Bad Karma
Carby. Something happens to Abby. How does it affect her life and her relationship with Carter? 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 honour 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 23: Alicia Conner
It was Abby first week back as a med student. She was on her ER rotation. Carter watched her doing her work with pride. She was much more confident this time around, then she had been the first time. Everyone helped her out when she needed it. Abby felt like she finally had a place in the world, like she was doing something with the life God had given her.
The day had just started and already Abby was buried in a pile of work. She was balancing six patients, paperwork, and medical textbooks. As Abby sat in the lounge drinking coffee and studying, Susan came in.
"Hey Abby, how are you holding up?" Susan asked.
"Okay I guess. Are there many more patients coming in?" Abby inquired back.
"Yes, unfortunately. At least there haven't been any traumas coming in. I hope it lets up, I need a break." Susan mused.
"You're lucky, at least you have time for a break." Abby sighed.
"It's not that bad. If you want, I can do some of this paperwork for you while you go check on your patients." Susan suggested.
"Oh would you? Thank you so much! I'll be back soon." Abby rejoiced.
"Don't rush, I'm here untill ten anyway." Susan said.
Abby gave her one last grateful smile before heading out to the busy ER. At least she didn't have to worry about covering triage anymore. Abby walked over to the admit desk to check the board. It was getting increasingly crowded, so she decided to discharge some of her patients. Abby and Carter walked behind curtain two to check on her allergic reaction patient.
"How are you feeling Mr.Preager?" Abby asked warmly.
"Much better." The patient responded.
"Good to hear. Your sats have gone up, and if your breath sounds are clear then you're free to go." Abby said.
Abby put her stethoscope in her ears and listened to Mr.Preager's breath sounds. They were much better than when he had come in. Abby decided the improvement was significant enough to discharge the patient.
"Alright, Mr.Preager, your breath sounds are clear. I will perscribe an albuterol breathing treatment for you to take over the next week to ease any recurring breathing difficulty. If you have another reaction that can't be controlled by the medication, come back to the ER immediately. Other than that, you're fine. Here is the perscription, use it every time you feel a tightness in your chest. See your family doctor in one week for a check. I'll be back with your discharge orders in a few minutes." Abby explained.
"Okay, thanks." Mr.Preager replied.
Abby smiled and left the curtain area. All she had to do was find an attending to sign the discharge orders and another patient was free to go. After that she would pick up an easy case and go relieve Susan of her paperwork. Abby was about to ask Dr.Weaver to sign off on her chart, when she spotted Carter coming down the hall. Abby ran over.
"John!" She called.
Carter spun around on his heel.
"Oh, hey Abby! What is it?" He asked.
"I need you to sign off on this patient's chart so I can discharge him." Abby said.
Carter looked over the charts, tests, and perscriptions. Once he was satisfied he looked up at Abby.
"Great job. Come over to admit and I'll sign the orders." Carter smiled.
The two of them walked over to the desk and Carter pulled out a pen. He scrawled his signature on the chart and discharge orders. Abby smiled at him and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. She turned around and walked back over to curtain two.
"Alright Mr.Preager, you're free to go." Abby said.
"Great." The patient replied.
"See you. Have a good recovery. Take it easy for a few days." Abby instructed.
"I will, I promise." He smiled.
"Take care." Abby said before leaving.
Once Abby left the curtain area, she walked back over to admit. The chart rack was on the verge of overflowing. She riffled through the charts and nothing interested her much. Everything was small, so she could do something quick. She was about to take the abdominal pain when she spotted a patient that was in for a cast removal. Abby grabbed the chart and walked up to chairs.
"Alicia Conner." Abby shouted.
She gasped when she realized who the patient was. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Then again, how many Alicia Conners can there be in one city, needing a cast removed on a date roughly six weeks after Abby's initial attack? Abby swallowed the lump in her throat as the young woman approached her. The woman also got a dawning look of comprehension on her face at the sight of Abby.
"R-right this way, Miss Conner." Abby stuttered.
The two women walked over to exam one and Abby instructed Alicia to sit on the gurney as she closed the door. She stood silent for a second before catching her breath and speaking.
"Hello Alicia, I'm Abby Lockhart-" Abby was interrupted.
