"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"You're Family"

Grandma quickly grabbed towels & a blanket & then helped Serena to the car. Serena walked slowly down the stairs as her pain increased. She was clinging on to grandma with whatever strength she had. Grandma could sense the fear in Serena. She brushed her hair back as she helped her get settled in the car. Grandma locked up the house & cried a few tears, but away from Serena. She maintained her composure in fear of it affecting Serena. She wiped her face before Serena noticed her tears.

Grandma: Everything's going to be ok. You hear me?

Serena nodded & was grateful for Grandma. Grandma drove straight towards the hospital. As she drove she kept one hand on the wheel & one holding on to Serena's hand. Serena trembled with fear & sighed as she couldn't help but think about the worse case scenario.

Serena: Grandma, I don't want to lose the b...
Grandma: Shhh... Just rest.

In the waiting room, Grandma signed all of Serena's paperwork for the emergency room & before they knew it were in a room waiting to see the ER doctor. This was the same waiting room where Summer was admitted last year for overdosing & alcohol abuse. The memories came flooding through her mind. She loved her granddaughters so much & would do anything in her power to help them through life. The rooms were separated by curtains so you could hear the voices coming from the other side. Serena was uncomfortable hearing the cries of the people around her. She closed her eyes as she lay still on the hospital bed. Grandma paced the room & bit her fingernails.

Grandma: Where's that damn doctor?

Grandma pulled a part of the curtain back. She called a nurse's attention to ask where the doctor was. The nurse reassured her that the doctor would be there shortly. Grandma stepped out of the curtained room to speak to the nurse. Everyone around could see how upset Grandma was.

Grandma: That's what you tell everyone isn't it? Is that all your paid to do? My granddaughter is in there in pain & worried about the life of her daughter, my great granddaughter. So I'd appreciate it if you could...
Doctor: Miss Langston? Hi, I'm Dr. Welling.

The doctor stepped into the room while Grandma had been busy gabbing & complaining to the nurse. Grandma held the nurses hands & apologized. The nurse understood & walked away.

Grandma: Hi doctor, I'm her grandmother.
Doctor Welling: Hi Grandma, why don't you have a seat & then you can help answer a few questions for me.

The doctor helped calm both Grandma & Serena down. He was kind & had a gentle manner about him. He asked the duo a few questions before he started his examination. After a few hours of waiting for test results, the doctor returned with the diagnoses.

Grandma: Placental abruption?
Doctor: Yes ma'am. In Serena's case it's mild, but we would still like for her to stay at the hospital for at least one more day just so we can keep her for observation. Nothing serious just precautionary that's all.
Grandma: Thank you, Doctor.
Serena: Thank you, Dr. Welling.
Doctor: That's what we're here for. Now, I'd like to go over some things you'll have to keep in mind while you're on bed rest.
Serena: Wait, bedrest? Grandma? What about school?
Grandma: Yes, doctor. Can't she still attend classes? Doctor: I'm afraid that's out of the question. Any more stress to your body will definitely affect the baby.
Serena: Doctor, how's my baby?
Doctor: Baby is doing well for now. You've got a fighter in there. You didn't lose too much blood, but you do need to take extra precaution. It's not just recommended it's absolutely necessary you stay in bed for the rest of your pregnancy.
Grandma: Doctor she's only 30 weeks along.
Doctor: I understand. When you get discharged tomorrow I'll have my nurses instruct your grandma on how to use the bedpan & the best way to go about sponge baths. Have a good day, ladies. I'll see you in a bit, Miss Langston.
Grandma: Thanks again, Doctor.

The Doctor placed his hand on Grandma's arm & one on the foot of Serena's bed.

Doctor: Take care.

The doctor walked out.

Serena: Grandma, bed rest?
Grandma: Honey, it's for the best. And it's only temporary.
Serena: I guess.

Grandma checked her watch & it was already close to dinner time. She grabbed her purse & coat & stood up.

Serena: Where are you going?
Grandma: I hate the hospital food so I'm going to grab us dinner. What are you in the mood for?
Serena: Anything's fine I guess.

Grandma has halfway out & Serena stopped her.

Serena: Grandma?
Grandma: Yes, hon'?
Serena: All those things you said & you calling me your granddaughter... Thank you, I thought I lost my family when I moved up here.
Grandma: Serena, you may not be blood, but you're family.

Grandma walked back in, kissed Serena's forehead & walked out. Serena felt so tired. She held her tummy & whispered to Miranda.

Serena: You're going to be in so much trouble when you get out of there. You're lucky I love you so much. My little fighter...