TITLE: "Emotions in the Wind" (1/3)

AUTHOR: Cindy ()
RATING: R

CHARACTERS: Toby, Piper and Gang

DISCLAIMER: The characters used from the West Wing do not belong to me; they are the property of Aaron Sorkin.

FOLLOWS: Charity Begins at Home

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so."

"That's not fair," Piper argued.

"Well I'm sorry you feel that way but the answer is still no." Her father Toby Ziegler replied keeping his eyes situated on the hockey game. Washington had yet to score but Toby was still hopeful.

"All my friends are going," she tried again.

"Piper I already said no so please don't ask me again. Now go and get ready for bed please."

Piper stood staring at her father but she knew it was hopeless. There was no sense in arguing with him so she did as she was told and left the room to get ready for bed.

A few minutes later Toby got up and followed his daughter to her room. He turned on the small lamp that sat beside her bed on her nightstand and folded back the Barbie comforter.

Crikey the family's black Labrador was lying at the end of Piper's bed. This was common ground for Crikey, she seemed to prefer this room out of all in the house. Toby stretched over and pet the dog whose eyes closed and a look of happiness seemed to emerge from her expression.

Piper entered the room and hopped up onto her bed getting underneath the comforter that Toby now covered her with. He stood up and walked over to the bookshelf and asked, "What will it be tonight?"

"Nothing," Piper said softly.

"Why?" Toby asked surprised that she didn't want him to read her a story. A ritual they had done since they had been united.

"Because I said so," she replied flippantly.

Toby sighed, "I see. It's like that is it?"

Piper rolled over onto her side with her back facing him, "Good night."

Toby stood quietly watching this young little replica of him as she pretended to fall asleep. Finally he said, "I love you baby."

"Well I don't love you," was her response.

Toby's eyes flinched as her words hit him, "Yes you do," he tried to sound as if he wasn't affected by what she had just said to him.

"No I don't."

"Why?"

"Because I said so," she casually gave back to him. His own words had come back to bite him in the ass.

"Piper I have good reasons for saying no. I want you to know that."

"I that you're just a meanie and you don't want me to have any fun."

"That's not the truth and I think you know that…."

She didn't respond. Instead she pulled her covers over her even more so that he couldn't see her. It was times like this when he realized he was out of his depth dealing with a child. It was easier to scold an adult but even harder when it was your own flesh and blood.

"I wish mommy was here. She'd let me go."

Another sigh. CJ was always the one Piper wanted when she needed things to be seen her way. Unfortunately for the two of them CJ was out of town visiting her father with Keegan.

"Even if mommy were here she would agree with me. We have discussed this before Piper and the answer has always been the same and it's not going to change. Not unless you are with me and or mommy."

Piper threw the covers off of her and abruptly sat up, "All of the other kids will be going there and I'm going to be the only one left out."

"I am really sorry sweetie. I know you really want to go. And I promise you when mommy comes back we will all go together and make a day out of it."

Piper threw herself back against her mattress and sobbed. He just didn't understand why it was so important for her to go and be with the other children. "That won't ever happen. You are always so busy," she cried out through her tears. She sniffled a few times and then shouted, "I hate you!"

Another hit delivered below the belt. No matter how many times you heard that and very well knew it was said out of anger, the sting still had the same impact.

Toby turned off the light switch and whispered, "I love you. Good-night," before closing her bedroom door.

He used the wall on the left of her door for support as he allowed his body to slide against it until he was sitting on the floor. He leaned his head back and sat there for a few minutes to gather himself.

A small note passed through his mind as he overheard the roar coming from the television. Toronto had scored yet again leaving The Capitals shut out. The phone began to ring and Toby slowly raised his body off the floor and went into his bedroom to answer it.

It was CJ, "Hi honey. I thought I'd check in with you before you went to bed."

It was so great to hear her voice. Even though she'd only been gone for 11 hours so far, to him it felt like a year. "Hey honey how are you?" Toby asked trying to shake out his depression.

"I'm good…what's wrong?"

Toby laughed, "What makes you think anything is wrong?"

CJ thought for a second and then asked, "What'd she do now?"

Toby smiled. He glanced at the photo that was encased in a sterling silver frame on his nightstand. It was from their wedding day and it made him miss her even more.

"Nothing," Toby fibbed not wanting to rethink Piper's words.

"Ok then let me guess…it was either an 'I hate you' or an 'I don't love you'."

She amazed him with her perception. He hesitated and then finally admitted, "Actually tonight was a special night. I got both." He tried to chuckle out of his feelings.

Now it was CJ's turn to sigh, "I'm sorry honey. I know how personal you take that."

Toby gritted his teeth as he jiggled his upper torso. Who wouldn't take it personal, was all he could think of?

"If it makes you feel any better she's only 5."

"She's good at it."

CJ laughed. "How's Keegan?"

"He's asleep. I think he's got a fan base going here with all the nurses."

"That's my boy," Toby said with a grin.

"Tell me about it. Can he even lay the charm on when he wants too."

"Hey, I always lay the charm on," Toby defended.

