Author's note:
HI! Finally another chapter…. I hope you enjoy it. Is mostly about "Rokenzie" dealing with Rod's ultimatum and Mac thinking about re-election.
The general idea behind "The two Makenzies" thing came from an episode of "The west Wing" titled "The two Bartlets".
Special thanks… To the nice people who reviewed last chapter.
To Martha, who betaed this chapter. Dear Martha: this chapter is dedicated to you, because it's being posted on your birthday. You can consider it a birthday present from me.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of "Commander in Chief" and I don't own the basic plot of "The West Wing". I'm not making money with this. I'm just having fun.
Chapter 10:
The two Mackenzies
January 31. 2019
(The day the State of the Union actually took place)
White House. Residence part.
Right where we left off chapter 8 …Rod sighed deeply. This was so hard for both of them. With a lot of pain in his heart he said…
Rod- Mac, either you or Jim is going to run for President next year. If it is Jim, you and I will move out the White House and continue with the rest of our lives together. But if you are the one running for President…I will be the one moving out.
There was a long, very tense, pause. Mac was stunned. She couldn't believe what Rod was saying. That was a very clear and direct threat. She hated the position Rod was putting her into. She never really thought the day would come when she would have to choose between her job and Rod. And she resented him for making her choose. She overcame her astonishment and, showing no emotion, she just said…
Mac- fine.
Now Rod was the one stunned. He repeated what Mac said in total disbelief.
Rod- "fine"?
Mac- Yes, Rod. "Fine". What else do you want me to tell you?
If Rod was that miserable and wanted to leave she wouldn't beg him to stay. That would never happen. Besides, Rod had the right to be happy too… and Mac had the horrible feeling that she was making him miserable. Rod was very confused…
Rod- but… what does that "fine" mean? Is "Fine, you can leave" or "Fine, I won't run"…
Rod didn't really think Mac would give in so easily and simply say the second. Chances were, it was the first option. But he could only hope. Mac replied…
Mac- Neither. It's more like a… "Fine, I got it"… If I decide to run you will leave. FINE. This marriage was never a dictatorship… you are free to do whatever makes you happy. And I'll do whatever makes me happy…
Rod became dead serious and realized that Mac had already made a choice.
Rod- you already decided to run again, didn't you?
Mac shook her head firmly.
Mac- no… I still don't know what the hell I am going to do Rod! I honestly don't know yet… but now I know how you feel about it…
Saying that, she left the room without saying another word. She had a State of The Unions address to give.
Three days after that.
February 3. 2019.
White House. Residence part. Kitchenette.
Early in the morning.
Kate had come back from Bill's last night. Now she was having breakfast with Amy. Kate was eating some delicious pancakes with honey on them and Amy was having muffins with chocolate chips. Mac suddenly entered the kitchen… the smell of the just-made pancakes was killing her and the smell of the chocolate was terribly tempting too. "Oh God… help me" she thought. She greeted Kate and Amy as naturally and she could. Then she sat at the table and picked a simple apple for breakfast. Fruits never tempted her to binge-eat them; therefore, she wouldn't throw them up afterwards. Trying to sound casual, but clearly knowing that something was wrong, Kate asked…
Kate- so… where is Rod? I didn't see him when I came back from Bill's
Mac simply gave her green-apple a bite and replied…
Mac- In Argentina.
Amy gave her grandma a look that clearly meant: "see? I told you!" Kate said stunned…Kate- so... it wasn't a joke then... He really is in Argentina.
Mac- yes, mom. What's so strange about it? He usually has to go on official trips by himself, as First Gentleman and as Chief of Staff.
Kate didn't buy it. She was convinced that Rod and Mac were just avoiding each other. But she decided to let it go for the moment. Then Amy had to leave and Mac and Kate were left alone in the kitchenette. Kate started tidying up the table a little and noticed that Amy had left a muffin in her plate and that Mac was just staring at it. Kate asked worriedly…
Kate- do you want that?
Mac shook her head and immediately put the tempting muffin away, looking like she was afraid of it. Even though she knew about Mac's problem, it never occurred to Kate that her daughter's strange reaction to a simple muffin could have something to do with it. Kate asked innocently…
Kate- why don't you just eat one?
Mac- I can't…
Misunderstanding the reason of Mac's concern, Kate said…
Kate- it won't do you any harm if you eat only one muffin…
Mac- yes, but I don't want one muffin… I want ten muffins…
Now Kate was really worried.
Kate- ok… what's wrong, Mackenzie?
Mac was more likely to overeat compulsively when something specific was bothering her… when something was out of her control. Mac thought that there was no point in lying to her mother, so she replied…
Mac- Rod is going to leave me…
Kate was shocked. Mac couldn't possibly be telling the truth.
