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 85 – Separate Day Out
Brandon is sitting by the kitchen window. He is staring outside.
The front door opens and Kelly slowly walks in.
"Can I come in?" asked Kelly.
"Yes," replied Brandon showing a weak smile.
"Thank you," said Kelly.
She comes in and closes the door. She walks to Brandon.
"Whatcha doing?" asked Kelly.
"Just watching the people outside. Everyone's got somewhere to go," replied Brandon.
"Thanks for the call," said Kelly.
"Yeah, thanks for coming by," said Brandon.
"Thanks for calming down," said Kelly taking a seat next to Brandon.
"I'm sorry for the way I acted," said Brandon.
"And?" asked Kelly.
"And I'm ready to accept this and move on," replied Brandon.
"What are you saying?" asked Kelly confused.
"The physical therapy. I think it'll be good," replied Brandon.
"Good; what changed your mind?" smiled Kelly.
"Oh, more like who…and I think you know who I'm talking about," smiled Brandon.
"She did a number on you?" asked Kelly.
"Sort of; she set me straight…and I'm glad she did. I've been a real jerk; not just yesterday; this entire ordeal with you going back to work, my career, and everything. I'm sorry, Kel. I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you. I know you were only trying to help," replied Brandon.
"Thank you. I'm sorry too," and Kelly.
"What my mom said really made me think. I need to move forward and accept whatever comes my way," said Brandon.
"That's a good way to thinking," said Kelly.
"I was just sitting here looking at everyone downstairs. All of them seems like they got somewhere to be. I used to be like them. I was thinking whether there was still anything left for me," said Brandon.
"Don't think like that. I know you and I know you're better than this," said Kelly.
"I know I'm not a kid anymore. I can just sit there and watch my life pass before my eyes. Or I can try to get back up and face things head on. I was trying to be resistant but if I do this, there's really no looking back," said Brandon.
"You can everything you put your mind to," smiled Kelly.
Kelly gets up and hugs Kelly.
"I'm still here for you. I'll still care for him regardless of what happens. I don't want to give up on you as long as you don't give up on yourself. Just focus on getting better and don't think about anything else; not even the wedding," said Kelly.
"I'll do my best. Will you help me? That is if you still want to," asked Brandon.
"Sounds like a good plan to me. I'm here for you," smiled Kelly putting her hand on top of Brandon's.
"Will you listen to everything I say?" asked Kelly.
"Ok," replied Brandon looking a little bit worried.
"Without asking me any questions?" asked Kelly.
"Ok," replied Brandon.
"Really?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah," replied Brandon.
"You're not going to say that I'm being unreasonable?" asked Kelly.
"No, I'm not going to," replied Brandon.
"Why not?" asked Kelly.
"If you haven't noticed, I've made some bad decisions recently and looked where it's gotten me. I think
it's time for a change…and I think I owed it to you for being such a jerk lately," replied Brandon.
"Great," smiled Kelly.
They hug.
A few days go by.
We see a car being parked. We see Kelly and Brandon inside the car.
"Wow. A spot right outside. What are the chances of that?" asked Kelly smiling.
"I'm very happy for you," said Brandon sarcastically.
"I know, right?" asked Kelly not sending Brandon's sarcasm.
"I'm glad we got here in time. I was afraid we were going to be late. You ready to go in?" asked Kelly.
"I wouldn't mind being a little bit late. Could you maybe circle the block a few times?" asked Brandon.
"No. It's time. You promised me; no questions asked," said Kelly.
"Ok ok. It was just a joke. I'll behave," said Brandon.
"That's a good boy," joked Kelly.
"Hey, now that's taking things too far," said Brandon.
Kelly laughs.
"Seriously, you ready?" asked Kelly.
"Fine. Let's get this over with," replied Brandon.
"You never know, you might enjoy it," said Kelly sensing Brandon's mood.
"I can't see how anyone would enjoy physical therapy," said Brandon.
"Well, at least you'll get to go outside of your home," said Kelly.
"Thanks for looking at the brightside," said Brandon.
"Ok. C'mon," said Kelly.
