Author's note:

as always, thanks to my readers for their love and support. I love getting your reviews. And thanks so much to Mac for being my beta.

You are right, Kiki, the character of Julia was a Hillary Clinton reference. However, the name "Julia Dickinson" came from Thelma Dickinson and Julia from "Speechless", who was also a politician and a democrat. By the way, Amy skipping fourth grade was a reference to Chelsea Clinton, who skipped third grade. There might be more Clinton references in the future, so… stay alert! I'm so glad to see there is another Hilary fan among us. )

Disclaimer: I don't own "Commander in Chief" or "The West Wing".

Summary: It's Inauguration Day. For Mac and Becca it's time to say goodbye to those who are gone. Nathan has a very hard time saying goodbye to his dream. A very important tradition continues. And at the end another life is lost.

CHAPTER 21:

Inauguration part one: Farewells

Tuesday. January 20, 2021.

Washington DC

House of Nathan and Sarah Templeton.

Nathan woke up that morning and felt a really tight sensation on his chest. He had to sit down to breathe regular again. He knew exactly what it was. He just didn't want to get up. He didn't want to face the world that day. He felt like hiding under his bed and staying there forever. Naturally, he couldn't do that. So he left his comfortable bed to see what Sarah was doing.

She was at the kitchen, making Nathan's favorite breakfast: French toast and very strong black coffee to wake up all the senses. Strangely, that cheered him up all time. "Oh, my sweet Sarah. Always knows what I nee d." he thought.

Sarah- good morning, Nate

He kissed her on the forehead.

Nate- good morning, darling. I see you are making something really delicious. Can I help you?

Sarah- I just need milk for my latte, everything else is ready.

Nate- okay

He went to the refrigerator. There were little drawings made for him by his niece's little daughter and son. It has always been that way in his home…. Other people's children got to be the "the kids". Another failure for him. Obviously, he adored his niece and her kids. But it really wasn't fair that he and Sarah never got to have kids. Sarah would have made a terrific mom. They should have adopted when they had the chance.

His thoughts were interrupted by his wife's voice bringing him back to reality.

Sarah- Nate, you are staring at the fridge…

Nathan- oh, I'm sorry

He got the milk, while Sarah served their breakfast. She looked at him worriedly. She knew what was wrong with him. But nothing she could do or say would make him feel any better.

Nathan- God, it wasn't a nightmare… I really lost the election.

Sarah- I'm afraid so, honey.

Nathan- I can't believe I blew it, Sarah. It was my last chance, my very last chance. And I blew it.

Sarah- you did everything right. It simply wasn't meant to happen. Stop blaming your self.

Nathan- I should have spent more time talking about my ideas, my vision, and less time criticizing Mackenzie. I should have gone to Georgia and California more times. And I should have never asked that girl, Ms. Chambers, to be my running mate. She was no help at all for me.

Sarah- Nathan, stop it. Looking back like that is completely pointless. What good does to you at this point having a 5-hours meeting to discuss what went wrong with your campaign?

Nathan looked at her with surprise.

Sarah- that's right… Jayne told me. She's worried about you too. Tell me something, are you having second thoughts about retiring?

Nathan- no

Sarah- so you won't run again in four years.

She already knew the answer.

Nathan- I'm too old for this. I won't run for anything ever again.

Sarah- then analyzing what went wrong won't help you at all. You have too look to the future. There are many fabulous things in this life which don't include a White House.

Nathan- such us?

Sarah- total freedom, time for us and privacy. We can go wherever we want and do whatever we want. We can travel around the world and be on permanent vacations. You'll have time to write your book.

Nathan- I like the traveling idea, visiting other countries sounds terrific. A President doesn't get to enjoy much of the trips…

Sarah- see? Now, I have a pretty good idea of where we could go.

Nathan- where?

She grinned. There where no doubts that her husband would love her idea. She gave him a little clue.

Sarah- "The world falls apart and we fall in love"

Nathan got as excited as a little kid.

Nathan- Casablanca? Really?

Sarah- yeah, and we could go to Paris first

Nathan- just like in the movie! "We'll always have Paris. We didn't have it. We've lost it until you came to Casablanca. But we got it again last night". Oh, honey, I love your idea, and I love you even more.

He kissed her with passion.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the same time

Connecticut Cemetery

Mac was in front his parents' gravestone. Kate had been buried next to Michael, in a private Hartford cemetery. Mac put some flowers for both of them, arranged them nicely, and remained in silent for a little while. She then gave a meaningful look at agent Daniel Carter. He understood perfectly that the President wanted some privacy. He and his men moved several steps away but didn't stay too far.

