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

"I'm Here"

Dennis arrived at his hotel in Virginia. He was unpacking the few clothing pieces he brought with him until he was distracted by the sights outside his window. He gazed into the distance knowing that he was in the same state as Summer was. She was out there in the distance & he was one step closer to her. He was ready to tell her about how he felt. He just wasn't sure how she would react to it. He continued unpacking hoping an idea would come to him as to how he would get her to meet with him.

Summer had to strongly convince Nat & Krystal to let her go to her doctor's appointment by herself. She repeatedly told them that she'd be fine & that she had to do this on her own. They hesitantly agreed because there was no telling her otherwise. After telling Jay that she had a whole day of wedding dress shopping, she knew he wouldn't ask her about her whereabouts to the doctor's office. She didn't want Jay to know about this. She needed to be sure if she was definitely pregnant. The cramp-like pains she was having were subsiding, but she still hadn't had her period yet. The false-positive test she took at Krystal's house worried her even more. She looked around the waiting room. There was a coffee table with last year's issue of people & cosmo. She looked across from her & saw a pregnant woman holding a clipboard filling out some forms. Next to her was a mother with her little boy. He was adorable & kept smiling up at her. Summer smiled back every time his eyes met hers. Summer looked down & held her stomach. She was about to reach for one of the outdated magazines when a nurse called out her name.

Nurse: Summer Harper?
Summer: That's me.

Summer followed the nurse to get her vitals taken. After filling up some paperwork & answering some of the nurse's questions, she was left in the examination room to wait for her doctor. She bounced her leg on the floor as sat on the chair. She was so nervous she could hear her heart pounding out of her chest. She had a deep unsettled feeling in her stomach. Just then, the doctor knocked on the door & let herself in. After the introductions, Summer shared her symptoms with the doctor & explained that she thought she might be pregnant. The doctor examined her & then asked a few questions.

Dr. Patel: Summer, how are things at home?
Summer: They're fine. My fiancé is finally back home from deployment.
Dr. Patel: That must be a big adjustment.
Summer: It is, but we're taking it one day at a time.
Dr. Patel: That's a beautiful ring.
Summer: Thank you!

Summer looked down at her hand & then drew her hand in close to her chest. Summer's wrist was a exposed & the doctor saw something concerning. Dr. Patel scribbled something down in her notes as Summer chatted on about the wedding.

Dr. Patel: Ms. Harper, are you concerned about your safety at home?
Summer: No, I feel safe. My fiancé is a trained marine & well, let's just say we don't need a guard dog.

Dr. Patel continued to take notes. Summer started to get worried about how long the questions were taking.

Dr. Patel: Now, when did you notice the stomach pains?
Summer: The cramps?
Dr. Patel: Yes.
Summer: For the past week or so. I know. I should've come in earlier.
Dr. Patel: I am hoping that the tests you take today will show us why you've been having those pains. Now is there anything else causing you pain today?
Summer: Um... No.
Dr. Patel: Ok. Does your partner ever treat you in a way that causes stress, anxiety or fear?
Summer: I don't think so... I mean, no. No. Jay treats me... well.

Dr. Patel looked at Summer with concern. Summer reassured her that everything was fine at home & pushed for the pregnancy tests. Dr. Patel finished up her notes & then sent Summer to get a few tests done at the lab downstairs.

Dr. Patel: Is there anything I can help you with before you head downstairs?
Summer: Yes. When can I expect the results?
Dr. Patel: In 2-3 days.
Summer: Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Patel: Take care, Summer. And Summer.
Summer: Yes?
Dr. Patel: Here's my card in case you need to contact me directly.

Summer took Dr. Patel's business card, politely smiled & thanked her before heading out. Summer briskly walked to the lab to get her tests done. She looked at her phone & realized her appointment had taken a little longer than usual. She was in & out of the lab appointment quicker than the appointment with Dr. Patel & as she was getting into her car, her phone rang. The number didn't register as a known caller, but the number looked familiar she answered the phone just as she sat in the driver's seat.

Summer: Hello, this is Summer. May I please know who is calling?
Dennis: Summer, it's...it's me, Dennis. I'm here in Virginia.

Summer froze as she wasn't expecting Dennis to call. She had cut off all communications with him & was surprised to hear his voice. It was comforting to hear him after all this time of not talking to him, but she was worried. Jay could never find out about this.