Bad Karma
Carby. Something happens to Abby. How does it affect her life and her relationship with Carter? Read on to find out! Please review!
A.N.: I'm not the original author of this story. The original author was carby luva 313. She's decided she doesn't have enought time to write, so she's giving me the honor of finishing it for her. Everything after chapter six is my own. I hope I'm doing a good job!
Disclaimer: Roses are red, violets are blue, I don't
own the characters, so please don't sue!
Chapter 26:
Surgical Rotation
Abby woke up in the morning with a renewed feeling of excitement. Today was the first day of her surgical rotation. Elizabeth, with the occasional help of Eddie and Robert, would be mentoring her. Abby knew with them looking out for her, she'd spend more time in the O.R. doing hands on procedures than in the lounge studying or in recovery doing someone else's scut work.
Abby rolled over to get up and felt a twinge in her back. She had slept wrong. Again. Slowly and carefully, Abby sat up, trying not to disturb Carter. It took her a few minutes to persuade her body that a move into a hot shower could prove beneficial. Once in the shower, Abby let the hot water cascade down over her shoulders and ease her tension.
In the meantime, Carter woke up. The bed was empty, and he only figured out that Abby was showering when he heard her singing a surprisingly on-key rendition of Baby One More Time that mingled with the unmistakeable sound of water hitting tile. He smiled in spite of himself and got out of bed. One quick glance at the clock told him if that if he didn't get a move on, there would be no time for fun before the start of his and Abby's shifts. Much against his will, Carter got out of bed and went off to shower in the bathroom adjacent to the guest bedroom in which Abby had stayed during her recovery.
Abby had finished in the shower. She forgot to bring her clothes to change into before she had come into the bathroom, so she wrapped a towel around herself and went in search of them. While she was digging through the closet Carter walked in. He too, was only wearing a towel wrapped around his waist. Abby turned around and grinned as she stepped out of the closet.
Abby stepped up to Carter and put her hands on his muscular chest. She ran them over his sides and pulled off his towel. They stumbled towards the bed and fell onto it, but not before Abby, too, was stripped of her towel. They kissed passionately. Suddenly, Abby's back gave another twinge and she pulled away with a shuddering breath. Carter noticed the look of pain momentarily flash across her face. His own features screwed up with concern.
"Are you alright?" He inquired worriedly.
"Yeah, I just slept wrong. There's this dull ache in my back that hurts most when I move." Abby explained.
"Show me where." Carter directed.
Abby shifted her body to face away from Carter and ran a hand over her lower back. Carter took her hand and moved it out of the way. He gently kissed her shoulder blade before laying a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Lay down." He instructed.
Abby did as she was told, though curious as to what John was doing. Carter lightly draped a silk sheet over Abby's lower half and straddled her. He gently ran his hands over where Abby had indicated. Carefully he began to loosen the knots with firm, even strokes. Abby inhaled sharply at his first touch. Carter's hands were cool and soft. It was a very relaxing sensation. The pain gradually lessened. He knew exactly where to guide his hands to. Abby closed her eyes and let him work. Carter concentrated on his task.
"You're tense. This is supposed to have a relaxing effect, not the opposite." Carter noted.
"I can't help it, it hurts. Less than before, but hurts regardless." Abby replied.
Carter lessened the pressure he was putting on Abby's back. The knots were getting increasingly loose. She was finally starting to relax. Carter continued slowly massaging Abby's back untill all the knots had been completely ebolished. He carefully moved off of her legs and helped her sit up. Abby felt immensely better. She smiled as she streched, careful not to strain her back again.
"Better?" Carter asked.
"Infinitely." Abby sighed contently.
Carter smiled as he leaned in and planted a kiss right on her soft lips. Abby pulled away and glanced at the clock.
"Come on, we'd better get going. We'll be late for work." She said unenthusiastically.
Carter sighed and rolled his eyes as he watched her wrap the towel back around her small frame and stand up. Abby gathered her scrubs and walked into the washroom, shutting the door behind her. Carter smiled in spite of himself. However, he decided she was right and followed suit.
After a few more minutes, both Carter and Abby were fully dressed and ready to go. They linked arms and made their way down the grand staircase toward the kitchen for breakfast. When they reached the dining room, Trudy had already set the table and made coffee. She smiled when she saw the pair enter.
"Good morning, Dr.Carter, Dr.Lockhart." Trudy exclaimed.
"Not quite a doctor yet." Abby corrected.
