Dear Abby
Part Five
By Carolina
super_carolina1@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: They're theirs, not mine. I have no idea how long this story is going to run. And right now I really need some feedback so that I can at least determine that. So please e-mail me at super_carolina1@yahoo.com for ANY suggestions. I'm still debating on whether to make this a romance story. Thanks for reading.

As Luka drove away from the er and closer to her apartment, Abby kept repeating her landlord's words in her head over and over. In what seemed like an eternity she went over everything she did before she came to work that same morning. 'Did I lock the door? close all the windows?' Her thoughts were only interrupted by Luka's questions about which way to go. Different scenarios went through her head about the people who could have done this. The one thing that really frightened her was her ex husband could've been one of the suspects. She really didn't have much, it was a very small apartment and she was barely there. Even her refrigerator could pass for Calista Flockhart's. What bothered her the most was the idea of being mugged. Luka had been silent as well, but his thoughts were some place different. He looked over at Abby who was just looking outside the window, her face resting on her hand.

Luka: You shouldn't worry much about this, it's just things.

Abby snapped like a time bomb.

Abby: You know, it's not the things that bothered me, I've got nothing. It's the fact that someone had the balls to go into MY apartment, take MY things, and then walk away without the slightest feeling of remorse. I mean, what if I had been there?

Luka: Let's not jump to conclusions, we'll see when we get there.

Abby just sank down in frustration, Luka just glanced over and smiled, careful not to let Abby see his expression. They got there in what seemed to be forever. Abby got out of the car and was so nervous she couldn't even find the keys in her backpack, which she gave to Luka seeing as he looked much more relaxed than her. Under normal circumstances she would have been embarassed by the crummy neighborhood in which she lived, it was all she could afford, really. But right now her mind was elsewhere. Luka found her keys jammed between two medicine books and offered to open the door. He held the door as he motioned Abby to go in, totally unprepared for what was waiting for her inside. She flicked the light switch open and...

All: SURPRISE!!

Abby jumped back and if Luka hadn't been there to hold her, she would've fallen down. The room was full of balloons, and "Happy Birthday" signs scattered all over the walls. In front of her stood the people from work, well, those who were off. Not to many of them, but boy do these people know how to party. Still in shock she covered her face with her hands and buried her head on Luka's chest.

Luka: Happy Birthday.

Abby: You knew about this?

Luka: Well, I'm kinda the one who planned it.

Abby: Did I ever tell you the story of how much I hate surprise parties.

Luka: Everybody does, that's why it's always a surprise. Let's greet your guests!

Abby: Wait till I get my hands on...

Just then Abby was surrounded by everyone. She had no idea Luka even knew her birthday and since she hated to make a fuss over it, she never told anyone about it. It was something only her family members knew. Now she remembered why.

Carter: You should have seen your face. Oh wait, you will, after I develop this film.

Abby: Destroy that right now. And what are YOU doing here, I thought you had a patient.

Chuny: It was all part of the plan. Am I a good actress or what?

Luka: You're a thespian

Chuny: Watch out Salma Hayek, here comes Chuny Marquez (And with that, she and Carter walked over to where Lydia and Haleh were)

Abby: I'm gonna go get these people something to eat.

Luka: No. It's your birthday, I'll do it. Just enjoy your party. (Luka walks into the kitchen)

Haleh: Hey girl, do you have some music in here?

Abby: I'll go get it.

Five minutes later Abby's apartment was blasting with music. The evening didn't turn out to be that bad after all. Carter amused the crowed while he sang and danced to "It's in His Kiss", while Haleh, Lydia, and Chuny danced behind him in unison, under the name of Carter's Pips. They convinced Abby to do a little number and Luka was thrown into the spotlight, singing The Beatles' "Till There Was You", since it was about all he knew. While Abby and the nurses where talking and laughing in one corner, Luka approached Carter, who was looking through some Cd's.

Luka: Having fun?

Carter: Yeah. It's a great party. (They both glance at Abby) She looks very happy tonight

Luka: Doesn't she? I love to see her smile.

