Badlands
by Deenalynn
Summary: Home for the Holidays takes on new meaning as Sam and Donna's pasts and families collide in an unexpected way. Meanwhile Josh has to deal with a power seeking Senator gunning for someone near and dear to the President.
Part 1: She Said it Was Ugly!
"When does your mom get in?" Donna asked as she flipped through her index cards. She was sitting in the visitor's chair in Josh's office. They were going over the research notes for his next meeting.
"Tomorrow night. I have to pick her up at six-twenty. So I want to be finished up here by four-thirty." Josh was searching through his own papers.
"Well, that actually works out perfect for me. Mom and Dad get in at five-fifty-five," she said as she handed him another page of notes.
"Really?" Josh looked up from his desk.
"No, Josh."
"What?"
"You have to go pick up your mother. You haven't seen her since last Thanksgiving. How would she feel if you sent your assistant to pick her up?"
Josh looked insulted. "Well, disregarding the fact that I think she likes you better than me, that wasn't what I was going to suggest."
"Oh, really?" Donna asked dubiously
"Really. What I was *going* to say was we should just take my car to pick them all up. That way, we don't both have to fight traffic and find parking." He sniffed. "But since you think I would abandon my poor, dear old mother to my--"
"She'd slap you silly if she heard you call her that." Donna laughed. "Are you sure you don't mind? It'll be a bit crowded."
He shook his head. "There's plenty of room. So what do you say?"
"I think it's a great idea. It'll also give them a chance to meet before everyone is there at dinner."
"Speaking of which, you know my mother is going to insist on doing something. Just let her do her thing. It'll do you no good whatsoever to argue."
Donna nodded. "Already done. We sorted all that out weeks ago."
"So, what is on the menu?" Josh asked as he shuffled more paper around.
Donna set another page of notes in front of him. "Pretty traditional, I asked everybody for a list of their favourites so I've planned something for everyone. And of course, turkey."
Josh nodded absently, having become engrossed in the information she had just handed him.
She continued to sort through her research, taking note of the eerie silence from the bullpen. "I don't like it."
Josh's eyebrows shot up. "Well okay, so make something else, turkey is traditional, but. . .
She shook her head. "Not the dinner, it's perfect. It's this place."
"Huh?"
"Something's just not right around here. Haven't you noticed?" She shivered. "It's creepy."
"Creepy?" He shook his head. "Donna. . ."
"Don't *Donna* me, Josh. It's too quiet, too easy. Ever since the election everything has just kind of, I don't know, sailed along? No big conflicts, no fights, no yelling, too quiet. Makes me wonder when the other shoe--"
She was interrupted when the door to the office flew open. "If we offer the Canadians enough money do you think they'd be willing to annex South Dakota?" Toby ranted as he barged into the room. "Hell, we'll even throw in North Dakota to make access easier, but only if they take the South too."
Josh glared at Donna. "You just had to say it didn't you?" When she just shrugged helplessly he turned back to Toby. "Why are we bribing Canada to take South Dakota off our hands?"
"Because, I'm not involved in international policy, and if the Dakotas belong to Canada, then I will never, ever, have to speak to Nathan Laughton again as long as I live."
Josh nodded. "Oh-kaaay, now, not that I don't think getting rid of the good Senator has merit, but why specifically are we trading him to the Canadians? And what did they ever do to you?"
"Because he is a fool and a royal pain in the ass," Toby said with conviction.
Again Josh nodded. "True, but not exactly news. Toby, what the hell happened?"
Toby sighed and ran his hand over his head. "Apparently Annie Weston went on a trip with her grandparents last summer."
"Yeah, she and Derek's parents drove right across the country. I got some great postcards from her." Josh smiled and shrugged. "What's this got to do with Laughton?"
"I'm getting there."
"Are you planning on making it soon, 'cause I tell you I have a meeting at four."
A glare and another deep sigh. "She recently did an interview, some teen rag."
"And. . . ?"
"And, she talked about the trip, where they visited, what she saw, what she liked, what she didn't like. . . " Toby trailed off suggestively.
"Ah, for--" Josh closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Let me guess, she didn't like South Dakota."
"Got it in one. Thought it was ugly."
"And Laughton's going to make this a thing."
