Seasons 9 &10
A Thousand Cranes:
(Carter opens his locker. The ring is in a box on the top shelf. He takes it out and looks at it and Susan comes in and sits down.)
Susan: Ugh, I wish the sun would rise already! This graveyard shift's going forever. (looks at Carter) You okay?
(He nods and holds up the ring to her.)
Susan: (jokingly) I love you too, Carter, but it's over.
Carter: I'm gonna ask her tonight.
Susan: You're going to propose?
Carter: Actually, I already did, but...badly.
Susan: (shocked) She said no?
Carter: She didn't say anything, but this time I'm gonna do it right.
Susan: Oh, wow. (She takes out the ring and looks at it.) That is a nice rock.
Carter: It was my great-grandmother's. My great-grandfather gave it to her the day he left for the army.
Susan: You know, I don't think she'll mind that it's second-hand.
(Abby and Maggie at Abby's apartment. Abby is getting ready and Maggie is making breakfast.)
Maggie: Do you remember the Riley's? You guys stayed with them when you were about ten or so.
Abby: Uh, yeah, they had a cabin up by Mt. Ludson.
Maggie: Yeah, Eric used to call Sonia um, Gammy.
Abby: Grammy.
Maggie: Grammy, whatever.
Abby: Mmhmm.
Maggie: Maybe he went there.
Abby: Maybe.
Maggie: They were really good with you when things were...bad. They took you fishing, you remember?
Abby: Mmhmm, yeah, in the Grand Rapids.
Maggie: The Grand Rapids.
Abby: (smiling) I cut my finger, yeah, with the hook.
Maggie: Eric caught that great big old smelly fish and acted like he had found gold, for god's sakes - (she cuts off.trying not to cry.)
Abby: He'll be okay, Mom.
Maggie: I know. (pause) I should pack. (Abby's pager goes off) Is that John?
Abby: No, it's work. But guess what, he asked me to marry him. (She picks up the cordless phone.)
Maggie: Really?
Abby: Well, he didn't really mean it. I mean, it was, we were on the roof, and it was freezing, and there was a helicopter flying around, and he was kind of...shouting it at me...it's every girl's dream, right?
Maggie: What'd you say?
Abby: Nothing, really. Because, you know - he didn't mean it. It was just something that happened. (She calls the ER.)
Maggie: What's the matter?
Abby: I have to go. But, come to the hospital later and I'll give you a ride to the bus station.
Maggie: Okay.
Abby: (starts to walk away and comes back) Or, you could stay a few more days.
Maggie: No, I have to get back to work.
Abby: Be here waiting in case he shows up.
Maggie: What if he shows up in Minnesota?
Abby: You're right.
(Carter and Abby meet up in the hallway at the hospital and walk to the desk and stand in front of the board talking.)
Carter: Hey.
Abby: Hi.
Carter: I thought you were on later.
Abby: Yeah, I heard what happened and thought we might need the help.
Carter: Actually, we only got the one. Three went straight to the morgue. Sorry I didn't get to come by last night.
Abby: It's okay. Maggie and I played Scrabble. I got a 75 point word.
Carter: Really?
Abby: Cyanotic. She challenged it.
Carter: Of course. (They pause to listen to a news bulletin.) Any word on Eric?
Abby: I don't expect any. It's like a bear hibernating, he won't come out til Spring.
Carter: Hey, what do you say we go out tonight? Sushi. Just you and me. Maggie can fend for herself.
Abby: I told her I'd drive her to the bus station.
Carter: She leaving?
Abby: Yep.
Carter: Is that a good thing?
Abby: I don't know. It was kinda nice having a roommate. (She walks away.)
Susan: Sushi? I hope you have a better plan than that.
Carter: It's all about misdirection. I don't wanna show my hand too early.
Susan: Well, the two of you have had enough misdirection, trust me, show your hand.
(Maggie comes to the hospital but Abby is too busy to take her so Maggie says she'll take a cab. Maggie walks outside, upset. Carter sees her and goes after her.)
Carter: Nurses shortage, you know? (Maggie turns around crying.) Oh...(he hands her a handkerchief) Working in the ER can be a very inconvenient job sometimes.
Maggie: I'm sorry John. I just wanted Eric to come home so bad, so I could be with my family for a second. Abby and I were getting along so well.
Carter: You should stay longer. I know she would love it.
Maggie: I'm sorry. (hands him the handkerchief) Thank you John. I can catch a cab out here, right?
Carter: You know, I'm off in a couple of minutes, I'll drive you to the station.
Maggie: Really?
Carter: Yeah.
