Chpt 80 – Neighborly Advice
Kelly, Winnie, and Sammy walk up a flight of stairs to Brandon's apartment.
"How is dad going to walk up and down all these stairs?" asked Sammy.
"I don't think he's going to be going many places," replied Kelly.
"I'm glad we can help him get things," said Sammy.
"Me too," said Kelly playing along.
They arrive at Brandon's apartment.
"Can I push it?" asked Sammy referring to the bell.
"Sure," replied Kelly.
Sammy pushes the button.
"Hello?" asked Brandon from inside.
"Brandon? It's Kelly," replied Kelly.
"Kel, I'm doing fine. You don't need to help me," said Brandon.
"I know. Someone else wants to see you," said Kelly.
"Who?" asked Brandon.
"Dad, it's me, Sammy," replied Sammy.
The door opens and Kelly has a surprised look. We see Brenda opened the door.
"Sammy, hi; how are you?" asked Brenda smiling at Sammy.
Brenda goes and hugs Sammy.
"I'm ok, Aunt Brenda. How's dad?" asked Sammy.
"He's doing fine. Why don't you go in and see for yourself?" asked Brenda.
"Ok," replied Sammy who runs into the apartment.
The camera stays with Kelly, Brenda, and Winnie.
"Kel," said Brenda with a stern look.
"Hi Brenda. I didn't know you were going to be here," said Kelly.
"Yeah, I just wanted to check on Brandon," said Brenda.
They all walk into the apartment.
"I see. We did too," said Kelly.
"So, I guess you're off the hook," said Brenda.
"What?" asked Kelly confused.
"Brandon told me that he didn't want your help," said Brenda.
"Yeah. He said he didn't want my help. I guess you were right," said Kelly.
"But I'm not happy about it," said Brenda.
Kelly looks confused.
"You're not?" asked Kelly.
"No, because I wasn't thinking of myself. I was thinking about Brandon and about his well-being," replied Brenda.
"So, does that mean he doesn't want you here either?" asked Kelly.
Brenda looks at Kelly and doesn't reply.
Brandon and Sammy are talking.
"Have they caught the thugs that did this to you?" asked Sammy.
"No. A police officer called me. I gave him the details but I haven't heard back yet," replied Brandon.
"Why don't you call and find out?" asked Sammy.
"To be honest, Sammy; right now, I just want to get better," replied Brandon.
"But don't you want revenge for what they did to you?" asked Sammy.
"Sure. But it's not the most important thing. If they catch the thugs, it's not going to make me better," replied Brandon.
"But it'll make you feel better, right?" asked Sammy.
Brandon doesn't answer right away.
"Right," replied Brandon.
Sammy gives him a sad look.
Kelly and Brenda are at the kitchen. Brenda is looking around in the cabinets.
"Aren't you going to say hi to him?" asked Brenda.
"Not after he told me to go away. I think I'd rather keep my distance," replied Kelly.
"What are you looking for?" asked Kelly.
"A clean knife so I can make Brandon a sandwich," replied Brenda.
"Check the drawer on the right," said Kelly.
"I did. There's no knife," said Brenda.
"All the way in the back. It's there," said Kelly.
Kelly pulls out the drawer on the right and finds the knife.
"How did you know that?" asked Brenda.
"I was here the other day. I brought him home," replied Kelly.
"Ok then," said Brenda.
"I'm glad mom and I can be here to take care of you," said Sammy.
"Is that what your mom told you?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah," replied Sammy with a confused look.
"Is she outside?" asked Brandon.
"She's in the kitchen," replied Sammy.
"Can you hand me my crutches?" asked Brandon.
"Sure," said Sammy taking the crutches leaning on the wall and handing them to Brandon.
Brandon gets the crutches and hoists himself up from the chair.
"Let me help you," said Sammy.
"No, I got it. Thanks," said Brandon.
They both walk into the kitchen.
Brenda and Kelly see them.
"What are you doing up? You could've asked me. I could've gotten it for you," said Brenda.
"I just wanted to say hi to Kelly," said Brandon.
Kelly is surprised by Brandon's nice tone towards her.
"Hi," said Kelly nervous.
"How are you?" asked Brandon.
"I'm doing alright. How are you?" asked Kelly.
"Still banged up but I'm hanging in there. It's good to see you," replied Brandon.
"Same here," said Kelly.
"Brandon, what do you want with your sandwich?" asked Brenda.
