R.I.P. Luke Perry. Thanks for everything. You will live forever in our hearts.
Chpt 67 – Opportunities and Sacrifices – Part 2
"Oh, honey, I'm so sorry," said Kelly.
Brandon doesn't say anything for a bit. He turns and looks at Kelly who was looking at him the entire time. She knows that he had played the message on speakerphone so that she can hear it.
"It's ok," said Brandon.
"You sure?" asked Kelly.
"It can't be changed at this point. Forget about it," replied Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly who senses that Brandon is not being honest with her.
"Well, um…is the job offer still good?" asked Kelly.
"No, they gave it to someone else," replied Brandon.
"Brandon, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen," said Kelly.
"It's ok. It's not your fault," said Brandon, who puts his hand on Kelly's leg and rubs it for a moment to reassure Kelly before getting up.
"C'mon, let's eat before the food gets cold," said Brandon who walks back into the kitchen.
"Ok," said Kelly.
They both sit down in the kitchen and started to eat. Kelly starts to eat the fries but stops when she realizes that they are cold now. She glances at Brandon who doesn't to mind. He continues to eat. His mind is elsewhere. He doesn't look at Kelly.
"I know that it doesn't matter at this point…but were you going to take the job if you had a chance to?" asked Kelly.
Brandon stops eating and looks at Kelly.
"Does it matter?" asked Brandon.
"Well, no; not at this point…but," said replied Kelly.
"Well then, I really don't want to talk about it," said Brandon who cuts Kelly off.
"Ok, I understand," said Kelly.
They continue to eat in an awkward silence.
At the Peach Pit, we see Nat coming from the back with the food.
"Ok Brandon. Hot and ready for you," said Nat.
"Thanks Nat," said Brandon who gets the food, turns around, and starts to walk out the door.
"Hey Brandon," said Nat.
"Yeah, Nat?" asked Brandon turning around.
"Kelly told me what happened. I'm sorry," replied Nat.
"About the job?' asked Brandon.
"Yeah. I know I don't want to butt into your private life but I'm actually glad that you didn't take that job," replied Nat.
Brandon doesn't say anything.
"I know that's not what you want to hear but being a father, I'm just speaking from experience," said Nat.
"You're right, Nat. I mean, how would I know, right? I'm not a father like you, right? Oh wait...I am," said Brandon.
"Now Brandon, that's not what I meant; what I was trying..." said Nat backing off.
"What you were trying to say is that I'm selfish, right?" asked Brandon getting angry.
"No, you just looked confused. Why don't you just accept the way things are and do the best to be a father to Winnie and a better husband to Kelly?" asked Nat.
"Isn't that what you always wanted?" asked Nat.
"Yeah...You know, it's easy for you to say, Nat. You get to work and be a dad," replied Brandon.
"I'll talk to you later," added Brandon who turns and walks out the door.
Nat looks on with a mean look.
Brandon opens the door and he and Sammy walk into the house. Silver and Sammy see him from the living room.
"Hey, what took so long?" asked Silver.
"Sorry. I was talking to Nat," replied Brandon.
"I'm hungry," said Sammy.
"Sorry Sammy. Here's the food," said Brandon carrying the bags to the kitchen.
He puts the bags on the table.
"Where's mom?" asked Brandon.
"She's in her room," replied Sammy.
"She's feeding Winnie," said Silver.
"Oh ok. Thanks," said Brandon.
"Feeding her? But dad just got the food now," said Sammy.
"It's not that type of food," said Brandon.
"Huh?" asked Sammy confused.
"We'll tell you when you're older," replied Brandon.
"I'll be right back, guys. Feel free to start…and leave us some food," added Brandon.
Brandon rushes to the bedroom.
Sammy looks at Silver.
"I wonder what that's about," said Silver referring to Brandon.
"Never mind that. Mom had food in there the entire time and she's not sharing with us?" asked Sammy.
"Sammy. Trust me; it's not food that you want. Not any more at least," replied Silver.
"Huh?" asked Sammy.
"C'mon. Let's just eat," replied Silver.
They both start unpacking the food from the food containers.
