Author's Note – Happy Holidays everyone! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Please note a great amount of this chapter did not make it to the final version. But I wanted to give you a chance to read the full version as it was originally written. It's a very simple chapter. I'm not going to lie to you. – There is only one important scene and the rest is just fun and simple. So, please don't have any high expectations. Lol. Anyway, I still hope you enjoy it. More chapters to come! Happy New Year!

Chpt 70 – Opportunities and Sacrifices – Part 5

We see a phone on top of a table in Kelly and Brandon's bedroom. The phone rings. Kelly runs to the phone in time to pick it up.

"Hello?" asked Kelly.

"Kelly, Hi. It's Harry," replied Harry.

"Hi Harry. Oh, I heard what happened. Are you ok?" asked Kelly.

"Not really. I've been suspended until further notice," asked Harry.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," replied Kelly.

"Yeah, me too," said Harry.

"How's Annie doing?" asked Kelly.

"Well, aside from not wanting to have anything to with me; she's the same," replied Harry.

"How's Silver?" asked Harry.

"She's hanging in there. She's staying pretty quiet," replied Kelly.

"Look, I'm sorry for what happened between the kids. I wish it wouldn't come to this," said Harry.

"Harry, it was my fault. I know Annie and Silver had a falling out after Silver and Dixon broke up. Silver didn't want to get involved and I kept pushing Silver into this. I'm sorry," said Kelly.

"It's ok. You had good intentions," said Harry.

"My mind is all over the place right now," replied Harry.

"Oh, I'm sorry.…is this about you and Debbie?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah. It's pretty much over. She's separating with me," replied Harry.

"Oh no. I'm so sorry," said Kelly.

"Yeah, me too. I feel like a fool. I'm the one who was waiting for her to be ready to talk this through…and she ends it with me," said Harry.

"Harry, I'm so sorry. So, I guess you and Debbie are finish trying to work this out," said Kelly.

"Looks that way. I mean, I can't fix this relationship alone and if she doesn't care, then there's no hope for me and I don't want to waste any time thinking that it's going to get better," said Harry.

"I can imagine Debbie asking for sole custody of the kids. And based on what I just did, she'll probably get what she wants," added Harry.

"You don't know that. I don't think she will do that," said Kelly.

"I didn't think she would cheat on me, either. But she did that," replied Harry.

"Harry, don't say that," said Kelly.

"Why not? That's what she did. And she's now making me look like the bad guy. She said I'm a bad husband and a bad father. She said that I'm the one who drove her to the other guy," said Harry.

"I'm sorry," said Kelly.

"It's not your fault. It's all a part of life. I'm beginning to wonder if it was a mistake coming back to L.A.," said Harry.

"Harry, how could you have known?" asked Kelly.

"I wouldn't but we were doing so well in Kansas," replied Harry.

"You didn't know. You made the decision that was right for your family at the time. Change is always difficult; sometimes, it's good; sometimes, it's bad. But you shouldn't blame yourself, Harry," said Kelly.

"It's hard not to," said Harry.

"Do you to get together and talk later?" asked Kelly.

"Not right now. I have a lot of things to do; you know I gotta find a place and move," replied Harry.

"Oh, you're moving?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah. I just can't be here right now with so much stuff going on," relied Harry.

"Ok. If you want, I might know a few available apartments for rent," said Kelly.

"Here in the city?" asked Harry.

"Yeah, why? Where were you thinking?" asked Kelly.

"I don't know yet but I'm planning to get out of the city for a while," said Harry.

"Oh ok. For how long?" asked Kelly.

"I don't know. For as long as it takes, I guess" replied Harry.

"What about your kids? What about your job?" asked Kelly.

"Debbie said she'll look after the kids while I'm gone. We'll figure things out afterwards," replied Harry.

"Oh. You sure you want to do that? I mean, I bet once you spend some time away; you'll be ok to come back again and it would be nice to have a job to go to," said Kelly.

"You have the right idea, Mrs. Guidance Counselor; but the school can't wait to fire me," said Harry.

"Did they say that?" asked Kelly.

"No, but that's what usually happens in cases like this," replied Harry.

