Disclaimer: Abby, Carter and rest of ER tribe are not mine, never will be yadda yadda yadda

Title: May

Chapter: 2 - Can't Be Contained

A/N: WOW! I got this chapter up within a day which is such a record for me! Shows how much I am enjoying writing the story. Thanks so much for the reviews that came from the last chapter. It has only been up a day and already they are starting to come in so thanks. Please, keep reviewing. I want and the need the feedback to know what you all think and any criticism is appreciated. I need to know if I am doing a good job and with the story being in it's very early stage, whether it is worth continuing as I am putting a lot of my free time into writing it. Regarding the reviews I have had: I promise Into the Woods will continue, but it may be a little while as I want to get this baby up and running at the moment. But be patient, it will continue! Also, regarding Alan's pointer for me to re-evaluate' if I think this is lengthy - well it will be. I put that in the summary so readers know I was serious about continuing and didn't think it was a stand alone chapter. Everybody else seemed to understand, and in the future I would appreciate my reviews being solely about my writing, not about what is written in the summary. Thanks. :D

Credits: Title to the story is taken from the wonderful Lifehouse song . The titles to each chapter will reflect lyrics from that song.

Summary: Carby. A lengthy story following the due course of a pregnancy and happiness that follows.

- - -

Abby walked around the hospital in a daze for the rest of her shift. She had actually worried about the patients' safety at one point but she had reminded herself to stay professional and that her personal life could be dealt with once she was out of the hospital. Her most frequent thought was that the test could be wrong, she had heard of it. However, there was only a miniscule chance, a 1% chance as a matter of fact, that it was incorrect and add in a sprinkle of being two weeks late and a dash of not feeling yourself, the pregnant mixture was complete. It was just so hard to believe. She, Abby Lockhart, was going to be a mother. Sure, she had been pregnant before, she was no stranger to this, but things were somehow different. OK, she was not jumping for joy at the fact, but neither was she contemplating an abortion like last time. She was in a serious, long-term relationship with a man that she loved. That had to be one thing that was different. She and Carter had been dating for a year now. OK they weren't married, but they sure as hell had gotten close, and she knew that it would come, eventually.

Carter. She was going to have to tell him, tonight. How would he react? Would he be ecstatic? Probably not. Would he go silent and then say he needed some time to think, before walking out of their apartment and never returning? She hoped to God not! Her stomach began to knot again, the nerves and anxiety returning. Was this day ever going to end? She finished cleaning up her young patient's recently immunised arm, disposed ot the syringe, and walked out of the curtain area only to bump into Susan.

Oh, sorry. Abby voiced, as she collided into Susan's arm.

Hey, no probs. Susan chirped, as she began walked in stride with Abby.

And...sorry for before, when I ignored you? I kinda had something on my mind is all.

Everything OK? Susan asked subtly, trying her best not to sound prying.

Yeah, everything's fine. She smiled, as she put on her best no worries' face, a rarity in her world.

You off now?

Yeah. I think this has officially been the longest shift of my life.

Ditto, and I have another two hours to go! Susan turned to watch Abby head off in a different direction towards the lounge. Oh, bye. She spoke to herself, as she watched Abby's form disappear thought the door.

Abby took a deep breath as she pushed open the door to the lounge. Sure enough, she found Carter waiting for her, seated at the table reading a magazine. He was already out of his scrubs and had changed into a t-shirt and cream pants, ready to brace the mild May evening in Chicago. His hair lay messily around his head from his gruelling twelve hour shift, and Abby couldn't help but smile through her inner worries at his adorable appearance. After her few seconds of staring were over, she walked towards her locker and Carter's head lifted from the magazine on the table to face her.

Hey, I didn't hear you walk in.

She smiled slightly as she opened her locker door, blocking his form out momentarily as she collected her jeans and disposed of her scrub jacket. She grabbed her purse that lay on the shelf, before closing the door to face him.

Must be going deaf.

Or you're working for the FBI or something. So, you ready? He asked, closing the magazine and getting up from his seat at the table.

Yeah hang on, let me change into my jeans and I'll be done.

He stated, sitting back down temporarily as he rubbed his eyes.

Abby asked, as she struggled to get her jeans on.

Just a bit. Just glad I have a day off tomorrow. It will be a blessing after a day like today. He paused slightly, simply watching her. How bout you?





