Chapter 42 – Family

It was late October. Elizabeth and Carlos were having a nightcap in the Oval Office. They had taken their first election that they one by what some would call a handful of votes and turned it into what appeared to be a landslide. Debates were done and they had a rare moment where they were both in Washington taking care of the country's business for a couple of days before heading back out before election day. Everyone including the polls were optimistic about their chances of winning but the two of them knew not to get too cocky about it. Humility was a strength of Elizabeth's and in the last four years, Carlos had learned a lot from her.

The sat across from each other laying out their campaign plans for the next few days and the issues for the next few years. Henry was still out on the campaign trail with Alison so Elizabeth decided to work late.

Education reform was important to both of them. Properly funding public education was a key goal to really educate all American children no matter which state they lived in to have the ability and opportunity to succeed in life. Congress would be making it a top priority in the new Congress following the election. It had been decided that Carlos would take the lead on this one. His strength was working the votes in Congress. They went back and forth discussing which congressional members would be a struggle on this issue.

They finished their drinks and walked out of the office together. Carlos motorcade was waiting for him. Elizabeth was looking forward to getting upstairs.

"Well, Elizabeth nobody ever thought we would survive the first term, never mind become so popular and hopefully sail into a second term." he said as the walked.

She laughed, "I hope the next four are smoother for my family and yours. But, we really appreciate you and your family's support. That definitely was not easy. The smoother this goes we will be so happy to stand by you for your campaign after that," she smiled at him.

He chuckled, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

They got to the stairs, "Safe travels tomorrow and I will see you in Virginia in a couple of days."

"You too, Madam President," he reached out and touched her arm as they went their separate ways.

She flopped back on the bed besides Hope, who had already taken Henry's spot. She dialed his cell hoping to catch him before his flight from California to Wisconsin where she would join him tomorrow. It would be a big day. Some would call it impressive as she would make a five state swing in one day.

"Hey Babe, how was your day?" he asked as he answered.

"Signed a bunch of documents," she answered, "how was yours?"

"Allie and I had a good day. Lots of support out here. They love Allie and her Mom," he said. "We can't wait to see you tomorrow. Our last night being apart."

"Ohhh, I can't wait. It is my least favorite part of the job," she complained.

"I know. But, this is it. The homestretch. Why don't you get some sleep and we will see you in the morning?"

"Okay, good night. I love you!" she said quietly already half asleep.

"I love you too! Flight's about to take off. I will text you when we land but try and stay asleep," he employed.

"I will, love you," she whispered back with a small grin.

The morning alarm went off way too early. Hope raised her head as Elizabeth slammed her hand on the alarm clock. She rolled over and pet the dog on her head and rubbed her ears. "Oh girl, you are going to hate today but I promise we will be back soon."

It was under 45 minutes, almost a record, that she was showered, pulled her hair into a messy bun, ate breakfast and in the helicopter on her way to Andrews. She would do her makeup on the plane. She looked out the window behind her feeling bad that Hope was being left behind.

She touched down in Milwaukee by 9:30. She came off the plane, greeted the mayor and they got into the motorcade. Henry was already drawing a crowd with Allie at a local coffee shop.

Elizabeth and the Mayor were heading to a local community center to meet with inner city parents about equity in education. However, the Mayor took the opportunity to bend the President's ear on the minimum wage, something she had struggled to get passed in her first term. She knew Americans were better off than they were four years ago, but there was still much work to do. Their conversation was polite but challenging and Elizabeth didn't like being put on the spot like that.

They pulled up to the community center and she was more than happy to get out of the car. A crowd had gathered outside, when she saw them she turned to the Mayor and said, "This is my favorite part of the job. It's when I get to meet Americans face to face."

With that she hopped out of the car before him to greet the children and supporters waiting for her. A young woman caught her eye. She was maybe not quite 30 years old. She hung back from the crowd. She had a little boy maybe three clinging to her leg and another in her arms probably not even one.

Elizabeth made her way down the line, checked every few people to make sure the woman was still there. When she got closer to her she stopped motioned for her to come over.

"What's your name?" she asked the woman.

"Maria. Nice to meet you Madam President," she said to her.

"The pleasure is mine. May I?" she looked down at the little boy.

"Yes, my husband, their Daddy, is a police officer. That's him over there working."She pointed to one of the motorcycle officers who lead her motorcade here.

