Author's Note – I hope everyone's doing well. I know some of you are probably glad to see a new title. So am I. Please note most of this chapter was cut out of the final version. But as always, I'm here to give you the full story. Here is the original unedited version. Enjoy.

Chpt 72 – A New Routine Pt 1

Kelly is in her bedroom. She's wearing a business dress suit. She in front of a mirror.

Brandon quietly opens the door and walks in.

"Hey," said Brandon quietly.

"Hey," said Kelly turning around and smile at Brandon.

"Wow…you look so good," said Brandon.

"Thanks. You think it's too much?" asked Kelly.

"No. You look great. Very professional," replied Brandon.

Brandon leans towards Kelly.

"What are you doing?" asked Kelly leaning back.

"Uh…I was going to kiss you," replied Brandon.

"Sorry, I already put on my lipstick and makeup….sorry; I don't have time to do it again," said Kelly.

"Oh….ok…it's ok," said Brandon sounding a little disappointed but he tries to hide it from Kelly.

"The kids prepared a little first day breakfast celebration for you," said Brandon quietly.

"What is it?" asked Kelly.

"Come on in," said Brandon.

Sammy and Silver (carrying Winnie) walks in. Sammy is carrying a tray of breakfast food including toast, mini sandwiches, cereal, and orange juice.

"Oh; you guys are so sweet," said Kelly smiling.

Brandon takes the tray from Sammy. Sammy goes and hugs Kelly. Silver and brings Winnie to Kelly.

"Oh, thank you guys so much for breakfast and your support. I really appreciate all that you do," said Kelly.

"Good luck, mom!" said Sammy.

"Thanks honey," said Kelly hugging Sammy again.

Kelly checks her watch and realizes the time.

"Ok, I hate to cut this celebration short…but I really got to go. Sorry. Thank you, guys," said Kelly putting Winnie in her crib.

"Good luck, Kel," said Silver.

"Thanks Silver," said Kelly hugging Silver.

"Do you want a ride?' asked Kelly.

"No, I'm not going there this early," replied Silver.

"I'll give her a ride," said Brandon.

"Ok. Thanks," smiled Kelly.

"Ok guys. There is breakfast on the table. Go eat it before it gets cold," said Brandon.

Silver and Sammy walk out the door.

Brandon starts to turn around and walk towards the door.

"Hey," said Kelly smiling.

"Yeah?" asked Brandon.

Kelly walks to Brandon and kisses him passionately on the lips.

They break the kiss and Brandon smiles.

"What about not wanting to redo your makeup?" asked Brandon.

"It's all worth it. Besides, who am I trying to impress anyway?" asked Kelly.

"Oh, I see. I've never seen this side of you before," replied Brandon.

"Yeah and how do you like it?" asked Kelly smiling.

"I like it so far," replied Brandon leaning in for another kiss.

"I love a woman with confidence," smiled Brandon.

They smile at each other.

"I proud of you, Kel," said Brandon.

"Thanks Brandon. Thanks for holding down the fort alone. I'm so sorry," said Kelly.

"Don't go there, again. You don't want to redo your make up," said Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly.

"I love you so much," said Kelly.

"I love you too," said Brandon.

"Don't worry about us. You go and take care of business," said Brandon.

"Ok. Call me if you need me," said Kelly.

"Ok," said Brandon.

"Ok, I gotta go," said Kelly giving Brandon a quick kiss before walking out the door.

"I can get dinner ready for you. What time do you think you'll be home by?" asked Brandon.

"Oh that's so sweet of you…but I think I'll be back by 4pm. So, I can prepare dinner," replied Kelly.

"You sure?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah. I'll even pick up a surprise dessert for dinner," replied Kelly.

"Oh, I'll look forward to that," said Brandon trying to be enthusiastic.

"Bye," said Kelly giving Brandon a quick kiss.

Brandon's smile frowns as he watches as Kelly walk out the door.

The scene flashes to the next day.

"I'm gonna be stuck at work a little bit later today," said Kelly.

