Bad Karma

Carby. Something happens to Abby. Will Carter get to her in time? Will he be able to save her? Read on to find out!

A.N.: I'm not the original author of this story. The original author is carby luva 313. She's decided she doesn't have enough time to write, so she's giving me the honor of finishing it for her. I hope I can do as good a job!

Disclaimer: I do not own ER. It belongs to Michael Crichton and the other members of the production team.

Chapter 19: Overwhelmed

The first week of Abby's at home recovery had gone by swiftly. Carter had taken care of her well. Her sessions with Dr.Legaspi were hard, but seeing Carter so proud of her made Abby keep up with them. It was Sunday, and he had to go to work the next day. Another short week and Abby would know whether or not she could return to her duties in the ER. She prayed she could. Even with Carter around 24/7, it was hard for her to keep her mind from drifting back to the kidnapping. Everything somehow reminded her of Jack, or Kenny, or just the incident altogether. A crashing noise, a shout, a cry, a gunshot on television, or even a harsh word spoken. Everything brought with it flooding memories and vivid visions of the month's dire events. Abby hadn't slept through an entire night all week, the nightmares were constant. She just wanted it all to end.

Abby was thinking while she lay awake in bed. Carter was making breakfast. Abby wasn't hungry. They didn't have any plans for the day, just to stay home and lay in bed, maybe watch a few videos later. Anything to keep her busy, and keep her mind off of Jack Conner. Suddenly the door opened, and in walked Carter carrying a tray and balancing a glass of orange juice precariously on the edge.

"Hey honey, glad you're up." Carter said walking over to the bed and putting down the tray.

"Hey." Abby smiled back.

Carter leaned in and kissed Abby passionately, something she missed so much. Being kissed passionately, and kissed against your will were two different things. With Carter, she felt love in their kisses. When Jack Conner kissed her, she felt ashamed and hurt by the action. Just thinking about it made Abby sick. She looked at the tray of food. She wasn't hungry, but if she didn't eat something at least, Carter would worry.

"For breakfast I brought you Belgian waffles with whipped cream, strawberries, and powdered sugar. A glass of orange juice on the side to boost your immune system." Carter explained.

"Thank you." Abby smiled.

Carter sat and watched her anxiously as she ate. Abby was taking small bites. She feared if she took on too much, she'd be sick. Abby was half way through her waffles when she decided she couldn't eat any more. She leaned back in her bed.

"Thanks, that was great." Abby said.

"No problem, I'll be back after I take these dishes down to the kitchen." Carter replied.

"Okay." Abby said.

She was left alone again for the few minutes in which Carter left to return the plates and glasses to their rightful places.

As Carter walked towards the kitchen, he couldn't help but wonder why Abby hadn't been so keen on eating in the past couple of days. She's been tired a lot, too. It's to be expected after an ordeal like this, but still. Lately she's taken to being very quiet, droning while she speaks, and staying in bed. Abby spends unusually long periods of time crying, and feeling ashamed. Even with Carter's help, it's not getting any better. He decided he needed to talk to Dr. Legaspi, and soon. Carter made up his mind, and would call her later in the day. He walked back into Abby's room, only to find it empty.

Abby was sitting on the floor in the private bathroom, with her back against the tub. She was crying, contemplating her life. What good is it to live like this? Forever feeling like nothing good can ever come out of a world like the one we're in. Again Abby thought of Jack Conner. It was all her fault. She could have been stronger, she could have fought him off, but she didn't. Had she wanted him to do it to her? Had she felt that before the incident her and Carter's relationship hadn't been fulfilling enough? Thoughts similar to these ran through her head as she held the razor to her wrist. One quick slice and that would be it. Swift death.

Carter stood in the bedroom, wondering where Abby was. Out of nowhere he heard a quiet sobbing coming from the private bath. He walked over and jiggled the doorknob. The door was locked.

"Abby, are you in there? What's wrong? Please, let me in." Carter pleaded.

Abby sat and just cried harder. It would be so easy to take her own life. She'd make Carter's life a lot easier. She'd never burden him with her emotions again. He could go on to live a happy life with a normal girl. A girl that was still pure of heart and body, unlike herself.

Carter was getting frantic. He tried ramming the door but it wouldn't budge. God damn the person who decided to build the doors out of solid hardwood. He decided to try to pick the lock. Carter ran around the room in search of something well shaped with which to open the door. He settled for his gamma's old necklace charm. It was flat and fit perfectly into the keyhole. After a couple of seconds of fiddling, Carter finally unlocked the door.

