The minute hand on the clock seemed to stay stationary, as it always did when you were watching it. For two people in particular, the world seemed to have stood still. Carter waited in the lounge with Susan, sitting in silence, thinking. Just thinking. Abby lay on the all too familiar gurney of exam two, her head embedded in the uncomfortable pillow as she stared at the white, arid ceiling above her, thinking. Just thinking. Two people who shared a deep and meaningful connection that nature had developed, yet were worlds apart.

---

Susan's hand on his knee brought him back to earth from his time away from the world he loathed so much at this moment. His sharp intake of breath indicated that she had startled him, and she immediately apologised.

Sorry, I didn't mean to alarm you.

He looked around the room briefly, taking into account his surroundings and allowing his mind to refocus and tell him again of the nightmare he was living. He turned towards Susan, giving her his full attention. She deserved that much at least. It's ok, I was just somewhere else.

She gave him a half smile, turning up the left hand corner of her mouth before pausing slightly. I'm worried.

He laughed somewhat sarcastically. That's an understatement if I ever heard one. He turned away and put his head in his hands, gripping the hair on either side of his head, distraught.

No, I mean about you. I am worried about you.

He sighed heavily. There's nothing for you to worry about, I am not the one lying in that hospital bed waiting to see if my life is about to be ruined for ever. Waiting to find out whether one piece of that bastard will remain with me for the rest of my life, whether he will ruin everything I have every worked for, ever lived for, and whether he will sabotage the one chance I had of a successful relationship.

Susan stared at him. He was giving up hope, on everything. There were no tears, he was all cried out. He remained emotionless, dead. You're going to be no use to her thinking like that.

Yeah, and just what am I supposed to be thinking Susan? That if these results come back telling us the unthinkable, that life is going to be all dandy? That Abby and I will go home and sit on the couch, make out, make love, just like any normal couple, just like we used to? Like nothing has happened?

I mean, you can't give up just like that. You need to be strong for her John. She needs you, although she may never say it, she does.

He still sat with his head lowered into his hands, his voice weak. I just don't know if I can keep being strong for her. This is killing me Susan, and do you know what the worrying thing is? She is outrightly showing me how much she needs me, and that is so unlike her. This is the most vulnerable I have ever seen her and it scares me, it scares me so much that she is acting so out of character. I don't know what to do anymore. I just don't.

Susan reached over and placed a hand on his back. He was trembling under her touch. You need to get some rest you know. You've fainted, puked your guts out and broken your nose, all in the space of a few hours. That's not a healthy combination if you ask me.

No. I am staying here and staying conscious. I am not moving until I know.

Susan sighed. There was a stubborn streak to John Carter, and she was seeing it in its full glory now. OK, if you say so. I am not letting you out of my sight though.

He laughed slightly. Thanks Susan. For everything.

She smiled, even though he could not see her. Any time.

They sat there in silence until the sound of the door disrupted their thoughts. Both pairs of heads shot up to meet the sight of a grim looking Doctor Weaver.

I've got Abby's results.

---

Abby had asked to be left alone for a few moments after Kerry had conducted the examination. She needed time to collect her thoughts, and to just be alone. Deep inside however, she craved company, she craved John's company. Throughout her entire life, she had never been so dependant upon one person as she was right now. When going through the abortion, she had wanted to be alone. When going through her mother's traumatic disappearances, she had wanted to deal alone. But ever since this man had walked into her life, something had changed. He devoted every inch of himself to her, she knew she was his world, and he was hers. She could not quite put her finger on it but something had clicked, it was like he was her missing piece, as cliché and cheesy as that sounded to her, it was true. She believed she truly had found her soul mate and now, it was all about to come crashing down. She knew they would not survive if this happened. She would recoil into herself and never come out, he would desperately try to help her, try to get her back and it would eventually kill him emotionally. He would get sick of her and her problems and leave one day out of the blue. It was like the plot for a bad movie or tv show story line. She could see the outcome so clearly, it scared her half to death. Just this morning she was so happy. Lying in bed with her boyfriend, taking part in their playful banter they had both grown accustomed to over the weeks. Weeks. They had only been together' as an official couple for a few weeks. It seemed like years to her. Many happy years. In reality, she supposed she could count their time together' as years, their feelings for each other had been there since the day they had been introduced to one another by Mark. They may not have been evident to her, or to him back then, but they had been. She could not even begin to imagine a time when this man had not been a part of her life, and she could not not even begin to imagine a life without him in the future. It was too unbearable to think about. She was going to have to deal though. One day, in thirty years time, she would wake up and John Carter would be a distant memory, a happy memory she could tell her grandchildren about. The day I met my soul mate. Why was she depressing herself like this? Why were these incoherent thoughts running thought her head at a million miles an hour and she was still ending up at the same conclusion? Her and Carter were doomed. This final statement was confirmed as Kerry stepped into her room.

