EPISODE 1, PART 1
Brenda has arrived from England to assist West Beverly's fall play production. Harry gave Brenda a quick tour of the newly renovated high school. Kelly, who now works as a guidance counselor had a pretty busy day. Due to her recent chat with Ryan Matthews not going as smoothly as expected, she isn't in the best of moods. Both Brenda and Kelly walk towards their cars in the faculty's parking lot.
Brenda (speaking on the phone to someone/ smiling): This place has changed so much since I was here last. I can't believe it. Donna Martin Graduates! Donna Martin Graduates! Was all I could think of haha!
Kelly spots Brenda in the lot and calls out to her: Brenda!
Brenda turns around and waves at Kelly: Hey!
She hangs up the phone with a smile and says "I got to go, I'll see ya later ok? Bye" click and hangs up her cell
Brenda: Hey Kel!
Kelly: Ah, what did you say to Ryan?
Brenda: Ryan?
Kelly: Ryan Matthews, the English Lit. teacher, the guy I like?
Brenda:Oh, yeah. We talked for some time this morning.
Kelly: What did you tell him about me?
Brenda: Nothing much.
Kelly: You shouldn't have said anything
Brenda: Okay, Kelly any guy that dates you is going to have questions about him and Sammy, you should just get your story straight.
Kelly: My story is straight
Brenda: You know you get really emotional, when you talk about this…I wonder why that is
Kelly: What're you saying?
Brenda: I'm saying that you still have feelings for him
Kelly: Tell me something I don't know! Of course I still have feelings for him, he's my son's father!
Brenda: C'mon, Kelly you know there's more to it than that.
Kelly: No, there isn't, because it can't be. Because he's not here and I DESERVE to be with somebody and be happy!
Brenda: Oh give me a break! Its written all over your face. You are NEVER going to be happy with somebody else because you're still in love with Brandon!
SUSPENSFUL MUSIC BEGINS.
Watch the credits I made here at YT: youtube. com/watch?v=TGwBXzlnu4Q
Back to the scene…
Kelly: Brenda! Me dating Ryan has got nothing to do with him. Stop standing up for your brother!
Brenda (raising her tone slightly): Kelly! I'm not taking any sides here and you know it! He's Sammy's father first and he needs him.
Kelly and Brenda gaze towards one another, with frustration in their eyes
Brenda finally, looks away.
Kelly: Look, I like Ryan. He lets me be me, and not just a single mom trying to juggle her son and career. So, please, let me be happy. After a long long time I've finally found someone who I think is decent enough to date and let loose with.
Brenda (sighing; she knew that Ryan was simply a fling, an absolute substitute because her brother wasn't there.): We'll talk about this later. I gotta go, but just be careful, for Sammy's sake. I'll call you later.
Kelly looks on as Brenda walked away, towards her car. She couldn't deny it—no matter how hard she tried. She knew Brenda was right. Kelly Taylor was still in love with Brandon Walsh. The father of her 4 ½ year old son, Sammy.
Though he hadn't been residing in Beverly Hills for over three years, Kelly couldn't forget him…and how could she? He was the only man who truly understood her sentiments and respected her opinion even if disagreeable. The man she almost married a decade ago. Simply put, he brought out the best in her. The unfortunate miscarriage of their first child, led them to almost becoming Raphael's foster parents. Though the latter never came about, these college sweethearts shared a memorable yet a heart wrenching history. Now, with the birth of their second child, Sammy, Brandon and Kelly's bitter-sweet bond was to be forever tied together—not by engagement rings, nor marriage proposals, but now, simply by blood.
The only problem: Brandon's commitment to his career went overload. He was based on the east coast, New York City, working for The Chronicle. Now, his endeavors as a successful journalist obligated him to continuously travel throughout the world. Cover to cover, story to story. Brandon Walsh was now a big league reporter.
Kelly sat in her car, pushing her head back towards the seat and closing her eyes. A tear rolled down her cheek. Though she had gone back to California University and earned her Masters, had a great career at West Beverly, where she garnered so much respect from students and staff for her work, her personal life was a disaster. Her love life was in a limbo, and though taking care of her son was Kelly's number one priority, it was the one job she was struggling with. Frustrated and angry, she didn't want Sammy to grow up a life mirroring her childhood, a childhood where Dad was never around.