(Carter and Maggie are sitting in his Jeep in a lot of traffic.)
Carter: I've never seen it like this.
Maggie: It's okay. There'll be a later bus.
(Carter turns on music and punk rock blasts into the car. Maggie and Carter laugh as he switches to something else.)
Maggie: That's not your music. That's Abby's. She always liked that noise.
Carter: I'm getting used to it. (A cop comes by and knocks on Carter's window.)
Cop: There's an accident up ahead. Sit tight and we'll keep you posted.
Carter: Uh huh. Okay. Thank you. (The cop leaves)
Maggie: Thank you for doing this, John. I know it's a huge inconvenience.
Carter: It's no problem.
Maggie: I'm sorry for getting so upset. I hate being so pathetic. Just the idea of going home alone...waiting...
Carter: Eric'll turn up.
Maggie: Yeah. Yeah, but I worry....about both of them.
Carter: Abby's good. (he smiles) You know, we're both good. You don't have to worry about that.
Maggie: She told me...She told me you might get married?
Carter: Is that what she said?
Maggie: (laughs) No. She told me you proposed. Oh, I know she's work, it runs in the family (Carter laughs) but she's so worth it.
Carter: Yeah. (pause) Yeah. I spend 23 hours a day wondering whether we're wrong for each other, wondering whether we've got the energy we need to get through everything that we seem to get into, whether the baggage we both bring would sink a small ship. But, um, in the 24th hour, I realize I've been thinking about her for 23 hours, and I come back to there's something about her....that I can't stay away from. Something about her that makes me want to...(pauses and chuckles) love her. (Maggie is watching him and smiles.)
(Carter is outside looking up at a helicopter going overhead. Maggie is looking at the ring as her gets back in the Jeep.)
Maggie: John, it's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. (She hands the rings back.) Oh. Marriage can be a great thing.
Carter: Can be.
Maggie: Yeah. (pause) What the hell do I know? Mine failed. For many reasons. You sure as hell don't want my advice. But I would think that kind of commitment to somebody - you have to be ready for anything.
Carter: Or nothing. You never know what' going to happen.
Maggie: Or you do.
Carter: You mean the drinking?
Maggie: I drank, I smoked when I was younger. (sighs) It took having a baby to make me stop. Smoking, at least. I always went back to the drinking. Maybe Abby will be stronger. Have you two talked about this?
Carter: About having kids? (Maggie nods) I know that she worries about passing on the disease.
Maggie: She and Richard never communicated, ever, I don't think.
Carter: Really.
Maggie: I think that they loved each other at first, but he had all these expectations that she never realized. He didn't understand her.
Carter: Well, I'm not walking into this blind.
Maggie: No, no, no, I don't think you are. I just don't...,want...
Carter: (slightly annoyed) Yes?
Maggie: I...I just don't want you to want to fix her..
Carter: Abby doesn't need to be fixed.
Maggie: Or heal her, or change her.
Carter: I love her.
Maggie: I just don't want you to be waiting for her to change.
Carter: I'm not.
Maggie: She's an amazing person.
Carter: I know who she is.
Maggie: She's an amazing person with certain weaknesses,and you'd be lucky to have her even with those weaknesses, but you have to love her even if she never changes...anything.
(Abby is waiting outside the restaurant and Carter comes running up.)
Carter: Sorry I'm late. Traffic.
Abby: Why did you make me wait outside?
Carter: It's a surprise.
Abby: It's February in Chicago.
Carter: I know! Makes you feel alive, doesn't it?
(Sitting at their table, the waiter comes and clears their plates.)
Abby: Are you gonna tell me what this is all about?
Carter: I thought we both just deserved a break, especially after a day like today.
Abby: Mmhmm. It was more like a month. (pause, and she smiles) But what's it really all about?
Carter: So you think this is a keeper?
Abby: The restaurant?
Carter: Us. You and me.
Abby: Are you okay?
Carter: I've, uh, spent a long time looking for a relationship that I thought would stick. Sometimes it was the wrong person. Sometimes I guess I wasn't ready, or in the right place, but...I think I am now. I really think I am now. Are you?
Abby: John...
Carter: Because I really want this to stick.
Abby: Me too.
Carter: (reaches into his pocket) I know that uh, we've had a rough time, and there's still a lot of stuff that we have to get through. But I think we're doing okay. I think that we're growing, we're changing. Do you?
Abby: I don't know if people ever really change. (Carter's face turns to disappointment.) But, I know what you mean.
Carter: You do?
Abby: I think so.