Later that evening, we see Kelly walking out the door in her sweats. Silver sees this from inside and runs after her.
"Hey Kel," said Silver.
"Hey," said Kelly turning around.
"Going out for a run?" asked Silver who quickly wraps herself to shield herself from the cold.
"That was the plan but now, it feels it's getting too cold, "replied Kelly.
"Yeah, it's probably not a good time for you to get sick right now," said Silver.
"When is it ever?" asked Kelly with a frown.
"To be honest, I'm just trying to stay away from Brandon and give him some space," replied Kelly.
"What's with you two tonight?" asked Silver.
"Nothing; sort of," said Kelly who doesn't want to say anything at the moment.
"Want some company? I can grab my jacket and join you?" asked Silver.
"Sure," replied Kelly smiling.
Time goes by and they are walking by the park.
"Kel, I know you feel bad but you can't blame yourself for that," said Silver.
"I don't have to; he's making me feel bad all by himself," said Kelly.
"But if he wasn't going to take the job anyway, why is he feeling that way?" asked Silver.
"I dunno. The only explanation is that he might've taken the job," replied Kelly.
"What? And leave you to take care of Winnie all by yourself?" asked Silver appalled.
"I didn't say that he was going to take the job. But I asked him that afterwards and his answer was "does it matter?"" replied Kelly.
"Ouch," said Silver.
"I mean, he's saying this after he went on and on about how he missed out on raising Sammy," said Silver.
"And not to mention, he blamed you for keeping away from knowing about Sammy," added Silver.
"You shouldn't feel sorry for him," said Silver.
"I don't want to see him get hurt," said Kelly.
"I don't think you wanted to know the truth if he was going to take the job," said Silver.
"Yeah. I mean, I keep getting the feeling that his mind was on his work…and now look what happened," said Kelly.
"Maybe he shouldn't have gone on leave on the first place," added Kelly.
"And leave you by yourself?" asked Silver.
"There is give and take in any relationship. But if his mind is on his work, I'd rather just have him do that instead of me wasting time trying to get him to focus more on Winnie," replied Kelly.
Silver gives Kelly a sad look.
"But it's too late for that now, right?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah. But I can't believe you're saying these things," said Silver.
"If I had just let him stay at work, he could pass his probation period on time instead of now having to wait – plus he could've made more money," said Kelly.
"Money isn't the issue here," said Silver.
"Yes but another issue is that we can't do anything about it…so all hope is lost. I just don't know how long he's going to be mad at me," said Kelly.
"He can't be mad at you for too long," said Silver.
"I just feel like I've ruined enough things in his life. I just don't want to disappoint him," said Kelly.
"Don't say that. You made his life worth living. You mean everything to him," said Silver.
"Thanks Silver," smiled Kelly giving Silver a hug.
"Besides, we don't need a guy all the time to help us out. We're independent women," said Silver, breaking the hug.
Kelly laughs. They hug again.
Kelly's phone vibrates. Kelly sees that it's Brandon.
"We better get back," said Kelly.
Kelly walks back into the bedroom and finds Brandon with Winnie.
"Where were you?' asked Brandon.
"I was out walking with Silver. Why, what's the matter?" asked Kelly surprised.
"You were gone for over 45 minutes," replied Brandon loudly.
"So?" asked Kelly who looks offended.
"So, it's misleading when you said you were going to be gone for a quick run. 45 minutes is not a quick run," said Brandon.
"I'm sorry; Silver and I were talking and probably lost track of time," said Kelly.
"What's the big deal? Why are you acting this way?" asked Kelly.
"Winnie was crying nonstop. I could've really used your help," replied Brandon.
"Brandon. You can handle Winnie by yourself for an hour. It's not a big deal. She's fine. If she's crying, just find out what's wrong and fix it. You can't always depend on me," said Kelly.
"And how am I supposed to find out? Should I ask her?" asked Brandon.
Kelly glares at Brandon.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought it was safe for me to leave Winnie alone with her father. But I guess I can't rely on you for anything," said Kelly sarcastically.
"She didn't tell me what she wanted," said Brandon.
"Was her diaper full?" asked Kelly.
"No," replied Brandon.
