"A Long Road to Follow" Part 3
"I freakin' hate graveyard shifts. Why do I do this to myself again?" Abby thought this out loud, but to no one in particular. "That's right Lockhart, so you don't have to talk to Luka. It works well, doesn't it?" This was the third graveyard shift Abby had worked in the past few days. She had been trading all of her day shifts away so she wouldn't have to face Luka. Unfortunately, one of the attendings was sick tonight, and Luka had been called in. He would be there in a few minutes. Abby went about stocking supplies. It would be a long night.
She saw Luka walk in the doors. He acknowledged that she was there, but didn't come over to talk to her. He went straight into the lounge, and then came out to check the board. Abby wasn't sure whether she should be grateful that he was respecting her wishes, or upset that he didn't seem to care. She decided not to decide for now, and go on about her work.
It was not one of those busy nights in the ER. There were a handful of drunks that came in after last call, more looking for a warm place to sleep than for medical attention. Other than that, there was no excitement. She hadn't spoken to Luka all evening, other than when he asked her to start an IV on a patient. In fact, he was asleep in the on-call room right now. In a way, Abby was glad. She was getting what she wanted, right? She wanted him to leave her alone; she didn't want him to try to make her talk. Abby sighed. She didn't know what she wanted.
Morning finally came. Abby finished up her charts, and went into the lounge to get her coat. Luka was in there, doing the same. He didn't say anything to her, but he rested his hand on her shoulder, and gave her a quick squeeze. Abby smiled slightly, and asked him "did you sleep well?"
"No, I didn't sleep at all." Luka withdrew his hand, and put his coat on.
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault." Luka took Abby's coat from her hand and held it for her to put on.
"Would you like to grab breakfast at Doc Magoo's with me? My treat?"
Luka smiled. "I would love to. Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I'm sure. I miss you."
"I miss you too, Abby."
They walked over to the diner in silence. Abby just wanted to be near Luka. He had become such an important part of her life, although Abby hadn't realized it. She still wasn't ready to open up to him, though.
They got a booth, and ordered their breakfasts.
"I called a couple of the therapists on the list, Abby. I'm going to see one of them next week."
"That'll be good."
"Have you called any of them?"
"No."
"I really hope you will Abby. There's no shame in talking to a therapist. Sometimes an objective listener is just what you need."
"I've thought about it. I just don't think that it will do anything for me."
"Why don't you give it a try, Abby? Give it a month, and then if you really don't think it's helping, you don't have to go back."
"I'll think about it, if it will make you feel better."
"Don't do it for me Abby, do it for yourself."
"Okay."
Their breakfasts arrived, and they began to eat in silence.
"Luka, it's not that I don't trust you. I do. I just don't know what to say sometimes…"
"It's alright Abby. Please give one of those therapists a call."
"I will."
They finished, and when the check came, Luka tried to pay it but Abby stopped him.
"I told you I'd get it."
"Thank you, Abby."
Abby smiled, paid the check, and got up from the table. "I'll see you around?"
"Yes. And Abby- you don't have to keep taking graveyard shifts. You don't have to avoid me- I'm not going to try to push you to talk."
"I won't take anymore, I promise. Thank you, Luka."
"For what?"
"For caring."
Abby walked out of the diner, and to her car. She drove herself home, and started calling therapists. She made herself an appointment for the following day.