Sam studied the faces of his eighty students and tried to keep his grin to himself. A quarter of them looked like they rather be anywhere else in the world and a a few were resting their heads on the table in front of them. He noticed a clique of pretty girls who were devouring him in their minds. He saw a pretty blonde haired girl sitting up front writing on a yellow legal pad. He liked her immediately and chuckled when she tore a page off and chucked it in the garbage on the podium.
"Two points." Sam said to get her attention.
She looked up and he instantly thought of Jenna.
"Professor Seaborn?" She asked after he was still looking at her.
"Oh sorry, you look a lot like an older version of my daughter with glasses."
"Ah, my name is Amanda and I'm going to get an A in your class."
"If you are anything like my Jenna, you'll get an A+ out of me and be arguing that there is such a grade as 110 percent."
"I think I'm going to enjoy this class, but I reserve the right to change my mind."
"Now you sound like my wife, Amanda."
"Thank you, I think. It's 11:05, you better start class."
Sam cleared his throat loudly and looked up at his students. "Welcome to Ethics or as I call it, How to live with yourself in politics and law. I'm Sam Seaborn but most of you probably know me as the Canadian Ambassadors husband. A few of you will remember I was President Bartlet's Deputy Communication Director for 8 years. You can call me Sam or Professor Seaborn. My office hours will be on the course syllabus that is being passed around. I'm also teaching this course on Thursdays from 9-12 so if you ever miss this class you know where to go. Now if you'd all read the passage on the board, I'd like to begin our discussion.
Ginger watched the proceedings from the very back left corner of the lecture hall. She smiled at the fact that he couldn't remain still. He paced up and down the dais occasionally half sitting on the top of his desk to listen to a longer argument. She also didn't miss the sighs of the young female students in front of her. While they were amusing her, she figured she'd give them a break and identify herself. She waited until Sam had wrapped up the class 20 minutes early.
"Ladies, while I agree that Sam is a hottie, he's still deeply in love after all these years. I'm his son's God mother and his long time assistant. Day dreaming your way thorough this class is an excellent way to get an F. The name is Ginger by the way."
Most of the girls looked highly offended but one took her time packing up. "So you worked in the White House then?"
"I served at the pleasure of President Bartlet and Sam for eight years."
"How do you get a job in the White House?"
"It's all about timing and a great deal of luck to tell you the truth. I started off in a Bartlet for America office as a volunteer. Toby Ziegler heard how I handled a media request and put me on staff. Sam and I always got along really well so when Sam's assistant left I told him I was his. However, doing well in this course will be a great way to ensure Sam never forgets your name or face. If you are really interested in politics let Sam know. What is your name?"
"Angie."
"Nice to meet you Angie. If you want to be behind the scenes take me to lunch one day. If you want to be in charge, go see Sam."
"I'll think about it, I have some reading to do tonight. See you next week."
Ginger made her way down to Sam. "Not so bad boss, I didn't fall asleep."
"Cute Ginger, you want to come home with me?"
"Sure, Ryan was going to the British Embassy thingy tonight on Mara's behalf."
"Looks like you devastated the Sam Seaborn fan club."
"Yes, beats having Mara do it herself. The girl that lingered is Angie and I think she actually enjoys politics."
"Good to know, how do you think I did?"
"Pretty good, it was obvious that you were a little nervous at the beginning but after about half an hour your were in your element. I think you should open each lecture with a little story. It will draw them all in. You tell good stories Sam, use your strengths."
"How about the one where you shredded the President's speech instead of copying it?" He asked with an evil grin.
"I like the one where you brought Laurie's pager in better." Ginger retorted.
"I'll back off if you do."
"Deal."
A huge grin spread across Sam's face when he opened the door. The living room and entrance hall had the distinct aroma of freshly baked brownies Sam left Ginger behind as he entered the kitchen just in time to watch the caramel melt on top of the brownies. He wrapped his arms around his wife's waist and left a tender kiss on her neck. Mara moved him away from the hot pan and leaned against the counter to engage him in several searing kisses. Ginger looked at the couple as she poured herself a glass of juice. She heard Matthew cry and told them she'd go get him.
Matthew smiled when he saw Ginger and cooed gently when she picked him up. She checked his diaper and then brought him downstairs where Sam quickly held him.
"So how did your day go son?" Sam asked with a grin as Matthew made a series of sounds in response.
Sam told Matthew about his day with the assumption that Mara was listening. It wasn't until Ginger nudged him with her foot that he realized Mara was fast asleep.
"Did you take multiple naps after Sam was born?" He asked.
"No, I occasionally took a nap when Sam was sleeping but in general no. Mar is probably just tired."
"She is always tired, she goes for 2-3 hour power naps several times a day. The more she sleeps the more she craves sleep."
"Maybe it's how post pardum is working its way out. For two months after Sam was born, I was highly emotional. Don't forget Sam, I was a lot younger than Mara too."
