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

"I'm the Lucky One"

Serena held a balloon in one hand & a bag of Brian's favorite fast food meal in the other. She was at the hospital in the elevator on her way up to visit Brian. He had to stay at the hospital for a few days to recover from the tiring blood transfusion procedure. He was sitting upright in the hospital bed flipping through the channels on tv. Just then, Serena knocked on his door & let herself in his room. She was met by a huge smile on Brian's face. His voice was groggy, but cheerful. She scolded him for not resting, but couldn't stay upset with him.

Serena: You make it so hard to stay upset with you.
Brian: Can't resist my charm huh?
Serena: Oh, don't give yourself all the credit.
Brian: So what'd you bring me?
Serena: I brought you your favorite pastrami sandwich & Miranda brought you a balloon.
Brian: I love it. How's the little girl doing?
Serena: She's doing well. Her appetite is back up.
Brian: I'm glad to hear it. How about you? How have you been?
Serena: I just can't wait wait to bring her home. It's been rough, but I think the hard part is behind us.

Serena sat down next to Brian's bed. Brian took out the sandwich & was about to eat. He offered Serena half of the sandwich, but she declined saying she had already eaten lunch. Serena turned the tv off & put her hand on Brian's hand.

Serena: Brian, I don't know how to thank you for what you did for Miranda & for me.
Brian: You don't owe me anything. I was glad to do it.
Serena: Miranda is privileged to have such strong blood running through her veins. You're such a sweet & strong man, Brian.
Brian: Whoa... You just called me a "man".
Serena: You're my man.
Brian: I think you know by now that I'd do absolutely anything for you & for Miranda.

Serena leaned over to kiss Brian one more time. He explained that he'd be going home the next day & that Dylan would be picking him up. The two said good-bye & Serena had one more pit stop to make before heading home.

Nurse Dana: Serena, is that you?
Serena: Nurse Dana! Hi, it's been a while.
Nurse Dana: Here to pick up Miranda?
Serena: Yes, I can't wait to bring her home.

While chatting & catching up, Nurse Dana walked Serena to Miranda's room. Miranda was all cuddled up in the crib. She was fast asleep. Nurse Dana assured Serena that Miranda passed all her tests, was recovering well & ready to go home. She helped Serena get Miranda all packed up. After signing a few discharge papers, Serena & Miranda were all set. Serena hugged Nurse Dana & thanked her for all her help. As Serena was pushing Miranda's stroller into the elevator she bumped into another stroller. She looked up & to her surprise saw Antonio & Manny.

Antonio: Serena?
Serena: Antonio... Hi.
Antonio: Wow, you look great. How have you been?
Serena: It's been a year. How are you? Where's Gabby?
Antonio: Long story. Do you have time? Would you like to grab a cup of coffee or something?
Serena: I'm not in any rush. Coffee sounds good.

Antonio had been meaning to talk to Serena & explain the situation between him & Manny's mother, Gabby. Over a cup of coffee, the two talked & spent time together. Antonio couldn't stop staring at Serena. She looked more beautiful than he remembered her. Antonio explained Gabby's situation & how she was getting treatments at a rehab center. Serena felt bad for Manny & Antonio.

Serena: I'm so sorry, Antonio.
Antonio: Sometimes you just gotta accept the cards that are dealt to you. You gotta focus on the good...I'm so blessed to have my abuella & abuello helping me out.

Manny started to fuss & Antonio reached into the stroller to pick him up.

Antonio: We both are.

As much as Antonio looked like the father of the year holding Manny, Serena didn't find herself falling for his charm this time.

Antonio: How's everything with you & Miranda?

Miranda was still fast asleep in her stroller. Serena gave Antonio a shortened version of what transpired in the past week. He was shocked to hear of all that they had been through. He offered help out of courtesy, but knew Serena was in good hands with how much she talked about Brian.

Antonio: I'd really like to meet Brian one day. He sounds like a real, good guy. Well, Serena I'm happy for you. I just wish things would've worked out differently for us.
Serena: I'm happy for you too, Antonio. It was nice bumping into you & Manny today.
Antonio: You better get home. You both need some rest after a long week.

The two stood & embraced before parting ways. Just as they were embracing, Brian was walking down the hall for some exercise. He had so many thoughts racing through his head. He quickly turned the corner to get out of sight from Serena & Antonio.

Antonio: I'll see you around.
Serena: Bye, Antonio.
Antonio: Brian's one hell of a lucky guy. He better take good care of you.
Serena: He is taking good care of the both of us. And for the record, I'm the lucky one.