eviemonroeer

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 63

Set during Season 8, Episode 8 and 9 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: canonical medical issues, mentions of pet death, suggestive speech, language

WC: 2.9 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

It was supposed to be sunny, only a chance of rain. 

But outside looked almost like a torrential downpour. 

We were getting multiple MVAs and more freak accidents than normal. The board was full and busy and we were all moving as fast as we could. In the back of our minds was Cleo’s sendoff party. The woman’s last shift was today and everyone wanted to send her off right. But the storm was not helping. It seemed like the moment everyone was gathered together, something pulled us apart. It was exhausting. And it didn’t help that it had meant I had barely seen Carter since the start of our shift. 

“You weren’t supposed to see that.” I slightly groaned, catching sight of Cleo staring at the cake at admit. Frank must have forgotten to put it up after our last roundup attempt. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.” 

“I hate chocolate mint.” Cleo tsked, giving the cake a funny look. 

“Yeah, I didn’t pick it.” 

“You think I should stick around?”

“I would think so. It’s only a matter of time before they gather everyone again.” 

“Hey! You’re not supposed to see that.” Carter exclaimed, chipperly walking over to us. 

Cleo sighed. “I’ll be upstairs. Page me if anyone needs me for anything.” She called out, almost letting the whole ER know. 

“I’m sure that we will.” Carter chuckled, shaking his head. 

“Uh, Carter, isn’t it?” I started, narrowing my eyes at him. “John Carter?” 

“Uh, yeah.” He replied, laughing again. “And you would be......”

“The girl by the pool. The woman who hasn’t seen you all day.” 

“Pool...... pool........” He muttered as he walked towards me. His hand slid around my waist before he kissed my lips. “Oh yeah, I remember you.” He kissed me again and smiled. “I thought you said time apart did us good.” 

“It’s still nice to see you every now and again. Even just in passing.” I kissed him again. 

“Oh, get a room you two.” I laughed and turned to find Abby, dressed in a gown. “Evie, Greene and I need you. We’ve got a Medi flight coming in.” 

I turned back to Carter. “Duty calls.” I moved around the desk and took the other gown Abby had. We pulled a gurney to the elevator, Mark already waiting for us. As it ascended to the roof level, I slipped on my gloves. 

“Do you think I’m mean to the patients?” Mark suddenly asked, breaking the anticipatory silence. 

“Where’d that come from?” I asked, scoffing. 

“Something Susan said. Do you think I’m mean to the patients?” He repeated. 

“Only the ones that deserve it.” 

“What about the ones who don’t?” 

“You’re nicer than I am.” Abby offered.

“That’s not much solace.” I said, sucking in air through my teeth before smiling. 

Abby rolled her eyes as the elevator dinged and the door opened to the roof, the helicopter already landed. It was pouring. “Oh my God!” Abby yelled over the sound of the pelting rain and the helicopter blades. “I distinctly heard him!” 

“Who?” Mark yelled back. 

“The weatherman this morning. He said, ‘Partly cloudy, chance of rain’.

“Well, he warned you.” 

We pulled the gurney up to the open doors, one of the medics inside pumping an ambu-bag to the oxygen mask on the kid’s face. “Twelve year old boy. One story fall and near drowning. Moderate respiratory distress, crackles on the right.”

“What’s his name?” 

“Daniel.”

“Daniel, you having trouble breathing?” 

“I let go of him.” The kid said, as the mask was pulled off him. 

“Who?”

“Joey. I-I couldn’t hold on.”

Both Mark, Abby, and I looked at each other before the paramedic continued. “His brother. They were playing by the river.”

“Where is Joey?” I asked. 

“Rescue’s still looking for him.” 

“Alright, let’s slide him out.” Mark exclaimed. We all took hold of the back board and slid him onto the gurney. I took hold of the ambu-bag, replacing the mask back over Daniel’s face. We quickly ran him back to the elevator, the rain beating down on us. As soon as we entered the elevator, it was filled with the sound of water dripping and our heavy breathing at the sudden change in temperature. Once the door opened, we pushed forward to the trauma room, but as we rounded the corner I heard my name. 

“Evie! I need you.”        

I looked up at Carter. He was pulling another gurney into Trauma One. I turned to Mark as more nurses were descending on the trauma room. “Go.” He said, gesturing with his head towards Carter. “We’ve got this.” 

I nodded, handing the medic back the bag. I stripped myself of the gown and my gloves, water still dripping from me. I had to be carefully or I would slip. Entering Trauma One, pulling on new gloves. “What do we got?” I asked, slipping in the rhythm of the room seamlessly. 

“MVA.” Carter explained as he worked around the gurney. “Twenty four year old female pedestrian hit by a car. Did you hit your head at all?” He asked the patient. “Did you lose consciousness?”

“I don’t know.” She groaned. “I just remember walking into the street then seeing Gordon lying in the rain. 

“Gordon?” I asked, as Malik handed me a basin of supplies. 

“Her dog.”

“BP’s 100/40.” Haleh warned. 

“He kept scratching at the door. I had to take him for a walk.” 

“Breath sounds equal.” Susan said. 

“No hemotympanum.” Carter added, checking her ear. “But I want to get a head CT.”

“Is this the hit-and-run?” An officer asked, coming into the room. 

“He didn’t stop?” Susan asked. 

“Pulse ox is 94 on four liters.” I warned. 

“Miss, can you describe the car that hit you?” 

“It was silver, I think.” 

“You sure?” 

“No.” And then the woman groaned as Carter moved his hands on her hips. 

“Does that hurt?” He asked. 

“Yes.” She whimpered. “Did you take my dog to the vet?” 

“I’m afraid your dog died.”

“Okay, full trauma panel, C-spine, chest, AP pelvis, foley. Let’s give her ten of morphine too.” 

“Hemocue is 9.8” I told him, looking down as the girl began to process the news, bursting into tears. 

“Let’s get an ultrasound before CT.” Susan added to the orders. 

“Dr. Greene is using it next door.” Haleh told her. 

“Go, see if he’s done.” 

“What kind of dog was he?” I quickly asked, trying to distract her. 

“Um, he was a terrier mix.” 

“Really? I had one like that growing up. They are the best.” I paused, putting a hand gently on her arm. “He probably went really quick. Probably didn’t even feel a thing.”

“Don’t hear Dorsalis Pedis pulse.” Carter warned, turning to Haleh. “Go get me that Doppler. Check an ICON before she goes to Radiology.” 

We worked quickly to stabilize her and all the while, I was still dripping. Thank God my hair was at least up. “Scanner one will be ready in ten.” Haleh said, hanging up the trauma phone. 

“Let’s add on a chest.” Carter replied, filling out the patient chart, before beginning to raise the railing on her bed. “Jill, they’re gonna take you upstairs now and they’re gonna scan your whole body for other injuries. I want you to tell the nurse if you need any more pain medication, okay?” 

“Okay.”

“I’m sorry about your dog.” I offered again as she was pushed out. 

“You look like you could use a towel.” Carter chuckled, pulling off his gloves. 

"Yeah.” I sighed, doing the same. “Didn’t really expect to be out in the rain.” As we exited the trauma room, I headed for the linen room, pulling out a towel and then a new pair of scrubs I could hopefully change into. 

“Hey, I didn’t know you had a dog.” Carter said, still following me. 

“I didn’t have him long.” 

“What was his name?” 

“Sparky. My mom found him digging in the garbage one day and I begged her to let us keep him. He was a little ratty terrier. A mangy thing, but in a still cute way. Kind of like you."

Carter rolled his eyes. “What happened to him?” 

“Got hit by a car.” I sighed, rubbing the towel around my wet ends. “I was eight. It was traumatic. Didn't want another pet after that.” 

“Did he go very fast?” Carter asked, his tone almost making fun of my earlier comment to the girl. 

“No, he did not. Crushed his pelvis. Scared me for life.” 

“Sorry to hear that.” 

“Dr. Carter!” We both turned. 

“Alger?” Carter asked, his tone growing concerned. “Alger, what are you.....” 

“It’s your grandmother.” 

We both looked at each other and I put the new scrubs and towel on the admit desk, knowing Frank would have words later. “What happened?” I asked as we followed him into the ambulance bay. 

“I found her in the driveway in the rain. I think she may have broken her hip.” 

“Get a gurney!” He yelled behind him as we burst through the doors. 

“But there’s a cut on her head.” 

“She was driving?” I asked, incredulously. 

“She went out during a break in the storm.” 

“She’s not supposed to going out like that at all!” 

The three of us ran to the town car and Carter threw the door open. “Gamma?” 

“Oh, John, it’s terrible.” I heard Millicent groan. “It hurts.” 

“Okay. I know it does.” He replied, climbing into the back seat. “Just lay still.” I maneuvered my way into the open door, trying to get a look. Carter went to physically exam her, causing her to cry out in pain. 

“Did she pass out?” I heard from over my shoulder. I turned. It was Susan, with a gurney. 

“I don’t know.” Carter answered. “But her right leg is shortened and externally rotated.”

“I think I broke my hip.” Millicent cried out in pain. 

“I think you did.” 

“What happened to your head?” I asked, taking note of the blood running down the side of it. Carter moved to exam that to. 

“I thought it was best if I drove home. I didn’t realize how much I was bleeding, so I slipped on the driveway.”

“You were in an accident?” Carter asked. 

“Well, I-I don’t..... It was raining. I couldn’t see.” She muttered. “I think I hit a dog.” 

My body went stiff, and when I looked up, so had Carter’s. “Where were you, Gamm? Where were you driving?” 

“It was supposed to be clear. It was supposed to be sunny.” She muttered. But Carter and I both already knew. 

I moved from my spot, allowing Susan to get a look inside and move the gurney closer. Rain pelted me relentlessly as I circled the perimeter of the car. I rounded the back and then as I made my way, that’s when I saw it on the front bumper. Massive scratches and a dent. 

Shit. 

I turned as Carter got out of the back of the car and he met my gaze. I bit the inside of my lip and shook my head. His face fell along with mine. 

I was shivering by the time I was able to change out of my wet scrubs. Carter and Susan were getting Millicent situated in the suture room after her initial scan. So, I took the one moment I could to dry off. While it still wasn’t as comfortable as I had been earlier when I was fully dry, it was better than nothing. I did one more pass of running the towel through my hair, before leaving the bathroom and dropping my things off into the laundry bins. It almost seemed calm again. 

Until I started walking over to the suture room and a gurney with a familiar patient passed in front of me. 

I followed them into the trauma room, gloves already coming on. “What happened?” I asked. 

“She started declining on the way back down here.” Haleh replied, already moving to get things together. 

“Fuck.” I muttered and walked over to the door to the suture room, seeing Carter talking to Millicent inside. I made eye contact with Susan and knocked on the glass, motioning with my head that we needed her.                 

“Page surgery. Need a HemoCue.” Susan ordered, pulling down the head of the gurney. 

“On it.” I replied. 

“What happened?” Carter asked as he joined us. 

“Dropped her stats in the elevator.” Haleh replied, handing him the chart. “88.”

“Any chest pain?” 

“No. Just passed out. BP’s 80/60.” 

“I can’t see the cords.” Susan groaned. “I need a Fiber-Optic scope.”

“Alright, ABG, set up the ultrasound and mix up 7,500 units of Heparin.” Carter ordered. 

“There’s a lot of fluid in here. It could be pulmonary edema.” 

“If we’re lucky. Grab the Thrombolytics box. DIC panel, Troponin, CK, EKG, and a portable chest. Let’s go!” 

Finishing the HemoCue, I shouted out the number before going to start the tests he ordered. “Bradying down to 60.” Haleh called out. 

“Hurry up. She’s gonna arrest.” 

“I’m in. I think.” Susan questioned.” 

“Sats are falling.” I warned, hooking up the ambu-bag and starting breaths.  

“There’s too much edema. Is Mark done yet? I need that Fiber Optic.” 

“No, you’re in the stomach.” Carter confirmed, shaking his head. 

“What are you doing?” 

“I’m gonna try to suction the cords. Deflate the balloon.”

“Keep it in, you’ll have a better shot.” 

“No, just here. Pull it back, really slowly.” Carter instructed, picking up the laryngoscope blade. “Alright, go. Slowly, slowly. A little more. Alright, there are the cords. Give me the tube.” I handed it over. Slowly, he stuck it alongside the other one until it was in place. 

“Open the crash cart. Draw one of Atropine and an amp of epi.” 

I resumed the rescue breaths. “89. 90. Pulse is climbing.” 

“Good breath sounds.” Susan confirmed. “Nice work.” 

Carter let out a deep breath, his whole body physically relaxing. “Carter.” We all looked up. It was Malik. “Transport is taking your grandmother upstairs.” 

 “Go with her.” Susan said when he looked back at us. 

“We’ve got this.” I added, giving him a small smile. “I’ll come find you once I’m done here.” 

He nodded before taking off into the room next door. I watched as he helped wheel her out the door and down the hall. 

I wasn’t shocked when Carter had told me about how Millicent had reacted in the CT scan, agitated and confused. It honestly was expected with the hit she took to the head and the way her body was processing with the Shy-Drager’s.

After getting the advice of not putting her through surgery, we had her transferred to a convalescent hospital. While it had been a fight with her at first, Carter and I knew it was worth it in the end. It was a nice place and she would get round the clock care. With our schedules at County and Meghan to worry about, neither of us could be there to help her 24/7. This way, she was under a watchful eye all the time and could still recover under medical supervision. It was only temporary. Though I knew she would not be excited to be there for Christmas. The woman she hit thankfully made a full recovery and she decided to settle. She ended up a very rich woman thanks to the generous offer she got. 

Everything lately had been so crappy with our personal lives, I was just glad when Carter got that couple case in the ER. Leave it to a semen allergy to raise his spirits and get him thinking about something other than his grandmother’s health issues. We went up to the roof of the hospital that night for coffee and a moment alone. 

“You know, they were actually really sweet. I hope they are able to get pregnant like they wanted.” I sighed, taking a sip from my cup.

“Shouldn’t be a problem.” Carter started, setting his coffee cup on the ledge. “The endocrinologist can wash the sperm and then it’s safe to artificially inseminate.”

“Wow. Never heard of that before.” 

“Just goes to teach you never to doubt my diagnoses.” He said, wrapping his arms around my waist. 

“For your information, I never doubted it.” I scoffed, pulling myself closer to him. “Susan, maybe. But not me.” I bit my lip and chuckled. “I still can’t believe they did it in their truck outside the hospital.”

“They had a camper shell.”

“How do you know?” 

 “I saw it.” 

“You did?” 

“Yes. In front of the hospital. It’s their honeymoon suite.” 

“Well, I hope that wasn’t at the top of your list, because we will not be honeymooning in one of those.”

“Definitely not. That’s a little weird.” 

“Uh, not really.” 

“Oh yeah. Where’s the weirdest place you’ve had sex?”  

“I think a few floors down in the films room tops the list.” 

Carter chuckled. “Yeah, work is pretty weird. Definitely an HR nightmare.” 

“We really should have been severely reprimanded.” 

“But instead, we got a baby and a relationship out of it.” He smiled and leaned down, kissing me over and over, the smile only growing wider on his face. It was really nice. But my nose was also starting to freeze alongside my fingers. 

“Speaking of, we probably should head home to said baby, who actually isn’t a baby anymore, but almost a toddler.” 

 Carter groaned. “Don’t remind me. I need her to stay little longer.” 

“We’ll make another one someday, and we can start all over then.” 

“Can’t wait.” 

Just wanted to give a heads up, I might not be able to post on Saturday. I'm going out of sat to spend time with family and may not have a chance to write. If not, I will try to post Sunday or Monday, and try to do two chapter in two days.

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 62

Set during Season 8, Episode 7 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: THIS CHAPTER IS 18+ ONLY!! MDNI. Smut. Language.

WC: 4.0 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST Again, 18 + ONLY.

“Genevieve, sit down and eat something!”

I winced slightly and came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs. Damnit, I thought I was going to get out of here unseen. Carter and I were already running behind this morning. Meghan had been cutting a new tooth last night and you would think the way she responded, she was under a year again. It was not a great night. And of course, this morning she was perfectly fine while we were exhausted. 

“Millicent, I’m okay. I had a couple pieces of toasts already. We’re going to be late.” 

“You always have time for a meal.” She gently pat the table as a gesture for me to join her. I sighed and bounced Meghan on my hip, walking into the dining room. I set her in her highchair and took my own seat as a plate of food was put in front of me. I began picking at it, mainly feeding Meghan. “I believe you two had a long night. Someone was up fussing.” She said and smiled at Meghan. 

“Sorry if it kept you up. I don’t know what was going on. But she was not happy.” 

“Oh, it’s alright. Meghan sweetie, I have bad nights to sometimes.” 

“But I guess it wasn’t all bad. Forced me and Carter to talk, make some decisions. We finally decided on a date. May 19th.” 

“Well, that’s wonderful dear! We’ll get some invitation samples right away so we can get them out to everyone immediately. That also means we’ll need to sit down with John and finalize the guest list.”                  

“That won’t be that hard.” I muttered. We had also already been talking about a guest list. 

My side was pretty easy: Aunt Stacy was my only living relative aside from the people in this house. Carter’s family would make up most of the guest list. Well, them and Millicent’s friends and board members; couldn’t not invite them. But I think we were more concerned about having as many people from County as we could. Obviously, not everyone could come. They’d have to close down the County ER for the day if they did that. But they were some of the most important people to us. I was even considering calling Carol and Doug, seeing if they could come in with the girls for the big day. 

“Alger, can you please prepare the Jaguar for me? I have an event this afternoon.” The man must have come into the room while I was daydreaming. 

“I’m sorry ma’am, but the Jaguar is still being serviced.”

“What do you mean? It’s not here?”

“That’s precisely what I mean, ma’am.” 

“But I volunteered to drive to the Royal Botanical Garden’s fundraiser!”

“I’m sorry, but there’s just not much I can do about it.” Alger argued back. 

“You can stop lying to me.” 

“Good morning.” Carter said, trying to check in on the tension as he walked in.

“Dr. Carter.” 

“Did I miss something?” Carter asked, kissing my cheek and then Meghan’s. 

“Yes, breakfast.” Millicent huffed, reading through the paper. 

“Millicent is upset because the Jaguar is being serviced.” I said, trying not to laugh at the absurdity of her complaint. 

“For a week.” She said incredulously. 

“What’s wrong with it?” Carter asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee, a piece of toast in the other hand.” 

“Yes, Alger, what’s wrong with it?” 

“They’re waiting for a part.” 

“What part?”

“The ignition coil.” 

“Liar. He’s holding me hostage.” 

Alger shook his head and left the dining room. “What’s the matter with the town car?” Carter asked, just playing with the situation, knowing it was the easiest way we could get to work. 

“I don’t drive the town car.” 

“Well, you shouldn’t be driving anyway. That’s why we have Alger.” 

“Having a driver was your grandfather’s idea. Now that he’s gone it seems an unnecessary expense.”

“He’s just trying to look out for you, Millicent.” I said, standing to clean Meghan up and remove her from her highchair. 

“I’m a big girl.” Millicent sighed. “I don’t need a chaperone.” Carter put his items down and walked back over the stairs, moving to put on his coat as I grabbed Meghan and went for our things. I handed the little girl to her father and began to tie his tie. “Oh, John, Genevieve, are you still planning to come with me to the....”

There was a loud thud. Both our heads turned to see Millicent laying on the ground. “Gamma! Gamma?!” 

“Meghan’s up in daycare.” I said as I slipped into the exam room. Carter was checking Millicent’s monitors meticulously, making sure nothing was even an inch out of place. “How’s everything looking?” 

“I had a fainting spell, John.” Millicent tried to reassure him. “It’s happens.” 

“Well, it shouldn’t happen.” He groaned, moving to the other side of the bed as I got out the blood pressure cuff.   

“In my day, it was quite acceptable for a lady to swoon.” 

The door to the room opened, Susan walking in to check out the patient opposite Millicent. “Hey, Carter, there’s a new med student looking for you.” 

“I’m a little busy.” He muttered, putting on his stethoscope as he started the cuff.

“Oh, hello, Mrs. Carter.” 

“Hello.”

“Hi, Evan. I talked to your mother. She’s on her way.” Susan told the child patient. “She found your inhaler in the laundry.” 

“Okay, Gam, could you sit up for me? Put your legs over the end of the bed.” 

“Yes, John.” She tightly said and went to push herself up. “You’re not going to make me do push-ups are.....” But she closed her eyes and started to go right back down. Carter and I grabbed her as she fell. 

“Gamma? Gamma!” Carter exclaimed, checking her pulse. “Gamma? Susan? Gamma, can you hear me?” Susan walked over to the bed just as she came to. 

“John?”

“Okay. You’re okay.” He tried to reassure her. We raised the railing on her bed. “I need to, uh, I need to..... step out for a minute. I’ll be right back.” Carter squeezed my hand and I nodded. As he and Susan left the room, I took Millicent’s hand and gave it a light squeeze. I could tell by the look on her face, she was actually starting to get worried. 

“He’ll be right back.” I quietly told her, lightly patting the top of her hand. “Everything’s going to be okay.” 

Carter went up with Millicent once a spot opened upstairs. I was already late for my half shift, so I decided to stay down here as not to throw everything off completely. Once I did my few hours, I could go get Meghan from daycare and check on the older woman. Hopefully by then, Carter would be on shift or know more about what was going on with her. So, I dove into work, mainly helping out in triage so I could hopefully be available if they needed me upstairs. 

Thankfully, the time flew by fast because I was ready to get back to my family. But when I saw Carter walking towards me at the admit desk, I almost wished he wasn’t there. I followed him into the lounge. “Carter..... what is it?” I asked as he, almost on autopilot, moved to his locker to dress in his lab coat. 

“Uh..... it looks like Shy-Drager.”

My face fell. “Oh my god. Carter..... I’m so sorry.” I said, walking over and wrapping my arms around him and laid my head against his back. “Does she know?” 

“Uh, not yet. I wanted to wait for a couple more tests to confirm.” He cleared his throat and kind of pushed me off so he could put his lab coat on. “I’ll tell her soon.” 

“O-Okay.” I stuttered, stepping back. “Do you want me with you when you do?” 

“Uh, yeah. But I need to start my shift, or I’m going to be here forever.” He paused and squeezed my hand. “I’ll come get you when I go back upstairs.” 

I held Carter’s hand as we made our way upstairs and into the recovery and testing floor. I hardly ever came up here, and when I did, it sure as hell wasn’t for as personal of a reason as this. As Millicent came into view through the door window, Carter slowed until we were standing just in front of the door. I knew he didn’t want to do this, and I didn’t blame him. I really wished he would let the cardiologist give her the news, be the grandson for once and not the doctor. But that just wasn’t who Carter was. 

“Hey Gam.” He said, forcing a smile as he pushed into the room. “Sorry, this is taking so long. Did you get some lunch?” 

“No, I didn’t get anything.” Millicent replied, her tone holding a hint of worry but also annoyance. “And that cardiologist has never been back to see me.” 

“Yeah, that’s cause I asked to speak to you first.” Carter nervously stuck his hands into his lab coat. I squeezed his arm and walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge. 

“Why?”

“I figure it’s the least I could do since you’ve been stuck in here all day.”

“John, don’t beat around the bush.” 

I looked up at him and squeezed his arm again, trying to convince him to just come out and tell her. He looked down at me and then nodded. He sighed and turned back to Millicent. “You have what’s called Shy-Drager Syndrome. It’s a progressive disease that affects your blood pressure and could put you at a greater risk for heart attack or stroke.” 

Millicent swallowed and I could see the gears already beginning to turn in her head. “Is it going to kill me?” 

“Most people die within ten years.” I calmly said. 

Millicent paused for a moment, before it looked like she almost shrugged. “Ten year? I’m not even sure I wanna be around ten more years.” 

“Gamma.....”

“Ten days, now that might have put a kink in my plans.”

“Gamma, what about Meghan—” 

“Can I go home?” 

“I think they’re going to want you to stay overnight.” 

“John, I want to go home.” 

“Can you wait thirty minutes?” Carter’s head turned quickly to look at me. But I didn’t bother to meet his gaze. “If you can wait thirty minutes, I can finish out my shift, and Meghan and I can go home with you. Is that alright?” 

Millicent sighed. “I guess I can wait thirty more minutes.” 

“Great.” I said, and offered her a smile. “I’ll call Alger and have him come get us.” I gently pat her leg before standing and leaving the room. Carter was hot on my tail, evident by the room's doors swinging sharply behind me as I made my way to the elevator. 

“Evie, she can’t leave. She needs to be monitored.”              

“Which I can do from home.” I pressed the button to the elevator. “Carter, your grandmother was just diagnosed with a fatal disease. Her life just changed in an instant and she’s scared. She wants to be in her own home right now, where she's comfortable. There will be plenty of time for doctors and hospitals and poking and prodding later. She just wants to feel normal.” 

“But—”

That’s when I wrapped my arms tightly around Carter. He’s life was changing to. Maybe not as personally altered as Millicent, but besides Meghan and I, his Gamma was pretty much his whole world. She essentially raised him after Bobby died, maybe even before then. This whole thing was going to be so hard for both of them, especially for both of them to accept. 

“I’m going to go get my stuff from downstairs, clock out, and come grab Meghan. Then I’ll get Millicent discharged so Alger can drive us home. I’ll get her to rest and then when you get home, we can come up with an action plan. How does that sound?” 

He took a deep breath and moved back slightly, giving him access to my lips. He kissed me, hard, before stepping back as the elevator door opened. 

“That would really help. Thank you.” 

“Genevieve, this is not necessary.” 

I held my tongue as I escorted Millicent up the stairs to her room, Meghan firmly attached to my hip on the opposite side of the older woman. “Yes it is Millicent. You’ve been through a lot today and now you need to rest.” 

“I rested enough at the hospital.” 

“That wasn’t resting. That was tests and doctors poking at you. Besides, those beds aren’t great. Nothing like a king size luxury bed.” I pushed open her bedroom room and walked her to the bed, setting Meghan down on top of it before pulling back the comforter. Millicent hesitantly got in. “When Carter gets home, we’ll talk logistics. He’ll explode if he doesn’t.” 

“A trait he did not get from my side of the family.” She joked. I chuckled lightly as she found a comfortable spot. She looked at me, a sad look on her face. “I didn’t mean what I said earlier about not wanting to be around.” She said quietly, running a finger down Meghan’s cheek, the little girl playing with the design in the comforter’s fabric. She had been so happy on the ride home, babbling excitedly with no idea the storm that brewed around her. 

“I know.” I said calmly, giving her a smile and pulling the comforter over her lower half. 

“I know you and John will have more children. And I’m hoping I’m still around when they are here.”

“I thought you said we needed to wait until after we got married.” 

“You do!” She paused and grabbed my hand. “But maybe not to long after.” She pat the top of my hand gently. 

“I’m going to go put Meghan down for a little bit. It’s her nap time. Call if you need anything. You still haven’t eaten lunch.” 

“Corrine can bring me something if I need. Go take care of your daughter.” 

I nodded and let her give Meghan a quick kiss before we left the room, the door closing slowly behind us. Forgoing Meghan’s room, I took her to Carter and I’s. Pulling tight the curtains, the room darkened quickly. As I sat on the bed, Meghan climbed into my lap and laid her head on my chest, quickly falling asleep to the sound of my heart and breathing. She must have been just as tired as I was after last night. 

I told myself I would only lay there for a second. But as her soft little snores filled the air, I couldn’t help but be pulled under alongside her, my body preparing for the emotional fight we all were about to have. 

I honestly think it was my stomach and not Meghan that woke me up from my nap. It had been maybe an hour, an hour and a half at most. But I hadn’t eaten anything since that morning. So, when Meghan started chanting ‘Mama’ and grabbing at my shirt, I was wide awake and definitely ready for some kind of snack to hold me over until dinner. However, instead of going straight downstairs, I wandered back to Millicent’s room, wanting to see if she needed anything. That’s when I found the room empty. 

These damn Carters. 

“Corrine!” I exclaimed as I hustled down the stairs. “Alger? Corrine? Henry?” 

“Ms. Monroe?” Corrine asked, appearing around the corner.

 “Where is Mrs. Carter?” 

“Mrs. Carter took the car out.” 

“What?! When? She’s not supposed to be driving.” 

“I’m sorry ma’am. I would have tried to stop her if I knew. Mr. Alger was out.” 

“How long has she been gone?” 

