she was afraid the child would have bipolar disorder like her mother. Abby never told her family about the pregnancy and Richard was unaware of it until after the abortion. The marriage began to break down after a short time, with Richard frustrated at Abby's abortion and depression, and Abby angry over his insensitivity, since she was working overtime at home and at work to help pay for his medical schooling. They finally split for good when Richard cheated on her and part of the divorce agreement was that he would pay for her medical schooling. Abby chose to keep her married name of Lockhart, claiming "it's the only good thing I got out of the whole mess." Soon after taking the position in the ER, Abby begins a relationship with Dr. Luka Kovač, who is initially a mentor figure to her until she has to quit medical school. The beginning of their relationship is strained when they are attacked by a mugger on their first date, whom Luka kills in defense. She and Luka stay together for about a year, but their relationship becomes more strained after the arrival of Abby's mother and the increasing closeness between Abby and Dr. John Carter, and a heated argument leads to their break up at the beginning of the eighth season. Despite an initial period of awkwardness and jealousy after their romance ends, Luka and Abby become good friends again. She criticizes him when he behaves badly towards other staff and during his subsequent depression but nonetheless from Seasons 9-11 the two are very close friends, although their mutual attraction is still sometimes visible. In season 8 Abby's neighbor, Brian, attacks her for protecting his abused wife, leaving Abby with a horribly bruised face. After allowing her to recover at his apartment, Luka traces Brian to a bar and beats him to a pulp, threatening to kill him if he comes near Abby again. Abby's next relationship is with Dr. John Carter. Abby discovers Carter shooting up on painkillers during season 6. She tells the senior doctors about it, and at their urging and with their help, Carter enters a rehab program. Once he returns, he sees Abby at an AA meeting. She tells him that she is a recovering alcoholic and had been sober for five years. She agrees to become his AA sponsor. Abby and Carter develop a very strong