Author's Note – Hi everyone. I hope everyone is doing great. I hope you enjoy this. Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer: Please note the medical procedures or information in this story is purely a work of fiction. Any similarities to real life events are a coincidence. Please do not take or use any information given in this story and apply it to real life situations. I am not a doctor and I don't know any information about the medical field.

Chpt 79 – I Want to Help; Really, I Do.

Kelly is at home folding clothes. The phone on the table rings. She goes and picks up the phone. We can only hear her side of the conversation.

"Hello?" asked Kelly.

"This is Kelly Taylor," replied Kelly.

"Yes, he's my husband," said Kelly with a worried look.

She has a shocked look on her face.

"What? Is he ok?" asked Kelly.

Times goes by. We see Brenda leading Kelly, and Dylan who rushes into Cedar Senai hospital. Brenda goes to the front desk.

"Hi; we're here to see Brandon Walsh. Which room is he in?" asked Brenda.

The female employee behind the desk is on the phone. She sees Brenda and everyone crowding the front desk. She takes a look at her clipboard.

"Room 107; just make a right; two doors down," said the female employee.

"Thank you," said Brenda.

They all rush over to Room 107. They see Brandon sleeping.

Brenda starts examines Brandon closer.

"What are you doing?" asked Dylan.

"Just seeing how he is; you know; checking the scars and injuries," replied Brenda.

"Brenda, maybe we should let the doctor do that," said Kelly.

"Do you see one around?" asked Brenda who gets frustrated and lashes out at Kelly.

"What is your problem?" asked Kelly who loudly yells back at Brenda.

"Ladies, calm down," replied Dylan.

"You're my problem. Because you don't seem to care. A caring wife would rush to her husband's side with concern. Look at you. You're just standing there. Why did you even bother showing up?" asked Brenda.

Kelly looks at Brenda really hurt.

"That's not fair. He's my husband….and I do care….I care much more about him than you think," said Kelly.

"Then act like it….act like it, damn it!" said Brenda.

Both Kelly and Brenda start to tear up.

The doctor slowly walks in.

"Hi. Sorry to interrupt," said the doctor with an awkward look on his face.

"No, you're not. Sorry that you had to hear that," said Brenda.

"It's quite alright. It's never easy to see a loved one in a hospital," said the doctor.

"I'm Dr. Prichard. Are you all family?" asked Dr. Prichard.

"Yes," said Kelly.

"Friends and family," said Brenda at the same time as Kelly.

Kelly glares at Brenda.

"Well, it's nice to meet you all. Brandon has suffered multiple injuries to ribs and some to his legs. It's serious but nothing life threating. The good news is that Brandon will be ok. I just put him in a heavy sedation – this is to ease the pain. So, if you're wondering, he's not in a coma. He's just in a deep sleep; but he should wake up once the medicine wears off, which should be sometime tonight," said Dr. Prichard.

"And the bad news?" asked Kelly.

"The bad news is that the injuries are going to take a while to heal; maybe two months…maybe longer," replied Dr. Prichard.

"Someone will need to look after him. He will need to be taken care of. Once he gets better and he's able to, he will be able to start doing things for himself. But we just don't know when," added Dr. Prichard.

"Um…how long do you think before he can walk? We're actually getting married and he's the best man; so, we would like for him to be able to walk," asked Brenda.

"Gee, who's being selfish now?" asked Kelly quietly under her breath.

"What?" asked Brenda who heard Kelly.

"Nothing," replied Kelly.

"It's hard to say. The only certainty is that he'll be ok...eventually. It's just going to take some time. I'm sorry; I don't have a better answer for you for the time being," said Dr. Prichard.

"Thanks doctor. We understand," said Brenda.

"Thanks doctor," said Kelly.

"He should be awake if you come back tomorrow to visit," said Dr. Prichard.

"Thank you," said everyone.

Some time passes and we see them walking out of the hospital to the parking garage. They stay silent throughout.

Kelly is behind Brenda and Dylan. She watches as Dylan has his arm around Brenda, comforting her.

They arrive at their cars.

"You guys want to meet up tomorrow?" asked Kelly.

"Sure, that'll be good. Bren?" asked Dylan trying to ease the tension between Brenda and Kelly.

"Yeah, sounds good," replied Brenda with a sad look.

Brenda opens her side of the car door and is about to go in.

"Brenda, can I talk to you for a few moments?" asked Kelly.

Brenda turns and looks at Dylan. Dylan nods at Brenda.

Dylan goes to the driver's side seat and opens the door. He gets into the car and closes the door.

Brenda turns and looks Kelly.

"What?" said Brenda not amused.

