Author's Note – Hi everyone. Please note the final version of this chapter is condensed. But as always, here is the full uncut version. Thanks for reading!
Chpt 81 – Look into My Eyes
"What are you doing here?" asked Brandon.
"I'm here to take care of you; that is if that's ok with you," replied Kelly.
"Why? I thought you said you were going back to work," asked Brandon.
"That can wait. You're more important," replied Kelly.
"Kelly, I'm touched but I don't want you to jeopardize your career for me," said Brandon.
"Don't worry, I'm not. I've already gotten approval for the time off anyway. So, let me help you," said Kelly.
"Well, ok; if that's what you really want," said Brandon.
"Yes, it is…are you ok with that?" asked Kelly.
"Of course," replied Brandon.
Kelly leans in and hugs Brandon.
Kelly's face turns bad and then backs away from Brandon. Brandon notices.
"Sorry, um…I sort of ran out of clean clothes two days ago," said Brandon.
"Ah, I see. Looks like I got here just in time," said Kelly.
"Do you mind taking the bags of laundry home tonight to run through the washing machine?" asked Brandon.
"Sure," replied Kelly.
"I should warn you that there's several bags full," said Brandon.
"How many?" asked Kelly.
"Three," replied Brandon.
"Ok. Why didn't you just give me the bags last week when I was here?" asked Kelly.
"Well...you know we were…," replied Brandon.
"Oh right. Never mind. Let's not go there again," smiled Kelly.
"I agree. I want this to be a positive business relationship," said Brandon.
"Oh, since you put it that way; how much do I get paid?" asked Kelly joking.
"You'll have to ask my wife…because she's the moneymaker of the family," joked Brandon smiling.
"You got that right," said Kelly smiling.
"So, what should I do first?" asked Kelly.
"I don't know," replied Brandon.
"Well, have you eaten breakfast?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, I microwaved some leftovers," replied Brandon.
"Where's Winnie?" asked Brandon.
"She's spending the day with Aunt Brenda and soon to be Uncle Dylan," replied Kelly.
"Lucky her," said Brandon.
"I wish they brought Abby….this way, she and Winnie can meet and bond a little," said Kelly.
"Yeah, but there will be plenty of time for that," said Brandon.
Kelly smiles.
"Kelly, I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate you being here," smiled Brandon.
"Thank you. It feels good being here," smiled Kelly.
Kelly starts to lean in for a hug.
"Kel?" asked Brandon.
"Oh right. Sorry. Why don't I take your laundry home now and I can come back and make you lunch?" asked Kelly.
"Sounds good," replied Brandon.
Later that day, we see Kelly walking towards Brandon's room with a laundry basket. His door is open. She sees Brandon sitting on his bed with his shirt off. She knocks on the door to get Brandon's attention.
"Hey," said Brandon.
"Ta da…..I come baring clean clothes," said Kelly walking in.
Kelly tosses Brandon a clean t-shirt.
"Oh, you're a lifesaver. Thank you," said Brandon putting the shirt on.
"You're welcome," said Kelly as she starts to put the clothes away in the drawers.
"Hey, about before; I can pay you for your troubles," said Brandon.
"Oh, I was only joking, Brandon," said Kelly.
"I just feel bad that you have to take care of me," said Brandon.
Kelly closes the drawer and sits next to Brandon. She puts her hand on top of Brandon's hand.
"Don't feel bad. Part of this is my fault too," said Kelly.
"No. You're just saying that to make me feel better," said Brandon.
"No, I guess if I wasn't into my work; the past few months would've been very different for us…and much happier," said Kelly.
"You don't have to feel guilty," said Brandon.
"I know…..I'm not….," said Kelly.
Brandon gives Kelly a look.
"Well, maybe I do. I was confused for the entire summer. But one thing I wanted more than anything was to erase the tension between us," said Kelly.
"Really?" asked Brandon.
"Really. No matter what happens between us, you'll always be a big part of my life. Don't you forget it," replied Kelly.
"I won't…..thank you. You'll always be a big part of my life too," smiled Brandon.
"Good," said Kelly giving Brandon a hug.
"Mmm…," said Kelly smiling.
"What?" asked Brandon.
"Don't overthink this but you smell good," replied Kelly smiling.
"Thanks to you," said Brandon smiling.
Brandon holds Kelly tighter.
They break the hug and smile at each other.
"Listen, thanks for everything. You don't have to stay the entire day. I don't want you to feel like you have to be confined to my apartment," said Brandon.
"Ok. Was there anything else I can do before I go?" asked Kelly.
"No. But can you bring Winnie tomorrow?" asked Brandon.
"Ok. How about I bring everyone and we can have a family dinner tomorrow night?" asked Kelly.
