Chapter Two: Sick Leave

Jordan woke up slowly. The sun was playing gently on her face, and she could feel herself snuggled up against a strong, warm body. She was comfortable, relaxed. Leisurely, as her brain caught up with her body, Jordan remembered where she was.

She had been released from the hospital after a very sleepless night. Woody had taken her directly home. They were both so sick and tired; Jordan couldn't understand how Woody managed to drive straight. She refused to let him drive back to his apartment by himself. For once, Woody didn't argue because he felt so tired. Both of them practically fell into the bed and were asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.

Now that Jordan was properly awake, she could see that the sunlight was the early-morning kind. She wondered if they had slept through more than just one day. She was considering sleeping through another one, when the phone rang.

Sluggishly, Jordan reached over to grab the receiver.

"Hello," she said.

"Jordan. It's Kate."

"No way am I coming in today," Jordan said quickly and forcefully.

"Yeah, I know. Could you just listen to everything I have to say before complaining? I'm calling to tell you that we've all been given a week off…more, if we need it. But under no circumstances are you to come to the morgue until your week is up. Get it?"

Jordan rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I get it. No morgue, one week. Anything else?"

"Yes. Before we come back, each of us has to see Dr. Stiles. Nigel and I are going today, so you can make your appointment at any time. And you do have to go—you're not allowed back until you've seen him."

"What? You can't do that. You're not in charge of the morgue right now!"

"No, I'm not. Sydney is, for now. I didn't make the rules—that's what the higher-ups are telling me. Take it up with them."

Before Jordan could respond, she heard a click. Kate had hung up.

"Who was that?" The sleepy person next to her had finally woken up.

"Kate," Jordan replied. She flopped back onto the pillows, intending on spending some more time snuggling up to Woody.

"What'd she want?"

"Just to tell us to stay away for a week…and that we have to see Stiles before we go back." Jordan turned to face him and laid her head on his chest.

Woody sighed. "That's what I figured…what do you think about it?"

"…I don't know…I guess we need it…but I don't want to go," Jordan replied softly.

"Yeah," Woody said. He kissed the top of her head and gave her a squeeze. "I guess we'll worry about it later."

"Ummmhmmm…all I want to do right now is sleep."

Woody chuckled. "You stay here, then. I'll go and get us some breakfast. We'll stay inside, eat chicken noodle soup, drink tea, and just lounge around all day."

"Sounds good to me," she said. But instead of releasing her grip, she tightened it.

Woody noticed. "Is something wrong, Jo?"

Jordan didn't say anything. She looked downward, so Woody couldn't see her eyes. His hand came up to her face and slowly tipped it upward. "What is it?" he asked, concern written all over his face.

"…I don't know," Jordan whispered. "I just don't want to be alone…could you wait a bit longer?"

Woody smiled, and then brushed Jordan's hair out of her face. "Sure," he said. "Anything for you."