"But not far off." Carter smiled.
"Right. I've already set coffee out for you on the table. Breakfast will be ready in a moment." Trudy explained.
"Great, thank you. What's on the menu?" Carter inquired.
"French toast with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and strawberries." Trudy listed.
"Sounds great." Abby said happily.
"Does it ever." Carter agreed.
Trudy smiled and bowed her head to them slightly before leaving the dining area. Carter and Abby sat and chatted animatedly while drinking coffee and waiting for their breakfast. After a few minutes, Trudy entered the room with two plates and two glasses of orange juice balanced precariously on either arm. Carter got up from his spot at the table to help her.
"Here, let me help." He said, taking a plate and a glass.
"Thanks Dr.Carter." Trudy replied as she set Abby's plate down.
"Thanks for breakfast, Trudy." Abby smiled.
"Your welcome. Now eat up, or you'll be late for work." Trudy said firmly.
Carter glanced down at his watch and his eyes widened.
"No kidding!" He exclaimed.
Trudy smiled and left the room. Abby had already started shovelling large chunks of french toast into her mouth. Carter immediately joined in and they were finished in record time. Abby choked slightly on one last piece of breakfast.
"Are you alright?" Carter asked, concerned.
"Fine." Abby choked.
"Maybe you should try actually chewing your food before swallowing it." Carter laughed.
"Oh ha ha." Abby said sarcastically.
After they finished the last of their coffee, Carter and Abby hurried out to the car. As soon as they got in, Carter shifted into gear and sped off toward the hospital. Once they reached their familiar parking space at County, Carter turned off the car and unbuckled his safety belt. Abby followed suit. Before she had the chance to open the door, Carter leaned in and kissed her hard on the lips.
"Have fun on your new rotation." He said, pulling away.
"It can't be any worse than the ER." Abby pointed out.
"Amen to that." Carter smiled.
Once they had reached the main corridor in the hospital, Carter and Abby kissed one last time before parting. Abby watched Carter disapppear around a corner in the distance for a second before walking over to the staircase and up to the surgical floor. Abby entered the lounge and noticed facing the window, reading a medical journal.
"Good morning, Elizabeth." Abby said cheerfully.
"Bloody hell! Oh, good morning Abby. You gave me a fright." Elizabeth said in shock.
"Sorry about that." Abby blushed.
"No problem. How about I help you get settled in for your new rota?" Elizabeth suggested.
"That would be great." Abby said stood up from her chair and walked over to the wall opposite where she was sitting.
"This will be your locker. The combination is 22-13-52. You'll find your theatre blues and lab coat in there, as well as a stethoscope and a few other necessities. If there's anything else you need, just ask someone on the floor. Hurry up and get changed, I want you to observe a whipple procedure in an hour. Dr.Romano's assisting. I'll meet you at the door to theatre four in half an hour so you can scrub." Elizabeth explained.
"Sure, no problem." Abby smiled.
"Alright, see you then." Elizabeth said.
"Bye." Abby replied.
The red haired surgeon smiled and waved a hand behind her as she left the lounge. Abby walked over to her locker and opened it on her third try. was right, there were quite a few things in the locker. It was also a lot bigger and more organized than the ones down in the ER. Abby put her coat and bag away as she pulled out her I.D., stethoscope, and scrubs. She locked the locker and went to change. When she was finished, Abby came back and put her unnecessary things away. She glanced down at her watch. She had ten minutes left before she had to meet , but she decided she would get there early anyway.
As Abby walked down the hall, she was greeted cordially from all sides by the various staff members of the surgical floor. Shirley had kindly pointed her in the direction of her first case. Abby smiled as she walked up to the doors of operating room four. Elizabeth was already inside, motioning for Abby to come in. Abby nodded her head and entered the surgical scrub room. Elizabeth was standing by the sink ready to scrub, and Robert was already in the operating room with the patient. Abby walked up and stood next to her.
"You're lucky today is an elective day for me. Usually I'm fortunate enough to be left to clean up the messes made in casualty." Elizabeth said sarcastically.
"Oh, but there's so much more adrenalin rushing when you're trying to make a split second decision and the patient's life rests in your hands. A six hour whipple procedure can't be the most exciting thing in the world." Abby reasoned.
"No, you're absolutely right, it's not. However, it is better than pieceing together parts of a shattered aorta when you know the patient has been deprived of oxygen for a prolonged period of time. They're not going to have a normal, functional life regardless of what you do anyway. That's where the excitement ceases to exist." pointed out.
