Alex knocked softly before pushing the door to her parents bedroom open. "Mom," she called, walking into the room.
"Be right there," she called from the bathroom.
Alex sat down on the couch, looking around the room. It was large and well decorated, with rich woods that looked nice. Pictures of her family hung on all of the walls. She smiled as she saw her one baby picture on the next stand, in a frame next to Zoey's baby picture. She looked over to see her mother walking out of the bedroom, rubbing lotion on her hands. "Hey," Abbey said, spotting Alex on the bed, "Decide to come and talk calmly?" She sat down across from her, her arm resting on the back on the couch.
"I came to apologize," Alex said, holding her gaze, "I'm sorry I got so angry earlier. I didn't realize what it means to be the President's daughter and…I guess that I forgot that having me around here is new for you guys too."
Abbey smiled inwardly, knowing that it had taken a lot for her daughter to admit her faults. She felt pride swell in her heart as she looked at the young girl in front of her. "Then I apologize for forgetting that you're old enough to be alright on your own, with an agent," Abbey said, "I know you've been on your own since you were a child, but you'll have to forgive a mother. I know you feel like we've been treating you like a child, but to us, you're our second chance."
"I know…Dad told me," Alex said, "I'm sorry I screamed and yelled." She leaned forward, hugging her mother tightly. Abbey locked her arms around Alex, resting her head on her daughter's head.
"I'm sorry too," Abbey said. She placed a kiss on her temple, then pulled away to examine her.
"So, I guess that was our first mother/daughter fight," Alex said, smiling softly.
"Yeah, it was," Abbey said, pushing a piece of hair behind Alex's ear. "Looks like we survived."
"Yeah," Alex said, "Now can we do something about dinner?" Her face broke out into a grin and Abbey knew that everything was alright between them. She felt the knot that had been growing in her chest loosen and grinned back at her daughter.
"I think we can figure out something," she said, "Go grab Zoey. We can go out for a mother/daughter dinner."
"Okay," Alex said. She pushed herself off the couch and ran down the hall to her sister's room.
The phone rang at 3:00 in the morning, startling Abbey into waking up. "Hello," she said, fumbling for the phone.
"Hey, Sweetknees. We just landed," she heard her husband's voice say.
"How was the flight," she asked, laying back down against the pillows.
"Alright," he said, "You smooth everything out with Alexandria?"
"Yeah," she said, "Guess we know who's temper she got."
"That came as a surprise to me as well," he said, "Zoey's usually calm, but she can hold her own."
"Alex's completely different. I got reminded of that today," she said with a smile. "When do you get back on Sunday?"
"In the afternoon," he said, "I'll be busy, but I'll call when I can. Give the girls my love."
"I will," she said, "I love you."
"Yeah, I love you too. Go back to sleep," he said. She smiled softly, then hung up the phone, crawling back beneath the covers.
Zoey left on Sunday morning to return for Georgetown. Alex remained in the White House, sitting on the bay window, overlooking the lawn. She was bored out of her mind from being stuck around the house. She sighed, pulling her legs to her chest. Since Zoey had left, there was no one to do anything with.
She heard a knock on her door and looked to see her mother framed in the doorway. "Don't look so excited to see me," Abbey said, sitting down across from her. "I thought we could go do something."
"Like what," Alex asked, her eyes moving to meet her mother's.
"Like…shopping," Abbey suggested. She knew Alex was feelingdown about Zoey leaving for school again.
"Shopping….for, "Alex asked, perking up.
"Clothes. You need some new clothes," Abbey replied. She saw Alex perk up and hid her smile. Not matter the female, a Bartlet was always up for shopping.
"I think I can handle that," Alex said, pushing herself up from the bay window seat.
Alex sighed as they walked through the mall. She didn't know that shopping included an entire entourage. She held her head up as they walked through the mall, flanked by five secret service agents. Abbey walked straight into the Gap, with Alex behind her.
