Author's Note: Sorry this update has taken so long. This was supposed to be the final chapter, but at 30 pages I thought it was little lengthy. To fix that I've divided this into two chapters. This is part one and part two will be coming soon. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with it!
"Feels Like Home"
It was a beautiful day in May when they all gathered together to celebrate the dedication of the Josiah Bartlet Presidential Library. It was the first time that CJ and Danny had been away from Faith since she was born. It was Sam's first trip back to the east coast since moving to California five months earlier. He came with Ainsley who was now not only a vital part of his campaign for Senate, but also his girlfriend of four months. Toby and Josh had not stopped giving him grief since he cowardly informed them of the fact in an e-mail message.
The dedication was a wonderful opportunity for Josh and Donna to see old friends, as they had been busy helping to run the White House and planning their upcoming nuptials. For Will and Kate it would be the first time they would see each other since deciding to end their relationship. And for Toby, for Toby this was an odd homecoming of sorts.
He fidgeted nervously in his rental car at the barricade. He had been cleared by the Secret Service to attend, but he felt like the officer at the barricade stared at him a little too long. It came with the territory of being a known felon he supposed. That feeling would never truly go away, regardless of the pardon or forgiveness. Toby wasn't the same he was at the beginning of the Bartlet campaign. None of them were the same, but Toby somehow felt that he had changed in ways the others could never comprehend.
"You're clear to go in Mr. Zeigler," the guard told him, handing him back his identification. "It's the first turn on the right."
"Thank you," Toby replied as he placed his foot on the gas pedal and proceeded ahead. He found the parking lot and noted that there were many cars already there. He was beginning to wish he'd asked Andi to come with him instead of meeting him later. Of course Abbey and the girls would be there inside, maybe Charlie as well, but Toby didn't want to deal with idea that he would be the first guest that spoke with the former president. Forgiveness may have been achieved, but he wasn't sure they were ready for a one-on-one, in person conversation. E-mail conversations were hard enough, though they had been fruitful.
Toby walked down the path marked for guests and passed a few more checkpoints before being left to his own devices to wait for President Bartlet. He was dismayed to note that while there were many cars in the parking lot, he was the first one of the official guests to arrive. He fidgeted with the cuff of his shirt and suddenly wished that he hadn't agreed to come to the dedication. He'd let CJ talk him into it. She thought it was a good idea, as did Josh and Sam and Andi. Toby wasn't sure when he started listening to the people in his life, but he made a quick mental note to stop immediately.
"Toby?" a male voice said as his footsteps clicked on the floor.
"Congressman Bailey," Toby said turning with a smile. Although Toby had held Will culpable for many misdeeds, some real, some imagined, he was suddenly very happy to see him.
Will walked over and extended a hand to Toby, which he took sincerely.
"I wasn't sure you'd make it," Will said.
"Didn't know I was invited you mean?" Toby asked with a smirk.
"Something like that," Will replied shoving his hands into his pockets. "I didn't honestly expect to be one of the first ones here."
"That makes two of us," Toby replied. "How are things in Oregon?"
"Surprisingly serene," Will replied.
"You didn't expect it to be?"
"Not really," Will said. "How are things with you?"
"After a federal indictment, things never seem as dire as they used to."
"I see. I hear you're doing a little writing for Sam."
"A little," Toby replied. "Not enough to tip anyone off."
"You think you can keep it quiet? I know about it."
"You don't count, you're not regular people."
"Good to know," Will replied.
The animosity that Toby had for Will all those years ago was gone, but Will didn't expect him to quite as forthcoming and cordial as he was. It was a pleasant surprise, especially considering they were the first two to arrive.
"So you don't have a busy schedule?" Toby asked Will.
"Huh?"
"You're here early," Toby pointed out. "I would have assumed a Congressman had a tighter schedule than that."
"I had a hole," Will said.
"A hole?" Toby asked quizzical as he saw Kate Harper approach them.
"Yeah," Will said glancing at Toby before turning toward the sound of Kate's footsteps.
"Hi," she said as she approached them.
"Hi," Will said awkwardly.
"Hi," Toby said loudly as if to announce his presence. Kate gave him an odd look.
