Chapter 14 Fifteen years earlier

"Jon, thanks for the information. I'm not going to the funeral. I would feel like a hypocrite. I really hated him and I can't get past everything he did to me."

"But Jed, it's not him you're going to honor. It's Mom and she would be devastated if you didn't come."

"My father meant nothing to me. Mom will understand."

"Jed, I'm asking you, in fact pleading with you to come for Mom's sake."

"Well, I'm supposed to leave for a Congressional trip in the morning and my plans can't be changed."

"I thought I would never see you put political business ahead of family business. If you don't come, I think that Mom will never forgive you. She is going to be so hurt. Is anything I can say to make you come?"

"No."

"Well, then, I'll see you sometime," as the phone connection was broken on the other end. Jed flinched at his brother's angry tone. He knew the real reason for not wanting to go. And it had nothing to do with Congressional business.

As Jed hung up the phone, he turned to see Abbey staring at him.

"Jed…"

"Now don't you start with me too. I'm not going. And that's the final word."

"Jed, the service is for your mother and your family. Yeah, your father treated you like shit. And he didn't treat me any better, but somewhere in your relationship there had to be some kind of love."

"Abbey, I hated him. I will hate him until the day I die. So it would be so hypocritical of me to go and pay my respect. I have none."

"Josiah Edward Bartlet."

Jed knew when she used his full name the discussion was over.

"You are going to go to the service. You will show your mother the respect she deserves. I will go with you and so will the girls. There will be no further discussion. The matter is closed."

He knew that the discussion was over. And it was.

The next day, a limousine pulled up to the church. As the door opened, the Congressman exited with Abbey behind him and then their three girls. Television cameras saw a grieving family. However, it was only steel determination that was moving the Congressman's legs. And the fact that his wife was right behind him.

As Jed entered the back vestibule, he caught the surprise on his brother's face. And the relief on his mother's.

"Jed, I thought you had business you couldn't change."

He gave her a big hug. "I did, Mom. But at the last minute I was able to move the flight until tomorrow. I wanted to be here for you."

Catherine smiled. She knew how hard it was for Jed to here. There were so many bitter times between John and Jed that she wasn't ever sure when she would get to see her grandchildren through the years.

Many times, Abbey had brought the kids to the house in Manchester without Jed. Both women knew that if Jed came, there would only be fighting so it was best that way.

Soon the casket arrived and was wheeled down by the altar.

Catherine entered the church escorted on each side by her boys. Abbey and Claire followed and the three grandchildren brought up the rear.

The church was full of John's ex-students. Men who had matured in a rough environment but were better men because of the tough love John Bartlet had shown them. Jed was impressed with the numbers of former students in attendance. At least John Bartlet had treated them well.

After the service was over, there was a private burial in the church yard.

As Catherine was walking away from the grave, tears falling on her lined face, she had one more thing to say to her boys.

"Jed, Jon. I have one request.

"Sure, Mom."

"Please make sure I'm buried next to John. I loved him so much and want to be next to him for eternity."

Jed and Jon exchanged glances.

"Yeah."