Something to Celebrate
an ER-based fan fiction
by: Joycelyn Solo
Author's note: This
story is a slightly alternative universe of ER. If I explained
more, it would give things away, so just read it and please enjoy.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything, but if anyone wants to
discuss leasing options, I'm interested...
Chapter Three
"Good morning, Abby." Lydia greeted, a mug of hot coffee steaming in her hands as she sat at the lounge table with Haleh, Chuny, and Hoshi.
Carefully placing one foot in front of the other and concentrating on getting to her locker, Abby didn't return her fellow nurse's greeting.
"Hey Abby, you feeling alright?" Chuny asked, noticing how haggard Abby looked.
Reaching her locker, Abby leaned against it and answered meekly, "Not really, but it'll go away. I've been fighting some stomach bug all week."
"You sure that's all it is?" Lydia asked, raising her eyebrows. "You are newly married."
Hoshi smiled widely. "You sure there's not a little Carter in the oven?"
"That's all we need." Haleh added to the joke, but turned serious when she saw the look on Abby's face. "What's wrong, Abby?"
"I'm sure it's not that." Having known and accepted the fact for years, Abby was surprised when tears threatened. She hadn't even cried when she and John had discussed it. "I can't have kids."
As soon as she said it she immediately started sobbing - something she never let other people see. What is wrong with me? she asked herself as Haleh and Lydia both enveloped her in motherly hugs and guided her to a chair.
"Oh, honey," Haleh said, studying her face. "Are you absolutely sure?"
Abby nodded, wiping tears away with the back of her hand.
"I don't know, Abby." Lydia said, looking at the other nurses for confirmation. "You have been kind of emotional the last couple days and usually you're like a rock."
"You did cry after cleaning Mr. Henderson's boil." Hoshi interjected.
"And stomach flu doesn't pick certain times of the day to strike." Lydia reminded. "Maybe you should take a PT just to be sure."
Haleh rubbed Abby's shoulder while she sniffled back more tears. "Or at least see Dr. Lewis or Dr. Chen. The nausea could be a sign of something else."
Chuny handed her a tissue, which she accepted and used with enthusiasm. "Want me to grab a test for you?" she offered. She nodded and Chuny left the lounge.
Even knowing that it couldn't be true, Abby wondered at the anxious feeling that fluttered within her. What if it was true? Could it be possible?
Chuny returned with a PT kit.
"Do you want us to wait with you?" Lydia asked, and again all Abby could do was nod.