Chapter 4: Coming to Terms

Day 2:

The next day went by in a blur for Elizabeth. The morning had been spent in much the same way as the morning before. After finishing their campaigning for the day they had returned home for a family meal before heading upstairs to the study where Elizabeth and Jane would remain for the rest of the evening preparing for the day that was to follow.

Now lying in her bed surrounded by the dark walls and posters of the many rock bands that had greatly defined Elizabeth Bennet's teenage years she found that sleep would not come. Her mind was engaged repeatedly going over the conversation she and Jane held not 3 hours prior.

"Lizzy is there something on your mind? You have been a bit off all day."

"Hmm..?" Elizabeth looked up questioningly.

"See you're not even listening to me. What is going on Lizzy?" said Jane as she reached out taking her sister's had in her own giving it a reassuring squeeze as she waited for her sister to organize the thoughts that have been running through her mind since her conversation with Charlotte the evening before, before replying.

"I was thinking about announcing our resignation from the race tomorrow at the Seattle rally." the words quickly tumbled out of Elizabeth's mouth. She was afraid that if she didn't say it as fast as possible she would lose her nerve; now hearing the words out loud made the whole situation feel much more real.

"I think that is probably for the best." said Jane nodding her head in agreement, a bit shocked at Elizabeth's declaration. She had not expected her stubborn sister to change her mind.

"I have a speech written. We should probably go over it now. We are due in Seattle at 8:30 am, the rally will begin at 11:00 am, then we will have to speak to a few reporters following the announcement, then we will return to the hotel to prepare for the benefit. I have hair and makeup set to arrive at the hotel at 7:00pm." Listed Elizabeth off the iPad she held in her hands as she went through her calendar before pulling up the speech. She had spent a fair portion of time working on it following Jane's intention of dropping out of the race two days prior, and truly hoped Jane would like it. Passing the tablet over to Jane she left the room to make them each a cup of tea.

Returning to the study she found Jane wiping a tear from her eye as she finished reading the speech. Seeing this Elizabeth offered her sister an unsure smile.

"It is not that terrible is it?"

"Oh no Lizzy, it is perfect. It really is. You are a fantastic writer, this proves it. I'm just a bit sad that it is all coming to an end."

"I am too, but we will be back here a few years from now – ready to run and ready to win."

"Maybe not we." Replied Jane weary of how Elizabeth was going to take this news.

"What do you mean by that?" Elizabeth asked the question she was uncertain she wanted to know the answer to.

"Well I have been doing a lot of thinking and as great as all this has been and as much as I would have liked to win I miss teaching. I think I want to go back to working directly with students. I may always lobby in my free time."

"But Jane by the next time we run we could have the momentum we need to win. Our party has grown by leaps and bounds this last year."

"Lizzy just because I don't run doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams. Plus I have a pretty good idea of who your next candidate could be." Elizabeth forwent a response in favor of a raised brow and quizzical look.

"You really have no idea who I am talking about, do you?"

"No why would I?" said Elizabeth shaking her head.

"Because I am talking about you Lizzy."

"Jane that is not happening and we are not having this conversation."

"Why not Lizzy? You are passionate about these issues and would make a wonderful Senator. You pretty much wrote my entire platform."

"I'm not going to run, ever. Now let's get back to work, you have an early morning tomorrow."

That hadn't been the first time someone had mention running to Elizabeth and she was sure it wouldn't be the last. People just didn't really understand why someone who loves to work in politics wouldn't want to run themselves. Elizabeth didn't have a clear answer herself, but rather felt it wouldn't be the right fit for her. Pushing all of these thoughts out of her mind Elizabeth rolled over in bed closing her eyes willing her minds to be silent, until she was able to fall into a peaceful slumber.

Day 3:

As per her usual routine Elizabeth woke up the next morning before her alarm. Feeling restless she decided not to even attempt to fall back to sleep and just about sprung out of bed. Wiping the remints of sleep from her eyes she headed towards the shower so she may begin preparations for the day.

An hour later found Elizabeth Bennet sporting jeans, converse, and a nirvana t-shirt nursing a cup of English breakfast tea as she waited for her sister to join her downstairs. After another 20 minutes had passed she went upstairs in order to discover what was holding Jane up. Lightly knocking on Jane's door, she opened it up revealing Jane's made bed but no Jane in sight.

Not hearing the shower running she called out for her sister. Upon not receiving a response she set out in search for her Jane, eventually finding her in the study where she had left her the evening before. Jane was still fully clothed with a stylus falling out of her hand. It was clear to Elizabeth she must have fallen asleep while working. Walking across the room she gently shook Jane's shoulders in order to wake her. Looking up to see Elizabeth's smiling face Jane offered her a grateful smile in return, before leaving the room to change and grab her bags. When 6 o'clock rolled around they had the car packed and were giving hugs to the family members that were awake before leaving to pick up Charlotte for their trip to Seattle. Today was sure to be a long day.

Day 3 to be continued…

Author's Note: Sorry this one is a short one and a bit of a filler chapter. I am really excited to write about the benefit in the next chapter though, and as this wasn't as long as I hoped I may try and post early . As always thanks for all the faves, follows, and reviews they are greatly appreciated.

BTW sneak peak (kind of) if you would like to see the inspiration for the dresses that the Bennet's will be wearing to the fundraiser you may google them.

Elizabeth dress is the floor length black dress that Emma Stone wore to the Amazing Spiderman premiere in Paris. Jane's dress inspiration is the soft pink Jenny Packham dress with silver accents that Kate Middleton wore (I picture Jane dressing similar to Kate but with less hats).