The Presidential Motorcade left Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and began the 15-minute journey toward the center of the city. Even though no press was there to greet them upon arrival at the airport, Jed was certain that their unexpected presence at home on a Wednesday would make the local news by that evening.

"We have to be calm about this," Abbey said, looking over at him in the back of their limousine.

"I'm calm," Jed said simply.

"How do I know you're not going to rip Alex a new one when we see her?"

"Because she's surrounded by the Secret Service."

"The Secret Service doesn't interfere with family discipline matters."

"Then Alex better hope she can explain this."

"Jed-"

"How could Alex not tell us she was flunking out of school?"

"The principal didn't say that," Abbey reminded him. "She called us because she wanted to know if we knew about the notes and the notices that were sent home."

"It's the same thing, Abigail," He replied. "Alex is failing and she must have been able to hide it from Liz and Ellie because we wouldn't be the last to know about this. I knew I should have done something when we found out Alex failed her first test."

"True. But this is where we are. Alex clearly needs more support than she's being given."

"Maybe we're right to pull her out now."

"Well, let's go find out whatever we can."

The motorcade pulled up in front of Alex and Zoey's middle school. After the Secret Service secured the school, they entered and made their way into the lobby, where the principal was waiting.

"Mr. President, Dr. Bartlet, thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Of course, Principal Phelps," Jed replied with a tight smile. "It sounded like the matter couldn't wait."

"It really can't. Follow me," She said. "Alexandra is on her lunch period. I've sent someone to get her."

As the three of them moved down the hall, children stared at them as they walked from class to class with the Secret Service surrounding them in a protective bubble.

Every one of Alex's classmates knew who her parents were. By the end of the hour, the whole school would know that if her parents were here in the middle of the day, she must be in trouble.


Six Days Earlier…

At the hotel in San Juan, Zoey and Charlie were hanging out by the outdoor pool, with the Secret Service discreetly patrolling the area.

Charlie walked over to Zoey from the snack bar. "Somebody order an ice cream sandwich?"

"Thanks, Charlie," Zoey grinned, taking it. "It's beautiful out here, isn't it?"

"Sure is," Charlie replied.

"I can't believe Alex is missing all of this."

"She is competing," Charlie reminded her.

"I guess you're right. At least my dad made sure Alex is staying at the same hotel as we are. Otherwise, we'd never see her."

"You must really miss her," He observed.

Zoey shrugged, "She's my twin sister. We used to do everything together before my parents had to move to Washington. Now, I barely see her."

"I'm sorry."

"No, don't be. This is the life she chose."

Just then, a group of girls walked over and sat near the two of them. And just when Zoey stood up, she heard one of them say:

"I can't believe he did that!"

"I can," one of the other girls in their group said. They sounded like they were on the Australian junior team. "What you said sounds just like what happened to my friend Sarah at a camp in Texas last year."

"That makes it even worse," The girl replied "What a creep."

"Maybe you should tell your coach," Her teammate suggested.

"I couldn't do that. It's embarrassing. Besides, she probably wouldn't believe me."

"Tell her what?" Zoey muttered.

Charlie shrugged. "Beats me."

But Zoey soon forgot about what they overheard. After all, Alex was fine. Right?


"Last up in the floor final this afternoon is the American Alexandra Bartlet. She has absolutely dominated the women's field during this Junior World Championship. She led the American team to gold in the team final and earned gold on the uneven bars and in beam finals. But the surprise of this competition was her progress on vault. It has been her weaker event comparatively. Alex debuted a 1/2 on, front layout off vault in team qualifications and used it both in the all-around and vault finals where she won gold. The question is, can she go six for six and medal here on floor? She needs to score a 14.200 to pass the leader…."

Alex walked up the short flight of steps up onto the floor exercise podium. She walked onto the side of the floor, feeling a mixture of nerves and exhaustion flair up. Her body was tired and sore and she wasn't sure how this floor routine would go. Floor was usually one of her favorite events. But holding herself together through six competitions, three of which had her competing all-around was a lot on her physically and mentally, to say nothing of the pressure she felt to win for everyone, not just herself. She felt all eyes in the competition arena on her. Alex expelled a breath and stepped onto the floor before getting into her starting pose.

The entire world faded into the background as the music began and she danced into her first pass, a double-twisting double tuck. She landed it without needing to hop out of it and hit her stride. Her double layout was solid and she knew she hit all of her leap positions before going into her combination pass, a front layout one and a half to front layout. But the best part of floor for her that day was successfully landing her final pass, her Arabian double tuck without cowboying it, making it look pretty instead of ugly. Before she knew it, Alex hit her final pose and then left the floor to thunderous, almost defining applause.