 “About an hour.” 

I scoffed. Of course, she waited until I was asleep to sneak out. Like grandson, like grandmother. “Thank you Corrine. W-Would you mind getting Meghan a snack? I need to call Carter.” 

She nodded and I put the little girl’s hand over to her's, the two walking away before I made my way over to the phone on the landing table. Holding the phone to my ear, I dialed the number for the County ER, knowing his phone would be in his locker. 

“Hey, Frank. It’s Evie. I need to talk to Carter. It’s an emergency.” 

I pulled the blanket tighter around my body as I watched the water in the pool ebb and flow with the slight wind. It was so quiet and peaceful out here, just the sounds of nature filling the air. Even though it was still weird living in a literal mansion after over a year and a half, what I did love about it was the access to the open sky. No apartment buildings or skyscrapers to block your view of the stars. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment before standing. 

“You’re not gonna jump in, are you?” 

I turned, seeing Carter standing there, hands in his pockets. “Maybe later. Not really in the mood.” 

Carter nodded his head and smiled. He walked over to me and gave me a kiss before we sat down again. “Why are you waiting out here?” 

I pointed off to the side. “Better view of the driveway and garage. Didn’t want to miss her coming back.” I laid my head on his shoulder. “God, I feel like we’re waiting for our kid to get home after they snuck out.” 

“Well, I am happy to report our almost two-year-old is asleep in her crib and years away from driving a car. Thank goodness.” 

“But imagine when she does start driving. That will be high school. Which means shopping for prom dresses and sleepovers with friends. And boys.” 

“No, it won’t because she won’t be allowed to leave her room until she’s thirty.” 

I laughed. “Carter, you can’t keep our daughter locked away like Rapunzel. She’s gonna grow up, no matter how much we don’t want her too. 

“I know, I know. I just don’t like thinking about it right now. I want her to stay little for as long as possible.” 

“Who knew John Truman Carter was such a softy.” 

“Don’t go telling anyone.” 

“I won’t. Your secret is safe with me.” I paused. “I’m sorry I let Millicent escape. I knew I shouldn’t have laid down with Meghan; I should have known I’d fall asleep.” 

“It’s not your fault. Gamma is stubborn. She doesn’t want to accept that things are changing. She’s been like that since my grandfather died.” He paused. “She’s going to be so mad at me when I tell her I reported her to the DMV.” 

“You had too. And it will be hard. But we’ll talk to her about it, get her primary care doctor to talk to her. She’ll realize it’s serious and let us help her.” 

“Thank you.” 

I smiled and sat up, looking at him. “For what?” 

“Everything.” Carter paused and grabbed my hand, running a finger over my engagement ring. “I honestly don’t know what I would have done these last few years without you. You’ve helped my family and me in so many ways that you definitely did not have too. You worked and raised our daughter by yourself when I was stabbed and then again while I was in rehab. You could have walked away, filed for full custody and never looked back. But you stayed. You stayed and even said you wanted to marry me and make it permanent.” 

“Marriage isn’t technically permanent.” 

Carter smiled and shook his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you for everything. You make me want to be a better man because you are such an amazing woman.” He leaned in and kissed me, his hands sliding into place on my cheeks. 

“You know,” I started, smiling as I moved back a little. “I don’t think I heard you. Would you mind saying that last part again?” 

Carter laughed and kissed me again. “You are an amazing woman.” Kiss. “You are an exceptional woman.” Another kiss, this time to my jaw. “You are a goddess.” Another kiss, this time to my neck. 

“A goddess, huh?” 

 “And I worship at your feet.”

Carter moved down and kneeled on the ground. He slowly moved my legs apart, finding a place between my thighs as his fingers dug into the flesh and muscle. My silky nightgown gave him easy access to get where he wanted. He began slowly, just kissing, every so often adding a small bite. His hands eventually moved further up my legs and pulled down my underwear, leaving me bare. Pulling me to the edge of the bench, he moved in, his tongue lightly flicking my clit. My breath caught and I could feel the vibration as he moaned. He took his time, moving between licking and sucking, savoring this fleeting moment of privacy. My hands latched onto his hair, holding on for dear life as my legs found a place on his shoulders. 

“Carter......need more.” I moaned, my chest heaving as I chased towards my orgasm.

Without losing his rhythm, he slipped two fingers inside of me. My toes curled as the noises he began making intensified everything he was doing. The curl of his fingers hit just the right spot, causing me to see stars before a powerful orgasm eventually snapped within me. I threw my head back and my heels dug into Carter’s shoulder blades. He seemed to want to continue guiding me through it, but my shaky hands grabbed his face and brought him up to me for a kiss. 

I maneuvered our bodies to standing, dropping my blanket on the bench as I worked on his belt and pants until they and his boxers fell to his knees. I stroked him a few times before I forced him to sit and I straddled his lap, taking him in one fluid motion. The groan and following “Fuck!” that left him was animalistic and we sat there for a moment, our breathing heavy. I put my arms around his neck and his hands grabbed tightly onto my hips as I began to move. 

Our loud moans and gasps filled the quiet night. I was still stimulated from my first orgasm, so it thankfully didn’t take long for me to come towards the edge. I tried not to fall over though, wanting Carter to cum with me. It was hard though when he got my breasts uncovered and he began to suck on one of my nipples. “Oh fuck.” I moaned and he bit down at the same time he smacked my ass. I gasped and clenched around him, earning a low, satisfied groan from him. He did it again, hoping for the same response, which was what he got. 

“That’s right baby. That feels good doesn’t it.” 

“Y-yes!” 

“Do you want to cum again?” 

“I want to cum with you.” 

“Fuck.” 

Carter kissed me hard as he began pounding up into me. A strangled cry escaped me as I felt myself flutter around him. “I-I’m gonna—” 

“Cum for me baby. I’m right there too.” 

Another moment and I wouldn’t have able have been able to hold it in if I tried. A loud, deep cry ripped through me just as it did Carter. My head fell to his shoulder, and he kissed mine, wrapping his arms around me as he held me close. “I love you.” He muttered over and over, as he stroked my back. The glow off of the pool added to the haziness of the moment and I couldn’t help the content feeling that washed over me. 

I felt safe. 

I felt loved. 

I felt wanted. 

I don’t know how long we stayed like this, but eventually headlights flooded over us for a moment as a car went back into the garage. Carter sighed and nuzzled his head into mine. I raised my head and kissed his jaw before I sat all the way up and slowly got off of Carter. We fixed ourselves up, and once we were decent, I held out a hand to him. 

“Time to go back to reality.” 

Check out the moodboard I made for the series if you haven't already! It's my first one, so I hope you like it!

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Moodboard

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 61

Set during Season 8, Episode 6 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: serious illness, patient death, language

WC: 3.5 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

It was still early in my shift, but things had been steadily moving since I arrived. While it wasn’t hard work, per se, I felt like I hadn’t had a chance to breathe or take a moment since I stepped through the door. But thankfully, now there was a small laps in patients, so I decided to head to the lounge and take a moment. I’d get a drink from my locker and make my way back out onto the floor. As I walked into the lounge, I was greeted by the sight of Susan. 

“Hey.” I cheerfully said, walking over. “How was yoga?” When Carter had mentioned Susan invited him to see if it would help his back pain, I had to stop myself from laughing. Carter did not have the kind of patience and focus for yoga. Medical procedures maybe, but definitely not yoga. 

“Uh...... it was okay.” Susan tried to reassure me. I took a sip from the bottle and then raised an eyebrow at her. “Okay, yeah. He might have fell over.” I sighed and nodded my head, returning the bottle to the shelf. The door swung open behind me. 

“Got people coming in from an apartment fire.” Carter said as the door closed. “Good morning.” 

I smiled as I felt a kiss on my neck, but then shuddered. “Ew! You’re sweaty.” I turned and moved back from him. “Get away from me.” 

“What? Don’t want me all over you?” He asked and cornered me into the lockers, grabbing me and getting himself all over me as he laughed and I squealed. 

“Let the poor girl go.” Susan chuckled as she closed her locker and headed out onto the floor. 

Carter grabbed me and hugged me tightly, burying his head into my neck. “Susan told me yoga was not a success.”

“Oh, it was torture.” He groaned, kissing me one last time before moving back. “Definitely did not help my back.”

“I’m sorry babe. But hey, at least you tried something new.” I patted his chest and moved to leave. 

“Hang on a minute.” He started and grabbed my left hand, holding it up. “Where’s your ring?” 

I rolled my eyes and reached inside my top, pulling out the chain I was wearing. My engagement ring was hanging from it. “Right here.” 

“Why aren’t you wearing it?” He asked, his expression showing some hurt. 

“Because I finally got tired of it tearing my gloves ever five seconds. It’s not sanitary and it’s annoying. So, I put it on this chain for now.” 

Carter hummed and pulled me back. “I don’t know how I feel about you not wearing your ring.”

“What? Worried someone is gonna come swooping in and take me away.” 

“Maybe.” He muttered and kissed my hand over where the ring normally was. 

“Well, I promise to keep an eye out for men on the hunt for moms.” He raised his eyebrows and playfully growled at me. “Stop!” I squealed as he grabbed me again and started biting at my neck. 

“The fire was right outside our door.” The woman started explaining as the gurney was placed on the ground. “Eden was choking.” 

“She was holding her daughter.” The paramedic explained as we both checked out her legs. “Broke the fall for both of them.”

“And my legs.” 

“We got a deformity of the right tib-fib.” Carter said. “Left femur looks open.” 

“Surgery and ortho?” I asked to confirm. 

“Yup.”

“Took your daughter inside, ma’am.” A firefighter started as he limped over to join us. “She’ll be okay.”

“I’m sorry. I know you wanted me to wait.” 

“Everyone is safe.” He reassured her as I made my way over to him, Carter continuing to take the gurney inside. 

“Here. Lean on me.” I instructed him as I put his arm around me. 

“I’m good.” He grimaced, his fist lightly hitting the side of another rig. 

“That ankle doesn’t look so good.” I retorted. 

“I don’t wanna crush you.” 

“It’s okay. I’m used to it.” I smiled, looking up at him. We both made our way slowly inside of the ER, him limping and me trying to not fall under his weight. I spotted Luka at admit with Nicole. I had seen her around today; apparently according to Abby, he had gotten her the job. He was telling her something about asking for help. “I need help!” I called out.

“Oh, sorry!” Luka exclaimed and ran over, taking the weight on the guy’s other side. “You wanna have lunch?” He called over his shoulder. 

“But you’re busy.” Nicole said. 

"No. 1:30. Find me.” 

“I was halfway up the ladder and the lady just panicked and jumped.” The firefighter started to explain. 

“I think I would panic too.” I offered. 

“Can you bear weight on it at all?” Luka asked as we got him to the end of a bed in curtains. 

“I’m fine. Just give me a bag of ice.” 

 “You’ve got some burns, too.” Luka observed as I helped him remove his helmet. 

“Yeah. Occupational hazard.” 

“No blistering, skin’s intact.” He continued as a grabbed a new chart. “Polysporin then dress with Kerlix.” He ordered as he pulled over a stool to look at his ankle. “We’ll probably need a splint for him. 

“We’re out of fiberglass.” I told him, and then raised an eyebrow. “I might have to call Central Supply.”

“I was going to tell you.” 

“Oh, it’s not me you have to worry about telling. It was Abby.” 

“Whoa. Ow!” The firefighter exclaimed. 

“Tenderness of the fifth metatarsal.”

“Thought firefighters were tough guys, right?” The man scoffed. 

“Your secret’s safe with me.” I told him, giving him a smile. 

I followed Luka’s medical orders and carefully dressed the firefighter’s burns before getting started on the cast after Nicole finally brought more fiberglass down. The guy was nice, making small jokes and asking me about myself. It almost seemed like he was flirting with me. And a small part of me kind of liked it. Now, I would never not be with Carter; that was not possible. But it did feel nice to have someone else find me attractive. Just as I got the fireman’s leg cast finished, Susan brought a young woman over beside her and asked me to help start with her chart. 

“The pain is like.... wrapped around my head.” The girl, Lara, groaned as Susan performed her physical exam. 

“Did you drink last night?” Susan asked, moving back in front of her. 

“There were a lot of parties on campus.”

“Is that a yes?” 

“I never felt this way from being hungover. I woke up all achy, and I keep getting the chills.”

“Sounds like the flu, Lara.” 

“That’s what he said.” 

I furrowed my brow and turned in the direction she was pointing. “Him?” I asked, taking in Mau, one of Carter’s med students seemingly talking to nothing at admit. 

“Yeah. He asked me like, a thousand questions.”

Susan nodded. “Okay, we’ll be right back.” We both walked towards him. He was giving someone a presentation of Lara’s symptoms. And as we got into the admit area, I shook my head.  

“What are you doing?” I interrupted, looking down at my squatting fiancée. His head came up. 

“In this position, there’s hardly any pain at all.” 

“Tylenol, I’m telling you.” Susan groaned. My eyes went wide and I looked from her down to Carter. He scoffed. 

“Yeah. We need to talk.” He scoffed. 

“Come here.” I said, offering my hand. I helped pull him back up to his feet, turning him so he was facing away from me. 

“You know I can help you with that.” Mau offered. 

“Pass.” Carter scoffed as I began kneading my fingers and knuckles into his back. 

"Patient carries an EpiPen for allergy to Hymenoptera.” Mau continued presenting. “History of recurrent yeast infections now in remission.” 

“Cut to the chase, Stanley. What’s the diagnosis?” 

“I’d say a viral illness of unknown etiology.” 

“The flu. I agree.” Susan chimed in. 

“Ibuprofen and drink plenty of fluids?” 

“Sounds like a winner.” Susan confirmed. “Next time sign up for it, Stanley.” 

“I’m sorry.” He replied as they both walked away. 

“How does this feel?” I asked. 

“Mm, not as good as squatting.” I shook my head. “Don’t say it.” 

“I wasn’t going to say anything.” 

“Yes you were. Your thoughts are loud.” 

“Well, you have been having this pain for a long time now. I’m allowed to worry.” I paused. “Maybe you should let Mark look at you. Or even Benton.” 

Carter sighed and turned back to me. “I think I’m just going to squat a little while longer.” 

 As he sunk back down to the ground, I rolled my eyes and left the desk, heading back to my patients. 

“Hi.” I told the fireman, offering him a smile. 

“How you doing?” 

“Is it still wet?” I asked, lightly touching the cast. 

“Yeah. What do I do when my foot itches?” 

“You live with it.” He scoffed, but smiled. “Can I get you something? Uh, water? Popsicle?”

“How about a soda?” 

“I can do that.” I said, writing a note in his chart. “And I’ll bring you something to clean your face with." 

"Your boyfriend get mad if I buy you one?” He asked, reaching into his pocket. 

I bit my lip, feeling my heart race a little. So, he had been flirting with me. “Well, I’m not thirsty, but thank you.” 

“Come on, live it up.” He suggested, handing me the cash. 

“Is this the surgical consult?” I turned as Benton stopped behind me. He was pointing into the exam room.

“Uh, yeah. I think so. Abby is in there with him.” Benton nodded and went in. I turned back to the firefighter and took the cash from him. 

“One soda, coming right up.” 

I walked over towards chairs and the vending machine. The machine was being weird, acting like it was taking the dollar and then spitting it right back out. I shook my head and hit the thing a couple times when I heard it. 

“Evie we need you!” 

Malik, Susan, a paramedic, and another person were pushing in a gurney towards trauma. I pocketed the dollar and fell into step with them. “Got a gag, BP 130/70, pulse 100.” 

“Did he take anything?” Susan asked the paramedic. 

“Nothing in the dorm room. This is the roommate.” 

“Does he use drugs?” Susan asked the younger man as we swung into the trauma room. 

“No, he drank a little at a party last night. But he was okay when he went to bed.”

“Did he say anything today?” 

“Just that he felt sick and his neck hurt.”

Susan eyes went wide as she turned to the kid. “Stiff?”

“Yeah. He thought he slept on it funny.”

“Okay, on my count. One, two, three.” We moved him over to the gurney and got the ambulance one out of the way as Susan began her physical exam. I could already see the guy had multiple little red spots all over his arms. “Skin feels hot. Let’s get a rectal temp.” 

“Did you see this?” I asked, drawing her attention to those spots. 

“What?”

“Petechiae. They don’t blanche.”

“Oh my god.”

“Sat are dropping to 91.” Malik yelled out. 

“This is meningococcus.” Susan announced, holding up her hands. 

“What’s that?” The kid asked. 

“Get TB masks and post-exposure meds for everyone.” Susan told another nurse, who quickly ran from the room. “CBC, Chem 20, Accu-check, Blood cultures times two. This could be all over his dorm by now. Where do you go to school?” 

“Uh, U of I.” 

“Get an LP tray. Where’s Carter?” Susan asked me. 

“He’s in Exam Three.” But it was Malik who answered. 

“Get him.” She told me. “Get him now.” 

I stopped what I was doing, stripped my gloves, and headed straight for exam three. I expected to find him with either a patient or teaching his students. But instead, when I opened the door, he was lounging face down on the exam bed, Mau standing over him as he stuck small needles into his back. “Uh, Carter...... Carter, Susan needs you.” I stuttered. 

He took in a deep, almost relaxed breath and turned his head to me. “What is it?” 

I sighed. “Some kid has meningococcus.” 

“Alright, take them out Stanley.” I heard him say as I took back off towards the room. I was putting on a mask, new gloves, and a gown when he came in. Abby had also made her way into the room by the time I got back. “Meningococcemia?” He asked Susan to confirm. 

“Can you intubate?” Susan asked. “28 of Dexamethasone.” 

“Did you induce yet?” 

“No.”

“20 of Etomidate. Give me 120 of Sux.” 

Stanley came bursting into the room, putting back on his lab coat. “Did our flu girl go to U of I?” Susan asked the room. 

“Who?” Carter asked. 

“Uh, yes. Lara Avery.” Stanley confirmed as I handed Cater a mask. “I presented her to you.” 

“She needs to be tapped immediately. If she’s been exposed as long as this kid has we’re out of time already.” 

“Uh, she was discharged.” He told Susan, putting a mask over his face. 

“What?”

“You said she had the flu.” He handed her what I was assuming the discharge orders. 

“We need to find her.” Carter warned, getting in position to intubate now that I pushed the meds. 

“I’ll do it. Tube him. Prep a Swan-Ganz catheter.” 

“I think I saw her in chairs waiting on a ride when I was going to the vending machine.” I told Susan as she made her way towards the door. 

“Okay, he’s loose.” Carter exclaimed as Susan and Stanley left the room. “Give me some cricoid pressure, Evie.” He slipped the tube in with ease. “Was there a unit?” Carter asked Malik, who had just hung up the phone. 

“Yeah.”

“What’d they say?” 

“An hour, at least.” 

“I found the introducer, but not the catheter.” Abby yelled from the supply cabinet.”

“What?” I asked. “I thought I just organized that cabinet. They should be in there. 

“Well, get one.” Carter warned. “We need to monitor his pressure down here.”

I groaned and walked over to the cabinet. I thumbed through it quickly and shook my head. “What the hell? Nothing’s where it’s supposed to be. Someone moved everything around.”

“I think I know why.” Abby groaned before leaving the room as we continued to work. She came back in not long after with Nicole and Luka on her tail. She handed them masks. 

“Did you find it?” Carter asked. 

“Not yet. Here.” Abby pointed to the cabinet.

“Do you want me to set up an art line?” I asked Carter, worried we were running out of time. 

“Either. I’ll take either.” 

“Got it!” Nicole yelled, holding up the absolute wrong thing. 

“No. That is the introducer.” Carter groaned.

“It looks like a big, yellow snake.” I offered as I assisted him. 

“Forget it. Call Central. Get me somebody who knows the difference.” 

“She’s new Carter, it’s her first day.” Luka defended. 

“This kid is dying here.”

“I’m sorry.” Nicole quickly said. 

“Don’t be sorry. If you don’t know what you’re doing just get the hell out of here!” 

“Here it is.” Luka said, standing from the cabinets under the window. “Don’t yell at her.” Abby caught it as he tossed it. 

“We’re losing time here.”

“It’s not her fault he is sick.” Luka replied and left at that, Nicole right behind him. 

We got the catheter started and kept working, but the kid was just getting worse by the moment. “BP’s down to 60!” I yelled out. 

“How much fluid is in?” Carter asked, getting his heart. The poor kids nose was turning black as he worked. 

“Eight. We’re going to put him into pulmonary edema.” 

“Dopamine’s maxed out.” Malik informed. “Levo’s at 20 mikes.” 

“No place left to put the pulse ox.” Abby said, holding up the kid’s hand. His fingers were also turning black.  

“God, this kills fast.” Carter groaned. 

“V-fib!” I yelled. 

 “Crash cart. Charge at 300.” Carter grabbed the paddles and noticed the looks both Abby and I were giving him. “He’s young. Let’s give him a chance. Come on, Andy! Clear!” He shocked him, but it didn’t work. “Charge at 360. Go get the conducting pads.” Malik handed me over the ambu-bag bag before he went next door. “And clear!” I raised the bag off the tube as Carter shocked him. We repeated this pattern a few more times. But even with the pads, it was already too late. He was gone. Flatlined. 

Stripping himself of my PPE, I left the room and headed straight for the drug lock up. Little cups were already sitting there, ready for us with post exposure meds. Just another one of the marvelous things you had to worry about while working in health care, specifically the ER. I took the meds and as I downed the water right after, I realized I still had that firemen’s money in my pocket. Switching it out for quarters in my purse, I finally got him his soda. 

“Did you take the meds?” Carter asked as he and Susan walked down the hall. 

“Already taken care of.” I sighed and turned, handing the can of Coke to the firefighter as “Here you go.” 

“There she is.” He smiled, taking it from me. 

“Sorry it took so long. I got busy.” I checked to make sure the cast was dry before grabbing his chart. “Now all you need are crutches.” 

“Do I have to?” 

“Mm-hmm. Nurse’s orders.” 

“Can I ask you something?” 

“Yeah.” I said, focused on my charting. 

“How late are you here tonight?” 

“One more hour.” 

“If I were going to see you again, I’d probably be more subtle. Would you like to go for coffee or something?” 

I felt my cheeks get a little red and I smiled, looking up from my chart. “I’m sorry. I’m not available.” 

“There is a boyfriend.” 

“Fiancée, actually. But thank you. Really. I’m flattered. Believe me.” I put the chart down, biting my lip. “I’ll go get those crutches and we’ll get you out of here.” 

“Are you going to do it again?” I asked Carter, the image of him with multiple tiny needles in his back still heavy in my mind as we walked down towards the waterfront. “It sounds painful.” 

“Seriously, I think it worked. It feels much better. 

“Needles in your back?” 

“Yeah, it was a bonus.” 

I scoffed. “I should have known you were a masochist.” 

“Whatever works.” He shrugged. 

“Maybe I should have got that whip on my way home from work the other day.” 

“Sounds like fun.” Carter said and bent down, kissing my neck. 

“Stop!” I squealed. “That tickles.” 

“You almost off?” He asked, moving away. 

“Fifteen minutes ago.” 

“What are you still hanging around for?” 

“And miss this moonlit stroll with my fiancée without a child attached to one of us? Never.” We both leaned against the railing and Carter took my hand, playing with my engagement ring. I bit my lip. 

“Starting to get a little chilly out here.” 

“I got asked out by a fireman tonight.” 

I would have thought he broke his neck with how fast he turned towards me. “Really?” He asked, his voice a higher pitch. He cleared his throat. “Uh.....the-the ankle guy?” 

“What?” I scoffed. “Hard to believe? Don’t think this mom still has it?” 

“That’s not what I meant.” Carter said, his voice lower and softer. He stood up straight and wrapped his arms around me. “You definitely never lost it. Was he good looking?”  

“Yes.”

“Big?”

“Yeah, and funny.” 

“You know this proves my point to our earlier conversation about you not wearing your ring around the ER.” He muttered in my ear.

“I know.” I said and turned, kissing his nose. “You have tomorrow off, right?” He nodded. “Why don’t we go ring shopping?” 

He scoffed. “Wow, I didn’t think my taste in rings was that bad.” 

“It’s not.” I said, giving him a little shove. “I love my ring. But maybe we can go find a band that matches, and I can start to wear that to work. Save the diamond for all of Gamma’s rich friends. Little weird before the wedding, but at least you’ll still get to mark your territory.”

“Oh yeah?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. “I think I can get behind this.” He playfully growled and started kissing my neck again. 

“Stop!” I chuckled, pushing him back again. “Don’t think you’re getting out of this though. You’re gonna have to wear one too, so we’ll look for that as well. Kill two birds with one stone.” 

“Eh.... I don’t know.” 

“Uh, if I’m wearing one, so are you. Come on Carter. I saw you wear that stupid pinky ring all the time for years. You can wear a wedding band.” 

“Good argument. A very valid point.”  “That’s why you’re marrying me.”

“Is that why?” 

“Yep.”

“Oh, and here I thought it was due to your submissive tendencies.” 

My eyes went wide, and my mouth opened. “I’m leaving. Good night.” But as I tried to walk away, he grabbed me and brought me back. 

“I was just kidding.” He kissed me. “I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 60

Set during Season 8, Episode 5 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: canonical medical symptoms

WC: 2.9 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

“Are you sure you want to do this?” 

I sighed and shook my head, continuing the put the earring in my ear. It was the third time Carter had asked me the same question this morning. 

Today was a day off for me, and instead of spending it at home, I had been pulled into finally starting wedding planning with Millicent Carter. It was a process I was nervous and maybe the tiniest bit excited about. Despite my initial protests to hold off on planning, she wanted to get a head start with a florist and promised to take me to Marshall Field’s to work on the wedding registry. A few weeks back, she had offered to help pay for the wedding, which I had been adamantly against. I didn’t need people to have any reason to call me a gold digger. But she wasn’t taking no for an answer, wanting to give me and Carter anything we wanted. And upon saying yes, it made her the ringleader in our planning and the keeper of appointments.  

“If we want to get married within the year, then we need to get started.” I explained to Carter as I finished tying his tie and fixing his collar before I turned to check myself over one more time in the mirror. “Why not start now?”  

“We don’t even have a wedding date.” Carter sighed and put his arms around me, laying his head on my shoulder. 

“Speaking of, we should probably fix that.” 

Carter sighed. “You can say no to my grandmother, you do know that right?” 

“I could. But she’s your only family member besides our daughter that I actually like.” I fixed a stray hair. “I........ optimistic that it actually might be a little fun. It will also get Meghan out of the house and hopefully exhaust her so she sleeps tonight.” 

“If you’re sure.” Carter said and kissed my neck. “Just don’t come complaining to me if it turns into a disaster.”

Who knew there were so many damn kinds of flowers? 

It felt like we had been at the florists for days. I had gone into my first wedding meeting as a bride to be with the idea that I wanted roses. By the time I left, I was severely overwhelmed. It was all, what kind of roses do you want? What color? What shape of bouquet do you want? Will there be bridesmaid bouquets? What do you imagine for centerpieces? Are you think about an arch? Question after questions after question. It was absolutely insane. Thankfully Millicent had walked me through it like I was a child, stopping the florist when she went to fast or I looked like I might throw up. Maybe we shouldn’t have done flowers first. Maybe we should have gone for something easier. 

I handed Meghan another piece of graham cracker before I turned back to look out the window. “I hope I didn’t just make you consider an elopement after that appointment.” Millicent said, raising an eyebrow from her spot across from us in the limo. 

I chuckled lightly and shook my head. “It’s just a little overwhelming. I thought the relationship was always the hardest part of the marriage. Now, even after everything we’ve been through, I’m feeling like it’s the wedding.” 

“Oh dear, the wedding is the cherry on top.” 

“Seems like a pretty daunting cherry.” 

“It will all be worth it.” She paused and pursed her lips. “Although it would help if we could tell these people when the big day actually is.” 

I sighed. “I know. We’re figuring it out. I think we’re set on May. It’s the end of the academic year and so Carter won’t have as many responsibilities as chief resident. We just have to narrow down a day.” 

“Well please do.  We will especially need to know when we go to find a dress. We need to make sure they can the dress done and altered in plenty of time. Your aunt is coming into to town when we go shopping, right?” 

“She’s bothering me about it too. Needs to know when to book a plane ticket.” I took a bite of the graham cracker. 

"Just make sure we don’t have any surprises between now and then.” I coughed, choking as her eyebrows raised, looking from my face down to my stomach.  “Not that I wouldn’t love more great grandchildren. But in the middle of wedding preparations is not the time.” 