Cut to Casa Walsh. Same night.
Kelly jumps into bed, where her sister Erin, now a young, beautiful, and rebellious teen is laying with her laptop typing away on her blog.
Silver (sneakishly smiling): I think this is my best blog yet.
Kelly: Erin, how many times have we had a talk about this blog of yours? Its causing nothing but problems.
Silver: Oh Kell's c'mon lighten up. Trust me on this one. So, Brenda coming tomorrow?
Kelly: Yup. Harry spoke to her this afternoon. She's officially booked to direct the fall play. What's it called again?
Silver: Spring Awakening. Seriously, like, out of all the Broadways, they pick a musical about a bunch of horny teenagers humping around, because they want to discover their "inner and outer tumult of sexuality." Puhleez, I'll pass.
Kelly: Well, just be supportive of Bren when she'll be up there coaching the kids. I want her to feel comfortable, especially since Tabitha will be snooping around.
Silver: No probs and you know I remember her telling me that she's still keeping her flat in Shoreditch, and it's got me thinking about an escape route. (gives a big wide smile to Kelly).
Kelly raises her eyebrow (The classic Kelly look)
Silver (smiling gleefully): Well a girl can dream can't she? Topshop, Prince Harry, and friends named Nigel and Gemma.
Kelly smiles and shakes her head thinking how ridiculous her sister sounds. Silver just laughs at the same time and asks "what?" The phone rings. Ring, Ring, Ring. Silver picks up
Silver: Hello?
Voice: Hi…Kelly?
Silver looking up at Kelly with the receiver in her hand: Um, who's calling?
Voice: Its Dylan…Erin is that you?
Silver covers up the receiver and brings its lowers it to her shoulder
Silver (to Kelly, handing her the phone): It's Ol' McForehead.
Kelly (making a "that's rude" expression on her face, takes the phone): Hey Stranger, when did you get back in town?
Dylan: Over two hours ago. Hey Kel, is Bren around?
Kelly: Nope, she's staying at the Bel Age. Room 381.
Dylan (stuck in traffic, horns honking everwhere, starts speaking loudly): Yeah I know, I got her text. I'm trying to get there but this traffic from LAX is a b!tch. I tried giving her a buzz but I all I keep gettin' is a busy signal. Listen, if Brenda calls just let her know that I might be a bit late at the Pit. I just called thinking she might have passed by you or something.
Kelly: Okay, sure, no problem and welcome back. You were missed.
Silver (to herself as she types away): Speak for yourself.
Dylan (to Kelly on phone): Thanks Kel. Can't wait to see you and the rest of the gang. See ya.
Kelly: Bye.
A beep can be heard as Kelly hangs up.
Silver: So, what did Fonzi want this time?
Kelly: Nothing, he's back from Europe, stuck in traffic, and was just calling to check up on Brenda to see if she was here. Her phone's busy.
Silver: Well, I guess that's a start. At least its nice of him to check up on her like that...among other not so nice things.
Kelly: Erin…
Silver: Fine. I'm sorry. Not another word…
Kelly puts the phone back on the hook and grabs a piece of paper and pen. She starts scribbling a list. Silver takes advantage of the moment and strikes up a particular conversation, Kelly isn't too fond of.
Silver: Maybe you could do the same for the "other half…"
Kelly looks up at Silver and realizes what she means, rather…WHO she means.
Silver (sigh): Kell's you should've talked to him last week when he called from NYC .
Kelly: I WASN'T ready to talk to him. I'm NOT ready.
Silver (in a reassuring tone): Okay, you have got to get past this. Look, remember when I was three and Hannah's mom was leaving, and all you guys were like singing Kumbaya together at the Pit, and she told you then and there, to go for the brass ring. You shouldn't have passed that up Kelly.
Kelly: ERIN, your 16, you don't understand okay. I was only 20 years old and between him and Dylan…
Silver (interrupting): no no no no…see…McWrinkles is no comparison to a hot, sensitive Boy Scout who CAN cook! Had you gotten married then and there, he would be here right now in my place, with you and Sam.