"Was she hungry?" asked Kelly.
"How can she be? She just ate," replied Brandon.
Kelly looks really annoyed at Brandon's attitude.
"Is she sick?" asked Kelly.
Brandon put his hand on Winnie's head.
"No," said Brandon.
"Anything else I should check for?" asked Brandon.
"No. That's pretty much all I got," replied Kelly.
"Well, that wouldn't have helped me anyway," said Brandon.
"Brandon, babies cry all the time for no reason at all, you know! You just gotta deal with it," said Kelly.
"Easy for you to say. You didn't have to be here where I was panicking trying to get her to stop crying," said Brandon.
"I deal with that almost 24 hours a day. Maybe it's time for you to get a wake up call and try it for yourself," said Kelly.
"So was that the plan all along? You getting me all alone with Winnie so that she drove me crazy?" asked Brandon.
"Listen to yourself. You're acting just as much as a baby as Winnie is. Better yet, she's expected to do so but you Brandon, you have no excuse," said Kelly.
Brandon glares at Kelly with no response.
"I'm taking her," said Kelly who goes to pick up Winnie.
"What are you doing? I just got her to go back to sleep," said Brandon.
Kelly picks up Winnie and Winnie starts to cry.
"What did you do that for? You know how long it took me to get her to quiet down?" asked Brandon.
"She shouldn't be around you when you're acting like this," replied Kelly.
"What does that supposed to mean?" asked Brandon.
Brandon looks mad as Kelly and Winnie turn around and leave the room.
Brandon drives up a school. He gets out of the car and we see a bunch of kids running around in courtyard. He walks into the school and walks towards a room. As he gets closer to a room, he can see Sammy sitting at one of the desks in the front row. Sammy sees Brandon and quickly grabs his stuff and out of his desk. He runs to Brandon.
"Whoa, you ok?" asked Brandon taking by surprise.
"Yeah, let's go dad," replied Sammy.
"Ok. Let's go," said Brandon.
They start to walk away when they hear someone calling for them.
"Sammy?" asked a woman walking after Brandon and Sammy.
Brandon stops.
"Someone's calling for you, Sammy?" asked Brandon.
"Nah, probably another Sammy. C'mon; let's go. I'm hungry," replied Sammy trying to get Brandon to get going.
"Sammy; wait!" said the woman coming towards them.
"Damn," replied Sammy.
"Who's that?" asked Brandon.
"My teacher," replied Sammy.
"Hi Sammy," said the woman.
The woman smiles at Brandon.
"Hi, I don't think we've met before. I'm Linda Kimbell; Sammy's teacher," said Linda.
"Hi; Brandon Walsh; Sammy's father…it's nice to meet you," said Brandon.
"It's nice to meet you too. I'm sorry to do this; do you have a few moments to speak?" asked Linda.
"Ok, sure," replied Brandon confused.
"Damn," said Sammy.
Brandon notices and looks at Sammy.
Back at the classroom, Sammy is sitting at his desk with a worried look as he watches Brandon talk with Linda.
"It's certainly nice to finally meet Kelly's better half," said Linda.
"Thank you. It's nice to meet you too," said Brandon.
"So, first of all, Sammy is a wonderful student and is doing really well in class," said Linda.
"That's good to know. He's a good kid," said Brandon.
"Yes. That's why it hurts me to tell you that he got into a fight today," said Linda.
"Oh," said Brandon looking surprised.
Brandon looks at Sammy and catches him looking at him. Sammy quickly looks away.
"The other kid has a track record of being a bully and picking on people. I don't think this was Sammy's fault. However, we don't condone fighting as a way to solve any problems. We gave Sammy detention today and we had to sit down with Sammy; just to talk to him," said Linda.
"I don't mean to pry into your personal life, Brandon. But is everything ok at home?" asked Linda.
"Yes. Kelly and I just had a new baby, we're all adjusting; so it does change things," replied Brandon.
"I understand. These things take time," said Linda.
"Linda, I'm very sorry for what happened with Sammy. Kelly and I will talk to him," said Brandon.
"Thank you. I'm sorry again; I hate that we have to discuss a matter like this, especially about a good kid like Sammy," said Linda.
