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 honor of finishing it for her. I hope I can do as good a job!

Disclaimer: Roses are red, violets are blue, I don't own anything, so please don't sue!

Chapter 25: Just Say When

The sun shone in the window, signaling the start of a beautiful Sunday morning. Abby woke up feeling better rested than she had in weeks. Carter's arms were still wrapped around her waist and he was nuzzled into her neck. Abby loved the feeling of protection she got when she lay next to him. She decided to let him sleep while she got dressed. Abby carefully unwrapped his arms from around her waist and got out of bed.

The previous night had been incredible. Abby's skin was still burning with passion, something she noticed when she felt the cool tile floor of the bathroom beneath her feet. She took off her silk lingerie and turned on the shower. Abby let the cool water wash over her body and wake her up. As she washed, Abby wondered what Carter's plans were for the day. Whatever they were, it didn't matter as long as they were together. Abby groaned at the thought of having to go to work later on in the day.

Carter awoke to the sound of streaming water. He was a little disoriented at first, but soon figured out he was alone in bed. Abby must have gotten up to shower. He was extremely comfortable, but persuaded his body to move so he could be with Abby. Carter got up and quietly snuck into the bathroom. He took off his boxers and walked over to the glass shower door. Carefully, he slid it open and joined Abby under the jets of water.

Initially, Abby was startled at her guest, but once she had realized it was Carter, she pulled him into an embrace.

"Hey sleepyhead." She teased in between kisses.

"Good morning." He smiled back.

Carter gently slid his hands around Abby's waist, and rubbed the small of her back. The waves of excitement his touch sent rocketing through her body made Abby's spine ache. She moaned with longing as his tounge traced her lips and pried her mouth open. As their kiss deepened, Abby found herself being moved back against the wall of the shower. She ran her hands down Carter's sides and he moaned with pleasure. Carter moved his body so close to Abby's that he could feel her pulse against his hands as he ran them over her soft skin. He gently penetrated her and Abby let out a breath as she shivered with excitement.

Carter pressed his weight into Abby's body, pressing her harder against the wall. She was moaning with pleasure as he slid in and out of her. The sound of their ragged breaths mingled with the sound of water hitting the floor and walls of the shower. Carter's hands explored every curve of Abby's body. He gently caressed her breasts as he kissed her fervently. Carter knew just how to move to make Abby feel as though the world was falling down around her. Their hips moved together in one smooth motion. Carter had hit Abby's soft spot and she screamed his name in pleasure. They slowed their love making down a little, to give themselves a chance to breathe. After a few more intense minutes, Carter pulled out of her. Abby rested her head on his shoulder and smiled. Carter wrapped his hands tightly around her and whispered.

"Where would I ever be without you?" He sighed.

"The same place I would be without you." Abby replied.

"Oh, and where's that?" Carter asked.

"Nowhere." Abby smiled.

Carter turned off the water as Abby reached for their towels. They held eachother in an embrace as they stepped out of the shower. Abby was drying her hair when Carter spoke up.

"Hey, there's something I've been meaning to ask you." He said.

"Sure, what is it?" Abby inquired.

Carter thought for a moment. How was he going to phrase his query? He decided to clam up for the moment.

"Never mind." He replied.

Abby gave him a questioning look but then shrugged and turned away. What did he want, she wondered. Oh well, he'd speak up when he was ready. After all, he trusted her, Abby reasoned.

Carter had gone to get dressed, leaving Abby to brush her teeth. As she was doing so, she thought about what it would be like if her and Carter lived together. Life would be great. She'd wake up to him every morning, and fall asleep beside him every night. Abby smiled at the thought. She rinsed the toothpaste out of her mouth and went to get dressed. When she walked into the room, Carter was putting his tie on in the mirror. Abby smiled and walked over to him.

"Want some help with that?" Abby asked.

"You're just a moment to late." Carter said as he finished tying the knot.

"Oh well, I don't actually know how to tie a tie anyway." Abby shrugged.

Carter put his hand up to Abby's face and stroked her cheek gently before leaning in to kiss her. It was a soft kiss, but when they pulled apart Abby could still feel her lips tingling. She looked up and her eyes met Carter's. He smiled for a moment before moving towards the door.

"I'll meet you downstairs in the kitchen. Do you want coffee?" Carter queried.

"Sure. See you in a few." Abby replied.

After Carter left, Abby walked over to the closet. She didn't have many things to choose from to wear, since she had long since recovered and moved all of her things back to her own apartment. Her eyes rested on a pair of tight fitting black pants a red tank top, and matching black jacket. Soon she had gotten dressed, and put on just a slight touch of makeup. Abby made her way downstairs. She reached the kitchen and found Carter sitting with his nose buried in a newspaper.