"He says it's a direct insult from the White House. He wants a public apology."
"Oh the President's gonna love this one." Josh rolled his shoulders trying to loosen the tension he could feel forming. "This is all your fault you know?" he said suddenly, turning to Donna.
"Me?" Donna squeaked. "What did I do?"
"'It's to quiet, it's creepy, the other shoe--,'" he mocked, his voice pitched to imitate hers. "Any of this sound familiar?"
"Well, I hardly think--"
"Oh for the love of all things holy," Toby growled. "I don't have time for the floor show, would you two. . ." Seeing he once again had their attention, he took a deep breath. "Laughton is threatening to make trouble for 312 if we don't get an apology out there soon."
Josh was immediately serious. "You're telling me this jack ass is willing to hold up important legislation, legislation that would benefit millions of people, over something a sixteen-year-old kid said?" He was incredulous.
"Yes," Toby said simply. "Millions of people will be helped; unfortunately very few of those who will benefit, live in South Dakota. So he's inclined not to care too much. This is a thing, Josh. We need to talk to Leo."
Josh nodded and got to his feet. As the were leaving the office he stopped and turned back. "Donna, I need a copy of that article."
**********
"He what?" Leo exploded as soon as Josh and Toby finished their story. "For the love of. . . He can't be. . ." He sputtered to a stop.
"Pretty much my reaction, Leo" Josh stood in front of his boss's desk, having gathered the rest of the senior staff to let them in on this mew development. "But if Laughton isn't willing to budge, what are we going to do?"
"CJ can issue a statement about keeping the President's family and politics separate," Sam suggested.
"Well, that would normally work. But Annie made the statement to the press. She put it out there, so it's fair game," Josh told him before turning back to face Leo.
"Let me talk to The President. See what he says. He may tell us to just eat this one and take on Laughton on 312." Leo got up from his desk and headed for the door to the Oval Office.
"But--" Toby started to speak.
"She's his granddaughter." Leo stopped him. "He's not going to feed her to the press to further Laughton's agenda, whatever that may be." He knocked on the door and entered at the President's command.
Sam stared at the closed door for a moment. "It's times like this when I am truly grateful I don't have Leo's job." The others all nodded their agreement.
**********
An hour later Josh was back in his office stuffing files into his backpack. "Donna!"
"What?" She immediately popped around the corner.
Josh jumped. "Dammit, Donna, don't do that."
She just smiled innocently. "What do you need?"
"I'm going to New Hampshire." He shoved another file into the pack.
"What? Why?"
"The President wants me to talk to Liz and Annie. He wants me to find out exactly what Annie said to that reporter to see. . ."
". . .if an apology is warranted," Donna finished for him, understanding. "And if it is?"
Josh took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. "Then I get to tell Annie that she has to say she's sorry to the good people of South Dakota."
Donna snorted. "She's gonna love that."
"Yeah."
"She's a good kid, Josh."
"She's a great kid."
"She's not going to be happy that she's caused problems, especially for you."
"I know. That's why Leo wants me to be the one to talk to her. And why he wants me to do it in person. The President doesn't think it should come from him so, I'm up." He shouldered his pack. "Listen, I should be back early tomorrow afternoon, but if I'm not. . .?"
"I'll pick your mom up and take her to my place." She grinned at him. "So I end up picking her up after all. Why does this not surprise me?"
Josh flashed a dimpled grin her way. "Perfect. I'll call when I get there." And he was off.
**********
"Hey, Sam." Donna smiled as he approached her desk.
"Hi, listen, are you sure there isn't anything I can bring on Thursday?"
"Positive, I have all the food under control. Though a nice bottle of wine probably wouldn't go to waste."
"Not likely with that crowd." He perched on the edge of her desk. "You sure you know what you're doing, cooking for such a mob?"
Donna laughed. "It'll be fun. I love to cook but I never really get the chance. Dev is making the appetizers and dessert, and my mom will be there, so it's not like I won't have help. Besides it's not really that many."
Sam started ticking off on his fingers. "Me, you, Josh, CJ, Devorah, your mom and dad, my mom and dad, that's nine people, sounds like a lot to me."
"Not really, my gran used to do holiday dinners for twenty or more, so this is small potatoes."
