A Horrible Episode – Part 15.
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A/N - Sob! Sob! No reviews for the last part Sob! Sob!
Chapter 15 – It Says........
Abby woke up to the sound of Carter arguing with someone on the phone. She blinked open her eyes and could make out Carter's figure pacing around the living room. Carter had made Abby a room downstairs as she wasn't able to walk yet. He knew that was the next hurdle and Carter was worried that if Abby had problems in rehab, it could send her 'crazy' again. Carter put the phone down and walked into Abby's room. He hadn't stayed in the same room as although Abby was healing, it was best for her to sleep alone.
"Hey honey. How are you feeling?"
"I can't remember the last time someone asked me that question" Abby rolled her eyes at Carter.
"Sorry, seriously, do you feel ok?"
"I'm enjoying waking up here. I'm glad to be out of hospital, but I'm scared of something happening to make me go crazy again. Not crazy, I hate that word, but you know what I mean. It really frightened me Carter. I don't want to end up like my mother. That's what it felt like"
"Abby. None of us can tell you what's going to happen. All we can do is be here for you. As long as you tell somebody what you're feeling, like you're doing now, then you will be fine. Things happen when you bottle them up. You have to learn not to do that"
"Thanks for the lecture Carter. No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. Everything is just so confusing at the moment. How do you put up with me Carter?"
"I love you. It's as simple as that. Now, what time are your appointments today?"
"Love you too honey. I've got a session in the hydra pool with Dr Pont at eleven, and then I'm seeing Kim at twelve. Are you alright to take me?"
"Yeah, I cleared it with Kerry this morning"
"Oh, is that who you were arguing with on the phone?"
"Kind of. It was a bit of a struggle but I've managed to get a bit of time off work"
"How long?"
"Two weeks. Hopefully by then, you'll be doing well in rehab and I'll be able to take short shifts to cover your appointments"
"I'm sorry Carter. I'm such a burden"
"Abby, you're not a burden, you're my fiancée. Nothing is too much for me when it concerns you. Now do you want breakfast first or a shower?"
"I'd love a bath actually. Care to join me?"
"Sounds wonderful"
Carter ran a warm, soapy bath and went to go and get Abby. Luckily the Carter mansion was huge and there was a bathroom on the ground floor. Carter carried Abby to the bathroom wrapped in a towel. He had undressed her in the bedroom to make life a little easier. He lifted her into the bath, and then climbed in himself. He washed her, carefully, making sure he reached every crevice and every fold of skin. He then washed her hair. He noticed Abby's eyes becoming watery.
"Abby, what's the matter?"
"I'm just thinking about rehab. I mean, I've been doing my exercises, and my sensation has returned, but I'm still worried. What if I never gain full movement again? I don't think I could cope. It's hard enough having to let you do everything for me now, but I can't face that for the rest of my life"
"Abby, it's hard. I know how intensely private you are, and I can only imagine how difficult this is for you. We have to try and stay positive. Your recovery is going to be hard, and there are bound to be times when you feel like giving up, but you just have to keep remembering that you are alive"
"Carter, how do you manage to say the right things?"
"I'm wonderful"
"No you're not, you're a smart arse!"
Carter helped Abby to get dressed after the bath and then watched her as she did her daily exercises. She had such a look of determination on her face that he knew she could fight this. He heard the post come through the letterbox. He noticed a letter for Abby within his post.
"Abby, you have a letter"
"How could I? I haven't lived here until yesterday"
"I redirected your post for you"
"Ah, Thanks. Can you open it for me?"
"Sure"
Carter opened the envelope and took out the letter.
"What does it say?" Abby asked.
Carter began to read.
"Oh God" He said out loud.
"What?!"
"It says.............."