Satan. His sight had not improved and Mara had simply tossed him the dish cloth and told him to wipe up the milk he spilled all over the counter as she sipped on her orange juice a mere ten minutes ago. Yet today was the day he took control of his life again. In half an hour Sam was expected in the Roosevelt room. Leo wouldn't expand upon the summons but he'd persuaded Donna to spill the beans. She informed Sam, in hushed tones with an accompanying death threat,
if he ever revealed she was his source, that the meeting was about his return to work. It was a planning session to facilitate his return to work on Valentines Day that was just two short weeks away. If all went well his second cast would be off the first week in March.
Sam was grateful that Mara had been forced to find a cater for her Valentines Ball. The mansion was not filled with delectable foods he wasn't allowed to touch. Mara had finally signed off on the menu the night before and was giving a preview to most of the senior staff that night. The State of the Union had gone well but Abbey was seething and no one really knew why. Josh had informed
him that the President had been in a foul mood ever since. Sam was very happy that he didn't have to go near a seething Abbey. Margaret was standing outside waiting for Sam and looped her arm through his to informally guide him inside.
"Sam, where is your cane?"
"Relax Margaret, I'm only going to be here for an hour or so and I'll be sitting down for most of that time."
"If Dr. Bartlett catches you...well I'm glad I'm not you."
"Any idea why she's so mad?"
"No, I just know that she summoned Leo and he came back in a bad mood, so I assume she yelled at him."
"You have no idea how happy I am that she really likes me."
"She really likes Leo, Sam." Margaret snickered.
Sam caught a whiff of Yves Rocher's Muget des Bois perfume and knew that it couldn't be Mara so Donna had to be near.
"Donna?"
"Hey Sam, how are you feeling today? When I called last night Mara said she'd drugged you and sent you off to bed."
"Yeah, I'm still sore since Melissa put me through a grueling double rehab session yesterday. I swear she gets off on inflicting pain."
"I don't get off on it, but it does make me hot." C. J whispered into Sam's ear causing him to blush deeply.
"Ceeg!"
"Oh Sam, it's so much fun to fluster you." C. J laughed. "Margaret, I'll take it from here."
"Kay." Margaret replied and went to find her assigned spot in the room.
"Nervous Spanky?"
"No, I belong here. I should have my head examined but I miss it."
"We missed you too Sam." Jed said from behind.
"Thank you, Sir."
Sam heard everyone rise to their feet as the President walked in the room. C. J steered him to the left side of the table, two seats down from the top and sat to his right. Josh came rushing in to the room.
"Sorry I'm late. Hey Sam."
"Joshua, we know you got a watch for Hanukah so that begs the question...Can you tell the time?"
"Yes, Mr. President I can tell the time. Unfortunately, Senator Russell didn't want to let me off the phone and I figured you'd kick my butt if I told the old windbag to shut the hell up."
Leo smirked at Josh and cleared his throat. "Sam, before we start I'd like to acknowledge all the hard work Margaret and Donna did to facilitate your return. They alone are pretty much responsible for everything. All I had to do was approve all their suggestions and purchase orders."
"Purchase orders?" Sam asked.
"Yes, Sam, we spent quite the small bundle on making your office fully functional for your vision impairment." Leo answered.
"Sam, we've assigned regular seating in the Roosevelt room so you always know where we are. Donna can walk you thorough all the gadgets in your office and Margaret will show you how your typing programs work and give each of us a tutorial on how to use the typing decipher program. Now we need to discuss how you are going to get around the west wing."
"Well Sir, as Mara so sweetly pointed out, disaster would ensue if you gave me a white cane to wave around anywhere. I think it's a little too early to get a guide dog. Since Mar, only shows up for work around nine, I'll have use of her driver to get here in the morning. I was thinking I could just call in when I was a minute or two away and someone could meet me in the lobby."
"Since I'm always the first in, call me Sam." Ginger said.
"Kay, will you meet me with coffee?"
"If I remember, I will."
"Donna..." Josh started.
"Yeah right, like that will ever happen." Donna muttered.
"Sam, do you want me to make any announcement?" C.J asked
"No, I rather tell people when they ask."
"Then I think we have everything covered. Sam I'll walk you out." Jed stated.