Sam just shook his head. "If you say so."
"When do your mom and dad get in?" Donna asked as she continued to rearrange Josh's schedule.
"Dad gets in late tomorrow night, and Mom arrives Wednesday afternnon."
"Did you tell them they were both going to be there yet?"
"That was a pretty bad sentence there, Donna."
"Sam. . ."
He looked sheepish. "No?"
"Sam!"
"I can't, Donna," he protested as he stood and began to pace restlessly around her cubicle. "If I tell my mother my dad is coming you can be damn sure she won't and I don't think he will come either if he knows she's going to be here."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked tentatively. "If they're that opposed to seeing each other, maybe it would be best if you just--"
"No," Sam interrupted, "it's a great idea. If I can just get them to sit down and talk to each other, act like the adults they purport themselves to be, I know we can work this out."
Donna looked doubtful. "Are you sure you should be interfering? They might not appreciate it."
Sam straightened his shoulders. "This is going to work." He smiled confidently.
**********
"Josh!" Annie Weston squealed, then pitched herself at him.
Josh laughed and hugged her close. "Hey, sweetie."
Annie pulled back and dragged him into the house. "What are you doing here? I thought you said you and your mom were doing Thanksgiving with Donna." She waved at his coat and reached for his back pack.
"We are." He handed her the coat and bag. "Is your mom home, kid?"
"Yeah." She hung up the coat then turned to look at him closely. "What's wrong, Josh? It's not my Gramps is it?"
Josh shook his head and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "No, your grandparents are both fine." He smiled when she instantly relaxed. Then he sobered. "But I do need to talk to you and your mom."
"Okay." She searched his face trying to read him. Finding nothing, she said, "She's in the kitchen. C'mon." She dragged him down the hall, anxious to hear what had brought him all the way from DC.
"Josh?" Liz came around the island where she had been dicing vegetables.
"Hi." Josh smiled and hugged the eldest Bartlet child. "Mmm something smells delicious."
Liz laughed. "Trust you to show up just in time for dinner." She added the vegetables to the bubbling pot on the stove and turned back to face him. "Well?"
Josh winced. "Well. Yeah. Can you ladies join me?" He indicated the table. "There's something I need to discuss with Annie."
"Me? What'd I do?" Annie asked as she took a seat.
Liz placed a cup of coffee in front of Josh and sat across from him. "What's going on, Josh? What's bad enough that they sent you all this way?"
Josh ran his hand over his face. "Normally this wouldn't even be a blip on my radar. What Annie says and to whom isn't something I usually have to worry about."
"Josh, spill it, what'd I do?" Annie fidgeted in her chair.
"You gave an interview to Teen Weekly."
"Yeah, like, two months ago."
"Well, they printed it this week."
"So? I didn't rearrange any foreign policy." She stopped. "Did I?"
Josh laughed. "No, sweetie, we aren't going to war with Luxembourg. South Dakota on the other hand. . . "
"Huh?" she said, confused.
"Annie, I need to know exactly what you told that interviewer about your trip." Josh leaned forward clasping his hands on the table. "As close as you can remember."
Annie shook her head. "I don't have to remember. I recorded it."
Josh's eyebrows shot up. "You what?"
Annie grinned. "Remember waaaay back, during the first campaign?"
"Okay. . ." he nodded, not quite following.
"Do you remember how scared I was?"
Josh smiled gently. "Yeah you were having a pretty tough time for a while there."
"Josh, I was terrified."
"Well, that's natural. Your *Gramps* was going to be President, that's huge. Even he needed time to adjust."
"But you were the one who saw just how tough a time I was having. You took me out to dinner. Just the two of us, remember?"
Liz laughed. "I do. All she talked about that whole day was her *date* with Josh. She was so excited."
"Hey, I had good taste," Annie said with a grin at Josh.
He grinned back. "So did I."
Annie turned slightly pink. "Anyway, during dinner do you remember what we talked about?"
"Mostly we talked about how things might be a bit different for you."
She nodded. "Yeah, how things would change when I was no longer *just Annie*, but the President's granddaughter."
"Yeah, you were afraid the other kids wouldn't be your friends when they found out about the armed bodyguard."
