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Post by larue on Oct 12, 2007 13:26:48 GMT 10
Abby tugged another softly curling tendril of dark hair from the loose knot on the back of her head and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She frowned slightly and ran a hand over the smooth midnight blue satin that covered her rounding belly. She adjusted the shoulders and unbuttoned one more satin covered button at her breast.
“Nice,” Luka said from behind her. Abby caught his eye in the mirror and grinned.
“I feel like I am wearing my pajamas,” she said as she tipped her head to look down at the matching satin slacks. She looked up as he moved closer and then encircled her in his arms. His hand spread possessively over her belly.
“Feels good to me too,” he said softly. She smiled and sighed softly as he nuzzled her neck with his nose and pressed soft kisses underneath the ear lobe where her diamond studs sparkled. Her eyes drifted shut and she covered his hand with hers.
“Do you think Carter would be insulted if we decided to stay home after all?” he breathed in her ear. Abby turned around in his arms and molded herself against him.
“Maybe,” she sighed with a smile. “But we can always have ….dessert….here later.”
“Oooo….” Luka chuckled. “With whipped cream?” Abby grimaced playfully and then pulled back to look at the loose tie draped around his neck. Luka straightened as she tied it into a knot and pulled it snugly against his throat.
“Carol asked me something interesting yesterday,” she said. “At the museum.”
“What’s that?” Luka replied absently as he turned to the mirror and ran a damp brush through his hair. Abby leaned against the bathroom door and watched as he spilled after shave into his hands and ran them over his face and chin.
“She asked if Lauren actually knows that we are having a baby.” Luka stopped and gazed at her through the mirror. His eyes studied her face and then traveled to her belly. He suppressed a grin and bent his head to slip cuff links into his shirt sleeves.
“She knows,” he said.
“I don’t think so,” Abby shook her head. Luka turned to her and leaned back against the sink.
“Abby, she has felt the baby move,” Luka scoffed. “She’s been in the bath tub with you. She has seen your belly.”
“I know that,” Abby said. “But I am not so sure she really…gets it.” Luka grimaced.
“Well, Carol said that Tess and Kate were very surprised when she finally explained that she would be bringing a baby home for them. They were about the same age as Lauren.”
“Eh…Lauren is much…brighter…than those two.” Abby laughed and stretched her face up for a kiss.
“You are totally unbiased in that opinion, I suppose?” she asked.
“Um hmmm…” Luka grinned as he kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose and her lips.
“Do we really have to go?” he sighed again. Abby laughed and pulled away. She took his hand and tugged insistently as they made their way through their bedroom to the hall. Luka grabbed his jacket off the bed and Abby pushed open the door to her daughter’s bedroom. She was standing by her bed surveying a pile of toys.
“Did you decide on something yet?” Abby asked as she refastened the red bow clips that held Lauren’s dark hair off her face. She sat on the bed and held open the pink backpack that was laying there. Lauren held up two trucks and then a book and finally her stuffed manatee.
“What about your new baby doll?” Luka asked. Lauren looked up at him and held a finger to her lips.
“Sleeping,” she said as she pointed to the doll covered with a blanket next to her pillow. Abby grinned. She reached for Lauren’s jacket and slipped her arms inside. Lauren watched as her mother zipped it snuggly and picked up her backpack. Luka grinned as his daughter headed toward him and stopped.
“Yike my new shoes?” she asked as she held up one navy leather shoed foot. He nodded and winked. Lauren tried to wink back and smiled as she carried her backpack down the stairs with her parents behind her. Luka checked his watch and held up Abby’s coat for her. The door bell rang and Cosmo pushed the front door open.
“The car is here!” he called excitedly. “It’s a stretch limo! A really long one! Come and see.” He grabbed Lauren’s hand and pulled her out the door. Susan stood at the top of the steps and shook her head as she surveyed the long car parked on the street in front of their house. Susie and Brett were steering Lauren and Cosmo ahead of them on the snow laden sidewalk.
“Carter,” she sighed as her eyes met Abby’s. “Can you believe him?” Abby rolled her eyes.
“A couple of days ago you were whining about never getting to do the good stuff with him,” she said.
“Yeah, well, good stuff means waking up in a mansion with a maid to take care of your needs,” Susan said as she headed down the steps. “A vacation on his yacht in the Mediterreanean…” Abby shook her head happily and clung to Luka’s hand as they headed down the steps toward the limosine.
They took a long slow ride through the darkening city streets. Even Abby had to admit that there was a certain magic in the ride. They were nestled in plush seats watching familiar places pass by through the tinted windows. It was almost a disappointment when the limo pulled to a stop in front of Carter’s town house. He was waiting for them as the door was opened by the house keeper.
“Carter!” Susan hugged him happily as the housekeeper took their coats. She introduced Susie, Brett and Cosmo and nodded in approval as she glanced about them.
“Gamma would be proud, Carter,” she said. He chuckled and stepped back a bit.
“John Carter…” Abby said quietly as their eyes met.
“Abigail Lockhart,” he replied. He tipped his head quizzically. “Kovac?” Her smile widened as she leaned into his hug.
“You look great,” he said with a sigh. His eyes met Luka’s and he reached out a hand as Abby pulled away to help Lauren. Luka grinned as they shook hands and then laughed as they hugged one another. Carter stepped back to survey the little girl that was tugging down the skirt of her navy and while checked dress. The bodice was covered in smocked strawberries, a short sash buttoned in the back at the waist. Her short, dark hair barely brushed her shoulders and was held off her face with red bow barrettes.
“This grown up girl is not Miss Lauren?” Carter asked as he put his hands on his hips. She looked up him shyly, wrapped an arm around Abby’s leg and nodded. Carter crouched down.
“That’s a beautiful dress,” he said. Lauren pulled away from Abby and held up a foot.
“I have new shoes,” she said. “Do you yike dem?’ she asked.
“Oh, indeed….very much so,” he said as he examined the navy strap shoes and red tights.
“Fank you,” she said demurely and put her foot down again. Abby heard Susan chuckle as she moved closer to her.
“Totally smitten and she hasn’t even used the eye thing yet,” Susan said softly. Abby frowned slightly as she glanced from Carter’s face to Lauren.