"That was an incredible showing from Alexandra Bartlet in her floor exercise. And the audience seems to agree. But will the judges think so?"

After a few minutes, Alex waited with bated breath as her score was tallied and then flashed up on the screen.

14.375.

The room exploded into applause.

"This is unbelievable! Alexandra Bartlet has won gold in the floor exercise, and will take home a gold in every single event for the junior world championships!"

Alex received a hug from her coach and she could hear her family cheering for her somewhere up in the stands. She won. She was the junior world floor champion. But somehow, this victory, just like every other one in the past few days, felt hollow. Alex didn't let it show through. She put her warmups on, stood up, waved at the crowd from her spot on the floor, and then went to congratulate her competitors, shutting off her personal feelings.

The announcer called out the other medalists, first in Spanish and then in English. Then it was Alex's turn.

"Earning the gold medal and the title of World Champion on floor exercise, representing the United States of America, Alexandra Bartlet!"

Alex gave each of her fellow medalists a brief hug before stepping onto the medal stand in the first place spot. They were all given their medals and flowers by members of the FIG. Once they stepped away, the announcer spoke again.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for the national anthem of the United States of America."

Across the arena, the flags of Romania, the United States, and China rose into the air as the Star-Spangled Banner began to play. Alex put her hand over her heart and sang quietly along to the words.

As the music swelled, Alex glanced over to the section where her parents, sisters, and the entire senior staff were sitting. They looked like they were so proud of her. Seeing their faces almost made everything she went through to get to this competition.


On the Wednesday morning after everyone returned from the Junior World Championships, Donna sat in the family dining room with Abbey and Jed going over their schedules and their family's schedules.

"Liz's graduation is on the 21st, Alex gets out of school on the 25th…Ellie is graduating on the 18th. Zoey's spring play is next weekend," Donna said, consulting her notes.

"I'll be late arriving for the graduations," Jed said. "But I should be on time for all of the ceremonies."

"That's good," Abbey replied.

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away, Abigail."

"Actually, I was hoping I could speak with the two of you," Donna said. "I was hoping that I might be able to take some time off."

"Of course, Donna," Abbey replied. "When?"

"In about seven months," Donna smiled.

"Will Josh be taking advantage of the new paternity leave law we passed?"

"Yes, Mr. President, he will."

"Oh, Donna!" Abbey said, rising from the table. "Congratulations."

Abbey went over and hugged Donna.

"Thank you, ma'am," Donna replied, returning the hug briefly. "We're really excited."

"How are you feeling?" Abbey quizzed her.

"Not too bad," Donna answered. "I've had some morning sickness, but nothing terrible."

"Well, that's good. Have you seen the doctor yet?"

"Yes, yesterday. I found out just before we left and made an appointment when we got to the hotel."

"Good."

"We'll be more than happy to give you the time off," Jed said before getting up to hug her. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Mr. President. I'll make sure everything is well planned while I'm on leave."

"I'm sure you will," Abbey reassured her. "After all, you've been keeping us organized since the day you started."

November 1998

"Mom, I don't want to go to school," Zoey said, looking out the window in the living room. Down the road leading to the driveway, she could see the press waiting on the road.

"Me neither," Ellie said.

"Me three," Alex agreed.

"No school today," Abbey agreed.

"Ma'am, would you like me to call the schools?" Donna asked. She stayed at the house after the election the night before.

"That would be great, Donna, thank you," Abbey replied.

"Very good, ma'am." Donna disappeared down the hall.

Zoey and Alex turned to their mother. "Is Donna gonna be working for you now?" Alex asked.

"Well, I don't know," Abbey answered.

"You should hire Donna, mom," Zoey said. "She makes sure Alex can't accidentally kill herself."

"Hey," Alex said indignantly.

"Zoey's right, Lex. Donna doesn't let you get away with anything," Ellie said.

"I guess she doesn't," Alex admitted.

"You know, girls, that's not a bad idea," Abbey replied. "You really think I should?"

"Yes!" Zoey, Alex, and Ellie replied.

"You should do what?" Donna asked, coming back into the room.

Abbey turned to Donna as she came back into the room, "Donna, will you serve as my Chief of Staff?"

"Ma'am, are you sure?" Donna asked, taken by surprise.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"I-yes," Donna answered, partly in shock. "I would be honored. Yes."

Abbey smiled. "That's wonderful."

The next day, they announced in a press release that among other Senior Staff decisions, Donna Moss would be Abbey Bartlet's Chief of Staff.

"We'll have to learn to manage without help again, babe," Abbey said looking at her husband pointedly.

