*Hey everyone! I updated already. Sorry to leave ya'll hanging there. HaHa. Hope ya like the next chapter! Please r&r as always! Thanks*
Carter and Abby came to the small cobblestone bridge in the middle of the park. There was nobody there. Not a sound heard; except for the occasional bird chirping, but even they were not crazy enough to be out and about in this weather. The small stream trickled slowly. It was so peaceful; only interrupted by a remaining leaf falling into it and displacing the tiniest amount of water. He turned to her. She knew that she couldn't avoid the inevitable.
"Talk to me Abby. I know something is bothering you and it would make everything alot easier if you just told me instead of holding it inside."
She knew she had to tell him. He would be angry if he found out she was hiding something like this. And if the phone call came back and she was diagnosed he would have to find out at sometime or another. Maybe its better if he knew before hand. And this was the man she loved. Hiding things from him was just not right.
She slid down the side of the bridge and sat on the ice-cold stone. He stayed in his position; overlooking the water. Her heart started to pound faster in her chest and she knew if she didn't tell him soon, she would explode.
"You know how I went for a check-up yesterday for work? They said everything was ok. Then they called last night while you were working and said they found something in my bloodwork. They aren't sure but...the-they said I-I might have leukemia." She was hardly talking in more than a whisper.
Carter, looking at her in disbelief, sat down and wrapped her up in his arms tighter than he ever had before. He didn't know what to say. So many things were running through his head and when he opened his mouth nothing came out. Tears welled in both of their eyes. They both held back though.
"Oh Abby. It's going to be ok. We're going to get through this no matter what it takes. Alright?"
She simply nodded her head. He put her hands on her cheeks and tilted her head up slightly. She was so glad she told him. Now she wouldn't have to feel alone anymore.
"If I am sick, I can't do this by myself, Carter. I, I-I'm scared."
"There is no way I would let you go through this by yourself. Do you hear me?" Carter replied to her in a very stern voice. He had to make sure she knew that he would be there for her. That all he wanted to do was be there for her. This was supposed to be a special day. He didn't even think about the rest of the things he had planned for the them. All he wanted to do was go home and comfort her. And thats what they did.
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An hour later they were back at home. The ride home seemed like it took forever. Carter repeatedly squeezed her hand on the way home. It felt reassuring. It made her feel like he was there for her. And he would be.
They sat curled up together on the couch. Carter had started a roaring blaze in the fireplace. His arms were wrapped around her every minute except when he had to stir up the flames.
"They still haven't called. They probably found something and don't know how to break it to me."
"Well...no knews is good news, right?" He added while stirring the crisp logs around with the shiny brass poker.
Just as he sat the poker down on the ledge, the phone rang. Abby jumped and a nervous expression was emerged on her face. This was it. She walked over to the phone, Carter close behind and picked it up.
Her hand was trembling as she lifted the phone to her ear. Carter layed his hands on her shoulders.
"Hello?" A female voice asked from the other side of the line. "Is this Abigail Wyczenski?"
"Yes this is she. Who is this?" She knew who it was but she had to make sure.
"This is the oncology department at County Hospital. Your bloodwork was misplaced before we were able to test them, so we need you to come in tomorrow. Around noon?"
"Uhh...yeah...alright. I'll be there tomorrow. Thanks. Bye."
And with that said, she slowly placed the phone back on the wall. She turned around and looked at John.
"They lost my bloodwork. I have to go in tomorrow at noon again and they said because of the inconvenience, they would look at it right away. So we would know before we left." In a way she was relieved. But this could be precious time. It was so unfair to wait and call so late. She waited all day and now they call and say they lost it.
"I'll call Weaver and tell her that we both need to be off tomorrow. I'll just tell her it's personal and then I'll come with you."
"Carter, I can go by myself. You don't have to take off tomorrow." She knew she wanted him with her when she found out. She was just putting up a front.
"Do you remember what we discussed earlier. I am with you every step of the way. No matter what. Now I am coming with you tomorrow and thats all there is to it." He noticed a glimmer in her eyes. The tears she was holding back were now present.
Still holding him, she looked up and said, "Thank you." There wasn't much said the rest of the night. A few tears here and there, but falling asleep in his arms made her feel safe. She knew that whatever the outcome was, he really would be there for her.