Abby, I have your results. She spoke, quietly, carefully.

Abby nodded slightly, unable to speak, unable to move.

Would you like me to go and get John?

Again she nodded, Mmm hmmm, before her face crumpled, and tears began rolling down her face.

Kerry watched, heartbroken. I'll be back in a minute.

Abby watched her retreating form. Her world was about to come crumbling down around her and there was nothing she could do about it.

---

He walked through the halls of the ER, passing familiar faces, receiving those all too familiar sympathetic looks. He wished he could just scream at them to stop looking at him like that, like his whole life was about to be taken away from him and they were all so sorry about it. One by one, their faces blurred past him into an invisible vortex that his mind had created, and he walked on, along his own green mile. He stopped outside the door to the exam room and contemplated his whole situation. Did he really want to walk into that room? Did he want to know what he already knew was impending? It could not possibly be good news, nothing ever was when concerning him and Abby, they had been doomed from the start. He knew he had to go in there though. Although his head was telling him to run now, his heart was telling him he had to be there for her, not just had to, but wanted to. The day he had first kissed her in that stuffy exam room, he had made a silent commitment to himself and to her, to be there for her no matter what. That was what loving someone meant, and that was what he was going to do. Love her. He pushed the door open and walked in, to face her lying on the same bed, in a hospital gown and fear written all over her face, despite her attempt to cover it up. He could tell just by looking at her that she was trying to act strong, just as she always did. Kerry walked in behind him and closed the door shut to offer the couple some privacy. Carter made his way slowly over to Abby's side, smiling tightly as he held her gaze, appearing to act strong, even though they both knew he was dying as much as she was. He perched on the right hand side of the bed, immediately taking a hold of her hand and blanketing it in both of his. His thumbs rubbed small circles on her soft skin, as if desperately trying to rub any fears she had away with the small action. He smiled slightly as she placed her free hand on the inside of his thigh, gripping him firmly, holding onto him in a physical manner.

Kerry pulled up a chair besides the bed, next to where Carter perched. She held no clipboard, no paper, just the all important information she carried inside of her head. She eyed Abby's form, seeing her face etched with every emotion under the sun: fear, anger, agony. She knew her head was telling her to be strong, but her heart was gripping onto her only available lifeline. John. In a way, he appeared weaker emotionally than Abby did. He had been through hell and back today, and by the looks of his stature, it appeared to be taking its toll. He looked physically drained. She could not bear to keep them in suspense any longer than she had to.

OK Abby, well you know I conducted the examination. I have the results back now, and am pleased to say that there was no sign of sexual abuse

The room was filled with an eerie silence. Carter's hands tightened on Abby's and her hand gripped his leg even more firmly than before. No words were spoken for quite some time as Kerry's words sunk in. Abby was the first one to break the silence.

You mean...nothing?

Yeah, you're completely in the clear. Well, saying that, you do have facial wounds and have a slight concussion, so I am going to advise you take a couple of days off to rest.

Carter laughed. Oh don't you worry, she'll be taking more than a couple of days off.

Kerry smiled. OK, well I am going to leave you two alone. I'll go and discharge you, so you're free to go whenever. She got up out of her seat then stopped, turning back around. Oh and John? Take care of her.

He simply nodded, not able to take his eyes off of the woman besides him. The door closed and they were now left alone. Just him and her, no worries hanging over their heads, no interruptions, just them.