"Brenda, you don't have to make me a sandwich," replied Brandon.
"Ok, what would you like?" asked Brenda.
"I'm not really hungry," said Brandon.
"Oh. You sure? It's lunch time," asked Brenda.
"Yeah, I'll eat later," replied Brandon.
"Ok. How about I grab something for you later?" asked Brenda.
"It's ok. Kelly can do that for me," replied Brandon.
Brenda and Kelly looked surprised by Brandon's comment.
"That is if you're available today," said Brandon.
"Um…sure. I can do that," said Kelly.
"Great. In fact, I can really use your help with some boxes too," said Brandon.
"Ok. I can help you with that," said Kelly still surprised.
"Ok. I can stay and help too," said Brenda.
"It's ok, Bren. I think having Kelly here will be fine," said Brandon.
"You sure?" asked Brenda confused.
"Yeah," replied Brandon.
"Can I talk to you for a moment? In private?" asked Brenda to Brandon.
A few moments later, we see Brandon and Brenda talking.
"So, what are you doing?" asked Brenda.
"What do you mean?" asked Brandon.
"I thought you didn't want Kelly to be here. What changed your mind?" asked Brenda.
"I changed my mind and decided to give her a chance," replied Brandon.
Brenda looks at Brandon and doesn't reply.
"For Sammy's sake…and our marriage," said Brandon.
"Well, I guess if that's what you want," said Brenda.
"That is. Thanks for your help Brenda. But you got a wedding to plan and I'm sure you would much rather want to spend your time with your fiancé than with a crippled brother," said Brandon.
"I'm just worried about you. I don't want her to break your heart again," said Brenda.
"She won't. I don't know what's going to happen but I want us to be ok again. At least be friends…and I don't know; maybe having her here every day make us be ok again," said Brandon.
"What if it doesn't?" asked Brenda.
"Then at least we know we've gave it a shot," replied Brandon.
"But we won't know unless we give it a try, right?" asked Brandon.
"Right," smiled Brenda.
They hug.
Kelly and Sammy slowly walk towards Brandon and Brenda.
"Sorry to interrupt but I have to drive Sammy to a friend's house. Brandon, I can be right back," said Kelly.
"Ok. No problem. Take your time," said Brandon.
"I'm on my way out. How about I take you, Sammy?" asked Brenda.
"I'm ok with that," replied Sammy.
"Are you ok with me taking Sammy?" asked Brenda to Kelly.
"Yeah, sure; thanks," replied Kelly.
"Thanks guys," said Brandon.
Brenda and Sammy both give Brandon a hug.
"Call me if you need anything," said Brenda.
"I will," said Brandon.
"Bye mom. Bye dad," said Sammy.
"Bye Sammy," said Brandon and Kelly.
"Sammy, just tell Brian's parents to call me when you are ready to come home," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Sammy.
Brenda and Sammy leaves.
Kelly looks Brandon.
"So, where are these boxes?" asked Kelly.
"Thanks for agreeing to help but I'll be ok," replied Brandon.
"What?" asked Kelly confused.
"I don't need your help. I'm ok being by myself," replied Brandon.
"So, everything you just said was just a lie?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah," replied Brandon.
Brandon sees Kelly is frustrated and sort of feels bad.
"Look; sorry Kel. I didn't mean to lie to you. I just wanted Brenda to leave me alone. She's been here all morning," said Brandon.
"Hey, don't say that and expect me to feel better. I'm sick and tired of your games, Brandon. I've offered my help and you've been nothing but a spoiled brat," said Kelly.
"Well then, you can go," said Brandon.
"Fine! I'll go. If you do change your mind and you need my help; do me a favor; don't call me. You and your big ego can take care of each other," said Kelly.
"Don't worry; I won't. I know you'll be spending time with time with your new boy toy, the masseuse….or is it Ryan?" asked Brandon.
"I've told you before; there is nothing is going on between us," said Kelly.
"I saw you two the other night kissing."
Kelly looks surprised.
"You were spying on me?" asked Kelly.
"I was coming by for a visit and I saw you," replied Brandon.
"Let me ask you this Kelly, did you ever love me? Because I feel like I changed my life to be with you because you were the most important thing in my life. Now I just wish I've never left Washington. Just leave. Leave this building and leave me alone because I can't anymore of your lies and suffering!" added Brandon.
"Why are you acting like this?" asked Kelly.