Mac sighed. She would have liked more privacy, she had something very important to tell her to mother only. But she settled for what she could get and began talking to the gravestone,

Mac- hi, mom. I still can't believe you are really gone. You have no idea of how much I already miss you, especially today. It's inauguration day. I'll have to take the oath for the third time and start another term, my last. When I first became president I did it because it was my duty to step up and run the country. I did it because I felt the American people needed me to do that. Then I ran for my first full term, and I did it mostly for Rod… I did it for the team, because we deserved it. But when I decided to run for reelection… I did it for you, mom. For you and for me. Because I realized that neither you nor the woman you raised would be afraid of seeking what she really wanted. I realized that I was losing my self. It was time for me to start acting like the daughter who, you said, always made you proud. So, mom… my last term goes to you.

With tearful eyes, she kissed her hand and then touched the gravestone, where Kate's name was.

Meanwhile, in Virginia

Agent Joan Danielle Greer had been buried in her home town. Becca had never visited her grave before. But now she was in front of it, with tears in her eyes. She didn't know what to say. What could she say?... "Hi, Joan… this is the girl responsible for your death. How's heaven like?" But surprisingly, what she really wanted to say began to flow easily from her mouth.

Becca- I'm sorry I didn't came to visit you sooner. I was afraid to come because it's my fault that you are here. I know what you would tell me right now: that you were doing your job, you loved it and were aware of the risks. You would also say that what happened wasn't my fault. But it doesn't matter. None of that matters. I'm still sorry…. I'm sorry for all the things you won't get to do… I'm sorry for all the people who loved you and miss you, including me. You weren't just the agent who protected me, you were a great friend as well. And I'm truly sorry that you are gone.

She put some flowers and said goodbye. Then she left to her motorcade.

Washington DC.

Two hours later…

Kelly's apartment.

It was 10.30 pm. Steve had something very important to say to Kelly, so he looked around for her and was told that she was at her apartment with Vince. He got to the apartment, after being buzzed in, and found the door open. "Come in, Steve… and close the door…", he heard her yelling from her bedroom. Very surprised and confused, he did as he was told.

Steve- hey, I need to talk to you

He headed to her bedroom. It was in very chaotic state. Every piece of clothing Kelly owned seemed to be spread everywhere. And so were her 50 pairs of shoes. Vince was desperately looking for something inside Kelly's closet. The press secretary was looking under her bed.

Kelly- hi, I can't talk right now.

She stood up.

Kelly- I'm telling you, it's not here, Vince.

Vince- what about inside those drawers?

Kelly- right!

She quickly opened her drawers, which had even more clothes in them, and began searching them carefully.

Steve- what's missing?

Kelly- my pink scarf, and I need it for the inauguration ceremony.

Steve- can't you just wear something else?

Kelly- It's not for me… It's for the president to wear

Steve- What? Are you saying that the leader of the free world can't get her own pink scarf?

Kelly- you don't get it! This is important!

She continued her search. Steve was very confused, so Vince decided to explain the situation to him.

Vince- here's the thing… Right before President Allen addressed the nation as their president for the first time, little Amy accidentally spilled red juice on her shirt. So the President had to borrow Kelly's scarf to cover the stain.

Steve was beginning to see where this was going. Kelly picked up the story where Vince left it.

Kelly- two years later, on inauguration day of 2017, right before the ceremony, Becca was having a coke and she tripped because of her high heels and stained her mother's shirt… so the President had to borrow my pink scarf again.

Vince- So… now the President specifically asked to wear that scarf for this inauguration. She calls it her "lucky scarf".

Kelly- I can't believe I lost it… She's going to kill me!

Vince- hey, here is an idea. You two keep looking, and I'll go buy a new scarf that looks exactly like the scarf. I swear the President won't notice.

He left the apartment. Kelly then remembered Steve wanted to talk to her about something.

Kelly- hey, what did you want to tell me?

Steve- well… it's very complicated and I don't think this is the right time.

Kelly was very worried. She and Steve weren't officially a couple. They slept together regularly and they both knew how they felt about each other. But their jobs presented a real conflict of interests that made it impossible for them to have a real relationship. Going public and dating like normal people didn't seem to be a valid option for them. However, Kelly wondered if Steve wanted them to do that.

Kelly- Steve, you can tell me anything. Is something wrong?.

Steve- no, it's ok. We'll talk about it tomorrow…. I don't wanna spoil this day for you.

Kelly- please, I want to know what's going on.

Steve sighed. Maybe it was better if he just told her.

Steve- well I've been offered a job as a correspondent… in Africa.

Kelly was stunned.

Kelly- what? In Africa?

Steve- yeah… and I'd have to be there next week.

Suddenly Kelly was hit by a horrifying realization.

Kelly- oh my God, don't tell me you'd be replacing Brian…

Brian Cocannon was a reporter who had been the Washington Post's correspondent in Africa for 5 years. But every now and then he also had to travel to other dangerous places like Israel or Iraq. Two weeks ago, he had gotten killed in Gaza while doing his job.

Steve nodded, confirming Kelly's fears.

Kelly- Steve, don't…

Steve- I know it's crazy. But is a great opportunity for me. And it's been my dream since college.

Kelly- I don't want to lose you.

Steve- I don't wanna lose you. Kelly, I love you. That will never change. No matter what.

