"All right, all right. Settle down and have a seat," she told them, taking her place at the podium.
"Since there really is no way to brief on this event, we're just gonna skip right to the questions."
They all began shouting out her name.
"Katie."
"CJ, was the First Lady's performance on the Tonight Show planned or rehearsed in any way?"
"Not to my knowledge, no. It was not."
"Any thoughts on how this will affect the President's re-election campaign?"
"We don't expect it to be affected in any way," CJ replied.
"How did the President react to the show?"
"He was surprised. Wouldn't you be?"
"So the President had no indication that the First Lady was going to behave as she did?"
"No. They hadn't discussed it."
"CJ, was the First Lady's guest spot on the show done to improve her chances of winning the Time magazine poll?"
"No."
"Who's idea was it?"
"It was Leo's, and mine. We thought it would be a good idea to show the public the real Abbey Bartlet."
"And was that the real Abbey Bartlet we saw last night?"
"To an extent, yes. Though, of course, there is much more to her."
"Any comment on the Mrs. Bartlet's constant innuendo last night?"
"Innuendo?" CJ repeated.
"I'm sorry, sexual innuendo."
"Oh. Nothing except to say that the Bartlets are very frank, open people. They also have a very…adult sense of humor. They like to keep people on their toes."
"Is there any truth to the implication of amorous activity in the Oval Office?"
"I really wouldn't know. And I don't plan on finding out."
"And what of Mrs. Bartlet's choice of song?"
"It was spontaneous. Mrs. Bartlet has an…admiration for Joan Jett and apparently the song is one of her favorites."
"Was the song directed at the President?"
"I don't see why it would be, no. I'm fairly certain the First Lady does not hate herself for loving the President."
"When is the First Lady returning to Washington?"
"She should be back in about an hour or so."
"What are her plans now?"
"We're working on getting her a photo layout with Time magazine. Ok, that's all for now, guys."
Despite the reporters still shouting out her name, CJ exited the briefing room feeling energized. It went much better than she expected. But soon, she would have to discuss the situation with the First Lady for the next briefing, and she really wasn't looking forward to it.
The moment the doors flung open and Abbey Bartlet entered the White House once again, all activity seemed to cease. Amy followed close behind her as she quickly walked through the halls of the West Wing. They walked past various White House employees, most of whom sported looks of either apprehension or embarassment. Feeling self-conscious for the first time in ages, Abbey slung her arm through Amy's and moved closer to her as they continued their journey toward the Oval Office. They stopped in front of the desks of Charlie and Debbie, who both stood the moment she appeared.
"Good afternoon, ma'am," Charlie said.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Bartlet," Debbie said, warmly.
"Thank you, Debbie. Is my husband in?"
"Oh, sure. Go on in."
"Ma'am, the senior staff is in with him. They're expecting you," Charlie said.
"They're expecting me?" Abbey looked at Amy nervously.
"Don't worry, honey. If it makes any difference, I thought you were great last night!" Debbie said, enthusiastically.
"I appreciate that, Debbie."
"Really, I was cheering you on. I'd have done the same thing in your position. Might have chosen a different song but…"
"Debbie," Charlie admonished.
"Oh, I'm rambling again, aren't I?"
"Yeah. You can go on in, Mrs. Bartlet."
Abbey nodded.
"Thanks."
When Abbey didn't move, Amy pulled on her arm, which was linked to hers.
"Ma'am."
"What? Oh. Yes."
Amy pulled her over to the door and knocked on it.
"Come in!"
They walked into the Oval Office to find the entire senior staff sitting on the couches and the President sitting in his usual chair.
"Welcome back, Mrs. Bartlet!"
When Jed stood and began walking towards them, Amy unhooked her arm from Abbey's and quickly moved to sit beside Josh.
"Hey," Jed greeted, leaning in to kiss her.
She shook him off, and cocked her head to one side, gesturing toward the watching staff. He nodded and lead her over to the chair next to his before sitting down in his own.
"Ok, lay it on me," Abbey said. "I want nothing left unsaid. Hit me."
"Mrs. Bartlet, are you under the impression we're upset with you?" CJ asked.
"Well, yeah! Aren't you?"
"No, ma'am, we're not," Toby answered.
"Oh."
"See? I told you," Jed said.
"How are our numbers?" Abbey asked.
"They're good, Abbey," Leo replied. "Very good."
"Really?" She was shocked.
"You're polling at an unprecedented 71 and the President's at 57."
"Oh, wow."
"Mrs. Bartlet, I don't know what the President has told you thus far, but we'd like to take this a little further. We have a few days left before the poll ends. We want to experiment a little," Josh stated.
"And you want me to do a photo shoot," Abbey said.
"That's right," Toby replied.
"And this will all be done in time for the poll results?"
"No. That's the problem. The shoot itself probably won't help your chances of winning, because the layout would have to be published in the issue wherein the results are announced. But once the press gets wind of the fact that you're doing a photo shoot to begin with…that'll help."
"Do you think I need help?" Abbey questioned, honestly.
"No, ma'am, we don't," Amy said. "But it can't hurt."
"What do you think?" Abbey asked her husband.
"I'm all for it. No qualms here. Whatever you want to do," Jed responded.
Abbey sighed in concession.
"What kind of photo shoot?"
Everyone grinned and soon the whole office broke into applause.
"You're not gonna regret this, Abbey," Leo said.
"I better not. Or I'll make you regret it too."
"Fair enough."
"I'll call Time," Toby offered.
"I'm proud of you, Mrs B.," Sam said.
"Yeah, good call there," CJ agreed.
"Uh huh. Amy," Abbey said.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Let's go."
"Yes, ma'am."
"We've got a lot of planning to do."