"Because I don't know who you are anymore. And, I'm not the only one playing games. At least I'm not playing with people's feelings. I don't want to be a part of your cruel game. You make me sick," said Brandon.
Kelly starts to cry.
Brandon turns around and slowly walks away using his crutches.
Kelly quickly walks out of the apartment and slamming the door. Kelly cries harder and starts to run down the stairs. She accidently twists her ankle and quickly stops midway down the stairs. She starts to ache but holds onto the banister. She wanted to cry for help. But instead she kept her mouth quiet and sat down on the step. She cries as she holds onto her ankle. She puts her head down and cries some more.
Sometime later, we can hear someone slowly walking down the stairs. A hand slowly clamps onto Kelly who had apparently drifted off.
Kelly wakes up in shock. She turns around and sees an elderly woman.
"Sorry, I don't mean to wake you. Are you alright?" said the elderly woman.
"I'm ok. I'll leave. Sorry," said Kelly.
"You don't have to leave. I'm just making sure you're ok," said elderly woman.
"Thank you…but I better go," said Kelly.
Kelly slowly gets up. Her ankle still hurts a little but Kelly attempts to walk. The lady sees her limping a little.
"Can you walk?" asked the elderly woman.
"Yeah, I guess I lost my step when I was running down the stairs," replied Kelly.
"Why don't you let me take a look at it, dear?" asked the elderly woman.
"Oh no, it's ok. It doesn't hurt that much. I'm fine," replied Kelly.
"It's ok dear. Trust me; I used to be a doctor," replied the elderly woman.
Kelly is reluctant.
"You can either show me your ankle and I can make it all better or you can sit here all night blocking the steps," said the elderly woman.
Kelly slowly takes off her shoe pulls up her pants and shows the lady her ankle.
The elderly woman leans down and holds onto Kelly's foot and leg.
"Is it broken?" asked Kelly.
"I don't think so. I don't feel any dislodgment. But you will feel some discomfort for about 2-3 days," said the elderly woman.
The lady slowly flexes Kelly's foot a little.
"How does that feel? Does it hurt?" asked the elderly woman.
"No, it feels ok…thank you for your help. I appreciate it," replied Kelly.
"You're welcome. I'm Rosie," said Rosie.
"Kelly," said Kelly.
"Kelly, if you want to come in to my place, I can rub some ointment on your ankle," said Rosie.
Kelly hesitates and doesn't answer right away.
Rosie and Kelly slowly walk into Rosie's apartment.
"Should we let your friend next door know you're here?" asked Rosie.
"What?" asked Kelly surprised.
"Your friend next door. You were here to see Mr. Walsh, weren't you?" asked Rosie.
"Yes, I was. I didn't know you were watching," replied Kelly.
"I wasn't. I just heard you two earlier," said Rosie.
"Oh, sorry about that we were kind of loud," replied Kelly.
"It's ok. I hear people argue all the time," said Rosie.
"Thanks. If you don't mind, I'd rather him not know I'm here," said Kelly.
"Oh ok. He's not that close then, huh?" asked Rosie.
"No, it's not that. It's complicated," replied Kelly.
"You're not one of those prostitutes, are you? Here for a good time?" asked Rosie.
"No," replied Kelly kind of shocked by Rosie's question.
"I'm just kidding. I didn't mean to offend you," said Rosie.
Kelly smiles Rosie.
"That boy is nice but he can be really stubborn," said Rosie.
"Yeah, tell me about it," said Kelly in agreement.
Later we see Rosie and Kelly having tea in Rosie's apartment.
"How's the ankle so far?" asked Rosie.
"Still a little sore but it's getting better," replied Kelly.
"Thanks so much for your help," added Kelly.
"You're welcome. Thanks for having tea with me," said Rosie.
Kelly smiles back.
"Nice place you have here," said Kelly.
"I've been here alone for over 20 years. It gets lonely at times," said Rosie.
"Sorry to hear that. Don't you have friends?" asked Kelly.
"I have some acquaintances at the senior citizen center. But the only real friend I had was my husband, John," replied Rosie.
"There is a picture of him on the shelf there," added Rosie pointing to the picture.
"He's handsome. You two looked good together," said Kelly smiling.
"Thanks. It's been 20 years and I'm still not use to it without him," said Rosie.
"Sorry," said Kelly.
"I don't mean to damper your mood, dear. Why don't we talk about something happy?" asked Rosie.
"Oh, no; you're not dampering my mood. But we can talk about something else," replied Kelly.
