Chpt 75 – Un-Normal – Part 1
Brandon is sitting in his car. He angrily takes out his phone and calls Kelly. It rings three times and goes to voicemail.
"Hey, it's me. I can't believe that you would do something like this, Kel. You can't just run away like this and worse enough, take the kids with you. It's not fair. Call me; don't make me call the cops," said Brandon.
He is about to end the call but then changes his mind. He just looks at the phone.
The automatic message voicemail goes off.
"Are you still there? If you are satisfied with your message, press 1 to send. Press 2 to rerecord your message. Press 3 to return to the main menu. Press * to hear these options again."
Brandon stays silent and is close to pressing #1 on his phone.
The automatic message voicemail goes off again.
"Are you still there?..."
Brandon immediately presses #2 on his phone. The beep goes off shortly.
"Kel, hi; it's me. I got your message. When you get chance, please give me a call. Thanks. Alright, talk to you later," said Brandon.
He presses #2 on his phone and hangs up.
Brandon and Nat are talking in the Peach Pit.
"Geez Brandon, why did you do that?' asked Nat.
"I was so angry, Nat. I thought it was a good idea at first," replied Brandon.
"Now, look what happened. What Kelly did was wrong. But you just make yourself look just as guilty as she is," said Nat.
Brandon looks at Nat.
"You know what I mean," said Nat.
"Yeah. I let my anger get the better of me," said Brandon.
"Did she say when she's coming back?" asked Nat.
"No. I don't even know where she is right now," replied Brandon.
"She's not picking up the phone?' asked Nat.
"Nope," replied Brandon.
"What about Silver?" asked Nat.
"Nope," said Brandon.
Brandon looks at Nat.
"Nat, can you please call Kelly to find out where she is?" asked Brandon.
"Oh no. I'm not getting in the middle of this, pal," replied Nat.
"No, not like that. Just pretend like you don't know anything…and you're just calling to check on a friend," said Brandon.
"Yeah, no; she'll see right through me," said Nat.
"Alright," said Brandon.
"I think the key is working it out with Kelly and everything else will fall into place," said Nat.
"Yeah. I didn't know she'll take the kids like that," said Brandon.
"Can you blame her? You let a stranger handled her baby without her permission," asked Nat.
"I was hiding out in the back the entire time. Nothing was going to happen," replied Brandon.
"Sure….too bad Kelly doesn't see it that way," said Nat.
"I hate it when you take her side," said Bandon.
"Well, she always comes in with a smile and spends lots of money. You on the other hand only come in when you need some free advice and mope," joked Nat.
"Wow Nat, that hurt," said Brandon.
Nat laughed.
"Maybe I'm approaching this the wrong way," said Brandon.
"What do you mean?" asked Nat.
"Kelly is asking me for space," replied Brandon.
"Right," said Nat.
"If I give her space, that means, she's also giving me my space, which I wanted," said Brandon.
Nat gives Brandon a confused look.
"Don't you get it? Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe this is what we both needed. Besides, she's giving me the chance to work during the summer," said Brandon.
"Yeah, but it doesn't mean that she's happy about it," said Nat.
"Yeah, but c'mon. If I see her how, we're just going to yell at each other and it'll make matters worse for us and the kids...if I leave it as is right now, maybe we both will calm down and be in a better place when she comes back," said Brandon.
"And when will that be?" asked Nat.
"I don't know. But c'mon, how long can she stay away?" asked Brandon.
"Brandon, don't make this mistake. You can seriously ruin your future," replied Nat.
"I won't, Nat. I'll talk to Kelly," said Brandon.
"Fix this before it's too late," said Nat.
Brandon looks at Nat with a silent look. His phone suddenly rings. He quickly takes it out hoping it's from Kelly. He sees Dylan's name on his phone. We only hear Brandon's side of the conversation.
"Hey Dylan, what's up?" asked Brandon.
"Eh no," said Brandon.
"Ok, I'll check the mail when I get back home," said Brandon.
"Ok, bye," said Brandon.
Flashes to the previous Kelly/Silver scene. They are still hugging.
