Author's Note - I must've written at least 3 different versions of the story you are about to read. This is the final version. I hope you enjoy it.
Chpt 53 – I'm Only Here to Help - Part 1
Brandon, Kelly, and Silver are in car driving.
"Brandon, so what do you have planned today?" asked Silver.
"The same; look for work and make dinner," replied Brandon.
"Don't be so down, Brandon. I got two midterms and an oral presentation today," said Silver.
"Once again, Silver; you win," said Brandon sarcastically.
Kelly and Silver chuckles.
"Silver, I think you share your grade with Brandon for helping you prepare for those exams," said Silver.
"Only if she gets an A," joked Brandon.
They all laugh.
"Sure, Brandon. If I do, you can add that to your resume," joked Silver.
"Thanks Silver," said Brandon.
"Seriously, I think you should, Brandon. I can see Silver's grades have really improved since you helped her," said Kelly.
"Kel, I don't think these counts as work experience. If it does, I should be made dean after helping Steve Sanders for all those years," said Brandon.
They all laugh again.
We see Brandon and Kelly walking to Kelly's office at West Beverly High.
Kelly puts her stuff down on her desk. We see a wedding picture of Brandon and Kelly on her desk.
"Ok, I'm gonna head out," said Brandon.
"Ok…thanks for driving me to work," said Kelly.
"No problem," said Brandon leaning in for a kiss.
They kiss.
"Have a great day," said Brandon.
"You too. I should be ready by four," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Brandon.
Brandon leaves.
Somebody walks to and knocks on the door.
"Hi Mrs. Taylor," said a student.
"Hi Jaime," said Kelly smiling.
"Sorry; is this a good time?" asked Jaime.
"Yeah, come on in," replied Kelly.
Jaime walks in.
Later, we see Brandon at the Peach Pit eating lunch. His phone rings and he answers it.
"Hey babe," said Brandon.
"Hey, what are you doing?" asked Kelly who is also eating her lunch.
"I'm just at the Pit eating some Apple pie," replied Brandon.
"Is that all you're having?" asked Kelly smiling.
"Yeah, I'm not really hungry," replied Brandon.
"How's the job hunting going?" asked Kelly.
"Not much luck," replied Brandon.
"Oh, I'm sorry, honey," said Kelly.
"Yeah, me too," said Brandon.
"I know it's not the same…but would you consider taking a break from looking for a job to help me out with something?" asked Kelly.
"Sure, I could use a break from no money. How much does it pay?" asked Brandon joking.
Kelly chuckles a little.
"No money but maybe I'll make it worth you wild," smiled Kelly.
"Ok, I'm already convinced. Let's hear it," said Brandon.
"So there's this senior, Jaime York. She's a transfer student. She really wants to be a writer. I read some of her work and I thought it was really good," said Kelly.
"So, she's applying for a few universities. She wants to write an essay about her aspirations of being a writer and I was wondering if you would help her with it," added Kelly.
Brandon doesn't answer right away.
"Brandon, I know this isn't the same…and I completely understand if you don't want to help," said Kelly.
"No, I'll help her," said Brandon.
"You sure, it's ok?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, at least this will be close to what I'm supposed to be doing anyway," replied Brandon.
"Ok; great. Thanks," said Kelly.
"Yeah, at least it'll feel like I'm doing some work…plus you know I can't say no to you," smiled Brandon.
"I'll remember that," smiled Kelly.
"So does this mean I get to spend some time at the school with you?" asked Brandon.
"Well, I have to get clearance from Harry first but I think it'll be ok," replied Kelly.
"Ok, when do I start?" asked Brandon.
"I'll check with Jamie and Harry and get back to you. See you later at home?" asked Kelly.
"Ok," said Brandon.
"Bye. I love you," said Kelly.
"I love you too," said Brandon.
They both hang up.
The next morning, we see Brandon, Kelly, and Silver walking towards Kelly's office.
They see Jamie already waiting by Kelly's door.