"Looks like you got a lot going on with Mr. Walsh," said Rosie.
"Yeah, now, you're dampering my mood," said Kelly joking.
Rosie laughs.
"Sorry. That bad, huh?" asked Rosie.
"Yeah, it's a long story," replied Kelly.
"Divorced?" asked Rosie.
"No, we just got separated," replied Kelly.
"I'm sorry. Relationships can be difficult," said Rosie.
"But at least you got the house, I assume," added Rosie joking.
Kelly laughs.
"Ummm...sort of. The house was mine to begin with," said Kelly.
"Do you still care about him?" asked Rosie.
"Yeah, I do. We've known each other since high school. It's hard not to," replied Kelly.
"Just married too soon?" asked Rosie.
"No, it's a very long story. We were dating and then broken up, and then got back together several times before we got married," replied Kelly.
"Well, it's his lost," said Rosie.
"Thanks. But a lot of it is my fault too. I don't blame him for being mad. He got hurt recently and I guess I wanted to take care of him just so that I can feel better. But I guess I was just fooling myself," said Kelly.
"So, you're the one to blame, then?" asked Rosie joking.
"If you say so," replied Kelly smirking.
"Relax, I'm not here to criticize you," said Rosie.
"Thanks," said Kelly.
"Have you said that to him?" asked Rosie.
"No, not in those words. I just hate it that he's right all the time," replied Kelly.
"Well, give him some time. Most of all give yourself some time. You won't get anywhere by yelling at each other," said Rosie.
"Well, he doesn't want me around. So, I don't think that I'll be back here for a while," said Kelly.
"Want me to go talk to him?" asked Rosie.
"No, it's ok…but thank you," replied Kelly.
"I can call his mama on him," said Rosie joking.
Kelly laughs.
"I don't know what's wrong with him but I know I would love to see you again," said Rosie.
"I don't know. But thank you. I don't remember the last time I've smiled and laughed so much," said Kelly smiling.
"Well, it's good to meet you. I'm not forcing you to come back but if you do, just knock on my door," said Rosie.
"Thank you," said Kelly smiling.
Later, we see someone knocking on Brandon's door. Brandon opens the door.
"Rosie, hi," said Brandon.
"Hi Brandon. I just met your wife," said Rosie.
"When?" asked Brandon surprised.
"About an hour ago. We were having tea at my apartment," replied Rosie.
"Why?" asked Brandon confused.
"She fell going down the stairs and she needed a place to rest," replied Rosie.
"She what?...Is…is she ok?" asked Brandon looking worried.
"She'll be fine. She has some minor pain in her ankle but she'll be fine," replied Rosie.
"Good. Thanks for letting me know," said Brandon relieved.
"She seems really nice. I like her," said Rosie.
"Well, you must've met her good side today," said Brandon.
"That may be but I wouldn't mind seeing her again if you know what I mean," said Rosie.
"What do you mean?" asked Brandon confused.
"It means quick acting selfish and let her back into your life," replied Rosie with a stern voice.
"I don't think it's the right idea. Kelly and I just can't get along anymore. I opened my heart to her and I apologized. And all she can say to me is that she's confused. She's a hypocrite. That's what she is. How can I take her seriously if she's out there doing god knows what with different guys?" asked Brandon.
"Even if that was true, I can tell you still care about her. Otherwise you wouldn't be so concerned when I told you about her accident," said Rosie.
"That's different. I'll always be concerned about her health and well-being. She's the mother of my children," said Brandon.
"And you care about her," said Rosie.
"Yes," said Brandon.
"All I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't mind seeing her again. If you can't have her in your place taking care of you; maybe she can come over to my place," said Rosie.
"Oh, you don't need a caretaker, Rosie," said Brandon.
"I'm saying I would like to spend some time with her as a friend. That's is, if that's ok with you," said Rosie.
Brandon doesn't answer.
"Think about it," said Rosie walking back to her apartment.
"Oh, she told me not to tell you about her accident. If you do call her, don't tell her I told you. I don't want her to lose a potential friend," said Rosie.
Rosie walks into her apartment and closes the door.
Brandon thinks for a moment before closing his door.
Kelly is awake in bed. Her phone on her bed stand starts to ring. She lifts and turns her head and glances at the phone. She sees that it's Brandon. She is hesitant on picking up the phone as it rings. She decides to not answer it and let it go to voicemail. She sees Brandon didn't leave a voicemail. She lays back down on the bed and closes her eyes.
