." He told me. He didn't look like he was going to budge either.
We went to have our first dance as husband and wife, on a dance floor made of sand.
I tried my best to get him to. Tried all that tricks I knew, that would be allowed in public that is, but still nothing. Guess I'd find out when we got there, like he said.
❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧
Wedding Poem is From This Day Forward, Marianne Williamson
I invested in a used punching bag. My weight had always gone up and down since I hit puberty. I wasn’t worried about that so much, I was used to it. Didn’t bother me. But I did want to be somewhat healthy. Not one of those health nuts but not someone who drinks bacon grease. Somewhere in the middle.
Yeah, I couldn’t be a health nut. Too many foods called to me.
My little Cleo had calmed down after I spayed her and was no longer plotting revenge against me. I was thankful she found me in the snow that winter night months ago.
As fall arrived, I decided to give playing a guitar a try. I wasn’t good at it, but I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed singing. In fact, I loved it.
“It’s been a year since I moved to this town.” I said quietly to Cleo, who was purring and falling asleep in my arms.
Yes. It had been a year. A year since I had seen him. A year since I left my old town behind and started a new life. A lot had changed. Not just in my life, but I had changed a bit. I put more effort into my appearance. Granted, I kind of had to. But it was different for me. I was more guarded and closed off then I used to be. I wasn’t sure that was a good thing. My thoughts on my future included many things. Not just one person. I saw that as good.
I got promoted to Meme Maker and to a B-Lister. I celebrated. By myself of course. I thought about inviting Paka’a out to celebrate with me, but decided not to. We had actually kept in touch via social media and texting. But hadn’t actually saw each other since that one day on the beach. I wasn’t worried about it though. I didn’t have any expectations of friendship with him. Or anyone else for that matter.
I had the friend I needed. One that cuddled with me at night, sat by my side while I made videos and brought me mystery gifts from outside from time to time.
Thanksgiving came and it was a disaster.
For some reason, everything in my house kept breaking. I thought I was being haunted. Someone at work said there’s these little gnomes that go around during Thanksgiving or as the town calls it “Harvestfest” and if they don’t like you, they make your life living hell that day. Guess I ticked one off or something.
I eventually gave up on even trying to cook. After I fixed and cleaned everything, Cleo and I had pizza for as our holiday meal.
Well. Cleo had pizza and a bird. Ick. She thought she had to give me some of it’s feathers. Not cool, cat.
I was still pretty stressed and went to bed that way….
I dreamed of him. Sitting at my table. Eating Thanksgiving dinner.
I woke up after that. It was 3 in the morning. I had to get up and do something. I couldn’t just stay in bed after that.
I went to the Living Room and watched some mindless TV. I needed mindless at that moment. I didn’t understand why my stupid brain had to dream of him from time to time. I hated it. I wanted him removed from my memories. The worse part was, it still hurt. It wasn’t quite as bad as when it first happened, but it still hurt. Which made me not sad, but angry. If he had been in front of me, I would have nailed him in the head with a skillet.
I finally calmed down and got sleepy enough to go back to bed.
I awoke the next morning with an idea. An idea that would allow me to focus on something new and time consuming.
But instead of rushing into the talk, after the award ceremony I thought it was best I take time to calm down. So I flew home and started meditating. If I blew up at him right off the bat, I might not get the answers I wanted.
I also tried to have some fun first, I went to the geekcon in San Myshuno. I hadn't been to it before and it was actually kind of fun. I got to use the giant telescope to look at the planets and stars of the solar system. It made me realize that things are bigger than just my life. It got me out of my head for a bit, which was good.
And so, I finally called Brandon. We set up a time to meet. Back in our old town oddly enough. He was there visiting his Mom. I missed her. I did keep in touch with her via social media. She didn't do anything wrong. It wasn't her fault what happened, I wasn't able to shut her out completely too.
We met at the park, at night. I had to sneak in. Sometimes fame has a down side.
"So.....let's hear the Brandon Puggles story." I said, trying not to sound bitter or angry. It was hard. I was fine until I saw him face to face. After that, I wanted to scream at him.
He seemed to get angry at that. "Evie, I know what I did was wrong okay? But you gotta understand. I wasn't used to having someone show me affection like that. It scared me."