"Oh ok…till how long?" asked Brandon.

"About 5pm," replied Kelly.

The scene flashes to the following day.

"About 5:30pm, 6ish," said Kelly.

The scene flashes to the day afterwards.

"About 7," said Kelly.

…and to the day after that.

"Maybe 8…8:30 at the latest," said Kelly.

"8:30?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, we have a staff meeting and we need to figure out the school budget problem," replied Kelly.

"What kind of meeting goes until 8:30pm?" asked Brandon.

"The really really long ones," replied Kelly surprised by Brandon's question.

"You can't schedule a meeting during school hours?" asked Brandon.

"No, because everyone's in class," replied Kelly.

"Right," said Brandon acting aggravated.

Kelly senses Kelly's attitude.

"Honey, I'm sorry. I know I've been spending a lot of time at work. It's just that I'm the new principal there and it's important that I do well, especially while I'm on probation. I have to be there for everyone," said Kelly.

"I know. I know this is very important to you…we're here for you," said Brandon.

"Thanks honey," said Kelly giving Brandon a kiss.

Kelly breaks the kiss as she realizes the time.

"Oh shoot… I gotta go…I'm gonna be late. Say bye to the kids for me," said Kelly as she runs out the door.

"Ok," said Brandon to himself.

Brandon walks back to Winnie's crib and sees her sleeping.

"I guess it's gonna be just you and me again, kiddo," said Brandon.

A total of ten weeks have gone by. We see Brandon and Kelly sitting in bed. Kelly is on her phone. Brandon is reading.

Brandon stops reading and looks at Kelly.

"I got a call from Dr. Phillips today," said Brandon.

"Oh, how he's doing?" asked Kelly still very focused on her phone.

"Good. He's following up on when I'll be ready to come back to work," replied Brandon.

Kelly stops typing, puts her phone down, and turns and looks at Brandon.

"And what did you say?" asked Kelly.

"Well, I thanked him for the call and said that I feel ready," replied Brandon.

Kelly looks worried.

"But that I have to talk it over with my family first," added Brandon.

"So, are you saying that we will get to have a say in this?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, since this will impact all of us; I figure we can talk this over as a family," replied Brandon.

"Are you asking everyone to take a vote?" asked Kelly.

"No. I've already decided and if anyone has any objections to it, I'm open to hearing them out," replied Brandon.

"And what is that decision?" asked Kelly.

"I've decided that I want to go back to work, Kel. I love being a dad but I miss teaching," replied Brandon.

"I know you do, honey…so when do you think you'll go back?" asked Kelly.

"They said I can teach a few summer classes sort of on a part time basis and then go back to full time in the fall," replied Brandon.

"Is it during the day or the evening?" asked Kelly.

"During the day," replied Brandon.

"Do they have any evening classes that you can do; or may be online?" asked Kelly.

"No, CU is trying not to offer any evening classes during the summer. They don't need me for online classes. It's gotta be during the day," replied Brandon.

"Here's a thought. Why don't you just take the summer off and just go back in the fall?" asked Kelly.

"Because it's going to make me look bad. Besides I'm also on probation. I can't risk losing my job," replied Brandon.

"Brandon, I doubt that you'll lose your job. The school can't force you to choose between your family and your job" said Kelly.

"That may be, but I still feel like it's time for me to go back to work," said Brandon.

"I know it's been tough, but I was hoping that you can just wait to go back in the fall?" asked Kelly.

"Why?" asked Brandon.

"Who else would look after the kids?" asked Kelly.

"Well, how about you? Why do I have to make all the sacrifices here?" asked Brandon.

"Is this what you're calling taking care of our kids? Sacrifice?" asked Kelly.

"Yes, I am…and you know what I mean. Don't try to make me the bad guy here," replied Brandon.

Kelly is silent.

"Besides, aren't public schools out for the summer? Why can't you take the summer off?" asked Brandon.

"Because we're not off, Brandon. There's summer school," replied Kelly.

"But that's not too much work, right?" asked Brandon.

Kelly glares at him a little.

