Author's Note: I am so sorry for the delay guys. Midterms, the life of a college student. But the chapter is up now and I managed to increase the length. That being said I didn't spend very much time editing so I apologize for any errors. On a related note I may begin looking for a beta for this story and if you may be interested feel free to PM me.

As always thanks for all those who favorited and followed, especially those who have reviewed. Sorry to those who reviewed that I didn't have an opportunity to PM (it would seem I am full of apologies today.) I really do appreciate any feedback and love reading your reviews. Anyways without further ado Chapter 3.

Chapter 3: Three Days More

*6 weeks later*

"Jane we are not having this conversation."

"Lizzy we need to discuss this." Jane pleaded with her sister.

"Jane we are not giving up." Replied Elizabeth as she crossed her arms unyielding to her sister's attempts to move her on the subject.

"It is much more complicated than that and you know it." Jane admonished he sister.

"No, no it's not. We are so close to the end. Should we drop out of the race now that is giving up and makes us quitters."

"Lizzy we have no money. As much as I would like to continue all the way to the end it is irresponsible. We don't have the funding and frankly we don't have a real chance of winning." At this statement Elizabeth turned away focusing her eyes on a painting across the room, as Jane continued. "Of course I will not do this without your support, but it at least needs to be discussed between the two of us." Sitting quietly for a few minutes Elizabeth only returned her gaze to her sister when she had formed a response and decided to speak again.

"3 days." Jane's head shot up looking at her sister waiting for clarification. "We have already scheduled out and budgeted out the next 3 days of campaign events. If we are not going to make it to the end we will at least give it all we've got, and then make that decision."

"Ok then. 3 days more and we will revisit the topic"


Day 1:

Elizabeth awoke early the next morning, turning to the clock before starring up at the ceiling of her old bedroom thinking through the conversation she had with Jane the evening before. She wouldn't admit it last night and would be unlikely to even admit it now should you ask her, but she knew Jane was probably right. It just hurt so much to know they could come so far, and it would be for nothing. She wanted so much to change the face of American politics, to move toward something more than a two party system, to see congress filled with more than rich, white, males. It would seem that her dream would just have to wait.

Noting the time she determined it was reasonable for her to begin readying herself for the day. Dressing in a navy blue pencil skirt, crisp white blouse, and black blazer with matching black pumps she glanced in the mirror assessing her reflection for a moment before deciding to add a bold red lipstick. Now pleased with her image she left the room and went in search of Jane. Upon entering Jane's old room she discovered her sleeping form. Sitting beside her she attempted to rouse the sleeping beauty from her dreams.

"Jane, wake up darling" said Elizabeth as she gently shook Jane awake.

"Lizzy it is five in the morning." Responded Jane as she gaped at her phone.

"Yes, it is. We are getting an early start today for impromptu meet and greets."

"No one in their right mind wants to meet or greet me at five in the morning."

"Jane I'm going to reason with you here. We may only have three days left of this campaign and I want to do all that we can. That means waking up early, meeting voters, and shamelessly begging for money." At this response Jane groaned knowing it was a lost cause. There was no way Elizabeth would back down. Standing up she stumbled into the restroom turning on the shower to get ready for work leaving Elizabeth to her own devices.

With Jane occupied Elizabeth then went downstairs to the kitchen careful not to wake anyone else in the house up. Pouring herself a bowl of cereal she made her way over to the breakfast nook to eat before pulling her iPad out of her purse to go over the next few days of campaigning. They had returned to their hometown for the next two days before they would head northward to an MS charity dinner held in Seattle. It was rumored that some of the state's biggest names would be attending, even the illustrious Gates'. Although Elizabeth was a little skeptical of this information. The sisters were just now making their way on to the political scene and they were learning that most of the names mentioned were thrown out for publicity and half the time wouldn't even show up, and if they did it would be just an appearance.

After losing herself into her thoughts she refocused on what the current day would bring. In the morning she had scheduled a few hours to spend walking around town, stopping by the farmer's market, shaking some hands and flashing smiles. This would be followed by an interview for the local paper The Columbian before they would return to the neighborhood for the block party hosted by none other than their dear mother, against Elizabeth's many protests.

