AN:HI! Thanks to the people who read this story and special thanks to those who reviewed. Also, thank you so much to Brendan for helping me with the story.
I understand people didn't like the chapter because of the kiss, but I swear "Rack" will be back soon. I felt this crisis had to happen for Jack to really let Audrey go for good.
Disclaimer: 24 is not mine. Neither are the characters. They belong to Howard Gordon and FOX (Damn it!).
EVERYTHING WENT DOWNHILL FROM THERE
PART 3: THE RIDE WITH YOU IS WORTH THE FALL
Previously: Allison's approval ratings dropped 20 points. The public sees her as weak and ineffective.
Jack wants to save Audrey, but keeps ignoring Renee in the process.
Renee is so terrified of her stalker that she asks her assistant Eric to drive her to work. Since Jack is being cold and distant to her, she keeps the problem with the stalker to herself. He founds out about it because his deputy Nora McNally tells him. He gets mad and Renee and feels hurt because she didn't turn to him.
Audrey tells jack she still loves him and kisses him. He kisses her back. Then they noticed Renee was watching them.
Next: After Jack kisses Audrey, he and Renee have to deal with the consequences. He talks to a close friend and then has an honest conversation with Audrey.
Ethan and Allison have an argument about reelection.
CHAPTER 21:
BROKEN HEARTED ME
December 14Th 2018- Sunday
11.39 AM – West Wing of the White House
Renee Walker entered the west wing of the White House unaware of what she would see. She had decided to look for Jack and talk to him. She loved him fiercely and wanted to work in their relationship. She reached his office with determination. Mrs. Carmichael, Jack's assistant, was not there because it was Sunday, so Renee had to open the door of his office and simply walk in. She stopped dryly. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Jack was right there kissing Audrey Heller. And it seemed to be a passionate kiss. It was just what she had been dreading since Audrey showed up in their lives. It was her worst nightmare coming true before her eyes. She was too stunned to do anything. She couldn't even move. Even her hand remained static on the door handle.
Jack then gently moved away from Audrey. "I'm sorry. I can't do this".
Audrey nodded weakly and looked down again. And then they both stared at the door and felt absolutely taken aback when they saw Renee.
There was a stunned silence in the small office for a moment. Jack and Renee kept staring at each other not knowing what to say. Renee was feeling like the air had abruptly been taken from her lungs.
"Renee…". Only her name left his lips. He didn't quite know what else to say at that moment. But he never took his remorseful aquamarine eyes from her pale-blue ones.
Renee didn't give him time to say anything anyway. She turned around and left walking fast and slamming the door behind her. Instinctively, he began to follow her. As he reached the door it hit him that Audrey was still there, so he turned to address her hastily, "I'm sorry. We should talk. But not right now".
Audrey had no chance to reply anything. Jack left very quickly. Her head was spinning really fast. She just rested her back in the back of the loveseat with a dumbfounded expression on her face. Then something over Jack's desk caught her eye. It was a picture of Renee holding Jack's granddaughter with Renee's manor behind them. The little girl looked very happy and Renee, who was looking at the girl and smiling, looked sweet… almost soft. In person, on the other hand, Renee had appeared cold and harsh to Audrey. To her, looking at that photo was like being hit with a baseball bat. It was the kind of moment she never had with Jack because there was no time for that. They took him away from her far too soon. And now, after being apart for far too long, he had kissed her back, but then he had rushed to chase his girlfriend. Heartbroken and confused, she took her purse and coat and left the office.
At the same time…
Jack followed Renee, who headed fast to her own office. She walked into her office and Jack barely managed to sneak in right before she could close the door in his face. "Renee"
"Get out", she demanded firmly in a split second as she spun around to face him angrily.
"We need to talk about this", Jack told her and took a couple of steps toward her.
Renee walked away from him and stood behind her desk, where she felt comfortable and in control. Her arms were folded in front of her and she kept pulverizing Jack with her crystal-blue eyes. "I don't want to talk to you"
Jack knew he deserved her anger. He understood her. But they still had to talk. They had to talk to work things out. He was getting truly desperate. "Renee, please, listen to me…"
Renee interrupted him sharply, "Get out".
Jack wouldn't leave without being heard. "Let me explain what happened…"
"I saw what happened!", she abruptly snapped back. "You kissed Audrey"
"But that's all", Jack clarified giving no room for doubt. "Nothing else happened. I just kissed her"
Renee didn't care. A kiss was meaningful enough. In her mind, the kiss and Jack's actions in the past week meant he was not over Audrey. He still couldn't let his former girlfriend go. And her heart was broken all apart because of that. But she didn't act wounded at all. She appeared cold as an iceberg. "I said get out. Go with her".
"No", Jack automatically responded. "We have to talk about this"
"Don't make me call the agents", Renee icily warned him, with her 'Don'ttestme' look and tone. She felt absolutely no desire to talk to him. She didn't even want to look at him.
Jack just couldn't believe she was threatening him with calling secret service. "Come on… Don't do this…"
Before he could add another word, Renee loudly shouted for one of the agents in charge of guarding the White House Chief of Staff's office. "Agent Roush!"
Instantly, Agent Arizona Roush appeared in the office. "Ma'am?"
