Ok so there might be a spoiler for those who never watch this show. So to be safe...the series is all game! Also I got more advice for my future chapters, so you won't see the (INT or EXT) format anymore...see I told you I was new at this...argh
on with it...
CHAPTER 2
August 2nd, 2000:
Since the story broke, it was quiet throughout the communication bull pen and operations. Sam was still not talking to Josh, for he felt Josh wasn't being supportive of him and his outburst against John, Mary and Al. Sam got his share of yelling from Leo and Toby did a number on him about the article. He wasn't going to take anymore verbal abuse from anyone, especially from Josh. He tried to avoid that from happening as he showed up on time, worked and left when he was done without saying another word. He was able to get away with it for two days before people started asking questions. Josh tried a number of times to speak with Sam but was unsuccessful every time. Sure he would see Sam at senior staff and meetings but they never crossed paths otherwise and certainly not for social occasions. Josh was getting a little frustrated with Sam and how he was purposely avoiding him. He needed to fix this. He wanted to fix this. This was his best friend for crying out loud!
Sam's office.
Sam was working -like he always does- on his laptop. A gentle knock turned his attention toward the door..
"Come in." he called.
The door opened and Josh stepped in.
"What do you want?" Sam asked coldly.
"You know what, Sam. I have had just about enough of you." He paused. "I came in here to apologize."
"Yeah?"
"Yes. Look, I am sorry I told Toby it was you. I should've just kept you out of it."
"It wasn't just you saying anything to Toby. You just sat there. This was your life they were degrading, not mine."
"It's not like I haven't heard it before, Sam."
"How could you just sit there?"
"I tried to stop you, but you were on a roll. What can I say?"
"I was defending you. I stood up for you against those jerks. Why did you have to open your mouth to Toby about it?"
"So, this is about me saying something to Toby."
"Yes!"
"It just came out. After, I tried to stop Toby and explain but it was too late. He had gone off to find you. There was nothing I could do." 'What am I thinking? I could've chased Toby down,' he thought to himself.
"And it never crossed your mind that he would react the way he did?"
Josh sighed. He was getting nowhere and he really had no explanation. He could've just kept quiet after he told Toby he didn't say it. 'I never learn, I guess,' he thought. If he didn't say another word, he'd be fine. Yes, of course Toby would interrogate him and try to get it out of him but he still could've protected his friend. Whom has always been there for him.
"Josh?"
"Yeah?"
"You never answered me. It never crossed your mind that Toby…"
'What is this, beat on Josh day?' he thought. "It was a mistake. An error of judgment, okay? What do you want me to do?" Josh said, patience quickly evaporating.
"Well, I guess that's it then. You're sorry. All is forgiven."
"Look," Josh warned.
"Do you realize how deep I am in with Leo?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, since he found out. There has been a bunch of questions in the press asking if the president and him agree with me. If they stand by what I said. If they go against Christian rights. That last thing, I have no idea where they would think that." Sam was pacing the room as he explained.
"So?"
"So. To avoid playing favorites I have been suspended, effective immediately. For a week, Josh." He stopped and faced Josh.
"I'm sorry about that. Look, let me go talk to Leo and see what I can do."
"Don't worry about it. You can't change anything anyway."
"I can try…"
"No, because if they don't do something then they will be known for playing favorites and it will look bad on this administration, even if they DO agree with me. I opened my mouth. I made the threats. I must be punished. I'm still blaming you for saying anything though, but I will take my beating like a big boy and serve at the pleasure of the President. Even if it's not on these grounds right now."
"Did he order you to leave?"
"No but he agrees with Leo that something has to be done for the sake of the administration."
Josh took a seat at the visitor's chair. For a moment the room was silent.
"Sam, I really am sorry."
"Yeah."
"So, are we okay?"
"No."
Later that day.
Leo McGarry's office.