Carter: (He smiles sadly and puts the ring back in his pocket.) Mmhmm. Well, let's see what's for dessert.
Abby: That's it? You bought out this whole place just for that?
Carter: (sadly) That. And the chocolate suoffle.
(Back at Abby's apartment, Abby is making tea and Carter is in the shower.")
Abby: (shouting) Do you want tea? Carter? (the phone rings) Hello?
Maggie: Hello, Abby?
Abby: Mom! Are you there already?
Maggie: No, no I'm not. We're delayed here in Tomah. The roads are snowed in.
Abby: Tomah, Wisconsin?
Maggie: Abby: I know I was in the way, and I'm sorry. I never want to be a burden.
Abby: Mom, you are not a burden.
Maggie: I just wish Eric would have come back.
Abby: I know.
Maggie: And we could have all been together, just for one little minute. I love you both so much, sometimes I don't know what to do.
Abby: I love you too.
Maggie: (starting to cry) I'll call you in a few days.
Abby: Okay. Call me tomorrow. (She picks Carter's coat up off the table and the ring box falls out of his pocket.) Get home safe!
(She hangs up and picks up the box. She opens it and sees the ring.)
Carter: (calling from the bathroom) Who was that?
Abby: (jumps, startled) Uhh...Maggie!
Carter: What'd she want?
Abby: (still looking at the ring) She wanted to thank you for the ride. What kind of tea do you want? (closes the box)
Carter: Whatever you're having.
(The tea kettle starts whistling and she puts the box back in his pocket..)
The Advocate:
(Carter and his Gamma are in a limo.)
Gamma: Is your jalopy still in the shop?
Carter: (smiles) It's a Jeep.
Gamma: Oh, Jeep. You hardly touched your breakfast.
Carter: Yeah, I don't like to eat much before a shift. All that blood and guts, you know.
Gamma: Don't remind me. I had a feeling there was some agenda this morning, but you've been very mysterious.
Carter: I just wanted to check in, see how you were...and, I wanted to give this back to you, for the time being. (hands her the ring)
Gamma: She said no?
Carter: I didn't ask.
Gamma: Did something happen?
Carter: Nah, it just felt kinda rushed.
Gamma: What did she do?
Carter: Nothing. Doesn't even know. I don't think she knows. Maybe she knows, I don't know.
Gamma: I'm sorry, John.
Carter: I thought you'd be relieved.
Gamma: That you're unhappy?
Carter: I got the impression that you never really...cared for her.
Gamma: I've spent so many years trying to get you to do what I think is best for you. You're past having me badger you about your choices. (hands the ring back to him) This is yours. Give it, or don't, to whomever you choose.
(At the hospital, Susan is trying to figure out if Carter proposed to Abby.)
Susan: So, how's it going with you? (Abby says something about a patient.) Uh, no, I meant in general. Any, uh, news?
Abby: No. Did you need this? (hands her a chart)
Susan: No, I thought it was a different patient. So, how are you and Carter?
Abby: Good, I guess. Kind of. He's been acting a little weird.
Susan: Well, it's been rough for the both of you lately.
Abby: Yeah, I think we're getting back to normal though.
(Carter and Abby are talking about a patient by the drug lockup and she itches her back.)
Carter: What's that?
Abby: What?
Carter: On your back.
Abby: (pulls down her shirt so he can see) It's the patch.
Carter: For...birth control?
Abby: No, for smoking.
Carter: You quit smoking?
Abby: Four days ago, yes, thanks for noticing.
Carter: Thanks for sharing.
Abby: Last week I had to bring a throat cancer patient outside so she could smoke through her trach hole, and I decided this has got to stop.
Carter: Really? (Abby nods and walks away.)
(Carter and Abby are wheeling their patient into the elevator.)
Patient: It's all my own fault. I should have never married him. You get on shot, maybe, at being truly happy. I had it with Henry when I was twenty, and blew it.
Carter: Okay, well, I'm gonna come up and check on you after your therapy. (They are both smiling as they walk away.)
Abby Til death do they part, huh?
Carter: They deserve each other. Hey, do you wanna get some dinner tonight?
Abby: Uh, I can't, not tonight.
Patient: Abby, I need to pee.
Abby: Okay, I'll be right there Pablo!
Patient: I don't think I can hold it that long!
Abby: I'm coming!
Carter: I was kinda hoping that we could get together.
Abby: I can't, I have a thing.
Carter: What thing?
Abby: I'm meeting someone.
Carter: Who?
Abby: My AA sponsor.
Carter: When did this happen?
Abby: I just decided, maybe it was time to say hello.
