A piercing scream jolted the First Couple from the peaceful sleep they had been in.Abbey and Jedvaulted out of bed, flying down the hall towards their daughter's room,neither caringabout what stateof dress they were in.Secret Service agents broke through the doors, the sound of wood hitting the walls.
Abbey was at her daughter's side, trying to control her daughter, who was screaming, her eyes wide shut. "Don't touch her," she yelled as Secret Service agents moved to restrain Alex. "Jed, help me." He heard the tension in his voice and moved to Alex's side, grabbing her arm gently, but firmly. Alex fought against them, her eyes finally snapping open as another scream died on her lips. Her eyes were wild and unfocused as she graduallyrelaxed under their grip. Abbey talked calmly to her, gradually loosening the
The Secret Service agents left the room, leaving the family to calm their daughter. "Alexandria, honey, it's okay. You're alright," Abbey said, smoothing the hair from Alex's face. She kept her voice calm and steady, reminding Jed of when she would calm the girls after a nightmare when they were younger.
Alex coughed violently, trying to catch her breath. She began to gag as she forced herself up. "Grab the can," Abbey said, sitting on the bed. She helped Alex sit up, patting her back gently.
Jed grabbed the garbage can, handing it to Abbey who held it in front of Alex. He heard the sickly splattering of vomit hitting the can. He was glad Abbey was the doctor. He could never stomach it when one of the girls was sick.
Tears fell down Alex face as she vomited the entire contents of her stomach into the can. Finally, her body sagged against her mother, who handed the can to her father while Abbey wiped her mouth with a tissue. She rested her cheek against her daughter's forehead, trying to detect a fever.
Other than radiating body heat, she couldn't feel anything. Jed returned a moment later, holding out a cup of water for Alex. Alex took it, swishing it around before spitting into another cup. She could feel Abbey next to her, still rubbing her arm as she was held her close.
"You okay now," Abbey asked as she felt Alex's body start to calm down.
"Yeah," Alex said, her voice raspy from having thrown up. She lay back down against the pillows, her head resting against her mother's thigh.
"Wanna talk about it," Abbey asked. Jed settled down at the end of the bed, his arm resting over her legs.Abbey smoothed the sweaty strands of hair from her face, her touch calming Alexandria.
"I had a nightmare," Alex said, her heart still pounding her chest.
"From the kidnapping," Jed asked softly. Abbey had always been the one to comfort the girls after nightmares.
"Yeah….at least, I think it was," Alex said softly.
"Alex, do you remember the kidnapping," Abbey asked. Charlotte had told her that the girl had trouble remembering things that had happened. Trauma had caused her to push some of the memories back. She knew from medical classes that the memories would return over time, often times, through violent dreams.
"Some of it," she admitted softly.
"What was in your dream," Jed asked. He kept his voice strong and gentle. He learned with Zoey that was what kept her grounded when she was scared.
"I was in the closet," she said, "Where they kept me. My hands were tied behind my back and something tied around my mouth. I hear…shouting and gun shots, but everything is a blurr. I can't focus on anything." She twisted the sheets in her hand, her eyes no longer focused on her parents. Jed and Abbey exchanged a glance of fear between them.
Alex had never really told them what had happened. Charlotte had reassured them that she would tell them when she was ready. "Honey, when you were found, there were a lot of drugs in your system," Abbey explained, "I know you're scared because you can't remember what happened. But over time, you will remember. Working with Dr. Russo and talking to us will help you with that." Alex nodded, sniffly slightly. Jed rubbed her leg gently, reassuring her, while Abbey continued to hold her close, her chin resting against Alex's forehead. "You want one of us to stay with you tonight?"
"I'll be okay," Alex said softly. "I'm sorry I woke you up."
"It's okay," Jed said, pushing himself up, "We're used to it by now." Alex snorted, laying back against the pillows. "Get some sleep." She held her arms out and he hugged her tight, kissing her temple.
"Mom? Can you stay a minute," Alex asked as Abbey moved to get off the bed.
"Yeah," she said, settling back down. Jed stopped looking from Alex to his wife, his eyes meeting hers. "I'll be there in a minute." He nodded, walking out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
Alex heard the door shut and looked up at her mother. "Mom, I need to know something," she said, "And I know you know the answer because you're a doctor and a mother."
"What is it," Abbey asked. She saw pain and fear in her daughter's eyes as she met them. Alex looked down at her hands, chewing on her bottom lip. "Alexandria? Don't be afraid."
"Was I raped," Alex finally asked, looking up at her.
"No, you weren't," Abbey said, "I had you examined for any possible sign. There weren't any bruises on your thighs, no vaginal or anal tearing, no semen traced. Is that what's been bothering you?" Alex nodded slowly, her eyes focusing on the blanket she had twisted in her hands. Abbey tilted her daughter's head up, noticing the relief that was evident in her eyes. "Alexandria, I know this has all been so hard on you. I know you're not used to talking to us, but we're here, if you need us. Don't be afraid to talk to us about anything. Got it?" Alex nodded, sliding down between the sheets. Abbey pushed herself off the bed, tucking the covers in around Alex. "Get some sleep. Dad and I are down the hall, if you need us." She kissed Alex gently, then left the room, leaving the door open a crack.