"Ok," said Brandon.
They get out of the car. We see the store in front of them says "Lakeshore Physical Therapy." Kelly grabs Brandon's crutches and helps Brandon inside.
They are greeted by a female employee.
"Hello. Welcome to Lakeshore Physical Therapy. My name is Susan. Is your class for today?' asked Susan.
"Yes, it's under Brandon Walsh," said Brandon.
"Ok. Is this for the 11am class with Mr. Gorman?" asked Susan.
"Yes," replied Brandon.
"Thanks. The current class is finishing up. It'll just be a few minutes," said Susan.
"Ok. Thanks," said Kelly.
Susan notices that Brandon is holding onto Kelly and is having difficulty holding onto the crutches.
"Hi Brandon, do you have a wheelchair?" asked Brandon.
"No, why?" asked Brandon.
"Well, I should let you know that it can get pretty difficult with some of the exercises if you're on
crutches. It's much easier on a wheelchair," replied Susan.
"Thank you for heads up. I'll think about the wheelchair," said Brandon.
"Sure. Here's a list of the approved models that works well in our class," said Susan handing Brandon an information sheet.
"Thank you," said Brandon taking the piece of paper.
"If you have any questions about any of these, Mr. Gorman can go over any of these after the class," said Susan.
"Thank you," said Brandon.
Susan walks to desk.
"I've been here for less than five minutes and they're already trying to upsell me," said Brandon whispers to Kelly.
"Well, I don't know about that. Just look; everyone has one," said Kelly.
"What have I gotten myself into?" asked Brandon.
"It's not so bad. It's a class. Every class needs supplies; in this case, a wheelchair. Just think of it like a textbook," replied Kelly giving Brandon a weak smile.
"I don't know about this," said Brandon seeing the
We see a man pushing a wheelchair towards Brandon and Kelly.
"Hi Brandon?" asked the man.
"Yes, Mr. Gorman?" asked Brandon.
"Yes, it's Bill. It's nice to meet you, Brandon," replied Bill extending a handshake.
"Nice meeting you, Bill," said Brandon.
Bill sees Kelly.
"Hi, Bill Gorman," said Bill.
"Hi, I'm Kelly," said Kelly.
"Nice to meet you, Kelly," said Bill.
"I heard you don't have a wheelchair…so I got you one for today," said Bill.
"Oh, that's very kind of you. Thank you," said Kelly.
"Thank you, Bill," said Brandon.
"You're welcome. Shall we get started?" asked Bill.
'Yes," said Brandon.
"Do I stay too?" asked Kelly.
"It's up to you," said Bill.
"Ok. Would you like me to stay?" asked Kelly to Brandon.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," replied Brandon.
"Ok then. I'll be back in two hours?" asked Kelly.
"Sounds good. Thanks," replied Brandon.
Kelly kisses Brandon on the cheek and hugs him.
"Ok, he's all yours. Thank you," said Kelly to Bill.
"Thank you, Kelly. See you in two hours," said Bill.
"Bye," said Kelly.
"Bye," said Brandon.
Kelly watches as Bill wheels Brandon away inside.
Susan watches as Kelly. Kelly notices.
"Sorry, just making sure he got in ok," said Kelly giving Susan a fake smile.
"No problem," said Susan.
"They grow up so fast, don't they? I mean one day they're in diapers, the next day they're….," said Kelly stopping midsentence.
Susan gives Kelly an odd look.
"Sorry, just a joke…see you in two hours," said Kelly quickly turning around and leaving.
We see a car drive up to West Beverly High. The car is parked. Kelly gets out of the car.
She walks past the courtyard. Silver notices her.
"Kelly?" asked Silver standing up and walking away from the group she was with.
Kelly stops and waves at Silver.
"Hey Silver," said Kelly.
"This is a surprise. What are you doing here?" asked Silver.
"I just dropped Brandon off at physical therapy…and I'm free for the next two hours….so I thought I'd just come by here for a bit," replied Kelly.
"How's he doing?" asked Silver.
"Good I guess. Today's the first day," replied Kelly.