Kelly: Getting married would not have guaranteed anything, Silver. The last time Brandon and I met was during Sammy's first Christmas, and he didn't even bother to show up on time.
Flashback Sammy's first Christmas, 2004.
Kelly Taylor is seen clearing off the dining table, and placing leftovers in the fridge from what seems to be a Christmas dinner she just finished hosting. All the guests had left.
Doorbell rings.
Kelly walks through the hallway and opens the door. The man standing before her was terribly late. His left hand rested in his pocket, while he held a gift bag in his right hand. His face filled with embarrassment.
Brandon: I can explain. …I'm really sorry for being late Kel.
Kelly listens patiently as she stares at Brandon with a look of irritation on her face.
Brandon sighs turning his head…
Brandon: Can I come in?
Kelly leaves the door open and begins walking away from it and towards the living room. Brandon follows her in, closing the door behind him. Cut to Walsh living room, completly decorated with a Christmas tree, ornaments, stockings, and gifts.
Brandon: My flight from New York was delayed for two hours due to that storm everyone's been talking about. I tried calling both here and your cell, but the lines were dead-jammed. I did my best to catch the earliest flight to LA, but as luck would have it, every one of them was canceled.
Kelly: That's why I told you to try for flights last week. You're a reporter; you know how hectic it gets right around the holidays Brandon.
Brandon: I know. I know. But, Richardson wanted me to wrap up that story in D.C. pronto (B takes a seat on the couch, puts down the gift bag) and I just couldn't squeeze in the time to finish that up, buy presents, and schedule my flight to be here all in a week.
Kelly: Brandon, I don't care about the presents or the gifts okay! Do you realize what your job is doing to Sammy? What it's doing to us?
(Cut to Brandon who looks away)
Kelly (continues): He spent the entire night tonight with Steve and Donna, playing around with your pictures and just calling on to you, saying "daddy."
Brandon: (speechlessly turns to Kelly in a low voice; looks down) I really missed him. He asleep?
Kelly (angry yet sarcastic): Well considering it's almost midnight I would assume so. I tucked him to bed hours ago.
Brandon lifts his head and gets up. Takes hold of the gift bag and exits the living room, but he suddenly stops and turns around to face Kelly and says "I'll make it up to you, I promise, to both of you"
A quite and frustrated Kelly looks on as he began walking upstairs.
Cut to Casa Walsh, Sammy's Room, Upstairs.
Brandon slightly pushes Sammy's door open and enters. His son is fast asleep, wrapped around a soft, blue blanket and his head tenderly lays upon a white pillow.
Brandon walks closer towards the bed and sits next to his son. He reaches to caress Sammy's head with his hand
Brandon: Hey buddy…daddy's here. Daddy's back. Merry Christmas.
Brandon takes out the present he brought for Sammy and places it next to his pillow. It's a Spiderman action figure, Sam's favorite superhero, signed exclusively by Tobey Maguire. Brandon gives Sammy a soft little kiss on his right cheek.
Brandon (whispers as he becomes slightly teary eyed): see ya in the morning kiddo…night.
He gets up to leave and turns around and finds Kelly standing by the door. She was watching him the entire time.
Kelly (asking Brandon): Want some eggnog?
Brandon (smiling at her): Sure
Kelly begins walking downstairs to the kitchen; Brandon follows her and strikes up a conversation
Brandon (as he's coming down the stairs): Bummer I missed the dinner. I really looked forward to seeing everybody.
Kelly (in the kitchen, taking a glass out of the cupboard and pours eggnog in it): Well, you can make it up tomorrow, (Brandon takes a seat by the kitchen table) Steve and Janet are having a luncheon and David's throwing a surprise birthday party for Donna.
Kelly walks over to the kitchen table, takes a seat next to Brandon, handing him the glass.
Brandon: Sounds like a holiday to look forward to, but I really want to spend some time with you and Sam. (Pauses to take a sip of the eggnog), I can't believe how big he's gotten in just a year.
Kelly (reaching her hand out over Brandon's): Well, now that you're back, we've got all the time in the world to catch up.
Brandon is silent and slightly forms a look of seriousness on his face.
