Tuesday
Blair House – Washington DC - 2031
I'm woken by a knock at the door, and for a moment as I struggle up through layers of sleep, I call out for Josh and automatically turn to his side of the bed. I might feel better after a drugged induced sleep but my heart still aches at the absence of the snoring and mumbling from my husband. I'm served coffee and a copy of the Washington Post by a young steward. Once I'm alone I drink some coffee and take in my surroundings.
The room is decorated in dark blues and the large flat screen TV looks a little out of place, amongst the antiques and elegant portraits adorning the walls. I try not to think about Josh and his reaction to this room when we entered Blair House the first week of January. I smile at my memory of the way his mouth gaped open at the luxurious surroundings. I reminded him that at least we weren't about to become vagabonds and that we'd been lucky to experience a seamless transition.
Determined not to wallow too far in the past; I glance at my watch on the bedside table and there's an hour and a half to kill before breakfast. I'm not gonna sit and watch Good Morning America and watch highlights of Josh's lying in state in full HD. It's nagging me that I'm having trouble in finding the inspiration to write my eulogy. I'm still undecided about speaking but also worried that if I decide to speak at the last minute; I might have lost the knack of summoning up something inspirational in the back of the limousine.
"I won't let you down!" I mutter and concerned that I'm talking to my dead husband, I swing my legs over the bed with a sense of purpose. Moments later dressed in a pair of jeans and his Mets sweat shirt, I head downstairs to the library with a sense of purpose.
CJ's POV
When I hear the faint curse coming from the library I instantly know it is Sam. He is the only person who would be poking around in there this early in the morning.
"Sam?" I say poking my head round the door. "What are you doing?"
"How did you find me?" He doesn't turn around, obviously determined to find what he's looking for.
"I was on the hunt for coffee and heard you cursing. I've never gotten out of the habit of getting up early." I reply as I enter the room and sit at a large round wooden table.
Sam nods and he straightens up and a little blurry eyed crosses to the table arms full of books and notepaper and pens. He looked bad enough yesterday but I had hoped a good night's sleep might help, but looking at him I don't think it has.
"Did you sleep at all?" I try to keep my voice neutral as after his outburst last night, any signs of fussing will send him into orbit.
"Yeah, whatever Peter gave me knocked me out for a few hours. I'm trying to write something for the service. I know there's a Robert Kennedy quote, something from Shakespeare here somewhere but, hell, I can't find it!"
"Sam, are you sure you should be...do you really think you're going to feel like speaking? The shock you've had and the news about the funeral, are you sure you should..."
"What are you worried about CJ, me or my saying something out of line?" He finally turns hurt eyes onto me and I instantly feel ashamed. Of course Sam would never do anything that might reflect badly on Josh, not intentionally.
"No, Sam, but with that and what happened yesterday I just worry that you're taking too much on. Perhaps someone else could speak on your behalf? Dan or Alex would do it."
"It's something I want to do for him...I have to do it!" Sam says firmly as he picks up one of the leather bound volumes. "Besides, I don't think either of them is going to want to do anything for me right now." He adds ruefully and gives me a direct look.
"Sam," I reach over the table and rub his arm comfortingly. "They know you're not in a good place right now. You can apologise to Alex later so why don't you go back to bed? Watch TV if you have to! Get some rest then you'll be fit enough to give Josh the...send off you want." I try to use my best Chief of Staff voice on him, which usually has the desired effect.
"CJ," He runs his fingers over his face. "What would I watch? Re-runs of Josh's life? I'm just trying to get through the day with him not being in my life anymore." He pauses as if deciding whether to speak or not, "Why do you think he changed his mind?"
"You know I never liked to predict why Josh did anything, but maybe after time away from the stresses of DC he was able to think more clearly...who knows what he was thinking."
"I always thought he told me everything...I just wish he had told me, or even given me some idea of what he was thinking about doing. But I guess I'll never know, huh!" He shrugs and turns back to the books in front of him.
I sit back in the chair and realise that I'm glad I'm here. Sam has often been the butt of jokes that he has a portrait in the attic! But, the early morning sunshine cruelly highlights the deep lines of grief around his face. The deep blue eyes are dulled with pain right now and although I know he's dealt with death, I've never seen him like this, tired, so beaten down by shock and sorrow. He needs all his friends around him to offer support and comfort.
"Sam...are you sure you're going to be ok..."