"Good morning, Ms. Taylor," said Jamie as soon as she sees Kelly walking towards her.
"Good morning, Jamie. Have you been waiting long?" said Kelly.
"No, not at all. How are you?" asked Jamie.
"I'm good. How about you?" asked Kelly.
"I'm doing great. I'm excited to get started," replied Jamie.
"Great," said Kelly.
"Jamie, this is my husband, Brandon Walsh and my sister, Silver," said Kelly introducing them.
"Jamie York. It's very nice to meet you," said Jamie extending her hand to Brandon.
"Hi Jamie. It's nice to meet you too," said Brandon.
"Hi Jamie. I'm Silver," said Silver.
"Yeah, I've seen you around the school," said Jamie.
"How do you like West Beverly so far?" asked Silver.
"It's good. I'm just trying to get use to everything," said Jamie.
"Cool. Well, we'll all be around if you need us," said Silver.
"Ok. Great. Thanks!" said Jamie.
"Ok, great; so why don't we all go in and get started," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Jamie.
"Guys, I'm gonna go find Annie and Dixon. See you around," said Silver who is not going into the room.
"See ya. Have a good day," said everybody.
Silver walks away.
Annie walks towards Silver.
"Oh hey; it didn't take long to find you," said Silver.
"Have you seen Dixon?" asked Silver.
"No, but what's your brother in law doing here?" asked Annie.
"Kelly wants him to help this new senior with her college essay…Jamie York," replied Silver.
"Lucky girl," said Annie.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Silver.
"Well, it's your brother in law…need I say more?" asked Annie trying to put it into perspective.
"Ewww…please don't go any further," replied Silver.
"C'mon. A girl could look. It's like I'm gonna do anything about it," said Annie.
"Yeah, make sure you don't…for your sake," smiled Silver who starts to walk away.
"Don't worry about me. But you may want to keep your eye on young Jamie there," said Annie.
Silver turns around.
"I'm just saying," said Annie with a crazed look.
Silver gives her a disgruntled look.
Brandon and Jamie are in an empty classroom. They are sitting side by side from each other.
Brandon is reading Jamie's writing. Jamie is looking at Brandon attentively but not trying to make him notice that she's doing so.
"This is really good. You seemed to have a firm knowledge of the justice system," said Brandon.
"Thanks," said Jamie smiling.
"I've always been fascinated with the law. When I was a kid, I would watch Law & Order reruns all the time," said Jamie.
"I've enjoyed that show too," said Brandon.
"Any favorite episodes come to mind?" asked Jamie.
"Eh…..not at the moment….but then again, I only watch the show occasionally," replied Brandon.
"Oh ok. My favorite episode was about this chubby woman who was sleeping with this guy. The guy dies and she was accused of murder. At the end, she told the jury that she would rather be accused of brutally murdering the guy as opposed to admitting that it was her weight on the top of this guy's body was what killed him," said Jamie.
"I'll have to check that one out," smirked Brandon.
"Not to discouraged you in being a writer but it looks like you have a lot of interest in the law. So, what's that makes you want to be a writer?" asked Brandon.
"I really don't know exactly. But I was always told that I was a good writer. In my old school, I used to write summaries and notes for my friends who didn't bother to read the textbook for exams," replied Jamie.
"Mmm," smiled Brandon.
"I then started opinion pieces of new stories," said Jamie.
"Wow, that's good. Have you considered writing for the school paper?" asked Brandon.
"I was…but school's almost over. I'm only here for a few more months," replied Jamie.
"Why not? You love writing, don't you?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah but it's too late. I just feel that I'll be an outcast," replied Jamie.
"I remember feeling the same way when I first moved here from Minnesota when I was in high school," said Brandon.
"High school? I thought you said you recently moved here from Washington," asked Jamie.
"I did. But I also lived here when I was a kid in high school. That's how I met Kelly," said Brandon.
"Awww…how romantic," smiled Jamie.
"Thanks," smiled Brandon.
