"Mara sweetie? It pains me to say this, but put some clothes on. It's time to go back to the real world."
"But I don't wanna go back Sammy. Forget the plane. Let's go make love on the beach again."
"Mar, we are expected at our Goddaughter's Christening at noon tomorrow. We've got to go."
"Three weeks went by way too fast Sam." Mara said with a pout.
"Time always flies too damn fast on Anguilla. Now, go put some clothes on."
"Geez. Am I tempting you Seaborn?"
"Ah Temptation thy name is woman." Sam replied with a smirk.
"Yeah, but you ate the damn apple, no one had a gun to Adam's head."
"Woman, just go and follow my orders."
Sam waited for retribution, but there was none. Mara merely gave him a look, drained the last of her lemonade, put it in the sink and headed up to the bedroom. She came down five minutes later with a sarong wrapped around her. She went back out to the beach leaving Sam to load the luggage into the car. Once everything, including Mara's shoes were in the car, he picked her up, slung her over his shoulder and carried her to the car. Sam ignored her loud protests and closed the car door. Mara didn't say a word to him on the flight and continued to pout once they arrived home. He ignored her, the way he usually did when she was in that type of mood. He left her and her foul mood at the mansion and went to pick Jenna up from CJ's. They stopped to pick up a pizza and Jenna showed Sam the pictures she'd taken of baby Sam the week before. After an hour Jenna finally poked her head into her aunt's bedroom and said hello.
"Is she always so grumpy when you come back?"
"Yup. She'll snap out of it when she sees Ginger and Samantha in the morning."
"She's so cute, Sam. The way she wraps her little fingers around my thumb is just adorable. She's so easy to make smile too."
"Yes she has my charm and her mother's good looks."
"Ryan will be thrilled to hear that. "Jenna chuckled. "How come you and Mar, don't have kids of your own?"
"Jenna you know what a miscarriage is right?"
"Uhuh, it's when something is wrong with the baby or the Mom suffers some serious injury and the baby dies in the womb. It actually happens quite a lot and is normally in the first 3 months of a pregnancy."
"Exactly, well Mara has had 3 of them. The last one was after three and a half months."
"Oh, when was the last one?"
"When I was on the state trip in Australia."
"That was last November."
"Uhuh."
"I'm sorry Uncle Sam, you're a pretty good Dad to me."
"Thank you sweetie. That means a lot to me."
"I'm going to IM with Snow for awhile."
"Kay, I'll come to tuck you in at eleven."
Mara was very quite the next morning until she walked into the church and spotted Ginger who was rocking her daughter. She quickly made her way down the aisle and genuflected before planting a kiss on Ginger's cheek.
"How's my favourite peanut today?"
"Look Sam, it's your Aunty Mara. You're disgustingly well- tanned Aunty Mara."
"Sam, tell your Mommy green doesn't suit her." Mara replied with a grin.
"Hold your Goddaughter while I go to the bathroom."
It didn't take Sam long to follow his wife down the aisle once he noticed she had his namesake. Sam wrapped one arm around Mara's back while he gave the baby his other hand. Samantha gave Sam a big smile before clutching his pinky finger in her tiny hand.
"It's so sad." Bonnie stated softly as she neared CJ. "They just look so perfect with a baby."
"They do, but give it a few minutes and you'll see how perfect they look with Jenna too."
"I love Sam with Jenna. The little mutual admiration society they've got going is adorable."
"Yeah she's quite the little character. Thursday night, I sent her to my place with Carol while I wrapped something up. I got home and Carol was sipping a cosmo at my kitchen counter while Jenna was cutting up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. She told me I could have a cosmo or apple martini. "
"I bet they were good."
"Amazing and she made this incredible gorgonzola, grilled chicken, cashew, Dijon mustard salad. I praised her culinary skills and she said that she found cooking therapeutic and a sound creative outlet."
"A sound creative outlet? Is she 12 or 39?" Bonnie chuckled.
"She freaks me out sometimes. She also did most of the catering for Ginger today and Ginger said when she was over earlier in the week, she made 3 different dinners to be frozen so Ginger wouldn't have to cook."
"Ah, you're talking about my little domestic angel, Jenna." Ginger said with a grin.
