TITLE: 'Love in an Empty Field' (10/12)
RATING: A
POV: President Josiah Bartlet and Dr. Abigail Bartlet
SUMMARY: President Bartlet has to replace Mrs. Landingham
DISCLAIMER: The characters used from the West Wing do not belong to me; they are the property of Aaron Sorkin.
Immediately following the shocking news CJ burst out laughing and Josh soon joined her. When they both noticed that I was not laughing myself they both regained their composure.
I couldn't believe what Josh had just blurted out about Toby. There had to be some kind of a mistake, they hadn't even known each other that long.
Although I hadn't known Abbey all that long when well there isn't any need to go there again, and look at us still going strong and still very much in love with one another. Despite what lies she may tell people. I didn't realize I had been smiling when Josh asked me why I had such a big grin on my face.
"Because my wife loves me although she likes to kid around and deny it."
A confused Josh looked at CJ and then back at me and said simply, "That's great Sir that something like that can bring a smile to your face."
"If I were you I would snap a picture because trust me, when Abbey discovers this news I don't think I am going to be smiling for quite some time."
"Why would Abbey- Mrs. Bartlet be upset Sir?"
CJ jumped to my rescue and started asking Josh questions like how did he know about this, when, why and lastly to make sure to who.
"Okay CJ now you are scaring me, you sound just like the press corps that we know you just love so much."
"Bite me Josh and give me my answers or I start making up my own. You're right, I do kind of sound like the press corps junkies that I have to put up with day in and day out. This is kind of fun."
Josh looked at me for help but I just shrugged my shoulders. Finally Josh did the smart thing when it came to CJ or anyone in that matter and gave in.
"Uh, number 1..the how did I know part was supplied by of all people, Danny Concannon."
"Danny!" CJ gasped. Josh turned to CJ and nodded his head. "Yeah I ran into him and he ran into someone else who had run into Toby and that is how it was discovered what he did. You know Mr. President I was thinking of throwing Toby a little shindig but now I am feeling somewhat left out. I mean we work with the guy and I have to find out from a chain of sources that he upped and got married. I mean how rude is that?"
Josh had a very good point. I would so like to get my hands on Mr. Ziegler myself and ring his throat personally, although I don't think that will answer my problems right now. "That is a nice statement and all Josh but I don't buy it. You boys look for any reason to throw a party and suck back a few drinks," CJ said.
"N- No we don't," Josh tried to defend himself.
"Uh excuse me Mr. Lyman? But isn't it true that when Toby recovered his balls that you and Sam had hidden on him you guys treated yourselves to Chinese and 3 bottles of wine?" Josh immediately looked at me for a reaction and tried to chuckle his way out of CJ's accusation before finally responding.
"CJ, I think you need to check with your sources because they are like, so wrong." Again he started to snicker knowing very well he was busted.
"Oh really, because my source was you Josh. If you recall you sent me an email inviting me to celebrate with you." CJ was staring Josh down and he was showing how uncomfortable he was being put in the spotlight, and losing. Finally I spoke.
"I don't think I care to hear anymore about Toby's balls if you don't mind."
"Sir, they're not what you think. They were the bouncing kind."
"Josh if you are trying to comfort me let me tell you that you suck at it. I want to know the answers to CJ's questions, I don't care to know that Toby has balls that bounce."
"So I guess knowing that they come in different colours is out of the question then eh?"
Josh started laughing and CJ just shook her head. I think the stern appearance on my face gave Josh his answer.
"Yellow, orange-no eh Sir. Okay moving right along. Ummm where was I, oh yes. #2 is he did this early this morning. #3 why…I don't know I guess misery loves company. I mean his first marriage worked out well for him so why not try it again." Josh snorted at what he thought was a joke. "And last but not least which is #4 Andi."
"ANDI!" CJ and I both shouted in surprise. Right away we looked at each other and just kind of glazed over this. Toby married Andi?
"Josh what kind of moron are you this week?" CJ asked.
"The regular kind I guess. Hey, why do I get the feeling that I am out of the loop about something here?"
"Because you ARE out of the loop Josh. Now how do you know Toby married Andi?" CJ was firing mad and Josh began to back up from her. Josh spun his head towards the door and then in a trembling voice spoke to CJ.
"Ah shucks did you hear that? That was Donna calling me, I gotta go."
"Donna didn't call you, you big dimwitted chicken."
"Yes she did. CJ would I lie to you? Come on."
"If you thought it would prevent me from beating you to a pulp then yes Josh, I think you would not only lie to me but that you would in return run out of here screaming like a girl."
"Well that isn't saying much for my character. Mr. President…..help!"
"Joshua I am going to ask you this once and if I don't like the response you give me, I am going to let CJ have her way with you, and I don't think you are going to enjoy what she has in mind. So think carefully before you open that trap of yours." Josh was taken back and I think he was considering his options and had come to decide that answering me to his best ability was a wise and safe decision.