"I don't want him here", Renee informed coldly, with her arms tightly folded in front of her.
Arizona knew Jack was Renee's boyfriend. But that didn't matter. If someone was bothering the Chief of Staff the agent had to interfere. She had to make sure Renee's office was a safe place. So she approached Jack with her most threatening expression, "Sir…"
The woman, naturally, did not intimidate Jack at all. No matter how tall or big Agent Roush was. However, for once, he didn't want to make a scene and get in trouble. "Fine… I'm going", he groaned very unhappily and made his way to the door. But before leaving the office he turned around to look at Renee once again. "Please…". He desperately wanted to talk to her. But expression made it perfectly clear that it wouldn't happen. He decided to give her some time to calm down. "Fine. I'll go"
Agent Roush and Jack left the office. Renee simply stood behind her desk staring at the door. She wearily sat down, feeling a huge lump of angst in her chest and throat. Her sight was blurred by the tears that were filling her eyes. A lot of burning questions were running through her head like hamsters, Jack had kissed Audrey. He was clearly not over his former girlfriend. Renee's heart was truly broken in millionth little pieces.
02.26 PM – Arlington, Virginia - Chloe and Morris O'Brian's apartment.
Jack Bauer had met Chloe O'Brian on a Monday morning. Michelle Dressler said 'This is our new Data Analyst and your assistant, Chloe O'Brian' and, without even greeting the nerdy new girl, Jack simply barked some order and left to his office. They didn't have a good relationship at first. It wasn't until Jack faked his own death with Chloe's invaluable help that they became truly friends. But then Jack was abducted by the Chinese and, after that, he left to Africa and India. So, they never truly got the chance to hang out like friends until a year after Bill Buchanan's death, when Chloe moved to New York.
They weren't the kind of people who enjoyed talking about feelings and relationships. But she was someone he could talk to freely. She was frank and supportive. For that reason, Jack decided to turn to her and talk about Renee. Luckily, Chloe and her family had recently moved to Arlington, Virginia, since she was appointed Director of CTU DC. And her husband Morris was a data analyst there. Jack arrived to Chloe's apartment and Chloe immediately allowed him in. "Hey"
"Hey", Chloe greeted him back. "Please, have a seat. I'll make coffee if you want to".
"That'd be nice. Thank you", Jack graciously accepted her invitation and followed her to the kitchen, where Chloe began making coffee. "So, are Morris and Prescott okay?"
"Yeah, they went to the movies", Chloe told him as she got her electric coffee maker all set.
"Good", he breathed out the word with relief. He didn't want to talk with Morris and Prescott around.
"So, you didn't say much", Chloe turned around to face him, with a worried expression. She could easily tell Jack was troubled. "What's going on?"
Jack looked down and away awkwardly. Then he bluntly admitted, "I kissed Audrey"
Chloe's olive-green eyes widened with surprise. "You kissed Audrey?". She felt so confused by that news. She knew how much Jack loved Renee. "But… Why?"
Jack sighed beat, truth be told, he was having a hard time understanding his own actions. Instead of explaining himself, he explained the facts better. "Actually, Audrey kissed me and I kissed her back".
Her nose wrinkled. Chloe remained absolutely puzzled. "But why would you do that?"
Jack sighed again. He purposely avoided his friend gaze, feeling embarrassed and, then, he struggled hard to somehow explain his actions. "Because she was crying, saying she still loves me and saying she needs me. And when she kissed me I just couldn't…". He paused trying to understand what had happened himself. He then justified himself firmly. "I just had to kiss her back".
Confusion never abandoned Chloe O'Brian. It was showing all over her features. She was about to ask why on earth kissing Audrey was an obligation. But then the coffee maker made a sound announcing the coffee was ready. Chloe poured two cups and gave Jack one as they both sat by the small table she had in the kitchen. She put sugar in her coffee as she pondered about the situation, a situation that still made little sense to her. "I don't understand. Are you… Are you saying you don't love Renee anymore?". She didn't truly believe that was the case. And she was hoping that was not the case.
"No", Jack answered firmly in a heartbeat. Even with all the confusion that was filling his mind, he knew one thing for sure. "I love her so much". Yet, something stopped him from getting over Audrey completely. "But… Audrey…".
"Audrey what?", Chloe asked in disbelief. She was still baffled.
"She…" Jack began not truly knowing how to express how he felt about Audrey. He was just starting to figure it out himself. "She makes me feel like a man who is really needed, like… like a savior"
"Oh". It was then that the coin dropped for Chloe and everything made sense. Of course Jack couldn't resist someone who needed him. Renee had needed him badly when they were in New York, but not anymore. Renee was truly strong an independent. That was the problem.
Jack didn't even touch his cup of coffee. He kept talking, trying to explain his predicament in the best way that he could. "And for eight years she was all I could think about. I always thought she and I together would have been something truly amazing if we had been given the chance"
Chloe wrinkled her nose with visible confusion again. "Really?". Jack nodded sadly and Chloe silently pondered about Jack and Audrey for a moment. "Well, I…", she trailed off feeling awkward. She had never given an opinion about Audrey before. Jack was so crazy about the tall blonde woman and Chloe had always respected that, even when she didn't get it. But now it was different because Audrey was threatening Jack's recently-found happiness with Renee. Chloe felt she had to say something. She began talking timidly. "I know how strong your feelings for her were. It's just… when you two were together it just… it didn't work"
"What are you talking about?", Jack objected firmly without a second of vacillation. "She and I were perfect until the day I went back to working for CTU…"
"You two were never perfect, Jack", Chloe was quick to argue. She was starting to lose her patience. Her tone was saying 'Come on, you know that'. Then she elaborated her point with a confident tone, "It took her six months to be open about the two of you, while you were too afraid to show her who you really are. And when she saw the reality of your world she broke up with you".