"Yes we are. Sam just seems to get more adorable everyday." Bonnie stated.
"Thanks Bon, I can't believe she sleeps through the night. The doctor suggested I wake her up for feedings. I asked her if she was on crack. I'm not about to wake up a sleeping baby. She just wants a full bottle when she wakes up."
"Her Godfather certainly has taken a shine to her." Donna added as she joined her friends.
"He loves her to pieces. I thought Ryan might be upset, but he said that it eases his mind knowing that if anything ever happened to him she'd be well loved."
"You look marvelous for a mother of a one month old."
"Thanks Donna. Oh before I forget CJ, Ryan's parents can't come a few days later. I'm going to miss Dr. Bartlet's 60th."
"Ginger, that's too bad but I'll forgive you if you let me hold your daughter." Abbey said as she arrived.
"If you can wrestle her from your fourth daughter, she's all yours." Ginger replied with a grin.
Abbey held Samantha for about five minutes until her Father claimed her when the priest wanted to start the Christening. Jenna was over the moon that she got to sign the registry as co Godmother with her Aunt. She held the candle perfectly still throughout the ceremony and eagerly took the baby in her arms when Ryan offered Samantha to her. The reception was held in Tom and Ainsley's backyard. When it was time to go, Ginger found her daughter with Jenna.
"So I promise you Sam, that I'll always be your big sister. I've always wanted a little sister and you get that honour."
"Oh Jenna, that is so wonderful. I'm sure Sam will be thrilled to have such a special big sister."
Ginger got down on her knees and left a kiss on Jenna's cheek and then one on her daughter's.
"Sweetie do you want to come home with us? I'm sure Sam will come and get you after dinner."
"I'd love to Aunty Ginger, I'll go ask Mar."
Sam thought Mara was kidding when she told him she was taking a bubble bath as soon as she got home. He put away the care package of leftovers Ginger gave him and heard classical music coming from upstairs. He followed the music and discovered Mara was playing the Four Seasons.
He was about to ask her what season she was on when he noticed her blowing bubbles.
"You blow bubbles in a bubble bath?"
"Of course." Mara responded to him as if he'd asked a stupid question.
She sent a multitude of bubble sailing towards him. He popped each one and grinned at Mara. While the deep marble sunken tub was rarely used Sam decided it needed two people in it and he disrobed quickly.
"Sam I want to relax, I don't want tub sex." Mara sighed.
"I simply want to enjoy a little soak in the tub with you."
"In jasmine scented bubbles?"
"Sure, I'm man enough to take a little scent."
"Then get in here. But if you disturb me even once, you are in big trouble mister."
Mara wouldn't give up her bubbles so Sam had to be content with popping them. He accidentally nudged her right ankle and noticed when she winced.
"Your ankle bothering you again?"
"Yes, I noticed it going down the stairs as we left church. Each step sent a shooting pain down my ankle. I swear I must have nothing but scar tissue left in there. After Abbey's party I'm going to go see a specialist."
"Are you still set on Grease as a party theme?"
"Yes."
"Even though Jed refuses to be Danny ?"
"Leo volunteered. If Jed wants to be an ass and insists on being coach Calhoun, then so be it."
"You know I still can't believe you gave up Rizzo to Donna."
"You think I want a hickey from Kenickie when Josh wants to be Kenickie?. No, thank you. I'm Marty Maraschino. You'll be good as Vince Fontaine."
"Yeah but I'll have to wear a suit. I wanted to wear jeans."
"I'm sure Larry would switch if you want to be Putzie."
"Umm, no. So who is who again?"
"Sam, I tired of telling you. Ask Bonnie to send you a memo on Monday."
"You are so mean."
"Tell that to someone who cares Samuel."
Mara swept into the East Room the day before Abbey's birthday with Jenna and four secret service agents carrying multiple bags. Mara loved planning every single detail of a party from the menu to the decor, to beverages and music. In eight short hours the East Room would be transformed to a 50's style diner. The menu featured cheeseburgers, French fries, twenty different malts or milkshakes and create your own ice cream sundaes for dessert.
Jenna picked up a 6 ounce old fashioned glass Coke bottle and grinned. "These are so cool Mar."
