After a quick snack I head back to Jed. He's still sleeping but not so peacefully, I notice. He's gotten very restless and looks extremely pale. His breathing is a little fast and shallow. I consider calling Hackett but decide to wait it out, at least for a little while longer. I find my briefcase and glasses and I fall into the chair next to him with some long overdue paperwork. I know it won't be long until I am napping again too. I am right.

"Abbey, Abbey" I hear Jed from the couch as I try to shake the cobwebs from my head. I turn on the light. The clock reads 8:09.

"I'm here baby, what's wrong"

"I'm not sure, I just don't feel right, kind of weak and sick to my stomach"

"Are you going to be sick?"

"I don't know, maybe" as he struggles to sit up.

I help him sit up and he puts his head in his hands. I grab the wastebasket, just in case.

"Keep your head down and take slow, easy breaths. Do you want something to drink"

"Yeah, ginger ale or something like that".

I go get the can I brought back from the kitchen. I had a feeling I would be needing it. I get a straw for the soda and rewet the washcloth that fell off of his forehead and landed on the floor at his feet. I place it on the back of his neck and sit down next to him on the couch. Jed leans forward with his head in his hands. I gently rub his back while trying to help him control his breathing. He's been known to hyperventilate. I see how much he's struggling to stay in control and it just about kills me.

"In and out, slowly. Do you want me to count or get a paper bag?"

"No. I'm not practicing Lamaze or hyperventilating, I'm just trying not to puke on the presidential carpet."

"OK, here, take a small sip of the soda." That turns out to be a bad idea. But God bless him, at least he has good aim and basically hits the wastebasket. I reach for the box of tissues when there's a knock at the door.

"Abbey, it's Leo. Is everything OK? the agent thought he heard someone, well, tossing his cookies"

"That would be correct, come on in, I could use a hand."

Leo comes in, with a porter in tow, and takes charge. The wastebasket is removed instantly. We get Jed to the bathroom and I get him cleaned up, give him a shot of Compazine and settle him back down on the couch. I take his blood pressure, low but not terrible, fever is still 101.9. His sweats made it through unscathed but I can't say the same for my slippers and sweatpants so I make a quick trip back to the bathroom. I watch Leo through the slightly opened door. He is sitting on the coffee table watching Jed who is lying with his back toward him. Jed's shoulders start to shake and I know he is crying. I am frozen in place and feel totally helpless. But Leo knows what to do, he just moves over and sits on the very edge of the couch. He lays a hand on Jed's shoulder and just sits with him, he doesn't even need to say a word. For the second time in 2 hours I am reduced to tears. By the time I come out from the bathroom Jed has once again fallen asleep. Leo is keeping vigil over him from the chair.

"He's sleeping, finally."

"I know, I was watching you sit with him. You certainly have a way with Jed. I know it's not always easy for him to express his feelings, but you know he loves you Leo."

"I know, I don't know what I would do without him. Do you mind if I stay for a while. I didn't have any plans and things have been quiet over in the West Wing. Josh and Sam are still there. And, well, nobody's going to miss me."

"You don't have to ask, you know you are always welcome here"

"Thanks. Abbey, why don't you go for a walk. You look like you could use some air and time alone."

"That sounds good. I'll be in my office. I have to leave a note for Lilli. I want her to clear my schedule for the next couple of days. Make yourself comfortable. No offense, but you look like you could use a nap yourself. Feel free to raid the kitchen"

"Thanks, Abbey. Let the guys know where I am"

"No problem, thanks for staying with him"

I contemplate changing my clothes but then decide, I don't care who sees me like this. True, I am the First Lady of the United States, but I am also a wife who just got puked on by her husband. And I am in no mood to wear anything but Jed's baggy sweats. I put on a pair of sneakers and grab my briefcase. By the time I turn to tell Leo I am leaving he is snoring softly from the chair. I take off his glasses, put his book on the table and cover him up with another quilt from the closet. I kiss them both, Jed on the cheek which still feels very warm and Leo on the top of his head. I ask the agent to keep an eye on them and I walk out in to the cool night air. It feels great.