"I killed her husband", Jack painfully reminded his friend, keeping his gaze on the untouched cup of coffee. "Of course she had to break up with me". Then he looked into Chloe's olive-green eyes and naturally kept on fiercely defending Audrey. "But then she forgave me. We were about to get back together. And when I was abducted she went over there to save me".
"Yes", Chloe conceded, to be fair. "She's very brave and risked her life for you… but…"
"But what?", Jack very quickly questioned her daringly, like he was calling Chloe on a bluff.
Chloe sighed with clear resignation. "When you were in China she and I got to talk a little because I tried to help her help you", she began explaining uncomfortably. Jack had no idea Chloe and Audrey had got to know each other better. And Chloe had never liked Audrey's personality very much. However, she admired the other woman for being so loyal and trying to save Jack. Yet, Audrey didn't seem the kind of woman Jack needed. "So I know that she was sure once you were safe again you would stop working for CTU and you would never sacrifice yourself for the country again". Audrey wanted desperately to change Jack. Audrey needed Jack to give up who he was for her. It somewhat reminded Chloe of Kim and Chase. "She thought you would, like, move to the suburbs to live a cushy and peaceful life with her. That's what she wanted".
Instinctively, Jack's entire body tensed significantly and a frown appeared on his features. "That's what I have with Renee now". He had ultimately changed like Audrey wanted him to, except that he had changed with and for another woman. He was still not entirely comfortable with his new life, though. The sort of life Audrey wanted and he and Renee had still felt sort of wrong for him. "I live in a damn mansion, for God's sake. Me. And I have a housekeeper. I go to work and when I come back the house is clean and my laundry is done".
Chloe couldn't help but to roll her eyes. She gave him a sarcastic response, "I'm so sorry for you".
"Chloe…". Jack gave her a pointed look.
"The point is…", Chloe began saying, directing the conversation to a more productive path. "You and Renee have a cushy and peaceful life now. But she could handle it if you didn't", Chloe stated with a lot of certainty. "Look, I don't know her that much, but I think she really understands and loves who you are".
"I think so too", Jack agreed breathing out sadly those four words. He then looked down and away feeling embarrassed. Renee was so wonderful to him and he had hurt her. He had ruined everything.
"Audrey seems to only want you when thinks you are going to change and quit forever", Chloe then added bluntly.
"I don't know". Jack's mind was full of doubts.
"But you don't want to get back together with Audrey, right?", Chloe asked somewhat fearfully. She wanted Jack to be with Renee. But she knew Jack would do whatever he wanted.
"No…", Jack answered in a heartbeat. "I don't love her. I love Renee". Then his face was instantly covered with a cloud of sadness. "What if I lose her because of what I did?".
Chloe's olive-green eyes looked at him full of compassion. She didn't know what to say. She could see how deeply Jack loved Renee, regardless of his latest errors. She reached out her hand and held his, in order to offer him some comfort and support. "I'm sure she'll forgive you".
03.42 PM – WHITE HOUSE- Office of the White House Chief of Staff.
Renee was sitting in one of the pink velvet couches in her office. She was keeping herself busy with work. It kept her from falling apart. The communications team had begun working on the State of The Union address. So Renee was reviewing the first drafts, highlighting the parts she wanted to discuss with the team and writing notes. Suddenly, she was startled by the sound of the phone. She stood up and went to take the call. "Yes?"
"Renee, it's me. We need to talk", Jack told her decisively, trying not to sound desperate.
Renee's features darkened with anger. "I told you I don't want to talk to you, Jack".
"I know you're mad at me. And I understand. But wehave to talk about what happened… Please, let's just talk about it", Jack whispered softly. His desperation was now evident.
"No", she snapped coldly. She sighed with frustration and then she softened her tone. "Jack, I know we have to talk eventually. But I'm not ready yet".
"Please…", Jack insisted with a very low and soft voice.
"No, Jack. I don't want to talk to you right now. Please, respect that". Renee did not appreciate being pressured to do something she didn't want to so at the moment. She brusquely disconnected the call without another word.
Then, tears came to her crystal-blue eyes. She turned around and looked at the photos in wooden frames over her chocolate-brown wooden wall shelf behind her desk. She looked at a picture of herself and Jack posing by the Potomac River. In the photo, Jack had an arm tightly around her waist and his cheek was glued to hers. They were both smiling and their smiles reached their eyes.
She couldn't believe everything had now gone south. She sat defeated in a chair behind her desk and began weeping with her elbows in her desk and her face between her hands.