Jed waited for everyone to clear the room before he started. "Sam, would you want to get in on some international policy issues?"
"Really? I'd love to Sir."
"I was hoping you'd say that. I've taken the liberty of asking Nancy to come up with a few scenarios for you to listen to and have you make some recommendations. Then Nancy will go over your answers and give you some constructive criticism."
"Cool, can I run this by Mara?"
"Sure, but only after you've made up your mind. Odds are Mara will get it perfect so don't let your ego be deflated."
"Sir, you told me once that Mara would always remind me that she is infinitely more intelligent than I. Let's just say that my ego doesn't even flinch anymore."
"Good for you, Sam. Tell Mara I say hello."
"I will Sir. I believe we are joining you at Church on Sunday."
"Then, I guess I'll see you both then."
"Mr. President. The British Prime Minister is on the phone for you." Charlie said as he approached them.
"Thanks Charlie, I'll just see Sam out and I'll be right there."
"Sir go. I'm sure Charlie wouldn't mind helping me out."
"Thanks Sam."
"So Sam, where to?"
"My office, I want to see what gadgets are in there."
"Then give me your elbow and we're off."
Charlie noticed that Sam counted the steps to his office and wondered how that would help given the fact that people were always milling about in the hall. There was a living hazard at every corner.
"Hey Sam, can't wait for you to get back. You give orders not bark them like..."
"Mr. Happy? Thanks Ed, I can't wait to get back into the game. Just don't leave me any screw ups to fix and I'll be happy."
"I'll try my best to control Larry." Ed chuckled. "See ya."
"See ya." Sam replied.
"Sight references don't bug you, Sam?" Charlie asked.
"Nah, I've been saying see ya for years. It's second nature to me so why should it bug me. Now on the other hand, depending on the tone, I don't think hearing: What are you blind would bring a smile to my face."
"That's understandable. Think you could send Donna home with some of tonight's dinner? Deanna wants me to go to her basketball game and I promised her I would."
"Sure Charlie, I'll get Mara to put a serving away for you."
"Thanks, I'll go find Donna to show you how this all works."
Sam made his way in to his office. He knew exactly how many steps would take him to the edge of his desk and he slowly maneuvered his way behind the desk. His arm hit the back of his chair and he spun it towards him and sat down. The faint scent of Muget des Bois perfume lingered in his office then it got stronger.
Donna stood silently at the door watching Sam run his hand along his desk. She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face seeing him back where he belonged. They had all missed him, especially Ginger and Bonnie. They all thought Kathy's timing was rather insensitive but Sam simply thanked her for being his assistant and wished her well in Denver. Donna couldn't understand why Kathy wanted to leave the White House to work for the Dean of Students, it
wasn't as if she worked for Josh. Month after month, they'd voted Sam as the best boss to work for and Kathy had always agreed.
"Donna, are you going to stand there all day?" Sam asked softly.
"Sorry, just admiring the view."
"Not going to say it, it's just too easy." Sam chuckled.
"Oh shut up! You know darn well what I mean. Did Toby tell you that Ginger notified him that she worked for you now?"
"Umm no. I guess sharing his assistants didn't bug Toby. I adore Bonnie but I get along better with Ginger, while Toby and Bonnie fall into this natural work rhythm. I think it annoys Toby that Ginger and I have to have fun while we work."
"Yeah he calls you the chatty Cathy's of the West Wing."
"Only Toby would have a problem with communication in Communications. So tell me about these gadgets."
Forty minutes later Donna had shown and tested Sam on everything and helped him arrange his desk so he could work the most efficiently. He was bringing the voice activated typing program home to practice with it. He was wondering how he was going to get home when Ginger knocked on the door jam.
"Yeah?"
"I seem to have an extra Swiss chocolate coffee on my hands. Do you know anyone who would like to drink it?"
"Thanks Ginger, not just for the coffee, but all your hard work and your friendship."
"You are very welcome Sam. I missed my big brother until I started working with you."
"I'm taking that as a compliment. If it's not meant to be one, I don't want to hear it. Are you dining with us tonight?"
"No, your other half gave Margaret, Bonnie and I her box seats at Kennedy for Riverdance tonight."
"I thought that was next week. Well, have fun. Would you mind calling Mara for me and ask her to send the car for me."
