Chpt 68 – Opportunities and Sacrifices – Part 3

Everyone just had dinner.

"C'mon Sammy. Let's go do the laundry," said Silver.

"Ok," said Sammy reluctant to get up but does.

"Thanks guys," said Kelly.

They both leave the kitchen.

Brandon gets up from his chair and starts to clean the table. Kelly starts to help him.

"Kel, I can clean up. You had a hard day. Why don't you go rest?" asked Brandon.

"You're very sweet. You sure?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah. I'll be fine," replied Brandon.

Kelly gives Brandon a kiss.

"Ok. Thanks. I'll just go check on Winnie…call me if you need me," said Kelly walking away.

"Ok," said Brandon who starts to wash the dishes.

Kelly goes into the bedroom but comes back out shortly. Brandon notices.

"What's wrong?" asked Brandon.

"Nothing," replied Kelly.

"Ok. You're not going to take your nap?" asked Brandon confused.

"Well, I was thinking that maybe I'll help you finish the dishes so we can take that nap together," replied Kelly.

"Oh, since you put it that way…I would love some help," smiled Brandon.

Kelly smiles and starts to help.

"And maybe even a shower together," smiled Kelly.

"Yeah? A shower together would get us ready for our nap," smiled Brandon.

"And after we all get a good night's sleep, I was thinking that we can take Winnie to the park tomorrow," said Kelly.

"To the park? Ok, I guess but don't keep her out too long," said Brandon.

"Then maybe we can stop by West Beverly so that some of my coworkers can see her," said Kelly.

Brandon stops and looks at Kelly.

Kelly smiles at Brandon.

"So, was the whole idea about taking a shower and a nap together just for you to ask me about taking Winnie to work?" asked Brandon.

"Sort of," replied Kelly.

"Why did you feel like you need to tease me like that?" asked Brandon.

"Honey, I know you well enough that I can get you to say anything when you've been thoroughly pleasured," replied Kelly smiling.

"Well, you do have a point," said Brandon.

"So, what do you say?" asked Kelly.

"About the pleasuring? I don't see why not?" asked Brandon.

"No, about taking Winnie to West Beverly," replied Kelly.

"I don't know. I mean, I don't want Winnie going outside let alone being exposed to a bunch of high school kids," replied Brandon.

"She's exposed to one every day. Her name is Silver. Besides, I work there. Are you trying to say that I'm exposed as well and that I shouldn't be around Winnie?" asked Kelly.

"You know what I mean. You're an adult. Winnie's just a baby. She's more fragile," replied Brandon.

"I don't want her to catch something," added Brandon.

"Oh, don't be silly. I'm gonna bring her by after school. Besides, Ryan and Harry have been texting me like crazy wanting to see Winnie," said Kelly.

"If they're that desperate to see her, why they can't just come here?" asked Brandon.

"Because our house is a mess; if you haven't notice. Look around," replied Kelly.

"We can clean up," said Brandon who resumes cleaning.

"There's no point in cleaning up since it'll be dirty again within a few hours," said Kelly.

"It'll be quick, I promise," said Kelly.

"Oh ok," said Brandon.

"Great, I'll bring her by tomorrow," said Kelly.

"Do you want to come too?" asked Kelly.

Brandon takes a moment to think.

"No thanks. I'll just stay here and clean," said Brandon.

"Ok then. Can you also have dinner ready by the time we get back?" asked Kelly.

"And when is that?" asked Brandon.

"Around 6?" asked Kelly.

"Ok," replied Brandon.

"Thanks hun. You're the best," said Kelly.

They smile and kiss.

Kelly puts her hands on Brandon's hand and takes the plate away.

They break the kiss,

"What are you doing?" asked Brandon.

"Let's go take that shower," replied Kelly.

"But we haven't finished the dishes yet," said Brandon.

"That can wait...but I can't," smiled Kelly.

"In that case. Neither can I," said Brandon.

They kiss again and quickly head towards the bathroom.

We see Kelly driving into the West Beverly High School parking lot. Winnie is in a baby carrier on the passenger seat next to Kelly. Kelly parks the car.

"Ok Winnie. We are here at Mommy's work. Are you ready for your school debut?" asked Kelly smiling.

Winnie is smiling.

"I'll take that as a yes," smiled Kelly.

"Ok. Before we go in, let's do one final check," said Kelly holding Winnie to her face so she can smell all Winnie all over.

