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

"Krystal's Strength"

The doctor had just left the room. He cleared Krystal after her d & c procedure & she was all set to go. The procedure only took about 15 minutes, but Krystal had to recover for a few hours before they could finally clear her to go home. Summer had been waiting in the waiting room while Krystal was undergoing the procedure. She didn't leave her side as soon as they brought her into the recovery room.
Krystal was sitting up on the hospital with her hair in a bandana, dressed in a hospital gown. She was tired from a mentally & physically draining day. She hadn't worn makeup in weeks, but didn't care. The only thing she could think about now were her 3 precious girls at home. Krystal looked at Summer & she looked so worried.

Krystal: Please don't feel sorry for me. That's the last thing I need, Summer.
Summer: Krystal...
Krystal: Look, I've had my moment of sadness. And now I have this peace that my baby is in the arms of God. Just like my mom used to tell me & my sisters growing up,"We would never appreciate the sunshine if it weren't for the rain." In life we go through rough times, but those times don't last forever. Just like the rain. It's only temporary & will pass & before we know it, the sun will be out & shining again. Summer, I'm going to be fine.
Summer: You're superwoman, you know that?
Krystal: That's what my husband tells me.
Summer: He's not wrong about that!

They both smiled & shared a sweet & needful laugh.

Krystal: Why don't I call Nat to check on my girls? I'll let him know we'll be on our way soon. I also have a few more things to pack & then we can get on the road.
Summer: Take your time & let me know if I can help.

Summer's phone rang. It was Serena. Summer stepped out of Krystal's room into the hospital's hallway.

Summer: Serena?
Serena: Hey Sum.
Summer: You don't sound too good. Are you ok? How's my niece?
Serena: Um, Miranda needs to stay in the hospital a little longer than we expected. She's fine. The doctors just want her to develop a stronger immune system before she can go home.
Summer: How about you?

Serena started to break down & Summer could hear it in the shakiness of her speech.

Serena: I'm not doing so well. I feel like I've already failed as a mother by leaving her here. I'm supposed to go home tomorrow. Tonight is my last night, but I just... don't want to leave.
Summer: Hey, hey, hey... Serena, listen to me. You're doing great & you're doing your very best for Miranda. Take it one day at a time. Who knows, maybe Miranda will be able to come home sooner than expected. Let me talk to Grandma.
Serena: She's not here.
Summer: What?
Serena: I haven't seen her since yesterday.
Summer: Let me call her & then I'll call you back. Ok?
Serena: No, she's probably with Jack.
Summer: Jack? Who's Jack?
Serena: Her boyfriend?
Summer: Ok, what? Yeah, I'm flying to Seattle. Tonight.
Serena: Summer, I appreciate it. I don't want to disrupt your plans. I just wanted to talk to someone.
Summer: Serena, the next time we talk it will be in person. I'm here for you. Ok?
Serena: Ok.
Summer: Love you. Kiss Miranda for me & I'll see you both really soon.

Krystal came out of the hospital room with a bag in her hand.

Summer: You ready?
Krystal: All set.

Summer took the bag from Krystal & they both headed to Krystal's house. As they arrived, Nat opened the door. His hair was disheveled & he was dressed in a frilly apron. Nat hugged Krystal & helped her inside.

Summer: Nat, I love the look.
Nat: Thank you, thank you. I call this my sexy nanny look.
Summer: Oh great!
Nat: How are you feeling, K?
Krystal: Just exhausted.
Nat: Let's get you upstairs. The girls were waiting on Krystal's room with cards & cut out hearts & rainbows to cheer her up. Krystal thanked Nat & Summer & sent them home.

Krystal: You both have done above & beyond & I can't thank you enough. I think I just really need to be with my girls. I'll be fine.

Nat was still dressed in the frilly apron & he & Summer exchanges looks of worry.

Summer: You sure?
Krystal: Yes, now go home both of you.
Nat: Ok, but please let us know if you need anything.

They exchanged "good-bye"s, tidied up downstairs & were on their way.

Krystal had a moment with her girls & she just explained that Baby Nevaeh was in heaven with God & that He was taking care of her for them. The girls had plenty of questions all through the rest of the day, but Krystal wouldn't have had it any other way.