I swallowed and looked back out the window, feeling my cheeks get red. Meghan whined for more and I handed the rest to her, no longer in the mood to snack. The city went by us in flashes until we finally pulled up to the front of the Marshall Field’s department store. “I think you’ll enjoy this part of the day more, dear.” Millicent said, preparing herself to leave the car. “This part is easy. Just decide what you like and it’s added to a list of things people buy for you.” 

I let out a small chuckle before reaching over to Meghan and unbuckling her from her seat. Alger opened the door for me, and I slipped out easily. Adjusting Meghan on my hip, I worked to get the stroller situated as Alger helped Millicent from the car. But just as I got Meghan situated, I felt a frail hand grab my arm and I turned just in time to see Millicent fall to the ground. 

“Millicent!”

“Gen?” Susan’s eyebrow raised as I pushed the stroller through the ambulance bay doors, slowly escorting Millicent into County. “What are you doing here? I thought you had the day off.” 

“I did. But now I need to find Carter.” I looked around the busy ER, before spotting him over in curtains. “Carter!” I yelled and his head turned in our direction. His eyes went wide before he walked over. He had a growing look of concern and confusion on his face, trying to figure out if it was me, Meghan, or his Gamma that needed help. 

“What are you doing here?��� He asked, checking Meghan quickly, before putting a hand on my cheek. 

“Millicent fainted outside of Marshal Field’s.” I told him and he immediately went over to her. 

“I did not.” She said incredulously.

“Did you hit your head?” 

“No. I didn’t faint.” 

“Millicent, I’m a nurse.” I jumped in. “I think I know when someone faints.” 

“John.” Millicent started, but he just sighed, putting his arm around her as he led her to an exam room. I followed close behind, pushing Meghan in her stroller. 

Carter immediately went into something way past doctor mode. It was a mix of that and being a concerned grandson. He was ordering every test he could think of Millicent quickly getting attached to an EKG machine, amongst other things. Despite not being on call, I took her blood. She wouldn’t let anyone else do it, not even Carter. He was in and out of the room, for the next couple of hours, trying to finish up patients so he could solely focus on Millicent, so it was mainly just the three of us. While Meghan sat in her stroller and played with her stuffed dog and anything else I could find to keep her attention, Millicent was agitated and just wanted to leave, which I kept having to tell her was not a good idea. 

“Your EKG looks good.” Carter said, combing through the results once he was finally back with us. 

“I told you, I’m fine.” Millicent groaned. “Genevieve, I know you mean well, but you should have listened to me.” 

“I’m sorry. But people in the Carter family like saying they are fine when they aren’t.” I said, making sure to quickly glance at her grandson. 

“You gave her a scare.” Carter added. 

“I was a little woozy getting out of the car.” 

“We call that near syncope.” Carter explained as he checked her legs again. 

“I call it skipping lunch.” Millicent countered, beginning to take off her monitor leads. 

“You need to eat.”

“We were busy.” Carter stood and went to remove some of the leads from her chest. “I’ll do that.” 

“Millicent, have you been sleeping okay?” I asked gently, bouncing Meghan on my leg. She sighed. 

“Are you, uh, depressed?” Carter hesitantly added. 

“I miss him, John.”

“Me too.” Carter sighed, putting a hand to his head. “Have you thought about therapy?” I had to hold in my huff. Pot, meet kettle. 

“I said, I miss him. I’m not mentally unstable.”

“Sometimes it’s good to talk about it.” He suggested, shrugging. 

“What’s to talk about? He’s gone. And I have things to do. If I leave now, I can still make the donor’s reception Genevieve refused to go with me too.” She said, adding a raised eyebrow at me.

“Whoa.” Carter exclaimed as she started sitting up. “We need to monitor your heart overnight.”

“In here?” She asked incredulously. “I don’t think so.” 

“Well, let’s just wait for your blood test results to come back.” 

“I’ve been waiting. And we have already missed two other appointments with a catering company and a wedding planner.” 

“Millicent, it’s fine.” I started. “We don’t even have a wedding date yet.” I reminded her.

“Listen, Gamma, if everything checks out, you’ll be back on your feet tomorrow.” 

“There are no more tomorrows, John.” Millicent sighed. “This is it. Your grandfather and I used to think we had a lifetime of tomorrows.”

Both Carter and I looked from Millicent to each other. It was first time she had really shared with us how she felt since John Sr.’s death, and even still, she was a brick wall. Maybe that was why she felt so keen on getting planning started. Tomorrow wasn’t promised and she wanted to get things done now while she could. Meghan began to fuss and I knew she probably needed to be changed. “I’ll be right back.” I said, before I grabbed her and the diaper bag, heading for the women’s bathroom. Just as I was about to walk into the room, I felt a gentle hand on my back. 

“Evie, I’m worried.” I turned back to Carter, that familiar sad puppy dog look on his face. “Gamma’s not taking this seriously.” 

“I know, Carter.” I sighed and rubbed a hand down his arm. “I think she always thought she was invincible. But now that your grandfather is gone, she’s having to face reality now.” I paused. “But maybe you did go a little overboard on tests. The EKG would have been just fine on its own.” 

“No..... I want to check all the boxes. She’s........ she’s important to me. She’s the closest family member I have right now. As sad as it sounds.” 

I gave him a small smile. “It’s not sad. You love her, just like I do.” I paused and cupped his cheek with my hand. “It’s okay to be scared. It makes you human.” He nodded and moved his head slightly to kiss my palm.  

“Hey Carter, GSW coming in.” Susan said as she walked by. 

“Duty calls.” I said, stroking his cheek with my thumb before removing my hand. 

He nodded. “I’ll come back in soon. Make sure she stays in bed please.” 

“Aye aye captain.” I said and made Meghan give him a mock salute. He rolled his eyes before kissing her head and then my lips, disappearing around the corner. 

I went into the bathroom and changed Meghan, making sure she was clean and comfortable. “Don’t worry Meghan.” I cooed at her. “Hopefully we’ll be out of here soon. I know you’re tired and hungry.” Gathering everything back up into the diaper bag, I headed back towards Millicent’s exam room. And when I opened the door, I found her signing a paper with another nurse, our purses and Meghan’s stroller gone. 

“Uh...... what are you doing?” 

“We are leaving.” She said, finishing her signature before heading to the door. 

“But Millicent, Carter is still waiting on a couple more tests.” 

“And I have waited long enough. Alger took our things to the car and he is waiting outside.” 

“Millicent, I don’t think this is a good idea.”                 

“I think it is a marvelous idea.” 

“Gamma!” I turned quickly, hearing Carter’s exclamation as he joined us in the hall. “What are you doing?” 

“It’s late, John. As I told Genevieve, I’ve been a good sport.”

“No, no, no, you cannot leave. Fainting can be a warning sign for a heart attack, for stroke.”

“I’ll take my chance. Especially with an RN coming with me.”

“If you leave now, you’re gonna be signing out against medical advice.” 

“She already filled out the form.” I told him, adjusting Meghan on my hip as we walked through the ambulance bay doors. 

“Come on, there’s still some more test we need to do.” Carter tried again to convince her.

“We’ll see you at home, John.” She said, her stride picking up pace as we got closer to the limo. “Don’t forget to turn out the porch light when you come in.” 

As Millicent got into the car, Carter scoffed and shook his head before kissing Meghan’s head and then kissing me. “Check on her in about an hour.”

“Already planned on it.” 

He nodded and kissed me again. I handed Meghan to him as I climbed inside the car, before taking her back and securing Meghan in her car seat. “Goodnight.” He said, before shutting the door.  

“I feel like a steak, Alger.” Millicent started. “We’ll stop at Morton’s first.” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

“Oh dear, I’m very hungry. And I know Meghan is too.” She said, looking at me, almost with a satisfied smile. “Filet mignon, creamed spinach.......”

I sighed as Meghan’s babbling came through the baby monitor. She was refusing to sleep or stay asleep for me lately. I told Carter I swore it was the two year sleep regression, but he thought otherwise. ‘She sleeps for me.’ He would say. That was only because Meghan would do anything for him; she was a daddy’s girl after all. I put down my book and moved to get up and walk down to her room, when I heard it. 

“Hi sweetheart.” 

I rolled my eyes and got back into bed, putting my book on the nightstand as I waited. The next part was routine now. Ever since he had become Chief Resident, I fed Meghan her dinner most nights and got her ready for bed. Since she no longer would stay asleep for long, Carter typically stopped by her room after coming home, grabbing her so she could sleep in our bed, doing so more than in her own crib. I knew he was trying to compensate for missing her so much. He’d been teaching more and spending a couple less evenings a week at home. If he could give her something she wanted, he would. It was sweet but also borderline annoying. 

As suspected, his voice disappeared from the monitor and shortly after, the door to our room opened. Meghan was laying against his chest, her eyes closed and breathing deeply. “Hi.” He whispered, kissing her head. 

I tsked at him. “You are the biggest push over ever.” I said, shaking my head. 

“I know.” He said, rolling his eyes. “How’s Gamma doing?” 

“She’s okay. Stubborn, but okay. At least I got a nice steak out of it.”

“So, did you both even end up getting anything done today?.” He asked, placing Meghan down on the bed so she would be between us. The little girl curled up into me in her sleep, grabbing my pajamas. “You know, before everything happened?”

“We met with a florist. Nice lady. But God, flowers are so expensive. I nearly choked when I saw the price of one bouquet. And there are so many kinds!”

“You know, we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” Carter said, stripping himself of his work clothes to change into pajamas. 

“Regretting your choice, Dr. Carter?”

“Never. I’m talking about the whole grand wedding thing. We could get married at the courthouse for all I care. As long as I get to be your husband, it doesn’t matter to me how it happens.” He came over and kissed me before putting on his shirt. 

“While that does sound like a lovely idea...... is it bad to say I kind of want it?” I shyly asked that last part. 

“No. Why would it be?” Carter frowned, climbing into bed. 

“I just hate seeming over eager. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.” I paused and combed my fingers through Meghan’s hair before looking back up at him. “A big wedding, declaring our love in front of people we care about..... that seemed like something that would never happen for me.” 

“It still won’t. Most everyone there will be Gamma’s friend.” I pushed against his chest and he laughed. 

“That’s not funny.” I scoffed. “Growing up, I always assumed if I did get married, it would be small. Which is fine, don’t get me wrong. But I do kind of like the idea of feeling like a princess for the day. I’ve never had that.” 

Carter smiled at me and put his hand behind my head, pulling me in for a kiss. “And I can’t wait for you to have that feeling. But you won’t be a princess. Because you are my queen.” He kissed me again. “The one passed out between us is my princess.” 

I chuckled and couldn’t help but kiss him again. “So,” I started, moving away and laying down beside Meghan. I pulled her closer into me. “How was the rest of your shift?” 

“Susan and I delivered a baby on a ladder.” 

“What?!”

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 59

Set during Season 8, Episode 4 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: canonical medical procedures/diagnosis/symptoms

WC: 1.9 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

“Oh my God! Susan Lewis?” 

The once well-known blonde turned quickly, a look of relief washing over her face. “Finally, a familiar face.” She sighed with exasperation. I met her halfway and we hugged tightly. “I can’t believe you’re still here.” 

“Hey, I can’t help it. I’ve basically a fixture now.” I set my chart into the holder, and she gasped, grabbing my left hand. 

“Oh my God, Get!" She exclaimed, looking at my ring. "It’s gorgeous.” She paused, looking up at me with a raised eyebrow. “Who’s the lucky guy?” 

“Uh...... it’s Carter.” 

“You both finally got together? Thank God, it was painful watching you both follow each other around like lovesick puppies all those years. How long have you been together?” 

“Together almost three years, engaged just over a month. We have a daughter too.” 

“What?!”

“Yep. Her name’s Meghan. I have a picture in my locker, I’ll show you later if you’re still around.” 

“I bet she’s adorable. I’m happy for you guys.” She pulled me in for another hug. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” I paused. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even ask why you were here.” 

“I’m moving back. Interviewing for a couple jobs, but Mark and I were supposed to have lunch.” My eyebrows slightly raised, remembering how the two of them ended all those years ago. “You wouldn’t happen to know where he is, would you?” 

“I think he’s in trauma with a GSW. Might take a while. I have to get back to a patient, but I’ll let the other girls know you’re here.” I took off back down the hallway, waving to Susan. Abby joined me about halfway to the exam room where my patient was waiting. 

“Who’s that?” 

“Who?”

“The blonde in the suit.” 

“Oh. Her name’s Susan. Dr. Lewis. She used to work here when I first started.” 

“Really? Where’s she been?”

“Arizona, I think it was. Living closer to her sister’s family.” 

“She a friend?”

“Wow, we go on one heist and now you have claim on me forever?” I laughed. “Eh, not really. I didn’t really know her well enough, but we were cordial, nice work colleagues. I was always closer with Carol then her.” I paused. “She was actually closer friends with Mark Greene.” I bit the inside of my cheek and raised my eyebrows. 

“Really?” Abby questioned. “Good to know.” She disappeared off in the other direction before I entered the exam room to check on my patient’s breathing treatment. Carter had his own patient on the other bed and he looked ever so happy to be there. 

“I just can’t put my finger on it.”

“Something must have brought you here, Mrs. McDuffy.” 

“It’s Miss.” She said rather quickly and I could barely keep down the laugh that threatened to become audible. 

“Miss McDuffy.” Carter corrected, putting on his stethoscope as I turned over my shoulder for a moment. 

“Well, to start with, I’m tired, I’m depressed, I can’t concentrate. I’ve got headaches. Oh, and hives. And I’m bloated and constipated. And it hurts here too.” 

“Any chest pain?” 

“Oh, that’s the worst of all.” She basically purred. 

“I see. Well, that just about covers everything. Evie?” 

“Yeah.” I turned, putting my patient’s chart down. He handed me Ms. Duffy’s chart as he began listing out orders. 

“Can we get CBC, Chem 20, TSH, Free T4, troponin, CK with MB, lipase, EKG, chest X-ray, urine, and a culture?” 

My eyes went wide as I started following him from the room. “That it?” 

“I’ve got a yeast infection too.” She added. 

“Wonderful.” Carter breathed out. 

“Wanna see it?” 

“Maybe later.” Carter groaned as he exited the room, me hot on his tail. 

“Oh, come on. Be a sport. Do the pelvic.” I teased. 

“I think that just might put me over the edge.” 

“Of what?” 

“Into taking it.” 

“Oh, yes. The Northwestern job.” I muttered. We’d been talking about it for almost a week. 

“I think I’m taking it.” 

“Carter.” I warned. 

“Evie, come on. At some point, we have to be realistic. I don’t have a job here.” 

“Weaver offered you shifts.” I countered. 

“I can do shift work anywhere. Northwestern. It’s a tenure track clinical faculty position.” He laid out for seemingly the millionth time.

“You seriously want to be a professor now?”

“We’ve talked about this. It’s more security, not just for me, but for you and Meghan too.” He put a hand on my lower back as we walked to admit. “I have to tell them by Friday. Tomorrow. We can’t keep debating it. This is good. Northwestern isn’t far. We don’t have to leave the state. You can keep your job here. Meghan doesn’t have to leave her daycare. It’s all working out better than we thought.”

I sighed. “Yeah, it would be kind of nice to have a break from seeing your face 24 hours a day.” He put a hand over his hurt like I wounded him. “Okay, but seriously. Let’s talk about it a little more tonight so you can give them an answer in the morning.” 

“If you insist.” 

After my conversation with Carter, I started my rounds of restocking rooms with supplies. I was in an exam room, when Abby, Luka, and a blonde woman I didn’t recognize came in. I flashed Abby a raised brow and she just shook her head, rolling her eyes. I shook my head and got back to my work, listening in on their conversation. 

“I was opening for lunch.” The woman started explaining an accent I couldn’t detect in her voice. “The back gate gets stuck sometimes.” 

“It doesn’t look deep enough to suture.” Abby observed. 

“Let’s irrigate and give her some Keflex.” Luka ordered, sighing. 

“My boss wanted me to finish my shift.” He’s such a..... What do they say here?” 

“A capitalist?” Abby offered before joining me on the other side of the curtain. 

“Who’s that?” I whispered. 

“Some girl Luka knows.” She basically mouthed. 

“What did he want me to do? Bleed on everybody’s food?” 

“Good thing he let you off. You don’t want it to get infected.” 

“He didn’t let me. He fired me.” The woman said as I snuck a peek around the corner. “After a year of working there seven nights a week.” 

“Abby?” Luka asked, causing us to both stand back up. “Where’s that irrigation kit?” 

 “It’s coming Dr. Kovac.” I said, using a coy, playful tone. Abby waved a hand in front of me, and we both tried to suppress our laughter. 

“What?”

Abby held a finger to her lips and smiled. “I’ll be right there.” She said, trying to keep her voice normal and steady. 

“There might be a little scarring. Will you be able to find another job?” 

“I don’t know. He kept saying he’d make problems with my visa. I think he can too.”

Abby made a crying motion. Luka all but growled, getting impatient. “Is everything okay back there?” 

“Yeah.” We both said as she finished collecting her kit and I left the room, going to finish the rest of my supplying. 

“You’re still here.” 

Susan turned as I left the elevator foyer, Meghan in my arms after a long day at daycare. “Mark wanted to show me something.” She explained. “And look at you. This must be Meghan.” She smiled, waving at my daughter. “Hi sweetie. I’m Susan.” 

“Say hi, Meghan.” I said pointing at Susan. Meghan for some reason was being shy, putting her head in my neck as she waved. “She must be tired. She’s normally pretty talkative, even with new people.” I explained.

“It’s okay. I get it. Susie was the same way.” 

“How’s she doing by the way?” 

“Uh..... good. Chloe and her new husband moved to New York. It’s why I’m moving back. Not really a place for me in Arizona anymore.” Susan looked at Meghan again. “God, she looks so much like you. But I’d recognize those big brown eyes anywhere. Remind me of a clumsy medical student.” 

I laughed. “Me too. Though he’s still just as clumsy as a resident.” I looked up, seeing Abby at admit. “It was nice to see you Susan. I’ll talk to you later.” I slid past her and headed in Abby’s direction, finding a basket in front of her of the desk. “What’s this?” 

“Cookies for Luka. From Nicole.” 

“That girl from earlier?” 

“The very same.” Abby said, handing one to Meghan. “They’re oatmeal chocolate chip. That okay?” 

“Sure. I’d probably have to give her a snack and dinner would be ruined anyway. I can’t find Carter. Have you seen him?” 

“Weaver pulled him into an exam room earlier, but I haven’t seen him since.” 

“Well great. He’s got the car keys.” 

“Not in his locker?” 

“I already checked before I went to get her.” I sighed. “I guess we’ll hang around. I really don’t feel like getting on the ‘L’ with her tonight.” 

“Hey little bit.” 

I turned. “Dave.” The man, out of his normal scrubs, was in regular clothing with a leather jacket on top. “What are you doing here?” 

“I came to clean out my locker.” He said, holding up a bag. 

“Day! Day!” Meghan grabbed at him, earning a soft smile from him as he took her from my arms. 

“How you doing kid?” He asked her, bouncing her slightly. “Hopefully haven’t been giving your mom to much trouble.” 

“Now you know that’s not realistic.” I tried to joke. “Trouble is her middle name.” 

“Well look at who her parents are.” Abby added, smirking, before walking off. 

“I guess you heard what happened.” Dave shyly said. 

“Yeah. Wasn’t really your finest moment.” I paused. “I’m sorry Dave.” 

He nodded before looking at Meghan. “You be good for your mom, kid. Do what she says. But you don’t have to listen to your dad.” He kissed the top of her head and hugged her tightly, before handing her back over to me. “I’ll see you later Evie.” 

“Bye Dave.” He nodded again and turned to go into the lounge. I sighed and hugged Meghan. 

Suddenly, a figure slid right up next to me, scaring the crap out of me. I jumped and grabbed my chest, turning to see who it was. “Dada!” Meghan exclaimed. Carter was standing there with a big smile on his face. 

“You scared the crap out of me.” I exhaled, shaking my head. 

“Come here.” He ordered and grabbed my hand, pulling me down the hall and into an empty trauma room. 

“Carter, what is going on?” I asked. He took Meghan from my arms and set her on the gurney, before wrapping his arms around my middle. He kissed me hard, taking my breath away, before pulling back.

“Weaver asked me to be Chief Resident.” 

“What?!” I looked at him with wide eyes and he nodded. I squealed loudly and jumped up and down. He smiled and despite his back pain, lifted me up, allowing me to wrap my legs around his waist as he spun me around. I grabbed his face and kissed him again. “I’m so proud of you. You deserve it.” Then I suddenly came back to reality. “Wait, what about Chen?” 

Carter closed his eyes and sighed. “She resigned.” 

“What?” My eyes went wide. 

“She didn’t want to be their scapegoat, so she beat them to it.” 

“Oh no. I should talk to her.” 

“I did. She gave me her blessing. She also said she would call you tomorrow.” 

I nodded and bit my lip. “So, you’re staying at County.” 

“I’m staying at County.” 

I looked over at Meghan, who had a big smile on her face. “And we’re allowed to be excited about this?” 

“We’re allowed to be excited about this.” 

“Dada ‘appy!” Meghan yelled. 

I squealed and Carter laughed as he spun me around again, before going to shower Meghan with kisses. 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 58

Set during Season 8, Episode 3 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: Evie and Abby being delinquents, language

WC: 2.7 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

His back wasn’t getting better. It didn’t matter the number of times I massaged it for him or he spent relaxing. In fact, I felt like it was getting worse and that scared the crap out of me. My nerves were on high alert and even though he kept saying he was fine, I didn’t believe him. 

Meghan was splashing her feet in the pool as I held her still. It was a nice, sunny day, and Carter didn’t have to go in until later. When he mentioned sitting outside by the pool for a bit, I thought we would be doing things together. But he was currently lounging in a chair, sunglasses on and headphones in, oblivious to the world. 

“John.” I looked up and Millicent was standing over Carter. “John!” She exclaimed a little louder, getting his attention. He took off his sunglasses, looking up at her. “Are you alright?” 

“Yeah.” He coolly said, pulling out his headphones. Millicent met my eyes for a moment.

“I brought you some aspirin.” She told him, putting the bottle on the table beside him. 

“Oh, gamma, I just need to stretch it out.” He sighed, sitting up. 

“What you need is to see my orthopedist.” She told him, sitting down. “I’m making you an appointment today.” 

“I’m covering half a shift today.” He groaned, stretching out.

“Then tomorrow.” 

“I don’t need to see your doctor.”

“Your back is nothing to trifle with.” She turned back to Meghan and I as I stood from the pool and started drying off our feet, my brain half conscious of the conversation. “We have a wedding to plan and you have a little girl who likes her dad being able to pick her up. Besides, you don’t want to end up with a hunch like Uncle Everett.” She stood. 

“This isn’t orthopedic, gamma. I was stabbed.” He sighed, laying back down. 

“I know John.” Gamma replied, pouring a glass with water. “All the more reason to take care of yourself.” 

I freed Meghan from my clutches and she took off running towards Carter. That’s when the glass suddenly fell from Millicent’s hands, shattering on the ground. “Carter!” I yelled. He was already sat back up, but when he saw Meghan running over, he immediately stood, scooping the little girl up before she could get hurt. He took a small step back on impact, and I didn’t know if it was from his back, or the fact that he had just stepped on a piece of glass, but I saw him wince in pain. 

I didn’t get my answer until we got to County. I wasn’t working today, but since I needed to fill out some paperwork for Meghan’s daycare spot, I decided to join him and leave Meghan to hang out with her great grandmother for a couple of hours. I had noticed he had been limping when we first got in and immediately pulled him into an exam room. 

“Evie I don’t think this is very appropriate for the workplace.” He hummed as I shut the door. 

I rolled my eyes. “On the bed, doctor.” He raised an eyebrow. “And remove your shoe.” I scoffed. “Dirty old man. I know you stepped on some glass this morning when you picked Meghan up.” 

“I’m fine.” He scoffed. 

“Yeah, I’ve been hearing that a little too much from you lately. Take off your shoe and let me see before you hurt yourself working on patients.” 

He followed orders and removed his shoe, letting me see the bottom of his foot. I moved the light closer and grabbed a pair of tweezers. Suddenly, the door to the room opened and Abby backed in, pushing the wheelchair she had fully of supplies off to the side. She looked out the door’s window, before closing the blinds, making the room darker than it already was. “Who you hiding from?” Carter asked, causing her to jump and turn quickly. 

“Do you guys have some kind of foot fetish thing I don’t need to be in here for?” 

“Ha-ha.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Who are you hiding from? Luka? 

“Uh, yeah.” Abby said going over to sit by Carter on the bed. “We broke up a few days ago.” 

“Oh, Abby I’m sorry.” Carter said and then flinched as I missed getting the piece completely out. 

“Stop moving.” I ordered. “Why did you break up?” 

“I think both of us realized the relationship wasn’t working a long time ago. Neither one of us wanted to be the one to call it.” 

“So, it was amicable?” 

“No, wouldn’t say that.” 

“Is that why you’re avoiding him?” Abby’s eyebrows raised. 

“How’d you know?” 

“I’m a mom. Observation is my superpower. Now come on. You’re avoiding him, right?” 

“Partly.”

I nodded and Carter squirmed again. “If you don’t stop moving, Abby and I are going to put you in restraints.”

“Carter.” The three of us turned to Haleh in the doorway. “Chen needs you in Trauma One.”

“Saved from your kinky engaged people stuff by Haleh.” Abby announced as Carter went to put on his shoe. 

“What about your foot?” I asked. 

“It’s alright. Go deal with daycare and you can get it out when you come back down.”  

I shoved the tweezers into my pocket and followed his limp out of the exam room. That’s when I ran into Luka as I rounded the corner to the elevator foyer. “Evie, have you seen Abby?” He asked as I kept going for the stairs

“Try the lounge.” I yelled back as I started to climb the stairs. 

“Hey!” I called out as I walked up behind Carter. He turned, smiling at me. “Can I get you a cane?” I asked, and his smile turned into a frown. 

“Ha-ha. You know, I heard that women find helplessness charming.”

“That’s in puppies babe.” I pointed towards a gurney and he moved to sit down, taking off his shoe. I put on a pair of gloves and took hold of him, pulling back out the tweezers and grabbing ahold of the piece lodged in his foot. 

“Ow!” He exclaimed. 

“Want some Lidocaine?” I asked, partially teasing. 

“No.” He smirked, putting his arms around the railing. “Just do it.” I rolled my eyes and took out the piece. It was small, but defiantly still had to hurt. 

“All done.” I said, dropping it into a basin with a clink and peeling off my gloves. “And that is my cue to get out of here before Weaver pulls me into work.”

“Got everything handled upstairs?” 

“Yep. Just gonna grab something from my locker and head home.” He nodded and put his shoe back on, before standing and grabbing me around the waist. “You know, I think you should go see Millicent’s doctor. Or some kind of physical therapist. At least to get some pain management techniques. I really would like to be carried over the threshold on our wedding night without worrying about your knees buckling. That can make a girl pretty self-conscious.”

Carter chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ll think about it. But really, I’m fine.” He bent his head down and kissed me quickly. “See you in a few hours.”

“How will I survive without you?” I asked dramatically and pulled away. I gave him a smile before heading to the lounge. Which is where I found Abby once again. “You still evading Luka?” I asked, walking over to my locker. 

“No.” She said quickly and sharply. “Well, yeah, sort of. It’s complicated.”

“Most break ups are.” I opened the door and found my wallet quickly, shoving it into my purse. 

“Well, not really in that way.” I closed the door and turned, crossing my arms. “Maybe we shouldn’t be talking about this.”

I scoffed and shook my head. “Why do people think I’m always on Luka’s side. I can hear more than one perspective. What happened?” 

 Abby sighed and crossed to the table, sitting on the edge. “This morning, I had to go over to his place to get one of my sweaters.” She paused. “And I smashed his fish tank.” 

“Well, damn. I didn’t know the breakup was that bad.” 

“It was an accident. I was grabbing something off his coat hanger and it fell over.”

“Did you replace it?”

“No, not yet. I haven’t even told him.” 

“Is it too broken to fix?” 

“It was more like a crack. I’m getting him another one.”

“Show him you weren’t being petty. I like it.”  

“I just really need some help......” Her voice trailed off. 