"Never mind Ginger. Sam, I'm almost heading in your direction I'll drop you off."
"Thanks Toby."
Toby didn't say much during most the drive. When they were about five minutes away from the mansion when he finally spoke.
"Oh by the way, I won't be able to make dinner tonight."
"What you have a hot date or something?" Sam teased.
Toby debated his answer for a second before speaking," As a matter of fact I do."
"Andi doesn't count."
"It's not her."
"Does this mystery woman have a name."
"Yes, she does."
"Well are you going to tell me it or not?" Sam sighed.
"Mandy's coming to town, she's got an interview with a writer in the morning."
"Ah, Cheryl's sister right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, have a good time."
"I intend to. I can't wait for you to get back and start doing your job again."
"Did Ginger tell you how much I liked having her sharpie you out?"
"Yes, she said you were like a kid in the candy store. I look forward to reminding you that you can't write Sam."
Sam smiled, knowing that was as close as Toby was going to get to I've missed you and need you. Toby parked the car outside the gate and got out of the car to help Sam out.
"Toby where did I hit my head?"
"I don't know Sam, why do you want to know?"
"I ... If I knew then I could take out my frustrations on the spot and curse it out."
"Oh yeah,that's constructive. You should try throwing things, it works well for Mara and I.
"Toby I'd have to see where I was aiming an object."
"Forgot about that."
"I forget all the time. I still wake up every morning expecting to see."
"How do you handle that Sam?"
"Some days I hug Mara a little closer or just sigh in disappointment, other days I curse my luck, on bad days I cry silent tears. It helps that Mara is still fast asleep."
"I'm sorry Sam." Toby replied as he helped Sam up the stairs.
"Nothing you can do about it but thanks. Have fun tonight tell Mandy we say hello."
"Will do. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
*********************
Josh heard the Bare Naked Ladies blaring as soon as he stepped out of the elevator on to the sixth floor. He noticed a few people moving to the music and wondered how on earth anyone got any work done in the noise. He stopped at Leslie's desk that literally and figuratively controlled the entrance in to Mara's office.
"Hey Leslie, I take it she's in."
"Yeah, go on in."
Josh opened the door and found Mara at her desk pouring over an enormous volume of briefings. For the first time in ages, she actually looked her age. His mother once told him that Washington immediately adds ten years to you and Josh had just fully understood her. Mara looked tired, slightly depressed and as if the weight of the entire world was on her shoulders. He was sure today was one of those days that she hated her job. A day that drove one to write that letter
of resignation and print it up before thoughts of the greater good reluctantly made you pitch it out.
"So is it time to go look for a bunker?" Josh asked to announce his presence.
"Maybe." Mara answered, her mind still on what she was reading.
The tone of her voice alone made Josh shiver. He was always glad that Leo left the domestic to him and took on the international himself. Sometimes, Josh didn't even want to know what was going on but he had to have an idea. Mara finished the page she was reading and looked up at Josh.
"Sorry, I'm generally not in a good mood when I'm dealing with the threat of World War three."
"Enough said. I need your opinion."
"A new suit would help." Mara teased.
"Hey! Do you think Donna would enjoy a moonlight walk or a carriage ride after your Gala?"
"The carriage would draw attention so I vote for the walk. So you are really going to open your heart to her? Do you know what you're going to say yet?"
"I'm struggling since Sam won't share any words with me."
"Well, my advice is to keep it simple, stupid. Donna, I love you, should do the trick."
"You may be right, the less I say the better."
"I've been saying that for years." Mara laughed.
"Well, I'm out of here. Dinner is at seven?" Josh asked, not giving Mara the satisfaction of acknowledging her teasing.
"Yeah."
Josh was on his way out when his eye caught a bright pink object on Mara's shelf. He walked over and picked up the bottle of bubbles and smiled. He placed it on top of Mara's briefing book.
"Take a bubble break soon."
"I will. See ya later."
Josh was just pulling away from 500 Pennsylvania Avenue when a bubble floated by his car. He laughed and made a detour to Toys R Us. They could all use some bubble therapy.
******************************
Mara looked slightly frazzled when Josh, Donna and C. J walked in the house. She waved a quick hello and went back to her muttering in the kitchen.
Sam mouthed don't ask and suggested to Josh that they go find some wine for dinner. Donna and C. J looked at each other and ventured in to the kitchen.