"I mean, I know I'm no principal like you are but it's gotta be less work compared to the other semesters, right?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, but I still gotta be there," said Kelly.

"So that's it? End of discussion? Am I supposed to take a step back on my dreams and let you pursue yours?" asked Brandon.

"No, but I remember you telling me that your dream was to be with me and take care of our child, which you said to me once before that you wouldn't want to trade that opportunity for anything," replied Kelly.

"I still want that...but I still want that balance. I just don't know why you are being so difficult," said Brandon.

Kelly looks really mad now and gets out of the bed.

"Difficult?" asked Kelly insulted.

"Yeah, difficult. You know I've been with the kids every day while you're working. They barely get to see you," replied Brandon.

"That's not true. I see them every morning and almost all day on the weekends," said Kelly.

"You think that's enough? All you do, is feed them packets of your milk and maybe if you have time, you'll Facetime them. Kids, especially newborns need a full-time mother, Kel," asked Brandon.

"How dare you say that to me? I am a good mother," replied Kelly.

"Then maybe you should start acting like one," said Brandon.

Both of them stare down at each other. Kelly gets a tear in her eye as she looks angrily at Brandon.

The next morning, we see Brandon walking to the kitchen. He sees Kelly holding Winnie with one hand and scooping a spoonful of cereal with the other hand. Breakfast is laid on the table.

They see each other.

"Hey," said Brandon.

"Hey," said Kelly.

"You made breakfast?" asked Brandon taking a seat at the table.

"Yeah well. Sleeping on the couch last night gave me some time to think…and you're right, Brandon," replied Kelly.

"I'm sorry?" asked Brandon just to make sure he is hearing Kelly correctly.

"You're right. I'm sorry; I need to be more of a part of our family's lives," replied Kelly.

"I'm sorry too. You're a wonderful mother…and the kids and I are so lucky to have you in our lives," said Brandon.

"Thanks. We're all lucky to have you too," said Kelly giving Brandon a weak smile.

"So what are we going to do?" asked Brandon.

"I don't know. I still have to work during the summer. But you're right. Now that I'm thinking, it's going to be less work compared to the spring and the fall. Maybe I can even take Winnie with me on some days," replied Kelly.

"Great; that helps a lot," said Brandon smiling.

"Yeah. And also, I've been thinking that since there's two weeks between the last day of school and the start of summer school, maybe we can go on a family vacation somewhere," said Kelly.

"Yeah; I have to check my class schedule but I might be able to make it work," smiled Brandon.

"Good. Maybe after taking a trip, you might feel relaxed and feel good about taking care of Winnie for the summer," said Kelly.

Kelly notices Brandon's expression as he knows Kelly is trying to talk him into staying with Winnie for the summer and not take the job.

"Because I think what you need is just some time off. It'll be nice to get away and relax. Then it'll give us a good chance to talk like two rational adults instead of whatever we were last night tearing each other apart," smiled Kelly.

Brandon stays silent for a moment.

"Right. It's a good plan," smiled Brandon fighting the urge to cause a scene.

Brandon leans in a kisses Winnie.

Kelly leans in for a kiss with Brandon, but Brandon seemingly looks away.

"Hey, don't you have to get going? You're gonna be late," said Brandon.

"Yeah, thanks," said Kelly sending the tension between the two.

"Here, I'll take Winnie," said Brandon.

"Thanks," Kelly handing Winnie to Brandon.

"You're welcome; that's what I'm here for," said Brandon.

Kelly gets up and notices the dishes in the washer.

"Don't worry about it; I got it," said Brandon.

"Thanks; you're the best," said Kelly rushing out the door.

"Have a good day," said Brandon.

"You too," said Kelly already out the door.

Brandon looks at Winnie.

"I guess we'll be spending the day with each other for a very long time," said Brandon.

"Not that I'm complaining of course," added Brandon.

We hear Brandon's phone ring and he answers it.

"Hi mom," said Brandon.

"Hi Brandon," said Cindy.