"I know. I want to tell you how sorry I'm for what happened. For the past few weeks all I could think about was the fact that this was all my fault. I hope you can forgive me." Alicia sobbed.
"It wasn't your fault. What happened, happened, and I've moved on. Don't worry about it." Abby reassured her.
"If it wasn't for me, he never would have hurt you." Alicia whispered.
"That may be true, but he chose me. If it hadn't been me, it would have been some other unfortunate doctor or nurse, and the situation might have ended differently. At least I came through it okay." Abby enforced.
"I'm so glad that this hasn't had a terrible lasting effect on you. I'm still sorry. I know I shouldn't be, but it's hard." Alicia admitted.
"I know, believe me. I felt it was all my fault for a long time after, I even tried to kill myself." Abby said.
She showed Alicia the scars on her wrist. Alicia brought her hand to her face in horror. Abby smiled and pulled her sleeve back down over the cuts.
"The important thing is that you don't let your guilt consume you. Just let it out. Find some way to feel better. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you." Abby said sympathetically.
"Thank you." Alicia said quietly.
"No problem. Now let's get under way. You are here to get your cast removed, correct?" Abby questioned.
"Yes." Alicia responded.
"Has your arm been hurting you lately?" Abby asked.
"Not really. Only if I try to lift something." Alicia said.
"Okay. First we'll get an x-ray, and if the fracture is fully healed we'll remove the cast and check your range of motion." Abby explained.
Alicia nodded in response. Abby smiled and stood up.
"I'll be back in a few minutes with another doctor to get the x-ray." Abby said.
Alicia smiled and Abby left the room. She walked out into the hall and saw Carter talking to Kerry. She didn't want to interrupt, so she waited at admit. A few minutes later, Carter noticed her staring intently at him and excused himself from him and Kerry's conversation. He walked up to Abby and kissed her on the cheek.
"Did you miss me?" Carter asked playfully.
"Yes, as always. I have a patient to present to you." Abby said.
"Wow, must be pretty important if you waited for me instead of presenting to someone else." Carter said.
"Oh trust me, you want to take this." Abby emphasized.
"Okay, go ahead." Carter urged.
"Twenty seven year old female. She's here to get her cast removed. Fractured left radius and ulna. I ordered a hand series." Abby listed.
"Good. What's the patient's name?" Carter asked.
"You're not going to believe this. Alicia Conner." Abby blurted out.
"Are you serious?" Carte deadpanned.
"Yes, the one and only." Abby said.
"Okay, do you mind if I go in to see her before she goes to radiology?" Carter asked.
"Your word over mine. I'll be in the lounge doing paperwork. Tell me when you're finished." Abby said.
Carter nodded and Abby handed him Alicia's chart. Carter noticed that it hadn't really affected Abby seeing the patient, so why was he feeling so nervous? Carter walked over to exam one and took a deep breath before stepping inside. Alicia's head snapped up when she heard the door handle click.
"Hello Alicia-" Carter was cut off.
"Dr.Carter!" Alicia exclaimed.
"Yes, it's good seeing you. How are you?" Carter asked.
"I'm alright. I'm so sorry for what happened. It's all my fault. I can't imagine what you went through..." Alicia trailed off.
Carter walked over and sat in a chair beside her bed.
"It's fine. It was not your fault. You had no control over Jack." Carter explained.
"No, but if I hadn't come in, or said anything in the first place, Abby would never have had to go through what she did." Alicia sobbed.
"She got through it just fine, and she's getting better every day. She can't force herself to forget what happened, but she really wants you to know it wasn't your fault and that you shouldn't blame yourself." Carter reassured.
"I'm glad she's getting better. She told me how it affected her to the point that she tried to kill herself, and I just felt so terrible. I know Abby doesn't want me to worry, because she doesn't blame me, but when I'm so closely involved, it's hard to push the worry to the back of my mind." Alicia elaborated.
"I know it's hard, trust me, but I also know you're strong and you can do it." Carter empathized.
"Thank you, Dr.Carter." Alicia said and smiled weakly.
"Sure thing. How are you getting over Jack's death?" Carter asked.