"Sure, that sounds good," replied Brandon.
"Ok, it's a plan," said Kelly.
They smile at each other some more.
"Ok. Dinner is in the oven. If there is nothing else, I better get going. Call me if you need anything," said Kelly.
"I will. Thanks Kel," said Brandon.
"Will you be ok by yourself?" asked Kelly.
"I think I'll manage. Thanks," replied Brandon.
"Ok. See you tomorrow," said Kelly.
"Oh, before you go; since you're going to be around so much; I thought you should have my spare keys," said Brandon grabbing the key from his table and handing it to Kelly.
"How sweet. Thank you," said Kelly.
"Don't be a stranger," said Brandon.
They look at each other.
Later, we see Kelly walking out of Brandon's and closing the door behind her.
She starts to walk towards to the stairs but stops. Instead, she walks towards Rosie's apartment. She knocks on the door.
Rosie opens the door.
"Kelly, what a surprise," smiled Rosie.
"Hi Rosie. I hope I'm not disturbing you," said Kelly.
"No, not at all," said Rosie.
"How are you?" asked Kelly.
"I'm doing well. How are you?" How's your ankle?" replied Rosie.
"It's all better," said Kelly.
"That's great," said Rosie.
"Thanks to you," said Kelly.
"Oh, I didn't do anything," said Rosie.
"Yes, you did. You helped me with my ankle and you helped me with my problems with Brandon," said Kelly.
"Well, I don't mean to meddle into other people's business but it's just that you two were just going through a lot," said Rosie.
"We were….anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be taking care of Brandon," said Kelly.
"Good. So, he finally came to his senses, huh?" asked Rosie.
Kelly laughs.
"I guess so. We're getting along," said Kelly.
"Good," said Rosie.
"Anyway, I don't want to take up too much of your time. We're having a big family dinner tomorrow at his apartment and we want to invite you to join us," said Kelly.
"Me? I don't know. I'm not a part of your family," said Rosie.
"I know. You don't have to come if you don't want to but it would mean so much to me if you do," said Kelly smiling.
"Ok. Only if I get to bring something," said Rosie.
"You really don't have to," said Kelly.
"How about a homemade apple pie?" asked Rosie.
"Ok, if you insist. Apple pie sounds great," said Kelly.
"Ok. Would you like to come in?" asked Rosie.
"Thank you but no, I must be going. I still have a few more bags of Brandon's laundry to do at home," replied Kelly.
"Make sure you send him the bill," said Rosie joking.
Kelly laughs.
"Bye," said Rosie.
"Bye," said Kelly.
We see everyone at Brandon's apartment the next day eating dinner.
Everyone except for Kelly is eating dinner at the same table. Several small conversations are happening at once.
Kelly walks in from the bedroom.
"How's she doing?" asked Brandon.
"Good. Finally fell asleep," replied Kelly referring to Winnie.
"So, what are we talking about?" asked Kelly.
"I was talking about how miserable it is without you as principal. I can't believe you stuck us with Calder in charge," said Silver.
"He's the vice principal. Who else can I choose?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah I guess, since you put it that way. I guess it'll just be weird not having you there for like a month," replied Silver.
"It may be longer than a month," said Kelly.
"What? Why?" asked Silver surprised.
Brandon notices and looks over at Silver. Silver notices.
"Sorry Brandon. No offense. Hope you feel better soon," said Silver.
"No problem, Silver. I'm hoping the same thing," said Brandon.
Thanks. "I'll just miss seeing you at school, that's all," said Silver.
"Awww…thanks Silver. I'll miss seeing you too; and keeping an eye on you and making sure you go to your classes," joked Kelly.
"You know I go to all my classes," said Silver.
"Oh ok; if you say so," said Kelly smiling.
Silver stays silent. Kelly looks at Silver waiting for her to say something.
"I'm glad that Brandon is ok and you're helping him out," said Silver.
"Me too," said Kelly.
"Whose idea was it that you help him?" asked Silver.
Brandon and Kelly look at each other.
"Nobody's idea. Kelly was nice enough to offer and she knows me very well; so, I accepted," said Brandon.
"Thanks Brandon," said Kelly.
"You're welcome, Kelly," said Brandon.
"This is strictly a…. business arrangement," said Kelly.
"Business arrangement? How is this a business arrangement?" asked Silver confused.
"Well…..ok…it's not like a business arrangement. It's just me helping him out because I want to. I truly honestly want to. I have the right to do that…I'm his wife," replied Kelly.
"But do you intend to keep being his wife?" asked Silver.
Kelly stops eating and looks at Silver. She also glances at Brenda and Dylan who seemed to be quietly listening in.
"Silver, this is not the time or the place to discuss this," said Kelly.
"Fine," said Silver.
