Detective Constable Jenny Lord - Life gets complicated in Broadchurch

Chapter 1 Where do we go from here

(Warning: This chapter contains scenes of explicit sex and language)

Jenny hated that itchy tingling feels she got when her nerves kicked in. Adam used to tease her about the way the hairs on the back of her neck tickled. He called it, her spidey senses. Now, waiting for Doctor Smith, they tickled like mad. A heaviness sat in the middle of her chest. Her brain felt thick. She was nervous and depressed and had no idea why? It had to be more than her final appointment with the doctor. She liked her, but not that much. Not enough to have this damnable hollow feeling inside her stomach, She glanced around the small waiting room, glanced at the magazines on the table next to her and huffed. She crossed her arms and rocked. It was a motion so slight no one would notice. No one but the nurse anyway.

The woman, in blue scrubs, looked up with a bland smile and said, "Sorry about the delay. The Doctor is dealing with another patient."

"It's okay," Jenny said. Her foot kept time with the music in the background. Boredom, that's what this is, boredom.

She sat on her hands for a moment and then pushed up and started pacing,

The magazines in the rack held more interest than the ones on the table. They dated from 1920 to 2018. Who has magazines a century old in a waiting room? In fact– "Can I ask a question?"

The nurse didn't bother looking up. "Sure?"

"Why are the magazines so old. I mean I know doctors' offices have out of date reading material but one hundred years? And the furniture? Eighteenth century to Modern. it's–"

The nurse looked up, feigned interest marked her face. "Weird?"

"Yes, very."

"Well, two things. One, you are better, you didn't pay any attention to any of that until today, so that's good."

"And two?"

"Doctor Smith loves history. She picks up this stuff at various places and likes to share with her patients. She says it's a link to where we came from."

"Right." she drew it out for a long breath and then sat down, closed her eyes and turned inward. Her foot started tapping, Four weeks since my chest nearly exploded, three weeks since the hospital. Alec has been a gem, during this entire ordeal. The Cardiologist released me to return to work. The nightmares have ceased, I feel better than I have in years. Smith will release me today. So why am I depressed. Going back to work is a good thing, isn't it?

"Good Morning Jenny"

Jenny's eyes snapped open. An embarrassed smile tugged at her mouth. "Sorry, I was daydreaming."

"It's okay Come on back. How are you feeling today?"

Jenny wasn't sure how to phrase the reply. She followed the doctor to the windowless consulting room and dropped down into the overstuffed club chair. She fiddled with the hem of her jumper and after a long moment of silence, she looked up and met the doctor's gaze. What was it about the woman's eyes that just makes you say things? "Doctor Smith, I'm depressed and I don't know why? I feel – fine. The night terrors are gone. There is no reason to be depressed and yet?"

The doctor smiled, poured two cups of tea and sat one in front of Jenny, "Let's have a cup of my special blend of tea and discuss it."

A slight humming music came through the speakers.

"Drink up Jenny. Are you depressed about returning to work? I thought you liked your job and were looking forward to returning."

"I love my job and can't wait to see everyone at the station."