"But what I'm trying to get at is that joining the paper has many advantages. First, it'll look good on your college application. Colleges love extracurricular activities. They will accept these but may not for writing notes for your friends. Second, you get to do what you love. Last but not least, it's a great way to make friends and meet people who also enjoy writing," said Brandon.
"If I make any friends," said Jamie.
"Well, you already know Silver. She writes for the paper from to time," said Brandon.
"Ok, I guess," said Silver.
"Great. I'll talk to Silver when I see her," said Brandon.
"Thanks Mr. Walsh," smiled Jamie.
"It's Brandon…and you're welcome," smiled Brandon.
"Thanks Brandon," smiling Jamie.
"So, think about I said…and do you want to meet again sometime next week?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah absolutely," replied Jamie.
"Good, I didn't come off as scary and weird," joked Brandon.
Jamie chuckles.
"Not at all. You are so knowledgeable and great to talk to," said Jamie.
"Thanks. And I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing," said Brandon.
"Thanks!" said Jamie.
Later that night, Kelly and Silver are eating a snack at the dining table. Brandon is in the living room on the phone. Every time Brandon chuckles or laughs, Kelly and Silver glances over to him.
"So who's Brandon talking to?" asked Silver.
"Jamie," replied Kelly.
"It looks like they're getting along," replied Silver sipping tea from her cup.
"Yeah, I'm glad. It's good to see Brandon smile again," said Kelly.
"I wouldn't say that he hasn't been smiling at all. I see him smiling whenever he's with you," smiled Silver.
"Ok….I meant about his work," smiled Kelly.
"So, how does it feel to have Brandon working with you?" asked Silver.
"It's not really working. He's not hired by the school or anything. But it's ok. Not much difference. It's only been one day and he was with Jamie the whole time," replied Kelly.
"Ok," said Silver.
Brandon comes by and joins Silver and Kelly.
"Hey, sorry about that," said Brandon who starts to drink his coffee.
"So, what was so funny?" asked Silver.
"What?" asked Brandon confused.
"You were laughing pretty hard there. What was so funny?" asked Silver.
"Oh that. Jamie was just telling me about a thirty minute eulogy for her pet iguana," replied Brandon smiling.
Silver gives Kelly a weird look, confused on what would Brandon find that story amusing. Brandon notices.
"Anyway, you had to hear it from her," said Brandon trying to explain.
"I see," said Kelly.
"So Silver, I think Jamie would be a really good asset for The Blaze. Do you think she can join?" asked Brandon.
"I dunno. The year's almost over," replied Silver.
"I know. It wouldn't be much. She'll just do a story or two. Nothing major," said Brandon.
"Ok, I guess I can talk with the editor," said Silver.
"Great," said Brandon.
"Thanks Silver," said Kelly.
Brandon and Jamie are talking at the Peach Pit. They are sitting together at a booth.
"Thanks for the meal, Brandon," said Jamie.
"You're welcome," said Brandon.
"I hope I didn't ruin your dinner," added Brandon.
"Nah, my parents are working late again tonight. So, it was just going to be me for dinner anyway," said Jamie.
"Oh. Do you have any brothers or sisters?" asked Brandon.
"No, I'm an only child. Now about you?" asked Jamie.
"Yes, a twin sister," replied Brandon.
"Oh, how cool. Does she live around here too?" asked Jamie.
"No, she's kind of all over the place. She's an actress. She actually was at West Beverly a little over a year ago to do a play," replied Brandon.
"Wow, that would've been fun," said Jamie.
"Yeah, Silver was in it," said Brandon.
"Do you have an interest in acting?" asked Brandon.
"A little. But I think I'm just curious," replied Jamie.
"Ok. Nothing wrong with being curious," said Brandon.
Jamie looks at Brandon silently for a moment.
"Brandon, it seems that you have a lot of experience on being a writer and reporter, why aren't you working?" asked Jamie.
Brandon doesn't answer right away.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to offend you," added Jamie.
"No, not at all. It's just hard to find work. I had a few offers but they were too far away from my family," replied Brandon.
