Standing outside the door, looking in at Woody laying in the hospital bed, watching TV, Jordan felt a single tear race down her cheek. Quickly, she wiped it away before quietly knocking on the door.
"Hey," she whispered softly as she entered.
"Hi," he replied, just as quiet though a tone of nervousness was present in both his tone and behaviour.
"How'd rehab go?" she asked, trying to postpone the inevitable conversation about to come.
"It was okay. He got me to walk," he paused and added sarcastically, "A whole two steps."
"So what's next?" she questioned, ignoring the outburst.
"With what? Us or rehab?" he asked, annoyed.
"Rehab," she responded quietly.
"Walking ten steps unaided but the end of the week."
Jordan nodded, unsure of how to proceed further in conversation as she had no indication of his answer to her ultimatum. Woody, also unsure how to proceed, said nothing, still wary of the verdict that she was about to hear.
An uncomfortable silence settled upon the, until a nurse entered the room, chatting noisily.
"Oh, Good Afternoon Mr. Hoyt. How are you today?" she asked, as she bustled over to take his vital statistics.
"Fine," he answered shortly.
"Well, that's good. Can I get anything for you?" she paused to take a breath before continuing, "Or you, Miss. Can I get you anything?"
Politely, Jordan shook her head, while Woody said, "Just some privacy."
The nurse shook her head and responded, not in the least bit bothered by his attitude, "Sory, I gotta check your vitals and I'll be back in a few minutes with lunch."
With that comment she left, leaving Jordan and Woody alone as the tension rose in the small room. After an unbearable few minutes, Jordan spoke.
"So what's the food like here?" she questioned.
"Tasteless. I swear they've never heard of seasoning."
"Well, it is a hospital. What did you expect?"
After a couple more minutes of meaningless small talk, Woody finally raised the subject they were trying to avoid.
"We can't avoid it forever, you know?" he told her.
"I know, but I can postpone it as long as possible."
"Why did you give me this ultimatum?" he asked, delving directly into the matter.
"I can't stand my heart breaking a little every time you push me away or whenever I see you with someone else."
"So you'd rather just not see me at all, then?" he asked, incredulously.
"Yes, if that is your decision," she stated, as she felt her heart shatter in her chest.
"I'm sorry Jordan, I am. But it has to be this way because -" he was cut off by Jordan's voice.
"Woody stop. Please," she begged, pain evident in her voice, "I don't need a reason, I can't listen, it hurts too much," she paused and tears fell down her cheeks, "Bye Woody, I'll love you forever," she whispered before giving him a gently kiss on the mouth and exiting the room, leaving Woody feeling far worse than he ever though he could.
Jordan's POV
My heart shattered, my soul broke. I don't think that I had ever been in such pain, knowing I was once again leaving my home, family and friends, deserting everything I had known in the attempt to pick up the pieces of my broken heart.
Although I had given him a choice, I wasn't actually prepared for the answer, regardless of the fact that I had tried. With tears streaming down my face, I slowly made my way to my apartment, preparing to pack and book a flight to another location, yet undecided.
The moment I arrived at my apartment, I was overcome with memories and emotions and my body shook with sobs. Looking around my apartment, I felt a sense of loss as the memories flooded my mind; Woody kissing me, Woody hugging me, Woody finding my mother's locket, talking with Garret and Lily and playing my guitar. Knowing that I would never see this apartment again, I slowly looked around, memorizing each aspect of it before beginning to pack up.
A few hours later, all belongings and clothing was packed, I headed to the morgue, ready to hand in my resignation, letters and life. As soon as I arrived though, I knew doing that would not be as simple as I had imagined. As unnoticeably as I could, I left the farewell letters and resignation on Garret's desk, heading to the elevator. However, before the doors could close, Garret entered the elevator, holding my resignation tightly.
"Why?" he asked angrily.
"Because I can't stay here. I would appreciate a reference though, it isn't necessary," I replied trying to remain professional.
"You'll get a reference, that's not the point," he said dismissively, before continuing, "Why are you leaving?"
"Thanks."
"Damn it, Jordan. Why?"
"Because I can't stay here. Please don't ask me too," I said, cursing myself as I felt tears build behind my eyes.
"You'll keep in contact, won't you?" he asked worriedly.
"Maybe, just if I do, don't tell anyone."
Garret nodded before asking, "Where are you going?"
"Washington, no idea what I'm going to do though."
"I have a friend there. He's the head ME, I'll ask him to do me a favour and give you a job."
"Thanks," I replied, "That would be great."
"Keep in contact, Jordan," he whispered, embracing me, "and don't let him destroy you."
"What are you talking about?" I asked, hoping that I was wrong in thinking he knew why I was leaving.
"Jordan, I'm not stupid. You're leaving because of Woody," noting my expression of pain, he said gently, "Don't let him destroy you, he's not worth that."
Hating myself for the tears that fell, I whispered, "Yes he is. He's worth everything. He is everything to me, Garret, and he doesn't want me." I paused, sniffling slightly, "I thought that maybe we had a chance, you know, a possible future. God, how could I be so wrong?"
"You're not. He's just an idiot. Come on, let me take you home."
"No, I'm fine. It's been great working with you."
I embraced him once more, before leaving, hearing him say that he'd call with information about the morgue in D.C.
