A Horrible Episode – Part 17
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Chapter 17 – Bubbles and Tyres.
Abby screamed as glass particles shattered over her. Carter dove to the floor in immediate reaction but when he heard Abby screaming he wished he had chosen to protect her. The brick bounced off the bed next to Abby and landed on the floor next to Carter. A shiver ran through his spine when he read the note. Carter sat up slowly, careful not to press down on the splinters of glass that littered the floor. He stood up and looked over at the bed. Abby was lying with her arms protectively over her face. She was shaking. Carter didn't know whether this was from shock or if Abby was crying. He moved over to the bed and told Abby not to move until he had removed the majority of the glass. After he had done this, he took Abby gently by the arms and rolled her over so she was lying on her back. She had shards of glass stuck everywhere, in her face, arms and stomach.
"Abby honey, we need to go to the hospital, you may need a couple of sutures"
"I don't want to go. I want to stay here, can't you do it?"
"I haven't got a kit here, you will need a couple on your head. I can go to the hospital and bring one back if you like"
"I don't want to be alone. Can't you ring someone?"
Carter looked deeply into Abby's eyes. He could see how scared she was. This had really rattled her and she needed him.
"I'll call Susan, ok?"
"Thanks Carter"
Carter phoned Susan at the hospital who immediately agreed to bring him the suture kit. He made him and Abby a cup of coffee and sat next to her on the bed until Susan arrived.
"Why do people have to do this Carter? I know that maybe whoever they are, they're upset that their friend had died. But if he hadn't of done what he did in the first place he wouldn't be dead. I mean, I wouldn't want anyone to die, not even after what he put me through; just the right punishment would suffice. But if this is a revenge attack, I will find it hard to forgive"
Carter knew that Abby was recovering mentally when she said this. It was a speech from someone who had compassion towards others, even evil people, and it showed that Abby was finally beginning to recover from the attack emotionally.
"I think we need to call the police again Abs. Let them know what's happened"
They finished their coffees and then Carter began to remove some of the splinters of glass from Abby with her tweezers. Just as he was removing the last shard, Susan rang the doorbell. Carter went to answer it.
"Hey Susan, thanks for coming"
"No problem. Are you ok? Abby?"
"I'm fine, the glass more or less missed me, Abby has a few cuts but it think it was a lucky escape. Listen, do you mind suturing Abby while I make a couple of phone calls?"
"Of course not"
Susan walked into Abby's room.
"Hey Abby. I won't ask you how you are, I know you're probably bored of that question. I want to know all the gossip on Carter instead"
"Thanks Susan"
"What for?"
"For being someone who I can trust, rely on, and for being a great friend. I want people to be normal around me and you always do just that"
"Thank-you Abby. You know, you've become a great friend to me too, and when you've fully recovered, we'll have to have a girls night out!"
"Sounds good" Abby smiled at Susan.
"Ok, this will sting a bit Abby"
Susan injected some local anaesthetic into one of the larger cuts on Abby's forehead, and once that had taken effect she sutured it.
"Ok Abby, you know the drill. You've got two sutures, keep them dry and I'll take them out in a week. I've cleaned the rest of the cuts but they're all superficial and should heal quickly"
"Thanks Susan, can you stay for lunch?"
"Unfortunately not. I'm on duty. I had to practically beg Weaver to let me come over. It's a good job she likes you! Do you want me to tell physio you can't make it today?"
"I guess so. I really didn't want to miss it but I don't think I can go today. Can you tell Kim also?"
"Sure. Don't worry, they'll understand. Listen, I've got to go, but I'll see you soon ok?"
"Come round one evening for dinner?"
"I'd love to"
Susan kissed Abby good-bye and waved to Carter who was on the phone.
A little while later, Carter was finally off the phone. He walked into the bedroom. He noted that Abby looked a lot better.
"Hey honey, Susan did a great job. Does it hurt?"
"A little, but not enough to require meds"
"That reminds me, have you taken your tablets today?"
"No. Do I have to?"
"I think Kim would prefer it if you did. By the way, do you want me to cancel your appointments?"
"Susan's taking care of that. Could you run me a bath please Carter?"
"Ok, meds first though"
Abby rolled her eyes at Carter who went to get her meds. She swallowed the pills reluctantly then waited for her bath.
"It better have bubbles!" She yelled to Carter.
Carter laughed. It was as if everyday a piece of the old Abby was falling into place. Carter carried Abby to the bathroom and they had a relaxing soak together. Afterwards Carter decided to take Abby out to lunch. They got to the car and Carter loaded Abby and the wheel chair into it. He walked round to his side of the car and noticed it sloping a bit. He looked down and Abby heard him curse.
"What's the matter?" Abby asked.
"Someone's slashed my tyre"
"Christ Carter, why can't they leave us alone?"
"I don't know Abby, I don't know"