"Oh, that's too bad. But you're good guy for staying with your family," said Jamie.
"Thanks," said Brandon.
"You know, I feel like I should owe you something for helping me out," said Jamie.
"Oh, that's not necessary. You don't have to pay me," said Brandon.
"Oh, I know...I don't have any money anyway but I just feel bad that the school isn't paying you," said Jamie.
"I wasn't hired. Kelly just thought you could use my help," said Brandon.
"Which makes me feel even more guilty for me taking up your time," said Jamie.
"Don't be. Just do well on your paper; that'll make me very happy," said Brandon.
"Thanks. But if you want, it'll be nice if I can treat to dinner or something," said Jamie.
"Dinner?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, I mean; it doesn't have to be dinner; it could be breakfast, lunch, or even a snack," replied Jamie.
"I hope it's ok me asking you. I don't want you to be uncomfortable. If you are, we don't have to do this," added Jamie sort of stuttering.
Brandon politely smiles.
Annie and Julie walks towards Brandon and Jamie.
"Hey Mr. Walsh," said Annie.
"Hi girls," said Brandon.
"Girls, you know Jamie?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah; hi," said Annie and Julie.
"Hi," said Jamie.
"What can we do for you?" asked Brandon.
"Nothing...we saw you and just thought we say hi," replied Annie looking sort of uncomfortable.
"Yeah, that's it...so Jamie, we'll see you tomorrow at the Blaze meeting?" asked Julie.
"Yeah, definitely…thanks," replied Jamie.
"Cool...sorry to interrupt...see ya," said Jamie.
"Bye," said Jamie and Brandon.
"See you're making new friends already," smiled Brandon.
"They were acting pretty weird," said Jamie.
"Yeah, I thought so too. Maybe I'm not so old after all, huh?" asked Brandon joking.
Jamie laughs.
"Brandon, you are so funny," said Jamie.
Brandon laughs along.
Not knowing to them, Annie and Julie are watching them from outside.
"Look at them, laughing and having a good time together," said Julie.
"Yeah; so?" asked Annie.
"I dunno...shouldn't we tell Silver?" asked Julie.
"Why?" asked Annie.
"I think she deserves to know that Jamie is totally hitting on Brandon," replied Julie.
"You think?" asked Annie.
"Yeah...you heard her…she asked him out," replied Julie.
Annie doesn't answer but continues to look at Brandon and Julie talking together through the window.
Brandon and Kelly are getting ready for bed.
Kelly checks her calendar on her nightstand.
"So, what do you want for dinner on Sunday?" asked Kelly.
"It's only Thursday. What's the rush?" asked Brandon confused.
"Well, I thought, we'd make it as special as possible," replied Kelly.
"Why? What's the occasion?" asked Brandon confused.
"You forgot? Brandon, I'm going to be ovulating soon...I thought we could have dinner Sunday night and spend the night making a baby," replied Kelly.
"Oh, I completely forgot," said Brandon who looks disappointed.
"It's ok. It's good to know that you're not like most guys who only have sex on their minds," said Kelly.
"Kel, I'm so sorry. I promise that I'll have dinner with Jamie on Sunday night," said Brandon.
"Why are you guys having dinner?" asked Kelly.
"She felt bad that I'm not getting paid to help her so she insisted on treating me to a meal," replied Brandon.
"Oh ok," said Kelly.
"You know what? I can just meet her earlier in the day. This is much more important," said Brandon.
"Either way, I'm fine with it," said Kelly.
"You sure?" said Brandon.
"Yeah; just be home in time for the good lovin," said Kelly.
"I would not miss that for the world," said Brandon.
They lean in for a kiss.
Silver is in her room talking on her phone.
"Annie, there's nothing going on," said Silver.
"I hope so," said Annie.
"This is Brandon, we're talking about. He's been obsessing with Kelly for decades," said Silver.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean he won't give into temptation with Jamie," said Annie.