----------
They woke up on the brown-leather couch; the same way they fell asleep. The November sun lightly shone through the sheer curtains and the fire had long been out. Carter woke up and stared at her lying there in his arms. She was so beautiful. How could anything bad happen to her? The problem was, bad things were always happening to her. She woke up as he rubbed her arm. The clock showed that it was only eight o'clock, but he knew if they didn't get up now they would probably drift off again and miss the appointment.
"Good morning sweetie." He smiled and continued to rub her arm ever so gently. It was very comforting to her.
"What time is it? Should we get ready? I don't want to be late Carter."
She shivered at the thought of her appointment. She had butterflies; no, birds in her stomach. The feeling was uncontrollable and it made her kind of shaky. "Abby...slow down...it's only ten after eight."
"Oh...ok." She gave him a quick smile. It wasn't a genuine smile. It was just there in place of the nervous face she didn't want to put on right now.
They sat up and threw a blanket across the both of them. He snaked his arm around her waist and could feel her shaking. He knew why. She had to be nervous. Who wouldn't be in her place?
"You ok?"
"Yeah...I guess i-it's just I'm kinda scared." At least she was telling him how she really felt.
"I know. It's ok to be scared. But we're going to get through this. You want something to eat? Some toast or a bagel?"
She usually didn't eat to much for breakfast. She couldn't decline the offer though. It was hard not to give in to those huge chocolate-colored eyes of his.
They finished their bagels and cream cheese. It was eleven o'clock by the time they had showered and dressed. Carter put Abby's leather jacket on and then put on his. He grabbed the keys off of the table and they were off. He grabbed her hand and led her to the car. He placed his hand on her leg while driving, which reassured her that he was there. She needed the reassurance from him.
----------
They got to County at eleven-thirty. It looked the same as it did everyday except this time they weren't going to the emergency room. They weren't going to help people. She might be the one who needs help after this one appointment. Today could very well change the rest of their lives. They took the elevator up to the lab. As they approached the desk, a lady with long dark hair handed Abby a form to fill out. Carter and her sat down in the waiting area. While she started filling out the forms Carter slipped his arm around her and pulled her in close. He didn't let go until she returned the forms and the doctor called them back.
They did all of the tests, with Carter by her side the entire time. The tests didn't scare her. Those were the least of her worries. The results were what she was scared about.
"Ok. We'll send these to be reviewed right now and we'll have the results back in about ten minutes." The tall dark-haired doctor said, leading them back to a small room where they could wait together.
"Thanks." Abby sort of smiled as she thanked the doctor.
----------
After waiting for what seemed like forever, they heard a loud knock on the door. The doctor came in and sat down on his stool. She tried to read into his expression. Trying to find some clue as to what the news was. Nothing.
"I-I'm sick aren't I?" Abby whispered to the doctor. She could feel it. She knew he was going to give her the horrible news.
"Yes. I am very sorry. You have Leukemia." He said in a very depressing tone.
Carter pulled her in tighter and kissed her on her head. She cried gently into his chest. She had to be strong.
"But...we caught it in a very early stage. If we start treatment soon, the chances of remission and survival are 95% to 99%. You are a doctor, so I won't waste your time with all of the details. Just go home, the two of you need some rest and some time for this to all sink in. Just make an appointment for the discussion of treatment options within the next few days." He sounded very hopeful to them.
Carter stood up with Abby in his arms. They thanked the doctor and made an appointment with the secretary at the desk before leaving. As they approached the car she finally broke down.
"I can't do this Carter." She was crying. At least she wasn't holding it back but it made tears well up in his eyes too. He couldn't loose someone else to Leukemia. First his brother. There was nothing he wasn't going to do to help her. After all this was the woman he loved.
"We are going to get through this, ok." She felt shaky all over. He could see her hands trembling and it looked like she was going to fall over.
"I'm so scared. I don't want to die."
He opened the back door of the car and motioned for her to slide in. He sat down next to her. He knew he couldn't drive at the moment. He just wanted to hold her and he knew she had to sit down or her legs would have given out. They sat there together for about ten minutes crying. No words were spoken.
"You are not going to die. Do you hear me? We are going to get treatment started and then everything is going to be back to normal, ok." He raised the tone in his voice. It was very serious and he had to make sure she was hearing what he said.
"Ok. I love you." With that said, they climed into the front seats and were on their way home.
----------
They had been home for hours now, trying to be somewhat normal. Everything felt so normal except for the fact he knew nothing would ever be completely the same as it was before they got the devastating news. It's really weird that sometimes it takes something awful to kind of put things in perspective for you. Of course they were crazy in love with each other but there was nothing really standing in the way before. He had always realized he was lucky to have her. He didn't think it could be this easy to lose her though.