"What are you doing?" She asked as she took a seat across from him.

"Looking at the entertainment section. There's a showing of Les Miserables at the Citadel theatre today at two. Fancy going?" Carter inquired.

"Too depressing. How about we go shopping." Abby smiled with a mischevious glint in her eye.

"Sure." Carter agreed, groaning inwardly at how much power Abby had over him.

Abby could tell he wasn't pleased with the idea. Most men would have protested, but Carter loved her so much he would go to the ends of the Earth for her to be happy. Abby knew, because she would do the same for him. She decided to humor him.

"Just kidding. It's too beautiful to be inside on a day like this, so how about we go to the zoo?" Abby suggested.

"Now that sounds like fun." Carter said, relieved.

A few minutes later they had finished their coffee and headed out to the car. They drove along listening to an oldies station. Abby hated the old songs they played, so she turned off the radio.

"What animal are you looking forward to seeing?" She laughed.

"Anything quiet and tame." Carter laughed.

"And why is that?" Abby asked.

"We work in the ER, we see animals day in and day out, and they're always either kicking, screaming, biting, complaining..." Carter listed.

"I see what you mean." Abby agreed.

After a few minutes they had arrived in the zoo parking lot. As they stepped out of the car, Abby took a deep breath. The smell of the animals reminded her of the days when she was little. Her mom used to take her and Eric to the zoo on some of her normal days. They would eat cotton candy, feed the ducks, ride the ponies and elephants, and just have fun watching the animals. Those were the only good things Abby had to remember of her childhood. Maggie was usually manic depressive, so Abby would have to worry about finding her dead in the bathroom, or finding herself and Eric starving to death without Maggie there to cook. However, now was not the time to reflect on it, Abby decided. She was here to have fun with Carter. He came around to her side of the car and took her arm in his. Abby sighed contently as they walked toward the gates of the zoo.

Once Carter had bought their tickets, he and Abby walked down the main path in the zoo. They decided to stop at a map and get a little more acquianted with the area.

"So, what do you want to see first?" Carter asked.

Abby looked around the map intently for a few moments before answering.

"How about the exotic animal exhibits?" Abby suggested.

"Okay then, let's go this way." Carter said and motioned to the path leading off on their right.

As they walked, Carter held Abby close to himself. It was still niggling him about how he was going to ask her. He just had to do it by the end of the day, or he wouldn't really get her alone for the next week because of their conflicting scheduals. Carter didn't get much of a chance to brood because they had reached the tiger cage and Abby let go of his arm, running off excitedly. He smiled at how much like a child she was. Small, delicate, and cute as a button.

"Carter, come on! Aren't they just gorgeous!" Abby cried motioning towards the tigers.

"Yes, but they could never hold a candle to you." Carter smiled as he walked up.

Abby returned his smile before returning her gaze to the tigers. She watched with amazement as one of the bigger male tigers stood up and stretched luxuriously before walking over to the pool of water to cool off. Carter wrapped his arms around Abby's waist and she tilted her head back to kiss him. When they pulled apart, Abby noticed the large tiger from before had come right up to the viewing glass.

"He's magnificent." Abby marvelled.

"That he is." Carter agreed.

After a few minutes, the tiger went back to sleep under the shade of a tree. Abby decided there was nothing more to see, so she took Carter by the hand and pulled him along down the path. They had spent quite some time with the tigers alone, that it was nearly lunch time. Carter and Abby decided to go to the zoo cafeteria. Once they got inside the building they found a small table and sat down.

"What do you want for lunch?" Carter asked.

"Okay, you're going to think I'm a total child after this, but... I want a hot dog and cotton candy." Abby giggled.

"Well, then I guess we're both total children." Carter laughed.

Abby smiled and waved Carter off as he went to get their food. It felt good to relinquish herself to the luxuries of childhood once in a while. Especially if it was with the man she loved the most. Abby was still smiling by the time Carter came back with their lunch. He gave her a quizzical look before sitting down.

"What are you so happy about?" Carter asked curiously.

"Just thinking about how much this day reminds me of being young, and carefree. Do you remember when you were little, and life was simple? You didn't have to worry about work, or money, or anything else for that matter. The biggest thing on your mind was whether you would be nice enough to get presents instead of coal for Christmas. I'm thinking about how much life is like that again now that I have you. You were there for me the whole time through those rough first few months of recovery, and you still are. I don't have to worry about anything, knowing that at the end of the longest day I can come home and just fall into your arms and everything will just go away for a while." Abby admitted.

