Author's Note – Hi everyone. If you made it this far, I really appreciate your commitment with this story. Thank you so much! Just like the previous chapter, only parts of this chapter made it to the final version. This is the full version in its entirety.
Chpt 73 – A New Routine Pt 2
Brandon and Kelly are in bed. Kelly is on her phone and Brandon is reading. They are silent with one another. Brandon occasionally turns and looks at Kelly. Kelly is focused on her email.
"Kel, when you have time, can we talk for a moment – before we go to sleep?" asked Brandon.
"Sure, I think that'll be a good idea," replied Kelly.
"I know things haven't been easy when I told you that I want to go back to work," said Brandon.
"Yeah. I knew that day would come; I just wasn't prepared for it," said Kelly.
"I don't want to fight with you," said Brandon.
"Me neither," said Kelly.
"The last thing I want is for this to tear us apart," said Brandon.
"Yeah," said Kelly.
"I don't want you to give up on your career," said Brandon.
"I don't want you to give up yours either," said Kelly.
"Ok good…it's good that we can agree on those things," said Brandon.
"The hard part is to figure out who's going to take care of Winnie," said Kelly.
"I've been thinking about it….and why don't we hire a nanny…just for someone to come by and look after her for a few hours," said Brandon.
"I don't know. I mean, Winnie is still just a baby. I just don't like the fact that a stranger is taking care of our baby," said Kelly.
"Would it help if she is a friend of my mom's? She lives not too far from here," asked Brandon.
"I'm still not comfortable with the idea; maybe in a few years when Winnie is older," replied Kelly.
"Ok," said Brandon.
"I'm sorry, Brandon. I know you're trying. I'm going to try to think of something too," said Kelly.
"I don't know what else to do…..I'm going to talk to Dr. Phillips," said Brandon.
"Really?" asked Kelly smiling.
"Yeah, I'll make it work," replied Brandon.
Kelly goes and hugs Brandon.
"Thank you," said Kelly.
Brandon kisses Kelly's forehead.
"I love you," said Kelly.
"I love you too," said Brandon.
Brandon and Sammy walk out of the house. Brandon is carrying Winnie in her bassinet. They get into the car.
Later we see Brandon and Sammy in the car. Brandon is driving around.
"Dad, where are we going?" asked Sammy.
"Where do you want to go?" asked Brandon.
"Can we go to the park?" asked Sammy.
"The park it is," replied Brandon.
Brandon makes a sharp turn.
Time goes by and we see Brandon and Sammy on a park bench. Winnie is in her stroller.
"Dad?" asked Sammy.
"Yeah, Sammy?" asked Brandon.
"Are you going back to work?" asked Sammy.
Brandon looks surprised that Sammy knows too.
"I don't know yet. I want to," said Brandon.
Brandon turns and looks at Sammy as his eyes are wandering aimlessly.
"It's a great opportunity. It pays a lot of money. I wish your mom can understand," said Brandon.
"Is it fun?" asked Sammy.
"Yeah, it's fun," replied Brandon.
"What would you do if you're me?" asked Brandon.
"I don't know, dad. I'm just a kid," replied Sammy.
"What if I say you can decide for me?" asked Brandon.
"I say that you're being crazy, dad," replied Sammy.
Brandon is taken by surprise with Sammy's comment.
"Whoa Sammy. Where did that insult come from?" asked Brandon.
"Sorry dad. I didn't mean to insult you," replied Sammy.
"Ok then," said Brandon.
"I'm sorry, dad. What I really want to say was that I can't have mom mad at me," said Sammy.
"But I gave you my permission to decide for me," said Brandon.
"She'll be mad at you too," said Sammy.
"She's already mad at me," said Brandon.
"I don't understand what is the big deal with this job," said Sammy.
"The big deal is that I can make a lot of money and keep a job for a very long time," said Brandon.
"So why doesn't mom like that?" asked Sammy.
"Because your mom wants me to stay home so I can take care of Winnie," replied Brandon.