"The last thing I want to do is wait around for some more bad news. I think I'm dealing with enough bad news as is. I can't do my job in the state that I'm in. My temper level is off the charts right now and I'm in mood to deal with the stress of being a high school principal," said Harry.

"Brandon, Silver, and I are here for you, Harry," said Kelly.

"Thanks. You've been a great friend, Kelly. You take care," said Harry.

"This isn't goodbye right, Harry? I mean, I'm going to see you again; aren't I?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, eventually...we'll keep in touch," replied Harry.

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

"I don't know. I guess I'll figure things out eventually," replied Harry.

"Can't you figure things out before leaving? Leaving so abruptly isn't good for anyone," asked Kelly.

"Thanks for I can't figure anything out while staying here," said Harry.

"Ok. When are you leaving?" asked Kelly.

"In a day or two," replied Harry.

"Ok. Take care of yourself," said Kelly.

"You too….bye," said Harry.

"Bye Harry," said Kelly.

Kelly walks to Silver's room. It's closed but she hears low volume music coming from the room. She knocks.

"Come in," said Silver.

Kelly walks in.

"Hey…I just want to check in on you," said Kelly.

"Aside from not being able to move any part of my face without feeling any pain, I'm doing just fine," said Silver.

"Sorry. I just got off the phone with Principal Wilson," said Kelly.

"What does he want with me now? Oh, let me guess. Does he want to sue me for her daughter starting a fight with me?" asked Silver sarcastically.

"No. It sounds like he's resigning," said Kelly.

"Why?" asked Silver who looks like she's changed her mood from angry to sad.

"He's afraid that they're going to fire him. And he thinks this is best for him to end it on his terms. Getting fired wouldn't look good on a job application," said Kelly.

"Ok. Any chance Annie could leave too?" asked Silver.

"Of course not, she didn't get fired," replied Kelly.

"Damn! I was hoping that since she was the one who caused this entire mess and pissed off her own dad that she would get expelled…this way, I wouldn't have to look at her ugly mug again," said Silver.

"Silver, I'm getting a bit annoyed by your jokes especially when I'm trying to be serious with you," said Kelly.

"How am I supposed to feel, Kel? I'm dealing with a lot of stuff right now. I got suspended for being in a fight that I didn't even start. I was using self-defense on a psychopath maniac who I was trying to be friends with – because you're the one who ask me to," said Silver.

Kelly looks like she's getting annoyed.

"Silver, you know I had good intentions and I was trying to do the right thing," said Kelly.

"You're not going to try to guilt trip me in talking to Annie again, right?" asked Silver.

"No. I'm not going to do that. You're old enough to decide on your own," replied Kelly.

"Kel, I hope I want made this clear with you. I'm done with Annie. Ok? I'm seriously done with her," said Silver with a serious look.

"Ok," said Kelly.

"I mean, look at me. I try to be the good guy here and I get beat up and suspended," said Silver.

"I hear you…and I'm sorry that it has to end this way," said Kelly.

"Me too," said Silver.

They both look at each other in silence.

Later, we see Kelly in her room. She's folding laundry. Her phone rings and she pick it up.

"Hello?" asked Kelly.

"Is this Kelly Taylor?" asked the person on the phone.

"Yes. Who is this?" asked Kelly.

"Hi Kelly. My name is Diane Stevenson from Superintendent Farrell's office. How are you?" asked Diane.

"I'm good. How are you?" asked Kelly.

"I'm doing well. I heard you just had baby," replied Diane.

"Yes. She's doing fine," said Kelly.

"That's good; Congratulations. I am calling to let you know that Harry Wilson is no longer principal of West Beverly High," said Diane.

"Oh….ok," said Kelly.

"I'm not sure if you knew what happened. But we just wanted to let you know that he's no longer working there. We are looking for a replacement. And I am calling you today to see if you would be interested in the position," said Diane.

"Oh…wow….I'm not sure. I'm sorry; I don't really know," said Kelly surprised.

Diane sense Kelly's reaction to the news.

"It's ok, Kelly. We're basically trying to round up enough people for interviews…so if you are not interested, it's ok. This will not affect your current status in any way," said Diane easing Kelly's nerves.

"Oh ok," said Kelly.

"So, I just wanted to make sure…are you interested in position?" asked Diane.

"Ummm….ok; sure. It's just an interview, right?" asked Kelly.