"Remember that no matter how hard life gets for you, I will always be there to catch you. Now, stop worrying, or thinking about worrying and lets have some fun!" Carter said, reaching for his hot dog.

Abby giggled and reached for hers, too. This was the best day she had had in a long time. She realized how funny they must look. Two adults eating hot dogs and cotton candy like five year olds. Abby smiled inwardly at the thought. When they were done their hot dogs, Carter spoke.

"So do you want the blue cotton candy, or the pink?" He inquired.

"What's the difference?" Abby asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. Maybe the blue has more artificial coloring, because pink just seems the natural color for cotton candy." Carter laughed.

"In that case, why don't we split? That way we'll both have blue toxins coursing through our veins." Abby suggested.

Carter laughed and handed Abby the pink candy floss. She smiled and took it from his hand. Pulling a piece off, she reached her hand out to Carter and he took it from her. He did the same, handing her a blue piece. Abby was such a sweetheart, and Carter decided if now wasn't a good time to ask her, there would be no better opportunity. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Hey Abby, we've been together for a long time now. I'm in love with you, and the thought of falling asleep next to you and waking up next to you every day. Why don't we take the next step, and you move in with me. The house is so empty when I wake up alone, and if you were there it would feel like home." Carter explained.

"Oh John, I love you too. I love falling asleep with your arms around me. It seems like forever that I've been wishing for this. Sure I'll move in. Just say when." Abby agreed.

"How about now?" Carter asked.

"It takes at least a week to pack." Abby pointed out.

"You don't need your furniture, just your clothes and personal things. A lot of your stuff is already at my place." Carter reasoned.

"True, but we need boxes." Abby said.

"Only a few, which is easy because there are tonnes of empty boxes in the basement at my house from my stuff when I moved in." Carter said.

"Well, in that case, we'd better get moving!" Abby said excitedly.

Carter and Abby both rose from the table and headed for the exit. They walked hurriedly towards the car. Abby was excited. She was wishing for some kind of next step in their relationship. Actually, she hoped it would be marriage, but this was perfect for now. They had reached the car and scrambled in. After a few minutes, they had pulled up in front of the Carter mansion.

"Come on, help me carry the boxes out to the car from the basement." Carter instructed.

Abby nodded and followed Carter into the house and downstairs. The basement was dark and had a creepy feel to it. Abby didn't quite feel safe. She wrapped her arms around herself for comfort. After a few seconds of blind stumbling, Carter found the light switch. He saw Abby's discomfort and rushed over to her. He wrapped his warm, strong arms around her waist and Abby covered his hands with hers.

"Better?" Carter asked.

"Definitely." Abby sighed contently.

"Come on, let's find those boxes." Carter suggested, relinquishing his hold on Abby.

Abby rolled her eyes and followed him deeper into the cellar. After half an hour and about eight trips up and down the stairs, they had enough boxes for the move. They headed out to the car and drove to Abby's apartment. Once they got inside, they set to work.

"Alright. I'll go pack my closet. John, can you start in the kitchen?" Abby instructed.

"Sure thing." Carter smiled before turning around and heading off in the opposite direction.

Abby was looking through her closet. She found about fifteen outfits and pairs of shoes she either didn't even know she owned, or hadn't seen since her early days at County. Abby smiled to herself as she packed yet another box full of necessities. At the very back of the closet there was a large photo album with a black leather cover emblazoned with gold lettering. It was the album Abby had gotten from her mother on her sixteenth birthday. Abby had tears shining in her eyes as she looked back on all her good childhood memories. Just then, Carter came into the room.

"I've finished in the kitchen-" He was cut short when he noticed Abby's expression.

He walked over to her and sat on the bed beside her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he spoke.

"Are you alright?" He queried.

"I'm fine. I just found this album, and I realized how much I miss Maggie and Eric. I mean the ones I once knew. Now everything is different. My baby brother is bipolar, my mother is manic depressive, and I'm scared. What if I never get another chance to live a normal life with them?" Abby asked.

A sad look flickered across Carter's face. He knew exactly what Abby meant. It was the same way with his parents. They always loved Bobby more. He sighed before answering.

"Even if that's true, and things will never be the same, you still have me. I'm your constant, and I promise that with me you'll have the normal life you always wished for." Carter said and kissed Abby's forehead.

She smiled as he wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. Carter was right, Abby didn't have to worry anymore. Abby removed his hands from her waist and stood up.

