One week later
At 2.17am the halls of the white house were quiet, well, quieter than they were at 2.17pm at any rate. The lights had been dimmed slightly giving the place a softer look, and the occasional member of staff who passed by seemed to be more relaxed and in less of a hurry as their daytime counterparts were. Mallory, dressed in nottredamn sweats and a jumper that were at least three sizes too big for her, walked slowly through the deserted corridors, headed in no particular direction, silently enjoying the quiet. When she reached the communications bullpen there were slightly more people to be seen, some sitting at a desk sending the soft click of pushed keys into the room, others ferrying papers and documents from room to room, preparing for the day ahead. She smiled at those who spared the few precious seconds to look at the newcomer and left those who were obviously engrossed in what they were doing to their job. To be honest she was glad that no one wanted to talk tonight; she really didn't think she had the energy to maintain a conversation with someone who had slept all day.
Rounding the corner she made her way towards the outer office and was surprised to see the lights still on full, and an SS detail scattered throughout the office. She paused at the entrance and had a swift look around for either Charlie or another familiar face.
"Can I help you ma'am?"
Mallory jumped slightly at the voice of the dark suited man behind her.
" Is the president busy?" she asked, her voice slightly dry from both thirst and lack of use.
She could see recognition dawn in the agent's eyes as she turned and was awarded a hint of a smile.
" He's in a meeting ma'am."
Mallory nodded her head and gave the man a sleepy smile before turning and continuing down the corridor.
She had only taken half a dozen steps before she stopped again. In front of her was Margaret's desk, tidy and organised as always, with a few small personal mementos scattered tastefully across it. It wasn't exactly Margaret's desk that held her attention though; it was what lay beyond it. The solid mahogany door stood slightly ajar, giving Mallory a glimpse of what lay beyond. As though drawn, she slowly, hesitantly shuffled forward, her head dipping to the side, as she got closer to afford her a better view inside. When she was standing flush against the door she stopped short, her eyes closing as though in pain, a thousand memory's flashing incessantly in the blackness. Opening them with a slight gasp she took a small step back, her hands rubbing down the front of her sweats.
She stood for a few moments, suddenly fully awake, before shaking her head firmly and striving forward. The door seemed heavier than she could ever remember it to be as she pushed it open fully, revealing the room she had up till then successfully avoided. The first thing her eyes were drawn to was the desk. An image of her dad reclining in the chair behind it, his eyes drawn and tight as he studied the papers in his hand came to her mind, and she remembered the many times he had looked up to find her standing inside the doorway watching him. The thing that brought tears to her eyes though was the way his face melted into a smile the moment he realised who it was, and the deep rumble of her name that always followed, as if he just remembered with joy the fact he had a daughter. Her eyes took in everything, from the maritime pictures he had hung on the walls, to the small brown cardboard box that sat just under the desk. With a little effort she moved towards the desk and bent to pull the box from its discreet hiding place. Picking it up she moved towards the small couch and sat heavily, her hands peeling back the lid to expose what lay hidden beneath.
Small, wrinkled pieces of paper. There must have been hundreds of them, some simple scraps, obviously torn from the corners of other pieces of paper, some printed on official white house stationary, others hand written to everyone from the President to the cleaner. It was so like her dad to use pen and paper to leave messages she mused. In all the years he had worked in offices he had never mastered the art of anything requiring electricity, which included computers and even the intercom. Mallory picked them out one at a time and ran her fingers over the ink, following the fine lines over the page, occasionally wiping her face with the sleeve of her too big jumper. Digging her hand to the bottom she pulled a handful of notes out and laid the box to the side. Picking up a cushion she cuddled into it and slowly began to read the noted obviously hurriedly written or read by her father.
' Josh
What the hell were you thinking?
Come see me, we'll sort this out.
Leo'
Mallory smiled slightly. Josh had once told her that her dad had promised him that he would always have a job at the white house as long as Leo was there. Reading the note again she realised just how true that promise was.
'Mr President,
Sorry, can't make dinner tonight. Give Abbey my apologies.
L.'