"I think we'll do just fine. Liz will have Toby and Ellie will be busy with school. So that leaves us with the twins. We can take them."

"My, my, aren't you confident?"

"Abbey, we did raise them."

"I know we did. But Alex hasn't been under our supervision for a year and a half."

"So? That doesn't mean she's completely fallen apart."

The phone on the sideboard rang. Donna got up and answered, "Donna Moss. Hi, Janie," She said and listened. Her expression changed, "I see. Go ahead and put her through." Donna turned back to her bosses, holding the phone in her hand, "Alex's principal is on the phone. She wants to talk to both of you if possible."

Jed and Abbey nodded, then took the phone and hit the speakerphone.

"Good morning, Mr. President, Dr. Bartlet. This is Principal Phelps. Would you be willing to see me at your earliest convenience?"

"Of course," Abbey said. "May I ask what this is in reference to?"

"Well, I assumed you were aware, given all the notes we've sent home?"

"No, I'm afraid we're not," Jed said, evenly. "Did you send something home recently?"

"Mr. President, Alexandra's teachers have sent home multiple notes and progress reports since the semester began. They've requested a meeting with your daughter Elizabeth at least three times now with no response."

"I see," Abbey said. "Obviously, there's been some kind of miscommunication. We would like to meet with you to sort all of this out."

"Good. Would one of you be able to see me today?"

"Yes," Jed said. "We'll both be there. I'll adjust my schedule accordingly."

"Wonderful."

Abbey hung up the phone. "Well, that was…unexpected."

"You can say that again," Jed replied.

"I guess we've got a meeting to go to."

Jed turned to Donna, "Donna, can you coordinate with Leo to clear my schedule?"

"Yes, sir. I'll be here for Zoey when she comes home too."

"Thank you," Abbey said gratefully.

And with that, the meeting was over. Jed and Abbey went to their bedroom to get what they needed for the flight and Donna headed down to the West Wing to brief Leo on why the President would be out of pocket for the day.


Alex was in the library when her parents arrived, discreetly eating her lunch while finishing her homework for next period. She was grateful that she had a week off from the gym after Worlds. But the amount of work waiting for her seemed overwhelming. A part of her wished that she could stop time and just sit here and work instead of going to class. Once her homework was done, she looked up and saw that her lunch period was over in ten minutes. Alex quickly cleaned up and walked out toward the front.

"Miss Bartlet," The librarian said as she approached the front desk, "You're wanted in the principal's office. Go now, please."

"What about class?"

"Your teacher has been informed."

Alex nodded and went to the main office. As she walked down the hallway, more Secret Service agents came into view. Her stomach sank as she recognized the head of her mother's detail standing at the other end of the hall. She went over to one of the chairs reserved for students and she had a clear view through the main office window of her mother and her father sitting in the Principal's office. The door was partially open.

"Oh no," She whispered to herself. Taking off her backpack, Alex sat down and felt nauseated. If her parents were here, that meant she had officially run out of time.

"Alexandra?" Principal Phelps called out. "Will you join us, please?"

Alex walked slowly into the office. "Hi, Mom. Hi Dad."

"Hello, daughter," Jed said. "The principal has just made us privy to some interesting information. Care to elaborate?"

"I was just telling your parents that your teachers are very concerned about your progress this year. We've sent home a number of notes and notices with you or through the mail. And we've made multiple phone calls to your house. But we've received no response. Until I spoke with your mother and father this morning, they weren't aware either. Why is that?"

"I—I never told my sister."

"Would it be fair to say that you hid this information from her?"

"Yes, ma'am," Alex replied, looking down at her shoes. "I thought—-I thought I could catch up on my own."

"Alex." Abbey's voice was surprisingly gentle. "Why didn't you tell us?"

Alex looked down. "Because you would've made me quit gymnastics."

"Yes, we would've," Jed spoke up. "We have always told you that academics comes first, isn't that right?"

"You did," Alex nodded.

"You should have told your sister. Out of anyone in this family, Liz knows what it's like to manage school and big responsibilities," Abbey said.

"I know. But Lizzie has been so busy with work and school and Annie, she needed my help and Ellie's. I didn't want to make it harder on her."

"That is very noble, Alexandra," Principal Phelps said. "But I'm afraid that you're too far behind in the year to catch up. Your teachers and I are aware that you're trying, which is why I'm willing to send you to summer school. If you pass summer school and turn in the remainder of your class projects, you will join the rest of your class in the eighth grade. However, if you miss any assignments going forward, I will be forced to make you repeat the year."

"Okay. That won't be a problem."

Jed and Abbey turned to their daughter. They weren't expecting her to agree so quickly.