"I know it sounds sadistic to say it, but I don't miss him at all. I'm glad he died the way he did." Alicia said bitterly.
"It's not sadistic. He hurt you, and it's okay for you to want him to feel the same pain you did." Carter reassured.
"Good, for a while I thought I was going insane." Alicia sighed with relief.
Carter smiled. He then looked down and flipped through Alicia's charts. When he was satisfied, he looked up and continued.
"Okay, so Abby told me your arm still hurts when you lift heavier objects." Carter said pointedly.
"Yes, and for the mostpart there's a dull ache that I've gotten so used to that I don't really pay attention to it anymore." Alicia added.
"That's normal with fractures. It will be sensitive for the next few months. If you have any discomfort, just take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. I also want you to see a physiotherapist three times a week for the next four weeks. It'll help you strengthen the muscles and bones in your arm again." Carter explained.
"Okay." Alicia said.
"Great. We'll remind you once more before you leave. I'll see you after you come back from radiology." Carter said.
"Bye." Alicia returned.
Carter got up and left the room. In a way, he was glad Alicia was concerned so much for him and Abby. She was, after all, involved in this. Not that it was her fault, but she needed to feel something in order to move on. Carter walked past admit and handed Chuny the chart.
"Chuny, can you please take Miss Conner to radiology. I left orders for a hand series. Find me when you're done." Carter explained.
"Sure thing boss." Chuny replied.
Carter watched her walk away before turning on his heel and heading for the lounge. On the way in he bumped into Susan, who was leaving the lounge.
"Oh, geez. Sorry Carter." Susan smiled.
"No problem, it was my fault." Carter laughed.
"Alright, if you say so. I have to get back to work, see you later!" Susan said.
"Bye." Carter responded.
He laughed it off and entered the lounge. Abby was sitting behind a giant heap of paperwork. Another pile, this one containing numerous medical textbooks and journals, stood near the first. Abby was scribbling frantically on the papers. Carter smiled and sat down across from her.
"What are you doing?" He asked casually.
"Oh Jesus, John, you startled me! I didn't hear you come in." Abby said breathlessly.
"Sorry, I just finished with Alicia." Carter said.
"Oh. How did it go?" Abby asked.
"Quite well. I told her not to feel guilty for what happened." Carter explained.
"Good, so did I. We should still get a psych consult in my opinion." Abby suggested.
"I agree. When she gets back from radiology I'll page Dr.Legaspi." Carter reasoned.
"Great. Sorry, I have to finish this paperwork, and I still have to study for some exams. Then I have other patients to tend to..." Abby blurted out.
"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it. Come on, how about some coffee?" Carter asked.
"That would be wonderful!" Abby rejoiced.
"I'll run over to Doc's and get some. I'll be back in a few minutes." Carter said.
"See you." Abby replied.
Carter got up and walked around the table to kiss Abby before living. Abby wished she could take some time off to spend with Carter, but it was impossible. Once she finished the paperwork it would be a little easier, and maybe then she could go for her break. Untill then, however, she was stuck in the lounge. It's all worth it Abby thought to herself. It was, because after medical school she would be able to do so much more for her patients. Only one more year of school after this, and then two more for residency.
Abby smiled in spite of herself and went back to work. The pile was slowly shrinking. A few minutes later, Carter returned with Abby's life force in a mug. She smiled up at him and gratefully took the coffee.
"Thanks so much." Abby cried.
"You look like you need it. Trust me, I remember what being a student is like." Carter smiled.
"It's bad enough living it, you mean I have to remember it too!" Abby cried.
Carter laughed and soon Abby did too. Sure life was hard sometimes, but there were a lot of good things about it too. Abby and Carter sipped their coffee in silence, occasionally exchanging glances. Abby continued to fill in charts and papers. Carter watched her intently, correcting her where necessary. Abby was grateful for the help. About half an hour and a large coffee later, Abby was finally finished. She and Carter were just about to go tend to patinents when Chuny came into the lounge.
"Carter, your patient is back from radiology. She's in exam one." Chuny rattled off.
"Thanks Chuny." Carter said.
He walked toward the door and motioned for Abby to follow. On they way Abby took the chart from Chuny. As Carter and Abby walked toward exam one, a trauma came in. Weaver was shouting orders.
