A Horrible Episode – Part 10

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A/N - Once again thanks for the reviews!

Chapter 10 – Yes or No.

Carters POV.

I open my eyes again. Its my third day in here now. My head is still pounding but all I want to do is go and see Abby. Everyone has assured me that she is alright, but I want to know for myself. I need to know. I feel that I have let her down. She must have been so scared in that lift, and I wasn't able to reassure her. She had to deal with it on her own as usual. This was supposed to be a turning point in our relationship. Abby was going to become my fiancée last night. But now my dreams are in tatters.

Abbys POV.

God, I'm so bored. I'm back to flat bed rest again. I'm not sure how I managed it, but I haven't made my back injuries any worse. That has got to be a miracle. All I want to do is see John. I need him more than ever. Knowing he is here, injured, makes my heart bleed. Knowing that I can't just get up and walk to him makes it that much harder. Again, I have to depend on him. Well that's what I think until Corday comes into see me. She knows how to brighten my day. I am being wheeled in my bed to John's room. I begged Elizabeth and I can't believe she has agreed. I can't wait to see him. Now I've been apart from him, I never want to be apart again.

Carters POV.

I've been moved to a bigger room. I don't understand why. Just as I'm pondering this, Abby is wheeled in by the porters. She looks at me with those adorable brown eyes and breaks into one of her smiles. She looks tired, but peaceful. I'm so glad to see her.

"Hey, Abby honey, how are you?"

"I'm fine, flat bed rest again, but everything is ok. I've been so worried about you John. I love you so much. I've never felt like this before and it scares me a little, but I hate it when you're not around. My life would not be complete without you. John Carter, will you marry me?" Abby said.

Carter almost choked at the last sentence.

"Abby! You stole my thunder!"

"What kind of answer is that?" Abby looked bemused.

"The whole idea for the other night at the hotel was to propose to you. I even have the ring"

Carter sat up in bed and reached into the cabinet beside the bed. He took out the little box and opened it to reveal a small but extravagant diamond ring.

"So, Miss Lockhart. Yes or no? Will you do me the greatest honour of being my wife?" Carter asked.

Abby started to cry.

"I love you John. I can't wait to be Mrs Carter. Thank you so much for being the kindest man. You are my rock John. I couldn't have made it through the last few months if I hadn't had you beside me. You give me so much strength. I only have to see your face and the warmness of your heart fills me with so much happiness"

John slipped the ring onto Abby's finger and kissed her on the nose.

Susan walked in the room and squealed when she saw the ring on Abby's finger.

"Oh my God! You guys! I leave you two alone for one day and you go and do this. Congratulations, you deserve all the happiness in the world"

"Thanks Susan" Abby and Carter said together.

"Listen Carter, you can be discharged today. We thought we would keep Abby in this room so you can stay with her if you like" Susan said.

"Wow, thanks Susan, that's great" Abby replied.

"Don't thank me, thank Kerry. She suggested it!"

"She did?!" Abby looked on in amazement.

"Yeah, see she can be nice sometimes!" Susan replied.

"Thanks again Susan" Carter said.

"Anytime. Listen guys, I have to go back downstairs, can I tell people or is it a secret?" Susan was desperate to spread the news.

"No, you can tell them. Just tell them not to disturb us for a while!" Carter said.

"Ok, no problem"

Susan walked out of the door and it was practically five minutes before the whole hospital had heard about the engagement.

"So John, why don't you go home and get some sleep?" Abby asked.

"I can't go home yet"

"Why not?"

"Cos I haven't given you your sponge bath yet!"

"Oh that sounds like heaven" Abby smiled.

Carter filled a bowl with warm soapy water and proceeded to wash Abby. He was careful not to disturb any injuries.

"I can't wait until I can hug you Carter. I haven't had the chance to do that since we got together" Abby said, a tear trickling down her cheek.

"Oh Abs, don't cry honey. I know its hard, but you're getting there. It won't be long now"

"I know. I keep telling myself that. It just keeps coming back to me. I feel like I'm over it one minute and then it all comes flooding back to me"

Carter finished washing Abby and sat next to her. He listened to her while she talked about everything, and stroked her hair when she started to cry. Eventually, Abby had exhausted herself to sleep. Carter watched her sleeping for a while and then thought about leaving her to go home for a new set of clothes and a shower. But one look at Abbys face and his heart melted. She needed him. Her face, although peaceful, hid a million problems, and he wanted to be there when she woke up, no matter what time it was. So he laid down on his bed, reached out his hand and intwined his fingers with Abby's. He soon drifted off in preperation for another day.