Arriving at the hospital, Jack scanned the waiting room, eventually spotting Kyle in chair, supporting his head with his hand.
"Kyle?" Jack said, walking over.
Kyle immediately stood up saying, "Dad, I didn't know you were coming. I'm glad you're here."
"How is Summer?" Jack said.
"Still unconscious," Kyle said, "Her parents are with her right now. I was in there a little while ago and she looked so helpless. I don't understand what could have caused this."
"I'm still not clear on what happened," Jack said, "Phyllis told me Summer fainted?"
"You know as much as I do," Kyle said.
"Weren't you with her?" Jack said.
"I took a business call and was on the other side of the coffeehouse patio, when it happened," Kyle said, "I came back in and Summer was on the floor. The waitress, Andi, or whatever she calls herself these days, told me Summer just fainted for no reason."
"There has to be a reason," Jack said.
"I have been thinking about that," Kyle said, "I don't like what I've come up with."
"Which is?" Jack said.
"This happened before," Kyle said, "Not to Summer, but to me. When I passed for what I thought was no reason, I found myself facing a brain tumor. What if Summer has the same thing and that's why she fainted? I would support her for sure, but I would hate to watch her go through that."
"There is no need to jump to the worst case scenario," Jack said.
"I'm just so worried," Kyle said, "It's easy to think the worst."
"Did Andi say anything else?" Jack said.
"I would like to know the answer to that too," Nick said, from behind them.
"Is Summer awake?" Kyle said.
"No," Nick said, "There has to be more to this, than you've told me."
"I gave you all the information I had," Kyle said.
"What about this waitress?" Nick said, "What did she have to say?"
"Not much," Kyle said, "All she told me was Summer fainted and she thought Summer hit her head when she fell. Although, I'm beginning to wonder, if Andi had something to do with what happened to Summer."
"Why would you say that?" Jack said.
"While I was checking Summer over, I looked up and Andi was gone," Kyle said.
"She just left?" Nick said.
"Without a word," Kyle said, "No offer to call for help or anything."
"Why would she take off like that?" Jack said.
"Because she's guilty of hurting my daughter," Nick said, "I knew there had to be more to this."
"I also found Summer's cell phone on the floor next to her," Kyle said, "It was smashed to pieces."
"Where can we find Andi?" Nick said.
"I don't know," Kyle said, "But I have a good idea where to start."
Sitting in the park, Rachel had Diana on her lap, pointing out birds and the clouds in the sky. The baby would smile and exclaim in delight, happy to spend fun time with her mother.
"Aah!" Diana exclaimed, at the sight of the bird, that landed next to them, on the park bench.
"That's a bird," Rachel said, "Isn't it pretty?"
Diana reached out hoping to touch it, but it fluttered away. "They don't like to be touched," Rachel said, "But they are really nice to look at and listen to them chrip."
Looking at Diana, Rachel said, "Can you say bird?"
"Ba!" Diana said.
Rachel looked at her in surprise. "Did you just try to say it? That's a new one for you. Wait until your daddy hears about this, he will be so proud of you." Rachel paused before saying, "It would be nice, if he was out here with us, wouldn't it? Do you miss your daddy being around as much as I do?"
The beeping of Rachel's phone, brought her out of her momentary daydream. Checking the display she smiled and said, "Look who it is."
Connecting the call, Rachel said, "Hi, Kyle."
"Hi," Kyle said.
"How is Summer?" Rachel said.
"Not good," Kyle said, "She still won't wake up."
"What do the doctors say?" Rachel said.
"Not enough," Kyle said, "We are still waiting on test results. I feel like it's taking forever."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Rachel said.
"Listen," Kyle said, "Have you heard from your niece today?"
"You mean Miranda?" Rachel said, "Not since I saw her at coffeehouse earlier today. Why do you ask?"
"Andi was there when Summer passed out," Kyle said, "I think she might have had something to do with it. In fact, the more I think about it, the more convinced I am that she made Summer fall."
"Miranda would never do something to physically hurt someone," Rachel said, "Also, why would she want to do that to Summer?"
"I don't know," Kyle said, "But she was in the room when I discovered Summer and then she disappeared without a word. Someone smashed Summer's phone to smithereens."