"Don't let this get out of hand," said Silver.
Kelly's phone rings. Kelly picks up the phone and sees Brenda's name on the phone. We only hear Kelly's side of the conversation.
"Hi Brenda," said Kelly.
"Yeah, this is a surprise. How's everything? How's Abby?" asked Kelly.
"No, I haven't. Sorry. Maybe Brandon has. But I've been really busy," said Kelly.
"Ok, I can check the mail when I get back," said Kelly.
"Is everything alright? Do you just want to tell me right now?" asked Kelly.
"Ok, I'll check it and I'll call you," said Kelly.
And just like that….10 weeks goes by.
We see Brandon inside the house heading to open the front door. Brandon opens the door.
"Hey," said Kelly.
"Hey Kel. How come you didn't use your key?" asked Brandon.
"Oh, I just thought I'd be courteous since I'm not living here anymore. Also, I thought you may have changed the locks," replied Kelly.
"Now, why would I do that? This is technically your house. Your key will always work here," said Brandon.
"Thanks Brandon," said Kelly.
They both walk in. Kelly follows Brandon to the kitchen.
"You look great," said Brandon.
"Thanks. You too," said Kelly.
"Would you like something to drink?" asked Brandon.
"Um yea…," replied Kelly sort of looking around.
"Can I help you find something?" asked Brandon.
"Um no; this looks exactly the same. You didn't change anything?" asked Kelly.
"Um no. It was fine before. I didn't have a reason to," replied Brandon.
"That's sweet of you to say," said Kelly.
"So, about that drink," said Brandon trying to help Kelly.
"Oh yeah; since everything is the same, I think I can manage myself," said Kelly.
"Oh ok," said Brandon.
Brandon clears the table while Kelly looks around in the fridge.
"I'm glad you kept everything the same," said Kelly.
"Me too. One thing I wish I'd done more is tidy up," said Brandon.
Kelly grabs a soda from the fridge.
They both sit across from each other at the kitchen table.
"What happened to the nanny? Isn't she available to help?" asked Kelly.
"No, she served her purpose. I didn't feel like stringing her along like that. I feel bad enough as it is," replied Brandon.
"Sorry for bringing it up," said Kelly.
"No problem. I'm glad we're slowly moving on from it," smiled Brandon.
Kelly smiles. They look and smile at each other for a while. Soon, they laugh.
"Well, it's great to see you," said Brandon.
"Same here. I'm just glad we finally got a chance to talk. We both have been so busy," said Kelly.
"Yeah. How's work?" asked Brandon.
"It's going good. The summer is winding down and the fall season will be starting soon. How's your classes been?" asked Kelly.
"It's going well. It feels good being back in the classroom again," replied Brandon.
"I'm glad we both got to work this summer," said Kelly.
Brandon seems a little surprised but tries not to show it.
"Me too," said Brandon.
They both just smile at each other for a bit in an awkward silence.
"So, can you believe that they're actually getting married?" asked Kelly.
"I know. I know I was caught off guard," replied Brandon.
"Mostly because of Dylan?" asked Kelly.
"You got it. I know Brenda was really to commit. Dylan was the wildcard; always have been," replied Brandon.
"Yeah, I'm happy for them," said Kelly.
"Me too. They're both not tied down anywhere; I think they'll make it work," said Brandon.
"Yeah, I think so too. How do you think Dylan will handle being a full-time dad?" asked Kelly.
"I think he'll learn from his past and make the most of it. He's in good hands," replied Brandon.
"So, what are we gonna do about telling them about us?' asked Brandon.
"Well, I've been giving it some thought. I think we should keep our thing between us. The last thing I want to do is pull off the attention away from them," replied Kelly.
"Right," said Brandon.
"You know I was thinking too that maybe we don't have to keep anything from them" added Brandon.
Kelly gives Brandon a confused look.
"Maybe you can move back here," added Brandon.
"Um…I don't know, Brandon," said Kelly.
"I miss you," said Brandon.
"I miss you too," said Kelly.
"And I miss having the kids here," smiled Brandon.
"I know. I just think it's too soon," said Kelly.