"Alright, you win." Abby gave up.
"I always do. After all, I went into surgery because of my stubborn temperment. Now then, pick up the scrub sponge and scrub the backs of your hands and arms five times. Good. Now your palms and your forearms five times. Excellent. Now make sure you scrub your nails and cuticles thoroughly. Alright, when you rinse just step on this pedal to release the water, and make sure it runs from your hands down your arms and drips from your elbows. Perfect. Once you've scrubbed, you have to enter the theatre backwards, opening the door with your back as not to contaminate your hands. Now, once you're inside the theatre, one of the scrub nurses will help you gown and glove. After that, be very careful not to contaminate the field. That's about all there is to it. I'll be giving you instructions while you observe and occasionally assist once we're inside. Are we clear?" Elizabeth explained.
"Crystal." Abby smiled.
"Good. Are you ready to go in?" inquired.
"I was born ready." Abby replied.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded before motioning for Abby to follow her into the operating room. Once the two women got inside, Abby was surrounded by nurses putting her gown on her and tying it up at the sides. As Abby slid her hands into the surgical gloves her adrenaline started to rush. She smiled inwardly at the excitement she felt. At that moment Abby knew she was destined to become a doctor. Going back to med school was the best decision she had ever made. Everyone assumed their rightful positions around the table and Elizabeth began.
"First incision 9:57." Elizabeth noted.
Abby watched the surgeon's hands intently, paying attention to every detail with precision. After a few minutes of observing Abby was snapped back to her surroundings by the sound of Elizabeth's voice.
"Suction. Abby, hold onto this." She said.
Abby took hold of the suction tube and held it firmly in place. Her hands were shaking slightly from being nervous. After the patient stopped bleeding Abby withdrew the instrument and awaited further instruction. Elizabeth was explaining the entire procedure with Robert's help. Abby listened intently.
"Abby, give me your hand." Dr.Romano instructed.
"What?" Abby inquired.
"Give me your hand." He repeated calmly.
Abby did as she was told. Dr.Romano took her hand gently and guided it toward a bleeding vessel.
"Hold that there. Good, now get a clamp and pinch together the two ends of the vessel. Suture the ends together." Robert ordered.
Abby's jaw almost hit the floor in shock. Med students never got this kind of experience. This was specialty work, and Abby most likely wasn't going to choose vascular surgery as her area of expertise. She did as she was told.
"3.0 silk." Abby stuttered unsurely.
A nurse handed her the thread and a suturing needle. They were both incredibly small. Abby hadn't seen needles that size since the 24 gauge intravenous lines during her NICU rotation. It was difficult to see, and even more difficult to be precise. Robert noticed Abby's dilemma and took hold of her shaking hands. He carefully guided her hands while she sutured the vessel. After a few long and exhausting minutes, it was over. Abby stepped back and leaned against a cabinet.
"Excellent work Miss Lockhart." Dr.Romano complimented.
"Thanks." Abby said quietly.
Elizabeth and Robert both agreed that Abby had been traumatised enough for her first day on surgical rotation. They let her stay back and observe for the remainder of the procedure while they explained everything. Abby felt extremely uncomfortable in all her theatre attire. The operating room was quite warm and she was feeling a little light headed. Elizabeth looked up and noticed Abby's palor.
"Are you alright?" asked concernedly.
"Fine, it's just a little warm in here." Abby lied.
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes." Abby said a little more confidently.
"Alright. Robert, can you close for me?" She inquired.
"No problem, you and Abby get out of here." He obliged.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said gratefully.
She put the clamp she was holding down and walked over to Abby's side of the gurney. As Elizabeth got closer Abby spoke.
"I think I'm going to -" Was all Abby managed to say before another wave of dizziness washed over her and she fell to the floor in a dead faint.
Luckily, A nurse standing near Abby caught her, but unfortunately her head still hit the floor with a resounding thud.
"Oh my gosh!" Elizabeth said kneeling down beside Abby and taking her pulse.
"What is it?" Romano asked worriedly at hearing the commotion.
"She's fainted." Elizabeth replied.
"Alright, Arthur you help get Miss Lockhart out of here. I'll finish and come find you." Dr.Romano instructed.
Arthur nodded his assent and carefully lowered Abby to the floor. He quickly checked her pulse before gathering her carefully into his arms again, more comfortably this time, and following out of the operating room. Once outside Elizabeth stripped off her gloves, mask, and gown while walking toward and empty recovery room. She held the door for Arthur while he carried Abby inside.