'We live in this neighborhood. He told me to bring the boys down to meet their President. When not on his bike, he works at the local Precinct here."

"It's always nice to live where you work, so I've learned," Elizabeth joked with her.

They both laughed. Maria said to her, "Forgive me, did you want to hold the baby? I know how President's love babies."

"I would love to give him a snuggle but first I want to meet this handsome, young man." She knelt down to the older child. The cameras all clicked and flashed. "What's your name?"

He put out his hand to greet her and said proudly, "My name is Joe. Just like my Dad. That's my brother Mikey. My Mommy is having a baby this year too. We're hoping for a girl."

Elizabeth laughed, "It is nice to meet you, Joe. I hope you get a little sister."

"Me too, I want to name her Elizabeth after you." he beamed at her with his dark eyes and broad smile.

"Well, you let me know if you get to do that."

She stood back up and took the baby from Maria. They continued their conversation. Elizabeth swayed back and forth as soon as the baby was in her arms.

"Anyways, we live here because he believes it is important to know those you protect. My husband works hard to connect with the families and children that live here. We really hope your education and justice reform bills pass before you leave office. All children need a path to a better future."

Elizabeth smiled at her and said, "I appreciate your support. It is what I set out to do before my first term and the reasons why I committed to running for a second term. I truly believe it is our responsibility to create a better world for them." With that she handed her back the baby, wished her congratulations and placed her hand on the baby's head.

Joe piped up, "President McCord, can I get my picture taken with you?"

"Of course." She leaned down and they both smiled for the cameras.

As she headed up the steps into the Community Center, she turned to Blake, "Get me a private meeting with his Dad before we leave, please. And please make arrangements to send Joe that photo." She stopped and paused, "Make sure I get it first to write him a note and sign it for him.

She later met up with Henry and Alison for a rally. They headed back to the airport to head to Ohio.

The motorcade pulled in near a hanger. The family and the President waited in the car as the press and others made their way onto Air Force One.

With no cameras around the three of them got out of the car with Blake following. The police officers were waiting there not sure why they were held back. As she made her way to them they both saluted. She said to them, "Ah, former military members? At ease, gentlemen, I just wanted to thank both of you for your service and assistance today."

"Yes, Madam President" said the younger one nervously. She reached her hand out to him. "It's nice to meet you. What's your name?"

"Lt. Craig Prisley, Ma'am." Henry could tell by the way he spoke he was a Marine. He reached over and shook the young officer's hand. He asked him, "Marine Corps?"

"Yes, sir." While he and Henry struck up a conversation, Elizabeth made her move.

She reached her hand out, "You must be Joe?"

He laughed and said, "Yes, Madam President. How did you know?"

"I met your young family today. Your wife told me about your service to your neighborhood. I just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do for the families there."

"Thank you for taking the time, Ma'am. I truly feel it is important to let our young people know they are heard and loved. Many inner city children don't have that in their lives. They need to know that somebody believes in them. But at the same time, they also bring me joy. I love seeing how happy they are, some of them with very little. They inspire me as much as I inspire them."

She listened to him intently and then leaned in, "Joe, as part of our education and justice reform bills, as long as we win, we are forming a committee of everyday folks, who work with children and law enforcement, to come together to help us make our country a better place for all children. I wanted to personally ask you to join our committee."

"I would be honored, Ma'am. Thank you so much."

"Listen, to win this thing I need to get back on the road. Blake has your contact information and we will be in touch." She leaned in and whispered, "Also, it would be an honor for me but don't feel like you have to name your baby girl, Elizabeth. I had a little conversation with your son. It was nice to meet you, Joe. See you soon." She walked away and headed up the stairs onto to the plane.

Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virginia were normal campaign spots. One rally after another. Always taking the high road instead of the low road her opponent, Republican Andy Kramer had taken against her. She was more concerned about her opponent, Michelle Cragin on the Democratic side. They were too much alike but she had gone after Elizabeth's family's tragedies saying she would be a more focused President.

Conrad and Carlos were doing their best to convince Americans there was no other candidate and President more committed and focused on this country than Elizabeth.

During the day, she had been kept up to date on a couple of international incidents going on. It was decided that she would need to be in the White House the next day. The campaign would have to wait. They arrived back into the residence around midnight. By the time she and Henry greeted Hope, had a bowl of cereal, showered and their heads hit their pillows it was nearly 1am.

She quietly said, "I am sooo glad this is the last time I have to do this."