Carter and Abby came to the small cobblestone bridge in the middle of the park. There was nobody there. Not a sound heard; except for the occasional bird chirping, but even they were not crazy enough to be out and about in this weather. The small stream trickled slowly. It was so peaceful; only interrupted by a remaining leaf falling into it and displacing the tiniest amount of water. He turned to her. She knew that she couldn't avoid the inevitable.
"Talk to me Abby. I know something is bothering you and it would make everything alot easier if you just told me instead of holding it inside."
She knew she had to tell him. He would be angry if he found out she was hiding something like this. And if the phone call came back and she was diagnosed he would have to find out at sometime or another. Maybe its better if he knew before hand. And this was the man she loved. Hiding things from him was just not right.
She slid down the side of the bridge and sat on the ice-cold stone. He stayed in his position; overlooking the water. Her heart started to pound faster in her chest and she knew if she didn't tell him soon, she would explode.
"You know how I went for a check-up yesterday for work? They said everything was ok. Then they called last night while you were working and said they found something in my bloodwork. They aren't sure but...the-they said I-I might have leukemia." She was hardly talking in more than a whisper.
Carter, looking at her in disbelief, sat down and wrapped her up in his arms tighter than he ever had before. He didn't know what to say. So many things were running through his head and when he opened his mouth nothing came out. Tears welled in both of their eyes. They both held back though.
"Oh Abby. It's going to be ok. We're going to get through this no matter what it takes. Alright?"
She simply nodded her head. He put her hands on her cheeks and tilted her head up slightly. She was so glad she told him. Now she wouldn't have to feel alone anymore.
"If I am sick, I can't do this by myself, Carter. I, I-I'm scared."
"There is no way I would let you go through this by yourself. Do you hear me?" Carter replied to her in a very stern voice. He had to make sure she knew that he would be there for her. That all he wanted to do was be there for her. This was supposed to be a special day. He didn't even think about the rest of the things he had planned for the them. All he wanted to do was go home and comfort her. And thats what they did.
----------
An hour later they were back at home. The ride home seemed like it took forever. Carter repeatedly squeezed her hand on the way home. It felt reassuring. It made her feel like he was there for her. And he would be.
They sat curled up together on the couch. Carter had started a roaring blaze in the fireplace. His arms were wrapped around her every minute except when he had to stir up the flames.
"They still haven't called. They probably found something and don't know how to break it to me."
"Well...no knews is good news, right?" He added while stirring the crisp logs around with the shiny brass poker.
Just as he sat the poker down on the ledge, the phone rang. Abby jumped and a nervous expression was emerged on her face. This was it. She walked over to the phone, Carter close behind and picked it up.
Her hand was trembling as she lifted the phone to her ear. Carter layed his hands on her shoulders.
"Hello?" A female voice asked from the other side of the line. "Is this Abigail Wyczenski?"
"Yes this is she. Who is this?" She knew who it was but she had to make sure.
"This is the oncology department at County Hospital. Your bloodwork was misplaced before we were able to test them, so we need you to come in tomorrow. Around noon?"
"Uhh...yeah...alright. I'll be there tomorrow. Thanks. Bye."
And with that said, she slowly placed the phone back on the wall. She turned around and looked at John.
"They lost my bloodwork. I have to go in tomorrow at noon again and they said because of the inconvenience, they would look at it right away. So we would know before we left." In a way she was relieved. But this could be precious time. It was so unfair to wait and call so late. She waited all day and now they call and say they lost it.
"I'll call Weaver and tell her that we both need to be off tomorrow. I'll just tell her it's personal and then I'll come with you."
"Carter, I can go by myself. You don't have to take off tomorrow." She knew she wanted him with her when she found out. She was just putting up a front.
"Do you remember what we discussed earlier. I am with you every step of the way. No matter what. Now I am coming with you tomorrow and thats all there is to it." He noticed a glimmer in her eyes. The tears she was holding back were now present.
Still holding him, she looked up and said, "Thank you." There wasn't much said the rest of the night. A few tears here and there, but falling asleep in his arms made her feel safe. She knew that whatever the outcome was, he really would be there for her.
----------
They woke up on the brown-leather couch; the same way they fell asleep. The November sun lightly shone through the sheer curtains and the fire had long been out. Carter woke up and stared at her lying there in his arms. She was so beautiful. How could anything bad happen to her? The problem was, bad things were always happening to her. She woke up as he rubbed her arm. The clock showed that it was only eight o'clock, but he knew if they didn't get up now they would probably drift off again and miss the appointment.