"Ok, smells good! Let's go," said Kelly.

They get out of the car and walk into the school.

Kelly smiles as she looks around the school.

She walks up to a classroom and sees Ryan facing the blackboard. She quietly walks in.

"Hey Mr. Matthews. I'm sorry; I'm late for detention," said Kelly surprising Ryan.

Ryan turns around and smiles. He quickly goes to Kelly.

Kelly puts Winnie on one of the desks for a moment. Ryan and Kelly hug.

Time goes by and we see Kelly entering her office with Winnie.

"Ok, Winnie, we're here. You're about to see Mommy's office," said Kelly.

"You ready?" asked Kelly.

They walk in. Kelly turns on the lights.

"Well, here it is," smiled Kelly trying to get Winnie to react to it.

Winnie shows no reaction.

"Well, what do you think?" asked Kelly.

"Not impressed, huh?" asked Kelly as Winnie just looks at her.

Kelly puts the carrier down on her table and picks up Winnie so that she can see the room.

"Mommy has to spend over eight hours a day helping students with their problems," said Kelly.

Winnie still shows no reaction.

"Nothing? Still not impressed?" asked Kelly.

"Well, maybe you'll appreciate my job more when you're a teenager and you go through these problems yourself. Maybe you'll think I'm one of the cool parents," said Kelly.

Kelly puts Winnie back in her baby carrier. Winnie starts to cry.

"Honey, it'll just be a quick moment. I just got to get something and we'll go home," said Kelly.

Winnie starts to calm down.

"I knew that would do that trick," smiled Kelly.

"Ok, I got it," said Kelly putting a file in her bag.

Kelly gathers Winnie and her bag and they head out the door.

They leave and Kelly is walking towards a nearby room. The room is much bigger. As she approaches closer to the room, she can hear people talking inside. She peeks in the room and see Harry and Annie talking.

"I don't know what to do, dad. I'm scared," said Annie.

"Honey, don't be scared. Your mother and I are trying to work this out," said Harry.

"Your mother? You can't even say mom? You're already talking as if this is over!" said Annie loudly.

"Annie, this is a private family matter and I would like it if you don't discuss this issue at my work," said Harry.

"Then where can we talk about this dad? You're always here at work! And when we go home, you and mom argue. I mean….Dixon and I feel like we're stuck in the middle and wherever we go, we can't take it anymore," said Annie.

"Annie, cut it out, ok? You think I want this? Your mom did this to me. What am I supposed to do? Pretend that it never happened? Put yourself in my shoes and tell me how I should be feeling. But you can't; since you're just a kid," said Harry.

Kelly closes her eyes as she hears this on the other side of the wall.

Annie starts to cry.

"Honey, I'm sorry," said Harry realizing that he's gone too far.

Annie just runs out of the room, still in tears.

Kelly briefly sees her and tries to look the other way. Annie notices.

"Ms. Taylor?" asked Annie who quickly wipes her tears.

"Hi Annie. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to listen in," replied Kelly.

"It's ok. I mean, people will know sooner or later; you know?" asked Annie.

"I'm sorry," said Kelly giving her a sad face.

Annie is still sobbing but smiles a little when she sees Winnie.

"Is this your baby?" asked Annie.

"Yeah, this is Winnie," replied Kelly who is still sad for Annie.

"Hi Winnie…she's so cute and precious," said Annie giving Kelly a weak smile.

"Thanks," said Kelly.

"Look at me. I'm a mess. I'm gonna go home," said Annie.

"Are you ok?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah; I just have to go," replied Annie.

"Ok," said Kelly who leans in and gives Annie a half hug while still holding Winnie in the baby carrier.

"We really miss you around here, Ms. Taylor," said Annie.

"I miss you too," said Kelly.

They break the hug.

"Anytime you feel like talking; you can call me anytime, ok? I'm here for you," asked Kelly.

"Ok…thank you," said Annie leaning in for another hug.

They break the hug.

"Bye Ms. Taylor," said Annie.

"Bye Annie," said Kelly.

Annie quickly walks away.

Kelly walks into the main administration office. She goes to the room further in and sees Harry in his office. Harry doesn't notice Kelly because he has his face in his hands. Kelly quietly knocks on the door to get Harry's attention.

Harry bolts right up and sees Kelly and Winnie.

