Happy Holidays everyone!

Chpt 78 – You Stay, I'll Go

A few days go by and we see Kelly seated inside a restaurant. She takes a sip of her coffee and looks around. Dylan walks into the restaurant.

Kelly stands up and waves at Dylan to get his attention. Dylan sees Kelly and waves back at her. He walks over to Kelly and takes a seat. A waiter comes by.

"Hi, can I get you anything, sir?" asked the waitress.

"Eh…just a cup of coffee for now," replied Dylan.

"Ok; coming right up," said the waitress.

"Hey Kel," said Dylan.

"Hi Dylan," said Kelly.

"Thanks for agreeing to meet me. But no offense, why are we meeting here?" asked Dylan.

"I just don't want any of our so-called friends to see us," replied Kelly.

"Oh; good point," said Dylan.

"The food here is good though….do you want anything to eat?" asked Kelly.

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

"Ok. So, what did you want to talk about?" asked Kelly.

"I've been thinking about the whole situation with you and Brandon. First of all, I'm sorry that you two

are going through this. I'm not taking any sides. You two are very important people in my life. And secondly, will you please come to our wedding?" asked Dylan.

"I don't think so. I would for you but Brenda doesn't want me there," replied Kelly.

"She does. She didn't mean what she said. She was just angry and disappointed about you and Brandon," said Dylan.

"Well, she can be angry and disappointed without me," said Kelly.

"C'mon Kel. As a favor to me? It would mean a lot to us having you there," said Dylan.

"She really wants me to come?" asked Kelly.

"Yes," replied Dylan.

"Then why are you here telling me this and not her?" asked Kelly.

"Oh, she's busy preparing for the wedding," replied Dylan, not knowing what to say.

"Too busy to come say this to me in person?" asked Kelly.

"Look Kel, Brenda really wants you to be there. We both do. It just won't be the same without you. Please come," replied Dylan.

Kelly stays silent as she ponders it over.

The waitress comes back to the table with Dylan's coffee and put it on the table.

"Thank you," said Dylan.

"You're welcome," said the waitress.

The waitress walks away.

"Ok, I'll come; as a favor to you, because I want to see you get married," said Kelly.

"That's good enough for me. Just don't tell her that," said Dylan.

"Fine," said Kelly disgruntled.

"One more thing; could you maybe apologize to Brenda?" asked Dylan.

"Apologize? For what?" asked Kelly surprised and insulted.

"Brenda feels bad for Brandon," replied Dylan.

"Wait, what? Brenda has nothing to do with this. This is between me and Brandon. Tell her to mind her own business," said Kelly.

"Ok, she doesn't know I'm here talking to you. I just want to fix this between you two," said Dylan.

"Boy, you had me going until you wanted me to apologize," said Kelly.

Dylan doesn't say anything.

"Why are you doing this?" asked Kelly.

"Because I want you at the wedding, Kel. You are a big part of my life; you always have been. I want

Brandon there too…I want all of our friends there – just like the old times," replied Dylan.

Kelly smiles.

"Why didn't you just say that before? That would've been enough to get me to show up," asked Kelly.

"Really?" asked Dylan.

"Yeah. The truth is that I don't blame Brenda for taking Brandon's side, not that I'm trying to say that she's taking sides. And I don't want to be the bad guy in this situation, but I just feel like I'm not myself anymore when I'm with Brandon. And that was one of the hardest things ever for me to admit to myself. And I hate myself for feeling this way," said Kelly getting a little emotional.

"We both want you to be happy, even if it means you two are apart," said Dylan.

"Thanks Dylan," said Kelly.

Kelly gets up from her chair and they hug.

They sit back down.

"I must say, it's good to see you with your life in order. Now I'm the one whose life is messed up," said Kelly.

"Oh Kel, I mean, I'm not going to say my life is perfect. But it's getting there," smiled Dylan.

"Brenda's a very lucky gal to have you in her life when you are so mature," smiled Kelly.

"Yeah, I guess," said Dylan.

"So why wasn't I so lucky?" asked Kelly.

"Just timing, I guess," replied Dylan.

"Or maybe I just wasn't your type," said Kelly.

"No Kel. You're smart, beautiful; successful. Who wouldn't want you?' asked Dylan.

"So, it is bad timing then, huh?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah, I guess," replied Dylan.

They smile at each other. Dylan takes a sip of his coffee.

Time goes by and we see Sammy dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. He is sitting on his bed in his room. Brandon walks in.