Oh. Yeah, you can say that. Unfortunately some of us have to work tomorrow.

Carter waited until she collected her bag from the counter besides her and took it as his cue to rise. Abby smiled, extending her hand out to him in her usual manner, which he gratefully accepted before they exited the lounge.

Bye you two! Susan called from her position at the desk, already laden down with charts. Abby smiled as Carter waved his free hand, and they made their way through the automatic doors and into the spring night.

- - -

They stepped off the relatively quiet el carriage and onto the station, close by to their apartment. Carter instinctively reached for Abby's hand as they exited the station by feeding their tickets through the barrier slot, and walked up the street that lead to the apartment block.

You ok? Carter suddenly spoke up, as he turned to Abby but still continued to walk.

Mmm hmm, yeah. Why ask?

Carter shook his head slightly. I dunno, you just seemed kinda quiet. You hardly spoke a word on the el.

Just tired.

He seemed to accept her excuse as they walked in silence once more towards the apartment. On warm evenings such as these, it was a pleasant enough walk. No subzero temperatures or icy pathways. Just the chirping of the birds and each other's touch. Simple. Nice.

Abby continued to think as they made their way up the steps to the front door of the apartment. She was going to have to tell him tonight. It was unfair to keep something this big from him for another day, or days, depending on when she plucked up the courage. He had just as much right to know as she did. Besides, she needed someone to voice her thoughts and feelings to. She didn't know how much longer she was able to keep it to herself.

She let go of Carter's hand as she fished around in her purse for her keys. She had accumulated so much junk over the past few months, it was impossible even to find a set of keys in a bag the size of a shoe! Carter chuckled softly besides her as she began to get frustrated.

I'd like to see you try and find them! She snapped suddenly, instantly regretting her harsh words. He fell silent besides her, making her feel even worse. Once her hands lay claim around the silver chain, she turned to look at him, placing a quick kiss on his lips for good measure. He smiled slightly, instantly accepting her silent apology.

Once they entered the apartment, Carter headed straight for the refrigerator as Abby collapsed onto the sofa, resting her head back and closing her eyes. She felt as though the world had suddenly decided to jump out of the solar system and place itself on her shoulders. Why couldn't things ever be simple for her?

Um, there's some left over macaroni and cheese from last night in here. It's about all that's edible. That ok with you? Carter shouted from over in the kitchen.

I'm not hungry, you go ahead though. Abby shouted back half-heartedly. She heard Carter rummaging around in the kitchen, and heard the obvious beeping of the microwave as he began reheating his macaroni and cheese dish. He began talking once more as he made his way into the living room.

Have you eaten today already?

Abby shook her head.

So why aren't you eating now? He asked, slightly puzzled and concerned.

Just don't feel like it.

Ah, stomach still giving you trouble?

She laughed at the irony. Yeah something like that.

There was a moment's silence, before Carter rose up off the sofa and made his way back into the kitchen at the sound of the microwave timer.

You really should stay home tomorrow if you're not feeling great. He began to shout once more.

Abby took a deep breath. It was now or never, and she preferred to get it over and done with so that they could have the evening to talk about more serious matters than food.

Carter, we need to talk. OK, maybe not the best way to start a conversation about her pregnant state. Maybe that would have been better to suited to a conversation about break ups. By the look on Carter's face, he obviously thought the same. He had immediately stopped what he was doing, and appeared in view, eyebrows raised, lips pursed together.

We do?

Abby took a deep breath. Her expression couldn't have been doing much to help calm his fears either. She was far too nervous and serious to come across as happy. Yeah. Uh, come and sit down.

Carter obliged, placing his bowl of food down on the counter and slowly making his way over towards the sofa. His face remained confused and troubled as he stared at Abby all the while, trying to read her, trying to pick up on what was about to come his way. However, her face remained like a wall as usual. He sat down next to her but decided to leaving a slight gap between them, which was not normal. He usual liked to sit as close to her as he possibly could.

Abby picked up on this as she scooted close to him, closing the gap. She took one of his hands in hers and took a breath to begin talking, but Carter stopped her.

Abby you're shaking. His deep eyes burnt into hers with such raw emotion.

She bit her lip. I know.