"Carter, Abby! We need you!" Kerry yelled.
"Can't you find someone else?" Carter asked.
"There is no one else!" Kerry replied.
"We'll be there in a minute!" Carter shouted.
Kerry nodded and rushed off after the gurney toward trauma two. Carter turned to Abby before rushing off.
"We can take this. There's no use seeing Alicia again untill her films are back anyway. Before you go into the trauma, page Dr.Legaspi. Come on, it'll be good practice." Carter suggested.
Abby nodded and they chased after the rest of the trauma team. She briefly spoke to Dr.Legaspi about Alicia. Once they got inside and gowned up, they moved in closer.
"What have we got?" Carter asked.
"Seventeen year old female. Hit and run. Severe leg laceration, she's losing blood fast. Suspected head and neck injury. She might have torn her femoral artery. Decreased breath sounds on the right. Sats are seventy nine, tacchycardic at 138, resps 10 per minute, and BP's 90 over 65." Kerry declared.
"No hemotypinam. Pupils are five milimetres and sluggish." Susan said.
"Okay, we have to intubate! Abby,can you do it?" Carter questioned.
Abby nodded.
"Get me a ten blade and a 7.0 e.t. tube!" Abby ordered.
Lydia handed her the equipment and Abby got to work. She never used to be good at tough intubations, but she held the instruments in her hand and felt confident. After a few seconds, Abby managed to insert the tube.
"Got it!" Abby exclaimed.
Haleh took over and bagged the patient. Abby moved aside and watched as Carter inserted a chest tube. Weaver was busy doing an abdominal ultrasound.
"Page surgery and vascular, she's bleeding into her abdomen!" Kerry ordered.
Abby ran over to the phone and picked it up, dialing the numbers for surgery and vascular. She then walked back over to the gurney and stood aside untill she was ordered to do something. Carter was the first to act.
"Abby, can you finish sewing in this chest tube?" Carter asked.
Abby nodded and took over. She quickly but diligently stitched the tube in place and bandaged the site. Just then, Drs. Corday and Dorset entered the trauma room.
"What have we got?" inquired.
Kerry explained the situation as the surgeons got gowned up. Edward was busy assesing the torn artery, and Elizabeth was hard at work checking the extent of the abdominal injury.
"Okay, her vitals are stable. Let's get her up to surgery." Dr.Dorset ordered.
Everyone moved aside as Elizabeth, Edward, Susan, and Haleh wheeled the gurney over to the elevators. All who remained in the room removed their trauma attire and left. Carter and Abby took their time. When they were done, Abby spoke.
"Let's go see if Alicia Conner's films are back." She suggested.
Carter agreed and followed Abby to the admit desk. They walked over to where lab and radiology results were kept. Luckily, Alicia's x-rays were right on top of the pile. Carter picked them up and Abby grabbed the chart. The two of them then strode over to exam one. As they were about to enter, Dr.Legaspi emerged.
"Oh, hello Dr.Carter, Abby." Kim greeted.
"Hello. How's she doing?" Abby asked.
"There's no signs of depression, just slight remorse. I told her not to worry about being sadistic, either. It's normal after an experience like hers." Dr.Legaspi reasoned.
"Good." Abby said.
"She was tired and fell asleep while I filled out her profile. Be quiet when you go in." Kim suggested.
"Great, thanks. See you." Abby said.
"Bye." Kim replied.
When they entered, they found Alicia asleep on the gurney. They decided they would look over the x-rays before waking her up. Abby put the chart in the slot at the foot of Alicia's bed as Carter put her films up on the lightboard. After studying them for a few seconds, Abby was satisfied that the fractures were healed.
"X-rays look clear, but there's a slight weakening where the new bone has grown in. It can be strengthened with calcium intake and physical therapy." Abby announced.
"Right on." Carter smiled.
"I'll wake her up, you put away the films." Abby suggested.
Carter nodded and slipped the films into the envelope as Abby went to sit by Alicia's bed. Carter took the films and the chart and went to sit by Abby. He smiled at her encouragingly. Abby smiled back and turned to Alicia. She gently put her hand on Alicia's shoulder.