Brandon (looking down at his glass and slowly speaks): Y e a h
Kelly (insecure by Brandon's tone): What is it?
Brandon (shaking his head as he looks at his glass): Nothing…nothing really (finishes his drink). Thanks, that was delicious (gives Kelly a kiss on her cheek), I gotta go get my bag from the car.
Kelly just sat in her seat as Brandon got up and went out from the kitchen door. She didn't want to argue again that night, but she knew Brandon was hiding something from her.
Cut to Donna's surprise party the next day.
The entire gang had gathered at Donna and David's place: Steve, Janet, and their daughter Maddy, along with Dylan, and Nat are sitting on a beautiful white couch, accessorized by ruby red cushions. Sitting across from them are Brandon, Kelly, and their son Sammy. Donna and David stand in front of their decorated Christmas tree filled with lovely ornaments and nicely wrapped gifts beneath. The entire room is decorated with reds and greens and snow whites. Its a Christmasi feeling all over the house. Sammy sits in his father's lap playing with his Spiderman action figure, all the while being comforted by Brandon's arm around him.
Kelly, Janet, Dylan and Steve are laughing at Nat's ridiculous jokes.
Donna takes her champagne glass and lightly taps it with a teaspoon to gather everyone's attention.
Donna (standing next to David, facing everyone): Well, thank you all for joining us today and for making this the best surprise birthday party ever! (Camera cuts to BK and Sam, Dylan, Nat, and Steve and Janet as Donna keeps talking) I just wanted to let you all know how much it means to me and David, to have you all here. All of us have been through so much, yet we're still happy, healthy, and together. (Camera cuts back to David and Donna)To us and friendship and many more happy holidays to come.
Steve (wiping away fake tears): Oh so sweet! Janet sipping her drink and shaking her head at Steve's immaturity.
Dylan: Here Here!
Everyone sips from their drink. A few moments later Dylan's receives a phone call. He checks to see who it maybe, but it appears to be private with no number showing up. He answers it anyway:
Dylan: Yeah
Voice: Guess who?
Dylan: Bren? Is that you?
Voice: Well this is an overseas call, so who else? Merry Christmas.
Dylan (gets up to leave from the living room stretching out words in his usual Dylanisque way): Y e e a h, Merry Christmas . So how you doin?
Brenda (holding a cup of coffee): I'm doing great. Actually it's about 7:30 in the morning here and considering that its Donna's birthday, Christmas, and the fact that you all are there, I figured why not call. (Cut to Dylan as Brenda is heard through the phone) Btw, did Donna get something yet?
The doorbell rings
Dylan (to Brenda): Hang on a second.
Dylan (to the gang): I got it. He opens the door and a man from DHL stands before him
Postman: Good evening Sir, is Mrs. Donna Silver here?
Dylan: Yeah
Dylan calls out to Donna
Dylan: Donna! (Dylan puts back the receiver on his ear so that Brenda can hear him) Special home delivery from London, come and get it.
Cut to Brenda in London, smiling delightfully knowing that her present to Donna reached.
Donna: London? (starts walking towards the door) Brenda, no you didn't!
Cut to David and Steve who just look at each other in dismay when they hear Brenda's name.
Donna signs the clipboard, greets the postman with a "Happy Holidays" and takes the gift Brenda sent her. It seems to be a DVD of some sort.
Donna: Hey look you guys! This is so sweet!
She unwraps it and sees a cover filled with pictures of herself and
Brenda, and the rest of the gang. Pics dating back to high school and college.
Donna: awwwwww , look (turns the DVD around and shows it to everyone)
Dylan (to Brenda): It's a hit.
Brenda (smiling gleefully, excited): Let me talk to her!
Kelly tells Donna to play it and hands the disk to David while Donna talks to Brenda over the phone. David walks over, turns on the DVD player and grabs the remote control.
Donna (to Brenda): Brenda! OMG! What a surprise! You shouldn't have! I LOVE IT!
Brenda: Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas D! I miss you so much! I wish I was there with you guys.
Donna: Merry Christmas! Awww Bren I miss you too!
Brenda: Well I gotta get to work, but I'll call you later and we'll catch up okay?
Brandon motions Donna to hand him the phone for a quick chat with his sis.