"Back then part of me wanted Josh to get the state funeral he deserved, so I should be happy that that's what's happening. The worst bit is over, at least the most public bit is over. I have to get through this for him."
"That's natural Sam, and I understand that you want to show that you're coping!"
He nods and rolls his eyes a little.
"I haven't done so good so far!"
"Sam, he would have been proud of you! He always was. You behaved with dignity yesterday. All the pundits said so."
He shrugs like he doesn't believe me.
"Yeah, but when I think of the first couple of years...!" He picks up one of the books and starts flicking through the pages. "This is ridiculous, why can't I find the damn quote!"
"Sam, stop." I get up and almost snatch the pen from his hand. "You're obsessing. I'll talk to Daniel...or we'll call Toby, he'll know the quote you want."
"I don't want to call Toby...I'm sorry but I just...he could have warned me about this." I sigh,
I know that Sam avoided Toby last night, it wasn't obvious unless you knew how close the two of them were but he barely said two words before Toby made his excuses and left.
"He could have, maybe he should have and believe me we have had words...but on the other hand, he was honouring a promise to a dying man. What would you have done in the same position?"
"I'm just not ready to speak to him yet. I still need to get my head around this."
"Well locking yourself away in here isn't the solution." I use a no nonsense tone and eventually he sees sense and gets to his feet, pushes the chair back, leans forward and closes the books.
"After breakfast, you're going to get out of here, get some air, away from all of this."
"I'm going over to the White House."
"Well this afternoon then, it's no good sitting around here all day."
He walks over to me and I'm enveloped in a warm hug.
"I'm glad you are here," he says warmly. "Alex and Daniel they are a great help but you and Toby both knew Josh better than anyone. I can say things to you that I can't say to them, even to Jamie."
"It really is OK for you to be angry with him, Spanky." I reassure him as he gently releases me.
"You really do know everything, don't you?"
He says with a smile.
"You're pretty transparent right now. I know it must have been hard not to go against him..."
"I guess. He was frightened, CJ. He hated being in hospital, always had, ever since his sister died, then his father...that's why he made me promise he wouldn't die in a hospital...it wasn't about me, however much I wanted to keep him with me as long as I could."
"Sam, you've done nothing but the best for Josh and you've never let him down and you never will."
He nods and I know he's close to breaking point.
"Come on, leave this now and we'll get some breakfast." He smiles and mutters about things never changing and follows me from the room.
Sam's POV
After breakfast as I head back to my room to get more formally dressed I find Alex and Daniel standing in the hallway. Their heads are touching and their hands interlock like Josh and I used to do when we had a few moments to ourselves. I hear Dan say "you've gotta talk to him, honey." Alex nods and releasing his partners hand starts to head towards the newer part of the building where he and Daniel have set up a temporary office. Seizing the opportunity I clear my throat.
"Alex!" He stops but doesn't turn to face me. "Alex, can I speak to you for a few minutes?"
"Of course." Alex replies politely.
Even after all these years, his loyalty and protocol are still ingrained and he follows me in to the formal living room and at a look from me shuts the door behind him.
"Alex, I need to apologise to you, hell, to everyone." I begin as I sit down on the sofa. "What I said was unforgivable."
"Honestly, Sam there's no need." Alex looks relieved as he sits down opposite me.
"There is. You were just looking out for me and I shouldn't have shouted at you out in front of everyone like I did!"
"It's all right, Sam, really." Alex urges sitting forward.
"No, I was exhausted, not thinking straight. I've been lashing out at the wrong person and I'm truly sorry. I know you worked on the funeral plans with Josh extensively and it's not your fault that he didn't...get the chance to tell me."
Alex clears his throat. "We talked...the night he came home from hospital...He wanted me to remind you what he told you...That you'd be alright. You have a lot of people who love you and would do anything for you.
I nod, unable to speak for the moment.
"Jamie told me that he and Molly are taking Claudia out this afternoon. Why don't you go with them?" Alex ventures.
"No, we'd just get reporters following us. She doesn't need that. I'm happy staying here."
As I finish speaking there's a knock on the door and at my terse "come in" Daniel nervously enters, but, his face brightens at a reassuring look from Alex.
"The White House have called to confirm your visit."
I try not to roll my eyes but then I have an idea.
