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

"Our Spot"

Serena was on her way to campus for her student orientation. It was her first time ever leaving Miranda behind & she was trying to cope with her separation with her. Miranda cried a lot when she left which made it harder to leave. Even if it was difficult to leave the house, she was confident that Miranda would be fine with Grandma & Jack. She hesitantly walked up the administration building's steps & stumbled only to be caught by Brian.

Serena: Brian...
Brian: I got you! You ok?
Serena: I'm fine.

Serena regained composure as Brian picked up her bag off of the floor to hand back to her. The two continued walking up the steps.

Serena: Here for orientation?
Brian: Yup! Senior year, baby!
Serena: Baby?
Brian: It's an expression...
Serena: I know. I'm just teasing. Man, last semester was rough.
Brian: But we made it. Look at us now. A new school year ahead.

Serena loved Brian's cheerful disposition. She questioned herself why she had brushed him aside all this time. She had wasted all that time with the wrong guys. She shook her head of any idea of being with Brian though. She wanted to focus on her being a mother & a student. She couldn't handle any distractions. Brian was still head over heels for Serena. He was glad to be back in her life. He wasn't going to blow it this time.

After the orientation, Brian suggested to grab a bite to eat at the corner cafe. Serena smiled because the corner cafe was 'their spot'. She gladly agreed to Brian's invitation. Serena sat at the table they always sat at. It was a table right by the circle shaped window. Her seat overlooked the west side of campus. The cafe was usually packed during the school year, but Brian was always good at sweet talking the girls at the counter to save the table for him & Serena. She didn't realize it then, but she was realizing it now. Brian was always a sweetheart. Serena stared out the window & was lost in a daydream of the past. Brian held a drink tray in his hand & a plate with 2 bagels on it.

Brian: A small coffee & an everything bagel for you, ma'am.

Serena turned to look at him. She smiled as she took the coffee & plate to set it down on the table.

Serena: A lot of memories were made at this table.
Brian: Yup. Great memories.
Serena: Remember that one really rainy, windy day?
Brian: The one where they almost cancelled 3rd period?
Serena: Yeah, that day. And we were sitting here right when the storm hit. We watched so many people struggling to stay dry. While I sat here laughing insensitively, you wanted to run outside to offer your umbrella to every girl that walked by. You're such a gentleman. We need more Brian's in the world.

Brian sipped his coffee, but stayed quiet.

Brian: I'm sorry. I don't respond well to compliments.
Serena: Brian, thanks for always being such a sweetheart & a true friend.

Brian cringed at the f word. Any f word would've been better than the word, friend. They enjoyed the rest of their meal & then went on their separate ways.

Brian returned home & slung his backpack & jacket on the couch. He was greeted by Michie in the kitchen. She was preparing dinner.

Michie: Hey Bry... How was your day?
Brian: It was ok. Orientation dragged, but it's required so there's that. I got to spend time with Serena.
Michie: Really? How'd that go?
Brian: It was going well until she called me a true friend.

Michie popped a tray into the oven, washed her hands & wiped it on her apron. She sat down across from Brian.

Michie: Hey... Calling you a true friend doesn't mean you're officially friend-zoned.
Brian: Michie, I thought I had another chance with Serena & I brought her to our spot today & she called me a true friend.
Michie: Well, why don't you ask her out?
Brian: Hmm... You know what? I will. I'll ask her out tomorrow.
Michie: Yeah, you go, Brian!

That night, Brian called Serena to ask her out. Before he called Serena, he stood in front of the mirror practicing what he would say & how he would ask her. It must've taken him an hour to get his script straight & to gain confidence. When she answered, he froze, but stayed focused on asking her out. He fumbled a bit, but managed to ask Serena out on a date.

Serena: A date date?
Brian: Yes. A date date. Not as friends.
Serena: Not as friends.
Brian: Yes. Not as friends.
Serena: Sure. I'll go on a date date with you.
Brian: Ok, great. I'll see you then.

Brian cheered himself on by dancing a victory dance in his room. Brian was screaming from excitement. Michie & Dylan we're watching tv in the living room & Dylan was shocked to hear screams coming from Brian's room. Michie had a huge smile on her face.
Dylan got halfway off of the couch, but Michie stopped him.

Michie: She said yes.
Dylan: Huh?
Michie: Brian asked Serena out & she said yes.
Dylan: What? That's awesome. Go Brian!!

Brian heard Dylan from his room & replied with a loud "thank you!"