"Oh shush Lizzy, we need to show off our beautiful and successful daughter."

"Mom we need to focus on the campaign."

"The campaign can spare a few hours for the woman who birthed the two of you girls. Hours of labor, I say hours." She added for dramatic effect.

"No it really can't."

"Lizzy this is happening, now go change. You look like your about to attend a funeral. Put on something nice with a bit of color. Maybe borrow something of Jane's. She has such wonderful fashion sense."

Just the memory of that exchange made Elizabeth cringe. One of the neighbor's daughter's had just graduated from med school and so her mother's need to remind the neighborhood that it was indeed her daughter who was running for the US Senate. And so regardless of Elizabeth's many objections after a day of campaigning they would return home to well, more campaigning. It wasn't until the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs reached her ears that she realized she had been lost in her own mind. Looking up expecting to see Jane she was pleasantly surprised when it was her father who walked into the kitchen. Stepping directly toward the coffee pot he only acknowledged Elizabeth's presence after a sip of his beverage and a heavy sigh. Thomas Bennet although an early riser like his daughter Elizabeth, was still useless until he had consumed his first cup of coffee for the day.

"Good morning darling, you are up early." Said Thomas Bennet as he gazed at his daughter over the rim of the cup he grasped tightly in his hands.

"Morning dad, we have a lot to do today so early is kind of a requirement."

"Yes, well I ask you not to work too hard today. There are to be many young bachelors at this party your mother has us throwing, and you wouldn't want Liddy and Kitty to steal all of their attention away." Her father stated in the dry tone he rarely ventured from.

"I have no problem with Lydia and Kitty holding the attention of all these bachelors while I search for my escape. Lord knows they would not mind." Replied Elizabeth smirking. She loved her younger sisters dearly but could never understand their need for male attention. It had always been a bit of tension between them that they had learned to ignore as they grew older. Frankly the fight wasn't worth it neither side would ever yield.

"So where is the candidate this morning? Hiding under the sheets?"

"I am here Papa." Said Jane as she yawned and joined the duo downstairs.

"Aww it would seem Lizzy has already imposed her will upon you. I shall now leave you ladies to your work." Replied Mr. Bennet as he placed a kiss on each girl's cheek before retreating into his study with the morning paper and his coffee. "I shall see you both this evening. We fire up the grill at 5."

Rolling her eyes Elizabeth turned to Jane. "We have much to do today, so I suggest you eat up Janey."


Hours later after bidding their father good morning the sisters returned home to change and prepare for the party. Walking out the front door Elizabeth breathed in deeply. Her mother had truly out done herself. Their small cul-de-sac was packed tighter than the sausages that they were serving, and she definitely did not skip out on the many "rich, eligible, bachelors" that her and her father discussed that very morning. A single man of good fortune must be in want of a wife, regardless if such man was aware of his desire. This was the motto her mother lived by and the motto that failed to explain why all four of her daughters were unmarried.

Looking out over the sea of friends, family, and supporters she was debating returning to the house until she caught a glimpse of none other than Bill Collins. They had been neighbors growing up, and he fancied himself in love with Elizabeth at age 10 regardless of the fact that she was two grades ahead of him. He remained true to this love to this very day regardless of Elizabeth's clear disinterest. The rather greasy arrogant boy, who was now approaching her as a still rather greasy and arrogant man led her to take off the porch into the sea of people in order to avoid him. She really had no patience for his conversation this evening (if you could call it a conversation) which consisted of him complimenting the many amiable qualities and the intelligence of his boss, right wing conservative and Christian conservative radio host, Catherine De Bourge. The woman had given him a small religious segment where he basically preached at whoever would listen and praised Catherine often referring to her way of life as the prime example of how a 'good' Christian should conduct oneself. Needless to say Collins was far from Elizabeth's favorite person. Pushing her way through the crowd she continued to put distance between herself and the distasteful man in search of someone she could speak to without wishing to stab her eye out with a dull pencil.

She found her refuge in Charlotte who was standing beside her father who was working of the grills with the other men of the neighborhood speaking amiably with anyone who came within a five foot radius. Elizabeth was no exception.

"Lizzy dear girl come here." Called out Mr. Lucas as he held his arms open and embraced her.

