Chapter 12

"I resent being managed by the White House. We have a right to view their deplaning. They ARE public figures and the American people need to know what's going on. They have a RIGHT to know the truth."

"Phillip, if you don't shut up, I'm going to make sure you're covering the local animal shelter. Now SIT DOWN!" CJ angrily turned from this latest encounter. Ever since she had received the word that the reporters would be banned from their normal view of the President deplaning the small group on board had been very upset. But she had an obligation to her boss to make sure his wishes were followed. She had just caught a brief glance of the First Lady herself as the stretcher was rolled to the back door of the plane and lowered to the ground. She still had her blue silk head wrap on but now her own gown had been exchanged for a hospital gown and the two physicians were holding the portable monitor and the IV bags as she was transferred to the ambulance. It didn't take a professional to know just how sick she was. So all CJ could do was follow orders and the press corps could just grumble all they wanted. It wouldn't change the circumstances.

"I'm going with her. You follow in the car." Jed turned from Leo and walked toward the ambulance.

Ron scurried over to block the President. "No, sir. You are going in the limousine and straight to the White House. Mrs. Bartlet will be well taken care of and protected. We have not swept the hospital yet because we have no definitive word where she'll be admitted to. I promise that once we know that I'll make immediate arrangements for you to go."

"NO! I'm going with Abbey."

Dr. Walls noted the argument and stepped up. "Mr. President, we need to go now. If you can't come, then let us leave." She looked at Ron as well as the President and knew it was a standoff.

Jed didn't want to delay Abbey but he wanted to go. Zoey also saw the situation and stepped in between Ron and the President. "Dad, come on. I know you want to be with Mom but Ron is right. We can all go when we know where she'll be." She placed her hand on his arm and gently turned him back to the limousine. In a matter of seconds Dr. Wall jumped in the back and the ambulance sped off, sirens wailing. Even with sirens, it would take half an hour to travel to downtown Washington.

Reluctantly, Jed got into the car and settled back for the ride back to the White House. Liz sat across from him where Abbey should have been sitting while Zoey, Leo and Ellie crowded into the middle row of seats.

Liz turned to look at her father. 'He sure has aged this past week. His hair seems grayer. His eyes have dark circles under them. And God only knows what this stress is doing to his body.'

"Dad, Mom will be fine. The doctors will solve this problem like they have done every problem for the past week."

Jed could only nod. He knew if he spoke right now he might break down. He squeezed her hand and gave her a weak smile.

After a silent drive, the motorcade pulled up to the White House. Jed and Leo turned toward the West Wing while the girls went to the Residence to unpack.

"Leo, what if she dies? She's so weak and she just can't seem to shake this. I want to hope that this will pass but how can I?"

They had made their way to the Oval Office and Jed sat down behind the desk. "What if…"

"Sir, don't even think that way. She's strong and was in good health before all this. That's in her favor. And she has the best medical care in the world. You have to have hope that things will improve."

Jed shook his head. "I don't know, Leo. I'm usually optimistic when she's been sick before but with everything that has happened to her in the last week I don't know if I can be optimistic. You should have seen her on the plane. Her body shaking so violently. Her eyes pleading with me to do something. For all I know she's given up. I know I'm about to give up myself."

Leo now was very worried but remained silent. Jed was so depressed over Abbey that he wondered if the President could govern, especially in a crisis. Leo hoped he wouldn't have to find out. He knew Jed didn't expect a response but was just using Leo as a sounding board.

"I just don't know. I try to be strong for the girls. But like I said on the plane, I'm so tired I'm not sure I can be strong."

Ring! Ring!

Jed punched the speaker phone button and motioned for Leo to stay.

"Yes?"

Dr. Walls's voice came through the lines. "Mr. President, I have some news."