Chapter 1
Abbey quietly pushed open the door to the Oval Office, knowing who she would find there. She wasn't disappointed. Jed was sitting behind the now cleared desk, eyes closed, deep in thought. Only one lamp was on, causing shadows to dance across the room, giving the room an eerie feeling. A feeling of grief. .
She walked over and gently touched him his hand. "Jed?"
Startled, Jed opened his eyes to see his wife gazing down at him.
"Huh?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. People are asking where you've disappeared to. I thought I would come and see about you."
A small laugh crossed his lips. "Yeah. You can't stop taking care of me, can you?"
"No. And I'll continue to do just that."
Silence covered the room like a thick blanket. Both knew what the other was thinking. Their instincts were rarely wrong when it came to knowing what each other thought.
"Abbey?"
"Yes?" She took a chair and pulled it up to the desk. Taking hold of his hand, she gently stroked it.
"Have I made any difference here? Have I done the right thing over the past eight years?"
"Yes, I think you have."
"If so, at what cost?"
"Jed, stop being so pessimistic. You've helped millions of people. Your programs on hunger, on education, on terrorism have prevented many, many deaths."
Abbey's heart broke as she realized Jed was now grieving for lost opportunities. For proposals that he couldn't get passed. For unfinished business.
"I don't know, hon. I've been here eight years and it seems only like yesterday we were starting. We had so many hopes and dreams to change the world. I had a great team that was going to work miracles. I was going to be the President who would achieve every goal he had going into office. I was going to be different."
Knowing Jed was not looking for a reply, Abbey remained silent. She squeezed Jed's hand, giving him silent support.
Straightening up, he looked at his wife. "You go on back. Tell everybody I'll be there shortly. I need to think a little more."
"Jed…"
"No, Abbey. I'll be there in a few minutes. I promise."
Reluctantly, Abbey dropped his hand and stood up. Leaning over, she gently kissed his lips and smiled. "Don't be too long or else I'll be back."
"I know you will. I'll be fine. I just need a few more minutes."
Abbey walked away and gently closed the door to the Oval. She hoped that he would be okay but at this point there was no point in arguing with him. She had learned that lesson years ago.