The End of the Beginning by Heidi Dressler

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Characters seen on ER, NBC does, but we all knew this anyway. But I do own the Characters not seen in ER and this fic.

Spoilers not that I know of, but to be on the safe side lets just say season 9 and maybe 10. I have no clue what's going to happen in season 10, so if there is it's fair dinkum luck.

Summary: This is a Carby fic. It begins two years after Carter and Abby started dating each other.

Chapter 1 Leaving Abby

Scene 1: In the Dr. Lounge in the ER. Carter has just arrived for his sift and is putting his coat and bag in this locker, when Abby walks into the Lounge with a chart.

Abby: (holding the Chart out to Carter to take) can you dispo Mrs. Jenna for me?

Carter: (turning towards Abby) I just got in. My shift hasn't even started.

Abby: Oh come on Carter she's been here for hours and I find anyone else to dispo her.

Carter: (Smiles) What's in it for me?

Abby: (leans in and kisses Carter on the lips)

(They break apart)

Carter: (Sarcastically) Is this how you get all your patients dispoed?

(Abby is about to answer when Frank comes in to the Lounge)

Frank: Carter phone

Carter: Who is it?

Frank: It's your Dad

Carter: What does he want?

Frank: (sarcastically) What do I look like your personal secretary.

(Frank walks out of the Lounge and Carter goes to follow him)

Abby: (Calls out) John

(Carter looks back at Abby)

Carter: Give me five (puts up his hand to indicate five minutes)

Scene 2: At the Administration desk. Frank is looking up something on the Computer, Abby is standing next to Carter writing on a chart and Carter is on the phone. We only hear Carter's side of the conversation.

Carter: Dad? What’s up?

Carter: For how long?

Carter: Yeah I want to talk to you about something too.

Carter: Ok I'll be there tomorrow

(Carter hangs up the phone)

Abby: What did you're Dad want?

Carter: He wants me to come and see him for a few days. Something about helping him start a new project for the Carter foundation.

Abby: When do you leave?

Carter: In the morning, I'm going to book a 9:30 flight out.

Abby: You do realize it's our second anniversary next Sunday. (Smiles at Carter)

Carter: (Smiling back) Don't worry, I didn't forget. I'll be back by Sunday.

(Carter takes Abby's hand in his and kisses it)

Carter: Maybe we can start celebrating early this year?

(Weaver walks up to the administration desk interrupting them)

Weaver: (Slamming down a chart on the desk) Why are you two standing around? I'm sure you both have patients and they’re not going to treat themselves, so move it.

(Carter and Abby look at each other, smile and walk off in different directions)

Scene 3 The next morning Carter and Abby are in their bed waking up.

(Carter wakes up and turns towards Abby who is still asleep)

Carter: (Shaking Abby gently) Hey beautiful wake up it's almost 7

Abby: (Opening her eyes) Morning

Carter: What time are you on?

Abby: Not 'till 12. I'll drop you off at the airport before my shift. But first let me get up and go have breakfast

Carter: (Smiling) good idea

(Carter and Abby get up and leave the room to get breakfast)

Scene 4: Carter and Abby are at the airport saying goodbye

Carter: I promise it will only a few days, I'll be back Sunday.

Abby: I know but I'll still miss you.

Carter: I'll miss you too

Abby: (Handing Carter his bag) Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? Moral support?

Carter: (Taking the bag from Abby and saying too quickly) No! I mean yes I'm sure. I think this is something I should do alone, besides you're working.

Abby: (Looking at the clock) it's 9 you'd better go.

Carter: (Kissing Abby) I'll call you tonight.

(Abby watches as Carter walks away from her).