"Do you remember what else I was afraid of?"
Josh shrugged. "You were scared you'd get lost when you visited the White House. You were worried about what your teachers might expect. I remember you were petrified of giving a bad--" He stopped suddenly grinning broadly.
"There you go. I was horrified at the thought that I would say something in an interview that would hurt or embarrass my Gramps."
"And I told you to tell reporters that you were going to record the interview. It would help keep them honest."
"Yup." She stood up. "I'll go get it." She ran from the room.
Liz watched her daughter departure, her expression trouble. "What's going on, Josh?"
"Hopefully nothing but a lot of hot air from a man who seems to have more than his fair share."
"Josh. . . "
"Lizzie, look, Senator Laughton of South Dakota has taken offence to something Annie said in the interview, and is demanding an apology from the White House."
Liz cocked an eyebrow. "Why would the White House apologise for something Annie said? If she said something wrong *she* will apologise. Not my father."
Before Josh could respond Annie came rushing back in, holding a portable tape player. "Here ya go." She flopped back into her seat. "I don't know what the fuss is all about, I just talked about the trip."
"Hopefully it's nothing." Josh pressed play.
**********
"Honestly Leo, the kid said more nice things about South Dakota than she said bad. She talked about the interesting places they visited, she loved Mt. Rushmore, she thought Wall was great. The kid's a history buff, so South Dakota's right up her alley. Deadwood, Sundance, and so on. Pick something she raved about it." Josh had settled into Liz's guest room, and was updating Leo.
"Where the hell did the quote come from then?" Leo demanded.
"All she said, was that she thought South Dakota was cool. It had some really interesting places to visit. The people were great, etcetera, but that it also had some of the ugliest country they saw on the whole trip."
"And that's what they printed." Leo sighed.
"And that's what they printed."
There was silence on the DC end of the line for a moment. "Well, I don't want Annie having to go to bat for herself over something like this. Bring back a copy of the tape. Maybe if we let Laughton hear it he'll do the right thing and shut the hell up."
"Sounds good. I'll be in early tomorrow evening."
"See you then."
**********
the end part 1
I would love to hear what you think
by Deenalynn
Summary: Home for the Holidays takes on new meaning as Sam and Donna's pasts and families collide in an unexpected way. Meanwhile Josh has to deal with a power seeking Senator gunning for someone near and dear to the President.
Part 1: She Said it Was Ugly!
"When does your mom get in?" Donna asked as she flipped through her index cards. She was sitting in the visitor's chair in Josh's office. They were going over the research notes for his next meeting.
"Tomorrow night. I have to pick her up at six-twenty. So I want to be finished up here by four-thirty." Josh was searching through his own papers.
"Well, that actually works out perfect for me. Mom and Dad get in at five-fifty-five," she said as she handed him another page of notes.
"Really?" Josh looked up from his desk.
"No, Josh."
"What?"
"You have to go pick up your mother. You haven't seen her since last Thanksgiving. How would she feel if you sent your assistant to pick her up?"
Josh looked insulted. "Well, disregarding the fact that I think she likes you better than me, that wasn't what I was going to suggest."
"Oh, really?" Donna asked dubiously
"Really. What I was *going* to say was we should just take my car to pick them all up. That way, we don't both have to fight traffic and find parking." He sniffed. "But since you think I would abandon my poor, dear old mother to my--"
"She'd slap you silly if she heard you call her that." Donna laughed. "Are you sure you don't mind? It'll be a bit crowded."
He shook his head. "There's plenty of room. So what do you say?"
"I think it's a great idea. It'll also give them a chance to meet before everyone is there at dinner."
"Speaking of which, you know my mother is going to insist on doing something. Just let her do her thing. It'll do you no good whatsoever to argue."
Donna nodded. "Already done. We sorted all that out weeks ago."
"So, what is on the menu?" Josh asked as he shuffled more paper around.
Donna set another page of notes in front of him. "Pretty traditional, I asked everybody for a list of their favourites so I've planned something for everyone. And of course, turkey."
Josh nodded absently, having become engrossed in the information she had just handed him.
She continued to sort through her research, taking note of the eerie silence from the bullpen. "I don't like it."