"Wake up Alicia." Abby said as she gently shook the girl.
After a few seconds Alicia groaned and slowly opened her eyes. She put her hand to her face and yawned before looking over at who had woken her up.
"Oh, hi." Alicia said.
"We got your x-rays back." Abby whispered.
"So can I get my cast off?" Alicia inquired.
"Yes. Once we take the cast off, however, you have to be very careful with your arm. The films show signs of weakened bone around the area of the fracture." Abby explained.
"Is that bad?" Alicia asked uncertainly.
"It can be if you're not careful. You'll have to wear a soft splint on your arm for about a month untill your bones get stronger. I want you to start taking calcium supplements. When you see your physical therapist, he will be able to help you regain the strength you lost in your arm. After a month of three times a week physiotherapy, I'll leave a note in your chart for you to be sent back for another x-ray. If the soft bone has been replaced with more dense tissue, you can stop taking the supplements." Carter announced.
"What if it hasn't been replaced with more dense tissue?" Alicia asked.
"Then your therapist will reccomend you get a blood test done to rule out any mineral deficiencies that may be stunting bone growth." Abby said.
"However, it is a very rare complication. I'm sure you have nothing to worry about." Carter reassured.
"Okay." Alicia said.
"Now, we'll have you come with us to the casting room so we can get that off. Come with us." Carter said.
Abby helped Alicia stand up off the gurney and they walked down the hall to the casting rooms. Carter led the two ladies inside and motioned for Alicia to sit down on the bed. Carter walked over to the other end of the room and brought over the skill saw. Abby went to sit beside Alicia and explain the procedure.
"Have you ever had a cast removed before, Alicia?" Abby asked.
"No." Alicia replied.
"Okay. I'll warn you now that the skill saw is quite loud, but don't be afraid. It will not cut any soft material. As soon as it hits the bandage underneath the fibreglass, it will automatically stop." Abby explained.
Alicia nodded her understanding and so Abby continued.
"Once we've removed the cast, we'll check your range of motion and splint your hand. If there is any severe discomfort, which is common in patients with a fractured arm, we'll write you a perscription for vicodin." Abby finished.
"What if it's not severe, but acts up sometimes?" Alicia asked.
"Then you can take either ibuprofen or acetaminophen." Abby said.
"Alright." Alicia said quietly.
Carter prepped the skill saw and put on a mask. He brought the equipment over to where Alicia was sitting and handed another mask to Abby, and one to Alicia.. Once Abby had put her mask on, Carter spoke.
"Put the mask on so you don't breath in any of the fibreglass dust." He instructed.
Alicia did as she was told.
"Okay Alicia, are you ready?" Carter questioned.
"I guess." Alicia said nervously.
Carter smiled under his mask. He handed Abby the skill saw. Abby was nervous. She had practiced with the skill saw before, but never on a patient. The one time Carter let her practice on him, both of them were scared out of their minds. Abby smiled at the memory. She knew she couldn't do any damage, but it was still a little unnerving. Abby took a deep, calming breath and spoke.
"Okay Alicia, like I said, the skill saw is loud. I'll turn in to before I cut so the noise doesn't startle you. Here we go." Abby said.
Alicia held out her cast and Carter supported her upper arm. Abby turned on the skill saw and Alicia closed her eyes. Carter watched Abby intently as she worked. After a few minutes, the cast had been cut all the way through. Abby turned off the skill saw and put it back in the holder. She took off her mask and motioned for Alicia to do the same. Carter had also removed his. Alicia was having some trouble with one hand, so Carter helped her. Abby took the pliers and pried the incision in the cast open. She carefully pulled the bandaging and the fibreglass apart. Once the hard cast was off, Abby threw it into the waste bin. She carefully unraveled the remaining bandages from Alicia's hand and threw them away, too. When she was done, she spoke.
"There, finished. That must feel much better." Abby smiled.
"It does. The cast was warm and itchy. It's nice to feel the cool air against my skin again." Alicia replied.
"Good. Now I'm going to check your range of motion. Just tell me if it hurts or gets uncomfortable." Abby said.