09.27 PM
Renee was still in her office. She hadn't stopped working. Not even to eat anything. She wasn't hungry anyway. And if she stopped, even for a second, she found herself thinking about Jack and her chest began aching and it felt like someone was sticking a knife in her heart. It was easier not dealing with her emotions but to deal with things like the state of the union, the budget or the retreat of the American troops in Sangala.
At that moment, the phone of her office began ringing again. She stared at it, looking haunted, without taking the call for a moment. After a brief moment of hesitation she took the call. "Yeah?",
"Renee, it's me". It was Jack calling her once again. And he was very worried and pissed because Renee was not home yet. The stalker was still out there, so Renee should be in the manor, where he could watch her and it was safe. He guessed the stalker wouldn't do anything while she was in the White House, surrounded by secret service agents. But he would feel better if she were close to him. "When are you coming home?".
"I'm going to spend the night in my office tonight, Jack", Renee simply informed with a dry tone.
Jack was stunned. "What?"
"You heard me", Renee quickly replied quite coldly.
A scowl formed in Jack's face. He was sure Renee was sleeping in her office just to avoid seeing him. He could not believe it. "This is ridiculous, Renee. We have to…"
Before he could add another word, Renee cut him off sharply, "I don't want to see you".
Jack felt like she was stabbing him in the stomach. But he wouldn't force her to talk to him. He had to accept her decision. "Fine. Then I'll go to a hotel. This is your house"
Renee was actually very much hurt by his words. Her vision was blurred by the tears in her eyes. "You still can't see it as your home. You still see it as my house".
Jack wasn't about to enter in yet another argument over the Walker manor. He simply wanted to fix things between him and Renee. He wanted to hold her, comfort her and kiss her. He wanted everything to be like it used to be when Audrey was not in the picture. "Renee, please… let's just talk"
But she refused to give in an inch. "No, Jack. I'm spending the night in my office. You do whatever you want". She then hung up the phone.
December 15Th 2018- Monday
05.15 PM – WHITE HOUSE- Office of the White House Chief of Staff.
Renee was running all around DC. She was desperately looking for Jack while a fat man was chasing her. She stopped to catch her breath and looked all around for Jack. She desperately needed to find him. She was terrified. All the sudden, she saw him. He was kissing Audrey. The kiss was turning more and more heated. Jack had his hands in Audrey's butt and she was starting to undress him. The blonde woman's lips caressed his perfect chest.
Renee abruptly jerked awake. She was lying on her pink velvet couch where she had fallen asleep when her exhaustion beat her around 3 AM. She was having problems catching her breath, her chest felt like she had an anvil on top of it and her head felt as if her brain were being poked with needles.
Right then, her second assistant, Zoe O'Malley Roach walked into the office. The nineteen year old woman was nicely dressed with a white shirt and a navy blue skirt that reached her knees. As usual, her long chestnut-brown wavy hair was arranged with two braids that made her look even younger. The only thing that was ruining her good looks was the bruises in her cheek, her wrists, her forehead and the small cut in her lower lip. She had made her best to hide it with make up. But she wasn't all that successful.
"Hello, Zoe", Renee greeted her assistant casually. She was still too sleepy to notice Zoe's injuries.
"Good morning, Ms. Walker", Zoe greeted back cheerfully, then she put a cup of coffee and a muffin she was carrying over Renee's desk, along with a folder labeled 'classified-Top Secret'. "Here's your breakfast and Secret Service's security report".
"Good". Renee headed to her desk to read the report and drink her much-needed black coffee. It was then that she noticed Zoe's bruises and cuts. "My God, what happened to you?"
"Nothing". Zoe waved her hand dismissively, like it was no big deal. She then lied like a professional. "My husband took me skiing over the weekend and I had a small accident". She realized just a few days ago she claimed to have slipped on ice. She thanked God that it was winter. She still didn't know how she would handle it next spring. But she had three more months to think about it.
"Oh, I'm sorry". Renee gave the young woman a sympathetic smile.
06.20 PM – Baltimore, Maryland – James Heller's house
Jack arrived to the house in which Audrey lived with her dad and rang the doorbell. He knew very well she wouldn't be sleeping. Unfortunately for him, it was James Heller who opened the door, already wearing a suit, ready to go to work. Jack managed to mumble a somewhat polite greeting, "Mr. Secretary…".
"What are you doing here?", James barked angrily. His expression looked more severe than ever. He knew about the kiss because Audrey had come back home in tears afterwards. She was crushed because Jack loved Renee.
Jack was unfazed by Jim Heller's anger. He expected nothing less from that man. "I need to talk to Audrey".
James shook his head and spoke firmly. "You are not talking to my daughter ever again".
Then Audrey emerged from her bedroom, wearing her apple-green pajamas. "Dad… I want to talk to him".
Jim turned to look at his daughter and began to protest. "But… Audrey…",
"Leave us, dad. I need to talk to him". Audrey held her ground resolutely. Then she softened a little and tried to reassure her father gently. "It'll be okay, Daddy".
James's iceberg-blue eyes shifted from Jack to Audrey. He was full of doubts, but, finally, he acknowledged reluctantly, "You two really need to talk". Not too happy about it, he left for work and left them alone.
