"Go to Baghdad if you feel you have to, but I can't promise what it will be like when you come back."
It was the worst fight they'd ever had. They didn't speak for 3 days.
She wasn't mad that he didn't want her to go to be away for a year. She didn't want to go away for a year either. It was the way he had said it. I don't know what it will be like when you come back. She wondered what he meant by that, did he mean that he wouldn't love her anymore? Would he resent her for leaving and hold it against her? That is what hurt. It was the first time he'd ever said anything to her like that and it scared her. She didn't know how to respond, so she just stayed silent and busied herself at work; re-writing her report as Conrad asked.
Immersing herself in the task at hand was a tactic she'd learned long ago, and it had served her well in life. She was sure she learned it from her father when she was young. If she was honest she'd credit most of her 'business skills' to her father, but not by his teachings; by her own observations.
Today though the defense mechanism seemed to be failing her. Locked away in her office staring at the computer the first day of their three day fight, Elizabeth found herself distracted, her mind wandering back to her childhood instead of writing her report.
Growing up Elizabeth had been very close to her mother. Her father was loving enough, but it was her mother whom she spent the most time with. Her father ran an international corporation, so he was often away on business, or entertaining his clients. He had wanted sons, to carry on the business, his legacy. But they had just one daughter. They lived on an elaborate estate in the country, complete with their own horse stable, driving range and everything you could imagine. Her father often brought his clients there for dinners or weekend riding and golfing. What Elizabeth loved most about the country estate was the fond memories she shared there with her mother. After school they would going riding until dark. When her father was absent for dinner, which was often, they would pack a picnic basket and eat on a blanket under the stars, or her mother would read her fairy tales in the shade of the mature trees while the horses grazed nearby.
But soon her perfect world came crashing down. When she was eight, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Her father came home more often then, but ultimately hired a nurse to help care for her mother. When her mother could no longer go riding after school, Elizabeth would spend the afternoons keeping her mother company in bed or on the vast patio soaking in the sun's warmth if the weather allowed. In those quiet afternoons, her mother would stroke her hair and tell her everything she could about life in the short time she had left.
Elizabeth soaked in every word, and still held on to those talks. She filled Elizabeth's young mind with motherly advice, telling her to always remember to mind her manners, treat others kindly and most of all, always have hope for tomorrow. Even in the days when she was physically at her worst, her mother always kept a smile on her face and it stuck with Elizabeth. She told Elizabeth that she was smart and kind, and that she would go far in life. She encouraged her only daughter to travel, to learn and experience other cultures, have a fulfilling career that made a difference in the world. Finally, she reminded her that above all the most important thing was to be happy. She told Elizabeth she hoped she fell in love with a wonderful man and had children. Elizabeth had asked her mother how to know if she was in love. She would never forget her mother's response; she said it's the most wonderful feeling, when you can't stop smiling or daydreaming and that you'll only know it when it happens.
Her mother died soon after she turned nine and her father had a hard time dealing with her mother's death. Before her father's business took much of his time, she remembered happy they seemed, she had brief memories of her parents kissing and laughing. The memories resembled nothing close to their relationship when she died. Elizabeth didn't know it until many years later, but her father couldn't bear to be around her, his beautiful daughter Elizabeth, as she only reminded him of her mother; she was her spitting image. She was his reminder of what he let go of for his business, and he soon found himself letting her go too. Not necessarily intentionally, but because he didn't know what else to do. Instead of comforting Elizabeth after losing her mother and spending time with her, he buried himself deeper into work, coming home even less, and hired a live in nanny to care for Elizabeth. At first she didn't understand why her father wouldn't do things with her when he was home. She needed him, her mother was always there and now she was left alone with a nanny she'd never met before. But when her father brought his clients home, she behaved like the model daughter he needed her to be; joining he and his clients and children for riding and golfing. Over the years she'd paid close attention to his negotiation tactics. She'd quickly become very comfortable among powerful men.
