Sorry to take so long to update. It's a long story as to what has happened LOL.
First of all, I would like to address some issues. I have gotten bad reviews with this
story so far, so I would just like to clarify a few things.
-I know they aren't called "asylums" anymore. I called it this because it's something to do with Jordan's well being and mental state. I'm sorry if I offended anyone by calling it an "asylum" or "mental hospital"
As for the appearance of the room and such, I know that's not what a care center is like. I just depicted it on what TV shows have, and how it might be viewed on Crossing Jordan
As far as the nurses/meals go, I know there aren't any "good," or "bad" nurses. "Bad" nurses are the ones Jordan doesn't like. "Good" ones are the ones Jordan is okay with. I didn't want to sound like they were starving her, either. She doesn't like the meals. For medications, what I meant when I asked if she had taken any I didn't mean for it to sound like she controlled her own meds.
As for the holding process, Jordan is being held because she is a danger to herself and others. She tried to freaking kill herself and almost died! In order to be released from those institutions, you must pass exams. If you fail an exam, you must stay for a certain amount of time. In this case, it's a month.
And finally, as for "not being in character," I don't want Jordan to be Jordan. Things are going to get really complicated, as you will see in future chapters. I don't think it's fair to say Woody isn't in character, because I haven't even really done anything with him yet.
So basically, if you don't like the story, you don't have to read it. I'm going to continue with it whether anyone reads it or not. I know at least one person will enjoy it. Once again I'm sorry if I offended anyone, and I hope I've clarified and misconceptions.
Now back to the story.
As I walk behind Jackie, my heart flutters and butterflies fill my stomach. Everything around me is quiet, and I count my footsteps. I can hear my heart beating in my ears. A million thoughts fill my head and it seems like an eternity before I get to the visiting room. It's one of the longest walks I've ever taken in my life.
As we enter the visiting room, I see him sitting in a corner, his back facing me. I thank Jackie once more and make my way over to him. I don't know how to feel about his unexpected visit; a part of me feels happy, another part is mad because he hasn't visited me sooner, and another part is just plain sad, because I know how hard it will be when I say "goodbye".
I walk over slowly and sit in front of him. He looks the same, however expressionless. This isn't the same Woody I remember. I could always read him, and times like this have always frightened me.
He just sits staring at me. We make eye contact, but neither of us says anything. His eyes stray away from mine and travel to the floor, where they stay for several long moments. I purposely clear my throat, and when he lifts his head, his face is once again unreadable. If I wasn't as careless as they say I am, this Woody would probably scare me.
Or maybe I am scared…
"How are you, Jordan?" he asks me. His voice is shaky.
He looks me straight in the eyes, and I can feel mine growing dark and cold. I say nothing.
"I, uh. I brought you some flowers."
He offers me a beautiful bouquet of brightly colored daisies, which I simply stare at and don't make any effort to accept. He lays them on the table that sits between us, as if it doesn't bother him. He starts to say something else, but I don't let him. I interrupt him before a word can escape his mouth.
"What are you doing here, Woody?" I ask, my voice harsh.
He thinks about his answer for a second.
"I kind of what to ask you the same thing," he says sadly. "I miss you, Jordan."
"Really? Well you have a great way of showing it," I scoff.
There is another minute of awkward silence.
"Hey, give me a break. I didn't know if I could see you…like…this.."
I let out a small laugh.
"Ha. What do you mean? What's wrong, Woodrow? Am I not pretty enough for you right now? Am I just a sight for sore eyes? Well, sorry about that, man. I guess I-"
"Stop." He almost demands. His voice is desperate. "Please."
He comes and sits next to me. The closeness of him is enough for my heart to almost skip a beat. He gently traces the red lines on my arms. I can see his eyes fill up with tears, and I can, for the first time in what seems like forever, feel a wave of emotions fill my body. He brings my wrist up to his lips and kisses it softly. I could almost fall to my knees right now and beg him to take me home. But then the anger returns when I remember the proposal in his office that night and I pull away forcefully.