"Could you call and ask if it's ok if I bring Claudy with me?" It's gonna be tough revisiting the White House; but not all the memories are bad and I start to look forward to show my granddaughter not only where I lived but worked.
"That's a good idea," Alex agrees, as Daniel nods. "When I spoke to them last night, they said you were free to stay and wander around if you wanted. Dan and I were planning on heading up to the library to make sure everything is ready but if you want us to come across with you..."
"No, we'll be fine," I assure him and I smile and watch them leave, heads together, making arrangements, like the old days in the White House.
When Claudy and I arrive at the entrance to the White House, followed by Chris and John, there's a fresh faced staffer waiting for us. As he hands us our visitor's badges, Claudy immediately inspects hers and shows her other grandfather before we're led into the Oval Office.
"Mr Seaborn, if you'd like to have a seat, President Jesson is just finishing a call in the Residence." I nod, "Can I get you any refreshments?"
"No, thank you."
I don't think drinks and Claudy are a good idea in the Oval Office, well not this President's Oval Office. Josh would have probably cared less, but even I, the less visually observant of men, notice that there more antiques on display than in Josh's day. This is not a room to let my energetic granddaughter loose in! Jesson, reflecting his time in the Navy has a blue rug with gold drapes. Very captain of the ship! Josh opted for a pale gold rug with the presidential seal a very warm and cosy atmosphere. Josh always raised his eyebrows at cosy but the 'spin' that was put on the decoration was the country in a safe pair of hands.
I notice that Claudy's blue eyes stare up at me a little in awe of her surroundings.
"So, buglet, did you know that your dad used to hide under that desk." I say as point to the Resolute desk. "Your dad also did his homework in here. Once he dropped...Mrs Jesson!"
I break off and get to my feet as the First lady enters the Oval. Lauren Jesson is a tall graceful woman, who looks ten years younger than she actually is and is smartly dressed in a black shift dress.
"Sam! Thank you so much for coming!" She enthuses as my hand is warmly shaken.
Her condolences are so sincere that I answer her queries about Jamie and Molly and if the arrangements for the lying in state were to my satisfaction. I notice that Claudy keeps her hand in mine but the First Lady has four children and two grandchildren and soon Claudy is smiling up at her.
"I thought Claudia might like to see the children's garden but first I thought maybe coffee and some lemonade for this one..." She smiles down at my granddaughter. "Outside in the sunshine."
She takes my arm and leads us as out to the on the south side of the West Wing, to a patio that's actually a large, multilevel terrace. Josh and I used to sit here and have lunch. I don't know if Lauren sees the shadow that crosses my face as I expect to see Josh, his sunglasses on and hear his "hey Sam!" With nod at one of the stewards coming towards us with a tray of coffee, lemonade and cookies she guides us towards the Rose Garden instead. Josh was never exactly the keen horticulturalist and only saw the garden as a convenient place for photo ops, so my memories are not as acute. They are safer ones of Jamie and his excited friends' chatter and of our mother's who loved the grounds. As we sit the steward serves us coffee and cookies which Claudy eyes with undisguised glee.
"It's been a while since we've seen you, Sam." She comments as she hands me my coffee and offers Claudy a cookie and some lemonade which is accepted with manners that I know were not learned from Josh.
"No, I pretty much retired from my law firm and we took a European vacation. I don't think we've visited DC since the President's inauguration..." I take a sip of coffee and I look around, "You know, there's a rose here somewhere dedicated to my mother. We didn't lose Josh's mom until after we left here, but we would have done the same for her."
"I've seen it, it's beautiful, just coming into bloom now," She looks at her watch. "I'm sorry Robert is taking so long, he really should be here in a moment."
"It doesn't matter, I know how it works." I attempt a smile. "Besides sitting here means I'm not shaking hands and hearing the same platitudes over and over again."
I find myself opening up to the First Lady she's a good person; it's not her fault her husband was a jackass so many years ago.
"I'm sure it's not the easiest of days. That's why Robert and I thought that after you've spoken with my him you should feel free to have a look around. Show Claudia..."
"I'm Claudy" My granddaughter announces.
"Claudy it is then! Sam you can show her where you worked and lived, not that much has changed."
I smile, not sure I'm up to going near the Residence, the memories of where we had some of our biggest fights will probably do nothing but make the happier memories all the more poignant,
"Ah, here he is now."
