Chapter 6: Saint Luka of Chicago

Carter kicked a huge pile of snow outside Susan's door, waiting for her to answer. Finally her voice came through the buzzer.
Come up He noticed how terrible she sounded and wondered if this was the best idea. He shook himself and pushed open the door.

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Oh look who it is, St. Luka Abby smiled bitterly as Luka entered the room, turning briefly to shut the door behind him.

Go to hell Abby She snorted.

Good one!

Look, I don't need your petty sarcasm right now. He sighed heavily, sitting down on the chair beside Abby's bed. I'm only here to make Susan feel better.

What happened?' Abby was somber now, speaking quietly and quickly, holding her head low.
She tried to help you and you basically told her to go fuck herself



You don't have many friends left Abby, don't try to alienate them all

Is she okay? he shook his head, bringing hand to his face and rubbing his temple.

She's ill, she's burning up. I didn't want to leave her but she insisted. She feels bad for leaving you. Abby leaned out and touched Luka's arm, he snapped away, not letting her touch him.

I'm sorry Luka

It's not me you should be apologising too.

Where's Carter?

I don't know

You like her don't you?



Luka nodded. Good, I like her too, she's nice Luka flinched at Abby's jealously, once again becoming unsure of what she wanted.

Were not together Abby were friends.

But you like her.

Yes I like her. She's a good friend. He paused, Look, I better go.

Do you have to?

I'm going to see if Susan's okay. Abby let out a small ah' of understanding.

Tell her I'm sorry. He nodded Because I am Luka, I am sorry.

Carter sat on the sofa and waited as Susan brought him a coffee. She handed it to him and then let out a sneeze. He smiled and looked up at her, raising his hand to take her temperature. She shuddered at the touch of his cold hand on her hot skin.

Wow Susan, you're burning up.

Suddenly the buzzer went again.

I better get that.

Don't move, I'll go



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Three minutes later and Luka was inside Susan apartment. She looked terrible. He wondered why Carter was here and a part of him was almost jealous. After all Carter had Abby. Why did he need Susan as well? He chided himself. He was being crazy. Susan wasn't his, after all they were only friends. And Carter and Susan had been friends for years.

Susan smiled at him from her resting place on the sofa. His heart sank at the sight of her shivering body and he half ran towards the sofa. He sat beside her, gathering her up in his arms.

You need to go to bed, now

How is Abby?

She's fine, feeling a bit rough but fine Susan nodded.

Is she mad at me?

No honey, she's not mad at you. You did nothing wrong. He stroked her head gently, once again feeling her burning forehead.

I shouldn't have left her, she was drunk.

I can't believe she did it. Both Susan and Luka looked over towards Carter, who had now sat down on the opposite sofa.

Get out while you still can Carter, she's not worth the effort.

I love her Luka. I can't abandon her.

She's drinking again Carter Luka sighed, She'll break your heart.

I didn't think she would do it, not again

I'm sorry. Carter turned to face Susan.

It's okay, It's not your fault.

She was drunk. I should have stayed with her. I could have stopped her drinking any more. It's just, I couldn't listen to her say those things. She was, she was so horrible. Luka stroked her hair, and wrapped his arms tighter around her body as she began to cry.

Look Susan I'm so sorry you had to get involved, Abby shouldn't have dragged you into all this. He paused. To be honest I'm not sure why she did.

She thinks me and Luka are together. Carter placed his head in his hands,

Oh god Carter, I'm so sorry. He shook his head.

It's okay. I better get going. I'll leave you guys in peace. Sorry about Abby. He got up, briefly kissing Susan on the forehead, Get some rest- doctors orders. She smiled, waving him off.

Luka waited until he heard the slam of the door before he gave a loud sigh of relief.

I thought he would never go. Susan coughed loudly. Let's get you to bed.

Susan began to protest but Luka ignored her, picking her up into his arms and carrying her to her bedroom, he placed her on the bed, before pulling the large duvet over her still shivering body. She smiled as he planted a small kiss on her cheek and stroked her hair. He turned towards the door.

Susan called out in a small and weak voice. He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to continue,