"Good," Principal Phelps said. "I'm going to talk to your parents for a moment. Give your completed assignments to the front desk. There's a list of work waiting for you there. You can take the rest of the day to talk with your family to work out your next steps."

Alex nodded and left the room. She turned in her work and then went to her locker to get the books she needed to bring home. After she was packed up, Alex went to wait in the main hallway for her parents. On the school's trophy case hung a banner that said, "Congratulations, Alexandra Bartlet!" Under the banner was a photo from the Union Leader with the headline, Alexandra Bartlet Brings World Championship Gold Back to New Hampshire. The photo showed Alex standing on the podium in San Juan wearing all six of her medals; one for her team, one for the all-around, and one for each of the events.

Some champion she was.


Abbey shut the door to her bedroom an hour later on Alex who was passed out in the middle of the bed. She walked across the hall and went into Alex's bedroom. It was neat for the most part. She looked around for a moment and went over to Alex's desk. She opened the bottom desk drawer and her eyes fell on a thick stack of envelopes and notes bound together by a rubber band. She undid it and glanced through it. Sure enough, they were notes addressed to Liz or to Liz, Abbey, and Jed.

"Bingo."

Abbey shut the drawer and headed out of the room to go talk to Jed who was down in his study.

As Abbey came down the stairs, Liz came in the door. "Hey, Mom," She said, surprised. "What are you doing here? Did something happen to Alex or Ellie?"

"Your father and I came home for Alex.

Liz nodded to the stack. "What's that?"

"Your sister's school notes."

She froze. "What do you mean?"

"She has been hiding the fact that she has been failing in school for months."

"What? She can't be failing. I told her to tell me if she needed help. Ellie said the same thing. Toby offered to help too."

"Well, she didn't. Your sister hid these in her desk drawer."

Liz sighed, "Mom, I swear I tried to help her."

"Consider this a lesson for what not to do with Annie," Abbey said, eyeing her daughter. "You cannot trust a teenager, at least not completely. "

"How long has she been hiding it?"

"Since the beginning of the school year."

"It's gymnastics, isn't it? It's killing her."

"Yes, it is. The poor thing fell asleep in the car on the way home. Your father carried her in and put Alex in our bed."

"Mom, I really am sorry. I know it was on me to make sure Alex did her schoolwork."

"Abbey!" Jed called.

"Yeah?"

Jed walked out from his study toward the sound of Liz and Abbey talking, "GDS called. Apparently, they don't think Alex will be a good fit at the school."

"What? Why not?"

Jed's face was cloudy. "Because of her grades."

Abbey rolled her head to the ceiling. "What do we do now?"

"I don't know," Jed answered. "But maybe moving Alex to DC will be a good start."

After learning about GDS from her husband, Abbey went back up to her bedroom to think, get some work done, and keep an eye on her daughter. They had to think of a way to get Alex into GDS. Grades or no, she knew it was the best place for Alex given that they had a community of friends there. Jed slipped into the room and went over to sit on the arm of Abbey's chair.

"Hey," Abbey said. "Did you come up with any ideas?"

"There are some strings I can pull," He replied and looked over at Alex, "She's still out?"

"Yes," She sighed, "God only knows how much sleep Alex has gotten recently."

"I think it's time we pull the plug and take Alex back to Washington."

"What about the school?"

"Let's talk to Principal Phelps and find out if she would be willing to let Alex take her work and finish the year in DC. Donna and Leo have already said they would be willing to help her and so has Toby. Zoey would too, I'm sure. Maybe the good principal can also help us convince GDS to take Alex for summer school."

"Assuming we get the go-ahead, that leaves the small matter of gymnastics to contend with."

"I thought about that too. We won't make Alex quit gym. But she will be taking a break until we get her schooling sorted out. After that, we'll talk to Joey Lyman about implementing a reasonable training schedule."

Abbey looked pleased and she smiled, "I knew there was a reason why I married you."

Jed gave her a grin, "You know it, hot pants."

Abbey leaned up and kissed her husband who returned her kiss with love and passion. They were used to the unexpected complications that came with parenting by now. But it was hard not to feel like they had failed in some way after seeing how far Alex had fallen. Today had simply proven that Abbey and Jed always worked better as husband and wife and as parents when they worked together.

Their sweet romantic moment was interrupted by Alex waking up in their bed. Abbey and Jed pulled away from each other to find their daughter sitting up with her knees pulled up to her chest. Shame was visible in her eyes.

"Hi baby," Abbey said gently and went over to her. "How are you feeling?"

"A little better," She said and her lower lip trembled.

"Oh, Alex. What is it?"

"Mom, I think I need to quit gym," She said quietly.