Jed felt the swirl of cool air invade the warmth of the cocoon he had created as Abbey lifted the sheets back, crawling into bed. He turned on his side, taking her in his arms as he spooned up behind her. "Alex alright," he asked, kissing her neck gently.
"Yeah," she said, "She needed to know if she'd been raped." She felt his breath catch in his throat as his grip tightened around her.
"Was she," he asked. He knew his wife had requested the doctor check their daughter for any signs of rape, but she hadn't told him the results. They had just been so glad to get her back in one piece.
"No," Abbey said, turning his arms. "She was fine. I thought I told you that." She pushed the stubborn lock of hair out of his eyes, trailing her hand down his cheek.
"No, you didn't," he said, "But it's okay. She's safe. That's what matters." He kissed her, running his hand down her arm, linking her hand with his. "I love you." He kissed her gently, pulling her closer.
"I love you too," she said, kissing him again. She snuggled up against him, resting her head on his shoulder as they both fell asleep again.
Alex woke up the next morning to the sound of rain pelting on the window. She showered and changed before walking down the hall to Zoey's room.Ellie and Liz had left that morning, due to their jobs. They had promised to return the following weekend."Hey," she said, walking in, "What're you up to?"
"Finishing some homework," Zoey said, glancing up,"What's on your agenda for the day?"
"Nothing," Alex said, "I was thinking of looking around the city. What do you think?"
"Mom and Dad going to let you out for the day," Zoey asked, a slight smile on her face.
"I'm going stir crazy," Alex said. "Besides just for lunch. I'm not up for much more."
"Okay," Zoey said, "Give me a few to get changed."
"Alright. I'll go talk to Mom," she said.
Alex walked down to the East Wing, nodding to various marines that she passed along the way. She stopped at the secretary's desk, waiting for the younger woman to get off the phone. "Alexandria, it's nice to meet you," she said, "I'm Lily Myas, your mother's administrative assistant."
"Nice to meet you," Alex said, "Is my Mom busy?"
"Not at the moment. I'll let her know you're here," she said, standing up. She knocked on the door before entering. "Mrs. Bartlet, Alexandria's here." She stepped aside, allowing Alex to enter the room.
"Hey sweetheart," Abbey said, rising to hug her daughter, "How'd you sleep?" She fingered the long ponytail Alex had falling over her shoulder.
"Fine, after the nightmare," she said, sitting down, "How's your day been?"
"Oh…busy," she said, sitting across from her, "Zoey up as well?"
"Yeah," Alex said, "I was wondering if she and I could get out of here or lunch and drive around the city. Nothing too much…I'm just going stir crazy around here."
"I can go with you, if you'd like. I can postpone the lunch I have scheduled." She knew Alex was too restless to stay around the House another day.
"That's okay. Don't rearrange anything. It'll just be lunch between Zoey and I," Alex said, "Can we go?"
Abbey sighed, looking at the girl across from her. "Alright," she said, "You're taking three agents and the motorcade, though."
"Yea," she said with a broad smile. "Thank you." She hugged her mother tightly.
"Let me give you some money," Abbey said. She kept cash on her if she ever needed it, which she rarely did. She handed Alex a fifty dollar bill, noticing the look on the girl's face.
"You okay," Abbey asked, sitting back down.
"Y..yeah," Alex stammered, "It's just…I've never had anyone hand over this kind of money so easily." She carefully folded it and tucked it away in the pocket of her corduroy pants.
"Alexandria, this family has no shortage of money," Abbey said, "You have no need to worry about it anymore." Alex nodded, smiling brightly again. "Call me or stop by when you get back."
"We will," Alex said, "Have fun at lunch." She hugged her mother quickly again, then left to return to the residence.
"You ready to go," Alex asked, walking into Zoey's room.
"Yeah," Zoey said, straightening out her sweater. "Mom give the okay?"
"And gave us a fifty for lunch," Alex said with a grin.
"I knew you were good for something," Zoey teased, "How many agents are we saddled with?"
"Three," Alex replied, "And the limo. They're waiting downstairs."
"Let's go then," Zoey said.
Alex could feel the eyes of the other patrons as they ate the Monocle, one of Zoey's favorite restaurants. Alex had ordered the crab cakes, while Zoey ate a hamburger.
"So, what do you think of D.C," Zoey asked as they ate.
"It's nice," Alex said, "The House is great."
"Kind of like a nice hotel, huh?" She shared a grin with her twin.
"Something like that," Alex said. "So, how was the weekend with Adam? I never got to ask."
"It was great," Zoey said with a blush. "I talked to him since…you know. He never even knew it was you at the dance."
"We'll have to try that again sometime," Alex said with a glint in her eye.
"I think we'd end up grounded for life," Zoey replied. "Where to after lunch?"
"I dunno," Alex replied, "We can't be too long. Mom and Dad'll have more secret service after us." She could hear the snap of cameras nearby. Figures photographers would be there.
"We can go to the Mall," Zoey said. "It's usually nice right about now."
"Sounds good to me," Alex said. They finished lunch, then paid before being lead out by the agents.