Over the years Elizabeth had gotten used to it; only spending time with her father when it was related to his work. On the few instances he came home for dinner, he tried to dote on her and she cherished that time, but she would always be left heartbroken, knowing the next dinner would be at least a few weeks away.
Before she entered high school, her father deemed her too old for a nanny, and promptly sent her to the most prestigious boarding school in London; only wanting the best education for his only child. Elizabeth didn't want to go, but again she quickly adapted to her surroundings, her adolescence had made her strong and independant. At school Elizabeth excelled, burying her sadness once again in tasks at hand. She had perfect grades in all AP courses, was prom queen, and a member of the equestrian club, golf club, and cheerleading squad. She made friends easily as she knew how to conduct herself among influential families. She was able to sharpen her diplomatic skills, having had to interact with children of powerful and famous from all over the world, not just the US. She sparred off often with the captain of the debate team, Joey, who was one of her best friends and the future king of Bahrain.
Her father would write her letters and send lavish gifts for her birthday and Christmas, but he never once came to visit. She'd write him back, telling him only about events, never including how much it actually broke her heart that he'd sent her away. She'd come home for some time during the summer, but it was lonely, most of her childhood friends had either moved away or forgotten about her since she was gone so long, so she returned to Europe and participated in school educational trips, and summer abroad programs in other European countries instead. She enjoyed it far better, seeing the sites, learning about history; taking her mother's advice head on.
After high school Elizabeth returned to the states for college. She was accepted to every Ivy league school on a full scholarship. She had decided on Princeton and her father couldn't be happier - bragging to all his associates. She was just happy to again get away from the farm, wanting to leave first, before he could cancel another dinner with her.
On her first day at Princeton, in her Religion and Social Theory course she met Henry McCord. She could immediately tell her was older than her; it was a graduate level course after all. But all she knew was that she felt sparks the instant their hands touched and he smiled at her. He was distractingly handsome, but it was his kind eyes that she noticed first. He'd been equally smitten with her as well. They fell for each other, hard and fast, spending every free moment together. She couldn't help but remember her mother's words, "you will only know when it happens," and she had never been more sure about anything in her life. It had happened. She was in love with Henry McCord.
2 years later, she graduated with her BA in International Relations; having earned so many credits abroad and taking summer classes to avoid going home, and Henry had earned his Masters graduating Summa Cum Laude. Right after finals, before graduation, the couple ventured by train into NYC for a night on the town to celebrate and he proposed. She immediately said yes and he slipped a stunning ring from Tiffany's he'd been saving for since he laid eyes on her on her finger.
On graduation day, they had planned to meet each other's parents for the first time. They decided to keep their engagement a secret for now, not wanting to spring the news on them in their first meeting. Henry had warned Elizabeth that his father would likely not approve of her right away, citing that he would be judgmental of her upper class upbringing. She'd warned him of the same from her father and they agreed to weather through it together; the first of many obstacles they would face in their years together. They'd been spoiled at Princeton, able to be together with no judgement from others.
That morning as Henry placed her valedictorian sash on her neck her cell phone rang. "It's my Dad." she said, furrowing an eyebrow. "Hi Dad."
"Elizabeth, sweetheart." her father began. "I am really sorry, but I can't make your ceremony this morning."
Elizabeth stayed silent and closed her eyes as she tried to prevent the tears from spilling out.
"I had an emergency meeting in the city. Maybe I can pick you up for dinner afterwards?"
"I already have plans." she managed, knowing dinner would likely get cancelled as well.
He could hear the sadness in his daughter's voice. "I'm really sorry honey. I was really looking forward to your speech, I'm so proud of you. I'll make it up to you." he apologized sincerely. "How about I pick you up in the morning and we spend the whole day together?"
Elizabeth wasn't surprised, business always came first with her father. Even though he'd been absent for a large part of her life, it still hurt. He couldn't even come to her college graduation. "No dad, that's okay. I'll just see you back at home in a couple weeks okay?" she said in a sad, quiet voice, again trying to avoid another disappointment.