"Ok buddy. Your mom will be back any minute," said Brandon.

Sammy looks up at Brandon.

"Ok," replied Sammy in a sad mood.

Brandon notices and sits next to Sammy.

"What's wrong?" asked Brandon.

"How are things between you and mom?' asked Sammy.

"The same. You remember how we all talk about this the other day?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah," replied Sammy.

"Nothing has changed," said Brandon.

"Can things still change? Why can't you and mom just work things out? You always do," asked Sammy.

"It's tough to say; I don't know. But just like we talk about; both of us are always going to be here for you," replied Brandon.

We see a glimpse of the front door opening and Kelly walking in. She hears Brandon and Sammy talking and quietly walks closer towards the room without Brandon and Sammy noticing.

"Can I live with you instead?" asked Sammy.

"I think you'll have a better time here. You know you got your own room here," replied Brandon.

"Does that mean you don't want me to live with you?" asked Sammy.

"Sammy, you know that's not true. I do want to live with you. But I think it's best if you stay with your mom…at least for the time being…she needs you right now," said Brandon.

"I spent all summer with her. I enjoyed my summer vacation but it wasn't the same without you," said Sammy.

"Aww…thanks buddy. I really missed you guys when you were away," said Brandon.

"What about mom? Did you miss her?" asked Sammy.

"Yes, I miss her too," replied Brandon.

"Did you tell her that?" asked Sammy.

"Yes, I did," replied Brandon.

"And what did she say?" asked Sammy.

"She said that she missed me too," replied Brandon.

"That's it?" asked Sammy.

"Well yeah; what were you expecting?" asked Brandon.

"No kiss?" asked Sammy.

"No kiss," replied Brandon.

"Did you want to kiss her?' asked Sammy.

"Eh….well….do you promise not to tell mom?" asked Brandon.

"Ok," replied Sammy.

"I wanted to hold your mom and never let her go," said Brandon.

Kelly smiles a little as she continues to listen in.

"Mom would kiss me if I haven't seen her for so long," said Sammy.

"Well, maybe that's because mom loves you more than me," said Brandon.

"No, she loves you more. I know she does," said Sammy.

"Really? How do you know?" asked Brandon.

"I just do. A son always knows," replied Sammy.

"Oh ok," said Brandon.

"But I think you should tell her that," said Sammy.

"No, and you can't either because you promised me; if you do, I'm going to find out," said Brandon.

"I still think you should tell her," said Sammy.

"Why?" asked Brandon.

"It might make everything all better," replied Sammy.

"Yeah, it might. But she knows how I feel….Sammy, I know you may have a lot of questions right now and you don't like what's been happening these past few months. But there are some things you'll understand when you are older," said Brandon.

"Do you still love mom?" asked Sammy.

Brandon doesn't answer right away.

"Yes, I always will," replied Brandon.

Kelly gets a little teary eyed and walks away.

"This isn't goodbye," said Brandon.

"Sure feels like it," said Sammy.

"Ok. Look at it this way. Last time, you, mom, and Aunt Silver got to go and I got to stay here. Now, it's just the opposite," said Brandon.

"What's your point?" asked Sammy.

"I don't know….I guess I just trying to say anything to make you feel better. I guess I didn't do a very good job," replied Brandon.

"Look buddy. One of the toughest things in life is adapting to change. Whether you like it or not, change is always going to happen. Sometimes it's good; sometimes it's bad. Sometimes there are no ways to prevent it. It just happens and it's normal. It's nobody's fault. It's all just a part of life. Do you understand?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, I get it," replied Sammy.

"I'll see you in a few days after I get settled in," said Brandon.

"Yeah, looking forward to it," said Sammy.

"Me too. It'll just take some time for the both of us to get used to. Hey, you can always call me if you need anything," said Brandon.

"Ok dad," said Sammy.

"You have my number. Mom does too," replied Brandon.

Sammy leans in and hugs Brandon.

"I'm going to miss you," said Sammy.

"I miss you too, buddy," said Brandon.

"At least this time, we got to say goodbye, right?" asked Sammy getting teary.

"Right," replied Brandon also getting teary.

"You see what I did there?" asked Sammy.

"Yeah. I'm so proud of you," replied Brandon still hugging Sammy.

Brandon walks out of Sammy's room and heads towards the living room. He sees Kelly.

"Hey, you're back," said Brandon.