"You think it was Miranda?" Rachel said, "I can't believe that."
"I don't have any proof, but I would like some answers from her," Kyle said.
"I'll tell you what," Rachel said, "I will call Miranda and ask her about it. I'm sure we can clear this all up."
"I appreciate your help," Kyle said.
"I really hope Summer will be okay," Rachel said.
"Thanks, I'll keep you posted," Kyle said, ending the call.
Separating from a hug with Jack, Phyllis said, "It's so good of you to be here."
"Summer means a lot to me," Jack said.
"I can't believe this is happening," Phyllis said, "My daughter is lying in that bed and there is nothing I can do to help her."
"Don't give up hope," Jack said, "Summer will fight her way back to us."
Nodding Phyllis fought her tears, whimpering, "Yes, she will."
Nick observed Phyllis leaning into Jack for comfort as he held her close. Shifting his gaze, Nick saw Kyle approaching.
"Has there been a change?" Nick anxiously said.
"No, she's still the same," Kyle said, "The nurse is with her, so I thought I would stretch my legs for a few minutes."
"This waiting is getting to me," Phyllis said.
"Here come your answers," Jack said, as the doctor approached them.
Addressing Dr. Hastings, Phyllis said, "Do you know what's wrong with my daughter?"
"First of all let me assure you there were no issues with her blood work," Dr. Hastings said, "However, the brain scan does show some swelling on her left frontal lobe, which is where she has the flesh wound."
"How bad is that?" Kyle said.
"There is no sign of severe trauma or brain injury," Dr. Hastings said, "We will give her some treatment to bring the swelling down. Once that takes effect, she should regain consciousness."
"So, she's going to be okay?" Phyllis said.
"We will have to wait until she comes around and reassess her at that time," Dr. Hastings said, "But her prognosis looks good."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, as Nick said, "Thank you so much."
"I will advise you of any further developments," Dr. Hastings said.
"It's getting a little chilly out here," Rachel said, as she settled Diana in her stroller, "Let's go home and warm up."
Rachel began to push the stroller, when a familiar face rounded the corner. "Hey, you two," Fen smiled.
"Hi Fen," Rachel said.
Leaning in to Diana, Fen said, "How are you today miss?" Diana rubbed one eye as she looked at Fen.
"I think she's getting a bit sleepy," Rachel said, "She had a big day with her grandpa and then we spent some time out here."
"Enjoying the unseasonably mild weather?" Fen said.
"While it lasts," Rachel said, "It is supposed to turn colder soon."
"Are you ready for the big day?" Fen said.
"Christmas?" Rachel said, "If I'm not by now, I never will be. It's Diana's first one."
"That's right," Fen said, "So, it's extra special this year."
"I remember last year…" Rachel trailed off.
"What's wrong?" Fen said.
"Oh, I was just going to say last year, Kyle and I were looking forward to her arrival," Rachel said, "I gave him a fun gift of a pink blanket to let him know we were having a girl. Now, here we are, already her first Christmas."
"I can tell you still miss him," Fen said.
"Some days are better than others," Rachel said, "He is still a part of my life. I will see him when I take Diana up to the main house for Christmas day."
"I know how you feel," Fen said, "It was supposed to be my first Christmas, with Summer as my wife. I'm sure she will have a merry holiday with Abbott."
"Oh, you haven't heard?" Rachel said.
"What's that?" Fen said.
"Summer is in the hospital," Rachel said.
Fen's face fell. "What?" he said, "Why? What happened?"
"I'm not too sure," Rachel said, "She had a fall at the coffeehouse and has some kind of head injury. Last I heard, she's still unconscious."
"Is she going to be okay?" Fen said.
"I don't know," Rachel said, "Kyle didn't sound too hopeful when, I talked to him a little while ago."
"I have to go," Fen said, "Forgive me for rushing off."
"Of course, go," Rachel said. She watched as Fen ran from the park.
"Summer?" Kyle said, holding her hand at her bedside, stroking it with his thumb, "It's Christmas Eve tomorrow. You need to wake up. You don't want to sleep through the whole holiday, do you? The weather is supposed to turn colder and snow for the big day. I know how much you like that. You always say it isn't Christmas without snow." Kissing her hand, Kyle continued, "I love you Summer. Please come back."