Kate- What?
Mac- oh, well… to speak more accurately, he is only going to leave me if I run for a second term. So… If I don't run, I get to keep Rod. Isn't he the sweetest thing for giving me that choice? Am I not the luckiest woman on earth or what?
The sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable. Kate still couldn't believe what Mac was saying.
Kate- he said that he would leave you?
Mac- yes… he threatened me to leave me if I run for president again.
Kate- he is just bluffing… he wouldn't actually do that. Never!
Mac shook her head sadly.
Mac- He sounded pretty serious to me.
Kate- I'm sure he wasn't serious… this must be like the time he almost went to New York.
Mac remembered that particular moment of her presidency. She had eventually given Rod what he really wanted (a job in the Allen administration) so he wouldn't go to New York. The difference was that, deep down; Mac knew that the whole "New York" thing had been a big bluff. Just a game Rod played to test her love for him. But Rod was serious now. This time, he wasn't playing any games. She shook her head and said…
Mac- it's not like that this time… He feels even more strongly about this, mom. He really wants me to leave office next year… he thinks that's the only way I can get better…
Kate started saying shyly…
Kate- well…
Mac immediately cut her mother off, stating very firmly…
Mac- it is NOT the only way I can get better!
Kate raised her arms defensibly.
Kate- Fine! If you say so…Mac- I can get better without leaving office. I know I can…
Kate took Mac's hand and looked directly to her eyes.
Kate- Honey, I believe you can do anything… but I hate what you do to yourself…
Mac nodded feeling incredibly guilty. She knew how much pain her sickness was causing others.
Mac- I hate it too, mom. But I won't magically get better just by leaving this job. Is not like I'll wake up on the next President's inauguration day and, suddenly, I won't have bulimia anymore.
Kate- nobody said that… but it could help…
Mac- it won't help! Actually, I think the opposite is true.
Kate- what?
Mac- I will make me worse leaving the Presidency at this point. I really want, and need, another term. I don't think I'm finished with being President… I know this'll sound very odd, since I've been President for almost five years now, but, I swear mom, sometimes I feel I'm just starting to get good at this job.
Kate was surprised to hear that. She assured Mac…
Kate- you already are good. You are excellent at your job… you already did so much good, Mac.
Mac- I guess… but I don't think I'm ready to leave now.
Kate- so… you are going to run again.
It wasn't a question, but a statement. However, Mac hesitated a little and said…Mac- is not that simple… I can't just ignore the way Rod feels… besides, after disclosing the bulimia I won't stand a real chance of winning. Is not going to be like the last time… if I run again, my eating disorder would be the main topic of the campaign. The other candidates would make sure of that. Trust me.
Kate- Well... but Templeton could not run again…he's too old. And he's the toughest one.
Mac- it doesn't matter whether Nathan runs or not. It'll still be a hard, tough and very bloody campaign.
Kate couldn't disagree with that. However, she tried to take some pressure off Mac's shoulders.
Kate- but you don't have to make a decision right away. You can take your time and really think about it…
Mac- not exactly… I just have until the announcement.
Kate suddenly realized the reason why all this concern about re-election had suddenly emerged.
Kate- of course! After you announce that you have bulimia some smart reporter is gonna ask you: "Madame President, will you still run for a second term?"
Mac- a smart reporter? Mom, even Homer Simpson would ask me that question.
They both giggled. Then Kate said very seriously…
Kate- I'll be with you whatever you decide…
Mac- …but?
Kate- but… personally, I don't think giving up is like you. I mean…. If you REALLY think that you can get better, that a second term is what's best for you, then you should run again… you are a fighter and you can do anything you want if you truly put your heart on it. You should stand up and fight one more time…
Later that same day…
At the Oval Office
Mac was looking through the window of her office at the wonderful view she had. She was deeply lost in her thoughts. She couldn't help thinking about Rod and another important moment in her marriage.
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FLASHBACK.
October. 1015. A year and two months after Teddy Bridges died. And a week after Jim was confirmed Vice President by both Houses.
OVAL OFFICE.
Mac was having a meeting with Jim Gardner. The new Vice President was at the moment helping Mac choose a new Chief of Staff. But Jim was getting a little bit frustrated because Mac didn't seem to like any of the candidates in the short list. He said…
Jim- I really like Susan for the job…
He was talking about the Deputy Chief of Staff, Susan Bennet. But Mac wasn't very convinced.
Mac- she's efficient… that's for sure. But…
Jim- I don't understand, ma'am. Are you afraid that it will look like you only promoted her because you are a woman and so is she?