"Need any help?"
"Now I know why Cheryl hated it when I accepted appointments. I'm date and time dyslexic."
"What did you do?"
"I thought Marie Claire was sending someone over to interview me the fourth at one. Turns out it was today at four. I was out on the patio blowing bubbles again, when Leslie told me the photographer had already taken a few shots. So don't be surprised if I'm dubbed Ambassador Leather."
"You look great Mara. Don't worry about it. I'm sure you came off as witty, intelligent and vastly superior."
"Thanks Donna."
"Mara how many rounds of bubbles did you do today?" C.J asked
"Four."
"Ouch, that's a bad day, I'm sorry. I bet they dub you Miss Bubble."
"Thanks ever so Ceeg, I love you too." Mara replied sarcastically
"So where is the food?" Josh asked as he entered the living room.
"I got out of work later than I wanted too so dinner is going to be a little late. Give me about two minutes and you can start on the hors d'oeuvres."
Mara came out with lobster tails, smoked salmon and her favourite bacon wrapped water chestnuts. Dinner was heart shaped ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta with a wild mushroom sauce. They were just sitting down for dessert when the doorbell rang. Mara grabbed it and found Abbey and two Secret Service agents on her front stoop.
"My husband is a jackass. May I come in?"
"Of course Abbey. You're just in time for dessert."
Abbey dropped an overnight bag at the door and headed straight for the wine cellar returning with a bottle of her favourite white wine. She sat down beside Sam and patted his hand gently.
"Samuel, I adore you, but if you ever break a promise you made to Mara, I'll beat the crap out of you."
"Yes Ma'am."
"So what's for dessert Bu?" Josh asked to change the subject.
"It's cherry sorbet topping a chocolate brownie sitting on raspberry coulis."
"My mouth is watering already. I'll help you, Mara." Abbey almost ordered.
Mara waited until the were in the kitchen and pulled Abbey to the far edge of the room.
"Kay, what's up Doc?"
"I simply could not stand being with my husband for another second. The guard dogs wouldn't let me kill him so I left."
"Abbey, you've been ballistic since the State of the Union. I was sitting beside you so I know this is more than Jed burying your issues. It sucks, I know, but they had to make it clear that Jed had no intention of being a one term...... Oh my God, he promised you just one term didn't he?"
The look of betrayal on Abbey's face said it all. "I'm sorry Abbey."
"We had a deal Mara. Obviously, the deals we brokered don't matter much to Jed. I told him, I was seriously considering ending my marriage promise before I walked out the door."
"Oh Abbey."
"When did I stop being a person Mara? I didn't say anything when I lost my degree. Someone decided Mrs. Bartlet was better than Doctor Bartlet. Did I get a say in the matter? Lily slinks in to my office to tell me I should really go change before our stop in a kindergarten class. Heaven forbid that I wear jeans and a sweater to go play in the mud with a bunch of kids. A blue linen suit
apparently goes with mud. Did you know I was reprimanded for having that water fight with you and Donna in Nassau?"
"What? You were just having a little fun!"
"It was inappropriate fun for a First Lady."
"Oh give me a break! My guest room is yours for as long as you want it."
"Thank you, Sweetie. I guess we better bring dessert out before C. J comes in looking for it."
"Too late, I'm already on a search and devour mission." C. J said from the kitchen door.
In a matter of minutes the plates were served and conversation ceased as everyone became interested in the blend of slightly tart sorbet with rich chocolate brownies. Mara looked over at Abbey who was doing a fine acting job, but Mara could tell she was in pain. C. J also knew something was up and swung into action shortly after dessert.
"Thank you for dinner, Mara. I'm sure this food is going to be a great hit at the Gala. I know you miss having Abbey near by so we'll be leaving you to bond. I'll drop you off at home Donna."
"Dinner was great, thanks for having us Sam and Mara." Donna chimed in
"Yeah thanks for the grub. I'll call you tomorrow Sam." Josh added.
"Kay, night." Sam walked over to the door and said good night once more before giving Rick the home for the night sign and locking the door.
"Mar, I'm going to take my shower."
"Kay, you need any help?"
"Just make sure the water temperature is set for me."
"Sure give me a minute. Abbey, get ready for bed. I'll be right back."
