Whitening Toothpaste
Chapter Eight: Crossing My Fingers
By: Eve Karma
Disclaimer: As much as I cry, beg, and scream, I still don't own the West Wing.
Spoilers: Two Cathedrals
Other: Notice the tropical storm in my story? Nope, that's right, there is no tropical storm in Whitening Toothpaste. Hey, I can only handle so much plot at once! :)
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At 7 AM on Thursday morning, I stood in the parking lot, watching the sun rise over the White House, and thinking, "God, this is going to be a long day..." I was clutching three bags: my briefcase slung over my right shoulder, my Kate Spade purse dangling from my right hand, and an extra bag in my right hand-a shopping bag from Express. Literally, I had my hands full, as I knew I would that day, between Mrs. Landingham's funeral service and the President's news. At any rate, I shook my hair out of my face and walked into the building, bracing myself for the stress.
I heard Sam before I saw him as I entered the bullpen.
"Kate! How lovely you look today!"
I swung around and saw him leaning in Josh's doorway, grinning like the Cheshire cat. He never. Ever. Acts that happy. Well, at least in the week I've known him. I walked over to him and used my free hand to feel his forehead.
"Hey!" he said, pulling back. "What's that all about?"
"That?" I retorted. "What about you and "Oh, Hiiii Kate, you look looooovely today!" I whined, imitating him.
"Okay, that was freakily real."
Sam, aka Dictionary Boy, was using the word freakily? He went on. "Anyway...I, uh, meant it."
I glanced down at the white turtleneck and gray pantsuit I was wearing (Yes, the White House AC is that cold.) then looked into his eyes, wondering if he really meant it. I couldn't help but smile. "Let me guess," I asked, "busy day ahead of us?"
He grimaced at the thought. "Yeah. My office in five."
"Sure thing, Sam," I said to his back as he walked away. I peered into the Josh's office, noticing that Donna was present and he was not. "Hey, Donna," I greeted her quietly. "Can I stash this stuff in here until later?" I held up my Express bag.
"Sure," she said, motioning to a dusty corner. "Mine's over there. I can't believe Margaret...of all people, it was Margaret that thought of this!"
We shared a secret smile. I told her I'd talk to her later and went to meet Sam in his office.
~~~~~
After what seemed like days of work, it was time to go to Mrs. Landingham's funeral. In the past three hours, Sam and I had run through files, made phone calls, edited and re-edited, and reached about a million dead-ends, all last minute preparations for the President's event that night. On top of that, Sam was trying to deal with the dwindling surplus, but that could take a backseat for a little while.
I joined the rest of the West Wing staff and piled into a limo that would take us to the National Cathedral. I was with Sam, Josh, Donna, CJ, and Charlie. Toby, Margaret, Leo, and a few people I didn't know too well were in another limo. And, of course, the President and First Lady had a private car.
There wasn't a single person at that service who didn't cry. Even Sam did. I was seated next to Charlie, and at one point, we both had our arms around each other, trying to stifle sobs. Charlie had known Mrs. Landingham for years, where as I had known her for a mere day, but we still loved her and missed her. Anyone would. It was our chance to let express feelings that had to be caged during work at the White House.
When we arrived back at the White House, Sam gave me a few minutes to settle myself before getting back to work. I came back into the office with a steaming cup of coffee, ready for Sam's wish to be my command.
~~~~~
7 PM. It was finally time. Sam stepped out of his office, already looking exhausted. He was fidgeting-obviously nervous.
"Sam," I said, stepping around my desk to face him, "It's going to be alright. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow...but eventually, things will be okay."
He sighed and gazed at me. "I'm glad I have an assistant." He chuckled softly, and I joined in.
"If anyone calls-"
I put my hands on his shoulders to stop him and finished his thought. "Yes, Sam, I'm sure at least a few people will call. I am also sure that I am competent enough to take messages for you. Don't worry. I have it covered. Do you need anything before you go?"
"No, I'm all set," Sam replied, and covered my hands with his own before lowering them and holding our hands together between us. "Thanks, Kate. Really, I mean that."
"You had better," I replied slyly.
As I spoke, I heard Leo yelling from the hall, "Sam!! Let's GO! NOW!!!"
"Go do your thing, Sam, I'll be here when you get back." I released my hands from his and followed him into the hallway. He joined Leo, Toby, Josh, and CJ, and they all walked down the long corridor on their way to meet the President and make some of the biggest news in history.
"Break a leg," I murmured, almost to myself. I gave a little wave, then cringed, realizing what I had said. "Good luck?" I called a little louder.