Carter: Well, she has been smiling a lot lately. So have you

Luka: Oh, don't you give me that too. We're just friends.

Carter: I'm not saying anything, just making an observation. Besides, what's wrong with that, she's single, you're single. The only impediment would be her med student status and she's graduating in a month and a half.

Luka: I know.

Carter: So?

Luka: So what?

Carter: So, how do you feel about her?

Luka: I like her

Carter (mocking Luka): I like her. I like her too. The question is...

Luka: There are no questions. Yeah she's pretty and she's a great and very smart. But I don't think either of us are looking for something more. She just got a divorce less than a year ago and I...

Carter: You what?

Luka (obviously lying): I really wanna concentrate on my work right now.

Carter: Yeah. Just remember that girls like that are hard to find, and they don't stay available forever. Think about it



Carter just walked away and Luka gave him a "You're so annoying" look. 'Think about it. Abby and I are friends, there's nothing to think about. Is there?' His thoughts were interrupted by Lydia's entrance with a chocolate cake on her hands, they all started singing Happy Birthday, including Abby, who had the custom of singing along so that it wouldn't feel like it was HER birthday. She blew the candles and made a wish, keeping it to herself. Carter took some icing on his finger and brushed it on her face, saying that it was for good luck, while the nurses cut the cake and handed it out. After that, it was time to go home.

Chuny: This was fun, we should do it more often.

Abby: Yeah, don't be looking forward to next year's

Haleh: Do you need us to stay and help you clean?

Luka: No no no. I've got it.

Lydia and Chuny looked at each other suspiciously and the three nurses walked out while wishing good nights and happy birthdays.

Carter: I have to go too. Hey, I don't live that far from here. Want me to pick you up tomorrow to go to work?

Abby: Sure.

Carter: Ok, see you tomorrow. Bye Luka. Happy Birthday Abby.

Abby & Luka: Bye.

Abby and Luka stayed alone in the empty and once cheerful apartment. Abby looked around the room analyzing the way she was going to start the process of cleaning it up.

Luka: This was fun.

Abby: Yeah, it was.

Pause

Luka: Well, we better start cleaning before they come back

Abby laughed and they inmediately started cleaning up. Abby cleaned the living room while Luka washed the dishes.

Abby: Wow, I never met a man who could wash dishes like that

Luka: I used to help my wife with the house. We would alternate the duties, one night she cooked while I washed dishes and vice-versa.

Abby couldn't help but smile at this. Maybe God DID create something on the 7th day. A day didn't go by without her interest in Luka growing stronger. She would often stare at him when he wasn't looking, trying to analyze this so complicated and yet wonderful friend. It wasn't long until the small apartment was cleaned.

Luka: Well, my work here is done.

Abby: Here, take half the cake, It'll just go bad here.

Luka: Thanks. (pause) Well, good night.

Luka was already on the other side of the door when Abby called out his name, making him turn.

Abby: I really appreciate all of this, I was a little reluctant at first, but I had a really great time, thank you.

Luka: You're very welcomed.

Abby felt like a simple thanks wasn't enough. She owed so much to this man. He had befriended her when she needed a friend the most, he took time out to listen to her, to teach her at work, to find out her birthday and organize a party, to stay quiet when she didn't want to talk, and to leave her alone when she needed some space. He was there, that was enough to make her want to go on. Still holding the door handle, she looked down, then up at his face. She got up on her tip toes, and brushed her lips against his. It wasn't something she had been planning, it just happened, much like an impulse. It was an act of tenderness, affection, and innocence. So simple, and yet so meaningful. It came and went so fast, and yet Luka had some time to react, leaning forward micro seconds before it happened, as if he knew of it's existence before it was created. They both knew it was a friendly kiss, but right now it meant more than anything they could ever wish for, more than they expected. Wishing her sweet dreams, Luka walked towards the stairs, leaving Abby in an empty and lonely apartment.

To Be Continued...