TITLE: Someone’s Prayer (part 1)

AUTHOR: Cristallo

E-MAIL: cristallo16@msn.com

CATEGORY: AL/JC

RATING: PG-13

SPOILERS: season eight

AUTHOR’S NOTES: This fanfic is based on the song “Black Balloon” by the Goo Goo Dolls. While I was listening to it I got the idea for this. It plays throughout the fanfic. It takes place during the eighth season. Oh yes, and Dave Malucci came back. It’s my first so please e-mail me and tell me what you think.

SUMMARY: Abby receives devastating news that will forever change her life…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The melody drifted into the bedroom, causing Abby to open her eyes. Not that she had been sleeping, but she was enjoying the quietness that she would never get working in the ER. The new neighbors must have trouble sleeping again, Abby thought. At least it’s better than screaming. She had finally moved back in after Brian left, and was relieved that someone had taken his apartment. That way, he could never come back into her life.

As Abby was beginning to relive awful memories, the music disappeared. All that was left now was silence. She sighed and made her way into the living room. As she turned on her stereo and played the same song, the heavens opened up and it began to pour. Abby watched it and waited. Waited for a sense of peace that would never come.

“We’ve got four majors coming in and there’s over ten minors waiting for medical attention! Let’s move it people!” Dr. Weaver yelled over the intercom. There was no need for it; her voice alone was enough to get people scurrying about frantically around the nurses’ station.

“Yes SIR! Right away SIR!” Dr. Malucci saluted. Somehow he managed to keep a straight face while everyone else suppressed giggles.

Weaver whipped around and fiercely glared at him. She pointed her finger while speaking through clenched teeth. “You’re walking a fine line as it is Malucci! Don’t screw up your second chance here!” Without another word she walked away.

Just then, Abby walked through the emergency entrance wearily. “Hey everyone,” she sighed while sipping her espresso. She was so tired that she had relented to buy an espresso rather than her usual cup of coffee at Doc Magoos.

“Hey Abby, how you doin’?” Malucci greeted warmly as she made her way over to the desk. As he asked that, Carter and Susan walked out of the lounge together, talking and laughing. A hint of jealously had begun to show evidently on her expression, but quickly managed to conceal it. She instead forced a smile in Malucci’s direction.

“Oh, I’m good. And you?” Abby replied politely. Already the day was turning into another bad one, and she was determined not to let that happen. After all, tonight was the annual Cooks County Hospital charity ball. It was a formal event where all the proceeds went to the children’s ward. Going to it was the last thing she had wanted, but since it was for charity she agreed to make an appearance. She was trying to determine what to wear while Malucci answered her question.

“Abby?” Malucci snapped her out of her momentary trance. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry. Drifted off.” She murmured while glancing at the board. “We have four majors coming in?”

Malucci also looked at the board and nodded. “Yep, and only eight am. Oh yeah, who can forget Weaver’s on a warpath as always…”

Abby chucked in amusement. “What else is new?” She thought aloud. As she headed into the lounge, she wished she hadn’t come to work today. It was turning out to be one of those days. A day where she actually wanted to disappear.