He dropped the charm into his pocket and threw open the bathroom door. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight he was met with when he looked down. Abby had already managed to half slit one of her wrists before looking up when Carter opened the door. It was bleeding profusely, but didn't look deep enough to have cut an artery. Abby was sobbing uncontrollably holding the razor with her shaking hand. Carter grabbed a towel and flung himself down onto the floor next to Abby.

Now sitting in a pool of blood Carter quickly wrapped the towel around Abby's wrist and kept steady pressure on the wound. She hadn't lost a dangerous amount of blood yet, thankfully. Carter pulled a crying Abby into his embrace. He took the razor out of her hand, all the while quietly reassuring her that everything would be okay. Carter checked her pulse just to make sure she wasn't going into shock. How could I have let this happen? I'm a doctor, and I couldn't see the signs of depression in my own girlfriend, even though I knew I should be looking out for it. He thought to himself.

"It's okay Abby. I'm here now, don't cry. Shh." Carter soothed.

It took Abby nearly an hour to stop crying. When she had calmed down, Carter picked her up off the floor and carried her into bed.

Abby couldn't face looking at him. She had failed in the one thing she felt the need to succeed in: ridding the world of herself.

Carter felt terrible. If he had watched Abby more closely, prodded deeper into her feelings and crying spells, he could have prevented this. Thankfully it wasn't too serious. He didn't blame Abby for any of it. The only persons to blame were himself and Jack Conner. God had already had his way with Jack Conner, now it was Carter's conscience's turn. After a few minutes of silence, Carter spoke.

"Can I take a look?" He asked sympathetically, indicating Abby's wrist.

Abby looked into his deep brown eyes, so full of kindness, and nodded silently. She quietly sobbed as Carter unraveled the towel. The cut was deep enough to require sutures, but not deep enough to have done any vascular damage. Abby seemed to be thinking along the same lines.

"You didn't do much damage, three or four stitches should do it." Carter said.

"I-I don't want to go back to the hospital." Abby said silently.

"We don't have to. Luckily I always keep a suture kit on hand." Carter said as he reached for his backpack.

A few minutes later everything was set up, and Carter was drawing a needle full of analgesic. Tears were constantly streaming from Abby's now red and puffy eyes. Carter layed put the vial down and gave Abby's hand an encouraging squeeze. The way he looked at her, no words were needed to convey his message: it's not your fault.

Abby smiled as it dawned on her that she didn't need to kill herself. If Carter wasn't blaming her now, then he didn't want to be rid of her. If he was staying by her side for this, with such a sense of emotion and confidentiality, he didn't want to be with anyone else. They understood eachother so well, there was no way either of them could hate the other.

"You can't get rid of me that easily." Carter joked.

He felt relieved as he watched Abby finally realize she wasn't alone, and that he didn't want anything more than to be with her and to help her get better.

"Ready?" Carter inquired, reaching for the syringe.

"Yeah." Abby smiled.

Abby looked away as Carter deftly numbed her wrist. It stung, as did the irrigation, but it would be over soon. Abby had learned to accept the fact that all pain eventually stops as a way of life. A few minutes later Carter had finished neatly suturing Abby's wrist. She watched him work as he bandaged the laceration.

"There, that's better. You'll probably be able to get those stitches out when you go for your follow up next Sunday." Carter said as he finished bandaging Abby's wrist.

"Thank you, John. Not just for this, for everything. For putting up with me even after all the trouble I've caused." Abby said embarrassedly.

"If you think you cause trouble, you'd love my mother." Carter joked.

They both laughed for a few minutes, and tried to shake off the lingering feeling of awkwardness. After they finally regained their composure, Carter spoke more seriously.

"Abby, I know it's hard for you, but suicide isn't the way out. Just ask Carol. My life would only be more complicated if I lost you. I live for you. I wake up in the morning and think I'm the luckiest guy in the world and I'd be lost without you. Even though I'm confident that you won't try to hurt yourself, or me in that context, again, I'm still going to talk to Dr.Legaspi. I want you to take up sessions more often, and come talk to me if something is wrong." Carter finished.

"If everything you said was true, then I promise I'll do everything in my power to feel better. I love you, John, and I'm so sorry I hurt you..." Abby said sadly.

"Shh. It's okay. Don't rush yourself, you need time to grieve. The only important thing is that you're safe now." He said sympathetically.

They sat there in eachother's embrace for a few minutes before Carter spoke up again.