"Yeah, you can have one if you want. We are going to have the multi-coloured tin tubs filled with ice and the coke bottles. I've even found Fresca bottles, that will freak Ainsley out."
"Ainsley is so perfect as Patty Simcox."
"She's going to be a hoot. I can't wait to see Margaret as Cha Cha. Are you sure you don't want to stay for the entire party?"
"I'm sure. After I make the sundae to end all sundaes, I'm out of here to stay with Ginger."
"Do you want to go bring Abbey that cupcake? Tell her that this little section of the White House is off limits to her."
"Kay, I'll be back."
The White House event planner and her assistant, as well as the head of the floral department wandered into the East Room at the same time. Mara confirmed what she needed each to do and told the Social secretary for the fifth time that she was not changing the guest list to include political types. She wanted Abbey to be surrounded by her closest friends and family only. Once she was satisfied everything was going smoothly she ducked out to pay a quick visit to her husband. Mara was on her way to find Jenna when her cell phone rang. A big grin spread across her face and she popped by the security office to get clearance for two special birthday guests. Her cell phone rang again.
"Mara Whitford."
"Hi Jackie, Passport control right? What seems to be the problem?"
"That doesn't sound right. What's the date on the letter?"
"Call Leslie and ask her when I was in Ottawa for the ISB. It started a day before the G-8 summit."
"Yes, then call me back. Good work Jackie."
Mara was about to turn around to head towards Ron's office when she ran into him.
"Ron, just the man I was on my way to find."
"Mara, I've agreed that the agents can wear jeans and white T's. That's all you're getting and you're just going to have to deal with it.! This isn't a Broadway production, it's the White House." Ron replied with a slight grin.
"That's not what I wanted you for Agent Downer. I think I may have a national security issue."
"Oh sorry. Let's go to my office."
Thirty minutes later Mara walked out of Ron's office after giving the FBI permission to stake out the embassy the next day.
"It's nice to know you have such an intuitive crew of passport agents."
"I got rid of the dead wood and trained them all over to my satisfaction. I've given them all the power to call me if they think I need to be involved or informed. They get rewarded for going above and beyond the call of duty. One of Jackie's coworkers was rewarded with a 4 day, all expenses paid trip to Atlantis two months ago. I think Jackie deserves a week in my beach house for this."
"I think I'm going to take Jackie out to dinner myself."
"I'll talk to you later Mara, thanks."
"You causing trouble again Mar?" Ed asked as he passed by.
"Not again, Ed. Still," Mara chuckled. "You ready for tomorrow, Putzie?"
"Larry is Putzie, I'm Sonny."
"Just don't be spiking any punch, Ed."
"I won't. I hear Sam has been preening in front of every mirror he sees as practice."
"Sam's a girl. He's never met a mirror he didn't like."
"Now I remember why I'm not married." He teased.
"No, Ed. You aren't married because women aren't that dumb." Mara teased back.
She heard Ed mumble something as he left causing her to grin. Mara found Jenna sitting at Ginger's desk taking a message for Toby.
"Hey rugrat. Where is Bonnie?"
"She went to get something to eat. I told her I'd watch the phones. Abbey liked the cupcake."
"I knew she would. She's a sucker for good butter cream icing. As soon as Bonnie gets back we are heading home."
Mara was relieved to find out that the suspicious passport request exposed a massive money laundering operations instead of a terrorist cell. She went with her driver to pick up two special guests that were flown in for the party. The guest's were impressed with her hospitality and culinary skills. At six Mara came downstairs wearing a gorgeous teal blue strapless dress that had been worn by her grandmother in the 50's.
"Wow Mara! It's not nice to outshine the birthday girl." Sam stated.
"Thank you, Sam. Love the blue suit. Where's your microphone?"
"In my office."
"Hey, where are our guests?"
"I just sent them to clear security. It will take them longer than us. You ready to go Miss Maraschino?"
"I'm right behind you, Mr. Fontaine."
The East Room had been completely transformed and Mara did a double take when Donna announced they were going to rule the school. She was wearing a tight black pencil skirt, a cinched belt, a tight black short sleeve blouse and a short black wig. She'd borrowed Mara's pink Polo jacket and had it tossed over her shoulder.
