TITLE: 'Love in an Empty Field' (11/12)
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.
Charlie brushed his hand against my back and I reassured him that I was okay. I knelt down so that I could be more at Tyler's level. I couldn't help but just admire him for he was such a beautiful little boy.
"Hi there. You must be Tyler." The boy looked at me and then glanced up at Charlie not sure exactly what he should do in this situation. After thinking about it somewhat he turned and ran calling for his mommy. A few seconds later a young lady stood before Charlie and myself with a confused look upon her face.
"Hello Charlie, Mrs. Bartlet. What can I do for you?"
"Meadow I realize that we have come un-announced but I was wondering and hoping at the same time that you would be so kind as to give me a few minutes of your time? Please." Meadow considered my proposal and then a few seconds later relented. She invited both Charlie and I in and we did so with caution as we had still yet to see Toby. Meadow lead us down a narrow hallway that was filled with lovely works of art and was decorated I might admit quite nicely for Toby. Not at all what I would have imagined Toby's home to be. We entered into what I was assuming was a den that stored bookshelves filled with books on all four walls.
Inside this pale shade of blue were three leather loveseats. One was in the corner facing a small fireplace that was not in service at this point in time. The other two were side by side more centered in the room facing a large picture screen where I assume entertainment was provided. Antique lampshades filled the end tables and there was an oak writing desk with a tall back wooden chair with blue cushions for comfort in the right corner. I presume this was an area Toby worked in most as surrounding the computer were papers and books and coffee mugs among many things.
I sat on the leather sofa that was in front of the television while Charlie helped Meadow bring the recliner out from the corner and over to where I was. The recliner looked like it had survived a few wars, and its original position was placed in the corner where the wall-bookshelves began. Obviously the chair of choice when one wants to sit down in luxury and get lost in a novel.
"I think I know why you are here, and I don't wish to waste anymore of your time Mrs. Bartlet." Meadow had gotten right to the point. I was liking her already. Besides taking in the pretty little room I had also been given the opportunity to watch and marvel at this young woman who was my daughter. She was indeed beautiful and Jed and Charlie were quite right, she did have the Hunter eyes. Just please don't let her have the Bartlet stubbornness or I didn't stand a chance in hell.
"You are not wasting my time Meadow, if anything I am wasting yours and I don't mean to do so. I have been waiting quite awhile for this opportunity and I will admit I am quite scared."
"Meadow, please give Dr. Bartlet here a chance to talk to you. She has something to tell you and no matter how hard it is for you to hear, believe in her. She comes baring not only the truth, but proof as well. She is a good lady, and I know you agree with me on this." Charlie had stood up for me paving the way for what would be our first conversation. Meadow agreed to hear me out but couldn't promise me anything for what the outcome may be. Charlie excused himself saying he needed to use the boy's room.
I looked at Meadow and before I began to speak I just watched her every move. The way she tossed her hair, the way she blinked, even the way she crossed her legs. This was my child, my baby girl. Of course she looked quite different than the last time I had seen her and held her in my arms but she was still as beautiful. Just a tad bit more hair then I remember. I had waited so long for this day and the moment was finally here and I didn't want it to begin for it would end just as fast.
All I wanted to do was take her into my arms and hold her and tell her how sorry we were for losing out on her precious life and plead for her forgiveness. But instead I sat composed watching her until she caught me off guard.
"Why do you keep staring at me? I already told your husband I am not her."
"So I heard. I am sorry if you were taken back by Jed and I apologize for staring at you. I just can't seem to help myself. You are quite a stunning young lady."
"I appreciate your nice comments thank you, but I have to be honest and tell you that it makes me uncomfortable, the idea of you know.."
"The idea that you are our daughter?"
"NO. The idea that you guys insist on thinking that I am. Mrs. Bartlet I have parents. Or rather I did until they passed away. They created me and raised me and loved me. I think I would have known if I was adopted. I would have felt it, wouldn't I?"