Donna (to Brenda): wait wait! Brandon wants to talk to you
She hands him the phone
Brandon (to Brenda): And where's my present?
Brenda: You're related to me that should be enough.
Brandon (smiles): Very funny. I got your email, how's mom doing?
Brenda: Well, apart from missing Dad and preparing Christmas dinner, (cut to Cindy Walsh who's becoming mortified in the kitchen) (Cut back to Brenda): I'd say she's doing pretty well.
Brandon: Give her a hug for me and you take care of yourself. I'll call you later
Brenda: Will do. Oh and Brandon…
Brandon: Yeah?
Brenda (closeup on Brenda as she sits down on the kitchen table): I'm glad you're there for X-mas… with Kelly and Sam. It was about time.
Brandon: Yeah me too.
Brandon's cell phone starts ringing.
Brandon: Listen I'm getting a call, I'll talk to you and mom later. Love Ya, Merry Christmas.
Brenda: Merry Christmas, bye.
David (hits the play button): Alright guys, lets see what the Oscar winner sent us
Brandon: (answers his phone): Hello?
Voice: Yes, may I please speak with Mr. Brandon Walsh?
Brandon (starting to walk away from the room to gain some privacy): Yes, speaking
Cut to David and the rest of the gang that are watching the video she sent.
Brenda (on Video): Hey Donna, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!
Cut to Donna and the rest of the gang
Kelly: She looks great
Janet: This is so sweet of her!
Brenda (on video): I'm sorry I can't be there with you on your special day, but that's no excuse to miss out on the fun and from wishing you and David and everybody a very joyous Christmas and Happy Holidays. (Steve and Janet smile) Here's a little something I made for all you. (Brenda wipes a little tear from the corner of her left eye) I really miss you guys.
The video goes on to play a slideshow with music and a display of memorable pictures and video footage from high school. Clips like, Donna and Brenda at the Carnival together and in Paris, David breaking it down at the Spring Dance, Donna, Kelly, Brenda, and Steve at Magic Mountain, and many more. The gang enjoys the video and recall on all the good times they've had together with Brenda.
Cut back to Brandon who's now on the backyard porch still conversing on the telephone.
Brandon: I understand Mr. Gerbecky, but I just got back into town for the holidays to be with my family and I wasn't expecting this news so soon.
Cut to Mr. Gerbecky (to Brandon): This is a once in a life time opportunity Brandon. The type of quality journalism that you offer is in demand. When Richardson sent me your sample writings, (Cut to Brandon holding the phone) I was impressed with your reporting.
Cut back to Gerbecky: You don't get offers like these every day.
Cut back to Brandon, who pauses for a moment: Well, thank you so much for calling and for considering me for the job but I'll need some time to think about it to let you know if its possible.
Cut back to Gerbecky: I'll need to know by 10 in the morning tomorrow. Take it or leave it Brandon, the choice is yours. Good night
Brandon looks down and expressions of concern, thought, and worry illuminate his face. He flips his phone off, and sighs heavily. Slowly turning around, (slow piano music begins) he sees Kelly and Sammy in the room, through the main window of the house. Kelly smiles as she watches Brenda's video, and son Sammy was playing with his Spidey action figure.
"My family" thought Brandon. There he was, once again in a dilemma. Just last night he had promised Kelly, the love of his life, the mother of his child, that he'd make up for all the times he couldn't be there with her and Sam, but will Brandon's successful career make him lose his family again? (camera zooms in on Brandon and then fades away into a commercial).
Cut to Donna and David's living room. The gang just finished having some cake and reminiscing about the good ol' times.
Dylan: no no no, the best part was Silver rocking "Vanilla Ice"
Steve: Oh absolutely. That was classic baby!
Steve and Nat laugh loudly, David of course is embarrassed
David (embarrassed): "ha ha ha…" Thank you for your comments gentlemen but that was all a very long time ago.
Brandon walks back inside, and finds Sammy standing in the middle of his way he picks him up "Come here buddy." Brandon smiles at everyone, they smile back, and continue their conversations. Brandon takes a seat next to Kelly.