"Lay her down on the gurney. Thank you Arthur, I've got it from here." Elizabeth said warmly.
"No problem, I'll see you later." Arthur smiled.
"Bye." Elizabeth returned.
Arthur nodded and left the recovery room. Elizabeth took off Abby's surgical gloves, mask, and gown as well. She felt Abby's forehead with the back of her hand. Her skin was warm to the touch. Elizabeth took the thermometer and stuck it in Abby's ear. After a few seconds it beeped. 101.7. Slightly elevated, but not worrisome. Next decided to check whether Abby had concussed when she hit her head. As Elizabeth shone the penlight in Abby's eyes, she came to.
"What happened?" Abby asked groggily.
"You fainted in the O.R." explained.
Abby groaned and inwardly berated herself. What a great first impression. The nurses would never let her live it down. Elizabeth smiled as she realized what Abby had been thinking. She decided to offer some comfort.
"Don't worry, I fainted countless times when I was a med student. I've fainted a few times in the O.R. here at County. Just ask Shirley, or Dr.Romano. I promise you that the nurses will respect you enough not to repeat a word of what happened in there. They may gossip about relationships and other petty things, but most of them have likely fainted themselves, so they know not to remined you of the trauma." Elizabeth empathized.
"Thanks." Abby said quietly.
"Anytime. How are you feeling?" queried.
"Better. It was too warm in there, I couldn't breathe with that mask on. I'm still a little dizzy." Abby explained.
"I understand. Six hours is a long time, and those masks do deprive you of proper oxygenation. How about your head. You fell pretty hard." The surgeon continued.
"It's fine. I just need some fresh air." Abby replied.
"We can go up to the roof in a few minutes. I just want you to lay back untill the dizziness stops. In the meantime I want to check your vitals. I'm sure it was just syncope or a lack of oxygen, but better safe than sorry." Elizabeth suggested.
Abby nodded and laid back against the pillows. came over and attached a pulse ox probe to Abby's finger. Her sats were good, 98 percent on room air. After that Elizabeth took Abby's wrist. Her pulse was fine. After checking Abby's dialation, Elizabeth reached for the sphygmomanometer as Abby blinked the light furiously out of her eyes. Abby took deep breaths as Elizabeth wrapped the blood pressure cuff around her upper arm. As she took the reading, spoke. She knew Abby had a history of white coat syndrome, that is to say her blood pressure rose when she was nervous at the sight of a doctor.
"Just relax, Abby." Elizabeth reassured.
Abby did as she was told. She took deep breaths while Elizabeth finished the exam. When she finished, Elizabeth replaced the sphygmomanometer. Abby's blood pressure was slightly elevated, but again it wasn't worrisome. The surgeon offered Abby her hand. Abby took it and sat up.
"Well, you're fine now outside of a mild concussion, but just to be safe I want Dr.Carter to check you over later." suggested.
"Sure, I'll tell him." Abby assured.
"Come on, let's go up to the roof." Elizabeth said.
Abby smiled and nodded. She hopped off the bed and followed out of the room. In the hall they ran into Dr.Romano, who had just come out of surgery.
"Lizzie, Abby. How are you doing?" He asked.
"Fine." Abby smiled.
"We're heading up to the roof, care to join us?" Elizabeth suggested.
"I'd love to, Lizzie, but I have to go see a patient in recovery. I'll see you two later." Dr.Romano said before walking off down the hall.
"Bye." The women chorused.
A few minutes and three flights of stairs later, the two women found themselves on the roof of Cook County General. It was a cool autumn day. The breeze was crisp and they sky was a beautiful blue color. There wasn't a cloud for miles around. Abby felt extremely relieved to finally be able to take a breath of fresh, cool air. She smiled and shivered as the cool breeze brushed over her hot skin.
"Better?" Elizabeth asked.
"Much." Abby laughed.
The women talked for a few minutes and decided to go get coffee. As they were about to leave the roof, Elizabeth's pager went off. She took it off her waist and turned it off.
"Sorry Abby, I'll have to take a rain check. Dr.Dorset needs me in his office." Elizabeth apologized.
"No problem. I'll bring you a cup of coffee." Abby said.
"Oh thanks that would be great. See you." Elizabeth said gratefully.
"Later." Abby said.