"I don't want any problems between us. I'm sorry for what I said. You were right. I should be more caring about Brandon. But it's not like I don't care. I really do care about Brandon. He still means so much to me," said Kelly.

"Thanks. That's nice to know," said Brenda.

Brenda starts to turn and is about to get into the car.

"Bren, don't worry. I'll take care of Brandon," said Kelly.

"How are you going to do that? What about work?" asked Brenda.

"I can take a leave of absence," replied Kelly.

"What about Winnie?" asked Brenda.

"It's not a problem," replied Kelly.

"Listen Kel, I know what you're trying to do. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone," said Brenda.

"What does that supposed to mean?" asked Kelly.

"It means, he's already broken and hurt right now, Kel. This isn't a game for you to use him just to make you feel like you're helping him. And then when he feels better, you dump him," replied Brenda.

"What kind of selfish bitch do you think I am?" asked Kelly appalled.

"I don't know. You tell me," replied Brenda.

"That's so not fair! I was being honest. I don't blame you for taking his side. Brandon and I haven't had the best time together in the past few months. And when we constantly argue and fights with each other, it's hard to pretend that nothing is wrong. I know Brandon is hurting. So am I. He wants to stay together because he thinks we can work it out. I'm not sure if I want to do that," said Kelly.

"Then why do you want to make things worse by spending more time with him?" asked Brenda.

Kelly hesitates to answer.

"I guess I want to do this because I want to make myself feel better…." said Kelly.

"I knew it. You're not doing this for him," said Brenda cutting Kelly off midsentence.

"Let me finish…." said Kelly cutting Brenda off midsentence.

Brenda stops talking.

"When we were living apart, I was ok with it because a part of me knew that eventually that we'll be able to work things out and get close again – even though I was denying it if anyone were to ask me. But when I heard about him in the hospital, I thought of the worst. I know he's fine and all but for a brief moment, I was scared that I would never get to see him again – and I would be blaming myself if anything were to happen to him. And you're right about me wanting to do this for myself. And if you think I'm being selfish for doing this, then so be it. But it'll also be for Brandon's benefit too. I can't guarantee what's going to happen between us but maybe taking care of him will help me figure out what I want to do about us," said Kelly.

They both stay silent for a moment.

"Don't screw this up," said Brenda.

Brenda opens the car door and get into the car. Kelly stands there as she watches the car drive away.

We see Brandon and Kelly in a car. Kelly is driving.

They are both silent. Kelly is focus on the road. But every now and then, she turns and looks at Brandon.

"So, how are you feeling? You doing ok?" asked Kelly.

"Aside from being barely able to move, I'm doing great," replied Brandon being sarcastic.

"Before we go back to your place, do you want me to pick you up something from the store or something to eat?" asked Kelly.

"How about some painkillers?" asked Brandon.

"The doctor gave you some," replied Kelly.

"Got anything stronger?" asked Brandon.

"What do you have in mind?" asked Kelly.

"How about a gun and a box of bullets," joked Brandon.

"I hope you're kidding," said Kelly turns and looks at Brandon.

"Yeah, I am," said Brandon giving Kelly a weird look.

"Why are you even talking that way, Brandon? You have a lot to live for," said Kelly.

"Geez….I was only kidding. It amazes me how you can always turn this around on me," said Brandon.

"I wasn't trying to do that. You were the one who brought it up," said Kelly.

"You were the one who wanted to start talking," replied Brandon.

"Ok! I'm sorry I said anything. Look. We just got out of the hospital and we're already fighting," said Kelly.

Brandon feels bad.

"I'm sorry, Kel. Thanks for taking me home. I really appreciate it," said Brandon.

Kelly turns and looks at Brandon.

"You're welcome," said Kelly giving him a weak smile.

Time goes by and we see Kelly helping Brandon up the stairs. They are moving very slowly with Brandon holding on to the railing and Kelly.

"Probably wasn't a good idea to get an apartment with so many steps, huh?" asked Kelly joking.

"Yeah. I wasn't planning on getting beat up and getting hit by a car when I got signed the lease," replied Brandon joking.

Kelly looks down. Brandon notices and feels bad.

"Sorry again," said Brandon.

"Ok, we're almost there," said Kelly trying to change the subject.

They made it to the top of the stairs to the second floor.

"Which one is it?" asked Kelly.

"This one. 202," replied Brandon reaching into his pocket for the key. He takes the key out. Kelly takes the key from Brandon and opens the door.

Kelly helps Brandon inside the apartment. Kelly takes a quick look around.

"Nice place," said Kelly.

"Sorry for the mess. I'm still sort of unpacking," said Brandon.