Josh's eyebrows shot up. "Well okay, so make something else, turkey is traditional, but. . .
She shook her head. "Not the dinner, it's perfect. It's this place."
"Huh?"
"Something's just not right around here. Haven't you noticed?" She shivered. "It's creepy."
"Creepy?" He shook his head. "Donna. . ."
"Don't *Donna* me, Josh. It's too quiet, too easy. Ever since the election everything has just kind of, I don't know, sailed along? No big conflicts, no fights, no yelling, too quiet. Makes me wonder when the other shoe--"
She was interrupted when the door to the office flew open. "If we offer the Canadians enough money do you think they'd be willing to annex South Dakota?" Toby ranted as he barged into the room. "Hell, we'll even throw in North Dakota to make access easier, but only if they take the South too."
Josh glared at Donna. "You just had to say it didn't you?" When she just shrugged helplessly he turned back to Toby. "Why are we bribing Canada to take South Dakota off our hands?"
"Because, I'm not involved in international policy, and if the Dakotas belong to Canada, then I will never, ever, have to speak to Nathan Laughton again as long as I live."
Josh nodded. "Oh-kaaay, now, not that I don't think getting rid of the good Senator has merit, but why specifically are we trading him to the Canadians? And what did they ever do to you?"
"Because he is a fool and a royal pain in the ass," Toby said with conviction.
Again Josh nodded. "True, but not exactly news. Toby, what the hell happened?"
Toby sighed and ran his hand over his head. "Apparently Annie Weston went on a trip with her grandparents last summer."
"Yeah, she and Derek's parents drove right across the country. I got some great postcards from her." Josh smiled and shrugged. "What's this got to do with Laughton?"
"I'm getting there."
"Are you planning on making it soon, 'cause I tell you I have a meeting at four."
A glare and another deep sigh. "She recently did an interview, some teen rag."
"And. . . ?"
"And, she talked about the trip, where they visited, what she saw, what she liked, what she didn't like. . . " Toby trailed off suggestively.
"Ah, for--" Josh closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Let me guess, she didn't like South Dakota."
"Got it in one. Thought it was ugly."
"And Laughton's going to make this a thing."
"He says it's a direct insult from the White House. He wants a public apology."
"Oh the President's gonna love this one." Josh rolled his shoulders trying to loosen the tension he could feel forming. "This is all your fault you know?" he said suddenly, turning to Donna.
"Me?" Donna squeaked. "What did I do?"
"'It's to quiet, it's creepy, the other shoe--,'" he mocked, his voice pitched to imitate hers. "Any of this sound familiar?"
"Well, I hardly think--"
"Oh for the love of all things holy," Toby growled. "I don't have time for the floor show, would you two. . ." Seeing he once again had their attention, he took a deep breath. "Laughton is threatening to make trouble for 312 if we don't get an apology out there soon."
Josh was immediately serious. "You're telling me this jack ass is willing to hold up important legislation, legislation that would benefit millions of people, over something a sixteen-year-old kid said?" He was incredulous.
"Yes," Toby said simply. "Millions of people will be helped; unfortunately very few of those who will benefit, live in South Dakota. So he's inclined not to care too much. This is a thing, Josh. We need to talk to Leo."
Josh nodded and got to his feet. As the were leaving the office he stopped and turned back. "Donna, I need a copy of that article."
**********
"He what?" Leo exploded as soon as Josh and Toby finished their story. "For the love of. . . He can't be. . ." He sputtered to a stop.
"Pretty much my reaction, Leo" Josh stood in front of his boss's desk, having gathered the rest of the senior staff to let them in on this mew development. "But if Laughton isn't willing to budge, what are we going to do?"
"CJ can issue a statement about keeping the President's family and politics separate," Sam suggested.
"Well, that would normally work. But Annie made the statement to the press. She put it out there, so it's fair game," Josh told him before turning back to face Leo.
"Let me talk to The President. See what he says. He may tell us to just eat this one and take on Laughton on 312." Leo got up from his desk and headed for the door to the Oval Office.
"But--" Toby started to speak.
"She's his granddaughter." Leo stopped him. "He's not going to feed her to the press to further Laughton's agenda, whatever that may be." He knocked on the door and entered at the President's command.