"Sweetie I don't know what you would have felt. But Alan and Georgia Connor were your parents yes and I know that they loved you as they would had you been theirs biologically, but you weren't love. I have with me the papers of adoption and they're signed by Mr. and Mrs. Connor and it is you that is listed for adoption."
"May I see what it is you claim to have?" I took the papers from my handbag and handed them over to Meadow who took them with a little bit of doubt. She opened up the adoption certificate and spent a few minutes reading it. Her eyes began to move wildly around the certificate and I think she was getting the idea that I was who I said I was.
"The certificate is legitimate and it lists both Jed and I as your birth parents and the Connors as your adoptive parents. You were born to us as Amelia Faith Abigail Hunter Bartlet and you had ten beautiful tiny toes and ten beautiful tiny fingers. I know this because I counted and kissed each and everyone before they took you away from me." "How did you get this certificate? I thought that all adoption records were sealed. Or did you use the pull of the White House to help you?"
"Actually you are correct in the fact that these records are sealed and no I didn't really use the White House to help me. I went to North Carolina myself and went through your house. I found them there. Actually Cindy who works for me found them, but either way it was at the house where the certificate was located."
"You went into my home? Who gave you permission?"
"Meadow that is irrelevant right now-"
"To you maybe but not to me. You invaded my privacy, my home…what do you people want from me?"
"We weren't looking to invade you Meadow, our main goal was to find you. You have a child put yourself into my shoes and tell me what you would have done differently. You be a woman who for 29 years has been crying herself to sleep wondering if her baby is okay and hoping to God that one day she will find her, safe and sound and happy."
Neither of us spoke for a few minutes and I was beginning to doubt that I would get through to her no matter how hard I tried, or how much I wanted the ability to do so. I heard her begin to sob and I looked over quickly to her as she spoke to me again.
"I never knew. They never said a wo-wo-word." She was crying uncontrollably now and my heart was aching. Against my better judgement I went over to her and wrapped my arms as tight as I could around her. The feeling that I had was incredible and like any I had ever felt before. It didn't take away from the love I had for Elizabeth, Ellie or Zoey but it felt a little more special and it was worth waiting for.
"I know honey, and I am sure they didn't tell you so that they could protect you. Maybe they had planned to tell you when you were older and sadly they were not given the opportunity to do so. The important thing is that they loved you and they treated you as if you were their child and that is a blessing Meadow. It truly is and one that you will carry with you always."
"Why are you being so nice to me when I have been so awful towards you and the President?"
"If you think this is nice you should see me when I get warmed up. I'm so much more than a bowl of cherries." She finally let out a laugh and it was an exquisite sound. "Meadow you have no idea what Jed and I have been going through this past little while and we won't be able to return your experiences either on this. But there was never doubt towards our intentions for you and we understand how shocking this information can be to someone. Especially when you don't have the Connors to go back to and talk about this with. We were never trying to destroy their reputation, we just wanted the chance to tell you the truth and hopefully have you in our lives again when you are ready. And as for being awful, well I never saw that part of you. I saw a person who was scared of having what little she had of her parents taken away. I can empathize with that"
"You actually want me in your life? But you don't even know me."
"Of course we want you in our lives and that is what the rest of our lives are for….so that we can get to know one another. Honey I can guarantee you that this isn't going to be the easiest transition you have ever made, it isn't like switching from Snuggles to Downy. It is complex and it will take work from you, me, Jed and the girls."
"Oh no your girls! They are going to hate me!"
"No they won't."
"Do they know about me yet?"
"Err—not exactly no. Jed and I both agreed to wait until we had talked to you. We didn't want to give them false expectations and figured this was the best way."
"I see. Can I ask you something that has been bothering me since you came here?" I nodded to let her know she could continue. "How did you know where to find me?"
"I took a guess. I mean it wasn't hard considering I was well aware that you became Mrs. Toby Ziegler this morning. So here I am."
"You already know that Toby and I got married. Oh news travels fast in this part of town."
"Well sweetie when your father is the leader of the free world and Josh Lyman is the leader of the big mouths, word gets around. Speaking of marriage, where is Toby? I half expected him to come in roaring in his Toby way."