Audrey and Jack stared at each other awkwardly for a moment. "Hey, Jack"
"Hey", Jack greeted back awkwardly. "We need to talk"
"I know", Audrey acknowledged soberly. "Come in". Jack walked into the living room and Audrey closed the door behind him. Then they both sat on the couch and remained silent for a moment. Audrey stared at her shoes, visibly uncomfortable. "Look, I… I shouldn't have kissed you".
"I should have stopped you", Jack admitted promptly with clear regret in his tone.
Audrey's vision became blurred by the tears she was trying to restrain. She could see Jack regretted kissing her and that broke her heart. Her hazel eyes, full of pain and confusion, then met his. "Why did you kiss me back?"
Jack hesitated before answering that question. She was still trying to figure things out himself. "I was confused", he finally confessed. "Audrey, you meant so, so much to me", he told her, never taking his aquamarine-green eyes from hers. He didn't want Audrey to feel replaceable and not important. So he was very candid and confessed the deep feelings he'd had in the past. "When they took me you were the last thing I saw. You were happy and waiting for me. That image gave me strength for twenty months. And for three years I kept dreaming you'd come back to me and you'd never leave. And now you're here, so my feelings got all mixed up for a moment, But…"
"But I came back too late", Audrey painfully finished the sentence for him. Her eyes burnt with unshed tears. She was devastated because those strong feelings Jack used to have for her were now gone.
Jack could see how crushed Audrey was. His heart ached for her. If only he could comfort her somehow. His eyes were full of compassion. "Audrey, letting you go was so extremely hard. But when I saw you on that bed I knew I had to leave you for your own good". He then looked down and away. He felt horrible for hurting Audrey's feelings. But he had to be honest with her. "Then I fell in love with Renee, maybe the day I met her. That day something changed in me and I just can't go back".
Audrey felt like she was being repeatedly hit in the head with a baseball bat. She truly realized she had lost Jack forever and broke down in sobs. "What am I gonna do without you?".
Jack couldn't help but to hold her tightly as she cried. "You'll be fine. You'll move on. It just takes time"
After a little while Audrey stopped crying. She wiped the tears from her eyes with her right hand and nodded, hoping Jack was right. "I hope you're happy, Jack. You deserve to be happy". In spite her broken heart, she truly wished him happiness.
Jack was not so sure of that. But he appreciated her nice words. He held her hand to comfort her. "You too"
They remained silent for a moment. Then Audrey suddenly asked, "Is Renee angry?",
"Very", Jack replied, clearly devastated. "She won't even talk to me"
Audrey could see just how sad Jack was, so she patted his hand reassuringly. "I'm sure you'll work things out"
"I hope so", Jack said, his desperation was showing on his features.
12.26 PM – Washington DC.
Renee was having lunch with her friend Leon Craig. The two of them were at a restaurant that was barely a block away from the White House. She wouldn't admit how distraught she felt because of Jack's betrayal. "I'll be fine", she assured her friend weakly. "So, the man I love kissed someone else. He has feelings for another woman. But I'm going to be fine". She could barely finish that sentence without her voice breaking. What if she lost him forever? In spite what she was feeling, she lifted her chin and tried to appear stoic, "I don't need him".
Naturally, Leo didn't believe her. He could plainly see how devastated and scared she really was. He felt really bad for her and attempted to give her some comfort, "I'm sure everything will be okay".
"How?", Renee wondered then with visible despair.
"I don't know", Leo admitted sadly. He was genuinely worried about her. What if Jack truly had feelings for Audrey and left Renee? He was afraid his friend would never recover from such a blow. He hated Jack right then for causing Renee such a heartache.
At that moment, Jack walked into the restaurant searching for Renee. He knew she was in her lunch break and wanted to take the opportunity to talk to her. He saw her, unsurprisingly with Leo. He approached then with evident determination. "Renee, we need to talk".
Renee kept a cold expression and tone. "Unless it's about our troops in the south pacific I'm not interested".
Jack felt crushed but tried to be patient. "I know you're angry. But at least listen to me".
At that point, Leo stood up and defensively stood between Jack and Renee. "She doesn't want to talk to you".
Jack shot hate-darts at the other man with his eyes. "This is none of your business".
But Leo ignored what Jack was saying. "I don't care. I'm not going to just sit there while someone is hurting her".
Jack snorted and pointed out sarcastically, "Why not? You did it before". He was obviously talking about the first time Renee worked undercover with Vladimir. Even though the Russian beat her and raped her, Leo allowed Renee to continue with the mission.
Leo was livid. He didn't hesitate. He got closer to Jack and punched him harshly in the nose. Jack stumbled for a moment but didn't fell. He quickly punched Leo back in the face. Leo fell down.
Renee stood up, horrified by what was happening. Leo stood up and seemed ready to hit Jack again. But Renee stopped him. "You both stop it! You can't behave like this! There are reporters here, for God's sake". She could actually see Valery Layton, from the ultra conservative magazine 'Human Events'. The reporter was taking pictures.
Jack and Leo stared at each other. They both had blood coming from their noses. They got tissues to wipe it and exchanged looks, silently agreeing to stop fighting. Jack thought the whole situation was crazy. He was madly in love with Renee but she refused to talk to him and her best friend was punching him for hurting her. It didn't seem real. Jack looked at Renee with clear desperation in his eyes. "We really need to talk, Renee".
