Chpt 69 – Opportunities and Sacrifices – Part 4

We are in a classroom. We see Ryan teaching and class. Silver is sitting at her desk and not really paying attention. She turns around and glances at Annie who is sitting a few rows behind her. Annie is looking down at her desk.

The bell rings.

"Everybody, read Chapter 6 for tomorrow. The test is in one week! That's seven days, people. Please don't wait till the last minute to study…even though I know some of you are going to do that anyway," said Ryan as everyone is getting up from their desks and heading out the door.

Silver is still in her seat. She takes another glance at Annie. Annie is getting up to leave. Silver gets up and slowly walks up to her.

"Hi Annie," said Silver slowly.

"Hi," said Annie.

"How are you?" asked Silver.

"I'm fine...how are you?" asked Annie.

"Good. I heard you saw Kelly and Winnie the other day," replied Silver.

"Yeah...did she say anything to you?" asked Annie.

"No. She just thought you needed someone to talk to," replied Silver.

"What? No. I don't want to talk to anybody, ok? And even if I did, I wouldn't go to someone like you," said Annie.

Silver has a regretful look on her face.

"What did she tell you?" asked Annie loudly.

Ryan notices.

"Nothing. She said you were sad; that's all," replied Silver loudly.

"Well, she's wrong, ok? I'm doing fine. In fact, I'm doing more than fine," said Annie.

Annie notices Ryan is looking at her.

"Yeah, that's right, Mr. Matthews. I'm doing just fine. Now if someone can stop Ms. Silver here from butting into my personal life, things would be great," said Annie as she storms out of the room.

Ryan looks Annie as she walks out and then looks at Silver.

"Silver, everything ok?" asked Ryan.

"Yeah. I just got some bad advice, that's all," said Silver as she walks out the door.

Ryan has a dumbfounded look on his face.

Back at home, we see Silver open the door to her home.

She sees Kelly in the living room.

"Hey," said Kelly.

"Hey. I just want to thank you for your stupid advice," said Silver.

"What?" asked Kelly confused.

"I tried to talk to Annie. I was calm. I was nice. But she just started yelling at me. I wish I never listened to you. Because now I feel like crap," said Silver as she walks quickly to her room.

We can hear the door slam shut in her room.

We can hear Winnie starts to cry in the master bedroom. Kelly gets up and walks to her room to tend to Winnie.

Some time goes by and we see Kelly walks to Silver's room. She can hear music coming from it. She knocks on the door. No answer. She knocks again but this time, opens the door slowly.

"Silver, can we talk?" asked Kelly.

"No, not really," replied Silver.

Silver turns the music up.

Kelly looks annoyed.

"Can you please turn down the music?" asked Kelly giving Silver a stern look.

"Silver, please...Look, I'm really sorry for what happened," said Kelly raising her voice.

Silver turns down the music.

"Kel, maybe you listen to your own advice and stop trying to be a counselor while you're job is to take care of Winnie," said Silver.

Kelly takes a deep breath.

"I guess I deserve that," said Kelly.

"Yes, you do. She made me feel like a fool. But she doesn't hate me. She hates you now for telling me," said Silver.

"I'm sorry," said Kelly who sits down next to Silver on her bed.

"This reminded me of when mom and Mel broke up. Even though I've already been through this three times before, I never got used to it," said Kelly.

"Well duh; who likes being part of a breakup?" asked Silver.

"The point is that David and I were forced to choose sides and we had a difficult time dealing with each other. Even he and Donna almost broke up over that," replied Kelly.

"I just didn't want Annie and Dixon to go through that," added Kelly.

"But I was wrong and I'm sorry. I really didn't expect her to go off on you like that," said Kelly.

We see Brandon holding Winnie at the Peach Pit. They are sitting at one of the booths. Nat is sitting across from them. They are playing with Winnie.

"Oh, you're so cute," said Nat.

Winnie giggles. Brandon and Nat smile.

"She's perfect. She's gets cuter each time I see her," said Nat.

"Who does she look more like more? Myself or Kelly?" asked Brandon.

Nat takes a good look.

"Kelly," replied Nat.

"Really?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, she's a girl. Why are you so surprised?" asked Nat.

"I know she's a girl. But can you see some of me in her? Like around her face?" asked Brandon.

"If you say so," replied Nat.

"Thanks Nat," said Brandon being sarcastic.

"So how's parenting?" asked Nat.

"You know, it's not so bad. It's not easy but I'm getting used it. I used to have a difficult time getting up for those late-night crying sessions but now, I feel like I'm up in seconds," replied Brandon.