Abby watched as Elizabeth disappeared into the building. She stood there for a few more minutes before walking inside herself. She headed down the stairs and through the ER toward Doc Magoo's. As Abby walked across the street she came to realize why they called Chicago the windy city. It was getting colder and windier by the minute. She decided to grab the coffees quickly so she could see John for a moment before going back to work. Abby walked into Doc's and ran headlong into Carter. He caught her by the shoulders.
"Whoa, slow down here." He laughed.
"John, hey." Abby smiled.
"How's it going up in surgery?" Carter inquired.
"Quite well..." Abby trailed off.
"You're lying. Come on, tell me. What happened?" He prodded.
"Nothing much I just fainted up in the O.R." Abby admitted.
"Ah, I see. Are you alright?" John continued.
"Fine, I just couldn't breathe with that mask on." Abby elaborated.
"Did someone check you over?" Carter asked concernedly.
"Yeah, She said I have a minor concussion, and that I should have someone check it over again later." Abby said evasively.
"Would that someone be me?" Carter said with a raised eyebrow.
"Not specifically, but sure." Abby lied.
"Life can be tough, huh?" Carter joked.
"At least I only have half a shift to go." Abby smiled.
"When did you become so optimistic?" Carter asked.
"Recently." Abby joked.
Just then, Abby's pager went off.
"Oh geez. Listen, I'd better grab those coffees and go. I love you and I'll see you after my shift." Abby said.
"I love you." Carter returned and kissed her.
After they pulled away Abby quickly ordered two large expressos and ran off toward the hospital. She ran up the stairs and dropped the coffees off in the lounge before hurrying off to Dr.Romano's office. She reached the door and knocked.
"Come in." Dr.Romano called.
Abby turned the doorknob and walked inside, still red-faced from the running.
"I got your page." She said breathlessly.
"Did you run here? Sorry, I should have mentioned it wasn't an emergency. I want you to examine Mr.March after his whipple procedure. I'll be observing since Lizzie seems to have disappeared off the face of the planet. Come on, the patient is in recovery four." Dr.Romano said as he stood up.
Abby turned and walked out after him. She smiled and shook her head when she realized she had rushed for no reason. After a few paces they had reached the door to the recovery room in which Mr.March had just awakened. Abby took a deep breath as she walked in through the door which Dr.Romano held for her.
"Good afternoon Mr.March, how are you feeling?" She asked the patient warmly.
"I've felt better, but not too shabby I suppose." The patient replied.
Dr.Romano stood and obsereved carefully as Abby went through the questions and post-op exam. She was one of the best med students he was lucky enough to have the chance to oversee in her practice. After a few minutes, Abby had finished.
"I'm happy to say that you're recovering well, Mr.March. If things continue like this you'll be out of here in three days and out watching your grandchildren play hockey before you know it. I'll come by to see you later." Abby smiled.
"See you." Mr.March replied.
Abby turned and Robert led her out of the room. Once they were in the hall, he spoke.
"You handled that very well, Abby. You are one of the best students I've ever had the pleasure of mentoring. Keep it up and you'll be one of North America's top doctors some day." Dr.Romano congratulated.
"You really think I'm that good?" Abby said incredulously.
"You underestimate yourself. Come on, let's go check on one of our younger patients. Lita Johanson. Twelve years old, came in with a gunshot wound to the chest from a drive-by shooting. Her mother died in the ER. Her father is in with her right now. She needs her vitals taken, chest tube checked, and her dressing changed." Robert listed.
"Great, let's go." Abby said enthusiastically.
Again, Dr.Romano led her over to a nearby recovery suite. The sun shone in brightly as Abby walked in. She saw the faint outlines of a figure under the blankets on the gurney, and another by the side of the bed. Abby walked over and smiled.
"Good afternoon. My name is Abby Lockhart, I'm a med student. I just want to have a quick look at you, and Dr.Romano here will be observing. Is that alright, Lita?" Abby asked kindly.
The little girly nodded shyly. Abby looked up at the girls father. He looked tired and overwhelmed.
"If you'd like to go and get a cup of coffee or something to eat, that would be fine Mr.Johanson." Abby suggested.
"I'd like to stay here if it's okay." He replied.
"That's fine." Abby sympathized.
She walked over to the monitors surrounding Lita's frail body and took the numbers down in the girl's chart. After checking the girls pulse and blood pressure, Abby listened to her heart.
"Alright Lita, now I'm going to check on this tube, okay?" Abby asked.