Carter's eyes did all the talking as the frown he had worn ever since she had stated they needed to talk remained plastered across his face. He was worried, angry, confused, everything that Abby was feeling too.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and began to talk. I found out something today at the hospital. Something I should have figured out a while back. She tried to read his expression as she clung to his hand. He remained silent, obviously realising how important it was for her to not be interrupted. It's something that is going to affect me, that is going to affect you, that is going to affect us. Abby paused once more, breaking eye contact with him briefly whilst taking a deep breath. The knot in her stomach was bigger than ever. Carter I...

Look, if you're going to end this I would prefer a reason why. He added bitterly.

She asked, looking puzzled.

Don't give me all this about it affecting you, me, whatever. I would prefer a more justified reason than that and...

Carter I'm not ending things! She shouted slightly.

Then what...

I'm pregnant! She blurted out.

The room fell silent. All that could be heard was the racing of Abby's heart and the shaky breath that she let out. Carter stared dumbly at her. The frown had finally faded from his face, and what had replaced it was a look of nothing. Blankness. He stared at Abby's wide eyed look, as she waited patiently for some kind of reaction from him. Carter's wide eyes mirrored hers, as he tried desperately to take it all in. His girlfriend, the woman who sat before him who he loved more than anything in the world, was carrying his child. He was going to be a Daddy. As the thoughts continued to run thought his head, his expression slowly changed. The corners of his mouth began turning upwards. This was only until he noticed the tears that had began falling down Abby's face. Her face crumpled before him and he was quick to take her in his arms.

Abby, what's wrong? He asked, obviously saddened that she was not feeling or sharing his initial joy.

She buried her head in his chest, wrapping her arms around his torso, craving to be held. She sniffed as his gentle touch stroked her hair, calming her, soothing. I'm scared Carter.

He let out a soft sigh, kissing the top of her head. What about?

She lifted her head up suddenly, revealing her tearstained face. You know what about. She croaked.

Carter gently placed her head back against his chest as he made soothing noises. Shh. We've talked about this. You know how small the chances are of you passing it on.

I know but...

But it's the reality of the situation I know. Abby, I know it's different saying it will be alright to actually having the baby inside of you. It's a new feeling, it's...

But it's not!

Carter stopped. His actions stopped, his words stopped, his mind stopped.

Abby lifted her head up again to look him directly in the eye. It's not new Carter. I've been here before!

He asked, his voice shaking slightly.

She let out a breath before nodding slightly.

Carter squinted his eyes shut as he rubbed the bridge of his nose with his free hand. You, you never said anything.

Yeah, well having an abortion isn't something I tend to shout about.



Of course I had an abortion, I think I'd tell you if I had a kid! She raised her voice slightly, letting go of Carter's chest and sitting back slightly. They remained in silence for at least two minutes, each processing their own thoughts before Abby spoke again quietly.

I wasn't in love with Richard. We never talked about anything. I was scared, dealing with it all on my own. There was no one to voice my fears to, no one to reassure me everything was going to be ok. Her voice broke on the last few words, as she broke down in tears again. She frantically wiped them from her face, hating feeling so vulnerable and weak. She blamed it on the hormones.

Carter slowly reached over again, pulling her head to him. She greatly accepted the gesture, clinging to his t-shirt, dampening it with tears as she cried against him. I'm here now. He whispered. I'm here for you to voice your fears to, and I'm here to reassure you that everything will be alright. And it will you know. It will.

Abby sniffed once more before sitting up, but keeping contact with him by entwining her fingers with his. Thank you.

Carter smiled. His smile eventually grew as she stared into her eyes.

Abby finally asked.

He laughed, knowing straight away what she was asking him.

Come on, say something! She demanded, letting out a small chuckle through the last remainder of her tears.

Carter's eyes sparkled, as he let his gaze drift to her stomach. He brought their entwined hands up, from their stationary position on the sofa, to rest on-top of Abby's stomach. His palm lay flat against the material of her black v-neck shirt, as her hand lay on-top of his. He stared, mesmerised for some time before tearing his eyes away to look into hers once more.

You've made me the happiest man alive.

Abby smiled through tears once more, this time however, they were tears of joy. Doctor Carter, you're so cliché! She laughed, before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately.

Carter smiled against her lips as he tasted the salty tears. He hungrily covered her lips with his, attempting to kiss the sadness away. After what seemed like an eternity, they broke apart, each grinning widely at one another, uncovering the felicity of the moment. Carter suddenly let out a small laugh as his eyes landed on Abby's stomach once again.

Stomach bug indeed!

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