"I didn't think I'd be this early," Kate offered.
"Its fine," Will replied as if he were absolving her.
"I thought they'd be more traffic," she said.
"Yeah," Will replied.
Toby watched the two of them and then recalled something that CJ had said in an e-mail about Kate and Will breaking up. As horribly uncomfortable as it was, Toby kind of liked watching Will squirm. Based on his level of discomfort, Toby assumed that Kate had been the one to end things.
"I can't wait to see what they've put together inside," Kate said making conversation.
"There's a rumor that he's recreated the Oval Office inside," Will said. "Do you know Toby?"
"I'm not really in the inner circle anymore," Toby said as if they needed to be reminded.
"Josh didn't mention anything or CJ?"
"No," Toby said. "But you can ask her. She's coming down the hall now."
He watched CJ and Danny walk toward them and he was very happy to see a friendly face. He hadn't seen CJ in person since September when she gave birth and he thought she looked amazing. She was definitely back to her old form.
"Hi," CJ smiled as she embraced Kate.
"You look amazing," Kate said. "You look thinner than you did before you had Faith. How did you do it?"
"It's amazing what anxiety will do for your metabolism," CJ cracked a joke.
"That and insomnia," Danny added giving Kate a hello.
"You're an anxious parent?" Will asked giving CJ a hug.
"You have no idea," CJ said.
"I think I have some," Will reminded her. "I remember those panicked 4 a.m. phone calls from you."
"Maybe you have some appreciation then," CJ joked as she moved on to embrace Toby.
"Seriously," Toby asked her. "How are you? How is the baby?"
"We're all wonderful," CJ assured him. "I'm just a little crazed about leaving her. We've never both left her overnight since she was born."
"She's called home eight times," Danny offered as he shook Toby's hand. "We got in at nine last night."
"It wasn't eight times," CJ said.
"It really was," Danny replied.
"You've called too," CJ ratted him out.
"I said you called home eight times," Danny pointed out. "I didn't add in my calls."
"Which would be how many?" Kate asked.
"I plead the Fifth," Danny said with a grin. "Hey Kate, I read your book. It was great."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I thought it was really well researched and well written," Danny teased her.
"Well thanks," Kate smiled. "I consider a compliment from you high praise."
"Are you signing it today?"
"Yeah I got roped in," Kate said.
"Me too," Danny said.
"He's proud of you both," CJ said. "He wants you to show off. Are Josh and Sam here yet?"
"I haven't seen them," Toby said.
"Josh is probably coming over with the president," Will offered.
"No Donna?"
"She's probably with Mrs. Santos," Will said.
"Yeah. It's too bad, I was hoping they'd have a few minutes to hang out," CJ said.
"Like you had so much time to hang out when you worked for the president," Danny said.
"Hey from 3-4 a.m. that was all about my personal time," CJ smiled at him. "Come to think of it, the way Faith has been sleeping, it still is."
"She's not sleeping through the night yet?" Toby asked.
"She was," CJ replied. "She sensed we were leaving her, thus we are being punished."
"For the last week she's decided that waking up every four hours is fun again," Danny offered.
"Ugh," Kate said.
"Tell us about it," CJ said.
"She's teething, which doesn't help," Danny pointed out.
The group shrugged collectively and made small talk until Charlie came walking down the hall. They all greeted him hugs and well wishes on his job and engagement to Zoey.
"How's he doing today?" CJ asked Charlie quietly, but still loud enough for the other to hear.
"Good," Charlie nodded. "He's energized today."
"He loves a crowd," CJ recalled.
"Have you been inside?" Will asked Charlie.
"Yeah, I've seen it," Charlie said.
"Did he recreate the Oval Office?" Kate asked.
"I'll let him show you around," Charlie said evading the question.
The talking stopped as quick footsteps came down the corridor. The group turned and saw that Josh was approaching them with at a rapid pace.
"Hey, hey party people," Josh greeted everyone happily.
"Josh," Danny said shaking his hand. CJ gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Toby leaned forward and shook his hand as did Will and Charlie. Kate hung back and opted for a handshake as well, as she was never that close with Josh.
"Where's Donna?" CJ asked.
