Title: If I Should Fall Behind

Author: Cheryl (GoReDsOx05@aol.com)

Description: This fanfic takes place after Lockdown and this is the way that I hope things go on the Carby front! I used some lyrics from the song, “If I Should Fall Behind” by Bruce Springsteen (re-done by Faith Hill on her Breathe album) because it seems to fit a couple starting on a new journey together.

Spoilers: I use some of the spoilers that I have gotten from “Chaos Theory,” the season premiere. I also use “Lockdown” and “The Letter”

Note: this is my first fanfic ever and I would appreciate some feedback if it’s possible.

“We’re gonna be okay,” Carter reassures Abby as he leans in to kiss her again. He couldn’t believe that he finally got up the nerve to do what he has wanted to do for so long now. Abby couldn’t believe it either. They both knew it was right and they knew that everything would be different from then on.

All of a sudden, Susan comes bursting through the door and Carter and Abby reluctantly pull apart. Susan, had a slight smirk on her face because of what she has just walked and she knew that it was about time that something happened with those two.

“Hey, I know you guys will be stuck in here for a while, so I’m having Jerry bring a cot in here for you. You’ll be here at least until tomorrow, but I think you guys can find things to do to occupy your time.”

“Thanks Susan,” Carter says with a little sarcasm behind his voice.

Jerry comes in to drop off the cot and he and Susan leave Carter and Abby alone again. There is an awkward silence and Carter tries to break it, but has no idea how to express his feelings.

“So…..Do you want the cot or the gurney?

Abby chooses the gurney. Carter lays on his back on the cot so he can still see Abby and she lays on her stomach so she can see his face.

“Carter, I have to ask you something.”

“Okay,” Carter said.

“Why did you kiss me?”

Carter didn’t know what to say. He thought for a moment

“It’s not like I haven’t thought about it before. That night, outside of the bar, it took all of the strength I had not to kiss you, but the timing wasn’t right. Mark just died and I didn’t want to take advantage of the situation. It felt right today. I mean, you’re my best friend, and I didn’t want to ruin everything by rushing into a situation that would cause me to lose you. I guess tonight, I just really needed you…I needed you to know how I feel.”

Abby was a little shocked: “Well, I guess that’s a good reason.”

“Why did you kiss me back?” Carter inquired.

Abby sighed a little and said, “For the same reasons. It seems like we have been in some roller coaster for the last 2 years. Either you wanted me and I wasn’t ready or I wanted you and you didn’t want to ‘settle’. I don’t want to lose you as my friend, but it seems like things can only get better from here. When I was with Luka, it wasn’t the same. We weren’t friends before we got together. I couldn’t talk to him like I talk to you. So, do you think we can handle this?”

“Handle what?”

“Us” Abby responded.

“You mean, us isn’t too complicated anymore?” They both began to laugh at this after their conversation a few weeks ago.

“I think this is as complicated as it gets, but I’m willing to give it a go if you are,” Abby says.

“Okay then”

So the journey begins.

…..The next evening after the lockdown, Carter and Abby go and sit by the pool of the Carter Mansion. They are sitting in the same lounge chair with Carter’s arms wrapped tightly around Abby as her hands together on his chest. Their heads are right next to each other and the music begins to play.

Both are wondering where the music is coming from and they see Gamma in the kitchen window with a goofy grin. “I guess Gamma likes you,” Carter says playfully.

“Well, that’s a relief. I know how important she is to you Carter.”

Carter jumps up from the chair and asks Abby to dance. She reluctantly agrees, knowing that she is not that great of a dancer. However, she knew that it wouldn’t matter if she was in his arms. She puts her head on his chest and he holds her closely. They start to listen to the words of the song and they get lost in it:

We said we’d walk together, baby come what may,

That come the twilight, should we lose our way.

If as we are walking, a hand should slip free,

I’ll wait for you,

And should I fall behind

Wait for me.

We swore we’d travel together, darling side by side.

We’d help each other stay in stride.

But each lover’s steps fall so differently.

So I’ll wait for you,

And should I fall behind

Wait for me.

Abby lifts her head to look into his eyes. They didn’t have to say anything. They knew what the other one was thinking. They both knew that they were ready to embark on a kind of love and understanding that they had only dreamed of. They both smiled at each other it was as if their lives had just begun. Carter kisses her on the forehead, then on the lips. They fall back into each others arms. Their journey together begins.

Everyone dreams of a love lasting and true.

You and I know what this world can do.

So let’s make ourselves clear that the other may see.

And I’ll wait for you

Should I fall behind

Wait for me.