"Come on, let's finish packing." She said.

"I got everything from the kitchen done." Carter reiterated.

"I've finished in here. I'll go pack the bathroom while you pack the living room. Just the pictures and other artifacts." Abby explained.

Carter nodded and headed out to the family room. Such a strange phrase. How could you have a family room and no family? Carter decided he would have to act on that. Soon.

Abby had quickly finished packing up the bathroom paraphernalia. She carried the box out to the living room where Carter was labelling another box. She set hers down on the couch and flopped down beside it.

"I'm finished." Abby said.

"Me too. I think that's everything. You won't be needing the furniture or kitchen things. I'll call the moving company in to bring it all to storage for you and I'll call the cleaning company to take care of everything else. Meanwhile, let's get all the things you do need back to the house." Carter suggested.

"Okay. I'm starving. Oh no! What time is it?" Abby cried.

"It's six forty seven." Carter replied, stealing a glance at his watch.

"Damnit! I have to be at work by eight!" Abby panicked.

"Relax. We'll get back to the house. I'll get all your stuff moved in and you can take a shower. I'll have Trudy fix you something to eat." Carter soothed.

Abby gave him a quick grateful glance before grabbing the box and her keys. Carter followed suit. After a few minutes they had arrived back at the Carter mansion. Abby dashed out of the car and into the house. She quickly ran upstairs and hopped into the shower.

In the meantime, Carter was getting all her things moved into the bedroom. Trudy was busy in the kitchen. Abby had finished her shower and was searching the closet for her scrubs. Once she found them, she threw them on and tied her hair back hurriedly. She brushed her teeth and ran down the stairs. At the bottom, she collided head on with Carter, who was going upstairs to check on her.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" Abby exclaimed.

"Don't worry about it." Carter said, clutching his chest where Abby's head had hit.

"What time is it?" Abby asked frantically.

"Seven twenty six." Carter replied.

"Shit! I have to go!" Abby panicked.

"Not before you eat something. I don't want you passing out from hypoglycemia in the middle of a trauma." Carter said firmly.

Abby rolled her eyes. Carter took her by the shoulders and led her into the kitchen. Trudy set out a plate of spaghetti. Abby was manipulated into her chair and forced to eat by Carter. When she was done, she breezed through the kitchen doors.

"Thank you, Trudy! It was fabulous!" Abby called out behind her.

"No problem!" Trudy replied.

Abby ran out the door, with Carter close on her heels. They got into the Jeep and Carter drove off. The drive to County had been a quick one. Once they reached the ambulance bay, Abby undid her seatbelt. She leaned over and kissed Carter passionately. She opened the door and spoke.

"Thanks for the ride. See you tomorrow!" Abby called.

"I love you." Carter smiled.

"I love you, too." Abby replied.

Carter smiled as he watched the love of his life disappear through the ambulance bay doors. He drove off with the thought of never having to come home to an empty house again.

Abby had rushed inside just in time. She threw her coat into her locker and hurried over to admit. Carol was just on her way out.

"See you tomorrow, Abby!" Carol called.

"Bye!" Abby responded.

At the same moment, Weaver crutched over to admit.

"Abby! You're late!" She called.

"Only two minutes!" Abby said innocently.

"Get to work." Kerry instructed.

Abby rolled her eyes and grabbed a chart. Nothing could dampen her spirits at that moment. She finally had a normal home. She was ecstatic at the thought of coming home at the end of a long shift and being with Carter. Her life was finally coming together. Abby finally had everything she needed. Well, almost...

A.N.: Okay, I'm going to make a few minor changes to my plot. Corday is married to Dorset instead of Mark, who is going out with Susan. I'll pair anyone else necessary off eventually. Most of the obvious couples stay true to the show. If you see a character in the plot that's either not around anymore, or was not yet around at the time of this fic... ignore it, I have my reasons. On with the author's note! Ooh, evil cliffhanger. You'll find out what she's missing in a few chapters. Anyways. How was it? Sorry it took so long. Again, a little shorter, but writer's block has hit me, and I just had midterms so I spent more time studying than I did breathing. Special thanks to AnnaSun, hyperpiper91, ni, and nikki for reviewing the last chapter, and to MeoW03 for beta-reading. In response to some of your reviews, the rating is just for safety. As for changing my summary, if I change it to explain the current plot, it will give everything away. I'm not psychic so I won't know what you think unless you tell me so... Roses are red, violets are blue, tell me what you think, by clicking review! Hopefully the next one will be up sooner! Love my readers! –Julia-