Pointess Words 1

Takes place after Leo's surgery when the President asks CJ to "jump of a cliff".

First of all, I bow to the genius that is Aaron Sorkin and the entire writing staff of the West Wing, that writes amazing words for amazing characters. That said, this is inspired by the actors who can create a story with no words at all.


'Jump off a cliff? My God what did he do now? I've been jumping cliffs since I took this gig.' CJ forced the cyclone of bad endings from her mind as she entered the hospital room. Leo looked like shit. No take that back, he looked like someone who just had his chest sliced open and his arteries moved around. Everyone was there. Toby was making jokes, bad ones, trying to break the tension and help veil the fear that everyone was feeling. 'We're all one heart beat away from this same room.' They knew it. They knew it but they didn't care. What they did is what they lived for; it's what they would die for if need be, but this made that clear. Still she couldn't get the thoughts out of her head. He needs me to jump off a cliff? How many cliffs are there in D.C.?

It was at that moment that her curiousity changed to something else. She coudln't identify the feeling but it had definetly changed. The way he looked at her. He was laying on his back, connected to tubes and machines. He looked so small, but yet so powerful and so wise. The eyes that she learned to trust without question, even when questions were all that she had, were looking at her withWhat was it? Pride? Expectation? Whatever it was, it froze her. She couldn't speak, couldn't move. All she managed was a weak smile and then he nodded. What's going on? He looked away and surveyed the room. His coworkers; his friends; his family were all there. After another glare around the room Toby caught on. He cleared his throat and began the ceremonial ushering out of visitors. CJ hadn't joined them, Toby could tell she was the last bystander to leave the scene of a crime. He had just put his hand on her back to coax her along when she caught Leo's eye and stopped in her tracks. Toby looked at his boss. His sad, tired, eyes asking permission for her to remain. Recieving the affirmative nod, he released his hostage and joined his friends in the hallway.

She was still confused, but glad to have a moment with him. It had scared the hell out of her when she heard of Leo's heartattack. He was like a father and she was already, day by day, loosing one of those. Com'ere kid. He didn't say it outloud, but she heard it all the same. She sat down on the chair next to his bed and waited. He just laid there and stared at her. When she couldn't take it anymore she laughed, "What?" It was the first thing she had said in over 20 minutes. The sound of her voice echoing in the sterile, stoic room sounded small. "He needs you."

And then she understood. All the cliffs of the past 6 years had been peaks and valleys leading up to this. She was now at the top looking over the edge. She smiled back at him and he watched her mouth turn from inquisitive suprise to fearless determination. She had jumped. Without prodding, without force, and without a net; eyes wide open, falling into the future.

She squeezed his hand as she got up. When she reached the door she turned to him, another nod, another smile that said more than mere words ever could. The look was definetly pride, she decided. Pride and anticipation. She walked out and didn't stop until she was in the car with the President. She nodded. He knew. They both smiled.

Please Review, this isn't the first one I've written, but its the first one I've ever posted. :)