Alicia smiled and nodded. Abby carefully flexed Alicia's arm to check how far her arm could extend. After a few minutes of bending and rotating, Abby was done. Alicia had a full range of motion with only minimal discomfort.
"Great, you have full use of your arm. There is no indication of severe pain or deformity. All there is left to do now is splint your hand." Abby said.
"I was worried I might not be able to move my arm after so long." Alicia admitted.
"It's common with wearing a cast. Don't worry, soon your arm will be as strong as it was before the fracture." Abby reassured.
Carter had already laid out all of the necessary equipment, so Abby got straight to work. She bandaged Alicia's arm before fitting a glove under it to minimize discomfort from the hard splint that was to go over top. As Abby worked, Alicia spoke.
"I thought you were a nurse." Alicia said.
"I used to be. I decided to go back to med school, and now I"m a med student. That's why I have Dr.Carter here with me, to supervise all my procedures." Abby explained.
"That's wonderful! Congratulations." Alicia exclaimed.
"Thank you." Abby blushed.
Alicia was happy to hear that Abby was doing something positive in her life after the horrors she had been faced with only a few weeks prior. Abby fitted Alicia's hard splint over her hand and removed her gloves.
"There, finished." Abby said.
"That's not too bad, I can still pretty much move freely. It's better than the cast." Alicia said, flexing her fingers.
"I want you to wear that all the time. You should only remove when you are going to get your hands wet and when you're doing your therapy excercises. You should be able to stop wearing it after a month if your bone density improves." Abby explained.
"I will." Alicia said.
"Good. I've set you up for physiotherapy every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00pm at the Bayview clinic. You'll be seeing Dr.Andrew Ortega. I have the address for you right here." Abby said, handing her a business card with the appointment dates on the back.
"Do everything your therapist instructs you to do. Start taking calcium supplements tonight, and take them daily for a month untill your next x- ray. If there is any pain or discomfort, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do you have any other questions?" Abby asked.
"No, that's all I needed to know, thanks." Alicia replied.
"Alright, in that case we'll just sign off on your discharge orders and you'll be free to go." Abby said.
"Thanks." Alicia said.
Abby smiled and signed the chart. Carter co-signed and they handed Alicia the films.
"Take these to your physio appointment and give them to your therapist. You're free to go." Abby said.
"Okay. Bye!" Alicia said as she hopped off the table.
"Bye, good luck." Abby said.
"See you." Carter replied.
Alicia gave them one last smile before walking out the door, which Carter held open for her. Abby smiled to herself. She was able to help Alicia once again, and it made her feel great. Carter smiled, too. He was overjoyed that Abby handled it so well. The two of them walked into the lounge and dropped down on the couch. Carter embraced Abby and they sat there for a few minutes, before Carter's pager went off.
"Sorry Abby, I have to go. There's another trauma coming in. Do you want to assist?" Carter asked.
"No thanks, I think I'll take a break." Abby sighed.
"Alright. I'll come find you when I'm done. Our shift are almost over, and we can go home. See you later." Carter said.
"Yeah, bye." Abby smiled.
She watched him as he hurried out of the lounge. Abby didn't need a break, but she didn't feel like handling another trauma, either. She wondered whether Elizabeth was finished with the surgery from earlier yet. Abby decided to go upstairs and find out.
As she left the lounge, she was careful not to run into Weaver. The last thing Abby needed was more paperwork. Abby quickly scurried unnoticed over to the elevator and pressed the button for the fourth floor. Abby got in as soon as the doors opened. She was glad the elevator was empty. You would see twice as many people for twice the time a nurse would as a med student. Everything took longer to learn. Abby was happy to leave the hectic ER. A few seconds later, the elevator stopped and the doors opened to reveal the fourth floor. Abby stepped out of the elevator and walked down the hall to 's office. Once she got to the door, Abby knocked gently.
"Come in." Elizabeth shouted.
Abby slowly turned the doorknob and let herself in. Elizabeth looked up from the medical journal she was reading and smiled.
"Hello Abby." She said warmly.
"Hey Elizabeth. What are you doing?" Abby asked.
"Relaxing. I just finished with that girl from the trauma earlier. Edward is still in there pieceing together what's left of her femoral artery." Elizabeth replied.
