Chapter 2
The surgery had been successful. There was minimal nerve damage, it would take months of hard work, but Woody would walk again. He was scheduled to start physical therapy, but the infection took hold quickly. It was most likely due to the fact he no longer had a spleen. It was supposed to be treated easily, but he had a reaction to the first antibiotic. Other antibiotics were prescribed, but they weren't effective. They were trying one last antibiotic. If he didn't improve in the next few hours the doctors would need to operate, something they were not eager to do. Woody had been in surgery twice in quick secession and they weren't sure he could handle a third in his current condition.
After the doctors updated her on their plan, the enormity of the situation was hitting Jordan. She didn't know what to do. She grabbed her phone. Garret was in the doorway of Woody's hospital room 20 minutes later. She crossed the small distance between them quickly and he grabbed her up in a tight hug. After a few minutes they broke apart. He looked at her.
"When's the last time you ate or slept?"
"It doesn't matter, it's not important right now."
"I think Woody would disagree. He'd want you taking care of yourself."
"Really? I think he'd want to not be looking at a third surgery that could…"
"Shhh, Jordan, it's okay .You need to get out of this room just for a little while. Get something to eat, get a nap. I can stay with him."
"I can't leave him! He's confused. I told him I'd be here. If he wakes up and thinks I left… he has to keep fighting and if he thinks I ran…I can't leave." She explained almost frantically.
Garret realized that was the end of the discussion. "Then I'll stay with you."
"No…"
"Jordan, I want to be here, it's the least I can do."
Jordan just nodded, an unspoken acknowledge of the Duvall case. It wasn't important now. Before either of them could say anything more they were interrupted by a moan from the bed.
" 'Ordan?" Her slurred name was barely above a whisper, but she was at his side in an instant.
"Hey."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. What I said, please…"
"It's okay, we already sorted that out."
"I'm sorry."
"Woody, stop. I don't want you to apologize, I want you to fight."
"Tired…Love you."
"I know, rest. I'll be right here. I love you, Woody."
Garret watched in silence. It was such a tender moment, he should have left, but he couldn't make himself move. He wasn't sure what all happened between them since Woody was shot, but it was profound if it had Jordan openly admitting she loved him.
Garret managed to get some food in her. It wasn't long before pure exhaustion finally won. She fell asleep in a chair next to his bed, still holding his hand. Garret looked at Woody. He looked so weak. He was unconscious, a layer of sweat covered him. He would occasionally rouse, listless and confused. Looking at his chart he could see how the situation had unfolded. Just the day before they had switched the nasal cannula for a full oxygen mask, highlighting his quick decline.
"Woody, you have to fight this. You have to come back to her. You did it, you got the girl. You can't give up now. She's not running… but if you die, I don't know what will happen to her. She's strong, but I don't think she can survive losing you. You have to fight for her. Fight Woody!" Garret ordered Woody's unconscious form. He prayed the younger man had heard him. Eventually he fell asleep.
Jordan woke up and could feel someone watching her. She opened her eyes to be met with sapphire ones.
"Hey." She said trying to keep the tears at bay.
"Hey." His voice was still weak, but he was awake. The fever finally broke.
Jordan grabbed his hand leaned her head down to his. They stayed like that, both just needing to feel that the other one was there.
Garret woke up, watching them hold on to each other. He silently excused himself. They would be okay.