She then hears the house phone rings from a distance. Her eyes open as someone picked up the phone.
She then hears a quiet knock on the door.
"Come in," said Kelly hesitant sitting up.
Silver comes in.
"Hey, sorry to bother you. It's Brandon," said Silver.
"Can you tell him that I'm not here?" asked Kelly.
"Sorry, I already said you are here," replied Silver.
"Well, tell him; I'm asleep," said Kelly.
"C'mon; talk to him. Maybe he wants to apologize," said Silver.
"Fine," said Kelly giving up.
Silver hands Kelly the phone and walks away.
"Hi," said Kelly.
"Hi. Sorry to bother you," said Brandon.
"You're not bothering me," said Kelly.
"How are you feeling?' asked Brandon.
"Fine. How are you?" asked Kelly.
"I'm doing ok. I just wanted to make sure you're ok," replied Brandon.
"Why wouldn't I be?" asked Kelly.
"I heard about this afternoon and your ankle," replied Brandon.
"Let me guess. Rosie told you?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah; but she had a good reason to. How come you didn't tell me earlier?" asked Brandon.
"You kicked me out of your apartment. Were you suddenly going to be nice to me because I hurt my ankle?" asked Kelly.
"Ok, I deserve that. I feel like if I hadn't rushed you out the door, you wouldn't have gotten hurt," replied Brandon.
"If you feel guilty about what happened to me, don't be. It was my fault. I'm the one who showed up at your place when I'm not wanted. I'm the one who was stupid enough to think that you would want me around. I'm the one who despite everything we gone through, thought that we can still be friends; and that we still care about one another. I guess I was wrong," said Kelly who is getting emotional.
"Ok, I deserved that. You gotta know that it's not easy for me to go through this. And seeing you with that guy and Ryan just made feel like a fool. After I got hurt, I felt like you won the battle. When you offered to take time off to take care of me, I feel like you were pitying me because I know that once I'm better, you'll leave. That's how I felt, Kel," said Brandon.
"Thank you for saying that," said Kelly.
"Really?" asked Brandon surprised.
"Yeah. After so much arguing, it's nice to talk about our feelings…even if it doesn't fix us," replied Kelly.
"But you're wrong about one thing, Brandon," added Kelly.
"What's that?" asked Brandon.
"This shouldn't be a battle. I want to be there for you, Brandon…no matters what happens to our marriage. I do care about you as a friend," replied Kelly.
"Thank you. I care about you too. I'm sorry for everything that happened; most of all; I'm sorry that you got hurt," said Brandon.
"I feel like that this is the first time in a long time that we've been honest with each other," said Kelly smiling a little.
"I feel the same way," said Brandon.
"It's a shame that it took so much yelling and both of us getting hurt to say these things to each other," said Kelly.
"Yeah. I want you to be happy, Kelly even if it's not with me. You have a career and a family who needs you. I think you should concentrate on that right now. Don't worry about me. That's how I really feel," said Brandon.
"You mean that?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, I do. Sends the kids over to my place and I'll take care of them. You get well and be the best principal you can be," replied Brandon.
"Thanks Brandon. That means a lot to me," said Kelly.
"Yeah, hearing myself say that means a lot to me too. I actually feel a lot better," said Brandon smiling.
"Me too," said Kelly smiling.
"So….," said Brandon.
"So….I guess I better go. I have to check on the kids and dinner," said Kelly.
"Ok. Please tell them I miss them," said Brandon.
"Will do. Bye Brandon," said Kelly.
"Bye Kelly," said Brandon.
They both hang up and we see them looking into the distance. A smile comes on both of their faces.
A few moments later, Brandon's phone vibrates.
He sees a text from Kelly. He opens the text and smiles at the picture of her and Winnie with the caption reading "Love you, Daddy."
He replies "Love and miss you both!"
He smiles.
A few days go by. We hear a knock on Brandon's door.
Brandon slowly makes it to the door on his crutches. He looks through the peephole and opens the door.
"Kelly, this is a surprise," said Brandon.
"Yeah, I figured I'd stop by to tell you in person that I'm all better," smiled Kelly.
"Great; glad you're all better. It's good to see you," said Brandon slowly leaning in for a hug.
They both hug each other.
"Good to see you too," said Kelly.
"You're on your way to work?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah….I'm here," replied Kelly.
Brandon has a confused look on his face.
To be continued….