"And how much does that pay?" asked Sammy.
"Nothing," replied Brandon.
"So why is mom making you do something that doesn't pay you no money?" asked Sammy.
"Exactly my point," replied Brandon.
"Dad?" asked Sammy.
"Yeah, Sammy?" asked Brandon.
"How long does the baby cry for?" asked Sammy.
"Until he's not a baby anymore," replied Brandon.
"How long is that?" asked Sammy.
"Over a year," replied Brandon.
"Seriously?" asked Sammy looking really disappointed.
"Yeah. That's really all they do?" asked Brandon.
"Amongst other things," replied Brandon.
"Eat and poop?" asked Sammy.
Brandon laughs.
"Yeah, pretty much…for a while at least," replied Brandon.
"That's no fun," said Sammy.
"You were like that too, you know," said Brandon.
"Me. No way. I don't cry, eat and poop….well, I do eat and poop…but I do much more than that," said Sammy.
Brandon laughs.
"Yes, you do. And Winnie will stop crying too. But before she can do other things, she has to learn how to do them," said Brandon.
"And who is supposed to teach them to not cry?" asked Sammy.
"Crying isn't always a bad thing. It's just natural. All babies cry," replied Brandon.
"So you like the crying?" asked Sammy.
"I didn't say that," replied Brandon.
Sammy laughs.
"What's so funny?' asked Brandon.
"You have to deal with the crying," replied Sammy still laughing.
"Yeah, and your mom and I are going to make you help and listen to all of Winnie's crying," said Brandon playfully pulling him closer towards him.
"No fair. I don't want to help," said Sammy laughing.
Brandon hugs Sammy and holds onto him tight.
"Yes, Winnie does cry a lot now. But the more we spend time with her, the more she'll get to know us. And the more we'll get to know her…," said Brandon.
"No thanks, I've already feel like I know her enough right now," said Sammy.
"Ok. Let me finish. The more we get to know her, the more we can appreciate how special she is. She will grow up to be this wonderful girl and woman and if you help, I know she'll thank you for that," said Brandon.
"I hope she's not going to thank me by crying more," said Sammy.
Brandon laughs.
"Ok. So, I choose you to stay and help us take care of Winnie," said Sammy.
Brandon smiles.
"Good. Because after hearing myself, I think I should've been telling myself the same thing," said Brandon.
"So you're not going back to work?" asked Sammy.
"It looks that way," replied Brandon.
"Good," said Sammy.
"Thank you, Sammy. You really help me put my perspectives in order," said Brandon.
"I don't know what that means, but you're welcome," said Sammy.
"It means that you help me realize that I should be here right now with my family. So, thank you," said Brandon.
"Since you're thanking me, can we go get some ice cream?" asked Sammy smiling.
"Sorry Sammy, we can't," replied Brandon.
"Why not?" asked Sammy.
"Well, since I'm not going to take the job, I don't have any money right now. And the only money we have, we have to spend on only Winnie. Sorry," replied Brandon joking.
"Noooooooooo!" said Sammy.
Brandon laughs and playfully hugs Sammy.
"Ok, we can go get some ice cream," said Brandon.
"Dad?" asked Sammy.
"Yes Sammy?" asked Brandon.
"I have a question," replied Sammy.
"Yes?" asked Brandon.
"Where do babies come from?" asked Sammy.
Brandon gives Sammy a surprised look.
Brandon's phone rings. He sees that it's Dr. Phillips.
"Sammy, can you look after your sister just for a moment? I have to take this call," asked Brandon.
"Sure dad," replied Sammy.
"Thanks buddy," said Brandon.
"Hi Dr. Phillips," said Brandon.
"Hi Brandon, how are you doing?" asked Dr. Phillips.
"I'm doing ok. How are you?" asked Brandon.
"I'm doing ok. I'm ready for one school year to wind down," replied Dr. Phillips.
"Oh, that's good. I miss seeing everyone," said Brandon.