"She had to hang back with Mrs. Santos," Josh said. "She should be here soon."
"Is President Santos here?" Toby asked.
"Not yet," Josh replied. "I took an earlier car. I was hoping to catch President Bartlet before President Santos got here."
"The Secret Service had a new procedure they wanted to walk him through," Charlie piped up. "He should be here in a few minutes."
"How's he doing?" Josh asked sounding like CJ did only moments ago.
"He's okay," Charlie replied. Aside from Leo, Charlie was really the only person really qualified to answer questions about the President's health. Even now, years after leaving his position as the former president's body man, he could tell better than anyone how he was really feeling.
"Using the cane?" Josh asked.
"Sometimes," Charlie replied slightly evasively. He still felt uncomfortable answering questions about his health. "He's using it today."
Josh checked his watch and ran his hand through his hair. "Is Sam here yet?"
"I've haven't seen him," Toby replied, also anxious for Sam to arrive. He had talked to him on the phone and via e-mail, but Toby was surprisingly anxious to see him person. Sam was much easier to read in person than over the phone and Toby had campaign questions that he wanted to ask.
"I heard they tightened security at the airport," Kate interjected. "He might have gotten caught up in it."
"He's announcing soon," Will made conversation. "He's already got the support of a lot to people on both sides of the aisle. I've never really seen anything like it, especially since he hasn't even officially announced yet."
"Say what you will about Ainsley Hayes," Toby muttered with a smirk.
"I always thought that she'd help our boy out," Josh added equally as smug at Toby.
"You two are something else," CJ said. "You were all over Sam about dating Ainsley and now that it looks like she's helping him you love the idea."
"I've always liked Ainsley," Josh pointed out. "As I recall it was you and Sam that Leo worried about when he hired her."
"Oh please, you've had your panties in a bunch over Ainsley dating Sam just like Toby," CJ reminded him.
"My panties are not bunched," Josh retorted.
"You admit you wear panties?" Charlie asked with a grin.
"I do not wear panties," Josh replied indignantly.
"Can we all please stop saying the word panties?" Toby asked in his usually irritated way.
Kate, Will and Danny all suppressed chuckles at the exchange until finally Josh glanced at his watch again.
"I have to go meet the president," Josh said. "If President Bartlet shows up tell him I'll be down shortly. Please note how my panties remain unbunched as I walk away."
He gave them all a smirk and started down the hallway. Josh was about halfway to the door when President Bartlet emerged from a side hallway.
"Mr. President," Josh said standing up a little straighter.
"Josh," Jed said happily, a smile spreading across his face. He stepped forward using his cane as more of an accessory than a crutch. He enveloped Josh in a hug.
"How are you?" Jed asked after he pulled back. "It's been too long. How is Donna?"
"I'm doing well," Josh said smiling. "Donna is great. The wedding plans are on track."
"July 20th, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Abbey and I are looking forward to it," Jed said. "Are you going to have a minute before the ceremony?"
Jed noticed how Josh kept looking over his shoulder toward the driveway. It was clear her was awaiting the current the president, which was to be expected, though Jed was hopeful that Josh could get away for a little while.
"Yeah," Josh said. "I just have to get the president settled and then I'll have a minute."
"Does he like the big crowds?"
"Not as much as you, sir," Josh said with a grin.
"Stop by and see us when you get a minute," Jed reminded him.
Josh watched Jed walk down the hallway, using his cane more than he had a moment ago. He wondered if the former president was putting on a good act for the public today. Regardless of what Charlie told them, Josh still worried about the health of Jed Bartlet.
Josh made his way out into the sunshine and waited for the motorcade. It was sunny out, but somehow Josh had felt much more warmth inside the building with Toby, CJ, Charlie and President Bartlet. He felt something in him awaken for a few brief moments. It was like he recaptured the feeling that he has been struggling to chase for the last three years. Josh shook off the feeling and waited for President Santos in the warm May sunshine.