"Well, that's great. How's Kelly? I haven't seen her much lately," asked Nat.

"She's good. Just tired," replied Brandon.

"So, you think you're doing a better job in taking care of Winnie than Kelly is?" asked Nat.

"Well, it's not a competition…we both do our best…but if I have to pick a winner, I….still have to choose Kelly," replied Brandon.

"Why?" asked Nat.

"I can practically do everything that she can….except breastfeeding," said Brandon.

"Ahhhh….you have a point there," said Nat.

"Yeah. Winnie would cry nonstop and I can't do anything about it. I carry some bottles of her milk with me just in case," said Brandon.

Harry walks in the door and Brandon notices.

"Hey Nat, I think that's Harry, the principal of West Beverly over there," said Brandon.

Nat turns around and sees Harry.

"Yeah, I haven't seen him in a while," said Nat.

"I think he's having some issues at home," said Brandon.

"Hey Harry," said Nat getting Harry's attention.

Harry starts walking to them.

"Don't say anything," said Brandon.

"You know I won't," said Nat.

"Hey fellas," said Harry.

"Harry, this is Brandon; Kelly's better half," said Nat.

"Right. We've met once before," said Harry extending his hand to Brandon.

"Nice to see you again, Harry," said Brandon.

They shake hands.

"And I think you've met Winnie," said Brandon.

"Yeah we've met. Hi Winnie. It was great seeing Kelly the other day. Congratulations," said Harry in a plain mood.

"Sit down; join us, Harry," said Nat.

"Oh no; I'm just here to get some food to go. I'm working late again tonight," said Harry.

"Sorry to hear that. Ok; why don't you have some coffee while I get your food ready? Do you want your usual?" asked Nat.

"Sounds good, Nat. Thanks!" replied Harry.

Nat gets up and walks away. Harry sits down in his place across from Brandon and Winnie.

"So did Kelly tell you what we talked about?" asked Harry.

"Not so much except that you and Debbie are going through some things," replied Brandon.

"Yeah. I don't know what to do anymore. I've been staying later at school and sneaking home after everyone's asleep. It sounds like I'm not even living there anymore," said Harry.

"That's not a good way to work things out," said Brandon.

"I don't know if Kelly had mentioned it to you, but Debbie cheated on me. I can't even bare to look at her anymore," said Harry.

"I'm sorry about what happen. And it's not in my place to tell you what you can or cannot do. But if you still love her, it might be worthwhile trying to work things out with her," said Brandon.

"Easy for you to say; you have Kelly. You'll never have to go through this," said Harry.

"Thank you. But we've haven't been so perfect," said Brandon.

"What? Kelly? She's always been perfect, at least that's what I can see," said Harry.

"She is. It's me. I cheated on Kelly," said Brandon.

"When?" asked Harry.

"Shortly after college. Kelly and I were living together. I was working for a newspaper and this woman came in to write a column. She made a move on me. I rejected her. But she continued to pursue me…..and as much as I love Kelly, I gave in. Afterwards, I immediately regretted it….Kelly forgave me but it took a long time for us to get over this," replied Brandon.

"Well, there's a difference between you and Debbie," said Harry.

"Yeah, what's that?" asked Brandon.

"You're sorry. I'm not sure if Debbie is sorry for what she did," replied Harry.

"Oh," said Brandon.

"She said she's confused and don't know what to think about this. She didn't want me to keep asking her questions about it. She wants to think this over by herself because I wouldn't understand," said Harry.

"Sorry to hear that," said Brandon.

"Me too. I feel like getting back at her, you know? I want her to feel like how I feel," said Harry.

"I don't think you should do that." said Brandon.

"Why not? She started this," replied Harry.

"True. But if you do what she did, you'll be just as guilty as she is. Trust me, it's not worth going through that," said Brandon.

"What did Kelly do in your situation?" asked Harry.

"She broke things off with me. I begged. I pleaded. I called repeatedly. She was dating this doctor coworker of hers. When I saw them together, I had the feeling like it was over between us even though I didn't want to admit it. Nothing hurt me more than to see Kelly with someone else….but this was worse. I was the reason; I was the one who drove her into another man's arms. I was the guilty one; no matter how I, she, or anyone puts it; I was going to live with that mistake for the rest of my life. And I still am. I'm just so fortunate that Kelly gave me another chance," replied Brandon.

"Why do you think she gave you another chance?" asked Harry.

"Because she loves me," said Brandon.

"I wish it was that easy," said Harry.

"Yeah; me too," said Brandon.

They both sat there for a brief moment.

Nat comes back with the food and hands them to Harry.