Kelly (as Brandon sits next to her, she caresses the back of his head): Hey you, where you been? Haven't seen you all night…Talked to Brenda?
Brandon: Yup and then Mr. Gerbecky just called.
Kelly: Isn't he the editor of Seattle Times?
Brandon: He was… now he's the executive head of The Chronicle.
Kelly: …and?
Brandon: we'll talk about it when we get home
Brandon gives Kelly a little kiss, but the expression on her face is anything but relief. Kelly was concerned. Why would Mr. Gerbecky call during the holidays? she thought.
Cut to Casa Walsh, Brandon, Kelly, returning from DD's party. Sammy is asleep in Kelly's arms
Brandon: (unlocking the door) It was good to see everybody. Felt a lot like old times.
Kelly: (subtle sadness in her voice) Yeah…
Entering in Casa Walsh…
Kelly: (whispering to Brandon about Sammy whose fast asleep) Let me go tuck him into bed and I'll be right back down.
Brandon: Actually, I wanted to put him to bed if you don't mind Mama Walsh.
Kelly smiled and carefully handed Sammy into Brandon's arms. Though she was a bit frustrated and concerned about Brandon possibly leaving again, it was those little moments where Brandon stepped up to take charge as a father, that made her heart melt and her tongue silent.
As Brandon took him upstairs, he looked around the rooms and even though it was his home, he had almost forgotten the feeling of living in it. Brandon opened Sammy's door, took his jacket off gently, and rested Sammy on the bed. While he took Sam's shoes off, he noticed the pictures on the wall. Photos of himself, Brenda, Jim and Cindy, Sammy, and Kelly were present. Brandon tucked Sammy into his blanket gave him a gentle little kiss and got up to approach the photo filled walls of his son's room.
As he looked on, memorable events started hitting him. Events like, the first night him and Kelly made love before she became pregnant with Sammy, or the first time Brandon signed his name next to "Father" on Sammy's birth certificate, or the first time his parents and sister had held his son. Brandon gazed on a photograph that Steve had taken, the day Sammy was born at Cedars Sinai Hospital. It showed a smiling Brandon, snuggling with baby Sammy and Kelly. The image brought mild tears in his eyes and a sense of guilt had formed within Brandon as he thought about that offer Mr. Gerbecky had made to him earlier that evening. Though Brandon's Pulitzer Prize for Excellence in Journalism late last year, was well earned, he was beginning to realize one thing: his professional success meant sacrificing his personal life.
He turned for one last look at his son, for the night and shut the door lightly on his way out.
Cut to Kelly in her Bedroom
Standing in front of her mirror, Kelly takes off her earrings. Brandon walks in, his reflection viewable to Kelly on her mirror. She turns halfway to greet him with a smile as she removed her left earring. Brandon slowly walks up behind her as they both gaze at their pairing in the mirror. An absolute perfect match made in the heavens above.
Kelly: (putting her earrings aside on top of the drawer to her right) So...tucked him in?
Brandon: (still staring and him and Kel in the mirror): Yup. He's sleeping like a baby. He looks so much like me when he's asleep, minus the snoring of course...
Kelly smiled as Brandon wraps his arms around Kelly's waist and pulls her closer to himself. Kelly's hands immediately rested upon Brandon's. They smiled as they stared at one another in the mirror.
Brandon: (poking his nose into Kelly's hair and kissing her head, he whispers into her ear) I missed you (Brandon starts kissing Kelly's neck)
Kelly (turns around to give baby kisses to Brandon she replies):mmm… me too
Brandon kissed Kelly back passionately, gently gliding her shiny blonde hair away from the soft, beautiful face that he had loved and missed so much. Running her fingers through his thick hair, Kelly was overwhelmed with desire as was Brandon. They pulled apart from each other as Kelly took off Brandon's sweater and kissed him back lovingly. Pulling her closer to his body, Brandon could feel the weakness in his knees, as he affectionately picked up and carried Kelly to their bed. Brandon fell vulnerably upon Kelly as they both glistened into the Fire of Love. The tenderness of his touch and the warmth of his lips, meant that Kelly would just have to wait till morning to talk about Brandon's conversation with Mr. Gerbecky...Nothing was going to interrupt this night...a night to be remembered.