"He went to the airport to meet his brother David. He was supposed to fly in yesterday but he was delayed. He should be here any minute."
"Meadow, have you told Toby about your talk with Jed? About why you were upset?" She shook her head.
"I think it is about time one of us brings it up, because there is a lot of friction between Toby and Jed that doesn't need to be if you catch my drift." She did and then she pulled me back into her arms squeezing me tight. This was one of the best days of my life.
Charlie came in with Tyler on his back giggling like little boys do. He was a breath of fresh air and I looked forward to having him in my life. Meadow went over to Tyler and picked him off of Charlie's back.
"Tyler, we don't go hurting mommy's friends. She doesn't have very many in this state and she needs the ones she can find." Meadow winked at Charlie who in return winked back at her. He came over to where I was standing and asked me if everything was okay. I told him that everything was great, and that I couldn't be happier. Meadow was whispering into Tyler's ear trying to keep his attention focused on her and not the two people standing in his new home.
He let out a gasp and put his hands over his angelic little face trying not to giggle. When he put his hands down he said shyly, "I've got a gram-mudder." With tears streaming down my face I looked over at Charlie and said, "I was wrong, I can be more happier."
I held my arms out for Tyler and he without a thought came running into them. I picked him up and held him close and he asked me why I was crying.
"I am crying because I get to be a grandmother to a very special little boy."
"You do? Who?" He asked.
Still crying I answered, "You." And then the water works came full force as his lips planted a firm and loving kiss on my already wet cheek.
"Yes Jed she will be coming over in a few hours and she is bringing Tyler and Toby with her. No, Toby still doesn't know any of this so give him a chance this is going to quite a shock to him Jed. Yes I want you to call the girls and see what you can do about having them come down on Sunday. I want to be able to do this with the whole family but I also just want some time to myself with her too. Yes of course you too. Oh Jed she is a beauty and Tyler is, well he is just wonderful.
Yeah it was harder than I expected but I had Charlie here to give me strength and somehow I managed to do it. I don't know exactly how but it worked. You may want to have one of the toy stores close for an hour so that you can go and pick out some toys for Tyler to play with. I agree that you should be the one to do it personally Jed, that is why I said to get a toy store to close so that you are able to do such a thing. You know what dear you are breaking up on me and my cell phone is dying.
How about we meet back at the residence in a couple of hours. You go to the toy store and I will go and get the things that Toby and Meadow will require for their stay at our place. And I have to get them a wedding gift still. No Jed, that isn't appropriate and is that kind of thinking that I want you to avoid tonight with Toby. Remember the doghouse Jed, that applies for the rest of the month. Okay sweetie I will see you later. I love you too Jed." I kissed him through the phone and then shut the phone off. Charlie glanced over and smiled. I smiled back. A million ideas were dancing around in my head and I was just so overjoyed that I sat back and allowed the visions to come through.
"Jed, how many toys does one five year old need?" I was loading the last of the Tonka trucks into my fifth shopping cart. I had brought Leo, Sam, Josh, Donna and CJ along with me to help me pick out some toys. I had also filled them in on who Meadow was. They were pretty good about it, CJ of course already knew and I think she was satisfied to just not be the last let in on the information. The six of us each had a buggy and the only one left with one that was empty was Leo.
"A boy needs toys Leo, there is nothing wrong with a child having a lot of options to play around with."
"Options Jed? Is that what you are calling this. Tyler won't even reach the fourth buggy till he is married with three kids and a mortgage."
"Leo, have you always been a pessimistic?"
"I am not a pessimistic Jed. I am just saying-"
"Nothing that I want to hear, I know. Now come on, we haven't gone down this aisle yet." Leo followed me down the last row with the cart and I quickly began filling it. There were so many items to choose from that I myself was getting excited. I sure hope Tyler was going to allow me to play with some of this stuff too. The electric train set alone had me all giddy with anticipation.
"What are you going to say to Toby if you don't mind my asking?"