Mac- No… no… that's definitely not it. I just want to think it carefully. You know how important the Chief of Staff is for the administration… is the…
She stopped talking, suddenly realizing it was her Vice President she was talking to and that she shouldn't say what she was about to say. But Jim knew it, so he said for her.
Jim- The second most powerful position. I know that.
Mac- Jim…
She was about to deny that. But Jim didn't look too upset about the fact that the Chief of staff was, on the practice, more powerful than the Vice President.
Jim- It's ok, ma'am… I know that Vice President is actually being Secretary of the useless. But I'm fine with my new position because is what's best for my political career in the long term.
Mac nodded in agreement with that last statement. She knew that becoming VP was a smart career move for Jim. She was sure that, when the time comes, it would help him get the presidency.
Mac- yes… but Jim, being VP doesn't have to be being Secretary of the useless. Warren Keaton said: "If you want a man who is worth a damn in this job, you got to make this job worth a damn". But actually, it's the other way around. The man who is worth a damn is what makes the job worth a damn.
Jim absorbed the President's words and he had to admit that she was right. He replied…
Jim- like you did, when you were VP. Your Vice Presidency overshadowed the Presidency.
He meant that as a compliment. Actually, he admired Mac more than he was willing to admit. Mac said jokingly…
Mac- you better not try that and pull a Mac Allen.
Jim- Impossible. There is only one Mac Allen, ma'am. Besides… that's not my style.
Jim was very content with the plan he had. It simply consisted in waiting quietly in his place until it was his turn to become President. He didn't mind if it took some time. Specially, since he was absolutely sure that Mac would never run for a second term.
Mac- anyway, I promise you that I'll never be like Bridges… I'll always let you be as involved as you want. You are going to be President someday, and you have to be prepared. So… you'll be in the loops on everything.
Jim- I appreciate that a lot, ma'am.
Mac let go a deep sigh and said…Mac- now, about my new Chief of Staff…
Jim- right. Madame President, we have a lot of good names in the short list. Why don't you take some time to consider them more carefully? In the meantime, I can help with the Chief of Staff duties.
Mac- Thanks… but, actually, there is one person I really want to hire. But I'm not sure if I should.
Jim- why?
Mac- well… It won't look so good politically.
Jim then knew exactly whom Mac was talking about. He asked, impressed…
Jim- Ma'am, are you thinking about hiring your husband as Chief of Staff?
Mac suddenly tensed. To her, that question had sounded like: "Do you need your daddy to come and hold your hand?" Of course, Jim hadn't meant it that way. She was just being paranoid. With a tone a lot more harsh than she had intended, she said…
Mac- Jim, I'd prefer that you refer to Rod as "Mr. Calloway" or "The First Gentleman".
Jim understood that Mac had taken the "Your husband" part in the wrong way.
Jim- I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean… I was just asking if the First Gentleman was being considered for the job. That's all.At that moment, Mac felt really silly. She had overreacted a little. Jim hadn't meant anything negative. The truth was that Rod was the right man for the job and everybody in the White House knew it.
Later… in the residence.
Presidential bedroom.
Rod was looking at his wife, stunned. She had just dropped a bomb in her usual casual manner.
Rod- You want… what?
Mac- I want you to be my Chief of Staff.
Rod was shocked; it was the last thing he had expected to hear.
Rod- but… what about… ? Honey, there is a reason I left the West Wing.
Mac- yes… it didn't work that time. But we can try again. We can both learn from our mistakes and do it better.
Rod was still suspicious. This seemed too good to be true.
Rod- you are not just doing this for the sake of our marriage, right?
Mac- no! Rod, you are a great politician, you are smart and I can be sure that you will always have my back. I won't find a better Chief of Staff.
Rod- Mac, you know that you don't have to do this if you don't want to. My love for you will always be stronger than my frustration over my First Gentleman position… I will always love you regardless of my title.
Mac- I know that.
Rod- good.
Mac- and you know I love you too, right?
Rod nodded with confidence.
Rod- I know.
Mac- Good… because I suck at showing it.
Rod clucked and shook his head.
Rod- you don't "suck" at showing it.
Mac- yes… I do. I love you very much but I have always had problems showing it because of the big battle inside me between the two Mackenzies. Mackenzie Calloway, your wife, and Mackenzie Allen, the first female President, who is desperate to prove that she can do everything on her own, that she doesn't need her husband holding her hand.
Rod- It doesn't have to be a battle… both Macs can coexist together. There are moments when you are my wife and there are moments when you are my president. We have to learn how to separate our marriage from our work together.
Mac's face lighted up when she realized the implications behind those words…Mac- so… you accept the job? You are gonna be my Chief of Staff?
