CHAPTER 8


......................................................

Dr. Weaver finished examining the little girl, and gave a list of
instructions to Abby. As she went to leave the roomed, she stopped as if
suddenly remembering something, and turned to face Abby.
"Oh, Abby, I was meaning to ask how John is doing"
Abby smiled slightly at the mention of his name.
"He's err running a fever and he's still vomiting." Abby shook her head
"You'd think he was dying"
"Yes, well, that's men for you" Kerry smiled tightly and exited the exam
room.
As Abby drew blood from the patient she was imagining him at home of the
sofa, a duvet wrapped around him, puffy eyes and a pained expression on his
face. He was such a baby, she thought.

Two months had passed since Abby and Carter had got together. Everyone was
settled with idea of them as a couple. In fact, it was impossible to see
them in any other sense. They were inseparable. The nurses had often
discussed whether or not they'd last, and they didn't even start a pool
because secretly, everyone hoped they'd make it.
"If you ask me girl, we'll be hearing wedding bells soon..."
"I dunno Haleh, it's been what? - two months? I mean just look at Doug and
Carol ... "
"Well, I say these two are in for the long haul"
Chuny rested her chin on her hands and nodded.
"I hope so - things have been happy around here for a change"
"You ask me, a wedding's just what we all need"
"Maybe Weaver and Sandy Lopez should tie the knot"
Haleh raised her eyebrows.
"Now that WOULD be something"

The nurses were interrupted as a middle-aged, attractive woman walked up to
the desk. She had an air of respectability about her, which immediately
ruffled Haleh's feathers
"Excuse me, I'm wondering if you could help me, I'm looking for Abigail
Lockhart. I believe she's a nurse here"
Haleh eyed the woman suspiciously.
"I'll go get her - who should I say's asking?"
"Eleanor Carter, thank you"
Haleh turned away, catching Chuny doing her "Oh my God!" face. Haleh pulled
her "I know exactly what you're thinking" face back, and went to find Abby.
She was going to enjoy every minute of this.
Abby was in curtain 3 with Susan and Gallant. Haleh popped her head round
the curtain, and coyly remarked
"Abby - there's someone to see you"
Abby looked up from what she was busy doing, and looked back down quickly
"Who?"
"Eleanor" Haleh was going to milk this for all it was worth.
"Eleanor? Eleanor who?"
Haleh spoke very slowly;
"AKA ...... MRS. Carter"
Abby's head snapped up.
"What? ....here???"
"that's what I said" and with that, Haleh slipped away quietly,
congratulating her self on her little drama.
"Oooooh, someone's in trouble"
Abby looked at Susan who was very clearly also enjoying herself.
"Well, go on. Don't want to keep your future mother-in-law waiting..."
"Maybe I could slip out the back" Abby replied heading towards the door.
"Wish me luck"
Abby left the room.
"You'll need it" muttered Susan to herself.

.............................................................

"Mrs. Carter?"
"Abby, how nice to see you again. And please, call me Eleanor."
"So, how can I help you?"
"I wondered if I might buy you lunch, if that's possible?"
"mmm, sure, I'll just get my coat"
Eleanor smiled and nodded at the younger nurse. She could see why John would
like her. Although she had always imagined her son with a tall blonde on his
arm, this young woman had a dark, sad beauty and a depth of character and
intelligence which added to her attractiveness.

The two women sat in the window of Doc Magoos. Eleanor looked very out of
place in the cafe, and Abby felt uncomfortable to say the least as they sat
in silence.
"I suppose you want to know why I'm here."
Abby affirmed this with a weak smile.
"Well, firstly, I don't want you to think I'm here to intimidate you, or to
be the interfering mother...."
Eleanor smiled at this.
"You obviously care about John, and I know he cares very much for you. And I
also know if I left it to John, I'd never get to even meet you, let alone
get to know you"
Abby was listening intently, sure that there was a catch somewhere.
"So, I am here simply to invite you to dinner tomorrow evening, if that is
convenient of course."
Abby could barely hide the surprise in her voice.
"I would, I mean I'd like to, but John's still unwell ...."
"I know ... I thought you could come alone. He would probably get in the way
anyhow, thinking he'd need to protect you from me"
Eleanor laughed again. Abby couldn't tell if she was laughing at herself, or
at everyone else around her.
"How does seven o clock sound?"
"Err, that sounds fine" Abby realized that this women had an incredible way
of somehow getting what she wanted.
"Good. I'll see you then. Now, I hope you'll excuse me but I've got a
meeting to attend"
Abby stood up as Eleanor did. Eleanor reached out and shook her hand.
"It was lovely meeting you again Abby"
And with that, she was gone. Abby sat back down, lost in her own thoughts,
and wondering what the hell she was gonna wear tomorrow evening.

...............................................

END OF CHAPTER 8