"Okay." he agreed. "I love you sweetheart. Congratulations."
She flipped the phone shut without a goodbye and threw it across the room before sinking into the couch, burying her head in her hands as she sobbed. Henry was at her side instantly, rubbing her back. When the tears stopped she looked up at him and his heart broke for her. "He's not coming….I can't even believe it..actually I can, but it's my graduation day." she said, looking away, embarrassed.
Henry pulled her into his arms and she calmed in his embrace. "I'm sorry sweetheart," was all he said. After a few moments he pushed her back to look her in the eyes. "I know you wanted your dad here today, and I can't fix that. But I'll be there, today and always. I love you." he said softly, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
She nodded and leaned in to kiss him, "I love you too."
When the kiss broke he smiled at her. "I'm so proud of you. Valedictorian at Princeton in 2 years. Incredible babe."
She smiled back before looking down. "It just sucks….if my mother were still here she would….." she trailed off the tears coming again.
"Your mother is very proud of you too. She's here with you today. She's watching." Henry whispered.
She nodded again, grasping his fingers in her lap. "Henry make me a promise?" she asked, with tear filled eyes.
"Of course."
"Promise me when we have kids we won't put our jobs above them. Let's never miss a graduation, dance recital, or whatever…."
"So we're having kids now?" he joked. She giggled and gently smacked his chest. Taking a minute after the joke, he took her hands back in his and said. "I promise."
Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at the early memories of she and Henry. They were so young and in love. She still was madly in love with him even 15 years later, which is why their fight had her so lost.
She remembered graduation night fondly, it was when they had to finally come out of their safe, secure world; their college bubble. Those two years in college were almost a dream, they had to worry about nothing but their homework and each other. There were no wars going on that could affect Henry's military status, no judgements from their parents about them dating someone they didn't approve of, no outside forces trying to pull them apart. But they'd built a strong foundation, and realized even on graduation day that they would start having to face real judgements and real issues that would test them, and they'd promised each other to weather though together, no matter what.
The first storm they made it through was telling their parents about their engagement. It was that during that summer that they had started to make each other promises about their future together; and how they would shape it to be the best combination of both of their worlds. They were the perfect balance for one another. Elizabeth remembered it fondly, looking at one of the many photos of them on her desk, a photo taken on graduation day.
Later that day, after they both accepted their diplomas they celebrated with friends and posed for photos in their cap & gown, Elizabeth prepared herself to meet Henry's parents.
"Do I look okay?" she asked Henry, smoothing her black pencil dress.
"You look beautiful." he confirmed, straightening his tie and pulling on his blazer.
She fussed with her hair in the mirror for a few more seconds before touching up her lipstick, finally deciding she was ready.
Henry offered his arm as they walked to the car and held her hand as they navigated to the upscale restaurant nearby, trying to calm her nerves. His parents insisted they go out someplace nice to celebrate their graduation; their treat. When they arrived her kissed her knuckles. "They are going to to love you. Don't worry. Well, my mom will love you anyway."
She smiled. "I hope so." She hadn't told Henry but she was more nervous to meet his mother than his father. He had said only wonderful things about her, so her expectations were high. She'd missed her own mother so much, now that she was marrying Henry, she was glad she had the chance again to have a motherly presence in her life.
Henry wrapped his arm around her as they walked down the sidewalk to the italian restaurant. His parents were waiting outside and smiled at them as they made their way over.
"Mom, Dad." Henry said hugging his parents as Elizabeth looked on, smiling.
"Son, we're so proud of you." his mother said after their hug ended.
"Thanks." he said, turning to his fiancee, "I'd like you both to meet Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled brightly as she shook his father's hand, "Elizabeth, I'm Pat, nice to meet you."
"It's so nice to meet you both." she beamed. "Henry has said nothing but wonderful things about you."
"We've heard nothing but wonderful things about you as well," his mother said, as she hugged her. "I'm so glad to finally meet you in person. Please, call me Jane."