Sammy looks to be the only one who's bored.
"Mom, can I borrow your phone?" asked Sammy.
"You want to play your game?" replied Kelly.
"Yes, please," said Sammy.
Kelly gives Sammy her phone.
Sammy starts to play on the phone.
"I'm sorry you're bored, Sammy," said Brandon.
"It's cool, dad," said Sammy.
Brandon sees Sammy is intensely playing the game.
"You're pretty good at the game there, Sammy," said Brandon.
"Yeah. Brian's phone is even better. He has his own phone so he gets to play all the time. But I can't do that," said Sammy.
"Unless of course, I get my own phone," added Sammy.
"Well….," said Brandon.
"Don't even think about asking your dad for a phone, Sammy. I already said no," said Kelly.
"But mom, I didn't even ask," said Sammy.
"You sounded like you were selling the idea to your dad," said Kelly.
"You see?" asked Sammy to Brandon.
"Sorry Sammy. But I do agree with your mom," replied Brandon.
"Thank you," said Kelly.
Sammy looks at Brandon and leans in to him.
"You're only saying that because she's here, right?" asked Sammy whispering.
"I heard that, young man. And if you keep it up, you won't even get to borrow my phone," said Kelly.
Sammy gives up.
"I guess it's better if I just don't say anything," said Sammy.
"Maybe in a few years, Sammy," said Brandon.
"Ok. I guess I'll keep my mouth shut until then," said Sammy.
Brandon and Kelly look at each other. Then they notice Brenda and Dylan still looking at them.
"So, Brenda and Dylan, how's the wedding planning going? I haven't gotten anything maid of honor duties in a few days," asked Kelly.
"Yeah, the best man haven't gotten anything either. Have we been replaced?" replied Brandon joked.
"Well guys; with all that's been going on; we're thinking about just going to Vegas and elope," said Dylan.
"What?" asked everyone in shock.
"After discussing about it, we just don't want to make such a big deal about this. I mean, it's just a wedding," replied Brenda.
"Yeah, but it's you two. This should be shared by all of us," said Brandon.
"I know. But Dylan has a few work projects he's going to and we just afford to wait much longer. But don't worry. We'll have a big party and invite everyone afterwards," said Brenda.
"I'm sorry, guys. I know I'm the reason why you can't have a big wedding," said Brandon.
"No, we didn't say that," said Brenda.
"You didn't have to. Guys, I get it. I'm the one holding you back. But I think…no, I know I'm feeling better. And I have a doctor's appointment next week; so you can see the results for yourselves," said Brandon.
"And if I'm not; you can just have your wedding without me. You have my blessing," added Brandon.
Brenda and Dylan look at each other.
"Ok, we'll wait for your results," said Brenda.
"Thanks," said Brandon.
"So, am I still your maid of honor?" asked Kelly.
"And am I still your best man?" asked Brandon.
"Yes," replied Brenda.
"Sorry….if I may intervene….," said Rosie.
"Yeah; go ahead Rosie," said Kelly.
"When I was a little girl, I used to dream of having a beautiful and lavish wedding. I pictured myself wearing lace from head to toe. I would have the finest décor, the finest silverware, and all of our guests will wear the highest quality clothes. When my husband, John and I got married, I was only 18. I was young but a matured part of me thought differently than when I was a little girl…and my necessity for detail just wasn't that important anymore. We got married at this old chapel with no family or friends by our side. But that didn't matter to us. The war was raging on so we had to make things quick. The only thing we needed were each other and that we felt the same way about each other when we looked into each other's eyes," said Rosie.
"I can't speak for you, Brenda and Dylan, but when you look into each other's eyes and the feeling that you get knowing that the other person feels the same way, suddenly, nothing in the world matters anymore," added Rosie.
Brenda and Dylan turn and look at each other and smile. They lean in and share a quick kiss.
Brandon smiles and turns and looks at Kelly. He has a disappointed look on his face as he sees Kelly just looking at Brenda and Dylan.
Sometime lapses….
"Kelly, the meal was just wonderful. Thank you," said Rosie.
"Oh, you're welcome, Rosie. That's very kind of you to say," said Kelly.
"What about me?" asked Brandon.
"What about you?" asked Rosie joking.
"I paid for all the food," replied Brandon.
"As well you should. You should be ashamed of yourself letting your wife do all the work while you sit around and watch TV," said Rosie.
"Yeah," said Kelly joking.
"You know, you were my friend first, Rosie. Are you turning on me?" asked Brandon joking.
Rosie smiles and laughs.
"Oh dear, I'm only joking. You are great," said Rosie getting up and going to over to Brandon.
Brandon smiles.
"Brandon, you are a very lucky man. How you get a girl like Kelly to marry you, we will never know," joked Rosie putting her arms around Brandon.