Mara ran up the stairs, checked the shower for Sam, changed into her silk pajamas and engaged her fiancee in a few kisses before warning him she'd probably get to bed very late. Abbey was just leaving the guest bedroom when Mara walked by and told her to stay put.
She returned ten minutes later with two steaming mugs of Bailey's infused hot chocolate and a plate full of brownies. Abbey accepted her mug and sipped on it in silence. It felt strange at first but Abbey let Mara mother her. She couldn't even recall the last time someone took care of her for a change. It felt wonderful and indulgent and Abbey didn't say no to more hot chocolate.
When Mara came back with the filled mugs and Tedzy bear Abbey had to laugh. Mara plopped him in her lap mentioning that beyond being cuddly as hell he was a great listener.
"You know Mara, you better be careful. I may never want to leave."
"That's fine by me. I've got at least 18 years of mothering owed to me. I really don't think Sam would mind either. He adores you."
"The feeling is mutual. I think I'm going to spend some time up at the farmhouse. Will you both come up and visit me?"
"I will and I'm sure Sam can manage to get atleast one weekend off."
They continued talking well in to the morning. Sam woke up and noticed that Mara was not in bed. He hit his new alarm clock that told him it was 4:12am. He went in search of Mara, never thinking that he'd actually be unable to see her. He carefully made his way to the guest bedroom and stopped at the door. The fact that he could see forms didn't register with him until he kneeled down and gently woke up Mara.
"Hey. Guess I dozed off."
"Come to bed. I have something to tell you."
Mara gently got out of bed and turned off the bedside lamp. Without the light Sam couldn't make anything out. He let Mara guide him back into their room and waited until he heard Mara climb in to bed.
"Do me a favour Mar, put on your lamp."
Mara put her lamp on and sighed. "Oh Sweetie, what did you hurt this time?"
Sam rolled his eyes and concentrated. A huge smile light up Sam's face when he could see Mara's shadow again. "Something is happening with my sight. I can see shadows now."
"Really?" Mara squealed with delight, springing off the bed to give Sam a big hug.
"Uhuh, I walked in to the guest room and could see two figures on the bed. W hen I knelt down it registered and I knew it was you because your leg was extended over the edge of the bed."
Mara flicked on the room light and stood infront of Sam. "What about now?"
"It's much harder to see you."
"I guess the fact that the lighting in the West Wing is woefully lacking is finally a good thing."
"Ha, very funny."
"I think you should go see your doctor in the morning."
"I intend to."
Mara looked in to Sam's eyes and the sparkle was almost back. It broke her heart when Sam's eyes were cold and lifeless. It didn't take Sam long to regain his sense of humour and quick wit but Mara always knew he was working at it. She wanted Sam's playful side back. She also didn't want to get too excited just in case the improvement was only temporary.
"I'm so tired Baby, let's get back to bed."
Sam was in the mood to celebrate but Mara obviously wasn't. He was a little disappointed with her reaction. The initial hug was great but she certainly curbed her enthusiasm fast enough. Any improvement was a milestone to him and Mara didn't seem to understand that. He heard the bed squeak and sighed.
"Saaaam, Abbey has Tedzy and I need you for cuddling."
"Right Mara, it's all about you I forgot for a moment."
If Mara caught the fed up edge to Sam's voice she ignored it. She just pulled back the comforter for Sam and waited for him to get comfortable before wrapping her arms around him, using his chest as her pillow.
Sam had to pry Mara off of him in the morning. He threw his robe on and made his way down to the kitchen for some coffee. He was surprised Killer wasn't dashing down the hallway for breakfast. He was at the bottom of the stairs when he heard her. Sam never knew Abbey could sing and she sounded great, quietly singing Fly me to the Moon. He heard Killer meow and laughed.
"I'm afraid Killer doesn't appreciate your talent Abbey. You're good."
Abbey laughed, "Sam, you do wonders for my ego. I should take you with me every where."
"I'm game. Can we go somewhere far, far, away? Preferably somewhere where Mara can't find us?"
"Oh Sam, what's wrong?"
"I need coffee first."
Sam poured himself a large mug, added milk and sat down. Abbey waited until he had swallowed a sufficient amount of cafeinne before resuming their conversation.
"So shall I drag it out of you?"
