Hey Guys, the latest chapter! I've written the next few as well but will keep uploading them like this, separately, so you get chance to read and post your comments about each one before you have the next one to read. As always, please do review and, of course, Enjoy!

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Chapter 24: Please

Luka clutched a bottle of wine as he entered his car, placing it on the passenger seat next to him. He shivered as he remembered the accident he had been involved in months earlier. The accident that had brought him and Susan closer together he remembered, smiling softly to himself. He revved up the engine- hurrying to get home. He hoped Carter was still there, after all he didn't want her to be left on her own.

He cruised along the busy street slowly, trying hard not to become infuriated with the other drivers. He hated this country sometimes. Croatia was just so different. Cars were rarely seen and when they were the drivers were well mannered and considerate. There was never this endless rush to be somewhere, he just didn't understand americans sometimes.

He heard the ringing loudly but was reluctant to listen. He hated cell phones, he had no idea why he even had one to be honest. It had been thrust upon him by the hospital really, Kerry was keen that all the doctors had a pager or a cell and Luka never could work those pagers. The ringing continued and try as he may to ignore it, he just couldn't.

He pulled over, being beeped by several speeding cars as they passed. Damn American drivers. He stared at the cell for a moment, wishing he'd asked for one that didn't have to be flipped open. Suddenly he remembered it might be Susan calling. Quickly he picked it up opening it with one hand. Luka let out a loud sigh as he heard the voice on the other end.

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Carter- Go! He shook his head, kicking Susan gently on the leg with his foot. She giggled, nodding her head enthusiastically. You always were a stubborn one.

From Susan Lewis? She narrowed her eyes at him, scowling playfully.

Watch it millionaire.

Oh so because you're an attending now you think you're above me? She laughed, nodding.

You have a lot to learn. She smiled, touching his arm gently with her hand. Now go Carter, I know you're supposed to be at work, there is no point lying. I'll be fine.

Carter rose slowly, sighing as he got up. He watched Susan's face carefully her voice was telling him to go but her eyes told him a completely different answer. He wondered what to do. Did he dare leave her again? He looked at his watch realising he was over half an hour late. Kerry would be having kittens by now.

Her face was half smiling half frowning as she watched Carter gently rise to his feet and then hover there for several moments. She nodded gently once more, trying to persuade him to leave. It didn't seem to be working. She tried once more, shooing him with her hands.

Go Carter.

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Abby slunk backwards, letting her body slide down from where it was leaning against the cabinet to the floor. She let the tears flood down her face, trying hard to resist the urge to be sick once more. She closed her eyes, allowing her body to slowly go dumb. Her hand was floppy, too weak to push the tears and so they continued to fall, right off of her chin.

Luka wasn't coming, that was apparent. He was on his way home and Abby guessed she wasn't exactly top of his list of priorities right now. She wanted him so much it hurt, she couldn't even face the thought of him and Susan even near each other, especially not as a couple. Why couldn't he understand? Understand that she needed him too. She needed his warm hands and strong arms. She needed his soft mumbling accent and his moist lips. The pain seeped through her, finally fading as she once again became numb.

Her mind drew a blank as to who to call. Carter, yeah she needed him like a shot in the head. Anyhow he was occupied with Susan. She shook her head, letting the tears fall freely without a second thought. Carter wasn't right, he never had been right for her. Carter was like a brother to her and she loved him- like a brother. Luka was the one- he always had been. Carter would stomp round to her apartment, if he bothered at all, and pack her off to a meeting after the usual lecture. That's what he didn't understand. That sometimes a meeting with other alcoholics doesn't help. Sometimes you need someone who won't judge, who just cares. Abby needed someone, that was for sure, but it wasn't Carter. She needed someone who would be here already, someone who would forget the past and gather up her small, fragile frame into a hug. And hold her.

Abby needed to be held so much. She needed someone to touch her, to warm her, to love her. She didn't need saving, she didn't need a sponsor she needed someone who would love her. Just love her. She wasn't asking for a saint, that was the last thing she wanted. She wanted someone who was broken, unfixable- like her.

She smiled for the first time in a long time as she heard the doorbell ring. Suddenly it was like she had all the energy in the world, her numb tired legs became full of life once more. She sprung up quickly, bolting for the door.

There he stood, her saint, a box of paracetemol in one hand, a bottle of wine in the other.

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That's it Abby, I'm through with this- you understand? She stood, motionless as the paracetemol box Luka had just thrown crashed to the floor. He was already on his way out, headed quickly towards the staircase.

Don't go. He turned on his heels quickly, the rage evident on his normally cool face.

No. Abby I am going. Now! His voice became quieter as he heard her sobs. Abby, I'm through with you, with this, with us. I am not you're boyfriend, I don't love you Abby. I don't know if I ever could. He watched as her face fell, quickly followed by the falling of tears. I can't handle you. You do this every time. He sighed loudly, walking towards her apartment door again slowly. The box lay on the floor besides a crumpled Abby who was slumped against a wall. Luka picked up the box and handed it to her- remained crouched down besides her.

Thank you. Abby's mumble was quiet but it echoed against the harsh corridor walls.

I can't always be there to pick you up. You can't throw a tantrum every time you want something. He sighed again, sitting down besides her. My girlfriend is at home, possibly alone, because you needed some attention. She looked down at her feet, shaking her head gently.



I have to do this, I have to tell you this Abby. The woman I love has been raped and you can't give a damn. She's supposed to be your friend, Abby.

She is. He shook his head at her feeble response, raising his voice once again.

Well start acting like it. He got to his feet, looking down at Abby's sulky form before walking away.

He stood, motionless and spoke without turning around.

I love her Abby, really really love her. Don't ruin this for me. His voice became small suddenly, almost childlike. Abby watched as his hunched figure remained perfectly still, probably too wrapped up with fatigue to move an inch further. She waited as the word slowly oozed from his mouth, almost in a squeak, almost in a whisper.



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I love you, remember that- okay? She smiled as he kissed her softly on the forehead, pulling her into a hug and grasping her body gently. He whispered into her ear quietly, so that she could barely hear his voice. I'm only a phone call away- always.

She watched as he kissed her forehead again before heading towards Luka. The two men shook hands, the handshake firm. Carter turned back, once more smiling at her and waving a gentle good bye. Luka smiled slightly thanking Carter before opening the door for him.

He headed out, only giving a small glance back before tightening his coat and heading into the corridor and out of sight. Luka closed the door quietly, grinning at Susan as he did so. He plucked the bottle of wine from behind his back, grinning broadly once more. She smiled as he neared, pulling her into a soft kiss.

She shivered as she tasted his soft lips, smiling as his strong arms pulled her body closer to his own.

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