I raised an eyebrow. “Abby....... Do you need my help getting it into his apartment?” 

“No, it’s all good. I can figure it out. I wouldn’t want to bother you.” 

“I’m free." I offered, shrugging my shoulders. "At least for a couple hours. We could replace it before he even gets done with his shift.” 

“You don’t have to do that.” 

“Oh, come on. I love a secret mission. Besides, I’ve always been intrigued by how the illustrious Luka Kovac lives.” 

We both started laughing. “I’d really appreciate it.” 

“No problem. I’ll pull the car around. Meet me outside? I’ll get the ski masks.” 

 “Sounds like a plan.” 

What kind of fish did this man have? 

When Abby had told me the tank was big, I assumed it was a decent size. But the thing we picked up from the pet store barely fit into the back of the Jeep. And now here we were, standing in front of Luka’s apartment building, the massive glass tank leaning against the wall as Abby dug through her purse. 

"Oh my God!” She exclaimed, looking up. 

“What?”

“I left the keys in the apartment this morning when I left.” She groaned. 

“You’re kidding? How’d you forget that?” Abby gave me a look and grabbed the side of the tank, gesturing for me to join her. I picked up the other end and we carried the tank over to the side of the building, before carefully setting it down. 

“There.” She pointed up. “That’s Luka’s. He sleeps with the window open.”

“Well, that’s convenient.” 

“Can you give me a boost up there?” She asked, pointing to the fire escape. My eyebrows raised at her and she scoffed. “Oh, come on Midwest girl. I know there’s a cheerleading history somewhere in there. Am I wrong?” 

I scoffed and held up my index finger. “One cheer camp. One summer. And I was twelve.” I sighed and pulled off my purse and jacket. “You’re lucky I was a base.” Abby pulled off her purse as well as I got into position under the ladder. 

Putting my hands together, I did my best to give her a boost up. Thankfully it was enough for her to grab the ladder and force it down. Somehow, we were able to get ourselves and the fish tank up the fire escape and into Luka’s apartment in one piece. The place was moody and messy, defiantly a bachelor pad. Going through the apartment, I finally got to see the original tank set up. There was a big pool of water on the ground where it had escaped through the crack. Two of the fish were still happily swimming around in the few inches of water left, but one of them was floating just at the surface. 

Abby and I got to work, cleaning up the mess before filling and restaging the new tank. “Think we can resuscitate him?” Abby asked, holding up the dead fish in a net. 

“You know, I may just be a lowly nurse, but I’m pretty sure he’s been down too long.” We both laughed at the thought, and laughed even harder as Abby still flung it’s dead body back into the new tank. “Think we’re ready to go?”

“Yeah.” She replied, wiping the outside down one more time with a paper towel. “All we have left to do is get rid of the old tank and wipe the place down for prints.” We both laughed again as I handed her her purse before we moved to pick up the broken tank. That’s when the doorbell buzzed. 

We both froze, staring at each other. “Who’s that?” I whispered. 

“I don’t know. Should I get it?” 

I shrugged. The bell buzzed three more times. Then two more. Abby creeped around the corner as it buzzed two more times after that. I heard the door open, followed by footsteps. I stood up straight as the two officers and Abby rounded the corner. 

I had been in the back of a cop car one other time in my life. I was sixteen and it was after my mom had just died. I had reached the step of grief where I was just angry. Angry at my mom for dying. Angry at her for leaving me alone. Just plain angry at the world. I had snuck into a college party, had gotten way to drunk, and attempted to walk home. If it wasn’t for my aunt and the cops taking pity on my situation, I probably would have had a public intoxication charge on my record. 

“You know Carter is going to have a field day with this.” Abby joked, trying to lighten the mood. 

I groaned, but still tried to smile. “Don’t remind me. I’m just really glad he’s not here right now.” I turned, seeing the Jeep just a few feet away, when a green car pulled in between it and the cop car. Abby turned too and we both watched as Luka and then Carter got out of the vehicle. “Never mind.” I groaned and turned back around, sinking into the seat. 

“Oh, he looks pissed.” Abby groaned, talking about Luka. 

“Do you think he’s gonna press charges?” 

“Probably on me. You’re safe.” She paused and then turned to face the front. “Oh God, he’s really pissed.” 

I turned to the side as an officer walked up to the car, ducking his head down to talk to us. “Alright Thelma and Louise. Your friend cut you loose. Stay out of trouble.” 

“Do you think we should say something to him?” Abby asked, picking up her purse. 

“You should probably say something to him.” We both climbed out of the cop car as Luka went into his building. 

“Maybe tomorrow.” Abby muttered. 

The two of us walked forward towards Carter, who was now standing by the Jeep, arms crossed, trying not to laugh. “Don’t you dare.” I warned him, pointing a finger at him. 

“I didn’t know my sweet finance was actually a hardened criminal.” He fanned shock. “You’re lucky Luka talked them down. I almost had to bring Meghan to visit you in jail for aquatic mischief.” He couldn’t hold in the laugh that followed. 

“Ha-ha. You’re so funny.” I scoffed, turning to Abby. “Do you want a lift home?” 

“Sure. Can’t wait to listen to Carter’s jailbird jokes on the way.” 

“Wait, you stole a guy’s car?” 

Abby had just let the two of us into her apartment building so I could hear the rest of her story, while Carter waited in the car. It’s what he got for all the puns he made on the way here. “Barely.” Abby sighed. “It was a Gremlin. And I was only borrowing it anyway.”

“What, no high-speed chases involved?” 

“Well, a short one, but it was an emergency. We had to get Wham! tickets.”

“Now, that’s a crime.” 

We both laughed as we stopped at Abby’s door, her keys finding their way to the lock. “You know, I’d invite you in, but I know Carter’ wouldn’t take to kindly to that.”

“Yeah. Plus, I haven’t seen my kid all day. I should probably get back to being a mom.”

“How boring.” She paused. “Thanks for helping me. I don’t really have a lot of girl friends, or really many friends as it is.” 

“I don’t know. I think we’re a little more than friends. You have seen some pretty intimate parts of me.” We both chuckled. “You know, aside from the cops, it was actually kind of fun. Let me know if you need another wing woman soon.” 

“Good, because I was thinking about hitting up this liquor store on the corner.”

“Nice. We can talk about it at work tomorrow. But first, you have to tell Luka this was all your idea.” 

“Will do. Good night.” 

“Night!”  

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 57

Set during Season 8, Episode 2 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: Carter's crappy parents

WC: 1.7 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

I’m going to kill him. 

I’m going to kill him and bury his body in the backyard. 

No, better idea. I’m going to chop his body up and then slowly feed him to the birds. 

The one would hurt worse, right?

How the hell could he leave me alone with his parents? 

As per our horrible tradition when they were in town, Jack and Eleanor offered to take Carter and I to dinner. While neither of us were enthused by the idea, at least I had an engagement ring, an almost two-year-old, and a committed relationship that somehow survived drug addiction and rehab to back up how serious I was about Carter. We would just attend dinner, engage in small talk when needed, and come home together to a pint of ice cream. 

Or at least that was the plan before Carter wrecked it. 

The older couple had come to the mansion to pick Carter and I up for dinner. However, my fiancée was not back from his shift yet. I had called after waiting about ten minutes with their town car in the drive and was told by Lydia that Carter would meet us at the restaurant and to ‘go ahead with my parents’. That was a big mistake. The biggest mistake I had ever made.

I wanted to jump out the minute the car door closed. 

“Genevieve.” Eleanor said, her lips pursed as the car pulled out of the driveway. “Where’s John?” 

“He’s been held up at work. But he’s going to meet us there once he’s done.” 

“I didn’t know we were picking you up from the house.” Jack added, clearing his throat beforehand. “I thought you two had moved out.” 

“We were planning on it. But we’ve put that on hold for now.” 

“I suppose it is..... comfortable there.” Eleanor all but hissed. I bit the inside of my cheek, taking a moment to find a polite response despite her insinuation. 

“It is. And we’re very grateful.” 

“It’s a large house for such a young couple.” 

“Yes it is. But Millicent is also there. And with John Sr. gone, we really don’t feel comfortable leaving Millicent alone right now. She adores Meghan and it makes her happy that we are around.” 

“How old is Meghan now?” Jack asked. “She just had a birthday, right?” 

“She actually nineteen months. Almost two.” 

“Oh. Of course. We meant to send a gift, but things have been some busy lately.” 

“I bet it has been.” 

The rest of the car ride was awkwardly and tensely silent. I kept my hands on my purse, worried if I didn’t hold it, they would see my clenched fists. I really hoped Carter would get to the restaurant soon. 

It was a fancy place, which I expected. I had been more prepared this time, choosing an outfit that didn’t show any cleavage and barely showed my shoulders. I had thought about wearing the pearls Millicent gave me, but decided against it. I didn’t need to give them more ammo or things to accuse me of. Wine was served quickly and bread was set out. I grabbed a piece and slowly tore small bits from it. We didn’t speak to each other and I just watched as every couple of minutes Jack looked down at his watch. 

“You still haven’t heard from John?"

“I have not. Phone has been quiet.”

Jack shook his head. “So.” Eleanor started, her voice cutting through. “Are you still working with John?” 

“Yes. Average about three 12 hour shifts per week, if not more spread out."

“That must be exhausting.” Jack offered. 

“It is. Working and being a mother is exhausting. But I love it.” I made my tone harsher, trying to throw an insult at Eleanor. She really liked being a mother in title, just not in action. 

“You know, we’ve been talking. There’s this benefit for the foundation coming up in D.C. at the end of the year. Millicent might not have told you. We thought John might want to reconnect with some of the old families. The Bradley’s, the Beaumonts...” 

“Did you know he and Lily Beaumont used to go to cotillion together?” Eleanor asked, perking up at the thought. 

I cleared my throat, taking a sip of wine. “I’ve seen the photos. Very blonde. Very shiny. Very Kennedy-esque.”

“She’s a lawyer now. Quite impressive. Never been more beautiful.” 

“Hmm. Well, I just taught our daughter to count to five. Not quite the same pedigree, but I’m proud.” 

The salads were brought out despite Jack’s earlier talk with the waiter to hold the courses while we waited for Carter. But I knew in my gut he wasn’t going to come. So, I started eating, just wanting to get this night over with as quickly as possible.

“Have you two talked about a prenuptial agreement?” 

I choked on the food, taking another sip to wash it down. “Excuse me?” I asked, my eyes widening in Eleanor’s direction. 

“It’s just... wise. Given the circumstances.”

“You mean because I’m not wealthy? Just a lowly nurse in an urban hospital.” 

“It’s not personal.” Jack jumped in. 

“It never is.” I muttered, shaking my head. 

“Look, Evie. We know you love him. That’s not in question.” 

“Could’ve fooled me.” 

“But this thing between you — it’s not what we imagined for him. You come from… a different world.”

“I didn’t know you were still trying to imagine Carter’s life for him. You do know he’s a grown man, right? Thirty-one. I’m pretty sure he can make his own decisions.” 

“He’s vulnerable.” Eleanor said. I scoffed, crossing my arms. “He’s had setbacks. The knife incident. The drugs. He needed a stabilizing force and you were… convenient. You were there.” 

“Convenient.” I scoffed, shaking my head. I can't believe she really just called it 'the knife incident'.

“John’s been different since he met you.” Jack started. 

“A little too different, maybe.” Eleanor jumped in. “He stopped seeing friends from his old circle. Stopped going to foundation events. We just want to make sure he hasn't been... isolated.” 

“You mean corrupted.”

“You know, you are awfully defensive.”

“No, I’m just tired of being attacked.”

“You misunderstand us. We don’t dislike you.”

Now I couldn’t help but laugh. “Really? Could have fooled me. You called me a gold digger.”

“Oh, Genevieve.”

“No. You did. It was two years ago. The same night Carter told you I was pregnant with Meghan. The same night you told him I was just a phase.” 

“This isn’t constructive.” Jack jumped in, hopelessly trying to save things. 

“Could you just stop?” I said, my voice raising in volume. 

“Excuse me?” Eleanor gasped.

“I asked you to stop. Stop talking about setting your son up with other women. Stop talking about prenups. Stop it all.” I grabbed my wine glass and downed it. 

“Okay, look.” I finally snapped, setting the glass down on the table with more force than I intended. “I love your son. I love him with every fiber of my being. I have since the moment I met him. Before I knew he was rich and came from all this. We have made a pretty decent life together with a beautiful child. Your grandchild who you have barely seen in the almost two years of her life. I know I’m not what you had in mind for him. I’m not blonde or ultra-skinny or come from a wealthy family with good connections. But I am the one who was there for Carter when he was recovering from being stabbed. I was the one who helped him deal with his addiction after he left rehab. The only thing I have ever asked your son for is his love, which he has given a hundred times over. We are getting married, and you need to accept that. You need to accept me for all of my supposed faults that somehow make me less worthy to carry the Carter family name.” I paused and stood, straightening my dress. “Thank you, but I’m going home. Can’t wait to do this all again the next time you decide to come to town. I’ll make sure you’re the first to get a wedding invitation.” 

And with that, I grabbed my coat and purse before heading out the door to flag down a taxi. 

“Where is he?” 

Connie looked me up and down, taking in my pissed off demeanor and outfit choice for a moment, before pointing down to the on-call room. I thanked her and walked that way. There was a small sign on the door and as I got closer, it read: “Do not disturb. I gave at the office.” I shook my head and opened the door. 

“Read the sign.” Carter exclaimed with a loud groan as the light flooded into the room. 

“I did. I ignored it.” 

Carter turned his head and finally saw me as he forced his eyes open. “You look nice. What are you doing here?” 

“I only had enough cab fare to get here. You told me to ride with your parents, remember?” I took off my coat and threw it and my purse over a cart, before closing the door. 

“My parents?” He asked, wiping his eyes. Then he froze. “The dinner.” He groaned, closing his eyes. 

“Yes, the dinner, John.” I said climbing onto the bed with him. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly. 

“I’m so sorry. I came back in to talk to Weaver about the attending spot and got sucked into the ER vortex.” He kissed my head and wrapped his legs around mine. “You smell like wine.” 

“Probably a little too much. I may have finally stood up to your parents. You’ll probably get a call about it later.”

“Good for you.” He hummed. “I’m glad you finally did it.” 

“Me too.” I snuggled into his chest and closed my eyes. He let out a groan and I raised up, looking at him. He sighed. 

“I fell today. Flared my back up again.” 

“How did you do that?” 

“Weaver was at Doc Magoo’s not answering her pages and I had to run over and get her. That plus wet concrete equals crash.” 

“Are you okay?” 

“A little sore.” 

“Do I need to rub your back?”

“No. I need you to stay right here in my arms as we fall asleep.” He said, pulling me back down to him. 

I shook my head and snuggled into him. “You know I love you right? Even when you piss me off.” 

Carter sighed contently. “I do. And I love you too.” 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 56

Set during Season 8, Episode 1 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: dealing with familial death

WC: 2.7 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

It happened on a Monday morning. 

John Carter Sr. loved mowing the lawn. It was one of his few pleasures; one of the few “normal” tasks he did. Kind of like me with the laundry. He had gotten a new riding lawnmower for his birthday earlier that year and he loved riding the thing. Up and down, back and forth, all over the lawn. He took Meghan for a ride on it once, which scared me to death. But she laughed and squealed the whole time.

The heart attack was unexpected. He had been fine at his last checkup. 

The MI being life ending was even more unexpected and a lot more heartbreaking than I ever thought it would be.

“Do any of you know a place where I can get a hat? Like one you wear to church?”

I was standing at admit with a few other nurses and Randi. The question made them all turn and give me weird looks. 

“Why do you need a hat?” Haleh asked, raising an eyebrow.

I sighed. We hadn't told anyone expect Kerry so we could both get the time off. “Carter’s grandfather died, and the funeral is tomorrow. I’ve been so busy helping Millicent with plans, that I forgot to get something to wear. I need something to impress the rich relatives and family friends that will be in attendance.” I paused. “Specifically, Carter’s mother.”

“Ooh, the future mother-in-law.” Chuny said, quite intrigued. “What’s she like?”

“There have only been two times that I have seen Eleanor Carter in person. The first, I was four months pregnant, and she essentially called me a gold digger, that I got pregnant on purpose. The second, I was in the throes of post-partum with a newborn while trying to help my baby daddy recover from lifesaving surgery.” 

“Yikes.”

“Yeah. So now that she is going to be back in town and we’re engaged, I’ve got to show her I belong.”

“Like armor.”

“Exactly.”

“Well, we both get off in thirty, right?” Randi asked, smacking her gum. I nodded. “Well, hey, I know a couple of places that could have what you are looking for.” 

“I don’t know Randi......” I liked Randi’s style in everyday life, but wasn’t so sure about it being appropriate for the upper crust. 

“Oh, come on. I know high end stuff. I mean, you’ve got the family credit card, right? Let me work my magic and Mrs. Carter will not only be impressed, but she will also beg for your forgiveness.”

I sighed and shrugged. “Okay. Why not?”

“You look nice.”

I turned from the mirror to find Carter leaning in the doorway of the bedroom, admiring me. His eyes were sad and puppy dog like with a small smile that matched. I hadn’t really seen him when I returned from my shopping trip. He was busy getting ready for tomorrow. I smiled and smoothed down my skirt. “Thank you. Randi actually took me shopping.” 

“Really?” Carter walked forward and wrapped an arm around me, pulling me in for a kiss. He had to duck underneath the brim of the hat. “Well, she has good taste.”

I nodded and threw the hat on the bed, allowing us to be closer. I put my arms around him. “How are you doing?” 

He sighed and shook his head. “I’m alright. Kind of just want to get the whole thing over with. Not really looking forward to seeing my folks, as bad as that sounds.”

“Why do you think I bought that?” I chuckled, gesturing towards the hat. “Typically, when I see your parents, it does not end well.” 

“I seem to recall you got your pancakes.” 

I scoffed and shook my head. “That’s what you remember from that?” 

“No. I choose to forget the rest. They didn���t give you a chance and look what they have missed out on.” He brushed a piece of hair out of my face. 

“Good, you’re both here.” We turned and Millicent was standing in Carter’s previous spot in the doorway. 

“How are you, Gamma?” Carter asked.

“I’m alright.” She said, walking in the room. In contrast to her answer, her eyes told a much different story. She sat down in the chair across from the bed and we sat down across from her. “Genevieve, I wanted you to wear this for the funeral tomorrow.” She carefully handed me a rectangular jewelry box. I took it with a smile and slowly opened it, finding a dainty, beautiful, pearl necklace inside. 

I gasped. “Millicent, it’s beautiful.” I showed Carter.

“John gave me those on our first wedding anniversary. We both wanted to give them to you when you two got married.” She paused. “I think he would have liked it if you wore them tomorrow.”

“I would love to.” I said, taking her hand and gently squeezing it. “Thank you.” 

“Well John, aren’t you going to put them on her?” She gestured to me, and Carter smiled before taking the necklace from me. I held up my hair as he laid the pearls against my neck, clasping the hook before running his hands over my shoulders.

“Thank you.” I whispered to him and gave him a quick kiss. I turned back to Millicent.  

“You look like a Carter woman.”

My heart squeezed. Millicent lightly cupped my cheek, smiling at me. She gave me a small pat before she shakily stood and left the room. I sniffled, trying to stop the tears from escaping my eyes. Carter turned to me and kissed my forehead. 

“You’ve always looked like a Carter woman to me.” 

I chuckled and shook my head before laying back against him, letting him wrap his arms around me as we stayed on the bed, just living in each other’s company. 

The limo ride to the cemetery was silent except for Meghan’s babbling. Jack was in the lead car with Millicent, so that meant Carter and I were riding second with Eleanor. Oh joy. The tension was thick between all of us, and so I tried to focus on being a supportive partner. I held Carter’s hand, rubbing his knuckle as he played with Meghan, giving her sad smiles whenever she would yell Dada to get his attention. 

When we arrived at the cemetery, he got out first, taking Meghan before he helped Eleanor and I out of the vehicle. Meghan whined when he had to give her back to me, but he needed to join the other pallbearers as the coffin was being pulled out. So, I followed Millicent, taking her hand as we found our seats by the grave site. I sat beside her while the priest spoke, the older woman's hands so fragile in mine. Thankfully Meghan had calmed down once Carter joined us and even fell asleep on his chest, her fist clenched tightly to the collar of his shirt like always. At one point, Carter’s cellphone went off, earning a pointed look from his mother.

“Dad did a nice job with the eulogy.” Carter said, trying to break the tense silence once we were back in the limo and headed to the mansion. I gave him a smile as I stroked Meghan’s head. Thankfully she was still asleep, but she was fighting it.

“He worked on it for a while.” Eleanor replied, gazing out the car window.

“Grandpa would have liked it.”

“Yes.”

“Gamma seems to be holding up.” 

“I expect she would.” The cellphone went off again. “Is that for your convivence or someone else’s?” 

I rolled my eyes as he answered. “Hello? Yeah, kind of busy. Why? Wait, wait, she’s not on the ward?” My brows furrowed as Carter rolled his eyes. “No, Wiseman was supposed to admit her last night.” He must be talking about the little girl he told me about last night. “What’s her hemoglobin?” He paused, looking over at his mother, then at me. He sighed. “Okay, yeah, no. I’ll be right there. Fifteen minutes.” He hung up the phone and returned it to his pocket. “We need to make a stop at County General Hospital.” He called out to the driver. “Just get off on Division.”

“What’s wrong?” I asked. 

He rubbed his forehead. “I need to check in on a patient. Wiseman left her down in the ER all night.” I nodded. “This, uh, shouldn’t take long.” He said, turning to his mother. “Do you mind?”

“I don’t think I have much choice on the matter.”

I bit my tongue and returned my attention to my daughter, slowly starting to wake her up. I didn’t feel like leaving her in the car with that woman. 

After our pitstop at the ER, which allowed Haleh and Lydia to fawn over our daughter for a few minutes, we eventually made it back to the mansion. Meghan was getting fussy, so I knew she needed a bottle and to return to her nap or else she would be frustrated for the rest of the day. As we walked into the house, Jack met us, a glass in his hand.

“Did the driver get lost?” 

“No, John had something more pressing.” Eleanor replied, her tone sharp.

“It was trouble with a patient.” Carter defended, straightening his tie after I pointed out Meghan had loosened it. “Decent turn out.”

“Well, it’ll do.”

“Where’s Millicent?” I asked. 

“Lying down, said she was tired.” 

“Where are you staying?” Carter asked. We had barely just enough time for pleasantries that morning before heading to the funeral. No real pleasantries or catching up. We had no idea what their plans were after today.  

“The Drake.”

“The Ritz-Carlton was booked.” Eleanor added, her nose turned up. 

“Did you think about staying here?” Carter asked, the disbelief at them not doing so evident in his tone. 

“Oh, there’s Peter Harkins.” Eleanor quickly said, masterfully changing the subject like she often did. “I should say hello.” And with that, she walked away. 

“Who’s Peter Harkins?” 

“Uh, he’s handling the probate.” 

Ah, yes. The will. John Carter Sr. was barely in the ground and people were already wondering what would happen to his millions. I shook my head. I’d never get used to this crap. 

“I think we should check on Gamma.” Carter said, putting a hand around my waist. 

“I did. She’s fine.” 

“Yeah, still—”

“John, do you want to help your grandmother? Be a good host. Introduce yourself to Senator Herrero’s daughter.”

This time I couldn’t help the scoff from escaping my lips. I shook my head and forced a smile. “I’m going to go find Meghan something to eat and lay her down for her nap.” And then, kind of petty on my part, I grabbed Carter’s face with my left hand, displaying the engagement ring on my finger, and kissed him. “Have fun with your guests.” 

I returned back downstairs after Meghan finally went to sleep, monitor in hand. Many introductions were had as I worked my way through the house. I couldn’t even recall how many times I introduced myself as Carter’s fiancée rather than my own name. All the older woman fawned over the ring, asking when the wedding would be. I just smiled and said we would pick a date soon. It felt so weird to think about the wedding at a funeral.

I eventually made my way back outside and over to the metal bench by the fountain. Or more like broken fountain. It still hadn’t been fixed since the mower ran into it. I shook my head and just started laughing. 

“What’s so funny?” 

I cleared my throat and looked up, Carter standing over me, smiling. I shook my head and pulled him down to me. “Why haven’t they fixed the fountain yet?”

“I think that was the last thing on everyone’s mind this week.”

“Well, it’s kind of insane to just leave it out here looking like this.”

“Why? We all got to go somehow. Why not have a monument to it?” 

Another laugh escaped me, and I pushed his chest. “Stop it.” 

He let out his own chuckle before pulling me back to him, letting me rest my head on his chest. “Is Meghan asleep?”

“Yep. Had a bottle and she was out like a light. Guess all the excitement of the day caught up to her.”

“Lucky girl.” 

“How was Senator Herrero’s daughter?” I sarcastically asked, playing with the end of his tie.

“Fine.” He huffed and took my left hand, running his finger over my engagement ring. “But seeing you made everything better.” I smiled and looked up at him. He brushed his nose along mine before kissing me. 

“John.” We both looked up to find Eleanor standing over us. “Have you seen Millicent?” 

“No.”

“Things are winding down. She really needs to make an appearance.” She said coldly, always worried about appearances. 

“We will go look for her in a minute.”

“Please do.” And with that, Eleanor turned and left.

“Your parents are not great at dealing with loss.” I sighed and grabbed his hand, kissing his knuckles.

“You are correct.” He paused. “Have you eaten yet?”

“Does a handful of Animal Crackers count?”

“Absolutely not. Why don’t you go find something to eat and I’ll find Gamma.”

“Carter.... I’m fine.”

“No way. Food. Now.” He said, standing and offering me a hand. I rolled my eyes.

“Yes sir.”  

“Tell me about Bobby.”

Thankfully the reception ended smoothly, and the estate was back to being still and quiet as we both laid in bed. Carter lifted his head up from the pillow to look at me. But I continued drawing circles on his chest, looking at the wall across from me. “Where’d that come from?”

“I don’t know. Just been thinking about different people today. People we’ve lost. My mom, your grandfather......Gant....... Lucy. And you’ve never really told me about Bobby, just a couple things here and there. I see his portrait every day in this house, but don’t really know him.”

Carter nodded and laid his head back down, wrapping his arms around me. “What do you want to know?” 

“What was he like? He was older, right?”

“Yeah. By three years. But we were still really close. I followed him everywhere. I know it annoyed him, but he still let me go with him. He really liked being outdoors, climbing trees, digging in the dirt. I always thought he would have gone into something environmental if he hadn’t of died. Even if that wasn’t the family plan.” Carter fingers began to trace my knuckles before he threaded them through mine, holding my hand. “I donated bone marrow to him when he first got sick.”

“That why you have that small scar on your lower back?” He nodded. “But I thought they weren’t supposed to leave long lasting scars.”

“They aren’t supposed to. But it was a big needle, and I was a seven year old kid. Let’s just say I really didn’t want to do it.” He paused again. “I was the only one that was a match for him. So, my parents told me I had to do it. I had to do it to help save my brother.” He whispered that last part. I shook my head and kissed his chest, mentally adding to the list of reasons I hated my in-laws. “Bobby was the reason I wanted to go into medicine in the first place. I guess I just always thought if I couldn’t save him, then maybe I could save others.” 

“Did you always call him Bobby?” 

“Well, calling my older brother Robert felt kind of weird.”

We both chuckled at that. I snuggled closer into him. “You know, in the nine years I’ve known you, I’ve never asked.” I propped myself up on his chest. “Do you actually like being called Carter? Especially by me. I can call you John.”

He scoffed again and held our connected hands up. “I don’t mind it. I kind of did at first, but it grew on me. Besides, the people who know me, really know me and see me, call me Carter.” He paused. “My parents call me John.”

“Millicent calls you John.”

“She’s the exception.” 

I nodded. “I love you......Carter.”

“I love you too, Evie.” He paused. “Thank you for today. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Well, it’s a good thing we’re getting married then.”

“A very good thing.” 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: The Soundtrack

In honor of reaching Season 8, I thought I would let you guys in on some of the songs I listen to while I get into the mood to explore Evie and Carter.

Let me know what you think!

Are there any songs you think of that I should add to my playlist? Should I change the order? It's an evolving playlist to match the vibes of the story and what's to come. The list is sort of in "season order" or "timeline/story order".

And a warning: there is a lot of Taylor Swift.