"Every time, I suggest she should mention it to Abbey or Maureen she gets all defensive."
"So would I Sam. Give her a break! She's 42 and the mother of an infant. I'd shut up if I were you. Why don't you let her sleep and order a pizza. I'm going to go pick up Sam from her play date with Michael at Ainsley's.".
"Something is wrong with her Ginger, I can't put my finger on it but she's off."
"Sweetie, she's a new mother, you're lucky she's still talking to you. Please give her a break."
Since he was getting no where with Ginger, Sam agreed to back off for the time being. When she left he got on his computer and crossed referenced sleeping and depression. He printed off two articles that he thought Mara should read and left them in the kitchen for her. The next morning Mara took one look at them and pitched them out. She figured Sam had printed the wrong article and was leaving them as scrap paper.
Two weeks later
Sam told Mara to go look at his computer. She sat down in the study looking at the screen without anything registering. She was about to ask him why, when she noticed Dani was on line. She spent half an hour chatting with her sister and shut the computer down.
"So what do you think?" Sam asked as she changed for bed after putting the baby down for the night.
"About what?" She yawned.
"The articles I've printed for you and the study I left for you to read on my computer."
"I have no idea what you are talking about Sam. I sat down and saw that Dani was online so I chatted with her."
Sam muttered a few choice words, got up and showed Mara the article again. She read the title and glared at him
"Tell you what, you get off my ass and I won't kill you in your sleep!"
"I don't think denying there is a problem..."
"Sam, there is no problem. I'm 42 going on 43 and I have an infant to take care of. I'm tired end of discussion, unless you want to write a dissertation from Josh's!"
"Whoa, I'm concerned about your health and..."
"Sam, you're paranoid, maybe you should go see someone about it! I actually resent the fact that you think I'm at risk. I'm stronger than you buddy! You have three miscarriages and give birth without drugs then we can start to compare notes. Go sleep on the couch!"
Sam got up quickly to avoid a smack upside the head. He took one last look at he left the room and found Mara looked more upset than angry. He knelt down beside her and held her in his arms.
"What's wrong baby?"
"Sam, I'm not some fragile little flower. I don't need to be watched for signs of breakage. When we met I had certain issues that I worked through, I'm far from weak Sweetie. I need you to recognize that I'm the rock of this relationship. You're more vulnerable than I am. I'm strong enough to take on the entire population of this country when you run for President. Eleanor was stronger than Franklin, Abbey is stronger than Jed. I'm the Federal Reserve and like it or not, you're the bank down the street with the 60 year old guard. So stop worrying about my mental health."
"OK, I love you and I ...sorry."
"Sam, chaos, turmoil, strife and conflict are our lives. I advise nations on how to control situations. I dream of peace and I'm an expert at war. If I can handle that without breaking, ...
apology accepted. Now get back in to bed before you wake Matthew up. Jenna was going to call at eight. You can talk to her because I'm probably going to still be asleep."
"When were you talking to her?"
"She called me on break, she got the highest marks for her menu planned with puff pastry. She did this asparagus chicken puff appetizer, a seafood puff pie and a trio of desserts. She was making me hungry. I think you'll hear all about her ode to ginger."
"You are going to face stiff competition in the kitchen."
"Yes but I never trained at the Cordon Bleu so I win. I wish Jenna wasn't as ambitious as me. Over drive type A is pretty lonely, I wish ..."
"Me too but we have to let her soar. At least God gave her an amazing flight instructor when he sent you to earth first."
"That's sweet Sam."
"I know she was dating some high school senior. She told me. You run interference far to well dear."
"Hey all that international relations training can be used for personal peace keeping. Did she tell you who he was?"
"No, she said she'd leave that to you. Which really freaked me out."
"He's a good kid. Strong head on his shoulders. It's very obvious that he cares a great deal about her. He suggested to Jenna that meeting me would be a good idea. He doesn't take her around his friends because he doesn't' want her to be teased. I like him Sam."
"So what is his name?"
"Jacob."
"Mara, now I'm really worried what is his full name."
"Jacob Helper."
"Helper...no, as in ...Senator Helper Wright?"
"Umm yeah."
"He is a nasty ..."
"Sam, Daddy is scared of me. I know he's a jackass but his son isn't. He hasn't introduced Jenna to him because he didn't want to be the lead in a modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. His mother is nice, we are having lunch next week."
"Mara..."
"Sam, leave Jenna to me. You can worry about raising Matthew to be a gentleman, like his daddy."
"Mara how tired are you because I'm not sleeping tonight."
One look at Sam melted her heart and she knew she had to come clean for Sam's sake and her own. She crawled out of bed, gently placing Tedzy on the fainting couch. She knew she had about twenty minutes of relative silence from Sam to organize her case study. She wasn't ready so she tried stalling tactic one.
"Sweetie, I'm going to go make myself a hot chocolate, do you want one?"
"That would be lovely. Are there any brownie's left.?"