"I am not quite sure yet, but don't fret yet Leo. I will be surrounded by my loved ones and you."
"Gee thanks, I feel honoured."
"Well don't get too bubbly. It was Abbey's idea not mine." I slapped Leo on the shoulder as I stretched across to grab a few more Spiderman colouring books and more crayons.
"They don't make crayons like they did when I was a youngin'."
"How was that Sir, in black and white?" Josh Lyman asked from behind me.
"Josh I am still in power regardless of this being a toy store and I will have you shot down without a second thought."
"I'm sorry Sir."
"Yeah I bet you are, that's why your still smirking." I kept heading down the aisle. Straight ahead Sam and CJ were in the checkout lane and they were hitting themselves with the teddy bears I had picked out. These guys were nothing more than children, it is unbelievable. I turned back to point out Sam and CJ to Leo and he squirted me with a water gun and hit me right in the forehead.
"Oh no!" screamed Josh into his walkie talkie. "The President's been hit! I repeat the President's been hit."
"10-4 breaker breaker roger that. I am on my way, and I am bringing backup….CJ stop hitting me we have a dire emergency."
"Dire emergency Sam? What is your diaper leaking? Put the walkie talkie down Sam."
"You want a piece of me Claudia the Flamingo? Huh big birdie?"
"That's is Seaborn your ass is grass." Josh looked at Leo and I slyly and gave a slight chuckle.
"Imagine that Sir, they didn't realize we could hear them."
"Ya think Josh? Before you and Sam go undercover on any assignments you might want to get the codes right. 10-4 breaker breaker roger that? Come on, give me a break." Leo was trying to act all stern but I knew he thought what he witnessed/overheard was cute. It is always nice to see the staff enjoying themselves outside the White House.
"Leo besides the imaginary one and your mother, did you have any friends?"
"Josh you have exactly ten seconds to get the hell out of this store before I breaker breaker your ass!" Leo said to Josh.
I stepped in with, "Roger that, over and out."
"You guys are insane, either way I am outta here." And off he ran. We came to the end of the row and were about to head to the check out when Leo noticed the commotion in front of aisle 3. CJ was bouncing softly on a large stuffed animal that was laying on Sam's chest.
"Five bucks says that hurt." I gambled.
"I'm not losing a fin over that Sir, of course it's gotta hurt. CJ is jumping on the boy's chest."
"Well atleast she isn't doing it hard." I waved over to CJ.
"How ya doing Sam? Do you need any backup?"
"I'm good Sir. Don't worry about me Mr. President, I have this all under control."
Turning to Leo I said, "Do you realize that is the second time she has kicked a member of our staff's ass."
"Yes Sir I am keeping track."
Out of the far corner a faint voice yelled, "She didn't kick my ass for the record. She slightly tapped it."
"Don't make me come over there Joshua!" CJ yelled out to no one in particular.
"Where is Josh anyway?" Donna asked.
Leo pointed over to the north east corner and said, "He's hiding behind the Malibu Barbie Walk in dollhouse."
"Not again Josh! I told you that if you were good Santa might bring it for Christmas." Donna was talking aloud to us all as she headed towards Barbie's pad.
"We have got to get these people some help Leo."
"There isn't enough money in the world Sir that could do such wonders."
"Find it in the budget Leo. We can't have THEM running the White House. Not when we can't even get Josh out of the dollhouse!"
"For now how about we just pay for this stuff Sir. We don't want to waste anymore time spoiling your grandson than we need to grandpa." Leo began unloading the buggy onto the counter.
"Say it again Leo."
"Say what?"
I locked my eyes on his and it didn't take him long to catch my drift. Smiling he repeated, "Grandpa."
I inhaled deeply trying to capture this very moment with the scent of the air surrounding me. Hearing Grandpa touched my heart. Annie calls me grandpa and I guess I have always taken that for granted because it felt special hearing it come out of Leo's lips.
"Let's go home Leo. I have some special to meet."
"I'm right behind you Sir. Me and the 200 parcels that is." 1
1