"Yeah. Thanks for looking after Sammy. I just had to take care of some things," said Kelly.

"No problem," said Brandon.

"So….," said Kelly.

"So….I guess I'd better get going," said Brandon.

"Yeah. I guess so. Do you need any help getting stuff there?" asked Kelly.

"No, I'll be fine. I just have this one bag. Everything else is moved over," replied Brandon.

"Good," said Kelly.

They both stand there feeling a little awkward. Kelly walks to Brandon and gives him a hug. Brandon puts his arms around Kelly and holds her for a few moments.

They both then let go of each other.

Brandon looks down and picks up his bag. He turns and looks at Kelly and sees her looking at him. He opens the door and walks out the door. He closes the door behind him.

Kelly has a sad look on her face.

The halls of West Beverly High look empty during the summer. The lights are on inside the principal's office. Kelly is working on her laptop. She suddenly hears a knock on the door. She sees that it's Ryan. She goes and opens the door for him.

"Hey Kel," said Ryan.

"Hey Ryan; what are you doing here?" asked Kelly.

"I can ask you the same thing," replied Ryan.

"I'm just getting ready for the new school year; it'll be my first fall semester as principal," said Kelly.

"Congratulations, I guess," said Ryan.

"Yeah right. Congratulate me when it's over," said Kelly.

Ryan laughs.

"What are you doing here?" asked Kelly.

"I left my crock pot here over the summer. I just came to get it so I can have it for my Labor Day party. I hope it's ok that the janitor let me in," replied Ryan.

"Oh, sounds like fun. Thanks for not inviting me, by the way," said Kelly.

"Sorry, I thought you and the family were going on that family trip," said Ryan.

"That was three months ago. Has it been that long since we caught up?" asked Kelly.

"I guess so; time flies when you're the principal," replied Ryan.

"Sorry," said Kelly.

"It's ok. I know your schedule must be hectic at times," said Ryan.

"Yeah, it is. Thanks for understanding," said Kelly.

"But I hope you can come to the party; bring the family," said Ryan.

"Thanks; we'll think about it," said Kelly.

"If not, I guess I'll see everyone at the wedding, huh?" said Ryan.

Kelly has a confused look on her face.

"You know? Brenda's wedding?" asked Ryan.

"Oh…right. Wait, you got invited?" asked Kelly.

"Ouch," replied Ryan.

"No; sorry Ryan. I didn't mean it like that," said Kelly.

"No, it's cool. It's alright. But yes, I was invited. Sounds like fun," said Ryan.

"Yeah, sounds good," said Kelly.

"So, how's everything with Brandon, the family, Sammy, Winnie?" asked Ryan.

"Good…we're all doing good," replied Kelly.

"Great. How's the new place?" asked Ryan.

"New place?" asked Kelly.

"Ummm…yeah; Silver mentioned that you guys relocated for the summer?" asked Ryan.

"Oh right. Yeah that; it's fine. We just had a bad case of um…termites," replied Kelly.

"Really, termites?" asked Ryan.

"Yeah, but the termite company is doing their thing and we should be able to move back very soon," replied Kelly.

"Yeah…listen Kel…I'm sorry for intruding in your personal life. I know it's none of my business but if you ever needed to talk, I'm here as your friend," said Ryan.

Kelly is silent but acknowledges Ryan with a nod.

"Remember that," said Ryan who starts to walk away.

"Ryan….," said Kelly.

Ryan stops walking, turns around, and looks at Kelly.

"What did Silver tell you?" asked Kelly.

"Not everything….she didn't mention any termites," replied Ryan smiling.

Kelly gives in and smiles.

Brandon opens the door to his apartment. He walks in an unfurnished apartment. He looks around at the empty walls dim hallway. His eyes stopped as he looks at the boxes and sighs. All of his life packed into boxes but he was forced to leave the most important things in his life behind. He puts down his bag on the floor and walks over to the boxes. He opens the first box and notices a photo album. He flips open the box and sees a note. The note is from Kelly.

"Thanks for the memories, Brandon. I wouldn't change a thing. Love, Kelly."

He moved the note aside and sees group photos of the family. He quickly closes the photo album and closes his eyes.

Later we see Kelly and Ryan sitting across from each other at a bar. They both have a beer. Kelly looks a little drunk.

Kelly extends her wedding ring on her hand as she admires the sparkles.

"I don't even know what this means anymore," said Kelly.

"Looks like you're still admiring it," said Ryan.