"Sorry, I didn't leave a voicemail earlier. Winnie seems to have a mosquito bite on her hand. I was just wondering is there a lotion that you recommend," said Brandon.

"Oh. It's alright. Any type would be fine as long as it's gentle on the skin….I recommend something with aloe; that'll be soothing," said Cindy.

"Ok. Thanks. I know I should be asking Kelly, but I don't want to bother her while she's at work," said Brandon.

"How is it going with you taking care of Winnie by yourself?" asked Cindy.

"It's going ok. I'm really bonding with Winnie," replied Brandon.

"That's good. What are you two going to do when you have to go back to work?" asked Cindy.

"That's something that Kelly and I can't seem to agree on. CU wants me to come back and teach a few classes for the summer. I was hoping that Kelly can take the summer off, but she said she has to be there for summer school," replied Brandon.

"Sounds like you two are battling it out of each other," said Cindy.

"Yeah. And it's bringing out the worst out of us. We just got into this argument last night," said Brandon.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that. A newborn is tough to deal with, especially with two working parents," said Cindy.

"Yeah. Sometimes, I wish Kelly was like you; a stay home mom," said Brandon.

"Well, that did work out for your father and me, but I had my moments where I would much rather be the one working and your father stay home with you and Brenda," said Cindy.

"So what you're saying is that no one is right but the one who gets stuck taking care of the kids usually complains?" asked Brandon.

"Something like that. Have you two thought of hiring a nanny?" asked Cindy.

"No. I don't know if Kelly will go for the idea," replied Brandon.

"You remember Anna?" asked Cindy.

"Think so…was she the maid you hired when we first moved to Beverly Hills?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah. I think she might know someone who can help take care of the baby at least for a few hours a day," replied Cindy.

"Really? Hmmm…I guess I can check with Kelly," said Brandon.

"You're still in touch with Anna?" asked Brandon.

"Oh sure. We talk every now and then. I'll ask her and will let you now," replied Cindy.

"Ok. Sounds good. Thanks mom," said Brandon.

"Hang in there, Brandon. It'll be ok," said Cindy.

"Thanks mom. Talk to you later; bye," said Brandon.

"Bye honey," said Cindy.

Brandon walks in the Peach Pit wearing one of those baby strap carriers with Winnie in front of him. He goes up to the counter of the Peach Pit and sees Nat.

"Hey Nat," said Brandon.

"Hey Brandon," smiled Nat.

"Oh and look who we have in here today. It's a special guest who always brings a smile to my face," smiled Nat and playing with Winnie.

"You're so cute….you're so cute," added Nat.

"How are you two?" asked Nat.

"Ok, I guess. Well, she's doing fine. I'm exhausted," replied Brandon.

"Yeah pal; you don't look too good," said Nat.

Brandon looks at Nat with a depressed look.

Later we see them at one of the booths.

"She works; I take care of the baby. She works; I take care of the baby. It's been almost three months now. When is she going to trade?" asked Brandon.

"It's not about trading Brandon. It's about compromise," said Nat.

"Yeah, I get that. But you see? She can't even compromise," said Brandon.

"That doesn't seem like Kelly. She's usually very reasonable," said Nat.

"To be honest, Nat. Ever since she got this new job, I barely even know who she is anymore. She's become such a dictator," said Brandon.

"Did you ever put yourself in her shoes? Maybe she's feeling the same way," asked Nat.

"If she is feeling the same way as I do, then she'll be willing to compromise. She's not even willing to do that," replied Brandon.

"I'm sorry, Brandon. Besides this, how's it going with you two?" asked Nat.

"I don't know. I barely get to see her. I see her for a few minutes in the morning and not again until dinner or after dinner," replied Brandon.

"Do you guys text or call each other during the day?" asked Nat.

"Not lately," replied Brandon.

"Why not?" asked Nat.

"I guess I'm not up to getting into another argument with her," replied Brandon.

"Maybe that's the problem," said Nat.

"What?" asked Brandon.

