Chapter 20: A Rush of Blood to the Head

Luka's head span as he drove. He could barely concentrate on the road in front of him as he attempt to drive, swerving to avoid anything in his way but keeping the pedal firmly pressed down to the ground.

Abby took in another deep breath of air as Luka swerved violently across the road yet again. She knew they were only moments from Susan's house but she was dreading arriving. From what she had heard on the phone Susan was in a bad way and Abby couldn't help feeling like she would be a spare part. She cursed herself as she watched Luka's face. She had never seen him like this, certainly never over her. And the saddest thing was- he never would be like this over her.

They finally reached Susan's house and Luka jumped out the car, not even bothering to turn off the engine. Abby sighed heavily, not wanting to go inside. Her stomach flipped as she thought about Susan... about Brian. The memories began to come flooding back, filling her mind with thoughts she thought she had forgotten. However Abby sat up and sniffing loudly, forced herself to be strong. Come on Abby, Susan was there for you. Now it's your turn.

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Luka began to hammer on the door, shouting Susan's name loudly. Abby came up behind him, gently placing one hand on his shoulder and passing a key into his hand. It fitted perfectly and he rushed in, shouting Susan's name once again. He found her in a a ball on the floor, gently rocking herself backwards and forwards, her head buried into her knees.

She looked up at him and he gasped, the anger bubbling inside of him. Her pretty face was bruised and misshaped. Her eye was black and her lip bloody. She didn't speak, simply letting out a whimpering noise. He moved towards her slowly, noticing her begin to sob gently he gathered her into his arms, wrapping his hands around the ball that was her body. She winced at his touch and he backed away. She grabbed him, digging in her nails to keep him close. A tear formed in her eyes he picked her up carefully into his arms, gathering up her body.

My Ribs. She said no more and he moved her onto the sofa, being careful as he lowered her down.

Can I look? She nodded, letting Luka slowly lift unravel her towel. He fought the urge to shout as her body was uncovered. She looked away, unable to face looking at her bruised and battered figure again. Luka pressed her ribs gently and she winced. I think they are broken. She nodded not saying a word. We need to go to the hospital. Susan shook her head firmly, trying not to cry.

I can't go there. Luka nodded, understanding.

I'm going to kill that bastead. Susan began to cry and Luka took off his jacket, covering her with it and kissing her forehead gently. I'm sorry, Susan.

She shook her head, thanking god it was Luka kissing her.

No, I'm sorry. I can't believe. She began to sob gently again. I can't believe I told you to go.

You want to talk about what happened, after I left? She looked up at him nodding slightly.

I told him no. The moment that you walked out of the door I said no. I didn't want him Luka. I sad no and he, he kept saying that it would be okay, that it would be okay once we were married. And I kept saying no but, he wouldn't listen and then he went mad and he pinned me up and then through me and oh god I can't do this...

Luka pulled Susan into his arms and cursed Dix's name. Thanking god she was still alive he pulled her closer, so glad to have her back safe in his arms. He shuddered as he thought about what Dix might have done to her, what dix had done to her.

Abby's voice was smaller than she remembered and when Susan turned she couldn't help but let another tear fall from her eye. Abby walked towards her, her expression gloomy. Susan smiled pulling Abby towards her into a hug. Abby also had tears rolling down her cheeks. Susan shivered and Luka pulled her onto his lap, pulling a nearby blanket over her. She winced as he brushed her ribs. He gasped.

Are you okay, what did I touch? She smiled, wondering if things were always going to be like this from now on.

It's okay, my ribs hurt that's all.

You need to go to the hospital.

No. Luka, not again. He nodded.

Susan you have to go. She pulled herself away, heading to her bedroom.

No Luka! She slammed the door and he sighed, letting a tear trickle down his face, this was so much harder than he had expected. He looked towards Abby who was stood, motionless, with an expressionless face.

What do I do? She looked up, noticing the tear on his face coming over to sit with him.

Give her some time. He sighed, taking his head in his hands.

She needs to go to the hospital.

Well there are other hospitals except county.

You think she will go? Abby shrugged.

I don't know. She paused, taking Luka's hand. You want me to go and speak to her? Luka nodded.

If you don't mind. He sighed. This is so much harder than I thought it would be. I don't know what to say. I don't know how to help Abby. He closed his eyes, rocking back onto the sofa. I just want to kill that fucking bastead.



Sorry, but I love her, he... he... he raped her Abby!

I'll go talk to her.

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Abby rapped her knuckles gently on the door, whispering loudly enough so that Susan could hear. She waited for a moment and got no response, she tried again, rapping her knuckles a little harder against the door.

He tried a third time. It's Abby. Slowly Susan opened the door and Abby went inside. The room was dark and Susan was sat curled up in the middle of it sobbing. Abby winced with pain at the familiar scene and approached Susan carefully.

I don't know what to do Abby. She cried harder, sobbing into Abby's shoulder.

You don't have to do anything Susan. She touched her wet hair softly. Except look after yourself and make sure this guy gets caught.

I can't Abby. I can't go through all this. Why did I ever tell Luka to go? Susan cried a little harder, finally the tears subsided and she began to speak again. I love him but I can't help but push him away.

He won't hurt you Susan. She nodded.

I know I know he won't. But... why would he want me now. Abby struggled to hold back the tears, touching the scar on her cheek softly remembering how it got there.

Because what this jerk did to you changes nothing. Especially not the way Luka feels. So. She smiled. You have to get up, go to the hospital and make sure you're okay. And Luka will be there with you every step oh the way. Me too. Susan smiled, wiping her face with the back of her hand.

Thank you.

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Carter watched his coffee as it began to get cold, the steam fading away. He sighed, watching various unknowns pass the window. He frowned, not knowing where to go. His home wasn't really his home- it never had been. It was a place, purely for show. Purely to show off the wealth of his family, to showcase how great the Carter's were. He had always hated that house. Sure it was beautiful and it was the most amazing place he's ever seen but it wasn't a home. The hospital was his home really, it's where he'd done most of his growing up anyway. He smiled at the fond memories of past. The friends he had there and the memories contained within its walls were something special.

He looked at his watch realising he had been sat there for almost too hours, it was a wonder they hadn't thrown him out yet. Then he looked around realising the place was empty anyway, him sitting didn't bother them. He thought about where Abby would be right at this very moment and sighed heavily. They had finally grown apart. Before when they had started to change they talked and it worked- for a while at least. Now there was no more talking to me done. He had noticed the way her eyes lit up when Luka walked into a room, everyone had. Just not Luka.

Slowly, he got up smiling at the waitress as he exited. She was pretty, young and blonde. He reminded her of someone, he just couldn't tell who. He gasped quietly as the strength of the cold wind hit him, wondering where to go. He looked up, noticing the clear night sky.

Gently he began to walk, breathing in the fresh clean air. He strolled past the hospital, shaking his head as he noticed the basketball being thrown. Gallant was shooting, Carter noticed how good he was. Pausing for a moment, he thought, before wandering over.

Want another player?

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I want him to stay. Susan took hold of Luka's hand, keeping him close to her, he gripped her trembling hand tightly, not wanting to ever let go. The doctor nodded, pointing to a stool. Luka took it, and placed it by Susan bed, not letting go of her hand. Abby signalled she was going outside and Susan nodded, smiling half heartedly.

Okay, Dr Lewis, let's get this over with. Susan cringed, closing her eyes tightly and trying to forget everything she was now remembering. Luka held her hand tighter, looking at her face and avoiding looking towards the doctor. He cringed also as he cursed once again at himself for ever letting this happen.

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