"Why aren't you home with your fiancée?" I ask sharply and suddenly all emotions have left.
He looks at me like a baby deer in headlights.
"Huh?"
"What do you mean 'huh'?"
"I mean what are you talking about, Jordan?"
Does he think I'm stupid? Does he think I'm that crazy? That I've gone that much off the deep end?
"You know damn well what I'm talking about Woody."
"Apparently I don't. Would you like to fill me in on something?"
I feel enraged. What is he trying to do here? Why is he not being honest with me?
"That night. I was supposed to meet you at the precinct. You were supposed to come over."
"Okay."
"I got there a little early. You were in your office. I was just about to come in when I heard you."
"Heard me what?"
"Would you let me finish? I heard you proposing to that girl."
"What?"
"I heard you. You said you loved her more than anything and you wanted to marry her. How could you do that to me? After we were finally getting somewhere? Was it some kind of cruel payback?"
Tears now fall down my cheeks and I bury my face in my hands. I start sobbing, and I can't stop for the life of me.
"Jordan."
I don't move. I can feel him pull me close to him, and I sob into his chest.
"How could you do this to me?"
He rubs my back soothingly, and when I try to pull away, he holds me tighter.
"Shhh, Jordan. It's okay."
As he holds me close and protectively, I can feel tears fall on my arm. I realize it's useless, so I stop fighting and my body goes limp in his arms. I stop crying and look up at him. His eyes are red and watery.
"There is no other woman," he whispers.
"What?"
"There is no other woman," he repeats.
"What? I don't understand. I heard you…and her. You both said you loved each other. What else could you be doing? Rehearsing?"
He just stares deep in my eyes. He doesn't have to say anything; a sudden realization comes to me and it hits me in the face like a baseball bat.
"Oh…"
He nods and kisses my forehead. I lay my head back down on his chest and close my eyes. The feeling of his strong arms around me makes me forget every care I've ever had. I feel safe now, and I don't stop myself when I begin to drift to sleep.
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What seemed like five minutes turned out to be forty five. Someone is gently shaking me, trying to wake me up. I open my eyes, and Woody's blue ones greet me with warmth. The same warmth they greeted me with before I was put in here.
"Hi."
"Uhhh. Five more minutes." I grumble.
"Come on, we only have five minutes."
"What? No. I don't want you to leave," I whine.
I sit up and lay my head on his shoulder. He wraps one arm around me and takes my hand in his. I rub his palm with my finger.
"I want to take you home, Jordan."
I nod. "I wish it was that easy. I mean I have an exam next week, but I'm sure I won't pass."
"Why do you think that?"
"Because I'm nuts. Skitzo. Crazy."
"You're not crazy."
I grin. "Right. Have you talked to any of these doctors? According to them, I am."
"They don't know you. I know you. You're not crazy. You don't need to be in here."
"Yes-"
"No. Listen. You're going to take that exam next week, you're going to prove that you're fine, and I'm going to be here to pick you up. You're going to come home with me, and we'll work things out from there, okay?"
"Okay." I smile, and for the first time I don't put up a fight about being with him.
We both stand, and I wrap my arms around his waist. I take in his scent again. He holds me tight, and I feel as if I'm going to cry again. I hold onto him with all I have, and when he pulls away he wipes the single tear that falls.
"Don't cry. I'll see you next week," he kisses my forehead and I nod. "I love you."
I cup his cheek one more time and he kisses my wrist. He turns and walks away, leaving me ready to melt into a puddle on the floor. The next week is going to be long and hard. I can't wait until I can see him again. However, I know we are going to have a lot of things to sort out, and I feel like an uninformed idiot. I hope he means what he just said.
Woody disappears out the door, and when he is out of sight, I turn and pick up the daisies. I smell them and turn on my heels. Maybe I have something to look forward to after all.