(Abby walks out of the hospital and Carter is waiting for her.)
Carter: Hey. What time is your thing?
Abby: Uh, she's probably waiting for me right now. Did you get your car fixed?
Carter: Yeah. One of these days I'm gonna get one that works. (Abby laughs) So...you know, right?
Abby: Know what?
Carter: That night at the restaurant, I had a ring. You knew that right?
Abby: I figured, if you wanted to talk about it, you would have.
Carter: I didn't go through with it, because in that moment it just felt...it didn't feel right. And, I don't know why. ANd I wish I did know why, but, I think the fact that I didn't do it means that maybe there's something that isn't working.
Abby: I get it. It's okay. (pause) I gotta go.
(She starts walking across the street)
Carter: You get it? Well, that's good, maybe you could explain it to me, because I don't get it. I know that I show up for work and you act like a completely changed person. And I think that's great, if that's real. The patch, the sponsor...
Abby: Real?
Carter: For real, for you. Or is this something that's gonna get thrown out the window the next time something bad happens? Because if you're trying to prove something to me, like some kind of quick fix....
Abby: I didn't do it for you! I woke up sick of myself, okay, and if you're sick of me, and just all of it, I don't blame you.
Carter: I'm not sick of you. How do you hear that?
Abby: Because all I ever do is disappoint you, I feel like all I'm ever going to do is disappoint you, I've said thsi before, I don't know why you're surprised to hear this.
Carter: Stop! Stop! Stop with this whole routine, this whole fatalistic, black cloud, nothing good is ever gonna happen routine.
Abby: Problem is, it's not a routine.
Carter: Hey! (grabs her arms and bends over a little to look her in the eyes but she won't meet his gaze) What do I have to say? What do I have to do to get through to you?
(He stands there for a second, she continues avoiding his gaze. He walks away and gets into his Jeep where he sits, frustrated, and hits the steering wheel. Abby stand still for a little bit then starts walking away. Carter pulls up next to her and gets out. Abby turns around and puts out her arms, as if to say, 'I don't know.' Carter does the same. They go closer to each other and hug, standing in the middle of the sidewalk holding onto each other.)
Finders Keepers:
(Carter, Abby, adn Luka are in the elevator going to the roof. Luka is trying to start a conversation.)
Luka: Should be interesting...Romano in charge. (pause) Seen any movies lately?
Carter: Nope.
Luka: Try that sushi place by the pier yet?
Abby: No.
Luka: It's good. (pause) Long time now...that you've been together, a year?
Carter: Almost.
Luka: That's nice.
Abby: He's got a lot of people scared.
Carter: Not you!
Abby: Still need to pay my rent.
Carter: Oh, come on. Romano's bark is so much worse than his bite.
Abby: Easy for you to say, you can walk away if you want to.
Carter: So, Susan got married, huh?
Abby: Can't call her indecisive.
Carter: Can call her crazy.
Things Change:
(Carter and Abby meet up in the hallway, Carter is carrying a big envelope.)
Carter: Hey.
Abby: Hey.
Carter: What's Kerry doing down here?
Abby: Romano damage control. What do you got there?
Carter: That is my NGO packet. La Alliance de Medicine Internacional.
Abby: Thought you said you weren't going.
Carter: Yeah, I'm not.
Abby: Why'd they send it to you?
Carter: I guess they're hoping I'm going to change my mind. My shots are good for a year.
Abby: You didn't sign anything, did you?
Carter: No. It's a volunteer organization, they can't draft you. Luka is still going to the Congo.
Abby: I know, he doesn't listen to me either.
Carter: So, with Weaver back down here, does that mean that Romano is history?
Abby: He moved his office out of exam one, but that could just be because the urine smell was burning his eyes.
Carter: Well, she's probably just working a few shifts for appearances sake, just to keep people from freaking out, or killing him.
Abby: We tried that. They just keep putting him back together.
(Carter hangs up the phone after talking to his Dad and Abby comes up to the desk.)
Abby: I've been looking for you.
Carter: Yeah, I've been looking for you. (Pratt needs help with a patient and they continue talking in between working on the patient.) Can you leave right after this?
Abby: Yep, I'm ready to go right now.
Carter: Good. 'Cause I really don't want to do this alone.
Abby: Do what?
Carter: Just all the arrangements, just everything that has to be taken care of.
Abby: Carter, what are you talking about?
Carter: What are you talking about, where are you going?
Abby: To get Eric.
Carter: What?
Abby: Yeah, he called, from a truck stop outside of Des Moines.
Carter: When did this happen?
