When I Need The Most

Chapter 2

"Carter...." Abby called again softly.

"I'm right here. Abby, do you think you can get to my car so I can take you to the hospital?" asked Carter.

"John, I'm fine. I don't need to go to the hospital," said Abby sternly. "I.... I think I'm okay," Abby said softly touching her face. She pulled it away quickly, as she felt how swollen it had become.

"Well, I am taking you to County anyway," Carter said as he slowly carried her down the stairs of her apartment building. When they got to the car, Carter phoned County General.

"County General" said the voice.

"Susan… its John. Abby's been hurt, I'm bringing her in" said Carter

"What?" said Susan as she sat down on the stool near her.

"What happened?" asked Susan

"I don't know yet, but her face is badly bruised, and I think she has a broken nose," said Carter as he looked at Abby.  Who would do this to Abby, thought Carter.

"Okay… I'll see you soon," said Susan as she hung up the phone.

***

At County General,

Susan was waiting for them in the admitting desk when Carter carried Abby into the ER.

"Exam 2 is ready," said Susan. She then followed Carter as he took Abby into the examination room.

.

"I'm really okay," Abby insisted.

"I'm sure you are," said Susan. " But let's get you checked out"

Carter looked at Abby as Susan examined her. Why did this have to happen to Abby?

"Abby, you have a minor concussion and a broken nose. You should be just fine," Susan said reassuringly.

Abby nodded silently.

"I told you, I was fine," Abby said stubbornly.

"How did this happened?" asked Susan.

"My neighbor beat me up because I wouldn't tell him where his wife was." explained Abby. Abby got chills down her spine, just thinking about it.

Abby could see that Carter's expression changed the minute she started talking about her accident.

"Carter… I'll be fine, it's just a broken nose, "

"So where are you going to stay tonight?" asked a concerned Susan.

"I was thinking about going to a hotel" said Abby.

"You can stay at my place if you want" said Susan.

"No thanks, I'll be fine" said Abby.

Susan's pager then went off.

"I have to check on another patient, but you will be fine" Susan said and left the room.

"Bye" said Susan.

"Abby...." Carter began after Susan left.

"Carter, I'm fine. Can you just drive me home so I can get a few things?" asked Abby quietly.

"Sure." said Carter. Carter wished that he could just help her in some way to deal with the attack.

"Abby, why don't you stay at my house for a while, just until Brian's trial begins," said Carter.

Abby shook her head.

"No, Carter I don't want to intrude, and besides, I will keep my door locked," Abby said as she stood up. She immediately regretted standing up. She swayed a little. Carter then caught her.

"Abby, I think you should sit down." Carter said as he helped her sit back down on the exam table.

"I am fine, Carter, just a little dizzy," said Abby looking down at her feet, hoping the dizziness would go away.

"Abby, I am serious. I want you to stay with me until Brian's trial. I am worried about you already, please don't make me worry anymore," Carter said looking at her with his gorgeous eyes.

"Carter… I don't think it would work, not with Susan" Abby began.

"Please," Carter said. Abby chuckled.

"I am not going to win, am I?" Abby asked with a slight smile.

"No, you aren't," Carter said.

"Okay. Fine, I will stay with you," Abby said finally giving in. Carter smiled.

"Good," he said.

"Should we go to your place and pick up some of your stuff?" Carter asked.

"You know what? I'd like to pick it up tomorrow, if you don't mind," Abby said.

"Of course I don't," said Carter as he helped her stand up.

"I'm fine Carter," said Abby as she stood up.

"Come on, let's get you home." said Carter

"Thank you Carter, for everything," Abby smiled a little.

"I'm happy to help, Abby. You are my friend, and I would do anything for you, " he said gently.

"I know," said Abby smiling slightly.

Abby and Carter were just leaving the ER, when they saw Susan. 

"Headed home?" she asked.

"Abby is actually going to stay with me for a while," Carter told her. Susan nodded.

"That's nice of you. I hope you feel better," Susan said looking at Abby.

"Thanks, so do I," Abby said.

"Well… I'll see you later, John," said Susan as she watched Carter and Abby leave the hospital together.

To be continued!!