Renee nodded, now willing to acknowledge the obvious facts. "Yeah. I'll go home tonight. We'll talk then".
02.33 PM – West Wing of the White House
Renee left her office for a meeting at the Oval Office and was immediately intercepted by Angie Nelson, who was heading to the same meeting. Both women walked side by side. The White House press secretary went straight to the point and talked really fast, since the chief of staff liked that. "Renee, I have the press asking me about a fight between the national security advisor and the FBI director. What happened?".
At that moment, George Ace Sullivan intercepted them and began walking along with them. He also spoke really fast. "Renee, is it true that you found Jack in bed with Leon Craig's girlfriend?"
Right then, Lynnette Lockhart, Deputy Communication Director, joined the group and overheard the last part of the conversation. "No, George. She found him in bed with Secretary Heller's daughter".
Renee was truly horrified by the rumors that were circulating around the White House. "No! I didn't find Jack in bed with anybody!". She sighed with exasperation. The mere idea of Jack in bed with another woman gave her nauseas. She then looked at the press secretary. "Angie, tell the press Jack and Leo were fighting simply because Jack cheated at a poker game".
Angie didn't believe that, but she could use the excuse with the press. She was instantly thinking about what else to say to the reporters. "I'll say they both regret their behavior and promise to control their tempers in the future".
"Right", Renee agreed. She didn't think Leo and Jack's tempers could be controlled, though.
They then reached the ante chamber of the Oval office. Caldwell Coleman (Communications Director), Payton Whitford (Media Director) and Blake Rennard (Pollster and media consultant) were waiting there to be part of the meeting as well. The seven staffers waited there until Susan Newman, the president's assistant, emerged from the oval office. "The president is ready for you".
The seven of them quickly walked into the Oval Office. President Taylor was there, accompanied by her inseparable dog, Fox, who slept in a couch. The puppy yawned, stretched its legs and moved fast to sniff the new arrivals enthusiastically. He hoped to find someone else to play with since his owner was too busy.
Allison, who was sitting behind her desk, promptly stood up to greet the staff. "Hello, everybody".
Everybody greeted the president back. Then they sat on the cream couches in the center off the oval-shaped office and the flowered chairs. All eyes were soon on Blake. He knew why they were all so expectant. They all wanted to know the results of the new poll. The last one had been disappointing, so everybody hoped this one would be better. They were up for a disappointment. "I'm afraid I don't have good news", he announced smoothly while handing each one of them a folder with the results. "Job approval is down 42 from 47%, Trust worthy, 46% from 52%. But the worst is Strong leader. It's 33%, down from 40%".
The president's expression hardened and she straitened her back in alert. "Why?"
Blake didn't hesitate to answer the question bluntly. "I'm afraid it's because of the First Gentleman, Ma'am".
Allison didn't seem all that surprised. But Renee looked at Blake with a mixture of shock and confusion. "What?"
Allison kept her baby-blue eyes nailed in Blake too. So the young pollster ignored Renee and addressed the president instead. "Madam President, most people seem still believe you cheated on Mr. Taylor with Mr. Kanin"
Payton Whitford then had to add something, but she did it in a much more delicate tone. "And, Ma'am, it seems that Mr. Kanin is, unwittingly of course, overshadowing you"
Renee protested firmly with a serious expression. "That's ridiculous",
At that moment, Lynnette jerked startled because the President's dog playfully nibbled her left ankle. The president chuckled and quickly picked him up to take him outside the office.
"Look at this numbers, Renee", Payton told the chief of staff with determination while waving a sheet of paper for emphasis. "He's more popular than ever. They think he's running the country".
"He makes the president look weak", Blake added in a heartbeat. He was not fazed by the president, who had just returned to her seat and was frowning.
Caldwell puffed and shook his head. "It's what we've been dreading since your wedding. ma'am"
Before the president could say anything, Payton gave his opinion full of resolve, "You have to let the people know you're still the president". The young woman indeed hit her own palm with a fist to imply strength and harshness.
Caldwell took another look at the numbers and the scratched the top of his bald head doubtfully. Then his grayish blue eyes shifted from the papers to the president. "I think Mr. Kanin should not make as many public appearances. You should be seen alone more often, ma'am"
George then gave his opinion candidly and fervently, as always. "All this could be solved if we announced the president is running for reelection. We should start campaigning aggressively". He actually hit the coffee table for extra emphasis. Renee gave him a warning stare. He knew reelection was a topic the president wanted to avoid.
The president pierced him angrily with her eyes. "George, we are not discussing reelection yet. It's too early"
"But, ma'am…", George began to protest, not wanting to give up.
Allison looked very angry, so Renee stepped in the conversation rapidly. "You heard the president, George".
05.46 PM – Oval Office
Allison was, once again, working alone in her office. She was sitting in one of the couches reading security reports. Then Ethan emerged in the Oval Office from the south portico. President Taylor stood up to greet her husband, feeling glad to finally see him. "Hi, honey"
"Hi", Ethan smiled back at her and gave her a little kiss on the lips. "I missed you"
"How was California?", Allison asked, while they sat very close to each other on the couch. Ethan had just been on a trip to California to give a few speeches.
"Good", he replied. "I think I got people on board with the education reform"
"Good", Allison nodded approvingly.