Sam stared at the closed door for a moment. "It's times like this when I am truly grateful I don't have Leo's job." The others all nodded their agreement.
**********
An hour later Josh was back in his office stuffing files into his backpack. "Donna!"
"What?" She immediately popped around the corner.
Josh jumped. "Dammit, Donna, don't do that."
She just smiled innocently. "What do you need?"
"I'm going to New Hampshire." He shoved another file into the pack.
"What? Why?"
"The President wants me to talk to Liz and Annie. He wants me to find out exactly what Annie said to that reporter to see. . ."
". . .if an apology is warranted," Donna finished for him, understanding. "And if it is?"
Josh took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. "Then I get to tell Annie that she has to say she's sorry to the good people of South Dakota."
Donna snorted. "She's gonna love that."
"Yeah."
"She's a good kid, Josh."
"She's a great kid."
"She's not going to be happy that she's caused problems, especially for you."
"I know. That's why Leo wants me to be the one to talk to her. And why he wants me to do it in person. The President doesn't think it should come from him so, I'm up." He shouldered his pack. "Listen, I should be back early tomorrow afternoon, but if I'm not. . .?"
"I'll pick your mom up and take her to my place." She grinned at him. "So I end up picking her up after all. Why does this not surprise me?"
Josh flashed a dimpled grin her way. "Perfect. I'll call when I get there." And he was off.
**********
"Hey, Sam." Donna smiled as he approached her desk.
"Hi, listen, are you sure there isn't anything I can bring on Thursday?"
"Positive, I have all the food under control. Though a nice bottle of wine probably wouldn't go to waste."
"Not likely with that crowd." He perched on the edge of her desk. "You sure you know what you're doing, cooking for such a mob?"
Donna laughed. "It'll be fun. I love to cook but I never really get the chance. Dev is making the appetizers and dessert, and my mom will be there, so it's not like I won't have help. Besides it's not really that many."
Sam started ticking off on his fingers. "Me, you, Josh, CJ, Devorah, your mom and dad, my mom and dad, that's nine people, sounds like a lot to me."
"Not really, my gran used to do holiday dinners for twenty or more, so this is small potatoes."
Sam just shook his head. "If you say so."
"When do your mom and dad get in?" Donna asked as she continued to rearrange Josh's schedule.
"Dad gets in late tomorrow night, and Mom arrives Wednesday afternnon."
"Did you tell them they were both going to be there yet?"
"That was a pretty bad sentence there, Donna."
"Sam. . ."
He looked sheepish. "No?"
"Sam!"
"I can't, Donna," he protested as he stood and began to pace restlessly around her cubicle. "If I tell my mother my dad is coming you can be damn sure she won't and I don't think he will come either if he knows she's going to be here."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked tentatively. "If they're that opposed to seeing each other, maybe it would be best if you just--"
"No," Sam interrupted, "it's a great idea. If I can just get them to sit down and talk to each other, act like the adults they purport themselves to be, I know we can work this out."
Donna looked doubtful. "Are you sure you should be interfering? They might not appreciate it."
Sam straightened his shoulders. "This is going to work." He smiled confidently.
**********
"Josh!" Annie Weston squealed, then pitched herself at him.
Josh laughed and hugged her close. "Hey, sweetie."
Annie pulled back and dragged him into the house. "What are you doing here? I thought you said you and your mom were doing Thanksgiving with Donna." She waved at his coat and reached for his back pack.
"We are." He handed her the coat and bag. "Is your mom home, kid?"
"Yeah." She hung up the coat then turned to look at him closely. "What's wrong, Josh? It's not my Gramps is it?"
Josh shook his head and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "No, your grandparents are both fine." He smiled when she instantly relaxed. Then he sobered. "But I do need to talk to you and your mom."
"Okay." She searched his face trying to read him. Finding nothing, she said, "She's in the kitchen. C'mon." She dragged him down the hall, anxious to hear what had brought him all the way from DC.
"Josh?" Liz came around the island where she had been dicing vegetables.
"Hi." Josh smiled and hugged the eldest Bartlet child. "Mmm something smells delicious."
Liz laughed. "Trust you to show up just in time for dinner." She added the vegetables to the bubbling pot on the stove and turned back to face him. "Well?"