"Thanks Nat," said Harry.

"Good luck, Harry," said Nat.

They both shake hands.

"Brandon, it's nice to talk to you. It feels like we connected," said Harry trying to making a joke.

"Yeah…in more ways than one," said Brandon.

Brandon gets up and he shakes hands with Harry.

We see Silver walking on the street alone. She is carrying a few books with her.

"Silver," said some from far behind.

Silver stops walking and turns around. She sees that it's Dixon running towards her and continues to walk.

"Hey Silver…wait," said Dixon who runs to catches up to Silver.

"Hey," said Dixon.

"What do you want?" Silver who continues walking.

"I haven't seen you in a while," said Dixon walking alongside Silver

"Yeah, I wish it could be longer," said Silver.

"Silver, Annie told me what happened. I told her that she was way out of line for getting in your face," said Dixon.

"Yeah well; I learned my lesson," said Silver.

"Silver, please don't be mad. Annie and I are going through a lot right now. She was probably going to blow up in someone's face anyway…it just so happened it was you," said Dixon.

"Gee…lucky me. I got perfect timing," said Silver sarcastically.

"The point is that she didn't mean what she said. She could really use a friend right now. We both could," said Dixon.

"Yeah, well; that's what I tried to be and now I feel like crap thanks to her," said Silver.

"I understand. Thing just haven't been the same since we broke up," said Dixon.

Silver stops walking. Dixon notices and stops as well.

"I miss you," said Dixon.

"Get over yourself. Talking to Annie was Kelly's idea. I was just doing it for her," said Silver.

"Annie's home right now. Do you want to come over?" asked Dixon.

"No, I'm just not in the mood for a mental beatdown again," said Silver.

"Ok. Let me make this right with her," said Dixon.

"Whatever," said Silver who just walks away.

Dixon stands there with a displeased look.

Brandon walks in the house with Winnie. He looks around and doesn't see anybody.

He slowly walks to his bedroom and quietly opens it.

He sees Kelly sitting on a chair. She has her eyes closed and her head tilt back. Brandon notices and smiles. Brandon walks to the crib and puts Winnie in the crib. He looks at Kelly and leans in and kisses her on the lips.

Kelly wakes up. She sees Brandon and smiles.

"Hi," said Kelly.

"Hey. Sorry to wake you up. I just can't resist," said Brandon.

"Oh, it's ok. I have no complaints," said Kelly.

"How did it go?" asked Kelly.

"Good. Nat had fun playing with Winnie…sorry we were gone for so long," replied Brandon.

"It's ok. I didn't notice the time. I sort of dozed off," said Kelly who gets up and checks on Winnie.

Kelly raises her to check her watch.

"Oh wow. It's late. I better go and get dinner started," said Kelly.

"I brought food home," said Brandon.

"Oh…thanks…you're such a good provider," said Kelly smiling.

"Thanks," said Brandon.

"Can we talk for a moment?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah…sure; what's going on?" replied Kelly.

"I saw Harry today," said Brandon.

"Where?" asked Kelly.

"At the Peach Pit. He came in and ordered some food," replied Brandon.

"Oh; how are things?" asked Kelly.

"The same. I just wanted to let you know," said replied Brandon.

"That was it? You were very dramatic – as if you wanted to tell me something that was life changing – for us I mean," said Kelly smiling.

Brandon smiles too.

"There is one other thing," said Brandon.

"What?" asked Kelly.

"We were talking about infidelity and how we need to be completely honest with each other in order for our marriage to work," replied Brandon.

"Right," said Kelly who has a really worried look on her face.

"So I feel that I have to tell you something," said Brandon.

Kelly looks at Brandon with a disturb look.

"Ok. What is it?" asked Kelly.

"When you were in the coma and I was staying at the hospital, I got to spend some time with your nurse," said Brandon.

"Oh ok. What did you guys do?" asked Kelly.

"We talked about life and what we have going on in our lives. She told me about her love life. I told her about mine. We got close," replied Brandon.

"How close?" asked Kelly.

"We hugged. But nothing else happened," replied Brandon.

"Just hugged? Nothing else?" asked Kelly.

"Right," replied Brandon.

"Ok….well, that's ok as long as it was only a hug," said Kelly relieved but still a little bothered.

"Yeah. I'm sorry if I made it seem more serious than it was. I just felt bad that I was talking with another woman about stuff that I should be talking with you…and I felt bad because my mind was supposed to be on you. I was there almost the entire time. Theresa asked me to get a quick bite to eat and I went. When you woke up, I wasn't there. And while I was so happy that you woke up; I felt like I let myself down; most of all I let you down by not being the first thing you saw when you woke up," said Brandon.