Brandon laughs and smiles. Everyone laughs.
"She's got you there, Brandon," said Silver.
"Thanks for your support, Silver," joked Brandon.
Everyone laughs again.
"Seriously; everyone. Thank you so much to all of you for coming by. It's so good to see all of you again. I know I'm getting better and better every day. Thank you for continuing to support me in any capacity. I love you all," said Brandon.
Everyone claps.
"Last but not least….I just want to thank Kelly who has been such a big help while I've been unable to do…..anything," said Brandon.
Brandon turns and looks at Kelly.
"Thank you," said Brandon smiling.
"You're welcome," said Kelly smiling.
Later we see Kelly in the kitchen washing dishes. Brandon slowly walks in with is crutches.
"Hey," said Brandon.
"Hey, do you need anything?" asked Kelly.
"No. You know you don't have to do that tonight. It's late; I thought you would've left with everyone else," replied Brandon.
"No problem. I didn't want to leave a mess here," said Kelly.
"That's nice of you. Thank you," said Brandon.
"Sure thing," smiled Kelly.
She notices Brandon smiling at her a little.
"What?" asked Kelly.
"What?" asked Brandon.
"Nothing. You were just smiling at me. I thought something was up," replied Kelly.
"Oh sorry; I didn't mean to," said Brandon.
"It's ok. Did you need anything?" asked Kelly.
"No; um….sorry, you're doing all the dishes by yourself," replied Brandon.
"It's ok. I don't mind," said Kelly.
"Umm…here, you know what. My legs may be broken. But my hands work. I can help," said Brandon as he tries to slowly make his way to the kitchen.
"No, it's ok; Brandon," said Kelly quickly going to stop Brandon.
"Thank you for offering but I'm almost done here," added Kelly.
"Ok….Sorry, I just feel guilty that you have to do everything and I'm just sitting here doing nothing," said Brandon.
"Brandon, like I said before; it's ok. Don't think anything of it. I'm here to help you," said Kelly.
"Thank you," said Brandon.
"You're welcome," said Kelly.
"I was getting worried that we wouldn't be able to fit everyone here tonight," added Kelly.
"Yeah, me too. But it was perfect. What Rosie said to Brenda and Dylan was very nice," said Brandon.
"Yeah. It was very sweet. I'm happy for them," said Kelly.
"Rosie was right, you know," said Brandon.
"About what?" asked Kelly.
"The feeling that you get when you look into each other's eyes. And nothing else matters as long as the other person feels the same way," said Brandon.
"Right," said Kelly.
"So….," asked Brandon.
"So…what?" asked Kelly confused.
"So, did you feel that way when we got married?" asked Brandon.
Kelly gives Brandon an odd look.
"Well, of course, I did. I married you," replied Kelly sounding appalled by Brandon's question.
"Right. Sorry, me too. I don't know why I had to ask that,' said Brandon.
"It's ok. I'm glad you felt the same way," said Kelly.
"And n-now?" asked Brandon sort of having an anxiety attack.
"Excuse me?" asked Kelly.
"Do you feel the same way now?" asked Brandon.
"Oh; well….it's hard to say. You know we've been through a lot and we just separated," replied Kelly.
"Right. I feel the same way. Sorry for asking," said Brandon.
"I still care about you, Brandon. That hasn't changed," said Kelly.
"Thanks Kel. I still care about you too," said Brandon.
They stay quiet for a few moments.
"You know, I better go. I'll see you tomorrow?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, tomorrow," replied Brandon looking humiliated and disappointed.
Kelly awkwardly starts to walk away.
"Kel, despite what happened between us and me, I still have a lot to be thankful for," said Brandon.
"And what are you thankful for, Brandon?" asked Kelly.
"You," said Brandon.
Kelly smiles.
"I'm just thankful that you still want to be around me, let alone come to my home every day, even after I yelled at you and kicked out of my apartment. I had no right to do that. You were only trying to help. You deserve much more credit than what I gave you," said Brandon.
"Thanks Brandon. That's very sweet and mature of you to say," said Kelly.
"But you don't have to say all these things and apologize. I'm thankful to be here with you too," added Kelly.
"Thank you but I do…because you are the mature one. You were able to move on from all this. I didn't…and I paid for it," said Brandon.
"Brandon, don't blame yourself for what happened. You couldn't have known. You didn't do anything wrong. Those thugs attacked you. And when the cops find them, they'll pay for their crimes. As for you, you'll get better and then you can put this all in the past," said Kelly.
"I know. You're right," said Brandon.
They both just look at each other.
"Oh, come here," said Kelly who goes and warmly hugs Brandon.
Brandon closes his eyes and smile as he hugs Kelly.
To be continued….