I turn and see the President striding towards us with the confidence that comes from a military background. I get to my feet and he shakes my hand. When I've introduced Claudy who is munching on another cookie with refreshingly little knowledge of protocol, he sits down and an heavy atmosphere descends on us.
"Sam, I really am sorry. He was a good man. I admired him a great deal."
"Really?" I am trying so hard to be polite but I remember how angry and upset Josh was by his comments during the campaign and I had to deal with him afterwards.
"Why don't I take Claudia over to the children's garden while the two of you talk." I'm surprised to see a warning glance aimed at her husband, as Lauren Jesson gets to her feet.
My granddaughter happy with a cookie in her hand is content to follow the First Lady across the lawn and I watch her go until she's out of earshot, before turning back to the President.
"With all due respect, Mr President, it didn't seem to Josh that you admired him a great deal."
"Is this about the campaign?" Jesson's black eyebrows arch upwards in surprise. "That was years ago."
"He put the full weight of his support behind you! He came to your district even though he was still at the White House and helped you because his family had been close friends with yours and he thought he saw the real thing in you!" Jesson looks down at the ground and I'm too wound up to remember that I'm speaking to the President of the United States. "Do you have any idea how much what you said hurt him? He had a tough skin but he didn't think that years later a friend, would use our relationship as a cheap way of currying favour in his conservative district. He didn't think a friend would question his ability to raise and influence Jamie. We both know how Josh could hold a grudge and you think he wouldn't about this?"
"It's politics, Sam. Josh would have done the same."
"We spent four long years hiding parts of our relationship, purely so that people like you couldn't say otherwise and still it didn't stop."
"Josh made lots of decisions that weren't always by the book, Sam, if it meant a win, and you know that as well as I do. He did a lot of things when you weren't here, that I know he wasn't proud of."
He's got me there! I know that when Josh and I split up many years ago he lost it for a while. Once I couldn't hear his name without having my own meltdown; but CJ and Toby kept me up to date with all the news and I've heard all the stories.
"I know. God I'm sorry." I reply trying to maintain a sense of dignity.
He stares at me for a couple of seconds before he chuckles. "I forgot how you always fought his battles."
"He was more than capable of doing that himself!"
"And so were you!" Jesson says with a wry smile and I know he's thinking about the night we went head to head in the Oval Office.
The Oval Office – Washington DC – February 2019
"Sam!" Josh bolts out of the doors of the Oval Office and heads towards me. "You're a wonderful man, Sam Seaborn, do you know that. Your timing is perfect! You've gotta get me out of there!" He insists as he glances back at the Oval office. "You just have to whisper something, you know, make it look important."
"Darlin', I think what with you being President, all you have to do is excuse yourself and call it a night!"
I'm regretting my decision to stretch my legs with a walk around the White House grounds whilst I run through a closing argument in my head. So wrapped up in my thoughts I hadn't realised I'd passed by the Oval Office. Late night drinks in the Oval with the President are rare, so it's a coveted prize. Normally Josh insists that I'm present, but tonight, I'm anxious to avoid Congressman Jesson. He's not one of Josh's favoured guests, but his vote is needed so he's been invited.
"Please Sam! I need their votes for the bill but it's getting pretty boring in there. Peterson is still droning on..."
I smile and move closer as Josh taps his foot in desperation.
"You owe me big time Joshua," I murmur in his ear as we walk towards the Oval Office. "You did promise to look at Jamie's science project, it's due in tomorrow."
"Where would I be without you, Sam?" He raises his voice as a Marine Guard opens the door to the Oval office.
"I completely forgot! Gentlemen, I will have to leave you for a few moments. Sam has just reminded me that Jamie's mad at me for not taking a look at his science project." I roll my eyes; I'm sure he's fooling no one but I'll play along and nod.
"Josh, I can keep your guests company while you're gone."
It's about time I made good on my word to get back in the game and with another apology Josh makes a hasty exit, most probably to bang his head on a desk in frustration. I pour myself a small glass of scotch before taking Josh's seat. "So, gentlemen, what are we discussing?"
"We were just advising the President that he's going to have a tough time getting his education plans through the House. There's no way that teacher's groups are going to accept a longer school day, and there's just no money to make the schools better." Jesson is keen to answer me.