"Right. But I wouldn't say that to Superintendent Farrell. He's taking this position very seriously," replied Diane.

"Ok. I understand. Thank you. I definitely will take this seriously," said Kelly.

"Ok. Good. Interviews will be conducted next Monday and Tuesday anytime from 9am to 5pm. What times are good for you?" asked Diane.

"Umm….let's see," said Kelly as she goes through her calendar.

"Anytime on Tuesday would be fine," said Kelly.

"Ok. How about Tuesday at 10am?" asked Diane.

"Great. Thank you for the opportunity," replied Kelly.

"You're welcome. Good luck, Kelly. Have a great weekend," said Diane.

"Thank you, Diane. You too…bye" said Kelly.

"Bye Kelly," said Diane.

They both hang up the phone.

Kelly has a worried look on her face.

Kelly looks at Winnie quietly sleeping. She just stays by the crib watching her sleep. The screen flashes back to a younger Kelly inside the same room watching a little baby boy sleep. "Looks like it's just going to be you and me, Sammy," said younger Kelly giving Sammy a weak smile.

The screen flashes back to the present day.

Brandon and Kelly are in sitting across from one another in the kitchen. They are both having coffee.

"Can you go pick up some diapers tomorrow?" asked Kelly.

"Ok," replied Brandon sipping his coffee.

"Oh…and can you take Sammy to the sporting good store? He said he wants to get a new bat and glove for baseball," asked Kelly.

"Ok," replied Brandon.

He watches as Kelly writes in her notepad.

"Do you really need to write that down?" asked Brandon.

"Do you think you can remember?" asked Kelly.

"I think so. I went to college," replied Brandon joking.

"This family makes too many jokes," said Kelly.

"What's wrong with joking around once in a while?" asked Brandon.

"You're just like Silver. Always making jokes," said Kelly.

"Oh well then. If you're comparing me to Silver," said Brandon.

Silver walks out of her room. She walks pass Brandon and Kelly without acknowledging them.

"Speaking of Silver," said Brandon trying to Silver's attention.

"Don't bother. She's not in the mood to talk to us," said Kelly.

We hear the TV on.

Brandon and Kelly look at each other with a "oh well" look.

"Some parents we are, huh?" asked Kelly.

"Don't be so hard on yourselves…we're not her parents," replied Brandon joking.

"Oh well; that's helpful," said Kelly being sarcastic.

"Eh, just trying to lighten things up," said Brandon smiling.

"Well, since you are in such a good mood, I have some news for you," said Kelly.

"What? You're pregnant again?" asked Brandon joking.

"Ha ha," replied Kelly.

"You keep joking around and you're not going to like what I'm about to say," joked Kelly.

"Ok, what is it?" asked Brandon.

"I just got a call from the superintendent's office that Harry is gone. They asked me if I am interested in replacing him," said Kelly.

"Really?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah," replied Kelly.

"Wow. I'm so happy for you," said Brandon smiling and grabbing Kelly's hand and pulling her over to him.

She sits on his lap. He hugs her tightly. Kelly smiles as she is taken by surprise. He kisses her on the cheek.

"Honey, I haven't gotten the job yet. I'm just going in for an interview," said Kelly smiling.

"You're going to get it. I know it," said Brandon leaning in for a kiss.

They kiss.

"You think so?" asked Kelly.

"I know so…what, you don't?" asked Brandon.

"No, I do. I think I am qualified. I just don't want to get my hopes up," replied Kelly.

"Oh ok. I understand. We'll wait and when you get the job, we're going to celebrate," smiled Brandon.

"Oh, that'll be nice," smiled Kelly.

"How about dinner and a movie?" asked Brandon.

"Sounds perfect," replied Kelly.

"Thanks for being so supportive of this. But I don't want you to get disappointed if I don't get it," said Kelly.

"Of course, I won't be. Whatever happens, I'll be by your side," said Brandon.

"Thanks. I mean, it's just an interview, right? Let's just not get our hopes up yet," asked Kelly.

Brandon doesn't reply back right away.

"Right, just an interview," replied Brandon.

Kelly closes her eyes and rests her head on Brandon. Brandon holds Kelly tightly.