Kelly- except that you won't be here.

Kelly's eyes filled with tears. Steve hated seeing her like that. And he truly didn't want to leave her. He wanted to stay and have a real relationship with her.

Steve- maybe… maybe I can turn down the job.

Kelly was shocked. Had she heard him correctly?

Kelly- what?

Steve- yeah… I don't really need a different job. My current job is fine. It's even better than the other one because is closer to you.

Kelly was speechless. Was Steve serious? He was willing to make such a huge sacrifice for her? She was moved.

Kelly- are you serious?

Steve- yes. I want to stay.

Kelly was overjoyed. But something didn't feel right. Sh

Kelly- but, what about your dream?

Steve- I love you more.

He kissed her on the lips, and then looked at his watch.

Steve- well… I have to meet my editor before the ceremony. And you have a scarf a find. So, see you later, honey.

He kissed her again and left.

She just stood there too overwhelmed to move.

11. 55 AM

Capitol Building.

The scarf couldn't be found. Instead, Kelly brought the once Vince got that looked exactly like the lucky scarf. She nervously handed the new scarf to Mac, hoping the President wouldn't notice anything. But she did not get her wish.

Mac took the scarf and immediately gave it back to Kelly.

Mac- I can't wear this… This isn't the scarf.

Kelly- I feel terrible, ma'am. But the scarf, seems to have disappeared.

Mac panicked. What was she going to do now? It was her lucky scarf they were talking about. Felling very disappointed, she gave the new scarf back to Kelly.

Mac- this simply isn't the same

Kelly- I'm so sorry, ma'am.

Mac- It's ok… I'll do fine without a scarf.

Kelly then went to take her seat outside. It was very cold, so she decided to wear the new scarf herself, since the President didn't want it.

Rod joined Mac backstage. They would walk together into the podium and Rod would hold the bible during the swearing in.

Rod- good luck, honey.

Mac shook her head and complained jokingly,

Mac- my lucky scarf got lost.

Rod pretended to panic as he exclaimed overdramatically,

Rod- oh no! We must call this entire thing off!

Mac simply rolled her eyes at him. Rod then got serious. He took her by her shoulders and, looking at her at the eyes, told her,

Rod- trust me, Mackenzie Spencer Allen, your fabulousness and your greatness have nothing to do with a pink scarf.

She smiled at him and then kissed him with passion.

Then Horace approaches them. He was hiding something behind his back.

Horace- I heard the lucky scarf is missing and I wanted to check if the inauguration is still on.

Rod- It's still on. Where are your sisters and niece?

Horace- already in their places… I just wanted to wish you good luck, mom. I'm so proud of you.

Mac- thank you, baby.

Horace- by the way, I feel terrible about causing trouble and not being more helpful during the campaign. So I want to make up for it.

Right after he said that, he purposely threw red juice on her shirt. All the time he had been holding a cup of red juice behind his back.

Mac was completely stunned. She looked at her son, speechless. Now there was a big re-stain on the front of her shirt. Horace and Rod were simply looking at her with the same grin on their faces. It was clear that they had planned it together.

Mac- oh my god! You are both crazy!...

She desperately shouted Vince's name a couple of times. Vince immediately showed up.

Mac- I need Kelly's pink scarf right now!

Vince- But, what about…?

Mac- Just go! Who cares if it's not the original?

Vince rushed to get the press secretary. Kelly went backstage, took off the scarf and gave it to Mac. The president put it on and, looking gorgeous, got ready to take the oath for office one last time.

One hour after the ceremony…

Nathan and Sarah's house.

The Templetons invited Jayne over for a coffee and she accepted gladly the invitation. She really missed her boss. At the moment, she was between jobs. She had turned down an offer to work for the new speaker. It just didn't feel right for her. She had plenty of other job offers to consider carefully. But she felt very lost and clueless. She had no idea what should be her next career step. She was hoping to talk about it with Nathan and ask for his advice over coffee. She knew this was an unbearable day for him. But maybe it would help him to focus on somebody else's problems.

Sarah was making the coffee. Jayne was setting the cups and little dishes to eat the cake she had brought for the Templeton's.

Sarah- please, dear… can you get Nathan?

Jayne- sure

Nathan was at the bathroom, splashing some cold water into his face. The ceremony had been endless for him. But he went anyway and tried to put on a good face because he didn't want people to think he was a bad loser. Now he was feeling like shit.

Jayne looked everywhere for Nathan. Finally, she tried knocked the bathroom door. But she got no response.

Jayne- boss? Boss? Are you there?

Again, there was no response. She insisted some more.

Jayne- boss, are you okay?

Nothing was happening. She felt really scared and opened the door…. only to find Nathan dead on the bathroom floor.

To be continued…

Well, what do you think about that? Now, send me some reviews or Amy will be the next one to die. Just kidding!!!! No more deaths, I promise.

Next on "The fall…": The ship of state just sails on, regardless. The rest of the inauguration day brings new beginnings and a few surprises for several members of the Allen administration.