Every Friday afternoon at about the same time, a group of women would gather in the Residence for coffee and lunch like they did two days before Easter. The one thing they all had in common was that all of them had children at GDS.
Abbey sat down with the group. They included her longtime best friend Millicent "Millie" Griffith, Surgeon General of the United States; Charlie Young's mother Michelle, a DC police officer; and Congresswoman Andrea Wyatt McGarry, Leo's second wife and the mother of his two younger children.
"I swear, if I hear the words "parent volunteer hours" one more time, I'm going to scream," Millie said. "I thought by the time the kids were in high school, our hours would be minimal. Apparently, I was wrong."
"I'm there with you, Millie," Michelle replied. "I work full-time and then some on the force and I still get notes every couple of months about my lack of volunteerism."
"Maybe I should join the PTA," Andrea said, casually. "That might change the rules a little bit."
"And knowing them, they'll say that they don't care if you're in Congress and running for the Senate, you still have to pull your weight." Abbey sighed.
Millie stood up. "I'm getting some coffee, anybody else want some?"
"No, thank you," Michelle and Andrea replied.
"Abbey?"
"That's all right, Millie," Abbey said.
"The Easter Egg Roll is coming up, right?" Andrea commented.
"Yeah," Abbey replied. "Riley and Maisey are welcome, of course. That goes for your kids as well." She nodded to Millie and Michelle.
"Abbey, I just want to thank you," Michelle said.
"For what?"
"For being so welcoming with Charlie. He loves to spend time with Zoey and the rest of your family. Jed has also been such a positive role model for him and it's good for him to see that."
"I should be thanking you," Abbey replied with a little smile. "Jed has always been a proud father of daughters. But having Charlie here has allowed him to have a boy around to mentor and spend time with. He needs that with five women in the house, especially one who isn't dating his daughter."
Michelle smiled, "I'm glad. His father has been back in the picture lately and it's been difficult for him to cope."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's all right. We're trying to make do the best we can."
"Why is his father giving you trouble?" Millie wanted to know.
"Being behind on his child support payments, that sort of thing."
"We know about that all too well," Abbey said. sympathetically.
"With Liz, right?"
"Yes. If there's anything Charlie needs, we're more than happy to help. The same goes for you. I'm very lucky that I have Jed. I couldn't have managed my career without him. You shouldn't have to pay for Charlie's father's unwillingness."
"I know." Michelle sighed. "I just wish Charlie had a better father than what he got."
"Well, he's got us," Abbey reassured her.
Michelle smiled gratefully. She didn't know how the First Lady of the United States became one of her friends, but she would take it.
Donna hadn't stopped moving all day. With less than 72 hours left until the annual White House Easter Egg Roll and celebration, she had a million and one things to do until Easter Monday and not enough time to do them all.
"Hey," Josh said, popping his head into her office.
"Hi," Donna said, looking up. "I'm trying to find a replacement for the balloon animal guy. He just canceled!"
"A balloon animal guy is coming?"
"There was!" Donna sighed. "I had one job-get all the details into place. What if I can't do it?"
"Hey." Josh came over to Donna's desk and pushed her hair back. "You did last year, you can do it again. You got this."
"What if Dr. Bartlet made the wrong choice?"
"She didn't. You manage the entire Bartlet family, honey," Josh reminded her. "You can do this."
"I know, but this is always the worst part. I don't even know how I'm going to get home tonight."
"Delegate, you have a whole staff to help you."
Donna nodded, managing a wilted smile. "Okay."
"Okay," Josh leaned up to kiss her forehead. "I love you. Try not to get home too late."
"I love you, too. And Josh?"
"Yeah, baby?"
"Thank you."
The next day, the Residence was full of activity. Abbey was laying out the silver on the dining room table, preparing to take them to New Hampshire. Jed came into the room.
"How are the preparations for Bartlet Easter dinner coming along?"
"They're coming along. At least it'll only be the Bartlet side this year. Emily and Richard and the girls'll be in Boston with my mother."
"True. It's been a while since we've had a small family gathering like this."
"It has," Abbey admitted. "I just wish Alex didn't have to leave right after. You wouldn't believe the pushback Donna and I received when we told the US National Team Training Center that Alex was coming home from camp for Easter and then traveling."
Jed shook his head, "Thankfully it's not their call. It almost seems like we missed some elite gymnast orientation or something, the way these people act."
"Well, maybe we did."
"Abbey…"
"I mean, God forbid, we ask that family come first for once."
"She is going to the World Championships."
"Yes, I know Alex is going to the World Championships, Jed," Abbey replied, putting her hands on her hips. "But Alex is being treated as if this is her job. She's already struggling with school. I worry that Liz and Ellie aren't seeing any of it."
"They are busy," Jed admitted. "But look at it this way, in just about a month we'll have all the girls here in DC with us. Liz wants to work here, Ellie is going to Georgetown, and Alex will have actual parental supervision again."