"It's ok," said Kelly.

"This is my first time up here," said Kelly.

"Yeah, welcome," said Brandon.

There is an awkward silence between the two.

"Do you want to go into your room?" asked Kelly.

"Um…no, this is fine," replied Brandon.

Kelly helps Brandon to the nearest chair.

Kelly sits down to the chair across from Brandon. They stay silent.

"This is nice," said Kelly.

"Yeah, it's alright for now," said Brandon.

"Yeah, I like the light blue color. It's very relaxing and soothing," said Kelly.

"Yes, it is," said Brandon.

"Do you want something to drink?" asked Brandon.

"No, I'm ok," replied Kelly.

"Ok. There's sodas and juice in the fridge. Help yourself," said Brandon.

"Thanks," said Kelly.

Kelly looks around for a bit.

"Ok. I guess I should get started," said Kelly who gets up.

"Get started with what?" asked Brandon.

"I don't know. I'm guessing I'll be doing some cleaning and cooking; maybe help you unpack?" replied Kelly.

"Kel, you don't have to do that. The ride's enough. You can go if you want. I can manage," said Brandon.

"What? Brandon, look at you. You can't take care of yourself," said Kelly.

"Sure, I can. I got my phone. I can order food," said Brandon.

"Ok. How are you going to open the door?" asked Kelly.

"I can crawl myself to the chair over there and I can open it that way," replied Brandon.

"What about if you have to go to the bathroom?" asked Kelly.

"All I need are some garbage bags and some air freshener," replied Brandon joking.

"Eww Brandon, that's gross," said Kelly.

"No no no; don't think of it that way; it's be ok….I mean…ok…you're right. It's gross," said Brandon joking.

Kelly walks over to Brandon and sits next to him.

"Brandon, you need someone to take care of you. That's what Dr. Prichard said," said Kelly.

"And I suppose if I refuse, you'll tell on me?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, I think so. Look, just let me help you. Don't make it hard on yourself," replied Kelly.

"Why do you want to help me anyway? I'm out of your life, isn't that what you want?" asked Brandon.

"Brandon, that's an unfair assumption," replied Kelly.

"It's true though. Isn't it?" asked Brandon.

"Brandon, please. I'm not going to lie and say that taking care of you will be easy for me. I know we haven't been getting along lately. But I want to do this for me. It'll help me by helping you," replied Kelly.

"Why? What are you talking about? Do you feel guilty or something?" asked Brandon.

Kelly doesn't answer right away.

"Yes," replied Kelly.

"Why? You didn't beat me up and left me for dead in an alley," asked Brandon.

"I know. But I want to help you," replied Kelly.

"You want to me help me?" asked Brandon.

"Yes," replied Kelly.

"Then help me find those sons of bitches that did this to me," said Brandon really angry.

"Brandon, the police already said that they're doing the best to find them. Why don't we wait to see what happens," said Kelly trying to calm down Brandon.

"Because by the time they find them, they'll do this to someone else," said Brandon.

"Brandon, you got to stop thinking this way. It's not good for you," said Kelly.

"How could I not think about it? Look at me," said Brandon speaking loudly.

"You're right," said Kelly.

"Anyway, I'm not surprised. If I remembered correctly, you acted the same way like you did when you got shot. Why don't you feel angry? What do you want any revenge? What don't you care?" asked Brandon.

"I do care, Brandon. And I do want revenge. Those bastards should be locked up. But you can do anything about when you can't even walk. So, let me help you get better," said Kelly.

"Why?" asked Brandon.

"Because I'm your wife," replied Kelly.

"So? You were my wife for the past few months and you wait till I get hurt before you decide to spend some time with me?" asked Brandon.

"What's the matter with you? Why can't you just get passed your stupid ego and let me help you?" asked Kelly.

"Because I know you're lying," replied Brandon.

Kelly stays silent.

"Why Kelly? Just tell me why?" asked Brandon.

"Because for a moment there when I got that call, I thought I lost you. I can't remember the last time I felt so frightened. You're right. I do feel guilty. I want to do this for me. You may think just because I don't want to live with you that I don't care. Well, I do. You're still the father of our children. You're still my husband. You're still a friend," replied Kelly.

"Is that the truth?" asked Brandon.

"Yes," replied Kelly.

Kelly takes a deep breath.

"Kelly, I appreciate your honesty but I just can't have you take care of me," said Brandon.

Kelly has a surprised and hurt look on her face.

"Look, I'm not doing this to hurt you. I think it'll just be too hard me to have you around when I know as soon as I'm all better; you're out of my life once again. I'm tired of these teases. If you don't want to be with me after this, I don't want you here now. If you feel guilty, don't be," said Brandon.

