Chapter 17: I Honestly Love You

You okay? Carter laughed as he watched Susan struggle to her feet. She cursed under her breath before un creasing her skirt and looking up to meet his eye.

Thanks for all the help Carter. He laughed.

I thought you had him under control! He laughed again as he watched the child charge into exam 3. You not going after him?

Too right I'm not. Damn kids. Anyway, that's Weaver's exam room, I'm sure she'll take care of it.

Wow, he'll be scared of hospitals forever- you sure you want to scar the kid like that?

Do I look like his biggest fan right now? Carter laughed again. Anyway I'm pretty sure I deserve a lunch break right now.

You feel like some company? She nodded.

Sure- but uh shouldn't you be going with Abby?

Shouldn't you be going with Luka?

********************

Dix paced around Susan's apartment, not knowing what to do with himself. He had made coffee, it reminded him of her. He had been for a walk, it had reminded him of her. He'd watched TV, it had reminded him of her. Everything reminded him of her. He sighed, flopping down onto the sofa in frustration. Looking at the clock again he sighed once more, there were still four hours before she got home.

He thought about how great she had looked this morning and smiled, remembering her beautiful smile. Slowly he dipped his hand into his pocket, rummaging around for a while before finding what he was looking for.

He plucked it out, holding it out in front of his eyes and staring intently. The metal was cold against his warm hands but it shone brightly in the glimmering light from the window. He smiled, amazed at how perfectly he had chosen the ring. Amazed that it would soon be on her finger forever.

Amazed that she would soon be his wife.

*********************

Susan swirled her coffee around in her cup, desperately hoping to find the answer to all her problems at the bottom of it. As it had turned out, Carter didn't seem to be much use when it came to being an agony aunt.

Right let me get this straight. You think you are in love with Luka. Or you thought you were but now because of this uh, Dick?

Susan laughed.

Carter blushed, making Susan laugh even harder.

Okay, this Dix guy. So he's back on the scene and saying he loved you and what? You think you still like him?

No, I don't know. She sighed, taking a bite of her salad. It's just that I'm sure I love Luka, I do, I love him. But well I don't know. I loved Dix, I was going to marry the guy for christ's sake.

So why didn't you? She sighed, the question she had been desperately trying to avoid had reared it's ugly head.

He called it off. Carter shook his head.

And now he's back saying he loves you? She shook her head.

He said he wants me back. Carter tutted loudly.

And your going to fall for that. He shook his head, taking Susan's hand in his. Susan, Luka is a wonderful guy, if you love him, don't even give this loser a second glance.

He's living in my apartment.

Then get him out!

Susan blushed, laughing at the stupidity of the question.

Tell him straight- you've moved on.

I have?

*****************

Luka spun on his heels, smiling ecstatically as Susan greeted him with open arms, he smiled, picking her up in his grip and lifting her off the floor. She yelped and he laughed, twirling her round before placing her back on the floor.

Hey you. She smiled.

They stood for a moment, wondering who should make the next move.

So... uh. What do you want to do tonight?

I don't mind... Luka smirked, laughing briefly before beginning to think. He thought for a moment before being interrupted. Come back to my place?

Okay, I have to get my car anyway. Susan's face lit up.

Hey you can walk me home!

Abby watched as the two left, hand in hand. Her stomach churned and she felt her heart ache once again. Get a grip. She couldn't quite place her finger on it but she knew she certainly shouldn't be feeling this way about her two best friends. They were falling in love, she should be so happy. And yet something just wasn't right. Don't fall for him again Abby, you have Carter now.

****************

They walked hand in hand down the streets, strolling idly down the pathways. Susan grinned gleefully as she felt a great weight being lifted off her shoulders. For the moment at least she could forget about Dix and concentrate on what matter- Luka. Her lunch with Carter had just made her more determined to make this work. She was over Dix, she was.

They finally reached her apartment and they soon settled back into their normal routine. Luka dived into her jacket pocket, catching the key in his hand and opening the door for the both of them. Susan smiled as he effortless opened the door.

You know what would be a really good idea?



If you had a key.

A key for what? Susan laughed at his cluelessness.

My apartment. He smiled, kissing her before speaking again.

I would love that. She smiled as he took her hand and began to lead her upstairs.

They got to her floor eventually, having stopped on every step to kiss. By the time they reached the top they didn't even need to part to move up the final few steps and to the door. Luka fiddled with the key, eventually able to open the door. Suddenly Susan stopped, she heard music. Dix.

She opened the door hastily, apologising to Luka as the entered. She had forgotten all about him. She was immediately struck by the flickering light of hundreds of candles covering every available surface. It was dark but the light of the candles light up the apartment romantically. Susan gasped as she entered the lounge. There, sure enough, was Dix. On one knee.