"Well, shall we?" Henry asked, motioning to the door. His parents nodded and stepped in front of them to enter the restaurant as Henry held the door for everyone. Henry winked at Elizabeth, stepping in right after her, his hand guiding her on the small of her back.
They were seated at a large booth, each couple taking one side. Henry was glad they were in the booth, so he could keep his arm around his fiancee.
After ordering drinks, Elizabeth silently thanked her lucky stars she'd turned 21 three weeks ago. His parents didn't quite realize how much younger she was than her son, and she knew for sure that would be an awkward first conversation.
"Elizabeth, Henry tells us you were valedictorian of your class. That's fantastic, your father must be so proud." Jane said, remembering Henry had told her her mother passed away when she was young.
Elizabeth forced a smile, choosing to leave her earlier interaction with her father out. "He is. But I think over the years he's come to expect me to have that distinction."
"Mom, Elizabeth was valedictorian in high school too." Henry added.
"What high school?" Pat asked
"Houghton Hall." she replied as casually as she could
"Where is that? In New Jersey?" her father pushed.
Henry patted her knee in attempt to calm her growing nervousness. She hated telling others about boarding school. It seemed like bragging and was not one to do so. "It's in London. It's a boarding school." she finished, leaving out the 'very prestigious, where all the world leaders send their children' part.
"Wow, that's very impressive...top of your class at Princeton and abroad. How on earth do you have time to date?" Jane joked
"Well it helped that we had some of the same classes." Elizabeth smiled, looking at Henry, her nerves only visible to him.
"Mom, remember I told you I met Elizabeth on her first day?" Henry chimed in, trying to help her out. He knew she was trying to be humble about her education and it sometimes made her uncomfortable to talk about, so he tried his best to change the subject.
"Oh that's right. Wait, that was 2 years ago, right? How on earth did you graduate in just two years my dear?" Jane asked. "You must be a genius."
Elizabeth laughed. "Not even close. I took summer classes. This will be my first summer off actually."
"Then enjoy it, you deserve a break. Have you thought about grad school?" Jane asked
"Yes, but I'm not sure where I'm going to go yet."
"She's waiting to find out where I'm stationed, so she can pick a school nearby." Henry piped in.
Jane and Patrick looked at one another. "So you two are pretty serious then?" his father asked, taking a sip of his whiskey.
Henry and Elizabeth looked at one another and nodded, Elizabeth was unsure how to answer the question so she let Henry speak. "Yes. Very serious dad. I love Elizabeth so much, I can't even tell you." he said before planting a quick kiss to her lips.
"You love him too, Elizabeth?" Pat pressed, clearly not 100% sold that his son was in love. Pat wasn't a believer in true love.
Jane gently pushed her husband's arm. "Pat, what are you blind. I can tell how much in love they are just by looking at them."
"Very much so, yes." Elizabeth spoke at the same time, blushing when Jane finished speaking.
In between bites of her shrimp fettuccine, Elizabeth decided to ask a few questions, wanting the pressure off her, and it would show her interest in them. She was excellent in these type of situations; again one of the many tactics she learned from her father's business dealings.
"So Pat, Henry tells me are a manager at a steel factory. You must be very handy, I'm sure that's where Henry gets it from."
Pat was surprised that Elizabeth had asked about his job, he was impressed. "Yes, I've been working there almost 28 years. It's certainly taught me a thing or two about fixing things."
"And Jane, Henry tells me you are a nurse. That must be very rewarding." she prompted
"It is. It's difficult to be comforting, yet stay detached. I work primarily with cancer patients. And for all recover, it seems there are just as many that don't….'
"Mom." Henry stopped her gently.
"What?" Jane asked, confused
"Henry it's fine." Elizabeth insisted.
"No..mom...Elizabeth's mother had cancer. So just…."
"Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry Elizabeth, I didn't realize -" Jane apologized.
"It's okay. Really. It was a long time ago. I don't mind talking about it sometimes." Elizabeth insisted once again.
