Fic Update: It Only Burns at First, Chap 2
Author's Note: Very sorry for the long wait. Thanks, Cate.
Abby opens her eyes to the morning light that invades the peace of the hotel room. She wakes up feeling safe for once, and Kerry’s arms around her remind her why. As she snuggles back into Kerry’s embrace, the events of last night come back to her.
The hangover sets in, reminding her of the countless drinks that lead to her cheating on Luka. Yet, she can’t make sleeping with Kerry what she regrets. She regrets falling back into this trap of drinking and self-hatred. She regrets hurting Luka. But she has loved Kerry for so long that finally holding her is too precious to regret. So she denies reality for one more hour, and lets the safety, happiness and love with Kerry be the only thing she feels.
Waking up an hour later, reality is back, with all its responsibilities. Luka and she have a son, and she has to go back to them. She kisses Kerry tenderly and whispers in her ear, “I’ve loved you for quite a long time. Through every woman or man between us, you have been my best friend, and you have always been the only one with my heart.”
Kerry takes her hand and holds it tight. She looks Abby in the eye as she whispers, “I love you too.”
They kiss again before Abby gathers her things and heads for the door.
Kerry stops her, “Abby?”
“Yes?” Abby replies.
“Please take care of yourself, Abby. I’ll be here for you whenever you need me, but you can’t let this alcoholism and depression consume you.”
“I know,” Abby says softly.
Kerry touches Abby’s check, “You’re too precious to lose, Abigail Lockhart,” she says with a gentle smile.
Abby hesitantly starts to hug Kerry, and Kerry pulls her tightly against her.
“I love you, Kerry.”
“I love you too, Abby. Call me whenever you want.”
Abby finally brakes away and opens the door, not breaking eye contact with Kerry until she has to.