"Kelly, hi," said Harry.

"Hi Harry. I'm sorry to interrupt. I know this is probably not a good time," said Kelly.

"It's ok. Did you see Annie when you came in?" asked Harry.

"Yeah. You know what? I can come back another time," replied Kelly who is feeling awkward.

"No…don't be silly. It's always good to see you," said Harry getting up from his desk to greet Kelly.

Harry goes to Kelly and softly hugs her.

"And who's this?" asked Harry smiling.

"This is Winnie," replied Kelly.

"Oh, she's beautiful," said Harry.

"Thanks Harry," said Kelly.

They both take a seat.

"How's it going?" asked Harry.

"It's been ok. Brandon and I aren't getting much sleep but we're hanging in there," replied Kelly.

"I can understand. When Annie was born, Debbie and I didn't sleep for weeks," said Harry.

"Yeah. How's it going with you?" asked Kelly.

"A lot has changed in the short time since you started your leave. I've been holding more parent teacher conferences. The parents just love you and they don't want to deal with me," replied Harry who looks stressed out.

"I'm sorry about that," said Kelly.

"Eh, it's ok. The other counselors and I are handling things well," said Harry.

"And how are you doing?" asked Kelly.

"Not good. I'm spending more time here and I just found out that Debbie has been seeing someone else," replied Harry.

"Oh my god. I'm shocked," said Kelly.

"Yeah. Me too. She said it just happened and she doesn't know what to think of it," said Harry.

"How do these things just happen like that?" asked Kelly.

Harry looks at her with an odd look. Kelly notices.

"I…I..I mean, I can understand how it happen. I mean, I've dealt with my fair share of love triangles and being in the middle of relationships where I can't understand how I'm supposed to feel or do," said Kelly.

"Good answer…because I was going to ask you for some advice," smiled Harry.

Kelly smiles back.

"In all seriousness, is this something you want to discuss with me?" asked Kelly.

"I don't know. There's only a few people, I'm comfortable in talking to about this. And you're one of them. If you don't want to talk about this, it's ok. I don't want to put you on the spot," replied Harry.

"No, not at all. I just don't know what I can do to help," said Kelly.

"Probably nothing…and it's not your fault in any way," said Harry.

"I'm sorry," said Kelly.

"Me too. Debbie and I have been arguing almost every night. I want to discuss this with her but she keeps acting like this is normal; as if she has the right to feel this way and ruin my life," said Harry.

"How long has this been this been going on?" asked Kelly.

"She said about a month but I don't know; maybe longer than that," replied Harry.

"Is it serious?" asked Kelly.

"I don't know. I just found out last week," said Harry.

"How did you find out?" asked Kelly.

"She told me everything. She said that she thought this wouldn't last and they both would get

over it very quickly…but now, she's starting to have feelings for the guy. She dumped all of this on me," replied Harry.

Kelly stays silent and don't know what to say.

"She expects me to forgive her and be ok with everything just because she came to me with this information. I mean, what does she expect me to do? Just forget that this ever happened?" asked Harry.

Kelly continues to stay quiet.

"I started to stay here longer because I don't want to see her. Every time we talk, we would get in an argument. And that's not good for the kids," said Harry.

"She doesn't know how she feels or what she wants to do. But she expects me to wait around for her to decide," said Harry.

"Harry, I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was this bad," said Kelly.

"It's not your fault. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to go off like that," said Harry.

"It's ok," said Kelly.

"Do you still love her?" asked Kelly.

"We've been together for almost 17 years. I keep telling myself that I don't want to throw this away…but it's just hard to deal with it. Right now, I don't want to go home because I know I'm going to have to deal with it. And I can see that it's hurting Annie and Dixon," replied Harry.

"So, what are you doing to do?" asked Kelly.

"I dunno. I'm frustrated here at work and I'm even more frustrated at home," replied Harry.

"I don't know what to say. I feel like I've gotten to know both you and Debbie for a long time

now and I can't picture you two going through this…I'm really sorry," said Kelly.

"Me too. I'm sorry for bumming you out," said Harry.

"Oh it's ok. I asked to listen to it. I'm glad I can listen. I just wish I can make things better," said Kelly.

"Me too," said Harry.

"Harry, I'm sorry. But I have to go," said Kelly.

"Oh no worries. I should probably get out of here soon too. I have to go home and face reality sometime," said Harry.