Josh winced. "Well. Yeah. Can you ladies join me?" He indicated the table. "There's something I need to discuss with Annie."
"Me? What'd I do?" Annie asked as she took a seat.
Liz placed a cup of coffee in front of Josh and sat across from him. "What's going on, Josh? What's bad enough that they sent you all this way?"
Josh ran his hand over his face. "Normally this wouldn't even be a blip on my radar. What Annie says and to whom isn't something I usually have to worry about."
"Josh, spill it, what'd I do?" Annie fidgeted in her chair.
"You gave an interview to Teen Weekly."
"Yeah, like, two months ago."
"Well, they printed it this week."
"So? I didn't rearrange any foreign policy." She stopped. "Did I?"
Josh laughed. "No, sweetie, we aren't going to war with Luxembourg. South Dakota on the other hand. . . "
"Huh?" she said, confused.
"Annie, I need to know exactly what you told that interviewer about your trip." Josh leaned forward clasping his hands on the table. "As close as you can remember."
Annie shook her head. "I don't have to remember. I recorded it."
Josh's eyebrows shot up. "You what?"
Annie grinned. "Remember waaaay back, during the first campaign?"
"Okay. . ." he nodded, not quite following.
"Do you remember how scared I was?"
Josh smiled gently. "Yeah you were having a pretty tough time for a while there."
"Josh, I was terrified."
"Well, that's natural. Your *Gramps* was going to be President, that's huge. Even he needed time to adjust."
"But you were the one who saw just how tough a time I was having. You took me out to dinner. Just the two of us, remember?"
Liz laughed. "I do. All she talked about that whole day was her *date* with Josh. She was so excited."
"Hey, I had good taste," Annie said with a grin at Josh.
He grinned back. "So did I."
Annie turned slightly pink. "Anyway, during dinner do you remember what we talked about?"
"Mostly we talked about how things might be a bit different for you."
She nodded. "Yeah, how things would change when I was no longer *just Annie*, but the President's granddaughter."
"Yeah, you were afraid the other kids wouldn't be your friends when they found out about the armed bodyguard."
"Do you remember what else I was afraid of?"
Josh shrugged. "You were scared you'd get lost when you visited the White House. You were worried about what your teachers might expect. I remember you were petrified of giving a bad--" He stopped suddenly grinning broadly.
"There you go. I was horrified at the thought that I would say something in an interview that would hurt or embarrass my Gramps."
"And I told you to tell reporters that you were going to record the interview. It would help keep them honest."
"Yup." She stood up. "I'll go get it." She ran from the room.
Liz watched her daughter departure, her expression trouble. "What's going on, Josh?"
"Hopefully nothing but a lot of hot air from a man who seems to have more than his fair share."
"Josh. . . "
"Lizzie, look, Senator Laughton of South Dakota has taken offence to something Annie said in the interview, and is demanding an apology from the White House."
Liz cocked an eyebrow. "Why would the White House apologise for something Annie said? If she said something wrong *she* will apologise. Not my father."
Before Josh could respond Annie came rushing back in, holding a portable tape player. "Here ya go." She flopped back into her seat. "I don't know what the fuss is all about, I just talked about the trip."
"Hopefully it's nothing." Josh pressed play.
**********
"Honestly Leo, the kid said more nice things about South Dakota than she said bad. She talked about the interesting places they visited, she loved Mt. Rushmore, she thought Wall was great. The kid's a history buff, so South Dakota's right up her alley. Deadwood, Sundance, and so on. Pick something she raved about it." Josh had settled into Liz's guest room, and was updating Leo.
"Where the hell did the quote come from then?" Leo demanded.
"All she said, was that she thought South Dakota was cool. It had some really interesting places to visit. The people were great, etcetera, but that it also had some of the ugliest country they saw on the whole trip."
"And that's what they printed." Leo sighed.
"And that's what they printed."
There was silence on the DC end of the line for a moment. "Well, I don't want Annie having to go to bat for herself over something like this. Bring back a copy of the tape. Maybe if we let Laughton hear it he'll do the right thing and shut the hell up."
"Sounds good. I'll be in early tomorrow evening."
"See you then."
**********
the end part 1
I would love to hear what you think