"Mr. Lucas how are you sir?" Asked Lizzy as she attempted to regain her composure following the rather awkward hug.

"Very well now that I am in the company of my two favorite girls." Replied the rather round and balding man as he placed his arm around Charlotte before continuing to speak. "It has been far too long, with the three of you trekking across the state for the past year never staying at home for any extended period of time. The neighborhood just isn't the same without its brightest stars."

"Well sir I'm afraid it is difficult to run a campaign from home, but it is coming to a close so things should be a little less crazy soon."

"Well I wish you girls the best of luck on your endeavors. Now I have to return to this meat, there are hungry party goers out there."

"Ok we will leave you to the barbeque then. Just holler if you need any assistance."

"Thanks Lizzy, but go have fun I can handle the grill. Charlotte darling you too, go take Lizzy here and join the party. No work allowed."

"Can't promise that." Replied the two ladies in unison before walking away in search of the cooler.

Once finding the object in question Elizabeth pulled out two water bottles handing one to her friend before continuing their walk eventually ending up at the old neighborhood park. They sat side by side on the swings as they watched the crowd of children slowly disperse as dusk began to roll in. They sat in a quiet content before Elizabeth broke the silence that was between them.

"Jane wants to withdraw from the race."

"I figured as much."

"What do you mean?" asked Elizabeth looking over at her friend with a quizzical brow.

"You've been on a mission today trying to prove something, and Jane had mentioned the possibility to me a little while back so I could get a head start on a new job search. I put two and two together figuring she had brought it up to you."

"Why didn't you tell me that Jane spoke to you about this?" asked Elizabeth indignantly.

"This is a conversation you two need to have, and I for one had no desire to initiate it." Responded Charlotte quickly.

"Fine, but I am still not happy about it." Following this statement there was a slight pause as they continued to sway each deep in their own thoughts.

"So what do you plan to do?" asked Charlotte once the silence became too much.

"I honestly don't know. I have two speeches written for the Seattle rally one in which we affirm our resolution to fight till the bitter end and call for support, the other saying thanks for the help see you in 6 years when we try this again."

"You will figure it out. Just know that if you guys decide to withdraw it doesn't mean you hadn't tried or gave it your all. You have helped this campaign come so far. No one expected our little grass roots campaign to get as much traction as it has. You really have done great."

"Yes, but what does it matter if we never get the chance to change anything?"

"Lizzy you have made a change. You have inspired so many people to care about government, and to follow their dreams. There are third party candidates popping up across the nation that have looked to your campaign as an example, a great example by the way. And know that this race does not mark the end. Lizzy Bennet will go much further than this one Senate campaign."

"Thank Char." Elizabeth responded as she wiped tears out of her eyes and offered her friend a weak smile.

And that is when it happened. Bill Collins had found them. Leaning in Charlotte whispered into Lizzy's ear that she would handle it, but fully expected a turkey burger awaiting her when she arrived in front of the Bennet household 10 minutes from now.

"Hi Lizzy." Said Collins as he rushed over a bit sweatier than normal if that was even possible.

"Hi Collins. You remember Charlotte right?" replied Elizabeth as she pushed her friend forward not waiting for a reply before making her escape. She would make it up to Charlotte later.

Returning to the party she headed directly for the food making up two plates before heading toward the designated meeting area. Upon arrival she discovered Jane sitting on the porch swing smiling broadly as she noticed her sister's approach.

"Where have you been all evening? I have missed your company."

"Just talking with Char."

"Because you don't do that every other day of the year? Where is she anyway?"

"Distracting Collins. She should be here any minute." As if on cue Charlotte walked up the steps smiling as she took her plate from Elizabeth before sitting beside Jane.

The three friends continued on in amiable discussion avoiding too much campaign discussion for the remainder of the evening. They had even managed to sit through a conversation with their aunt Phillips and Lydia as the women gushed about the many attractions of candidate George Wickham, without cringing too terribly much. Eventually the number of party goers began to dwindle, and the three friends went their separate ways in order to retire for the evening. Each feeling a little more at peace knowing that however the campaign ends they would be content with the work that they did together and the progress they had made.


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