"Honey, it's ok. We're here now. And that's all that matters," said Kelly putting her around Brandon. Brandon rests his head on Kelly's shoulder. They hold hands.

"And you know what?" asked Kelly.

"What?" asked Brandon.

"I got a feeling that you two were close," said Kelly.

Brandon sits back up with a surprised look on his face.

"You did? How?" asked Brandon.

"I don't remember much but I was partially awake. I was nauseated and doozy but I heard you and someone talking. Then I saw you two leave," replied Kelly.

"I'm so sorry you had to have to see that; not that you had to worry about anything. I mean, nothing was going to happen between us," said Brandon being defensive.

"If I had known you were awake, I never would've left. …But that's no excuse. I shouldn't have left anyway," said Brandon.

"Thanks. I have to admit that I'm glad you brought it up…because in the back of mind, I was pretty curious what was happening between you two," said Kelly.

"It was nothing. She was great to talk to…you're so much more. You are everything that I wanted in a wife and a best friend. My heart…..and everything belongs to you….and only you….always," said Brandon.

Kelly smiles and leans in for a kiss.

They kiss.

They break the kiss and they hug tightly.

"I love you," said Kelly.

"I love you too," said Brandon.

"You won't leave me, will you?" asked Brandon joking.

"Honey, you're stuck with me forever," replied Kelly.

"That's one of the nicest things you've ever said to me," said Brandon.

Kelly laughs.

We see Silver in school by her locker. She glances to her left and sees Annie by her locker. Annie notices and looks towards Silver's way. Silver notices and looks away immediately.

Silver closes her locker and takes a moment before walking towards Annie.

Annie looks at Silver but stays silent.

"Hi Annie," said Silver.

"What do you want, Silver?" asked Annie.

Silver looks angry.

"I saw Dixon the other day. He wanted to talk to me but I just walked away. I was trying to get in touch with him to say I'm sorry," replied Silver.

"So um...if you get a chance, can you tell pass along the message to Dixon that I'm sorry?" asked Silver.

"Oh yeah, he was really choke up about that. He couldn't eat. He couldn't sleep. But at least it made him forget about our parents breaking up," replied Annie being sarcastic.

"What?" asked Silver.

"Oh grow up, Silver! Don't look so pathetic! Naomi was right about you all along. You think everyone spends their entire day wanting to please little Ms. Silver? Think again. We've all got bigger problems to deal with," replied Annie.

"Look? What's your problem, huh? All I've been doing is be nice to you. I know how you feel, ok? My parents broke up twice because of my dad cheated on my mom. I just wanted to be nice," yelled Silver getting the attention of other students in the hallway.

"So what? Just because you went through this, you think you're some kind of role model now?" asked Annie.

"Well, excuse me for trying to be a good friend and be helpful," replied Silver.

"But looking at you now? I do feel sorry; I feel sorry for what you've become. I've done trying to talk to you. Don't talk to me again. You make me sick," said Silver.

Silver turns around and starts to walk away.

Annie grabs Silver and pulls her to the locker. Silver is taken by surprise and starts to punch Annie. Annie hits Silver back and they both are pulled down to the floor. The other students start to crowd around the two and start a lot of commotion.

"Fight fight fight," yelled one of the students.

Harry comes out of the principals' office and rushes to the fight.

"Ok, break it up!" yelled Harry trying to separate the two.

They still continue fight. Ryan comes in and pulls Silver away giving a chance for Harry to pull Annie away.

Harry has a surprised look to see it was Annie and Silver.

"Annie? Silver? You two know that you were fighting each other?" asked Ryan joking.

Both Annie and Silver stay silent. Each of them has some bruises on their face.

"I want to see both you ladies in my office now," said Harry.

"Let go of me," said Annie breaking from Harry's hold.

Annie charges forward and rams Silver to the lockers.

Harry pulls Annie away.

"Have you lost your mind? Annie, what is wrong with you?" asked Harry.

"You are," replied Annie.

Taken out of anger, Harry slaps Annie on the face. Everyone around them has a surprised on their face.

Annie has a shocked look on her face. She touches her face of where the slap was. Harry has a regretful look on his face.

"Honey, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that," said Harry trying to hug Annie.

Annie backs away refusing to hug Harry.

"I hate you...," said Annie looking angry.

Everyone looks at Annie.

"Did you hear me? I hate you...all of you!" yelled Annie really loud.

Annie starts to cry. She looks at everyone around her who is still staring at her. She then turns around and runs away.

To be continued...