Josh somberly walked down the hall. He knew he was going to be late to senior staff. But somehow he couldn't muster up enough energy to get there faster. He was the last one to show, as usual. Toby and C.J. were in mid argument about what C.J. was going to say at her next briefing. Josh knew since he could hear them outside the office yelling. However when Josh walked in, all talk stopped. They all glared at Josh. Leo smirked slightly.
"So nice of you to join us, Josh."
"Yeah."
"You look like hell," Toby throws out.
"Why thank you, Toby." He turned his gaze to Toby. "Why did you have to be so hard on Sam?"
"He didn't have to say what he did."
"Oh please. Like you wouldn't say something similar if you were there?"
"No. I wouldn't make threats like that."
"No?"
"You have to be used it by now, Josh."
"So you wouldn't say anything?"
"No."
"You don't know that. You weren't there!"
"That's enough you two! God, why can't I ever get through a senior staff meeting without you guys bitching at each other? Take it outside if you want to fight but don't bring it into this office. Understand?"
They all nodded. "Yes."
"Great. Now. We have to go to Rosslyn in a week. We need to start getting the speech together and since Sam is not able to help us. I need you, Josh, to help Toby."
Josh slumped into a chair.
Leo looked at Toby and then Josh.
"Can I trust you won't kill each other this week? Working in such close corners?"
"Yes." They both grumbled.
"Good. Let's get in the game."
They all departed the office.
Outside Leo's office, Toby and Josh walked side by side. Not looking at each other or saying a word until they reached the communications bull pen. Toby stepped ahead of him into his office with Josh close in tow. Toby shut the door after him. Josh took residence on Toby's couch. Toby took a seat across from Josh. Toby glanced toward Josh for a minute. While Josh found interest in his own shoes.
"Ok, well, since we have to work together, it might help if we were able to talk to each other," Toby broke.
"He blames me."
"Why?"
"Because I let him rant on. I didn't stop it from going too far."
"It's not your fault what comes out of his mouth. He has only himself to blame."
"He was trying to stand up for us. They just know what buttons to push."
"I've always hated them too. But if we judge, we are only stooping to their level. Besides one week isn't going to hurt Sam. He needs a break anyway. He can think of this as a vacation."
"I sincerely doubt he'd agree right now. He was pretty pissed."
"He'll get over it."
"You're probably right." A beat. He glanced at Toby, "Sorry for earlier."
"What?"
"You know, my attitude. I was just upset at how things ended between me and Sam."
"Like I'm not used to you." He smiled. "What exactly did Sam say?"
"When?"
"Before he went home."
"He's just pissed at me for ratting him out."
"Well, he'll have to get over it. Now, let's get going on this thing."
"Yeah."
August 9th, 2000
The Newseum auditorium in Rosslyn.
President Bartlet was finishing up his speech.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, they said, that all men are created equal. Strange as it may seem, that was the first time in history that anyone had bothered to write that down. Decisions are made by those who show up. Class dismissed. Thank you, everyone. God bless you. And God bless America."
The audience applauded.
Meanwhile outside the auditorium.
Gina spoke into her wrist mike, "He's not working the rope line. Straight to the car. I've got Bookbag."
Bartlet, the staff, and Zoey walked out to the limos. Gina escorted Zoey to one of the limos.
Zoey babbled to Gina, "Baby pictures, he's heckling me with it. And visa card bills on her father
walking to the crowd And look, now he's working the rope line. If there's ever a chance
he's going to walk past a crowd of people. Charlie!"
Charlie walked up, while Gina apprehensively looked over the crowd.
Gina muttered, "I saw something!"
Gina turned around in time to see the shots being fired.
Moments later:
"Oh, god, we've got people down. People down, people down! Who's been hit? Who's been hit?"
August 11th, 2000
Josh's office - day
Donna gripped the picture into her chest tighter as the sound of gun shots rang through her ears. She looked up as if she was praying.
"I should've been there for you, Josh."
A single tear fell.
TBC
