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"Carter!" He could hear her calling his name. He blinked and looked around, confused. She had been right in front of him, on the rooftop of County, laughing about something silly, and now she was gone. Where was she? "Lucy?" he called back. Suddenly everything darkened. He turned around, seeing nothing but black. "Lucy?" he called again. Something shimmered to his right, a spotlight. Squinting, he walked toward it. As he realized what it was, his breathing became laboured. A knife. Long and silver. Covered with blood. "Carter!" There was her voice again.
"Lucy!?" he yelled, panic evident in his voice.
"Carter!" Carter jolted awake. Breathing heavily, he took in his surroundings quickly, his eyes landing on Benton by his bedside. "It's okay. You were having a nightmare." Benton said quickly, concern etched across his face. Carter grimaced in pain. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes as his breathing became normal. "You were calling her name again." said Benton quietly. "She's okay." Carter opened his eyes and glanced at Benton, nodding, a feeling of relief washing over him. "What day is it?" Carter asked. "It's Sunday." Benton replied and glanced at his watch "3:33 AM."
Three days. It had been three days since he and Lucy had been stabbed. Three days of pain and being in and out of sleep for hours. Three days of nightmares and waking up questioning if she was okay, the day, and the time. Three days of Benton doing his best to be around, of waking him when he started yelling her name in his sleep and ensuring Carter that Lucy was okay. Because in his nightmares, she never was.
"I want to see her." he whispered quietly. Benton stared at Carter. "You need to allow your body to heal, Carter. Her mom is with her."
Of course, he knew that. At Carter's request, Dr. Weaver had brought Lucy's mom up to his room the day before so he could introduce himself. Tears had sprung in his eyes unbidden within minutes of their conversation, as he both apologized and inquired about Lucy, lending an ear to any questions her mother might have about her recovery process. It was the very least Carter could do, he knew. He wondered, not for the first time, if guilt had the ability to kill. Carter shook Benton's objections away. "Benton." he said, staring at him.
Benton sighed in resignation.
Carter watched Lucy's chest rise and fall as she slept. He looked her over for the twentieth time. He kept an eye on her vitals. He knew she had a bit of a recovery journey ahead. But she was alive. And that was all that mattered. With her mother sleeping just outside, and Benton waiting down the hall, Carter was glad for the privacy. Grimacing in pain, he scooted as close to her as he could without having to stand. Gently, he placed his hand over hers. "I'm so sorry, Lucy." he whispered.
And then he cried.
Three Days Later
Carter stirred. Slowly opening his eyes and coming to, he felt movement underneath the hand that covered hers. He perked up, realizing he had fallen asleep in his wheelchair. Her fingers twitched just underneath his and he gripped them gently. He stared at her. "Lucy?" he whispered.
Bringing his hand up, he gently brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and watched as she slowly began to open her eyes. Carter's body sagged in relief. "Lucy." he said. Lucy blinked sluggishly, her eyes landing on him. She made to speak but closed her mouth and swallowed, closing her eyes briefly. "Don't try to speak. Your throat is still healing." A lump formed in his throat as she gripped his hand tighter. "I'm here." he whispered. His face crumpled. "And I'm so sorry."
She ran her hands through his hair as he laid his head down and sobbed.
Three Months Later
Carter stared at Lucy as she slept beside him. For what felt like the millionth time, he silently thanked whatever was up above for the woman next to him. They had both recovered fairly well over the last few months. During that time, they were both placed on light or administrative duty until they reached a point where they could handle more. He had kept to her side as much as he could. He apologized so many times, she started shushing him before he could finish. They leaned on each other, confided in each other, an understanding between them that nobody else could share.
Carter bided his time for weeks, focusing on their recovery, yet filled with feelings he needed to express. Ones he had long before the stabbing. Feelings he tried to run from until confronted with the idea that he could have lost her forever. So yes, patience was essential. But between Malucci's not so subtle interest and Dale trying to insert himself like the weasel he was, his patience had come to an end. It was a Thursday night when he asked her to meet him; finally telling her that he was in love with her and kissing her on the rooftop of County. The alarm clock brought him out of his reverie. Lucy groaned as he tapped the snooze button. Opening her eyes, she smiled and snuggled into him. "Five more minutes?" she suggested. He grinned. "Make it ten."
She laughed as he climbed on top of her.
Three Years Later
"Well, we've got a flat. Great." he sighed and glanced at his watch. They were definitely going to be late to County now. They were on their way back from a community health event for the more underserved parts of the city. With Lucy pursuing a career in psychiatry, she often handed out her cards and helped however she could.
Lucy took her flip phone out of her bag. "I'll call Dr. Weaver and let her know." She glanced behind her. "I'm starving, can you get some food?"
As she stepped away, Carter went up to the food counter to order. "What can I get ya?" the clerk asked. He surveyed the menu for a few seconds. "I'll take three cheeseburgers and a side of fries." The clerk glanced at him again. "Hey, I know you. I never forget a face." Carter glanced up at him, questioningly. "It's been a few years." said the clerk, shrugging it off. "Want anything to drink with that?" he asked. A moment from years ago came to the forefront of Carter's mind as he took in his surroundings. The clerk smiled knowingly. Carter smirked as he stared at Lucy on the phone, her wedding band sparkling in the sun. "Yeah, the Mrs. will have a coke."
The End.