"Leo, are you busy?" It was unusual for the President to call Leo from the Oval instead of just stepping into his office through the adjoining door. It was 8:15 at night and Jed had just returned from the Residence after having dinner with Abbey. Leo bet that the First Couple had discussed Leo's and Abbey's conversation earlier today regarding Annie's possible presentation at the Commission on School Bullying which didn't end very well. For Leo.

"No, Sir."

"Come on over and talk."

"Yes, Sir." Leo put down the phone and stood up. He walked over to the Oval Office and immediately saw more than the President there. The First Lady had also come back down with him.

"Leo, have a seat. We need to talk."

"Yes, Sir."

Leo felt he was being led to the lion's den or his execution. Only a matter of time would tell him which one.

Jed finished mixing him and Abbey a scotch and handed hers to her. He also had fixed Leo a club soda and handed it to Leo. He sat down in his favorite chair while Abbey was seated on the sofa across from Leo.

After taking his first sip, he spoke. "Leo, my wife says she and you talked this afternoon about having Annie speak at the Commission hearing on bullying."

"Yes, Sir. We did."

"And she said that you kind of alluded to the political benefits of having the President's granddaughter give her statement about her experience about bullying to the Commission in a public setting."

"Yes, Sir. I did."

"And then she said she yelled at you and stomped out, slamming the door on the way out."

"Sir, if I may ask, where are you going with these questions?" Leo was uncomfortable discussing his disagreement with Abbey with the President.

"Leo, just answer the question."

"Yes, Sir. She did."

Jed turned to Abbey. The entire time Jed had been talking to Leo, Abbey had been averting her eyes, unable to look at Leo directly. "Abbey, do you have something to say to Leo?"

Now, Abbey raised her head to look directly at the Chief of Staff. "Leo, I'm sorry I yelled and stomped out and slammed the door. I should have stayed and continued the conversation."

Leo was caught off guard by Abbey's apology. Based on knowing Abbey all these years, that apology must have been hard for her. Abigail Bartlet rarely apologized to anyone.

Jed turned to Leo. "Leo, do you have something to say to Abbey?"

"Abbey, I'm sorry if you felt I was making Annie's appearance into only a political benefit. Your granddaughter has been though a lot recently and I think by her sharing her experience she can help a lot of others to come forward and get the help they need to cope with their lives. I am truly sorry."

It was the President's turn. "Now, are we back on equal footing and can discuss this issue like the adults we are?"

Abbey nodded.

Leo nodded.

"Good. Now, anyone want to know my thoughts on having Annie talk to the Commission?"

With no comments from the other two people in the room, Jed continued. "My opinion is, if Annie feels comfortable speaking, then she should speak. She is almost fifteen and is growing up real fast. This past incident I think really has increased her maturity. I guess almost dying will do that. Anyway, although the final decision is up to her parents. I will do everything in my power of persuasion to have them say yes or at least give the decision to Annie to make. And, if she decides to go, I think a trip to Dallas is in order for Doug, Liz, Gus, Annie and Abbey. I would love to go but the media circus would just be overwhelming. I will reluctantly stay here and watch her on C-Span. If she wants to speak, I will have CJ work with her so she will be ready. You all think that's a good plan?"

Abbey smiled. "Yes."

Leo nodded. "Sounds good to me."

"Let's drink to that."

The trio raised their glasses and toasted to a successful outcome of the President's plan.