Abby: This afternoon. Oh, and I need you to write me a script for Depakote and Zyprexa. (She notices Carter's expression.) What's wrong?
Carter: My grandmother died today. Just didn't wake up from her nap.
Abby: (softly) Carter, I'm sorry, no one told me.
Pratt: Hey, I got it.
Abby: Let's get out of here. (They walk out of the room and stand by the doorway. Abby starts stroking his arm.)
Carter: Yeah, she called me, like...three days ago, she was on some new committee, she wanted me to hear speak about some wetlands learning center. She knew I hated that stuff, I think she just wanted to see me.
Abby: Well, you spent more time with her than anybody.
Carter: She called again last night, I saw her number on the caller ID, I just, I didn't pick up.
Abby: She lived a very full and happy life, and you were a big part of that. (Carter starts writing her prescriptions.) She wasn't sick, she wasn't in pain, she was in her own bed, it's not a bad way to go. And I'll be back tonight, the flight's only an hour.
Carter: Do you have to go? I mean, my dad's flying in, I gotta do all the funeral arrangements...
Abby: I just- I have to go get him.
Carter: Why? Eric's been gone for weeks, what's one more day?
Abby: (hanging her head) He's off his meds, if I don't go now, he might disappear again. (Carter shakes his head and starts walking away.) I'll be back tonight, John!
Carter: Go. Go find your brother, my grandmother will still be dead when you get back.
(Abby calls Carter's cell and has to leave a message.)
Abby: Hey John, it's me. Um...I'm at a motel room at the airport because we missed our plane. I'm sorry. But, I'm trying to get us on the first flight out tomorrow, and I'll try to call you later. (pause) Bye.
Eric: (comes out of the bathroom) Better?
Abby: Better.
Eric: Thanks for the clothes.
Abby: Thank Carter. They're his. He also sent this. (hands him a glass of water and a pill)
Eric: What is it?
Abby: Depakote.
Eric: This is my life now, isn't it?
Abby: (shrugs) It's up to you. We all thought you were dead, you know. Except for Mom, or course, she refused to believe it.
Eric: Does she know you were coming?
Abby: I couldn't get in touch with her. For all I know, she's missing too. (Eric laughs) It's not funny.
Eric: I know. (pause) It's a little funny. (Abby smiles) So what happens now?
Abby: We go home.
Eric: But what about me? I don't wan to live like this. I can't keep doing this to you.
Abby: You have to get into a program.
Eric: Will you help me?
Abby: (pause) Don't I always?
Foreign Affairs:
(After Eric's performance at the funeral.)
Abby: He's calmer now, I gave him some Depakote.
Carter: How much?
Abby: A whole bottle. I was stuck. I - I, he couldn't be left alone, I really wanted to be here with you, and I thought he would just wait in the car, and I'm really sorry, John. (She sits down and puts her hand on his leg. Carter nods slowly) I'm gonna drop him off at the hospital and then I'll come by the house okay?
Carter: What for?
Abby: Because he agreed to be evaluated, maybe go into a locked ward.
Carter: No, I mean why come by the house?
Abby: (looks down and takes a deep breath) I know, what happened was terrible, unforgivable, really, but, my brother is sick and he's struggling, and I'm just trying to help him survive.
Carter: Mmhmm. So go do that.
(Carter arrives at the hospital, still in his suit.)
Carter: Jerry, have you seen Abby?
Jerry: She's off today. I thought you were too?
Susan: Carter, I thought you went to the funeral?
Carter: (laughs wryly) Yeah, if you can call it that.
Carter: (on the phone, to Abby's answering machine) Hey, I thought you were gonna be here with Eric. I was just trying to catch you. I guess there was a change of plan. And, I'm gonna hang up now because You're standing right in front of me.
Abby: Hi.
Carter: Where's Eric?
Abby: Upstairs with Meyers, are you okay? (He shrugs) Look, I'm really sorry, I feel like such a terrible person.
Carter: Yeah, well, it's been a bad time all around. (Someone starts yelling, knocks over an IV and Carter goes to help.)
Abby: I'm gonna come back later.
Carter: Good.
Abby: (Abby comes into the lounge looking for Carter.) Hey.
Luka: Hey.
Abby: Have you seen Carter?
Luka: Uh, he was here before. Everything okay?
Abby: (rolls her eyes and shrugs) Hey, I heard about the boy, congratulations.
Luka: Thanks.
Abby: Okay, see ya tomorrow.
Luka: Actually, uh, you won't see me for awhile. I'm going to the Congo.
Abby: What?
