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

"Brian's Surprise"

The night before the shower, Summer received an email from her assistant which reflected Nick's history. She was sitting on the couch, her room during her visit since her room would be Miranda's nursery. She read the email thoroughly & went over it again to make sure she didn't miss a thing. Nick's dark childhood definitely made a negative impact in his adulthood. Nick suffered from trauma, PTSD, as well as BPD or Bipolar Personality Disorder. According to his former counsellor's notes, Nick received some kind therapy in highschool which didn't last long, but helped him for a while, until he joined the Marines which later triggered PTSD. He was only actively serving in the Marines for a short time until he was restricted only to office work. Nick's manipulation stemmed from a distrust in the people in his life. He tried controlling Nat to some degree, but it was only on the minor scale. Since Summer was a female & she reminded him of his mother, Nick clung to her & now that he had her where he wanted, he tried to have full control over her by manipulation. Summer barely slept that night. She kept going over in her head what she would plan to do to help Nick. She didn't want to hurt him, she wanted to help him. She believed Nick had a good heart, but he needed help.

Morning came fast & she was awakened by a knocking sound at the door. She wrapped her blanket around her, rubbed her eyes & went to see who it was. It was Brian. She opened the door & leaned back to look at the huge clock which hung on the living room wall. It was 5:00 am.

Summer: Brian, what are you doing here so early?

Summer investigated the bag in Brian's hands. She saw paint supplies & tools.

Brian: I'm sorry. I know it's early. I just wanted to get a head start on Miranda's nursery.
Summer: Come in.
Brian: Thanks.
Summer: Wow, you didn't have to go out of your way, Brian.
Brian: I want to do this for Serena & for Miranda.
Summer: I'll make you some coffee.
Brian: Thanks.

Brian tiptoed upstairs to the nursery & started prepping for painting & began planting paint tape across the room. Summer came up to bring him a hot cup of coffee. She peeked into Serena's room & she was still fast asleep. Summer tiptoed back in to the nursery to join Brian. She closed the door behind her.

Brian: Good thing she's a heavy sleeper.
Summer: Right?
Brian: Man, I remember when we had a 7:00am orientation for school & she fell asleep about 20 minutes in. I kept nudging her & she remained sleeping. It was the cutest thing.

Summer smiled & picked up a roll of painters tape to help Brian.

Summer: Hey Brian.
Brian: Yeah?
Summer: Thanks for looking out for Serena. She really needs someone like you in her life.

Brian finished most of the painting with some assistance from Summer. They looked at the time which read 8:30. Brian stood back to admire their work. He felt accomplished. He pushed his hair back & placed his baseball cap on his head. He wiped his hands with a towel & turned to face Summer.

Brian: You think she'll like it?

Summer smiled.

Summer: Brian, I think she'll love it.

Brian smiled back & started picking up around the room.

Brian: I better get going before she wakes up. I'll see you tomorrow at the baby shower.
Summer: Yeah, see you tomorrow.

Summer helped Brian pick up around the nursery & walked Brian out. She was impressed by him. He was so genuine & down to earth. How could Serena not be with him already? What was she waiting for?

Serena woke up mid morning & Grandma had prepared a sumptuous brunch. Summer was at the table typing up notes from her recent session with Nick. Serena came downstairs & sat in the chair across from Summer.