Again, the girl only nodded meekly. Abby carefully moved aside the covers and examined the drainage shunt in the girl's chest. After that, Abby pulled the gown aside to check the incision. She pulled away the dressings and carefully palpated it.
"Ouch." Lita exclaimed.
"Sorry about that. It still hurts after the operation?" Abby inquired.
"A little bit, but only when you press it like that." Lita said quietly.
"Is there something wrong?" Mr.Johanson asked, an undercurrent of panic evident in his voice.
"Just residual tissue damage after surgery. It's quite normal and with time the scars and tissue will heal. All I have left to do now is replace the bandages." Abby explained.
She walked over to the cabinet in the room and found it empty. She rolled her eyes at how irresponsible some nurses could be about restocking shelves and turned back to her patient.
"There don't seem to be any dressings in here, so I have to run and get some from the lock-up. I'll be right back." Abby said.
As she walked to the door, Abby passed Dr.Romano. He smiled at her before walking over to the bed and explaining his purpose in depth to Lita and her father. Abby walked down the hall to the supply closet and pulled out her keys. She stuck the key in the doorknob and opened the door. Abby had to fight the urge to scream when she saw what was in front of her. and Dorset were in the closet, snogging. Abby turned away and fought the urge to laugh. Eddie realized what happened and pulled away. The two of them stepped out of the closet, blushing furiously.
"Good afternoon, Abby." Dr.Dorset said casually.
"Good afternoon." Abby giggled, fighting the urge to tell them to get a room.
"Sorry about that we just-" Elizabeth started.
Abby put a hand up to stop her.
"It's okay, it's not my place to ask. It's none of my business. I'm just here to get some dressings." Abby explained.
"Okay. How are you feeling, by the way. Elizabeth told me what happened earlier." Edward asked.
Corday nudged him in the ribs. Abby smiled.
"It's okay. I'm feeling much better. If you don't mind, I have to get back to a patient. Elizabeth, I left your coffee on the counter in the lounge for you. See you two later." Abby said.
"Thanks." said.
"Bye." She and Eddie said in unison.
Abby smiled and waved them off before grabbing what she needed and heading back to Lita's room. She walked in with a smile on her face and a blush spread over her cheeks. Dr.Romano noticed her change in color and pulled her aside for a moment.
"What is it?" He asked curiously.
"Let's just say knock before you go into the supply closet." Abby said evasively.
Robert just smiled and shook his head. He knew exactly what Abby meant. It wasn't the first time he, or someone else for that matter, had walked in on the lovebirds kissing. Abby walked over to the bedside and deftly changed Lita's dressings. When she was finished, she spoke.
"There, all done. Everything looks good. If this keeps up, you should be out of here in a couple of days. I'll be back to check on you later. Bye." Abby smiled.
"Bye Abby." Lita smiled back.
Abby winked at the little girl before turning and leaving the room. Dr.Romano followed her out. He decided to compliment her again.
"You have an excellent bedside manner. I've never seen a med student that good with kids." Dr.Romano said impressedly.
"All those years of nursing experience paid off, I suppose." Abby laughed.
"Looks like it. I'll tell you what. There are no other electives schedualed today, and you've had a rough morning so I don't want you sitting in on any traumas. Your shift ends in a few hours anyway, why don't you go home?" Robert suggested.
"I think I will. Thanks, Dr.Romano." Abby smiled.
"No problem, I'll see you tomorrow." He said and walked away.
Abby headed toward the surgeons lounge to get her things. When she walked in, she noticed Elizabeth sitting in a chair, sipping cold coffee and still blushing furiously. Abby shook her head and laughed.
"Don't worry, down in the ER when people walk in on you, they gossip. At least here you command respect." Abby comforted.
"Trust me, surgical scrub nurses have their own grapevine. Shirley saw the look on your face and drew a conclusion from it. This will be all over the hospital by tomorrow." Elizabeth said pointedly.
"It could be worse." Abby said while gathering her things.
"You're right. How was the rest of your day?" Elizabeth asked, changing the topic.
"Fine. Mr.March is recovering well, and Lita Johanson is a trooper." Abby said.
"The girl from the shooting? Yes, too bad about her mother, though. Where are you going?" asked.
"Home. Dr.Romano said I should take the rest of the day off and recover myself." Abby explained.
"I agree. Well, I should get back to work. I shall see you in the morning." said.
"Bye." Abby grinned.