"So," I try not to curl my lips into a sneer. "You'd prefer that our children lag behind those of Europe, the Far East and India? That our economy suffers because of a lack of education? The education system has been neglected in this country for decades and it's about time that someone did something. Maybe you'd like to tell me what your objections to it are without hiding behind the teacher groups? If our public schools were improved maybe the teachers would feel inspired to reach a higher standard which even you, Congressman, can't deny, can only do good."
"I can't help but notice your son is enrolled in private school." Another one of them joins in but I see a glint in his eye that tells me he might just be on our side.
"I'm sure you'll appreciate that wasn't our choice it was forced on us by the Secret Service. But, getting back to our argument, if we don't do something the situation will only worsen until it will take nothing short of a miracle to make even the smallest improvements."
"Seriously, Ted, you didn't get Sam going on education did you?" Josh's voice comes from behind me.
"I think he's made quite a few good points." Congressman Bryant tells him and I can almost feel Josh's smile.
"Did you see Jamie?" I look up at him as he comes to sit beside me.
"He's on the phone with Michael but I told him if I didn't look tonight then I would definitely read it at breakfast." Josh directs his gaze towards Jesson. "By the way Robert, Jamie's school participates in a scheme where they link up with a public school and the pupils make exchange visits once every few weeks and it works very well and his teacher tells me that results already show some improvement.
"Somebody just needs to make these kids feel like someone cares." I add passionately.
"I didn't think you were one for getting so involved in the minutiae of the White House, Sam." Jesson turns to me. "Aren't you still working full time at your law firm? I remember that press conference after the election! I'm just a working lawyer." He says with a slight sneer.
I feel Josh bristle next to me but I lean towards him slightly, hopefully with a sideways look that screams leave it to me.
"Only until March, then I'll be working from the East Wing full time." A wicked grin crosses my face. "Just in time to start going up to the Hill do a bit of lobbying!" I add smoothly and turn to Josh who's trying hard to conceal his delight at my display of one-upmanship.
"Josh, I'm going to head back upstairs." I'm on a roll so I take a sip of the scotch and go in for a last bit of verbal sparring with Jesson. "Congressman, if you remember I also said I was very proud and happy to serve as First Gentleman and would support Josh and his administration any way I could."
There are a few nodding heads from the others and the other guest clap me on the back and shake my hand. "Good to have you back in the game Sam!" Josh beams at them but Jesson stands apart looking uncomfortable.
"I would have settled in a lot sooner if I'd not listened to those who wanted me to stay in the background and concentrate on flowers or napkins." I continue and as I squeeze Josh's arm. I try not to smirk as Jesson tries to conceal his awkwardness at a display of affection between us.
"But, you know what, those people don't matter anymore. For us..." I return Josh's warm smile. "It's about shaking up the education system...don't get me started on the lack of text books..." I finish my drink and get to my feet. "I guess what I'm saying is, you'll be seeing a lot more of me, so get used to it. Now, if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I'll say goodnight."
With that I make my exit through the portico door and when I'm out of their sight a wide smile crosses my face and to the amazement of my agents, Chris and John, I punch the air and give a "yes!" of triumph.
The White House – 2031
"Sam?" The President's voice cuts across my memory. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, of course...sorry. This place is just full of memories, you know. Look, you and I know what it's like when you're campaigning. Everything intensifies and Toby and Josh always say..." I give a little cough something I seem to do when I mention Josh in the present tense. "Used to say, is there anyone you'd rather have as a blood enemy less than Sam? I take things too much to heart. Maybe it should just be left in the past now."
"It really wasn't anything personal." Jesson sounds earnest and I allow the offer of a handshake. "Shall we go and find my wife and your granddaughter?"
"Yes, I imagine if we don't she'll be declaring war or something." We get to our feet and head down the south lawn towards the children's garden.
"They do keep you on their toes don't they? Whenever our two visit the Chief Usher feels like locking away the valuables."
I laugh and begin to relax again as this is much safer territory, just two middle aged men chatting about grandchildren.
"When we were here, I think the staff felt that our dog was a personal affront. As for Claudy, she doesn't have his genes but I swear she's picked up all of Josh's stubbornness, his intelligence not to mention his energy levels so I'll let you imagine." He laughs as I hear Claudy's shout as we reach the garden.
She's playing some version of hopscotch, the rules of which are probably only known to her, but I smile at her, enjoying herself without a care in the world.
"Hey, buglet, you having fun?" Lauren Jesson smiles over at me from her seat by the small pond. Claudy runs over and I pick her up. "Did Mrs Jesson show you all the handprints?"