Luka: The Alliance de Medicine Internacional. I'm off tomorrow, and then I'm going to West Africa.
Abby: I didn't know that that was so soon. (Luka nods and they hug) Take care of yourself. I mean it.
Luka: Yeah.
Jerry: She's in the lounge.
Carter: Who?
Jerry: You're not gonna play that, are you?
(A trauma comes in and Carter goes to help. Pratt and Chen are also there and they tell Carter they have it. Abby convinces him to let them take it. He walks out and into the empty suture room, upset.)
Abby: Okay, why don't we just get out of here?
Carter: You know I came in to find you, right!? I shouldn't have, I shouldn't have come.
Abby: It's okay, things are gonna get better.
Carter: Can you do me a favor? Can you leave me alone?
Abby: What?
Carter: I need some time. Can you just go?
Abby: (softly) Okay.
(She stares at him for a few seconds, and then walks out. Carter sits down on the gurney and puts his head in his hands, crying. Abby watches through the window, but leaves.)
When Night Meets Day:
Abby: Hey.
Carter: Hey.
Abby: Did you see the eclipse?
Carter: Yeah, sort of.
Abby: Pretty freaky, huh?
Carter: Yeah, I guess.
Abby: You have a rough shift?
Carter: Yeah, there was this guy, this MI, he asked me for a pen and some paper to write a note to his kids, I couldn't save him, but I could have...
Abby: What?
Carter: Nothing. Nothing's right here. (he starts to walk away)
Abby: Hey! I haven't seen you in a week, that's it? Luka called me, looking for you, he was under the impression I might know where you were. (pause) You're going, right? To Africa? (he just stares at her and she nods)
Carter: (tears are welling up) It's not Rio, but it's not here.
(He walks away, and Abby stands and watches for a minute before going into the hospital. Carter stops and watches as Doc's burns, and turns back to look at where Abby had been standing.)
Kisangani:
(Luka is smoking a cigarette and Carter comes in and sits down.)
Carter: I didn't know you smoked.
Luka: Oh...I don't. When'd you get here?
Carter: Six days ago. How much longer are you staying? Luka: I don't know. I'm going back to the clinic tomorrow. I have patients there that can't be moved. I came back for supplies. (Gillian comes in and they pauses)
Gillian: Welcome back.
Luka: Thank you.
Gillian: I thought you might be upset, about that boy. (purs them some drinks) I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed, and uh, I hope someone will join me. (She leaves)
Luka: How's Abby?
Carter: I didn't do anything with Gillian, I swear.
Luka: So, you won't mind if I...
Carter: No!
Luka: Alright.
Carter: Knock yourself out.
Luka: See you in the morning.
(Carter: What should I tell Weaver?
Luka: Whatever you want.
Carter: Can I tell her you're coming back?
Luka: I don't know.
Carter: Don't do anything stupid.
Luka: (smiles) Like what?
Carter: Like get yourself killed.
(Carter lets himself into Abby's apartment. It's very dark, and he makes his way to her room where he finds her sleeping...on his side of the bed...he lightly touches her hair and leans over to kiss her forehead, then sits down next to her.)
~Season 10~
Now What:
(Begins with same scene as the ending of "Kisangani" with a few added moment or different camera angles...he kisses her forehead and sits on the bed. Abby sleepily awakes and does a few double-takes.)
Carter: Hi.
Abby: Hi. (blinks sleepily) When did you get back?
Carter: Just now.
Abby: (leans over to look at the clock while opening her nightstand drawer and pulling out a pack of cigarettes) It's 5:30 in the morning.
Carter: My flight from London was delayed. (pauses when she doesn't provide a comment) I missed you.
Abby: (looking away) Did you just let yourself in?
Carter: (He takes a moment as realization of how she feels sinks in) I'm sorry about how I left.
Abby: Can I have my key back, please?
(She lights a cigarette and he produces her key from his pocket, shows it to her, stands up, drops it off on her dresser then exits with a slam. She struggles to keep from crying.)
(Abby and Chen are in a trauma room working on a little girl. Carter enters.)
Carter: Need a hand?
Chen: Welcome home, stranger...When did you get back?
Carter: (looks at Abby) Last night. Late. (Some medical dialogue and Chen leaves.)
Abby: Crash injury, bilateral femur fractures with good pulses.
Carter: She needs Hare traction.
Abby: She broke both her legs.
Carter: So, put on two.
Abby: Not room for two.
Carter: Are we arguing?
Abby: I just don't want to abduct her legs.
Carter: She needs traction.
Abby: Well, we can rig a Saber in the middle with a double harness bar.