Mara knew that Sam was on to her and she knew forty minutes was his ultimate line in the sand.
"Just to save your heart, Sam I think I need to talk to you then seek professional help."
Sam couldn't help letting his jaw drop. He quickly looked up at his wife and breathed a sigh of relief. He knew something vital was wrong but he had every confidence that they'd be fine if Mara was being so astonishingly open so early on.
"How about I help you in the kitchen I won't say..."
"Are you ready for me in slow melt down mode?"
"Yeah."
"Then you don't have to be silent. I'll make this as painless as possible for us both."
"Deal, I'll get the baby monitor and meet you downstairs."
Sam listened while Mara focussed on making hot chocolate.. He knew from experience that painless to Mara meant she couldn't make eye contact.
"Mara in five look at me."
She practiced her slow inhaling, exhaling. And counted to six. When she looked up, she saw the loving, patient face of the man she loved more than life. She knew there was no need to list every sign that something was wrong. She knew Sam would go to therapy with her. She knew Josh would call Stanley for her, for them all
"I love you Sam. Do you want to know when I knew something was wrong for sure?"
"Yes."
"Ainsley came over with a name tag on. I kept calling her Donna. She has been my sounding board the last month. We've decided I'm suffering from post pardum. "
"Then all you need to do is go talk to someone, let Maureen or Abbey help you."
"I thought maybe Josh could call Stanley for me."
"Mara, this is a common problem, there is no need for cloak and dagger."
"I guess you're right. I'll call Maureen in the morning. Now what were you saying about your students?"
"They got their first assignment today and you'd think it was written in Greek.. I said write a 5-7 page essay and I got five questions about length or word count. Some times I wonder if I'd be better off teaching a class of ten year olds."
"You're just jealous that Ginger made it perfectly clear that you were married and no little hottie has offered sex for grades."
"Ha very funny. "
"I thought so, are you having a hot chocolate or not?"
"No I want one."
Mara lifted the pot off the back burner and filled two mugs adding marshmallows for Sam. They drank in silence each one lost in their own thoughts. Sam was wondering why Mara kept silent for so long while she thought about the fun Jenna was having in Paris. She picked up his empty mug , washed it and put it away.
"I could lie and tell you to come to bed for sex but I'm not in the mood."
"To lie or have sex?" Sam teased.
"Cute, Seaborn. You either come with me now or go directly to the couch."
"I'm coming don't worry."
The weekend went by in a blur of outings and diaper changes. When Mara saw CJ waiting at Lick's for dinner she hugged her.
"What's that all about?" CJ asked amusedly
"Finally, someone I don't have to change a diaper for. I swear Matthew has a never ending supply of crap inside him."
CJ laughed, "I take it he's with Daddy right now? You need to make Sam change more diapers"
"Actually, he's really great about it. He smells him faster than I do. Sam's been marking his first set of papers so I've been doing more."
"Where are they?"
"Still at my office. Sam was going to change him and come over."
"I've got some gossip for you."
"Spill CJ."
"Carol is dating a guy that works for HUD. I think his name is Bart or Marc."
"CJ, you've been out of the loop too long if you can't get the name right," Mara teased
"Speaking of the press...we need to hold a press conference if you want to take your center of excellence national. Teachers need to know about the vast resources that you're making available to them and Congress needs to see that someone finally put their money where their mouth is. This should be a huge White House moment."
"When Sam runs I don't want people coming back to say, 'so that's why she used some of her money'. I don't want to announce this. I just want to make teachers' lives easier and allow all students to have the same resources available to them. Luc in Toledo should have the same as Doug in Beverly Hills."
"Right now, just the Beltway knows we exist. You made me President and I'm telling you we need more PR to make your dream a reality. Every school in this country needs to know they can fill out a application and request what they need, whether be it uniforms for the basketball team, art supplies or anything in between."
"Are we capable of opening nation wide this quickly?" Mara inquired.
"It would require about a months work. You could announce right around your Thanksgiving."
"Give me a report on what you need done and I'll seriously consider it."
"Jenna called me yesterday just to tell me she was working with the best Belgian dark chocolate she'd ever tasted. I blame you for her cruel taunting!"
"Yes she's turned into an foodie elitist. Half the class hates her and the other half is scared of her. I'm starting to understand why I had so few friends growing up."
"She's never going to be Miss Popularity or Prom Queen."
"She doesn't care. All she cares about now is Matthew, cooking, Jacob and her 'crew in DC' as she calls all of you. We get a mention thanks to Matthew."
"Jenna's growing up. We should be happy Jacob isn't all she cares about."
"True, she's not your typical trouble making teen, which makes her dangerous to society." Mara chuckled.
"Let's order. I'm starving. I still can't get over Sam letting her date Jacob."
"We sort of didn't leave him much room to object."
Mara and CJ sat down in a booth and ordered while waiting for Sam and Matthew to join them. After dinner they all went back to CJ's place to see her newly painted living room