Author's Note: This really IS the end of And the Moment. I want to thank again the loyal readers whose reviews just light up my life. Shout outs go to CARBYfan, Mealz, and elf-princess, who have reviewed faithfully throughout the whole story, and as always to Carrie, Carolyn and Mel for their endless encouragement.

I had to dash this off at odd moments when ideas came to me. Now that school is over, i'm halfway-unpacked at home, and repacking everything differently for camp, which begins at the end of this week and goes through early August. I wanted this done before then, though, so i could devote some time to developing the sequel. See everyone in August!

DISCLAIMERS: [usuals go here] Title comes from the song from the timeless classic movie Casablanca. You know the one, where Bogey's at the bar and he says to Sam, play it again. ohhhhh, i love it....


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And the Moment...
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EPILOGUE: AS TIME GOES BY



She didn't know what to expect as she gazed out the window at the unfamiliar scenery. She'd not seen any pictures of their new home. It was the first time she'd left the hospital since that fateful morning nearly two months ago. She wished desperately and wildly that she could get up and dance in the crisp autumn air. Sighing, she resigned herself to the fact that dancing would have to wait--another year or more.

Abby looked down to her still-healing body, strapped carefully, with Carter's help, into the front seat of the Towncar--a smoother ride than his Jeep, he'd explained.

his voice brought her out of her wistful reverie. We're almost there. He turned into the main drive of a very nice apartment complex, slowing down to a snail's pace to ease the big sedan over a row of speed bumps.

A low, appreciative whistle sounded from the back seat. Got a spare room for me? Susan joked.

Which one is Abby questioned.



Give me a hint! she wheedled.

It's probably not the one with the balloons and the Welcome Home, Abby' banner, Carter pointed to her right as he turned in the same direction

How'd I miss that?

Beats me, Susan laughed. Carter steered to the parking space just beneath the vivid banner placed there by the ER staff.

Susan wrestled the manual wheelchair out of the back seat and unfolded it as Carter carefully helped Abby out of the passenger seat and supported her until Susan wheeled the chair around to them.

I'm going to learn to hate this really fast, Abby pouted. I haven't been this helpless since I learned to walk.

I believe it, Carter joked. Privately he thought that she would learn to like allowing him to take care of her and maybe in the future she would be more welcome to his willingness to help. Carefully, he helped her settle as comfortably as possible, wincing inwardly every time she let out the tiniest moan from pain.

Did Maggie see this place before she went home? Abby asked.

Not only did she see it, Carter informed her, She tried to redecorate it. I had to explain to her that as sub leasers we don't have that right. He wheeled her into the cozy little apartment. Suddenly he asked, Before she left, did she tell you--

Abby interrupted, knowing what he was asking. We talked for a long time. It was weird, hearing her talk so matter-of-factly about her meds. Even weirder to know that she's on them and doing well.

Carter only nodded in response. Susan came in, carrying the first few bags that accompanied Abby home. Her friends and coworkers had given her piles of books, music, electronic games, and flowers. The flowers were already arranged around the apartment, giving the place a very cheery feeling indeed.

This is nice! Abby exclaimed as she looked around. There was a good-sized kitchen--big enough for her to get in and out of in her chair, a bathroom with a whirlpool tub, a living room with nice leather furniture and a big-screen television. I could get used to it, she grinned impishly.

Ha, ha, came the dry response from Carter. Nevertheless he leaned down to plant a light kiss on her lips. I'm glad you like it, he said softly. She slung her good arm around him in the best imitation of a hug that she could muster.

Knock it off, you two, Susan kidded, walking in with another armload. Carter shot her a mock-menacing look which she returned with an innocent gaze of her own. The next second her expression changed as a car door slammed outside and a new figure darkened the doorway. Carter's knowing smile gave it away before she even saw who was there.

Susan and Abby let out the surprised exclamation simultaneously just before the unabashed Susan threw herself into his arms.

Someone want to clue me in? Abby asked, looking daggers at Carter, who seemed to be trying his hardest to blend in with the powder blue walls.

Eric said. She still doesn't know? he looked from the two guilty faces to the expectant, eyebrows-raised expression his sister wore.

Abby, um, Susan and I are-

Yeah, I noticed that, she interrupted. When was anyone going to tell me? She stared her brother down for a moment before letting a small grin curve her lips. You were afraid to tell me! she accused laughingly. You were afraid I'd be mad! Her grin got bigger as her three companions visibly relaxed.

Yeah, a little, I guess, Eric mumbled.

Why? I can't think of why I never thought of it, she ended, a thoughtful look on her face.

You don't mind? Susan was still taken aback by Abby's calm demeanor.

You wouldn't believe the dreams I had about you both... Abby began.

The End (really.)