"I thought you could use some company." Abby smiled.
"I definitely could. It's stuffy in this office, so how about we go up to the roof." suggested.
"Sure, let's go." Abby agreed.
Elizabeth placed her bookmark in between two pages of her journal and stood up. The two women walked to the staircase. There were a few friendly words exchanged on the way up. After a minute or two, they had reached the roof.
"Wow, it's really nice out here today. It would be too warm if it wasn't for this breeze." Abby commented.
"Hmm, I agree." Elizabeth assented.
They stood in silence for a few moments, enoying the weather, before Elizabeth spoke again.
"How is the ER rotation treating you?" She asked.
"Not all too horrible. It's just too much paperwork. If they want their scut work done, they should hire slaves. I'm down there to learn." Abby said bitterly.
"I know what you mean, that's why when you reach your surgical rotation, I'll make sure that you have more of a chance to observe. After all, you learn more in one practical situation than paperwork could ever teach you. Outside of that, did anything interesting happen today?" Elizabeth inquired.
"You are not going to believe me when I tell you." Abby said breathlessly.
"Go on, I always love a good ER story." Elizabeth said excitedly.
"This morning I was working on a bunch of charts when Susan came into the lounge. She said she needed a break, so she would do my paperwork while I saw a few patients. I agreed, and so I went over to the rack to see if there were any small cases I could do quickly. I discharged a patient I had from earlier, and picked up another chart. I walked over to chairs and looked at the chart. I didn't really realize the name untill I actually called it." Abby said suspensefully.
"Go on then..." Elizabeth whispered.
"It was Alicia Conner." Abby finished.
It took a few moments for Elizabeth to realize what Abby had said, but when it hit her, Elizabeth's hand went straight to her mouth. After she recovered from the initial shock, she spoke.
"The widow of Jack Conner?" Elizabeth asked unsurely.
"The one and only." Abby replied.
"What happened?" Elizabeth urged.
"She was in to get her cast removed." Abby explained.
Elizabeth watched her intently as she finished the story. Abby tried hard not to laugh, seeing the look of surprise on Elizabeth's face. Elizabeth thought it would have been more difficult for Abby to have treated Alicia after what happened. When Abby was done the story, Elizabeth spoke.
"Didn't it distress you to treat someone so close to the person who caused you so much grief?" Elizabeth asked surprisedly.
"No, because I understood what she felt like. Guilty, responsible, and worried. I told her to get over it and move on. After that, I treated her just like any other patient. John, on the other hand, didn't handle it as well." Abby laughed.
After a few more minutes of discussion, Abby was paged to the ER. It was Carter. He was probably ready to go home.
"Sorry Elizabeth, I have to go." Abby said.
"I should probably be getting back, too." said.
"Alright, I'll see you later. Have a good night." Abby smiled.
"You too." Elizabeth returned.
Abby turned and walked away, but Elizabeth hung back for a few more minutes. Abby made her way to the elevators and finally back down to the ER. It was much quieter than it had been about a half hour prior. Abby walked past admit and into the lounge. Carter was ready to go. He smiled when he saw Abby.
"Hey, where'd you go?" He asked.
"Up to the roof for a while. The weather is absolutely beautiful." Abby explained.
"Ready to go?" Carter inquired.
"Yeah, just let me grab my bag." Abby said.
A few minutes later they were in Carter's jeep on their way home. Abby was starving after such a long day. Carter was still brooding on the Alicia Conner case. Abby was nonplussed. She figured it might take Carter a little longer to recover mentally after he had surpressed his feelings on the incident over the past few months to help her heal. Now they were starting to resurface. As they approached the house, Abby was lost in her thoughts. She decided to help Carter open up to her later. Now it was her turn to be there for him, and to help him heal.
A.N.: Another chapter up! Tell me what you think, just click the review button! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews to this and my other story, Christmas In The ER. If you've been around since the beginning, or if you're new to the story, add your input to the list! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Wesolych Swiat! Sretan Bozic! Joyeux Noel! Craciun Fericit! Yokarachone! Buon Natale! Maligayang Pasko! Mele Kalikimaka! Happy Chanukah! I'll have then next chapter up soon! Love my readers! –Julia-