"You think he'll make it through?" asked Silver smiling.
"God, I hope so," replied Kelly.
"You staying a while?" asked Silver.
"No, I'm going to go to my office and check a few things. That's about it," replied Kelly.
"Ok. See you back at home?" asked Silver.
"You got it," replied Kelly.
Silver walks back and join her group of friends. Kelly walks into the building.
Kelly looks around and sees that not much has changed since she was there. She walks in front of the administrator's office. The door is opened and she sees other staff working. They don't notice her. She knocks on the door to get their attention.
"Oh my god; it's Kelly," said a staff member. He quickly goes and hugs Kelly. Many others rush up behind and goes to Kelly.
Back at Lakeshore Physical Therapy, we see Bill and Brandon working hard.
"Brandon, even though you're n0t using your legs, you got to keep the blood flowing. It needs movement. All you got to do is take your hands and massage the legs...like this," said Bill.
Brandon has a wild reaction, showing that he was in pain.
"You see, you felt that, right?" asked Bill.
"Yeah, no kidding," replied Brandon.
"That's what happens when you don't exercise your muscles," said Bill.
"I see…," said Brandon.
"Ok, enough massaging," said Bill.
"Oh good…," said Brandon feeling relieved.
"After you massage them, you have to stretch them," said Bill.
"Say what?" asked Brandon scared.
"Stretch…like this," replied Bill extending Brandon's legs.
Brandon makes a painful expression on his face.
Kelly walks into her office. She takes a quick look around.
She goes to her desk and looks through some of the mail.
Ryan walks by and sees her.
"I don't believe it. Kelly Taylor back on school grounds?" asked Ryan surprised.
Kelly smiles. She goes and hugs Ryan.
"Hey Ryan," said Kelly.
"I hope this isn't a one-time appearance," said Ryan.
"No, but I still don't know how often I'll be back," said Kelly.
"Hey, that's cool. I'm just happy to see you," said Ryan still smiling.
"Same here. It's really good to see you too," said Kelly.
"I heard about Brandon. I'm s0rry. How he's doing?" asked Ryan.
"He's doing ok. Just recovering. He actually just started physical therapy today," replied Kelly.
"Oh ok. How are you doing?" asked Ryan.
"Good…just good…," said Kelly smiling.
"Good," said Ryan acting a little awkward with nothing to say.
"Ryan, by any chance; are you hungry?" asked Kelly.
We see Kelly and Ryan at the school cafeteria. They each have a sandwich and a drink.
"I miss this place," smiled Kelly.
"We really miss you," said Ryan.
"Oh, you are just being nice," said Kelly.
"No, we're not kidding. We really do miss you, Kelly," said Ryan.
"Why? Isn't my so-called replacement doing a good job?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, but he's more of the strict type. You are more of a friend type," replied Ryan.
"What? Are you saying that you don't see as an authority figure?" asked Kelly.
"No…that's not what I'm saying," replied Ryan being defensive.
"Because let me remind you of something, Ryan. I am your manager; I am still your boss," said Kelly.
"Yes, you are; thank you for the reminder," said Ryan.
Kelly laughs.
"Oh relax; I was only joking. I was barely even principal here," said Kelly.
"Yeah, but you're still coming back, right?" asked Ryan.
"Yeah, I'm still planning on it. But who knows when that might happen," replied Kelly.
"Well, I hope Brandon gets better very soon; and things can go back to normal," said Ryan taking a sip of his coffee.
"Me too," said Kelly.
"Must be kind of awkward with you being there for him….," said Ryan.
Kelly looks at Ryan with a blank stare.
"Sorry, I meant that….given the last time we saw each other, you told me that you two were going through some things," said Ryan.
"Oh right. Sorry, I forgot I told you that," said Kelly.
"Hey, it's none of my business. It's forgotten. I won't bring it up ever again," said Ryan.
"No, it's ok. It's actually nice to discuss this with someone who's not so involved in this situation," said Kelly.
"Oh ok," said Ryan.