"SO THIS IS MY FAULT?!!!" I screamed at him.
"No, no. It's not your fault." He said, grabbing my elbow. It didn't hurt, but it ticked me off even more.
"LET GO OF ME OR SO HELP ME I WILL PUNCH YOU IN THE BALLS!" I yelled at him, yanking my arm away from him.
"I'M SORRY!" Brandon shouted before blowing out a breath and looking at me sadly. "I'm sorry."
I almost cried, but I held it together. I was determined that he would never see me cry. "You don't understand what you not showing up that night did to me." I said quietly. "I waited all night for you." I told him, looking away. He actually seemed sad. Remorseful. But that didn't mean I trusted him. "It shattered my heart. Because I loved you. I really did love you."
Brandon sighed "I know sorry doesn't fix it. But I am sorry. I was messed up. And I wasn't ready for a relationship. I still don't know if I am...." He trailed off and shook his head "I wasn't fair to you. I wanted to try to have something with you. Because I could tell you loved me. And that felt good. I actually did care about you, Evie. Whether you believe it or not. I just...I should have been upfront about what was going on. But, I want you to know. You're an amazing person. And I don't want what I did to stop you from finding the one who deserves you."
I sat there, letting what he said sink in. Somehow, his answers helped. It didn't magically fix everything, but it helped. And I decided to forgive him. Not for his sake, but mine. Because unforgiveness is like a giant weight you carry around. I wanted it off me.
"Thank you for hearing me out. I've felt awful all this time for what I did." He told me, after we walked outside.
I had to go. People were starting to gather. One was creepily wearing the same outfit as me too.
"I really do hope you find what you've been looking for all these years, Evie. If anyone deserves it, it's you." Brandon told me.
And then, I surprised myself.
I hugged him and he hugged me back. It was a little awkward, but it was good. It was nice to let go of the anger. A little bit of the pain remained, but I hoped it would finally ease with time.
Brandon and I parted ways. Maybe we would text each other once in a while, just to see if the other was alive. Maybe we wouldn't. All I knew was, I was ready to talk to Pak.
And for the first time in years, I dreamed of a man that wasn't Brandon. Waking up after that made me feel hopeful. That maybe I could move forward. And let go of the hurt of the past.
As for my present, I was being presented with a celebrity star on the Starlight Boulevard in Del Sol Valley. I had become a Global Superstar. And finally reached the top of my career, becoming a Internet Superstar.
I really couldn't believe it as I held the frame for the star in my hands at the ceremony. I'm pretty sure I gripped that thing so hard my knuckles turned white. I had started with pretty much nothing. I had worked and worked until I reached where I wanted to be, career wise. I didn't worry about money so much anymore. But I made sure not to live outside of my means. I was going to continue to work as long as I could. And receiving that star made me feel like I accomplished something. I'm going to be remembered.
A lot of my fans showed up for the ceremony, which made me happy. I wasn't a celebrity that hung out in the hottest places all the time. I wasn't as accessible as some others. But I still had my fans.
I only wished Pak could have been there that day, but he had to work and couldn't get out of it. He had been working quite a bit after the night of our kiss, he was trying to get his own promotion in his career and I could totally understand that.
I signed some autographs and posed with some fans until I stopped dead in my tracks. I felt cold all over. I thought I was seeing things.
But I wasn't. It was him. And he saw that I saw him. I wanted to run away, but I made myself stay. I had to get some answers. I needed them.
So I approached him. "Brandon...what are you doing here?" I asked him, trying not to flip out in public. I had to remember that this was a public event. There was paparazzi buzzing around.
"I...heard about the ceremony. I live here now and I...wanted to see you have this moment." He told me. He looked scared. Like I was going to blow up at him. Maybe I would have years ago. But I knew I couldn't at that moment. I had to be smart. And I had to ignore anything in me that thought it was sweet of him to want to see my moment.
"Well, you saw it. I'm a Global Superstar." I said, acting like seeing him was no big deal. But it was a huge deal. I wanted to cry right after I slapped him across the face.