Rod- yes… and I promise you that, when we are working, I'll treat you like I would treat any other President. I wont mess it up again. I will never, ever, disagree with you and yell at you again…
Mac raised her eyebrows. That was definitely too good to be true. So Rod rushed to add…
Rod- …IN the Oval Office, with other people there.
Mac faked disappointment and said…
Mac- Damn it… I was hoping you would say: "I will never, ever, disagree with you and yell at you again". Period.
Rod- Come here, smart-ass…
He pulled her for an embrace and very passionate kiss.
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February 3. 2019.
At the Oval Office
Mac was suddenly taken away from her thoughts by Dickie's voice. Mac was in a private meeting with her Communications Director, they were alone because they were discussing the difficult topic of Mac's going public with her bulimia. And, at that moment, Dickie was the only one in the Communications team who was in the loop. That fact made Dickie incredibly uncomfortable. Mac tried to concentrate again in the meeting…
Mac- sorry, what were you saying?
Dickie- I was just asking when will we tell Kelly about… the situation.
Mac sighed annoyed. She knew they needed to tell Kelly soon. They needed her help to prepare themselves properly before going public. But Mac wasn't ready to face Kelly's disappointment yet. Kelly admired the President very much, and Mac didn't want to loose that.
Mac- we will tell her in the proper time, Dickie! Now, please, answer my question.
Dickie thought about what the President had asked a few minutes ago. Then he said honestly…
Dickie- you have to announce whether you are running again or not the day you make your condition public. There is no way you can postpone it any longer, ma'am.
They had already decided that they would tell the world about Mac's bulimia on March the first. That was the deadline Templeton had settled. If they waited any longer, Nathan would leak the story to the press himself.
Mac- this is ridiculous! The other candidates will be announced in August… of the next year! Why do I have to do it so soon?
Dickie gave her a "You know very well why" look. Jim was being too transparent and people were starting to see that the Vice President was preparing himself to run for President in the next elections. That had already raised a lot of questions and some people were wondering whether Jim Gardner was planning to run against Mackenzie Allen or instead of her. They were already suspecting that the President could not run again and that it had something to do with the heart attack she had suffered. Those speculations would grow to massive proportions once they confirm that, indeed, the President had a serious medical condition that caused the heart attack. Mac rolled her eyes and said…Mac- I know… I know… sick President… young healthy Vice President suddenly salivating over the Oval Office… I get it. You don't have to draw me a picture.
Dickie clucked. He loved the President's sense of humor.
Dickie- the bright side is that you don't have to decide today, ma'am. You have 26 days.
Mac- and you have no idea how happy that makes me…
She was, clearly, being sarcastic. Dickie decided to ignore that and get right into business.
Dickie- We could prepare two statements… one to use if you decide to run and another one just in case you decide not to run.
Mac nodded agreeing with that.
Mac- Two possible answers for the same question… "Madame President, will be seeking for a second term?".
Dickie immediately started picturing the statement in his head and said…
Dickie- answer one: "Yes, I will. I still have a lot to offer to this great nation. There is still a lot to get done. And even when I know this campaign will be especially difficult, I'm not afraid of it. I'm always up for a new challenge."
Mac, more cynically, pictured the other possibility and said, half-kidding…
Mac- answer two: "No. Are you crazy? I have bulimia and hid it to win the elections… I'll probably face charges of Impeachment. I would be insane if I made myself, and my family, go through a presidential campaign given those circumstances."
Dickie- we would probably have to put that I bit more differently…
Mac nodded in a "well…duh" kind of way and said…
Mac- I had assumed so…
Mac stood up, considering the meeting over. Dickie stood up along with her.
Dickie- Well, Madame President, if you don't need anything else, the afternoon press briefing is starting in 10 minutes and God knows Kelly needs adult supervision…
Dickie always made jokes like that about the fact that he, as Communications Director, outranked the Press Secretary. And he liked to, jokingly, act all "bossy" towards Kelly, even when he only outranked her by one rank. The President smiled and, playing along with the joke, she said…
Mac- Adult supervision? Then, how come you are the one who supervises her?
Dickie- I have no idea, really…
Mac just shook her head thinking that Dickie was hopeless.
Once the Communications Director was gone, Mac tried to concentrate in her work. But she couldn't. Something was keeping her distracted. She couldn't stop thinking about Rod and the reelection. She moved closer to the window to enjoy her favorite view and once again was lost in her thoughts. What was she going to do?
At that same time, miles and miles away, in a very fancy hotel of the Capital City of Argentina, Rod was also looking through the window and lost in his own thoughts. What would he do if Mac decided to run? Would he leave her for real?
To be continue…
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