The whole motley crew met President Santos outside the library and exchanged their pleasantries. It was an assortment of the old guard and the new, with Josh expertly straddling the fence between both. Once the congratulations and niceties were finished President Santos and his team were pulled away to go over last-minute remarks, Danny and Kate were taken away by a very stern event coordinator to go over the logistics of the book signing and Will had an urgent call to return from his office. That left Toby, CJ and Charlie. Josh had also managed to stay behind with President Bartlet.
"Well, I was hoping we'd have a minute before all the pomp and circumstance to catch up," Jed said. "I'd also like to show you all something before the official opening."
Jed started to lead the group down the hall and back into the library. The Secret Service flanked the group at a comfortable distance and CJ suddenly remembered what it felt like to be watched. It was a feeling she definitely didn't miss.
"Wait up," Sam's voice called from behind them. His footsteps clicked on the floor at a rapid pace. The group stopped and turned to wait for Sam to catch up to them.
"Sorry," Sam said breathlessly. "Sorry I'm late. My plane was delayed and they upped the airport security. How are you sir?"
"I'm breathing a lot better than you are Sam," he said as he extended his hand. "I'm glad you made it. You and CJ can compete over who has the best tan."
"Neither of them really look that tan," Josh pointed out.
"I'm running for Senate," Sam replied.
"I'm running the Hollis Foundation," CJ said in unison with Sam.
They both chuckled and CJ let Sam finish her thought.
"It doesn't exactly lend time for lounging on the beach," Sam said.
"Though I notice you are both much tanner than any of us," Toby said.
"I do have a little time in my days now for this thing called a life," CJ said. "I'd heard so many wonderful things about it that I thought I'd try it."
"How is Faith?" Sam asked.
"Wonderful," CJ replied instantly perking up at the mention of her daughter.
"How are Molly and Huck?" Sam inquired.
"They're doing well," Toby replied with a quiet pride.
"And how's Donna? Where is she?" Sam asked.
"Donna is great," Josh replied. "She's going to make a late appearance. She had to bring Mrs. Santos over and then the wedding planner called her with some sort of crisis that she had to sort out."
"I hope it was nothing serious," Jed said as he started to lead the group onward.
"It was something about flowers," Josh replied. "Columbian roses verses some other roses. I don't know."
"Sounds riveting," Toby said wryly.
"Did you know that a red rose often held in a hand is also a symbol of socialism? Today it is also used as a symbol by the British and Irish Labour Parties, as well as by the French, Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Brazilian, Dutch and European socialist parties," Jed informed everyone.
"So you're saying the red roses at my wedding represent socialism?" Josh asked.
"In some instances," Jed replied. "Though the red rose is most commonly known as the color of love."
"You dodged a bullet on that one there," Charlie said.
CJ and Toby snickered quietly.
"And Sam, how is your Republican sex kitten?" Jed asked Sam.
"Mr. President?" Josh asked with his mouth agape.
"He asked me to call Ainsley that once upon a time didn't you Sam?"
"I did," Sam replied sheepishly.
"Yes, how is Ainsley? Did you lock that down yet?" Toby asked with a smirk as they made their way down the hall.
"Lock it down?" Sam replied.
"Make it official," Toby explained. "Voters like family values Sam. Have you learned nothing?"
"Don't let him bully you Spanky," CJ interjected.
"I thought you hated the idea of me and Ainsley together?" Sam asked with an almost hopeful look on his face.
"I did," Toby said. "But you've got an election to win in a little over a year. Will said she's helping you."
"Toby, I'm not with Ainsley because she's giving me a bump in the polls," Sam said.
"No, but I'm sure she's giving you a bump in--"
"Josh, please don't finish that sentence," Jed called behind him as he led the group down the halls lined with photos and paraphernalia from his terms as president.
"Yes sir," Josh replied with a smile.
CJ stopped to admire a photo taken in what she thought must have been their first year in office based on the length and color of her hair. It was a photo of all of them in the Oval Office pouring over papers and arguing with each other. A sudden wave of nostalgia hit her.
The group moved on, but CJ stood glancing at the photograph.
"CJ," Josh called from up ahead of her.
"Look at how young we were," she replied.
"They'll be plenty of time for that later Claudia Jean," President Bartlet called to her.
"Yes sir," she replied taking one more glance and then rushing ahead to catch up with the group.