"Okay, I'm going to go call Dr.Legaspi." He said.

"Alright. Can I call Susan?" Abby asked.

"Sure, just pick up the reciever and press line 2." Carter explained.

"Okay, thanks." Abby replied.

"No problem, see you soon." Carter said and left the room.

Abby decided she needed someone else to talk to. She wasn't lying when she said she'd do everything in her power to get better, but she wasn't about to unload all her burdens on Carter. She picked up the reciever and dialed the familiar number. After a few rings, someone picked up.

"Hello?" Asked the shy little voice.

"Hey Suzy, it's aunt Abby! I haven't seen you in such a long time! How are you?" Abby asked.

"Hi aunt Abby! I'm good." Little Suzy replied.

"That's good, is your auntie Susan around?" Abby inquired.

"Yes, just a second." Suzy said.

Abby heard the phone click against the table as little Suzy set it down. Then she heard Suzy call out Susan's name. After a second the phone was picked up again.

"Hey Abby! How are you doing?" Asked Susan.

"I'm... alright." Abby replied.

"Recovering well?" Susan prodded.

"I suppose." Abby said.

"That didn't sound too good." Susan pointed out.

"How about we grab some coffee later?" Abby said.

"Sure, where and what time?" Susan inquired.

"Starbucks around the corner from the hospital, how about around three?" Abby answered.

"Sure, sounds great." Susan said happily.

"Okay, see you then." Abby said.

"Bye!" Susan said.

Abby put down the phone just before Carter returned. He walked in carrying the cordless phone, still talking to Dr.Legaspi.

"Yeah, hold on a second while I ask Abby." Carter said to her.

"Hey Abby, Dr.Legaspi says she'll see you today at 1:30 if you're up to it." Carter said.

"Sure, I'm meeting Susan for coffee at Starbucks around three anyway." Abby said.

Carter put the phone back up to his face and left the room for a minute so Abby could get dressed.

Abby got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. There was still a puddle of dried blood on the floor. She let a tear slip when she saw it. Abby herself felt stupid now for trying to take her own life. She brushed her teeth and hair and walked back out to the bedroom. She walked to the closet and picked out a simple outfit. A pair of black capris, a white spaghetti strap shirt, and a sleek black button up sweater. With that she'd wear her black leather flip flops. She made sure the sweater she picked extended beyond her wrist, to cover up the bandages. Abby knew someone would be sure to inform the surgeons of what happened, but she still wanted to avoid curious looks from people passing by. She didn't even have to dwell on how they'd find out, because Carter came back.

"Hey Abby, I also called to tell her, and she talked to Drs. Dorset and Romano. She wants to examine the wound for herself today. They'll see you at one. Wow, you look great." Carter finished sweetly.

"Thanks, you don't look half bad yourself." Abby said.

Carter was still clad in his bloodied sweat pants and t-shirt. It was quite a sight. He blushed as he looked down.

"Gee, thanks." He joked.

"You should get ready to go, I'll make coffee." Abby said.

"Yeah, I should. Don't worry about it, just tell Trudy to make it." Carter explained.

"Okay, see you downstairs." Abby said and kissed him before leaving.

Carter left in search of something to wear as Abby wandered off towards the kitchen. She wasn't really used to the Carter mansion yet, Carter had made her stay in bed most of the time. Abby was coming down the stairs when she ran into Trudy.

"Good morning Trudy." Abby said.

"Good afternoon, Miss Lockhart." Trudy answered.

"Please, call me Abby. Um, could you show me where the kitchen is please?" Abby asked.

"Sure, right this way. Should I start some coffee?" Trudy asked.

"Yes, please." Abby replied.

After about fifteen minutes Abby was sitting sipping hot coffee, talking to Trudy when Carter walked into the kitchen. He was now dressed in a suit.

"Good afternoon, Dr.Carter." Trudy said.

"Hello, and I told you a million times, call me John!" Carter laughed.

"I know, but Dr.Carter suits you so much better." She joked.

"If you say so..." Carter said.

"I'll get you some coffee." Trudy suggested.

"Thanks." Carter said as he took a seat beside Abby.

"What took you so long? Surely after all these years of being paged in the middle of the night you can get into a suit in less than ten minutes." Abby said.

She meant it as a joke, but it sounded monotonous.

"I cleaned up a bit upstairs." Carter whispered.

"Oh." Abby replied.