"Ok. You never know. It may be better tonight. And you two could talk about things and work it out," said Kelly giving Harry a weak smile.

"Doubt it but thanks," said Harry.

Kelly frowns.

They both get up and give each other a hug.

Kelly opens the door to the house. See looks around and didn't see anyone. She has a surprised look on her face. The living room and kitchen looks very clean and tidy.

"Brandon? I'm back," said Kelly.

"I'm in the bedroom," replied Brandon from the bedroom.

Kelly walks into the bedroom.

"Hey," said Kelly.

"Hey. How was it?" asked Brandon.

"It was good," said Kelly who puts the baby cradle on the bed and walks over to Brandon.

"Everyone was all over Winnie," smiled Kelly.

"Was that you who cleaned up everything in there?" asked Kelly.

"Your one and only," replied Brandon with a proud look on his face.

"Well, you deserve a kiss then," said Kelly who leans in for a kiss.

They kiss.

Kelly starts to break the kiss but Brandon pulls her closer and wraps his arms around her.

"I was hoping all that hard work constitutes more than just a kiss," smiled Brandon.

"Mmm…nope; all you're getting is a kiss…for now. But you may get a bigger reward once I do a full inspection," said Kelly.

"And if I find just one speck of dust or one dirty sock lying around, you're gonna be punished," added Kelly.

"Really? In that case, I've been bad; really bad," said Brandon.

Kelly laughs. They kiss again.

"I love to now but I gotta take a raincheck," said Kelly.

"I know. We've got stuff to do," said Brandon.

"Well yeah that too; but I'm not in the mood after what happened at school," said Kelly.

"What happened? I thought you said everyone loved Winnie," asked Brandon.

"No, it's not that. It's Harry and Debbie…Debbie's been having an affair," replied Kelly.

"Oh no," said Brandon.

"Yeah. I was shocked. Harry doesn't know what to do. Debbie doesn't know what to do either," said Kelly.

"Does Silver know? I'm surprised she hasn't said anything," asked Brandon.

"I don't think so," replied Kelly.

"I know I don't know Harry and Debbie that well, but they seemed like a nice couple," said Brandon.

"I've known Harry since we were kids. To me, Debbie seems like the strict mother type with traditional morals. I'm surprised she would do this," said Kelly.

"Did you notice something was wrong with their marriage?" asked Brandon.

"No. I mean, Harry is pretty open about it. He talks about Debbie pretty often. If anything, I don't think there were anything wrong. That's probably why it was a shock to him. He said she just fell for this guy," replied Kelly.

"I know this doesn't make things better but I'm just relieved that we don't have to worry about that," said Brandon taking Kelly's hand and holding it.

"I know," smiled Kelly who leans in for a kiss.

Brandon smiles and kisses her.

They hug each other.

Later that evening, Kelly walks up to Silver's room. She can hear music coming from the room. She quietly knocks on the door. She hears no response and slowly opens the door.

Silver is sitting in bed notices and looks up.

"Hi," said Kelly.

"Hey. Sorry, is it too loud?" asked Silver turning down the volume.

"No; it's fine," replied Kelly.

"What's up?" asked Silver.

"Nothing much; I just want to see how you're doing. It seems like after Winnie was born, we don't get to talk that much more," replied Kelly.

"We just spoke last night about which diapers to buy," said Silver.

"No, I'm referring to sister talk…girl talk; you know, women talk," said Kelly nudging Silver.

"Kel, you're acting really weird," said Silver.

"No, I'm not. Can't I ask how my sister is doing? I care about you," said Kelly.

"Ok. I'll play along. I'm doing ok. How are you, Kel?" asked Silver.

"I'm doing ok. I brought Winnie to school this afternoon. I saw a few teachers, Mr. Matthews, and Principal Wilson," replied Kelly.

"Great," replied Silver.

"How's Annie doing?" asked Kelly.

"Fine, I guess," replied Silver.

"I haven't seen her around lately," said Kelly.

"Yeah, well with Winnie here, I haven't asked her to drop by," said Silver.

"Oh well, thank you for the courtesy….but if you want to invite her over anytime, that'll be fine with us. We don't want to take you away from your friends," said Kelly.

"Ok. Thanks Kel," said Silver.

"I saw her today," said Kelly.

"Really? How is she doing?" asked Silver.