Ethan then looked a bit uncomfortable. "So, Renee sent me the poll results"
Allison got then very somber. "Don't pay attention to that, Ethan. It's nonsense"
But Ethan wouldn't let it go so easily. He was deeply concerned. "We've been hearing this since we announced our relationship. They say I make you look weak, that I'm a liability to this administration".
"But it's not true", Allison promptly stated with her typical categorical tone.
"I know", Ethan assured his wife, being equally somber. He gently but confidently gave his opinion, "Allison, your staff is right. We have been stuck in defense mode since Omar Hassan died. That's why your numbers are down. You have got to start running for reelection. And you have to get back on attack mode."
Allison moved back slightly, giving her husband a warning stare. "Ethan…"
Ethan was not intimidated. Allison needed to hear what he had to say. "I know you don't want to hear this, but you have to make a decision about reelection soon".
Predictably, Allison frowned and moved slightly away from her husband. She was not ready to discuss the topic of her reelection. "Do you even know why I don't want to make a decision?"
"Of course I do", Ethan answered in an instant. "I know you better than anybody"
"Okay. Why?" Allison challenged him, somewhat arrogantly.
Ethan knew his response would not be well received. But he had to give it anyway. "Because only on your last day in office you can pardon Olivia, since the controversy won't hurt you then". Naturally, as soon as he brought Olivia up, Allison stood up from the couch, walked toward the window and stood with her back at him. Ethan stood up as well and kept making his point. "If you win a second term she'll have to spend four more years in a federal prison".
Then Allison turned abruptly to face him. All the sadness because of her daughter's situation was clearly visible in her baby-blue eyes. "And you think my daughter should spend four more years in prison? Hasn't she suffered enough because of my job? Haven't we all?".
Ethan took a moment to think carefully before replying as diplomatically as possible. "I think the country needs you. You have an obligation…"
Allison interrupted him sharply. "That ends with my term. I don't have to run for reelection". She paused for a moment and then she reminded him, "David Palmer only had one full term".
"You're not David Palmer. He was weak", Ethan stated definitely, without a second of hesitation.
Truth be told, Allison couldn't care less about what David Palmer had done. She simply wanted Ethan to drop the topic of her reelection. "Enough, Ethan. We are not discussing this now anyway. It's too early".
But Ethan persisted. He wanted his wife to be reasonable. Allison couldn't quit after one term. "You know the country needs stability. We haven't got a two-term president since Bill Clinton. Not to mention that in the last eight years we had three presidents who didn't get to even finish one term".
"Stop it, Ethan!", Allison snapped with her most presidential tone. She was getting truly annoyed by her husband's insistence. She simply was not ready to make a decision. "You can't possibly understand. You don't have kids and you're not the president. You never ran for anything. You never risked anything".
Allison knew right then that she had gone too far. She knew Ethan had wanted to have kids but his first wife hasn't been able to conceive. She also knew he had wanted to run for president, but his health had stopped him, because he knew very well that the people wanted stability and wouldn't vote for a man with a heart condition after having eight different presidents in fifteen years. For that reason, and because of his lack of family, Allison Taylor, a healthy younger woman with a husband and two kids, had run instead of him.
Ethan stepped back stunned, feeling like he had just received a harsh slap on his face. He then looked at her with defeat written all over his face. "You're right. How could I possibly understand?".
He then turned to leave the office. "Ethan…" Allison whispered softly his name. She wished so badly she could take her words back. She had spoken without truly thinking. After Ethan left, Allison remained staring at door with despair. She hated fighting with Ethan. She hated it. It reminded her too much of Henry and his lack of understanding. It reminded her of her arguments with her first husband and the stupid words said out of bitterness. She and Ethan were supposed to be better than that. And most of the times, they were. But the truth was that the president of the United States felt alone. Ethan was amazing, but he couldn't understand what a mother felt after losing a child. He couldn't understand how sending Olivia to prison had felt like. Now her duty as a mother and her duty as president were clashing once again. Who on earth could understand her?
10.24 PM- Bethesda, Maryland – Walker-Bauer Manor
Jack was anxiously waiting for Renee to come home. She had said she would come home so they could talk. But she hadn't arrived yet. He was pretty pissed. She was using work as an excuse to avoid him, again. Then a terrifying thought crossed his mind. What if something had happened to her? He had talked to her half and hour before, when she said she was working late. But anything could happen in half an hour. He knew that too well.
He paced around the living room nervously and looked through the window. Finally, he saw her light.-gray Audi Coupe approaching the house and then entering the garage. Jack stood by the door connecting the garage and the living room to wait for her. Soon enough, she walked into the house. He greeted her somberly. "Hey"
"Hey", Renee greeted him back rather casually. Then she calmly put her briefcase on a chair and her coat in the little closet by the front door. But she was not calm. She didn't want to have the conversation that she knew was coming. She wanted to avoid dealing with the issue.
"It's late", Jack pointed out rather sharply.
Jack's comment threw her aback. She couldn't believe he had the nerve to be pissed at her because she had come home late. She turned around to face him with incredulity all over her face. "Really, Jack?"
His face remained like a stone. He naturally took the matter of her safety very seriously, no matter what mistakes he had made. "There's a dangerous man stalking you…"
"I can take care of myself", she protested, no leaving room for argument, and quickly headed to the kitchen.