"Okay Mr. President I am ready. But before you ask can I ask you for a tiny favour?"
"What's that Josh?"
"Should I by some freak chance happen to give you the wrong answer, can I have a head start before you sick CJ on me please?"
I chuckled as I imagined CJ opening a can of whoop ass on Josh who in return would have deserved it, regardless of the outcome that boy has had it coming for some time.
"Sure thing buddy." I gave CJ a little wink letting her know otherwise. Josh breathed a sigh of relief. "Now my question is as follows Josh. What makes you believe that Toby ACTUALLY re-married Ms. Wyatt?"
"Whew, I thought this was going to be a toughie. That's easy Sir, who else is dumb enough to date Toby let alone marry him but someone who knows what he is like….Andi!"
I turned to CJ and simply said, "GET him!" With that Josh was running (like a girl I might add) and CJ was right on his heels. Having the room to myself again I went to my desk and was about to phone Abbey when I thought better of it and decided to call Leo instead. I gave him a quick update and within a few minutes he was standing before me.
"Leo, please tell me that besides Josh being a part-time screw up he is also majoring in bad story telling. Because if this is true and Toby married Congressman Wyatt, we are in deep ca-ca…and you don't need me to tell you why."
" Ca-Ca Jed?"
"Leo now is not the time to question my use of words. If I begin now to use the words I really would like to say I am going to wind up knee deep in debt with the profanity jar."
"I see. Jed the only thing I can confirm is that Toby is neither at work or home."
"That's it? That is all you can afford to tell me?"
"Let's just say this kind of information is expensive."
"So if I give you some plastic then you will be able to give me some results? Is that it?"
"Jed, let's just wait this out and see what happens. I don't know much else to say. I have Margaret going through the marriage records with the department but-"
"You don't want to know how much I DON'T want to hear a but right now Leo. I need your help. Please Leo!"
"I'll see what I can find out Jed. Give me a few minutes and then I will be back."
"Yeah alright. I am going to head up to the residence and tell Abbey what is going on. I can't leave her out of too much because eventually she will find out. And then God help me if she thinks I deliberately kept her in the dark. Hey Leo, thanks by the way."
"Don't thank me yet Jed. I'll meet you back here." 1
I couldn't believe what Jed was telling me, it seemed like something from a nightmare. I finally lost my control and started ranting at him. "I don't fu-, I don't believe this!" I had to stop myself from cursing and gain just a tad bit of control.
"HOW JED? How were you able to manage screwing this up so bad? This didn't have to go this way. Had you let me handle it the way I wanted to in the first place you would be back downstairs running this country rather than up here with me.
You know what, I don't even think you should be allowed to run this country at all, you can't even manage a simple task of renewing a relationship with our daughter." I had begun pacing around Jed who simply stood there while I screamed.
"What would you have me do Abbey? I don't have control of everything you know. I am human as well and yes, I made a few mistakes-"
"A few mistakes? Jeez Jed listen to yourself. You managed in what a week, to ruin the relationship you had with Toby, totally confuse Meadow, lose a secretary and throw Toby back into the arms of that woman."
"That woman Abbey happens to be his ex-wife. Show some consideration at least."
"Consideration? For what purpose would I show her consideration? She stole Toby from Meadow."
"Abbey I am confused here, are you on the Ziegler bandwagon?"
"What the hell does that mean?" "Are you supportive of Toby and Meadow being together?" "Jed I haven't even met the girl thanks to you, but if Toby has an interest in her that alone shows me that she must be special. Toby is one of the good guys despite your trying to convince yourself otherwise. He is compassionate, strong, open-minded, kind, caring, responsible, hardworking and extremely attractive. What isn't there for a girl to like?"
"Great, now my lunch is even trying to get away from me. Come on Abbey aren't you stretching your opinion of Toby here. Caring yes, hardworking yes, open-minded…a definite YES but responsible? If he is so responsible then why he is missing in action from the White House and apparently with a mail order bride? Oh, and lets not even get me started with the attractive crap!"
"Jed it must be hard being you, you stubborn stubborn fool. I described Toby the same way I would describe you. Don't you see the resemblance between you two? It is a little scary I will admit but besides the constant yapping you do about crap none of us care about you and Toby are one in the same."
"You are out of your mind if you think Toby and I are alike?"
"Am I Jed? Seriously? Take a few minutes to think about it and then when I get back you can try and convince me otherwise."
"Back? Back from where? Where are you going?"
"Why to meet Leo of course." "Meet Leo? Abbey, Leo and I already have plans to meet up. We don't need you meddling in on our conversation. And if you think I am staying here alone while you go and concoct some scheme with him then you better think again 'cause you have another thing coming lady!"