Carter: Why didn't you say that in the first place?
(Abby and Susan walking in the hallway)
Susan: He came straight from the airport to your place. That's got to tell you something.
Abby: What, he's horny?
Susan: Or that he really missed you and felt badly about leaving that way. Tell him how it made you feel. Give him a chance to make up for it. (turns into the women's bathroom, but it's under construction) Oh for God's sake! Where are we supposed to go?
Worker: Second floor.
Susan: Screw that. (They keep walking)
Abby: I mean, he just shows up like he never went away...and like he wasn't a jerk for leaving like that, and like... (Susan turns into another bathroom) That's the men's room. (She follows Susan in.)
Susan: (to Malik and Frank) Howdy boys. Don't mind me. (to Abby) Guard the door for me, would you?
Abby: (she leans against the door of the next stall) Make up for it how?
Susan: Flowers, a nice dinner. If your really mad - jewelry.
Abby: I could use a new transmission for my car.
Susan: You're a real romantic, you know that?
(By the Admit Desk, after a moment seemingly perfect for a talk, neither Carter nor Abby (even with Susan's gestured encouragement) can make the move...Carter walks away. Abby follows. Carter turns back around and they suddenly meet face to face.)
Abby: Hey.
Carter: Hey. (after a pause) You want to...get a cup of coffee?
Abby: Yeah.
Carter: Okay. (They go off in different directions)
(Carter and Abby hold coffee cups and meander the streets on their way beck to County.
Abby: How was it?
Carter: It was incredible. And it was terrible. It was...it was kids with polio. It was kids dying from malnutrition, and malaria, and whooping cough. And it was beautiful. I mean, the country's beautiful. Hospital doesn't have enough staff, so the patient's, uh, family members, they stay with them. They cook for them, they clean for them, they even, uhu, change the sheets. It was a life-changing experience. I just don't know how yet. (A moment of silent walking)
Abby: Where's Luka?
Carter: Is that what this is about?
Abby: No.
Carter: Luka's fine. Luka's more than fine.
Abby: What does that mean?
Carter: Nothing.
Abby: Nothing. (She stops walking and turns away for a moment. He notices and waits.) You know we don't talk?
Carter: We're not talking now?
Abby: Your mouth is moving. I mean, you give the impression that we're having a real conversation, but when you finish, I have no idea what you're thinking.
Carter: I was trying to tell you about Africa.
Abby: Ah. (Shaking her head and walking away) I don't know. You know I didn't want you to go and you went anyway. What, were you trying to hurt me?
Carter: (sighs) Why would I want to hurt you?
Abby: (stopping to talk again) I don't know. I don't know. Why would you want to hurt me?
Carter: It wasn't about you.
Abby: Oh, come on! You weren't even going to tell me you were going! If I hadn't bumped into you when you were leaving, I wouldn't have even known.
Carter: I wasn't trying to hurt you. I wanted to feel like I was really doing something.
Abby: Did you even think about me?
Carter: Yes.
Abby: Okay. What did you think? (He seems surprised and doesn't answer, she waits.) What did you think? (He still can't find the words to answer her and she walks away) I don't know why you bothered to come back.
Carter: Are you just going to walk away?
Abby: Yes.
Carter: Okay. Walk away, Abby. That's what you do best.
Abby: (spins around and returns) Okay, you know what you do best? You make this all about my problems, but you know what? You have some problems, too. You've got some really big problems.
Carter: (yelling to no one in particular) Yeah, why did I come back? (Chuny walks outside and starts talking to Abby) I mean Luka's over there changing the world and I can't even get a hospital pharmacy in the richest nation on Earth to giva and AIDS patient enough damn Diflucan to keep him...(he notices Chuny/Abby and the shocked looks)...from dying from a sore throat! (Abby turns and looks at him.)
Touch and Go:
(After Susan calls in sick)
Frank: Should I call in another attending?
Weaver: No, Carter's on, we're good.
(Abby looks very surprised)
Morris: So, what's his story?
Frank: Richer and better looking than you or I will ever be. The end.
Morris: I feel like crap, okay, I just want to know if this guy's a jerk.
Sam: (to Abby) Is he?
Frank: She's not the best one to ask. (Abby smiles and walks away.)
(Abby is looking for the missing Valium so the nurses can leave)
Abby: Could this day suck more?
(Scenes cuts to Carter and Kem at the hospital outside Triage.)
(Abby sees Carter and Kem standing near admit and think sabout going over there. She turns to leave, turns back, stops, and finally walks over to them.
Abby: Hi.