"I went to find Mara at 4:12 this morning. It didn't occur to me that looking for her wouldn't work since I couldn't see. Anyway, I passed the guest room you are staying in and the bed side lamp was still on and I could see the outline of two figures. I knew Mara was closer to the door because there was a leg extended past the bed. I.."
"Sam, don't move."
Abbey played with the dimmer switch in the kitchen lowering the lights and turned around. Sam smiled, he could see the outline of the coffee maker on the island, a big rectangular box against the wall that he knew was the fridge and Abbey standing just to his right with her hands on her hip.
"You know Mara rests her hands on her hips when she's thinking of something to say too."
"Sam, that's wonderful! You must be thrilled."
"Yeah, I'm going to make an appointment to see my doctor today."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
"I wanted Mara to go with me but she cared more about going back to sleep. Would it have killed her to show a little enthusiasm?"
"Sam, I agree Mara, probably could have handled the situation better but I think there is something you need to remember. When you were in the hospital the slightest improvement sent Mara soaring. Then Josh would step in and tell her not to get her hopes up. Think about how she must have felt every time Josh told her not to read too much into it. Sam, can you blame her for curbing her enthusiasm?"
"I guess not."
"I'll make you breakfast Sam, what do you want?"
"Eggs are fine, thanks."
"Sam, why don't you call Mara once you get an appointment and ask her to meet you?"
"I'll think about it. Do you want some coffee? I've perfected the art of pouring blind."
"Sam, why do I suddenly feel sorry for your hands?"
"It's one of the things they taught me in my classes. Mara won't let me touch a knife, but in class I chop vegetables all the time."
"Mesh glove Sam?"
"Only when we are using really sharp knives. I'll make the toast and show you how to cut it."
"Deal and I'll take a coffee too."
Sam demonstrated his culinary skills and felt more positive and hopeful by the time Abbey offered him a ride to therapy and a promise to be at his doctor's appointment if Mara couldn't go.
He managed to get a 3 PM appointment and didn't have time to call Mara before his first class began. When they broke for lunch Leslie informed Sam that she had a lunch appointment and two meetings. She was going to check if she had her cell when Sam told her to never mind. Sam understood why she might be cautious but he couldn't help still being a little angry with Mara.
******************************
Mara's lunch consisted of a hot dog from a vendor while scouring jewelry stores with Josh. He had decided that since they'd have to keep their relationship a secret especially at work that he wanted to give Donna something she could always wear.
"So Josh, tell me again what this bauble is supposed to say?"
"I'm hopelessly and utterly devoted to Josh."
"Please Josh, I'm going to lose my lunch. By the way, you have to stop these lunch time visits to me. If Leslie starts teasing me about nooners with my finance's best friend you are dead."
"Now I'm going to lose my lunch. What do I want it to say? Hmm......Donna, I wish I could kiss you and pronounce my undying love and devotion to you."
"Ah, Josh that's so sweet. I'm afraid you can't afford what Donna deserves but let's find something that she'll love more than the Hope diamond. Oh by the way, if Sam ever asks, I'll take the Hope diamond."
After an hour and half, neither of them could find anything that fit Josh's price range or would bring Donna to tears. Mara sent Josh back to work with the promise if all else failed, she'd let Josh go shopping in her own Jewelry collection and headed back to the Embassy. She tugged at her ponytail and the elastic broke. Mara ducked into an accessory store two blocks from the Embassy, grabbed a plastic card of ponytail holders and went straight to the cash. She was stuffing the extra ponytail holders in to her purse muttering about ugly American money when her eye caught a bag of shiny circular objects being unpacked on the counter. When Mara examined them inspiration struck and she bought one of every colour. She called Josh right away and told him to go buy the silver bracelet from Tiffany's that he remarked Donna would like and she'd
explain the rest when she had time
***********************
Mara rushed down the hall towards the doctor's office swearing at Sam under her breath. It was ten after three and she was fully expecting she'd have to muscle her way into Sam's examination. Dr. Barcly was one of those rare doctor's who actually called you in to the office within a minute or two of you scheduled appointment. She opened the door and caught sight of Sam immediately.
His head was bent and Mara couldn't believe how desperately he needed a haircut. Sam had just raised his head when he was given a gentle yet firm enough slap upside the head.
