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 Five

"Dr. John Carter, room 342, please." Abby cradled the phone against her ear as she flipped through a parenting magazine she'd impulsively picked up at the grocery store.

After several rings, the hotel clerk returned to the line. "I'm sorry, Dr. Carter isn't answering. Would you like to leave a voice mail?"

"Yes, thank you." Abby said, thinking quickly of what exactly she should say. She hadn't even decided if she would have told John had he been in, but she knew she didn't want to leave her news on a voice mail.

At the beep, Abby smiled into the phone. "Hey, Handsome.I know you're probably busy breaking lots of lady doctor hearts, but I'd hoped you'd have time to talk to your wife stuck here in Chicago. I found out some pretty exciting news today and I can't wait to tell you tomorrow when I see you. Have a great flight. I love you. Bye."

Pretty exciting, she thought as she hung up the phone. What an understatement. This was one of the most amazing things she could think of happening.

Giddy with her excitement, Abby smiled widely at nothing in particular and cradled her arms around her middle. "Just wait until your daddy finds out about you." She leaned against the couch cushions and sighed with content.

Of course, she mused, this will mean big changes for her and John. They had already discussed the possibly of starting a family, but neither thought it would be this soon -- and of course neither thought it would be like this. Abby had accepted long ago that her only chance for a family would be through adoption.

She allowed a frown to briefly mar her happiness. She was amazed at how differently she felt about this pregnancy compared to her last. When she found out she was pregnant before, her primary emotion had been fear; fear for how Richard would react and fear of the baby having the same bipolar disorder that had already wreaked havoc on her life. Through all that, she never once thought about the baby being their child -- hers and Richard's.

She didn't know if it was her certainty that Richard didn't want children, the chance that any child of hers could be bipolar, or the fact that she herself wasn't ready to have children -- but she hadn't felt a connection to the baby before.

This time, however, it just felt right.

Of the things she and John had decided, they would both switch from emergency medicine to a private, nine-to-five practice. Based on his own childhood, John didn't want his children to feel a burden in those rare moments spent with their parents.

Abby agreed that she didn't want to be a stranger to her own children.

She giggled with glee, excitement bubbling within her as she imagined their future. She loved her current work, but the thought of working a small practice with her husband while they raised a family had certain appeal.

Setting the parenting magazine aside, she reached for their wedding portrait that sat on the end table. Holding it to her chest, she lay down and smiled the pleasant thoughts only an expectant mother could dream.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A special note from the Author:
For anyone curious, I do not have any experience with what Abby is going through. I can only imagine how a character like Abby can react to such joyous news and hope that I am doing the emotions justice.

On that note, I want to take a moment to warn you that this story is going to take a dramatic turn in the next few chapters. I do promise you a happy ending -- I personally can't stand sad endings -- but the story arc must be played out no matter how guilty I'm going to feel for putting the characters through the pending ordeal.

I have increased this story's rating to PG-13 for senstive themes.

I thank you for your kind reviews and encouraging words and can only hope that I continue to fulfill your expectations as the rest of the story unfolds.

Thank you.
~Joycelyn