So Here's Chapter 2. I've been doing my editing that i kinda slacked on when i originally posted. You have to understand that this story is almost finished, but it's handwritten in a notebook that i originally got for my Sign Language class before i dropped it. Now i use it to take notes at Equestrian Team meetings. But, i digress, so i'll shut up with my ramblings and procedd.

*****
And The Moment...
*****

CHAPTER 2: NIGHTLIFE



Carter expected the ER to be...well...he expected an emergency. Instead he found it in relative quiet with an anxious-looking Dr. Corday relieved to see him.

Thanks for coming, she said gratefully in her clipped British accent.

Everything okay? he asked in concern.

Ella's sick, she said tightly.

Well, I'm here. Go on home to your baby.

You're a lifesaver, Carter. I owe you big time!

I'm gonna hold you to that, he called after her retreating form. He turned to the nurse on duty. Anything exciting happening?

Chuny filled him in on the few emergencies that had come in and eyed him. Carter, you look horrible.

he said mildly. I was sleeping peacefully when my pager went off.

she sympathized.

Moments later a woman burst in with a little girl of about eight. She's having an asthma attack! the woman cried. Oh, God, she can't breathe!

Carter went into action. The terrified mother allowed him to take the child from her and it was only a few minutes before they had the little girl calmed down and breathing easily.

We'll keep her here to keep an eye on her, Carter reassured the mother, but she'll be okay.

******

Abby found herself unable to return to sleep once Carter had departed. She rolled over and flipped the switch on her clock radio. It was tuned to one of her favorite stations, one that played classic jazz and swing music. The song that was on was one she had heard at a friend's wedding and fallen in love with. It was When I Fall in Love. She sat back and listened to Nat King Cole singing the quietly wonderful song.

When I fall in love, it will be forever
Or I'll never fall in love...

The lyrics opened her mind and the thoughts tumbled. She thought about her ex-husband and their rocky marriage. They hadn't really been in love and both were aware of it. Forever had obviously not been a thought for them.

When I give my heart, it will be completely
Or i'll never give my heart...

Luka Kovac. Theirs was a relationship that neither one had taken very seriously. Sure, the sex had been good, but emotionally, they had never gotten as close as they could have. She hadn't given her heart, and she hoped that her growing relationship with Carter wasn't hurting Luka.

And then there was Carter. She wondered where, exactly, they stood. Were they in love? Falling in love? It was still tremulous. The attraction was there--oh, yes, it was there--along with a friendship that was as close as two people could get.

But is it love?

And am I ready for it if it is?

Well, she concluded, whatever it was, it had her staring at the ceiling at an absurd hour. She could be of use elsewhere.

*****

Chuny laughed triumphantly as she proudly displayed her cards for Carter to see.

Why did I think it was a good idea to teach you this game? he grumbled.

Maybe you thought you needed a humility lesson, She laughed, her tone light and her accent telling of her hispanic origins.

Yeah, yeah, Carter feigned a pout. Well, now that you have won every hand you've ever played, I humbly hand over my crown and depart for the cafeteria for a refill. he made his point complete by displaying the styrofoam cup that had already seen more than its fair share of the murky hospital coffee.

*****

Sometime during the night it had started raining. Abby was reluctant to take the El alone at the late hour, opting instead to hail a cab. She shrugged deeper into her oversized sweatshirt--a Chicago Bears one that she had from Carter, and she surveyed the streets.

Even in the early morning, the streets of Chicago were hardly empty, and it didn't take Abby long to flag down a taxi.

Where to? the cabbie grunted.

County Hospital.

*****

Carter dug out some change from his pocket to pay for his coffee.

Not used to nights, Dr. Carter? the cashier teased.

Not used to being bored at work, he corrected. Not used to having enough time to think about needing coffee.

Careful with that stuff, she said in mock-earnesty. It'll kill ya.

He took his time returning to the ER, strolling casually through the halls, taking leisurely sips of coffee. On arriving, he discovered that Doctors Weaver and Chen had come on duty.

Can I leave? he asked hopefully and pleadingly to Kerry Weaver.

Sorry, Carter, we might need you.

Oh, yeah, just look at this crowd, he said dryly.

Answer's still no, she singsonged as she walked away.

he muttered under his breath. Chen stifled a laugh. Carter turned and eyed her. Any good at poker, Deb?

Are you challenging me? she raised an eyebrow at him laughingly.

Are you accepting? he retaliated, pulling the deck from the pocket of his coat.

You're on!

Twenty minutes later he regretted it.

Carter's mouth dropped open as Chen displayed her hand smugly. a Royal Flush?! he exclaimed incredulously.

I have my secrets, she smirked. She stood and continued, I think you've been humiliated enough tonight. She moved to leave the lounge and as she did, something dropped to the floor. Quick as a flash, Carter dove for it.

The two of clubs, he observed with over dramatic interest. How many more of these did you have up your sleeve?

Too late to worry about it now, she responded cheerfully.

The door opened. Multiple MVAs, drunk driver hit a cab. ETA four minutes, Weaver announced. They followed her to the ambulance bay.