"I know you can". Jack muttered with some resignation in his tone and expression. Then he rapidly followed her to the kitchen. He decided to drop the topic of her tardiness and talk about what really mattered, the real reason they were fighting. "Renee, please, listen to me". Renee turned around to face him. His eyes finally met hers. He was hit by a wave of guilt and regret. "I'm sorry I kissed her back. It was a mistake"
Renee seemed unmoved by his words. She coldly made a basic question, "Why did you do it?".
"I was angry because you didn't tell me about the stalker…", Jack attempted to answer as sincerely as possible.
Renee piercingly cut him right off. "Don't you dare blame me!"
"I'm not blaming you", Jack objected with his firmest tone. "I'm telling you how I felt"
Renee ignored his protest. She shook her head and, resolutely, began explaining her own theory about Jack's behavior. "You know what? You were not mad at me because didn't tell you about the stalker. You were mad because I told somebody else. You are mad because I don't need you anymore". She walked towards him defiantly, like challenging him to contradict her. "I don't need you anymore and you can't handle it"
For a moment, Jack was too thrown aback by what Renee was saying to reply anything. But, finally, he could protest. "That's not true". Yet, his tone was weak. He was not convincing at all. He sighed with frustration because the conversation was not going like he wanted it to go. "Look, I was feeling angry. I was hurt and very confused"
"Confused?", Renee asked softly. She was feeling hurt and very confused as well.
"Yeah", Jack whispered sadly, looking down. He then got closer to her, desperate to solve things. "Just for a moment". Then he held her hand. "But I love you. Please, forgive me. I love you".
Renee was dangerously close to giving in. Yet, she stepped away from him. "I can't forgive you"
"Please", Jack begged her gently, with evident desperation in his eyes. He walked towards her again.
"No, Jack", Renee persisted without hesitating, walking away from him as he tried to get closer. The deep sadness she was feeling could be seen in her crystal-blue eyes. "Don't you see? I can't trust you anymore"
Jack felt if he had just received a harsh slap. He knew he deserved it. But it still hurt. It hurt badly. "Renee…".
She immediately shook her head, uncompromising. "I can't". A lonesome tear then run down her cheek.
He couldn't stand to see Renee cry. He hated himself for making her cry. He wanted more than anything to make things right. "Please, forgive me, give me a chance to earn your trust back". Jack got closer to her and held her hand tightly. "I will never hurt you again. I love you"
Once again, Renee shook her head and walked away from him. "I don't believe you do. Not anymore". They exchanged much wounded looks. They were both equally hurt. Then she looked down, not able to look at him directly anymore. She spoke very painfully. "I think we should take a break".
Jack was terrified by the idea. He couldn't believe she was suggesting it. "A break?"
"Yeah", Renee confirmed rather weakly. She fidgeted nervously and didn't look directly at him. She didn't actually want a break from him. But she honestly felt Jack needed it. "You… you should go to a hotel or something".
He was simply stunned. "You are serious"
"Yeah", she affirmed whispering, as another tear ran through her cheek.
Jack's heart sunk to his feet. He was very close to tearing up too. But he successfully fought the tears and swallowed a lump of angst in his throat. "Please, don't do this", he begged lowering his voice to a whisper. The desperation in his eyes was clear. "I don't want to leave. I want to stay here and fight for us".
"And I want you to leave", Renee announced very bitterly.
Jack just stared at her in disbelief for a moment. The pain in his heart was so intense he could barely even breathe. His eyes burnt with unshed tears. If only he could go back in time and stop Audrey before the kiss could happen. He swallowed the lump in his throat and simply decided to do as Renee wanted. "Fine"
Renee observed him silently as he left the kitchen. Once she was alone, she looked around feeling absolutely lost and haunted. She folded her arms and embraced herself tightly. Then she slowly took a seat on the corner bench. She wearily rested her elbows on the table and her head on her palms.
About half an hour later, Jack reappeared in the kitchen. This time he had a suitcase in his hand. He didn't really know what to say. "Okay. I got some of my things".
"Okay", Renee responded whispering, without even looking directly at him. She couldn't watch him leaving. She had asked him to leave, but she couldn't watch him do it.
Jack just stood there without saying a thing for a moment. He was hoping she would change her mind and make him stay. But Renee didn't say anything either. He realized he would indeed have to leave. He gave her one last look full of sorrow and regret. Then, he reluctantly left the house.
Renee didn't move from her sit for a very long time. She didn't know what to do. A tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it with her palm, determined to be strong. She had done the right thing. Jack wanted someone like Audrey, someone who needed him and wasn't afraid to show it. Truth be told, Renee needed him too, but she was not comfortable showing it. Jack couldn't handle her strength and independence. He had never been able to handle it. So she knew she had done the right thing. It was simply too damn painful. She felt like something was pressing her chest harshly. She could hardly breathe.
Finally, she decided once again to be strong, to take a bath and drink some white wine in order to calm down. She went upstairs and couldn't help but to look at the pictures of them that hung in the wall.
Then, she couldn't take it anymore. She sat on the floor with her knees against her chest, rested her head in her hands and cried a river of tears.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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