Re: Surviving

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:24 am

"You aren't going to die!" Abby cried, rushing down the hall with Zach and a couple other women as they pushed the gurney. Serena must have been picked up already, because she wasn't in the hall anymore.

"Stop being so negative, we're going to get you well again, okay?" Zach got in an elevator and went to the floor that the emergency room was on. He was a little frantic.
"Abby, you can't come back with me, I want you to find a safe place outside the hospital until I call you."

"B-But-"

"Please, do what I say." Zach smiled warmly, "I don't want you getting hurt too, and I'm sure Michael doesn't."

"Wait." Abby reached into the pocket Michael mentioned and pulled out the ring, not really looking at it. "I have to hold onto this."

"Okay." Zach pushed the gurney out when the doors opened and when they got to the ER, Abby was left behind outside of the doors. She cried softly and did as she was told, hurrying out of the hospital and out into the street. She wondered if she should go to her car and drive, or if sitting on a bench was safe enough? However, when she got out there, police were waiting.

"We've got a survivor!" A police officer called, rushing over to escort her away from the entrance.

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:40 am

"Y'know... you're a really good doctor, Zach." Michael mumbled as they heaved him onto the exam table, beginning to cut off his clothes. A mask was placed over his nose and mouth, and he was told to breathe.

"He's going into shock, Doc!" A nurse exclaimed, already working on an I.V.

--

When Michael awoke to the sounds of beeping monitors, and relative quiet, he vaguely began to wonder where he was. It wasn't until he opened his eyes, finding Abby laying on the couch nearby his bed, that he realized he was in a hospital. Then he remembered the events that led up to this moment. "Abby." He called, finding his voice to be much more haggard than he liked. "Abby, wake up." He began to cough, realizing that his throat was just that dry.

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:44 am

Abby's eyes fluttered open and she pushed herself up, reaching down on the floor for a cup of coffee she'd been drinking that whole time. She took a couple of sips and got up off of the couch, walking over to Michael with a soft smile.

"I got you some water, I didn't know when you'd wake up..." She moved around the bed and got him some water, bringing it over and putting the straw to his mouth. Once he was done drinking, she put it back on the tray, but pushed it closer so he would be able to reach it. Abby reached into her pocket and pulled out her engagement ring, putting it in his open hand gently. "I didn't look at it or anything... now you'll have to propose to me later. Just don't be nervous, I won't be saying no." She leaned over and kissed him softly.

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:56 am

Michael nodded slowly, closing his fingers over the ring with a gentle smile after drinking his fill. "But wasn't it a dramatic, and thrilling proposal?" He cleared his throat some, nodding while he did. "Thank you for being there. I'm sorry for ruining the surprise, though. I thought I was going to die. I really did." He took her hand in his, then puckered his lips. "Give me a kiss, you beautiful lady."

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:59 am

"I'm really gross though..." Abby blushed a little, "O-Okay." She leaned down and kissed his lips gently, smoothing his hair as she did. "So after all of that, there were only about five deaths total... and he killed himself when it was all done." She climbed into the bed with him and rested her head against his shoulder. "I was with the police while Zach was with you in the ER."

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:06 am

Michael grimaced when she mentioned the suicide, but wrapped his arm around her when she rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you went where it was safe. I love you, and I don't want to lose you. Have they released the names of the victims...?"

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:10 am

Abby sighed softly, feeling somewhat guilty as she covered her eyes with the backs of her hands. "You know... I didn't recognize some of the names. Lisa Bryan, Kevin Hart, Andrew Stevens..." She paused, "When I came back into the the hall I found that one nurse who was always really nice to me... Serena? Yeah... she was okay when I found her and she told me to go see you and that she'd be fine." She began to cry softly, "Then the released her name on the deaths and I just..." She turned over and began to cry softly into his shirt. "I'm glad you didn't die, but I just left her there!"

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:17 am

Michael frowned, shifting just a bit so that he could better hold her. She hadn't stated the fifth name, so he assumed she must have forgotten it, or never heard it. That was okay, he decided. She didn't need to remember it. "Shh, no sweetheart, it isn't your fault. If she died, it's because she died between you coming for me, and Zach arriving. No matter what you did, the outcome would have been the same for her." He kissed the top of her head, withholding the information that three of the names she mentioned were patients of his. "It isn't your fault at all, so don't blame yourself."

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:20 am

Abby was clearly traumatized, although besides crying she didn't seem to be shaken too badly. Eventually she did sit up and tucked a messy strand of hair behind her ear. "I was told that you are going to recover really well." She said, "I'll just stay with you and make sure you take it easy... if that's okay." She smiled back to him and then climbed out of the bed, wobbling when she got on her feet. "I'm going to call Zach and tell him you woke up!"

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:30 am

Inwardly, Michael had tears streaming down his face... though in reality, he wasn't crying at all. Actually, he just really enjoyed her laying with him, and didn't want her to move. When she did move, he felt sad. "It's very okay with me. I'd feel best if you never left my side... sorry for the cheese."

