By the next morning, both Abigail and Kevin were feeling better. Abigail had spent close to an hour on the phone with Dr. Steep the previous afternoon and he was convinced that the fear Abigail elicited in the elevator was a direct result of being locked in the closet with Frank. They worked through all the thoughts and fears Abigail had while they were in the elevator and he told Abigail how she could use a deep breathing technique when she felt herself loosing control. He also told Abigail that he wanted her to take the anti-depressant he prescribed, three times a day. He warned her that it might take a few days to work, and not to panic if she didn’t notice any changes right away. He also told her to continue taking the mild sedative for a few more days. Getting a good night sleep would help speed up Abigail’s emotional recovery.

Abigail accompanied Kevin to the venue that afternoon as the boys were scheduled to do a full dress rehearsal and meet with the media for a quick press conference. Abigail sat in the front row while the group practiced. Kevin insisted she sit there so he could keep an eye on her, plus Abigail admitted earlier that day, that she didn’t feel she was ready to be backstage alone yet. She hadn’t decided what she was going to do while the boys were on stage that night. She was trying to convince Kevin to let her stay at the hotel, but he insisted that she remain at the venue with him where someone could keep an eye on her. She counter acted with a comment about not being safe in the last venue even though someone was assigned to watch her.

Kevin did appreciate Abigail’s remark and gently ordered her to cooperate. It’s not that Kevin didn’t trust Abigail by herself; it was just that he wasn’t convinced she was ready to be alone yet. In the end, Abigail realized Kevin was right and she watched the show from the front row with LeighAnn, and Carlos was never far away. At least that gave Kevin peace of mind when he looked out into the audience and he could be reassured that she was all right.

Abigail began to feel anxious as the lights were dimmed in the venue and the show began. Fortunately, LeighAnn picked up on Abigail’s nervousness and talked her through the moment. Once she got over the initial fear, she was able to enjoy the rest of the show.

On the way back to the hotel, Abigail appeared to be relaxed and she was joking around with Brian and Nick. Kevin’s heart soared when he heard Abigail laugh. There was a time when he wasn’t sure if he would ever see her smile or hear her laugh again. Maybe she’d make it through after all, Kevin thought to himself.

As soon as they pulled up in front of the hotel, Kevin sensed Abigail’s tension build again. They had taken the stairs down when they were on their way to the venue, because Abigail just didn’t feel like she could handle being in the elevator yet. To continue to keep Abigail’s current struggle as private as possible, Kevin suggested they linger outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air. Once he was sure they were alone, Kevin said, “What do you want to do?” Kevin asked.

“I’m trying to convince myself that I can ride the elevator, but I’m just not sure. I don’t like feeling out of control.” Abigail replied.

“It’s up to you, but can I make a suggestion? Why don’t we try that deep breathing technique that Dr. Steep recommended? I’ll even do it with you.” Kevin suggested.

“I do have to try it sooner or later, so let’s do it.” Abigail said as she tightly gripped Kevin’s hand.

As the elevator doors opened, Kevin had to convince Abigail that she could do it and that he was right there with her. The instant the doors closed, she felt her chest begin to tighten and she began to feel dizzy.

Kevin recognized the signs this time and he moved quickly to try and get Abigail to take a deep breath. She focused on Kevin and her breathing by starting to take short controlled breaths that Kevin coached her through. After a few seconds, Kevin gently massaged her shoulders and she continued to look into Kevin’s eyes as she managed to get her breathing under control. Before she knew it, Kevin was leading her out of the elevator and into his arms. “You did it Abi!” Kevin said, making it known that he was proud of her for facing her fear. “It can only get easier from here on out.” Kevin said as he continued to fuss over Abigail.

When they got into the room, Kevin drew Abigail a bubble bath and grabbed her a glass of water so she could take the anti-depressant and sedative. He slowly undressed Abigail, putting his own needs aside, and sat with her in the bathroom while she unwound in the tub full of fragrant bubbles.

“LeighAnn mentioned that you were a little anxious at the beginning of the show tonight. What were you thinking as the show started?” Kevin asked, hoping he could get Abigail to open up and tell him what she was thinking.

“I started to think about what happened at the last show and started to panic. Fortunately LeighAnn was able to help me focus on you and I was fine for the rest of the show.” Abigail explained.

“It was so refreshing to see you smiling and having fun out there tonight.” Kevin remarked.

“It felt good too.” Abigail said, as she reached up out of the water and playfully stuck some bubbles on the end of Kevin’s nose.

“Don’t tempt me woman. I could easily win a bubble bath fight against you.” Kevin said, as he leaned down and kissed Abigail on the lips and tried to ignore the throbbing between his legs.

“I’ll have to challenge you to a bubble bath fight some day, but right now I think I better get out before I fall asleep.” Abigail said, as she felt the sedative taking effect.

Kevin stood up and held up a towel for Abigail to step into. It was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the throbbing between his legs as he thoroughly dried Abigail off, careful not to forget a spot. As she lifted her arms and Kevin helped her get into her nightgown, Abigail apologized, “I’m so sorry I can’t be with you tonight Kevin.” She could see the effect she had on Kevin and felt guilty.

“No need to apologize. We’ll make love when you’re ready and not a moment before. A man’s body has a mind of it’s own sometimes, but right now, I’m just happy to have you here with me and sleeping in my arms tonight. That’s enough for me.” Kevin said as he tucked Abigail in bed. “I just have a few things to look over, but I promise I’ll join you in a few minutes.” Kevin said, as he placed a light kiss on Abigail’s forehead as she began to drift into a peaceful sleep the instant her head hit the pillow. “I love you Abigail.” Kevin said. He smiled when she didn’t respond, knowing she was getting some much-needed sleep.