Mallory smiled bitter sweetly at the note in her hand. Maybe if he had accepted more invitations, invitations to relax, he would've. She didn't let that thought go any further and quickly shuffled the note to the bottom of the pile. The next note brought an unexpected bark of laughter from Mallory,
' L,
And the fact that I'm cooking has nothing to do with it I presume.
J'
Mallory smiled as she slipped the note carefully to the bottom.
'Margaret, Stop reminding me that it's Mallory's birthday on Tuesday I remembered. Could you call Tiffany's and tell them to go ahead with my order? I found something Mal will love.
L'
Mallory clutched the delicate charm bracelet that hung glittering around her wrist. A swell of sadness overtook her as she remembered the day he had given it to her, in this very office, and she couldn't stop the soft sobs from escaping. Putting the notes to the side she pulled the cushion up to her face and cried her fill, her fingers still playing with the delicate gold around her wrist. Sinking down a little into the comfort of the sofa, Mallory felt her eyes sting with tiredness, and didn't fight when they closed of their own accord. It was only a matter of minutes before she had drifted into sleep.
" Thank-you gentlemen. It's been a hell of a long night but I'm glad they finally agreed. Have a full written report on my desk for tomorrow at 15.00hrs, and a briefing for Josh at 8.00hrs. Thank-you."
Several men in highly decorated uniforms thanked the president for his time and left the office as quietly as they had entered. As soon as the door clicked closed Josiah Bartlet melted into his chair and ran a weary hand through his already dishevelled hair. He had abandoned his jacket and tie some time ago and now saw it fit to remove his shoes as well. He had only just straightened from doing so and was just about to close his eyes for a minute when the door clicked open again slowly.
" This had better be good," he muttered, in a tone that spoke volumes of his current mood.
When he received no answer he blinked his eyes open wearily and strained to see through the momentary blur at who had invaded his five minutes of down time. What he saw was a vision.
" I waited up till 2. I was just going to go to bed alone when Fred informed me that the meeting was over. I thought I'd come down and help you upstairs."
Jed let his eyes wander over the red lace camisole and shorts that Abbey had obviously recently bought as he had never set eyes on it before, hidden under the red silk dressing gown that she had obviously undone before entering the office. He was positive he would have remembered her in this. She was leaning casually against the cream coloured wall just to the side of the door, her hair was natural looking, as though she had been laying around for a little while and had simply ran her fingers through it before leaving the residence, creating soft waves that hung loosely around her face. Without moving from his slumped position Jed gestured for her to come closer with a flick of his head. When all he received was a wisp of a smile he tilted his head slightly.
"C'mere" he whispered, his voice slightly gravely from tiredness.
He watched as she straightened and began to slowly walk towards the windows, a direction he was not too pleased about.
"Abbey" his voice was a little stronger this time and he sat up a little straighter in the chair to watch her movements.
" Just as a matter of interest, did you ever find out if these curtains close?"
She turned towards the desk and briefly stole a glance at her husband, pleased with what she saw. Without stopping she pulled the presidents chair from the desk and sat down, her feet swinging up and crossing over the corner of the desk, showing more than a little leg.
" I like your desk better than mine. I think we should swap." She said matter of factly, her fingers whispering across the surface of the ancient mahogany.
" That's the Kennedy Desk Abigail." She heard him say, his voice telling her everything she needed to know.
" And?" she whispered huskily, her full attention now on the man sitting enraptured on the chair across from her.
" And you can of course have it." She watched as he stood from the chair and pulled his trousers up slightly, his eyes now dancing with mixed emotions, one of which she recognised as hunger."
" That's awfully nice of you Mr President, but I don't think you can just give the Kennedy Desk away willy-nilly, how about I just borrow it for a little while?"
"Abbey.."
She could hear something a little more dangerous creep into his voice and a gentle thrill ran through her.
" Just for, I don't know, the next hour or so?"
Before she had a chance to purr anything else he was suddenly in front of her his hand reaching out to grasp her own. He pulled with a strength she remembered hotly and felt herself bump none too gently flush against him, his hands holding her own at the base of her spine.
Her own breathing was suddenly a little uneven and he paused in him movements to listen to her. She was excited. This hasn't happened in a long time, he mused. She saw him smile somewhat smugly before he tipped his head to the side of her own to whisper in her ear.
" You can't win this game anymore Abbey, and do you why?"