"How about you sit your ass down right now Josiah before I start to get angry and believe me I am just about there. I have sat back and watched everything fall to pieces with you behind the steering wheel. Well guess what buddy, your car's got a flat so consider yourself grounded."
"Abbey can I ask a stupid question?" I grabbed my coat and turned back to face Jed who was standing with his hands in his pockets and balancing himself from heel to toe.
"Better than anyone I know Jed. Now sit, stay!" I pointed to the recliner that was a few inches from where Jed was standing. "I'm not a dog Abbey, although I wouldn't mind a nice LOYAL and FRIENDLY Irish Setter."
"You move from the residence Jed and so help me God you'll be sleeping with the dogs." I slammed the door behind me. I sure hope I didn't knock down Annie's picture from the wall. As I began to walk away I could hear Jed yelling "You damn near knocked Annie off the wall Hercules. Well I guess I'll just stay here then and run the country the best I can from a broken PINK ugly recliner." I left him still yelling to himself because I had given up listening.
I burst into the oval office and threw my purse onto the first table I came across. Leo jumped up from where he was sitting on the sofa. "Abbey I didn't expect to see you today. How are you?" Leo tried nonchalantly to look behind me as if expecting Jed to be coming in any second.
"Cut the bullshit McGarry and if you are waiting for Jed I suggest you get over the fact that he has been somewhat detained."
"Detained? What like in punished?"
"You could say that yes." "You don't by any chance have his nose to the wall do you?"
"Why Leo do you want to stand beside him? There is plenty of room for you two to keep one another company."
"How about we just start over here. Hi, I am frightened, and you are?" I smiled despite wanting to show any affection what so ever. These guys think they can just roll any woman around because they are men. Well it was about time they met one that they couldn't. "From the look on your face Abbey and your mood I am gonna take a wild guess that Jed filled you in on what happened, and you are not impressed."
"Well looky here we got ourselves a boy wonder."
"Abbey, I am not the enemy. And neither is Jed. He is trying Abbey he just sucks at—at—"
"Oh save it Leo. I know you are not to blame but as for Jed, well he is partially responsible for this."
"What do you want to do now? Have you thought about a solution?"
"No. I think I am going to just go on my instincts this time Leo. I am going to get into the car and I am going to tell the driver to take me wherever I settle on going first. But I will have this resolved. And I will have Meadow here later on and I will have worked this out."
"I believe you will Abbey. Do you want me to come along?"
"No, that is fine thanks though Leo. What I need you to do is go and tell Jed that he is allowed to come back down and continue being the leader of the free world. But also remind him that his privileges elsewhere have been revoked for the time being."
"Whoa, you must be mad something awful." I didn't get a chance to respond because Charlie came in for Leo.
"Excuse me Mr. McGarry, Josh needs your help."
"Tell him I am busy Charlie."
"Uh Mr. McGarry you might want to come and help him now before it is too late."
"Too late for what Charlie?"
"Well Sir, CJ kind of has him in what looks like a headlock but then I can't tell because there is a lot of leg surrounding his head. I think they may even be Josh's, and if they are, that CANNOT be good."
"Oh Dear God, she'll kill him." All I could think of was, you go girl! I followed Leo out to where the commotion was but I kept on going. Charlie was keeping up with me despite how fast I was trying to walk. I looked over my shoulders a few times to see if he was still there and he was.
"What are you doing Charlie?" "I am escorting you to the limousine Dr. Bartlet." What a good man, calling me Dr. Bartlet, finally someone showing me an ounce of respect.
"Charlie, the President will need you and I can get along just fine to the car. Why do you think all these agents surround me Charlie, because I resemble Julia Roberts?"
"Well you two could pass for twins."
"You are sweet Charlie. Keep talking like that and Zoey will have to fight me for ya. Now get back to work and don't worry about me. Where I am heading, I am not even sure about yet."
"But Dr. Bartlet I know stuff." I stopped walking to and directed my attention at the handsome Charlie Young.
"And what do you think it is that you know Charlie?"
"Well, I sort of know about Toby getting married and all. And I also know it wasn't to the Congressman like Josh had suggested earlier."
"Just how much of the conversations that occur in the White House Charlie do you actually eavesdrop on? "I don't eavesdrop Dr. Bartlet. I just so happen to have rather large ears."
"Your ears are perfect Charlie, however I am interested in your hearing." I looked around to make sure there wasn't anybody in earshot and then I got a few steps closer to Charlie. "If I bring you with me do you promise to disclose everything you know to me Charlie? And I do mean EVERYTHING!"
"Yes ma'am I will tell you all that I know."
Curiously I asked Charlie why he wanted to do this for me.
"Because I appreciate and respect both you and the President and I want to help you out as much as I can."