Abbey sighed. "I know. I just can't wait for that day to come."
"Me too," Jed replied, pulling her in for a hug. "Me too."
Abbey returned the hug and kissed her husband softly, "Maybe we should have Alex take a break from gymnastics for a little while. I know the summer is important for training, but GDS wasn't impressed with Alex's mid-term grades."
"Is there any class, in particular, that's giving her trouble?"
"It's multiple, I'm afraid. She's had late or incomplete homework for every single subject. Her projects aren't finished either. Alex's only saving grace is that her test and quiz scores have been relatively good."
Jed sighed, "Alex is liable to repeat the whole year if she's not careful."
"Maybe she should. The pressure she's under this year is enormous."
"Maybe she should?" Jed repeated.
"I don't know, Jed. It's just something I'm thinking about."
The pair settled into an uncomfortable silence, thinking about what their daughter was going through.
The next morning, the Bartlet family was in their regular pew at church for Sunday Easter service. Save for the Secret Service agents scattered discreetly around the sanctuary, it was almost a normal day for them all. As was traditional, all of the Bartlet daughters plus Annie were in new Easter dresses. This year they were joined by Charlie and Michelle.
Once the service was over, Zoey, Charlie, Annie, and Ellie ran off to go get donuts and juice as was traditionally offered at the end of mass. Alex didn't go with them. Instead, she decided to walk among the grove of blooming trees and flowers in the sunshine between the church and where the motorcade waited.
"What a lovely service," Michelle said. "Thank you for inviting us up here. I know it's supposed to be family time."
"It was our pleasure, Michelle," Abbey replied. "You and Charlie are always welcome."
Meanwhile, Zoey and Charlie returned with their donuts and walked a few paces behind their mothers.
"I always love Easter," Zoey said. "Church could be a little more exciting, though."
"Agreed," Charlie said. He noticed Alex. "Hey, what's up with your sister?"
"Staying away from temptation," Ellie said, indicating the juice and donuts in Charlie and Zoey's hands.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the no junk food thing," Zoey said looking at her friend. "She tries to eat extra healthy right before a meet so she can perform better."
"Oh. You'll have to tell me what Puerto Rico is like," He replied. "I've never been before. It must have been fun to go to Italy."
"I will. I'll bring you back a Clemente baseball."
Charlie smiled. "Better than a keychain."
"You're my best friend," Zoey said. "You deserve nothing less."
"Thanks, Zo."
"Did you know that Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, Charlie?" Jed asked, moseying up beside them after talking to the parish pastor.
"Yes, sir," Charlie said.
He smiled a little, "Going to San Juan doesn't require a passport to visit if you're a U.S. citizen."
"I didn't know that."
"Well, now that you do, why don't we ask your mom if you can come with us and expand Alex's cheering section?"
Charlie grinned, "Hey mom?"
"Yeah, Charlie?"
"Can I go to Puerto Rico with the Bartlets to watch Alex compete?"
"I don't know, Charlie." Michelle sighed. "That's a lot to ask of them."
"We'd love to have him, Michelle."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," Jed smiled. "I won't leave until Thursday night so the girls will be coming with me anyway. You're welcome to come too if you'd like."
"I'm on shift for 24 hours starting Friday. But if you're sure, Charlie can go."
Charlie broke into a grin. "Thank you, Mom!"
"Of course, honey," Michelle said, embracing her son. "You just mind the Bartlets, you hear?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Don't worry, Michelle," Jed assured her. "We'll take good care of him."
A little while later, the family sat down together to enjoy an Easter brunch. Toby, Liz, and Annie were at one side of the table with Ellie, Zoey, Alex, and Charlie on the other. Jed, Abbey, and Michelle were in the middle with Jed's brother John, and his kids. The conversation at the table was lively. Zoey and Charlie were talking about books. Ellie and her cousins were exchanging school stories, and Liz and Toby seemed to be enjoying each other's company as a newly engaged couple.
"So, Liz," Michelle asked, "When's the wedding?"
"Not for a long time," Jed replied without looking up.
"We're looking to get married next summer," Toby said quietly.
"Oh, that'll be nice!" Ellie commented. "A summer wedding."
"Are you thinking of August or maybe early September?" Abbey asked.
"They just got engaged, Abigail," Jed said. "Give them time."
"We're not in any rush, Dad," Liz replied.
"I should hope not."
"No, sir," Toby spoke up. "Liz and I want to take things slow. In fact, we want to move in together."
Silverware clattered on Jed and Abbey's plates.
"I thought you wanted to stay in the Residence until you and Annie were settled?" Abbey asked.
"I did. But if this is going to work, Toby and Annie, and I need to adjust to living together as a family. And that would be a bit awkward in the Residence."
Jed looked a bit defeated but he conceded the point, "Liz isn't wrong."
"I'm not?" Liz repeated.
"No," Jed admitted. "I'm not entirely happy with the idea, but I will allow it."