"Wow, Donna. You make a great Rizzo."
"Thanks, you look great. I don't think Vince was wearing Hugo Boss but you look hot Sam."
"Thanks Don...va-va-va voom Margaret!"
"What this old thing?" Margaret laughed.
"I was wondering what you'd do for Cha Cha." Mara stated.
"Margaret, where's that from?" Donna asked.
"From Thunder Road when Cha Cha waves her scarf to start the race." Margaret was wearing tight yellow capri pants, yellow heels and pale green low cut round neck sweater. "Did you see Toby as Eugene? I love the bow tie."
"Now he just needs to stop mumbling. Don't fawn over Josh. His ego is already way out of control."
"Hey there cats and kittens."
"Leo, you should wear jeans more often."
"Thanks Mara, you look great. Whoa, Margaret!"
"That's Cha Cha to you bubba. Wanna buy me a cherry soda?"
Leo and Margaret wandered off to get a drink as Jed entered the room wearing a pair of beige docker pants, a white golf shirt and red letterman sweater. He tooted on the whistle around his neck and everyone ignored him. Josh sauntered over with a souped-up Lyman strut.
"Josh, I said the theme was Grease, not put a quart of it in what remains of your hair."
"I'm too cool for this school." Josh replied ignoring Mara's sarcasm.
"Uncle Josh?"
"Yes Jenna? You look very cute in your pink poodle skirt."
"I know. You know I love you right?"
"Yeah."
"Sorry but you are the worst Kenickie, I've ever seen."
Everyone started chuckling and Josh was about to protest when he saw Abbey enter. He elbowed the President in the ribs to get his attention. Jed let out a low whistle of approval and all eyes turned to the birthday girl who had gone for the Sandy 2 look in form-fitting black leather pants, high heeled black boots and a snug, off the shoulder black top. Her dark hair was hidden beneath a mass of blonde curls.
"Whoa, Abbey!" Jed exclaimed with an unmistakable glint in his eyes.
"Tell me about it Stud!" Abbey replied perfectly, cracking her gum before blowing a perfect large pink bubble.
She slowly licked her lip, gave Jed a sultry smile and wrapped her arms around Leo who had just walked past her. Leo smiled, knowing they were about to have some fun at his best friends expense. He wrapped both arms around her for a long hug and left a kiss on her left cheek.
"Happy 16th Abbey. You look hot."
Abbey chuckled "Thanks, Leopold. You should wear jeans and a leather jacket more often."
"Next cabinet meeting, just for you." He teased.
Jed blew loudly on his whistle. "Unhand my wife, Benedict Arnold!"
Mara rolled her eyes and started laughing. "I told you repeatedly you wanted to be Danny tonight. But did you listen to me? Noooooo! So chill Pops." Mara gave Jed an impish grin.
"Remind me to deport you in the morning." Jed replied drolly.
Mara merely blew her own large pink bubble at Jed and walked over to give Abbey a hug.
"Happy Birthday Mom. I love you."
"I love you too Mar. Thank you for this. It's exactly what I needed."
"You're welcome and you deserve it. Damn you look hot!"
"I do, don't I!" Abbey laughed.
She released Mara and hugged her youngest daughter who was wearing a black poodle skirt and white collared blouse with saddle shoes. Charlie was standing beside Mara and smiled when Abbey motioned him over for a hug.
"Happy Birthday Ma'....Abbey." Charlie said even though he felt ill calling the First Lady by her name.
"Zoey, passed on my memo I see. Thank you Charlie, you look very handsome. I hope you'll save a dance for me."
"I'd be honoured to."
Jed had muscled his way up to the front of the line. He held his wife's hand and took a step backwards and studied her. He let her hands go and brought his hands up towards her face. Abbey smiled expecting him to cradle her face and give her a kiss. Instead, he removed the mass of blonde curls and ran his hands through her hair.
"There's the gorgeous woman I fell in love with the moment I laid eyes upon. I never thought it was possible, but you are more beautiful today than the day we were married. I love you Medea, Happy Birthday."