"That's the reason I was calling. I'm hoping that you discussed with Kelly and made a decision about your summer plans," said Dr. Phillips.
"Yes, I have. We went back and forth and unfortunately; I'm not going to be available this summer. I'm sorry," said Brandon.
"Oh, that's too bad, Brandon. I was looking forward to seeing you. But I understand. You have a family to take care of," said Dr. Phillips.
"Thanks Dr. Phillips. If you happen to open-up some evening classes, please do keep me in mind," said Brandon.
"Will do, Brandon. Now, how are you going to handle the fall season? Are you sure that you and Kelly can work something out?" asked Dr. Phillips.
"I'm sure we can, Dr. Phillips. Maybe we'll enroll Winnie into daycare. Kelly just thinks that Winnie is too young right now to be taken care of by someone else right now," said Brandon.
"I understand. Winnie needs the best attention. You two are great parents," said Dr. Phillips.
"Thanks sir," said Brandon.
"I have to run now. Please give my best to Kelly and the family. We'll talk soon," said Dr. Phillips.
"Thank you, Dr. Phillips. Have a wonderful summer. Bye," said Brandon.
"You too, Brandon. Bye," said Dr. Phillips.
Brandon hangs up the phone. He turns and sees Sammy looking at him.
"You been listening this entire time?" asked Brandon.
"Sort of," replied Sammy.
"I thought you were watching Winnie," said Brandon.
"I can do both," said Sammy.
Brandon smiles.
"Well, you heard it. I said no," said Brandon.
"You sound sad. We're going to have a great summer," said Sammy.
"Yeah; you know what? We are. We're going to have fun," said Brandon.
Winnie starts to cry.
"Oh Winnie, what's wrong?" asked Brandon gets up and goes to Winnie.
"I think she needs to be changed," replied Sammy.
The smell gets to Brandon.
"Yeah, I think you're right," said Brandon.
Brandon changes Winnie. He hands Sammy the dirty diaper.
"Sammy, can you please take this to the trash?" asked Brandon.
"Ugh Uh; no way," said Sammy sticks his hands up and moving his head from left to right.
"C'mon Sammy. You're not going to help dad out here?" asked Brandon.
Sammy thinks about it for a moment.
"Oh alright," said Sammy taking the dirty diaper.
"Thanks buddy. We really appreciate it. You can just put it in the trash can over there," said Brandon.
"Ok," said Sammy who is holding his breath and pinching his nose with one hand.
Brandon notices.
"Don't forget to breathe," smiled Brandon.
Sammy runs to the trash can and throws the dirty diaper away. He runs back.
Brandon gives Sammy a wet wipe to clean up.
"Thanks," said Sammy.
"Thank you for your help," said Brandon.
"Well, it looks like we did a good job here," said Brandon.
"Yeah," smiled Sammy.
"Now we have a happy baby here," said Brandon holding Winnie up.
"C'mon dad. Stop playing Lion King and let's go," said Sammy.
"Ok, where do you want to go?" asked Brandon.
"Get ice cream, remember?" asked Sammy.
"Ok. And lunch too?" asked Brandon.
"Ok," replied Sammy.
Brandon takes out his phone.
"Let me see if mom is available. Maybe we can stop by the school and have lunch with her….and we can give her the good news," said Brandon.
Brandon calls Kelly but it goes to voicemail. Brandon texts her; "Hey Kel. Hope you're having a good day. If you're available, Sammy, Winnie, and I can stop by to have a late lunch with you. Please let me know. Thanks."
"Ok. Mom's not answering. We can try again when we get there," said Brandon.
"Peach Pit?" asked Sammy.
"Sounds good. Peach Pit it is," replied Brandon.
Later we see them at the Peach Pit. Nat is talking to them.
"You might think that now…but trust me, when you'll miss it when you don't have to do it anymore," said Nat.
"No, I know I won't miss that," said Brandon.
"Isn't that right, Sammy?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah. Once was way way way more than enough," replied Sammy.
"Sammy, you change a diaper?" asked Nat looking proud.
