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

"Brian's Choice"

Brian hung up the phone from his call with Serena. It had been about a month or so since he's heard from her. They would see each other in passing at school, but would only wave to each other from a distance. As much as he was hurt, Brian honestly really missed Serena. He missed her company. He missed studying with her, walking with her from class to class. He missed spending time with her. Getting a call from her today was a big surprise.

Dylan: So... What are you gonna do?
Brian: I'm gonna go help her.
Dylan: What? Come on...Don't be her errand boy again, Brian. She's using you.
Brian: Right now she needs me. Regardless of what you say or think, I'm going to go help her.

Brian grabbed a jacket & his car keys & was headed towards the door.

Dylan: Brian? Really?
Brian: Dylan, it's the right thing to do.

Dylan shook his head as he watched his cousin go to Serena's rescue yet again. He was tired of seeing his cousin get used, as he called it. Brian was always quick to help others especially those who he loved.

Brian drove up to the soup kitchen & saw Serena sitting on a bench out front. He parked his car & walked out to meet her.

Brian: Hey...
Serena: Thanks, Brian. I didn't know who else to call.

Her eyes were watering & the sight of her tears made Brian instantly go into protective mode. He hugged her.

Brian: Hey, hey... it's gonna be fine. Come on, let's get out of here.

He walked Serena to his car & opened her door for her & then got in himself. She was quiet & sobbed softly facing her window. She was embarrassed & felt bad for calling Brian.

Serena: Miranda...
Brian: What was that?
Serena: We have to go pick Miranda up from Antonio's house.
Brian: No worries, just tell me where to go. Ok? It's gonna be fine.
Serena: Brian, thanks.

Brian smiled.

Serena: And... I'm sorry. I shut you out. I shouldn't have done that. I've been pretty selfish. Now I know it's time for me to focus on my daughter even if I have to put things on hold for me.

Brian nodded. He didn't know what to say to Serena & he didn't want to make things worse.

Serena: You're probably wondering why I needed ride...
Brian: Yeah.

For the duration of the drive, Serena took her time explaining to Brian who Antonio was, what had happened that day & why she needed a ride. Serena had stopped crying & vowed to herself to be serious about being the best mother she can to Miranda. Brian was quiet the entire time & listened to every word that Serena said. They got to Antonio's house & Brian parked in the driveway.

Brian: Do you need any help?
Serena: No, it's ok. I can manage. Just wait here, ok?
Brian: Yeah. Hey, Serena.

Serena turned back around to face Brian.

Serena: Yeah?
Brian: I'm glad you called me.
Serena: Me too.