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

"Granddad"

Serena had been seeing her dad on a weekly basis & everything was going well. They were catching up nicely & had gone beyond the awkward stage. Brian even felt at ease in Todd's presence. She realized that it was time for her dad to meet finally Miranda. For their next meeting time, she invited her dad to meet them at the hospital for Miranda's checkup appointment & then afterwards, they could go out for a meal. Todd agreed & was ecstatic for the opportunity to meet his granddaughter. He bought a giant teddy bear months ago for Miranda. He was waiting for the perfect time to give it to her. Today was that day. He loaded the giant teddy bear into his car with a huge smile on his face. Just as he was about to get into the car his wife, Cynthia, stopped him. She wasn't happy about him spending all this time with Serena. She was trying to talk him out of leaving.

Cynthia: Don't you think you're spending too much time with her?
Todd: Serena's my daughter. Why wouldn't I not be spending time with her?
Cynthia: Todd, she needs to learn.
Todd: Learn what exactly?
Cynthia: She needs to learn that there are consequences for her actions.
Todd: It's literally been months of separation between my daughter & I. I'm sure she's learned enough. I don't want her to think that she's not loved. Because I still love her. And I want to be there for her & for her daughter, our granddaughter.
Cynthia: Your granddaughter.
Todd: You can either get in the car with me or step aside, Cynthia.

Todd sat in his car & started it up. Cynthia wasn't budging nor was she done picking a fight & she mumbled something under her breathe.

Cynthia: That's why she's a brat!
Todd: Excuse me?!
Cynthia: She's spoiled, Todd. That's all I'm saying. You're making a mistake by visiting her today.

Todd took his key out of the ignition & got out of the car. He walked right up to Cynthia.

Todd: You know, when I married you I thought you'd make a great stepmom for my Serena.
Cynthia: And?
Todd: THAT was my biggest mistake. Visiting Serena & Miranda today is the best decision I've made all week.

Todd got back into his car, started the ignition. This time Cynthia stepped out of his way. Cynthia rolled her eyes as she watched Todd drive off. Their marriage had always been a rocky one. She married Todd for his money knowing right well he had a daughter. She thought the money would compensate the "trouble" that came with Serena. Serena tried her best to please Cynthia in everything she did. She even joined the cheerleading squad although she dreaded the bright uniforms & the snooty cheerleaders. Cynthia often talk about her cheerleading glory days & Serena thought for sure she had won her stepmom over when she got accepted into the cheerleading squad at her high school. Sadly she still didn't have Cynthia's approval. She gave up trying after that incident. The truth was, Cynthia always felt second place to Serena. Cynthia was constantly in competition for Todd's attention & affection. Todd tried his best to be there for Cynthia, but Serena was the apple of his eye. She was his little girl & all he had left from Miranda, his true love.

Todd rolled up to Serena's house & knocked on the door. Brian answered & greeted him. Todd had not met Grandma & Jack yet. Inside the house the two were waiting for him. Jack stood up first. Grandma was always a little hesitant meeting people at first. To grandma, everyone was guilty until proven innocent. Jack extended his arm to shake Todd's hand. Todd extended his arm towards Grandma. She kept her arms folded.

Nora: I'm Nora.
Todd: Todd. Nice to meet you.
Nora: Is it?
Jack: Don't mind her! Her bark is much bigger than her bite. That I can guarantee. Can I get you anything to drink, Todd. Coffee, pop, water?
Todd: Water is fine.
Jack: Water comin' right up.
Todd: Thank you.

Jack nudged Nora on his way to the kitchen. Todd awkwardly smiled at Nora & Brian.

Brian: Why don't I go check on Serena?

Just as Brian turned, Grandma grabbed just arm & whispered to him.

Grandma: Don't you dare leave me alone with this idiot.
Brian: Yes, ma'am.

Brian turned back around.

Todd: You have a beautiful home.

Grandma gave no reply.

Todd: Ok...

Jack came back into the room humming. He was holding a tray of a few glasses of water with lemon wedges in the rims.

Jack: What'd I miss?
Todd: Nothing much. Thanks for the water, Mr...
Jack: Call me Jack, please.
Todd: Jack, got it. And I'm sorry, I didn't get your name.
Nora: Yeah, that's cause I didn't give it.
Jack: Nora...

Brian felt uncomfortable sitting there. He kept turning back to look at the stairs hoping Serena & Miranda were on their way down.

Todd: It's ok, Jack. I don't blame her. I'd be upset with me too. The truth is, I feel bad... Guilty even for the way I haven't been there for my daughter. God knows how grateful I am for you folks taking her in like your own. That means the world to me knowing that she's been safe & sound. That they've both been safe & sound. You must know that I love Serena & Miranda. I'm ready now to be a part of both of their lives. I'm here to stay.
Nora: It's Nora.
Todd: Excuse me?
Nora: My name is Nora.
Todd: Nice to meet you Nora.

Brian turned around to see Serena & Miranda heading downstairs.

Brian: Oh, thank God...

Serena walked into the living room area & walked right up to her father. His eyes were glued to Miranda. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

Serena: Hi dad.
Todd: Hi baby girl.
Serena: There's someone who wants to meet you.
Miranda, this is your granddad. Dad, this is Miranda.

Todd's eyes seemed to be tearing up. He held out his arms asking to hold Miranda. Serena gently handed Miranda over to Todd. She was so precious in his sight. Grandma could see how genuine Todd was. He was no longer guilty in her eyes & opinion.