AN: Sorry for the delay in updating. Have upgraded computer and am having some teething problems. Thanks for your reviews, makes my day getting a message.

Drawn Uncontrollably To You

Chapter 15

A few Weeks later

Susan rushed into the ER slightly out of breath as she was late, to meet Abby. Abby she noticed as she stood by the door was at the desk chatting with Sam and Chuny, looking much more contented than she had several weeks previously. Whatever had gone on between her and Carter that day they both went home early had helped, whatever she, Abby was struggling with. Which Susan guessed had something to do with the shooting incident.

'Hey Abby sorry I'm late' Susan said coming up to the desk after getting her breath back.

Abby turned and gave Susan a mock frown before smiling at her then said 'Ready?'

Susan nodded and they said goodbye to the staff at the desk and headed out into the afternoon sunshine and then on to the El.

'Okay so I know there's not long to go and Christine from the creche recommended this place which sells reasonable almost ready to go dresses' Susan told Abby

'As long as it's not pink' muttered Abby

'What?' asked Susan

'I mean' went on Abby 'if it's pink, I've got one hanging in my closet, only worn it twice'

'You've worn the same bridesmaid dress to two weddings?' Susan asked surprised

'No' replied Abby 'I wore it once as a bridesmaid dress and then again' she paused and added 'in an emergency'

Susan looked at her with a puzzled expression on her face 'Why would you want to wear a bridesmaid dress in an emergency?'

'A formal date emergency' then she added for good measure 'And I don't want to wear a bright pink dress again'

'You know Susie asked to wear pink' Susan stated 'And I've already promised, she already having it made'

'Well you can let her and I'll wear....what colour are you wearing?'

Susan hesitated before answering sheepishly 'White'

Abby raised her eyebrows at her friend and managed 'Really?'

'It's my wedding'

'You've married him once already'

'And it was annulled. I was drunk when I got married before and I didn't get to dress up or anything. This time I'm going to do it properly. And another thing' Susan went on with Abby smiling at her 'if I decide I want you to wear pink you'll wear pink, okay?'

Abby gave Susan a small salute and said 'Sure'

'I saw that' Susan answered with a half grin on her face, which made Abby smile all the more.

They arrived at the store and entered. Susan had Abby try on about every pink dress in her size that was there, which seemed like fun to start with but became quite tedious.

'For goodness sake Abby at least smile, then I can decide if the dress is right or not' Susan complained as Abby came out from the cubicle wearing a pout as well as a dress.

'You know' Abby started 'The dress I put on three dresses ago was fine'

'Turn around' Susan said ignoring Abby who grudgingly complied.

After a further half an hour and another three dresses later Susan finally said 'You know you were right that dress, how many dresses ago was it? Six?'

'Seven'

'Yeah well that one was the best'

'Great can we buy it already. I need to get out of here'

And Susan for the first time that afternoon agreed with her without hesitation.

0o0

Abby enjoyed the leisurely start to her day off, not having to get up at the crack of dawn was bliss and she had laid in bed until ten. She had considered staying there another hour but she wanted to catch Carter at work.

Abby stood at the desk and said 'Hi Jerry seen Carter?'

'I thought you were off today?' Luka said to her as he approached the desk

'I am, I'm looking for Carter, seen him?'

'Yes he took a break went out to get some fresh air' Luka told her

'Thanks' she replied as she headed back to the doors.

She instinctively knew somehow that he would be sitting by the river and he was drinking a coffee as she quietly sat beside him on the bench.

'I could have worked your shift' she said softly

'They were short of attendings' he replied staring out in front of him 'Beside you need a day off too, you've worked what? Fourteen days in a row, some twenty-four hour shifts'

'But I have made time to see my friends' she protested

'Still need a day off' he told her

'I knew you'd be here' she told him

'How did you find me?'

'I went into work, they said you needed some air' She touched his arm 'I also know why you're here' she took one of his hands in both of hers, comfortingly.

'I can't believe a year's gone by' he said to her

'It's okay' she replied 'To cry, vent whatever, I mean, you don't have to be strong for me. I understand, it's okay John'

He turned to look at her and she met his gaze as the understanding and comfort and tenderness flowed between them.

He nodded 'I'm okay' he said giving her a brief smile then added as he squeezed her fingers in his 'but thank you'.

And they sat there for a while, together.