"Thanks, Dad," Liz said gratefully.
Alex smirked, "You really wore dad down, Lizzie."
"Don't you go getting any ideas, missy," Jed said, eying his youngest. "I'll be keeping a close eye on you and Logan at Worlds."
"It's not like we're going to have time to do anything, dad," Alex pointed out. "We're both competing."
"All right, enough dating talk," Abbey said. "Let's enjoy our meal."
The conversation at the table soon drifted to other things and for that, Abbey was grateful as she squeezed Jed's hand under the table. He caught Alex and Logan on second base during a weekend visit two weeks earlier. Still struggling to accept that their firstborn was getting married, he didn't like being reminded that their youngest was in a relationship too. Being the father of four daughters was not an easy occupation.
On Tuesday afternoon in San Juan, Alex went searching for Logan. She was supposed to be resting before dinner and evening training. But she couldn't sleep. Alex found Logan in the common area of their wing of the hotel with some of the other junior men's team. Judging by the backpacks on the floor, they just come back from practice.
"Hey," Alex said, offering the boys a wave.
Logan turned. "Hey, Alex!" He turned to the rest of the team. "Excuse me, guys."
The team nodded their assent. Logan walked over. "How was your morning?"
"It was good." Alex shrugged. "We had training."
"When's the rest of your family flying out?"
"Tomorrow I think. Dad can't come until Thursday. Are your parents coming?"
"My mom said she'll try," Logan said looking down at his shoes.
"We'll be watching tomorrow," Alex said.
He smiled, "That's good to know."
"Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything, Lex. You know that."
She hesitated, "What would it take for you to hate me?"
Logan paled. Where had this come from?
"Where is this coming from?" He asked.
Suddenly, a flicker passed over Alex's face, then it neutralized.
"Nothing. I was just…wondering."
"Well…nothing. The answer is nothing." Logan took her hand. "There is nothing you can say that would make me hate you."
"Are you sure? Because I think you might," She said. Her lower lip trembled, but she controlled it.
"Yes," Logan said. "What happened?"
"That's just it—I don't know."
Logan took Alex's hand, "Come on, let's go to my room."
"What about your roommate?"
"He's out somewhere with his family."
"Well…okay," Alex agreed. "I don't want to be alone right now."
She followed him to his room. Once the door shut, Alex began to cry.
"Alex?" Logan asked in alarm. "Alex, what's wrong?"
She shook her head, unable to answer. Logan took a step toward her and pulled her into his arms. He had no idea what was making her upset. But whatever it was, Logan knew that he couldn't possibly be mad at her for it.
Donna was packing for the World Championships. While their main purpose there would be to watch Alex compete, Josh and Donna were looking forward to spending some time sightseeing in Puerto Rico.
Donna thought about this as she folded her clothes into her suitcase. She was thinking that they would end up spending more time in their hotel room. After all, they were still trying for a baby. Unless…
Unless…
Donna walked to the bathroom and consulted her calendar. Yeah. She was definitely late.
Josh came into the bathroom, "Hey Donna, have you seen my swimming trunks?"
"Bottom right dresser drawer," She mumbled, not looking up.
"Is everything ok?"
She looked over at him, "Yeah, I think I forgot something for the flight. Do you need anything from the store?"
"No," Josh replied. "Are you sure everything is okay?"
Donna smiled at him. "Yeah. Everything's fine."
Josh looked at her as if he didn't quite believe her. "Okay." He walked into the bedroom to pack.
A couple of hours later, they were on their way to Andrews. Donna was in a daze. She couldn't believe what she had just found out.
They were going to have a baby.
Donna thought of a hundred ways to tell Josh-saving the test and wrapping it up for him, waiting until their ultrasound and surprising him with the picture, etc-but all of them faded the second she looked at Josh. And suddenly, she knew she just had to tell him, in the middle of the drive from their apartment to Andrews Air Force Base.
"Josh, I'm pregnant," She blurted out while they were stopped at a traffic light.
Josh nearly crashed into the car in front of him. As soon as he was able, Josh found a spot and pulled over on the side of the road.
"What?"
"I'm pregnant," Donna repeated. She was smiling with tears in her eyes.
"You can't be…we just started trying."
"Well…I guess it must have happened right after we decided."
Josh let out a breath, putting his head on the headrest.
"Josh?" Donna asked. "Honey, say something."
Josh turned to her and took her hand. "We're really having a baby?"
"We're having a baby," She confirmed.
Josh grinned and gave her a long, passionate kiss. They were both breathless when they pulled apart, "I can't believe it. We did it."
"So you're really happy?"
"A little shocked. But yes, I'm happy."
"Good." Donna's smile softened. "I love you."
"I love you so much," Josh said, cupping her cheek as they kissed again.
When they pulled apart, Donna said, "We should probably get to the airfield before people get suspicious."
"Yeah," Josh grinned.
They pulled back onto the road, full of thoughts of their new little one.