"Yeah, it's very sparkly," said Kelly.

"If that's how you feel about it," said Ryan.

"That's the thing. I don't know how I feel. I don't even know what to feel. I feel like I'm obligated to stay with Brandon despite us constantly arguing and yelling at each other just to make everyone else happy? I don't get it. I'm sure Brandon feels the same way…but since I'm the one who made everyone moved out and left Brandon by himself at the house, everyone sees me as the bad guy here….as if I'm the one who tore this family apart," said Kelly.

"And now he decides to leave and get his own apartment," added Kelly.

"So, no one's living at the house?" asked Ryan confused.

"No, we're back at the house now. It's a long story," replied Kelly.

"Yeah, I bet," said Ryan who looks sort of tired and annoyed.

"And this…this ring. Am I obligated to wear this because I'm married? What does this ring supposed to even symbolize? Love? Commitment? Trust? Loyalty? I mean, I did all that and somehow, I'm not happy. If anything, I'm more confused than I am in love," added Kelly.

"But through all this confusion, do you still love him?" asked Ryan.

"I keep telling myself that I do and that I'll be happier if I'd just work things out with him. But I just don't want to get suck into this whole career versus personal life situations," replied Kelly.

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Ryan.

"Thanks Ryan. I'm sorry for ranting on and on about this to you. This isn't your problem," said Kelly.

"It's ok. What are you going to do?" asked Ryan.

"I don't know what to do. Brandon moved out today. Before he left, I kept looking at him, hoping that he'll say something that would reassure me that we're doing the right thing by living apart….and all he did was took a glance at me and left without saying a word. That just made feel awful," replied Kelly.

"You think he did that on purpose to make you feel bad?" asked Ryan.

"I don't know. I know he's hurting inside. Why do things have to be this difficult, Ryan?" asked Kelly.

"I don't know," replied Ryan.

"Of course, you don't. Your life is so carefree. No commitments. No strings attached. No ties. No problems," said Kelly.

"Yeah but I'm lonely. And I wouldn't mind some ties and some problems just to get some commitment," said Ryan.

"Are you trying to say I'm spoiled, and I have it good?" asked Kelly kind of drunk.

"I think what I'm trying to say is that maybe it's time to get you home," replied Ryan who feels a little uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry; am I depressing you?" asked Kelly.

"No, I like drunk Kelly," replied Ryan being nice.

"Yeah! There you go! Who doesn't?" asked Kelly.

Ryan laughs.

Later, we see them getting out of a cab. Kelly is having a little trouble maintaining his balance. Ryan holds onto her.

"Ok, here we are," said Ryan.

"Thanks Ryan," said Kelly still a little out of it.

"I hope everything works out for you," said Ryan.

"Awww…aren't you sweet," said Kelly.

"I know it's probably none of my business but if you ever need some legal help with this, I have a friend who can help," said Ryan.

"Wow, I didn't think of that yet. Thank you," said Kelly.

"You're welcome. You know. I hope you'll never need it, but you know, just in case," said Ryan.

"Sure. That'll be great," said Kelly.

"Do you need any help upstairs?" asked Ryan.

Kelly takes Ryan by surprise and kisses him on the mouth. We see Brandon who sees Kelly and Ryan across the street. He's carrying a bouquet of daises and a box of chocolate.

Kelly and Ryan break the kiss.

"No, I'll be ok," replied Kelly laughs.

Ryan laughs.

"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have done that," said Kelly.

"It's ok," said Ryan.

"Not that it wasn't nice, but we can't get involved," said Kelly.

"Right," said Ryan still surprised by what just happened.

"With work and me being your boss and all," said Kelly.

"Right. I agree. Nothing happened," said Ryan.

"Thanks Ryan. You're a great guy and I know you'll find the right girl very soon," said Kelly.

"Thanks," smiled Ryan.

They hug.

Brandon looks heartbroken. He watches as Kelly enters the building and Ryan starts to walk away. Brandon starts to walk on the street across from Ryan. He starts to cross the street to Ryan's side but stops. He looks on for a bit and decides to walk away. He turns and walks through an alleyway. He ignores a group of hoodlums making noise and walks past them.

"Yo," said someone walking behind Brandon.

Brandon continues walking and doesn't respond.

"Hey," said someone else from the group.

"What?!" asked Brandon who stops and turns around. He sees the groups of hoodlums behind him.

The group looks at Brandon intimidating him.

"What is it?" asked Brandon.