"Yeah!"
"Did you find your Daddy's?" She shakes her head, "Well go see if you can find them, then we can tell daddy you saw them." I swing her down to the ground and she runs off. I walk over to the First Couple. "Thank you, both of you. This has been good for her."
"For both of you, I think." The First Lady says, "In fact we'll leave you alone. Take as long as you like to look around. I'm sure you have many tales to tell her."
"Many of them will be blamed entirely on Josh." I shake their hands and Jesson makes his excuses and heads back towards the Oval Office. "Just one thing...where's his portrait now?"
"It's outside the State Dining Room, Sam, where it's always been." Lauren assures me.
All I can do is nod as I'm not sure if I'm ready for it but at an excited cry from Claudy the First Lady gets to her feet.
"It looks like you're needed." She says as she gets to her feet and we exchange a kiss on the cheek. I make a mental note to write to her directly after the funeral thanking her and the President for allowing Claudy to visit the place where her father lived for eight years and their assistance in making last minute arrangements to the funeral plans.
"I found them Grampa, didn't I?" She points to the ground and I see Jamie's small handprints in the paving.
"You sure did! You wanna see more of where your dad and Grampa used to live?" She nods and I pick her up. I'm not letting her loose, I remember how fast people walk in this building. "Come on then."
For the next half an hour I show my granddaughter the building that I once said I didn't know well. Luckily a six year old doesn't expect a high level of knowledge, except for where her family worked and where daddy slept. As we enter the Cross Hallway there's another excited exclamation.
"Grampa, look! It's Grampa 'Osh!"
"Come here, buglet." I call out as she runs to down the red carpet to Josh's portrait which hangs in the entrance to the State Dining Room.
It took Donna and I months to get Josh to select the right artist. I always thought it was because it marked the beginning of the end of our time here. Others said that it was because he was being forced to stay still during the sitting. I take a deep breath and force myself to look at the portrait. Josh stares down at me from the Oval Office. I'm pleased he chose his favourite grey suit and he leans slightly on the desk with one hand, the other hand on his hip. The artist managed to capture his authority and just that little touch of arrogance.
The White House - 2020
"I'm just saying it all smacks of the eighteenth century, Sam, powdered wigs antique furniture and columns. Look at this one!"
We're waiting for the arrival of the Mexican President and his wife that will commence our eighth state dinner since we entered the White House. The Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, slated the us for the "lavish events" held in marquees on the south lawn. He wasn't prepared from a broadside from Alex who shot back that the previous Republican incumbents had hosted 20 state dinners during their tenure.
Josh turns from a portrait of Benjamin Franklin over the mantle and sits down beside me on the antique sofa.
"OK!" I look up from my draft speech on my computer tablet to a commencement ceremony in a state school in Nashville. " All I'm doing is passing on the message from Donna that a a decision has got to be made about the portrait."
"Donna's given me this list…I know that it's a private donation, but I'm not gonna be dragged like Theodore Roosevelt all over the building to find the perfect light or best setting."
"Where did you learn that factoid!" I say in surprise.
"Something one of the young staffers dug it up in the archives for Donna. She told me that some of the artists and previous presidents didn't hit it off!"
"Then," I make a line through part of the speech. "We'll spend some time choosing the right man. Although we're not spending the taxpayers' money like some other Presidents, I'm sure the donors are gonna want their monies worth."
"Yeah, but, can he or she do a Lincoln or a Kennedy style portrait! I love that portrait because it was so different from the others. It breaks the monotony of the Commander-In-Chief style of portrait."
"The Lincoln one is my favourite," I admit. "He's seated but still very engaged. The portrait reads like a pensive moment during a conversation. You know it represents the English Voice of Reason. It's also called the 'thumb portrait', the position of the hand with the thumb pressed against the chin expresses the pressure of concentrated thought." I finish as I close down my computer tablet.
Josh stares open mouthed at me.
"What?"
"Who are you and what have you done with my husband?"
"I...don't get it?"
"Where's my husband who still after many years working and living here still gets his Roosevelt's muddled up but can recite sections of the interstate highway!"
"Index cards, Jamie gave me when I've had to give tours. I've memorised them!" I say with a grin."But, listen darlin' we're gonna find the right tone and artist." I gently rub his arm. "You don't have to make a decision yet."