"To be honest, it has been awkward. I feel like we're all adjusting to this….and we don't know when things will get better," said Kelly.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope things get better for the both of you," said Ryan.
"Thanks Ryan. I hope that this can stay between us," said Kelly.
"You got it. I haven't told anyone," said Ryan.
"Thank you," smiled Kelly.
"I know I'd probably shouldn't bring this up but my lawyer friend can still represent you if you need it," said Ryan.
"Thanks Ryan. I really appreciate you doing all this for me. You are such a good friend," said Kelly.
"Thanks Kel. I really don't mean to butt into your private life but I want to be supportive in any way possible…as a friend, of course," said Ryan acting a little weird.
"Thanks Ryan. Brandon and I are actually separated at the moment," said Kelly.
"Oh," said Ryan.
"We had decided this before the accident," said Kelly.
"So now, you two are back together?" asked Ryan.
"No, not exactly. We just haven't dealt with it…and I just think that going through the process now will just be too much for him and for us," replied Kelly.
"I understand," said Ryan.
"We'll see what happens after Brandon is back to normal," said Kelly.
"Sounds good...whatever you like to do," said Ryan.
"Thanks Ryan. I'm sorry for drag you into this. I didn't mean to," said Kelly.
"No worries. I try to care," said Ryan.
"You do. Thank you," said Kelly.
She leans in for a hug. Ryan hugs Kelly.
Silver walks up to the Ryan and Kelly.
"Kel, you're still here," said Silver.
Ryan and Kelly break the hug.
"Yeah, I saw Ryan and we were just catching up," said Kelly.
"Ok. I just wanted to let you know that I think it's time to pick Brandon up from his class," said Silver.
Kelly looks at the time.
"Oh shoot…I'm late. Thanks Silver," said Kelly getting up from her chair.
"Ryan, it was so good to see you. I'll see you next time," Kelly.
"Yeah, see you next time," said Ryan standing up.
They hug again.
"Sorry to run like this," said Kelly.
"No worries…go…say hi to Brandon for me," said Ryan.
"Ok. Bye," said Kelly.
Kelly quickly grabs her bag and walk out the door.
Ryan watches as Kelly run out the door. He realizes Silver is looking at him.
"Silver?" asked Ryan.
"Be careful, Mr. Matthews," replied Silver.
She turns around and walks away. Ryan has a confused look as he watches as Silver walks away.
Back at Lakeshore Physical Therapy, we see Bill working with Brandon. Bill is trying to elevate Brandon's legs as Brandon is trying to balance his body. Brandon has both hands on two metal bars for support.
"There you go, Brandon. Keep it up. You don't need your legs to touch the ground. Just move them as you move your arms," said Bill.
Brandon is seriously tired and losing strength. Still, he powers through makes it from one end to another.
"Oh, I did it," said Brandon.
"Great job, Brandon," said Bill.
"Thanks Bill," said Brandon trying to catch his breath.
Bill brings the wheelchair closer to Brandon. Brandon slowly sits down.
"Thanks," said Brandon.
"You're welcome. Our session today is over. You did great. I guess I'll see you in a few days," said Bill.
"Yes, thanks for working with me," said Brandon still trying to catch his breath.
"Do you mind if I stay here and catch my breath until my ride gets here?" asked Brandon.
"No problem. Take all the time you need. Just give the wheelchair back to Susan when you're done," replied Bill.
"Thanks. Will do," said Brandon extending his hand to Bill.
Bill smiles and shakes his hand.
"Take care, Brandon," said Bill.
"You too Bill. Thanks," said Brandon.
Bill walks away.
Brandon grabs a towel and continuously wipe the sweat off his face.
A woman in a wheelchair moves towards Brandon.
"Here, I think this could help," said the woman throwing a bottle water at Brandon.
Brandon catches the bottled water.
"Thanks...what do I owe you?" asked Brandon.
"Nothing, they have them by the corner over there. Help yourself," said the women.
"Thanks," said Brandon taking a sip of the water.
"I can't help but notice you earlier. You did good," said the woman.
"Thanks. It's a lot harder than it looks," said Brandon.