"She tells me that her parents are going through a few things," replied Kelly.

"Oh ok," said Silver acting normal.

Kelly notices Silver isn't reacting differently to the news.

"Did you know anything was going on?" asked Kelly.

"No," replied Silver.

"Annie hasn't told you anything?" asked Kelly.

"No, we haven't really spoken that much….since you know after Dixon and I broke up," replied Silver.

"Oh. I'm sorry. Anyway, I just wanted to bring that up. Annie looked like the news is really getting to her," said Kelly.

"Well, she hasn't spoken to me about it…and I don't feel like it's any of our business to butt into her life," said Silver.

"I know but I just thought that Annie could really use you as a close friend right now. I mean, I appreciate your help with Winnie. But if you want some time to spend with Annie, please feel free," said Kelly.

"Thanks but I don't think so," said Silver.

"May I ask why?" asked Kelly.

Silver looks pressured.

"Kel, I really didn't want to get into this…but Annie and I haven't spoken in a while. I'm not sure if we're even friends anymore," said Silver.

"What happened?" asked Kelly.

"She said that I broke up with Dixon and ruined his life. I told her that it was just a mutual breakup. We were drifting apart and decided that it didn't make much sense to stay as a couple," replied Silver.

"I'm so sorry; I didn't know," said Kelly.

"It's ok. I didn't want to say anything," said Silver.

"I mean, do you want to be friends again with Annie?" asked Kelly.

"I don't know. It's just gotten really awkward lately," replied Silver.

"Have you spoken to Dixon?" asked Kelly.

"I did after what Annie said to me. But he too said that it was a mutual breakup and we're ok," replied Silver.

"Don't you want to reach out to Dixon to see if he's ok?" asked Kelly.

"You know you're not a counselor outside of school, right? Do I really have to do that?" asked Silver.

"No, you don't have to. I just feel so sorry for Annie and Dixon," replied Kelly.

"I don't know much about that except that Principal Wilson and Debbie are going through some things. I didn't know anything about an affair," said Silver.

"Ok. I just thought I'd let you know. I'm not trying to force you to do anything that you're not comfortable with. I'm sorry," said Kelly.

"Thanks," said Silver.

"Ok. I'll gotta go check on Winnie," said Kelly.

Kelly turns around and starts to leave.

"Kel," said Silver.

Kelly turns around.

"Yeah?" asked Kelly.

"I'm very sorry. I'm not trying to go against you…..I'm just not ready to talk to them yet," replied Silver.

"It's ok," said Kelly.

Kelly turns around and leaves. Silver has a sad look on her face.

Kelly walks back into her room. She sees Brandon and Winnie and smile.

"How did it go?" asked Brandon.

"Not good. She said she and Annie are no longer friends and that Annie blames her for breaking up with Dixon," replied Kelly.

"Oh no…I can't believe all these problems were happening," said Brandon.

"Me neither….Anyway, I couldn't talk her into talking with Annie," said Kelly.

"Maybe things just need to work themselves out," said Brandon.

"Well, it's easy for you to say since you're not going through this," said Kelly.

"And I'm glad of that," said Brandon.

"Me too. I know Silver is always very resistant to do anything that she's uncomfortable with….but I've always been able to nudge her along to get her to do something," said Kelly.

"You mean, get her to do what you want?" asked Brandon.

"Well, I always have good intentions. I don't do this to hurt anyone," replied Kelly.

"I know. You'll always be a counselor and helper whether or not you are at work…and I love you for that. But sometimes, you gotta let things work out on their own," said Brandon.

"Ok…fine," said Kelly pouting.

Brandon notices that Kelly is sad.

"If it helps, you always do a good job in influencing me," said Brandon smiling.

"Oh yea?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, my mind and your body is yours to control, Babe," replied Brandon.

"Well, in that case," said Kelly grabbing Brandon and kissing him.

They kiss very passionately.

Kelly breaks the kiss.

"You think we can get Silver to watch Winnie for a bit?" asked Kelly.

"I would like that. You're the master manipulator….go and do your magic…I'll be right here getting in the mood," replied Brandon.

"Mmmm….well, I think you are already in the mood. I can feel your "you know" leaning against me," smiled Kelly.

"And what are you going to do about it?" smiled Brandon.

"Well, there's only one thing to do," smiled Kelly who starts to go down on Brandon.

To be Continued…