“Ooop…there she goes,” Susan whispered slowly. “Chin drops toward her chest ever so slightly. Her lashes dip for one and a half seconds, not even a tiny bit longer or shorter, face tips slightly to the side, coy little smile and ka-ching…that girl is set for life. I am telling you Abby, Scarlett O’Hara has nothing on Lauren Kovac.” Abby grimaced and jabbed Susan playfully with her elbow.
“Oh my…,” Carter sighed and then stood up. “Well, the kids are having their on dinner in the den. I am not sure what Greta has planned to keep them busy but it involves beads and feathers and sequins of all colors and sizes.” He reached to take Lauren’s backpack and she took it from Luka herself.
“I can carry it myself,” she insisted hurriedly. Carter leaned back a bit and laughed as she wrapped her arms around it and waited.
“Definitely her mother’s daughter,” he laughed as he watched Abby kiss her.
“Shut up,” Abby breathed softly as she straightened and punched him in the arm. Carter rubbed the sleeve of his jacket in mock pain as he watched Cosmo and Lauren being led off by his housekeeper. Susie and Brett started to follow.
“No, you two will be dining with us,” John said. Susie stopped and exchanged approving looks with Brett.
“I do need your help though,” he said. “I thought maybe you could help select some music for us to listen to during dinner. There’s a pretty extensive collection to choose from upstairs in my room.”
“Sure,” Susie said happily and took Brett’s hand.
“I’ll help,” Luka offered. Susie turned swiftly on the steps and stopped him with a hand to his chest.
“Uh…no,” she said firmly and then smiled. “Thanks anyway.” Abby and Susan chuckled at Luka’s stricken face. He watched the two of them disappear up the steps.
“What?” Luka protested. “I like music too.” Abby shook her head and looped her arm through his. She reached up and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Never mind….” She laughed. Susan shook her head as she linked her arm through Carter’s offered one.
“You are so smooth, Carter,” she laughed. She frowned slightly and then looked back at Abby.
“Mata Hari,” she said brightly. “Or maybe Bonnie…..you know, as in Bonnie and Clyde?” Abby groaned.
“Oh, give it up, Susan,” Abby sighed with a laugh. "That’s my daughter, you are talking about!”
“What is all that about?” Carter asked.
“Femme fatales,” Susan said quickly. “Susie is doing a paper at school about women who changed history by using their feminine wiles. You know, flirting and cooing….”
“Hmm….really,” Carter said blankly. “I have never meant anyone like that.”
“Ah...uh huh.” Susan laughed as she glanced back at Abby.
Carter led them into the library where Doug and Carol were going through a box on the coffee table.
“Oh, at last,” Doug said. “Susan, come here and take a look at these.” He held out a small stack of photographs. Susan’s eyes widened as she studied them. Carol was laughing as she handed several to Abby and to Luka.
“Oh my …Carter, where did you get these?” Susan exclaimed as she sat next to Doug and took more out of the box.
“Luka…” Abby laughed as she held up a photograph. “You were so skinny!” Carter sat in an over stuffed chair across the room and enjoyed the sight of all of them going through the box of pictures.
“Where did you get these, Carter?” Susan asked again.
“Dr. Corday had them,” he said. ‘She found the box with Marks’s things and just hung on to them untill she was ready to give them up.”
“You’ve seen Elizabeth?” Susan exclaimed. “When? And how is Ella?”
“The last time I was in London,” Carter sighed. “About a month ago. We went to dinner, in fact. She gave me the box and I was going through them and I don’t know,” He leaned back and laced his fingers over his chest.
“I started missing people….” he finished. They were all silent as they studied him. Susan pressed a hand to her heart and sighed.
“Aw, Carter….” she said. “Will you marry me? And I’m not after your money either.”” Doug chortled and they laughed as Carter shook his head and grinned at Susan. Carol held out another picture to Abby. She groaned and took it from her. She grimaced as she studied it.
“So this doesn’t have anything to do with the Carter Center?” Luka asked. Carter shook his head.
“You turned me down,” he chuckled. “Every last one of you. I had to cast my net a little wider. I’m bringing Debbie in as Director.” Luka’s eyes widened.
“Red Cross Debbie from Africa?” Carter’s grin widened.
"She’s ready for a change,” he said. “Wants to take a break for a while. She has the administrative experience….”
“She’ll be wonderful,” Luka nodded. His face fell as Abby handed him another picture.
“Oh….” He groaned. “Tear it up!” Abby snatched it from his hands.
“No way!” she laughed. Luka caught her hand and pulled her close for a kiss as he tried to pull the snapshot away from her.
“Oh my god, Susan,” Carol laughed. “Here’s one of you and Mark. Was that your first day?” Susan took a deep breath and her eyes met Carter’s for a second. Wordlessly she held up her hand and pointed to her ring finger. He laughed and reached for the picture Abby held out to him.
“Oh no!” he groaned. “Halloween?” Abby laughed.
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Post by luby1130 on Oct 13, 2007 10:52:04 GMT 10
Great update
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Post by *Natalie* on Oct 13, 2007 23:50:50 GMT 10
yeh your back with more Loving the update natalie xxx
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Post by brandykins on Oct 14, 2007 1:47:43 GMT 10
Great update!! Lauren is sooo adorable. I can just see her giving Carter that look. Update soon!!
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Post by betinhaa on Oct 15, 2007 18:49:25 GMT 10
love your up date!!!!!!! please do it again asap!!!! and please more laren and lubby don`t take to long this time
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Post by larue on Oct 19, 2007 2:32:06 GMT 10
Susan turned the car off and turned to look at Susie. She had been terribly quiet on the drive to the medical building. Now she was looking up at the rows of windows in the building.
“You don’t have to do this you know,” she said quietly. Susie turned huge eyes toward her and shrugged.
“It’s not a big deal,” she said. “It will help him, right?” Susan shook her head.
“You amaze me,” she said. ‘Isn’t there anything that worries you? Anything that you are afraid of? You grew up with a drug seeking freak for a mom….I mean I love her to death because she is my sister but let’s face it, she wasn’t exactly the poster child for motherhood.” Susie chuckled and shrugged her shoulders.
“You have been bounced around from here to there….found your stepfather on the floor after a massive heart attack. God, practically carried me through things with Chuck….Cosmo…..” Susie smiled wanly.