Also, thank you for getting me to 100 followers! Such a lovely birthday gift. ☺️

Sparks Fly- Taylor Swift

Best Day of My Life- Jesse McCartney

The Right Kind of Wrong- LeAnn Rimes

You Belong With Me- Taylor Swift (this is so Evie/Carter coded to me)

Ruby- Jimmy Smith & Kenny Burrell (this is the song the danced to in Chapter 3 and is the same one as the show)

Dancing On My Own- Robyn (watching him date Roxanne)

Fantasy- Mariah Carey

Dress- Taylor Swift (Chapter 9)

Bed Chem- Sabrina Carpenter

Can't Fight the Moonlight- LeAnn Rimes

Delicate- Taylor Swift

Snow On The Beach- Taylor Swift

Juno- Sabrina Carpenter (because of course)

How You Get The Girl- Taylor Swift

Call It What You Want- Taylor Swift

Little Bird- The Jonas Brothers (for Meghan)

New Year's Day- Taylor Swift I Call These Next Three the Rehab/Redemption Trio:

A Drop In the Ocean- Ron Pope

Dare You To Move- Switchfoot

I'll Be- Edwin McCain Now we get into the the middle of Season 7:

Lover- Taylor Swift

Levi's Jeans- Beyonce and Post Malone

Green Green Dress- from the Tick Tick Boom movie soundtrack (almost the whole basis for Chapter 52)

Don't Blame Me- Taylor Swift

But I Do Love You-LeAnn Rimes

Love On Top- Beyonce

You and Me- Lifehouse

Paper Rings- Taylor Swift

My Person- Spencer Crandall

So High School- Taylor Swift

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 55

Set during Season 7, Episodes 21 and 22 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: canonical gun violence/injury

WC: 4.0 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

I had never thought about not seeing Carter every day. The idea of no longer riding with him to work, sharing a very rushed lunch, or sneaking kisses in between patients didn’t seem real. Until it was. 

Carter was in his fourth year of residency, which meant he either needed to get the chief resident position or an attending slot at County, or he would have to look for a new job somewhere else. And boy, did I not want that. We had such a good thing going on, and of course the universe was trying to mess it all up with reality. 

He was leaving the lounge when I saw him. I had just finished up with a patient and was returning their chart to admit. By the look on his face, he was angry. “Carter!” I yelled and went after him. He ignored, continuing to walk. “Carter!”

“I’m fine.” He yelled back. 

Oh hell no. He wasn’t doing that to me, not today. I shook my head and ran up to him, before pulling him into the scrub closet and closing the door. “Hey. What’s going on?” 

He groaned and shook his head, before slamming his fist down on one of the shelves. “Weaver returned my application.”

“For chief resident?” 

He nodded his head. “Said the committee wouldn’t even consider it after everything that’s happened.” He scoffed and put his hands behind his head. “She couldn’t even believe I actually thought I had a shot.” I shook my head. “Eight months, Evie. Eight months of doing everything they asked. Every stupid rule, every restriction. But it wasn’t enough. No matter how much I’ve earned it, I’m gonna have a scarlet letter on me for the rest of my career.”

“Carter..... I’m so sorry.” 

“I thought if I got chief, we could stay here, not have to shuffle interviews across the state or the country. I thought—God, Evie—I thought I could finally give you some kind of stability. That I was finally enough.”

“You are more than enough. To both of us. I need you, not County.” I paused. “Look, if we have to move, we’ll move. I can find another nursing job, Meghan can get a new daycare, we can find somewhere to live. But we don’t have to worry about that just yet. We still have time.” I brushed his hair back and cupped his cheek.

“I really hate how much this hurts.”

“It’s allowed to hurt. You just can’t let it own you.” He nodded and I pulled him in close, his head resting on my shoulder. “Do you want to go see Meghan? Take a break?” 

He sighed. “As much as I would love to, we’re backed up. And if we go up there, she’s not going to let us leave her again.” 

I chuckled. “You’re probably right. She’d want to come down here and play doctor herself.” 

“And I’m already in deep shit with Weaver.” 

This time I laughed, and he stood up, a small smile on his face. He moved my hair behind my ear. “Thanks for not letting me wallow in silence.” 

“Any time.” 

The rest of the day for us was pretty quiet and when we picked up Meghan, I could tell Carter’s mood had lifted. We went home for dinner and Carter tried to talk me out of going to the hospital softball game, but I was having none of it. I was promised getting to watch him play, and by God, he was following through. His little pity party needed to end. Plus, someone needed to be there to help explain the rules to Luka. 

Meghan and I spent the game in the stands. She was snug in her jacket and having a great time, cheering on her dad (despite not having any idea what was going on) and giving me a heart attack while walking back and forth on the metal stands. We took breaks to run around on the ground, and she even tried to pick up one of the bats. I could have sworn Dave almost added her into the lineup in place of Luka. But once she’d run out most of her energy, we returned to our seat, which now had a neighbor.  

“Hi, I’m Maggie.” Abby’s mom said, holding out her hand. I smiled at her, knowing she didn’t remember who I was. 

“I’m Evie.” I responded, shaking it back before I sat down and put Meghan in my lap, handing her sippy cup to her. 

“Oh, you’re Evie! Oh, I’ve heard so much about you from John.” 

“All good things I hope.” 

“Of course. And this is your daughter? She’s adorable. What’s her name again?” 

“Meghan.”

“Meghan. Hi sweetie.” 

“Say hi, Meghan.” I pointed to Maggie. 

“Hi!” She squealed, starting to wave as she continued to babble. 

“How precious! She looks just like you, but with John’s eyes. You both are beautiful, no wonder she’s so cute. Especially John. He is a handsome one, isn’t he?” 

I smiled and looked out onto the field as he stood at his spot by third base. “Yeah, he’s pretty cute, isn’t he.” 

“Are you both married?” 

“Uh, no.”

“Engaged?”

“No.”

“What? Oh no, that won’t do.” She stood up and walked up to the fencing keeping us safe between the field and the stands. “John! John!” She started waving at him to come over. I let out a laugh as he furrowed his brow and walked over. 

“Yes, Maggie?”

“John, how could you not be married to this gorgeous, smart woman? I mean, she had your baby for Pete’s sake. You really need to get this poor girl a ring soon before she comes to her sense.”

A loud laugh left me, but I quickly covered my mouth when he turned to look at me. “I don’t know Maggie. I don’t think she deserves it yet.” He suggested.

I scoffed. “Yeah right.” I called out.

Carter smirked and winked at me before running back to his spot. Maggie shook her head and walked back up to me. “If he doesn’t propose soon, let me know. I’ll straighten him out.”

“I might take you up on that offer.” 

“Mama!”

I turned and the biggest smile grew on my face when I saw Meghan toddling toward me. I squatted down and held my arms out to her as she ran right into me. I squeezed her tight and picked her up, kissing her everywhere. “Hello my sweetheart. Where’s daddy?”

She turned and pointed at Carter who was rushing in behind her carrying his work bag and her bag. “God, she’s fast.” He huffed. “I put her down for one second to pick something up and she made a dash for the doors.”

“She knows where she’s at. She would have found someone she knew right away.”

“Still scared me.” He said and walked over to me, giving me a kiss. “Morning.”

“Morning.” I smiled at him before turning back to the station and clocking out, slipping my timecard back in the holder. 

“I was surprised you called and wanted me to bring her.” Carter said as we walked into the lounge and over to the lockers. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take her up to daycare? That way you can go home and get some uninterrupted sleep?” 

“We actually aren’t going home.” I said, bouncing Meghan enough to get her to giggle. I removed my own bag and jacket. “Mark called and asked if I wouldn’t mind going to check on Elizabeth and Ella. I thought I would go over there and give her some kind of a break.” 

“A fifteen month old and a newborn after a night shift. That sounds like a great time.” He said sarcastically, putting his jacket and things in his locker before grabbing his lab coat. 

“Well, if you don’t go buy more condoms after your shift today, that will be our future.” I threw back, patting his chest. I raised up and kissed him. “Say goodbye to Daddy.” I told Meghan. 

“Ba-ba.” She said and waved.

“Bye sweetie.” He said and gave her a kiss before we left the lounge. 

Meghan and I pulled up to the Greene/Corday household about forty or so minutes later. It was a very nice, quiet neighborhood, the sort of place I actually thought I would be raising my daughter in, definitely not the Carter family mansion. There was a nice fenced in front yard and other families going for walks on the sidewalk. It was familiar; reminded me of where I grew up. 

I pulled around back to their driveway and put the car in park before turning around to face Meghan. “Alright sweetie, you ready to go see Elizabeth and Ella?” 

“Yes!” She squealed. 

“That’s my girl.” 

Getting of the driver’s door, I walked around and removed Meghan from her car seat and grabbed her diaper bag. Mark had let me know where the spare key was, so I just let us in through the front door. Even from my spot in the foyer, I could tell the house was the exact same state as Carter and I’s apartment when we first brought Meghan home from the hospital. Things were everywhere, chaos, but in the sweetest way possible. 

“Elizabeth?” I called out and shut the door. The new mom rounded the corner from the kitchen, her newborn in her arms. 

“Gen? What are you doing here?” 

“We came to see if you needed any help.” I put Meghan down on the ground and she immediately ran for the living room. Or well, ran as best as she could. I set down the diaper bag and walked towards Elizabeth. “Can I take her?” Elizabeth nodded and carefully passed me the baby girl. “Oh my gosh, look at you. You’re so beautiful.” I cooed and bounced her as I made my way to the couch. “Meghan, do you want to meet someone?”

Meghan dropped the baby toy she found and toddled over to me, holding onto the edge of the couch. “Meghan, this is Ella. Can you say Ella?” 

“El-wa!”

I laughed. “Close enough.” Elizabeth sat in the chair beside the couch and sighed, laying her head in her hands. “How are you doing?” 

“I think you understand exactly how I’m doing.” 

“Feel like you’re underwater but also so desperately in love?” She nodded. “The first little bit is the hardest. Getting to know someone new that can’t tell you what they need.” I paused. “Have you been out of the house yet?”

“Not really. We go out on walks, but nothing much.” 

I nodded. “I was the same way. But today, I am here for you. Do you want to maybe go somewhere? I saw a Farmer’s Market being set up a couple blocks away. Fresh air and you can still be a little away from people. I can watch Ella while you get ready.” Elizabeth looked unsure. “Or we can stay here, and I can watch your daughter while you take as long of a nap as you want. Absolutely no pressure.” 

I looked down at Ella and Meghan. My daughter had grabbed the other girl’s hand and was squealing as she moved it back and forth. Elizabeth smiled sleepily. “Would you mind if we did both? Starting with the nap.”

I laughed. “Absolutely. But just so you know, I might fall asleep while I’m holding your daughter.”

 “As long as someone is holding her, I’m fine.”

The ER descended into absolute chaos after Evie had left that morning. A crazed gunman was traveling the city, sending an extreme amount of gunshot victims County’s way. Children and adults; no one was safe. Apparently not even their own staff. Adele Newman, one of their beloved social worker, had been at home when the man had broken in. It was starting to get personal for the staff of the ER, and absolutely terrifying. 

“How did he know where I lived?” Adele asked as the team worked around her. 

“What?” Kerry asked. 

“How did he know where I lived? I only saw him at the hospital.”

“Find out anything on the damned Internet now.” Romano groaned. 

Kerry eye’s went up. “Mark.” 

Mark immediately understood what she meant. “Get someone over to my house.”

“What?” The officer asked. 

“Send someone over to my house now.” He instructed again, going over to the phone. “1211 Dupont Drive. And someone get Carter for me right now.” The phone began to ring. 

“She’s still hypotensive.” Chuny monitored. “You want dopamine?” 

“Start her on five mikes.” Kerry ordered, not taking her eyes off Mark.

“Come on, Elizabeth. Pick up, pick up.” Mark muttered as the line continued to ring. Eventually, the machine picked up. “Elizabeth please call me back when you get this.” He said and hung up the phone. He continued working on Adele and soon the officer came back in. 

“Dr. Greene, no one’s answering the door. You want them to search the house?” 

“Yeah.”

“They’d have to force entry.” 

“Search the house!” 

 As the officer left the room, Carter walked in. “Hey, I’m still working on that kid. What's wrong?” 

“Did Evie go to my house?” 

“Yeah, she took Meghan this morning after she got off shift. Why?” Everyone’s face in the room dropped even further, and Carter could feel the tension in the air. “What’s wrong?” He looked around at all of their faces. “What’s going on?” 

“We believe the shooter is heading to Mark’s house.” Kerry finally said. 

“What?!” Carter asked. “What the hell are you talking about?” 

“Doc.” The officer said, sticking his head back in. “They’ll call it in when they have it secured.” 

“Secured?”

“I sent police to the house.” Mark confirmed. Carter scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair. His heart began to squeeze as his mind raced with so many possibilities. He couldn’t lose them. He couldn’t lose the two most important people in his life. 

“Maybe they took the babies and went to the store.” Kerry offered, trying to keep the two men, particularly Carter, calm. 

“Did you page her?” Romano asked, turning to Mark as he put the phone on his shoulder. 

“No.”

“I need you to page Dr. Corday.” He said to whoever was on the other line 

“I need to try and call Evie.” Carter said, leaving the room to go get his phone from the lounge. He ran in and hastily opened his locker, locating the phone and dialing her number. The phone didn’t even ring, just went straight to voicemail; her phone must be dead. “Damn it!” He yelled and slammed the locker shut, before heading back to the trauma room. “Her phone’s dead.” He told the room as they began wheeling Adele out. “Have you gotten ahold of Elizabeth yet?” 

“Not yet.” Mark said, his voice having a slight edge to it. 

“Doc, no one’s at your house.” The officer came back up to them. “They did a thorough sweep.” 

“Check my garage?” 

“Yeah, yeah. Nothing.” 

“Was my van still there?” 

“What?”

“The garage. Was my van there?” 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

“But you have two cars, right?” Kerry asked. 

“Guys confirm there were two vehicles there.” 

“Her's is in the shop.” 

“That’s my Jeep.” Carter said. “Evie took it when we switched off this morning.” 

“Does she take the baby out?” Kerry offered. 

“She’s been going for walks, usually around 3:00.” 

“It’s 1:05.” Carter said, looking at his watch before putting his hands behind his neck

“It depends on the baby’s schedule.” 

“Can you keep a unit there until she gets home?” Kerry asked. 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

“Nick. Nick, listen.” A blonde officer called, joining their group. She held up her radio. ‘......shot in the head from the back. Looks like the guy was riding in the backseat.’ “Cab driver on Roosevelt.” ‘Roger that, 27. Rescue’s en route.’ 

“Okay that will be us.” Kerry declared. “Can you give it to Luka?” Mark nodded. “I have to go upstairs.” 

“You think it’s him?” The officer asked. 

“Yeah, it’s him. Carter.” He turned to the younger doctor. “I know you’re worried, but I need you to prep the trauma room.” 

“Dr. Greene......” 

“Carter, I understand. Trust me. But I need you to do this. Please.” 

Carter took a deep breath and sighed. “Okay, okay, yeah.” 

“I will let you know if I hear anything.” 

“I’ll be in with a patient.” 

“That was actually very lovely.” Elizabeth said, smiling at me. “Thank you for convincing me to go out. I needed that.”

The two of us, after a decent nap, had gotten out our strollers and taken the girls down to the Farmer’s Market. When I had suggested it, I hadn’t really expected much. Just thought it would be an easy place to taken the baby. But it actually had been really nice. We tried a bunch of different food samples, Meghan and I shared a cookie, and I bought some gorgeous flowers for Millicent. Overall, it was a surprisingly good day. 

“You’re welcome. I regret not going out more with Meghan when I had the chance. Granted we were stuck in the hospital, but it would have been nice to get more fresh air every now and again. Would have helped my sanity.”

“I cannot fathom how you took care of a newborn and Carter. You are a godsend.”

“Just make sure to say that around him next time you see him.” 

We both laughed as we walked up the small hill, Elizabeth’s house coming into view. However, it was not the welcoming sight we thought it would be. A patrol car was parked in front of the place and even from here I could tell the door had been forced open. We double timed it back to the house. 

“Excuse me, officer?” Elizabeth called out to the guy standing on her porch. “What’s going on?”

“Are you the homeowner, ma’am?” One of the officers asked, walking over to us.

“Yes. I’m Elizabeth Corday.”

“And she is?” He pointed at me. 

“This is my friend, Genevieve Monroe.” 

The officer nodded and pulled at his radio. “Yeah, sir. I’ve got an Elizabeth Corday and Genevieve Monroe out here with two children, over.” The radio crackled back, and I could barely make out what the other person said. “Roger that. You can go inside.” 

“What is going on?” Elizabeth asked as she took Ella out of the stroller, me doing the same to Meghan. The strollers were forgotten for the moment. 

 “We’re not allowed to say ma’am. We were supposed to stay until you got home.” 

“Al-alright.” Elizabeth stuttered. “Could you please stay with me until I call my husband?” 

Carter couldn’t focus. It wasn’t fair to this kid who had just found out he had cancer. It wasn’t fair to the other patients he had to work on. But all he could picture was Evie and Meghan lying dead somewhere, no one knowing where they were. Panic was the only thing keeping him upright right now. Weaver pulled him into the trauma room as yet another GSW injury came in. He wanted this to be done. He wanted to be done so he could go find his girls. 

“Alright, get me a HemoCue and hang saline and O-neg.” 

“Dr. Carter, Evie’s on line four.” 

“What?” He asked, his head shooting up and his heart starting to race. “C-can you pick up the phone for me?” Lydia nodded and grabbed the phone off the wall, putting it to Carter’s ear like she had for Mark next door. “Evie?” 

“Carter, what’s going on?” He let out a sigh of relief at hearing her voice. 

“Where have you been?” 

“We went to the Farmer’s Market. My phone died. What’s going? Mark wouldn’t tell Elizabeth anything.” 

Carter looked up Mark through the door window. The older man’s met his eyes, seeing Carter with the phone to his ear. He shook his head. Carter nodded. “Uh, it’s a long story. I’ll tell you when you come pick me up at 7:00.” 

“So, you’re not going to tell me?” 

“Not right now.” 

She sighed. “Fine. I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

And by God, he really meant it. 

I pulled the Jeep along the sidewalk outside the hospital and waited for Carter to come out. Meghan was passed out in the backseat, tuckered out from our long day. I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, looking around until I saw his figure round the entrance to the ambulance bay. As soon as he spotted the Jeep, he smiled and jogged over to it. He threw the car door open and shut it behind him. He immediately grabbed my face, kissing me hard. 

“Woah.” I said, pushing back with a smile. “What’s gotten into you?” 

“I’m so glad to see you.” He said and proceeded to kiss me again. 

“Carter, what is going on?” I chuckled. “Is this about what happened today? The thing you and Mark were being very suspicious about, I might add.” Carter sighed and finally let go of me, sitting back in the front seat. He propped his hand up on the window and leaned his head against his hand. I furrowed my brows, suddenly realizing the seriousness. “What happened?”

“There was a shooter today. Brought in the most GSWs I’ve ever seen in one shift. He was hunting for specific people.” 

“Oh my God, that’s awful.” Carter nodded. “Wait, but why were you so worried about us?” 

 Carter took a deep breath and turned in the chair, reaching to gently stroke Meghan’s sleeping face before he turned back around. “The shooter was the father in the abuse case Mark handled last week. He was going after the people who took his son from him. Including heading to Mark’s house.” 

My breath caught in my throat, and I quickly looked back at Meghan before meeting Carter’s gaze again, his eyes glistening with tears. “Oh Carter....” 

“When we couldn’t find you and you didn’t answer the phone, we thought something had happened to you all. I spent a good part of the day thinking you both were dead.” 

I immediately turned off the car before crawling over the middle console to climb into Carter’s lap. He wrapped his arms around me tightly as I straddled his lap and just let him hold me, let him know I was still there. I stroked his hair as we just existed with each other. “I’m still here. It’s okay. You don’t need to worry. I’m not going anywhere.” 

“I hope not.” Carter said, sniffling as I moved back. “Because I really want to give you this.”

I looked down and a short gasp left me as my hands moved to my mouth. The black box in his hand was open, revealing the most stunning ring I had ever seen. It had a silver band, studded with small diamonds. A single, bigger diamond sat in the middle. I looked back up at Carter, not really sure what to say. 

“Ever since we moved, I’ve been keeping the ring in my locker. I didn’t want you to go snooping again. Though in hindsight, I should have put it in the safe at home. I was just glad it was still there when they cleaned out my locker.” He grabbed my left hand. “You should have had this a long time ago. And after today, I couldn’t keep it in my locker anymore. I love you Genevieve, with every fiber of my being. You are my rock, my heart, and my soul. You gave me the most beautiful and smart little girl, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me.” He took the ring out of the box and slipped it on my finger. “So, Genevieve Claire Monroe, would you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife?” 

“Yes!” I exclaimed and threw my arms around his neck. “Of course I will.” 

We stayed like that in the car for a while kissing, and hugging, and just living with each other, excited for what this new future would bring us. 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 54

Set during Season 7, Episode 20 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: mentions of pregnancy, canonical miscarriage/forced ab**tion

WC: 1.7 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

“How long have you had the pain?” Carter asked out newest patient as I took notes on the chart. She was my age, nice, but in a whole lot of pain, particularly in her abdomen.  

“A few hours.” 

“When was you last period?” 

“Seven weeks ago. When I didn’t get it, I did a home pregnancy test. It was positive. That was two weeks ago.”  

Huh, come to think of it, I couldn’t remember the last time I had my period, I thought to myself as I wrote about the test in her notes. Suddenly my brain caught up and everything tightened.

Oh fuck. 

“Have you seen your gynecologist?” Carter asked the woman, coming over to my side of the bed. I stepped back to let him work while my brain went through a rolodex of symptoms. 

Late Period. Check.

Fatigue. Check.

Headaches. Check. 

Breast tenderness. Not sure. Maybe? But I also had pretty recently stopped breastfeeding. 

Nausea. Starting. 

“How many other pregnancies?” Carter asked the woman, grabbing a pair of gloves. 

It would be my second.

Oh God, this couldn’t be happening. Things were going so well. There was a groove between us again. We were being more open with one another. Our relationship was in a good place. Parenting was going as great as it could be with a little girl with his attitude. We were talking about finally moving out of the mansion. A baby right now was not a part of the plan. 

“Am I having a miscarriage?” The woman asked, the devastation clear in her voice. 

“I can’t tell that until we do some tests and a pelvic exam as well.” Carter pulled the curtain around us. He turned to me. “Evie, you okay?” 

“Uh....yeah. Uh, I need to step out really quick. Are you okay without me?” 

“Yeah. Go.” I nodded in thanks before slipping out of the curtain, pulling it tightly closed behind me. I was not going to be able to focus until I found out for sure. Good thing I worked in a place with a large stock of tests. 

I set the test on the toilet paper dispenser as I finished up. I would have grabbed another one to be sure, but Lily had almost caught me with this one. I definitely didn’t need the gossip mill breathing down my neck. I finished up and as the toilet flushed, I stepped out momentarily to wash my hands before going back into the stall. I stood there and picked up the test, almost willing it to hurry up and show me the results. 

We should have been more careful. Carter had started to use condoms more regularly. But with a one year old at the house, any moment alone was few and far between. Condoms weren’t always readily available. I should have known something like this would happen. It was bound to with our luck. 

The door to the bathroom opened and my body went stiff for a moment. The new person shuffled in, their feet dragging on the floor. A hand pressed against my stall door, stopped by the lock. “It’s occupied!” I yelled. And suddenly, there was a pained groan and a loud thud. “Shit.” I muttered and shoved the test in my back pocket before leaving the stall.

“Oh God.” 

It was the pregnant patient from earlier. She was completely out of it and there was a large blood stain on the front of her gown. I checked her pulse very quickly before running out into the hall for help, pulling gloves out of my pocket. “Carter!” I yelled, finding him. “Your pregnant patient is bleeding out!” 

“Where is she?” He asked, taking off after me. 

“She’s passed out in the bathroom.” I yelled back as we rounded the corner and headed in. 

“Noni? Oh God!” Carter went and bent at her side. “Hey, Noni, can you hear me? Wake up.” 

“I can’t find a radial pulse.”

“She’s got a weak carotid. Go get a gurney.” 

I ran back out into the hallway, grabbing the gurney and a couple more nurses. We all got Noni out of the bathroom and down the hall to the trauma room. Carter and I were covered in blood by the time we rolled in. “BP 60 palp.” I called out as we got her situated. 

“What’s the HemoCue?” 

“10.8” 

“Good. She’s got a little reserve.” He moved the ultrasound over her belly. “No fetal pole, no heartbeat. Just blood and POCs.” 

“That’s an incomplete miscarriage.”

“Call OB, tell them she needs a D&C.” He handed the ultrasound over to another nurse. “I’m gonna do a pelvic, see if I can find some tissue in the OS.”

“Carter.” I looked up as Chuny was walking a man into the room. “This is her boyfriend.” 

“What happened?” He asked. 

“Your girlfriend had a miscarriage, but it’s incomplete.” Carter explained, walking over to him, while I got on the phone. “She needs a D&C to stop the bleeding.” 

“But she’s gonna be okay?” 

“We need to get her pressure up. She might need a transfusion. I will speak with you, but after I get her stabilized.” 

“Oh God!” 

“Chuny, can you take him outside?” Carter walked back over as I hung up with OB. “Let’s call for packed cells. If her pressure’s not up after two liters, HemoCue every thirty minutes.” 

Thankfully, we were able to get her stabilized and upstairs quickly. But when she woke up, I knew she was going to be in even worse pain knowing her baby was gone. 

“What a day.” Carter sighed and grabbed some letters from the holder on the desk. 

“You’re telling me. Hey, whatever ever happened with that girl? I hadn’t heard anything after we took her to the OR.” 

“Her boyfriend was giving her tea to bring on a miscarriage." My eyes went wide. "She didn’t want to press charges, but the boyfriend is in with the police right now.” 

 “Serves him right. She wanted her baby. I feel bad for her.” 

“Me too.” Carter put a hand around my waist and leaned down to kiss me. When he moved his hand, his brows furrowed. “What’s in your pocket? A pen?” My eyebrows raised before my eyes widened in realization. I had completely forgot about the pregnancy test in all the chaos. He reached into my pocket and pulled it out. 

“Carter wait!” I snatched it from him before he could see what it was. 

Carter laughed. “Oh, come on Evie, what is it?” I took a deep breath and pulled Carter into Exam 2, which was thankfully empty. I pushed him in and closed the blinds. “Evie what is it?” I held up the stick and his eyebrows raised, a panicked look on his face. “Is that—” 

“A pregnancy test?” I finished. “Yeah. When that poor girl came in and she was giving you her history, I realized my period was late.”

“How late?” 

“Like over a week late. I snagged a test and took it in the bathroom. That’s why I knew where she was when she started bleeding out. I forgot to check it after everything that happened.”

“Well, what does it say?” he asked, running a hand down his mouth. I looked at the test and let out a sigh. “What?! Is it positive?” 

“Don’t pass out on me.” I said, rolling my eyes. “It’s blank. Must have invalidated because I waited too long.” I tossed it in the trash. “I’ll grab a couple more and take them at home. 

“Yeah, okay, yeah. That sounds great.” 

“Are you going to be okay?” 

“Yeah, let’s just grab our stuff and get going.” 

“Are you done?” Carter yelled from behind the bathroom door. I rolled my eyes and sat the second test on the counter, finishing up and flushing the toilet. As I started the sink to wash my hands, Carter opened the door and walked up beside me. “What do they say?” 

“You have to wait a few minutes for the results.” I said, shaking my head. “You are a doctor, aren’t you?” 

“I’ve only ever ordered pregnancy tests, not taken them.” 

“Touché.”

“So, do you think you’re pregnant? I mean, you don’t seem pregnant. You had pretty bad symptoms with Meghan.” 

“To be honest, I don’t feel pregnant. It’s just the no period really. But that doesn’t really mean anything. Symptoms can vary between pregnancies. I have a friend who had barely any early symptoms with her first and then everything with her second.” 

“Do you want to have another baby?” 

I looked up at him. That was the magic question. “I mean, I thought we would eventually. Maybe when Meghan was a little older. Maybe when we were more settled."

“Yeah, now’s not really the best time.” 