"We're gonna need to see your pass," said someone in the front of the group.

"Pass?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, you see? This is our turf. And when you walk on our turf, you need a pass," replied the hoodlum.

"Leave me alone," said Brandon who turns around and starts walking away.

One of the hoodlums quickly grabs Brandon and turn him around.

"Nah, you ain't leaving yet. If you ain't got no pass, there's a penalty fee," said the first hoodlum.

"What do you guys want?'" asked Brandon looking scared.

"100 bucks" replied the hoodlum.

"What? You're crazy," said Brandon.

"Hey, watch it, pal. Treat us with some respect," said the hoodlum.

"Hey, nice flowers," laughed someone from the back.

"Yeah, you do have some nice flowers….and chocolate too," said the hoodlum.

"So, who's the nice flowers and chocolate for, loverboy?" asked the hoodlum.

"Is it for your b!tch?' asked the hoodlum.

"Hey, where's yo b!tch? Cuz we need to see her pass too…. among other things," asked another hoodlum from the back laughing.

Brandon looks angry but doesn't respond.

"Dude looks like his b!tch left him. Hey, did your b!tch leave you?" asked one of the hoodlums in the back.

They all laugh.

"You want the flowers and chocolate; here you go," said Brandon shoving the flowers and chocolate to the hoodlum in the front.

The hoodlum in the front looks at Brandon with a mean look.

"And here's your 100 bucks," said Brandon throwing a punch at the hoodlum.

The hoodlum falls back. All the other hoodlums grab Brandon and start beating him to the ground.

Brandon is helpless as the group beats him up.

A few of the hoodlums hold Brandon upright, allowing the hoodlum that Brandon punched take shots at his stomach. Brandon falls to the ground.

The hoodlum pulls out a knife.

"You don't want to mess with us, especially me," said the hoodlum.

The hoodlum bends down so that Brandon can see him. Brandon is helpless as he looks on.

"No, please," said Brandon who is out of breath.

The hoodlum has a mean look on his face and moves closer towards Brandon with the knife.

Two of the other hoodlums look at each other and stops the first hoodlum.

"Hey, maybe we should let him go," said one of the hoodlums.

"But it's so tempting," said the first hoodlum holding the knife in front of Brandon.

"C'mon…it's not worth it," said one of the other hoodlums scared.

"Yeah, cops could find you," said the other hoodlum.

The hoodlum puts his knife away. He stands up.

He starts to kick Brandon's legs and reaches into Brandon's pockets and takes his wallet and belongings.

He opens the wallet and looks at Brandon's ID.

"Mr. Brandon Walsh, it's been a pleasure doing business with you. Is that, right, boys?" asked the hoodlum.

The other hoodlums cheered.

"And oh, who's this? Wow…she's hot," said the hoodlum.

"Yo man, let me see," said another hoodlum.

The first hoodlum hands the wallet to the other hoodlum.

"Dammmmnnnn! She's fine," said one of the hoodlums in the back.

"If we see you here again, Brandon….let's just say we'll be paying yo fine ass b!tch a visit," said the first hoodlum.

"And we would be getting a little something from her too," said a hoodlum from the back.

They all laugh.

The first hoodlum kicks Brandon a few more times.

The hoodlums walk away.

Brandon is badly bruised and looks helpless on the street.

The hoodlums walk to their car across from the alleyway. They get in the car.

The first hoodlum looks at the side mirror, looks away, and does a double take. He looks at the mirror again.

The first hoodlum sees from the mirror that Brandon is slowly getting up.

"I don't believe it," said the first hoodlum.

"Hey, what you waiting for? Let's go. The cops are probably on their way," said a hoodlum.

"I'm not done yet," replied the first hoodlum.

"What?" asked another hoodlum confused.

"I'm gonna finish this son of a b!tch," said the first hoodlum.

He starts the engine, does a 180 turn so that the back of the car faces the alleyway.

"C'mon," said one of the hoodlums.

"Yo, what you gonna do?" asked another hoodlum to the first hoodlum.

"I'm going to do something that will make me very happy right now," said the first hoodlum.

He puts the car on reverse and backs up the car straight towards Brandon.

"Hey, don't do it," said one of the hoodlums.

"Nah, I gotta do this," said the first hoodlum.

Brandon takes a step and looks up. He sees the car coming towards him fast.

The car hits Brandon and he immediately falls to the ground. Brandon looks unconscious.

The car quickly speeds away.

To Be Continued….