“Nothing, huh?” Susie shrugged and smoothed her hands over a manila envelope in her lap.
“You,” she said quietly. Her eyes met Susan’s and she shrugged again.
“I am afraid of losing you,” she said quietly. Susan gazed at her solemnly for a long moment and then gathered her in her arms and held her close. She kissed the top of her head and squeezed again before letting her go.
“I can’t promise you…..” she said. “You know I can’t. Not after last year. But I can promise that I would never leave you without a good fight. Okay?” Susie grinned and nodded.
“Okay,’ she said.
“Ready?” Susan asked. Susie nodded. She opened her car door and climbed out. She stood still and looked up again at the tall medical building in front of her. Susan rounded the car and held out her hand. Susie looked at it for a moment and then tucked the large envelope under her arm. She laced her fingers in Susan’s and headed through the parking lot. They found their way to an elevator and to the suite on the fourth floor they had been directed to. The waiting room was empty and Susan approached the front desk and spoke to the receptionist. The woman picked up a phone and then spoke to Susie.
“Dr. Chapman will be right out,” she smiled. Almost immediately the office door opened and a hefty built older man made his way into the waiting room.
“I'm Dr. Chapman,” he said with a smile. “Susie, I presume?” Susie smiled and took his offered hand.
“Yes, “ she said. He glanced toward Susan quizzically.
“I’m Susan Lewis,” she said. “Dr. Susan Lewis…”
“Very, very nice to meet you,” he said He turned back to Susie. “Jake and I have been talking for a little bit so he’s already in my office. Do you have any questions about anything before we join him?” Susie frowned a little thoughtfully and then shook her head.
“I’ll be right out here, sweetie,” Susan said. Susie nodded and disappeared through the door. Dr. Chapman watched her and then smiled at Susan.
“She’ll be fine,” he said. “Help yourself to the coffee pot.”
“It’s not her that I am worried about,” Susan muttered as he closed the door and she turned to the magazine rack. She picked out a few and settled herself on a nearby couch to wait. It was nearly an hour later when Susie came laughing through the door with Jake close behind her.
”Okay if I go down to the parking lot with Jake?” Susie asked. “He got a car for his birthday and wants to show it to me.”
“Okay,” Susan said. “You know where my car is and I‘ll be right behind you.” Susie nodded and the two teenagers left. Susan stood up and Dr. Chapman was leaning against his office door.
“Interesting girl, that one,” he said. “The envelope with printed emails was a nice touch, by the way. Your idea?” Susan scoffed and shook her head.
“Nothing that child does is my idea,” she sighed. “What did she do with them?”
“Tore them up and tossed them in the garbage,” he said. “Told Jake that as far as she was concerned the situation was over. It was a nicely done symbolic gesture. She said she is planning to go to U of C’s med school?” Susan nodded.
“That’s the plan.” Dr. Chapman grinned.
“Wouldn’t mind at all having her on my staff when she’s ready,” he said. “If she sticks to it, I mean.”
“Oh, she’ll stick to it,” Susan said happily. “That’s the kind of kid she is.” She nodded and waved as she opened the suite door and made her way toward the elevator. Susie and Jake were waiting by her car. They said good bye to one another and Jake eye Susan warily as he hurried toward another part of the parking lot.
“Well….” Susan asked as she fit the key in the ignition of the car and turned it on. “How did it go?” Susie shrugged and smiled broadly.
“I definitely see myself in that business,” she said happily. Susan chuckled and pulled the car out of the parking space.
Susie chattered all the way home and retrieved Cosmo from Brittany before heading to finish her homework in her bedroom. Susan went through the things she’d pulled from the mailbox and then went through Cosmo’s school backpack. She pulled out a manila envelope with her name scrawled across the front. She opened it and pulled out a child’s story book. There was a note from Cosmo’s teacher attached to the front. Susan read it and flipped through the pages of the book. The pictures were colorful and a true to life. She read the title again. When You Were in Your Mommy. She frowned slightly and then headed up the stairs toward Cosmo’s bedroom with the book in hand.
He was searching for something under his bed. She grinned at the short, blue jeaned legs and sneakers flailing around as he scooted farther and then eased himself out.
“Cos..” she said. “Can you come out so I can talk to you for a minute?”
“Is it important right now?” he asked, his voice muffled. Susan sat on the edge of his bed.
“I think so,” she said. He scooted out from under the bed and sat back on his haunches to look up at her. He brushed his longish hair away from his eyes. Must remember to take him for a hair cut this weekend, she thought. His eyes dropped to the book in her hands and he frowned.
“Your teacher said she took this away from you in school today,” Susan said. ‘Where did you get it?”
“It’s Lauren’s book,” he said as he stood up. “I took it so I could show Cameron. He said that babies come from China and I had to show him they didn’t.” Susan suppressed a smile.
“Did you try to tell your teacher that?” Cosmos shook his head.
“She wouldn’t listen,” he said sadly. “Nobody listens to me.”
“I listen to you,” Susan said brightly. “So does Susie and Grandpa, Luka, Abby…” Her voice trailed off as he slowly shook his head.
“Cameron doesn’t listen to me. He’s just stupid,” the little boy said. Susan sighed and then waited as he lifted his big eyes to her’s.
“Daddy didn’t listen to me either,” he said.
“Oh, Cosmo, of course he did!” Susan exclaimed. "Ðaddy always listened to you.” Cosmo shook his head.
“No, he didn’t,” he said. “I told him I didn’t want him to die but he did any way.”
“Oh honey,” Susan said as she laid the book on the bed next to her and reached for his hands. “Daddy didn’t have any control over that. The cancer did. He tried his hardest to stay with us but he couldn’t.” A tear dripped down Cosmo’s round cheek, so very much like Chuck’s. Susan drew him on to her lap and wrapped her arms around him. She held him close for a long moment and glanced around his delightfully messy, little boy room. Her eyes came to rest on the Star Wars calendar hanging next to his open closet. Her heart sank to her stomach and she kissed the top of his head. How could he have known? It wasn’t a date that was circled there or anything. How could she have forgotten herself? She had been so wrapped up in this thing with Susie that she had actually forgotten that it had been a year ago today. No, tonight. 10:27 pm. Exactly.