She was glad Carter had, otherwise Trudy would have questioned them. Abby was happy that Carter respected her privacy and confidentiality. After they drank their coffee they got together their things and left the house. Abby dreaded arriving at the hospital. The doctors would all have questions, but Abby wasn't quite sure whether she had the answers. All too soon they arrived at the hospital. Carter parked in the parkade, so they could avoid the ER and go straight up to surgery and psych.

As they walked, Carter maintained a firm grip on Abby's hand. She was thankful. Soon they arrived in the surgical waiting room. Abby was so nervous she felt sick. Carter saw the pained expression on her face.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'll be right here waiting for you when you're done." Carter said reassuringly.

"Thanks." Abby said nervously.

Carter pulled her close and gently rubbed her back. Abby buried her face in his chest. His cologne was strong, but strangely comforting. A few minutes later, entered the room.

"Hello Abby, Carter." She smiled.

"Hi." Carter replied.

"Hello." Abby said quietly.

Carter whispered a few more quiet words of encouragement to Abby before giving her hand one last reassuring squeeze and letting her go. Abby got up.

"Okay, just follow me Abby." stated.

As they walked out, Abby turned around to look at Carter. He winked at her and mouthed the words: I'll be here. As the girls turned a corner, they ran into Drs. Dorset and Romano, who seemed to be arguing over a case. They stopped when they saw the two women.

"Hello ladies." Dr.Dorset smiled.

"How are you this fine day." Dr.Romano asked.

"Alright..." Abby said, trying not to laugh.

They were all saved an awkward conversation as two pagers sounded. Drs. Romano and Dorset bid the women good day and went their seperate ways. As soon as they were out of hearing range, Elizabeth and Abby burst into a fit of giggles. They talked about how stupid men can act all the way to the exam room. let Abby in and closed the door as she followed.

"Alright, just take a seat up on the table for me." instructed.

Abby followed the directions. It felt so strange, being back in the hosptial so soon. Abby hoped Drs. Corday or Legaspi wouldn't commit her to a psych ward for the next week. Elizabeth was busy looking over Abby's chart for a second before putting it down on the counter and turning to face Abby.

"Dr.Carter told me what happened today. I'm so sorry you felt you had to go to such extremes. Why didn't you come talk to one of us?" asked concernedly.

"I don't know. I suppose I just felt I had taken up enough of everyone's time over the past few weeks. I just wanted it to end. I was going insane with all the flashbacks and nightmares. Everyone thought I was so strong, and now they'll see me as the one who couldn't even face a few bad dreams." Abby cried.

Tears were streaming down her cheeks, and starting to form in Elizabeth's eyes, too. She walked over to Abby and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, using her other hand to bring Abby's chin up to look at her.

"Listen to me Abby, nobody has the right to see you as weak. You've been through more in the past few weeks than the rest of us combined in our entire lives, and you have the right to feel like giving up. If anyone is weak, it's Jack Conner for doing this to you. It takes a hollow shell of a human to hurt another person like he hurt you. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Don't think for a second that this makes us see you as anything less. It could have ended a thousand other ways, but it turned out like this, and no one can change that. What you can change, however, is your outlook on the whole situation. See it as two steps forward, instead of one step back. You saw suicide as the only way to deal with your feelings, and though it's not true, it suited you at the time, and I respect that. Just don't do it again, I can't bear the thought of losing you. If you were any other nameless patient, I wouldn't think twice about it, but you're not any other patient. You're Abby Lockhart. The nurse that's always there for everyone, in every situation, and we all love you. You are what makes this place work, and I don't just mean in terms of your career. I mean it as you are always taking on everyone's problems, emotional as they may be. Remember we are always here for you, like you are here for us, no matter what happens." Elizabeth said caringly.

Abby calmed down at Elizabeth's comforting words. She couldn't believe it took suicide to put the fact that she wasn't alone into perspective for her.

"Thank you, " Abby said quietly.

"For what, telling you what you already knew? I just helped you along a little in the realization process, and please call me Elizabeth." said warmly.

"Okay, but thanks anyway, Elizabeth." Abby smiled.

"Now, let me see the laceration." Elizabeth directed.

Abby took off her sweater and extended her expertly bandaged wrist out to She took Abby's hand and carefully removed the bandages. The cut wasn't as bad as Elizabeth had expected. After a thorough visual inspection of the wound, there was only minimal redness and swelling. looked up.

"Alright, does it still hurt?" She asked.

"Only a little." Abby replied.

"Alright, it doesn't look infected, tell me if it hurts when I press down." Elizabeth ordered.