Jed's heartfelt words brought tears to her eyes. They'd weathered several nasty storms and for the first time in seven years she was truly happy to be in the White House.
"I love you too Jethro. You are so getting some tonight." She whispered sexily.
A deep smile spread across Jed's face. "Thank you all for coming, now go home. I want to be alone with my wife." Jed stated, only half kidding.
Abbey playfully hit him in the arm. "Pay no attention to my husband. Someone get me one of those little coke bottles."
"That won't be hard." Toby quipped as he made his way over to the first couple.
"Who invited this nerd?" Jed deadpanned.
"Aren't birthdays just the best?" Ainsley gushed, sounding exactly like Patty Simcox.
"Oh Ainsley, as I live and breathe. You ARE Patty Simcox." Abbey replied with a huge grin and a perfect southern drawl.
"Thank you. Forget the coke, have a Fresca!" Ainsley offered her the bottle she'd just opened.
Abbey took it and had a long swig. "I actually don't mind Fresca, Ainsley. Thank you. Where is Tom?"
"Checking on Michael."
"Ainsley, will you stop pushing Fresca on everyone? " Sam teased.
"She's not a pusher, Samuel."
"See, you are a danger to humanity. You've even got the First Lady enabling you."
Abbey started laughing. "Samuel, come here and give me a kiss. Then you can wish me well and go annoy your wife."
"Happy Birthday Abigail. You don't look a day over seventy five." Sam replied with a huge smirk.
Abbey hugged Sam then smacked him upside the head. "What was that, Sam? I'm getting old, you see, so I couldn't quite hear what you said."
"I said, I should have known better than to chastise my wife for looking better than the birthday girl. You are the belle of your ball. Happy birthday Abbey, I luv ya."
"I luv ya too, Samuel. Now, go annoy someone else. No, I've changed my mind. I order you to go get a Fresca, drink it in front of Ainsley and tell her she's right. Your line is, "Ainsley, you are right, I was wrong. Fresca is the best drink on the planet." Oh, make it convincing or else."
"I take it back you look 80." Sam quipped and left before he got another whack.
Sam was on his way to tell Ainsley he was going to defy Abbey's orders when Mara walked on the stage that had been constructed.
"Hi, I'd like to thank you all for being here today to celebrate my favourite Mom's birthday. If you will all kindly take a seat, dinner will be served shortly. Abbey, I have two extra special treats for you. No, one of them is not the world's biggest cupcake with buttercream icing. You may no longer be a teenager, however, you still have the vibrancy and spirit of a high school senior. So what would a 'Grease' themed party be without a song from the ultimate Teen Angel? To steal Leo's line, hey there cats and kittens put your hands together and welcome Frankie Avalon.
Bonnie, Carol, CJ, Donna, Mara, Zoey, Ellie, Jenna and Ainsley all let out a piercing scream that managed to bring a blush to Frankie's face.
"I was told I could only call you Abbey tonight Dr. Bartlet. When I got a phone call from the Canadian Ambassadors office, I thought I was going to be made an honorary Canadian. My disappointment was forgotten when I was asked to perform for you. So here's a little tune that we all know, rewritten just for you."
Your story's fun to tell
A teenage ne'er-do- well
The least mixed-up non-deliquent on the block
Your future's so clear now
What's left of your career now
Can't even get a trade in on your First Ladies smock
Not a Med. School Dropout
Only a Harvard Graduation Day for you
Not a Med. School Dropout
Aced your midterms and avoided the flu
Well at least you could have taken time
To not look so darn cute and hot
After spending far to little time to look
Like a plastic surgeons dream girl
Baby get movin'
Why leave so many hearts unbroke
Why bother provin'
You still got dreams and the drive
If you go for a private life you
Could enjoy a game of pool
Turn in your East Wing keys
And go back to Med. School.
Not a Med. School Dropout
Hangin' around this unruly lot
Not a Med. School Dropout
It's about time you knew the score
Well they couldn't teach you anything
You think you're such a looker
But no congressman would dare say
You resemble a hooker
Baby don't blow it
Don't put my good advice to shame
Baby you know it
Even Dear Abby'd say the same
Now I've called the shot
Get off the pot
I've really got to fly
Gotta be goin' to that malt shop in the sky
Not a Med. School Dropout
These people love you
Not a Med. School Dropout
Have a happy sixtieth
Not a Med. School Dropout
These people love you
Abbey got up from her chair admits thunderous applause and thanked him with a hug.