"Good morning sweetie." He smiled and continued to rub her arm ever so gently. It was very comforting to her.
"What time is it? Should we get ready? I don't want to be late Carter."
She shivered at the thought of her appointment. She had butterflies; no, birds in her stomach. The feeling was uncontrollable and it made her kind of shaky. "Abby...slow down...it's only ten after eight."
"Oh...ok." She gave him a quick smile. It wasn't a genuine smile. It was just there in place of the nervous face she didn't want to put on right now.
They sat up and threw a blanket across the both of them. He snaked his arm around her waist and could feel her shaking. He knew why. She had to be nervous. Who wouldn't be in her place?
"You ok?"
"Yeah...I guess i-it's just I'm kinda scared." At least she was telling him how she really felt.
"I know. It's ok to be scared. But we're going to get through this. You want something to eat? Some toast or a bagel?"
She usually didn't eat to much for breakfast. She couldn't decline the offer though. It was hard not to give in to those huge chocolate-colored eyes of his.
They finished their bagels and cream cheese. It was eleven o'clock by the time they had showered and dressed. Carter put Abby's leather jacket on and then put on his. He grabbed the keys off of the table and they were off. He grabbed her hand and led her to the car. He placed his hand on her leg while driving, which reassured her that he was there. She needed the reassurance from him.
----------
They got to County at eleven-thirty. It looked the same as it did everyday except this time they weren't going to the emergency room. They weren't going to help people. She might be the one who needs help after this one appointment. Today could very well change the rest of their lives. They took the elevator up to the lab. As they approached the desk, a lady with long dark hair handed Abby a form to fill out. Carter and her sat down in the waiting area. While she started filling out the forms Carter slipped his arm around her and pulled her in close. He didn't let go until she returned the forms and the doctor called them back.
They did all of the tests, with Carter by her side the entire time. The tests didn't scare her. Those were the least of her worries. The results were what she was scared about.
"Ok. We'll send these to be reviewed right now and we'll have the results back in about ten minutes." The tall dark-haired doctor said, leading them back to a small room where they could wait together.
"Thanks." Abby sort of smiled as she thanked the doctor.
----------
After waiting for what seemed like forever, they heard a loud knock on the door. The doctor came in and sat down on his stool. She tried to read into his expression. Trying to find some clue as to what the news was. Nothing.
"I-I'm sick aren't I?" Abby whispered to the doctor. She could feel it. She knew he was going to give her the horrible news.
"Yes. I am very sorry. You have Leukemia." He said in a very depressing tone.
Carter pulled her in tighter and kissed her on her head. She cried gently into his chest. She had to be strong.
"But...we caught it in a very early stage. If we start treatment soon, the chances of remission and survival are 95% to 99%. You are a doctor, so I won't waste your time with all of the details. Just go home, the two of you need some rest and some time for this to all sink in. Just make an appointment for the discussion of treatment options within the next few days." He sounded very hopeful to them.
Carter stood up with Abby in his arms. They thanked the doctor and made an appointment with the secretary at the desk before leaving. As they approached the car she finally broke down.
"I can't do this Carter." She was crying. At least she wasn't holding it back but it made tears well up in his eyes too. He couldn't loose someone else to Leukemia. First his brother. There was nothing he wasn't going to do to help her. After all this was the woman he loved.
"We are going to get through this, ok." She felt shaky all over. He could see her hands trembling and it looked like she was going to fall over.
"I'm so scared. I don't want to die."
He opened the back door of the car and motioned for her to slide in. He sat down next to her. He knew he couldn't drive at the moment. He just wanted to hold her and he knew she had to sit down or her legs would have given out. They sat there together for about ten minutes crying. No words were spoken.
"You are not going to die. Do you hear me? We are going to get treatment started and then everything is going to be back to normal, ok." He raised the tone in his voice. It was very serious and he had to make sure she was hearing what he said.
"Ok. I love you." With that said, they climed into the front seats and were on their way home.
----------
They had been home for hours now, trying to be somewhat normal. Everything felt so normal except for the fact he knew nothing would ever be completely the same as it was before they got the devastating news. It's really weird that sometimes it takes something awful to kind of put things in perspective for you. Of course they were crazy in love with each other but there was nothing really standing in the way before. He had always realized he was lucky to have her. He didn't think it could be this easy to lose her though.