A/N: Hey, there! So glad to be back! here it is, the sequel to State of Mind. This picks up right where that left off so you should definately read that first. I started to write this as just a 2 part series and it's develpoed into a 3 part! So, look out for that too. When it's more develpoed, I'll let you know. Ass you know, I don't own anyone. I wish I did, but I don't. Also, all of the opening quotes are Peace of Mind by Nonpoint. Thanx for the reviews!

LucyBethFan: You've been reading? This the first review I've gotten from you, but thanx!

Cartergal131: For quick updayes, here's a tip: write up the story first, upload it, then I revise before I go to the Chapter Manager. It really makes life easier.

Chapter 21: Reflecting on Life

"Here's your share
And my share
You still need
More to fill
Its all or nothing at all
You take from me
You need to rest from me"

"She's outside." Susan told Carter, happy to see him, as he finally arrived at the Lava Lounge. Lucy came over and hugged him quickly before he went outside. She understand that he and Abby were friends and, with how much Abby had drank, she really should've been talking to someone. Who better than Carter? Carter went out and found Abby, sitting alone, obviously drunk. They bantered back and forth a bit awkwardly for a few moments, making oblique references to drinking, and started to talk about the letter.

"How many lives do you think he saved?" She asked and Carter shrugged, sitting down next to her. Carter guessed two or three thousand people. "Wow, forget Superman, I'll take Mark Greene."

"If I knew you felt that way, I would have shaved my head long ago." Carter gently teased as he stared out into space for a moment as Abby studied him. She gently turned his face towards her and asked if he was okay. Carter nodded uncomfortable, and their eyes locked for a minute. "Let's get out of here." He said standing up.

Abby hesitated only a moment, then joined him. As she got into his car, she asked where he's taking her and why he was leaving Lucy. All he said was "Bill's Place." At this news, Abby jumped out of the car before Carter could get in, telling him she was in no shape to go to an AA meeting. Carter tried to persuade her, but she pointed out that she was drunk.

"You can't go to a meeting drunk." Carter insisted but she also pointed out attending is supposed to be voluntary. Carter was getting fed up with her. How long has it been since she ven went to a meeting? I knowI haven't seen her there for a while.

"You're going even if I have to carry you!" He threatened and Abby's light tone disappeared as she again insisted she was not going to go. Carter commanded her to get into the car, but Abby instead walked quickly back to the bar. Carter grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder. Abby yelled at him to put her down, and when he didn't, she bite him, causing him to drop her. The bartender came outback and so them laying on the ground.

"Is everything all right?" They nodded and, hesitantly, he went back inside. After he was gone, Abby apologized and reiterated she simply couldn't go to a meeting, so Carter suggested they go get something to eat instead. Agreeing to this, they ended up at Doc Magoo's, where they spent the night talking. Abby told Carter she didn't start drinking after Brian hit her, she actually started before, on her birthday.

"Self pity excuse." Carter commented with a small smile.

"Well, it's one of my better ones." Abby replied as she put out her cigarette. Carter again suggested going to a meeting, he was really worried about her. But Abby, again, declined claiming she needed to get some sleep first. "If you quit bugging me, I'll go before my shift." She promised and that was good enough for him. As they left, Chen intercepted Carter and told him she was having trouble with Al. Abby headed home as Carter started his shift early, despite having gotten no sleep. Chen asked Carter if Al had a DNR, but Carter had to admit he doesn't know.

"He was like Dr. Greene's private patient." He explained and Al suddenly crashed, and Carter ordered drugs and then shockedl's heart, bringing him back.

"Dr. Greene..." Al called Carter, now conscious. "No tubes...no shocks." Carter told Chen that Al was now a DNR.

Chapter 22: Somber-Lit Room

Preview: Carter discovers Lucy's thoughts and he remembers Mark while doing some "Spring Cleaning."