The store was cleared out, allowing Abbey and Alex to shop in ease. She tried on several outfits, wrinkling her nose at some of the things Abbey had picked out. She figured it came with the maternal mentality.
She finally picked out a pair of khaki pants, some corduroys, shirts and sweaters. She was quick to find her own style, something she'd never had before. Before, it was whatever she could get her hands on at the homeless shelter. Finally, they left, with bags full of clothes. They continued on to other stores, picking out suits and other casual wear for Alex.
They returned to the House around three o'clock, a wide grin spreading across her face as she saw a long black limo pulling up in front. Abbey saw her grin and smiled along with her. Jed was home.
"Dad," Alex shouted as the car stopped. Jed stopped at his daughter's voice and turned to see her running towards him, a grin on her face. She vaulted herself into his arms, feeling him hug her close.
"Hey," he said, hugging her tight, "How has your week been?" He could hear the clicking of cameras he could hear in the background. He was going to ask for a copy of that picture later on.
"Great," she said, "How was Munich?"
"It was good," he said, looking up at his wife. She smiled, kissing him gently.
"Welcome back," she said softly. He smiled, wrapping his arm around her waist. Alex talked excitedly about the shopping trip as they walked up to the residence.
"How has she been," Jed asked, sitting down on the bed. He rolled up his sleeves and pulled off his shoes.
"Not bad," Abbey said, pulling back the covers on the bed. "How was the trip?"
"Long," he said, "And boring. A lot of talk that didn't lead anywhere."
"I'm sorry," she said, "Zoey left for Georgetown this morning."
"Yeah. I know," he said. "I think she'll be back for the weekend."
"Probably," Abbey said with a smile. "She and Alex can't seem to stay apart for long."
"No they can't," Jed said. "She looked a little pale. She feel alright?"
"She hasn't said anything," Abbey said.
"We have a dinner tomorrow night. Think Alex'll be up for it," he asked, walking into the bathroom to change.
"Talk to her about it," she said, "I'm sure we can get her a dress."
"She'd have fun," he said, walking back out. He slid between the sheets next to her, turning out the lights.
"She would," Abbey replied. She propped herself up on her elbow, facing him. "She had other nightmares while you were gone."
"She wake up screaming," he asked.
"Some nights," she said, "But mainly, you can see the haunted look in her eyes. It's disappeared some since she's been here, but it's still there. She met with Charlotte yesterday."
"How did that go," he asked.
"I don't know," she said, "Patient privilege. She'll tell us when she's ready."
"I know she will," he said, laying down. "I'll talk to her tomorrow about the dinner." Abbey nodded, laying down next to him.
Alex walked down the hall of West Wing, towards the Oval Office. She had seen the note on the mirror about her father wanting to see her. "Hey Charlie. Is my Dad free," she asked.
"Yeah," he said, "I'll walk you in." Alex nodded, following him into the office.
"What'd you want to see me about," Alex asked, sitting down on the couch.
"We have a state dinner tonight. The President of France is coming. Do you want to come," he asked.
"Will Mom let me," she asked, crossing her arms.
"She's giving your measurements out to dress designers now," he said.
"You need to be ready by seven," he replied, "You'll walk down with your mother and I."
"Yes sir," she said with a smirk. "Anything else I need to know? Should I brush up on my french?"
"You speak french," he asked, looking up at her suddenly .
"Oui," she replied, "I took it in high school. They actually teach something in those public schools."
"I never said they didn't," he said, "You better get upstairs before your mom decides to try on your dresses."
"Yeah,yeah," she said, standing up. "See you tonight."
By the time she got back upstairs, ten dresses lined her room, hanging on doors and in her closets. "They came just five minutes ago," Abbey said, "I have to go to the office to work on some things. Will you be alright by yourself?"
"I think I can find something to wear," she said, motioning around the room.
"Susan'll be here at five to do your hair and makeup," she said. "I'll see you later on." Alex nodded and began to sift through the dresses left in her room.