“Am I gonna have to look for weird things in my tea?” Carter looked at me with a serious face. “I’m so sorry.” I breathed out, my nervous dark humor defiantly not needed right not. “That wasn’t funny at all.” I paused and turned, leaning back against the sink. “Do you want to have another baby? I mean, you are the one who keeps bringing up having more kids every time you're in the mood.” 

“Eventually. Like I’ve told you before, we make pretty cute kids.” I chuckled and crossed my arms. “But if the test is positive, then it’s positive. And like I told you with Meghan, if you want to have the baby, we’ll have the baby. If you don’t, we won’t. But if we do have another, I know Gamma will be mad we’ve had two and still no wedding.” 

“Now who’s fault is that?” I asked. Carter scoffed and put an arm around me, kissing the top of my head.

“Yeah, yeah.” 

The timer went off as he pulled away and we both looked towards it. “Moment of truth.” I said and picked up the tests. Two sets of very bold negatives stared back at us, causing us to breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank God.” I sighed and Carter pulled me in to kiss me head. “If my period still doesn’t come soon, I’ll take a follow up. But this seems pretty clear to me.” 

“I love you and I love Meghan,” Carter started. “But I’m really glad you’re not pregnant. I want more kids with you, but not right now.” 

“Kids? How many are we having Dr. Carter?” 

“As many as you want. But once we have our own place.” 

“Amen to that.” 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 53

Set during Season 7, Episode 19 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: overdose (not MMC), some lewd/suggestive conversation

WC: 2.9 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

“Tell me again why we are here on our day off?” 

“Stop trying to ruin the surprise.” 

I had been trying to get ahold of these tickets for over a week now. I had made connections with a respiratory therapist upstairs through a nurse down in the ER. The guy apparently had connections to cheap Bulls tickets, and I really wanted to surprise Carter. Normally, he was the one planning dates and making big gestures, so I wanted to get the chance. But like always, he was being nosy. 

“It’s not going to take that long. I just need to run in really quickly and then we can head to the park.” I emphasized the last bit as I tickled Meghan. She was in Carter’s arm, enjoying playing with the zipper on her father’s jacket. 

“At least give me a hint.” 

“For the last time, no!” 

“Hey guys. What’s up, Meghan?” 

We both turned, seeing Abby walking back for Doc Magoo’s, a to go coffee in her hand. “Hi!” Meghan responded, causing us all to laugh.  

“You on swing?” I asked her. 

“Yeah, I only have an hour left. I thought you both were off.” 

“We are. But Evie has to pick up something and won’t let me in on the secret.” Carter shrugged. 

I rolled my eyes. “That’s the whole point of a secret.” 

“Oh God.” Abby groaned. 

“What?”

“See that car?” She pointed towards a Mercedes in the ambulance bay.

“What about it?” Carter asked. 

“Read the license plate.” 

I squinted. “Man-O-Med?” 

She scoffed. “That’s Richard. My ex-husband.” 

“Fun.” I mumbled as she walked in ahead of us. “Alright, well this is only going to take me a couple minutes. Can you keep her occupied?” 

“If not, she knows literally everyone in there.” 

“True.” I replied before walking in and heading upstairs. 

Of course while Evie was gone, Meghan needed a diaper change. It wasn’t a big deal, but since there was no changing table in the men’s bathroom, Carter had to use an empty exam room. Wasn’t the most ideal thing, but it got the job done. After everything was situated, he walked back out towards admit to wait for Evie, when he spotted Abby on the phone. 

“You have nothing in coach?” She asked whoever was on the other line. “Okay, well, what if I fly into..... to Oklahoma City?” 

“Hey.” He said, setting Meghan on the counter beside her. 

“Hi.”

“What did Richard want?” 

“My mother has, uh, bottomed out 40 miles outside of Tulsa.” She told him, a pained look on her face as she waved Meghan’s stuffed dog in front of her. “And of all people, the motel owner had to call Richard.”

“Did you talk to her?” 

“She’s-she’s not picking up the phone and she won’t come out of the room, so.....” Carter nodded before Abby groaned at whatever the person on the other line said. “How many people are going to Oklahoma tonight? No. Thank you.” She said and hung up.

“You okay?” 

“I can’t get a flight.” 

“You trying direct to Tulsa?” 

“I’ve.... tried, I can’t get anywhere close. There’s not even a connection opening.” Carter picked up the phone and started dialing. “What are you doing?” 

“Hold her.” He directed and the two switched spots, Abby making sure Meghan stayed in place on the ledge. “I have a really good travel agent. She can always find something somewhere. You wanna fly out tonight?” Abby nodded. “Hi. Katy Whitcher, please.” He paused. “Open return?” 

“No, I have to drive her back.” 

"Why?”

“Cause she can’t fly. She can’t handle flying.” 

“You’re gonna drive her all the way back to Chicago by yourself?” She nodded. “Is Luka going with you?” She shook her head. Carter bit his lip, his eyes looking towards the ceiling. “Hey, Katy. It’s John Carter. Good. Yeah. Any way that you can find me two one-way tickets to Tulsa? Tonight.” 

“What are you doing?” Abby asked, but Carter held up his hand. 

He really hoped Evie didn’t kill him. 

There was an extra spring in my step as I walked off the elevator and back into the ER, the tickets in an envelope in my hand. This was going to be so great. A night out on the town and a Bulls game. Carter was going to be so excited. I went to admit, asking Randi where to find my family, and she pointed back out to the ambulance bay. Carter was circling Meghan, the little girl giggling every time he got in her way, preventing her from running off.

“I got them. We’re good to go.” I smiled, holding up the envelope. Carter reached down and picked Meghan up, before putting a hand on my back and walking me over to the bench. My brows furrowed. “What’s up?” 

“I have to ruin your plans.” 

“What? Why?” 

He sighed. “I’m going with Abby to Oklahoma tonight to pick up her mother.” 

My eyebrows shot up. “Uh, what?” 

“She’s having a depressive episode. Locked herself in a hotel outside of Tulsa. We’re getting on a flight at 11:40.” 

“Why are you going with her? W-why can’t Luka go?” 

“Because she doesn’t want him to. I guess he’s being a little controlling about the situation. And she has to drive her mom back. She can’t do that by herself.” He paused and put a hand on her knee. “Evie, I owe her this. She’s the one who sounded the alarm on my addiction. She was my sponsor. She needs help.” 

“Carter......”

“Look, I know you’re worried. I know you’ve been trying to get to know Abby more. But I promise you, nothing is going to happen. I’m there to be a friend and repay her some of the kindness she showed me.” 

I looked down at the tickets in my hand and then back up at him. He looked so determined, but I could also tell he was considering my feelings. I knew Abby wasn’t a bad person. I knew she wasn’t trying to steal Carter from me. She was with Luka for God’s sake. And we had been working on trust. 

“Okay.” I nodded. “Then we should probably skip the park and go pack you a bag.” 

His eyes went wide. “Really?” 

“Trust, right? That’s what we’ve been doing.” 

He smiled at me and kissed me, before looking down at the envelope. “I’m sorry to ruin your surprise. Can I know what it was?” 

I smiled and pulled out the tickets. “They’re tickets to the Bulls game tonight.”

“Damn.” He sighed. 

“Yep. They were pretty good seats too.” 

“I’ll pay for them.” 

“Oh, it’s okay. I’ll just find someone else to go with. Maybe I’ll see if Dave is free. Or maybe Luka. He likes the Bulls. And that way, we can talk shit about our partners while you’re away.”  

Luka hadn’t been the most fun at the game that night, knowing Carter and Abby were currently sitting at the airport waiting for their flight. But it wasn’t a total waste. Eventually he got into it, and he was overall not a bad sport. Though he did complain about Abby twice, which I immediately shut down. When I returned home, I got Meghan out of her crib and laid her down in the bed with me. I had gotten used to sleeping with another body in the bed again, and my little snuggle bug would have to do the trick for tonight. 

The next morning, the two of us were sitting at the table, her in her highchair with a plate of scrambled eggs and fruit in front of her. She was working through it nicely as I ate my breakfast. Pulling my phone out, I dialed Carter’s number, wanting to see if they had made it okay. 

“Hello?”

“Say hi to daddy.” I whispered to Meghan and brought the phone to her. 

“Dada!” She shouted. 

“Hi Meghan.” Carter laughed on the other end. “What are you doing?” 

“Eggs!”

“You and mommy having breakfast?” 

“More like making a mess.” I said, wiping her face. “But most of it is going in her mouth, so I’d call that a win. I wanted to see where you guys were.” 

“We just made it to the motel.” 

“How is she?” I asked, putting the phone between my shoulder and ear so I could help her eat. 

“Uh..... not good. Place is a wreck. She’s not really talking.” 

I nodded. “It’s gonna be hard. I hope Abby knows how lucky she is that you are there.” 

“How was the game?” 

“It was alright. Probably best you didn’t go. Nothing to exciting aside from when Luka spilled his beer.” 

“I’m sorry Evie.” 

“It’s okay. You’ll make it up to me.” 

“I definitely will.” 

“Well, I’ve got to finish getting ready for work and get this one ready for daycare. Say bye to Daddy, Meghan.” 

“Ba-ba.”

“Bye sweetheart.” 

“I love you.” 

“I love you both too. Give her a kiss for me.” 

“Hello?”

“What are you wearing?” 

I laughed loudly as I laid back on the bed. “John Carter. Are you trying to have phone sex while on a road trip with Abby and her bipolar mother?” 

“Come on. I need this. It’s been a day.” 

I bit my lip and rolled over onto my stomach. “Do you really want to know?” I purred. 

“I really want to know.” He groaned, his voice dropping in octave and volume.

“Well, on top I’m wearing one of your old Northwestern T-shirts.” 

“Anything underneath?” 

“Just what God gave me." He groaned again. “And on the bottom I’m wearing that black, cheeky pair you like so much.” 

“How dare you.” 

“You’re the one that left me, baby. You could be lying in bed with me right now.” I paused. “How’s it going?” 

“Honestly, it’s kind of a mess. But we’re about ten hours from Chicago, so I should see you tomorrow night.” 

“More like Monday morning. I have a night shift tomorrow.” 

“Damn.”

“Guess you’ll have to settle for spending time with your daughter. Who really misses you, might I add.” 

“I hope she’s not the only one.” 

“She’s not the only one.” I reassured. “I had to put her in my bed last night because I can’t sleep without someone else there.” 

“Well, I’m glad to know I have my uses.” 

“You know you’re more than a warm body.” 

“Yeah, I’m the bank.” 

“Oh my God. Shut up.” 

He laughed on the other end. “Just kidding. I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.” 

“Love you too. Get home safe.” 

Knocking lightly on the door of the recovery room, I waited for a small ‘Come in’ before going inside. “I hope it’s alright I stopped by. I wanted to see the baby before I started my shift.” 

“Well come here.” Mark said, gesturing me forward. 

I smiled and walked towards the bed. When I caught sight of the baby, my heart melted. “Oh my God. She’s so beautiful you guys.” I looked up at Mark and Elizabeth. “What’s her name?” 

“Ella.” Elizabeth replied. 

“Oh. Hi Ella.” I cooed. “I’m Evie. I’m one of your crazy ER aunties.” Elizabeth chuckled. “How are you feeling?” 

“Like I just pushed a watermelon through a very small hole.” 

“Sounds about right. That feeling will go away eventually.” 

“It feels like just yesterday I was visiting you after you had Meghan.” Mark said. 

“You’re telling me. Now she’s fourteen months old and walking around.” I looked back at Ella. “You’re gonna hear a lot of people say this, but treasure this moment. It’s going to be an adjustment, but she’s not going to be this little for long.” 

“I don’t even want to think about that.” Elizabeth chuckled. 

I nodded and stroked the baby’s tiny fingers one more time. “Good job, Elizabeth. Let me know if you guys need anything. Even in the next couple hours. I’m only a couple floors away.” 

Walking into the lounge later that night, I sat down on the couch, happy to have just a moment off my feet. As much as this made me sound like a lovesick teenager, I really missed my man. I missed knowing he was at home with our daughter. Missed having him in my bed. Missed waking up to his kisses. Maybe I shouldn’t have let him go with Abby if I knew this is how I was going to feel. 

Suddenly, my scrub pocket started vibrating. I reached in and pulled out my phone. Looking down, I smiled, seeing Carter’s name. “Hey. I was just thinking about you. Did you get home okay?” 

“Evie, Abby and I are bringing her mom in.” 

I sat up. “What?” 

“She took something. We don’t know what or how she got it but she’s overdosing. We’re about five minutes out. Be ready.” 

As he hung up the phone, I was already up on my feet and out of the lounge. “Luka!” I yelled. “Luka!” The man came fast around the corner. 

“What is it?” 

“Carter called. They’re bringing Maggie in. She took something and she’s overdosing. I’ll go prep the trauma room, you meet them outside.” I ran off down the hall and I started grabbing everything: an intubation kit, a vent, an NG tube and charcoal. All standard things for an overdose. Just as I was finishing setting up, the gurney rolled in. 

“CBC, Chem 20, blood and urine tox screens.” Luka yelled out. 

“BP’s 90/60.” Chuny shouted. 

“QRS complexes look wide.” I observed. 

“Get a 12 lead.” Luka ordered. 

“NG tube?” 

“Hold on.” He finished his check of her eyes as Carter stuck the tongue depressor in her mouth. 

“She’s got no gag reflex. One of Pavulon. 90 of Sux.” 

I started dispensing the orders when Haleh got our attention. “Look at this.” 

“What?”

She held up the small package. “Diphenhydramine, 25 milligrams.” 

“How many are missing?” Luka asked. 

“All of them. 12 to a sheet.....three sheets.” 

“25 times 36.” 

“That’s 900 milligrams. “Carter confirmed looking from Abby to her mother. 

��Okay, stand by with bicarb. Hurry up Carter.” He warned as Carter started the intubation. 

“Give me some cricoid pressure.” 

“Charcoal after intubation.” Luka looked up. “Abby, do you want to be in here?” 

“ORS complex is .16.” I said, handing over the paper to Luka. 

“Push the bicarb.” 

“Okay, I’m in.” Carter yelled, securing the tube. 

I turned to Abby, the woman kind of just standing there in a daze watching her mother. I stepped towards her. “Abby?” I started, putting a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at me. 

“I’m okay.” She went into acting mode. “I’m okay.” 

I nodded. “Chuny, we need more bicarb.” I called out as Carter attached the vent to the tube. Luka had put the NG tube up Maggie’s nose and was pushing the charcoal. 

“I’ve got the bicarb.” Chuny yelled, rushing back in. 

“Put an amp in the next liter.” Carter ordered. 

“Charcoal is in.” 

 “I need vent settings.” Abby called out. 

“Tidal volume of 600. AC of 12 on 100%.” 

“Pressure’s down to 80 after two liters.” I warned. 

“Start dopamine at 10 mikes.” Luka told me, writing on the chart. “Antihistamine overdose can give you myocardial pump failure.” He told Abby. 

“Did she have sleeping pills with her?” Haleh asked. Carter and Abby looked at each other but stayed quiet. They had no idea what the hell happened. 

“I need another IMED for the drip.” Abby said.  

“Where did she get them?” 

“Call an X-ray again.” Carter replied, changing the subject. “Tell them we need a portable chest.” 

“She’s hyper-reflexic. Is the tox-screen back?” 

“She’s seizing!” I yelled as the woman began to shake.      

“Whoa, watch the tube.” Carter yelled as he went for it and I disconnected the vent and grabbed an ambu-bag. 

“Pulse ox is dropping. Check the O2.” 

“We’re bagging on 100%.”

“Hold on, hold on.” Luka yelled. “Her finger probe fell off.” 

“Somebody help me keep her head steady.” 

“Ativan’s on board.” 

“Another four?” 

Luka shook his head. “Give it another minute to work.” 

The two of us looked at each other as I continued pumping the bag and then over to Abby. She was helping Carter hold her mom’s head as she continued to shake. She was crying now. We continued to work and thankfully the Ativan did its job and her seizure subsided. Then we got her stable enough to head upstairs for a CT. 

“Hey, Maggie.” Carter started as we rolled her from the room. “Maggie, can you squeeze my hand?” 

“She’s not waking up.” Luka said from the other side of the bed. 

“CT said they can take you on the way.” I informed them from my place at the head of the bed. 

“She’s got a unit bed?” Carter asked. 

“2102.”

 “You want to call psych?” Chuny asked.

“No, no, not yet.” 

“She should be on a hold.” Luka said, his tone annoyed more than anything. 

“They can’t talk to her.” 

“Pressure’s holding.” I cut in. “You wanna finish the dilatin?” 

“Yes, have them check the level in an hour.” Luka ordered as Haleh and Chuny pushed her into the elevator, Abby at her side. “I want her on a hold when she wakes up.” 

“She might not wake up.” Abby finally said, her voice heavy as the elevator doors closed. 

And then there I was between Carter and Luka: one who wanted to take the hard approach with Maggie and the other who just wanted to support his friend. The air was thick around them, almost like a standoff. But Luka just stripped off his gloves and left, not even wanting to bother with saying ‘I told you so’. I turned to Carter and the guilty look on his face was so evident. I opened my mouth to say something, but he just grabbed my waist and pulled me close. 

I didn’t hesitate to melt into him.

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 52

Set during Season 7, Episode 18 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: brief talk of death and addiction

WC: 3.4 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

I had been looking forward to this day ever since Carter and I got the invitation. But when Elizabeth asked if Meghan would be their flower girl, I was downright giddy. Now, was it the best idea to have a fifteen month old be a flower girl? Probably not. But we were all excited and Meghan was just happy to wear something so cute and fluffy. At first, I had felt bad about taking off the whole day of work, knowing we were already short nurses. But once I saw the rain forecast, I knew I made the right decision. I was going to need all the time I could get to get both of us ready and get to the hospital to pick up Carter before the wedding. 

Elizabeth hadn’t really given me a specific color or style to stick to. Just said to wear something I liked, which kind of surprised me. I’d have to walk Meghan down the aisle and didn’t want to wear something she wouldn’t like. But I also had gotten a new dress that I had been dying to wear somewhere, and the wedding seemed to be the perfect occasion. It was a dark green, velvet dress. It was technically strapless with a sweetheart neckline, but I had a strap added to make it a halter style. And to top it all off, a line of buttons ran down my right side, hiding the zipper. I paired it with an updo, the diamond earrings Carter had gotten me years ago, black stockings, and my black heels. 

Meghan was dressed in the cutest cream flower girl dress. A basic, traditional design with a small bow at the bottom of the zipper. I had found her some matching ballet flats and pulled her messy hair back with a matching bow. Millicent and I must have taken hundreds of pictures of her before we left to pick Carter up from work. It made me start to think about her one day going to prom, which then turned into me crying just a little bit. So, I ended the photo shoot and put on our raincoats, getting ready to leave. Once the car was loaded with her diaper bag and Carter’s clothes, we made our way towards County. 

After finally finding a spot in the parking garage, Meghan and I made our way inside. All I brought inside with me was Meghan and Carter’s outfit, praying we wouldn’t be in there long. I let her press the bottom for the ER and we traveled down a few floors. The doors opened to the exact person I was looking for, talking to Abby, seemingly on his way into an exam room.

Oh no he didn't. We had to get going.

“You ready to go?” 

Carter turned and smiled at both of us. “Almost.” He said, and walked over, grabbing Meghan. “Look at you sweet girl.” He said and kissed her cheek. “You look so pretty. You ready to be the cutest flower girl ever?” Meghan clapped her hands together and laughed. “Sounds like you’re ready. Daddy is almost done.” He looked up at me. “Kovac gave me one more patient I have to take care of. Mind helping me out?"

“Uh, sure. Abby would you mind taking Meghan for a second?” 

“I don’t feel the best. I wouldn’t want to get her sick.” 

“Just drop her off with Amira. She’ll be happy to see her.” 

Abby took Meghan and headed toward admit. Carter pushed open the exam room door and allowed me to walk in first. “Hi, Veronica, I’m Dr. Carter. This is Nurse Monroe.” 

“I’ve never seen a nurse that looks like you.” The woman said. 

“Trying something new.” I smiled, putting my hands in my coat pockets.  

“Let’s take a look at that shoulder.”  He started to exam her, barely pulling her shoulder away from her side before she started groaning in pain. “Okay, okay, okay. We’re not going to do that again. Have you been given any pain medication yet?” 

She shook her head. “Nurse said you could use a local.”

“I could, but local anesthesia is not very effective with this type of injury.” He bent down and pricked her arm, causing her to cry out in pain again. 

“I’ve been clean for a year. Heroin.” 

Carter and I’s eyes met quickly, before he nodded and turned back to Veronica. “Okay. Well, maybe we can try a mild sedative like Valium.”

“No, man, the taste will bring me back. I can’t be using on the inside.” 

I watched Carter’s face as he tried to decide the best course of action. The woman had been clean a little longer than he had gone to rehab. He knew her fear of relapsing and while it might not be the best thing medically, it would help his patient in the long run by staying clean. He prepared and gave her the local before prepping her arm to move the shoulder back into the socket. The sedative defiantly wasn’t helping, but he was willing to try if she was. 

“Evie, put this around her and give me some resistance as I pull.” He instructed, handing me a blanket. I laid it down on the bed and removed my coat, throwing it and his clothes on the bed so my arms could be freed up. 

“Wow.” 

I looked up and Carter’s eyes were wide, his mouth hanging slightly open. I smirked. “Like it?” 

“L-like it? I love it.” 

“You look really nice.” Veronica said in between hisses of pain. Suddenly, Carter realized we weren’t alone and snapped back into doctor mode. 

I smiled at Veronica, trying not to laugh at Carter, and gently patted her good shoulder. “Thanks sweetie. Now let’s try to get you feeling better.” I wrapped the blanket around her middle and wrapped the ends around my hands to give me some leverage. “Ready when you are.”

“Veronica, are you ready?” 

“Do-do it.” 

“Okay, here we go.” I planted my feet the best I could in my heals and Carter pulled. I moved just slightly, but kept my grip. Veronica screamed out in pain, grabbing onto the blanket harshly. Carter moved again, and another scream broke through. 

“She needs more sedation, Carter.” I turned, seeing Luka standing by the end of the bed. 

“She’s a former addict. Doesn’t want any narcotics. I gave her a local.” 

“She needs more than that.” Luka looked at me and raised an eyebrow, almost like he was asking me why I was letting this happen. I turned to Carter and he looked pissed. 

“I offered, she refused.” 

“Stop.” 

“I almost got it.”

“Stop!” Carter hold relaxed a little. “Abby!” He yelled, calling for the other nurse who was walking by. 

“She specifically asked me not to administer narcotics.”

“Give her ten of morphine.” He told Abby, ignoring Carter. 

“No. No. Keep going.” Veronica begged. 

“We need to relax you to pop your shoulder back into place.”

“She’s my patient, I’m just trying to respect her wishes.”

“If we don’t, you can end up with permanent nerve damage.”

Veronica groaned again in pain, and then rapidly nodded, looking around at all of us. “Okay. Okay.” She muttered. 

“Push the morphine, Abby.” Luka said, gentler this time now that he had “won”.  

“Okay. You know?” Carter started, angry as he grabbed her chart and began signing it. “I’m off the clock. She’s all yours. I’m out of her.” He looked up at me. “Let’s go.” He grabbed my coat and his clothes as we both walked out of the door. 

Aside from the rain pounding down on the car, the ride to the church was silent. Carter hadn’t said anything. Not after he changed in the bathroom, not when we were walking through the parking garage, and definitely not as we made our way through traffic. Just silent sat there, staring ahead while his finger occasionally drummed on the steering wheel. Meghan periodically would break it up with her babbling, playing with something in her car seat, but it wasn’t enough to cover the awkwardness. That was going to have to be my job. 

“So......what did I walk into today?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“With you and Luka.” I said gently, trying not to set him off. 

Carter’s hands immediately clenched the steering wheel tighter. “Oh..... that.” 

“Uh, yeah.” I started, a little hesitant. “Did something happen between you two?” 

“No.”

“Carter.”

“Look, he’s a nice enough guy. But he’s gotta let me do my job. And I don’t appreciate him using you to try and get me to do it.”

“Woah. Wait a minute. Using me? What are you talking about?”

“I saw the way he looked at you in there. Thought he could turn on the charm and get you to tell me to stop.” 

“Are you jealous?” 

“Of Kovac? No way. But I do know you both got close while I was gone.” 

I smirked. “You are jealous.” I scoffed. “Carter, literally nothing happened.”��

“I know that. Like I said, I just don’t appreciate him thinking he can use you to manipulate me.” 

“But you do actually do what I say.” I said, slowly putting my hand on his leg. 

Carter rolled his eyes and grabbed it, bringing it up to his mouth to kiss. “When it comes from you. And not somebody else.” 

“God, I hope we’re not late. Traffic was horrible.” 

“I think we’re okay. But you may need to fix Meghan’s hair.” Carter reached over and grabbed the bow that had been hanging on for dear life. I’m surprised we hadn’t lost it between the car and now. 

“I’ll do it after I go check in with Elizabeth. I hope she’s doing okay. The rain has probably messed with everything.”

“What’s up little bit?” We both looked up, Carter from closing the umbrella and me from smoothing out Meghan dress, finding Dave standing just outside the sanctuary. He tickled Meghan’s belly, causing her to laugh. “Carter, Evie.” 

“I didn’t think you were coming.” I said, readjusting Meghan on my hip. 

“Um, I called Cleo. She didn’t need me to cover. And a couple girls from Uncle Sal’s party like weddings, so....” 

“Did you RSVP for them?” Carter asked. 

“I figure with the rain there’s bound to be a couple of no-shows, right? And a few extra butts in the pews couldn’t hurt. You know where I could dump this?” He asked, gesturing down to the giant wrapped gift in his arm. 

“They’ll probably have a gift table at the reception.” I replied. 

“What, I’m supposed to lug this around till them? It’s heavy. You didn’t buy them a crock pot, did you?” 

I scoffed. “No.” Carter shook his head. “No. We got them something off the registry.”

“Yeah, I’m not into that. Here’s a list of things to buy me. It’s a little dickie.”

“Dave!” I exclaimed, really hoping Meghan hadn’t attached to that. The last thing I needed her to start saying at daycare was something she heard Malucci say. The door to the church opened and we all turned to surprisingly see Dr. Romano walk in with his date. 

“Evening gentlemen. Ms. Monroe. Tiny Carter.” He paused. “What? Didn’t think I’d be invited? So, where’s the bride?”

“Uh, she’s in waiting.” Dave replied. “Dr. Greene hasn’t shown yet?’ 

“What?” I asked. I turned to Carter. “I’m going to go check on her. Make sure you save us a seat.” And I left him with a kiss on the cheek. Dave jokingly leaned in for one and I just pushed his face away. I went down the hall, getting directions from a church worker before I found the bride’s room. I knocked on the door before sticking my head in. 

“Is it alright if we come in?” 

“Please.” 

I smiled and went completely inside, closing the door behind me. “Oh, Elizabeth. You look so beautiful.” 

“You look marvelous yourself.” She said, standing to greet me with a hug. “And Meghan, look at you. So, so pretty.” She turned, gesturing to an older red head. “Mother, this Genevieve and her daughter Meghan. Gen, this is my mother, Isabelle” 

“Very lovely to meet you.” She said, taking my hand and shaking it. 

“You too.” I said. 

“Oh, your daughter is so lovely.” 

I chuckled and moved to sit down, putting my purse and the diaper bag on the ground. “Thank you. But I need to redo her hair before it gets any worse.” I pulled out a brush from my bag and began fixing the mess. 

“Is Carter here?” 

“Yeah, he’s saving us seats for after the walk down the aisle.” 

“Meghan, are you ready to be a flower girl?” Elizabeth asked. 

“Ff-wah.” Meghan started babbling as I held her. “Ff-wah.” 

“Ff-wah?” I asked, scrunching my brows. 

“I think she’s trying to say flower.” Elizabeth said with a smile. That’s when Elizabeth grabbed her belly. “Oh, boy.” 

“What is it?” Isabelle asked, immediately at her daughter’s side. 

“The baby’s doing somersaults.” 

I chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds familiar. This one was defiantly a mover. Freaked me out plenty of times at work.” 

“Oh....let’s sit down.” Isabelle instructed. The door to the room opened, and an older man walked in, followed by the priest. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked, his accent leading me to believe he was Elizabeth’s dad. 

“Your grandchild is getting restless.” 

“He’s not the only one.”

“Have we heard anything from the groom?” The priest asked as I clipped back in Meghan’s bow. 