"Thank you, Linda. These things happen, and we'll find out what's wrong and we can move on from this," said Brandon.
"Thanks," smiled Linda who extends her hand to Brandon.
Brandon smiles and shakes Linda's hand.
"Before I forget; congratulations on your new baby," smiled Linda.
"Thank you," said Brandon.
"What's her name?" asked Linda.
"Winnie," replied Brandon.
"Oh, that's wonderful. How's Kelly doing?" asked Linda.
"Good. Busy. We're all busy," replied Brandon.
"Yeah, I understand. I won't keep you longer. Thanks for the talk Brandon," said Linda.
"Thanks again," said Brandon.
They shake hands again.
Brandon walks to Sammy. Sammy doesn't say a word and get up. They both walk out.
They both get into the car.
"Dad, before you say anything; I just want to say that I'm sorry," said Sammy.
"I've never gotten into a fight in school before and I promise it won't ever happen again," added Sammy.
Brandon doesn't respond right away. He looks at Sammy, who looks back.
"Let's hear your side of the story. What happened?" asked Brandon.
"I was telling Jason about being a big brother. This bully, Tommy was making fun of me and told me that you and mom won't love me anymore," replied Sammy.
"Why wouldn't mom and I love you anymore?" asked Brandon.
"He said that all your attention will be focus on the baby because she's new and I'm old," replied Sammy.
"Oh, well, that's just not true….and you're not old. You're just older," said Brandon.
"Still, he is right about you and mom spending more time with Winnie than with me. Even Aunt Silver is spending less time with me," said Sammy.
"We're spending more time with Winnie because she's small and needs our attention. But in no way are we doing that to ignore you or think of you as less important," said Brandon.
"Well, I told Tommy to shut up. Then he shoved me. So, I kicked him in the balls," said Sammy.
Brandon glares at Sammy in disapproval. Sammy notices.
"But you see? In a way, I was defending you and mom's honor," said Sammy.
"Sammy, I know is tempting to hit someone when you're angry but you have to learn how to stay calm and just to a teacher for help," said Brandon.
"It's easy for you to say. You don't have to deal with jerks like Tommy," said Sammy.
"Not now. But when I was a kid just like you, I've dealt with my fair share of bullies and your Uncle Steve has too," said Brandon.
"Actually, I'm usually the one who's stuck breaking the fight up for Steve," added Brandon laughing.
"I know. Mom used to tell me stories of Uncle Steve getting in trouble," said Sammy.
"Look, I'm sorry that we're not giving you your full attention. How about I talk to mom and we can set aside from some time for the three of us to spend some time together and do something that we can all enjoy doing?" asked Brandon.
"I wouldn't have to change any diapers, right?" asked Sammy.
"No…not unless you want to," joked Brandon.
"Ewww….no way; we can make Aunt Silver do that," joked Sammy.
"Oh Sammy; I'm going to have to tell her that you said that," said Brandon joking.
"No dad; no, please; you can't tell her that! She'll kill me!" said Sammy.
"I'm sorry I said that. I didn't mean it," added Sammy.
"Well ok; as long you promise no more fights," said Brandon.
"Ok; no more fights," said Sammy.
"Good," said Brandon.
"Dad?" asked Sammy.
"Yeah Buddy?" asked Brandon.
"Are you and mom going to be ok?" asked Sammy.
"Yeah, why do you ask that?" asked Brandon.
"I heard the yelling last night. I wish I could've helped take care of Winnie so that you don't have to...this way, you and mom won't be fighting so much," replied Sammy.
"Sammy, you are much more brighter and smarter than I give you credit for...and more mature too," said Brandon smiling.
This is the first time; Brandon has smiled in a while.
"Really?' asked Sammy.
"Yeah. You wanting to take care of Winnie shows that you are a very caring big brother," replied Brandon.
"Well, I tried," said Sammy.
"I'm sorry you heard your mom and me fighting. We're just going through a rough time," said Brandon.
"With Winnie?" asked Sammy.
"Well...no; why do you think that?" asked Brandon.
"You were yelling at mom for having to take care of Winnie all by yourself," replied Sammy.