"It just seems that in our first term I'd just gotten used to managing the phones. Then everyone started talking about re-election. Now it's portraits and we've only been back here 93 days!"
I know what's actually getting to him. It's his fear that his ambitious education bill will never be passed by the Senate. "We're back here and we've gotten a second chance with the education bill and guess what?"
"It's gonna pass?"
"You betcha!"
"And," a wicked grin crosses Josh's face. "if you're gonna make me sit for a portrait we're in this together!
"No way!" I'm not allowed to protest further as the sound of the Marine Band on the South lawn announces the imminent arrival of our guests from Blair House.
The White House – 2031
"I think you chose well darlin'. I wish you were here..."
"Grampa, who are you talking to?" Claudy's voice snaps me out of my memories.
"Nobody buglet, c'mon!" I take her hand again and I take a deep breath as I turn my back on him. "Let's show you where mine is!"
Its twenty minutes before we reach the public entrance to the East Wing where my portrait hangs. We're stopped by many of the White House household staff who approach us to express their condolences. I'm surprised to shake the hand of Mr Edwards the Chief Usher. He's the same age as me and I thought he might have retired by now. The dignified man gives his deep baritone laugh, as he walks with us to the entrance of the East Wing.
"President's may come and go but Edwards is still here!"
My full length portrait hangs in the East Wing lobby amongst the rich wood panelling. I'm standing against a pillar in the central hallway of White House dressed Josh's favourite navy suit without a jacket and I stare towards the artist.
"I like it!" Claudy announces to the smiles of a couple of staffers who've entered the lobby.
The sound of my cell phone interrupts my granddaughters chatter about why my portrait is hung here and not with Josh's, letting her hand go with strict instructions for her not to move I answer it.
"Oh hi Dan...I'm fine. Yeah, I had coffee and cookies with the President. There's what?...Oh, shi..." I manage stop an expletive at a puzzled look on Claudy's face.
Dan explains that's there's a large crowd gathered out in Pennsylvania Avenue. I'm sure not all of them are ghouls, but whilst Jamie and I have had a lifetime of dark suits, urgent instructions and code names; my granddaughter has been immune from the hoop-la. Remembering how Jamie hung on to my arm the day we moved into the White House, I finish the call and take Claudy to one side.
"Listen, Claudy, I know you're getting to be almost a lady..." I smile as the dark curls bob up and down as Claudia nods.
"I'm six!" She announces to one of the staffers.
"That's right! So, I need you to listen to me. We're going back to your mom and dad but this time there's going to be a lot of people watching us!"
"Because Grampa 'Osh was the President? OK!"
"Yes, I'm going to tell you a story as we walk back and it will be a very nice one!" I promise her. "And see John over there? He'll will be right with us, OK? So will Granddad."
I look over at him, once more thankful that they are both here. One of the staffers steps forward and reminds me that there's a tunnel that leads from the White House to Blair House, but my granddaughters face screws up.
"Don't like tunnels!"
"Neither do I buglet." I tell her then I hear Josh's voice in this very hallway at our first Easter Egg Roll.
"Sam! I'm telling you I won't be dressing up as the freaking Easter Bunny!"
"Claudy, did your dad ever tell you about his first Easter Egg Roll here? When there were bunnies and lots of Easter Eggs?"
My granddaughter nods wide eyed as the expanded detail form a protective ring around us I firmly take her hand.
"OK, but did he tell you about the time he hid a stash of eggs he'd collected during the egg hunt in his bedroom?"
"No?"
As we walk out into the bright sunshine, I tell Claudy about our surprise when we discovered the eggs he'd stored under the bed and my son was hastily wiping chocolate from his mouth.
"Your dad was very sick and..." I break off in surprise as we reach the gates of the White House.
When we crossed from Blair House to the White House there were one or two tourists and office workers from the OEOB lingering by the railings outside the White House. Now, a large crowd has gathered along Pennsylvania Avenue and their cameras and cell phones are pointed at us. Claudia grip on my hand tightens, but, to my surprise we have a little actress in the family. Jamie at her age was not as precocious but Claudy, is all dimpled smiles and gives little wave. She's got the crowd eating out of her hand. There are a few gasps of "ohh's" and "isn't she cute" as the door to Blair House opens and Molly runs down the steps and stands arms out ready to take charge of her precious daughter.
TBC