"Yeah that you sure do babe. Listen I don't mean to cut you short but Dad is looking pretty bored here so I should get back to him."

"Give him my love."

"I will. I hate to leave you knowing this Toby. She doesn't mean it."

"I know. I'll be fine."

"You do realize that you can't keep her from the zoo for the rest of her life. Eventually she's going to find a way to get there."

"I was thinking that maybe the four of us could go when you get back."

"Really?" CJ questioned.

Toby inhaled, "Like you said, we can't keep her from it forever."

"I love you Toby."

"I love you too. Hurry home to me."

"I will."

Toby laid the receiver back in its cradle and stretched out on his back on his bed. With his right arm he felt the side where CJ should be right now. One thing he wasn't very manly about and that was being separated from his wife.

**Two**

Toby was on his fifth meeting of the morning when his stomach began showing signs of life. The knocking was becoming unbearable and he quickly estimated that this current meeting could possibly run a minimum of another hour.

Acting as if he was still paying attention to what Josh and the other party were discussing Toby quickly jotted down on his memo pad.

He clicked his pen a couple of times on the pad and when he found the opportune time, he slid it slightly to his left so that Josh could see what he had written.

Josh got the hint and pushing his chair back stood up, "Look we can do all this day. The bottom line is we'll give you the seat if you give us the Agriculture bill. Until then…," Josh paused for effect, "Have a good one."

Josh turned to Toby as he straightened his tie, "Lunch?"

Toby nodded his approval, not in a rush to speak in front of the others regarding the grumbling sounds bellowing from his mid-section.

Josh opened the double doors and with Toby right behind him started ranting and raving about what nerves these people had. "Don't they realize that we're the ones handing them a gift? I mean what are they…blind?"

Toby waved to a few people that had said hello to him in passing. This was routine for him. Strange people whose names he couldn't recall would say hi and Toby would give a quick smile and a wave as if he knew who they were and wanted to acknowledge their appearance of walking past him.

Josh kept on talking not even realizing that Toby had lost interest in the conversation before Josh had even opened his mouth. When Josh broke to the right to go to his office, Toby kept on walking towards his own.

Ginger and Bonnie were gone when Toby arrived. Probably having their lunch like normal people do at a normal hour. Toby entered his office and tossed his memo pad and file folders onto his desk.

Toby picked up the phone to place an order and as his fingers began dialing Will gave a few taps on his door. "Yeah?" Toby asked while he waited for the other line to connect.

"I've got someone in my office."

Toby looked at Will, "What a coincidence. So do I."

"Yeah but I don't who it is in mine."

"Well then I'd say luck seems to be on your side today," Toby said sarcastically. He held up his finger for silence to Will, "Hi this is Toby Ziegler, I'd like a corn beef on rye please." He listened for a few seconds and then added, "I'll go with the milk today…..thanks Louisa."

He hung up the phone and sat down. Will watched as Toby pushed himself closer to his desk. "That's it?"

Toby looked up with a quizzical expression. Will continued, "I'd like a corn beef on rye with a milk and your order is done? That took all of what? Ten seconds."

"This is almost as exciting as a stranger being in your office. Can I actually help you with something Will?"

"Whenever I order it takes me ten minutes just to get her to understand that I'm in the same building," Will cried out, clearly upset.

"What can I say? I'm a likeable guy," Toby smirked and pulled papers together waiting for Will to leave.

When that didn't happen he asked, "If you're hoping I'm going to share my corn beef I'm sorry to disappoint you but it's not going to happen."

"What? Oh no. I came in here because there is someone in my office."

"So you've mentioned."

"He says he's here to see you."

"For me?" Toby replied a little shocked. He quickly punched up his calendar on his laptop. He had nothing scheduled for another hour and that was a Senior Staff Meeting.

Toby shrugged his shoulders, "I don't have anyone set up for this afternoon. Did he say who he was?"

"He wouldn't tell me. When I went into my office he was just sitting there and he asked me if I was Toby. When I told him no he simply said 'go get him'."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that," Will repeated.

Suddenly Toby was annoyed. Not only did he dislike it when strange people got access to him, but he disliked it even more when they were rude before he even got a chance to meet them. He got up and motioned for Will to go ahead of him.

Toby stepped inside Will's office, "I'm Toby Ziegler," he said not trying to make an impression.

The stranger didn't stand up nor did he offer either his hand nor name, "I need to speak with you."

"Did we have an appointment?" Toby asked knowing full well that they didn't.

"I didn't think I needed one."

Toby gave a chuckle, "And why is that?"

"I'm family," the man responded.

"You're family?"

"That's correct."

"Then why is it I've never met you before in my life?"

"Because I just recently found out who you were. And I have to say I'm impressed with your position here at the White House."

"That's great however I don't recall asking. I will ask you this though," Toby placed his right arm against his chest, while his left hand cradled his chin. "Who are you?"

"I told you. I'm family."

"Okay let's try it this way. How about you tell me your name in the next five seconds or I'll have security through you out?"