Elizabeth left the lounge and Abby finished packing up her things. She put on her coat and walked to the elevator. Once she got down to the ER, she went into the lounge. It was much smaller and uglier than the luxurious surgeons lounge. Abby looked down to find Carter sitting in a chair, going over a chart. He looked up at her when he heard her footsteps.
"Hey. Wow, is your shift over already?" Carter asked surprisedly.
"No, but considering how my day went, the surgeons told me to take the day off." Abby elaborated.
"I'll get Susan to cover my shift and we can get out of here, okay?" John suggested.
"Sure, that would be great." Abby agreed.
"Alright, I'll be right back." Carter said.
He stood up and walked over to Abby, kissing her before exiting the lounge. Abby sat down in his place and sighed. She liked surgical rotation, but she missed the brand of intimate professional humor shared among the ER staff. After a few minutes of contemplation, Carter returned and snapped Abby out of her reverie.
"I couldn't find Susan, but Deb said she'd cover my shift. I'll get my stuff and we can go." Carter smiled.
"Thank God. I could use the rest, although I doubt you'll let me gat much tonight." Abby sighed contently.
"You've got that right. You've got a concussion, and it's better to be safe than sorry." Carter said knowingly.
"John..." Abby whined.
"No buts." Carter said seriously.
"Fine." Abby said grudgingly.
Carter smiled and got back to packing up his stuff. After replacing some things in his locker and grabbing his coat, John turned back to Abby and held out his hand. She took it and stood up. He offered her his arm.
"Shall we go?" He asked.
"I dare say we shall." Abby laughed.
She took his arm and the two of them strolled casually out of the lounge toward the doors. On the way out they waved bye to the staff, most of whom wished Abby well on her new rotation. Once they had reached the car, Abby melted gratefully into it's luxuriously soft interior.
"This is like the seat from heaven." Abby said contently.
"Okay, now I know you need to rest." Carter exaggerated.
Abby closed her eyes and smiled, enjoying the feeling of the soft seat against her sore back and neck. The foam conformed to her every curve making her comfortable and sleepy. As Carter drove he noticed her altering state of consciousness and had to keep waking her. Even music wouldn't keep her up. Carter decided to drive faster. A few minutes later they were home. Carter came around to Abby's side of the car and gently shook her. Her eyes fluttered open and she reluctantly sat up. Carter held out his hand and helped Abby out of the car.
Once they reached the door, Abby was almost asleep on her feet. Carter decided to carry her to the bedroom. When he got upstairs he carefully pushed the door open with his foot and gently laid Abby down on the bed. She opened her eyes as Carter slipped his hands out of under her body. Abby realized what had happened and sat up. She didn't want to risk becoming comatose. Carter looked deep into her eyes and smiled.
"You are so adorable when you're tired, you know that?" He complimented.
Abby blushed and put her arms around his waist, pulling him down beside her. She leaned in and their lips met. Kissing felt so right. Abby thought back to her encounter in the supply closet earlier that day and started to laugh.
"What is it?" Carter asked dejectedly.
"Sorry, it's my fault. Earlier this morning I walked in on Elizabeth and Eddie making out in the lock-up in surgery. It was pretty funny." Abby reminisced.
Carter laughed. Abby loved seeing him happy. It made her heart melt when he smiled. Nobody in the world was more perfect for her than John Carter. And now she had him. Hopefully forever.
Carter looked at the faraway look in Abby's eyes. He knew she was thinking the same thing as him, that she was the luckiest person in the world. Carter felt the same way. Abby was different than any other woman he had ever met. There was something about her that brought a smile to his face when he thought of her, and made every nerve tingle when they kissed. He snapped out of his daze and spoke, bring Abby back down to Earth with a resounding mental thud as well.
"I know you're tired, so how about I quickly check you out so you can get to bed?" Carter suggested.
"Okay." Abby assented.
"Lay back and I'll be back in a minute." Carter said.
Abby did so as she waited for Carter to find his duffel of equipment. He had everything stored carefully away. Stethoscope, penlights, suture kits, and even and intubation kit. Abby knew he put it together for her recovery, but he decided to keep it around. Who knows, maybe one day it would come in handy. After a few short minutes Carter came back with the black bag. He came over to sit on the edge of Abby's side of the bed and set the duffel down on the floor. Abby took a deep breath while Carter pulled everything out. She felt more comfortable having Carter examine her, but it was awkward since she was so involved with him. Nevertheless she bit her tounge and let him continue. There was just something wildly sexy and kinky about the way Carter's stethoscope hung around his neck. About his air of professional intimacy, his personal and professional touch. Abby shook her head to ward of her mounting arousal. Carter had finished setting out what he needed and turned to her.