They were assembled in front of a doorway. President Bartlet stood in the doorway and Toby, CJ, Josh and Sam all flanked him before he opened the door.
"I wasn't sure about this part of the library," President Bartlet informed them. "I figured I'd get your opinions and then decide if it was too much. Though I guess either way, it's a little too late to change course."
Jed opened the door with a click and pushed it open. He entered first and allowed the four of them walk in after him. They were all silent as they entered and took in the scene. Josh looked up and scanned the room from ceiling to floor. Toby scanned the bookcases. CJ walked over to the candy-striped couch and ran her hand lightly across the back. Sam just stood there in wonder. Will had been correct. President Bartlet had recreated the entire Oval Office just as it was when he was in office. They were transported into the past and no one spoke.
"Can I take your silence to mean you think I've gone over the top?" President Bartlet asked him as he wandered behind the desk.
"It's amazing," Sam finally spoke up. "Every detail is…"
"Exactly the same," Toby said finishing Sam's thought from over at the bookcases. Toby had memorized the books on the shelves and they were here in the same order that they were years ago.
"Abbey liked the idea of recreating it since very few people actually get to see what it looks like aside from movies," President Bartlet said.
"This is the same furniture," CJ said examining the table by the couch a little more closely.
"Yes it is," Jed replied. "What's the Oval look like now Josh?"
"Not like this," Josh replied still taking in the room. Of all of them Josh was the one feeling the greatest wave of nostalgia in seeing the recreated Oval Office. "Mrs. Santos picked out these couches that are melon."
"Melon?" Toby asked.
"Donna insists that they are melon, not the color of sunburned flesh as I originally thought," Josh said taking a stance in front of the desk, his usual position in the room. He ran his hand along the desk. "It looks wonderful sir."
"Thank you," President Bartlet replied. "It's not too much?"
"Not at all," CJ assured him. "It's amazing."
"Good because this isn't what I wanted you to see," he replied starting to walk over to the door that led to the Chief of Staff's office in the actual White House. He cracked it open and it was clear that he meant for everyone to follow him.
Sure enough, just as the Oval Office had been recreated, so had Leo's office. This was the room, the testament, to Leo. They looked around and it was clear that this was the room that was even more important than the Oval Office. There were photographs of Leo and Jed on the wall. The napkin that had been passed between Leo and Jed was now at home in a glass case on the wall.
"CJ," Jed said quietly to her as she looked at the walls of photos. "I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate all the work you did for me as Chief of Staff. I know this was your office too."
"There's no need to explain sir," CJ said with a tear in her eye. "The office was always Leo's. I was just trying to be an adequate substitute. Without Leo none of us would have been here."
"Especially me," Jed replied.
"And me," Josh added quietly.
"Leo would have hated this," Jed said.
"Probably," Josh replied.
"I'd have done it anyway," Jed said. "Even if he…if he were here to tell me not to be so sentimental, I'd still have done it anyway."
"He would have appreciated it," Toby assured him.
"And complained about it the entire time," Jed said.
"Yeah," Sam agreed. "But he'd still deserve the recognition. Mallory and the baby will be so touched."
"So, Charlie already weighed in," Jed said. "What do the four of you think?"
"I think it's a fitting tribute to a great man," Toby said.
"I agree," Josh said.
"Leo would have hated the fuss over him, but he would have been really touched," CJ said.
"This is a testament to Leo's talent as Chief of Staff and best friend. I can't think of anything better," Sam said.
"Thank you," Jed said. "Thank you all."
There was a silent moment when everyone in the room just took in the photos and Leo's handwriting on old memos and letters. Somehow Jed, or maybe Charlie, had even thought to save the yellow legal paper on which Leo wrote, 'Let Bartlet Be Bartlet,' the true beginning of their stint in office.
"Well," Jed said finally taking a deep breath. "I'm sure they're looking for me about now. I appreciate you all coming and I'll hopefully see you after the festivities."
Jed was escorted by the Secret Service out of the room and Toby, CJ, Josh and Sam took one last look around the office before they walked out to begin the festivities of the day. Although his term had ended years ago each of them knew that today was the true finale of the Bartlet Administration.
TBC