The man stood up and looked right into Toby's eyes. He knew right away that this Ziegler guy wasn't one to fool around. He liked that.

"Christian Affleck."

Toby shrugged, "I've never heard of you before."

"I bet you've heard of my sister though," the man said with a cocky tone.

"And who is your sister?" Toby said now standing akimbo. His patience running very thin and his stomach in overdrive.

"Tobi's mother."

"Tobi's mother?" Toby repeated not understanding the connection. He glanced over at Will for help but he had none to offer.

A few seconds later before his eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head Toby realized the connection. He was the brother of Piper's mother, making him Piper's uncle…..and family.

**Three**

"So what is it you want exactly Mr. Affleck?"

They were both now sitting in Toby's office. Christian on the couch while Toby was behind his desk. Here at least he felt as if he might have a bit more power, or if anything maybe some intimidation. Right about now he was sort of hoping for both.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Yes you do. Please don't mistake me for an idiot because I can guarantee you that I am not."

"Listen I'm not here to cause trouble-"

Toby cut him off asking, "Then why are you here?"

Christian flung his hands out palms up as if to say 'what do you think?' "I just learned that not only did my little sister die but that she left behind a child, a daughter….MY niece," he said with emphasis.

"You just found this out now?" Toby asked confused.

"About a month ago."

"You've known for a month that your sister died and left behind MY daughter and you're coming to me now?"

"Well it took me awhile to track you down. I guess you can say I'm not a follower of politics."

"Cindy's been gone for over two years."

"Yeah," he said sadly. "I wish I had known at the time. I would have tried my best to help her."

"Why weren't you?"

"Pardon?"

"I asked why you weren't there? I mean since we're family and all I find no reason why you can't share with me your whereabouts for the past two years."

"I was living up in Canada."

I pursed my lips together, "Canada's a lovely country."

"Yes it is," he agreed. "But it's cold there too," he said smiling.

"It's cold here too."

"I know how this must look."

"You do do you?"

"But she was my little sister."

"Yes you mentioned that. So why is it you didn't know your little sister had a child over five years ago and then died 3 years later?"

"We sort of had a falling out."

"I'm going to need more than that," Toby replied curtly.

"I didn't approve of her lifestyle I guess you could say. Well not just me but my mother as well. Cindy didn't like what we said and she took off. Started a life somewhere else never to be heard from again."

"When was this?"

Christian took a deep breath as he scoured his mind for dates, "May of '94 give or take."

"Ten years," Toby said as he quickly counted the time difference. "That's a long time."

"Too long Mr. Ziegler."

"Call me Toby," he instructed Christian.

"Okay Toby."

"So how did you find out about my daughter and I?"

"When I got back from Canada I ran into an old friend of Cindy's. She informed me that Cindy was living in New Hampshire. So I figured I'd track her down and put the past behind us. Start fresh. Nadia, Cindy's friend told me where Cindy had been working. So I went there. They told me she quit but gave me an address for her last place of residence."

"I left a note on the door for her to call me. When I didn't hear back after a day I went back again and found my note still on her door. A neighbour came out and it was then that I learned about her death and about her having a baby. And now here I am."

"You must have spoken with Mrs. Bachui. She was Cindy's neighbour."

"I guess so. I don't really know to be honest with you. I told her who I was and she told me what I just told you. I spent a couple of weeks trying to track you down and then hopped on a plane to come here."

"I thought you said a month?"

"What?"

"I thought you said you just found out a month ago?"

Christian gave a nervous laugh, "3 weeks, 4 weeks. What does it matter?"

"Because Asshole," was what Toby wanted to scream at the top of his lungs. He didn't like this guy and he definitely didn't trust him.

"I'd like to meet my niece," Christian stated sitting up more in his seat. His confidence level raising.

Toby eyed him for a brief moment, "Well I am sure one day we can arrange that however-"

"Not one day Toby. I'd like to see her now. Today."

"However," Toby repeated pissed off at being interrupted. "Right now is not a good time."

"And why is that?" Christian asked with a smug expression that Toby wanted so badly to reach over and wipe off.

"Because she's in school. And then we have plans."

"What school?"

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you that."

"I'm her Uncle!"

"Well I'm her father. And as her father I am choosing to keep that information private until I can confirm what it is you have been sitting here," Toby pulled out his wrist to read his watch. "For the past 45 minutes telling me. I'm sure you understand," Toby said trying to sound friendly.

"Okay then how about we meet up tomorrow? It's Saturday, so she'll be free from school. Just give me your home number and I'll give you a shout before I drop by," Christian said as he rose from his seat.

Toby did the same, "How about you leave me your number and I will contact you when it's an appropriate time."

Christian hesitated and then finally flashed a phony smile, "Sounds good to me Toby." He jotted down a number on one of Toby's business cards and handed it to Toby after placing the pen back into its holder.

"I look forward to hearing from you Toby," Christian said as he offered his hand to Toby to shake. "It was a pleasure to finally meet you."

"A pleasure," Toby repeated. When Christian was out of his office Toby mumbled, "That's not the word I'd have used."