As Elizabeth pressed Abby's hand further away from the wound, the pain lessened.

"Good. The radiating pain around the wound is within normal limits. I still want bloodwork to rule out infection. I'll bandage your wrist back up and get a sample." explained.

Abby nodded her assent. Elizabeth carefully bandaged Abby's wrist again. She then walked over to the cupboards and pulled out a lab kit. She spoke as she set up.

"These kits are much easier to find in my office, where it's organized!" lauged remembering the time she and Eddie were hunting for the lab kit on Abby's last day in the hospital.

"No kidding. God I hate needles." Abby said as she saw assembling the syringe.

"Okay, you know the procedure. Just relax, it'll be over soon." explained.

She carefully tied the tourniquet around Abby's upper arm. Abby looked away. Elizabeth palpated her forearm looking for a good vein. When she had found it, Elizabeth cleaned the site with an alcohol swab. Abby held her breath as told her she was going to insert the needle. As soon as it was in, Abby breathed out. She was getting used to the needles, and they didn't hurt as much any more. Elizabeth finished quickly, as only one vial was needed. She carefully withdrew the needle and untied the tourniquet. She carefully applied a bandage to Abby's arm.

"There, all done." She said.

"It's getting better every time. The needles don't hurt nearly as much now as they used to." Abby said.

"That, and it's a matter of trust." Elizabeth pointed out.

"You're right, and I trust you most of all. I'd trust you with my life Elizabeth. You've made such an impact on my life today, you could never know." Abby finished.

"I don't have to. I do know, however, that you will be okay now. You're life will only get better from here on in. I also want you to know that you impacted your own life. Sure it took attempted suicide, but if that's how you learned your lesson, then so be it. I can't emphasize enough that we're here for you." Elizabeth said.

"I know." Abby smiled.

"Alright, that's everything then. I will page Dr.Legaspi if anything comes up in your labs. I'll see you in a week. Don't hesitate to call if you need to talk." Elizabeth said.

"I won't." Abby replied.

She hopped off the table and put on her sweater. Abby grabbed her purse as she and headed for the door. Elizabeth waited for Abby at the door. As Abby approached her, she pulled the surgeon into a hug. With a smile on her face, she spoke.

"You may not agree, but it was you that made my day. Thank you." Abby whispered.

Elizabeth knew it was not wise to respond. She simply smiled and held the door open. As soon as Abby walked out she closed the door and dropped into a chair at the back of the room. Elizabeth was crying. They weren't sad tears, but happy ones. She felt she really had made a difference for Abby, and she felt so wonderful seeing her happy. This time she knew Abby was sincere when she said that she knew she wasn't alone. Just then, Drs. Dorset and Romano walked in. They looked down and saw Elizabeth crying. The two of them swiftly walked over to her and crouched down.

"Elizabeth, are you alright?" Eddie asked.

"What? Oh, yes. I'm fine." She laughed.

"How come I'm not believeing it?" Romano asked.

"No, really. These are tears of joy." Elizabeth replied.

"What can possibly be happy enough to make you cry?" Edward asked her skeptically.

"Have you ever been told you've made someone's life darastically better, and changed their entire outlook?" Elizabeth inquired.

"Yes." They replied unanimously.

"Well, this was different, somehow. This person was sincere. I'm just glad to be a friend." Elizabeth said.

The other two surgeons shrugged and decided not to pursue the subject.

Abby smiled as she walked down the hall, and for the first time in weeks it was a genuine, heart felt smile. As she entered the surgical waiting room, Carter looked up.

"How'd it go?" He asked.

"It couldn't have gone better." Abby said.

Just like the surgeons, Carter was puzzled but decided not to pursue it.

"Are you ready to head up to see Dr.Legaspi?" Carter inquired.

"Yeah, come on, let's go." Abby replied.

A few minutes later they were sitting outside Dr.Legaspi's office. Carter knew Abby was feeling better now, she was giving off that aura of happiness, but he comforted her anyway.

"I'll be here waiting for you." He said.

"Thanks, Carter." Abby said.

The two of them were kissing passionately when the door to Dr.Legaspi's office opened.

"Good afternoon, Abby. Carter." Kim smiled.

"Good afternoon." Abby replied.

"Hey." Carter said.

"Come on in, Abby." Kim motioned to her office.

The two women entered the office, and Dr.Legaspi motioned for Abby to sit down as she took a seat opposite her. She pulled out Abby's chart and looked over her notes quickly before speaking.

