Title: Joshua
Category: Romance/Humor/Drama
Rating: PG-13
Summary: What happens when Josh finds out that he shares the same first name with Dr. Freeride?

Disclaimer: Not one inch of the West Wing belongs to me, not even a molecule of the air they breathe
Author's Notes: Feedback the best stuff on earth

Chapter 7

She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. One year. It had been a whole year without a word from Jay but today, standing on her desk was a bouquet of flowers. Although the arrangement itself was lovely it mocked her. The stems were strong and powerful – they could bend her in half. She took a hesitant step towards her desk. That's when she noticed the petals screaming. She looked around, trying to see if anyone else could hear it. They were all quietly attending to their work. How could they not hear the ear piercing cries of failure that issued from the yellow daisies? Or the tale that came from the purple tulips of how Donnatella Moss dropped out of college to support her jackass of a boyfriend?

She took the final steps towards her desk and snatched the card off the arrangement, ripping the envelope to shreds like her nerves and pulling out the note. Her eyes scanned it greedily.

I'm glad you came back. I'd be lost without you.

It wasn't from Jay. She threw down her bag and ran to the nearest bathroom. She had to briefly remind herself that it was just around the corner. The first few days she was here she actually thought the closest toilet was in the basement. She sheltered herself in a stall. Donna could feel the small piece of paper becoming moist in her hand but she couldn't calm down. Her chest was heaving.

She knew one day he would say something. Point out how she had left him and how worthless her life had been. She was expecting a snide remark; instead she got flowers and a note. A slap in the face. A nice way of being mean. That was her boss, the prince of passive-aggressive behavior.

Donna finally let her breathing slow. This was not going to bother her. It had been a year; she wasn't going to leave him again. She swiped at her clothes, trying to brush off the defeat that clung. With her fist still wrapped tightly around the little card she made her way back to her desk and sat down. Using one hand she began typing. Eventually her grip loosened and the small paper slipped to the floor. Ten fingers began to write furiously.

- - - - - -

His breathing was unsteady. She was angry. Josh knew she was angry and he hadn't seen her yet, just heard the clickity-clack of her fingers on the keyboard. This wasn't the normal sound he heard everyday coming through his closed door from the bullpen. No. This was the smashing-of-every-key-that-had-the-unfortunate-luck-of-coming-into-contact-with-her-skin pissed off. When silence rang until the ding on his computer indicating that he had a new email interrupted it he became afraid. What could she have possibly written? After gathering up all the courage one man could possess he turned toward the electronic device and grabbed the mouse. Clicking twice on the email that was (of course) from his assistant he closed his eyes as the message popped up. After a minute his sight was filled with the glow of the computer screen and Donna's words.

Don't feel well. Going home.

-Donna

He immediately stood up and pulled open the door, ready to yell for her but she was nowhere insight. The flowers had disappeared as well. Josh turned around and sat behind his desk. So much for having a nice anniversary.

- - - - -- - -

Donna allowed her body to press against the closest wall as soon as she entered her apartment. What should have been just another day became an unexpected emotional shock. Feeling exhausted her right hand went to press against her throbbing temple but stopped short. Her eyes adjusted to the black line gracing her skin. There, like a tattoo, were Josh's words.

I'm glad you came back.

She let out a breath of air and slid to the floor.

- - - - -

A/N: Sorry this chapter is short and took so long to put up. I felt even though it was short that it was necessary to the storyline. Thanks for reading and feedback is still greatly appreciated.