Chapter Fourteen

Carter had told Libby all about Abby, he didn't want her thinking bad things about her. He knew most foster parents who looked after kids in Emily's situation thought they were neglected or unwanted. But Emily was neither, he had always seen Emily as his own daughter. Even when Abby was still with Richard, he was more of a father figure. And if he was being honest, he loved Emily more than her own father.

Emily then began to wake up, she slowly rubbed her eyes and looked up. When she saw who it was she instantly perked up and threw her arms around his neck.

"I knew you wouldn't forget." Emily said into his neck.

"Well I made a pinky promise didn't I?"

Emily pulled back and held John's face in her hands and stared at him before burying herself inside his jacket.

It was then at that particular moment that Carter could see why Abby could sometimes get angry at her for no reason. And why sometimes she couldn't even stand looking at her, when he looked into that little girls eyes he only saw her father. It made Carter shudder.

But Emily couldn't help it, she didn't choose her parents, Carter was just about to say something; break the silence, when the doorbell rang.

Libby got up and let her visitors in.

"Mommy!" Emily exclaimed jumping down from Carter's lap and ran over to Abby. "What happened to your face? Where have you been?"

"Just a little accident sweetie. I'm fine I promise." Abby said ignoring her last question, she pulled Emily into a tight embrace, as Mrs. Rosenburg stood there observing everything.

"Hey Carter." Luka said, breaking the awkward silence.

"Hi…"

"What are you doing here?" Abby cut him off

"Its Emily's birthday. I made a promise and unlike some people I keep my promises." Carter snapped and stood up to leave.

'Shit.' Abby thought, she had totally forgotten Emily's birthday. "No, don't go. I'm sorry."

Carter bent down and kissed the top of Emily's head.

"I have to go." Carter quickly made his way to the door and left.

"Am I coming home now?" Emily looked up at Abby her big green eyes piercing her mothers.

Abby broke her gaze and shook her head.

Emily shook off Abby's hand from her shoulder and ran off upstairs slamming every door on the way.

Mrs. Rosenburg stepped forward. "Mrs. Lockhart?"

Abby turned to face her.

"It wont be long before you can take her home and get things back to normal, just as soon as you get back on your feet."

Abby stood there silently, not knowing what to say. What was normal? She'd never had normal, everything in her life was so screwed up. She wanted to take Emily home, but then she was better off in foster care, with someone who could take proper care of her. What kind of a mother forgets her own daughters birthday?

"Thank you." Luka didn't really know what to do, what to say. "I'm going to take Abby back to the hospital now."

Mrs. Rosenburg nodded her head as Luka lead Abby out of the door.

A Week Later

Abby had been released from hospital a day earlier than scheduled, so she used that extra day she had home to decorate Emily's bedroom. She had painted it a shade of bright pink, covering the walls with little hearts.

She had also bought loads of new toys to replace the ones she had left behind at the other apartment, also Abby was feeling guilty about the other day.

Just as she had finished putting everything in its place, someone knocked at the door. Abby grabbed her crutches and made her way over to the door.

Emily stood there, next to Mrs. Rosenburg in a pink flowery dress, pink shoes with white frilly ankle socks and her hair in two French braids. She looked so different. Like a proper little girl, not one who had all the worry and responsibilities of a thirty year old.

Abby smiled at her daughter, just wishing she could capture this innocence. She held out her arms to Emily, who just smiled at her mother then walked straight into the apartment and switched on the TV.

Abby's face fell, Mrs. Rosenburg rubbed Abby's arm. "It's going to take time, but she'll be okay."

"Thank you." Abby was so grateful for Mrs. Rosenburg, even though at first she hated the idea of having a social worker. Social workers were for people who couldn't look after their children, who would beat and abuse them. Or so she thought.

"If you ever need any help whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact me." Mrs. Rosenburg gave Abby her card. "I'll see you next week."

Abby shut the door behind her and sat on the sofa next to Emily. "So, sweetie did you have a nice time at….Lizzie's?"

"Her name is Libby." Emily said not taking her eyes away from the TV.

Abby could have kicked herself for not remembering. "Oh yeah, so it is. Hey do you want to come and see your bedroom? I did it all nice for you."

Emily shook her head. "I want to watch the TV."

Abby silently nodded her head and went into the kitchen and sat up to the table not taking her eyes off of her daughter.

Abby had been sat in the kitchen for five hours before she realized the time, she looked out of the window. It was dark. Emily was asleep on the floor, curled up holding onto her bag that she had brought back from Libby's. Abby bent down picking her, hugging her tightly not wanting to let her go.

AN: Okay I know its really, really short but im kinda at a loss on where to go with this! So anyone willing to help me with ideas please email me! You will be credited too! Anywho please review!