"It's been over two months," said Brandon.
"I know but this is the first time we've really sat down and talked," said Kelly.
"I just need time to think this over….I really will think about it," added Kelly who takes Brandon's hand and holds them.
Brandon looks surprised.
"Your hands feel nice there, Kel," smiled Brandon.
"Yeah, it feels good for me too," said Kelly.
"Here's a thought. Why don't you and the kids move back here, and I can leave," said Brandon.
"Oh, no; that's very sweet of you but we're fine the way it is," said Kelly.
"How long are you guys going to be at the hotel?" asked Brandon.
"Honestly, I don't know. It's been fine and the kids are loving the room and the view; we're really doing fine, Brandon," replied Kelly.
Brandon looks a little hurt.
"Can I help pay for anything?" asked Brandon laughing trying to cushion the blow.
"No, it's ok," replied Kelly laughing in a little.
"You really will think about moving back?" asked Brandon.
"Yes, I promise. You have my word," replied Kelly.
"Ok then. Thanks," smiled Brandon.
Kelly is back in the hotel room. She is changing. Silver walks by and knock on the door to get Kelly's attention.
"Hey," said Kelly.
"Hey, how did it go?" asked Silver.
"Alright, I guess," replied Kelly.
"Oh no. You guys got into another fight?" asked Silver.
"No. I said it went alright," replied Kelly.
"It's not that. I was hoping that you two would've reconciled and catch up on some alone time if you know what I mean," said Silver.
"Sorry to disappoint you," said Kelly.
"You wore that?" asked Silver.
"Yeah, what's wrong with it?" asked Kelly.
"Nothing; I thought you would wear something a little more revealing," replied Silver.
"Silver, I didn't go over there to seduce him," said Kelly.
"Well, it could've help things if you did," said Silver.
"Silver!" said Kelly.
"Did you at least wear your wedding ring?" asked Silver.
"Yes, I never took it off," said Kelly.
"Did you point that out to him?" asked Silver.
"No; what is wrong with you?' asked Kelly.
"Nothing. In fact, that was the only thing I wanted you to have on," replied Silver.
"If it helps, I held his hand and we talked," said Kelly.
"Whoa….I hope you crazy kids used protection," said Silver.
"It was nice. We just talked like mature adults," said Kelly.
"So, there was no fighting?" asked Silver.
"No fighting," replied Kelly.
"No arguments?" asked Silver.
Kelly doesn't answer right away.
"No arguments," replied Kelly.
"Good. But you see you guys have been separated for so long that you don't know how to act hot and heavy for each other anymore," said Silver.
"Well, my relationship and my marriage are none of your business," said Kelly.
Silver looks offended by Kelly's comment. Kelly notices.
"Fine," said Silver who starts to turn around.
"Silver," said Kelly who goes and stops Silver.
Silver turns and looks at Kelly.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that," said Kelly.
"Whatever. Why don't you stop complicating this family for the sake of yourself? What about us kids? Do you really think that Winnie should be raised in a hotel? She should be living in an actual home. And don't get mad at me for trying to salvage what's left in your marriage. At least I'm not the one who's given up all hope. But I can only do so much to help you. But how can I if you don't even want to be helped," said Silver walking away.
Kelly has blank look on her face as she watches Silver walk away.
That evening, Brandon is sitting in his bed. He is grading papers. His phone rings. He sees it's Kelly.
"Hey Kel," said Brandon.
"Hi. Is it a good time?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah. I'm just grading papers," replied Brandon.
"Oh, I can call back another time; I know it's late," said Kelly.
"No no no; I'm available," said Brandon.
"Ok. I'll make this quick," said Kelly.
"I thought about what you said today. If it's ok with you, I think we would like to come back home," added Kelly.
'Oh, that's great," said Brandon.
"Wait, I don't want to mislead you, Brandon. We're moving back only for the sake of Brenda/Dylan. I just want them to think we're living apart when they visit," said Kelly.
"So, this is just temporary?" asked Brandon.
"For the time being. I just want to see how it goes; if that's ok with you," replied Kelly.