"I know; I was just trying to be nice before. You were only doing ok," said the woman.
Brandon pauses for a bit.
"I appreciate your honesty. You build my confidence up and now, it's back down," said Brandon.
The woman laughs.
"I'm only joking. You were doing alright," said the woman.
"Thanks," said Brandon.
"I'm Tina," said Tina extending her hand to Brandon.
"Hi Tina. I'm Brandon," said Brandon.
"Hi Brandon. First day here?" asked Tina.
"Yeah, is it that obvious?" asked Brandon smiling.
"No. I was on the fence when I was over there checking you out," replied Tina joking.
"Oh well then, now that I know I have a fan watching, I'll try harder next time," said Brandon smiling.
"So, what are you in for?" asked Tina.
"Excuse me?" asked Brandon.
"You know, your reason for being here. Everybody's gotta have a reason and a story," replied Tina.
"It's a long story. Long story short; I attacked by a gang in an alley and I was running away from them and got hit by a car," replied Brandon.
"Oh, I'm sorry. That's terrible. Were they caught?" asked Tina.
"No. I haven't heard from police in months," replied Brandon.
"They're out there doing whatever they want and I'm stuck here," added Brandon.
"I'm sorry," said Tina with a sad look on her face.
Brandon notices Tina's look.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to rant in front of you," said Brandon.
"It's ok. I asked you," smiled Tina.
"So, what are you in for?" asked Brandon.
"I was a dancer. I was running late for a class. I wasn't paying attention; ran into the street on a red light…and got hit," replied Tina.
"I'm sorry," said Brandon.
"Thank you. Our incidents were similar but I was at fault," said Tina.
"Ever since it happened, I felt like I lost my marriage, my job, and everything that I hold near and dear to my heart," said Brandon.
"Now everything's on this long pause. The doctor said that my legs aren't healing as fast as expected. So, here I am. But what's the use? Do the people here actually know if it's going to help? Or is my f te already determined?" asked Brandon.
"I used to think the same way. My doctor told me that my legs can get better over time but I just have to keep them active," replied Tina.
"That's exactly what my doctor told me. I wonder if all the doctors are giving out the same damn excuse. What do they do know? They're just dragging this on so that they can get more money out of me," said Brandon.
"Sorry, I'm ranting again," said Brandon.
"No problem. You may be right. But after a while, I realized that it's not so bad here. The staff are only trying to help," replied Tina.
"How do you know?" asked Brandon.
"They're nice, informative, and most of all, they assure me that there's hope in me getting better," replied Tina.
"How long have you been here?" asked Brandon.
"About a year," replied Tina.
Brandon has a surprised look on his face.
"A year?" asked Brandon shocked.
"Yeah," replied Tina.
"I have to be here for a year?" asked Brandon.
"I could've left but I like it here. I can't say the same about you," replied Tina.
"Have you felt any different within this year?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah. I can move from one end to another faster than you could," replied Tina.
Brandon laughs.
"Oh ok," said Brandon.
"What? You don't believe me? I can show you," asked Tina.
"No, that's not what….," replied Brandon stopping midsentence.
He sees Kelly walking in and talking to Susan.
"No, maybe next time. My ride is here," said Brandon.
"Ok. I'll see you next time," said Tina.
"Thanks. Maybe if I get good enough, we can have a little race," said Brandon.
"Oh, I'll be sure I won't miss that," said Tina.
Brandon and Tina smile at each other.
"It was nice meeting you, Tina," said Brandon extending his hand.
"It was nice meeting you too, Brandon," smiled Tina.
Susan gets Brandon's attention. Brandon waves at Susan and Kelly.
Brandon wheels himself to Susan.
"Thanks Susan," said Brandon getting off the chair.
Kelly has Brandon's crutches ready for Brandon.
"Thank you, Brandon and Kelly. Take care. I'll see you next time," said Susan.
"Bye," said Brandon and Kelly.
"Bye," said Susan.
"I'm sorry, I'm late," said Kelly.
"It's ok. I just finished," said Brandon as they walk out the door.
To be continued….