“You know what?” she said brightly as she tipped him back so he was looking up at her. ‘What do you say we have a special dinner tonight? Candles, table cloth…the works. We’ll invite Grandpa to come too. We can have some fun and remember Daddy.”
“Do you mean like a birthday?” Cosmo frowned. Susan hugged him again.
“No,” she said. “Not really like a birthday. We can have Daddy’s favorite dinner though and just talk about things we like to remember about him. Do you remember what Daddy liked best for dinner?”
“T bone steak and baked potatoes!” Cosmo grinned immediately. “And Susie’s rice krispie treats!” Susan chuckled and kissed his cheek again.
“That’s right….” She laughed. “Why don’t you go tell Susie what we are planning and ask if she can rustle up her special rice krispie teats for dessert?” Cosmo climbed off her lap and ran toward the door. He stopped and turned back to her. He grinned and hopped over to throw his arms around her for a hug. Susan’s eyes closed as she held her little boy for a moment and then he was gone and she was alone. Damn. A whole year.
Susan, Cosmo and Susie were working in the kitchen when Luka knocked on the back door. Susan opened it and he held out a wrapped package from the meat market.
“Oh, thank you!” Susan exclaimed. “I was glad that I caught you at the hospital so you could stop and pick something out for me. I wouldn’t have had a clue.”
“I can cook it for you,” Luka offered. “I just fired up the gas grill. I got a steak for me too.”
“Does Abby know about that?” Susan asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. He grinned and shook his head.
“She’s working until nine o’clock tonight,” he said sheepishly. “She told me she would get something for herself on the way home and to just feed Lauren. Don’t tell her though.” Susan shook her head in mock consternation.
“My head is spinning with all the secrets I have to keep for you two” she sighed. “Ice cream love fests….and now secretive steak dinners.” Luka laughed.
“Want it grilled?” he asked her again. Susan nodded and handed the package back to him.
“Be right back,” he said and she closed the door. She reached for a stack of plates and carried them to the dining table. Susie followed her with a big salad bowl. Susan shook her head and laughed at all of the candles that Cosmo had gathered and set in the middle of the white table cloth. He’d even brought the small scented ones from their bathrooms. She blinked back tears and took a deep breath. She shook her head as Susie set the bowl down and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Are you okay?” she asked. Susan shrugged and put an arm around her niece.
“Not really,” Susan sighed. “But I’ll be fine.” She smiled and kissed Susie’s cheek as they made their way back to the kitchen. Susan opened the silverware drawer and watched as Cosmo counted out four forks, four knives and four spoons. He carried them into the dining room and Luka knocked on their back door again. Susan carried a platter to the door and grabbed Lauren’s book off the table as well.
“This is yours,” she said as she gave him the book. “Apparently my son was using it to explain the birds and the bees to the entire first grade today.” Luka frowned in confusion as he took the book from her.
“It seems that Cameron told them that babies come from China which probably makes sense to him because his parents are there right now picking up a baby sister from the…uh… cabbage patch,” Susan went on with a laugh. Luka’s frown deepened.
“Might have known Cameron would be at the bottom of it,” he grumbled.
“Never mind,” Susan laughed. Luka took the platter from her and was gone again. Susan waited at the open door as he lifted the huge t-bone steak from the grill and set in on her platter. He turned to hand it to her with a flourish.
“Enjoy…” he said brightly.
“Thanks! You too,” she grinned and carried the steak into the kitchen. Her dad was helping Cosmo and Susie finish setting the table and he looked up at her with worried eyes. Susan winked and put the steak on the table.
“Anyone hungry, yet?” she asked.
“Yeah!” Cosmo cried. He pulled his grandpa to the table and watched from his chair as Susie lit the candles around the room and Susan turned off the lights.
“Cool..” Cosmo sighed in the dim light. And so they ate and talked and laughed and remembered together. Fun times. Family times. Vacations. Quiet times. Happy times.
In due time her dad went home, after tucking Cosmo into bed and giving her a long, firm hug. Susie was finally finishing her homework in her room and Susan was left alone. She extinguished all but one of the candles on the table and found a pen and an old pad of stationary. She sat down at the table and sighed. She picked up the pen and began to write across the top…’My Dearest Chuck’. She had filled five pages before she heard Abby pull her car into the driveway, climb the steps to the front porch and go into her own front door. Susan stared at the candle for a moment and finished her letter. She glanced at her watch and waited. At 10:27 pm exactly, she blew out the candle.
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Post by *Natalie* on Oct 19, 2007 4:44:48 GMT 10
Amazing update Glad they were able to remember chuck in a brillent way natalie xx
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Post by brandykins on Oct 19, 2007 4:46:32 GMT 10
Great update, I loved the way they celebrated the memory of Chuck. Update soon.
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Post by larue on Oct 22, 2007 0:27:59 GMT 10
Susan entered the ER and approached the triage window. The nurse there smiled and pressed the button that opened the doors for her. Chuny was replacing a patient’s file when she looked up and grinned.
“Hello, stranger!” she exclaimed happily. “It’s been a while since you’ve been here.”
“I know,” Susan nodded with a smile. “I have been working a lot lately but I’m meeting Abby here for lunch. Is she around?”
“She’s finishing up with a patient right now but I can find her for you,” Chuny offered. “It’s not very busy today.” Susan nodded and then her smile broadened as Luka approached. He leaned on his elbows across the counter from her.
“So,” he asked as he smiled. “Have you given some thought to my idea for Cosmo’s birthday present?” Susan grimaced and rolled her eyes.
“I’m still thinking about it,” she said. “A puppy?” Luka raised his eyebrows and nodded.
“He needs one, Susan.” She laughed.
“He needs one or you need one?” she scoffed teasingly. “I’m thinking that you want one but Abby has said no because of the new baby coming and so you’re passing this off to my side of the duplex.” Luka straightened and grimaced in mock surprise.
“Would I do that?” he said.
“Oh totally,” Susan scoffed. “And don’t try using those eyes on me. I so have your number, Dr. Kovac.”
“He’s old enough now to learn to take care of a puppy himself,” Luka pleaded. “I’ll teach him everything. You won’t have to do a thing. I promise.”
