Chapter 14
"Jed, talk to me. Tell me what you're thinking." Abbey reached over to take his hand into hers.
The motorcade was making its way to Bethesda. She had not had a chance to talk with him since the doctor's phone call because he had stayed in the Oval until the very last moment. Now, he stared out the window as they drew closer to Bethesda.
"Uh huh."
"Jed, are you even listening to me?"
"Uh huh."
"What did I just say?"
"I don't know. I wasn't paying attention."
"Look at me." He turned his head to face his wife.
"I said talk to me. I know you're worried, but you should be fine."
He angrily replied, "Who made you God?"
Abbey sat back in the leather seat, stunned over his words. Trying not to react to his anger, she waited until a calmer reply had formed in her mind.
Softly, she finally responded. "Nobody. I know you're afraid. You don't do well in hospitals. Never have. I understand that. But…"
"Abbey, there is no but here. I'm facing major surgery, at the end of which they will tell me I have cancer. Cancer means death. So how can you know, how the HELL can you even say that things will be fine? No one knows what the outcome will be, not even the doctors who specialize in this. So I ask again, who made YOU God?"
Before Abbey could reply, the car stopped and the door was opened by the agents. Plastering on a smile, she eased out and waved to the reporters stationed by the entrance to the hospital. Although they could have gone in a private entrance, Jed insisted that his arrival be public. He knew what the impact of CJ's announcement earlier today was on the public's mind and they deserved to see him fit and alive, for at least a brief moment.
"Mr. President, how are you feeling?"
"Mr. President, can you stop and speak to us?"
"Mr. President, good luck tomorrow."
The yelling of questions continued as Jed and Abbey made their way into the hospital's main entrance. They held hands and smiled at the reporters. No sign of anger or fear was apparent on either of their faces.
"Mr. President, sorry I have to see you again." Dr. Paulter extended his hand.
As Jed shook it, he nodded. "Thanks. Let's just get this over with."
"Yes, sir. Please follow me."
Jed and Abbey reached for the other's hand as they made their way to the elevator. No matter what disagreements had occurred in the past, at this moment in time they knew they needed each other.
And so the second part of their journey began.