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

"Care for Yourself"

Dennis stood by the entrance of the restaurant where he & Summer had agreed to meet at. He walked towards her as soon as he saw her. He greeted her with a hug & a soft kiss on the cheek. He noticed right away that she wasn't her usual self.

Dennis: You look very beautiful.

Summer slightly smiled but kept her head down.

Summer: I'm sorry I'm late. Traffic was bad...
Dennis: No, no, no...It's ok. I feel bad you had to drive. I could've picked you up.
Summer: It's ok. I like to think while I drive & I had a lot to think about on the way here.
Dennis: I see.

Dennis directed her towards the table he had reserved for them. He pulled the chair out for her & took her coat. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

They both needed to get something off of their chest & they both spoke up at once. They giggled slightly & then Dennis motioned for Summer to speak first.

Summer: Dennis, when I'm with you I feel like I can face the world. I feel encouraged. I feel comforted. I feel loved.
Dennis: I feel the same way...
Summer: It's just that you & I don't really know much about each other.
Dennis: That's the beauty here. We can take our time in getting to know one another.

Summer took a sip from her water glass.

Dennis: That's why I want you to come back with me to Tennessee.
Summer: Dennis, I don't think that's such a good idea.
Dennis: Why not?
Summer: If you had asked me to come to Tennessee with you a year ago, I would've followed you at the drop of a hat.
Dennis: What's the difference now?
Summer: Now? I have a lot to figure out. And frankly I'm just not ready. When I got together with Jay, I had just gotten out of a relationship. It wasn't the wisest thing to move my life here to Virginia.
Dennis: I'm not Jay, Summer.
Summer: I know. I just know myself. I've rushed into every relationship I've ever had with a guy. I'm just afraid that I'd be doing the same thing by coming with you to Tennessee on a whim.
Dennis: It'd be exciting.
Summer: I know it would. Look, here's the thing, Dennis. I like you. A lot.
Dennis: And I like you.
Summer: I don't want to ruin any chance we have of being together by rushing into this prematurely.
Dennis: I'm going to hate every day that isn't spent with you.
Summer: I'm sorry.
Dennis: No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be putting this kind of pressure on you.
Summer: It's ok, really.
Dennis: You're right though, Summer. We shouldn't be rushing into this. And you shouldn't think about anyone else right now but yourself. And I mean that in every good way possible. You're constantly thinking about caring for the people around you. Don't forget to care for yourself.

Summer broke down & started to cry. She excused herself from the table, apologized to Dennis & exited the restaurant. A few people turned their heads to see what happened. Dennis politely smiled at them, grabbed Summer's coat & followed her out. He walked around the restaurant & found Summer down a walkway that led to an outdoor pond & bench. She was sitting on the bench with her head buried in her lap. Dennis slowly walked towards her. He sat next to her & put her coat over her shivering body. Summer sat up & received the coat. She took a deep breath & wiped her tears.

Summer: I found out today that I was pregnant with Jay's baby.

Dennis wrapped his arms around Summer.

Summer: I had a miscarriage.
Dennis: I'm so sorry, Summer.
Summer: I was late to dinner because I'm still sore from the procedure.
Dennis: What are we doing here? You should be resting. I'll take you back to my hotel to rest.
Summer: No, it's ok. I don't need to wallow. I'm done being the victim. And plus I needed to see you. I wanted to see you.
Dennis: Sweetheart, I'm right here. What can I do?
Summer: You're doing it right now.

Dennis continued to hold & comfort Summer.

Dennis: Hey, why don't we take the food to go?
Summer: Ok.

Dennis walked Summer to her car & then went inside to order food. After Dennis got their order, he & Summer drove down to Dennis's hotel.

Summer sat at the small table in Dennis's hotel room & started getting all the platters out. Dennis got a few water bottles from the small fridge in the corner. He unbuttoned & rolled up his sleeves. He looked across at Summer & reached for her hand. She clasped onto his hand & the two looked into each other's eyes.

Summer: I'm so thankful for you, Dennis. I just keep thinking where you've been all my life.
Dennis: I keep asking myself the same thing.

They smiled at each other.

Dennis: Well, let's dig in.

Summer felt so free. She didn't feel like she had to put up a front for Dennis. She didn't have to worry about pleasing him or making him happy. She could finally just be. Dennis accepted her & all her flaws & past. He was in love with her.