“If only I had a nickel for every time a Mom has heard that line…” Susan looked up as Chuny caught her eye from one of the trauma rooms. Luka rounded the counter and followed her as she headed toward Chuny.
“Lauren’s getting a new baby. His buddy, Cameron, has a new sister,” Luka said quickly. “He needs a dog so he doesn’t feel left out.” Susan rolled her eyes and laughed.
“Well, that’s a new argument,” she chuckled. “I’ll think about it some more.” She shook her head and Luka grinned as she followed Chuny into the empty trauma room.
Abby was sorting through the medication vials on the counter and adding to the notes on her chart.
“Hi,” she said as she looked up for a second. “I’ll be ready to go in a minute or two.” Susan nodded and stood silently. Abby glanced over at her.
“Is Luka still giving you the spiel for Cosmo’s puppy?” she chuckled. Susan nodded.
“We have a nice, quiet house right now,” she said. “I’m not sure that a dog is going to help me maintain that.” Abby chuckled.
“He is not going to give up easily,” she warned. Susan rolled her eyes.
“So, if I say yes to a puppy when he is seven,” she said. “What do I say to a….motorcycle…when he’s seventeen?” Abby grimaced as she handed the chart to Chuny and headed toward the door.
“No one gets a motorcycle in my family before I do,” she said.
“Got that right,” Chuny chuckled.
“Well, I was actually thinking about a dog before he brought it up,” Susan sighed. “But I think I might let Luka stew a bit more to see what else he can come up with. He is kind of cute when he’s begging.” Chuny grinned and turned to set the chart on the counter. Abby moved out of the way as the doors opened and a gurney was pushed into the room. Luka was pressing a hand on a gushing elbow wound as the EMT paramedic adjusted a blood pressure cuff around the patient’s upper arm. Abby moved in to help.
“Get out of here, Abby,” Luka ordered. “I’ve got it.” Chuny hurried to take the vitals.
“But…” Abby protested.
“There’s a resident and an intern on their way in,” Luka said again. “You’re off as of right now. Go to lunch with Susan.” Abby frowned as she watched them struggle for a second and Luka glared at her again.
“You’re pushing yourself too much,” he said again. “Go.” Susan took her arm and eased her toward the door.
“The place hasn’t changed much, Abby,” she said. ‘Stay too long and you’ll get sucked right back in.” Abby nodded and turned just as the doors were shoved violently open. She was caught off balance and Susan yelped as Abby was pushed into a storage cabinet at her side, fell against an instrument tray and then crashed to the floor on her belly.
“Abby!” Susan cried and knelt to help her. She lifted her head and found herself staring into the barrel of an intimidating handgun. She didn’t move as she glanced carefully around. Luka was standing at the gurney with his gloved and bloody hands splayed in front of his chest as as if he were trying to hold off the young man pointing a gun at him. It was as if time had stopped. They were all waiting for the next…thing…to happen. Susan looked down as Abby groaned quietly and turned on her side. She slowly moved to help her to a sitting position as she pulled herself up.
“Are you okay?” Susan asked. Abby pressed a hand to the growing knot on her forehead and blinked.
“Yeah, I think so,” she said as she rested a trembling hand on her belly. “What happened?” Susan met her gaze and then Abby looked around. Luka and Chuny were on either side of the gurney and the EMT was standing at the head. They were all watching the gun that was training alternately from one of them to the other.
“We have visitors,” Susan said sarcastically.
“Shut up, bitch,” the man holding the gun on her said.
“Can I treat my patient?” Luka asked quietly. “He is a friend of yours, right?” Luka glanced slowly down at the young man on the gurney and then gave quiet instructions to Chuny. She nodded and reached to adjust the saline bag hanging over the man’s head.
“Abby,” Luka spoke quietly and surely. “I need an extra pair of hands.” Abby nodded and grimaced as Susan helped her to her feet.
“Are you okay?” Luka asked as she made her way to the gurney. She nodded as her eyes fearfully met his.
“Gunshot,” he said reassuringly. He tipped a head toward Susan and wordlessly she drew on a yellow gown and snapped on a pair of gloves. It was the only sound in the room. She took a deep breath and moved to Abby’s side and handed her a pair of gloves. They all looked up as a security guard pushed his way into the room, oblivious to the drama that was playing out there. As he turned and saw, he reached for his gun and there was a deafening blast as the glass in the window behind him shattered from a bullet in the gun that had been pointing at Susan. The security guard ducked and then slipped to the floor.
“He needs an airway, Abby,” Luka said insistently and drew their attention back to the patient on the gurney. She nodded and moved to take the instrument and tube Chuny handed her. Susan was listening to his chest and watching as the security guards wrists, knees and ankles were being wrapped with tape.
“Got it,” she said. Luka pulled back the soaked toweling cover the man’s abdomen.
“Oh god,” Abby breathed. “He needs surgery.” Luka nodded grimly.
“Hey….I know you,” the younger of the gunmen said. “Doc, it’s me…Little C. Ain’t so little any more though. Just go by C these days.” A cold rush of emotion spread through Abby’s mind and body. The pit of her stomach rolled. Suddenly she was lying in the back seat of that car again, wondering when they were going to kill her.
“Abby….” A quiet voice drew her back and she moved her eyes to meet the steely gray ones across the gurney from her. Luka’s lips twitched and she nodded ever so slightly.
“Suction,” he said softly. She nodded and turned her eyes to what he was doing with the patient. A quick glance about the room and she could see the crowd of security guards and police beginning to grow in the trauma room next to them and in the corridor.
“Remember me?” C said as he moved into Abby’s eye line.
“Yes,” she said firmly as she looked away. “I remember you.”
“You still a doc,” he stated almost proudly.
“Yes,” she replied flatly. C grinned and moved toward his partner.
“She is good,” he said. “Remember my big bro, Pharo? She worked on CJ that night he got shot…..”
“And he died!” Abby interrupted him angrily. “He needed surgery….real surgery…..and so does your friend.”
“So what is the plan here, fellas?” Susan interrupted. “I mean, if you got this far, you must have a plan, right?”
“Susan…” Luka warned. She scowled angrily.
“I don’t even work here any more, Luka,” she said as she tipped her head slightly toward the hall. “I have kids I need to get home to. So do you.” Luka nodded ever so slightly and frowned worriedly as Abby pressed the back of her hand to her forehead.