"C.J?"
"You wish."
"Mara, Hey." Sam replied, surprised she was there.
"Don't hey me mister! You know Sam, I really had better things to do today than track down Dr. Barcly's number to find out if and when you got an appointment! Why the hell didn't you leave a message with Leslie?"
Sam knew no matter what he said, she was still going to be mad. "Leslie said that you were at a lunch meeting and then you had to other meetings to go to. I figured you were too busy to make it."
"I was Samuel, but you don't get to assume what my priorities are for the day. Being here has shot my schedule to hell and if I'd known hours ago, Leslie could have salvaged the day for me. Sam, I know you have a brain, would you mind using it sometimes?"
Before Sam could retort Dr. Barcly stepped in to the waiting room to greet them and apologize for keeping them waiting. After running a series if tests he confirmed what they already knew. Dr. Barcly told them that it was a positive indicator and that he was confident that Sam would continue to improve but he couldn't guarantee his vision would go back to what it was pre accident. They thanked the doctor and headed out.
"Well, since my day is shot, you're going to get that hair cut now Sam."
"Thank you for showing up but I don't appreciate being addressed as if I were a ten year old."
"Sam, stop acting like a ten year old and I'll stop treating you like one. You wanted me here but you were mad at me so you didn't tell me. You were thinking, I don't need her I'll go myself. Now tell me how mature that is?"
"Can we just drop this?"
"Fine, but consider this my good deed for the day."
Mara was flipping through magazines as Sam got his hair cut wondering what she was going to make for dinner when her phone rang.
"Mara Whitford."
"Hi Mara, it's Danny. C. J gave me your number."
"C.J? Oy vey, Danny what's wrong?"
"Your private life is about to become not so private. Can I see you?"
"I'm at the barbers with Sam. Why don't you head over to our place in an hour, we'll be back by then."
"Kay, I'll see you soon."
Mara stopped off at the gourmet store to buy pine nuts, the pesto cream cheese Sam liked and the vegetable cream cheese she liked. Now if I could only buy Montreal bagels here, I'd be a happy camper she thought.
Sam headed upstairs to practice using his typing program and to see if he could send Donna an e-mail. Mara had decided to make pine nut, carrot and raison couscous for dinner and prepared it ahead of time. She was hungry since she'd only had a donut and a hot dog all day and prepared a small spread of baguette slices and cream cheese figuring Danny would eat if food was in front of him. She'd just settled on the couch when the doorbell rang. She let Danny in, sat down, told him to eat and popped a baguette slice into her mouth.
"This is good cream cheese, real pieces of vegetables not minute flakes. I can actually taste the red pepper."
"Yeah it's great, I love it for that reason too. So what's the story morning glory?"
"You hang around C. J too much." Danny laughed. "I was asked today if as a White House reporter, I'd noticed you and Sam hanging out. I said not really, that you certainly talked to Sam but most of the time you were with C. J or Donna or driving Josh nuts insulting him. I stated that you probably saw Mrs. Bartlet more than anyone else."
"Interesting, but not really enough for me to worry about."
"No, if that was it I wouldn't have bothered to call you. I was asked if I knew if you were dating anyone or was Sam dating anyone. If I ever spotted the two of you together around town, if I had any contacts at the Embassy or knew anyone who knew you well enough to answer some questions. I said yeah C. J, Donna The President, Mrs. Bartlet should be able to tell you a lot about the Ambassador but I doubted they'd share anything. I said they all valued a person's right to privacy. "
"Thanks, Danny who is snooping around?"
"Marcy Spalding, the society columnist for the New York Post."
"Hmm I don't recall doing anything nasty to her. I don't even know here so why is she so interested in me?"
"I don't know, just thought I'd warn you. You know that interview you promised me?"
"Yeah."
"It might not be a bad idea to do it soon and maybe leave it with C. J for safe keeping. You could authorize her to release it back to me."
"I'll think about it Danny. Thanks for watching my back."
"No problem, you and Sam aren't really a story that the people need to know about."
"I wish everyone thought like that. Do you want to stay for dinner?"
"Nah, I've got to get back to file a story and C. J hasn't called a full lid yet. I'll take some bread and cream cheese though."
"Sure, let me go get you a little container."
