Chapter Seven

Abby's life soon became a blur of work, time talking with her sponsor, and AA meetings. In a matter of weeks, she could already sense the change in herself. And so could Luka.

"You look different." He told her over coffee. They often met for lunch or coffee, both needing a way to stay involved in each other's lives.

"Different like how?" She smiled and it illuminated her entire face. She was so beautiful, radiant even.

"Better, happier."

"I am. I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere." He wished he could say the same. The booze at his house was still looking awfully tempting; especially when he was missing her.

"That's good. Sounds like things are going well." She nodded, taking a sip of her coffee.

"What about you?"

"Things are okay. I'm, uh, actually going away for a couple months."

"Really?" She was surprised and a little hurt. The thought of him being with him again was what kept her going with this program. She wanted, needed, to be better for herself- but it was for him as well.

"Yeah. I'm going to the Congo for two months." He needed to get away and do something to take his mind off her. Volunteering to go to Africa seemed like the perfect solution. "I'm leaving next week."

"That's really soon. It's 'Doctors Without Borders', right?" He nodded.

"They need help over there. It's dangerous, but I figured it can't be any worse than County." She looked at him, remembering his former life in Croatia.

"You've seen war before, though." She said, her face turning serious. "You have the kind of experience they need. I'm sure the last thing they want is another naïve American prick that hasn't a clue what he's doing."

"Like Carter?" She shook her head, trying not to laugh.

"That's not very nice, but mostly true. Maybe you should take him with you- he might actually learn something about the world outside his own head."

"He is coming with me, actually." Abby's jaw dropped.

"You can't be serious."

"Oh, but I am." She shook her head in disbelief.

"Well, should be interesting." She let out a breath. "Try not to kill him then. I promise it's his ego about half the time." Luka chuckled.

"I'll do my best."

"Good. Don't want you to be in prison. How am I supposed to seduce you from there?" She winked. His heart nearly stopped. God, he loved her.

"I make no promises." He shrugged, trying to act nonchalant.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Abby saw him on his last shift before he left. He was putting his lab coat and stethoscope into his locker.

"So… you're leaving us tomorrow." She'd come to say goodbye.

"Yeah, I never thought I would say it, but I think I'm going to miss this place."

"Don't be such a wimp, it's only two months."

"I know." He reached out for hug. She willingly stepped into his embrace. It lasted less than a minute, but it communicated so much.

"Take care of yourself over there." She whispered into his ear.

"You too." He returned with a grin.

"I'm being serious."

"So am I."

"I want you back in one piece." He heard the fear and worry in her voice.

"Don't worry; I'll be back before you know it." He took her face in his hands and kissed her. "I'll see you soon." And he was gone. She stood there for a minute, a hand to her lips.

"Abby." Chuny called.

"Yeah?" She said, not turning around.

"Double trauma coming in." And life went on.

A/N: So they're still not together. Don't hate me! You won't have to wait to long. Just want to say thanks to everyone who reviewed the last couple of chapters: LubyForeverx711, LLF, Strizzy, MauraFan228, nixyboo, Bel- Vezer, and chocoholic. Huge thanks to Jenny and Ella!