In Her Eyes

Abby woke with a start, sweating and breathing hard from a nightmare that she couldn't quite remember. She brushed her hair from her eyes and took a deep, rattling breath. She threw the covers from her soaked body and felt the cool air on her bare legs. She squeezed her eyelids together and clenched her jaw. As she stood up and walked to her bathroom, the pain started.

The only thing Abby could think of was the fact that Richard didn't come last night. Relief flooded every breath she took. After she got ready, it was off to the hospital.

..........

"Abby! How are you feeling?" Susan's smiling face greeted Abby as she walked into the doctor's lounge.

"I am fine, actually. I feel much better. Luka called last night." Abby glared playfully at Susan from her open locker. Abby couldn't be mad at her. She called Luka, concerned about her. Abby knew she was just trying to help.

"Really? What did he have to say?" Susan grinned mischievously. Abby shook her head and looked down as she put her stethoscope around her neck.

"Thank you." Abby walked towards the door with Susan following closely behind.

"You're very welcome. Are you ready for another day?" Abby scoffed and nodded, picking up a chart and reading. Her patient was having joint problems at 30. Abby walked to curtain three and opened the curtain, Sam trailing.

"Hello, Mr. Charlton. My name is Dr. Lockhart, what seems to be the problem?" Abby raised her head from the chart and gasped, backing up. Richard sat in front of her, grinning widely at her. Abby felt like she was having a panic attack. The oxygen was coming in less and less. She could feel Sam's eyes on her and she swallowed. She took her eyes off her ex-husband and looked at Sam. Sam had a concerned look and she put a hand on Abby's shoulder, pulling her into an empty exam room.

"Abby? What's wrong?" Sam's eyes were wide.

"I'm sorry...I don't know what got into me. I'm alright now." Abby made to move out of the room, but Sam stopped her.

"Abby...I saw the fear in your eyes. Who is that guy?"

"It doesn't matter." Abby's voice was small. She couldn't tell her.

"Abby. Stop. Tell me who he is." Sam was intent on getting the answer and something told Abby that she wouldn't leave this room until she told Sam what she wanted to know.

"Charlton isn't his name. It's Richard Lockhart." She couldn't believe what was coming from her mouth.

"Your ex?" Sam was confused now.

"Yes...." Abby hesitated. Sam waited for Abby to continue. "He...." Abby would not put Sam's life in danger. She couldn't do that to her.

"Did he do this to you?" She pointed to Abby's face and frowned. "Just nod for yes." She lowered her voice to below a whisper where Abby could barely hear her. Abby was torn. She wanted to tell her what happened, but she didn't want to risk Richard finding out. Abby decided and nodded yes, tears welling in her eyes.

"No. It's just that he is my ex. That's all." Her cover conversation was only for Richard if he was listening in. Sam nodded, with an angry glare in her eyes. She grabbed Abby in a hug and spoke in her ear.

"It's alright." And louder, "Let's just get back out there. I'll get someone else to get him." Abby nodded, gratefully and hesitated before walking out of the exam room after Sam. Abby glanced over to the curtain where Richard was and her brows drew together. He wasn't there. She closed her eyes and sighed, worried. Richard had only come to make sure she hadn't told anyone.

Sam had stopped and looked back at Abby with fear in her eyes. She walked tentatively over to Abby and put a hand on her shoulder, worry in her expression. "Stay with me tonight." This wasn't a question and there was an unwavering tone in her voice. Abby shook her head slowly, as if she were shaking a thought from her mind.

"I can't put you and Alex in danger. I won't." Abby was serious, her voice hard as she looked into Sam's still eyes. Sam paused and there was a long silence as she was thinking of something to do. She wouldn't let Abby go home alone to be abused again. She shook her head.

"You are not going to go home alone." Sam walked her into the ladies' bathroom.

"Well...I don't have any other choice until Luka comes back. I will not put any of you in danger."

"I just can't let you go knowing this." Sam drew her brows together and moisture welled in her eyes. How could she just pretend she didn't know about Richard. Panic rose in her chest.

"You have no choice, Sam. You have to protect Alex. We both know this. I will be just fine and Luka is coming really soon." Abby was having a hard time believing her own words.

"Maybe Susan can let you stay at her house...." Sam paused and then a light bulb went on in her head. "I know someone who can take care of Alex and you can come over to stay while Luka is in Texas. Susan can come too." Sam's eyes were bright and she nodded like there was no way for Abby to refuse.

"I don't know, Sam. You will both be in danger and I don't want you to get hurt because of me." Abby looked torn. She wanted more than anything to feel protected, but if Susan or Sam got hurt, she would never forgive herself.

"Come with me." Sam said this and walked briskly from the bathroom.

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