"Annie, don't accuse my Brandon of anything," said Silver.
"I'm sorry, Silver. I'm just telling you what we saw at the Peach Pit," said Annie.
"And what's that?" asked Silver.
"She was totally flirting with him," replied Annie.
"It's just a little girl crush," said Silver.
"Have you seen Brandon? He's hot...admit it," said Annie.
"That's my brother in law, you're talking about," said Silver.
"Look, come with me and find out for yourself," said Annie.
"Where?" asked Silver.
"I think they're having dinner together," replied Annie.
"Dinner plans? When?" asked Silver.
"I dunno. If you want to really find out what's going on, find out when and where...," replied Annie.
"Is that the reason why you called?" asked Silver.
"It's up to you, Silver. But I'll be here if you need me," replied Annie.
"Ok. Fine. I'll see what I can do," said Silver.
Silver and Annie walked into the Peach Pit. They stand by the door and look around.
"I don't see them," said Annie.
"Ok, can we go now?" asked Silver.
"Can we at least get some food though? I'm hungry," asked Annie.
"Fine," replied Silver.
They walk up to the customer. They see Nat.
"Hey kids. How's it going?" asked Nat.
"Good. Have you seen Brandon here?" asked Silver.
"Yeah, he and Jamie were here about thirty minutes ago," replied Nat.
"Oh ok. Do you where they may have gone?" asked Silver.
"No. Why, is everything ok?" asked Nat.
"Yeah, no problem. I just thought we would see them here," replied Silver.
"Sorry, they got their food to go," said Nat.
Brandon and Jamie are at Jamie's apartment.
They have the food on the kitchen table.
"Brandon, I don't think I can ever get tired of this burger. Thanks again for recommending this place to me," said Jamie.
"Thank you for lunch," replied Brandon.
"You're welcome. It's the least I can do to thank you for helping me," said Jamie.
"Thanks," said Brandon.
"I'm surprised a guy like you didn't have any special plans on a Sunday," said Jamie.
"Actually, I was supposed to be with Kelly tonight," said Brandon.
"So, why did you want to have lunch with me?" asked Jamie confused.
"It's ok. It's still early. I'll make it back in time for dinner," replied Brandon.
"Brandon, I'm flattered but this is your wife. We could've done this any night," said Jamie.
"I know," said Brandon feeling guilty.
"I can still make it home in time. I want to help you with your essay," said Brandon.
"Ok. Thanks," smiled Jamie.
"So do you know which school you want to go to yet?" asked Brandon.
"Not yet; I'm just waiting to get accepted first," replied Jamie.
"Which schools are you applying to?" asked Brandon.
"CU, Berkeley, Davis…." replied Jamie.
"All fine schools," said Brandon.
"And the University of Washington," said Jamie.
"Oh ok. So there's a possibility that you're moving back to Washington?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah. But don't tell my parents. They don't know that," replied Jamie.
"Feeling a little homesick?" asked Brandon.
"Can you blame me?" asked Jamie.
"No, I can't say that I do. But you never know; you might find a reason to stay," replied Brandon.
"Maybe," smiled Jamie.
Brandon smiles back.
"So, I watched another episode of Law & Order and I analyzed some of the points. Do you have time to check it out?" asked Jamie.
"Yeah," replied Brandon who is eating some fries.
Jamie slides her paper over to Brandon's side of the table.
Brandon starts to glance at it.
"I wrote it as if I was a reporter on the scene," said Jamie who is anxious to know what Brandon thinks about it.
"I can see that. Good job," said Brandon.
Some time goes by and we see Brandon and Jamie on the couch in the living room. They are watching the episode that Jamie that wrote her paper on. We can't hear them talking but we see her pausing the screen every now and then and explaining the scene. Brandon nods along and adds his comments.
Later that evening, we see static on the television. We see Brandon and Jamie asleep on the opposite sides of the couch.
We hear a soft vibration coming from the kitchen. We see it's Brandon's cellphone vibrating and lighting up on the table.
To Be Continued….