He waited patiently until she eventually shook her head slightly indicating she didn't know.
" Because if this job has given me anything it's patience and self control. That coupled with the fact that I'm not twenty one anymore."
"Jed.."
" Don't interrupt me Abbey, I'm not finished"
Abbey felt her pulse jump up a little higher and closed her mouth with a little snap.
" Thank-you. As I was saying."
Both of their heads turned as a gentle knock sounded out from the door leading to the outer office. Jed immediately let Abbey go and watched as she hastily tied a knot in the sash of her dressing gown, as he ran a hand through his hair and took a few steps back.
" Yeah?" He cleared his throat as the door opened and forced a slight frown to form on his face.
The door opened to reveal Fred, the agent in charge of the first lady's Secret Service detail.
" Excuse me Mr President, I'm looking for Mrs Bartlet. Ma'am?"
Abbey was already focused on the man in black and smiled a little crookedly in his direction.
" Ma'am you wanted me to let you know when I tracked down Miss O'Brien"
Abbey nodded her head and relaxed a little, momentarily forgetting that she had asked him to do so before she left the residence.
" Yes of course Fred. Where is she?"
" She's in Mr McGarrys office ma'am has been for some time."
Abbey looked quickly over to Jed before nodding to Fred, signifying his dismissal.
"Thank-you Mr President, Ma'am" and with that the door closed with a resounding click.
There was silence for a few minutes before Abbey began to speak again.
" Maybe I should go in Jed. Just make sure she's ok."
Jed stood for a minute, his eyes focused on a point at the other side of the room. He turned after a minute to look at his wife and shook his head.
" No. I'll go in."
"Are you sure?"
Smiling at the worry in his wife's voice he walked over to her and took her in his arms.
"I'm sure. "
They stood like that for a few minutes before Jed pulled away, but not before kissing her softly.
" I'll be up in a little while. If your tired, just go on ahead without me."
Abbey smiled and began to walk towards the door that Fred had closed. Opening it she turned once more to smile at the president.
" What I had planned really takes two, so I'll just wait up if it's all the same to you."
And then she was gone.
At 2.17am the halls of the white house were quiet, well, quieter than they were at 2.17pm at any rate. The lights had been dimmed slightly giving the place a softer look, and the occasional member of staff who passed by seemed to be more relaxed and in less of a hurry as their daytime counterparts were. Mallory, dressed in nottredamn sweats and a jumper that were at least three sizes too big for her, walked slowly through the deserted corridors, headed in no particular direction, silently enjoying the quiet. When she reached the communications bullpen there were slightly more people to be seen, some sitting at a desk sending the soft click of pushed keys into the room, others ferrying papers and documents from room to room, preparing for the day ahead. She smiled at those who spared the few precious seconds to look at the newcomer and left those who were obviously engrossed in what they were doing to their job. To be honest she was glad that no one wanted to talk tonight; she really didn't think she had the energy to maintain a conversation with someone who had slept all day.
Rounding the corner she made her way towards the outer office and was surprised to see the lights still on full, and an SS detail scattered throughout the office. She paused at the entrance and had a swift look around for either Charlie or another familiar face.
"Can I help you ma'am?"
Mallory jumped slightly at the voice of the dark suited man behind her.
" Is the president busy?" she asked, her voice slightly dry from both thirst and lack of use.
She could see recognition dawn in the agent's eyes as she turned and was awarded a hint of a smile.
" He's in a meeting ma'am."
Mallory nodded her head and gave the man a sleepy smile before turning and continuing down the corridor.
She had only taken half a dozen steps before she stopped again. In front of her was Margaret's desk, tidy and organised as always, with a few small personal mementos scattered tastefully across it. It wasn't exactly Margaret's desk that held her attention though; it was what lay beyond it. The solid mahogany door stood slightly ajar, giving Mallory a glimpse of what lay beyond. As though drawn, she slowly, hesitantly shuffled forward, her head dipping to the side, as she got closer to afford her a better view inside. When she was standing flush against the door she stopped short, her eyes closing as though in pain, a thousand memory's flashing incessantly in the blackness. Opening them with a slight gasp she took a small step back, her hands rubbing down the front of her sweats.