“What’s the plan?” Susan demanded again and turned her head to look at the two angry gun men. She sighed.
“Well, if it were me I’d want the people out there to be damn sure that you have no intention of hurting anyone in here…..as long as they do what you want them to,” she said as she worked with Luka to secure a bleeder in the victim’s gut. “The police are here already. I am sure the television and news people won’t be far behind them. You need to think about a statement for them.”
“Shut up, bitch!” Pharo shouted. “You talk too much. Pay attention to him!”
“I can’t help it,” Susan went on. “I always talk too much when I’m nervous….or threatened…." She stopped as Pharo pressed the barrel of his gun to her temple. Luka’s jaw tensed and she could see the police in the next trauma room come to rigid attention.
“The bitch is right, man,” C said lightly from his perch on the counter. “We gotta tell them something.” Pharo’s gun pulled away from her head and she let out a slow breath. Her relief was short lived as he grabbed her by the back of the neck and pulled her to the counter, his gun trained on Luka. Chuny stepped in quickly and took Susan’s place with the bleeding artery. Pharo released her and shoved the patient chart on the counter at her. Susan rubbed the back of her neck angrily.
“Now you write exactly what I say…bitch!” Pharo instructed. Susan glanced around at them all and then picked up the pen.
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Post by *Natalie* on Oct 22, 2007 2:24:40 GMT 10
Hope there all going to get out ok
natalie xx
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Post by larue on Oct 22, 2007 20:58:01 GMT 10
“Susie!” Cosmo cried as she ran to the kitchen door. “Mommy is on television! Come and see!” Susie frowned and made her way into the living room. She stopped and her mouth dropped open. There was a ‘special news bulletin’ banner running across the bottom of the screen and Susan was standing before a host of microphones. She was reading from a piece of paper. Susie could see police men in the background in the ambulance bay of County’s ER.
“It is real important that you know that the people being held hostage are safe,” she was reading. “No one will hurt them as long as you follow the directions given to you. Once again, those people are Dr. Luka Kovac, Dr. Abby Lockhart, nurse Chuny Marquez, paramedic Scott Franklin and security guard Daniel Davis.” Susan looked directly in the camera and sighed heavily.
“We want our families to know that we are all okay,” she said pointedly before stepping back from the microphones. She kissed the tips of her fingers and waved them directly into the camera. She turned to go back through the familiar ambulance bay doors and struggled as the police tried to restrain her.
“Stop it!” she cried. “I have to go back.” She shook free of their grasp and then stalked into the doors.
“Where was Mom going?” Cosmo asked. Susie shrugged and picked up the phone from the table. She hit a few numbers and waited.
“Grandpa?” she said finally. “Grandpa, I don’t know where you are but we really need you to come to our house. Please. As soon as you get home.” She pushed the button to break the connection and set the phone back in it’s charger. Cosmos was still watching her with a stricken face.
“Is Mom okay?” he asked. Wordlessly Susie set the phone down and reached for him. Cosmo wrapped his arms around her neck and they clung to one another. She looked up as the doorbell rang and Brittany pushed it open. She had Lauren in her arms. Her eyes swept form the two of them to the television and back again.
“We weren’t watching anything,” she said. “But, Brett called me. He is on his way.” Susie nodded gratefully.
“She said that they are fine,” she choked finally. “She said they are all okay.” Brittany nodded and shifted Lauren on her hip.
“How about if we make some cookies for them? They will be hungry when they get home,” she asked as she smiled brightly at Lauren and then Cosmo. “Do you have any chocolate chips?” Cosmo’s head popped up.
“We have four kinds,” he said proudly and slipped down from Susie’s grasp.
“Aunt Susan is something of a chocolate connoisseur,” Susie choked. Brittany nodded worriedly as Cosmo took her hand and pulled her toward the kitchen. Susie exchanged grateful glances with her and then turned back to the television. She picked up the changer and flipped from one local station to the next, hoping to catch another news bulletin. She folded her arms closely about her and looked up as there was a knock on the front door and Brett poked his head in.
“Any more news?” he asked as she shook her head and turned back to the television. He slipped his jacket off and dropped in on the staircase and glanced around.
“Where’s Brit?” he asked. Susie tipped her head toward the kitchen.
“Making cookies with Cosmo and Lauren,” she said. Susie straightened and turned up the volume on the tv as a ‘news bulletin banner’ flashed across the screen. Brett moved closer to her and they both watched as the station played Susan’s statement again and then did a short biography of all of the hostages. Susie shook her head.
“What is going on?” she whispered softly to herself.
Standing in the barricaded trauma room where Luka was checking the stats on the unconscious gunman, Susan closed her eyes and grimaced as his partner drew the barrel of his gun roughly down her jaw line.
“We have kids…and families,” she said determindedly. “They have to know that we are okay.”
“I tole you to say nuttin’ but what was on that paper!” he hollered.
“Take it easy, bro,” C said quietly from his perch on the counter. “She didn’t do nothing bad.” Pharo turned toward him with wild eyes and swung the gun to his face.
“She didn’t do what we tole her to do.” C shurugged.
“It don’t matter…..” he said. “Now the cops know we ain’t hurt anybody.”
“He needs surgery,” Abby said quietly from across the gurney.
“You can do it here,” Pharo said.
“None of us are surgeons,” Abby said. “And this isn’t a completely sterile field.”
“That’s right,” Susan said. “We can’t open him up here…..he’d be exposed to so many infections and….” Pharo swung the gun back to her face and Susan stopped and her eyes closed. Luka straightened angrily and then his attention was drawn to Abby as she groaned softly and leaned against the gurney as her knees buckled.
“I think my water just broke,” she cried softly. Luka hurried to circle the gurney but stopped when Pharo swung the gun to him. Susan turned cautiously and moved to Abby’s side.
“Have you been having contractions?” she asked quietly as she put her arm across Abby’s shoulders. Chuny had moved worriedly to her other side.
“I didn’t think so,” Abby gasped. “But maybe I have. It’s too early…” Susan glanced down and then quickly looked at Luka. He bent to look under the gurney at Abby’s feet. Her navy slacks were soaked and a bit of red blood was pooling around her shoes on the floor. He looked over at C.