"What? I would never do that. Dad just asked me to throw one away," replied Sammy.
Brandon and Nat both laughing.
"You see what you're missing out on, Nat?" asked Brandon laughing.
"Hey, I've been there; done that man," replied Nat still laughing.
"Look at it this way, Brandon. You might be there for her first words, when she starts to crawl, and her first steps," added Nat.
"Nat, I don't think she's going to be doing that in the next three months," said Brandon.
"I'm thinking about long term, Brandon," said Nat.
"Oh; right," said Brandon.
"Besides, you never know. She has the genes to be a genius," said Nat.
"Oh, thanks Nat. I didn't know you think I'm a genius," said Brandon.
"I don't. I was referring to her mother," said Nat.
"He's got you there, dad," laughed Sammy.
"Oh, so you're in this too, huh?" asked Brandon going to tickle Sammy.
Sammy laughs…Nat smiles.
"Brandon, you may think otherwise, but it looks like you're having a lot of fun now," said Nat.
"Yeah, I love hanging out with you guys," said Brandon.
"Being a father is a 24/7 career. It doesn't pay anything, but the rewards are pretty good," said Nat.
"Thanks Nat," smiled Brandon.
They hug.
"Ok, I still haven't heard from Kelly; so I think we'll just make a special lunch delivery to mom," said Brandon.
"Sounds good. Please say hi to Kelly for me," said Nat.
"Will do. Thanks again, Nat," said Brandon.
"C'mon Sammy. Time to go," said Brandon.
"Bye Nat," said Sammy.
"Bye Sammy," said Nat.
We later see them driving up to West Beverly.
"Whoa…there's a lot of people here," said Sammy.
"Yeah, it's a big school," said Brandon.
"Let's see if we can find mom. She might be busy in a meeting or something. She didn't answer my texts," said Brandon.
They all get out of the car. Brandon is holding Winnie with the strap.
They walk in the building and heads towards the principal's office.
Sammy sees the restroom across from the principal's office.
"Dad, can I use the restroom?" asked Sammy.
"Sure," replied Brandon.
"I'm gonna go in and find mom. Just wait for me here, ok?" asked Brandon.
"Got it," replied Sammy.
"Great. I'll be out in a minute," said Brandon.
Brandon opens the door to the main office. He doesn't see anybody around. He heads towards the back and sees a sign on the door that says "Principal."
He is about to knock on the door but then stops. Through the small window in the middle of the door, he sees Kelly at her desk. A man approaches her, puts his hands on her shoulders, and starts to massage her shoulders. Kelly seems to be enjoying herself. Brandon looks angry and is about to go for the knob but controls himself. He looks down at Winnie who is asleep.
Brandon turns and walks away.
Outside, Brandon sees Sammy waiting for him.
"Hey, what took you so long, dad?" asked Sammy.
Brandon doesn't answer right away as he is troubled from what he saw.
"Dad?" asked Sammy.
"Huh?" asked Brandon looking confused.
"You ok?" asked Sammy.
"Yeah. Um…mom is busy. So, we're just going to go home and have lunch," replied Brandon.
"Ok. Do you want to see if Aunt Silver is hungry?" asked Sammy.
"No, I just remembered I have something to do at home…c'mon let's go," replied Brandon.
Brandon hurries Sammy along as they walk towards the exit.
The ride home was quiet as the mood has change. Sammy stayed quiet but turns and looks at his dad a few times during the ride. Brandon didn't look back.
They open the door and they all walk in.
Brandon puts the bags of food on the table. He turns and walks towards the back.
"Dad, aren't you going to eat?" asked Sammy.
"No, I'm not hungry. You go ahead. I'm going lie down for a bit," replied Brandon.
"Ok," said Sammy.
Brandon goes into the bedroom, closes the door behind him and lies down on his side of the bed. He closes his eyes. He keeps replaying the scene over and over again in his head. He had so many questions. How could Kelly do this to him? Who was that guy? How long has this been going on? Is this why Kelly has been coming home later and later?