She stood for a few moments, suddenly fully awake, before shaking her head firmly and striving forward. The door seemed heavier than she could ever remember it to be as she pushed it open fully, revealing the room she had up till then successfully avoided. The first thing her eyes were drawn to was the desk. An image of her dad reclining in the chair behind it, his eyes drawn and tight as he studied the papers in his hand came to her mind, and she remembered the many times he had looked up to find her standing inside the doorway watching him. The thing that brought tears to her eyes though was the way his face melted into a smile the moment he realised who it was, and the deep rumble of her name that always followed, as if he just remembered with joy the fact he had a daughter. Her eyes took in everything, from the maritime pictures he had hung on the walls, to the small brown cardboard box that sat just under the desk. With a little effort she moved towards the desk and bent to pull the box from its discreet hiding place. Picking it up she moved towards the small couch and sat heavily, her hands peeling back the lid to expose what lay hidden beneath.
Small, wrinkled pieces of paper. There must have been hundreds of them, some simple scraps, obviously torn from the corners of other pieces of paper, some printed on official white house stationary, others hand written to everyone from the President to the cleaner. It was so like her dad to use pen and paper to leave messages she mused. In all the years he had worked in offices he had never mastered the art of anything requiring electricity, which included computers and even the intercom. Mallory picked them out one at a time and ran her fingers over the ink, following the fine lines over the page, occasionally wiping her face with the sleeve of her too big jumper. Digging her hand to the bottom she pulled a handful of notes out and laid the box to the side. Picking up a cushion she cuddled into it and slowly began to read the noted obviously hurriedly written or read by her father.
' Josh
What the hell were you thinking?
Come see me, we'll sort this out.
Leo'
Mallory smiled slightly. Josh had once told her that her dad had promised him that he would always have a job at the white house as long as Leo was there. Reading the note again she realised just how true that promise was.
'Mr President,
Sorry, can't make dinner tonight. Give Abbey my apologies.
L.'
Mallory smiled bitter sweetly at the note in her hand. Maybe if he had accepted more invitations, invitations to relax, he would've. She didn't let that thought go any further and quickly shuffled the note to the bottom of the pile. The next note brought an unexpected bark of laughter from Mallory,
' L,
And the fact that I'm cooking has nothing to do with it I presume.
J'
Mallory smiled as she slipped the note carefully to the bottom.
'Margaret, Stop reminding me that it's Mallory's birthday on Tuesday I remembered. Could you call Tiffany's and tell them to go ahead with my order? I found something Mal will love.
L'
Mallory clutched the delicate charm bracelet that hung glittering around her wrist. A swell of sadness overtook her as she remembered the day he had given it to her, in this very office, and she couldn't stop the soft sobs from escaping. Putting the notes to the side she pulled the cushion up to her face and cried her fill, her fingers still playing with the delicate gold around her wrist. Sinking down a little into the comfort of the sofa, Mallory felt her eyes sting with tiredness, and didn't fight when they closed of their own accord. It was only a matter of minutes before she had drifted into sleep.
" Thank-you gentlemen. It's been a hell of a long night but I'm glad they finally agreed. Have a full written report on my desk for tomorrow at 15.00hrs, and a briefing for Josh at 8.00hrs. Thank-you."
Several men in highly decorated uniforms thanked the president for his time and left the office as quietly as they had entered. As soon as the door clicked closed Josiah Bartlet melted into his chair and ran a weary hand through his already dishevelled hair. He had abandoned his jacket and tie some time ago and now saw it fit to remove his shoes as well. He had only just straightened from doing so and was just about to close his eyes for a minute when the door clicked open again slowly.
" This had better be good," he muttered, in a tone that spoke volumes of his current mood.
When he received no answer he blinked his eyes open wearily and strained to see through the momentary blur at who had invaded his five minutes of down time. What he saw was a vision.
" I waited up till 2. I was just going to go to bed alone when Fred informed me that the meeting was over. I thought I'd come down and help you upstairs."
