Disclaimer: I don't own Abby, Carter or any of the ER 'gang'

Backtracking (Gallant)

* 5 Minutes Earlier *

She looks terrible, not just tired, exhausted. Mind you after the fiasco earlier, I have no idea what it was about, I try not to get involved; my problems are complicated enough. I don't want people nosing into my problems so I'd be a hypocrite if I got involved in theirs.

'You still smoke?'

'Looks like it. Sorry didn't mean to bite your head off'

'Tough day?'

Ask a stupid question. I'm not being hypocritical; it's just polite to ask. I like Abby we get along quite well, probably because I haven't graduated in being 'dismissive and condescending' yet.

'Yeah. I'm fine, really, just.you know'

'Hasn't your shift finished?'

'Yeah'

'Waiting for someone?'

'Something like that'

She took a large drag and then continued.

'Well, more like hoping but it's a long story I wont bore you with'

Carter approaches us.

'Well, I better go. Good night Abby. Dr Carter'

'Night'

I turn to leave. Are they under as much pressure as me? On the outside my life mustn't look that bad, I'm in my mid-twenties, supposedly young and carefree. I'm being paid to go through med school, life's sweet. Or so they say.

It's not work, hell no. I love doing what I do, and to be able to do it while upholding the 'family tradition' by being in the army is even better. Don't get me wrong I'm not just in the army because the others were; it's an honour but a burden at the same time. A lot of people think I'm only there to get through med school. There's so much pressure on me - I have to live up to the expectations of my family, the military and everyone at work. Sometimes it's not really a problem but other times, other times I don't think I can do it.

But at the moment its not like that, a few weeks ago it was, hell, a few days ago it was but something changed that. It was the phone call from my brother

Earlier in the week I got home to see the infamous light on the answer phone flashing. The message, short as it was, was undeniably Steve. Steve's a good kid, a teenager, yeah, but still, he's a good kid. Anyway, he left a message saying nothing more than, 'Hi, it's me, call back', I knew something was up; he never calls me otherwise. I called him back as soon as I realised who it was.

* Earlier In The Week *

'Hi Steve, it's me'

'Oh hi. You got my message then?'

'Guess so'

He said nothing so I went on.

'So what's wrong'?

'What gave you the impression something was wrong?'

'You never call otherwise' I sighed

'Well, you know, everything's up'

'Like?'

'Well, I've got an assignment to do about what I want to do when I 'grow up' and Dad's gone into lecture mode about how I should do it on the military, but I don't know. He's driving me mad, you know, I don't know how much more I can take. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing'

'Oh yeah your on Christmas break aren't you?'

'I got it, I can come and stay with you, and go into work with you?'

'Are you sure you'd want to?'

'Yeah I'd be great and I'd get away from Dad. Would you be allowed to bring me into work with you'

'I don't see why it would be a problem but are you sure? Have you asked Dad?'

'I'll be right back'

At this point the only thought running through my head was 'where's he going to sleep?' It was only after the phone call that I began to think 'Oh my God'

So it was settled, I'd pick him up at the train station at 7 o' clock tonight and he'd stay with me for 3 days. I asked Weaver she said 'As long as it doesn't interfere with your work, I don't care what you do'.

* Now *

The train should be in any minute. It'll be great to see Steve; it's been quite a while. What with work and things I don't get to see my family a lot.

The train pulls up along the side of the platform

'Well, well, well, if it isn't Michael Gallant himself' Steve calls from behind me

I spin round to see him standing there with a grin on his face.

He's changed since I last saw him; he's taller and has hair.

'Hey. Long time no see. How was the journey?'

'Ok I guess but I'm starving. Is there any chance of getting some pizza?'

'Yeah, Why not. Right this way'

We take the El back to the apartment.

'So what time does your shift start tomorrow?'

'Seven'

'What? I'm sorry but there's no way.'

I laugh at this - I used to be exactly the same

'It's Ok - I'll leave you some money to get a cab to County when you're ready'

'Cool'

'What topping?'

'Ham and Pineapple'

* The Next Day *

'Gallant!'

I turn around to see Deb running down the hall

'Gallant wait'

'What is it?'

'Frank told me to tell you that there's some kid called Steve waiting in chairs for you.'

'Oh thanks'

'Who is it? You don't me asking do you?'

'No, he's my brother, he's come to stay for a few days'

'Oh. Hope he likes it as much as the rest of us' She finishes before walking into the lounge.

'Hi Steve'

He stands up and looks around

'So this is where you work then?'

'Ah, yes, the ER vortex'

Ok then, I'm glad I finally did this chapter - I'm not sure if I got his character across as well as others might do but hopefully it isn't to bad. Please R&R - Luv Hna xXx