Lara don't feel sad for her, it gets much much better. The ending I have planned makes up for it all I promise. Thanks for the reviews I appreciate them all.

"Family Ties"

Chapter 10

The family was back home in the White House .The past few days had been difficult to say the least but they were managing. It was Mac's first day back at work and she knew what was waiting for her. She had yet to put out a statement about what happened that weekend and she hated that she had to. The media had no right in knowing what was going on in her families personal life and she hated that because of who she was it mattered so much.

"Morning Madame President."

Vince said handing her, her morning cup of coffee.

"Good morning Vince ,thank you. What's on the schedule today?"

"Well ma'am you have the senior staff meeting in ten minutes, then a ten o'clock photo op with Doctors Without borders, and a morning press confrence at eleven."

Mac half sarcastic, half joking " That should be fun."

Kelly knocked on Mac's door.

" Kelly, hi ." she looks at her expression and lowers her glasses down to her nose. " What's wrong?"

"Ma'am it seems we hit a bit of a rough patch . Pictures of Joshua Templeton and Avery out in London are in the paper today, and the fact that he was at the hospital... the media they're having a field day with it ma'am."

Mac shakes her head. " Of course because gossip is better than actual news. Let's not worry about it . We'll just let them know the need to know and hope they drop it."

"Yes ma'am."

Kelly left the room and Mac removed her glasses , leaning back in her chair... She kept hoping this would all blow over, not only were they criticizing she and Rod as parents in the news, they were attacking her children's character. This is the one thing she promised she would keep them from and she couldn't even do that. There was so much on her plate right now, it was finally hitting her how hard the balance between work and family was. Rod and Avery hadn't spoken a word to each other since that night in the hospital , the kids were being bombarded with questions, the media watching their every move. Her private life was in free fall and she still had to run the country... Her thoughts were interrupted by Vince.

"Ma'am they're ready for you."

Later that morning in the press room.

"Kelly can you tell us if the rumors that the President forced her daughter to stay away from Speaker Templeton's son are true ?"

Kelly looks at the guy like he's insane thinking to herself "who cares if she did?". Instead what she actually said was.

" Bill as we all know rumors spread faster than the truth . Speaker Templeton's son is good friends with Ms. Calloway ... Anna" she points to another reporter.

" Is it true that the President and First gentleman are about to become grandparents?"

Mac walks to the door mid question and nods to Kelly.

" The President of the United States."

Mac walks in and takes the podium , she survey's the crowd and takes a deep breath.

"As you all know this past weekend was a difficult time for my family and myself . Many rumors of what has happened have been circulating and unfounded allegations of how my husband and I raise our children have been made. I understand in the position that I am in I'm subject to such scrutiny and can handle the punches thrown at me because ultimately I know that my family and my children and well cared for and loved no matter what anyone else may say. Many of you are wondering about what has happened and I am willing to speak of it here and now but after that, that's it . My children's lives aren't news nor does it have to do with how this country is run which is what should matter ... I would appreciate that after today's press confrence this subject be dropped... With that said, the reason my daughter was taken to the hospital over the weekend was because she had suffered a miscarriage , she is okay now but as with any loss it is difficult , with the support of family and friends including Joshua Templeton , who is a very dear friend of our daughters we have been doing well. We thank you for your well wishes and hope that you respect our privacy during this time. Thank you"

The press sat speechless as Mac walked out of the room and down the hall with Jim.

"Good press confrence ma'am."

"Thank you Jim, I know it'll go through one ear and out the other but it had to be said... How are the preparation for the trip West coming along?"

"Very well ma'am, you're set to leave the first Friday of next month and come back late Sunday. Making the rounds in LA., and Seattle."

"Okay good. Also can we get the Speaker in for a quick chat later today?"

"Yes ma'am I'll have Vince give him a call."

Later that afternoon.

"Ma'am, Mr. Templeton is here."

"Thank you Vince, show him in." She closes her portfolio and puts it on her desk.

"Madame President." Nathan Templeton walks in as high and mighty as ever.

"Nathan thank you for coming. Please have a seat."

"Thank you ma'am . I have to admit I was a bit curious as to why you asked me here."

She sits down across from him and gives him the Mac grin.

" I think we both know exactly why I asked you here. I'm a bit surprised you didn't beat me to it first."

Nathan laughs dryly.

"Well Madame President truthfully I didn't want to impose to soon. With everything that has happened recently... I take it you spoke to my son?"

"Yes, yes I did and well I can see where he came into play but I'm not quite sure why he did it. Maybe you could enlighten me on that?"

Stunned at her accusations, but humored that she would think that deviously of him

" You can't honestly believe that I would have my son take advantage of the state your daughter was in can you? I didn't even know of his part in this until the same time you did."

"So his intentions are completely honest?"

Nathan stands up and starts pacing as he talks.

" My son has never been like me, as much as I had hoped he would follow in my foot steps he chose his own path. Medicine is his passion as is saving people, if he chose to help your daughter it was because that is what he felt was the right thing to do. No strings attached and no coercing by me... now I myself don't approve of their closeness, as platonic as it maybe at the moment it can be damaging and I sincerely hope you can see that as well."

" Nate , as much as our families dislike one another we can't stop our children from socializing especially if it is nothing more than a friendship."

"No that we cannot but we can try and steer them in the right direction. I am terribly sorry for the loss you family has been through, but I won't allow my son to get anymore involved than he already is given the circumstances."

Mac furrows her brow.

"Circumstances?"

" I'm not sure this is a bridge you care to cross Madame President... Given your daughters past it's best my son keep his distance and I'll make sure of it."

Mac utterly shocked at the gal of this man, takes a step forward standing taller than him, leaning against the couch.

"There is nothing shameful of my daughters past Nathan. But of course with such a closed minded person such as yourself no one can expect you to see that... Thank you for coming Mr. Speaker as always you made things very clear."

"Good after noon Madame President." He exits the office and Mac shakes her head.

"Bastard."