Just Like Him
Sam and Mallory
These characters and The West Wing belongs to Aaron Sorkin and Warner Bros. I'm not gaining any profit from these stories. This is for John Spencer.
Sam sat in the pew next to his wife, holding her hand while listening to the President give a bittersweet speech. He could see the front where CJ briskly wiped her cheek as if she did not to be caught crying. Next to CJ was Toby, who managed to sneak in, then Josh and Donna. The couple held hands to silently support one another. Sam thought Josh was about to throw up, and he probably would have if it was not for Donna and her companionship. Across the isle from the former senior staff were Mallory and her family with Jenny.
Sam had not seen Mallory in a couple of years. He had heard from some of his old friends in Washington that she had gotten married and recently had a baby. He thought she looked good, although he could not see her red eyes and runny nose.
When the preacher asked everyone to stand to sing a hymn, Sam was brought back to the reality of the sorrowful tone. He stood, but at the same time looked around the cathedral. He was amazed at the number of people in attendance. How everyone was there to show their love for one great man.
The service had ended and people were slowly spilling out of the cathedral. In the December weather, some stopped on the steps to talk with one another about the service and the man it was for.
"Sam Seaborn, thank you for coming," greeted Mallory as she approached Sam from the behind.
He turned around then reached out his arms to give his old crush a hug. He had been looking for her and glad she found him. When they parted, he said, "You look great. How long has it been?"
Mallory bit her lip. "Too long."
Sam bowed his head then looked back into her eyes before speaking, "Your father was a great man. He taught me a lot and I'll miss him."
She nodded her head. "Thank you, Sam."
He had wanted to see Mallory, but now their situation became awkward. "Congratulations on your marriage and baby," he told Mallory.
Mallory tried to give her best smile. "Thank you. And I heard you got married as well."
"I did. Her name is Sara. She's around here somewhere."
"Yeah." Then Mallory gave a light laugh, causing Sam to look at her with curiosity. "I was thinking of that time when my father made you work on a birthday card so you couldn't go to the opera with me."
Sam smiled, probably for the first time since he had heard of his mentor's death. "Well, that birthday message was important and I really don't think I missed out on much. It was just an opera," he lightly joked.
"Yes, but it would also have been a very nice date," said Mallory.
"It would of," agreed Sam. "How much grief did your father give your husband?"
"A lot less than you." Mallory paused, "but he liked you more."
"Your father was something. He was honest, witty, intelligent, understanding... No one... no one will ever be like him." Mallory nodded her head. "If I'm even half the man he was, I'll be satisfied."
"Remember the same night as the opera? When I said you were just like him?"
"Yeah, and it was the greatest compliment anyone could have given me."
"And it's true. You are, Sam. You are him."
In memory of Leo and John Spencer.
I hope everyone can be just like you.