"Ok, I understand," said Brandon.
"That's good. We'll do this for Brenda and Dylan," said Kelly.
"I'll be doing this for us too," said Brandon.
"Ok. I'll ask the kids what they think and will let you know," said Kelly.
"Ok. Thanks Kelly," said Brandon.
"Thanks Brandon; bye," said Kelly.
"Bye," said Brandon.
Later, we see Kelly sitting in the living room of her hotel room. Silver quietly enters. She is quiet at first when she sees Kelly.
"Can I come in?" asked Silver.
"That depends; are you going to bite my head off again?" asked Kelly.
"I'm sorry about that. Do I still have a home here?" asked Silver.
Kelly stands up and gives Silver a blank stare. She starts to smile and goes to give Silver a hug.
"Of course, you do," said Kelly.
"I'm sorry about earlier. You were right. Your marriage is none of my business," said Silver.
"Thanks. But you said a few things that made me rethink my situation a little," said Kelly.
"Really?" asked Silver.
"Yeah. I was telling myself that I was doing what's best for my family, but the truth was that it was pretty all about me," replied Kelly.
"I was humiliated and hurt by Brandon's stint. So, I guess I wanted to turn my family against him," added Kelly.
"I'm sorry you had to go through this, Kel. I know that it may seem that I was taking Brandon's side but what I really wanted was the two of you back on the same side. Because I love you both," said Silver.
"And we love you, Silver. And we appreciate you so much…and I don't want you to feel like you have to pick sides," said Kelly.
"What's going to happen now?" asked Silver.
"Sit down," replied Kelly.
They both sat down.
"Brandon asked me to move back in with him today," said Kelly.
"What did you tell him?" asked Silver.
"I told him I'd think about it, but I was really thinking about looking for a more permanent place for us," replied Kelly.
"But after you knocked some sense into me, I think we should make this decision as a family. I've already talked about this with Sammy and he said he would like to move back," added Kelly.
"And you?" asked Silver.
"Yeah, I'm moving back too but mostly because of Brenda/Dylan coming to town; I don't want them to know about me and Brandon's situation," replied Kelly.
"So, we're just going to be leaving again – after Brenda/Dylan leave?" asked Silver.
"I'm not sure. But I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. I think you and Sammy are old enough to make your own decisions after that," replied Kelly.
Silver is silent and it's clear that she's not happy.
"Silver, I'm trying. But I'm still not over all my problems with Brandon," said Kelly.
"Ok, I guess I can settle for that," said Silver.
They hug.
"Just so you know, I'll always be on your side, Kel," said Silver.
"Thanks. I'll always be on your side too," said Kelly.
Brandon and Kelly are at the airport. They are sitting at the waiting area.
"How are they doing?" asked Brandon.
"They'll be fine. Silver found some diapers in the closet," replied Kelly.
"Oh good," said Brandon.
"So how do you think this is going to go?" asked Kelly.
"I don't know. Brenda and Dylan are pretty smart. They may figure things out," replied Brandon.
"Yeah; they're only staying for a week. It can't be too bad," said Kelly.
"Whatever you say," said Brandon.
"I mean, this is supposed to be a happy occasion with two of our closest friends. But I don't want to lie to them," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Brandon.
"Telling them the truth will make me feel better; then we wouldn't have continue living a lie," said Kelly.
"Are you going to move out if we tell them the truth?" asked Brandon.
Kelly looks at Brandon with a silent look.
"Hi," said Brenda with Dylan walking towards Brandon and Kelly.
Brandon and Kelly turn their attention to Brenda and Dylan.
They all say hi and hug each other.
"Congratulations!" said Kelly.
"Thanks," said Brenda.
"We're so happy for you both. It's about time" said Brandon.
"Same here," said Dylan.
"Yeah, we're very excited," said Brenda.
"Where's Abby?" asked Kelly.
"Oh, Jim and Cindy are taking good care of her," replied Brenda.
"Oh, too bad. I wanted to see her," said Kelly.
"Don't you worry. I have plenty of new pictures," said Brenda taking out her phone.