Closing his eyes, Kyle rested his forehand against Summer's hand. The sound of footsteps in the room, caused him to open his eyes. "Dad," Kyle said.
"No change?" Jack said.
Kyle shook his head. "I keep thinking, it can't be good that she is still unconscious," he said.
"You heard what the doctor told us," Jack said, "It was positive news about her condition."
"I know," Kyle said, "But I won't stop worrying until she wakes up."
Walking around to the other side of the bed, Jack took Summer's other hand. "Hi, sweetheart," Jack said, "We are all waiting on you, young lady. We are praying you get well soon."
"It's supposed to be our first Christmas since we got together," Kyle said, "I had so many plans to make it special for her. She loves the holiday too. It's her favorite time of the year. Instead here we are, not knowing what's going to happen. I don't even know if she can hear me."
"I would like to believe she can," Jack said, "Have faith that she will make a full recovery from this."
"I'm trying to think positive," Kyle said, "The waiting is hard though."
"Hang in there," Jack said, "I'm going to give you some more time alone."
Leaving the room, Jack sighed in reaction to the turmoil Kyle was suffering. He wanted to alleviate the distress Kyle was feeling for the woman he loved.
"Mr. Abbott?" an anxious voice, made Jack turn around.
"Fen," Jack said.
"I just heard about Summer," Fen said. "Is she alright?"
"She hasn't come around yet," Jack said, "Although the doctor is feeling positive she will be fine."
"Do you think it would be okay, if I went to see her?" Fen said.
"Kyle, is in with her right now," Jack said, "I'm sure he won't mind if you go in."
Fen pushed the hospital room door open, observing Kyle's vigil, at Summer's beside.
Shivering, as she shut the front door of the house, behind her, Rachel said, "That's better. Let's get these warm things off you."
Rachel removed the baby's outdoor wear and picked her up, when she was startled by a rustling noise coming from the upstairs of the house. Listening, Rachel heard a knocking sound and fear swept over her that someone was upstairs.
Keeping hold of Diana and grabbing her phone, Rachel yelled, "Whoever is up there I am calling the police!"
Pressing the first number on her phone, Rachel heard a voice say, "Aunt Rachel? It's only me." Miranda appeared on the stairs.
"Miranda?" Rachel said, "What are you doing here? You scared me, I thought there was an intruder here."
"I'm sorry," Miranda said, "I didn't mean to frighten you."
"How did you get in here?" Rachel said.
"I picked the lock," Miranda said, "I'm sure you're surprised I knew how."
"I'm beginning to realize there is a lot I don't know about you," Rachel said, "Let's start with why you are here."
"I didn't know where else to go," Miranda said, "I messed up big time."
"I heard," Rachel said, "Kyle called me, they suspect it was you who put Summer in the hospital. You know, she has a head injury and still unconscious."
"I didn't mean to," Miranda said, "I don't know what came over me. Is Summer going to be okay?"
"I honestly don't know," Rachel said, "You had better hope she is."
"I'm sorry for all of it," Miranda said, "Please tell me I can stay here with you."
"You expect me to hide you?" Rachel said, "Miranda, I can't do that. You need to turn yourself in."
"I don't want to go to jail!" Miranda said, "I thought you would help me."
"You know if Summer recovers, you may only get a fine or community service," Rachel said, "No jail time."
"This is so much bigger than you realize," Miranda said, "I'm in real trouble here."
"Alright, why don't you let me put Diana down for a nap and then we will talk and work everything out." Rachel said, "Okay?"
Miranda nodded. "I'll be right back," Rachel said.
Miranda plopped down on the couch, as Rachel ascended the stairs.
Kyle was involved with his concern for Summer, he didn't notice Fen standing the doorway.
"Hey," Fen quietly said.
Startled Kyle looked up sharply. "Fen," Kyle said, "I didn't know anyone was there."
"Is it okay if I come in?" Fen said.
"Yeah, of course," Kyle said, "Summer can use all the support she can get."
"I just found out," Fen said, "How is she?"
"Doctor thinks she will be okay," Kyle said, "But I need to see it for myself."
"Did he stay why she's still out?" Fen said.