He opens his eyes and quickly sits up from the bed.
He grabs his phone and makes a call.
"Hi mom," said Brandon.
"Hi Brandon," said Cindy.
"Hey, can I have the number to the nanny? I think I would like to meet her," said Brandon.
"Yeah, sure. So, I guess you're going back to work?" asked Cindy.
"It looks that way," replied Brandon.
"Ok. She's Anna's niece. Her name is Maria. Her number is 310-694-2515," said Cindy.
"Thanks mom," said Brandon.
"Anytime. I should let you know that Maria also doesn't English well. So, there may be some communication problems," said Cindy.
"Oh ok. I don't think it should be a problem. We'll work it out," said Brandon.
"Ok. She's really kind and caring. But don't be pressured into saying yes," said Cindy.
"Thanks mom. I'm sure she'll be ok," said Brandon.
"Would you like me to call Anna to give her a heads up?" asked Cindy.
"No, it's ok. I'll let you know if I need anything," replied Brandon.
"Ok. Bye Brandon. Give my best to Kelly and the kids," said Cindy.
"Will do. Bye mom," said Brandon.
Brandon hangs up the phone and makes another phone call.
"Hi Dr. Phillips; it's Brandon" said Brandon.
"Hi Brandon, long time no talk," said Dr. Phillips joking.
"Yeah; sorry for all the back and forth. Kelly and I were able to work things out. By any chance, is that
summer job still open?" asked Brandon.
"Well, since this morning, I was able to get Dr. Hajen to take two of the classes…so the only one I have left is from 2pm to 3pm," replied Dr. Phillips.
"That works for me, sir…thank you," said Brandon.
"Ok, that's great news, Brandon. I'll email the details and the paperwork shortly," said Dr. Phillips.
"Thanks sir. I'll see you soon," said Brandon.
"See you soon, Brandon," said Dr. Phillips.
Brandon gets off the phone. He realizes what he's done and sits down on the bed. He closes his eyes.
That evening, we see Brandon and Kelly in bed; both on their phones.
Kelly turns and looks at Brandon.
"You ok?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, why do you ask?" asked Brandon.
"You've been quiet all evening," replied Kelly.
"Yeah, I'm just tired," said Brandon.
"Oh ok. I'm sorry I didn't get your texts in time. I had my phone turned off during the meetings," said Kelly.
"It's ok," said Brandon.
"How was lunch?" asked Kelly.
"It was good. Kids ate well," replied Brandon.
"How was your day?" asked Brandon.
"Oh, it was busy as usual. The end of the school year is coming. We had to prepare the budget for the next school year," replied Kelly.
"There was so much paperwork to go through. I don't know how Harry was able to keep up with everything," added Kelly.
"Speaking of Harry, I had an interesting day," said Brandon.
"Oh, what was so interesting?" asked Kelly.
"Well, the kids and I were at the park and we saw this couple fighting. Apparently, the guy just found out that his wife cheated on him," replied Brandon.
"Oh no, that's unfortunate," said Kelly.
"Yeah. Everyone in the park heard them," said Brandon.
"Oh man. And you guys stayed?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, it was the interesting part of my day," replied Brandon.
"Still, I don't think the kids should be subjected to all that yelling," said Kelly.
"The guy was really angry and hurt. I mean, his face said it all. I figured it might be a good lesson for Sammy and Winnie; so that they know how to do that to hurt people like that," said Brandon.
Kelly gives Brandon an odd look.
"But maybe you're right. They shouldn't be around all this negativity," said Brandon.
"Right," said Kelly.
"It's a good thing that we don't have to worry about that in this family, right?" asked Brandon.
"No, of course not," smiled Kelly.
"That's good," said Brandon.
"Well, I'm tired. I'm going to go to sleep," said Brandon.
"Ok…good night," said Kelly.
"Good night, Brandon.
Brandon shuts off his light on his side and goes to sleep.
Kelly sits still on the bed staring ahead.
To be continued….