"You heard that, huh?" asked Brandon feeling ashamed.
"Yeah. You said some mean things to mom," replied Sammy.
Brandon doesn't answer right away.
"Yeah, I guess I did. I was angry...and I shouldn't have taken that out on mom. I love her very much. That's how we brought Winnie into this world...that's how we brought you into this world," said Brandon.
"I didn't mean to listen, dad. I'm sorry," said Sammy.
"It's ok. I'm sorry that you had to go through that," said Brandon.
"Thanks dad," said Sammy.
"Are you ok?" asked Sammy.
"Yeah. I am, after talking with you," replied Brandon.
Sammy smiles and they hug.
Sammy starts to laugh.
"What's so funny?" asked Brandon.
"I was just picturing Silver changing diapers all day long," replied Sammy.
"I'm gonna tell her that," said Brandon joking.
"No…you said you wouldn't. We had a deal," said Sammy.
"That was about the other thing. This is about this. The more you talk; the more I have on you," joked Brandon.
"Ok dad, you got me. I'll be good," said Sammy.
"Good….I'm still going to tell," said Brandon joking.
"No…," said Sammy.
Brandon laughs as they drive off.
Kelly is in bed holding Winnie. Brandon quietly walks in hiding what's in his hand from Kelly. Kelly notices and gives Brandon a weak smile.
"Hi," said Kelly.
"Hi," said Brandon revealing a bouquet of daises in his hand.
"Oh, you are so sweet," said Kelly.
"Does this mean you forgive me for being such a jerk?" asked Brandon.
"A little too grumpy yes but I wouldn't call you a jerk," replied Kelly.
Brandon smiles.
"Do you forgive me?" asked Kelly.
"No…because you didn't do anything wrong," replied Brandon.
"Do you still have any regrets about the job?" asked Kelly.
"First of all, it's not your fault. Second, I don't think I would be a good father if I just abandoned you while I go back to work," replied Brandon.
"Why do you say that?" asked Kelly.
"Gee…I was expecting you to end it like that," replied Brandon.
Kelly laughs.
"This is where I want to be and I don't see myself going back to work until I am a better father and husband," said Brandon.
"Brandon, I think you're a wonderful father. And taking a good job offer like this doesn't make you a bad father. I don't want you to think of this as leaving me behind. Because that would make me feel guilty for you missing out," said Kelly.
They kiss. They smile at each other.
"I don't want to ruin the moment but I have to feed Winnie," said Kelly.
"Oh ok. Do you want some privacy? I can go," asked Brandon.
"No, it's ok," replied Kelly.
Kelly unbuttons her blouse moves her bra aside. She leans Winnie closer towards her breast to feed her.
Brandon senses a bit of awkwardness as he just stands there. He looks away.
"Everything ok?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah. It's still taking longer for her to take it," said Kelly.
"Is it too hard?" asked Brandon confused.
"What?" asked Kelly looking at Brandon with a weird look.
"I dunno," replied Brandon.
"I just don't know why she won't take my breast," said Kelly.
"Me neither. I know I can never resist them," said Brandon smiling at her.
Kelly glares at Brandon…but her glare easily turns into a smile.
"You miss these?" asked Kelly.
"Oh, like you won't believe," replied Brandon.
Kelly smiles.
"The doctor told me to wait a little while longer," said Kelly.
"But they just look so good," said Brandon.
Kelly laughs.
"And perky too," said Brandon.
Kelly laughs again.
"Stop it," said Kelly putting Winnie back in her crib.
"Alright. I didn't mean to offend you," said Brandon.
"Oh honey. You didn't," said Kelly putting her shirt back on.
Brandon smiles and leans in for a kiss.
They kiss for a moment. Winnie sees them kissing and reaches her hand touching Brandon's face.
"Oh, do you want a kiss too?" asked Brandon breaking the kiss.
Brandon leans in and kisses Winnie on the cheek. Winnie giggles.
"Being here with you two tells me that everything worked out the way it should be," said Brandon.
"I'm glad," said Kelly.
"I love you," said Brandon.
"I love you too," said Kelly.
To be continued…