"There's swelling on her brain," Kyle said, "She must have hit her head when she fell."
"I don't understand how did this happen?" Fen said.
"I wish I knew," Kyle said, "I should never have taken my eyes off her. All I do know is that waitress, Andi had something to do with this. It's a complicated theory."
"Would you mind if I visit with her?" Fen said, "I'm guessing you need a break."
"Sure," Kyle sighed, "I'm not leaving the hospital but I'll take a walk, get some coffee."
Standing up and leaning into Summer, Kyle said, "I'll be back soon." He kissed her tenderly on the forehead.
Giving Kyle a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Fen took his place at Summer's side. Once he was alone, Fen took Summer's hand, struggling to find the words to say. "Summer, it's me, Fen," he started, "How did this happen to you? I need you to hear me. You are in there and you're strong, so I know you can find the way back. Please open your eyes." Bringing Summer's hand to his cheek, Fen's eyes were down as he said, "I don't know what I would do, if anything happened to you."
"Hmm…" Fen looked up sharply as Summer stirred.
"Summer?" Fen said. Summer slightly moved with a small sigh, "That's it, come on wake up."
After a few seconds, Summer's eyes fluttered open. "There you are," Fen smiled, "I knew you could do it."
Focusing on her surroundings, Summer settled on a familiar face. "Fen?" she groggily said.
"I'm here," Fen said, quickly adding, "You're in the hospital."
"Something…wrong with me?" Summer said.
"You had a little accident at the coffeehouse," Fen said, "But the doctor says things look good. Especially now you're awake."
"I don't remember," Summer said.
"You don't have to talk about it now," Fen said, "Just relax and get your strength back."
"You're here?" Summer said, "Why?"
"Despite everything that's happened between us, where else would I be at a time like this. I love you Summer," Fen said.
"You're sweet," Summer said.
"Your parents and here and Kyle too," Fen said, "He's been at your side the entire time."
"Where is he?" Summer said, becoming more awake.
"I convinced him to take a break," Fen said, "He will be back soon."
Standing up Fen said, "I should let everyone know you're awake."
"Wait," Summer said, keeping her hold on his hand, "Thank you for being here."
"That's what friends are for," Fen said.
"Are we?" Summer said, "Friends?"
Sitting back down, Fen said, "I know I've been pushing you away and I regret that. It shouldn't have taken something like this, to make me realize how important you are to me. You and I are always friends. The very best."
"I'm glad you feel that way," Summer said, "I do too."
"In that case, when you're feeling better, we will get together and catch up," Fen said.
"I would like that," Summer said.
"I should go and spread the good news," Fen said, standing up. Pausing, Fen said, "I am so glad you're okay." Leaning in, he gave Summer a kiss on the cheek. Looking into each other's eyes they shared a smile.
"Summer, you're awake!" Kyle's exclaimed, breaking the moment.
"Kyle," Summer said.
Rushing to her bedside, Kyle's presence forced Fen to back away. "Are you feeling alright?" Kyle said, "I have been so worried about you."
"I'm okay," Summer said.
"I'm going to let everyone know you're okay," Fen said. Kyle completely ignored him, but Summer slightly nodded in agreement.
Once outside in the waiting room, Fen approached Nick and Phyllis. With a triumphant smile Fen said, "Summer opened her eyes."
Phyllis gasped in excitement. "She seems fairly alert," Fen said.
Phyllis took Nick's hand as they rushed to their daughter's room.
"It's wonderful news," Jack said, standing with Fen, "One heck of a Christmas present."
"Yeah," Fen said. Looking towards Summer's room, Fen said, "I do love that girl."
Noticing's Jack's quizzical look, Fen said, "She means a lot to me."
"And to me too," Jack said.
"I'm going to take off," Fen said.
"You're leaving?" Jack said.
"Summer has her family with her. I don't want to crowd her," Fen said, "I told Summer I would catch up with her later."
Jack gave Fen a nod as he walked away. Fen passed by Summer's room, pausing to peek in the window of the doorway. Summer's parents and Kyle were giving her accolades and smiles. Fen wanted to go in, but forced himself to walk on.
Summer noticed Fen outside the door and hoped he would come in, but the door remained closed.