Mara was snoozing on the couch when the doorbell rang. She got up, pushing her shoes under the table so Sam wouldn't trip on them and went to the door.
"Avon Calling." Donna laughed.
"What are you doing here at five in the afternoon?"
"I told Josh he had two choices: either I quit or I was leaving for the day."
"I'm proud of you, Donna you finally quit." Mara teased.
"I'll quit on the last day of the administration. Can I come in?"
"Sure."
"Will you feed me too?"
"Nothing spectacular tonight I'm afraid, just couscous."
"Works for me. Where is Sam?"
"Up in the study trying to send you an e-mail."
"Can I have a little fun at his expense?"
"Why not? I do it all the time."
Mara called the house on her cell and let Donna pick the house phone up.
"Sam, It's for you." Mara yelled up the stairs.
"Hello"
"Sam, what on earth did you do? You sent me an e-mail that had some virus on it. You wiped out the entire hard drive and crashed the inter office e-mail system."
"Oh my God."
"Yeah that's what I said when the Secret Service escorted me out of the office into an interrogation room! Sam, I had to tell them you sent it. Don't be surprised if someone is at your place in the next half an hour. What did you do?"
"Nothing! I thought I did every thing I was supposed to. I even went extra slow. Oh God Donna what do I do?"
" Use the blind card big time Sam. Tears may even help."
"Leo must want to kill me."
"Oh yeah but Margaret sends her condolences, she said to tell you she feels your pain."
"Oh God, this is bad on so many levels. Donna I better go and figure out what I'm going to say."
"Good luck Sam."
"Thanks I'm going to need it."
Donna hung up the phone and bit her lip to stop from laughing. Mara was giggling quietly when a very freaked out sounding Sam yelled for Mara.
They both went up the stairs and Donna stood silently outside the door. Sam told Mara the whole story and asked her what he was going to do.
"I don't know Sam, maybe they send a female agent and you can seduce her."
"Mara! Now is not the time to joke."
"It's not a bad idea Sam. If I was the agent it might just work." Donna said calmly.
"Donna, you little shit you!"
"Gotcha! You are all putty in my hands." Donna laughed.
"You mean your evil, diabolical hands Donna? Trust me Goldilocks payback will be a bitch."
"Sam, your threats mean nothing to me. I laugh in your face. Ha!"
"I'll get you my pretty and you won't be laughing. I guarantee it."
"He bores me Mara, let's go get a drink." Donna retorted.
"I'll call you when dinner is ready Sweetie. You can start plotting your revenge."
"Thanks Darling, but you are on my list now. Accessories must pay too."
Mara made them a drink and settled on the couch. Killer jumped up on to Donna's lap and was rewarded with an ear scratch and temple massage.
"So have you picked out your wedding gown yet?" Donna asked.
"Nope."
"Found a reception site?"
"Nope."
"But you have a cater right?"
"Umm nope."
"Honeymoon?"
"That's a negative too."
"Mara! You are getting married in 3 months! Don't you think it's time you got cracking?"
"I guess."
"You guess? What have you done?"
"Secured the church and priest."
"That's it? Are you out of your freaking mind!" Donna yelled.
"Hey, I have a guy, a ring and a priest. That's the important stuff, the rest is just details."
"Yeah well those details are the hard part you dork. Mara you are monumentally screwed."
"Don't sweat it Donna. It will work out the way it was meant to be."
"You are insane Mara."
"Fine, look I'll take care of one of those pesky details right now. Donna will you be my maid of honour?"
"Really? Shouldn't you be asking C. J that?"
"I'm asking you."
"Find a site, a caterer, a dress and then I'll say yes."
"Donna! You're taking the fun out of this."
"There can be no fun until the details are taken care of."
"If you are that concerned why don't you plan my wedding."
"Ha I laugh in your face now. I'm not touching this time bomb for all the money in the world."
"Some maid of honour your turning out to be! I had to do it once and I remember I was at the beck and call of the bride."
"You want bows tied on favours? I"ll do it. You want me to address envelopes? I'll do it. Throw you a shower? I'll do it. Plan your wedding? No way, no how, not ever."
"You know, I just don't get why Sam adores you so much." Mara muttered.
Donna laughed and went to pour herself another drink. She loved Sam and Mara but there was no way she was getting involved in the wedding planning business.