“I’m sure he’ll be here momentarily.” Isabella offered. “We’ll let you know.” The priest turned and left. “Make yourself useful Charles. Get us a glass of water.”

“I hope Mark didn’t get cold feet.” Elizabeth said, sitting with her mother.”

“No way.” I said. 

“Surely he would have called if there was a problem.” Charles added, handing her a glass of water. 

“Yes, well, he’s not answering his cell phone.”

“He probably left it at work with his wallet.” Isabella replied, a hopeful tone in her voice to try and keep Elizabeth from worrying. “Men get just as nervous as women on their wedding day. Right Charles?” 

“Well, to be honest, I was never more...... more anxious. Practically forgot it was our wedding day.” He paused. “Well, in retrospect, that could’ve been wishful thinking.”

“In hindsight, it would’ve saved me several years of grief—” 

“Stop it, please, the two of you, just for one day.” Elizabeth begged. 

“We were teasing.” 

“Well, don’t. It’s not funny. And Gen doesn’t need to hear it.” 

 “Mark will be here, Elizabeth.” I said, picking Meghan up and walking over with her parents. She went to open her mouth, but stopped her. “I know you worry. Especially after everything that’s happened.”

“I’m afraid.” She said, her eyes pooling with tears. “Not of being with him, but of being without him. I’m afraid he won’t be around to raise this child.” 

I bit my lip and scoffed. “I get it. It’s the same way I felt about Carter.” I cleared my throat as I felt the emotion bubble up. “I was two weeks postpartum with a small little baby when he was attacked. I remember telling Mark that I was going to have to raise her by myself; that she’d never know her dad. And then everything else happened after that.” I took her hand. “We don’t know what’s going to happen. If the treatments he’s been getting will or won’t work. But no matter what, you two deserve the time you have together, however long or short it may be, to be a happy time. A joyous time, starting with today. I know the ER loves to tell me that Carter looks at me like I hung the moon. Well, I’ve seen the way Mark looks at you, and I think you two might give us a run for our money.” That actually got a teary chuckle out of her. 

“Thank you, Gen.” 

“Anytime.”

“Ff-wah.”

This time we all chuckled at Meghan’s timing. “Are you okay here for the moment?” I asked the bride. “I’m going to go change her while I have the chance.” 

“I’ll be alright.” She said, squeezing my hand. “Thank you.” 

Shouldering the diaper bag and adjusting Meghan on my hip, I closed the bathroom door and heading back towards Elizabeth’s room. And I was just in time to see Dr. Romano slip out. I re-entered the room, seeing Elizabeth check herself over in the mirror. “Is Mark here?” I asked, setting the diaper bag by my purse. 

“Almost.” Elizabeth said, giving me a smile. “We’re going to get in place.” 

“Here you go sweetheart.” Isabelle said, handing Meghan a tiny basket filled with flower petals. “Ready for your big moment?”

Meghan squealed in response. “I’d take that as a yes.” Charles replied. He handed Elizabeth her bouquet. “Ready to go dear?” 

“Oh yes.” 

 Elizabeth walked over, tucking a piece of my hair back into place before we went and took our spots in the hallway. I put Meghan on the floor beside me, grabbing her hand and then a handful of the petals. The door to the sanctuary opened and we walked forward, slowly so Meghan could keep up. Every so often, I let a few petals fall on the ground, before grabbing another from her basket. I looked up and Mark was smiling at us from his spot at the altar. Meghan squealed again and I noticed Carter had bent down beside the pews to get her attention. I released the last of my petals before bending down to her. 

“Meghan, can you toss those?” I asked, pointing at the few remaining petals in her basket and gesturing out. She wasn’t really paying attention, so I grabbed them handed them to her. She quickly threw them and squealed again before running towards her dad, landing in his arms as the other patrons laughed. I shook my head and joined Carter and Meghan as they made their way back into the pews. Once I was in my spot, the wedding march began playing over the organ and Elizabeth and her father walked down the aisle, the woman looking absolutely beautiful with a giant smile on her face. 

Despite the late start, the wedding went off wonderfully. And once the vows were made and the I dos said, we made our way to the reception space. It was decorated beautifully, minimal and elegant, just like I thought they would be. Poor Meghan had fallen asleep right after dinner and was currently laying on her father’s shoulder, her hand wrapped around his lapel. I slowly moved a piece of hair out of her face as we watched everyone dancing in the middle of the room. 

 “Alright.” Dave started, walking over to us. “Give me the kid.” 

“Come on Dave.” Carter sighed. “She’s sleeping.” 

“Exactly. Which is why this is the perfect time to hand her over. Unless you would like me to dance with your beautiful girlfriend for you.”

I turned to Carter and he raised his eyebrow. That’s when I pouted. He scoffed and rolled his eyes before slowly standing and gently transferring Meghan over to Dave. “The girls are really going to dig that I’m good with a kid.” 

“Of course that’s his real reason." I scoffed. "I thought he was being nice for once. No. He just wants to use our daughter to pick up chicks.” 

“And I might let him.” Carter said. “Just this once.” He held out his hand. “Care to dance, Ms. Monroe?” 

“Don’t mind if I do.” 

Hand in hand, we both walked out onto the dance floor. He pulled me in close to him, his hand on my waist as I laid my head on his chest. We swayed to the music for a while, following the flow of traffic on the dance floor. Just enjoying each other’s embrace. It was really nice. 

“You ever think about doing this?” Carter asked, laying his cheek on my head. “The big church wedding.” 

“Are you asking?” I chuckled. “I don’t think the newlyweds would like being upstaged.” 

Carter laughed. “No. I’m not asking. Just....... inquiring.” 

“Well, for those inquiring....... yes. I would like to get married one day. Maybe not like this.” I paused. “But as long as it’s with you..... yes, I would like to get married.” 

He nodded and kissed the top of my head. “Good to know.” We continued to sway together. “By the way...... I really love this dress. on you.”

“Is it doing it for you, Dr. Carter?” 

“Oh yeah. I about had a heart attack when you took off your coat.” 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 51

Set during Season 7, Episodes 16 and 17 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: some lewd/suggestive conversation, mentions of bullying, language, gun violence

WC: 3.2 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

“You have got to learn to be quieter.”

Carter eyebrows raised over the rim of his coffee mug before he put it down on the table. “What are you talking about?” 

I rolled my eyes and put Meghan into her highchair next to him. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. I was walking back down here after changing Meghan and Corrine walked past me on the stairs. Wouldn’t even make eye contact.” 

“She did not hear us.” 

“Carter, baby.” I started, sitting in his lip. “You don’t really know it because you’re in the moment, which trust me, I appreciate. I really do. But you can get pretty loud.” 

“I am not loud.” He scoffed, almost like it was an insult.

“I’m pretty sure you yelled ‘Stat!’ last night.”

“I did not.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Okay, maybe I did.” 

I put a hand on his chest. “Are you still having to think about procedures so things don’t end quickly?” 

“No.” He scoffed and looked down. “Okay, maybe. But not all the time.” He paused. “Only in certain positions.” 

I smiled and rolled my eyes. “You’re lucky you’re really cute. I’m kind of shocked and still embarrassed Millicent has never said anything.” 

“We really need our own place.” 

I nodded. “We needed one months ago.” 

“We tried looking at places once.....”

“But that got put on pause.” I finished for him. He nodded, biting his lip. The last we had gone house shopping was right before he went to rehab. I ran a hand through his hair. “Well, maybe we can un-pause it.” I turned to Meghan. “How does that sound to you, Meghan? Want to go house hunting with Mommy and Daddy?”

“Mama dada.” She babbled before sticking a glob on scrambled eggs and her hand into her mouth. 

“Well, looks like 2 out of 3 are on board.” I said, turning back to him. “Carter?”

He sighed. “Let’s do it. We can talk about it more later. Lunch?”

“Sounds perfect.” 

“I’m still working on this.” 

The waitress nodded and left us, leaving Carter’s almost fully uneaten sandwich in front of him as she took my plate. I held up the list so we could both see it. It was some of our preferred wants and needs in a new place. “Alright, here’s what we have so far. Two bedrooms, but three would be preferred. Two bathrooms also preferred, especially as Meghan gets older. Something with at least a little bit of a yard for her to play in would be nice. Nice schools. Perfect circumstance would be something a good distant from County and not ridiculously far from your grandparents.” I sighed and put down the list. “I feel like we’re never going to find anything even close to this list.

“Oh, come on.” Carter said, taking a bite of his sandwich. “Don’t give up on me now before we’ve even started this. It might take a minute, but this is what we wanted. Staying with my grandparents was never supposed to be a long term thing. Just a reprieve.” He grabbed my hand. “But now it’s our turn to get a place that is really ours. And besides, don’t you still know that realtor? Why not give her a call with our supposed “impossible” list?” 

I sighed. “Yeah, I guess I could. She might laugh at me. But I’ll call her.”

“Good.” He smiled and cupped my face with his hand, brushing his thumb on my cheek. “We’re going to find the place we’re supposed to be. Even if it takes us a while. I know we will.” 

The door to linen closet opened and I felt something hit the back of my legs, sending some of the sheets in my hands to the ground. “Oh!” I grunted and turned, seeing a little boy, no older than eight, if that, standing there. “Hi.” I said, bending down to retrieve the  sheets. “Who are you?” 

“Simon!”

It was Carter yelling off in the distance. “Are you Simon?” I asked. The boy shook his head. “No? Are you sure?” He shrugged and I chuckled, putting the sheets on the shelf and grabbing the boy’s arm. We both walked out of the closet as Carter rounded the corner, first going into the trauma room. “Hey Carter!” I called out. He returned to the hall. “Lose something?” 

“Simon.”

“Where’s his mom?” 

“Mom went to the cafeteria to get some chocolate milk.” He replied, picking up the boy into his arms. “But Simon’s not getting any treats until he lets me draw his blood.” His tone shifted to what I affectionately referred to as his “dad voice”. Even though she was just fourteen months old, I’d heard him use it a couple of times with Meghan. At this point it was mainly cute and a little funny to think Meghan would find it convincing in any way. 

“I don’t want you to take my blood.” Simon groaned as Carter walked him back towards curtains. 

“He’s only going to take about this much.” I said, holding up my fingers barely apart from each other. 

Carter dropped Simon onto the bed with a groan. “If you sit still, this won’t hurt.” I put on some gloves to try and help him. 

“I don’t want a needle!”

“How about a papoose?” I offered. “Or just a gentler approach?” 

“I think we’re okay.”

“You sure? I’d hate for you to lose him again.”

“Can you just hold his arm still?” There was a slight edge to his voice, so I just decided to let him do what he wanted. He put on his own pair of gloves before he bent back down in front of Simon. “Be brave and do not move.” He grabbed Simon’s arm and gently tapped his inner elbow. 

“There’s a good one at the wrist.” I offered, knowing it might be a little easier. 

“Antecube looks better.” He countered, wiping it with a sterile pad. 

“No!” Simon yelled and began to move back and forth.

We both stood. “Want to try an arm board?” 

“Nope.” He said sharply, moving to take off his gloves. “Let’s take break.” Damn, if he gave up that easily, I’d hate to see what happens when Meghan starts having toddler tantrums. 

“Evie, I need another nurse!” I turned and Yosh had come in from Exam One, a bloody gauze on his head. I immediately ran after him. “He kicked me in the face.” He explained as he opened the door. Malik and a man partially in restraints were inside. The man was thrashing and yelling. 

“We need some Haldol.” I told Yosh before going to help Malik finish the restraints. 

“Careful, he bit a nurses finger in psych.”

“What’s he doing down here?” 

“He cut up his face.” 

The man started to thrash more violently as Luka walked in from trauma. “You want some help?” He asked as the man started grabbing at me.              

“Yes!”

Luka moved quickly, taking the syringe from Yosh and injecting it into the patient’s thigh. 

“Hey!” Malik yelled. “What did you do that for?” 

The patient pulled off the hood on their head.

“Malucci!” I yelled. 

“It was an April Fool’s joke.” Yosh told Luka. 

“April Fool’s?” Luka asked, obviously having no clue what that meant.

“Was that Haldol?” Dave asked, his face full of concern. He turned to Yosh. “You actually put Haldol in that thing?” 

“You weren’t actually supposed to get injected.” 

I scoffed and removed my gloves, throwing them at him. “You all can deal with this.” I said, before leaving the exam room. Shaking my head, I turned, finding Carter had walked away for a break of his own. Simon was now sitting on the gurney with his mom, drinking a carton of chocolate milk. I sighed and knew there was a better way to do this. 

“Hey Simon. I’m Evie, the nurse from before.” I knelt down in front of him. “You know, I have a little girl. Her name is Meghan. And whenever we go to the park, she loves playing with bubbles. Do you like bubbles?” Simon nodded, a little bit of milk dribbling down his chin. “I thought so. Would you like to blow some bubbles right now.” He nodded again. “Great. I’ll be right back.” 

Getting up off the floor, I headed for the lounge. Ever since Meghan was born, my purse had not only doubled in size, but became a black hole of sorts. There was all sorts of stuff in it: a small first aid kit, a brush, a single baby sock, a pack of graham crackers, and so much more. And thankfully, a thing of bubbles from our last family outing. I closed my locker door and took the container back into the curtains area. 

“Look what I got!” I said in a sing song tone. I handed Simon the bubbles and he happily started blowing them. Smiling, I started gathering the things I needed to draw his blood. “Can I take this?” I asked, taking the container from him before handing it to his mom. He continued blowing the bubbles, sticking the wand into the tube whenever he needed as I prepped his arm. “Alright Simon. Now I want you to blow the biggest bubble you can.” As soon as he was distracted, I easily slid the needle in and filled the vial with blood before he even had a chance to realize what happened as I put a Band-Aid on him. 

“What's going on here?” 

I turned my head and smirked as Carter walked up. “Oh, you know, just doing your job.” I said, showing him the vial full of blood. 

“How did you do that?” 

“Sometimes you just need a mother’s touch.....” I looked down at the bubbles and chuckled. “And something out of the pit that is her purse. What do you want for labs?” 

Carter blinked a couple times. “Uh....... CBC, lytes, BUN, creatinine, and glucose.”

“Coming right up. Simon, really good job buddy.” I praised, writing on the chart. “I’m very proud of you. And you can keep the bubbles. Dr. Carter owes our daughter another tube anyway.” I handed the vial and orders over to Malik. 

“Thank you.” Carter said as we walked towards admit. “That was really smart.” 

“You really need to work on your patience.” I said, leaning against the desk. “Our daughter has your personality. I’d hate to see you two butt heads in the future.”

“That’s probably bound to happen. But I think I just need to start with more coffee.” 

“Uh-huh.” I tsked. Carter shook his head before bending down and giving me a quick kiss. 

“Did somebody order a school bus?” 

We both looked up at Chuny, furrowing our brows. We both pushed away from the desk admit and followed her outside just as a Chicago school bus pulled into the ambulance bay. I had grabbed an umbrella since it had been raining earlier, but it was useless now. Kids were hanging out of every window and the doors opened, revealing an older blonde woman and a boy. “Grace Linden. Stuart’s having an asthma attack.”

“I’m Dr. Carter. Let’s get a gurney and a handheld neb.” Chuny ran off to go get the items. “Do you use an inhaler?”

“Empty.” The kid sputtered out, holding it up. 

“How long has he been bad?” I asked the teacher. 

“About ten minutes. There were fumes on the bus.”

“Exhaust fumes?” Carter asked. 

“No, it’s something else. A lot of the kids have headaches. Some of them are throwing up.” 

“Now, we can’t bring them in. It’s a hazmat situation. Until we can confirm there’s no contamination, you’re all going to have to wait outside.” 

“In the cold?” 

“Unfortunately.” I said. Chuny had brought out the nebulizer as well as trauma gowns and gloves for both of us. I turned back to the teacher as I began putting the items on. “Can you please get all the students off the bus so it will be easier for someone to assess them?” She nodded and got to work. 

"He needs a 125 of Solu-Medrol.” Carter told me as Chuny now brought out a gown and gurney. “Alright, let’s get him into a gown and bag his clothes.”

“Can you hop up here?” I asked Stuart as I walked him to the gurney. He tried to hop up, but faltered, Carter catching him. That’s when a group of boys started mocking him and calling him stupid.

“Hey, I think you broke your ass.” One of the boys said. “I can see the crack.” I shook my head, and we helped get him settled on the gurney. Carter began to help get him out of his clothes, the taunts getting worse. I turned and found the umbrella I had brought out and discarded before we changed. I opened it and used it to try and block Stuart from those turds. 

“So, you guys on a field trip?” I asked, the boys groaning as I blocked their view. 

“Art institute.” Stuart said, still trying to catch his breath. 

“Oh, yeah?” Carter asked. “The Gauguin Exhibit?” 

“We never made it.” I nodded and handed the hospital gown to Carter, still keeping a strong hold on my umbrella shield. 

Once we had Stuart changed and settled on the gurney, we rolled him into the ER. “Dr. Weaver, we’ve got a status asthmaticus.” Carter called out to Kerry, who was helping to roll another gurney down the hall. She stopped. 

“Chuny. Can you help her with a bed pan?” She asked, referring to the old woman on her gurney, before coming over to us. 

“He needs continuous nebs. Where do you want to put him?” 

The two started discussing and asking Stuart questions, when I heard a loud “Hey!”. I looked and the older woman Weaver had just been helping was up out of her gurney and holding a gun, the weapon shaking back and forth in her hands as she was mumbling. “Carter.” I said and grabbed his hand. His quickly turned and then put himself between us and the old woman. An officer was standing, pointing her gun at the woman and Benton was trying to talk her down. 

Then there were two shots and the old woman fell to the floor dead. 

As things somewhat calmed down, we got Stuart moved into an exam room. Since I was down to no patients, I stayed with him so I could keep giving him continuous breathing treatments. “How you feeling now, Stuart?” I asked, marking down the third nebulizer on his chart. 

“Better.” He replied, not as wheezy as earlier. “Thanks for early. With the umbrella.” 

“No problem.” I said, giving him a smile. “Girls used to pick on me too. I get how you feel.” I paused, setting down the chart and checking his levels. “Don’t let them bother you though. They’re not going to get anywhere in life by being mean.” 

The door to the exam room opened and Carter walked in. “Feeling better?” 

Stuart nodded. “Starting to.” He paused. “Did that lady die?” Carter looked at me and then nodded, taking off his stethoscope. “You think it’ll be on the news?” 

“Yeah.”

“She could have blown my head off. Weren’t you scared?” 

“A little.” 

“Then why’d you get in front of me?” 

“Guess I wasn’t thinking. I was really scared.” 

“Me too.” 

Carter nodded and checked Stuart out as he continued his treatment. “You’re still wheezing.” He said and looked at me for a moment. I held up the number three to tell him how many nebs I’d given him so far. “Have you had a cold?” 

“No.”

“Well, something triggered your asthma. You think it was the fumes?” 

“Maybe, I don’t know.” 

“You’re not sure?” I offered. Stuart shrugged. “We’re just trying to help. You know, like with the umbrella.” 

Stuart thought for a moment and then nodded. “It was the fumes.” 

“Where’d they come from?” Carter asked. Stuart stayed silent. “You know, anything that you tell me, it’s a secret. Evie too.” 

We both watched Stuart for a moment as he silently contemplated telling us. “It was a can.” 

“A can?” I asked. “A can of what?” 

Stuart shrugged. “Maybe a solvent?” Carter offered. 

“I think so. They put a rag over my face."

Carter nodded, looked at me, and then patted Stuart’s leg. “Don’t worry buddy. We’re going to get you feeling better soon.” 

“Please don’t say anything. They’ll get back at me. Bo will kick my butt."

“Don’t worry Stuart.” I said, trying to comfort him. “Dr. Carter can be discreet when he needs to. Right?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. Carter nodded before leaving the room. I sighed and shook my head. “Hey Stuart, you’re going to be here for a while. Anything you like to do to pass the time.” 

“I like playing on my computer. Do you have one of those?” 

“You know, I think I might.” 

While Carter was gone, Kerry came and grabbed me, needing me to help out with a couple other patients. So, after getting Stuart settled with the laptop from upstairs, I headed back out on to the floor. After a little bit of triage, I came back to check on him and found that Carter had returned. 

“Listen, I knew a boy who was a little husky, and he didn’t have very many friends and all the kids used to make fun of him. So, he spent most of his time studying. And he went on to college and he became a surgeon...... And at his high school reunion, he took out his scalpel and he cut the tongues out of every kid who ever made fun of him.” 

“That’s supposed to cheer me up, doc?” 

I couldn’t help the laugh that burst from me, putting my hands to my mouth as Carter and Stuart turned around. “Sorry. I was checking on other patients. How are we doing in here?” I asked, stepping into the room. 

“Good.” Carter said, standing up. “Wheezing has stopped. I think just a little more observation time and we should be okay.” 

“Glad to hear.” 

Carter pat the bed. “We’ll be back soon.” He told Stuart before putting a hand on my lower back as he escorted me out of the room. 

“That was a nice story.” I scoffed. “Actually got me there in the beginning. Thought was about you.” Carter scoffed and ran a hand through his hair. I turned as he leaned up against the wall. “Wait...... was that about you. Carter.”

 “I went through a rough patch in middle school.” 

“Oh sweetie.” I said and wrapped my arms around him. “That was nice of you, trying to help him. But I really hope the scalpel part wasn’t true.” 

“Oh no. I keep those tongues in a jar in the closet.” 

We both laughed and he pulled me in, kissing my head. “Hey, where did you go earlier? You were gone for a while.” 

“I went up to see Meghan.” 

“And she let you come back downstairs?” 

“Only because I just looked in through the window. And don't say anything, because I know you do that too.” He paused, moving a piece of hair behind my ear. “I’m really not ready for her to grow up. To have to worry about her body or the stupid things other kids say.” 

“Me neither.” I sighed and laid my head on his chest. “At least we have a while before that happens.” 

“We can’t keep her little forever?”

“Unfortunately, no.” 

“Damn.”              

I chuckled and stood back up. That’s when my eye caught something through the window of Stuart’s room. “Would you look at that?” Carter turned around the corner and chuckled as he saw what I did. Two of the girls from the bus were smiling and talking with Stuart as he showed them something on the computer. “Looks like he’s found some friends.”

Carter nodded and put his arm around my waist. “Maybe some kids aren’t all that bad after all.” 

[eviemonroeer]

The Monroe Effect: Chapter 50

Set during Season 7, Episodes 14 and 15 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: language, canonical medical procedures (child illness/death and in field surgery), pregnancy complications (not FMC), the first part of the chapter is a little 18+

WC: 5.1 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

It was still pretty dark when I opened my eyes, my internal alarm waking me before the actual clock. Despite my disappointment in already being awake, I was very comfy. My naked body was wrapped in the comfortable sheets of our bed, while the equally naked body next to me was like a heater. I snuggled into Carter more and kissed his torso. A contented moan vibrated through his chest, and Carter took my hand. I happily sighed as he kissed it, his fingers intwined with mine. 

“Good morning.” He whispered. 

“Good morning.” 

“How’d you sleep?” 

“Pretty good. Although, my knees are a little sore.” 

Carter chuckled and kissed the top of my head. “You’re the one who said you wanted to be on top last night.” 

“And you enjoyed every minute of it.” 

“I did.” Another kiss. “I did.” He sighed. “I wonder if it’s still snowing.” 

“I think so. We should probably get up now if we have any chance of making it to work on time.” 

“I think we can be late by a couple minutes.” Carter lifted my chin up to kiss him. As our lips moved, I felt the covers shift and go over us. A laugh escaped me as he went for my neck, our legs starting to tangle together. 

“Mama! Dada!” 

Carter groaned and removed the covers from on top of us as our daughter’s voice came through the monitor. “I’ll go get her.” I sighed, starting to get out of bed.

“Wait.” Carter pulled me back into the bed with him, my back to his front as he started kissing my shoulder. “Maybe if we don’t go in there, she’ll go back to sleep.” 

“You do know you’re talking about your daughter, right?” 

“Dada! Dada!” 

“Told you.” 

Carter groaned and kissed me again before getting up. He quickly pulled on his pajama pants. “That kid is lucky she’s cute.” He said, before leaving the room. 

“Hey, where are the LP trays?” 

I turned towards the door of the drug lock up to find Abby. “Are they not in trauma?”

“Nope. All out.”

“Damn. I thought I restocked them.” I walked past her and went to the supply closet, looking through the premade trays before finding the one she was looking for. “Here you go. And I’ll go put more in there.” I grabbed a few and Abby grabbed a couple more, helping me out. “Thanks.” 

“No problem.” 

“So, what’s going on?” 

“Kid with febrile seizures. He’s not waking up.” She paused. “I told Chen we should do an LP forty minutes ago and she all but ignored me. Gave me a weird look too.” She paused, looking at me. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be talking to you about this. I know she’s your friend.” 

“Hey, I’m all about what’s best for the patient. You’re smart Abby. She could have listened to you.” I pushed the trauma door open by backing into it. “I’m not defending her, but she is coming back from maternity leave. And it had to have been hard. Either she’s not sure of herself right now, or she’s trying to prove something. We’ve all been there.”

Abby and I restocked the trays and then I stayed to help her make sure that everything was ready. By the time we were done, Chen had returned, and she performed the LP. Carter, who I noticed had signed off on the chart, came in just as she was finishing up. “How’s it going?” He asked. 

“Easy tap when they’re unconscious.” She held up the vial. “Looks pretty clear.” She handed the vial to Abby. 

“Cute kid. What’s his name?” 

“Zack. Cell count, glucose, protein, Gram’s stain and culture.” She ordered as I wrote everything on the chart. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Carter’s smile get wide as he picked up the kid’s shoes. 

“He’s got those shoes that light up when you walk.” He hit the heel, causing the effect. “We should get Meghan some of these. How do you think they do that?” 

“You are such a dork.” I scoffed and smiled, shaking my head. 

“You want to roll him back over?” Abby asked. And then Carter’s face got serious. 

“What is that?” He put down the shoe as Abby moved the boy and started looking at his head. 

“What?”

“That.” He looked up at Chen. “You didn’t tell me he had a macular rash.” 

“It wasn’t there half an hour ago.” She responded, bending down to see better. “It must be a viral exanthem.” 

“Could be measles.” 

Now my eyes went wide. “Measles?” 

“Well.....” Carter took the chart from me. “Fever, altered mental status, pneumonia.” 

“Or more likely he has a virus with pneumonia and had a febrile seizure from the high temperature.” Abby looked up at me and now I was starting to see what she had meant early. Carter looked back down again and checked the rash. 

“That is a classic measles rash. Abby, can you hand me a tongue depressor? Evie grab my light.” We both followed and Carter took off his oxygen mask. 

“Have you ever seen measles?” Chen asked, still not convinced. 

“No, have you?” 

“Of course not, nobody’s seen measles.” 

Abby opened the depressor package and held it open from Carter as I shone the light into the kid’s mouth. “He’s got Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa.” 

“What?” Chen scoffed, looking for herself. “Or he bit the inside of his mouth when he was seizing.” 

Carter shook his head. “Evie, there’s a Nelson’s in the lounge. Can you go grab it, please?” 

I nodded and handed the pen light to Chen. As I hustled out of the trauma room, I passed two women walking in, one of which looked very concerned. I found the book easily and looked through it quickly until I found the page on measles. Quickly, I ran back down the hall. “Carter, I got it.” I said, laying the book down on the bed, open to the page. 

“Abby, put a mask on Zack.” Carter ordered and I realized I had just walked back into a very different situation. 

“What’s the matter?” The brunette woman asked. “What the hell is happening?” 

“Oh my God.” Chen groaned, before picking up the text. 

“We’ve got to get him into a laminar flow room.” Carter told me, raising the gurney rails.

“Call the school. Don’t let anybody leave!” We all started wheeling the little boy from the room. 

“What’s the matter with my son?” 

“Your son has measles.” I heard Chen tell the mom as we turned the corner. 

Before I headed back out on the floor, I had the change my clothes and clean myself up. While we should be okay, it was one of the precautions to make sure we didn’t contaminate the rest of the ER. If anything, I was more concerned about exposing Meghan. That would not have been good. But Carter and I were both covered, and she had gotten her vaccines at her one year appointment, so she should be alright. 

I was at admit went Luka’s X-ray results came in, so I decided to check in and take them to him. I had heard the bishop, his former patient had returned. Luka seemed really effected by him before, and no doubt was now. I found him out in the hallway. “Got your scans.” I called out, holding up the folder. 