"You assume that you two are going to argue. Maybe if you just try talking rationally with each other, you'll find that you two can have a pleasant conversation," replied Nat.

"If only it would be that easy. I tried to be rational but it always leads to a fight," said Brandon.

"Brandon, the bigger person would open the lines of communication and talk with her," said Nat.

"It's so difficult. She keeps trying to put this problem on me. This morning, I thought she was being nice by making breakfast," said Brandon.

"Making breakfast is a nice gesture," said Nat.

"Yeah but then she tried to sneak in the part about us taking a trip together before the summer starts," said Brandon.

"So, what's wrong with that?" asked Nat.

"Nothing but then she said that maybe once I'm all relaxed, I'll be ok with taking care of Winnie for the rest of the summer," replied Brandon.

"There's always a catch with her. It's like I can't even trust her to not do anything selfish. It's all about her. After she said that, I feel like I didn't even want to look at her," added Brandon.

"C'mon Brandon. You don't mean that. Kelly means everything to you. You know that," said Nat.

"I know I love her…but she's just acting like a totally different person than who I fell in love with or who I thought I knew," said Brandon.

"Brandon, this is very serious. You have to talk with Kel. Don't let this thing get out of hand," said Nat.

"Yeah, you're right Nat. This is very serious," said Brandon.

Later at home, we see Brandon and Winnie sitting on the sofa in the living room. Brandon still has Winnie in the same position on his chest.

Silver walks in and closes the door. Brandon wakes up right away

"Hey," said Silver.

"Hey Silver," said Brandon still trying to wake up.

"Did I wake you?'" asked Silver.

"Yeah a little," replied Brandon.

"I'm sorry," said Silver.

"No, don't be. I should be awake taking care of Winnie. Just imagine if Kelly walked in and caught me sleeping. She might call child services on me," joked Brandon.

Silver gives Brandon a little smirk.

Brandon sees Silver is not amused.

"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't talk about your sister like that," said Brandon.

"Or your wife," said Silver.

"You're right. Or my wife," said Brandon.

"Or the mother of your children," said Silver.

"I get it," said Brandon.

"Sorry, I was kind of on a roll there," joked Silver.

"Yeah," said Brandon quietly looking down.

"Brandon, can we talk briefly…just for a moment since it's just the two of us here?" asked Silver.

"Sure. If you don't mind Winnie listening in," joked Brandon.

"No, it's ok," said Silver.

"Thanks. If I put her down, I'm afraid that I'm going to wake her up," said Brandon.

"Oh, it's ok. It's quick," said Silver.

"What's up?" asked Brandon.

"Are you and Kelly ok?" asked Silver.

"I guess. Depending on what you heard," replied Brandon.

"I heard you two last night," said Silver.

"Sorry; we didn't mean for you for you to hear that," said Brandon.

"Do you think Sammy heard too?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, he was asking me about it earlier," replied Silver.

"Oh no," said Brandon.

"We're really worried," said Silver.

"I'm sorry you guys have to go through this. Kelly and I are just having an argument. Couples fight all the time," said Brandon.

"Yeah, but it's reminds me of what happened to Harry and Debbie," said Silver.

"Oh yea. What a coincidence that that it happened to Harry when he was principal and now it's happening to Kelly," said Brandon.

"I don't want you guys to split up," said Silver.

"Me neither," said Brandon.

"Do you still love each other?" asked Silver.

"Well, of course we do. Again, couples fight. I'm sure we'll work it out," replied Brandon.

"I just don't want things to escalate. I've already seen my fair share of couples fighting with my mom and dad;" said Silver.

"Thanks Silver. You don't have to worry. I still love Kelly and we're just trying to work things out right now juggling our careers and taking care of Winnie," said Brandon.

"Let me know what I can do to help," said Silver.

"Thanks Silver," said Brandon.

"I always thought that having a baby will bring parents closer. It just seems like it's tearing you two apart," said Silver.

"Don't worry. I'll do my best not to let that happen," said Brandon.

Silver leans in and hugs Brandon without waking up Winnie.

To Be Continued...