Some time passes, and we see Brandon walking from the bedroom to the living room. He sees Silver still lying on the couch. The TV is on but she looks asleep. Brandon takes a nearby blanket and puts it over Silver. He turns off the TV.

"Thanks, but I wasn't sleeping," said Silver still with her eyes closed.

Brandon looks surprised.

"Well, you could've fooled me," said Brandon.

"How are you feeling?" asked Brandon.

"Still a little sore but I'm ok," replied Silver sitting up but still looking tired.

"Do you want anything? I can make you lunch," asked Brandon.

"No, I'm not hungry," replied Silver.

"Ok. I'm going to the supermarket. Do you want anything?" asked Brandon.

"No thanks," replied Silver.

"Do you want to come with me?" asked Brandon.

"I can't go outside looking like this," replied Silver.

"You look fine. Nobody cares about a few bruises," said Brandon.

Silver silently looks at Brandon.

"Fine. Let's go," said Silver.

"That's the spirit," said Brandon sarcastically.

"Can I go and put on some makeup first?" asked Silver.

"Fine," said Brandon not being excited.

Brandon and Silver are in the car. Silver is leaning back and trying to cover her face from the windows. Brandon notices.

"You ok?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, I just don't want to attract any attention," replied Silver.

"But you look ok with your makeup," said Brandon.

"Yeah, but it's not going to make me 100% again," said Silver.

"It's funny that you're so self-conscious about your looks. I always thought you were the type who never cares about what other people think of you," said Brandon.

"Well, I may have said that when I didn't look like this," said Silver.

"You know you remind of Kelly. She's the same way," said Brandon.

"Well, how would you feel if this happened to you," said Silver.

"The same but I don't think that's what's bothering you the most," said Brandon.

"What you are talking about?" asked Silver.

"It's not that you got into a fight and you got beat up; it's more about the person who did this to you," replied Brandon.

Silver doesn't respond. Brandon notices and glances at Silver.

"So, am I right?" asked Brandon.

"I guess so," replied Silver.

"I bet if you knew that Annie wanted to make up with you, you would still go to her," said Brandon.

"No way. She and I are done. I've given her too many chances already. I still can't believe Kelly for making me go to her," said Silver.

"Ok then…but I'm sure Annie is feeling the same way. She's going through a lot right now...her family's breaking apart and she's lost you as your best friend," said Brandon.

"First of all, our friendship was already in trouble when Dixon and I broke up. Second, I was all for making up with her, but she just went on to prove that she wants nothing to do with me," said Silver.

"And how did that make you feel?" asked Brandon.

"Bad…hurtful" replied Silver.

"Is it worse than getting beat up?" asked Brandon.

Silver doesn't reply right away.

"Yeah," replied Silver.

"Good," said Brandon.

"How's that good?" asked Silver.

"It's good that you admitted it…now all you gotta do is give Annie some time just like she's giving you some time to cool off. I think you two will be alright once this thing blows over. Then you'll be laughing at this whole mess," replied Brandon.

"And how you would be so smart in predicting that?" asked Silver.

"Trust me. I was a teenager once and I've seen my fair share of trouble with friends," replied Brandon.

"Did you know someone who acted like Annie?" asked Silver.

"Not like that but in a similar way," replied Brandon.

"And who would that be?" asked Silver.

"Dylan," replied Brandon.

"Oh yeah; I can see that. Dylan's a cool guy but he sure has a temper when he gets mad," said Silver.

"Yeah, I know. I remember when he first found out that Kelly and I were dating, he was pretty upset. He was doing crazy things and really talked badly to me. He told me that I'm useless and that Brenda moved away just to be away from me….but I know that he didn't mean it and I stood by him while he went through all this," said Brandon.

"Why did you let him talk to you that way?" asked Silver.

"It wasn't easy. He expected me to be angry with him so that I can be as pissed off as he is. He was so pissed off that he was looking for a reason to hate me. He was looking for a reason to not be my friend anymore. But I didn't give in. I knew I was hesitant about pursuing a relationship with Kelly because I knew it would affect my friendships with Dylan and Steve," replied Brandon.

"Yeah, my sister was a player," laughed Silver.

"Don't go there, Silver," said Brandon.

Silver laughs.

