Chapter 4: I Need You
A month later after Abby left, John had suspected of something but wasn't sure. He thought Susan might know something.
"Have you seen Abby?"
"No. Why?" – Susan lied.
"I've been calling her for two weeks but I only get her answering machine. Do you know something?"
"No. Maybe she's working nights"
"Ok. Then I'll meet her tonight"
He was leaving when she spoke.
"Ok. I can't do this"
"Do what?"
"Remember when I said you could lose her?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Well, she moved out. To Africa. One month ago"
"What? A month ago? She moved out and you didn't even tell me! Did she take my daughter with her?"
"I'm sorry"
"Susan, she took Phoebe with her?"
"Yeah"
"That's great!"
"Carter, go after her! She loves you. You love her. You want each other. You need each other. Go after her before it's too late"
"I don't know, Susan"
"Don't be silly Carter! If you don't go, she might know somebody else. You don't want that, do you?"
"No"
"You really love her?"
"Yes, so much"
"Then go after her and fight for her"
"Right. I will. But… how's gonna cover my shifts?"
"Don't worry about that. I'm going to. Go and bring her back"
"I will. Thanks"
They hug and he leaves. He quickly packs and heads to the airport. 15 hours later he arrives in Congo.
"Excuse me. Excuse me. I'm looking for a doctor. She has blond and long hair and she isn't tall or short"
The girl gets confused.
"Her name is Abby"
She understands and takes him to a house.
"What happened, Melissa?" – The woman looks to John – "May I help you?"
"Yes, yes. I… I'm looking for someone. A woman, actually. She's a doctor and she has blond and long hair. Her name is Abby. Abby Lockhart"
"Oh yeah. She went to Paris two weeks ago. I haven't heard from her since then"
"Ok, thanks for your help"
He left the house.
So she went to Paris. I'm glad she decided not to be here. It's really dangerous.
He knew he should keep looking for her. And he wouldn't give up until finding her and having her closer to him. Then he remembered he didn't know where was the airport, so he had to go back and ask.
"Excuse me, how do I do to get to the airport?"
"You have to go to Kishasha"
"Thanks"
"But it's 2 two far"
"What? I can't wait that long"
"I'm sorry. It's the closest place"
"It's ok. Thanks anyway"
Two days? It can't be that far. I can't stay away from my wife any longer. My love. My Abby.
He went back to reality when he heard his cell ringing. He saw her number on the ID. He didn't know if he would take it or not. Then he quickly answered.
"Abby?"
"Hey"
"Is everything ok? Where are you?"
"Yes, it is. And I'm home"
"I know everything. I know you went to Africa"
She froze and laughed dryly.
"I guess Susan couldn't keep it secret, huh?"
"She did the right thing. Why you ran away from me?"
"I was scared. And you got sick of me, so…"
"Hey, easy there. I got sick of you? Where did you get that?"
"Nowhere. I… you gave signs for that"
"I did? Who gave signs was you, Abby"
There were sobs on the other side.
"I'm sorry"
"No, it's ok. It's not your fault"
"Are you in Paris? Cause… I came all way to Africa after you, but you weren't here"
"Yes, John… I'm in Paris. In the airport, actually. I'm waiting for a flight to Chicago"
"No. Don't take the plane. I need to see you. I really do. You can run away from me but some time you're getting tired of it. Because I won't stop until I find you and having you in my arms again. I need y…"
"Ok"
"What?"
"I'm not going anywhere. I'll just wait here for you. I need you. I want you. I… love you"
"Great. Wait for me then. I'll do the best I can to get there soon. Bye"
"Bye"
Talking to her made him feel better. And angrier for not being able to be with her because of the city be far. Then he saw something that cheered him up.