Chapter 26: I Didn't Want To Be Alone

Carefully she climbed out of the bed, sheet still wrapped around her body. She still hated being alone and right now she didn't know what was wrong but she somehow felt haunted.

Luka heard the gentle tapping on the noise over the gushing of the shower. He stood still for a moment before calling out.

He watched the door open and Susan, wrapped in a sheet, walk in. She smiled at him at took a seat on the toilet, turning herself to face him. He continued to wash himself, trying to ignore her watching him. He turned, trying to contain his laughter. She looked amazing he couldn't contain that. Her hair was loose, now reaching her shoulders, it was slightly wavy but it sparkled in the lighting of the bathroom. Her bruises had healed slightly and her skin looked better. Her eyes sparkled a vivid green and her teeth gleamed a pearly white. He turned, wanting to look at her again. She was no longer smiling instead her face was sad.

I didn't want to be alone. He nodded. An akward silence fell between them as Lukarubbed soap over his body, coming to a halt and facing her, he lowered his head slightly.

It was Abby. Her eyebrows raised in suprise, asking for an explanation. I saw her yesterday as well.

You did?

I was on my way home- getting the wine- and she rang me. He sighed, wondering if Susan could hear his sigh through the noise of the shower. He had his eyes closed, letting the warm water drip over his body. When he opened them again she was by the door, no longer with the sheet. He smiled as she opened the door, standing back to let her get in.

Susan climbed in, smiling as the hot water warmed her cool body. Her hands found Luka's slippery chest, steadying herself as she moved closer to him.

I couldn't hear you from out there. Luka smiled, pushing back her wet hair with his hands.

Oh, I see. She smiled also, planting a gentle kiss on his lips. He leaned forwards, trying to kiss her properly. She pulled away but kept her face close to his, not letting too large a gap form between their lips.

No. Seriously. We need to talk about this. She sighed, moving her hands from his chest around his back.

Okay I was on my way home and she rang.

And you just went over? Susan shook off the feeling of jealousy that was coming over her. She's calls and you run over? Luka pulled her tighter, shaking his head.

No. No, look Susan I didn't want to go, I wasn't going to. I told her no. All she wanted was paracetemol. She was drinking. Susan mouthed a silent oh.' raising a hand to her mouth.

I'm sorry.

Don't be. He kissed her forehead, smiling as a drop of water creeped into his mouth. She only did it for attention. Carter was busy with you and so she called me. It's always been the way Susan. She drinks because it's the only thing she can't hurt.

Or that can't hurt her.

We both know that's not true.

Do we? She raised her eyebrows slightly. I mean really. It only makes her feel good Luka, it doesn't hurt her, well nothing she can see either. What it's doing to her liver is a different matter. But that's not the point she turns to it because it's the only thing she knows that won't break her heart.

Susan, don't start this feeling sorry for Abby thing.

Why not? Someone has to feel sorry for her, don't they? Luka shook his head, pulling away from Susan and turning to face the other way.

Fine, be like that. She turned also. They stood still for a minute, not uttering a word. Could you pass the soap please. Luka couldn't help but laugh at Susan's comment and chucked the soap, it landing on her head before falling into her hands. Ow! Luka! She turned, smacking him playful on the upper arm.

He laughed, turning to face her and kissing her, not letting her pull away, not that she put up much of a fight anyhow.

They parted finally, both housing large smiles on their faces.

We really should fight more often. Luka smiled, perplexed.

Oh really, Whys that?

Because making up is just so fun. She smiled again, kissing him passionately once more.

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Carter forced a smile as Abby entered the lounge, the usual solemn look on her face. She mumbled a greeting of some sort before crashing down onto a chair. Carter watched as she rubbed her head for a moment before he continued pouring his cup of coffee. She looked up at him and he smiled, signalling towards the steaming pot.

He nodded, pouring her a cup and joining her at the table.

You okay? She smiled as best she could, taking a breather from rubbing her head to look up at Carter's face.

Not really.

What happened? She smiled again, reaching her hand to touch Carter's. He shivered at her touch, not wanting her but knowing he couldn't say no. She always had that power over him, she always would.

I'm drinking again. She said the sentence over and over in her mind but couldn't bring herself to tell Carter. She smiled, shaking her head.

It's okay. She smiled at his concerned face. Really Carter. I'm just worried about Susan that's all. I watched as his face lit up at the mention of her name, he nodded in understanding. In complete ignorance more like.

I saw her yesterday. I nodded.

How's she doing? He shrugged.

As fair as I can tell she's fine, remarkably well. I think that's down to Luka though. I guess he picks her up when she has her bad times. Abby nodded again, trying hard to fight back the tears, she felt her eyes becoming watery and jumped up immediately.

That's good, I better go, Kerry won't be too happy about me sitting here. I was late today anyway. Carter half smiled, mumbling a good bye with a confused look on his face. I prayed he had put it down to me being upset over Susan, and started towards an exam room.

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