"Anyway, Kelly really wanted to be with me when I first moved here from Minnesota. Because I saw how it bothered Steve, I decided to back off," said Brandon.

"You probably knew that dating Kelly would bother Dylan too. So, why did you decide at that point, that it was worth the risk?" asked Silver.

"I don't know. I followed my heart. And Kelly gave me a summer that I'll never forget," said Brandon.

"Don't go there, Brandon….I don't want to hear any mushy romance stories involving my sister," said Silver.

"Good. I wasn't going to tell you anyway. But back to my point. I didn't give up on Dylan. No matter how much he thought he hated me, he soon found out that I wasn't his problem," said Brandon.

"What was his problem, then?" asked Silver.

"At the time, Brenda moved to London and he got swindle out of millions of dollars," replied Brandon.

"That'll do it. Boy, you guys sure have a lot of stories," said Silver.

"Oh, you've seen nothing yet, Silver. I got enough stories in my high school and college days for a TV show that'll run for a decade…even though I probably won't stay for the entire thing," joked Brandon.

"I would watch that," laughed Silver.

"I'm glad I got to tell some of the stories to you, Silver," said Brandon.

"Thanks Brandon. Me too," said Silver smiling at Brandon.

Brandon smiles back at Silver.

"Ok, we're almost there," said Brandon.

We see some passing scenes of Brandon and Silver going through the items in each isle of the supermarket. Music is playing but we don't hear what they are saying. Silver's picking some items off the shelves and passing them to Brandon. They stop by a table where free samples are being served. They both try some and start to laugh.

We see them sitting at a restaurant inside a mall. They just finished eating.

"How was your burger?" asked Brandon.

"Delicious!" replied Silver.

"Great. Don't tell Nat we went somewhere else for burgers," joked Brandon.

"Ok," said Silver laughing.

"Thanks Brandon. That was a very nice treat," said Silver smiling

"I'm glad you like it. I'm going to have to tell Kelly that I finally got you to smile again," said Brandon.

"Until you brought that up, or course," said Silver.

"Bring what up? I didn't bring anything up," said Brandon being sarcastic.

Silver gives him a snarky look.

"Did you hear about Kelly's interview?" asked Silver.

"Yeah. She told me earlier. If she gets the job, you'll have a sister for a principal," replied Brandon.

"Yeah…maybe then, justice will finally be served," joked Silver.

"Do you think she'll do a good job? Better than Harry?" asked Brandon.

"Of course. Harry's an authority figure. Kelly's more of a friend," replied Silver.

"But not during school hours. She has to be the boss," said Brandon.

"But she's my sister first," said Silver.

"So you're saying if Kelly had been principal when you and Annie were having the fight, you wouldn't have been suspended?" asked Brandon.

"Correct. I didn't start the fight. I was being nice," replied Silver proud of her answer.

"It doesn't matter, Silver. You were involved in the fight. You get in trouble," said Brandon.

"What makes you such an expert?" asked Silver.

"Let's just say that I've spent my fair share of time with Dylan and Steve," replied Brandon.

"Well, I still think Kelly would've handled things differently," said Silver.

"You should ask her that – maybe she can use that to prepare for her interview," joked Brandon.

"You know, Brandon? You seemed pretty calm about this. If Kelly gets the job, you know that you'll have to take care of Winnie all by yourself?" asked Silver.

"I know," replied Brandon.

"No issues with that? You're going to able to do it?" asked Silver.

"Yeah. I know I'll miss Kelly a lot. But I think I'm going to do ok," replied Brandon.

"Wow Brandon. I thought for sure you were going to complain," said Silver.

"No, I'm not going to do that. I'm going to be a loving and supporting husband," said Brandon.

"You know she's going to be making much more money than you, right?" asked Silver.

Brandon sighs.

"Silver Silver Silver….this is not about money. This is about being there for one another through good times, bad times, and in this case; hard times," said Brandon.

"I'm impressed," said Silver.

"Thank you," said Brandon.

"You know, if you want to me to, I can talk to her out of going to the interview. I can be really persuasive," said Silver.

"That won't be necessary," said Brandon.

"Good, cuz I wasn't going to do it anyway. I just wanted to sense your sincerity," said Silver.

"Ah geez," said Brandon.

Silver laughs.

To Be Continued…