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:37 am

Abby nodded slowly, "Yeah, I thought you might say that."
She returned to his side briefly to give him a kiss and then left the room.

--

Once Michael was back home and Abby was living with him, however brief it was, she spent her days trying to work and also making sure that he took it easy. She didn't talk very much, but would just smile and run around the house doing chores. She didn't get out much other than going to work to submit designs for clothes she was working on. Keeping busy was clearly how she coped with traumatizing situations. An example being of how she busied herself for years after her kidnapping. If she didn't focus on the situation, she felt more relaxed.

"I don't need to go to therapy, I'm just fine!" Abby laughed softly at Michael's suggestion. "I love being busy! Now, what do you want for dinner?"

In all reality, it had been Zach's suggestion to Michael when he heard about her recent actions. Zach was one to suggest support groups and therapy for people who were suffering trauma from recent events. He always had been that way. He'd even suggested it for Michael, who seemed to be handling it well enough.

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:43 am

Michael eyed her suspiciously before cupping her jaw in his hands. "Are you really okay?" He hated to admit that he didn't believe her. "I'm just worried about you... you've been through a lot. If you won't talk to me about it, I hope you'd at least talk to a therapist..." He kissed her lips, then sighed when she seemed adamant about dinner. "Why don't I take you out for dinner? A nice dinner... so you can dress up and feel as beautiful as you are?"

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:19 am

Abby smiled softly, "That sounds really nice." She grinned, glad that he'd changed the subject. She hadn't yet told him about the sleepless nights and the nightmares she had all the time lately. Without saying anything else, she wandered into the room she was using and changed into a green dress with gold accents on the sleeve. She'd designed and loved it so much she bought one for herself. After slipping into it, applying some makeup, and taming her hair, she was ready to go.

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:30 am

Michael's eyes were wide when she met him in the living area where he was working on tying his tie. "Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor." He chuckled. "You are stunning... inside and out." He leaned forward to give her a kiss, still struggling with his tie. "I am very lucky to have you, I'm convinced."

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:33 am

Abby moved his hands aside and adjusted his tie with a gentle hand. "There..." She smoothed it a little, stopping at his chest and looking solemn. When she realized she was staring, she removed her hands from him and then looked up and smiled, "Thank you, you look really handsome tonight. Shall we go?"

The two of them drove quietly until they reached a nice looking restaurant. It really explained the attire they were wearing, and she smiled. "I don't think I've ever been here before!"

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:51 am

Michael was grinning proudly. "Well, I felt the need to spoil you." He said, reaching his hand into his pocket to make sure the ring was still there. It was, and his heart raced as he decided that tonight was the night. He was going to ask her to be his forever, and even though she'd told him that she would say yes, he still worried. Once they were seated, they flipped through the menu. It didn't take Michael long at all to decide what he wanted. He'd been craving pasta recently for no reason, so he flipped the menu shut, and leaned forward. "Abby, I want you to know something..." He reached out to touch her hand. "I won't force you to talk to me about anything, or to talk to anyone. But... I want you to know that I love you more than you could ever imagine, and there isn't a worry or fear that you have that I can't handle you telling me. You can talk to me about anything, and I promise that no matter what it is, I won't judge you, I won't make you feel silly, and I won't think less of you. I don't want you to feel like you have to act strong for me, okay?" He took her hand in his, smoothing his thumb over the back of her hand. "But if you choose to not talk to me about it... I understand, and I won't push you, and I won't leave you. But please promise me that if you don't go to anyone else, you'll at least pray about it... okay? I hate seeing you so upset."

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:54 am

Abby let her fingers grip his hand as he had held hers. She wanted so much to be open with him about it, but she hadn't been the one to get shot, she hadn't been the one to suffer losses like others did. She didn't feel she had the right to grieve. Abby smiled in response and gave a slight nod, "I promise, I will definitely be praying about it all." She had decided on her order and closed her menu with her free hand, sighing softly at the fact that he wasn't going to push her.
She did plan on talking to him, but was still embarrassed for feeling the way she did.

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:51 pm

"Thank you." Michael gave her hand a gentle squeeze, then offered her a warm, loving smile. He had been thanking God for many things since the incident at the hospital, but there was one particular thing he made a point to thank Him for daily, and that was Abby. Thank you, God, for not taking me home just yet. I still want to show her how much I adore her, and I want to show You how well I can care for your daughter. I want to make you proud, and I promise not to waste this time you've given me. He wasn't sure that Abby knew, but Zachary had told him that he had flat-lined at least twice while they were in the E.R. and Zachary had been afraid he wouldn't make it.

