Disclaimer: I don't own Cory In The House. Please note that this is an AU story and takes place in a universe where it is very much like the 1700's in the sense that there are still dunking booths and whipping posts as well as stocks administered once a year by the leaders of the government.

Cory knocked at the door to the oval office.

"Come in son," the president said smiling.

"How did you know it was me sir," Cory asked.

"I recognized your face on the security monitor," the president replied with a chuckle, "So what can I do for you"

"Well Mr. President I have been watching and keeping up with your campaign and I must say I am greatly impressed."
Sophie from where she was playing video games looked up and glared at Cory. She was still pissed off at him for an incident that took place only weeks before. Cory made a note to talk to Sophie about that later in private.

"Well thank you son," the president said smiling.

"You're welcome. But I feel you have a strategy you are not utilizing," Cory added.

"I do," the president asked, "Tell me what you are thinking. But first can you watch Sophie for a couple of minutes. Nature calls"

Cory nodded as the president ran out of the room.

"Sophie," Cory said, "I get the feeling you're mad at me."

"Wow," Sophie said, "10 points for the boy who can state the obvious."

"Why are you mad at me," Cory asked.

"Did you forget how 2 weeks ago you made me do the dishes when you were babysitting me," Sophie said.

"Oh for crying out loud," Cory mumbled, "So what?"

"So what? Well lets see. You made me a promise and broke it and it was not supposed to be a 'date' for you but your time to spend time with me. I've been dealing with a lot and you know it and I needed you to be my friend not a JERK," Sophie said.

"Sophie you are my friend and I love you like a little sister but you're just a kid," Cory said, "I really like Candy Smiles a lot."

"JUST A KID? JUST A KID! YOU DIDN'T SEEM TO THINK I WAS JUST A KID WHEN YOU DECIDED TO EMBARASS ME LAST YEAR."

"Well it's not like you didn't get even," Cory said but then he saw the tears coming down Sophie's eyes.

"Look Soph," he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I do want to make it up to you and I will somehow. I guess I took it too far."

"You did take it too far," Sophie said.

"But Sophie your prank could have caused some real problems. I know you didn't mean to but you just have to accept the fact that it could have been problematic. Secrets could have gotten out-"

"I get it," Sophie said with a sigh.

"Good" Cory said, "Look I have been through tough times before and the real trick is not to let it bother you."

"NOT TO LET IT BOTHER ME? HOW DO I DO THAT," Sophie asked.
The president came in.

"So Cory," he said, "You were telling me?"

"Oh right. Look Mr. President there is a strategy you are not utilizing and it's a strategy that will be a guaranteed win."

"Well you have my attention," the president said, "But I don't believe there is any such thing as a guaranteed win."

"Look Mr. President what is one thing that people don't like?"

"Brussels sprouts," Sophie guessed.

"Good guess but no," Cory said.

"Well there's a lot of things people don't like," the president said.

"NOBODY with the exception of nobody likes the annual DUNKING STOCKS and WHIPPING,"

"That's true," the president replied, "Even I hate it."

"Exactly and if you put an end to that you are absolutely guaranteed to win?"

"Hey," the president said, "Good idea Cory"