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

"Sisterly-Love"

Serena kept over thinking her first night with Brian. She worried about all her stretch marks & loose skin on her body. She wondered what Brian had thought or if he thought anything of it at all. She felt completely vulnerable the other night. As she closed her eyes, she imagined herself again in that room with Brian. He as so sweet & gentle. None of her exes were ever that sweet. Brian was different. He was special. He was the one. Everything felt right & the timing was right, but it was her confidence that made her uncomfortable. She felt bad that she didn't go all the way with Brian. They both had waited so long for each other & now she felt that she blew it. All because she had a moment of low self esteem. Brian was completely understanding & told her it was fine & that it was important for them not to rush into the physical aspect of their relationship. Serena was ready to pack up & leave in the middle of the night, but Brian asked her to stay.

As Serena arrived home the following morning, Grandma had been waiting on the porch for her. She did not look happy. Serena slowly unloaded the car & had Miranda in one arm & a bag in the other. Grandma helped her make her way in the house, but scolded her as they walked in.

Grandma: Alright, let's hear it. You have some explaining to do.
Serena: Grandma, we're back in one piece. I had a long night so can we just talk about this later? Grandma: Serena, I thought you were maturing, but after last night, I just don't know. For God's sake, you're a mother now. No more gallivanting or partying.
Serena: Grandma, we were at Brian's house. I wasn't out partying or gallivanting. Besides, you know who Brian is. We can trust him.
Grandma: Oh I know we can trust Brian. I just don't know if I can trust you. You don't have the best track record when it comes to boys.
Serena: I know that. I was careful.

Grandma held Miranda in her arms & gave Serena the hardest stare.

Grandma: No more spending the night at Brian's. You hear me?
Serena: Fine!

Serena stormed off to her room. Grandma continued to rock Miranda.

Grandma: Please don't end up like your mother.

Serena called Summer & confided in her. She was ranting about how unfair Grandma was treating her & overreacted at the situation.

Serena: We were both careful & we used protection. I just don't see what the big idea is.
Summer: Grandma gets that way when she's concerned. Just leave it alone. She'll chill out, I promise.
Serena: Thanks...
Summer: What are sisters for?
Serena: Yeah. So how are things with you & Jay?

Summer was sitting on the balcony & she stood to close the door in case Jay could overhear.

Summer: Jay's still been kinda distant. He tells me he's stressed at work, but I feel like he's hiding something.
Serena: Are you guys still planning for the wedding?
Summer: Yeah, invitations went out a few days ago. I can't believe this is all happening.
Serena: Me neither. Hey um have you talked to Dennis?
Summer: No, I haven't. Why?
Serena: He messaged me on Instagram asking how you were.
Summer: Oh really?
Serena: Yeah. He's worried about you & says he's been trying to contact you.
Summer: Yeah, Jay erased his contact info from my phone & has banned me to ever communicate with him.
Serena: What the hell?
Summer: He says that we'll be married soon & that I need to start acting like his wife.
Serena: Yeah, wife, not slave. Summer, you have to stop this. You have to take control of your life back.

Jay entered the room & Summer heard him as he was approaching the balcony.

Jay: Who's that?

Summer whispered Serena's name as she covered the receiver.

Jay: Ok. Well, we gotta go soon.

Summer nodded.

Summer: Look, Serena, I um... I got to go. Thanks for calling.  Kiss Miranda for me.

Serena knew that Jay must've been rushing the phone call. Summer was never abrupt to end phone calls unless Jay had something to do with it. Serena had enough of Jay & realized it was time to take matters into her own hands. Serena called Dennis next & kept him up to speed about things with Summer & Jay. Dennis was worried that Summer wasn't responding to any of his messages or returning his calls. Serena reassured him that it wasn't her sister's fault, but that Jay was controlling her phone usage. They devised a plan that Serena called operation "Save Summer".