"Brandon, I can help in any way," said Kelly.

"Well, the best way you can help me now is to leave," said Brandon with a stern look on his face.

Kelly looks sad. She gets her bag, turns and walks to the door. She opens the door and leaves. The door closes behind her.

Brandon closes his eyes. He is filled with regret.

Kelly opens the door to her house and takes off her shoes. She goes straight into her bedroom and sits on her bed.

Silver knocks on the door to get her attention. Sammy is with her.

"Is this a bad time?" asked Silver.

"Hey guys. No, come on in," replied Kelly.

"Ok," said Silver.

Silver and Sammy walk over to Kelly with a worried look.

"How is he doing?" asked Silver.

"He's doing ok," replied Kelly.

"Is he really hurt?" asked Sammy.

"He's still sore but the doctor said he'll be just fine in a few months," replied Kelly.

"Can we see him?" asked Sammy looking concerned.

"Well honey, your dad is still very out of it. Maybe in a few days," replied Kelly lying.

"Is he on drugs?" asked Sammy.

"Mmm…yea, you can say that. He's on a lot of medication," replied Kelly.

"Oh ok," said Sammy.

"Sammy, honey. I'm sorry. It's only for a few days. I promise that once he's up to it, you can see him," said Kelly.

"Ok," said Sammy.

"Ok. Now if you guys would excuse me; I have to go check on Winnie," said Kelly.

"Oh, I just changed her and I gave her a bottle of milk," said Silver.

"Thanks Silver; you're a lifesaver," said Kelly giving her a hug.

Later that night, Silver knocks on Kelly's bedroom door.

"Come in," said Kelly.

Silver walks in seeing Kelly in bed with her laptop.

"What's up?" asked Kelly.

"Whatcha doing?" asked Silver.

"Oh, just emailing the school board, letting them know that I won't be taking time off," replied Kelly.

"Why? I thought you're taking care of Brandon," said Silver.

"Yeah, I thought so too. But he said he didn't need me," said Kelly.

"Oh," said Silver sounding disappointed.

"Well, his words were "I just can't have you take care of me"," said Kelly.

"What? Why?" asked Silver who looks confused.

"Brandon is so stuck in his ways. Even when he's sitting there helpless, he won't even let me help him. Well, if that's the way he wants to do it. Fine, I have no reason to see him at all," replied Kelly.

"Kel, I know you don't mean that," said Silver.

"Yes, I do. I was honest about helping him so that I would feel better…it's not my fault that he didn't like that. I figured, if I was in his situation, I would be so grateful to anyone who was willing to help me," said Kelly.

"I'm surprised you actually told him why you were willing to help him," said Silver.

"Me too in a way," said Kelly.

"But can you blame him for not liking your reasoning?" asked Silver.

"No, but I thought this was going to be a win-win situation. Brandon would've gotten some help and I would've shown Brenda that I do care about Brandon," replied Kelly.

"Do you really care about Brandon?" asked Silver.

"Of course, I do. I don't what I'll do if I lose him," replied Kelly.

Silver has a surprised look on her face.

"As a friend, that is," added Kelly.

"Then why are you telling the school that you're going to be working?" asked Silver.

"Did you hear what I said? Brandon doesn't want me around," replied Kelly.

"Kel, you may be good at giving advice to students. I just wish you were that good in dealing with your own problems," said Silver.

Kelly looks confused.

"Look. Forget Brenda. Forget what everyone has to say. Do you honestly want to take care of Brandon?" asked Silver.

"Yes. I thought spending some time away from Brandon would've given me some answers. But being two months away from him didn't help much. I thought maybe spending more time with him would help. Then maybe I won't be so confused," replied Kelly.

"Good," said Silver.

"It still won't help me if Brandon doesn't want me there," said Kelly.

"Then you make him want you there," said Silver.

"How am I going to do that?" asked Kelly.

"Well, Sammy did say that he wants to see Brandon. And if you both show up at his door….," replied Silver.

"He would have to let us in because Sammy's there," said Kelly finishing Silver's sentence.

Silver nods and smiles.

"Good idea. Very crafty. That'll shut him up," said Kelly.

"No, I wouldn't say that," said Silver.

Kelly gives Silver a confused look.

"Don't be surprised if Brandon really wants you there too," said Silver.

"He's afraid of getting hurt again if I don't feel the same way after he's well again," said Kelly.

"I would too. It's a big gamble. But I don't think he's given up on you yet, Kel," said Silver.

"Ok. We'll see," said Kelly.

"Just be honest with him," said Silver

Silver smiles at him.

To be continued…