Once they had finished off their meals, and Michael had managed to cheer Abby up with some fun conversations, he decided that now was as good a time as any. As they were waiting on dessert, he rose from his seat and stepped beside her, reaching for her hands. He gave either hand a gentle kiss on her knuckles, then knelt before her, watching her expression change from confusion, to a bit of excitement from his simple act of getting on bended knee. "Abby," He sighed, attempting to calm his nerves as he stared into her eyes. "You are... one of the most loving, kind-hearted, and giving people I know. You are my rock, my hero, and my absolutely gorgeous lady. I love you dearly, my best friend." He let go of one of her hands so that he could caress her cheek. "So, tonight I wanted to ask you something..." He gently tugged a lock of her hair before reaching his hand into his pocket to pull out the ring he'd chosen for her. He'd had it cleaned since the shooting, so it sparkled brilliantly in the dim light of the restaurant. "Abby, will you give me the honor of being your husband? Of growing old with you, making a family with you, and showering you in gifts and loving words? Will you let me make you my everything?"

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:17 pm

It was the first time that Abby had even really looked at the ring. The band was twisted with little stones set in it, and the main focus of the ring was a flower shaped design with a larger diamond right in the center. She had never seen an engagement ring like it and gasped in surprise at how radiant it was.
"Yes!" Abby gasped, falling out of her seat and wrapping her arms around her new fiance. She kissed him and then wrapped her arms around his neck again so she could hug him tight. "I love you so much, this is beautiful!" She cried.

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:23 pm

"I love you too." Michael was grinning from ear to ear, realizing that he must have gotten the entire restaurant's attention when he proposed because as soon as she hugged him, everyone broke out into cheers and clapping. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." He whispered, beginning to rock her a little as they held each other on the floor by the table. "You've made me the happiest man alive today."

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:33 pm

*Two Years Later*

Abby had the wedding of her dreams, she still thought about it often. She thought about her gorgeous dress, the shoes, and her hair. She thought about the romantic kiss on the beach at sunset. It was the most beautiful day, and all their friends were there. She was in the process of making a scrapbook, pasting photos into the pages and adding cute stickers and little notes on her thoughts from the big day. It had been a couple of years since their wedding, but the excitement was still there for her.

It wasn't only that, it was the fact that she was pregnant with their first child that brought her more excitement. She and Michael had been preparing diligently for their new arrival. Kiki wandered into the room where Abby was sitting on the bed with wedding pictures sprawled out all over the mattress. They had just moved into their new home and the place was still in the process of being renovated. The bed frame wasn't even put together yet.

"Kiki!" Abby giggled, "Stop rolling on my stickers!"

The small dog whispered a bark and then flew off the bed like a tiny fluffy poof. "Is Michael home? I know you can hear his car!" She laughed, doing her best to scoot off the bed. She was wearing a long tee shirt and some black leggings, hardly the attire of a fashion designer, but she was at home and no one was going to judge her lazy day wear. Her blond hair was in a messy bun and she had decided to skip her makeup routine and do a facial, having forgotten about the treatment. She still had the green colored mask on when her husband walked through the door.

"Welcome home!" She grinned, and the dried mask pinched her skin. "Oh..."

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:46 pm

Michael returned her smile with an added chuckle. The mask was a pale green, and was still drying in a few spots, making it look a little patchy. "Well, I'm glad to see that you've been relaxing today." He closed the door and locked it, then gave her a sweet kiss. As long as she didn't place cucumber slices over her eyes, he was fine with the facial. "Where's Cad?" Just as he said that, the large husky launched himself off the couch and slid on the wooden floors to get to him. He hadn't yet gotten accustomed to non-carpeted floors. "Oh, there he is. Anyway, how's the baby doing?" He slipped one hand about her waist, and the other he pressed against her belly. He couldn't wait to be a father.

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:51 pm

Abby would have blushed, but her face was still green. "She's still kicking here and there, but I haven't felt it much today." She laid her hand over his and looked up at him with a sweet smile. "I was thinking about finding out the gender next time we go... you know me, I'm just meticulous and I want to be sure we don't prepare for the wrong one. Like imagine getting lots of little boy things and not enough neutral colors? Then we'd dress our girl in boy things until we stock up on girl things! That would just be stressful. Anyway... I'm not feeling as horrible as I did last week."

Abby had been nauseous for a long time, almost well into her fifth month she was still feeling less like herself than normal. "I was actually able to eat a whole sandwich today, it was great!"

**Jayrin** Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:02 pm

"Oh, that's wonderful, Honey! And yes, I do agree on the gender thing, though I suspect your hopes are already set on a girl... so it seems." He grinned, walking with her back to their bedroom where he could change out of the dress shirt and tie he wore at work. He raised an eyebrow when he saw all of the photos scattered on their bed, and went to look over them. He picked up a specific one that caught his attention... their first kiss as husband and wife. "I want a copy of this one for my wallet before you put it in the book, please." He picked up another of her in her wedding gown. She was wearing the biggest smile. "And this one too."

**Ikuar** Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:05 pm

"Oh sure, go ahead and take them! I'm saving them for later pages." She said, her eyes scanning over the pictures as well, "I already have a few framed in the living room of us, they are the really big ones? Yeah, I love those..." She moved towards him and rubbed her hands up and down his chest before reaching up and touching his jawline. She got on her toes and kissed his chin, and then pulled him down so she could kiss his lips.
"I'm going to make some dinner. Any requests?"

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