Jed let his eyes wander over the red lace camisole and shorts that Abbey had obviously recently bought as he had never set eyes on it before, hidden under the red silk dressing gown that she had obviously undone before entering the office. He was positive he would have remembered her in this. She was leaning casually against the cream coloured wall just to the side of the door, her hair was natural looking, as though she had been laying around for a little while and had simply ran her fingers through it before leaving the residence, creating soft waves that hung loosely around her face. Without moving from his slumped position Jed gestured for her to come closer with a flick of his head. When all he received was a wisp of a smile he tilted his head slightly.
"C'mere" he whispered, his voice slightly gravely from tiredness.
He watched as she straightened and began to slowly walk towards the windows, a direction he was not too pleased about.
"Abbey" his voice was a little stronger this time and he sat up a little straighter in the chair to watch her movements.
" Just as a matter of interest, did you ever find out if these curtains close?"
She turned towards the desk and briefly stole a glance at her husband, pleased with what she saw. Without stopping she pulled the presidents chair from the desk and sat down, her feet swinging up and crossing over the corner of the desk, showing more than a little leg.
" I like your desk better than mine. I think we should swap." She said matter of factly, her fingers whispering across the surface of the ancient mahogany.
" That's the Kennedy Desk Abigail." She heard him say, his voice telling her everything she needed to know.
" And?" she whispered huskily, her full attention now on the man sitting enraptured on the chair across from her.
" And you can of course have it." She watched as he stood from the chair and pulled his trousers up slightly, his eyes now dancing with mixed emotions, one of which she recognised as hunger."
" That's awfully nice of you Mr President, but I don't think you can just give the Kennedy Desk away willy-nilly, how about I just borrow it for a little while?"
"Abbey.."
She could hear something a little more dangerous creep into his voice and a gentle thrill ran through her.
" Just for, I don't know, the next hour or so?"
Before she had a chance to purr anything else he was suddenly in front of her his hand reaching out to grasp her own. He pulled with a strength she remembered hotly and felt herself bump none too gently flush against him, his hands holding her own at the base of her spine.
Her own breathing was suddenly a little uneven and he paused in him movements to listen to her. She was excited. This hasn't happened in a long time, he mused. She saw him smile somewhat smugly before he tipped his head to the side of her own to whisper in her ear.
" You can't win this game anymore Abbey, and do you why?"
He waited patiently until she eventually shook her head slightly indicating she didn't know.
" Because if this job has given me anything it's patience and self control. That coupled with the fact that I'm not twenty one anymore."
"Jed.."
" Don't interrupt me Abbey, I'm not finished"
Abbey felt her pulse jump up a little higher and closed her mouth with a little snap.
" Thank-you. As I was saying."
Both of their heads turned as a gentle knock sounded out from the door leading to the outer office. Jed immediately let Abbey go and watched as she hastily tied a knot in the sash of her dressing gown, as he ran a hand through his hair and took a few steps back.
" Yeah?" He cleared his throat as the door opened and forced a slight frown to form on his face.
The door opened to reveal Fred, the agent in charge of the first lady's Secret Service detail.
" Excuse me Mr President, I'm looking for Mrs Bartlet. Ma'am?"
Abbey was already focused on the man in black and smiled a little crookedly in his direction.
" Ma'am you wanted me to let you know when I tracked down Miss O'Brien"
Abbey nodded her head and relaxed a little, momentarily forgetting that she had asked him to do so before she left the residence.
" Yes of course Fred. Where is she?"
" She's in Mr McGarrys office ma'am has been for some time."
Abbey looked quickly over to Jed before nodding to Fred, signifying his dismissal.
"Thank-you Mr President, Ma'am" and with that the door closed with a resounding click.
There was silence for a few minutes before Abbey began to speak again.
" Maybe I should go in Jed. Just make sure she's ok."
Jed stood for a minute, his eyes focused on a point at the other side of the room. He turned after a minute to look at his wife and shook his head.
" No. I'll go in."
"Are you sure?"
Smiling at the worry in his wife's voice he walked over to her and took her in his arms.
"I'm sure. "
They stood like that for a few minutes before Jed pulled away, but not before kissing her softly.
" I'll be up in a little while. If your tired, just go on ahead without me."
Abbey smiled and began to walk towards the door that Fred had closed. Opening it she turned once more to smile at the president.
" What I had planned really takes two, so I'll just wait up if it's all the same to you."
And then she was gone.
