Disclaimer: The West Wing belongs to Aaron Sorkin et al. No Copyright infringement is intended. "If Walls could talk" is the property of Celine Dion et al. No Copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: This is another Zoey story. It's a POV.
Rated: PG
By: Gem
Title: "I Didn't Ask to Become a Member"
Can you keep a secret?
These walls keep a secret that only we know but how long can we keep it?
These words are in one of my favorite songs and the mantra to one of my worst nightmares. I often wonder how long we can keep this secret. It's only a matter of time.
1993
When I was twelve my life changed. We were visiting my grandparents. I was playing in the back yard with my sister Ellie when my grandmother screamed. I didn't know it right then but that scream changed my life. Everything around us stopped when we heard that scream and I followed my sister as she ran into the house. When we walked in the back door we saw my grandparents, my uncles and my mother gathered around my father. He had passed out. I later found out that that wasn't the first time.
At twelve most people would probably think that I wouldn't know what was going on. Liz and Ellie knew, but they are older. Most people would think that I was too young to understand, but I wasn't and I knew.
2000
Mom called me at school last night to tell she cancelled her trip. Leo called her and told her that he collapsed. She told me Dad had another attack. She tried to get me to say in the dorm but I wanted to come home and be with him. He's my father, I should be there. So, now I'm here sitting by his bedside with my Mom watching him sleep. At two in the morning neither one of us can sleep. Mom tells me she has finally decided that she needs to talk to Leo. I know she's gonna let it slip. Dad always told her that he would tell him but Leo needs to know and Mom and I both know that Dad wouldn't say anything to him.
I'm relieved in a way. I have always been protective of Mom since this happened. I'm not afraid to talk to her about it. I just don't want her to have to worry about me. Finally, I'll be able to talk to Leo about it and I know he won't mind.
I'm nineteen years old. I didn't ask to be a member of this club and I still don't feel right about keeping this secret but I have to. This secret is a tough one to keep, because it eats at you. I have to keep this secret, because he's the President, my father, and I love him. Yes, I will keep this secret.
At twelve I became a member of the club. At twelve I understood. At nineteen I'm terrified. Leo is a member of the club now, I finally have a shoulder to cry on. Sure Mom is there for me but it's different. I know in my heart that this will become a harder secret to keep and this club will grow and become friendlier.