“Thank you.” He said and took them, taking out the scan. 

“How are you doing?” 

“I’m fine.” 

“Really? That guy shook you up a little bit last time.” 

“He’s refusing real treatment.” He slid the scan into the light board. “And his lupus is causing inflammation in his lungs.” He gestured to the scan and scoffed. “His oxygen is at 54 and his SED rate is 84.” 

“Don’t let him get to you Luka. You’re doing what you’re supposed to. And sometimes that’s all you can do. Sometimes, people are too stubborn for their own good.” 

I gave him a pat on the back before walking back to check on patients. 

Something in the air today was off. Granted, the ER was never really a cheery place, but there was something about it today that was getting under my skin. So, I decided to use part of my lunch break to go upstairs and see Meghan. I didn’t actually go into  the daycare room; I knew she would freak out and not let me go back to work if I did. So, I just watched her through the window. She was having a blast with one of those wooden busy cube toys and I couldn’t help but smile. Meghan was focused, her expression reminding me so much of Carter. By the time the end of my break was rolling around, they were getting snacks ready for the kids, so that was my cue to leave before I was spotted. 

As I got back downstairs, I found Chen sitting at the desk in curtains. I figured now would be a good time to make sure she was okay. “Hey, how are things going in there?” I asked, motioning towards the exam room I had seen them roll Zack into. 

“They’re not anymore.” Chen scoffed. “Zack was moved upstairs to the ICU, he desated and we had to intubate.” She paused a moment. “Is Meghan vaccinated?” She asked, concern growing in her voice. 

“She just got her first dose at her one-year appointment.” I paused, biting my lip, and thinking about my child only a few floors up. “She should be okay even if we’ve been exposed.” 

She let out a sigh of relief. “Okay, good. I knew she probably did, but it’s still scary to think about.” 

“And we appreciate that you care about her.” I gave her a small smile. “Speaking of care...... are you okay?” 

“Yeah. Why?”

“Well, you’ve just seemed a little dismissive today. Abby with the LP. Carter about the measles at first.” She opened her mouth, but I held up my hands. “I’m not judging. I’m just observing. I understand. When I came back after my maternity leave, I felt like I had to prove that I was still myself, that I could still do my job. But I can also recognize that our two experiences are vastly different. I felt like that while also wanting to be with my baby at home.” I left the last part unspoken, not really knowing if she wanted to talk about her son. “Just...... just don’t be so busy trying to prove yourself that you drown. Listen to other people. Ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you strong.” 

Chen bit her lip and nodded. “Thanks Evie.” She said, her voice cracking a little bit. 

“No problem. I’m here anytime you need me.” 

A couple hours later, I was standing at admit, when I felt two arms wrap around me, and a head lay down on my shoulder. I smiled and grabbed Carter’s hand. “Hi there.”

“He died.” 

I turned quickly to face him, his arms still wrapped tightly around me. “What?” 

“That little boy died. And he didn’t have too. He shouldn’t have.” 

He pulled me in close and held me tight as I laid my head on his chest, his chin resting on top of my head. 

Working with kids was different ever since I had Meghan. While traumas were defiantly harder to work through, like the little girl in the car accident and the boy with measles from a few weeks ago. But the more run of the mill things allowed me to practice my patience. It was defiantly something I would need as Meghan started to transition into becoming a toddler. That’s why I was currently talking a younger boy through the IV process with the help of a procedure doll while he had a breathing treatment. Carter had come in a little while ago and had to explain to him how the boy ended up here: he drank lamp oil his mom thought was Holy Water. So out of left field, but we dealt with it with ease and sent the boy upstairs to be monitored. 

“You are always really good with kids.” Carter complimented as he wrapped his arms around my waist while I cleaned up. 

“Well, it helps that we have a one-year-old at home.” 

“What if we add a couple more to the playing field?” He muttered and began kissing my neck. 

“Carter.” I said, trying to push him off. “Now’s not the time.” But it did feel really nice. “John.......” 

“Hey, John- Oh, I’m sorry.” 

Carter’s lips left my neck as we quickly separated, turning to Abby. She had a smirk on her face. “Sorry.” I muttered and straightened my scrubs. 

“It’s okay. Luka actually needs you both. A train derailed by Lakeshore. They need to set up a triage center and they’re sending you three.” 

“Any passenger cars?” Carter asked as he took off his white coat, switching it for one of the flight jackets in her hand. 

“Commuter train.”

“How many?” 

“They don’t know. They’re pulling bodies out. They need docs on site.”

“Why am I going?” I asked as handed me the other jacket. 

“You’re the only nurse here with EMS certification beyond the standard requirements and they need more people down there to help with patients.”

“Have you flown on a helicopter before?” Carter asked. 

“Once.” I replied and hit the elevator button. 

“Carter, Evie, let’s go.” Luka ordered, rounding the corner. 

“Is the chopper already here?” 

“They’ll meet us on the roof.” 

“We don’t have an Attending.” Chen warned. 

“Kerry’s due in 15. Call me if you have any problems.” 

“Four units of O-neg.” Abby said as she handed the small cooler to me, just before the elevator closed. 

“You ever done this before?” Luka asked, turning to me. 

“Uh, yeah. But nothing to this magnitude. Do you want me to stay with you guys or help the other paramedics?” 

“Let’s assess first when we get there.” I nodded. 

“You got this.” Carter said and squeezed my hand. The elevator dinged as we reached the roof level, the helicopter blades whirling overhead as we ran to get on. 

We weren’t in the air for that long, and when we finally made it to the scene, it felt like my stomach fell out of my butt. The helicopter light illuminated an insane scene down below. Several overturned train cars that should have been on the tracks. More ambulances and firetrucks than I had ever seen before, lights flashing up into the night sky. People running around everywhere. Steam and smoke rising up. It was like something out of a nightmare. 

The helicopter pilot found a spot and we slowly made our descent to the ground. Luka hopped out first followed by me and Carter. A firefighter was already waiting for us. 

“Captain Davis, incident commander. We were evacuating the first passenger car when it rolled. I got a man crushed underneath. His legs are pinned. Fourteen DOAs so far, we’re still pulling them out. Two middle cars are the worst.” 

“What happened?” Carter asked. 

“Automobile stalled on the tracks. We think the brakes on the back cars failed when the train tried to stop.” We walked up to a makeshift triage area, paramedics everywhere assessing injuries or zipping people into body bags. 

“Blunt chest trauma over, here, dropping his pressure!” Harms, a paramedic I recognized for County yelled out. 

“I’ve got it.” Luka yelled, already taking off. “You two take the crush injury.” 

Carter and I followed quickly behind the incident commander until the patient came into view. He was a fellow firefighter and even without getting close, I could tell this was not going to be good. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as a warning. Carter though, went straight into it the action like he was made for this. 

“Hey man, my name’s Dr. Carter and this is Evie. She’s an RN. We’re here to help you.” He turned to me, handing me the medical bag we had brought with us as he began checking out the injury. “Try a 14-gauge and bolus a liter of saline.” He instructed, trying to yell over all the sirens and sounds coming from the crash site. 

“Mitch! Mitch, I’m sorry, man!” The firefighter exclaimed, looking up at Captain Davis. 

“Don’t apologize to me.”

“I didn’t know it was gonna tip over like that.”

“BP, 85/60. Pulse, 110.” I shouted to Carter.

“I need something for the pain!” The man, Lorcan, yelled. 

“What did you give him?” Carter asked the paramedic who had been with him until we had gotten there. 

“Ten of morphine. Had to hold off when he dropped his pressure.” 

Carter nodded and turned to me. “Give him five more but after the liter.” He instructed before standing and pulling the incident commander aside. I looked down at the man’s legs. There was so much blood already pooling there, and the rest was probably being stopped by the pressure from the train car. If they even attempted to remove it, the guy would probably bleed out in seconds. I looked up again and saw Carter running back towards us, a walkie talkie in his hands. 

“How’s he doing?” Carter asked. 

“Stable, for now.” 

Carter nodded before gesturing with his head to have me join him off to the side. I gave the saline bag to the paramedic, before touching the firefighter’s shoulder and telling him I’d be right back. Carter already had his arms crossed when I met up with him. “Okay, I know you’re the one out of the two of us that used to be a trauma surgeon, but even I know that’s not good.” 

“I know.” 

“The guy’s going to need his legs amputated.” 

“I know. I called County. They are sending someone for a field amputation.” I nodded. “Let’s get two BP cuffs around his legs, act as tourniquets, see if we can raise his pressure some before they get here. 

The two of us went to work as the other paramedic went off to help. We secured the BP cuffs and with the fluid, his sats raised to just barely to 90/65, so I gave him the other five of morphine. Since things were relatively stable for now, Carter went to go find another med bag and see where the surgeon was. When he returned, he was half carrying Elizabeth over to us. 

“Lorcan, I’m Elizabeth Corday. I’m a surgeon.” She knelt down on his other side, while Carter joined me. 

“You’re gonna cut them off?” Lorcan asked, his tone suddenly very scared. 

“Only if I have to. Now, listen. We can’t give you much more pain medication because we need to keep your blood pressure up. So, I’m going to give you a nerve block. Okay?” 

“Do it fast.” 

“Prep the groin area. Betadine.” She told Carter as he dug through the bag she brought with her. “How much fluid in?” 

“Three liters saline, two of O-neg.” I told her. I had had to hang the damn bags to the train car to give me some kind of gravity for a drip and keep my hands free. I held up the vial and needle for the injection, and began drawing out the medicine. 

“20-gauge for the injection.” She said, before taking the syringe from me. 

“These cuffs aren’t holding.” Carter called out, noticing the blood was still slowly leaking out. “I’m gonna reinflate them and then clamp them.”

“Lorcan, do you want me to call Patty?” The commander asked. 

“No!”

“You sure?” 

“I’m not dying, man.” 

“Who’s Patty?” Elizabeth asked, trying to distract him.

“Patty’s my ex-wife. Guys and I were going out after the shift to celebrate my divorce going through. 

“Okay, everybody get back. They’re gonna hammer through.” 

“Just a second!” Elizabeth yelled. She and Carter completed the nerve block before the three of us stood and moved away from the train car as they began attempting to free the man with the jackhammer. Carter ran off to go get more supplies and Elizabeth and I stayed to monitor the patient. The train car was shifting, causing the ground to move and I could tell Elizabeth was in pain by the way she tried to hide her winces. After a particularly big shift, her hands flew to her back. 

“You okay?” I finally asked. 

“I think I may have strained my back.”

“Keep digging!” Lorcan desperately yelled as Carter returned. 

“We can’t.” Captain Davis told his firefighter. “The weight of the train will shift on you.” 

“That crane coming?” Carter asked. 

“From Indiana.” 

“What?”

“It’s on its way, Lorcan.” 

“What his pressure?” Elizabeth asked me, her hand still on her lower back. 

“85 palp. Pulse 110. Four units in.” All three of us locked eyes. We had no other choice.

“Can you assist?” Elizabeth asked Carter. 

“Yeah. I can start.” 

“Lorcan, listen to me. I’m gonna have to proceed with amputating both your legs.”

“No! I’ve had people trapped for hours before we got them out!” He exclaimed, visibly distort. 

“I appreciate that. But you’ve lost too much blood. If I don’t amputate and control the bleeding, you’re going to die.” She paused. “Okay, then. I’m gonna start. Do you understand? I have to start now.” 

He nodded. 

“Prep the area. 10 blade.” 

I had seen a lot at County; it happens when you work in an urban area. Gunshot wounds, car accidents, fires. I helped doctors do procedures daily. I’d seen my fair share of blood and guts. But this, this was something else. When I woke up this morning, I defiantly hadn’t expected to assist in a field amputation. But Carter......Carter was something else. Outwardly, he was cool, calm, and collected. He was locked in on the task at hand, his old training coming back to him quickly. If we weren’t covered in this guy’s blood, I would have kissed him with how much the sudden confidence turned me on. 

They were literally knee deep in the guy’s leg now. All I could really do was watch his vitals and pack with gauze since we didn’t have suction. Carter handed her a Metz when she gasped and grabbed her belly. “What? What is it?” I asked. 

“Carter, quick. Clamp that. Clamp that.” 

“What, what, what, what?” He stuttered, grabbing the clamp out of my hand. 

“Medial to the muscle bed. Clamp it now.” 

“Is it your back?” I asked. 

“It’s coming and going.” 

“Intermittent pain?” I asked again, this time wanting to confirm my suspicions. She nodded, biting her lip. “Elizabeth, I think you’re having contractions.” 

“No. No I can’t. I’m only 25 weeks.” 

“You fell.” Carter admitted, not taking his eyes off his work.

“That’ll do it.” I sighed, getting up to move to her side. Just as I settled, I felt a hand on my back, and turned, finding Luka. 

“Carter, I have to take this boy in. There is a woman back there impaled, with spinal shock. And I want you to stay with.....” Elizabeth groaned again, interrupting him as I tried to take the scalpel from her. “What is it?” 

“She’s having contractions.” I told him. 

“What?!”

“She’s having contractions at 25 weeks.” Carter exclaimed. 

“I need tocolytics and a fetal monitor.” Elizabeth groaned. “I can keep on going if I can just get them to stop.” 

“None of these rigs are going to carry any of that stuff.” I told them. 

“Okay, you should fly back with us.” Luka suggested. “Carter, take the mother. The woman down there.” 

“What about him?” Carter asked, gesturing his head down to Lorcan. “We opened the interior compartment.” 

“Call another surgeon!” 

“We’re out of O-neg.” I told him. “They have to finish him now.” 

Luka groaned and looked around before turning back to Elizabeth. “If we put you on the chopper, could you monitor this boy on the flight back?” 

“Yes. But he could exsanguinate from his left leg.” 

He looked up at Carter. “You were a surgical resident, yeah?” 

“Interned. For a year.” 

He turned to me. “Were you ever in surgery?” 

“Yes.” I confirmed. But that was almost ten years ago. I hadn’t nursed on a surgical floor since before I graduated. But it had to be a lot like trauma, right? Or maybe I was just telling myself that to feel better. 

“Okay, call Benton on the radio. Have him talk you through it.” 

“What?!” I shouted, looking down at Carter. He was biting his lip. 

“I said get ahold of Benton and get this done!” 

Luka stood and helped Elizabeth up, escorting her to the helicopter. Carter still had his hands in the guy’s leg. I shook my head before turning to Captain Davis. “Okay. You need to get on your radio and have them patch you through to County General. Tell them Dr. Carter is performing a double amputation in the field and needs to speak to Dr. Peter Benton right away.” The man nodded and got up, going to Carter’s side. As he was patched through, Captain Davis held the walkie talkie close to Carter’s ear while I checked the oxygen level for Lorcan’s mask. 

“Left anterior thigh.” Carter shouted. I couldn’t hear what was being said on the other side with all the alarms, sirens, and the whirling of the news vans above. I imagined Carter wasn’t having good luck either. “I’ve incised through the fascia and muscle planes. I need to isolate the neurovascular bundle.” He paused. “She did.” Another pause. “She’s started having contractions. Had to go back to County.” Pause. “What?! Shit. I can’t hear him.” He looked up at me. “Evie, I need you to take these and don’t move.” 

I swallowed, but nodded, putting the package of gauze on Lorcan’s chest. Carefully I took the two clamps from Carter, willing myself to stay completely still as he shed his gloves and put a drape over my hands and Lorcan’s lower half. “I’ll be right back.” He said before running off away from the main hub of noise. 

“Does he know what he’s doing?” Lorcan groaned, turn his head towards me. 

“Yes. He’s just trying to double check some things and it’s hard to hear with all this noise.” I paused, looking down at my covered hands. 

Eventually he did come back, thankfully taking the clamps from me. He started working again, that cool and collected demeanor from earlier slowly melting away to fear and nerves. He listened carefully to Peter on the other end, following his every instruction like he was back in med school. But then we had to scramble to find a cell phone and call Peter back. As things picked up, it got bloodier, making me that much more grateful I had never I never gone into surgery. 

But it was working. We were a well-oiled machine just like in the trauma room. A couple of times I seemingly handed him the right instrument before he asked for it. When the phone slipped, I picked it up, putting it back between his head and his shoulder like nothing happened. And slowly but surely, with more cutting then I ever wanted to see again, Lorcan was freed, and we were able to get him on a gurney and loaded on a helicopter back to County. 

As soon as we arrived to County, we went straight to the OR. But with no available surgeons, we were forced to head downstairs to the ER to try and stabilize him and wait. Both of us were still buzzing with adrenaline while our ears still rung from all the noise earlier. “We’re gonna need a trauma panel when we get down there.” Carter told me. 

I nodded. “I just hope there’s room.” 

The elevator door dinged, and we both pushed the gurney out. Weaver, who had just been on the phone, turned to meet us. “Carter, they’re holding O.R. 6—” 

“We were just there. No surgeon.”

“Is he stable?” 

“Yeah.” He groaned. “BP stable to 100, but I had to sedate him with 10 of Valium.” 

“Dr. Carter, are you deaf?!” We both turned as Dr. Romano, dressed for karate, stomped towards us. “I keep shouting, you keep getting on the elevator?”

“I’m sorry.” 

“Is this the pre-op amputation?’ 

“No, this is the post-op amputation.” Carter walked over to Romano’s side. 

“What, in the field?” He lifted the blanket and scoffed. “What did they use, a chain saw?” 

“Dr. Benton talked me through it.” 

“You did this?” 

“There was nobody else—” 

“Oh, no one else could do it. Well, by all means, let’s get whoever’s available.” He chastised as he and a nurse from upstairs began pushing Lorcan towards the elevator. “You ought to try it next time.” He told her. 

“Maybe if you responded to your page—” Kerry started, defending Carter. 

“I can’t wear my pager in the dojo. Brenda knew where I was. Should have called her. Let’s go.” 

They argued a moment longer before Lily ran up to us, pulling us back into the rush of the ER. Not even a moment to breathe. I joined in on helping the walking-wounded, the flight jacket still zipped around my figure. I took a moment to check on Elizabeth; her contractions had stopped. Thankful, I made my way out to the ambulance bay and collapsed onto the bench, finally sitting for the first time in hours. My adrenaline had officially crashed. Closing my eyes, I laid my head against the wall behind me and took a deep breath. I felt like I needed a cigarette. And I didn’t even smoke. 

“There you are.” 

I opened my eyes and smiled when I saw Carter. He too was still wearing his flight jacket. Holding up my arms, I motioned for him to come forward. He sighed and sat beside me, our arms bringing us close together. He kissed my head multiple times before I looked up so he could have my lips. 

“That was easily the craziest thing I’ve ever done.” I sighed, laying my head on his chest. “I haven’t seen you look that nervous since med school.” 

“I felt like I was back in med school. But with a lot less help and lot more at stake.” He kissed my head again, somehow pulling me closer. “You were pretty badass out there.” 

“Oh please. You did all the hard work. I just passed you things and kept myself from throwing up.” Carter laughed. 

“God, I feel like I could sleep for days.” 

“Then we better get a hotel room, because Meghan will be up by the time we get home.”

He nodded. “You know I love you right?” 

“As long as you know I love you too.” I paused. “And I am never doing that again.” 

[eviemonroeer]

Do you think we’ll get a snapshot or anything where Evie opens up to Carter about her dad?

The Monroe Effect: Snapshot 9- A Monroe Family Christmas

Set during Season 2, Episode 10 of ER. Spoilers if you haven't seen the show.

Warnings: mentions of cheating/absent parent

WC: 1.7 k

ER story belongs to original creators, just adding on my own original charter.

Taglist: @pleasecallmeunhinged, @rainmg, @arigoldsblog, @queenslandlover-93, @hagarsays, @antisocialfiore, @snowflames-world, @guiltypleassure243, @omgbrianab, @dizzybee03, @secretmoonphantom, and @emma8895eb

MASTERLIST

I didn’t know why I was nervous. 

I had absolutely no reason to be. The apartment was clean, the few Christmas decorations I had were up. I had taken the next couple of days off. But I was still nervous. And that was because it was my aunt Stacy’s first time in Chicago. 

Stacy Monroe became my rock at sixteen after my mother died. She was my mom’s older sister by five years, and she didn’t hesitate to take me in. She had never been married or had kids; that wasn’t for her. But she took in her sixteen year old niece and helped get her through high school and nursing school when she didn’t have to. I would always be grateful. 

The morning started off with a bang when a drunk Zamboni driver hit a Nativity scene. Only in the ER would that sentence make sense. When things had calmed down, I was walking back to admit with Ross when I heard it. 

“Genny-Bear!”

I turned and there she was: Aunt Stacy in her vintage 60s wardrobe and large glasses, arms extended to me from her spot standing in chairs. “Hi auntie.” I said through my teeth, a smile pulled up on my face. I really wished she hadn’t of used that name here. 

“It’s so good to see you sweetheart.” She said, squeezing me tight. “I didn’t think I’d ever make it. We circled the airport twice because of the snow.” 

“Yeah, I feel like it snows more here than it ever did back home.” 

“So, are you going to introduce me?” She asked, gesturing forward. I turned and saw the group at the admit desk staring at us. 

“Yeah, Genny-Bear.” Ross smirked, crossing his arms. “Who is this?” 

I rolled my eyes. “Guys, this is my Aunt Stacy. Stace, this is Dr. Mark Greene, Dr. Susan Lewis, Dr. Doug Ross, Malik McGrath, and Harper Tracy.” 

“Nice to meet you all. Genevieve’s told me so much about this place, I feel like I know all of you already.” 

“How long are you in town for Ms. Monroe?” Susan asked. 

“Oh, just through the end of the week so we can spend the holiday together. That is, if I don’t get snowed in first. It’s freezing out there.” 

“Why don’t we go to the cafeteria?” I offered. “Get you something to warm up.” 

“That sounds perfect.” She picked back up her bag. “It was lovely to meet you all.” 

“You too.” Mark offered. “I’ll let Carol know you’ll be back in thirty.” 

“Thanks Dr. Greene.” 

We made our way upstairs and grabbed hot chocolates, bringing me back to cold afternoons at home together. We talked about small things, catching up on each other’s lives since we’d talked on the phone last. I had forgotten how nice it was to be around her and her quirky personality. We hadn’t seen each other in person since almost last Christmas and it was good to be around her again. I was so preoccupied, I didn’t even notice when he walked in. 

“Hey Evie.” 

I looked up and smiled. “Hey Carter.” I turned back to my aunt. “Stacy, this is my friend, John Carter.” 

“Oh, you’re Carter!” She exclaimed, her voice raising in pitch. She stood and immediately hugged the man, catching him off guard for a moment before he hugged back. “It’s so good to meet you. Genevieve talks about you all the time.” 

“You too. It’s good to finally put a face to a name.” 

“I thought you would be in surgery.” I said, trying to change the subject as I felt my face getting red. 

“I should be, but I’m actually looking for someone.” 

“So, you’re studying to be a surgeon?” Stacy asked. “How fascinating? You must see be very smart to do something like that.” 

“I appreciate that ma’am.” 

“Oh, don’t call me ma’am. It’s Stacy or Stace.” She paused. “Do you have any plans for the holiday weekend, Mr. Carter? I’m staying with Genevieve, and I’d love to take you two out to dinner.” 

“Stace..... Carter has his own family. And he’s pretty busy as a fourth year.” 

“Well, he has to eat sometime. You can take a break for a meal, can’t you?” 

“I don’t know Stacy. Dr. Benton is pretty strict.” He chuckled. “Oh!” He exclaimed, looking behind us. “I hate to cut this short, but I actually need to go talk to my patient's wife and she just walked in. It was very nice to meet you.” 

“You too, Mr. Carter.” 

“I’ll let you know about dinner.”

“Please do.” They shook hands before he walked away. As soon as he was out of earshot, she turned to be, a cat-like smile on her face. “So that’s John Carter?” 

“Stace......” I warned, taking a sip of my hot chocolate. 

“He’s very handsome. Just like you said he was. And he’s obviously smart.” 

“Stace, he’s my friend. My best friend.” 

"And that is a great foundation.”

“He has a girlfriend.” 

“Are they serious?” 

“Stacy!”

"What? It’s a valid question.” 

I shook my head and stood, reaching into my pocket. “Here’s the key to my apartment. Do you think you can get there on your own?” 

She scoffed. “Genevieve Claire. You act like I’m helpless. I can make it back to your apartment just fine.” She stood, slinging her purse over her shoulder and picking up her suitcase. 

“Tell Mr. Carter I said goodbye.”

Later that night, after our horrible caroling upstairs, Carol let us have our ER Christmas party at her new house after the venue cancelled. Somehow, I got Stacy to agree to go with me, and she actually seemed to be having fun. She was making conversation with everybody, and I even saw a drink in her hand. That in itself was a once in a lifetime experience. But things were getting a little too much for me, and I needed a moment. Wrapping my coat tighter around me, I headed out to Carol’s backyard. 

“There you are.” I turned and smiled as Carter walked up beside me. “What are you doing out here?” 

“I just needed a minute. Lots of bodies and I just needed a second to breathe.” 

“I saw your aunt. How’s she doing?” 

“Good. I think she’s having fun. Not used to partying for Christmas. Typically, we’d be sitting down for dinner at her place, her record player filling the house with Christmas music.” 

“That sounds really nice.” 

“It is. She’d make her chocolate pie for dessert, and we’d open one present the night before.” 

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to talk to her more this morning.”

“Well, now you’ve got all night to get to know her.”

Carter laughed and tugged his coat closer to him. “So, it’s really just you and her?” 

“Yep. Since I was sixteen. When my mom died, she was the only family I had left.” 

“What about your dad?” 

I scoffed. “My dad was never in the picture.” 

“Really?”

I nodded. “My mom had me when she was nineteen. Wasn’t really a planned thing. But they were young and in love. I guess it was okay for the first couple years, but then my dad cheated and left. I don’t even remember what he looked like.”

“Do you not have pictures?” 

“My mom got rid of them." I shrugged. "Sometimes I think I remember, but then it just doesn't feel right. My mom was really upset when he left. She thought they were going to get married and have more kids.” I paused. “He really hurt her. She tried dating every now and then, but I don’t think she ever got over him.” 

“Do you ever wonder what it would have been like if he hadn’t?” 

“I mean, I did when I was younger. I’d see my friends with their dads, and I’d be a little sad. Maybe I’d have siblings or grew up in a different place. But I loved my mom so much. And I really loved our life together. Sure, we didn’t have really nice things. But she gave me everything I needed.” 

Carter nodded and then reached into his pocket. “Well, you definitely deserve nice things.” He held out a red box. 

“Carter, I didn’t bring your present. I thought we were exchanging gifts later.” 

“Yeah, but I didn’t want to wait.” 

I scoffed and shook my head, taking the box. I opened the top and my heart stopped for a second. “Carter......” My fingers gently traced the earrings. There were two stones per earring, one dangling from the other. They were probably one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen. I looked back up at him. “Carter, these are too much.” 

“No, they’re not. I saw them, and I knew you had to have them. Because you deserve nice, beautiful things Evie. Especially from people who care about you.” 

I flung myself forward and wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. His arms slowly wrapped around my waist. “Thank you.” I said, my voice slightly breaking before I kissed him on the cheek. “They are so beautiful.” 

Carter swallowed, and I could see him grow the slightest bit red. “Uh.....put them on.” I smiled and carefully replaced the studs I wore with the earrings he had gotten me. 

“How do they look?” 

“Perfect.”

My smile grew bigger. “Come on, let’s go back inside. I know Stacy's is dying to talk to you more.” 

I pulled him inside and we made are way over to her. She asked Carter about himself, and he told her about an aorta study he was working on. I decided then was the perfect time to go grab a drink; I’d already heard this speech before. I was pouring myself something into a red solo cup when Susan walked up. 

 “Oh wow. Look at those earrings.” She gasped and pushed back my hair. “They’re gorgeous.”

“Thanks. Carter gave them to me.” 

“Wait. Those were for you?” 

I scoffed. “What do you mean?” 

“He showed them to me earlier. The way he was talking, I thought they were for Harper, not for you.”

“You thought they were for Harper?” 

“Yeah. Evie, those are real diamonds.” 

My eyes went wide. “What?”

“Yeah. He told me so.” She looked behind me. “That boy really likes you.”

I turned around to look at Carter. He was introducing Stacy to Harper. My hand went up to touch the earrings and I felt my heart squeeze.  

God, why did he have to make me love him?