Scene 1 Carter has just gotten off the plane and his Father is at the airport to greet him.

(Carter walks over with his bag to where his father is sitting)

Carter: Hi Dad

Jack: Hi John, did you have a good flight?

Carter: Yeah, thanks for meeting me here.

Jack: I was a little surprised when my secretary called and told me what you wanted to meet me for.

I hope I didn't ruin the surprise by calling you at work.

Carter: Nah it's ok. I told Abby you wanted to meet me here.

Jack: Did she believe you?

Carter: I think so

Jack: I've booked us a table at Roses, so that we can discuss your proposal.

Carter: Sounds good, we'd better get going then.

(Carter and Jack walk off)

Scene 2 Meanwhile at the County General Abby has just arrived for her shift.

(Abby walks into the Dr's Lounge to put her coat and bag in her locker, Susan is at the coffee machine making coffee)

Susan: (Stopping what she's doing and looking up) Did Carter get away all right?

Abby: Yeah his flight left just after 9:30.

Susan: We should have a few girls’ nights out before Carter comes back on Saturday.

Abby: (Looking Surprised) Saturday? Carter said he was coming back Sunday.

Susan: Oh yeah I meant to say Sunday.

Abby: (Closing her locker and walking over to Susan) come on. There's something you're not telling me. You know how I hate surprises.

Susan: I have patients. (Starts to walk out of the Dr's Lounge)

Abby: Carter's up to something isn't he?

Susan: (Stops and turns towards Abby) You'll have to wait and see. I promised I wouldn't say anything.

Abby: I knew it. He's up to something.

Scene 3 Carter and Jack are at Roses discussing Carter's proposal.

Jack: (Putting down his glass of wine) Are you want to do this son?

Carter: I've been surer about anything else in my life.

Jack: I'm just making sure you know what you're doing. This is a big thing for a girl friend.

Carter: Abby's not just any girl friend. I've been in love with her for nearly four years and I want to do this for her.

Jack: She's a very lucky lady. I hope she knows that.

Carter: I'm lucky to have her too. She's made me happier than I ever thought I could be.

Jack: It sounds like you're very sure about what you're doing.

Carter: I am

Jack: I'll talk it over with the other members of the Carter foundation and see what we can come up with.

Carter: Thanks for doing this Dad.

Jack: No problem. (Looks sad) Mum would have been so proud of what you're doing

Carter: I hope so; I wanted to do something special with the Carter foundation money.

Jack: I've got to go now; I have a meeting at 3. We'll continue to discuss this when I get home tonight.

Scene 4 Abby is standing at the desk looking at a chart, Frank is looking at the computer and Pratt is writing on the board. When a little girl around 5 years old wearing no shoes wanders into the ER looking lost.

Abby: (Stops writing on the chart and looks up to see the little girl) Can I help you sweetie.

Ashley: (Nods her head)

Abby: I'm Abby, What's your name?

Ashley: Ashley Darnell

Abby: That's a pretty name. Do you know where your Mummy or Daddy are?

Ashley: (Without saying anything takes Abby's hand and pulls her towards the door)

Abby: (Turns around to Pratt and indicates with her head for him to follow them)

(Abby, Pratt and Ashley arrive at where Ashley's Parents are lying in the snow just a block away from County)

Ashley: (Bends down) Shhh they sleeping

Scene 5 Pratt, Abby, Weaver and Malik race Mr. Darnell into the ER on a gurney. Susan and Gallant walk past with Mrs. Darnell on other gurney with her face covered.

Weaver: We're going to help you Mr. Darnell

Pratt: He's losing pressure; lets get him to trauma one.

(They arrive in trauma one)

Weaver: Charge the paddles to 300

Abby: Charging (Hands Weaver the paddles)

Weaver: (Taking the paddles off Abby and putting them on Mr. Darnells chest) And Clear

Abby: (Checking me Darnells pulse) Still no pulse.

Weaver: Charge to 360

Abby: Charging

Weaver: (Shocking Mr. Darnell again) And clear

Pratt: (Checking Mr. Darnells Pulse) His got a pulse

Scene 6 Abby goes into Curtain area 3 where Ashley is lying on the bed

Abby: (Pulls up a chair next to Ashley's bed) How are you feeling sweetie

Ashley: (Looking at Abby) Where's my Mummy?

Abby: That's what I wanted to talk to you about.

(Just then Weaver walks into the room interrupting Abby)

Weaver: (Smiling at Ashley) Can I talk to you for a sec?

Abby: I'll be right back (follows Weaver outside the room)

Weaver: How is she?

Abby: Ok considering

Weaver: The labs on Mr. and Mrs. Darnell are back, it looks like it was a murder suicide. I've called Social Services to came and talk to Ashley. Can you stay with her until someone comes down? Don't say anything about her parents yet.

Scene 7 Mrs. Brown from Social Services comes into the room where Abby and Ashley are to talk to Ashley about her parents.

Mrs. Brown: (sitting down on a chair next to Ashley's bed) I'm Mrs. Brown, can you tell me what happened today?

Ashley: (Looks over at Abby)

Abby: It's ok you can tell her; she's here to help you.

Ashley: (Nods her head) Mummy gave us all lollies to go sleep, but I wanted a pink lolly so I didn't eat any. (Stops talking and looks down)

Mrs. Brown: Go on what happened then?

Ashley: (Continues talking) Then Mummy and Daddy went to sleep and I came here. Mummy always says to come here if something happens.

Mrs. Brown: That's good advice. Your Mummy must have been a very smart lady.

Ashley: Yep

Mrs. Brown: You know how your Mummy and Daddy went to sleep?

Ashley: (Ignoring the question) I like pink, I wanted a pink lolly.

Mrs. Brown: Well the Doctors worked really hard to wake your Mummy up, but they couldn't and she died. Your Daddy is all right and you can see him later.

Ashley: (Starts to cry) I want my Mummy.

Abby: (Holding Ashley in her arms) I know, I know.

Scene 8 Abby is in the hallway tending to a patient when Mrs. Brown walks past.

Abby: Can I talk to you?

Mrs. Brown: (Stops walking) Yes

Abby: What's going to happen to Ashley?

Mrs. Brown: We've gotten in contact with Ashley's Grandmother in Florida, she's coming tomorrow. Until then she'll have to stay with Social Services.

Abby: Poor thing

Mrs. Brown: She's been through a lot for a little girl.

Abby: (Looking sad) Yes she has.

Mrs. Brown: From what I can gather Mr. Darnell lost his job and they couldn't afford the rent. They're been living on the streets for a few weeks. It must have gotten too much for them.

Abby: No child should have to go through that.

Scene 9 Abby is at home talking to Carter on the phone.

Abby: So how did the meeting with your Father go?

Carter: Very well, how was your day?

Abby: Ok.

Carter: You sound kinda quiet. Is everything all right?

Abby: Yeah, I'm just tied. It was one of those days.

Carter: Want to talk about it?

Abby: Not now.

Carter: You should get same sleep. Hope you feel better in the morning.

Abby: Night John.

Carter: Night. Love you and I'll see you soon.

Abby: Love you too.

(Abby and Carter hang up)