"Are you ready?" He asked concernedly.
"Always." Abby said determinedly.
"Alright, first your temperature." Carter said.
Abby turned her head slightly to the left. Carter lightly pulled her hair aside and tucked it behind her ear. It was so soft and silky to the touch. Carter shook off his mounting attraction so he could focus. He gently stuck the thermometer in her ear and waited for the reading. When the thermometer beeped, he pulled it out and read the numbers.
"98.0. Perfect." Carter smiled.
"Can I go to sleep now?" Abby joked.
"Nice try. I still have a few things to do. Just look straight ahead." Carter directed.
Abby did as she was instructed. She tried not to blink while Carter shone the penlight in her eyes. He noted how beautifully the light made her eyes sparkle. Her irises were incredible. He smiled as he pulled away.
"Four millimeters and a little sluggish. It's minor, but I still want to keep an eye on it." Carter pointed out.
"Now?" Abby asked.
"Ha ha." Carter said sarcastically.
"Oh you're no fun." Abby rolled her eyes jokingly.
"Come on, just let me take care of you." Carter said warmly.
Abby sighed and melted back into the pillows. Carter gently took her wrist and checked her pulse. Abby took deep breaths to slow her quickened pulse at his electrified touch. Carter didn't seem to notice.
"Pulse 72 and steady, resps 15." He commented.
"I'm not even going to ask." Abby laughed.
"All there's left is your B.P." Carter said lightly.
Abby inclined her head to signal her assent. Carter lightly pulled up her sleeve and wrapped the cuff around her arm. Again, Abby's pulse quickened and her breath became ragged as Carter's fingers brushed lightly against her skin and came into contact with her shoulder. The cool of the disk of the stethoscope on Abby's forearm was a welcome feeling. She closed her eyes as the cuff tightened around her arm. After a few seconds that seemed like minutes Carter ripped the velcro apart and pulled the instrument off of Abby's arm. She relaxed completely as she opened her eyes again.
"There, all done." Carter said triumphantly.
"That was fast, Dr.Carter. What's the verdict?" She asked curiously.
"Your blood pressure is 110 over 70. Perfect. Your concussion is only a mild one. You were lucky." Carter smiled.
Abby returned the gesture and Carter took hold of her hands. Abby's pulse was still a little quickened, and a blush spread over her cheeks. Carter saw the flush of color and moved his hands slowly up Abby's arms and to her shoulders. He felt her fast, flickering pulse. Carter took a deep breath before speaking.
"Was that weird for you?" He asked awkwardly.
"Actually, to tell you the truth, yes it was. Why?" Abby replied.
"I felt your pulse..." Carter trailed.
"Oh." Abby deadpanned.
"If it's any consolation, it was weird for me, too." Carter admitted.
"I guess it's better than being at the hospital though, right?" Abby reasoned.
"Yes, and I love you so much. I don't care how weird it gets, I'll always be there." Carter said.
"I love you too, John. Always and forever." Abby returned.
"Now then, get some sleep. Doctor's orders." Carter ordered.
"If you say so. Goodnight, I love you." Abby reiterated.
"I love you, too. Sleep tight. I'll wake you in a few hours to take your vitals again." Carter finished.
By then Abby was already asleep. Carter smiled and realized how exhausted she really must have been. Her first day in surgery didn't exactly go smoothly. At least this would be a story for the grandkids, and Carter planned on many grandkids with Abby. He set the alarm clock by his bed and wrapped his arms around Abby. After a few minutes, he too drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
Both parties slept well that night, except for the occasional wake up call for vitals. Abby's head injury was resolving quickly, so after checking her vitals three times, Carter decided to let her sleep the rest of the night without disruption. Untill the next morning, when both would again awaken for their shifts. Another day, and with that another chance at correcting her mistakes. Abby smiled in her sleep as she dreamt of herself and Carter snogging in a supply closet...
A.N.: Hello everyone! How was that? Thank you to AnnaSun, carbybubbles, and hyperpiper91 for reviewing the last chapter. I know I promised to post this one faster, but I got blocked. I finished this in three hours today while trying to memorize Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in act two for English class tomorrow. Unsuccessfully, I might add. Please believe me when I say I'll have the next one up faster! Roses are red, violets are blue, I won't know what you think unless you review! –Julia-