Author's Note: Forgive me for the delay. Errors in uploading.

Chapter Four

Abby had spent that night at Luka's. She had not intended to. It was supposed to be simple. She was distraught over her results. He offered her a ride home. She accepted since she did not want anyone on the El to see her in her current state. What had happened that night was not what she had expected.

She rolled over and looked at Luka. He was still asleep. She could not bring herself to wake him. She had already been such a burden for the past couple days. Luka did not need her waking him up at early hours in the morning.

Luka moved closer to her. When he could not roll over all the way, his eyes began fluttering open. He smiled as he saw Abby laying there next to him. "Good morning," he said happily.

"Luka, what happened last night?" Abby asked as she turned and looked up at Luka's ceiling. "Between us, I mean," she amended. Plenty of things happened that night. She knew that, and she did not wish to discuss most of them at this moment. She felt happy for the first time since she had been diagnosed. She did not need to turn into another blubbering mess for Luka to comfort.

"Well, I think we were reminded of why we stayed together so long," he answered with a smile.

"Don't be cute," Abby commanded. "Why did it happen?" She was not entirely sure of how she felt about it. Of course, it was nice. Luka was great. He is great. He is the only one of her friends and co-workers who knows about her condition. She truly felt lucky to have him in her life. But was that all?

Luka pulled Abby over so that he could look into her eyes. "You're an amazing woman, Abby," he started. "You make work at County bearable for me." He smiled at her. She truly was amazing. She was beautiful. Even after the two of them broke up, he knew it was not the end of their relationship. Now he had his proof. Judging by the fact that she was still in his bed as opposed to trying to scramble out of there as quickly as she could, he assumed she felt the same way to some extent. "I love you, Abby," Luka admitted.

"Really?" Abby asked. She frowned. That question was too accusing for her liking. "That's not what I meant," she corrected. "I'm just trying to make sure that this is happening for the right reasons."

"What do you mean?" Luka asked.

Abby frowned. "I'm not saying that you would do this, but I have to make sure." She sighed as she returned her focus to the ceiling. Before Luka could question her again, she answered the question she knew he was thinking. "Make sure that you're not just saying that because you feel bad for me."

Luka shook his head and pulled her closer to him. "I would never do that," he assured her. "I love you for who you are. If you feel the same way, then I would be the happiest man alive."

Abby moved closer and rested her head on Luka's chest. "I think I feel the same way," she said. "I mean, you have always been so good to me, these last few days especially. You're so sweet and kind."

"But?" Luka asked.

"But I'm not sure right now. You really are a great guy, and I feel that I love you," Abby said seriously. "But this right-reasons thing is a two-way street. I need to be sure that I'm not just clinging to the first man who cares for me because I'm afraid of dying alone."

Luka shook his head again. "Abby, you're not going to die."

"Everyone dies, Luka," Abby reminded him.

"Ok, rephrase. You're not going to die from this. You can beat it. I know you can. You're strong. You're a fighter. This is nothing but a mere set-back. You'll be back on your feet in no time, and I'll be right there with you the entire time."

"D-do you mean that?"

Luka nodded as he placed a kiss on her forehead. "I do," he stated. "I love you, Abby."