Carter: Hey...hey. How are ya? (They hug)
Abby: Good. (to Kem) I'm Abby.
Kem: Kem. (They shake hands) Good to meet you.
Abby: You too. Welcome. (to Carter) And welcome back.
Carter: How have you been?
Abby: Good. I'm back in med school.
Carter: (slightly surprised) Really? (pause)
Abby: (referring to what's in Carter's hand) What's this?
Carter: That's...a...ultrasound.
Abby: (shocked and obviously hurt) Wow...wow. Congratulations.
Carter: Thank you.
Luka: (walking up to the three of them) You must be Kem.
Kem: Are you Luka?
Luka: Yep.
Kem: Oh. (They shake and kiss cheeks) If it wasn't for you John and I would never have met.
Luka: Yep. So, uh...boy or a girl?
Both Carter and Kem: It's a boy.
Luka: (looking at the sonogram) Handsome.
Kem: Like his daddy. (Abby is obviously hurt and uncomfortable about the situation.)
Carter: Well, I should probably get back to work. I'll walk you out.
Kem: Sure, good to meet you both.
Luka and Abby: Bye. ( a pause after Carter and Kem leave)
Luka: They got together after I left. (Abby nods, silent) You okay?
Abby: Yeah, I'm okay. What...did he knock her up the minute he got there?
Luka: You going home.
Abby: No, on-call room....same thing.
(They look at each other and go their separate ways without another word.)
(Neela barges into on-call room)
Neela: Is Dr. Carter in here? My patient's in respiratory failure.
Abby: No! (Neela leaves) Dr. Carter is not in here.
(In Trauma 2, dead patient wheeled out)
Carter: Pretty big mess.
Abby: Can't say we didn't try.
Chuny: I'll get housekeeping on it. (She leaves and Carter and Abby have their backs to each other.)
Carter: I'm glad you went back.
Abby: (turns around) To med school. (he nods) Yeah, me too.
Carter: Never should have left.
Abby: Well, timing is everything, right? (Carter laughs) What?
Carter: Nothing.
Abby: What?
Carter: You seem happy.
Abby: Right back at ya.
Carter: So, we're okay?
Abby: (pause) We're okay.
Carter: Good. 'Cause Kem and I were gonna go get some dinner later and wanted to know if you wanted to come with us.
Abby: Ha! Well, not that okay.
Carter: See ya tomorrow.
Abby: Yep. (He leaves and she watches)
Abby Normal:
Abby: I can't follow through, in anything. When something gets in my way, it's like a chemical reaction. I just shut down, and I give up. I'm just looking for an excuse to stop because, in the end, it's easier to do that, than risk being hurt or disappointed...again.
Jordan: Like in men?
Abby: Men, my career, my family. Pick your poison.
Midnight:
Carter: I really appreciate you both coming. But you should go home. I don't want you to miss your graduation. That is today, right?
Abby: I was gonna miss it anyway.
Jack: They didn't have any bagels but the coffee was fresh.
Carter: I was just saying how much I appreciate you guys all being here. But I think that...we're...we're okay. And um, I think you guys can go.
Abby: (Abby and Luka look at each other) Okay. You know if you...
Carter: I know. (Abby kisses his head, Luka shakes his hand.) You too dad.
Jack: Thanks, I think I'll stay.
Jack: When your brother died, the thing I hated the most were other people's platitudes. There are no words. You don't know where you find the strenth but somehow you do. You can have another child. It was an accident, a tragic unforseeable accident.
Carter: The whole thing was an accident.
Jack: No it wasn't. You love each other, anybody can see that.
Carter: I don't know that she'll want to have another baby with me.
Jack: Sure she will. Give it some time.
(Carter looks doubtful.)
Drive:
Carter: She's got it, uh, pretty rough with him, doesn't she?
Abby: Which one? The kid or the ex?
Carter: Both.
Abby: How are you and Kem doing? (He shrugs) You'll get through this.
(Abby is sitting outside.)
Abby: (reading her board results) Ha! Ha ha!
Carter: (He walks up with an umbrella)Good news?
Abby: (She's pacing out of excitement) Yeah! I passed my boards.
Carter: Really?
Abby: Yes.
Carter: Congratulations.
Abby: Thank you. Ha. Oh God. Sorry, I'm just... (pause) You going home?
Carter: Yep.
Abby: Give Kem my best.
Carter: I will. (He starts to walk away but turns back) Hey Abby! I never had a doubt in my mind. (He continues walking)
Abby: (starts to go inside) Yea!
(Carter glances back on more time.)
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