"I'm so sorry." Jane apologized again, not for her comment, but for her loss. Elizabeth smiled her acceptance as she took another bite of her food. She successfully was able to swallow back her tears, at least initially. But Jane's kind eyes reminded her of her mother's, only a mother could look at you in that way. She instantly knew which parent Henry inherited his kind gaze from. Elizabeth quickly excused herself to the ladies room for a breather, feeling another round of tears coming.
Jane and Henry watched her go, and Henry contemplated following her, but decided it was best if she had a moment to herself. "Oh no, I hope I didn't…." Jane said quietly, feeling guilty.
"You didn't mom. With it being graduation day, I think she just misses her more today. She's okay." Henry assured his mother.
Jane nodded and paused before changing the subject. "Henry, she is just a doll," she gushed. "Isn't she Pat?"
Henry smiled at his mother's approval of Elizabeth, agreeing "She is incredible."
"You mother is right, she is very pretty. But she seems a little out of your league, don't you think Henry? Boarding school in London. Valedictorian. Are you sure she's okay on a military salary?" Pat said, being critical, as always.
Jane gave him an angry glare. "Stop."
"I knew you would judge her dad." Henry said, shaking his head. "It's not her fault her father is rich. She didn't even want to go to that boarding school, he just sent her there…" he said, defending his future wife.
"Henry, ignore your father. Elizabeth is wonderful. The way you too look at each other is just darling. You are good together."
Henry smiled at his mother's approval. "Good, I'm glad you like her. Because she's going to come home with me this summer for a couple weeks."
"Oh Henry, that will be wonderful! I can't wait to spend more time with her. Won't that be great Pat?"
"Yea, wonderful." Pat said dryly, and Jane gently punched his chest.
Elizabeth returned to the table and took hold of Henry's hand under the table and squeezed it, letting him know she was okay.
"Elizabeth, Henry was just telling us that you're planning to spend a couple weeks with us in Pittsburgh this summer. That sounds wonderful to me."
"Yes, I am very much looking forward to it. I haven't been to Pittsburgh before. Henry says there are tons of things to do."
"Pat, let's take a few days off work when Elizabeth is in town. We can all go to a Pirates game!" Jane suggested
His father shook his head in agreement, only to appease his mother.
"That would be great." Henry said.
The rest of the evening went well and the foursome soon found themselves outside the restaurant saying their goodbyes. "Thank you so much for dinner, I am really looking forward to our visit." Elizabeth said, hugging Jane goodbye.
"Us too dear." Jane said.
"Bye mom. See you in a few days," Henry hugged his mother goodbye before turning to his father. "Bye Dad." he said, shaking his father's hand.
Once his parents were out of sight, Henry pulled Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her passionately. Her hands slid up his chest as she held onto the lapels of his jacket and his wound around her waist, sliding down to rest on her hips.
Their kisses soon slowed and she pulled back. "Your parents are wonderful Henry. Especially your mom…"
Henry smiled down at her, kissing her nose. "They loved you...told you they would"
Elizabeth smiled back up at him, scrunching her nose. "I'm not sure your dad loved me."
"It doesn't matter, I love you, and I'm going to marry you whether he likes it or not." Henry promised her. "My mom will calm him down."
Elizabeth nodded into his chest and sighed, just content to be in his arms. "I can't wait to tell them about our engagement. I know my mom will be over the moon. She's always wanted a daughter. I think you two will get along very well."
Elizabeth smiled, hoping Henry was right. She knew her mother could never be replaced, but she hoped Henry's mother could be that presence in her life. "Speaking of which, can I have my ring back now?" she said, not ready to confess her hopes to Henry.
Henry reached into his pocket and pulled her ring from it's velvet box, sliding it back on her finger. "How about we go for some ice cream? Last night at Princeton….."
"Reading my mind."
AN: I hope you all like this, I really appreciate your reviews/comments as I take on their backstory! Honestly that argument just killed me; I haven't been able to continue with Madam President as much right now b/c that scene keeps playing in my mind, so I had to start writing this. I promise to get back to MP soon though!