“We need another gurney in here,” he said firmly. C exchanged glances with Pharo. He jumped down from the counter and sauntered toward the trauma room next door. He stood at the glass and stared at the policemen watching them.
“The doc needs a bed,” he said and pointed. “That one.” There was some discussion and he stood grinning at them until they pushed the gurney toward the door. He opened it and pulled the wheeled bed into the room. He nodded at the police and watched as Luka hurried to lift onto the bed. Susan pushed the sonasite to the bed side and blocked Pharo’s view as Luka lifted Abby’s shirt and quickly ran the ultrasound wand over her belly.
“An abruption?” Susan asked. Luka shrugged and studied the ultrasound screen.
“Uh…no” Abby protested as she tried to sit up. “I am not having an abruption.”
“I don’t see anything,” he said as he ignored he and pressed her gently back on the gurney. “He’s moving around a bit.”
“He?” Abby gasped. Luka grinned slightly and shrugged.
“Sorry…” he said. Abby shook her head and shared a slight smile with him. She glanced toward C and Pharo. They were staring at her. Her smile faded.
“Got a strong heartbeat,” Susan said as she listened through her stethoscope. Abby’s hands clenched as she writhed in the throes of another contraction.
“Oh god, Luka,” she cried. “It’s too early.”
“No…no…” he crooned reassuringly. “It will be fine.” He cupped a hand to the side of her face and waited until her eyes met his. “It’ll be okay.” A tear dripped down the side of her face as she reached up to squeeze his hand and nodded. Luka smiled carefully and then looked up at Pharo and C.
“She needs OB,” he said. “You want his surgery done here? Okay. I’ll do it. But she goes to OB.”
“No, Luka!” Abby murmured in a panic.
“She goes to Obstetrics…now!” Pharo’s eyes narrowed as they flashed from Luka’s face to C’s, to Abby and to Dakota’s comatose form.
“Okay,” he said finally as he moved to help push Abby’s gurney from the room.
“Dr. Lewis too,” Luka said.
“What?” Susan exclaimed. “If you are planning to do surgery you’re going to need my help….”
“She stays with Abby.” Luka’s voice was quiet and deadly. Pharo stared at him for a long moment and then nodded. Luka bent down and pressed a kiss to Abby’s forehead.
“No…..Luka…..please,” she pleaded as she clung to his hand.
“It’ll be okay.” He kissed her again and caressed her belly gently as he drew a sheet over her. “It’ll be okay.” Abby nodded and then sighed as she gripped the sides of the gurney. Luka was still as he watched the doors open.
“Susan…” he choked finally. Susan looked back at him.
“I won’t leave her side, Luka,” she said. “I promise.” There was a flurry of activity as the doors swung shut and Abby’s gurney was pulled through the crowd of security and police in the corridor. Luka watched until he saw the elevator doors shut.
“Chuny?” he said.
“I’m right here,” she said as she straightened next to Dakota’s gurney. “Tell me what you want me to do.”
“I can help too, Doc,” the paramdic said from the corner of the room. “Get them to untie me.” Luka dragged his eyes from the body on the gurney to his captors. C pushed his way past Pharo and knelt to remove the tape at the security guard's feet. Luka took a deep breath and again pulled back the sheets covering Dakota’s chest.
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Post by *Natalie* on Oct 23, 2007 4:57:49 GMT 10
Oh no! Hope Abby's going to be ok, and Luka still in the truma room
natalie xx
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Post by larue on Oct 23, 2007 10:50:51 GMT 10
Susan stood by the phone and took a deep breath and sighed. She glanced into the surgical room where they were prepping Abby for an emergency C-section.
“Come on…” she pleaded quietly. At last it began to ring and she grinned as it was answered immediately.
“Hello?” It was Susie.
“Susie……” Susan said shakily.
“Aunt Susan!” the girl exclaimed. “Are you okay? Where are you?”
“Oh sweetie, I’m fine,” Susan said as she pressed her forehead against the wall. “Luka convinced them to let Abby and I go. I’m in the surgical unit with her right now. They’re prepping her for a C section.”
“She’s having the baby?” Susan suppressed a smile.
“Yeah,” she said softly. “I’m going to stay with her right now. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. Is Grandpa there?”
“Yes,” Susie said tearfully. “And Brett and Jake and some of the others who saw the news on tv. Brittany used up all your chocolate chips making cookies with Cosmo and Lauren.”
“All of them?” Susan chuckled. “There had better be some cookies for me when I get home.” She smiled as she heard Susie giggle and looked up as they waved to her from the surgical room.
“Honey, I have to go,” she said quickly. “I’ll call you as soon as I have any more news. I love you.” She hung up and went into the scrub room and pulled on a new surgical gown. She slipped a cap on her head and hurried inside. Abby was lying on the table and looked up at her anxiously.
“Hi,” Susan said reassuringly and took Abby’s free hand in her’s. “I just talked to Susie. Brittany, Lauren and Cosmo baked their way through all of my chocolate chips. They’re doing fine.” Tears filled Abby’s eyes and she nodded. Her eyes asked a question she didn’t dare ask.
“There’s no news from downstairs,” Susan said quietly. “But that’s good news right?” Abby swallowed and nodded slightly.
“My god, Abby,” Susan grinned slightly as she looked around. “You’re having the baby…” Abby laughed slightly and squeezed Susan’s hand.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she choked. Tears dripped down the sides of her face and Susan nodded as she wiped them away with a surgical towel.
“Okay, Abby,” Janet Coburn said as she peered over the drape blocking their view of Abby’s belly. “We’re ready to start. Let’s get this baby out.” Susan clung to her hand and sat near her head as an incision was made across Abby’s abdomen. They both looked up as the door from the scrub room opened and Luka strode in. There was an angry red mark on the side of his face but he was grinning. They could tell even though he was wearing a mask. Susan stood up and made room for him.
“Hey…” he said softly as he leaned over to kiss Abby’s lips. “Everything okay?”
“Now it is….” Abby said tearfully as she clung to his hand. Susan grinned.
“Yeah, it’s fine,” she said happily. “My feelings aren’t hurt.” Luka looked up at her, his eyes dancing. Susan rounded the table to observe the surgery and her eyes widened in delight.