Abby finally let out a huge sigh, leaning her head far back against the wall behind her. She still held onto Carter, not wanting to break the contact. He stayed silent besides her, letting her collect her own thoughts at her own pace, not wanting to rush her into anything. She turned to him after a few long, drawn out moments of silence.

I was sure it was going to say...

He reached up, placing a finger on her lips gently. Shhh, don't even say it. It's over now, and everything is fine. You're ok.

She smiled before kissing his fingertip. She took his hand in hers and lay it on her lap. We're ok. She leant over towards him, craving his closeness, just wanting to show him how much she valued the love and support he had provided throughout these past few strenuous hours. Her hand found its place on the back of his neck, and she brought his face down to her level, savouring the way his deep brown eyes burnt into hers in a somewhat dopey manner. Their lips connected, brushing against each others tenderly, ever so lightly, as if they had all the time in the world. There was no intense passion in the kiss, just simple butterfly touches, each of them reminding the other of how deep their love ran. She played with the delicate hairs on the nape of his neck, as he simply placed a hand on her hip, each of them knowing, without words, that just a simple touch was needed. After a last lingering kiss, Abby pulled away slightly, but leaving their faces still just inches apart. She could feel his breath on her skin, and stared into his deep eyes for a moment longer before leaning in close to his ear.

Can you take me home now? She whispered softly, simply.

Carter pulled back, allowing him to take all of her in with his eyes, savouring every detail. I thought you'd never ask.

OK, well just give me five minutes to change and I'll be all yours.

Sounds good to me. I'll gather your stuff together from your locker, and will meet you back in here in a few minutes.

He got up to leave, but stayed stationary, standing by the side of the bed as she still held onto his hand. He looked at her questioningly.

I just...thank you. For everything. There's nothing else I can say apart from thank you.

It's what you do for someone you love more than life itself.

There was a split second's silence before they both burst into laughter.

John Carter-king of cheesy clichés! She laughed.

Yeah yeah, mock me. I don't care. With that he leant in once more and pecked her lightly on the lips before exiting the room.

He spotted Susan standing at the admit desk talking to Deb, and so he walked over to tell her the relieving news.

Well, someone looks pleased. I am guessing it was good news? Susan asked, her grin widening as she spoke.

Is it that obvious how happy I am?

Deb entered the conversation. Well, that grin you're sporting is wide enough to fit ten apples through!

Susan and Carter both gave her raised eyebrows.

Ok ok, so I am not one for metaphorical comparisons, but I am pleased John. We were all so worried.

Yeah, I am so pleased. Susan added. Where is she now?

She's just getting dressed, and I am gonna go get her stuff together from her locker, and get mine together before taking her home. As you can guess she's exhausted, and Weaver has given her time off, so I am gonna make sure she does not move from the bed!

Now it was the two women who sported accusing looks.

You two are disgusting! Only one thing on the mind. Seriously, you need boyfriends!

Yeah yeah, whatever, oh so smug one in a relationship! Don't rub it in our faces. Susan taunted.

Carter made a mocking face, as he left the desk and began walking towards the lounge.

Hey Carter! Susan called back.



I still mean what I said. You need rest too you know, although everything is fine now, it does not mean you forget about your physical health. You still look exhausted, and it's worrying me.

He waved his hand dismissingly before heading for the lounge once more. Everything is fine Susan. Everything's fine.

---

OK well there you go guys! I am so proud I managed to get this one up so quickly (well for my standards). It took me a total of three days to write but hey, I hope it was worth it. Thank you all so much for the great reviews that came from last chapter, and the lovely e-mails I received. I loved reading them so much it was so pleasing to know you all love the story so much. This is the first story I have posted on ff.net that has lasted more than 3 chapters so I must be doing something right (I hope). All advice was taken into account and I hope I have incorporated all of your useful comments and suggestions in this chapter. The helpful criticism was also much appreciated and I took it all into account and hopefully put things right. Any other suggestions, criticisms are much appreciated, as well as the odd praise, ya know how it is! So please, keep the reviews coming. They are what push me to post as quickly as I am able to! No reviews...no chapter (well, unless you wanna wait 3 months for me to find motivation).
***Laura***