"Thank you, this was the best birthday surprise I've ever had. I can't believe you came all this way to sing one song for me. Can I thank you with a cheeseburger at my booth over there?"
"I'd be honored."
"Umm, Abbey, why don't you stay right where you are for a minute?. While you're standing I may as well give you your second present."
"Mara, sweetie, you're not going to be able to top Frankie Avalon."
"Then can I go get a burger? I'm starving."
Abbey's jaw dropped when she looked at the man standing in front of her. "Oh my God, It's John Travolta!"
A small blush spread across John's face. "I heard the White House was throwing a little 'Grease' bash and decided to see if I could crash and it worked. I think you've got some major security issues that need to be addressed."
Everyone laughed while Josh tried his hardest to ignore the dreamy look on Donna's face. He noticed CJ had suddenly straightened up in her chair and Carol was sighing.
"Can you believe these women?" Josh asked Sam.
"I already heard the 'John Travolta keeps looking better and better' speech, Josh. So yes, I can believe it."
"Shush, you two! I can't hear him!" Donna admonished.
"I might not sound as good as Frankie, but I humbly offer this song to you Abbey. Happy Birthday."
Stranded in the East Room
Branded a fool
What will they say Monday on the lot
Abbey can't you see
I'm in misery
We made a start
Now we're apart
There's nothin' left for me
Love has flown
All alone I sit
And wonder why -yi-yi-yi
Oh why you left me
Oh Abbey
Oh Abbey baby someday
When hubby's term is done
Somehow some way
Our two world's will be one
In heaven forever
And ever we will be
Oh please say you'll stay
Oh Abbey
(Spoken)
Abbey, my darlin'
You hurt me real bad
You know it's true
But baby you gotta believe me
When I say I'm helpless without you
(Sung)
Love has flown
All alone I sit
I wonder why -yi-yi-yi
Oh why you left me
Oh Abbey
Abbey, Abbey
Why -yi-yi-yi
(Spoken)
Oh Abbey
Abbey didn't know what to say. She opened her mouth but she couldn't find a word other than wow.
"On behalf of the stunned birthday girl, thank you so very much, Frankie and John. She'll never forget your kindness in flying in. The President, on the other hand, is getting Josh to revoke both of your citizenships. Don't worry about it, though. Canada will adopt you both."
"I told you, you were being deported Mara." Jed teased.
He rose from his seat, forcing everyone else to stand. Mara told Abbey to have a seat. Jed thanked both men with a warm handshake. He looked into the eyes of his wife and best friend for 38 years and scrapped his original toast. He gave Mara the toast sign and took a deep breath.
"Abbey, your husband would like to toast you. "
Jed held up his bottle of Coke. "CJ once asked me why I went to Notre Dame and I told her that I was going to become a priest. I know I shocked you CJ but do you remember what you finally said?"
CJ smiled warmly, "I asked you what made you change your mind."
"That's right. I told you I met Abbey. Abbey, the moment I met you all thoughts of the priesthood were gone. I suddenly couldn't imagine living a life that didn't include you. You forced me to woo you but I didn't mind. I knew I'd eventually win you over. Sweet knees, there are many things I have accomplished during my tenure in this White House that I'm immensely proud off. My behaviour and frequent attitude towards you is my greatest regret. You should have divorced me numerous times. This jackass's only saving grace was that you are a far better person than I. Abbey, I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you. If it takes me until the day I die to make it up to you, I will. I love you, Abbey. To the love of my life, I'm not worthy. Happy Birthday."
"Happy Birthday!" Everyone responded while most of the woman in the room dried their eyes.
Abbey stood up and kissed her husband passionately "Apology accepted Jethro. You just made it up to me. I love you." She whispered.
Sam walked over and wiped Mara's tears away and gave her a tender kiss "Wow, this is the birthday Abbey will remember for the rest of her life. You certainly know how to throw a party."
"That I do, let's go sit down and eat. I'm starved."