“Oh, he’s beautiful!” she exclaimed softly as Janet handed the tiny baby boy to the NICU resident standing by.
“It’s a little boy, Abby,” Janet said as she turned back to Abby’s surgical opening. “Congratulations, Luka.”
“Why isn’t he crying?” Abby asked in panic. “Luka….” Luka clung to her hand and stood up to see the baby in the warmer. The resident was wiping him off and then listening to his chest.
“Give him a minute, Abby,” Susan said. “Poor kid has been yanked out of nice, warm little cocoon. He’s in shock. He’ll be mad about it in a second.” Her smile widened as the baby squalled just as she finished. Luka grinned and leaned down to kiss Abby’s hand.
“He’s beautiful…” Luka told her. “Not as much hair as Lauren had and smaller but…”
“Four pounds and two ounces,” the resident said as he wheeled the baby warmer closer so Abby could see. “Ten fingers, ten toes, resps are fine for the moment. Not too shabby for a 35 weeker. I am going to get him up to NICU for more thorough check but I think he’s a keeper…” Abby strained a bit to see her son in the warmer. Her head dropped down again and Luka nodded as the resident headed out the door.
Go with him, Luka,” Abby cried in panic.
“Stay. This has been interesting and all but I prefer to go with…..him,” Susan gestured toward the door. “Do you guys have a name picked out yet or anything?’
“Thank you, Susan,” Luka said gratefully. She smiled and nodded and then her eyes widened a bit as Janet dropped a huge blood clot that nearly filled the surgical pan she put it in.
“There’s the abruption,” Janet said. Susan stopped worriedly and glanced at Luka. He was studying the rapidly filling cell saver near by.
“Luka…’ she said drawing him back. “A name?” He glanced down at Abby and then smiled at Susan.
“Declan,” he said. “Declan Kovac.” Susan frowned in confusion.
“Declan?” she murmured. “But isn’t that like…Irish? Well, I like it. Will they let me in NICU with him? They better. Never mind. I’m Aunt Susan…a force to be reckoned with.” Luka laughed as she hurried out and he bent to kiss Abby again.
“Luka,” Janet said forebodingly. “Abby…we need to talk.”
Upstairs in NICU the resident in charge of Declan allowed her in the unit. She scrubbed for the requisite amount of time, gowned herself again and made her way to the warmer that held the baby. He was surrounded by personnel as they were all given the information about his birth and current stats. She waited and then stepped closer when there was just a nurse. She smiled and reached out a finger toward the tiny little fist on the bed. He was wired up and already had an IV line.
“Aw, poor little guy,” she sighed softly as she traced a gentle finger across the side of his face. “I bet you just want to be snuggled up with your mom.”
When Luka appeared an hour later, Susan was dozing in a rocker next to the warmer. He glanced at the baby in the warmer next to her, smiled for a second and then reached out to touch her shoulder. Susan started, shook her head and then stood up. They stood across from one another and studied the baby. He was covered with a blanket and a soft preemie mask covered his eyes.
“How’s Abby?” she asked. Luka shrugged.
“Fine now,” he said. “She’s in recovery. Coburn had to do a hysterectomy.” Susan’s shoulders sagged.
“Oh, Luka,” she said. “I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah,” he said. “Abby was pissed. But as soon as she was in recovery she sent me up to see the baby.” A tiny smile teased the corner of his lips as he slipped the tip of his finger into the baby’s hand.
“Should I go see her?” Susan asked. Luka shook his head.
“Naw,” he said. “She’ll sleep for a couple of hours. You should go home. The kids will be worried.”
“You’re probably right,” she said. “I have talked to them a couple of times. My dad is there. He finally convinced Brittany to go home and Lauren is ecstatic to be having a sleepover with Cosmo. Susie will be up until she sees me and knows for sure they we are all okay.” She circled the end of the warmer and slipped her arms around his neck.
“If I am ever in a hostage situation again,” she said as she hugged him, “ Promise me that you’ll be there too?” Luka laughed quietly.
“You were the one that had things under control,” he said as he kissed her cheek. Susan smiled and headed toward the NICU doors. She glanced back and he was leaning on the warmer, his finger caressing the tiny baby’s tummy.
Susan whipped off the gown and strode wearily down the corridor of the OB floor. She rode the elevator down to the ER. The hall to the trauma room had been corrdioned off as a crime scene. Other than that, it was business as usual, albeit a quieter night. She glanced up at the clock on the wall. It was after midnight. It had been just twelve hours since she had stood at the desk waiting for Abby and talking to Luka about a damn puppy for Cosmo. She stood still for along moment and then she saw him standing up slowly.
He stood by one of the rows of chairs in the waiting room. She hadn’t actually seen him in months. He had a baseball cap rolled up and jammed into the pocket of his jeans. He stood with his hands on his hips, so like a coach, eyes studying her and just waiting. Susan walked toward the door and pushed the button that opened the sliding glass between them.
“I thought you might need a ride home,” David said as she neared. “They said I could wait here.” She stared at him uneasily for a long moment and then took a deep breath.
“Now do you see why we can’t tolerate violence of any kind from kids?” she asked. “Especially toward other kids?” He nodded and took another step closer to her. Susan was suddenly consumed with all of the pent up emotions that she had crunched down inside her the moment she realized what was happening to them. Her eyes were flooded and threatened to spill over.
“Do you see now why it’s important that we stop it when we can?” Her voice quavered and David nodded again as he inched closer.
“They push kids in the hallway at school and the next thing you know they are shooting at each other with….with….” David nodded again and reached out to pull her gently against him. Susan’s throat was constricted and her hands curled into tight fists between them as David held her. Her shoulders began to shake and her fists relaxed as he tightened his hold, comforting and safe. She took a deep, deep breath and then began to sob quietly. Slowly she wrapped her arms around him and held on for dear life.
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Post by rangooner on Oct 24, 2007 0:58:00 GMT 10
oh hey! i just wanna say that i've read your other stories and are a pleasure to read, and i enjoy them thoroughly and this one's another great one too! oh, and you should be getting more praises for this than you are at present! hoping for another update soon!
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Post by *Natalie* on Oct 24, 2007 5:34:52 GMT 10
Poor Abby and Luka, but at least they have their son now And glad susan had someone waiting for her after it all natalie xx
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