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

"Miranda"

Doctor Welling: Hello Miss Langston. Long time no see. I was hoping I wouldn't see you for another oh... 8-9 weeks, but I guessed you missed us here.

In between contractions & heavy breathing, Serena still managed to speak. Doctor Welling sat on the swivel stool next to Serena's bed.The doctor looked at Brian & smiled.

Serena: Hi...Dr. Welling. What can I say?... I can't stay away from this place.
Doctor Welling: Are you the one responsible for bringing this troublemaker in?
Brian: Yes, sir.
Doctor Welling: Please. Call me, Jim.
Brian: How about I call you doctor?
Doctor Welling: That's fine with me. Anyways, looks like we're having a baby today. Now, Serena like we discussed with your Grandma, you're only 31 weeks so this is going to be a very critical time for Miranda. We'll do what we can so that the delivery goes smoothly.
Serena: Thank you, Doctor.
Doctor Welling: And I know you were hoping for a natural birth, but we want to let you know that we may need to do a c-section considering your situation.
Serena: Whatever is best for baby.
Doctor Welling: That's the spirit.

Doctor Welling checked Serena's cervix & she was already 10 centimeters dilated & 100% effaced. The nurses helped Serena get prepped for delivery. She was ready to push & ready to meet her daughter. Brian remained her constant & continued to remind Serena that he wasn't going anywhere. He kicked into full gear in holding Serena's hand & giving her ice chips if needed. Serena was determined to deliver Miranda naturally & without medication. She knew it'd be painful, but she also knew it'd be worth it at the end. Brian was surprised that Serena was foregoing any pain medication or any aid in delivering Miranda. He was frankly impressed by her decision to do so.

Brian: You're doing great, Serena.
Serena: Thank you.

All of a sudden, the monitors around them alerted Doctor Welling & the nurses with loud beeping. Doctor Welling looked at the machine, but remained calm & began asking the nurses for specific items. A look of worry overcame Serena's face. She gripped Brian's hands tightly.

Serena: Doctor, what's happening?
Doctor Welling: Baby's heart rate is dropping. It's normal when you contract, but if this continues & if baby's heart rate is prolonged, we may need to do a c-section.

After a few minutes, the Doctor's demeanor changed to a more somber one. The monitors continued to beep.

Doctor Welling: Serena, you've got to help your daughter out here.
Serena: I wanna continue pushing.
Doctor Welling: Ok, we'll have to get her out in the next 5 minutes. Can you do that?

Serena looked at Brian. She needed reassurance.

Brian: You can do anything, Serena.

Serena smiled at Brian & then looked up at the Doctor.

Doctor: Time to give it all you got.

Serena nodded & after she gave a few hard pushes, a baby's cry could be heard. Brian held onto Serena's hand as she grunted from the pushing. He began to rejoice over the birth of Miranda as the nurses lifted her up. He looked down at Serena who had passed out. He tried shaking her.

Brian: Doctor! What's wrong?!
Doctor: Brian, I'm sorry you'll have to step out of the the room. Her body has gone into a cardiac arrest. Nurses!

Brian stood up & walked out watching the nurses scrambling for the defibrillator. One nurse took Miranda into the hall towards the nursery while another nurse directed Brian to exit the room completely. The door closed in front of Brian. He felt completely helpless. He turned to watch as Miranda was carted away & peeped through the small window in the room door at Serena.