"Keep walking with me Charlie and when we get into the car, I want you to sing for your supper."
"Yes Dr. Bartlet." Together we marched directly to the waiting car. Once we were alone in the back I told him to start singing. "Toby didn't marry Andi."
"So he didn't get married. Whew, that's a relief."
"Oh he got married. Just not to Andi."
"Are you saying that he and Meadow are the ones that got married?"
"That's right."
"I want better proof, how do I know that your information is true and Josh's wasn't." "I was there."
"You WERE what?" "Toby asked me to be one of his witnesses, he needed to have a witness and he asked me to be one."
"I am almost afraid to ask who the other witness is."
"Donna."
"DONNA? Josh's Donna? Are you pulling my leg? Why on earth would Toby choose you and Donna?"
"Excuse me?"
"No Charlie I don't mean it like that. I just mean that why wouldn't Toby have Sam, Josh, or even the girls?"
"Toby said that Josh's mouth was too big, Leo was devoted loyally to the President and Sam's guilt would overcome him. As for Bonnie and Ginger, that I don't know about."
"Jesus, he hit the nail on the head with the three stooges that is for sure."
"So where are we going exactly?"
"We are going to Toby's place. Considering he just made a mess out of my house, let's see how he likes me making a mess out of his."
"Why do I have a feeling that this isn't going to be as exciting as I thought?"
"C'mon Charlie, don't tell me that you're afraid of a little confrontation?"
"Don't take this the wrong way Dr. Bartlet but any confrontation with Toby, well I can't see it being regarded as little."
"You just might be onto something there Charlie. Toby's bite is pretty lethal, but you haven't seen nothing yet till you've seen the damage mine can do as well."
"Dr. Bartlet?"
"Yes Charlie."
"Are you scared?"
"Scared about what Charlie? I have a lot of things on my plate so I am going to need you to narrow it down a bit for me."
"About meeting her for the first time?"
"You really do have big ears don't you sweetie?"
"I am sorry and I know it is none of my business but-"
"But what?"
"Well when Mrs. Landingham, you know…."
"Died Charlie? Honey sooner or later you are going to have to say it."
"I know but I still have trouble with it."
"Okay, I understand."
"It's just that she left behind a photo album that the President now has. And one day he had it opened and I went through it. He had already told me I could look at it because it had a picture of myself and Zoey, but I just wasn't ready. So on this day I decided to look through it and a few pictures fell out. I noticed that they were pictures of a baby girl and I automatically assumed they were of Mrs. Landingham.
However when I turned them over on the back it read Meadow and whatever ages that she happened to be when they were taken. I am not a stupid person but it did take some time to put the two together, I mean how many girls are there that are named Meadow. I didn't know how to approach the subject with your husband so I kept quiet, but I did notice something odd."
With tears in my eyes from his explanation I asked him what was odd and he told me. "I noticed that her eyes were the same as yours. I know that sounds funny but your eyes are shaped differently than Zoey and Ellie's. Elizabeth has her father's eyes, but Meadow she has yours and it was then that I knew. I knew she was your daughter. The only thing I didn't know was how it was possible when you already have three daughters, I mean you didn't just lose one did you?"
I laughed at Charlie's innocence and replied, "Actually Charlie we did lose one, but not in the way that you are thinking. And I appreciate your honesty with me today and I don't mean to be standoffish but I can't go into the details right now. If I have to explain this story one more time to someone else who is not Meadow or Toby I am afraid I will lose my mind. You will find out I can guarantee you that, but it will be at a later date. From me that is, are you okay with that?"
"I am yes. But should you need me for any support, the President included I want you to know that I am here for you."
I leaned over and gave Charlie a hug. I needed to hear that right now, not so much from him but just from someone who could take the time to understand what pain and anguish I have in my heart. In Charlie's ear I whispered, "You will always be the first person after my husband that I will call." I gave him a kiss on his cheek and patted the top of his beautiful head. If only his mother had been alive at this moment, she would have been so proud of her young man. I know I was.
Before I knew it we were parked out front of Toby's house. Charlie looked a little nervous but was trying hard not to show it. I climbed out of the limo and the two of us walked up to the front door. As I was about to ring the doorbell I panicked and was about to turn away when Charlie rang the bell for me. I glanced at Charlie who gave me a sly wink and grasped my hand. The door opened and the most adorable little boy stood before us.
I had to catch my breath as I was so in awe. He must be Tyler. My own grandson was right in front of me. He looked from Charlie to me and showed us all of his little teeth when he opened his mouth to smile.
"Hi," he said.
I couldn't get over how much he resembled Jed when he was younger. They had the same hair colour, eye colour and bone structure. The nose was a little different but then again he did have other genes. He was so beautiful and without meaning to I began to sob. I wanted to remain strong but this little miracle was just too much for me. 2
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