"I heard what happened this morning. How are you feeling now?" Dr.Legaspi asked sympathetically.

"Much better." Abby smiled.

"Really? What turned you around?" Kim asked.

"I talked to , and she helped me realize what I thought I knew all along. That everyone really is here for me. I thought I knew before, but I must not have, considering what happened." Abby explained.

"I understand." Kim empathized and nodded, encouraging Abby to elaborate.

"It took a suicide attempt to make me see it. Everyone was being so supportive, but I was so busy feeling guilty I didn't see it." Abby went on.

"Sometimes it's like that, but this is partially my fault. I diagnosed you as having mild depression during our last session, but went against my better judgement and witheld the information from you. I'm sorry Abby." Kim explained.

"It's alright, there's not much you could have done." Abby smiled.

"Yes, but never the less. I want you to come in for an hour and half for your last three sessions, rather than and hour. Is that okay?" Kim asked.

"Sure. It's only three more sessions." Abby laughed.

"Alright then. How are you sleeping lately?" Kim asked.

"Not that well. I always have nightmares, and I'm afraid to close my eyes and see the images played over in my mind." Abby explained.

"Alright. I'm going to up your doses of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. I'm also perscribing valium and diazepam. It will prevent you from having manic episodes. It'll only be for a week. If I feel the need to keep you on the medication longer, I will relay that to you at our follow up session on Sunday." Dr.Legaspi said.

"Okay." Abby agreed.

"Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?" Kim asked.

"No, I'm fine. If I need anything, I'll call you." Abby replied.

"Alright. In that case, see you tomorrow." Kim said.

"Bye." Abby said.

She got up and left the office. Carter had been sitting outside anxiously. He got up to greet Abby when she emerged.

"How did it go?" He asked.

"Fine, but I have to sit in for an hour and a half for my last three sessions." Abby said.

"Whatever it takes for you to feel better." Carter smiled.

"I guess. Let's go meet Susan." Abby said.

They headed down to the parkade and got in the car. Starbucks was only a few minute walk away, but why go there and have to come back here after. When they got to the coffee shop, Susan was already there waiting for them. Abby was determined not to let her see the bandages, so she pulled her sleeves down lower. Susan looked up and waved them over. She stood up as they walked closer.

"Hey guys!" She said, hugging each of them in turn.

"Hey Susan." They said in unison.

Abby and Susan talked as Carter went to get the coffee. Abby crossed her hands on the table in front of her. What she hadn't noticed is that her sleeve slipped up and exposed a large portion of the bandage covering the evidence of her suicide attempt. Susan looked down when she reached for her mug. She noticed the white mingling with the black.

"What happened to your hand?" She asked concernedly.

Oh Shit! Abby thought.

"I guess you would have found out one way or another." Abby sighed.

Susan looked at her intently, encouraging her to go on.

"I attempted suicide." Abby said plainly.

Susan stared at her open mouthed. Just then Carter came up behind them, carrying the coffee.

"It's true." He said.

"Why, oh my gosh are you okay?" Susan asked.

Abby, with the help of Carter, recounted the story in between sips of latte. Susan stared at her open mouthed the whole time.

"And that's it." Abby finished.

"Wow. That's intense." Susan empathized.

They jumped around from topic to topic untill the coffee was gone. Carter invited Susan over for dinner. The meal was enjoyable, but soon after Susan had to get to work.

Carter and Abby turned in for the night, both trying to forget the events of the day. Carter took Abby's pulse, blood pressure, and temperature before laying back. He was overwhelmed by sleep quickly, but Abby lay awake. She still feared closing her eyes and seeing unforgiving images. Abby decided to focus on the good things. She thought about what had said, about everyone being there for her, and loving her. She soon drifted off to sleep.

That night, for the first time in weeks, Abby didn't dream of the horrible things she had experienced a while back, but instead she dreamt of all the good things that were to come. Maybe this ordeal was finally coming to an end...

A.N.: What did you think? It took me only a few hours to write this chapter. Today is Rememberance Day, so I didn't have school. I thought I'd try to write a few lines of this chapter, at first finding it notoriously difficult, but soon I was so into it, it just flowed. I thought it all up on the spot, instead of outlining it like most of my other chapters. Thanks to all my loyal reviewers, especially those who have reviewed almost every chapter after number five: hyperpiper91, mistopher, and Carby Luv. Please tell me what you think of all my hard work by reviewing! Love my readers! –Julia-