Brandon actually looked sad. "We should talk, Evie. I owe you...a lot of things." He said. I was shocked. "Obviously not here." He added, gesturing to all the people. He grabbed a small piece of paper from his pocket, grabbed my hand gently and placed the paper in it, before letting my hand go. "Call me when you want to set up a time."
And with that, he walked away. I couldn't stop myself from thinking that's what he's good at.
I wanted to talk to him right away. Get the talk done and over with, but I had to stay for an award ceremony. I was nominated, but did not win. At that point, I kind of didn't care.
I didn't understand it. It hurt, seeing him even in dream form. Why did I dream of him after one of the best days of my life?
I handled it like any sane person would do. I put on something pretty and went on a walk around town. I harvested some mushrooms and thought things over. Maybe it was my subconscious' way of telling me to careful with my heart. To remind me of what can happen. Or maybe it was trying to get me to finally deal with the whole Brandon thing. So I could have a chance to move forward with my life. I was going to end up alone and childless if I didn't let anyone in.
Later on that day, Pak came over for our weekly Yoga and Meditation get together.
"You seem....distracted." He said to me. I guess I had been quiet and not really paying attention to his story about some old lady's pet lizard being stuck in a tree.
I bit my bottom lip and thought about telling him about my dream and about some of my past.
He grasped my hand, squeezing it gently. "Hey, whatever it is...if you want to talk about it. I'll listen." He offered.
I was on the verge of tears. He was being very supportive and sweet. It was hard me to try to say something about Brandon. I had never really talked about it, to anyone. Except a few things to Cleo. Besides telling Pak that things ended badly with someone in the past. That was as close as I had gotten.
"I had a dream this morning....about my ex whatever he was." I told him softly. I blew out a breath and felt a few tears escape my eyes.
Pak wiped away my tears with his fingers. He remained quiet, giving me a chance to speak if I wanted to.
"I wasn't expecting it. The dream. Especially after the great time we had yesterday." I said, managing a small smile. Yesterday's memories were good. "But he pops up every now and then. I hate it. I haven't even seen him in a few years and he's still ruining my life." I told Pak, sniffling. "It's not fair. Hasn't he done enough? I loved him so much. I would have done almost anything for him and he just...." I trailed off and stared into space, beyond Pak's shoulder. I was starting to feel numb. "I waited for him. In so many ways." I whispered. And I had. I waited for him that night. I waited for him for years, for him to notice me beyond friendship. I hadn't realized it at the time, but I had even waited for him when it came to my virginity.
Pak hugged me tightly, but not enough to hurt me. I clung to him and closed my eyes, taking comfort in the hug. In him. He rubbed my back gently. We stood there like that for minutes. I wasn't sure how long.
I was the one to break the hug. I looked at him and before I could stop myself...
I kissed him. I wasn't sure why I did, just that I wanted to. It was a few moments before my brain really caught up with what I had done and I tried to pull away.
But he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer to him, not letting the kiss end. He was kissing me back. More than that, he was showing me that he wasn't rejecting me. That he wanted to kiss me too.
We probably would have gone on kissing, if his phone hadn't rung. He was on call for his job that night. We parted and he grabbed his phone, staring me down as I tried to wrap my head around what just happened.
"I have to go in, one of the dolphins is in labor." He told me.
I nodded, I was kind of disappointed. But it was probably a good thing. I might have gotten carried away. I wasn't thinking straight. But I did know for sure that I wanted to kiss Pak again. That I enjoyed it. It made me happy.
Pak grabbed me and dipped me. I let out a very unladylike scream.
"What are you doing?!" I asked him, shocked.
"Sweeping you off your feet." He replied, smirking.
He gave me one heck of a goodbye kiss. He eventually let me stand back up and promised he'd text later, before leaving.
"I am so screwed." I muttered to myself after he left. I just stood there for a while, stunned stupid. I couldn't believe that had just happened. But for some reason, I couldn't get rid of the smile on my face. I was getting in deep. But that night, I didn't seem to care.
His name was Brandon Puggles. From the first time I saw him standing near the front of the entrance to the local park, talking to one of my cousins. I felt something. I didn’t even understand…
so, I wrote a thing. Very personal for me. It’s based on my own experience. I did change some things, added some things. But for the most part. It’s me.