"Ok. There will be plenty of time for that. C'mon; let's get something to eat," said Dylan.
Brenda puts away her phone. They all walk away. Kelly puts her arm around Brenda as they walk and talk.
The four of them are at the Peach Pit. Nat is there rejoicing Brenda/Dylan's engagement.
"….to two of the best people I know and love; congratulations my dears," said Nat in a toast.
"Awww; that was very sweet, Nat. Thank you," said Brenda.
"Enjoy the food. Have fun. I'll be back," said Nat.
"Ok," said Brandon.
"So, we have a favor to ask you two," said Brenda.
"No, you can't borrow any money," joked Brandon.
Kelly laughs.
"I wouldn't think of ever doing that," said Dylan.
"No, it's not money. It's something a little more priceless," said Brenda.
"What is it?" asked Kelly.
"Do you want to tell them?" asked Brenda.
"No, you go ahead. You're doing great," replied Dylan.
"C'mon; out with it already," said Brandon.
"Since we value your relationship so much and we see you two as role models for our relationship. It would mean the world to us if you both can a part of the wedding. Kel, I would love it if you would be my maid of honor," smiled Brenda.
Kelly smiles back.
"And B, I want you to be my best man," said Dylan.
Brandon and Kelly turn and look at each other and smile.
"How can we say no to that?" asked Brandon.
"We'll be honored," replied Kelly.
"Great! Oh, you two made us so happy. Thank you," said Brenda.
"We're happy for you two," said Kelly.
They get up and all hug.
"I know you guys are very busy with your new jobs. So, we can definitely work around your schedule," said Brenda.
"Why don't we get your stuff back to the house and get you two settled in?" asked Brandon.
"What?" asked Dylan.
"Our house, where you're staying, right?" asked Brandon.
"Oh, um; that's very nice of you two to put us up; but we have hotel reservations at the Belagio," replied Dylan.
"Oh ok. That's fine too," said Brandon surprised.
"Yeah, sorry for any confusion. I know you guys did offer us to stay and I said I'll let you two know; but sorry; we just didn't want to impose," said Brenda.
"Oh, you're not imposing. We love having you guys here," said Kelly.
"It's ok. We'll still see each other a lot though," said Brenda.
"Yeah; of course," said Brandon and Kelly.
"Yeah, we're planning a wedding; we're gonna see each other almost every day," said Brenda laughing.
"That's great," said Kelly trying to keep a straight face.
Brenda leans over the table and hugs Brandon and Kelly.
"Oh, I love you both. Thanks, so much for helping us out," said Brenda.
"Oh, that's what best friends are for," said Kelly.
"After we get married; the four of us will be related. Isn't that great? We're all going to be one happy family," said Brenda acting very happy.
"It is great. We can't wait," said Kelly.
"You have excused the high enthusiasm from my bride here," said Dylan.
"No; she's entitled to; considering how long he waited for you, D," joked Brandon.
"Oh well brother; I'm sure you and Kelly have been mulling over each other much longer before getting married," said Dylan.
Brandon and Kelly awkwardly look at each other.
"And now look at you two. You two are happily married with two kids. You are living the perfect life!" said Brenda.
"A little too ecstatic, Bren," said Brandon.
"It's true; you two are the embodiment of what a perfect relationship is," said Dylan.
"Dude, what happened to you?" asked Brandon joking.
"What?" asked Dylan.
"I'm sorry; It's just weird for me to see Dylan McKay talk so openly about marriage and relationships," joked Brandon.
"Brandon! It's their wedding," said Kelly.
"What? I wasn't trying to be mean. I'm just not used to him talking about these things," said Brandon.
"What can I say? I am under the influence…," said Dylan.
Brandon and Kelly have a weird look on their faces.
"Her influence, that is. And I never want it to end," said Dylan.
Dylan and Brenda kiss.
"Isn't that sweet?" asked Kelly.
"To Brenda and Dylan," replied Brandon.
They raise their glasses.
"Wait, I'm not missing a toast," said Nat who sees them raising their glasses and runs over to join in the fun.
"Cheers!" said Nat.
Everyone laughs.
To be continued….