Celebrating Elections
This is it. Tonight, all the work we've done for the last few months will come down to a vote. I wish I could say I wasn't nervous, but I'm not sure I can be that confident. It's been a close fight all the way to the end. I believe in President Bartlet, I just hope the rest of America agrees with me.
"Hey Donna, get over here." CJ calls as she pulls up another chair in front of the monitors we have set up.
"What's up?" I ask as I sit down and watch as the anchors make their predictions on the race.
"So far they have us neck and neck with Richie. But they still haven't finished polling all the northern states."
"So it looks good for us?" I hope so.
"I think we may just pull this one out of the bag. But whatever you do, don't tell Toby I said that. You know how superstitious he is. Sam's already been through two bottles of salt."
"Poor guy, it's like 40 degrees out there."
"Yep, but at least the cold helps us. Most of the Democrats vote early, so when the expected snow comes, it might limit the Republican turnout."
"Donna, Noah won't stop crying." Margaret says as she hands him off to me. He's recently begun throwing tantrums. I have no doubt that little Em will soon follow suit. The joys of having twins.
"Hey honey, what's wrong?" I ask Noah.
"I want Daddy." Nothing I can do about that right now.
"Daddy's not here right now. He had things to do."
"I want Daddy."
"Noah, you have to stop. This is a very important day and your dad has a lot of work to do. Do you understand?" He nods his head and begins to calm down.
"Now, how about we go find your sister and you guys can play together." I say to him as I rise from the chair with him holding my hand.
"I'll be right back CJ." Now if I can only find the nut who took my daughter.
"Okay, now first you stick your left foot in…" Sam says as he scoots her right foot forward.
"Oops…let's try that again." He says as he realizes his mistake.
"Are you trying to corrupt my daughter Samuel?" I ask as I saunter into his office.
"What…no, I was just trying to, I mean I thought it would be fun if I would…"
"Sam, I was just joking. I think it's cute. Even if you don't know you're left from right.
"Very funny. So, did you need anything?"
"Yeah, I was wondering if I could have Em now. I thought she and Noah could play together." He thinks for a second while Em runs up to Noah and I and hugs my leg.
"I could watch both of them if you want. I don't mind."
"You sure about that, they can be quite a handful?"
"Absolutely, my godkids and I don't spend enough time together. And if worse comes to worse, I can always call Ginger for help." He adds at my doubtful look. I guess it couldn't do any harm. Besides, I really have a lot of work to do.
"Okay Sam. Guys, you're going to stay here with Uncle Sam. Is that alright with you two?" The little moppets nod their heads and run over to Sam calling out a bunch of different requests. I feel so loved right now.
"I'll see you two later okay?" This time I'm ignored completely. How upsetting.
"Hey honey, where are the kids?" Josh asks an hour later as he walks into CJ's decorated, but deserted, office.
"Sam is watching them right now. They seem to be completely content.
"What's wrong?" he asks as he sits next to me. I feel so stupid right now.
"The kids are growing up." I say sadly as I lay my head on his shoulder.
"You're afraid they won't need you anymore aren't you?"
"They didn't even say goodbye to me when I left them with Sam. Next thing you know it's their first date, driving, graduation, college, and having families of their own." I sound so pathetic.
"They're not even two years old yet Donna. They still need you. But you have to let them grow up as well."
" I guess I'm just getting emotional."
"That's been happening a lot lately. Along with your recent appetite and sex drive. Is there anything you want to tell me?" I should have known he'd figured it out eventually.
"How do you feel about June 14th?"
"June 14th?" he asks hopefully
"That's when we'll have another addition in the family."
"We're going to have a baby?" No Josh, I'm going to have a baby. You're going to make sure I don't pass out again.
"Yep. I was going to tell you later tonight, but apparently you just can't wait." I say before I kiss him softly.
"Are you excited?"
"Yeah I am, I'm just worried about Em and Noah. What will the new baby do to them? I just wish I knew how they'd react."
They're good kids Donna. I'm sure they'll be fine." I really love this man.
"Come on guys, wake up." Someone calls softly as I'm gently shaken awake.
"What time is it?" I ask groggily as I shrug a still sleeping Josh's arm off me.
"It's almost 6 o'clock Donna." Mrs. Bartlet says as she checks her watch.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry. We were just talking and I guess we fell asleep." I say as I quickly stand up. She motions for me to sit back down and I try not to wake my snoring husband.
"I brought Emily and Noah over to the Residence. They've already eaten and are watching a movie. You looked really tired so I decided to just let you sleep for a while."
"Thank you ma'am, you really didn't have to do that."
"I've had kids too Donna. I know how tough it is. I would have let you two sleep longer, but it's getting closer now." She says as she walks over to the door.
"I'll let you wake up Sleeping Beauty." She calls before she walks out.
"Joshua…Joshua…" I call out as I run my finger lightly down his check. He shivers and jerks awake. I love that part.
"What happened?" He asks disoriented. He's always like that first thing in the morning. In fact he's like that every time he wakes up. It's so adorable.
"We fell asleep. The First Lady just woke me up. She has the kids in the Residence and we're needed back at work."
"What time is it?" He asks as he rubs a hand over his face and runs his hands through his hair.
"About 6 o'clock. We need to get going." I say as I take his hand and pull him up.
"I'm up, I'm up." He says as I begin leading him towards the open door and into the bullpen.
"Hey, you guys are finally up. Thank god. We have a bunch of things we need to do. Donna, how would you like to be on TV in Wisconsin?" Sam says as he rushes up to us.
"What are you talking about?" I ask confused.
"The person we originally had scheduled to do the interviewed was held up. You fit the profile perfectly. You're attractive, smart, and personable. Please Donna, we need you here." Sam begs. Oh my god.
"Can you give us a second Sam?" Josh asks as he leads me a few feet over.
"Josh, I don't know if I can do this. I'm not a public speaker."
"I believe in you Donna. If you don't want to do this you don't have to, but I think this would be a good opportunity for you." He says sincerely.
"You really think I can do this?"
"You're one of the smartest people I know Donna. I have no doubt in my mind that you'd be perfect."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah, but if anything goes wrong I am going to blame you."
"I'm okay with that. Sam!"
"Alright, you're going to go with CJ to prepare and get ready. She'll talk you through what you need to do. You'll be great." I wonder how he was so sure I'd say okay.
"He's right. You're gonna be perfect. I love you." Josh says as he kisses my forehead. Before I can say anything, CJ whisks me away. I really hope I can do this.
That was maybe one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I didn't know how big of a rush I would get from that. It felt almost as good as sex. Almost.
"You were great!" Josh says as he hugs me tight. "I am so proud of you."
"That was amazing Josh. I fell like I really made a difference."
"Congratulations Donna." Toby calls out as he passes by. Other people call out their congratulations as well as we walk over to the makeshift headquarters.
"You did good Donnatella." The President says as he walks over to us.
"Thank you sir. I enjoyed it immensely."
"Are you ready to win this election?" he asks as he begins looking at the monitors in front of him.
"Yes sir, I am." I answer confidently. We're definitely kicking some ass tonight.
"Hey Donna?" Josh asks.
"Yeah?"
"No matter what happens tonight I want you to know I'm really happy right now."
"Me too Josh, me too."